Strong Mutual Correlation Research Articles

Sociodemographic factors impacting the spatial distribution of private dental clinics in major cities of Peoples Republic of China

ObjectivesInvestigate the geographical distribution of private dental practices in major Chinese cities and analyze the variables influencing this distribution. MethodsThis study used Python to extract various types of Point of Interest (POI) data spanning from 2016 to 2022 from the AutoNavi map. A 1km*1km grid was constructed to establish the study sample. Additional spatial pattern data, including nighttime lighting, population, and air quality data, were integrated into this grid. Global Moran's I index was used to analyze the spatial autocorrelation. The spatial lag model was used to explore the influencing factors of private dental practice distribution. ResultsThis study reveals a specific clustering pattern for private dental practices in major Chinese cities. The primary influencing factors include nighttime lights, population density, and housing prices, suggesting that dental practices are typically concentrated in highly developed regions with dense populations and high housing costs. Additionally, we discovered that patterns vary across different metropolises, with the most pronounced clustering patterns and substantial inequalities found in the most developed areas. ConclusionsThis study establishes that factors such as regional development and population density positively correlate with private dental practice. Additionally, it reveals a strong mutual correlation in the clustering of dental practices, which does not show a substantial correlation with public resources. Finally, it suggests that the spatial heterogeneity pattern implies a rising necessity to tackle inequality issues within urban areas as economic development progresses.

MMA-Net: Multi-view mixed attention mechanism for facial action unit detection

Facial action units (AU) have strong mutual correlation. How to explore fine-grained AU regional features from different dimensions while adding inter-AU correlational information is the key to accurate AU detection. In this paper, we propose a novel AU detection framework called MMA-Net based on multi-view mixed attention, combining AU-regional information, co-occurrence correlational information and spatially correlational information by adopting a new AU partitioning scheme. Specifically, the proposed multi-view AU partitioning scheme first applies in both the AU co-occurrence correlational view and the facial ROI view to define the co-occurrence and spatially correlational information of AUs. Then, mixed attention, consisting of regional, channel-wise, and spatial attention, is incorporated into the encoder of MMA-Net to extract features from different dimensions. Finally, a pixel-level cross-view contrastive loss is proposed for feature enhancement by differing cross-view features for complement. Experimental results on two widely-used benchmark datasets, namely DISFA and BP4D, demonstrate the superior performance of MMA-Net against the state-of-the-art methods for AU detection.

Relationship between urethral motion profile and parity assessed by translabial ultrasound imaging.

This study aims to describe the differences in the urethral motion profile (UMP) of primiparous and multiparous women immediately postpartum. This prospective study recruited 65 women (29 primiparous, 36 multiparous) one-seven days postpartum. The patients underwent a standardised interview and two-dimensional translabial ultrasound (TLUS). To evaluate the UMP, the urethra was manually traced and divided into five segments with six equidistant points. The mobility vector (MV) for each point was calculated as [Formula: see text]. A Shapiro-Wilk test was conducted to test normality. An independent t-test and a Mann-Whitney test were conducted to express differences between the groups. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationships among MVs, parity and confounders. Finally, a univariate generalised linear regression analysis was performed. MV1-MV4 were found to be normally distributed. A significant difference for all MVs, except for MV5, was demonstratedbetween parity groups (MV1: t = 3.88 (p < .001), MV2: t = 3.82 (p < .001), MV3: t = 2.65 (p = .012), MV4: t = 2.54 (p = .015), MV6: U = 150.00 (exact sig. two tailed = .012)). A strong-to-very strong mutualcorrelation was observed between MV1 to MV4. The univariate generalised linear regression showed that parity can predict up to 26% of urethral mobility. This study shows that multiparous women have significantly higher urethral mobility compared to primiparous women in the first week postpartum, with the most significant effect observed in the proximal urethra.

Identification of Digital Signals with Integrated Bispectral Conversion

The paper presents algorithms for identifying signals and determining the threshold of false identification based on the integral bispectrum conversion and the Euclidean distance calculation. The analytical calculation of statistical characteristics in the form of the average probability of identification error, identification error of a known signal and a new signal is carried out. The advantages of bispectral signal conversion over spectral power density in identifying signals with their strong mutual correlation (from 0.5 to 0.9) are shown. Mathematical and computer modeling of the signal identification procedure and the optimal threshold for determining a new signal is performed. The simulation results confirmed the coincidence with the theoretical values of the probability of signal identification error.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Capacity (ABTS and CUPRAC) and Total Phenolic Content (Folin-Ciocalteu) Assays of Selected Fruit, Vegetables, and Spices.

