Irregular Shape Research Articles

Swin-cryoEM: Multi-class cryo-electron micrographs single particle mixed detection method.

Cryo-electron micrograph images have various characteristics such as varying sizes, shapes, and distribution densities of individual particles, severe background noise, high levels of impurities, irregular shapes, blurred edges, and similar color to the background. How to demonstrate good adaptability in the field of image vision by picking up single particles from multiple types of cryo-electron micrographs is currently a challenge in the field of cryo-electron micrographs. This paper combines the characteristics of the MixUp hybrid enhancement algorithm, enhances the image feature information in the pre-processing stage, builds a feature perception network based on the channel self-attention mechanism in the forward network of the Swin Transformer model network, achieving adaptive adjustment of self-attention mechanism between different single particles, increasing the network's tolerance to noise, Incorporating PReLU activation function to enhance information exchange between pixel blocks of different single particles, and combining the Cross-Entropy function with the softmax function to construct a classification network based on Swin Transformer suitable for cryo-electron micrograph single particle detection model (Swin-cryoEM), achieving mixed detection of multiple types of single particles. Swin-cryoEM algorithm can better solve the problem of good adaptability in picking single particles of many types of cryo-electron micrographs, improve the accuracy and generalization ability of the single particle picking method, and provide high-quality data support for the three-dimensional reconstruction of a single particle. In this paper, ablation experiments and comparison experiments were designed to evaluate and compare Swin-cryoEM algorithms in detail and comprehensively on multiple datasets. The Average Precision is an important evaluation index of the evaluation model, and the optimal Average Precision reached 95.5% in the training stage Swin-cryoEM, and the single particle picking performance was also superior in the prediction stage. This model inherits the advantages of the Swin Transformer detection model and is superior to mainstream models such as Faster R-CNN and YOLOv5 in terms of the single particle detection capability of cryo-electron micrographs.

FL% is associated with the severity of acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection in patients undergoing frozen elephant trunk and total arch replacement.

The diameter, area, and volume of the true lumen and false lumen (FL) have been measured in previous studies to evaluate the extent of DeBakey type I aortic dissection. However, these indicators have limitations because of the irregular shapes of the true and false lumens and the constant oscillation of intimal flap during systole and diastole. The ratio of arch lengths seems to be a more reliable indicator. FL% was defined as the ratio of the arch length of FL to the circumference of the aorta at the different levels of the aorta. The purpose of this article was to investigate whether FL% is a predictor of the severity of acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection in patients undergoing frozen elephant trunk (FET) and total arch replacement. In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed a total of 344 patients with acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection that underwent FET and total arch replacement at our center from October 2015 to October 2019. The patients were divided into two groups by cluster analysis according to the perioperative course. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to determine whether FL% could predict the severity of acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to assess the power of the multivariate logistic regression model for the severity of acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection. The patients in the ultra-high-risk group (109 patients) had significantly more severe clinical comorbidities and complications than the patients in the high-risk group (235 patients). The ascending aortic FL% [odds ratio (OR), 11.929 (95% CI: 1.421-100.11); P = 0.022], location of initial tear [OR, 0.68 (95% CI: 0.47-0.98); P = 0.041], the degree of left iliac artery involvement [OR, 1.95 (95% CI: 1.15-3.30); P = 0.013], and the degree of right coronary artery involvement [OR, 1.46 (95% CI: 1.01-2.12); P = 0.045] on preoperative computed tomography angiography were associated with the severity of acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection. The AUROC value of this multivariate logistic regression analysis was 0.940 (95% CI: 0.914-0.967; P < 0.001). The AUROC value of ascending aortic FL% was 0.841 (95% CI: 0.798-0.884; P < 0.001) for the severity of acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection in patients undergoing FET and total arch replacement. Ascending aortic FL% was validated as an essential radiologic index for assessing the severity of acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection in patients undergoing FET and total arch replacement. Higher values of ascending aortic FL% were more severe.

Klebsiella pneumoniae peptide hijacks a Streptococcus pneumoniae permease to subvert pneumococcal growth and colonization.

