Width Measurements Research Articles

Dataset for developing deep learning models to assess crack width and self-healing progress in concrete

The presented dataset comes from an experimental study on the autogenous self-healing of high-strength concrete and the development of deep learning metasensor for crack width assessment and self-healing evaluation. Concrete specimens were prepared, matured, cracked, and exposed to self-healing. High-resolution scanning of the specimen surface and scale-invariant image processing were performed, multiple grid lines crossing cracks were established, and brightness degree profiles along grid lines were extracted. Then, reference measurements of the crack widths were obtained by an operator. The dataset comprises 19,098 records of brightness profiles, reference measurements, and benchmark measurements by deep learning and analytic models. The source images, stacked and marked with grid lines, are provided. The considerable number of brightness profiles coupled with manual reference measurements make the dataset well suited for developing an image-based deep CNN models or analytic algorithms for assessing crack widths in concrete. The technical validation study explored three factors that affect crack measurement: the specimen position in relation to the scanner, the surface moisture level, and the operator performing manual measurements.

Contrasting habitat associations and ecophysiological adaptations drive interspecific growth differences among Himalayan high-mountain plants.

Understanding interspecific differences in plant growth rates and their internal and external drivers is key to predicting species responses to ongoing environmental changes. Annual growth rates vary among plants based on their ecological preferences, growth forms, ecophysiological adaptations, and evolutionary history. However, the relative importance of these factors remains unclear, particularly in high-mountain ecosystems experiencing rapid changes. We examined how habitat associations, elevational optima, growth forms, and ecophysiological and anatomical traits influence interspecific differences in radial growth rates among 324 vascular dicot species naturally occurring in the western Himalayas. Growth rates were determined from annual ring width measurements on the oldest plant sections of over 7,800 individuals from a range of habitats (desert, steppe, wetland, alpine, subnival), growth forms (perennial tap-rooted, rhizomatous, cushiony, woody), and climatic gradients (elevations of 2,650-6,150 m). Habitat associations accounted for 24% of the variability in interspecific growth rates. Adding growth form and height increased the explanation to 42%, and incorporating plant functional traits further improved predictions to 46%. Growth rates were higher in warmer, drier conditions and lower in cold, wet environments. Subnival cushion plants had the slowest growth, while ruderal plants grew the fastest. Desert plants showed higher growth rates, reflecting their drought adaptive strategies, while wetland forbs had lower growth rates due to increased resource competition. Growth was positively correlated with leaf nitrogen content and non-structural carbohydrates (mainly fructans), due to enhanced photosynthesis and stress tolerance, and negatively correlated with leaf carbon and root nitrogen content. Our study of 324 dicot species in the western Himalayas suggests that plant growth in high elevations is determined by a combination of habitat conditions, morphological traits, and ecophysiological adaptations. Growth variations among the highest-growing angiosperms reflect adaptive strategies along the global 'fast-slow' and 'acquisitive-conservative' spectrums. These results underscore the importance of habitat-specific studies for predicting plant growth responses to environmental changes, emphasizing a species-specific approach for effective conservation in fragile ecosystems.

Evaluation of keratinized tissue augmentation using amnion/chorion allograft vs. autogenous connective tissue in implant therapy: a retrospective study

ObjectivesSuccessful implant therapy must also ensure the integration of the soft tissues around the crown/abutment emergence profile. The existing literature does not consistently agree on the necessity of a minimal amount of keratinized tissue (KT), though it appears advantageous for the long-term stability and aesthetics of implants. The purpose of this clinical retrospective study is to compare the effectiveness of amnion/chorion membrane and autogenous subepithelial connective tissue in increasing the keratinized mucosa and maintaining it over a 5-year follow-up.Methods Twenty patients who had previously undergone implant surgery were included in the study. Ten patients had received the allograft (Group 1) and ten had received autogenous connective tissue (Group 2).An independent examiner retrospectively analyzed the patient records at 7, 15, and 60 days, and five years post-procedure. Data from these observations were collected and analyzed using SPSS Statistics, version 25. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted.Results All patients exhibited an increase in KT. For Group 1, the mean KT width measurements were 1.27 ± 0.46 mm at the initial evaluation, increasing to 2.00 ± 0.38 mm, 2.80 ± 0.78 mm, 3.27 ± 0.80 mm, and 3.01 ± 0.68 mm at 7, 15, and 60 days post-surgery (with prosthesis delivery on day 60), and five years after prosthetic rehabilitation, respectively.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this retrospective clinical study, both amnion/chorion and connective tissue show significant potential for KT expansion when used in conjunction with implant surgery.Clinical relevanceThe use of allografts, due their low morbidity, and acceptable results should be considered as a viable option for soft tissues augmentations.

