Edge Slope Research Articles

A Vermetid Bioconstruction at the Adriatic Coast of Apulia (Italy)

This study presents the first comprehensive data on a vermetid formation along the Apulian coast of the Adriatic Sea, representing one of the northernmost records in the Mediterranean. Surveys along the Brindisi coastline employed visual inspection to map the bioconstruction’s distribution and extension. Detailed data on the bioconstruction inner and the outer edge length, thickness, width, slope and topographic complexity were collected at three selected sites. Moreover, photographic replicates were used to assess shell aperture density and diameters of Dendropoma sp. Associated fauna was studied using two quantitative sampling squares in each transect. The results showed that the vermetid bioconstruction consisted of a thin, encrusted monolayer (thickness < 1.5 cm) that extended for 3.273 linear kilometers, covering 17.23% of the investigated area; it had an average width of 0.5 m, with a mean density of Dendropoma sp. at 2.52 ind/cm2. The associated fauna was composed of 47 taxa dominated by crustaceans, mollusks and annelids. Species richness was correlated with the bioconstruction’s thickness and complexity. These findings underline the ecological importance of vermetid bioconstructions as biodiversity hotspots. The lack of massive mortality events along the Apulian coast, in contrast to other Mediterranean vermetid bioconstructions, underscores the necessity for targeted conservation measures.

Analysis of the Effects of Different Spectral Transformation Methods on the Estimation of Chlorophyll Content of Reclaimed Vegetation in Rare Earth Mining Areas

Ion adsorption rare earths are an important strategic resource, but their leach mining causes post-mining wastelands and tailings to suffer from soil sanding, acidification, and heavy metal contamination. This makes natural vegetation recovery difficult, relying mainly on artificial reclamation; however, the reclaimed vegetation grows poorly due to environmental stress. Hyperspectral remote sensing technology, with its high efficiency, non-destructive nature, and wide-range monitoring capability, can accurately estimate the physiological parameters of reclaimed vegetation. This provides support for environmental regulation in mining areas. In this study, three typical types of reclaimed vegetation in the Lingbei Rare Earth Mining Area, Dingnan County, Ganzhou City, were analyzed. Hyperspectral data and the corresponding chlorophyll content were collected to compare the spectral differences between reclaimed and normal vegetation. The spectral data were processed using mathematical transformation, fractional order differentiation, discrete wavelet transform, and continuous wavelet transform. Sensitive bands were extracted, and multispectral transformed feature bands were integrated. Linear and machine learning regression models were used to estimate chlorophyll content. The effects of different spectral processing methods on chlorophyll estimation were then analyzed. The results showed that reclaimed vegetation had higher spectral reflectance than normal vegetation, with the red valley shifting towards the long-wave direction and a steeper red edge slope. Different spectral transformation methods impact the accuracy of chlorophyll content estimation. Using appropriate methods can improve estimation accuracy. Fusing multi-spectral transformation features can achieve relatively good results. Among the models, the random forest regression model provides the best performance in estimating the chlorophyll content of reclaimed vegetation. This study provides a scientific basis for rapid and accurate monitoring of reclaimed vegetation growth in rare earth mining areas, supporting environmental management and decision-making and contributing to ecological restoration.

Dermoscopy as a novel tool to examine and assess treatment response of acne scars: A pilot study in an Indian population