Treatment of pneumococcal infections is limited by antibiotic resistance and exacerbation of disease by bacterial lysis releasing pneumolysin toxin and other inflammatory factors. We identified a previously uncharacterized peptide in the Klebsiella pneumoniae secretome, which enters Streptococcus pneumoniae via its AmiA-AliA/AliB permease. Subsequent downregulation of genes for amino acid biosynthesis and peptide uptake was associated with reduction of pneumococcal growth in defined medium and human cerebrospinal fluid, irregular cell shape, decreased chain length and decreased genetic transformation. The bacteriostatic effect was specific to S. pneumoniae and Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae with no effect on Streptococcus mitis, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus or K. pneumoniae. Peptide sequence and length were crucial to growth suppression. The peptide reduced pneumococcal adherence to primary human airway epithelial cell cultures and colonization of rat nasopharynx, without toxicity. We identified a peptide with potential as a therapeutic for pneumococcal diseases suppressing growth of multiple clinical isolates, including antibiotic resistant strains, while avoiding bacterial lysis and dysbiosis.

Tribo-Erosion Analysis of HVOF Colmonoy-88-Coated Pump Impeller Steel in Coal Ash Particle Slurries

Abstract Coal ash slurries hold paramount importance in the service life of the coal and mining industries, significantly impacting their operational efficiency and durability. The literature reveals that the prominent dominating parameters such as rotational speed, concentration, time duration, and particle shape and size have a major impact on erosion wear. This research aims to explore the effects of coal ash slurries on Colmonoy-88-coated pump impeller steel, employing a combination of design of experiments (DOE) and digital image analysis (DIA). Through slurry experiments, it is observed that erosion wear increases non-linearly with an increase in influencing parameters. The particle size emerges as the most significant factor, followed by concentration, speed, and time. Additionally, DIA is leveraged to validate the influence of various erodent particle sizes on the erosion wear of the pump impeller steel. Results indicate that coal particles possess irregular shapes and sizes compared to fly ash and bottom ash, consequently resulting in larger erosion wear due to their lowest circularity factor (0.72). Furthermore, smaller particles exhibit lower erosion wear-rates compared to larger ones. This study sheds light on the intricate dynamics of erosion wear in the context of coal ash slurries, offering insights crucial for optimizing pump impeller steel durability in similar operational environments.

Are native microalgae consortia able to remove microplastics from wastewater effluents?

Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) are potential sources of microplastics (MPs) in the aquatic environment. This study aimed to investigate the potential of wastewater-native microalgae consortia to remove MPs from the effluent of two different types of WWTPs as a dual-purpose solution for MPs mitigation and biomass production. For that purpose, the occurrence of MPs from two types of WWTP effluents was analysed over one year. MPs were characterized in terms of morphology (microbead, foam, granule, irregular, filament and film), colour and size. The wastewater characterisation was followed by the removal of MP loads, using native microalgae consortia, pre-adapted to the wastewater effluent. Microalgae consortia evolved naturally through four mitigation assays, adapted to seasonal conditions, such as temperature, photoperiod, and wastewater composition. MPs were present in all the effluent samples, ranging from 52 to 233 MP L−1. The characterisation of MPs indicated a predominance of white and transparent particles, with irregular and filament shapes, mainly under 500 μm in size. The μFTIR analysis revealed that 43% of the selected particles were plastic, with a prevalence of polypropylene (PP) (34%) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (30 %). In the mitigation experiments, substantial biomass production was achieved (maximum of 2.6 g L−1 (d.w.)), with successful removal of MPs, ranging from 31 ± 25% to 82 ± 13%. These results show that microalgae growth in wastewater effluents efficiently promotes the removal of MPs, reducing this source of contamination in the aquatic environment, while generating valuable biomass. Additionally, the strategy employed, requires minimal control of culture conditions, simplifying the integration of these systems in real-world WWTP facilities for improved wastewater management.

Can we manage the melanocytic lesions with peripheral globules according to the grade of dysplasia?

