Natural Topography Research Articles

Characterization and Validation of the Second-generation wPUM Topography Monitors.

Little is known about the natural use behavior of new and emerging tobacco products due to the limited availability of reliable puff topography monitors suitable for ambulatory deployment. An understanding of use behavior is needed to assess the health impact of emerging tobacco products and inform realistic standardized topography profiles for emissions studies. The purpose of this study is to validate four monitors: the wPUM cigalike, vapepen, hookah, and cigarette monitors. Each wPUM monitor was characterized and validated for range, accuracy, and resolution for puff flow rate, duration, volume, and interpuff gap in a controlled laboratory environment. Monitor repeatability was assessed for each wPUM monitor using four separate week-long natural environment monitoring studies including cigalike, vapepen, hookah, and cigarette users. The valid flow rate range was 10 to 100 mL/s for cigalike and cigarette monitors, 10 to 95 mL/s for vapepen monitors, and 50 to 400 mL/s hookah monitors. Flow rate accuracy was within ±2 mL/s for cigalike, vapepen, and cigarette monitors and ±6 mL/s for the hookah monitor. Durations and interpuff gaps as small as 0.2 s were measured to within ±0.07 s. Monitor calibrations changed by 4.7% (vapepen), 1.5% (cigarette), 0.5% (cigalike), and 0.1% (hookah) after 1 week of natural environment use. The wPUM topography monitors were demonstrated to be reliable when deployed in the natural environment for a range of emerging tobacco products. The current study addresses the lack of available techniques to reliably monitor topography in the natural environment, across multiple emerging tobacco products. Natural environment topography data will inform standardized puffing protocols for premarket tobacco product applications. The ability to quantify topography over extended periods of time will lead to a better understanding of use behavior and better-informed regulations to protect public health.

Functional Connectivity Between the Trigeminal Main Sensory Nucleus and the Trigeminal Motor Nucleus.

The present study shows new evidence of functional connectivity between the trigeminal main sensory (NVsnpr) and motor (NVmt) nuclei in rats and mice. NVsnpr neurons projecting to NVmt are most highly concentrated in its dorsal half. Their electrical stimulation induced multiphasic excitatory synaptic responses in trigeminal MNs and evoked calcium responses mainly in the jaw-closing region of NVmt. Induction of rhythmic bursting in NVsnpr neurons by local applications of BAPTA also elicited rhythmic firing or clustering of postsynaptic potentials in trigeminal motoneurons, further emphasizing the functional relationship between these two nuclei in terms of rhythm transmission. Biocytin injections in both nuclei and calcium-imaging in one of the two nuclei during electrical stimulation of the other revealed a specific pattern of connectivity between the two nuclei, which organization seemed to critically depend on the dorsoventral location of the stimulation site within NVsnpr with the most dorsal areas of NVsnpr projecting to the dorsolateral region of NVmt and intermediate areas projecting to ventromedial NVmt. This study confirms and develops earlier experiments by exploring the physiological nature and functional topography of the connectivity between NVsnpr and NVmt that was demonstrated in the past with neuroanatomical techniques.

Retroactive comparison of operator-designed and computer-generated skid-trail networks on steep terrain

