Photographic Method Research Articles

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Cobb Angle Measurement for Scoliosis: Retrospective Reliability and Accuracy Study of a Mobile App.

Scoliosis is a spinal deformity in which one or more spinal segments bend to the side or show vertebral rotation. Some artificial intelligence (AI) apps have already been developed for measuring the Cobb angle in patients with scoliosis. These apps still require doctors to perform certain measurements, which can lead to interobserver variability. The AI app (cobbAngle pro) in this study will eliminate the need for doctor measurements, achieving complete automation. We aimed to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of our new AI app that is based on deep learning to automatically measure the Cobb angle in patients with scoliosis. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of children with scoliosis who were treated at the Pediatric Orthopedics Department of the Children's Hospital affiliated with Fudan University from July 2019 to July 2022. Three measurers used the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) to measure the coronal main curve Cobb angle in 802 full-length anteroposterior and lateral spine X-rays of 601 children with scoliosis, and recorded the results of each measurement. After an interval of 2 weeks, the mobile AI app was used to remeasure the Cobb angle once. The Cobb angle measurements from the PACS were used as the reference standard, and the accuracy of the Cobb angle measurements by the app was analyzed through the Bland-Altman test. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to compare the repeatability within measurers and the consistency between measurers. Among 601 children with scoliosis, 89 were male and 512 were female (age range: 10-17 years), and 802 full-length spinal X-rays were analyzed. Two functionalities of the app (photography and photo upload) were compared with the PACS for measuring the Cobb angle. The consistency was found to be excellent. The average absolute errors of the Cobb angle measured by the photography and upload methods were 2.00 and 2.08, respectively. Using a clinical allowance maximum error of 5°, the 95% limits of agreement (LoAs) for Cobb angle measurements by the photography and upload methods were -4.7° to 4.9° and -4.9° to 4.9°, respectively. For the photography and upload methods, the 95% LoAs for measuring Cobb angles were -4.3° to 4.6° and -4.4° to 4.7°, respectively, in mild scoliosis patients; -4.9° to 5.2° and -5.1° to 5.1°, respectively, in moderate scoliosis patients; and -5.2° to 5.0° and -6.0° to 4.8°, respectively, in severe scoliosis patients. The Cobb angle measured by the 3 observers twice before and after using the photography method had good repeatability (P<.001). The consistency between the observers was excellent (P<.001). The new AI platform is accurate and repeatable in the automatic measurement of the Cobb angle of the main curvature in patients with scoliosis.

Use of a Microelectromechanical Systems Sensor for Objective Measurements of Abnormal Head Posture in Congenital Superior Oblique Palsy Patients.

The purpose of this study was to design an objective method for measurement of head positions as achieved with use of a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor. In addition, to use this system to observe the abnormal head position (AHP) in patients with congenital superior oblique palsy (SOP) before and after their surgery. An MEMS sensor was designed for recording of the pitch, roll, and yaw values of the head position in real time. The MEMS sensor was then fixed on the synoptophore from -30 degrees to +30 degrees positions horizontally and vertically to test the accuracy of these measurements. Then, we tested 13 participants with AHP using the MEMS method and the photographic method and compared their correlations. Finally, the pitch, roll, and yaw values of head positions were measured using this MEMS sensor in 31 patients with congenital SOP as performed before and after their surgery. The MEMS sensor (LPMS-B2; Alubi, Guangzhou, China; 400 hertz [Hz]), as based on the theory of a gyroscope, was designed and connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth. It was able to conveniently record the patient's pitch, roll, and yaw head positions in real time, recordings which were consistent with the scales of the synoptophore (P > 0.05) and good correlations with the photographic method (P < 0.001). The main preoperative AHP in patients with SOP was roll (22/31, 71%). Pre- and postoperative vertical deviations were 16.4 ± 7.3 prism diopters (PD) and 4.1 ± 4.2 PD, respectively (P = 0.001). The AHP in patients with SOP was positively correlated with the angle of extorsion in the dominant eye (P = 0.01), rather than that of the vertical deviation. The MEMS sensor described in this report is a simple, practical, and accurate objective device for use in head position measurements. In patients with SOP, the AHP is related to the angle of extorsion in the dominant eye. The MEMS sensor was designed as a micro-wireless dynamic high-precision device for AHP measurement, which has the potential for use in a clinic.