A proof-of-concept study for precise mapping of pigmented basal cell carcinoma in asian skin using multispectral optoacoustic tomography imaging with level set segmentation.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), the most common subtype of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC), is prevalent worldwide and poses significant challenges due to their increasing incidence and complex treatment considerations. Existing clinical approaches, such as Mohs micrographic surgery, are time-consuming and labour-intensive, requiring meticulous layer-by-layer excision and examination, which can significantly extend the duration of the procedure. Current optical imaging solutions also lack the necessary spatial resolution, penetration depth, and contrast for effective clinical use. Here, we introduce photoacoustic imaging, also known as optoacoustic imaging, based Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT) as a promising solution for non-invasive, high-resolution imaging in dermatology, which also measures hemodynamic changes. MSOT offers high isotropic resolution (80μm), increased tissue penetration, and contrast-enhanced 3D spatial imaging map. For the first time, we integrated an automated level set image segmentation methodology on optoacoustic images to further enhance the precision in delineating tumor boundaries. Through this proof-of-concept study in 30 subjects, we demonstrate that this segmentation allows for precise measurement of tumor width, depth, and volume, aiding in preoperative tumor mapping and surgical planning. The MSOT measurements, validated against histology, achieved a correlation coefficient of 0.84 and 0.81 for width and depth respectively, ensuring reliable tumor metrics with a low margin of error. Clinicians can use these tumor metrics to optimize treatment efficacy, while preserving healthy tissue and cosmetic outcomes. This advancement has the potential to revolutionize diagnostics and treatment, significantly improving the patient outcomes in managing NMSC.

Wheelchair-Accessibility of Religious Places of Worship in Anambra State, Nigeria

This cross-sectional survey was used to investigate wheelchair-accessibility of 193 buildings used as Religious places of worship (RPW) in Anambra State Nigeria. Measurements of width of routes, door width, height of steps, and grade of ramps were taken and accessibility was determined by comparing these with standards stipulated in the American with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. Majority of the doorways (94.3%) and routes (94.8%) were wheelchair-accessible. The proportion of accessible ramps and steps were 4.2% and 10.2% of buildings respectively. None of the 61 RPW adjudged as requiring elevators had any. Overall only 3.6% of RPW were wheelchair-accessible.

Copper wire electric explosive crushing of large‐size reinforced concrete columns

AbstractThe application of pulse power discharge technology for the demolition of reinforced concrete structures offers several advantages, including energy savings, environmental protection, high construction efficiency, and the potential for recycling building materials. To investigate the effects of this technology on the crushing of large reinforced concrete columns, a finite element model of these columns was developed using ABAQUS software. The columns have dimensions of 600 mm × 600 mm and 700 mm × 700 mm. Two rows of holes with a specific depth were arranged along the length of the column. Simulation tests of copper wire electric explosion in water were conducted within these column holes. This study investigated the effects of the amount of longitudinal reinforcement, transverse stirrups, and concrete strength on the crushing effect. The impact load generated by the underwater electric explosion of copper wire on a concrete column was simulated using the coupled Euler–Lagrange method. For the first time, varying explosive source densities were proposed to represent different discharge energy levels. The concrete cracks induced by the impact load were modeled using a cohesion model, allowing for real‐time measurement of crack width to assess the crushing effect. Simulation results indicate that increasing the longitudinal reinforcement ratio on one side from 0.46% to 0.80% results in an average decrease of 29% in transverse crack width. Furthermore, elevating the volumetric percentages of stirrups from 0.38% to 0.81% leads to an average reduction of 35.6% in longitudinal crack width. The crushing effect of concrete columns diminishes slightly with an increase in concrete strength. Based on the simulation results, mathematical expressions for transverse crack width and longitudinal crack width, as well as key parameters such as longitudinal reinforcement ratio, volumetric percentages of stirrups, and concrete strength, were established. These findings can serve as a reference for the promotion and application of this technology.