Aim of the study: Quantify potential economic benefits of implementing computer-generated skid-trail networks over the traditional operator-designed skid-trail networks on steep terrain ground-based forest operations.Area of study: A 132-ha harvest operation conducted at the University of Kentucky’s Robinson Forest in eastern Kentucky, USA.Materials and methods: We compared computer-generated skid-trail network with an operator-designed network for a 132-ha harvest. Using equipment mounted GPS data and a digital elevation model (DEM), we identified the original operator-designed skid-trail network. Pre-harvest conditions were replicated by re-contouring terrain slopes over skid-trails to simulate the natural topography and by spatially distributing the harvestable volume based on pre-harvest inventories and timber harvest records. An optimized skid-trail network was designed using these pre-harvest conditions and compared to the original, operator-designed network.Main results: The computer-generated network length was slightly longer than the operator-designed network (53.7 km vs. 51.7 km). This also resulted in a slightly longer average skidding distance (0.71 km vs. 0.66 km) and higher total harvesting costs (5.1 $ ton-1 vs. 4.8 $ ton-1). However, skidding costs of the computer-generated network were slightly lower (4.2 $ ton-1 vs. 4.3 $ ton-1). When comparing only major skid-trails, those with ≥ 20 machine passes, the computer-generated skid-trail network was 28% shorter than the operator network (9.4 km vs. 13.1 km). Research highlight: This assessment offers evidence that computer-generated networks could be used to generate efficient skid-trails, help determine skidding costs, and assess further potential economic and environmental benefits.Key words: timber harvesting; forest operations; network optimization; soil disturbances; cost minimization.

Anti-Plane Responses Induced by Circular Cavity beneath Semi-circular Canyon

ABSTRACT A complicated natural topography, such as a cavity beneath a canyon, can cause considerable ground motion during earthquakes. This phenomenon is referred to as a site effect. An awareness of site effects can help to reduce damage to property and loss of life. However, modeling the highly complex interactions between a cavity and a canyon requires considerable mesh skills. In this study, we developed a novel, systematic approach to meshing this kind of complicated topography, wherein irregularities are meshed via arithmetic progression, the formula of the internal division point, and the transfinite interpolation (TFI) function. We then implemented a hybrid method combining Lamb’s series with the finite element method (FEM) in conjunction with the proposed meshing skill to resolve the problem of anti-plane scattering. The results were verified using two degenerated models: a semi-circular canyon and a cavity beneath a planar surface. We made a detailed account of how the responses of at the surface of the semi-circular canyon and around the surface of the circular cavity were affected by the incident angle of SH waves (), dimensionless frequency (), and variations in the radius of the circular cavity (). Interestingly, the responses of were affected by the following site effects: (1) plate-like effects related to the buried depth of the circular cavity, (2) canyon-decay effects due to the existence of the canyon, and (3) creep effects associated with the curvature and size of circular cavity. The patterns of at the free surface and surface of the circular cavity are affected by each of the aforementioned site effects, which all depend profoundly on , and .

A Multi-Scale Mapping Approach Based on a Deep Learning CNN Model for Reconstructing High-Resolution Urban DEMs

The scarcity of high-resolution urban digital elevation model (DEM) datasets, particularly in certain developing countries, has posed a challenge for many water-related applications such as flood risk management. A solution to address this is to develop effective approaches to reconstruct high-resolution DEMs from their low-resolution equivalents that are more widely available. However, the current high-resolution DEM reconstruction approaches mainly focus on natural topography. Few attempts have been made for urban topography, which is typically an integration of complex artificial and natural features. This study proposed a novel multi-scale mapping approach based on convolutional neural network (CNN) to deal with the complex features of urban topography and to reconstruct high-resolution urban DEMs. The proposed multi-scale CNN model was firstly trained using urban DEMs that contained topographic features at different resolutions, and then used to reconstruct the urban DEM at a specified (high) resolution from a low-resolution equivalent. A two-level accuracy assessment approach was also designed to evaluate the performance of the proposed urban DEM reconstruction method, in terms of numerical accuracy and morphological accuracy. The proposed DEM reconstruction approach was applied to a 121 km2 urbanized area in London, United Kingdom. Compared with other commonly used methods, the current CNN-based approach produced superior results, providing a cost-effective innovative method to acquire high-resolution DEMs in other data-scarce regions.