MANGROVE HEALTH INDEX IN MARTAJASAH MANGROVE ECOTOURISM, BANGKALAN REGENCY, EAST JAVA, INDONESIA

Mangrove areas need to be considered from the condition of distribution and density of mangrove forests for future mangrove forest management planning, especially on Madura Island, especially Martajasah mangrove ecotourism. The purpose of this study is to determine the type of mangrove, canopy cover, and mangrove health index. The method used in this study is observation, which is to know the general overview of the research to be carried out. The selection of the research location was determined by the stratified random sampling method. The canopy cover on the mangrove was measured using the Hemispherical Photography method using the front camera of the OPPO Reno 6 phone with a camera resolution of 8 megapixels with a 180° angle of view at the point of taking the photo. The results of this study found 7 types of mangroves, including Sonneratia alba, Sonneratia caseolaris, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia alba, Avicennia marina, and Lumnitzera racemosa. The percentage of canopy cover obtained an average score of 63.44% or in the solid category. This indicates that the mangrove ecosystem found in Martajasah mangrove ecotourism is in a good category. The Mangrove Health Index in Martajasah Mangrove Ecotourism is included in normal (33-66%).

A tracer-free photographic method for the estimation of the velocity field in a liquid metal pool

Abstract Accurately measuring the velocity field (VF) of liquid metals is essential for optimizing and controlling high-temperature industrial processes, yet remains a challenging task despite the numerous existing velocimetry techniques. In this paper, a methodology for estimating the VF of a liquid metal pool is proposed. The experimental set-up used here to heat the metal sample up to the liquid state and collect data is presented. This set-up primarly intented to perform flash experimetns on liquid metals, allows contactless heating and data measurements by a high speed camera. The proposed methodology for estimating the VF consists then in implementing a Non-Rigid Registration between the different frames of the recorded temperature fields (TFs). This method is applied on TFs resulting from multiple experimental tests conducted on iron samples in the temperature range of 1 850 − 2 100 K. The consistency of the results is put to test via multiple validation tests. The influence of the main parameters is also evaluated. The results show that the proposed methodology allows a fine experimental quantification of liquid metal VFs with an estimated error of 8 % and confirm the feasibility of the proposed approach.

Dynamic response of hemispherical-shell sandwich structures subjected to underwater impulsive loading

In this study, experiments and numerical simulations are designed on aluminum sandwich structures with a hemispherical-shell core layer under underwater impact loading to investigate the dynamic response and energy absorption mechanisms. After the hemispherical-shell sandwich panels are designed and fabricated, they are loaded using an experimental apparatus incorporating fluid–structure interactions. The dynamic response of the sandwich panels is captured using the three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D-DIC) method of high-speed photography, and the energy-absorption mechanisms are analyzed via numerical simulation. This study primarily considers the effects of installation orientation, shock wave impulse and adhesive film on the sandwich panels. The results indicate that the deformation mode and impact resistance of the sandwich panels vary depending on the installation orientation. The displacement at the midpoint of the dry facesheet is linearly related to the shock wave impulse. At non-dimensional impulses exceeding 0.0085, the impact resistance of the forward installation target plate is higher. Additionally, the adhesive film significantly affects the deformation mode of the hemispherical-shell core layer. Its removal slightly increases the proportion of energy absorbed at the core. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the structure-response-energy relationship are performed on the hemispherical-shell sandwich panels, thus providing guidance for investigations pertaining to the underwater impact resistance of future metal sandwich structures.

State-of-the-Art in Skin Fluorescent Photography for Cosmetic and Skincare Research: From Molecular Spectra to AI Image Analysis.

