Total Height Research Articles

The use of fixed expanders with orthodontic miniscrews support in children with mesial occlusion

Prevention of the development of pronounced skeletal abnormalities in patients with mesial occlusion. Biometric analysis of control and diagnostic models of dentition was performed in 60 patients with dental anomalies before and after treatment in 3 mutually perpendicular planes to identify violations in the formation of dental arches by sagittal and transversal dimensions, and alveolar processes - by vertical dimensions (methods of A. Pont, G. Korkhaus). Measurements of 23 parameters of TRG and sections of CBCT were carried out using the modified Nad-Ars technique with analysis of skeletal parameters before and after treatment. Treatment was carried out using dilators for the upper jaw in combination with a facial mask and further dynamic observation using active retention devices. The results of treatment showed an increase in the length of the anterior segment of the upper dental arch by 2.8±0.55 mm (p<0.05 mm); expansion in the area of temporary molars by 2.85±0.65 mm (p<0.05); in the area of permanent molars by 2.75±0.55 mm (p<0.05); in the area of the apical basis of HF by 3.82±0.45 mm (p<0.05). The length of the lower dental arch in the anterior segment has not changed. Analysis of TRG parameters showed a significant increase in the values of <ANB - by 1.55±0.52° (p<0.05); Wits - number by 2.85±0.45 mm (p<0.05); total anterior morphological height of the facial skeleton by 4.25±1.53 mm (p<0.05). As a result of the orthodontic treatment, the optimal position of the teeth, the shape of the dental alveolar arches, the inclination of the occlusal plane, and the improvement of the bite were achieved. Early orthodontic treatment made it possible to create favorable conditions and prepare the patient's occlusion for a change of teeth, to form dental alveolar arches, to reduce the degree of complexity of therapeutic measures that may be needed after the completion of skeletal growth.

2T3C apparatus and DIC technology to investigate the thermomechanical behaviour of the interface between bituminous layers

The bonding at the interface is seen in most road structure design methods as perfectly bonded and this ideal condition is supposed to last during the whole service life. However, the real working capacity at the interface is complex and gradually degrades because of repeated traffic load and weather conditions. A new apparatus called 2T3C (“Torsion, Traction, Compression sur Cylindre Creux” in French, or “Torsion, Tension, Compression on Hollow Cylinder” in English) was developed at the ENTPE/University of Lyon to investigate the thermomechanical behaviour of the interface between bituminous layers. The sample has two layers of similar or different materials. It has a total height of 125 mm and a wall thickness of the 25mm. The thickness was chosen small enough in order to validate the assumption of quasihomogenous stress and strain fields between inner and outer surface. The DIC technology is performed considering the three listed elements: (1) two couple of cameras are situated on two opposite sides of the sample (4 cameras in total) to take 3D images; (2) a software is employed to calculate the displacements in 3 dimensions of all points in the area of interest; and (3) the strain fields in the 2 layers and the displacement gap at the interface are computed using a method developed at the University of Lyon/ENTPE. In this paper, a focus is proposed on the viscoelastic and fatigue behaviours of the two bituminous layers and of the interface. Small and large numbers of loading cycles are successively considered in the small strain domain.

Dinâmica estrutural em uma floresta tropical sazonalmente seca sob diferentes sistemas silviculturais

ABSTRACT Considering the importance of evaluating the compatibility between the exploration system usually used in the Caatinga and the vegetation regeneration process, this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of recovering structural parameters in an experimental unit subjected to different management systems aged 9, 12, 16, 20 and 26 years post-exploitation. The area was subjected to clearcutting (CC) regimes and three types of selective cuttings (SC1 – selective cutting 1, cut of trees with diameter at the base – DAB &lt; 15 cm; SC2 – selective cutting 2, cut of trees with DAB &gt; 10 cm; and SC3 – selective cutting 3, cut of trees with DAB between 5 and 10 cm). In permanent plots of 20 m × 20 m, individuals with a circumference at breast height (CBH) ≥ 6 cm and a total height greater than 1.0 m were measured. Over the years of monitoring, the CC presented the lowest values of density, dominance, and volume, not obtaining a recovery in basal area and volume even after 26 years of regeneration. Treatments SC2 and SC3 stood out regarding recovery of the original woody biomass stock, presenting values higher than the original ones and indicating that the initial data did not correspond to the site's maximum potential. The forest dynamics pointed to the insufficiency of the 15-year clearcutting cycle in terms of recovering this region forest composition and structure.