Determination of recharge areas to optimize the function of urban protected areas on a small island

The increase in population and economy as a whole has an impact on the urban and regional growth patterns, through the development of settlements, infrastructure, and other supporting activities. The city on the small island also experiences the same pattern, particularly in the city appointed as one of the national strategic areas. Uncontrolled and sporadic growth pattern will cause serious effect on environmental degradation. Sabang, nationally announced as a strategic special zone, located on a small island with land-use dominated by forests, natural topography, mountains, and hills. One effort to maintain the environment due to the development growth is to optimize the catchment areas. The purpose of this study is to determine the recharge area, which would be a consideration in planning the spatial pattern of Sabang. The factors reviewed in this study are rainfall, slope, land-use, and soil conditions. Scoring techniques were used to measure the value of these factors. Furthermore, the Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to identify the recharge areas and to overlay both raster and vector data. The result shows that the potential area as the recharge areas is 63.8% of Sabang (7,873.67 ha), which includes forest areas, mangrove beaches, housing, green open spaces, terrestrial nature reserves, mixed plantations, industrial estates, tourism, trade and services, landslide-prone areas, river areas and beaches, and reservoirs. The finding indicates that there is the need to review the land-use plan to be ecologically compatible, particularly in the so-called eco-sensitive zones where the recharge areas are necessary.

Biomedical Applications of Wrinkling Polymers

Advancements in surface engineering and material fabrication techniques have enabled the creation and replication of naturally occurring surface topographies or the extrapolation of natural patterns to become achievable targets. Polymers are used extensively in the field of biomedical sciences for containment, handling, and as cell culture substrates. It is well established that several polymers exhibit good biocompatibility for cell culture, with properties that include exhibiting minimal to no cytotoxicity and being sufficiently hydrophilic to facilitate cell adhesion. However, when using biologically representative materials, there is always a challenge of achieving tissue representative surface topography and architecture. Wrinkles in human skin represent a considerably common surface topography, resulting from aging and maturity of the tissue. Inspired by this natural topography, the present review article discusses the various techniques for generating wrinkle-like patterns on the polymer surfaces, along with their potential biomedical applications. Wrinkling as material science and as a physical concept has been explored only during the last century. The transfer of the knowledge related to wrinkling from hard engineering materials to soft elastomers has resulted in the development of an active research field, although it remains in its infancy in terms of application in biomedical science and engineering. It is suggested that wrinkling of polymers, particularly elastomers, would have numerous applications, ranging from tissue modeling in drug and therapy design to in vitro organogenesis for therapeutic explants in the field of regenerative medicine.

Optimal siting of edutainment energy parks through the modelling of weighted spatial decision criteria

In transitioning towards cleaner production and any other new policy, public acceptance is often seen as a major issue. Edutainment energy parks, with the potential to produce and exhibit various renewable energies, seems to be a successful strategy for increasing public awareness and culture building that may lead to public acceptance. The location of these parks is the first, and perhaps the most important, challenge impacting their future usage and success. In this study, a hybrid decision support model was developed by combining the Delphi method (to obtain the main site selection criteria), the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory technique (to establish the interdependence and correlation between complex criteria), and the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (to overcome inconsistent and uncertain judgments whilst weighting the selected criteria). The developed method identified twelve sub-criteria grouped under four main criteria, including transportation infrastructures, population and social, environmental, and physical indicators. The weighting results showed that the built environment and natural topography (0.148), parcel size, land use and economic matters (0.146), legibility (0.107), and population centers (0.104) are the four most important sub-criteria. Application to a real data set of Tehran for efficiency revealed that Afra Park with a 5419 m2 area is the most optimal parcel for establishing an edutainment energy park in District 7 of the city, according to the selected criteria. Therefore, implementing these criteria demonstrated that they can be useful when working on a practical project with real data.