Autofluorescence is a remarkable property of human skin. It can be excited by UV and observed in the dark using special detection systems. The method of fluorescence photography (FP) is an effective non-invasive tool for skin assessment. It involves image capturing by a camera the emission of light quanta from fluorophore molecules in the skin. It serves as a useful tool for cosmetic and skincare research, especially for the detection of pathological skin states, like acne, psoriasis, etc. To the best of our knowledge, there is currently no comprehensive review that fully describes the application and physical principles of FP over the past five years. The current review covers various aspects of the skin FP method from its biophysical basis and the main fluorescent molecules of the skin to its potential applications and the principles of FP recording and analysis. We pay particular attention to recently reported works on the automatic analysis of FP based on artificial intelligence (AI). Thus, we argue that FP is a rapidly evolving technology with a wide range of potential applications. We propose potential directions of the development of this method, including new AI algorithms for the analysis and expanding the range of applications.

Maize crop residue cover mapping using Sentinel-2 MSI data and random forest algorithms

The return of crop residues to cultivated fields has numerous agronomic and soil quality benefits and, therefore, the areal extent of crop residue cover (CRC) could provide a rapid measure of the sustainability of agricultural production systems in a region. Recognizing the limitations of traditional CRC methods, a new method is proposed for estimating the spatial and temporal distribution of maize residue cover (MRC) in the Jilin Province, NE China. The method used random forest (RF) algorithms, 13 tillage indices and 9 textural feature indicators derived from Sentinel-2 data. The tillage indices with the best predictive performance were STI and NDTI (R2 of 0.85 and 0.84, respectively). Among the texture features, the best-fitting was Band8AMean-5*5 (R2 of 0.56 and 0.54 for the line-transect and photographic methods, respectively). Based on MSE and InNodePurity, the optimal combination of RF algorithm for the line-transect method was STI, NDTI, NDI7, NDRI5, SRNDI, NDRI6, NDRI7 and Band3Mean-3*3. Likewise, the optimal combination of RF algorithm for the photographic method was STI, NDTI, NDI7, SRNDI, NDRI6, NDRI5, NDRI9 and Band3Mean-3*3. Regional distribution of MRC in the Jilin Province, estimated using the RF prediction model, was higher in the central and southeast sections than in the northwest. That distribution was in line with the spatial heterogeneity of maize yield in the region. These findings showed that the RF algorithm can be used to map regional MRC and, therefore, represents a useful tool for monitoring regional-scale adoption of conservation agricultural practices.

PERBANDINGAN PENDEKATAN KOMUNIKASI VISUAL POSTER KAMPANYE PASANGAN CALON PRESIDEN DAN WAKIL PRESIDEN PEMILU TAHUN 2024

For the 2024 General Election (Pemilu) which will take place on February 14, 2024, the three pairs of President and Vice President Candidates for the 2024 Election are carrying out a campaign by distributing posters in various locations and media. These posters use various visual communication approaches, which can be examined in more depth in how the visual aspects and visual communication in them reproduce to form an image representing the identity of candidate pairs, and how the visual approaches used by the three pairs of President and Vice President Candidates in the 2024 Election compare. This research aims to describe the visual variety of posters for candidate pairs and to describe a comparison of the visual communication approaches for the posters of the three pairs of President and Vice President Candidates in the 2024 Election. This research uses qualitative methods. The data collection method was direct visual observation in Jakarta, documented using photography methods, while visual observation via the internet and social media was then documented using screenshot techniques. The visual objects used as poster model samples were selected using purposive sampling, namely with the aim of the diversity of visual communication approaches used on posters. The analysis was carried out in 2 (two) stages, the first was an analysis of the visual elements of each poster model based on the sequence of President and Vice President Candidate Numbers that had been determined by the General Election Commission of the Republic of Indonesia, and the second was a comparative analysis of the visual communication approaches carried out by each -each candidate. The results of this research are a comparative description of the visual communication approaches for the posters of the three President and Vice President Candidates which represent the figure of the candidate pair in the 2024 Election.