Objectives: Acne scars are common and have limited methods of evaluation. They occur due to decreased collagen (atrophic, rolling, icepick, boxcar, and linear) or increased collagen (hypertrophic and keloidal). There are very few studies concerning the evaluation and treatment methodology of acne scars by dermoscopy. The primary aim of the study was to observe the dermoscopic features of different types of acne scars. The secondary aim was to evaluate the role of dermoscopy in the assessment of response to treatment. Material and Methods: Thirty consenting patients with post-acne scars were enrolled for the study in a tertiary care dermatology center. Detailed history and clinical examination data were recorded followed by dermoscopic evaluation at presentation. Consequently, the standard treatment modality was chosen depending on the type of acne scars, and the procedure was done at monthly intervals. Dermoscopy was repeated at a frequency of 6 months. Concurrently, histopathological evaluation for collagen and elastin was performed in a case of deep atrophic scar. Result: Initial dermoscopy showed a poorly defined pseudo reticular network on the face and diffuse pigmentation interrupted by adnexal openings. Ice pick scars appeared as comedo-like openings along with an accentuated perifollicular pigmented network and vascular structures. Rolling scars showed valley-like areas with sloping edges and a marginal rim of pigmentation. Boxcar scars had characteristic cup-shaped depressions with a hyperpigmented rim and dilution of central pigmentation. On sequential dermoscopy following treatment, a decrease in perifollicular pigmentation, and a granular pigment network was seen. There was considerable curtailment of size and depth of acne scars. Further, an increase in the hair follicle density was observed following treatment. Scars of shorter duration showed better response compared to scars of longer duration. In histopathology, increased collagen deposition and early elastogenesis were observed. Conclusion: Treatment is more effective in cases of acne scars of shorter duration. Dermoscopy may be a valuable tool in the assessment of acne scars and their response to treatment.

2D discrete element analysis of the footing above excavated circle in soil

The bearing capacity and settlements of surface foundations located on a soil slope are the important issues that have to be considered by geotechnical engineers for the design. The presence of an underground void beneath the footing can affect the foundation stability and can lead to serious structure damages. In this study, the results of two-dimensional (2D) discrete element (DE) and finite element (FE) analyses of a surface footing on a soil slope above a void are presented. To validate the numerical model results, the DE results obtained have been compared with experimental test presented in the previous study. After validation of the DE numerical model, parametric studies were carried out to evaluate the effect of important factors on the surface footing performance. The studied parameters include the horizontal spacing of the void axis relative to the slope edge (SH), the vertical spacing of the void crown relative to the footing base (SV), the horizontal spacing of the footing edge relative to the slope edge (De) and the void diameter (Dv). The effects of these parameters on the pressure-settlement curves and the contact force distributions in the soil slope are presented and discussed. The results showed that the footing bearing pressure increases with an increase of SH, SV and De but decreases when Dv increases. The behavior of a surface footing on a soil slope above a void significantly depends on the SV value.

Audio magnetotelluric view of the giant carbonatite-hosted Bayan Obo REE deposit, Inner Mongolia, northern China

As critical minerals in low-carbon economies, rare-earth elements (REEs) are crucial for modern industry, technology, and medicine. The largest known REE resource in the world is the Bayan Obo (BO) deposit in northern China. However, BO features as complicated mineral compositions and has experienced several geological events. As a reuslt, controversy remains about the BO REE genesis and enrichment mechanism, and debates are also ongoing about the controlling structure of this giant deposit. We carried out an multiscale electromagnetism study on BO mineral deposits. The multiscale study consists a microscale on samples, a small scale targeting mineral deposits and a mid scale concerning the mine field. The small and mid scale study were conducted using audio-magnetotelluric (AMT). This study revealed the controlling structure using geoelectrical characteristics. AMT data were acquired from more than 590 stations, and the petro-electromagnetism of several samples was analyzed to understand the geoelectrical features of the ore deposits and their surrounding rocks. The data were interpreted using Bostick transformation and generalized least-squares inversions. We obtained the geoelectrical structure of the BO complex down to a maximum depth of 3500 m, and we present two-dimensional imaging based on the AMT conversion results. The results show that the BO deposit developed at the transition of the high- and low-resistivity geoelectrical structure from south to north. Our AMT results indicate that the tectonic setting of the BO deposit is the transition zone between the rift edge and craton margin slope. The ore geology is presently controlled by the complex slope and the rift remnant, the ore-bearing dolostone in the profiles is Y-shaped. It goes downward from south to north and potentially features a great mineral prospect deep in the BO deposit.