Neo Ekistics for flood mitigation in cities

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to shed light on the potential of ecologically driven urban design interventions to substantiate urban form performance in coping with the increasing flood threats particularly in the Middle East region. The paper applies ecological principles to new urban interventions for pluvial flood adaptation in Muscat city, Oman. The interventions incorporate the physical dimensions of both the natural (topography) and the built environment (urban morphology). The study demonstrates different scenarios in Muscat city in Oman and discusses the different challenges faced at different socio-economic and ecological levels.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a case study approach. The methods include semi-structured interviews aiming to gain insight from experts in the field of study about salient physical interventions in the urban context that is potentially going to help mitigating flood consequences. Mitigation scenarios were guided by the participants’ recommendations in the area. Scenarios were tested across two complementary phases using two software packages, the first of which is the pre-processing phase accomplished by using the Aeronautical Reconnaissance Coverage Geographic Information System and the second is the flood analysis phase done by the Hydrological Environmental Center for River Analysis System (HECRAS) platform. The scenarios were evaluated in relation to the successfulness and reliability of physical solutions based on to which extent the flood wave depth and coverage was reduced.FindingsThe paper provides an alternative resilient holistic approach to achieve socially and ecologically sensitive and less expensive flood mitigation solutions in the Middle East.Originality/valueThe paper provides a new approach to flood mitigation linking ecological principles to the social dimension of human activities and experience in closely knitted communities.

Remote sensing investigation of sand mining in Wenzhou based on domestic satellite data

Taking the domestic high-resolution satellite image data obtained in 2018 as the information source, the remote sensing image was processed, and part of the map spots were verified in the field. Combined with the natural environment, topography and geomorphology of Wenzhou City, the sand mining of Oujiang, Feiyun and Aojiang in Wenzhou City was investigated and monitored by remote sensing. Through the application research, the current situation of sand mining in Wenzhou City is found out, which can provide scientific basis for the government to make the next decision of sand mining restoration and management and the reasonable development and utilization planning of mineral resources.

O conceito de rendimento da escola italiana de morfologia

Como transpor o conceito de ‘rendimento’ da escola italiana de morfologia urbana para a língua portuguesa e associá-lo diretamente à escala da cidade? Desenvolvido originalmente por Gianfranco Caniggia e seus discípulos, o conceito de ‘rendimento’ expressa uma ideia de adaptação, aproveitamento e eficiência, e foi sobretudo empregado na leitura de conjuntos edificados e territórios. Entretanto, o ‘rendimento’ ainda não foi aplicado na análise e proposição de novos traçados urbanos. O que se faz neste artigo, portanto, é interpretar o conceito a partir de sua etimologia e do arcabouço italiano, adaptando-o para a escala da cidade e possibilitando que o ‘rendimento’ possa ser aplicado em novos projetos. Por meio de argumentação lógica, serão revisados os principais autores que trataram do rendimento e suas considerações serão associadas e sintetizadas em uma definição lusófona. Como resultado, o conceito de ‘rendimento urbano’ será desenvolvido, traduzindo a relação entre traçado urbano e relevo, que pode servir de parâmetro para o projeto de novas áreas urbanas. A conclusão apontará que o ‘rendimento’ perpassa as relações entre imaginário coletivo e paisagem, entre indivíduo, cultura e território, proporcionando uma compreensão mais abrangente da cidade e novos horizontes projetuais.

A Proposed Waterpipe Emissions Topography Protocol Reflecting Natural Environment User Behaviour.

Usage of waterpipes is growing in popularity around the world. Limited waterpipe natural environment topography data reduces the ability of the research community to accurately assess emissions and user exposure to toxicants. A portable ergonomic waterpipe monitor was provided to study participants to use every time they smoked their own waterpipe during a one-week monitoring period in conjunction with their own choice shisha tobacco. Users provided demographic information and logged their product use to supplement electronic monitor data. A total of 44 prospective study participants were invited to an intake appointment following an on-line pre-screening survey. Of these, 34 individuals were invited to participate in the study and data for 24 individuals who completed all aspects of the 1-week monitoring protocol is presented. 7493 puffs were observed during 74 waterpipe sessions accumulating over 48 h of waterpipe usage. The 95% CI on mean puff flow rate, duration, volume and interval are presented, yielding grand means of 243 [mL/s], 3.5 [s], 850 [mL], and 28 [s] respectively. The middle 95% of puff flow rates ranged between 62 to 408 [mL/s], durations from 0.8 to 6.8 [s], and puff volumes from 87 to 1762 [mL]. A waterpipe emissions topography protocol consisting of 13 flow conditions is proposed to reflect 93% of the observed range of puff flow rate, puff duration and puff volume with representative inter-puff interval, cumulative session time and aerosol volumes.