Antioxidant (AOX) capacity assays are important analytical tools, used worldwide to measure the AOX capacities of various food commodities. Although numerous protocols have been published to ascertain AOX capacities, there are increasing concerns about the reliability of many of these assays. Poor correlation of results between various assays, as well as problems with reproducibility, consistency, and accuracy, is to blame. Published AOX assays also differ markedly from each other by employing different reaction conditions, using different extracting solvents, and applying dissimilar quantification methods. In this study, AOX capacities of a range of fruit, vegetables, and spices, commonly consumed and of commercial importance in Australia and worldwide, were measured in both hydrophilic and lipophilic solvents by using two different assay systems. As the polyphenolic compounds present in any sample matrix are the main contributors to its AOX properties, the commodities were also analysed for total phenolic content (TPC), again using both solvent systems. Analysis of the results from the current study with values from the published literature exposed the challenges that make direct comparison of any quantitative results difficult. However, a strong mutual correlation of our assay results facilitated a meaningful comparison of the data within the laboratory. Concurrent use of lipophilic and hydrophilic solvents made the results more reliable and understandable. Findings from this study will aid to address the existing challenges and bring a more rational basis to the AOX capacities. This unique analytical approach also provided a platform to build an internal reference database for the commonly consumed and commercially important food commodities with the potential to broaden the scope into a database for similar food matrices.

Проект третьего национального стандарта России по быстрому автоматическому обучению больших сетей корреляционных нейронов на малых обучающих выборках биометрических данных

The aim of the study is to show that a biometrics-to-access code converter based on large networks of correlation neurons makes it possible to obtain an even longer key at the output while ensuring the protection of biometric data from compromise. The research method is the use of large «wide» neural networks with automatic learning for the implementation of the biometric authentication procedure, ensuring the protection of biometric personal data from compromise. Results of the study - the first national standard GOST R 52633.5 for the automatic training of neuron networks was focused only on a physically secure, trusted computing environment. The protection of the parameters of the trained neural network converters biometrics-code using cryptographic methods led to the need to use short keys and passwords for biometric-cryptographic authentication. It is proposed to build special correlation neurons in the meta-space of Bayes-Minkowski features of a higher dimension. An experiment was carried out to verify the patterns of kkeystroke dynamics using a biometrics-to-code converter based on the data set of the AIConstructor project. In the meta-space of features, the probability of a verification error turned out to be less (EER = 0.0823) than in the original space of features (EER = 0.0864), while in the protected execution mode of the biometrics-to-code converter, the key length can be increased by more than 19 times. Experiments have shown that the transition to the mat space of BayesMinkowski features does not lead to the manifestation of the “curse of dimension” problem if some of the original features have a noticeable or strong mutual correlation. The problem of ensuring the confidentiality of the parameters of trained neural network containers, from which the neural network converter biometrics-code is formed, is relevant not only for biometric authentication tasks. It seems possible to develop a standard for protecting artificial intelligence based on automatically trained networks of Bayesian-Minkowski correlation neurons.

Magnesium-Assisted Continuous Growth of Strongly Iron-Enriched Incisors.

Teeth are an excellent example where optimally designed nanoarchitectures with precisely constructed components consist of simple compounds. Typically, these simple constituent phases with insignificant properties show mechanical property amplifications when formed into composite architectures. Material properties of functional composites are generally regulated on the nanoscale, which makes their characterization particularly demanding. Using advanced analytical and imaging transmission electron microscopy techniques, we identified innovative microstructural adjustments combined with astonishing compositional adaptations in incisors of coypu. Unique constituents, recognized as an additional amorphous Fe-rich surface layer followed by a transition zone covering pigmented enamel, provide the required structural stability to withstand repeated mechanical load. The chemically diverse Fe-rich surface layer, including ferrihydrite and iron-calcium phosphates, gives the typical orange-brown coloration to the incisors. Within the spaces between elongated hydroxyapatite crystals in the pigmented enamel, only ferrihydrite was found, implying that enamel pigmentation is a very strictly controlled process. Most significantly, an unprecedentedly high amount of Mg was measured in the amorphous flake-like material within the dentinal tubules of the incisors, suggesting the presence of a (Mg,Ca) phosphate phase. This unusually high influx of Mg into the dentin of incisors, but not molars, suggests a substantial functionality of Mg in the initial formation stages and constant growth of incisors. The present results emphasize the strong mutual correlation among the microstructure, chemical composition, and mechanical properties of mineralized dental tissues.