Photographic image analysis methods

Photographic image analysis methods

The test-retest reliability and validity of food photography and food diary analyses.

To assess test-retest reliability of both food photography and food diary methods and validity of these data against known values derived from food labels. Test-retest reliability analyses of food diary and food photography were compared using single foodstuffs using intra-class correlation coefficients, coefficients of variation, and limits of agreement. For food diaries, 24-h test-retest reliability was also examined. Validity was assessed against weighed analyses. As part of habitual intake, a single foodstuff (randomly allocated from 14 common foods) was consumed by 26 participants over 24-h. On two occasions (14 days apart), single-blind dietary analyses allowed estimation of foodstuff-specific energy and macronutrient content and 24-h intakes. For food diaries, test-retest reliability was acceptable (weight, energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fat: all intra-class correlation coefficients: >0.990, coefficient of variation percentage: <0.1%, limits of agreements: <0.1 to <0.1, p > 0.05, and effect size: <0.01). For food photography, test-retest reliability was acceptable for weight, energy, carbohydrate, and protein (all intra-class correlation coefficients: >0.898, coefficient of variation percentage: 3.6%-6.2%, limits of agreements: 1.1 to - 44.9, and effect size: 0.01-0.12). Food photography validity was worse than food diaries for all variables (percentage difference: 8.8%-15.3%, coefficient of variation percentage: 7.5%-13.8%, all p ≤ 0.05, and effect size: 0.001-0.11). Greater reliability and validity occurred in food diaries versus food photography. These findings suggest that using food photography may lead to an underestimation of energy and macronutrient content, which may have implications for dietary interventions and nutritional strategies.

Three-dimensional reconstruction of a shooting crime scene

The crime scene is technically the place where an illegal act took place. The investigation first starts at the crime scene. Documentation of the crime scene is of great importance in order to make correct decisions in the investigation and prosecution stages, With the development of technology; the use of different devices and different technologies in crime scene investigation and crime scene documentation has created a new working area for many forensic scientists and law enforcement officers. Taking a general view of the crime scene without contamination, low margin of error in measurements can be shown as the main reasons for the use of laser scanning devices at the crime scene. A firearm crime scene was staged using different evidence. In the staged crime scene, a laser scanning device was also used along with the use of photography, sketching and note-taking methods from traditional documentation methods. In this study, the adequacy of the traditional methods alone, the adequacy of the laser scanning device alone, and the adequacy of the two methods together for reconstruction were discussed. The aim of this study is to determine the contributions and limitations of documenting the crime scene with a laser scanning device in combination with traditional documentation methods to the three-dimensional reconstruction of the crime scene.

Accuracy of smartphone imaging versus clinical examination in the diagnosis of ocular disorders in a rural-based hospital: A descriptive study

Background: In India, there is an unequal distribution of eye health care, and tele-ophthalmology promises to be a potential tool to provide accessible, affordable, and good-quality health care to the population residing in the rural and remote areas of our country. Aims: The aim of the study was to study the accuracy of smartphone imaging versus clinical examination in the diagnosis of ocular disorders at a rural-based hospital. Setting and Design: A hospital-based descriptive study was conducted for 18 months. The study was carried out in the outpatient department (OPD) of ophthalmology at a rural health training center (RHTC), attached to a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: Inclusion-A routine examination was carried out in the ophthalmology OPD at the RHTC. The off-site assessment was done based on the smartphone camera (iPhone Xs Max) images and videos captured on-site, which were remotely shared with two independent blinded observers to make the diagnosis which was compared with the clinical (on-site) diagnosis. Statistical Analysis: The agreement between the expert’s finding and the clinical examination finding was determined using Light’s Kappa coefficient. Accuracy of the photographic method was carried out in terms of sensitivity and specificity, considering clinical findings as the gold standard. Results and Conclusion: The diagnostic accuracy of smartphone imaging was the highest for the diagnosis of cataracts, followed by anterior segment conditions. The clinical diagnosis and smartphone imaging agreement were almost perfect for anterior segment disorders, while it was moderate for glaucoma and other disc pathologies.