Behavior-based yield for electronic cigarette users of different strength eliquids based on natural environment topography

Introduction: The extent to which electronic cigarette users will compensate for lower nicotine eliquids has implications on the risk associated with regulating eliquid composition. This article elucidates topography as a compensatory mechanism by investigating the impact of nicotine strength on total particulate matter (TPM) and nicotine consumed per puff.Methods: Thirty-three experienced vape pen users were assigned an NJOY™ VapePen and AVAIL™ brand Tobacco Row eliquid with their usual nicotine strength (L = 6 mg/mL, M = 12 mg/mL, H = 18 mg/mL) and vaped through RIT’s wPUMTM vape pen monitor to record every puff during 1 week. Nicotine and TPM yield per puff was determined accounting for the impact of topography characteristics on emissions and used to compute participant-specific mean yield per puff.Results: Nicotine yields ranged from 0.01 to 0.05 mg/puff and varied widely within each group (L, M, and H nicotine strength). Group-wise mean flow rate was lower for L compared to M (p = 0.2) and duration was higher compared to M (p = 0.09). Larger TPM was consumed per puff for L compared to M (p = 0.07), yet nicotine per puff for L was less than M (p = 0.3). H users took smaller volumes than L (p = 0.1) or M (p = 0.17), and there was little difference between L and M (p = 0.47).Conclusions: Evidence was provided for topography as a compensatory mechanism. Use of low nicotine strength eliquids can increase TPM, which can lead to increase in HPHC. Regulatory review of new products should consider natural use topography and realistic use exposures to nicotine, TPM and HPHCs.

Investigation of accurate location planning for wind farm establishment: a case study

Purpose Wind as a major source of renewable energy has received tremendous attentions due to its unique features to reduce carbon emission and also to keep the environment safe. Nevertheless, to use wind energy properly, the environmental circumstances and geographical location related to wind intensity should be considered as a priority. Different factors may affect the selection of a suitable location for developments of wind power plants; thus, these factors should be considered concurrently to identify the optimum location of wind plants. Design/methodology/approach In this study, first, basic data envelopment analysis (DEA) was used, then dual DEA was used and, finally, Anderson Petersen (AP) model of dual DEA was selected to prioritize cities or decision-making units (DMUs). Numerical Taxonomy (NT) method was also used to assess the validity of AP dual model in DEA. The prescribed approach was applied for five cities in East Azerbaijan province of Iran. Findings The results indicate that wind power as a renewable energy can be harnessed in few cities, and the ranking by DEA illustrated that the city of Tabriz is the first priority. Practical implications Low environmental degradation effects in comparison to other methods and the ability to utilization at a widespread level include the benefits of using wind energy in the generation of electricity. In this regard, the study of relevant potentials and finding suitable locations for the deployment of wind energy utilization equipment are essential. Using DEA method helps us to choose optimal locations according to different criteria. Social implications Wind energy is justifiable in reducing social costs in comparison with fossil fuel plants, which includes negative effects, and its electricity can be used as a sustainable energy in the country's economic, social and cultural development. Originality/value For identifying the most proper location for development of wind power plants in Iran, DEA is applied for the first time to prioritize the suitable locations for installations of wind turbines among five different cities in the East Azerbaijan region. A number of crucial factors including land price, distance to power, rate of natural hazards, wind speed and topography are considered for location optimization of wind turbines for the first time. Also, to validate the results of DEA method, NT method is used to assess the validity of AP dual model in DEA.

Development of a novel automatable fabrication method based on electrospinning co electrospraying for rotator cuff augmentation patches.