Electron probe determination of trace elements in olivine: thermometry of depleted peridotites

A method for calculation of the maximum permissible (for thermometry) error of analyte determination by trace elements is presented based on the example of the De Hoog-Gall Al-in-olivine thermometer. Analytical conditions ensuring an acceptable analytical error have been established, and the possibility to reach them has been estimated. A technique of JEOL JXA-8100 analysis of olivines for trace elements has been elaborated: Accelerating voltage is 20 kV, probe current is 400 nA, and counting time per line and background measurement is 10 s. The number of measurements per analysis is 25. Metrological characteristics of determination of Na2O, Al2O3, CaO, Cr2O3, and MnO have been calculated. Their detection limit (with confidence probability of 0.842) does not exceed 9 ppm. For an error of 10 rel.%, the quantitation limit of these oxides is within 45-100 ppm. Compositional peculiarities of olivines from depleted megacrystalline peridotites of the Udachnaya pipe have been revealed. The content of Mn significantly decreases with Mg# increase. The contents of Na, Al, Ca, and Cr show a strong mutual positive correlation. It is shown that electron probe microanalysis can provide an error sufficient for evaluating temperature by trace elements. The results of temperature determination by the Al-in-olivine thermometer agree with the thermometry data by H. O’Neil and B. Wood and differ considerably from the lower values estimated by D. Canil and C. Ryan with Ni thermometers.

Environmental geochemistry and sources of potentially toxic elements in thermal springs in the Sabalan volcanic field, NW Iran

Thermal springs are attractive geological features interesting for tourists because of their balneological and therapeutic applications. In Iran, the thermal springs surrounding Mount Sabalan are famous and unique in this regard. Two clusters of thermal springs consisting of 16 springs and mostly used as spas occur in Neer and Meshkinshahr areas. In order to investigate the seasonal changes of field and chemical parameters and to trace element concentrations in dry and wet seasons, springs were sampled twice in May and November. Field data including T, EC, pH and Q were measured on-site and major cations and anions were analysed in the laboratory along with 72 trace elements. Cations show the following order of abundance: Na ≫ Ca ≥ K > Mg and anions follow the order of Cl > HCO3 > SO4. Trace element concentrations indicate that most of the elements show concentrations well beyond the standard guideline values for drinking water. pH, T, spring discharge and elevation are not correlated with each other and with other parameters, indicating that they have had no role on concentrating or depleting trace elements in spring waters. While the two sets of samples were taken within a 6 month interval, the elements and parameters show slight or no variation from the first period to the second and in some cases, they show less than 5 % decrease or increase in the second sampling period. Correlation coefficient and principal component analysis of analytical data indicate that EC, K, Cl, HCO3, As, B, Ba, Br, Li, Na, Rb, Sr and V show very strong mutual correlation coefficients implying their relationship and common source and fate in the hydrothermal fluid that carries them out of the geothermal system. Moreover, they all fall in the component 1 of PCA. This group of elements is supposed to be derived from the magmatic-hydrothermal system through the interaction of hydrothermal fluids with the rocks they have passed through. The mean As value is 160-fold higher than the guideline values (10 μg/l) and Mn and Sb shows an exceedance of 12- and 11.5-fold, respectively. Arsenic shows a variation of 5–5,834 μg/l. Hence, it is supposed that potentially toxic elements may have adverse effects on tourists using the springs as a treatment or recreation. Indeed, the discharge of springs with high values of As and other elements represents a threat for downstream water uses. The higher concentrations of most elements including As, Pb, S, Cl and Sb and the higher pH values found in Neer area springs seem to be more related to an older hydrothermal system present in this area than the Meshkinshahr system that is still active today.

Models for assessing the spatial distribution of geodetic point patterns: application to geoid prediction quality

In this study, some stochastic and deterministic models have been proposed for the assessment of the regularity and isotropy of geodetic point patterns. These models utilized realized point configurations within a rectangular window, leaning on stochastic geometry. As an illustrative example, the geographical extent of the Egyptian Territory was selected as a test window. The proposed models have agreed with the visual and qualitative characteristics of the investigated patterns. Also, it has been found that the stochastic and deterministic models for regularity and isotropy have very strong mutual correlation coefficients. Furthermore, the proposed models were applied to some geoid interpolation algorithms. In particular, the relationships among the data/check point distributions and the geoid interpolation accuracies, were investigated. Finally, a closed expression was proposed, which efficiently describes the relations among such features. So, it is recommended to use such approach for the pre-analysis and planning of the geographic distributions of point patterns in similar and other geodetic applications.