Energetics of a World-Tour Female Road Cyclist During a Multistage Race (Tour de France Femmes).

Despite the increased popularity of female elite road cycling, research to inform the fueling requirements of these endurance athletes is lacking. In this case study, we report for the first time the energetics of a female world-tour cyclist competing in the 2023 Tour de France Femmes, an 8-day race of the Union Cycliste Internationale. The 29-year-old athlete presented with oligomenorrhea and low T3 before the race. Total daily energy expenditure assessed with the doubly labeled water technique was 7,572kcal/day (∼4.3 physical activity levels), among the highest reported in the literature to date for a female. Crank-based mean maximal power was consistent with female world-tour cyclists (5min, mean 342W, 4.8W/kg; 20min 289W, 4.1W/kg). The average daily energy intake measured with the remote food photography method (Stage Days 1-7) was 5,246kcal and carbohydrate intake was 13.7g/kg (range 9.7-15.9g/kg), and 84g/hr during stages, and an average fat intake of 15% of daily energy intake. An estimated 2,326kcal/day energy deficit was evidenced in a 2.2kg decrease in body mass. Notwithstanding the high carbohydrate intake, the athlete was unable to match the energy requirements of the competition. Despite signs of energy deficiency preexisting (oligomenorrhea and low T3), and other further developing during the race (weight loss), performance was in line with that of other world-tour cyclists and a best personal performance was recorded for the last stage. This case study emphasizes the need for further research to inform energy requirements for female athletes' optimal performance and health.

Identification of potential biological corridors for the bobcat (Lynx rufus) in a multipurpose area of northeastern Mexico

The objectives of the research were i) to determine patches and points of origin forthe establishment and connectivity of biological corridors, ii) to estimate the costarea for the establishment of biological corridors, iii) to define biological corridorswith viability for the dispersal of the bobcat (Lynx rufus) in a multipurpose area inReynosa, Tamaulipas. To monitor behavioral patterns, capture and recapturerecords were generated using the photographic sampling method. To calculatedensity, the results were entered into the statistical program CAPTURE. To modelthe potential habitat, the maximum entropy method (MaxEnt) was used. The costsurfaces were obtained with the maps in MaxEnt. The results showed that: i) thereare six patches and points of origin for the establishment and connectivity ofbiological corridors, which presented a mature community of Tamaulipanthornscrub, ii) most of the study area presents values ranging from medium to highon the cost scale, which is correlated with intense landscape modification, and iii)11 potential biological corridors were defined for the dispersal of the bobcat (Lynxrufus) in a multipurpose area in Reynosa, Tamaulipas.

Ammonia two-phase flow patterns and condensation in the inclined smooth tubes

The paper reports the experimental study of the two-phase ammonia flow patterns and condensation in the upward and downward inclined tubes. The two-phase patterns have been studied by the photography method in the transparent quartz tube of ID 7.5 mm at the inclination of −90 to 90°, saturation temperature of 35–65 °C, mass velocity of 40–160 kg m−2 s−1 and vapour quality of 0.1–0.8. The Hewitt and Roberts (1969) [19] upward pattern map in interfacial momentum flux coordinates compiled for the high-pressure steam water flows was compared with the obtained ammonia patterns, showing satisfactory qualitative correspondence. However, the transition lines quantitatively are not accurate for ammonia, especially in churn-to-slug cases. Matching the two-phase patterns and ammonia condensation HTC identified in the prior study for the smooth tubes of ID 8 and 11 mm, a so-called forced convective condensation (flow velocity dependent) domination line has been clearly shown for the upward and downward flows. This line splits the boundary conditions, providing similar condensation HTC for the horizontal and upward/downward flows independently on the expected pattern and with the essentially reduced HTC at the upward/downward configuration. The existence of the HTC maximum for the ammonia flow at the inclination of −30° was proved and quantified experimentally for the broad range of boundary conditions in the ID 8 and 11 mm tubes. Matching the identified condensation HTC and the observed flow patterns allows us to conclude that the condensation HTC maximum is mainly determined by the change of stratified-wavy pattern on a smooth stratified one.