Rotator cuff tear is one of the most common shoulder diseases. Rotator cuff augmentation (RCA) is trying to solve the high retear failure percentage after the surgery procedures (20–90%). The ideal augmentation patch must provide a temporal mechanical support during the healing process. In this work, we proposed a simple method for the fabrication of synthetic RCA patches. This method combines the use of electrospraying to produce poly-L-lactic-co-ε-caprolactone (PLC) films in an organogel form and electrospinning to produce poly(lactic) acid (PLA) nanofibers. The device consists in a combination of layers, creating a multilayered construct, enabling the possibility of tuning its mechanical properties and thickness. Besides, both techniques are simple to escalate for industrial production. A complete characterization has been performed to optimize the involved number of layers and production time of PLC films and PLA nanofibers fabrication, obtaining a final optimal configuration for RCA devices. Structural, mechanical and suture properties were evaluated. Also, the possibility of surface functionalization to improve the bioactivity of the scaffold was studied, adding aligned electrospun PLA nanofibers on the surface of the device to mimic the natural tendon topography. Surface modification was characterized by culturing adult normal human dermal fibroblasts. Lack of toxicity was detected for material presented, and cell alignment shape orientation guided by aligned fibers, mimicking tendon structure, was obtained. Cell proliferation and protein production were also evaluated.

Modeling the Effect of Environmental and Topographic Variables Affecting the Height Increment of Norway Spruce Stands in Mountainous Conditions with the Use of LiDAR Data

Differing levels of humidity, sunlight exposure or temperature in different areas of mountain ranges are fundamental to the existence of particular vegetation types. A better understanding of even local variability of trees may bring significant benefits, not only economic, but most of all, nature-related. The main focus of this study was the analysis of relationships between increment in stand height, age and the natural topography in the examined area. Among others, the following were examined with regard to their influence on the growing process: age, altitude above sea level (m a.s.l.), aspect and slope, topographic wetness index (TWI), and topographic position index (TPI) generated from an airborne laser scanning (ALS)-derived elevation model. To precisely calculate forest growth dynamics in mountain conditions for different spruce stands, repeated airborne lidar measurements from 2007 and 2012 were used (with resolution respectively 4 and 6 pts./m2). Detailed information on every stand including species composition, share of individual species, as well as their age, were acquired from the State Forests IT System (SILP). It was proven in this study, that environmental and topographic variables may have an impact on forest growth dynamics on even closely located areas. Apart from the age, the greatest influence on tree growth has an altitude above sea level, aspect and slope. The highest height increment of spruce was observed in the stands of up to 30 years old, those that had grown at an altitude under 850 m a.s.l., on the slopes up to 15 degrees or on those which were on the northeastern exposure. The results obtained show that the physiology of species, even those that are well known, largely depends on local topographic conditions. The proven impact of different topography factors on the growth of spruce may be used while planning economic activities in precision forestry. Additional research with using multiple laser scanning in the context of other regions or other species may bring us better recognition of local growth conditions and in consequence, significantly better planning and higher revenues obtained from the sale of trees.

Determining the shading correction factor using a smartphone camera with a fisheye lens

Quasi-steady-state methods to calculate monthly heating and cooling energy needs require the quantification of solar heat gains through windows. The presence of external obstacles, such as natural topography, other buildings, overhangs, or side fins, may significantly decrease solar gains. Simplified methods to evaluate shading on windows throughout the year use the shading correction factor concept, i.e., the ratio between the surface solar irradiation in the presence of external obstacles and in their absence. This paper presents a photographic method using a low-cost fisheye lens attached to a smartphone to quantify the shading correction factor. It is based on image processing, solar geometry, and climate databases and does not require 3D building design or angle measurement of external obstacles. Both beam and diffuse correction factors are calculated monthly. The model correctly predicts the real Sun’s position in the photos and the expected monthly shading of a South window with an overhang. For the diffuse correction factor, errors up to 11% are obtained when compared to the analytical solution of a window with a large overhang. Standard tabulated values for windows with multiple obstructions are conservative when compared to those of the photographic method. The tabulated approach considers the effect of various obstacles shading even when overlapping occurs, which possibly explains the difference between methods.