Although excision of melanocytic nevi with high-grade dysplasia is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), clinical studies investigating the approach based on the grading dysplasia of melanocytic lesions with peripheral globules (PGs) are lacking. We investigated the grades of dysplasia and their distinguishable dermoscopic and clinical features to provide accurate data for managing these lesions. We retrospectively classified histologically confirmed melanocytic lesions with PGs according to the 2018 WHO Classification of Skin Tumours criteria in a university hospital in Turkey. Dermoscopic features, lesions, and patient characteristics were recorded. Sixty-six lesions of 56 patients were included. After classification, 9.1% (n: 6) of lesions were melanomas, 39.4% (n: 26) were high-grade dysplastic nevi, and 50% (n: 33) were low-grade dysplastic nevi (n: 33, 50%). There was one nevus with no dysplasia (n: 1, 1.5%). Univariate analysis revealed that ≥31 years of age, irregular shape of peripheral globules, black colour, total colour count, and maximum diameter of the lesion were associated with high-grade dysplasia and melanoma. In the multivariate analyses, ≥31 years of age (OR = 3.80, 95% CI, 1.17-12.37), irregular shape of peripheral globules (OR = 3.90, 95% CI, 1.15-13.2), and total colour count (OR = 3.21, 95% CI, 1.2-8.5) were significant predictive factors for the lesions with high-grade dysplasia and melanomas. To avoid the underdiagnosis of both melanomas and high-grade dysplastic nevi with PGs, the irregular shape of peripheral globules and multiple colours after the third decade may be useful in making an excision decision. The risk increases every 1-year increase in age. Excision is suggested for all melanocytic lesions with PGs for patients 60 years or older because of the high risk of melanoma and melanocytic nevus with high-grade dysplasia.

Adhesion Behavior of Underground Coal Dust with Fused Silica: Effects of Relative Humidity and Particle Size

Coal dust particles adhering to a camera lens reduce its light transmittance, which deteriorates the performance of the camera and may lead to serious problems with mining equipment that requires visual ability. Aiming at improving coal dust removal and cleaning technologies, the adhesion behavior of coal dust with fused silica is studied here. Experiments were conducted from microscopic and statistical points of view. The adhesion force between a single coal dust particle and fused silica is tested using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the number and size distribution of large amounts of coal dust particles on fused silica are tested using a home-made adhesion experimental platform and image processing method. The results show that the adhesion force increases at high relative humidity (RH); it is dominated by van der Waals forces at low RH and capillary forces at high RH. The fused silica glass surface is predominantly covered by small-sized coal dust particles, and the total number of particles as well as the proportion of large-sized particles increases with RH. The theoretical values of van der Waals and capillary forces are significantly larger than the experimental values, owing to the irregular shape and roughness of the surface of the coal dust.

Integrative framework of multiple processes to explain plant productivity–richness relationships

Plant diversity and productivity, two crucial properties that sustain ecosystem structures, functions, and services, are intrinsically linked to numerous ecological fields, making productivity–richness relationships (PRR) a central ecological concern. Despite extensive research from the Darwinian era to the 21st century, the various shapes of PRR and their underlying theories have sparked ongoing debates. While several processes, theories, and integrative models have been proposed to explain PRR, a comprehensive understanding of the types of PRR, the effects of these processes on plant productivity and richness, and the relationships between PRR shapes remains elusive. This paper proposes a new integrative framework that focuses on these aspects, aiming to elucidate the diverse shapes of PRR and their interconnections. We review recent integrative methods that explain the roles of processes and the varying shapes in PRR to support this new framework. The paper traces the distinct phases in PRR research, including the discovery of PRR shapes, tests of influencing processes, and integrative research. We discuss the application of the Structural Equation Model (SEM), Statistical Dynamical Model (SDM), and Differential Dynamical Model (DDM) in integrative research. This integrative framework can guide theoretical and applied ecologists in identifying, deriving, explaining, and predicting the interconnected but distinct shapes of PRR. The humped, asymptotic, positive, negative, and irregular shapes of PRR are interconnected, with one shape potentially transforming into another. The balance between the positive and negative effects of different processes determines the different shapes of PRR, ultimately leading to a globally positive effect of plant diversity on plant productivity and other ecosystem functions.