O efeito do grau de conexão viga-pilar na análise global de estruturas de concreto armado de múltiplos pavimentos

Abstract The effect of the semi-rigid connection between beams and columns on the global behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) structures was investigated. The relative rotations in the nodes of the spatial frames were determined using the analytical approach proposed by Alva and El Debs. The rotational restraint factor ( α r) was defined and applied in each node of the spatial frames. RC spatial frames with total heights of 21, 42, and 63 m were considered. It was found that the semi-rigid connection increases the lateral displacements, the 2nd order effects, and the γ z values. The lower the stiffness of the nodes, the lower the influence of α r on the global results. The total fixed beam-column connections can lead to an unrealistic behavior of the spatial frame and thus to global results.

ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION OF WIND RESISTANCE PARAMETERS FOR LATTICE-TYPE HIGH-MODULUS SUPPORTS BASED ON THE OPTIMAL CRITERIA METHOD

Lattice high-molded support can generally be used for cast-in-place support for bridges, but for more than 50 meters of lattice high support, due to the wind, load and other factors, due to the support length and slenderness of the relatively large, relatively light and flexible structure and other characteristics of the role of the wind load is very sensitive. When the lattice high-molded stent construction is used in the typhoon area, it is easy to be damaged by the typhoon, and the structural design of the lattice high-molded stent and the construction of that technology are facing great challenges. In this paper, based on the new construction of a special bridge in Fujian, finite element analysis of four-legged and six-legged lattice bracing is carried out by ANSYS, and the effects of steel pipe diameter, number of columns, longitudinal and transversal spacing of bracing, and diagonal bracing structural parameters on structural performance are analyzed by using the coefficients of buckling stability and the coefficients of critical loading. The results of the study show that the main design variable for displacement sensitivity is the diameter of vertical rod; the main design variable for stress sensitivity is the diameter of diagonal rod; the main design variable for overall stability sensitivity is the diameter of diagonal rod; and the main design variable for overall stability sensitivity of total volume is the diameter of diagonal rod. And the optimal wind resistance parameters are: 4 lattice high-braced columns are selected, the section length should be controlled within 15m, and the total height should not be more than 70m, and the spacing of the columns is controlled between 7m and 8m. This study proposes a set of optimized design process method for wind-resistant lattice structure under the constraints of stiffness, strength and critical load factor, which improves the economy and ensures the reasonableness of the design, and can be used for the design of high-modular lattice bracket in typhoon area.

Changes in the provision of ecosystem services based on sidewalk tree-composition scenarios

Cities have been experiencing environmental and social issues due to urban expansion processes, be them planned or not. However, several environmental solutions have been proposed and sidewalk tree planting stands out among them. The aim of the current research is to assess the process to estimate ecosystem services under different sidewalk tree composition scenarios in Irati and Curitiba cities, Paraná State. In order to do so, 10 street segments from neighborhoods sampled in city-wide inventories were selected. Information about sidewalk length, curb ramps’ width, and number of utility poles was collected for each street segment. The number of trees to be fit in each segment and sampled neighborhood was determined based on safety recommendations for these urban structures. Tree dimensions (Diameter at Breast Height - DBH, total height and crown diameter) were projected for the 55th year post-planting, based on using minimum dimensions of seedlings from small, medium and large-sized species. It was done to estimate ecosystem services in i-Tree Eco software. Significant differences among floristic composition scenarios (p&lt;0.05) were observed for all ecosystem services in both cities. Compositions featuring large-sized species have show higher ability to provide ecosystem services, as well as higher monetary valuation, despite fitting a smaller number of trees in the assessed street segments. The herein formulated scenarios have shown the potential to increase the number of planted trees and to select compositions capable of maximizing ecosystem services’ provision and trees’ monetary value.

