Linear Distance Research Articles

Determination of cervical vertebral maturation using machine learning in lateral cephalograms

Background. The accurate timing of growth modification treatments is crucial for optimal results in orthodontics. However, traditional methods for assessing growth status, such as hand-wrist radiographs and subjective interpretation of lateral cephalograms, have limitations. This study aimed to develop a semi-automated approach using machine learning based on cervical vertebral dimensions (CVD) for determining skeletal maturation status. Methods. A dataset comprising 980 lateral cephalograms was collected from the Department of Orthodontics, Shahid Beheshti Dental School in Tehran, Iran. Eight landmarks representing the corners of the third and fourth cervical vertebrae were selected. A ratio-based approach was employed to compute the values of C3 and C4, accompanied by the implementation of an auto_error_reduction (AER) function to enhance the accuracy of landmark selection. Linear distances and ratios were measured using the dedicated software. A novel data augmentation technique was applied to expand the dataset. Subsequently, a stacking model was developed, trained on the augmented dataset, and evaluated using a separate test set of 196 cephalograms. Results. The proposed model achieved an accuracy of 99.49% and demonstrated a loss of 0.003 on the test set. Conclusion. By employing feature engineering, simplified landmark selection, AER function, data augmentation, and eliminating gender and age features, a model was developed for accurate assessment of skeletal maturation for clinical applications.

Quantifying non-clinical outcomes of ultra-hypofractionated breast radiotherapy in Western NSW-A narrative review.

Ultra-Hypofractionated Whole Breast Radiotherapy (U-WBRT) has been proven to be a viable treatment option for breast cancer patients receiving radiation therapy, however, due to its novelty our understanding of its non-clinical benefits is still evolving. With increasing U-WBRT selection during COVID and in rural and regional settings such as the Western New South Wales Local Health District (WNSWLHD), it's important to quantify the savings when compared to other fractionation schedules (e.g. Conventional fractionation (C-WBRT) involving 25 fractions and Moderate hypofractionation (M-WBRT) with 15 fractions.) Using literature sourced from Medline, Embase, Pubmed and reports from relevant websites and organisations this narrative review investigates quantifiable methods of assessing non-clinical benefits of U-WBRT in rural settings according to the triple bottom line philosophy. This review was able to identify a standard set of quantifiable metrics that can compare the non-clinical benefits of various fractionation schedules, with relevance to a rural setting. These include: fractionation trends, financial subsidy, average linear accelerator (Linac) minutes, hospital visits, travel time and distance, Linac energy consumption, travel and Linac carbon emissions. By identifying these metrics, non-clinical benefits between the fractionation schedules can easily be quantified and compared.

Research on UAV formation positioning based on passive positioning

In this paper, passive positioning technology in UAV formation is studied, and how to achieve effective positioning through signal transmission when UAV deviates is analyzed. The research shows that when four UAVs with transmitting signals are deployed, the positioning accuracy of feature point FY08 is very high, indicating that the positioning of UAVs can be effectively realized by setting four signal transmitting UAVs (including two new UAVs) when the location is unknown.In a typical formation of ten drones, nine are evenly distributed around the circumference, with the central drone being the FY00. By building a passive reception model, this paper discusses how to use the signals of FY00 and two other UAVs for positioning. When the drone deviates and receives signals from FY00, FY01 and another unknown drone, up to three drones are required to transmit signals to ensure effective positioning.The positioning model is derived by cosine law, and the linear distance between the deviating drone and the center drone is solved by geometry and sine theorem. Finally, the advantages of four signal transmitting UAVs in positioning accuracy were verified by measuring deviation and variance, and a conclusion was drawn that effective positioning of UAVs was achieved by signal transmitting under the condition of deviation.

The isiZulu translation of biblical weights and measures

Given that the metrological systems used in biblical times included concepts like our own modern-day times − i.e. weight, linear distance and volume or capacity − it is essential to explore how such concepts are translated for the modern readers of isiZulu Bibles. This article explores isiZulu translations of biblical weights and measures. It is a qualitative study that uses the textual analysis design in the descriptive translation studies paradigm. The researcher identified verses from the source texts (the Old Testament in Hebrew and New Testament in Greek) with units of weights and measures to describe how they are translated in three isiZulu Bibles. The findings are that in the 1959 and 2020 isiZulu translations loanwords are mainly used. In the 1986 New Testament version, which includes the Book of Psalms, the strategy is to translate weights and measures dynamically. The general conclusion drawn from the findings is that the use of loanwords and word-for-word translation for biblical weights and measures in isiZulu has been adopted to stay as close as possible to the words and phrasing of the source text.

