Surface Depression Research Articles

Feasibility and Reliability Assessment of Inexpensive Solid-State Lidar for Rutting Measurement in Asphalt Pavement

Rutting in asphalt pavements, characterized by longitudinal surface depressions in wheel paths, poses significant safety concerns. Accurate identification and measurement of rutting are crucial for maintaining road safety, ensuring ride quality, and reducing fuel consumption. Traditional methods, such as manual assessments, are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to human error. High-frequency laser systems, while precise for pavement monitoring, are expensive, require specialized training for operation, and involve substantial maintenance costs, making them less accessible and convenient for many highway agencies and municipalities, underscoring the need for more affordable and practical solutions. This article introduces an accurate, efficient, and cost-effective alternative for rut depth measurement using inexpensive, commercial solid-state lidar (SSL) technology. The study is an investigation of the feasibility and reliability of SSL technology for measuring rutting distress in asphalt pavement. Measurements obtained using SSL technology were compared with measurements obtained using a laser rut bar system, as well as manual measurements. Specifically, for a specified road test section, the SSL system achieved a coefficient of determination ( R 2 ) of 0.81, a mean absolute error of 0.07 in., and a root mean square error of 0.08 in. Additionally, comparing SSL performance with manual measurements, the error in rut depth measurement was less than 20%. A network-level survey in Columbia, Missouri, demonstrated the SSL system’s capability for extensive pavement condition monitoring at highway speeds.

Isolation, purification and structural characterization of wheat-derived beer protein.

Isolation, purification and structural characterization of wheat-derived beer protein.

The morphology of integumental brochosomes in Cicadellidae (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha).

The morphology of integumental brochosomes in Cicadellidae (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha).

Bottom Topography Effect on the Seasonal Mode Generation of the Tsugaru Warm Current

Abstract Several regions in the World Ocean are known to exhibit eddies with characteristic structures controlled by bottom topography and surrounding currents. Here, we analyzed the generation of one such eddy, an anticyclonic gyre that seasonally forms the gyre mode (GM) of the Tsugaru Warm Current (TWC) along its path downstream of the Tsugaru Strait. This eddy greatly influences surface temperature and water mass distributions in this region of high fishery productivity. We constructed composite fields based on relative vorticity for both the GM and the coastal mode (CM) of the TWC, when it flows directly along the meridional Sanriku coast downstream of the strait. Within the strait, the CM-composite path is known to be located south of the GM-composite path. We found that clockwise turning of the barotropic CM-composite flow in shallow regions due to potential vorticity conservation generates the southward components of the outflow from the strait, connecting it smoothly to the meridional coastal current. In contrast, the rather baroclinic GM-composite flow is affected by the topography only near the bottom; as a result, it flows eastward from the strait, where the gyre is generated as has previously been investigated analytically and in laboratory experiments. We also found that the gyre includes both an isolated circulation surrounded by the TWC path and a lower layer with an isopycnal surface depression down to about 1000-m depth. This deep structure is supported by observation data.

An automatic classification method with weak supervision for large-scale wetland mapping in transboundary (Irtysh River) basin using Sentinel 1/2 imageries.

An automatic classification method with weak supervision for large-scale wetland mapping in transboundary (Irtysh River) basin using Sentinel 1/2 imageries.

Preoperative edema severity affects outcomes after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty for Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy: a cohort study