Minimally invasive techniques for sinus floor elevation using dental implants among Indians.

It is of interest to compare conventional lateral window technique, trans-alveolar technique with minimally invasive technique like modified trephine technique and antral membrane balloon elevation technique for sinus floor elevation in placement of dental implants. The current study included 140 participants (191 dental implants) who had maxillary posterior edentulous regions and had low sinuses and insufficient alveolar ridges but had chosen an implant-retained prosthesis. The minimally invasive techniques of sinus augmentation can be suitable alternative to conventional traumatic techniques due to low incidence of pain, gingival swelling. Moreover, the success rate of implants and increase in total bone height was almost same in minimally invasive techniques of sinus augmentation as compared to conventional traumatic techniques.

Design and Performance Evaluation of a Variable Speed Bucket Elevator

The bucket elevator was designed and constructed at the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria. A variable speed bucket elevator with dimensions of 0.3 m by 0.243 m and 0.47 m high with a base stand of 0.47 m high making the total height of 0.9 m was designed, evaluated and tested to determine the throughput capacity of the machine, which gave 0.176 tons h-1 at higher speed of 0.5 m s-1 with optimal efficiency at the centrifugal discharge force of 0.366 N when grain (cowpea) was elevated, and a throughput capacity of 0.109 tons h-1 at a slower speed of 0.4 m s-1 with optimal efficiency of 7.78% at the gravitational discharge force of 0.392 N when small lumpy material was elevated. 0.5 m s-1 and 0.4 m s-1 used for the experiment were obtained from the grooved step pulley with variable diameters, connected to a motor of 0.18 kW (1340 rpm) at the head, with a gear reducer of 189.7 rpm coupled to a vee belt. The result obtained during test running of the prototype model of the bucket elevator conveyor, shows that at variable speed, bucket elevator can convey different materials, which becomes an advantage instead of installing different conveyor while the same can perform the same function with a change in the pulley. This will become advantageous to low-income countries, where resources are meager to purchase different equipment whereas, a well-designed single elevator can perform variably and obtain same outcome.

Perbandingan Pola Rasio Morfometrik dan Karakteristik Habitat Dua Spesies Ikan Cupang Alam (Betta spp.) Endemik Pulau Bangka

Bangka Island has extraordinary biodiversity. Bangka Island has various types of freshwater fish, including local and endemic fish. The natural betta fish Betta burdigala and Betta chloropharynx are two species of fish endemic to Bangka Island which are considered endangered. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in morphology and habitat characteristics between these two species. This research uses a quantitative descriptive approach. The fish samples used were 10 Betta burdigala and Betta chloropharynx fish taken from Bikang Village, South Bangka Regency and Jade Bahrin Village, Bangka Regency from August to September 2023. The data obtained were analyzed descriptively and presented as graphs or tables. There are eight main characteristics based on morphometric ratios, namely Total Length (TL), Body Length (BL), Tail Length (TL), Head Length (HL), Head Height (HH), Body Width-I (BW-I), Body Width-II (BW-II), and Body Width-III (BW-III). Based on morphometric ratios, there are differences in all morphometric characters. Betta burdigala and Betta chloropharynx live in peat swamp waters, the pH of Betta burdigala water is lower than the pH of Betta chloropharynx water, the color of Betta burdigala water is more black brown, while the color of Betta chloropharynx water is clearer.