A new species of African diurnal dwarf geckos (Gekkonidae: Lygodactylus) from the Lower Guinea rainforest.

The genus Lygodactylus Gray is a species-rich group of small, diurnal geckos distributed in Africa, Madagascar, and South America. The genus is divided into several species groups based on morphological characters, biogeographical affinities and/or phylogenetic investigations. To date, some of these groups still contain candidate species. One of these candidate species, provisionally designed as L. sp. B (a single female from Cameroon), had been placed phylogenetically within the East African Lygodactylus scheffleri-group. Furthermore, it shares typical scale characters with all members of this group. However, L. fischeri Boulenger, eponym and member of the West/Central African L. fischeri-group, also shares these scale characters with the L. scheffleri-group and with L. sp. B. While it could be ruled out that L. sp. B was conspecific with any member of the L. scheffleri-group, it could not be ruled out that L. sp. B represents a female of L. fischeri, as there is no female type material nor a clear description of a female of L. fischeri. Only when a male of this taxon was discovered in Cabinda (Angola) in a case of barcoding, the problem could be solved. We here describe the female L. sp. B from Cameroon and the male from Cabinda as new species Lygodactylus lobeke sp. nov. It is a small nondescript species without any bold color markings, such as dark blotches above the shoulder and on the flanks, which mark the male L. fischeri. The male and the female do not differ in coloration. In captivity, the female showed distinct 'mood dependent' colorations, including a 'pyjamas' coloration. For phylogenetic analysis, only sequences of L. laterimaculatus Pasteur, L. gravis Pasteur and L. lobeke sp. nov. were available. Lygodactylus lobeke sp. nov. was recovered as an independent clade which differs greatly in 16S uncorrected pairwise distance (>10%) from these two congeners. The new species is known from two localities in the Lower Guinea rainforests, with a linear distance of about 850 km. Despite this great distance, both specimens of L. lobeke sp. nov. are genetically surprisingly similar (3.5%). Presumably, the species has a wide distribution within the Lower Guinea region and a continuous gene flow within the population.

Factors Influencing the Time to Treatment of Patients with Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

Objective: To identify the factors that influence the time to treatment (TT) in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Method: This study included a total of 324 patients with ISSNHL, who were treated at our department between September 2021 and May 2024. Basic information and audiological indicators of patients were collected, and their relationship with the TT was analyzed. Results: The patients were classified into long-term (TT >7 days, n = 75) and short-term groups (TT ≤7 days, n = 249). A significant difference was observed in sex, type of hearing loss, pretreatment hearing threshold, average improved hearing threshold, linear distance, and effective rate between the 2 groups. Conclusion: The average pretreatment hearing threshold and linear distance are related to the TT, and both of them are independent influencing factors. Patients with mild hearing loss and long linear distance from hospital may have a longer TT.

Digital Cephalometric Analysis: Unveiling the Role and Reliability of Semi-automated OneCeph, Artificial Intelligence-Powered WebCeph Mobile App, and Semi-automated Computer-Aided NemoCeph Software in Orthodontic Practice.