BackgroundIn patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), the most beneficial stage to perform Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) remains uncertain. The goal of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes after DMEK in FECD patients with subclinical corneal edema and clinical corneal edema to test the hypothesis of whether performing surgery in subclinical corneal edema stages achieves better surgical outcomes.MethodsIn this prospective, observational, single-institution cohort study, 106 pseudophakic eyes of 85 patients with FECD were divided into two groups depending on the presence of preoperative subclinical and clinical corneal edema. Subclinical corneal edema was diagnosed if more than one of the following criteria was present in Scheimpflug tomography: loss of regular isopachs, displacement of the thinnest point of the cornea, and focal posterior corneal surface depression. Clinical corneal edema was diagnosed with slit-lamp biomicroscopy. The primary outcome was the corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) 4 months after DMEK. Secondary outcomes were central corneal thickness (CCT), thinnest corneal thickness (TCT), and total corneal density (TCD) in Scheimpflug tomography, as well as endothelial cell loss (ECL) and the re-bubbling rate. The differences between both groups were analyzed using clustered Wilcoxon rank-sum tests or a Chi-squared test.ResultsPostoperative CDVA was significantly better in the group with subclinical edema (0.18 ± 0.12 logMAR) compared to the group with clinical edema (0.24 ± 0.19 logMAR; P = 0.026). Four months after DMEK, TCD was higher in the group with preoperative clinical edema [31.7 ± 8.3 gray scale units (GSU)] compared to the group with subclinical edema (27.8 ± 6.1 GSU; P = 0.005). The postoperative CCT, TCT, ECL, and re-bubbling rates did not differ significantly between both groups (all P > 0.05).ConclusionsDMEK for FECD yielded better visual acuity after 4 months when performed in the early stage of FECD compared to a later stage with clinical edema. This may be attributable to persistent corneal fibrosis after DMEK in eyes with preoperative clinically evident corneal edema, as suggested by higher postoperative corneal density in eyes with clinical edema. Consequently, the findings advocate for the consideration of earlier DMEK in FECD patients to achieve better surgical recovery.

A novel minimally invasive technique for the treatment of tibial plateau collapse fracture: radiological and arthroscopic evaluation.

To examine the effectiveness of a novel bone graft reduction technique with a bone tamp impactor instrument in minimally invasive treatment of tibial plateau collapse fractures through arthroscopic and imaging evaluation. This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on patients with tibial plateau collapse fracture who received the novel bone graft reduction procedure with a bone tamp impactor instrument for minimally invasive treatment of tibial plateau collapse fractures in a tertiary referral university hospital from February 2021 to March 2023. Patients were classified according to a classification combined with Schatzker classification, AO classification and three-column classification. Arthroscopy evaluation and radiographs were used to measure the reduction effect. A total of 196 patients were eligible and included. Compared to the preoperative values, post-ADD(c) showed a significant reduction improvement (P = 0.000-0.007), ranging from 87.9 to 96.6% for different classifications. The post-ADD (s) have decreased by 87-96.8% (P = 0.000-0.039), the post-FFG and post-TPW reduced by 87.5-100% (P = 0.000-0.026) and 34.2-63.5% (P = 0.000-0.075) respectively. Additionally, the lower limb alignment have been significantly corrected, with notable changes in post-MPTA (P = 0.000-0.081), post-PTSA (P = 0.000-0.178) and post-FTA (P = 0.000-0.069) for different types of fracture, measured one day after surgery. Arthroscopic evaluation indicated that the average articular surface depression depth was less than 4mm, and over 60% achieved a depression depth of less than 2mm. All patient achieved a less than 2mm of postoperative fracture fragment gap, with over 50% achieving a gap of less than 1mm. None of patients experienced neurovascular injury or wound infection. The novel bone graft reduction technique utilizing a bone tamp impactor instrument can achieve effective reduction in all types of tibial plateau collapse fractures. This method may prove to be a useful option for minimally invasive treatment of tibial plateau fractures.

An objective methodology for waterlogging risk assessment based on the entropy weighting method and machine learning

An objective methodology for waterlogging risk assessment based on the entropy weighting method and machine learning

Exploring the mental health education policies of Chinese college students: based on policy text analysis and PMC-Index model.