Environmental Geochemistry of Potentially Toxic elements in thermal springs in the Sabalan Volcanic Field, NW Iran

Thermal springs are widely used by tourists for treatment of dermal diseases and other therapeutic applications. In Iran, thermal springs occur in Northwestern part mainly surrounding the Mount Sabalan which attract hundreds of thousands of tourists annually. Two clusters of springs in Neer and Meshkinshahr areas including 16 thermomineralic springs have been studied in this research and they were sampled twice in May and November in order to investigate the seasonal changes of trace elements in dry and wet seasons. The samples were analyzed in Acme Lab, Canada for 72 elements. Trace element concentrations indicate that most of the elements show concentration well beyond the guideline values for drinking water. While the two sets of samples were taken within a 6 months interval, the elements show slight or no variation from first period to the second and in some cases. Arsenic shows a variation of 5-5834μg/l and the mean As value is 160 times the guideline values (10 μg/l). Other toxic elements with high concentration are B, Fe, Mn, Sb, and Si. Mn and Sb shows exeedance of 12 and 11.5 times respectively. Correlation coefficient and principal component analysis of analytical data indicate that Cl, As, B, Ba, Br, and V show very strong mutual correlation coefficients implying their relationship and common source and fate in the hydrothermal fluid carrying them. These elements fall in the component 1 of PCA. This group of elements is supposed to be derived and sourced from the magmatic-hydrothermal system and through the interaction of hydrothermal fluids with rocks they passed through. Because of discharge of the thermal springs into the nearby streams intended to be used for drinking water and also vast application of spring waters in balneological uses, they may have adverse environmental and health impacts on tourists that expose themselves to this contaminants through balneological applications.

Use of SERTS (Socio-Economic, health Resources and Technologic Supplies) models to estimate cancer survival at provincial geographical level

AimThe main aim of this work is to compute expected cancer survival for Italian provinces by Socio-Economic and health Resources and Technologic Supplies (SERTS) models, based on demographic, socioeconomic variables and information describing the health care system (SEH). MethodsFive-year age-standardised relative survival rates by gender for 11 cancer sites and all cancers combined of patients diagnosed in 1995–1999, were obtained from the Italian Association of Cancer Registries (CRs) database. The SEH variables describe at provincial level macro-economy, demography, labour market, health resources in 1995–2005. A principal components factor analysis was applied to the SEH variables to control their strong mutual correlation. For every considered cancer site, linear regression models were estimated considering the 5-RS% as dependent variable and the principal components factors of the SEH variables as independent variables. ResultsThe model composition was correlated to the characteristics of take in charge of patients. SEH factors were correlated with the observed survival for all cancer combined and colon-rectum in both sexes, prostate, kidney and non Hodgkin's lymphomas in men, breast, corpus uteri and melanoma in women (R2 from 40% to 85%). In the provinces without any CR the survival was very similar with that of neighbouring provinces with analogous social, economic and health characteristics. ConclusionsThe SERTS models allowed us to interpret the survival outcome of oncologic patients with respect to the role of the socio-economic and health related system characteristics, stressing how the peculiarities of the take in charge at the province level could address the decisions regarding the allocation of resources.

Adipocytes derived fibrinolytic components in peritoneum — a pilot study

Abstract The proteins of the fibrinolytic system — urokinase plasminogen activator(uPA), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)and plasminogen activator inhibitor type IPAI-I) — play important roles in fibrotization in various organs and including peritoneum. To study the cellular localization of PAI-1, tPA and uPA within the adipose tissue of the peritoneal membrane in patients at the onset of peritoneal dialysis(PD) we determined the initial expression of these proteins in relationship to multiple clinical variables. Methods: routinely performed parietal peritoneal biopsies in 12 patients undergoing peritoneal catheter implantation were examined. We used formalinfixed, paraffin-embedded specimens for immunohistochemical localization of these proteins along with the stereological pointcounting method for quantification of their expression within the peritoneal adipose tissue. Results: strong positive mutual correlation between the expression of PAI-1 and both uPA (SpearmanR=0.66) and tPA (R=0.59) as well as between the expression of uPA and tPA (R=0.77) was found without any relatioship to BMI, age, peritoneal transport characteristic or diabetes status. Conclusion: Adipose tissue within the peritoneum is capable of producing fibrinolysis regulators (independently on clinical parameters) thus possibly affecting the fibrotization and function of peritoneum as dialysis membrane. The effect of dialysis solution dosing, composition and other dialysis related factors should be clarified in future studies.