A microstructure-sensitive electro-chemo-mechanical phase-field model of pitting and stress corrosion cracking

An electro-chemo-mechanical phase-field formulation is developed to simulate pitting and stress corrosion in polycrystalline materials. The formulation incorporates dependencies of mechanical properties and corrosion potential on crystallographic orientation. The model considers the formation and charging dynamics of an electric double layer through a new general boundary condition for the solution potential. The potential of the model is demonstrated by simulating corrosion in polycrystalline materials with various grain morphology distributions. The results show that incorporating the underlying microstructure yields more extensive defects, faster defect kinetics, and irregular pit and crack shapes relative to a microstructurally-insensitive homogeneous material scenario.

Multi-DORGP for fast uncertainty quantification of multi-scale irregular defects in super large-scale fiber-reinforced composite

The presence of randomly distributed irregular defects in fiber-reinforced composites significantly impacts the structural response, yet traditional machine learning schemes often require an extensive number of samples, resulting in time-consuming processes. Therefore, this paper introduces a novel approach, termed the dual order-reduced Gaussian Process emulators (Multi-DORGP), aimed at efficiently quantifying the uncertainty of multi-scale irregular defects in fiber-reinforced composites. This is achieved by accurately characterizing the multi-scale irregular defects through precise geometric representations, utilizing massive discrete nodes and fine meshes to address the limitations of parameterization methods that may overlook shape and size differences of defects. Moreover, we comprehensively quantify uncertainty across micro, meso, and macro scales, considering spatially randomly distributed locations, sizes, and irregular shapes of defects. Notably, the Multi-DORGP scheme is presented to alleviate the computational burden associated with extremely high-dimensional data (e.g., up to 23.3 million variables). In which, we decouple and build the latent spaces for raw data assisted by principal component analysis, and Gaussian Process regression is built and trained by the coefficients between the latent spaces. Through illustrative examples, including a real-life application involving an airplane wing, we validate the proposed scheme's capability to accurately quantify the uncertainty of multi-scale irregular defects in large-scale fiber-reinforced composites using significantly few samples (e.g., 100).

Rib Reduction Technique in Patients with Isolated Chondrocostal Chest Wall Prominence Undergoing Breast Augmentation.

When planning for breast augmentation, it is important to consider not only implant choice, surgical technique and patient desires, but also the chest wall shape and deformities or irregularities, which remain often underestimated. They can be responsible for implant malposition and breast asymmetry after augmentation. Chondrocostal junction prominence is a minor but frequent chest wall deformity. The aim of this study is to report a new technique for sculpturing isolated chondrocostal prominence deformities in patients undergoing breast augmentation. A retrospective study was conducted to review surgical outcomes of a novel technique for costal prominence sculpturing and reshaping in patients undergoing breast augmentation. After reaching the subpectoral space, an inferiorly-based perichondral-periosteal flap is harvested just above the prominence. Once the deformity is corrected, the perichondral flap is repositioned over the sculpted rib. A total of six patients presenting with isolated chondrocostal prominence underwent bilateral breast implant placement and costal reduction using the described technique. Three patients were primary augmentations while the remaining patients were two secondary breast augmentation and one augmentation mastopexy. No complications were reported. No additional pain was referred at the side of rib remodelling in comparison with the contralateral breast. All the patients were satisfied with cosmetic results. The described technique for contouring of isolated chondrocostal deformities is fast, easy reproducible and offers advantages over the standard partial rib reduction technique. It can prevent implant malposition and projection asymmetry, eventually enhancing breast augmentation outcomes. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Risk Factors for the Recurrence of Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysms After Endovascular Treatment