Comparison of long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes of AperFix and fixed loop device fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A retrospective study.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction aims to improve knee stability and range of motion. The AperFix system consists of polymer components, and fixed-loop fixation is an established endoscopic technique. Our aim in this study was to compare the long-term clinical and radiological results of AperFix and fixed-loop fixation and to prove that the long-term results of the AperFix fixation method are at least as good as those of the fixed loop device. This retrospective study included 109 patients who underwent primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using single bundled hamstring tendon grafts. Patients under 16 years of age, patients with incomplete follow-up, bilateral or other ligament injuries, inflammatory arthropathy, previous knee surgery, or concurrent meniscal treatment were excluded. Participants were divided into 2 groups according to femoral fixation methods: AperFix fixation (group 1, n = 55) and fixed loop device fixation (group 2, n = 54). All operations were performed by senior surgeons under general or spinal anesthesia. Postoperative rehabilitation started on day 1 and allowed patients to resume normal activities at 6 months. Outcomes were evaluated during follow-up, including knee range of motion, clinical scores [Lysholm, Cincinnati, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee] and radiographic measurements of femoral tunnel width and length. Measurements were performed by 2 orthopedic surgeons to ensure reliability. This study evaluated 109 patients (55 in group 1, 54 in group 2) and found no statistically significant differences in demographic variables such as age, sex, body mass index, follow-up duration, or side distribution. Clinical outcomes, including anterior drawer test, Lachman test results, knee flexion-extension degrees, and Lysholm, Cincinnati, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee scores, were similar between the groups (P > .05). Complications occurred in 8 cases (rerupture, infection, and deep vein thrombosis), with no significant correlation to the fixation method used (P = .506). Radiographic analysis revealed no significant differences in femoral tunnel width or length between the groups (P > .05). In our current study, no meaningful disparity was found between the AperFix and fixed loop device methods in terms of long-term clinical outcomes. As there are no long-term studies on the results of AperFix fixation in the literature, more studies on this subject are needed.

A clinical algorithm to identify people with the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase p.Val68Met variant at risk for diabetes undertreatment.

To develop an algorithm using routine clinical laboratory measurements to identify people at risk for systematic underestimation of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) due to p.Val68Met glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. We analyzed 122,307 participants of self-identified Black race across four large cohorts with blood glucose, HbA1c, and red cell distribution width measurements from a single blood draw. In UK Biobank, we used recursive partitioning to develop criteria for possible and likely G6PD deficiency. We validated the algorithm in NIH All of Us, Vanderbilt BioVU, and the Million Veterans Program. In Vanderbilt's Synthetic Derivative, we created a cohort of 48,031 participants with type 2 diabetes and no genetic data to test whether predicted risk for G6PD deficiency was associated with incident diabetic retinopathy. G6PD deficiency predictions in hemizygous males showed precision/recall of 31%/81% for possible and 81%/10% for likely deficiency. In homozygous females, precision/recall was 6%/76% for possible and 34%/13% for likely deficiency. Diabetic patients with predicted possible deficiency demonstrated 1.4-fold higher 20-year retinopathy rates (14.3% vs 11.2%, P=0.003). We report a simple clinical algorithm that enables healthcare systems to identify people who may benefit from G6PD genotyping and glucose-based diabetes monitoring.

