Average Mean Deviation Research Articles

Forecasting of outdoor air quality index using adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System

Introduction: The estimation of air pollution level is well indicated by Air Quality Index (AQI), which tells how unhealthy the ambient air is and how polluted it can become in near future. Hence, the predictions or modeling of AQI is always of greater concern among researchers and this present study aims to develop such a model for forecasting the AQI. Materials and methods: A combination of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Fuzzy logic (FL) system, called Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) have been considered for model development. Daily air quality data (PM2.5 and PM10) and meteorological data (temperature and humidity) over a period of March 2020 to March 2021 were used as the input data and AQI as the output variable for the ANFIS model. The performances of models were evaluated based on Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Regression coefficient (R2) and Average Absolute Relative Deviation (AARD). Results: A total of 100 datasets is split into training (70), testing (15) and simulation (15). Gaussian and Constant membership functions were employed for classifications and the final index consisted of 81 inference (IF/THEN) rules. The ANFIS Simulation result shows an R2 and RMSE value of 0.9872 and 0.0287 respectively. Conclusion: According to the results from this study, ANFIS based AQI is a comprehensive tool for classification of air quality and it is inclined to produce accurate results. Therefore, local authorities in air quality assessment and management schemes can apply these reliable and suitable results.

Validating the accuracy of a novel virtual reality platform for determining implant orientation in simulated primary total hip replacement.

Accurate acetabular cup and femoral stem component orientation are critical for optimising patient outcomes, reducing complications and increasing component longevity following total hip replacement (THR). This study aimed to determine the accuracy of a novel virtual reality (VR) platform in assessing component orientation in a simulated THR model. The VR platform (HTC Vive Pro® system hardware) was compared against the validated Vicon® optical motion capture (MoCap) system. An acetabular cup and femoral stem were manually implanted across a range of orientations into pelvic and femur sawbones, respectively. Simultaneous readings of the acetabular cup operative anteversion (OA) and inclination (OI) and femoral stem alignment (FSA) and neck anteversion (FNA) were obtained from the VR and MoCap systems. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (PPMCC) (Pearson's r) and linear regression (R2). A total of 55 readings were obtained for the acetabular cup and 68 for the femoral stem model. The mean average differences in OA, OI, FSA and FNA between the systems were 3.44°, -0.01°, 0.01° and -0.04°, respectively. Strong positive correlations were demonstrated between both systems in OA, OI, FSA and FNA, with Pearson's r = 0.92, 0.94, 0.99 and 0.99, and adjusted R2 = 0.82, 0.9, 0.98 and 0.98, respectively. The novel VR platform is highly accurate and reliable in determining both acetabular cup and femoral stem component orientations in simulated THR models. This adaptable and cost-effective digital tracking platform may be modified for use in a range of simulated surgical training and educational purposes, particularly in orthopaedic surgery.

Estimation of heat capacities of amine-based solvents for CO<SUB align="right">2 absorption process using ANFIS model

In this investigation, the adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) has been successfully developed as a method of estimating the heat capacity (CP) of certain amine-based solvents, using concentration of the solvent, system temperature, and an apparent molecular weight as input parameters. To develop a modelling system, 1,253 and 278 experimental data points were extracted from the published studies for binary and ternary systems respectively. Comparison of the model results with experimental data was done by investigating some statistical parameters like mean square deviation (MSD), R-squared (R2) and average relative deviation (ARD) for assessing the ability and veracity of the developed model. The developed model's ARD for binary and ternary systems are -0.937% and -0.036% respectively. Outcomes revealed that the developed hybrid-ANFIS model could be applied as a practical method in simulation of CO2 removal processes by amine-based solvent for both binary and ternary systems. [Received: April 16, 2020; Accepted: April 22, 2021]

Optical Microangiography and Progressive Ganglion Cell–Inner Plexiform Layer Loss in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