College students' mental health education is crucial for holistic individual development and societal quality. It shapes well-rounded personalities, fosters innovation, and cultivates responsible citizens, contributing to social stability and national development. Our research aims to establish an evaluation system for college student mental health education policies based on the Policy Modeling Consistency Index (PMC-Index) model and text mining techniques, quantitatively assessing 15 representative policies. This paper first retrieves policy documents through specialized policy databases and government websites, excluding policies that have already expired or become invalid. The sample selections of this research range from 2001 to 2024, including national guidelines and specific actions. Referring to the above steps of policy effectiveness evaluation, our research comprehensively analyses the implementation effectiveness of the foregoing policies regarding mental health curricula, service systems, crisis intervention, and family cooperation. In the following, based on 10 major variables, 38 sub-variables are constructed with a binary coding system to quantify the content of policy for objectivity. Then, the ROSTCM 6.0 software is used for text segmentation and word frequency statistics, meanwhile, keywords and semantic networks of core policies will be considered for analysis. Subsequently, the PMC-Index is computed based on the multi-input-output matrix and a diagram of the PMC-Surface is drawn with the help of MATLAB to express policy consistency and deficiencies in different dimensions intuitively. Among the 15 policies, 11 exhibit Great Consistency (GC), and 4 fall under Acceptable Consistency (AC). Higher scores are found in Policy Function (X6), Policy Evaluation (X8), and Policy Goals (X9), indicating practical implementation and clear guidance. However, lower scores in Policy Nature (X1), Policy Timeliness (X2), Policy Issuing Agency (X3), and Policy Object (X4) reveal deficiencies in policy innovation, long-term planning, and target group coverage. Particularly, short-term policies lack sustainability, limiting their long-term effectiveness in supporting students' mental health. Through PMC-Surface analysis, it is found that lower scores in timeliness and adaptability to target groups are primary factors contributing to surface depressions in the diagram, suggesting that these policies struggle to meet the diverse needs of different types of higher education institutions. The research also highlights significant areas for improvement in resource allocation, support system construction, and personalized mental health services. Some policies fail to address regional disparities, with weaker implementation in underdeveloped areas and insufficient safeguard mechanisms. In the future, long-term planning for policy optimization is expected, in which priority would be given to localized resource allocation and close collaboration among schools, families, and society to ensure the comprehensiveness and sustainability of mental health education services. The research has identified certain strengths and weaknesses in the policies concerning mental health education for college students in China, thus providing theoretical references and specific recommendations that can be effectively implemented in higher education institutions.

Assessing Corneal Tomographic Changes in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy Over 1 year: Scheimpflug Versus Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography.

The objective of this study was to compare the capacity of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and Scheimpflug camera in detecting tomographic changes over 1 year in a cohort of patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. We conducted a single-center prospective study which consisted of 2 identical visits spaced 1 year apart. At each visit, tomographic analyses were performed using Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam HR, Oculus) and swept source AS-OCT (Casia SS-1000 Tomey). The resulting images were analyzed by 3 experienced independent observers. The main outcome was the agreement between the 2 devices for detecting subclinical corneal edema, as assessed using the interdevice reliability measured by the Cohen kappa coefficient. The criteria for subclinical edema were the presence of irregular isopachs, displacement of the thinnest point, and presence of posterior surface depression. We analyzed 129 eyes of 81 patients with good quality images for both devices. The overall agreement between the 2 devices to detect subclinical edema was good, but the performance was significantly different for 2 parameters (thinnest point displacement and posterior depression). The interdevice reliability was 0.84 for the loss of parallel isopachs, 0.55 for the displacement of the thinnest point, and 0.40 for the focal posterior corneal surface depression. Corneal tomographic features of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy can be easily quantified in clinical routine and clinical research by AS-OCT and Scheimpflug imaging, but both are not fully interchangeable. A longitudinal follow-up should always be done with the same device. Neither appears to be more sensitive than the other for detecting minimal changes over 12 months.