Climate signal age effects in Pinus uncinata tree-ring density data from the Spanish Pyrenees

Key messageThe temperature sensitivity of maximum latewood density measurements in pine trees from a high-elevation site in the Spanish Pyrenees increases with tree age. Detrending modulates the intensity of the effect. Tree-rings are the prime archive for high-resolution climate information over the past two millennia. However, the accuracy of annually resolved reconstructions from tree-rings can be constrained by what is known as climate signal age effects (CSAE), encompassing changes in the sensitivity of tree growth to climate over their lifespans. Here, we evaluate CSAE in Pinus uncinata from an upper tree line site in the Spanish central Pyrenees, Lake Gerber, which became a key location for reconstructing western Mediterranean summer temperatures at annual resolution. We use tree-ring width (TRW) and maximum latewood density (MXD) measurements from 50 pine trees with individual ages ranging from 7 to 406 years. For MXD, temperature sensitivity increases significantly (p < 0.01) with tree age from r = 0.31 in juvenile rings with a cambial age < 100 years to r = 0.49 in adult rings > 100 years. Similar CSAE are not detected in TRW, likely affected by the overall lower temperature signal (rTRW = 0.45 vs. rMXD = 0.81 from 1951 to 2020). The severity of CSAE is influenced by the approach used to remove ontogenetic trends, highlighting the need to assess and consider potential biases during tree-ring standardization. Our findings reveal CSAE to add uncertainty in MXD-based climate reconstructions in the Mediterranean. We recommend studying CSAE by sampling diverse age classes in dendroclimatic field campaigns.

PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE FROM OIL PALM FROND BY CHEMICAL AND MECHANICAL TREATMENT

Oil palm fronds are currently an underutilised by product of plantations. The micro and nano cellulose can be utilised to create new goods, such as being used as a filler in environmentally friendly degradable composites. This study examined the process of extracting oil palm frond fiber (OPFF) by using a series of chemical and mechanical treatments to get pure microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The MCC obtained by OPFF was subsequently analysed in further detail. The identification of morphological analysis, presence of functional groups, and crystallinity index were conducted using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) and X-Ray Difraction (XRD) techniques. The findings revealed the presence of microcrystalline structures in OPF fibers, having a mean measurement of width 3.2 ± 0.42 ?m. The application of FTIR verified that the elimination of noncellulosic constituents from the treated OPF fibers had achieved its utmost level. Simultaneously, X-ray diffraction research revealed that the utilization of chemical procedures resulted the formation of a characteristic cellulose crystal structure and an augmentation in the crystallinity index. However, the mechanical treatment resulted in a minor drop in the crystalline index. This can be ascribed to the disturbance of cellulose chains and the crystal structure within the cellulose fibers. The cellulose obtained from raw fibers and subsequent processing exists in a very pure form, specifically in the cellulose I? structure. This enables its utilization as reinforcement in eco-friendly MCC-based green composites, offering numerous benefits.

Influence of hip morphology on gluteal muscle biomechanics: a computational modeling study

BackgroundHip morphology variations, particularly in femoral neck shaft angle (NSA) and iliac wing width (IWW), have been associated with gluteal tendinopathy. However, the biomechanical implications of these morphological differences on gluteal muscle function are not well understood. This study investigates how NSA and IWW influence gluteal muscle forces, moment arms, and estimated tendon loads during walking, aiming to provide insights into the potential biomechanical pathways that may contribute to altered lateral hip loading patterns.MethodsWe modified a musculoskeletal model to reflect varying NSAs (108°, 123° and 143°) and IWWs (185, 265 and 345 mm), simulating nine gait cycles to assess the impact on the moment arms and loading of the gluteus medius (GMed) and minimus (Gmin) muscles.ResultsModels revealed that a high NSA with a narrow IWW (NSA143°/IWW185 mm) resulted in the shortest moment arms (GMed, 26 mm; Gmin, 29 mm) and highest peak muscle forces (GMed, 1240 N; GMin, 242 N), suggesting a biomechanical predisposition to gluteal tendinopathy. Conversely, a low NSA with a wide IWW (NSA108°/IWW345 mm) produced the longest moment arms (GMed, 47 mm; GMin, 45 mm) and lowest peak muscle forces (GMed, 742 N; GMin, 145 N). A 4° decrease in NSA reduced tensile load by 37 N (4.0%, p < 0.001) for GMed and 4 N (2.7%, p = 0.025) for GMin, with a minor increase in GMin compressive load by 2 N (1.8%, p = 0.048). A 10 mm decrease in IWW increased tensile and compressive loads by 12 N (1.3%, p < 0.001) and 20 N (20%, p < 0.001) for GMed, and by 3 N (2%, p < 0.007) and 3 N (2.7%, p < 0.007) for GMin.ConclusionsOur biomechanical modeling suggests patients with narrow iliac width may be predisposed to gluteal tendinopathy through increased tendon loading. The protective mechanical effect of decreased neck shaft angle suggests its clinical association with tendinopathy likely involves other factors, such as IT band compression which was not accounted for in this study. For clinical assessment, iliac width measurement may help identify at-risk patients and guide preventive interventions, while neck shaft angle should be evaluated within a broader anatomical context.