Late Cenozoic mass transport deposits in the offshore Tanzania continental margin

Sediment mass movements and their associated Mass Transport Deposits (MTDs) have been widely studied due to their economic and geohazard potentials. This study combines 2D and 3D seismic reflection data with a seismic facies approach and attribute analysis to reveal the presence and distribution of different MTDs in the southernmost region offshore Tanzania. Results of seismic facies analysis show that the study area contains different Late Cenozoic MTDs. The MTDs have limited petroleum reservoir potential and include slides, slumps, debris flow deposits and occasional turbidites. The formation of these MTDs was caused by tectonic events associated with the development of the East African Rift System. Seismic attribute maps have shown the locations of channels, remnant blocks, headwall scars, and grooves confirming downslope sediment mass mobilization. The seabed attribute maps have shown areas where recent mass mobilizations were initiated. Some of these areas coincide with faults which have dissected the seabed, forming potential future gravity failure sites. Other future gravity failure sites include channel banks and slope edges, which may be present over the whole Tanzania continental margin. Sediment mass movements may be catastrophic, and therefore future infrastructure installations in the area must involve detailed mapping of the seabed to assess geohazard risks and act accordingly.

Definition and validation of a valley amplification factor for seismic linear response of 2D homogeneous alluvial basins

The paper presents findings from a parametric study analysing geometric (e.g., shape ratio, edge inclination) and stratigraphic factors (e.g. impedance ratio) influencing ground motion in trapezoidal valleys. The study involved 2160 visco-elastic analyses, considering 180 2D models with diverse shapes and soil properties, undergoing 12 synthetic input motions. Analyses results showed that the motion at the valley centre increases with both shape and impedance ratios, while it is independent of the edge slope; on the other hand, the maximum amplification at the edges depends on their inclination and on the impedance ratio, while it is independent of the valley shape. The position and size of the zone of maximum amplification at the edges depend on all the previous parameters. A valley amplification factor (VAF) is introduced to quantify spectral acceleration increase due to 2D effects. Closed-form equations are proposed to evaluate VAF based on valley properties. The proposed VAF is then applied to predict seismic amplification in two central Italian valleys, providing results well-comparable to those obtained from 2D numerical analyses. The described approach can be easily implemented into codes of practice as a conservative design tool to estimate 2D amplification along the surface of ‘shallow valleys’ subjected to moderate seismic actions.

Hyperspectral and Weather Resistant Biomimetic Leaf Enabled by Interlayer Confinement

AbstractMimicking the characteristics and achieving specific functions of biological systems is stirring but challenging. Generally, pigments in the commercial coating can only achieve a similarity in chromaticity, while cannot obtain a similarity in the solar reflective spectrum whose difficulty resides in simulating spectral characteristics simultaneously. Unfortunately, traditional organic pigments show poor weather and heat resistance. Herein, with the little difference in the color difference (ΔEab*), the high spectral similarity, as well as adjustable green peak and similar red edge slope compared with the common plants (pagoda tree leaf, etc.) in 400–2500 nm, is also attained. It is achieved by the interlayer confined organic pigment in Mg/Al‐layered double hydroxide (Mg/Al‐LDH) layers. The corresponding biomimetic leaf displays high hyperspectral performance with a spectral angle cosine of 0.9922 and heat resistance at 120 °C. The longer weather resistance than that of mechanical mixing is also demonstrated. The intercalated chromophores of sodium copper chlorophyllin in the Mg/Al‐LDH and the interlayer confinement of Mg/Al‐LDH contribute to the excellent performance. This work provides a green pigment and a biomimetic leaf requiring the same chromaticity and spectrum as green plants, filling the long‐term use demand gap for heat and weather‐resistant biomimetic vegetation.

Rehabilitation Using Implants with Sloped Platform Edge vs. Standard Platform with Guided Bone Regeneration: A Randomized Control Clinical Trial.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the vertical bone loss after using different techniques: sloped implants or standard implants with guided bone regeneration. Patients with tooth gap and horizontal bone deficiency were randomly allocated to the test group (implants with sloped platform-SLP) and control group (standard design implants with guided bone regeneration-GBR). The primary outcome was bone loss (6 months after finishing the prosthetic treatment). Secondary outcomes included the following: patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), post-operative edema, keratinized mucosa width, and pink aesthetic score (PES). The average bone loss at 6 months was 0.23 ± 0.15 mm and 1.03 ± 0.37 mm in the SLP and GBR groups, respectively. The SLP group was characterized by lower pain intensity the first 7 days (p < 0.001), lower post-operative edema (p < 0.001), lower consumption of NSAIDs on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 (p = 0.002, <0.001, <0.001, and 0.008), and lower total OHIP-14 (p = 0.047) on day 7. The keratinized mucosa width was 3.7 (3.4-4.0) mm and 2 (1.4-2.0) mm in the SLP and GBR groups, respectively. The preservation of the mesial, distal papillae, and the level of soft tissue correspondence were significantly higher in the SLP group (p = 0.003, 0.038, <0.001). In the SLP group, more natural color and better texture of soft tissues were found (p = 0.048, p = 0.041). The use of implants with a sloped platform resulted in superior outcomes compared to the standard-design implants with GBR.