Background Cephalometric analysis is essential in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. With the emergence of digital tools for cephalometric analysis such as OneCeph, WebCeph, and NemoCeph, there is growing interest in their reliability compared to traditional manual tracings. This study aimed to compare the reliability of these digital tools with manual tracings in doing cephalometric analysis. Methodology Cephalometric radiographs from a diverse patient population were analyzed using OneCeph (NXS, Hyderabad, India), WebCeph (AssembleCircle Corp., Republic of Korea), NemoCeph (Nemotec, Madrid, Spain), and manual tracings by experienced orthodontists. Interobserver reliability and agreement with manual tracings were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results The comparison of cephalometric measurements using the four methods - manual, OneCeph, WebCeph, and NemoCeph - revealed significant differences in the Sella-Nasion to Point A angle (SNA) (P = 0.002) and angle of difference between Sella-Nasion to Point A angleand Sella-Nasion to Point B angle(ANB) (P<0.001). Specifically, WebCeph produced significantly higher SNA measurements than manual tracing, while NemoCeph, OneCeph, and WebCeph yielded higher ANB measurements than manual tracing. There were no significant differences in other measurements, including Sella-Nasion to Point B angle (SNB), Nasion to Point A (N to Pt A), Nasion to Point B (N to Pt B), Gonion-Gnathion to Sella-Nasion angle (Go-Gn to SN), Lower Anterior Facial Height (LAFH), Y-axis (growth axis angle), facial axis, the sum of posterior measurements, and various angular and linear distances [1 to NA, 1 to SN, 1 to NB, 1 to Apog, Incisor Mandibular Plane Angle (IMPA), Sella to Upper Lip (S to UL), and Sella to Lower Lip (S to LL)]. The reliability analysis indicated a strong internal consistencywith Cronbach's α values of 0.811 for manual vs. NemoCeph, 0.859 for manual vs. OneCeph, and 0.861 for manual vs. WebCeph, and good agreement in the ICC(P<0.001). Conclusion OneCeph, WebCeph, and NemoCeph demonstrate promising reliability for cephalometric analysis. However, the results should be interpreted with caution, considering the limitations of digital tools. Ongoing research and collaboration among developers, researchers, and clinicians are essential to validate these the performance of these tools and improve their clinical applicability.

THE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG GYMNASTS’ TRAINING AGE, BODY MASS INDEX, BALANCE CONTROL, AND GYMNASTICS PERFORMANCE

The aim of the study was the examination of the relationships among gymnasts’ training age, body mass index (BMI), balance control during the execution of handstand, standing scale forward, and stork standing in relevé position, and their performance in competition settings. Forty young competitive gymnasts (20 males; age: 12.20 ± 1.98 years, and 20 females; age: 12.33 ± 2.07 years, mean ± SD) participated in this study. A portable digital platform for posturography was used to measure maximal pressure, center of pressure (CoP) sway area, CoP linear distance displacement and CoP velocity. The resulting data were analyzed using an integrated software module (Foot Checker, version 4.0). The results confirm the reliability of the measurements. Strong positive correlations were found between gymnasts' performance in the gymnastics competition, and their training age and BMI, with relationships also identified between performance and variables related to balance control. Regression analysis revealed that gymnasts' training age, BMI, and balance control in performing the assessed gymnastics skills had predictive significance in determining their performance in the competition, taking into account differences between age groups. Despite the limitations of the study, the results represent a valuable contribution to the literature by expanding knowledge about predicting gymnastics performance in competition. Furthermore, the results provide evidence for the identification of talent in gymnasts, offer coaches insights to improve training efficiency, and provide recommendations for future research in this area.

Sphaeroptica: A tool for pseudo-3D visualization and 3D measurements on arthropods.

Natural history collections are invaluable reference collections. Digitizing these collections is a transformative process that improves the accessibility, preservation, and exploitation of specimens and associated data in the long term. Arthropods make up the majority of zoological collections. However, arthropods are small, have detailed color textures and share small, complex and shiny structures, which poses a challenge to conventional digitization methods. Sphaeroptica is a multi-images viewer that uses a sphere of oriented images. It allows the visualization of insects including their tiniest features, the positioning of landmarks, and the extraction of 3D coordinates for measuring linear distances or for use in geometric morphometrics analysis. The quantitative comparisons show that the measures obtained with Sphaeroptica are similar to the measurements derived from 3D μCT models with an average difference inferior to 1%, while featuring the high resolution of color stacked pictures with all details like setae, chaetae, scales, and other small and/or complex structures. Shaeroptica was developed for the digitization of small arthropods but it can be used with any sphere of aligned images resulting from the digitization of objects or specimens with complex surface and shining, black, or translucent texture which cannot easily be digitized using structured light scanner or Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry.

Simulated GP clinic closure: effects on patient access in the Irish Mid-West.