Technological aspects and recommendations for applying teledentistry in oral medicine: a scoping review

BackgroundTeledentistry is applied in oral medicine to help dental practitioners and specialists manage complex oral conditions. This scoping review aims to synthesize the available evidence regarding the technical requirements and the provision of security services, as well as the recommendations on standard oral cavity photography methods for using teledentistry in oral medicine.MethodThe present scoping review was conducted in 2022 according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) manual. Four databases were systematically searched, including ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and ProQuest, from January 1999 to December 2021. After finalizing the search strategy, all the original articles, reviews, editorials, letters, comments, and book chapters were included. All the dissertations uploaded in English with a full-text electronic file were also included to achieve a comprehensive picture of the available literature. Two types of analysis were applied: the quantitative descriptive analysis applying Excel 2016 and the qualitative thematic analysis using MAXQDA version 10.ResultsThe included papers were published during 1999–2021. Most of the included articles were from Brazil (n = 9, 21.43%), India (n = 6, 14.28%), the USA (n = 6, 14.28%), and the UK (n = 5, 11.90%). Social media usage as a teledentistry platform increased considerably between 2019 and 2021. Teledentistry platforms have been classified into four categories, including email, telephone, social network applications (WhatsApp, zoom, Google Meeting, Instagram, line Application, Viber, and Messenger), and teledentistry systems (teledentistry systems, which were designed specially to perform a teledentistry project). Teledentistry has been conducted to store and forward (n = 15, 30.71%), real-time (n = 9, 21.43%), or both (n = 12, 35.71%). According to the thematic results, basic technical requirements have been categorized into four, including teledentistry platform, type of interactions, internet connection, and photography tool. Other thematic results demonstrate seven categories of recommendations, including general factors, light, patient position, phone position, setting of a mobile phone camera, photo sending requirements, and photo visualization.ConclusionAccording to the results, over the past 7 years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, social network applications such as WhatsApp and Zoom have been used more frequently. Also, photography recommendations with a mobile phone camera depend on several factors such as general factors, light, patient position, phone position, setting of the mobile phone camera, and photo-sending requirements. Given the increased use of mobile cameras for oral photography, these recommendations can help improve the quality of images and subsequently improve the reliability of clinical decision-making in managing patients' conditions.

3D LoD2 modelling of Halong City based on UAV point cloud

3D urban building models are crucial for linking, converging, and integrating economic and social urban data. They are extensively utilized in numerous domains such as smart city development, comprehensive social management, and emergency decision-making. Advanced technologies like affordable UAV (Unmanned Aerial Systems) imagery enable a greater level of automation in data acquisition compared to traditional digital photogrammetry methods. The main objective of this research is to build a 3D LoD2 CityGML model with dense point clouds from UAV images. This study presents a completed workflow for generating 3D CityGML models of the city at LoD2 using UAV data. The use of dense point cloud data from UAV technology in the experimental area has been performed using a DJI Phantom 4 Pro. The original point clouds should be denoised using the statistical outlier remover (SOR), the main goal is to reduce noise while preserving the building's geometry. After that, the point clouds of object features were vectored for the level of detail 2 (LoD2) of the object's 3D volume corresponding to its actual height, and objects belonging to the Feature Class 3D layer will represent LoD2 on SketchUp Pro 2021 software to generate a highly accurate 3D model. The evaluation results show that the square errors calculated from the test points for the three axes X, Y, Z are 1.4 cm, 1.6 cm, 1.7 cm, respectively. Conducting research to choose the UAV photography method aims to offer an efficient and cost-effective solution, saving time and human resources, to address the 3D mapping challenges in urban areas across Vietnam.