Assessment of genetic diversity among alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) genotypes by morphometry, seed storage proteins and RAPD analysis

Alfalfa is the world's widest grown forage crop with novel applications in the production of commercial proteins and biomass for biofuel. These alternative uses of alfalfa require new cultivars and breeding processes adjusted to specific production systems and demands. An estimate of the genetic diversity and differentiation between genotypes of breeding germplasm is of key importance for its improvement. Traditionally, it is has been achieved through morphological analyses, although novel methods of molecular marker analysis offer faster and more reliable tools. The objective of this study was to determine genetic variability of ten populations of alfalfa as a part of a collection at the Institute for Forage Crops, Kruševac, Serbia and to reveal relationships among genotypes through UPGMA11UPGMA – Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic means. cluster analysis. Data obtained through three different methods were compared and the correlation among them was estimated. It has been found that clustering of examined genotypes based on analysis of morphology traits has the best fit with geographical origin of genotypes. Methods using molecular markers, as seed storage proteins or RAPDs,22RAPD – Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA. provide a rapid way to discriminate between genotypes and have strong mutual correlation. Estimating the genetic distance through molecular marker analysis showed a poor fit of distance in relation to morphological analyses.

Assessment of soy aeroallergen levels in different work environments

Airborne soybean hull proteins are known causes of asthma epidemics around harbours and soy processing plants. Soy flour dust proteins may cause occupational allergy in food and feed industries. To compare enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for soy hull and soy flour aeroallergens, exposure assessment in various work environments. Airborne dust samples (n=324) from soy unloading and/or processing plants, the animal feed industry and pig stables were analysed by two soy flour assays: one assay for measuring complete soy hull proteins and two assays for measuring the purified low-molecular-weight (LMW) soy hull allergens. Immunoblotting confirmed strong differences between antibody specificities and soy preparations. The results of the two soy flour assays and the assay for measuring complete soy hull proteins were highly correlated (r>0.85). The two LMW soy hull assays also showed a strong mutual correlation (r=0.91), but much less correlation with assays for measuring soy flour and complete soy hull. The levels of LMW soy hull proteins were the highest at sites of soybean unloading or processing, while soy flour levels were particularly high in the soy and animal feed industry. The optimal EIA procedure for soy aeroallergen exposure assessment depends on the type of work environment and the local soy dust composition. Thus, the type of work environment should always be taken into account in future soy allergy studies in order to prevent a possible underestimation of the workers' actual risk of developing soy allergy.

The role of ciliates within the microbial food web in the eutrophicated part of Kaštela Bay (Middle Adriatic Sea)

Interactions among phytoplankton, bacterioplankton, heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF), ciliated protozoa and copepod nauplii were studied in the eutrophicated part of Kas?tela Bay from May 1998 to November 1999. Special emphasis was placed on relationships between size categories of nonloricate ciliates (NLC) and other microbial food web components. Biomasses of phytoplankton and bacteria were primarily influenced by abiotic parameters. Temperature indirectly controlled variation in HNF biomass through the changes in biomass of bacteria and the smaller phytoplankton fraction. Besides HNF, bacterial biomass was affected by the NLC 3 (Cell Length 3 , CL 104 µm 3 (CL >40 µm) had a strong mutual correlation and they seemed to be controlling the microphytoplankton fraction. During the colder part of the year, HNF abundance was regulated by ciliate grazing. The high impact of ciliates in summer 1998 could have been influenced by the taxonomic composition of the phytoplankton community changing, as well as the higher eutrophication level in the study area. Predation by copepod nauplii on ciliates and carbon transfer to higher trophic levels appear to be of relative importance only in the period when they are most abundant. This paper outlines the dominant relationships within the microbial food web and suggests that a significant amount of bacterial production, phytoplankton and HNF biomass could be transferred to higher trophic levels through the microbial food web.