Rural communities can experience more barriers to accessing health care than their urban counterparts, largely due to fewer healthcare staff and services, and geographical isolation. The purpose of this study is to examine the availability of GP practices in rural communities across the Mid-West of Ireland and the potential impact of practice closure on patient access. GP clinic locations were identified in Ireland's Mid-West, specifically counties Limerick and Clare. Administrative subdivisions of both counties, Small Areas (SAs), were identified and their XY geographic centre coordinates recorded. SAs were indexed into six levels of rurality according to Irish Central Statistics Office urban/rural classifications (1, cities; 2, satellite urban towns; 3, independent urban towns; 4, rural areas with high urban influence; 5, rural areas with moderate urban influence; 6, highly rural/remote areas). The direct linear distance from the centre of each SA to its respective closest GP clinic was calculated. Simulated closure of each GP clinic was assessed programmatically by removing practices from the overall dataset and calculating the new direct linear distance from each SA to the next closest GP clinic. The majority of the SAs in County Clare (63%) and County Limerick (66%) are classified as rural (rurality index &ge;4), with the exception of Limerick City, where all SAs were defined as urban. Rural SAs have longer travel distances to GP clinics than their urban counterparts, and these distances are greater with increasing rurality of a population. Simulated closure of GP clinics revealed increasing travel distances to the next closest clinic with increasing level of rurality in a stepwise fashion (r2=0.31). Rural community dwellers across the Mid-West of Ireland face longer travel distances to GP clinics than their urban counterparts. Thus rural communities will be, on average, more adversely affected should their local GP clinic close. While these findings are unsurprising, our methodology calculates a discrete number that can be used to rank vulnerability of local communities. Rural areas are particularly vulnerable to GP clinic closure, and maintaining a solid foundation of primary care in these areas will require careful service and workforce planning.

A Constitutive Heterochromatic Region Shapes Genome Organization and Impacts Gene Expression in Neurospora crassa.

Organization of the eukaryotic genome is essential for proper function, including gene expression. In metazoans, chromatin loops and Topologically Associated Domains (TADs) organize genes into transcription factories, while chromosomes occupy nuclear territories in which silent heterochromatin is compartmentalized at the nuclear periphery and active euchromatin localizes to the nucleus center. A similar hierarchical organization occurs in the fungus Neurospora crassa where its seven chromosomes form a Rabl conformation typified by heterochromatic centromeres and telomeres independently clustering at the nuclear membrane, while interspersed heterochromatic loci aggregate across Megabases of linear genomic distance to loop chromatin in TAD-like structures. However, the role of individual heterochromatic loci in normal genome organization and function is unknown. We examined the genome organization of a Neurospora strain harboring a ~47.4 kilobase deletion within a temporarily silent, facultative heterochromatic region, as well as the genome organization of a strain deleted of a 110.6 kilobase permanently silent constitutive heterochromatic region. While the facultative heterochromatin deletion minimally effects local chromatin structure or telomere clustering, the constitutive heterochromatin deletion alters local chromatin structure, the predicted three-dimensional chromosome conformation, and the expression of some genes, which are qualitatively repositioned into the nucleus center, while increasing Hi-C variability. Our work elucidates how an individual constitutive heterochromatic region impacts genome organization and function. Specifically, one silent region indirectly assists in the hierarchical folding of the entire Neurospora genome by aggregating into the "typical" heterochromatin bundle normally observed in wild type nuclei, which may promote normal gene expression by positioning euchromatin in the nucleus center.

Dynamic and static nasolabial muscle anatomy of unilateral cleft lip adult patients based on magnetic resonance imaging data.

This study aims to obtain a three-dimensional reconstruction model based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of patients with different degrees of unilateral cleft lip and analyze the anatomy and changes in multiple groups of nasolabial muscles under dynamic and static conditions. One normal person and four adult patients with unilateral cleft lip were included, and MRI was performed under static (upper and lower lips closed naturally) and dynamic (pout and grin) conditions. 3D Slicer software was used to reconstruct the model and draw the anatomic morphology of nasolabial muscles. The distance between the junction (where the muscle merges into the orbicularis oris) of the levator muscle, zygomaticminor muscle, and zygomatic major muscle to the median sagittal plane, the starting point to the junction point, the dynamic and static junction points, and the angle between the connection of dynamic and static junctions and the horizontal plane were measured under three kinds of movements, and the ratio was calculated. In all patients, under dynamic and static conditions, the distance from the muscle junction to the median sagittal plane, their ratios of the cleft side to the non-cleft side were all greater than 1. While the ratio of the distance from the starting point of the muscle to the junction point is less than 1. At static conditions, the two ratios of the same muscle increased gradiently with the severity of the cleft, and the ratio of the zygomatic minor muscle was prominent in the same patient. The ratio of the cleft side to the non-cleft side was greater than 1, and the value for comparison was the angle of the line from the static to the dynamic junction and the horizontal plane. The symmetry of the insertion site of the orbicularis oris and the linear distance of both sides of the muscle are related to muscle and cleft types. The angle of muscle contraction on the cleft side is greater than that on the non-cleft side.