To evaluate the association between optical microangiography (OMAG) measurements and progressive ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) loss in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Prospective case series. Sixty-three eyes of 38 patients with POAG were studied for ≥2 years and with ≥ 3 optical coherence tomography examinations. Only those hemifields with mild to moderate functional damage at baseline (106 hemifields) were included in the analysis. OMAG imaging was performed at the baseline visit. The effects of clinical parameters (age, gender, central corneal thickness, presence of disc hemorrhage, and mean and fluctuation of intraocular pressure), baseline mean deviation, retinal nerve fiber layer, and GCIPL thickness and baseline OMAG measurements (peripapillary and macular perfusion density [PD] and vessel density [VD]) on the rate of change of GCIPL thickness were evaluated using linear mixed models. Average (± standard deviation) mean deviation, quadrant retinal nerve fiber layer, and sector GCIPL thickness of the analyzed hemifields respectively at baseline were -5.2 ± 2.8 dB, 94.5 ± 20.0 µm, and 72.4 ± 8.7 µm, respectively. Peripapillary PD and VD in the quadrant were 43.1% ± 7.0% and 17.0 ± 2.6 mm/mm2, respectively. Macular PD and VD in the quadrant were 37.2% ± 6.9% and 15.1 ± 2.6 mm/mm2, respectively. Rate of sector GCIPL change was -0.97 ± 0.15 µm per year. Multivariate mixed models showed that lower peripapillary PD (coefficient 0.04, P=.01) and VD (coefficient 0.09, P=.05) were significantly associated with a faster rate of GCIPL loss. Lower baseline peripapillary OMAG measurements were significantly associated with a faster rate of GCIPL loss in patients with mild to moderate POAG.

Validation of Landsat 8 high resolution Sea Surface Temperature using surfers

Nearshore coastal waters are highly dynamic in both space and time. They can be difficult to sample using conventional methods due to their shallow depth, tidal variability, and the presence of strong currents and breaking waves. High resolution satellite sensors can be used to provide synoptic views of Surface Temperature (ST), but the performance of such ST products in the nearshore zone is poorly understood. Close to the shoreline, the ST pixels can be influenced by mixed composition of water and land, as a result of the sensor’s spatial resolution. This can cause thermal adjacency effects due to the highly different diurnal temperature cycles of water bodies and land. Previously, temperature data collected during surfing sessions has been proposed for validation of moderate resolution (1 km pixel size) satellite ST products. In this paper we use surfing temperature data to validate three high resolution (100 m resampled to 30 m pixel size) ST products derived from the Thermal InfraRed Sensor (TIRS) on board Landsat 8 (L8). ST was derived from Collection 1 and 2 Level 1 data (C1L1 and C2L1) using the Thermal Atmospheric Correction Tool (TACT), and was obtained from the standard Collection 2 Level 2 product (USGS C2L2). This study represents one of the first evaluations of the new C2 products, both L1 and L2, released by USGS at the end of 2020. Using automated matchup and image quality control, 88 matchups between L8/TIRS and surfers were identified, distributed across the North-Western semihemisphere. The unbiased Root Mean Squared Difference (uRMSD) between satellite and in situ measurements was generally ¡ 2 K, with warm biases (Mean Average Difference, MAD) of 1.7 K (USGS C2L2), 1.3 K (TACT C1L1) and 0.8 K (TACT C2L1). Large interquartile ranges of ST in 5 × 5 satellite pixels around the matchup location were found for several images, especially for the summer matchups around the Californian coast. By filtering on target stability the number of matchups reduced to 31, which halved the uRMSD across the three methods (to around 1.1K), MAD were much lower, i.e. 1.1 K (USGS C2L2), 0.6 K (TACT C1L1), and 0.2 K (TACT C2L1). The larger biases of the C2L2 product compared to TACT C2L1 are caused as a result of: (1) a lower emissivity value for water targets used in USGS C2L2, and (2) differences in atmospheric parameter retrieval, mainly from differences in upwelling atmospheric radiance and lower atmospheric transmittance retrieved by USGS C2L2. Additionally, tiling artefacts are present in the C2L2 product, which originate from a coarser atmospheric correction process. Overall, the L8/TIRS derived ST product compares well with in situ measurements made while surfing, and we found the best performing ST product for nearshore coastal waters to be the Collection 2 Level 1 data processed with TACT.