The Balance Between Expression of Intranuclear NF-κB and Glucocorticoid Receptor in Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes in SIRS Patients

We previously reported enhanced expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) in activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) from patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Inflammatory response, however, is not regulated only by stimulatory transcription factors. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) has been recently reported to play an important role in anti-inflammatory signal transduction. The objective of our study was to evaluate the balance between expression of intranuclear NF-kappaB and GR in PMNLs from SIRS patients. In study 1, 29 patients with severe SIRS, who fulfilled the criteria for SIRS and had a serum C-reactive protein level of more than 10 mg/dL, were included. Expression of intranuclear NF-kappaB and GR in PMNLs was measured by flow cytometry with antibodies specific for NF-kappaB subunit p65 and GR. PMNL oxidative activity and serum cytokine levels were also measured. Study 2 included 13 patients with severe trauma (Injury Severity Score 24.6 +/- 12.2). We measured serial changes in expression of intranuclear NF-kappaB and GR in days 0 to 2, 3 to 6, and 7 to 14 after injury. In study 1, expression of both intranuclear NF-kappaB and GR in PMNLs was significantly higher in SIRS patients than in healthy controls. There was a strong correlation between expression of these two transcription factors (r = 0.78). Positive correlations were also found between PMNL oxidative activity and both transcription factors. In study 2, expression of both NF-kappaB and GR in PMNLs was markedly elevated on days 3 to 6 after injury and changed serially with strong mutual correlation. In activated PMNLs from SIRS patients, levels of both intranuclear NF-kappaB and GR were elevated and strongly correlated. In trauma patients, NF-kappaB and GR in PMNLs changed serially with strong mutual correlation. Further studies are needed to clarify the effect of the balance of NF-kappaB and GR on PMNL activation and systemic inflammatory process.

Anticipation and quality of life in depression: 2 cognitive concepts?

This study purports to investigate the relation between negative predictions and quality of life occurring in dysthymia and non-melancholic depression according DSM-IV, in the absence of any personality disorders. The relation between anticipation and quality of life (QoL) is also examined. The results suggest that both anticipatory cognitions and the QoL discriminate the two depressive entities and may have some nosological prediction potential. It is curious to observe the similar behaviour of the two concepts, anticipation and QoL, when implemented with the chosen scales. Moreover, their strong mutual correlation suggests a conceptual proximity or even a concurrent criteria validity. In conclusion, the possibility that both concepts belong to a cognitive sphere should not be ruled out.

Solar and IMF Effects on Mid-Latitude Ionospheric Electric Fields and foF2.

The solar and IMF effects were statistically detected in mid-latitude (L = 1.25) ionospheric electric field data obtained by the MU radar. It was found that the IMF-Bx component (sector polarity) and the solar radio flux (SRF) correlates with the north-south component of the electric field on the night-side. For more positive (sunward) Bx, or for greater SRF, the electric field is more southward/downward. However, strong mutual correlation between the IMF-Bx and the SRF is found in the period analyzed (1987-1993), suggesting that the night-side correlation between electric fields and IMF-Bx comes from the effect of the solar activity rather than the direct influence of the IMF-Bx. In fact it was also found from the data for almost two solar cycles that the IMF-Bx (or By) dependence of the ionospheric foF2 is very similar with the solar activity (sunspot number) dependence of it. This suggests that the mutual correlation between the solar activity and the IMF-Bx, (or By) causes the apparent correlation of the foF2 with the IMF-Bx which has been reported as a sector polarity effect. On the other hand, the direct effects of the IMF-Bx (or By) on the electric fields were also detected by taking the correlations between the time differentials of them and the results are consistent with the known IMF effects on the Sq focus location. The differentials of the IMF-Bz have significant correlation with the electric fields in limited local time zones and the sense of electric field is consistent with the penetration of the dawn-to-dusk electric field in the magnetosphere indicating the imperfect shielding by the plasmasphere.

An exact technique of counting lineaments

The conventional way of counting lineaments on maps are numerous and mostly lack a strict basis. In this paper a logical and exact technique of counting is presented. Lineaments are segmented and counted as frequency and length. In addition, intersection of lineament to cell (LTC) and lineament to lineament (LTL) are given different weight scores on the basis of the pattern and symmetry of intersection with the counting cell. Three new sets of patterns of intersection of LTC (squared), LTD (circular) and LTL are presented. The results are used for preparing lineament density maps including frequency, length, LTC and LTL intersections. The last type simulates the connectivity maps used in fracture analysis. The optimal counting cell dimension has a major effect on counting, and is that which gives a strong mutual correlation between the counted frequency, length and LTC intersection.