We aimed to investigate risk factors for the recurrence of distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms after endovascular treatment (EVT). The clinical and radiological outcomes of DACA aneurysms treated with endovascular methods at a single tertiary hospital from September 2008 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. We measured the angle between two distal branches of DACA aneurysms and categorized the angle as follows: 1) Wide-angle (≥ 180 degrees), and 2) Narrow-angle type configuration (< 180 degrees). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to demonstrate the relationships between characteristics of DACA aneurysm and recurrence risk. A total of 132 DACA aneurysms were treated in our institution. Among these, 47 DACA aneurysms after EVT were included in this study. Forty patients underwent coil embolization without stent, seven for stent-assisted coil embolization. At the last follow-up (mean 30.2 ± 24.2 months), overall recurrence rate was 23.4% (n=11). Recurrence rate of the wide-angle type (9 of 23, 39.1%) was significantly higher than narrow-angle type (2 of 24, 8.3%) (p=0.041, OR=8.174, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.094-61.066). Irregular shape of the DACA aneurysm also showed significantly higher recurrence rate (p=0.011, OR=10.663, 95% CI 1.701-66.838) after endovascular treatment. The wide-angle between two distal branches of DACA aneurysm and irregular shape might be independent risk factors for the recurrence after endovascular treatment for DACA aneurysms.

Comparison of Protein-like Model Particles Fabricated by Micro 3D Printing to Established Standard Particles

Innovative analytical instruments and development of new methods has provided a better understanding of protein particle formation in biopharmaceuticals but have also challenged the ability to obtain reproducible and reliable measurements. The need for protein-like particle standards mimicking the irregular shape, translucent nature and near-to-neutral buoyancy of protein particles remained one of the hot topics in the field of particle detection and characterization in biopharmaceutical formulations. An innovative protein-like particle model has been developed using two photo polymerization (2PP) printing allowing to fabricate irregularly shaped particles with similar properties as protein particles at precise size of 50 µm and 150 µm, representative of subvisible particles and visible particles, respectively.A study was conducted to compare the morphological, physical, and optical properties of artificially generated protein particles, polystyrene spheres, ETFE, and SU-8 particle standards, along with newly developed protein-like model particles manufactured using 2PP printing.Our results suggest that 2PP printing can be used to produce protein-like particle standards that might facilitate harmonization and standardization of subvisible and visible protein particle characterization across laboratories and organizations.

Breast Hemangiomas: Imaging Features With Histopathology Correlation.

Breast hemangiomas are rare benign vascular lesions. In a previously performed review of approximately 10,000 breast surgical pathology results, roughly 0.15% (15/~10,000) were hemangiomas. Hemangiomas are more frequent in women and have a documented age distribution of 1.5 to 82 years. They are most often subcutaneous or subdermal and anterior to the anterior mammary fascia but may rarely be seen in the pectoralis muscles or chest wall. On imaging, breast hemangiomas typically present as oval or round masses, often measuring less than 2.5cm, with circumscribed or mostly circumscribed, focally microlobulated margins, equal or high density on mammography, and variable echogenicity on US. Calcifications, including phleboliths, can be seen. Color Doppler US often shows hypovascularity or avascularity. MRI appearance can vary, although hemangiomas are generally T2 hyperintense and T1 hypointense with variable enhancement. Pathologic findings vary by subtype, which include perilobular, capillary, cavernous, and venous hemangiomas. If core biopsy pathology results are benign, without atypia, and concordant with imaging and clinical findings, surgical excision is not routinely indicated. Because of histopathologic overlap with well-differentiated or low-grade angiosarcomas, surgical excision may be necessary for definitive diagnosis. Findings that are more common with angiosarcomas include size greater than 2cm, hypervascularity on Doppler US, irregular shape, and invasive growth pattern.

Ultrasound-Based Predictive Model to Assess the Risk of Orbital Malignancies

Ultrasound (US) is widely used for evaluating various orbital conditions. However, accurately diagnosing malignant orbital masses using US remains challenging. We aimed to develop an ultrasonic feature-based model to predict the presence of malignant tumors in the orbit. A total of 510 patients with orbital masses were enrolled between January 2017 and April 2023. They were divided into a development cohort and a validation cohort. In the development cohort (n = 408), the ultrasonic and clinical features with differential values were identified. Based on these features, a predictive model and nomogram were constructed. The diagnostic performance of the model was compared with that of MRI or observers, and further validated in the validation cohort (n = 102). The involvement of more than two quadrants, irregular shape, extremely low echo of the solid part, presence of echogenic foci, cast-like appearance, and two demographic characteristics (age and sex) were identified as independent features related to malignant tumors of the orbit. The predictive model constructed based on these features exhibited better performance in identifying malignant tumors compared to MRI (AUC = 0.78 [95% CI: 0.73, 0.82] vs. 0.69 [95% CI: 0.64, 0.74], p = 0.03) and observers (AUC = 0.93 [95% CI: 0.90, 0.95] vs. Observer 1, AUC = 0.80 [95% CI: 0.76, 0.84], p < 0.01; vs. Observer 2, AUC = 0.71 [95% CI: 0.66, 0.76], p < 0.01). In the validation cohort, the predictive model achieved an AUC of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.81, 0.94). The ultrasonic-clinical feature-based predictive model can accurately identify malignant orbital tumors, offering a convenient approach in clinical practice.