An EPR model for predicting the bearing capacity of single and double-strip foundations near earth slope crests.

It is imperative to understand how foundations behave on earthen slopes to accurately predict their allowable carrying capacity in geotechnical engineering. A comprehensive finite element (FE) simulation with PLAXIS 2D was conducted to assess the effects of various parameters on the bearing capacity (BC) of single- and double-strip foundations placed near the earth's slope crest. The specified parameters include foundation width (B) and depth (Df/B); setback distance between the slope edge and foundation (b/B); soil internal friction (ϕ) and cohesion (c); slope inclination (β); and spacing between foundations (S/B). In addition, the numerically simulated database was used to develop simple mathematical expressions for predicting the capacities in both cases using evolutionary polynomial regression (EPR). The results revealed that the bearing capacity of single- and double-strip foundations increased with an increase in all studied parameters except slope inclination. For single-strip foundations, the outcomes demonstrated that slope inclination has no impact on BC when it is located 6B from the slope edge. However, under interference conditions, the critical center-to-center spacing between foundations is 3-4B, beyond which they behave as individual foundations. Additionally, EPR provides a robust method of predicting the BC of single- and double-strip foundations within slope crests based on the strong correlation of various statistical criteria between simulated and predicted results from training, validation, and testing. Finally, according to sensitivity analysis, in both single and double-strip foundations resting on an earthen slope crest, b/B, B, and ϕ are the most important input parameters that impact the output results.

Super-resolution Deep Learning Reconstruction Cervical Spine 1.5T MRI: Improved Interobserver Agreement in Evaluations of Neuroforaminal Stenosis Compared to Conventional Deep Learning Reconstruction.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether super-resolution deep learning reconstruction (SR-DLR) is superior to conventional deep learning reconstruction (DLR) with respect to interobserver agreement in the evaluation of neuroforaminal stenosis using 1.5T cervical spine MRI. This retrospective study included 39 patients who underwent 1.5T cervical spine MRI. T2-weighted sagittal images were reconstructed with SR-DLR and DLR. Three blinded radiologists independently evaluated the images in terms of the degree of neuroforaminal stenosis, depictions of the vertebrae, spinal cord and neural foramina, sharpness, noise, artefacts and diagnostic acceptability. In quantitative image analyses, a fourth radiologist evaluated the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by placing a circular or ovoid region of interest on the spinal cord, and the edge slope based on a linear region of interest placed across the surface of the spinal cord. Interobserver agreement in the evaluations of neuroforaminal stenosis using SR-DLR and DLR was 0.422-0.571 and 0.410-0.542, respectively. The kappa values between reader 1 vs. reader 2 and reader 2 vs. reader 3 significantly differed. Two of the three readers rated depictions of the spinal cord, sharpness, and diagnostic acceptability as significantly better with SR-DLR than with DLR. Both SNR and edge slope (/mm) were also significantly better with SR-DLR (12.9 and 6031, respectively) than with DLR (11.5 and 3741, respectively) (p < 0.001 for both). In conclusion, compared to DLR, SR-DLR improved interobserver agreement in the evaluations of neuroforaminal stenosis using 1.5T cervical spine MRI.