Effect of depressions on the three-dimensional propagation of longitudinal surface crack in continuous casting strands of hypo-peritectic steel

Surface depressions are common defects in the continuous casting process of hypo-peritectic steel, categorised into transverse and longitudinal depressions. While the formation processes of these depressions are well understood, their influence on the propagation of longitudinal surface cracks remains unclear. This study developed a new method for large-area surface depth measurement of the strand based on optical focusing. Utilising this method, we investigated the impact of surface depressions on the three-dimensional propagation of longitudinal surface crack in terms of width, depth and casting direction through macrostructure characteristics and finite element static analysis. The results indicated that transverse and longitudinal depressions affect crack propagation differently. Specifically, the depth of longitudinal depressions increases crack width, while transverse depressions can inhibit it to some extent. Macrostructure analysis of the cross-section revealed a continuous segregation line at the bottom of the depression, closely related to heat transfer, thermal stress, and the flow of solute-enriched liquid steel. Statistical analysis indicated that the depth of longitudinal depressions significantly affects the length of the segregation line, which in turn influences crack depth. However, no surface cracks were found at the bottom of transverse depressions adjacent to longitudinal depressions. This may be due to the banded grains at the bottom of transverse depressions resisting tensile thermal stress parallel to the strand's width direction. Along the casting direction, crack propagation primarily occurs along the bottom of longitudinal depressions due to continuous thermal disturbances at the meniscus. Meanwhile, the transverse depression can restrict the propagation of the existing crack while promoting the formation of the new crack at the other site. Finally, the study proposed mechanisms by which depressions influence the propagation of the longitudinal surface crack. This research further elucidates the impact patterns of surface depressions on macrostructure and stress distribution and how these factors subsequently influence crack propagation in three dimensions. It underscores the importance of controlling surface depressions to mitigate the longitudinal surface crack.

Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic-Assisted Treatment for Isolated Scaphoid Fossa Die Punch Nascent Malunion.

A die punch fracture is an intra-articular fracture of the distal radius characterized by a localized depression of the articular surface, typically occurring in the lunate fossa. Misdiagnosis or incorrect management can lead to articular malunion. While die punch fractures in the scaphoid fossa are less common, their nascent malunions pose significant treatment challenges. Traditionally, these fractures are treated with an open dorsal and volar approach, combined with osteotomy and internal fixation. Arthroscopic-assisted osteotomy has emerged as a promising technique due to its precision and minimally invasive nature. We present a new arthroscopic assisted minimally invasive technique for treating isolated dislocated die punch fracture nascent malunion of the scaphoid fossa. We treated an isolated scaphoid die punch nascent malunion, with a 5 mm joint surface depression. Using a 3-4 portal and a 30-degree curved mini osteotome, we performed an intra-articular osteotomy of the fragment. A small 2cm skin incision over the Lister tubercle and a 1cm bone window facilitated the introduction of a 30-degree curved curette to elevate and anatomically reduce the fragment under arthroscopic guidance. Definitive fixation was achieved with 3 K-wires. Postoperative x-rays at 6 weeks show complete fracture consolidation, confirmed by a subsequent computed tomography scan. At 3 months, patients demonstrated satisfactory clinical recovery with wrist range of motion and grip strength equal to the contralateral wrist, returning to normal activities. This technique is feasible and safe, minimizing soft tissue damage, preserving proprioception and vascularity, and enabling faster recovery.

Urban drainage efficiency evaluation and flood simulation using integrated SWMM and terrain structural analysis

Urban drainage efficiency evaluation and flood simulation using integrated SWMM and terrain structural analysis

Defect recognition in Ti-6Al-4V fabrication by in situ monitoring of directed energy deposition using a laser beam