A machine learning based method for predicting the shear strength of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete joints in precast segmental bridges

The utilization of Fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) in the construction of Precast segmental concrete bridges (PSCBs) is progressively increasing. The design of joints among precast members can considerably impact the overall integrity and safety of the structure. Consequently, accurately estimating the shear capacities of FRC joints has become critical for evaluating the safety of PSCBs structures. However, the effectiveness and efficiency of formulas or models intended for prediction of the shear capacities of joints with normal concrete are unknown in predicting the shear capacities of FRC joints. In this study, the machine learning (ML) algorithms are employed to predict the ultimate load of FRC joints, utilizing a database of 192 push-off test results. Three individual models (Lasso, SVM, and KNN) and three ensemble models (RF, GBDT, and XGBoost) were developed for estimating the ultimate load. The GridSearchCV technique was utilized for parameter optimization based on the training set, in conjunction with a five-fold cross-validation method. A comparative study revealed that the XGBoost ensemble model surpassed other models, with a predictive performance ranking as follows: XGBoost > GBDT > RF > KNN > SVM > Lasso. The best-performing XGBoost model achieved performance metrics of R2 = 0.964, MAE = 41.318 kN, RMSE = 56.760 kN, and MAPE = 14.228%. The superior reliability of the XGBoost ensemble model was further validated through comparisons with current design codes and existing models. As ML-based models are typically black-box models, the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method was employed to explicitly link the predicted output to the inputs. Based on SHAP results, confining stress (CS), depth of shear key (D), compressive strength of concrete (fcu), total height of joints (H), and height of flat part (Hsm) recognized as the crucial parameters affecting ultimate load.

Application of GIS technologies for accounting plus trees

Introduction &#x0D; Nowadays, an important forest genetic resources (FGR) conservation activity is the systematization of information on gene pool conservation units in electronic databases. It should be noted, however, that the existing international databases mainly relate only to units represented by populations (stands), which are visualized as polygons on the map. As the scientists from the Department of New Information Technologies in URIFFM have implemented the website “Geoportal: Forests of Ukraine”, it became technically possible to add information on plus trees to its functionality and combine data on tree locations and their characteristics in a united electronic database.&#x0D; The study aimed to improve the organization of information on plus trees, their accounting, survey, and use as improvement units by applying free software (Python, JavaScript) and the PostgreSQL relational database with the PostGIS module.&#x0D; Materials and Methods&#x0D; In 2021, one of the work stages was to develop software and methodology for forming the Plus Trees database and to provide a user manual. In particular, a data schema was created to store both attribute and geographical information on tree improvement units in Ukraine. In addition, attribute and geographical information of forest inventory are used. The database of plus trees contains basic information from plus tree Passports or selection/inventory data from the reports.&#x0D; Results &#x0D; The proposed database consists of several panels. The first panel contains elements for setting coordinates and entering plus tree numbers. The second panel is intended for selecting a species name of trees. The third panel of the data entry form contains mandatory attributes (total height of a plus tree and its diameter at a height of 1.3 m). The fourth panel contains other tree characteristics.&#x0D; During the testing of the developed database structure and the working out of the instruction, the information on plus trees in seven regions of Ukraine (Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, and Donetsk) was entered, which is about 25% of the country’s plus tree pool. In addition, the design of the web pages was finalized in parallel with the data entry.&#x0D; The developed software can be useful to both scientists and forest managers. Its use will simplify the search for plus trees in forest stands for their inventory, and survey, as well as in cases where it is necessary to collect seeds or cuttings for the seed orchards or progeny tests creation in forest enterprises or at forest seed centers. For scientists, it will provide an opportunity to systematize, analyze, and generalize information, in particular, to improve methodical approaches to the selection of the plus trees.&#x0D; Conclusions &#x0D; A data schema was created to store both attribute and geographic information on forest tree species tree improvement units in Ukraine. The schema considers the complex structure of coordinated units and includes the developed algorithms for data verification which will allow the effective use of the proposed database for the plus tree accounting.&#x0D; 8 Figs., 1 Table, 20 Refs.