Influence of Head Circumference on the Accuracy of Facial Scanning: An In vitro Study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the impact of head circumference on the accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) facial scans, focusing on trueness and precision across three mannequin heads of different sizes. Material and methodsThree 3D-printed mannequin heads with circumferences of 30, 50, and 65 cm were used. Ten facial landmarks were identified to measure seven interlandmark distances and two angles. Direct anthropometric measurement, serving as the reference value, was taken using a digital vernier calliper for linear distance, and angle was calculated using the law of cosines. Each head was scanned six times using two systems: a dual-structured light facial scanner (iTom) and a stereophotogrammetry system (3dMD). Digital measurements were analysed using Meshlab and Blender for distances and angles, respectively. Trueness values were determined by comparing measurements to reference measurements, while precision values were derived from the variability among the six scans. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test due to nonhomogeneous variances, followed by Bonferroni correction for pairwise group comparisons. ResultsFor each scanning system, overall deviations in trueness and precision significantly increased with head circumference. Five of the seven distances and one angle showed significant compromises in trueness with larger head circumferences. Most measurements exhibited significant precision decreasing due to head circumference changes, except for N-Pn and Pn-Sn. Additionally, 3dMD displayed higher overall trueness compared to iTom, with five out of seven linear measurements and one angular measurement showing better results. ConclusionHead circumference significantly affects both trueness and precision of 3D facial scans for both technologies, suggesting that facial imaging should be used with caution for larger faces. Selecting an appropriate scanning system, such as 3dMD, can help mitigate the negative effects of scanning larger objects.

GWECS: An indicator to describe the energy absorption characteristics of wave energy converter arrays in real sea states

Grouping wave energy converters (WECs) into an array has become a trend to improve power production and achieve economies of scale. Therefore, the performance of a WEC array in real sea states is of vital importance. To intuitively reflect an array's frequency-based energy absorption characteristics instead of only the total extractable power in given irregular wave conditions, a new indicator of group wave energy capture spectrum (GWECS) is proposed by extending the concept of wave energy capture spectrum (WECS) to an array. A practical method to measure the indicator by estimating the absorbed wave surface from the array's power signal is also given. Simulations in two-dimensional conditions with a 2-cuboid WEC array and in three-dimensional conditions with a 2-cylinder WEC array are conducted to study the concept. The results examine the consistency in capture efficiency between the newly proposed indicator and conventional ones, and present the effect of various parameters, including linear power take-off (PTO) damping, buoy permutation, separation distance, and incident wave angle on the GWECS.

Influence of short-span scans on trueness in the digital transfer of the maxillomandibular relationship

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the influence of the location and distribution of short-span scans, serving as intermediate registration data, on the trueness of digitally transferring the maxillomandibular relationship in full-mouth rehabilitation. MethodsMaxillary and mandibular complete-arch preparation casts mounted on an articulator were scanned, with and without interim restorations, using an intraoral scanner. Four types of short-span scans—right anterior, left anterior, right posterior, and left posterior—were captured from maxillary and mandibular casts. Each scan comprised two prepared teeth and two crowned teeth arranged alternately. These short-span scans served as intermediate data and were cross-registered with complete-arch interim restorations and preparation casts to transfer the maxillomandibular relationship. Based on the number (1 or 2), location (anterior or posterior), and distribution (unilateral or bilateral) of short-span scans, they were categorized into six groups. Trueness was assessed by evaluating the mandibular 3-dimensional (3D), spatial distance, angle, and linear distance deviations between the test and reference scans. ResultsSignificant differences in the trueness of digital cross-mounting were observed among the six groups (P < .05). The group registering the bilateral posterior areas exhibited the smallest 3D, spatial distance, angle, and linear distance deviations, whereas the group registering one anterior area showed the largest deviations. ConclusionThe number, location, and distribution of the registered short-span scans significantly affected the trueness of transferring the maxillomandibular relationship. A posterior short-span scan had higher trueness than an anterior scan. The symmetrical distribution of the two registered larger short-span scans over the cross-arch enhanced the registration trueness. Clinical significanceDigital cross-mounting in full-mouth rehabilitation using short-span scans enhances transfer accuracy, improves patient comfort, and increases chairside efficiency.