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the relationship between in situ monitoring characteristics and surface defects in laser-based directed energydeposited Ti-6Al-4V.Design/methodology/approachIn situ monitoring was conducted to extract and quantify the monitoring characteristics of each frame. A two-dimensional contour map was generated using the quantified characteristics to determine the defect formation locations. Computational thermal-fluid dynamics software was used to determine which surface tension terms or shielding gas had a significant effect on the depression of the molten pool.FindingsThis study has made a significant contribution by revealing the direct correlation between the molten pool size and brightness with defect formation in laser-based DED of Ti-6Al-4V. It was found that in regions of reduced height, the molten pool exhibited increased size and brightness, leading to surface depressions due to vapor recoil pressure flattening the molten pool. Moreover, the results highlighted that the enhanced Marangoni forces, caused by a high-temperature gradient, hindered the proper accumulation of molten metal, exacerbating height reductions. This insight provides a deeper understanding of how molten pool dynamics directly influence surface quality, which is a critical factor in DED processes.Originality/valueThis study contributes to understanding of the relationship between in situ monitoring characteristics and surface defects in laser-based directed energy-deposited Ti-6Al-4V. Additionally, by using in situ monitoring and computational analysis, significant insights were gained into the factors influencing molten pool behavior and subsequent surface defects.

Characteristics and risk factor analyses of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia in older patients with colorectal polyps.

According to the degree of intradermal neoplasia in the colorectal exhalation, it can be divided into two grades: Low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN) and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN). Currently, it is difficult to accurately diagnose LGIN and HGIN through imaging, and clinical diagnosis depends on postoperative histopathological diagnosis. A more accurate method for evaluating HGIN preoperatively is urgently needed in the surgical treatment and nursing intervention of colorectal polyps. To explore the characteristics and risk factors of HGIN in older patients with colorectal polyps. We selected 84 older patients diagnosed with HGIN as the HGIN group (n = 95 colonic polyps) and 112 older patients diagnosed with LGIN as the LGIN group (n = 132 colonic polyps) from Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University. The endoscopic features, demographic characteristics, and clinical manifestations of the two patient groups were compared, and a logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for HGIN in these patients. The HGIN group was older and had a higher number of sigmoid colon polyps, rectal polyps, pedunculated polyps, polyps ≥ 1.0 cm in size, polyps with surface congestion, polyps with surface depression, and polyps with villous/tubular adenomas, a higher proportion of patients with diabetes and a family history of colorectal cancer, patients who experienced rectal bleeding or occult blood, patients with elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen 199 (CA199), and lower nutritional levels and higher frailty levels. The polyp location (in the sigmoid colon or rectum), polyp diameter (≥ 1.0 cm), pathological diagnosis of (villous/tubular adenoma), family history of colorectal cancer, rectal bleeding or occult blood, elevated serum CEA and CA199 levels, lower nutritional levels and higher frailty levels also are independent risk factors for HGIN. The occurrence of high-grade neoplastic transformation in colorectal polyps is closely associated with their location, size, villous/tubular characteristics, family history, elevated levels of tumor markers, and lower nutritional levels and higher frailty levels.

Tracking the Filling, Outburst Flood and Resulting Subglacial Water Channel From a Large Canadian Arctic Subglacial Lake

AbstractWe use digital elevation models (DEMs) and ICESat‐2 data to study the filling and outflow from a large subglacial lake under Manson Icefield in the Canadian Arctic. When full, the lake is ∼17 × 3 km with an area of 52 km2. Early in 2021 the ice surface over the center of the lake sank by >140 m implying a subglacial outburst flood of ∼4 km3. Rapid outflow occurred over ∼30 days at an average rate of ∼1,500 m3s−1 resulting in the formation of a single ∼15 km subglacial outflow path detectable from post‐outflow surface depression. The shape of the surface depression, 600–800 m wide by 2–4 m deep, reflects the shape of the subglacial channel prior to closure. Downstream ice movement appears unaffected by the outflow. After outflow ends the surface depression persisted over weeks, apparently dependent on the difference between water and overburden pressures.