Potential and Limitations of Research Battery Cell Types for Electrochemical Data Acquisition

Developing new electrode materials or electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries requires reliable electrochemical testing thereof. In academic research, coin-type cells and small pouch-type cells are commonly being assembled for this purpose. In our study [1], using commercial highly homogeneous and robust LiNi0.33Mn0.33Co0.33O2 (NMC111) cathodes, graphite anodes and 1M LiPF6 in EC/DMC with 3% VC as the electrolyte, four experienced researchers from the Institute for Applied Materials at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology assembled a variety of coin cells within a round robin test. For different cell building parameters, the battery lifetimes systematically varied from a few hundred to well over 2000 cycles before a capacity retention of 80 % was reached. As a benchmark, the same electrodes and electrolyte were incorporated as single- and multi-layer electrode stacks into pouch-type cells and reach almost 4000 cycles with a rate of 1 C.Missplacing of electrodes and varying amount of electrolyte within a coin-cell were already addressed as performance influencing factors in the literature. In this study, one clear outcome with high impact on previously collected electrochemical data on coin cells, is that the steel grade of cell parts, as well as the in-housed total height of the electrode stack have dramatic influence on cell lifetime and the quality of the acquired electrochemical data. We present our best practice for coin cell manufacturing resulting from the round robin test. Further, it is shown that inappropriate testing conditions like poor cell contacting and cycler settings have additional impact on data collection. In this regard, we emphasize essential parameters for obtaining high quality data.Additionally, using the same electrodes, we show direct rate performance differences of calendered vs. uncalendered electrodes, as well as half vs. full-cell test results by means of rate capability and long-term cycling stability. While compression of anodes is less crucial for rate capability, substantial differences are measured in case of the cathodes, highlighting the importance of sufficient cathode densification. Moreover, for long-term capacity retention studies, it is demonstrated that electrode densification of both, cathode and anode is crucial for high long-term capacity retention.Our results are bridging the gap between lab research and industry-type battery cells. It is shown how key performance parameters can be projected from corresponding lab scale battery cell data, if certain important criteria are met vs. where the projections have their limits.[1] A. Smith, P. Stüble, L. Leuthner, A. Hofmann, F. Jeschull and L. Mereacre, Batteries & Supercaps 2023, e202300080. Figure 1

Bragg reflection of linear shallow-water waves by an array of widely spaced trapezoidal bars on a fringing reef flat

A closed-form solution to the linear shallow-water wave equation for wave reflection by a finite periodic array of widely spaced trapezoidal bars on a fringing reef flat is presented. It is shown that, when the total number, height, or top width of the trapezoidal bars increases, the strength of the Bragg resonance increases but the downward shift of the resonance phase becomes more pronounced. When the width of the reef face increases or when the reef face changes from a concave profile to a convex profile, the strength of the Bragg resonance decreases and the downward shift of the resonance phase also becomes more pronounced. Especially, it is found that the location of trapezoidal bars plays an important role in the strength and occurrence condition of the Bragg resonant reflection. Finally, the optimal collocation of the location and width of trapezoidal bars is investigated. Considering both construction cost and reflecting capacity, the relative width is recommended to be within 0.4≤wb/d≤0.6 and the distance from the reef edge to trapezoidal bars is suggested to be equal to the spacing of trapezoidal bars.

Slope stability of reclaimed coal mines through a new water filling index

A common reclamation practice for closed coal surface mines is filling them with water to form pit lakes. The creation and sustainability of these lakes are significantly affected by the stability of the corresponding slopes. The present study provides a general framework for analyzing the water filling's effect on slope stability based on a new water filling index, which can indirectly consider the factors affecting the process and efficiently quantify the filling speed's influence. The assumptions of the proposed approach are thoroughly discussed, and the range of the water filling index is identified. Furthermore, the safety factor is calculated using the finite element method with the shear strength reduction technique during the filling process for various conditions (soil properties, slope geometry, hydraulic conditions, and water filling speed). Results are presented as normalized stability charts for practical use. During the water filling, the stability gradually decreases until the reservoir reaches a critical level of 10%–40% of the total height; it then increases to even more stable conditions than the initial one. Overall, the present analysis allows for the preliminary stability evaluation of a coal mine during the formation of a pit lake and the appropriate quantification of the water filling's effect.