Assessing and mitigating the effects of agricultural soil erosion on roadside ditches

PURPOSE: Roadside ditches line more than 6.3 million km of roadways in the USA, dissecting the natural topography and altering the flow of runoff from the catchments that drain into them. In agricultural regions, more than 30% of a watershed may directly drain into the roadside ditch system. Quantifying soil erosion and sediment export from agricultural watersheds is a crucial component when considering long-term soil sustainability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study evaluated the relation of catchment soil erosion and ditch sedimentation at six representative roadside ditches in Lime Creek watershed (eastern Iowa) and quantified the effectiveness of possible catchment conservation practices to reduce soil erosion and ditch sedimentation. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Study results provide clear evidence linking roadside ditches to the agricultural catchments that drain into them. Among the six ditch sites, catchment erosion was found to be inversely related to sediment storage within the ditch due to erosive power of water entering the ditches from their basins. Of four catchment scenarios to reduce soil erosion, no-till with cover and graded terrace did not require land to be taken out of production and provided the most significant reductions in catchment erosion rates. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that reducing nutrient and sediment loads to ditches by incorporating in-field conservation practices in ditch catchments may be more economical and environmentally sustainable than current management practices for both farmers and roadway managers because they trap detached soil sediments before they enter the ditch.

Improving the biocompatibility of biomaterial constructs and constructs delivering cells for the pelvic floor.

Interactions between biomaterials and biomaterial-delivering cells and the host tissues are complexly affected by the material itself, the ultrastructure of the overall construct and cells and other bioactive factors involved. The aim of this review is to review the current understanding on the definitions of biocompatibility and current advances in improving biocompatability of tissue-engineered constructs. Some synthetic materials are associated with more foreign body reactions compared with natural materials; however, they allow fabrication of materials with a great diversity of physical and mechanical properties. Material design strategies can be tailored to mimic the natural extracellular matrix topography. There are also advancements in the pharmacological functionalization of materials with improved angiogenic potential that can lead to better tissue response. Stem cells are also used to improve the tissue response of tissue-engineered materials; however, the recent regulations on regenerative medicine products necessitate significant regulatory approval processes for these. The biggest challenge faced in translation of tissue-engineered constructs into clinical practice relates to their engraftment and poor tissue integration into the challenging wound bed of the pelvic floor. Biocompatibility of tissue engineered constructs can theoretically be improved by the incorporation of bioactive agents, such as vitamins C or oestradiol.

Collapsing Complexity: Quantifying Multiscale Properties of Reef Topography

AbstractSeafloor topography affects a wide range of physical and biological processes; therefore, collapsing the three‐dimensional structure of the bottom to roughness metrics is a common challenge in studies of marine systems. Here we assessed the properties captured by metrics previously proposed for the seafloor, as well as metrics developed to characterize other types of rough surfaces. We considered three classes of metrics: properties of the bottom elevation distribution (e.g., standard deviation), length scale ratios (e.g., rugosity), and metrics that describe how topography varies with spatial scale (e.g., Hölder exponents). The metrics were assessed using idealized topography and natural seafloor topography data from airborne lidar measurements of a coral reef. We illustrate that common roughness metrics (e.g., rugosity) can have the same value for topographies that are geometrically very different, limiting their utility. Application of the wavelet leaders technique to the reef data set demonstrates that the topography has a power law scaling behavior, but it is multifractal so a distribution of Hölder exponents is needed to describe its scaling behavior. Using principal component analysis, we identify three dominant modes of topographic variability, or ways metrics covary, among and within reef zones. Collectively, the results presented here show that coral reef topography is both multiscale and multifractal. While individual metrics that capture specific topography properties relevant to a given process may be suitable for some studies, many applications will require a set of metrics that includes statistics that capture how topography varies with spatial scale.