Toward Comprehensive Understanding of Air‐Sea Interactions Under Tropical Cyclones: On the Importance of High Resolution and Multi‐Modal Observations

AbstractThe three‐dimensional structure of the Tropical Cyclone's baroclinic wake is synthesized as an averaged baroclinic‐dominant response of the upper ocean. The resulting persisting sea surface depression can easily be monitored using the present‐day altimeter constellation. Following a semi‐empirical framework, these baroclinic wake signatures are linked to the inner core TC dynamic and the ocean stratification. To collect these fine‐scale parameters, spaceborne SAR instruments and Argo fleet are used, to precisely capture the maximum wind region and the irregularities of the ocean vertical structure. This combination of high‐resolution information is found paramount to fully capture the modulation of sea surface height anomalies, and its mean trend, especially for major hurricanes. Baroclinic signatures mostly range around 10–20 cm and peak at 40 cm. Deeper anomalies correspond to barotropic response, removed from the present analysis.

Schatzker IV tibial plateau fractures: are they always unicondylar?

The objectives of this study were to describe the incidence and morphology of medial tibial plateau fractures that extend into the lateral articular surface and to describe trends in their management. Retrospective. Level I Urban Trauma Center. Seventy consecutive patients sustaining OTA/AO 41 B1 and B3 fractures. Open reduction internal fixation of medial tibial plateau fractures. Incidence of medial tibial plateau fractures that extend into the lateral articular surface. Secondary outcomes include localization of lateral articular surface depression, neurovascular injury, and trends in surgical management. Seventy patients were included with 9 fractures (12.9%) isolated to the medial condyle (MC) and 61 fractures (87.1%) extending to the lateral condyle (LC). Compartment syndrome was present in 2 patients (2.9%), peroneal nerve palsy in 2 (2.9%), and arterial injury in 1 (1.4%). Initial external fixation was used more frequently in the LC group compared with the MC group (P = 0.028). Of the 61 fractures in the LC group, 49 (80.3%) included lateral articular surface depression which localized to the posteromedial quadrant of the lateral articular surface in 36 of 49 fractures (73.5%). Lateral articular surface depression depth ≥10.6 mm was associated with the use of dual incisions (P < 0.001). Schatzker IV fractures frequently extend to the lateral condyle and often present with depression of the posteromedial lateral articular surface. Fractures with lateral articular surface depression depth ≥10.6 mm were more likely to undergo fixation with dual incisions. Therapeutic level IV.

Publisher's Note: Correction of article number for Ling et al 2024 Plasma Sci. Technol. 26 094002

Due to an editorial error, an incorrect article number was assigned to the Plasma Science and Technology article 'Effect of liquid surface depression size on discharge characteristics and chemical distribution in the plasma-liquid anode system' by Yun Ling et al. The original article number was 094000, however the correct citation is:Yun LING et al 2024 Plasma Sci. Technol. 26 094002The DOI of the article is unchanged: https://doi.org/10.1088/2058-6272/ad2b38 The relevant abstracting and indexing services have been informed.

Impact of different water-reducing agents on the properties of limonite self-compacting conductive concrete

The application environment for concrete is becoming increasingly complex, accompanied by an intensification of its functional requirements. This paper presents a method for developing self-compacting concrete with conductive properties using limonite and graphite as the concrete conductive phases. In the process of concrete preparation, the limonite is initially treated by a pre-wetting method to prevent the surface depression caused by the addition of limonite during the concrete curing process. The second stage of the process involved optimising different proportions of limonite and graphite and different dosages of water-reducing agent, defoamer and dispersant to prepare concrete. The influence of different dosages of limonite and graphite and different dosages of water-reducing agent on the mechanics and electrical conductivity of concrete was studied in order to obtain self-compacting conductive concrete with performance indicators meeting the requirements of self-compacting and electrical conductivity. The results demonstrate that the mechanical and electrical properties of self-compacting conductive concrete prepared with polycarboxylic acid superplasticizer and retarding superplasticizer combined with superplasticizer are satisfactory, and the composite superplasticizer can function in conjunction with dispersant. The self-compaction index, slump expansion, expansion time T50 and J-ring expansion of fluid concrete meet the requisite standards. Once the concrete has reached the designated curing age, its compressive strength and flexural strength align with the anticipated design expectations, while its resistivity meets the stipulated conductivity index requirements.