Printed layers height calibration curve and porosity in laser melting deposition of Ti6Al4V combining experiments, mathematical modelling and deep neural network

PurposePorosity is a commonly analyzed defect in the laser-based additive manufacturing processes owing to the enormous thermal gradient caused by repeated melting and solidification. Currently, the porosity estimation is limited to powder bed fusion. The porosity estimation needs to be explored in the laser melting deposition (LMD) process, particularly analytical models that provide cost- and time-effective solutions compared to finite element analysis. For this purpose, this study aims to formulate two mathematical models for deposited layer dimensions and corresponding porosity in the LMD process.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, analytical models have been proposed. Initially, deposited layer dimensions, including layer height, width and depth, were calculated based on the operating parameters. These outputs were introduced in the second model to estimate the part porosity. The models were validated with experimental data for Ti6Al4V depositions on Ti6Al4V substrate. A calibration curve (CC) was also developed for Ti6Al4V material and characterized using X-ray computed tomography. The models were also validated with the experimental results adopted from literature. The validated models were linked with the deep neural network (DNN) for its training and testing using a total of 6,703 computations with 1,500 iterations. Here, laser power, laser scanning speed and powder feeding rate were selected inputs, whereas porosity was set as an output.FindingsThe computations indicate that owing to the simultaneous inclusion of powder particulates, the powder elements use a substantial percentage of the laser beam energy for their melting, resulting in laser beam energy attenuation and reducing thermal value at the substrate. The primary operating parameters are directly correlated with the number of layers and total height in CC. Through X-ray computed tomography analyses, the number of layers showed a straightforward correlation with mean sphericity, while a converse relation was identified with the number, mean volume and mean diameter of pores. DNN and analytical models showed 2%–3% and 7%–9% mean absolute deviations, respectively, compared to the experimental results.Originality/valueThis research provides a unique solution for LMD porosity estimation by linking the developed analytical computational models with artificial neural networking. The presented framework predicts the porosity in the LMD-ed parts efficiently.

Assessment of morphological variability in natural populations of Haldina cordifolia (Haldu)

The surveys were conducted in natural populations of Haldina cordifolia in the forest areas of three states of central India namely Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. Based on the growth parameters of the individual tree, a total of thirty trees from nine forest divisions of these three states were selected as candidate plus trees (CPTs). Variation was observed in girth at breast height (GBH), total height, and clear bole height (CBH) of trees surveyed. The maximum GBH was recorded in the CPTs of Balrampur (243.75 cm) while the minimum was recorded in Balaghat (115 cm). The maximum height of CPTs was recorded in Dindori (30.25 m) while the minimum was recorded in Allapalli (19 m). The maximum CBH% of total height was recorded in Bilaspur (44.22) while the minimum was recorded in Katghora (37.31). Higher GBH and height of trees may be resulted due to more age of trees. CPTs of Bilaspur were of middle age and showed the highest CBH% (44.22) and relatively low GBH and height when compared with those of Dindori and Balrampur. With age, the trees of Bilaspur will gain more height and girth which will result in higher yield.

Tree allometry and stand structure in dryland forests relics of northern Côte d’Ivoire

The contribution of dryland forests in West Africa to carbon stocks remains poorly documented due to the lack of appropriate allometric models and inventory data. In this study, we gathered such data for dryland forest relics of northern Côte d’Ivoire. Inventory data were used to determine and sample the dominant species, and to characterize the stand structure. Destructive biomass data were used to develop local mixed-species allometric models for estimating tree aboveground biomass (AGB) and test the validity of existing allometric models, and to characterize the stand structure (including carbon stock). A total of 118 tree species belonging to 102 genera and 36 families were inventoried in 41 plots of 25 × 25 m (625 m² each, totalling 2.56 ha) sampled in three sites in the Korhogo department. Among them, seven predominant species, including one exotic, were selected for destructive sampling in one site, the Lataha Forest Research Station. Destructive biomass data for 34 trees belonging to these dominant species and with diameter at breast height between 6 and 41 cm were used to fit allometric equations specific to this forest type and to test the predictions of existing equations earlier developed for the global tropics and for African dry forests. Six equations integrating three predictors, stem diameter (D), total tree height (H) and wood specific gravity (ρ) were developed and the models with the three predictors showed the best performance. Pantropical models significantly over-estimated tree AGB by 20 % while models developed for African dry forests provided reliable estimates, suggesting a specific allometry of trees in dryland forest relics that needs to be further explored.. With our best AGB model, a quantity of 141.26 ± 92.72 tDM.ha−1 was estimated confirming that these dryland forest relics are important carbon stocks for this region where open vegetation dominates. This study constitutes an important contribution for the carbon accounting programs related to the implementation of REDD+ initiatives in Côte d’Ivoire.