Green Synthesis of Copper and Copper Oxide Nanoparticles From Brown Algae Turbinaria Species' Aqueous Extract and Its Antibacterial Properties.

Background Copper and copper oxide nanoparticlessynthesized by green methods have attracted considerable attention due to their environmentally friendly properties and potential applications. Green synthesis involves non-hazardous and sustainable techniques used in the production of a wide range of substances, including nanoparticles, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. These methods often use different organisms, including bacteria, fungi, algae, and plants, each offering different advantages in terms of simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. The environmentally friendly nature of these green synthesis methods responds to the growing need for sustainable nanotechnologies. Brown algae have gained popularity due to their distinct morphological characteristics and diverse biochemical composition. This research focuses on the process of synthesizing copper and copper oxide nanoparticlesfrom the brown algae Turbinaria. It emphasizes the natural ability of the bioactive compounds contained in the algae extract to reduce and stabilize the nanoparticles. The green synthesis of copper and copper oxide nanoparticlesfrom brown algae has demonstrated a wide range of applications, including antibacterial activity. Materials and methods Fresh Turbinaria algae were collected from marine environments to ensure that they were free of contaminants. The algae underwent a purification process to remove impurities and were dried. An aqueous extract was prepared by pulverizing the dried algae and mixing them with distilled water. A copper salt solution utilizing copper nitrate was prepared. The algae extract was mixed with the copper salt solution. There are bioactive compounds in the algae extract that help reduce copper ions, which makes copper and copper oxide nanoparticles come together. The reaction mixture was incubated in a controlled environment to facilitate the growth and enhance the stability of the nanoparticles. To separate the nanoparticles from the reaction mixture, centrifugation was employed, or filtration was done with Whatman filter paper (Merck, Burlington, MA). The nanoparticles were dried to yield a stable powder. Results Copper and copper oxide nanoparticles derived from brown algae extract showed antibacterial effects against Streptococcus mutans,Klebsiella sp.,andStaphylococcus mutans. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis verified the irregular shape and elemental content of the synthesized copper and copper oxide nanoparticles. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that the synthesized nanoparticles exhibited a crystallinity nature and were composed of a mixture of copper and copper oxide species, namely face-centered cubic and monoclinic structures. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed copper and copper oxide nanoparticles that were evenly distributed and had a rectangular shape. They exhibited substantial antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Conclusions This study enhances the field of green synthesis techniques by showcasing the adaptability of Turbinaria brown algae to synthesize copper and copper oxide nanoparticles. It underscores the potential advantages of these nanoparticles in terms of their antibacterial properties.

Interactions Between Alumina Inclusions at the Liquid Iron/Argon Gas Interface: Role of Contact Line Undulation

A deep understanding of the behavior of nonmetallic inclusions is essential for steel cleanliness control. The behavior of alumina inclusions at the liquid iron/argon gas interface is investigated using a high‐temperature confocal scanning laser microscope. The obtained images are used to determine the moving velocity of the inclusions on the interface. The obtained experimental data are quantitatively evaluated using the lateral capillary interaction model for multipole orders established by Danov–Kralchevsky while taking into account the resistive drag force. The attraction forces calculated from these data are in the range between ≈10−13 and ≈10−11 N. The best‐fitting model is assigned for each case. The multipole models almost counterbalance the drag force, indicating a good interpretation of the interaction between the inclusions. Moreover, the acting length of this interaction is examined and compared to the previous work on Ce2O3 inclusions. It is found that alumina inclusions generally exhibit a larger acting length at a large critical radius and a smaller acting length at a small critical radius when comparing them to their counterpart cerium oxide inclusions. Considering the particle shapes, high shape irregularity is better interpreted by higher orders of the multipoles.