Evaluation of the Palatal Features in Relation to Graft Harvesting in the Saudi Population.

Background and Objectives: The palate's morphological characteristics are of great importance, especially in periodontology, where the palatine tissue represents a source of tissue graft for multiple mucogingival surgeries. This study aimed to estimate the amount of donor tissue available through the average palatal height and average location of the greater palatine artery in the Saudi population according to age and gender. Materials and Methods: Digital casts for adult Saudi patients at the age of 18-60 years old with a mean age of 37.76 ± 12.68 years were collected and analyzed using EXOCAD software. The digital casts were evaluated, and measurements of arch width at molars and canines, palatal vault height (PVH), palatal height index (PHI), and extension of the palatal rugae were registered. Finally, the amount available for soft tissue graft harvesting was calculated. Results: Overall, 109 maxillary casts for Saudi patients, 52 (47.7%) males and 57 (52.3%) females, were analyzed. The maxillary inter-molar arch width, inter-canine width, and palatal vault height significantly differed between males and females (p < 0.05). The mean PHI was 45.51% ± 8.12%, and 27.5% were classified as orthostaphyline, while 72.5% were categorized as hypsistaphyline, with no significant difference between the genders. The mean maximum graft width was 11.45 mm, and the graft width was significantly different between males and females (p < 0.005), while the mean maximum graft length was 17.78 mm, and the graft length showed no significant difference. Conclusions: The results of this study provide specific clinical guidelines for periodontal procedures by emphasizing the importance of gender-specific anatomical considerations. Data on graft dimensions and palatal measurements will enable the exact planning of soft tissue harvesting to minimize surgical risks and optimize mucogingival surgery outcomes in the Saudi population.

Can cavum septum pellucidum width and length measurements also be reliable indicators of corpus callosum measurements in normal fetuses?

To examine the association between cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) and corpus callosum (CC) length and width measurements in mid-trimester sonographic screening in normal fetuses. This prospective cohort study examined 152 pregnant women who underwent mid-trimester sonographic fetal anomaly screening. CSP and CC lengths and their anterior, middle, and posterior width measurements were examined sonographically. The association between length and width measurements of both structures, gestational week and CSP ratio (length/width) were evaluated. The mean CSP length was 7.96 ± 1.09 mm, and the mean middle width was 3.43 ± 0.82 mm. The mean CC length was 20 ± 3.76 mm, and the mean middle width was 3.43 ± 0.82 mm. There was a positive correlation between CSP and CC lengths (r = 0.691, p < 0.001). There was also a significant correlation between CSP and CC anterior, middle and posterior widths (anterior (r = 0.366, p < 0.001), middle (r = 0.305, p < 0.001), and posterior (r = 0.233, p = 0.004)). All CSP and CC measurements were correlated with gestational age, biparietal diameter (BPD),and head circumference (HC) (p < 0.001, for all). The CSP ratio was not related to CC dimensions (p > 0.05, for all) and also decreased with the increase in BPD and HC dimensions (r = -0.186, p = 0.022, and r = -0.174, p = 0.032; respectively). In normal fetuses, the length and width of the CC and CSP structures developed in relation to each other, as well as to the gestational week, BPD, and HC dimensions. In addition, while the CSP ratio was not found to be associated with CC dimensions, it decreased due to the increase in BPD and HC sizes.