Cancer follow-up supported by patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing intended curative complex surgery for advanced cancer

Background and aimPatient activation (PA) and Patient Involvement (PI) are considered elements in good survivorship. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a follow-up supported by electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) on PA and PI.MethodFrom February 2017 to January 2019, we conducted an explorative interventional study. We included 187 patients followed after intended curative complex surgery for advanced cancer at two different Departments at a University Hospital. Prior to each follow-up consultation, patients used the ePRO to screen themselves for clinical important symptoms, function and needs. The ePRO was graphically presented to the clinician during the follow-up, aiming to facilitate patient activation and involvement in each follow-up. PA was measured by the Patient Activation Measurement (PAM), while PI was measured by five indicator questions. PAM and PI data compared between (− ePRO) and interventional (+ ePRO) consultations. PAM data were analysed using a linear mixed effect regression model with intervention (yes/no) and time along with the interaction between them as categorical fixed effects. The analyses were further adjusted for time (days) since surgery.ResultsAccording to our data, ePRO supported consultations did not improve PA. The average mean difference in PAM score between + ePRO and − ePRO consultations were − 0.2 (95% confidence interval − 2.6; 2.2, p = 0.9). There was no statistically significant improvement in PAM scores over time in neither + ePRO nor − ePRO group (p = 0.5). Based on the five PI-indicator questions, the majority of all consultations were evaluated as “some, much or very much” involved in consultation; providing a wider scope of dialogue, encouraged patients to ask questions and share their experiences and concerns. Nevertheless, another few patients reported not to be involved at all in the consultations.ConclusionWe did not demonstrate evidence for ePRO supported consultations to improve patient activation, and patient activation did not improve over time. Our results generate the hypotheses that factors related to ePRO supported consultation had the potential to support PI by offering a wider scope of dialogue, and encourage patients to ask questions and share their experiences and concerns during follow-up.

Risk factors for microcystic macular oedema in glaucoma

Background/aimsTo identify clinical characteristics and factors associated with microcystic macular edema (MME) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).MethodsWe included 315 POAG eyes between 2010 and 2019 with good-quality macular...

Chemical accuracy with σ-functionals for the Kohn-Sham correlation energy optimized for different input orbitals and eigenvalues.

Recently, a new type of orbital-dependent functional for the Kohn-Sham (KS) correlation energy, σ-functionals, was introduced. Technically, σ-functionals are closely related to the well-known direct random phase approximation (dRPA). Within the dRPA, a function of the eigenvalues σ of the frequency-dependent KS response function is integrated over purely imaginary frequencies. In σ-functionals, this function is replaced by one that is optimized with respect to reference sets of atomization, reaction, transition state, and non-covalent interaction energies. The previously introduced σ-functional uses input orbitals and eigenvalues from KS calculations with the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) exchange-correlation functional of Perdew, Burke, and Ernzerhof (PBE). Here, σ-functionals using input orbitals and eigenvalues from the meta-GGA TPSS and the hybrid-functionals PBE0 and B3LYP are presented and tested. The number of reference sets taken into account in the optimization of the σ-functionals is larger than in the first PBE based σ-functional and includes sets with 3d-transition metal compounds. Therefore, also a reparameterized PBE based σ-functional is introduced. The σ-functionals based on PBE0 and B3LYP orbitals and eigenvalues reach chemical accuracy for main group chemistry. For the 10966 reactions from the highly accurate W4-11RE reference set, the B3LYP based σ-functional exhibits a mean average deviation of 1.03 kcal/molcompared to 1.08 kcal/molfor the coupled cluster singles doubles perturbative triples method if the same valence quadruple zeta basis set is used. For 3d-transition metal chemistry, accuracies of about 2 kcal/molare reached. The computational effort for the post-self-consistent evaluation of the σ-functional is lower than that of a preceding PBE0 or B3LYP calculation for typical systems.