Linguistic landscape as a tool of identity negotiation: The case of the Nepali ethnic communities in West Bengal

Ethnic identity is dynamic and hence mutable concerning time and place. It is a social construction that involves society and its actors. Ethnic identity as a social construction is not free from the negotiation process. Such negotiations occur through various tools, the linguistic landscape being one of them. Despite the plethora of literature on identity negotiation in a multicultural and multilingual context, the linguistic landscape has not been sufficiently explored, especially considering it a tool in the ethnic identity negotiation process. Thus, how an ethnic community negotiates identity through linguistic landscape has been the major quest of the research. Therefore, the research tries to empirically examine the process of identity negotiation among the Nepali ethnic communities of Siliguri in the Darjeeling district of the state of West Bengal, India. 60 shop signs of the Nepali ethnic communities were photographed, applying the photographic data collection method. Unstructured interviews with each Nepali shop owner (ethnic sign producer) were also conducted. Photographic data were analyzed semiotically, and thematic and narrative analysis methods were adopted to interpret the interview data. In general, a mixed-method approach was used to analyze the data. The findings suggest that ethnic members symbolically ethnicize their shop signs to negotiate identity. The study shows how LL can be a tool of ethnic identity politics in India. The study signifies how ethnic communities assert identity through LL signage and how LL acts as an effective tool for identity negotiation in contemporary multicultural and multilingual Indian society. Also, this study contends that ethnicity is a relevant aspect of contemporary society and a political resource to ethnic communities.

Hourly to weekly variations in halite precipitation from the hypersaline Dead Sea: The role of evaporation, water cooling and freshwater plume stability

ABSTRACTThick‐bedded halite sequences in the geological record are characterized by lateral variations, reflecting spatiotemporal variations in environmental forcing. Although temporal variations have been examined over seasonal scales or longer durations, there is a paucity of information regarding the dynamics of halite deposition at shorter durations of days and hours. Additionally, the influence of water discharges and surface salinity gradients remains poorly understood. Here, for the first time, in situ, hourly to weekly halite accumulation rates were measured on the Dead Sea floor (ca 20 m water depth), the only modern deep and hypersaline water body. Novel underwater photography methods were developed to directly observe halite precipitation at the lake floor, coeval with monitoring of the environmental drives, i.e. evaporation, meteorological and limnological conditions. Two fundamental environments were explored: a diluted plume environment arising from spring discharge; and a mixed hypersaline environment. The focus was on deposition during winter when the halite accumulation rate is highest, and the relationship between evaporation and halite accumulation is most straightforward since the water column is vertically uniform. Significant spatial variations in halite accumulation were found between the two environments, along with hourly variations in each environment. In the mixed hypersaline environment, over intra‐diurnal timescales, evaporation plays a more significant role in halite precipitation, whereas temperature has a greater impact on seasonal changes. In the diluted plume environment, the stability of the buoyant plume controls the rate of halite deposition; during windstorms, the plume is stirred, with higher surface water salinity and higher rate of halite accumulation. However, under calm winds, the plume is stable, with diluted surface water, and the rate of halite accumulation is a few times lower. Following these new findings, the implications for the interpretation of halite deposits are discussed.

Conversion Factor Estimation of Stacked Eucalypt Timber Using Supervised Image Classification with Artificial Neural Networks

Stacked timber is quantified in-store units and then adjusted with a conversion factor for volume estimation in cubic meters, which is important for the wood trade in South America. However, measuring large quantities accurately can be challenging. Digital image processing and artificial intelligence advancements offer promising solutions, making research in this area increasingly attractive. This study aims to estimate conversion factors of stacked Eucalyptus grandis timber using supervised image classification with Artificial Neuronal Network (ANN). Measured data and photographs from an experiment involving thirty stacks of timber were used to achieve this. The conversion factor was determined using photographic methods that involved the applications of equidistant points and ANN and subsequently validated with values observed through the manual method. The ANN method produced more accurate conversion factor estimates than the equidistant points method. Approximately 97% of the ANN estimates were within the ±1% error class, even when using low-resolution digital photographs.