Obstacle feature point detection method for real-time processing by monocular camera and line laser

In this study, we propose a method for detecting feature points of obstacles by real-time processing using a monocular camera and a laser. Specifically, we propose an algorithm that detects laser beams emitted on obstacles by binarization, transforms pixel coordinates into distance using triangulation by a laser beam that is obliquely incident on the ground, and estimates the placement angle of the obstacle in real-time processing. No method has been devised to detect the placement angle of obstacles using a monocular camera and a laser. Furthermore, the proposed method does not calculate the linear distance from the camera, but from the position where the camera is moved horizontally parallel to the obstacle in front of the camera, thus detecting the placement angle independently of the placement position of the obstacle. As a result, it was confirmed that the placement angles of obstacles could be detected with a maximum error of 6∘\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$6^{\\circ }$$\\end{document} in six placement positions. Therefore, we succeeded in automatically detecting the placement angle of obstacles in real-time, independent of the illumination of the measurement environment, the reflectance of the obstacle.

Effects of the intraoral scanner and implant library on the trueness of digital impressions in the full-arch implant scan: A comparative in vitro study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of intraoral scanners (IOSs) and implant libraries (ILs) on the trueness of digital impressions for the fabrication of implant-supported full-arch (FA) prostheses. MethodsA stone cast of an edentulous maxilla with 6 implant analogues and cylindrical scanbodies (IPD ProCam®, Matarò, Barcelona, Spain) was probed using a coordinate measuring machine to capture a reference model (RM). The cast was mounted on a mannequin and scanned with 3 different IOSs (iTERO Element 5D Plus®, Align Technologies, San José, CA, USA; IS 3800®, Dexis, Quackertown, PN, USA; and i-700®, Medit, Seoul, South Korea). Ten scans were performed by an experienced operator using each IOS, first capturing only the occlusal surfaces, then the buccal and finally the palatal surfaces (less than 45 s per scan). In each scan, the meshes of the SBs were replaced by the corresponding IL file, with and without increment, to obtain the best correction for the mesh growth. The positions of the SBs in each file were compared with those in the RM, to evaluate the linear and cross distances between them. The final outcome was the trueness of the different IOSs, evaluating the effect of using different ILs on the quality of the impressions. ResultsSignificant differences were found between the different IOS scans and the RM, and among the different IOSs, in the different segments. The correction of the mesh growth through incremental ILs did not affect the final trueness of the IOS scans. ConclusionsDifferent levels of trueness were found among the IOSs evaluated, in the different scan segments, but with the cylindrical SBs used herein, the correction of the mesh growth with incremental ILs did not affect the final quality of the digital impressions. Statement of clinical relevanceThere are still errors with IOS in the FA impressions. IOS have an effect on the quality of the digital impressions, and apparently the library has not, with purely cylindrical SBs: further studies are needed to confirm this aspect.

Anthropogenic and environmental risk factors of salmonid predation in a tidal freshwater delta