Conformity of Virtual Surgical Plans to Postoperative Results in Segmental Orthognathic Surgery

Background/purposeVirtual surgical planning (VSP) in orthognathic surgery has enabled reconstructive surgeons to achieve more predictive results when compared to conventional methods. Still, few studies have evaluated the accuracy of VSP in more complex cases, such as those requiring maxillary segmentation. The aim of this study was to examine the conformity of virtual surgical plans to postoperative results following segmental procedures performed by a single surgeon. MethodsThis was a retrospective study of patients who had undergone triple jaw (segmental Le Fort I, bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, and genioplasty by the senior author (DMS) between 2016 and 2020. The preoperative virtual surgical plan and postoperative cone beam computed tomographic scan were registered in 3-Matic software (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium) using cranial base landmarks. The conformity of the postoperative skull model to the virtual surgical plan was quantified using linear and angular measurements at various 3D bony landmarks. The average mean difference (AMD) in the x-, y-, and z-axes was calculated. Paired T-tests were used to compare postoperative measurements with those from the pre-operative STL. Multivariate linear regression was performed to analyze and modifying effects of age, gender, number of segments (2 vs. 3), and malocclusion class. ResultsTwenty-nine patients were included (mean age 24.5 years; 72.4% female). Three-dimensional analysis showed significant AMD between the virtual plan and postop CBCT for the following landmarks: U1 Midpoint (y, AMD: 1.65mm, P = .03), B point (y, AMD: 1.63mm, P = .005), pogonion (y, AMD: 2.38mm, P = .0005), menton (y, AMD: 2.22mm, P = .0003). There were no differences between the virtual plans and postop CBCT at any other points. Transversely, the overall AMD was 1.15mm, with under-expansion occurring in 79.3% (2.18mm) and over-expansion in 20.7% of patients (1.65mm). Angular measurements revealed statistical significance for SNB (AMD: 1.38, P = .02), but not for SNA and ANB values. Multivariate regression showed no association between age, gender, segmentation (2 vs. 3), or class of malocclusion and the extent of conformity for any measurements. ConclusionThere is a high degree of conformity between the VSP and postoperative results following triple jaw orthognathic surgery with segmental maxillary osteotomies. The greatest nonconformity was found in the sagittal plane and was mostly limited to the mandible. Segmentation did not affect surgical accuracy of the maxillary movements.

Experimental investigation on the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of R600a in a minichannel condenser with different inclined angles

• The heat transfer and pressure drop of R600a in a compact condenser was studied. • The effect of inclined angle in both horizontal and vertical directions was analyzed. • The calculation method of logarithmic mean temperature difference was modified. • New heat transfer correlation was proposed with a mean average deviation of 9.8%. • New friction factor correlation was proposed with a mean average deviation of 7.3%. The condensation heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of R600a in a multi-louvered fins compact heat exchanger were studied in detail. Experiments were carried out at saturation pressures from 530 to 620 kPa, mass fluxes from 25 to 41.25 kg∙(m 2 ∙s) −1 , air temperature from 25 to 35 °C and inclined angles from 0° to 180° in horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. The effects of mass flux, saturation pressure, air temperature, and inclined angle were analyzed and discussed. The results indicated that both heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop increased with the increase of mass flux and decreased with the increase of saturation pressure. Both heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop were significantly affected by the inclined angle, while the heat transfer capacity of the condenser was almost independent of the inclined angle. The experimental data were compared with several well-known condensation heat transfer models. Based on analysis results, the modified method to calculate the logarithmic average temperature difference was proposed. This predicted method could decrease the deviations of those models by 15%. In addition, the improved correlations for heat transfer and friction factor were proposed and predicted the present experimental data well with 90% of the data points within the bandwidth of ±15% and ±12%, respectively.

Potential of C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar Sentinel-1 time-series for the monitoring of phenological cycles in a deciduous forest