Adaptive adjustment of brightness and blur of the camera for high precision internal parameter calibration

Camera calibration is a prerequisite for many computer vision tasks, such as visual measurement and visual localization. This paper proposes a new method for high-precision calibration of camera intrinsic parameters. By dynamically adjusting image brightness and blur to cope with changes in external lighting conditions and camera working distance, high-precision internal parameter measurement is achieved. This method solves the problems of the traditional camera intrinsic parameter calibration process being cumbersome and susceptible to changes in the placement of calibration boards and fluctuations in external lighting conditions. Firstly, an adaptive exposure adjustment algorithm is proposed to adjust the camera exposure value by statistically analyzing the average gray value of randomly selected rectangular regions on the calibration board, thereby solving the problem of the camera calibration accuracy being affected by overly bright or dark environments. Subsequently, an evaluation criterion and adaptive adjustment strategy for adjusting image blur are proposed. By extracting edge points of feature circles and obtaining the slope of the fitted curve, the relationship between edge sharpness and slope is utilized to adjust the image blur. Finally, the proposed method achieves high-precision semi-automatic calibration. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has significant advantages in terms of correctness, robustness, and flexibility, with an average reprojection error of 0.0167.

Biomechanics of Central Incisor Endocrowns with Different Lengths and Milled Materials after Static and Vertical Loading: A Finite Element Study.

The aim of this study was to compare and assess the stress distribution and failure possibility of endodontically treated central incisor protected with endocrowns with different heights, with various CAD-CAM blocks such as IPS e.max CAD, Katana Zirconia, and Zolid Fx Zirconia. A root canal-treated central incisor (plastic model) restored with an endocrown was scanned with a laser scanner to prepare a control model with a CAD software and then transferred to an FEA software. Proposed crown heights were 2, 4, and 6 mm. The model that was duplicated and restored with CAD-CAM blocks, IPS e.max CAD, Katana Zirconia, and Zolid Fx Zirconia were tested as endocrown materials. Bone geometry was simplified to be two coaxial cylinders in all models. Stress distributions under 50 N axial and oblique (with 135° angle from the vertical plane) loading were analyzed. Each model was then subjected to two occlusal loading conditions-the lingual slope of the incisal edge and the junction between incisal and middle thirds. Eighteen runs and calculations were performed to determine the endocrown height and material effect. The results showed a minor or negligible effect of changing the endocrown material. Increasing endocrown height was shown to reduce stresses and deformations on most of the model components (bone, gutta-percha, periodontal ligament, and endocrown), except root and cement. Differences in deformations and stresses between the two models of 4 and 6 mm were relatively smaller (ranged between 1% and 30%) compared to those between the 2 and 4 mm models (ranged between 10% and 400%). The material used to fabricate endocrowns did not show considerable effect on the underlying structures. However, the endocrown design (2, 4, and 6 mm height) was shown to affect all components of the studied systems. Increasing endocrown height is recommended for bone, periodontal ligaments, and endocrown body, as it reduces stresses and deformations. On the other hand, it dramatically increases stresses on the root and cement layer. Smaller endocrown sizes represent an acceptable treatment option when there is a healthy periodontal state, while using larger sizes will be more suitable when there is a periodontal compromise with bone loss.

Analytical method for laterally loaded offshore slender piles near sandy slopes considering slope deformation

This paper presents an analytical method to study the lateral response of offshore slender piles near sandy slopes. A slope deformation model is constructed to evaluate the slope displacement induced by the load transfer of a pile at the slope crest. A modified strain wedge (SW) model is developed by considering the slope deformation and the impact of the slope on the effective overburden pressure. A geometric transformation is employed to facilitate the analysis of the edge distance. The efficiency and accuracy of the method are demonstrated through comparisons of its results with those of six centrifuge piles and four model piles. Finally, the effects of the slope angle and edge distance on the pile response are discussed. This method introduces the slope deformation into the analysis of soil-pile interaction, allowing for comprehensive consideration of the combined effects of slope angle and edge distance.

Monitoring vegetation patterns and their drivers to infer resilience: Automated detection of vegetation and megaherbivores from drone imagery using deep learning