Abstract Water diversions that support agricultural and municipal use result in fish mortality through entrainment and impingement. Additionally, this infrastructure may attract both predators and prey fishes, thereby increasing predation rates and prey mortality near these anthropogenic contact points. The Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta (the Delta) in California's Central Valley is a tidal freshwater ecosystem that exports large volumes of water for municipal and agricultural use while at the same time providing valuable migratory and rearing habitat for imperilled fishes. Emigrating juvenile salmonids experience high mortality in the Delta, with predation by non‐native fishes contributing substantially. Therefore, this study had three main objectives. First, we determined if small water diversions aggregated piscivorous fishes like other similar structures in freshwater ecosystems. Second, we determined how small diversions may influence juvenile salmon predation risk in conjunction with other known predation risk factors (e.g. predator abundance, temperature and depth). Third, we assessed the predator assemblage, abundance and distribution to determine the likely predator composition in objectives one and two. Throughout the spring of 2021, we used ARIS (adaptive resolution imaging sonar; Sound Metrics) sonars to compare piscivore abundance at 30 water diversions in the north Delta to shorelines adjacent to diversions that did not contain these structures. We used predation event recorders (PERs) to assess the predation risk juvenile salmonids were exposed to, with linear distance (m) from diversions, and other predation risk factors in the north Delta. Finally, we used a boat electrofishing survey to determine the piscivore assemblage and compare spatial trends in black bass (Micropterus spp.) CPUE and relative abundance throughout these waterways. Piscivore abundance was greater near small water diversions than at adjacent shorelines and the predation risk of juvenile salmonids increased with diversion proximity. Additionally, predation risk increased with increasing piscivore abundance and decreasing water depth. The north Delta predator assemblage was dominated by black basses (Micropterus spp.), which likely drove the negative relationship of predation risk with water depth, given habitat requirements of these species. Furthermore, increasing smallmouth (Micropterus dolomieu) and spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) abundance in our northern study sites may have weakened temperature effects on predation, given metabolic requirements of these species. Our work demonstrated that small water diversions are likely to increase mortality of endangered salmonids, and that the north Delta predator assemblage was different than recorded by previous work in this system, changing predation risk factors. Although more work is needed to determine the population level impacts of diversions, the ubiquitous distribution of these structures warrants management solutions to reduce mortality from this source. These results indicate that in addition to entrainment and impingement, water diversions may increase mortality of small‐bodied fishes by attracting predators and elevating predation risk. Given the continual human demand for freshwater, predator–prey interactions should be considered along with entrainment and impingement when assessing intake infrastructure mitigation, especially when diversions co‐occur along migratory routes and essential habitat of imperilled fishes.

Digital analysis of fabrication accuracy and fit in additively and subtractively manufactured implant-supported fixed complete dentures

ObjectivesTo digitally evaluate the trueness and fit of additively and subtractively manufactured fixed complete dentures in materials intended for definitive use. MethodsAn edentulous maxillary model with implants at the left first molar, left canine, right canine, and right first molar site was digitized and a fixed complete denture was designed. This design was used to fabricate fixed dentures in an additively manufactured resin for definitive use (AM), a high-impact polymer composite (SM-CR), and a strength gradient zirconia (SM-ZR) (n = 10). Each fixed denture was digitized and the surface (overall, occlusal, except occlusal, and abutments), linear, and interimplant distance deviations were analyzed. The fit was assessed with the triple-scan protocol. Data were analyzed with Welch analysis of variance and Games-Howell tests (α = 0.05). ResultsSM-ZR led to lower overall deviations than AM, which had the highest occlusal and the lowest abutments deviations (P ≤ 0.007). SM-ZR had the lowest occlusal and SM-CR had the highest except occlusal deviations (P ≤ 0.002). AM mostly had higher linear and SM-CR mostly had higher interimplant distance deviations (P ≤ 0.043). AM led to the highest marginal gap at the left canine site, while SM-CR had the highest and SM-ZR had the lowest gaps at the right canine site (P ≤ 0.022). ConclusionsSM-ZR dentures mostly had trueness and marginal fit similar to or better than the other groups. Tested fixed complete dentures were mostly smaller than the design file in terms of interimplant distances.

Live Dimension Detection During Machining of Workpiece using Smart Detection Set up on General-Purpose Lathe

In a manufacturing setting, the profile dimensions of the workpiece are key quality factors. Various automatic inspection approaches currently assess dimensions based on characteristics and variables, tool paths as OK or Not OK in CNC, and online inspection methods for other machines after manufacturing. However, continuous on-machine profile dimensions and simultaneous manufacturing were left to focus. An intelligent recognition system based on a laser lines sensor using a smart profile dimension detection algorithm (SPDA) communicates real-time measurement information to the operator. It plots the current status of the Workpiece, mapping linear distance by accurate laser reflection of the exact mid-surface line of the workpiece as profile data of a symmetric shaft. It compares the length-diameter obtained from longitudinal and lateral sensors with the master data provided. The algorithm implements Python libraries for displaying panels and organizing workpieces. The standard image changes color from red to green as it is relevant to the status. The predetermined order of manufacturing parts and gradient descent optimization feature sets benchmarks to display the status of the workpiece. The real-time live measurement is facilitated with an error of less than 10%, i.e., 0.1 mm, saving manufacturing time by 30%. It also eliminates the inspection stage, and no reduced job rejection is found.