Annual time-series of the two satellites C-band SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) Sentinel-1A and 1B data over five years were used to characterize the phenological cycle of a temperate deciduous forest. Six phenological metrics of the start (SOS), middle (MOS) and end (EOS) of budburst and leaf expansion stage in spring, and the start (SOF), middle (MOF) and end (EOF) of leaf senescence in autumn were extracted using an asymmetric double sigmoid function (ADS) fitted to the time-series of the ratio (VV/VH) of backscattering at co-polarization VV (vertical–vertical) and at cross polarization VH (vertical-horizontal). Phenological metrics were also derived from other four vegetation proxies (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NDVI time-series from Sentinel-2A and 2B images, and in situ measurements of NDVI measurements, Leaf Area Index LAI and litterfall temporal dynamics). These estimated phenological metrics were compared to phenological observations obtained by visual observations from the ground, achieved using binoculars by three inter-calibrated observers, on a bi-weekly basis during the budburst and weekly during the senescence. We observe a decrease in the backscattering coefficient (σ0) at VH cross polarization during the leaf development and the expansion phase in spring and an increase during the senescence phase, contrary to what is usually observed on various types of crops. In vertical polarization, σ0VV shows very little variation throughout the year. S-1 time-series of VV/VH ratio provide a good description of the seasonal vegetation cycle allowing the estimation of spring and autumn phenological metrics. Estimates provided by VV/VH of budburst dates using MOS criterion differ by approximately 8 days on average (mean average deviation) from phenological observations. During senescence phase, estimates using MOF criterion are later and deviate by about 20 days from phenological observations of leaf senescence while the differences are of the order of 2 to 4 days between the phenological observations and estimates based on in situ NDVI and LAI time-series, respectively. A deviation of about 7 days, comparable to that observed during budburst, is obtained between the estimates of senescence (MOF) from S-1 and those determined from the in situ monitoring of litterfall. While in spring, leaf emergence and expansion described by LAI or NDVI explain the increase of VV/VH (or the decrease of σ0VH), during senescence, S-1 VV/VH is decorrelated from LAI or NDVI and is better explained by litterfall temporal dynamics. This behavior resulted in a hysteresis phenomenon observed on the relationships between VV/VH and NDVI or LAI. For the same LAI or NDVI, the response of VV/VH is different depending on the phenological phase considered. This study shows the high potential offered by Sentinel-1 SAR C-band time-series for the detection of forest phenology, thus overcoming the limitations caused by cloud cover in optical remote sensing of vegetation phenology.

The optimal framework and model to balance underground coal mining and cropland protection in Jining, eastern China

Coal and cropland resources play a vital role in energy safety and grain supply, respectively. However, the social growth that is driven by coal mining is followed by cropland damage, reductions in grain yields, and human-land conflict, all of which impede the sustainable development of coal mining and food safety. Thus, finding a way to optimize both coal mining and farmland protection in the coal-cropland overlapping area is crucial. In this paper, we constructed theoretical and empirical models to analyze the impact of the working face width on cropland with non-full subsidence based on the extent of cropland damage due to land subsidence caused by mining. Taking the Jining Coalfield with its high groundwater table as an example, this critical land subsidence was discussed based on the groundwater level (reclamation timing), suitable groundwater depth of crop growth, and coal mining efficiency. In addition, the reasons for surface ponding were analyzed caused by underground coal mining. The results showed that the surface ponding's anthropogenic item and internal factors are mining-induced land subsidence and the high groundwater table, respectively. These joint factors raise the groundwater level and lead to grainland damages which can be divided into four categories based on their extents (no effect, slight-reduction in yield, moderate-reduction in yield, and no harvest). Critical subsidence caused by mining width could optimize the groundwater depth or cropland damage. The calculated results from both models of the eight coal mines showed that the average mean deviation was 3.93%. The calculated results from the models were reliable, while the empirical model had fewer parameters and an easily calculable simple formula. The proposed optimal framework verified that the mining width needed to be reduced to 134m, 126m or 116m, 112m based on the groundwater depth or the damaged farmland in the Xinglongzhuang Coal Mine. The optimal framework will be of great significance for providing scientific references as to why the sustainable development of coal mining and grainland protection has been chosen.

Multicenter Comparison of the Toronto Portable Perimeter with the Humphrey Field Analyzer: A Pilot Study