Ecological pattern theory has highlighted spatial vegetation patterns that can be used as indicators of ecosystem resilience. Combining this spatial pattern theory with aerial imagery from drones and automated image processing with deep learning methods, we show how monitoring of natural ecosystems can be enhanced through quantifying vegetation spatial patterns. We demonstrate this approach in a tropical seagrass ecosystem with a high abundance of turtles that generate vegetation patches when grazing. Past field observations suggest that patch size and density reflect the seagrass meadow resilience, but understanding the natural variation in vegetation patchiness is crucial. Employing the deep learning methods of semantic segmentation and object detection, we quantify vegetation patchiness metrics and turtle distribution across 12 ha of seagrass meadow in the years 2012 and 2022. The resulting output facilitates spatial and temporal comparisons, revealing areas of low resilience. In 2012, turtle grazing across the entire site yielded vegetation patch sizes averaging 2 ± 0.2 m2 (95% confidence interval). Reduced patch sizes of 0.24 ± 0.05 m2 and 0.67 ± 0.6 m2 at the reef edge and beach slope respectively, in conjunction with a reduced patch density, indicated lower resilience at the seagrass meadow edges. Analysis of the 2022 dataset indicates a general decrease in patch size over time, suggesting declining resilience. A retraining experiment of the semantic segmentation model was conducted where the initial model was retrained on the 2022 dataset and demonstrated the adaptability of the deep learning methods. Despite using different equipment, the model achieved high accuracy with only 5–10 additional training images. By providing the tools to conduct these analyses, we aim to stimulate the uptake of deep learning for enhancing the data obtained from aerial imagery to improve the monitoring and conservation of natural ecosystems.

ОПЫТ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ ИМПЛАНТАТОВ СО СКОШЕННЫМ КРАЕМ ПЛАТФОРМЫ

Purpose: Comparative analysis of the use of implants with modified neck configuration and standard implants with additional bone grafting.&#x0D; Materials and methods: 34 patients with partial tooth loss combined with a horizontal defect of the alveolar bone were included in the study. In group 1 (n = 15) implants with sloped platform edge were placed, in group 2 (n = 19) implants of standard design with directed bone regeneration (GBR) were placed. The primary end point of the study was the level of vertical bone resorption in the implant neck area 6 months after the operation. Secondary endpoints were: pain (VAS) and oedema scores, width of attached gingiva, number of analgesics taken, quality of life and health (OHIP-14).&#x0D; Results: The level of vertical resorption after 6 months in patients in group 1 was 0.04 ± 0.04mm mesially and 0.06 ± 0.05mm distally, in patients in group 2 mesially 1.06 ± 0.35mm and distally 1.00 ± 0.39mm. The use of implants with sloped edge of the platform was characterized by lower pain intensity the first 7 days after surgery (p &lt; 0,001), lower severity of collateral edema (p &lt; 0,001), lower consumption of NSAIDs on 1, 3, 5, 7 days (p = 0,002, &lt;0,001, &lt;0,001 and 0,008, respectively), lower total OHIP-14 score (p = 0,047) on 7 days. After 4 months, the width of attached keratinized gingiva was 3.6 (3–3.8) mm in patients in group 1 and 2 (1.5–2.1) mm in group 2.&#x0D; Conclusion: The use of implants with a sloped platform edge is characterized by a lower level of vertical resorption and allows for a more comfortable postoperative period.

Effects of altitude on thyroid disorders according to Chinese three-rung, ladder-like topography: national cross-sectional study

BackgroundChinese topography appears a three-rung ladder-like distribution of decreasing elevation from northwest to southeast, which is divided by two sloping edges. Previous studies have reported that prevalence of thyroid diseases differed by altitude, and geographical factors were associated with thyroid disorders. To explore the association between three-rung ladder-like regions and thyroid disorders according to unique Chinese topographic features, we conducted an epidemiological cross-sectional study from 2015–2017 that covered all 31 mainland Chinese provinces.MethodsA total of 78,470 participants aged ≥ 18 years from a nationally representative cross-sectional study were included. Serum thyroid peroxidase antibody, thyroglobulin antibody, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels; urine iodine concentration; and thyroid volume were measured. The three-rung ladder-like distribution of decreasing elevation from northwest to southeast in China was categorized into three topographic groups according to elevation: first ladder, > 3000 m above sea level; second ladder, descending from 3000—500 m; and third ladder, descending from 500 m to sea level. The third ladder was further divided into groups A (500–100 m) and B (< 100 m). Associations between geographic factors and thyroid disorders were assessed using linear and binary logistic regression analyses.ResultsParticipants in the first ladder group were associated with lower thyroid peroxidase (β = -4.69; P = 0.00), thyroglobulin antibody levels (β = -11.08; P = 0.01), and the largest thyroid volume (β = 1.74; P = 0.00), compared with the other groups. The second ladder group was associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (odds ratio = 1.30, 95% confidence interval [1.18–1.43]) and subclinical hypothyroidism (odds ratio = 0.61, 95%confidence interval [0.57–0.66]) (P < 0.05) compared with the first ladder group. Group A (third ladder) (500–100 m) was associated with thyroid nodules and subclinical hypothyroidism (P < 0.05). Furthermore, group B (< 100 m) was positively associated with autoimmune thyroiditis, thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibody positivity, and negatively associated with overt hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, and goiter compared with the first ladder group(P < 0.05).ConclusionWe are the first to investigate the association between different ladder regions and thyroid disorders according to unique Chinese topographic features. The prevalence of thyroid disorders varied among the three-rung ladder-like topography groups in China, with the exception of overt hyperthyroidism.