A novel liquid scintillation counter with single-photon elimination based on pulse width discrimination

The liquid scintillation counting is widely used in α and β nuclides activity measurements of atmospheric, groundwater and biological samples, with the advantages of high detection efficiency, easy sample preparation, reproducibility and low cost. However, single photons caused by mixing of samples and scintillation cocktails affect the accuracy of activity measurements, especially for low energy β-nuclide such as 55Fe and 14C. A novel method to eliminate the single photons based on the analysis of signal time characteristic was developed and a liquid scintillation counter made of a fast time response photomultiplier tube (PMT), a high-speed comparator, and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) based activity measurement system was designed. The FPGA based activity measurement system consisted of pulse width measurement, pulse width discrimination, activity calculation, and display modules. The accurate measurement of pulse width was achieved by digital phase-shifting. The counter was scaled and calibrated with standard 14C liquid scintillation cocktails. The results show that for 14C liquid scintillation samples with activities of 72.20 Bq and 732.37 Bq, the relative deviation is less than 1 %.

Conservative management of canine cleft palate can be a viable treatment option: 65 cases (2006-2023).

To evaluate nonsurgical management outcomes of cleft palate (CP) in dogs and identify any association between cleft size, prevalence of clinical signs, and quality of life (QoL). 65 dogs treated conservatively for CP from January 2006 through December 2023 were retrospectively identified. Diet, activity, medical history, and QoL were recorded for dogs that survived to the transition to solid food. Results were compared to those from 24 control dogs. Measurements of cleft area, width, and percentage of the hard palate occupied by the cleft were made with the use of calibrated photographs. Clefts were divided into 3 types: wide throughout, wide rostrally, and slit throughout. Sneezing was the most frequent clinical sign (43 of 65 over the past month, 34 of 65 when most affected). There was a greater frequency of material lodging in the cleft in the wide-throughout clefts (13 of 16 dogs) compared to the slit-throughout clefts (7 of 19 dogs). Veterinary removal of material was required in 10 of 68 episodes (7 of 31 dogs). There was no correlation between cleft size and prevalence of clinical signs or QoL. Sixty-three percent of dogs had a perfect QoL on a weighted scale, while 83.3% had a perfect score on a visual analog scale. Sixty-four of 65 owners would adopt another dog with a CP. Measures of QoL were favorable among dogs treated conservatively for CP. Conservative management appears to be a viable option for treatment of CPs in some dogs.

W mass and muon g−2 in an inert 2HDM extended by a singlet complex scalar

The deviations of the recent measurements of the muon magnetic moment and the W-boson mass from their SM predictions hint to new physics beyond the SM. In this article, we address the observed discrepancies in the W-boson mass and muon anomalous magnetic moment in the Inert Two Higgs Doublet Model extended by a complex scalar field singlet under the SM gauge group. The model is constrained from the existing Large Electron Positron Collider (LEP) data and the measurements of partial decay widths to gauge bosons at LHC. It is shown that a large subset of the constrained parameter space of the model can accommodate both the experimentally measured as well as SM global fit value of W-boson mass while simultaneously explaining the observed muon g−2 anomaly. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Measurement of the W-boson mass and width with the ATLAS detector using proton–proton collisions at s=7 TeV

Proton–proton collision data recorded by the ATLAS detector in 2011, at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV, have been used for an improved determination of the W-boson mass and a first measurement of the W-boson width at the LHC. Recent fits to the proton parton distribution functions are incorporated in the measurement procedure and an improved statistical method is used to increase the measurement precision. The measurement of the W-boson mass yields a value of mW=80,366.5±9.8(stat.)±12.5(syst.) MeV =80,366.5±15.9 MeV, and the width is measured as ΓW=2202±32(stat.)±34(syst.) MeV =2202±47 MeV. The first uncertainty components are statistical and the second correspond to the experimental and physics-modelling systematic uncertainties. Both results are consistent with the expectation from fits to electroweak precision data. The present measurement of mW is compatible with and supersedes the previous measurement performed using the same data.