To evaluate the agreement between glaucomatous 24-2 visual field (VF) testing performed with the Toronto Portable Perimeter (TPP; VEM Medical Technologies) and the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA; Carl Zeiss Meditec). Multicenter prospective cohort analysis. Patients with suspected or confirmed glaucoma treated at Prism Eye Institute (Oakville, Canada), York Finch Eye Associates (North York, Canada), or the Ontario Mobile Medical Eye Care Unit (Cochrane, Canada) between March 2019 and March 2020. Patients underwent consecutive VF tests on the same eye using the HFA Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm Standard 24-2 test and TPP Standard 24-2 test in randomized order. Bland-Altman analysis and paired t tests were used to compare VF results obtained by the TPP and the HFA. Participants completed a 5-question validated questionnaire after completing both testing methods. Mean difference and degree of agreement in mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD), visual field index (VFI), and test duration between VF modalities. One hundred fifty eyes from 91 patients were included in analysis. Average MD of the overall cohort using HFA and TPP VF testing was -4.32 ± 5.47 dB and -4.53 ± 5.22 dB, respectively (P= 0.74). Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement between HFA and TPP tests. The mean differences (95% limits of agreement) between HFA and TPP for MD, PSD, VFI, and test duration were 0.21 dB (-4.25 to 4.67 dB), -0.13 dB (-3.72 to 3.47 dB), 0.66% (-10.94% to 12.26%), and 0.65 seconds (-97.51 to 98.81 seconds), respectively. No statistically significant mean difference was found between HFA and TPP tests for MD, PSD, VFI, or test duration. Mean deviation (R2= 0.830) and VFI (R2= 0.866) were correlated strongly with both modalities. Questionnaire results demonstrated that patients significantly preferred the TPP over the HFA for VF testing (P < 0.001). Mean deviation, PSD, and VFI outcomes measured by the TPP were statistically similar to corresponding parameters obtained with the HFA. Test time duration did not differ significantly between the TPP and HFA, and patients significantly preferred the TPP to the HFA examination experience. These pilot results suggest that the TPP may offer an accessible alternative to HFA VF testing.

Optical Microangiography and Progressive Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Loss in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma

To evaluate the association between optical microangiography (OMAG) measurements and progressive retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) loss in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Prospective case series. Sixty-four eyes of 40 patients with POAG (108 quadrants) with mild to moderate functional damage were longitudinally studied for at least 2 years and with a minimum of 3 optical coherence tomography examinations. OMAG imaging was performed at the baseline visit. Effect of clinical parameters (age, sex, presence of systemic diseases, central corneal thickness, presence of disc hemorrhage, and mean and fluctuation of intraocular pressure during follow-up), baseline hemifield mean deviation, baseline quadrant optical coherence tomography RNFL and ganglion cell inner plexiform layer thickness), and OMAG (peripapillary and macular perfusion density [PD] and vessel density [VD]) on the rate of RNFL change was evaluated using linear mixed models. Average (±SD) mean deviation, RNFL, and ganglion cell inner plexiform layer thickness of the analyzed quadrants at baseline were -5.5 ± 2.9 dB, 96.5 ± 17.9 µm, and 73.8 ± 8.6 µm, respectively. Peripapillary PD and VD in the quadrant were 44.6% ± 5.9% and 17.5 ± 2.2 mm/mm2, respectively. Rate of quadrant RNFL change was -1.8 ± 0.6 µm/y. Multivariate mixed models showed that lower peripapillary PD (coefficient=0.08, P=.01) and lower VD (coefficient=0.21, P=.02) were significantly associated with a faster rate of RNFL loss. Lower baseline peripapillary PD and VD measured using OMAG were significantly associated with a faster rate of RNFL loss in POAG. OMAG imaging provides useful information about the risk of glaucoma progression and the rate of disease worsening.

Evaluation of the CORDEX regional climate models (RCMs) for simulating climate extremes in the Asian cities

This study evaluates the ability of 21 Regional Climate Models (RCMs) from the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) in simulating climate extremes in the fast growing Asian cities which are highly vulnerable to climate change. The three Asian cities have two different climate characteristics, namely Bangkok and its vicinity and Ho Chi Minh City in tropical climate region and Kathmandu in sub-tropical and temperate climate region. The RCMs were evaluated to simulate the six climate indices; Consecutive Dry Days (CDD), Simple Daily Intensity Index (SDII), Number of extremely heavy precipitation days (R50mm), Maximum 1-day precipitation amount (RX1day), Mean of daily maximum temperature (TX mean) and Mean of daily minimum temperature (TN mean). The performance indicators used were correlation coefficient, normalized root mean square deviation, absolute normalized root mean square deviation and average absolute relative deviation. The Entropy method was endorsed to acquire weights of these four indicators and weightage average techniques were used for ranking of 21 RCMs. The result demonstrated that the best model for one climate index is not the same best model for other climate indices. The 3 RCMs; WAS44_SMHI_RCA4_IPSL_CM5A_MR, WAS44_SMHI_RCA4_MIROC5, and WAS44_IITM_REGCM4-4_CSIRO_MK3-6-0 are the best performing RCMs for simulating future climate extremes in Bangkok and its vicinity, Ho Chi Minh city and Kathmandu valley, respectively. Therefore, they are recommended to use for climate change impact and adaptation studies in water resources management in the selected cities.