A simplified calculation method for high-steep soil slope stability due to groundwater rise from irrigation

The groundwater is the critical factor impacting the stability of high-steep soil slopes (HsSS) on the loess tableland. In view of the shortcomings of the current commonly used calculation methods for HsSS, based on the Rankine earth pressure, the equilibrium conditions, and the strength failure criterion, a simplified calculation method for HsSS stability is proposed considering the typical characteristic that the failure surface of the high-steep slope is a double-segment line, and the critical groundwater level of the slope of the tableland edge was determined based on the HsSS stability model. The results are consistent with slope and modified the shortcomings of the existing model, such as the relatively concentrated and smaller of the stability coefficient. The critical groundwater level prediction model was applied to the Heifangtai tableland to verify the feasibility of the prediction model and point out the three high-risk points along the Heifangtai tableland.

Seasonal regulation of tidal creek burrow distribution: Unveiling the dynamic interplay of biotic and abiotic factors

Intertidal creek ecosystems in saltmarsh wetlands provide crucial ecological services, with burrows facilitating material exchange between these environments. Investigating burrow distribution in tidal creeks is essential, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Our study conducted field observations during two seasons, dividing the typical creek section into microhabitats: flat (F), gentle edge (GE), gentle slope (GS), steep slope (SS), and steep edge (SE). Comprehensive analysis of sediment samples encompassed assessments of water content, organic matter, particle size, and salinity. Burrow parameters were extracted using a deep learning method applied to sample images. Benthic biodiversity and community compositions were characterized through eDNA analysis. Our findings revealed significant variations in burrow distribution, sediment properties, and community compositions, both between and within creek sections. Temporal heterogeneity emerged as a substantial influencer of burrow characteristics, while the propensity of benthic communities to respond to topography and sediment properties constituted a chief determinant of burrow distribution. Utilizing a structural equation model based on field data, we illuminated four response pathways governing burrow distribution. Abiotic factors, especially under temporal heterogeneity, had a paramount impact, highlighting the need to explore relative biotic and abiotic influences, considering seasonal regulation. These findings establish a foundational understanding of burrow distribution and its driving mechanisms in creek ecosystems. They offer valuable insights for future field observations and research directions in this field.

Гиперспектр буюу хэт олон сувагт “LCTF” камер ашиглан ургамлыг төрөл зүйлээр ангилан ялгах шинэ алгоритм

Within the framework of this research, a new algorithm was designed to determine the plant’s red edge slope and the Leaf Area Index (LAI) based on their spectral characteristics using a hyperspectral LCTF (Liquid Crystal Tunable Filter) camera. In the first week of July 2022, we took pictures of field vegetation in several fields in the Khar Yamaat Nature Reserve with the LCTF camera. From the collected data, the light reflectance spectrum of many species of growing plants was distinguished with the help of image processing, and with that, we created a spectrum dataset of 21 different species. From the generated dataset, we designed an algorithm to determine plant species or dry grass based on the red edge slope, which works with approximately 95% accuracy. The algorithm also calculates the leaf area index, and healthy plants are distinguished from damaged grass and non-plant species. The results of this work demonstrate that vegetation can be classified by vegetation’s red edge slope using hyperspectral cameras. In the future, it will be possible to determine the location and number of growing plants using the algorithm we developed on the images taken by modern satellites and drones.