Portable Vehicle Outer Contour Dimension Measurement Algorithm Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Overlimit Mobile Detection

In the realm of highway traffic management, the detection of overlimit vehicles holds paramount importance. Presently, the predominant methods for overlimit detection rely heavily on stationary detection equipment, thus constraining the ability to conduct mobile detection. To tackle this challenge, the current study introduced an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based portable methodology aimed at measuring vehicle outer contour dimensions. By employing a binocular camera affixed to a UAV, the method captured point cloud data of vehicles, from which a specialized algorithm extracted the point cloud of target vehicles. The dimensions of the vehicle profile were then determined through a combination of line-scanning method and rotation of axis. We carried out experiments on trucks of different sizes and colors, with the following results: the average error of length measurement was 2.35%, of width measurement was 1.85%, and the average error of height measurement was 1.18%. This indicated the method’s high accuracy. Beyond offering a novel technical solution for identifying overlimit vehicles, this study expanded UAV applications into a new domain. The proposed method stands out for its portability, speed, and efficiency, facilitating immediate detection of highway overlimit infractions and significantly contributing to highway traffic management.

Validation of otolith daily increment formation and early growth analysis of Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

The Japanese flounder is a vital economic species among East Asian released and cultured fish. Here, we sought to validate daily increment formation and analyze the early morphological development of sagittal otoliths and lapillus in Japanese flounder larvae and juveniles over 50 days. Our analysis focused on the otolith shapes, the number of daily rings present, and their length and width measurements. The results revealed that sagittal otoliths and lapillus formed before the fertilized eggs hatched. During the larval and juvenile stages, sagittae evolved gradually, transforming from nearly round to oval structures, eventually adopting arrow- or pear-shaped forms. Similarly, lapillus transformed from nearly round to mussel-shaped structures. The first daily ring became evident on the 5th-day post-hatching, demonstrating a daily periodicity during the larval phase. We observed a direct relationship between incubation days (D) and the number of daily otolith increments (n), expressed as D = n + 5. This deposition trend exhibited a daily periodicity for both sagittae and lapillus. We also noted exponential correlations between the length (Ls, μm) and width (Ws, μm) of the sagittae and the total length (TL, mm). Contrastingly, the lapillus measurements demonstrated linear correlations. Furthermore, a linear relationship emerged between the sagittae and lapillus lengths: Ll = 0.3028Ls + 28.534 (R2 = 0.9366). Additionally, we found a similar linear relationship between the sagittae and lapillus widths: Wl = 0.3791Ws + 21.508 (R2 = 0.9426). The formation pattern of daily increments in lapillus was notably more distinct than that in sagittae, making it highly suitable for age identification and group recognition. This study not only contributes to the field of fish ecology but also provides a foundational understanding for future research. It can assist in reconstructing early life histories and inferences about the spawning periods and grounds of stocked Japanese flounder.

X-Ray Diffraction Line Broadening of Irradiated Zr-2.5Nb Alloys

The evolution of the mechanical properties of Zr-2.5Nb pressure tubing during irradiation is dependent on dislocation loop densities that are represented by the broadening of X-ray diffraction lines. Empirical models for the integral breadth of the diffraction peaks as a function of operating conditions have been developed to predict the mechanical properties of CANDU reactor pressure tubes as a function of fast neutron flux, time and temperature. Apart from predicting mechanical property changes based on integral breadth measurements, a new model has been developed to retrospectively deduce abnormal operating temperatures of ex-service pressure from the measured line broadening. The application of integral breadth measurements to assess mechanical properties and temperature variations in pressure tubes is described and discussed in terms of the implications for pressure tube integrity.