Arterial Roadway Travel Time Reliability and the COVID-19 Pandemic

This paper evaluated the effect of the COVID-19 preventive orders on arterial roadway travel time reliability (TTR). A comparative analysis was conducted to examine average travel time distributions (TTD), and their associated TTR metrics, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel time data for four urban arterial corridors in Nebraska, disaggregated by peak period and direction, were analyzed. It was found that in 2020, the average TTD mean and standard deviation values for all 16 scenarios were reduced by an average of 14.0% and 43.4%, respectively. The travel time index, the planning time index, the level of travel time reliability (LOTTR), and the buffer index metrics associated with these TTDs were reduced, on average, by 14.0%, 19.7%, 3.5%, and 35.0%, respectively. In other words, whether the test corridors were more reliable during the pandemic was a function of which TTR metric was used. The paper concludes by arguing for a fundamental change in how arterial TTR is measured and reported to different user groups.

Topical application of a desensitizing agent containing potassium nitrate before dental bleaching: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity (TS) after topical application of desensitizers containing potassium nitrate before dental bleaching. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, BBO, Cochrane Library, and SIGLE. We also surveyed gray literature without restrictions. We meta-analyzed the data using the random-effects model to compare potassium nitrate and placebo in terms of risk and intensity of TS and color change (∆SGU or ∆E). The quality of the evidence was rated using the GRADE approach. The risk of bias (RoB) of the included studies was analyzed using the Cochrane RoB tool. After the database screening, 24 articles remained. A significant 12% lower risk for the groups where desensitizing agents were applied (p = 0.02), with a risk ratio of 0.88 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.98). About the intensity of TS, a significant average mean difference of - 0.77 units of VAS units (95%CI - 1.34 to - 0.19; p = 0.01) in favor of the desensitizer group. In the NRS scale, a significant average mean difference of - 0.36 (95% CI - 0.61 to - 0.12; p value = 0.004) in favor of the desensitizer group. No significant difference was observed in color change (p > 0.28) in ∆SGU and ∆E. Although a significant reduction in the risk and intensity of TS was observed in groups treated with a potassium nitrate at some point during the bleaching, the clinical significance of this reduction is subtle and clinically questionable. Color change is not affected by the use of agents. The reduction in the risk and intensity of TS with the topical application of potassium nitrate-based desensitizing agents in dental bleaching is subtle and maybe clinically questionable.

Association between visual field damage and corneal structural parameters

The main goal of this study is to identify the association between corneal shape, elevation, and thickness parameters and visual field damage using machine learning. A total of 676 eyes from 568 patients from the Jichi Medical University in Japan were included in this study. Corneal topography, pachymetry, and elevation images were obtained using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual field tests were collected using standard automated perimetry with 24-2 Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm. The association between corneal structural parameters and visual field damage was investigated using machine learning and evaluated through tenfold cross-validation of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). The average mean deviation was − 8.0 dB and the average central corneal thickness (CCT) was 513.1 µm. Using ensemble machine learning bagged trees classifiers, we detected visual field abnormality from corneal parameters with an AUC of 0.83. Using a tree-based machine learning classifier, we detected four visual field severity levels from corneal parameters with an AUC of 0.74. Although CCT and corneal hysteresis have long been accepted as predictors of glaucoma development and future visual field loss, corneal shape and elevation parameters may also predict glaucoma-induced visual functional loss.