基于离散元法的包衣玉米种子堆积过程颗粒运动研究

The rolling friction coefficient was a fundamental parameter for particle modeling, but it was challenging to quantify for unevenly shaped corn seeds. If the rolling friction coefficients of corn with different guiding seeds and different shapes were not believed to be significantly different, direct simulation in EDEM would produce simulation distortion. This paper began by selecting three models with a relatively high proportion from five corn samples with various shapes (such as horse-tooth shape, spherical shape, oblate shape, and irregular shape, etc.) and modeling them according to the actual seeds. Due to the large disparity between seed models with different shapes, the study adopted the method of combining physical experiment and discrete element simulation, took the rolling friction coefficient as the independent variable and the angle of repose in the simulation test as the target value, and calibrated the rolling friction of various shapes of corn seed particles separately. Coated corn seeds' rolling friction coefficients were accurately predicted (0.0047 for horse tooth, 0.0058 for pyramid, and 0.049 for spherical shape). During the validation test, the calibrated simulation parameters were entered into EDEM for simulation, and the distribution of seeds on the seed platter was compared between the actual test and the simulation test. The results demonstrated that the difference in the sizes of key features was less than 5.60 percent, and the population boundary in the seed platter after calibration was closer to the actual situation, which improved the accuracy of the simulation.

Smart edge segmentation and localization method for building detection in satellite imagery

The rapid advancements in satellite imaging technology have brought about an unprecedented influx of high-resolution satellite imagery. One of the critical tasks in this domain is the automated detection of buildings within satellite imagery. Building detection holds substantial significance for urban planning, disaster management, environmental monitoring, and various other applications. The challenges in this field are manifold, including variations in building sizes, shapes, orientations, and surrounding environments. Furthermore, satellite imagery often contains occlusions, shadows, and other artifacts that can hinder accurate building detection. The proposed method introduces a novel approach to improve the boundary detection of detected buildings in high-resolution remote sensed images having shadows and irregular shapes. It aims to enhance the accuracy of building detection and classification. The proposed algorithm is compared with Customized Faster R-CNNs and Single-Shot Multibox Detectors to show the significance of the results. We have used different datasets for training and evaluating the algorithm. Experimental results show that SESLM for Building Detection in Satellite Imagery can detect 98.5% of false positives at a rate of 8.4%. In summary, SESLM showcases high accuracy and improved robustness in detecting buildings, particularly in the presence of shadows.

Authigenic Barite in Tailing Dumps: Mineralogical and Geochemical Data and Results of Physico-Chemical Modeling

On the example of the Novo-Ursk tailing dump (Salair Ridge), the typomorphic characteristics of barite are considered. It was found that in the dumps, in addition to residual barite from pyrite-polymetallic ores, there are its authigenic varieties. Ore barite grains are found in the form of fragments of irregular shapes, less often grains of a tabular habit, have a dimension of 50–400 microns, Sr up to 1.41 wt.%. Newly formed barite occurs as single grains or clusters of round and elongated shapes or acicular crystals, ranging in size from 1–2 µm to larger aggregates that form veinlets or clusters in the siliceous matrix in association with jarosite and/or anhydrite. Among the impurities, Pb up to 6.33 wt.% was noted, less often Fe up to 0.73 wt.%, Sr up to 0.94 wt.%. It was shown by using thermodynamic modeling that the concentrations of Ba, SO4, Fe and Ca in solution vary within several orders of magnitude when the mineral composition of the tailings mound zones changes depending on the Eh–pH conditions of their formation. It has been suggested that the formation of barite along with pyrite may occur as a result of the action of a reductive biogeochemical barrier or a sulfate concentration barrier in the deeper parts of the section where supersaturation is achieved.The most informative typomorphic feature proving that barite was formed under tailings conditions is particle morphology, mineral association and chemical composition.