Morphometric study of stapes and its variation in Eastern Indian population

: For audiological prosthesis surgery morphometry of stapes is of utmost importance. Previous studies were mainly based on foreign and northern Indian population. Hence the present study.: To measure the morphometric parameters of stapes and compare the same with the previous studies.: This cross sectional observational study, performed on the ear ossicle, stapes obtained from 26 cadaveric heads. A total of (26 x 2) = 52 sets of stapes were taken out for the study. Measurements of various parameters of the ossicles were done with micrometer. Comparison among them with respect to sex, laterality and race were made. Age variation was not considered as the ossicles reach their full size at birth. Statistically significant difference in the total height of stapes was observed between male and female ossicles, but no such disparity was found between ossicles of the two sides. Height of stapes in males (mean: 3.35mm) was found to be significantly higher (p value: 0.00001) as compared to females (mean:3.18mm) in this present study. In surgeries for otosclerosis, the stapes superstructure is removed and replaced by a prosthetic ‘piston’, the selection of which is determined by the distance between the lenticular process of incus and the footplate of stapes, which in turn corresponds to the height of stapes superstructure. This measurement is vital for a properly fit piston and thus to the outcome of the surgery in terms of hearing improvement and lack of complications like expulsion of the piston, intractable vertigo, etc. When the mean values found in this study were compared with those of previous foreign and Indian studies, some of the values were found to be similar. : The height of stapes was shorter in our study as compared to studies based on North Indian population. These differences might point towards geographic or ethnic variations in the stapes which might call for further research work into this topic.

Pinus pinaster Diameter, Height, and Volume Estimation Using Mask-RCNN

Pinus pinaster, commonly called the maritime pine, is a vital species in Mediterranean forests. Its ability to thrive in the local climate and rapid growth make it an essential resource for wood production and reforestation efforts. Accurately estimating the volume of wood within a pine forest is of great significance to the wood industry. The traditional process is either a rough estimation without measurements or a time-consuming process based on manual measurements and calculations. This article presents a method for determining a tree’s diameter, total height, and volume based on a photograph. The method involves placing reference targets of known dimensions on the trees. A deep learning neural network is used to extract the tree trunk and the targets from the background, and the dimensions of the trunk are estimated based on the dimensions of the targets. The results indicate less than 10% estimation errors for diameter, height, and volume in general. The proposed methodology automates the estimation of the dendrometric characteristics of trees, reducing field time consumed in a forest inventory and without the need to use nonprofessional instruments.

Hydraulic and thermal performances of micro pin fin heat sink with increasing pin fin height

This study investigates numerically the impacts of pin fins (PF) with varying height on the pressure drop ΔP, the bottom average temperature Tbw, the Nusselt number Nu and the thermal performance factor η of a micro pin fin heat sink (MPFHS). Three groups of PF structure characterized by a different height increase mode are introduced: Case 1: structure with constant height step, Case 2: structure with increasing height step, and Case 3: structure with decreasing height step. The findings in this work show that ΔP and Nu increase but Tbw decreases with the increasing height step for Case 1 and with the increasing increment of the height step for Case 2 and Case 3. When comparing their thermal and hydraulic performances, Case 2 demonstrates the best thermal performances, whereas Case 3 has the best hydraulic performance when the total height steps of PFs in all three kinds of heat sink are kept constant. Furthermore, this study finds that the PF with increasing height can always enhance η of the MPFHS compared to PF with uniform height. This finding validates the performance advantage of the PF with increasing height and offers the potential technique for the optimization design of MPFHS.