Towards physical habitat characterisation in the Antarctic Sør Rondane Mountains using satellite remote sensing

Ice-free areas occupy less than 0.25% of the Antarctic surface, and mainly occur along coastlines, or as inland nunataks protruding from the extensive ice sheet. Their extreme environment and geographical isolation have contributed to the evolution of highly adapted, and largely endemic terrestrial biota. Physical habitat mapping is important to identify the main drivers of spatial variation in soil biodiversity, to predict its response to climate change and to help conservation planning. In this paper we retrieved remotely sensed Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Digital Surface Models (DSM) for the Sør Rondane Mountains in East Antarctica from respectively the Thermal InfraRed Sensor (TIRS) on Landsat 8 and the Pléiades constellation of high resolution optical imagers. Satellite data were combined with ground truth temperature and elevation measurements with the aim to assess the performance of these remotely sensed data. Over a 2 year period, satellite derived LST corresponded to in situ temperature with Mean Average Difference (MAD) of −2.5 K, and Root Mean Squared Difference (RMSD) of 6.3 K. Lower biases were observed for periods when the data loggers were frozen or snow covered (MAD −1.8K) compared to intervals where the devices were not frozen (MAD −4 K), with larger scatter (RMSD 7 K) being observed during the latter. These larger MAD and RMSD are caused by the differential heating of the top of the gravel/rocks as observed by the satellite compared to their underside, where the loggers were installed, and are also impacted by the time step of the in situ logging (3 h) and the non–linear heating of the surface. In addition, for the different study sites different biases were observed as a result of the spatial resolution of the TIRS, depending on the composition, structure, geomorphology, and the surroundings of the logger position. Sites on a narrow rock outcrop (e.g. the Perlebandet and Utsteinen nunataks) show a negative bias due to the surrounding ice fields decreasing the satellite pixel average temperature compared to the in situ measured temperatures. For sites with a more extensive rock and gravel composition further away from the ice sheet (Dry and Yuboku Valleys), a positive bias was found as a result of the temperature differential between the exposed top and covered bottom of the rocks and gravel. The DSM derived from Pléiades (without bias correction) showed in general a bias of −6 m (MAD) and scatter of 9 m (RMSD) when compared to the Reference Elevation Model of Antarctica and IceSAT-1 LIDAR data. Lowest errors were also found here for the extensive Dry and Yuboku Valley sites (respectively −5 and 3 m MAD, 7 and 4 m RMSD). Correspondence with in situ logged GPS positions was slightly worse, with a positive bias of 12 m (MAD) and scatter of 15 m (RMSD) across the sites. An analysis on the basis of these LST and DSM datasets, show a clear separability of sites by their average temperature and solar exposition (in terms of slope and aspect) at the time of Landsat overpass. Due to the Landsat overpass times, the LST datasets are however strongly biased, and further work is needed for a better understanding of the light and temperature climate in the ice-free regions. This could for example be achieved by coupling the DSM to a solar irradiance and terrain shadowing model.

Agreement between blood pressure from research study visits versus electronic medical records and associations with hypertensive disorder diagnoses in pregnant women with overweight/obesity.

Blood pressure (BP) abstracted from electronic medical records (EMR) is moderately correlated to BP in nonpregnant adults with limited agreement. Little is known about the agreement of research versus EMR BP measured during pregnancy or associations of EMR BP with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) diagnoses. BP was measured according to guidelines at in-person research study visits in 214 women with prepregnancy overweight or obesity (44.4% African American, mean age = 29.8 ± 4.8 years) at weeks 16 and 32 of pregnancy. Clinic BP readings that occurred within 1 week of the study visits were abstracted from the EMR. We assessed correlations between sources using Pearson's coefficients; the agreement was evaluated with Bland-Altman plots. We compared differences in the proportion of women with an HDP diagnosis in the EMR between women with versus without a hypertensive EMR BP measurement. SBP and DBP from study visits and the EMR were modestly moderately correlated at both time points; 0.20 < r < 0.44; P < 0.05 for all. The average mean difference was 10.5 mmHg for SBP and <1 mmHg for DBP in early and 7.3 mmHg for SBP and -1.7 mmHg for DBP in late pregnancy. Women with at least one hypertensive BP reading in the EMR were more likely to have an HDP diagnosis recorded in the EMR; 43.5 versus 3.3%; P < 0.01. EMR SBP was higher but moderately correlated with research quality BP in early and late pregnancy. Women with a hypertensive EMR BP measurement were more likely to have an HDP diagnosis in the EMR.