Types Of Spots Research Articles

The influence of laser process parameters on the Iron loss of grain-oriented silicon steel

Laser scribing effectively reduces the energy loss of grain-oriented silicon steel in alternating and pulsating magnetic fields. This study focuses on the 27Q120 material, analyzes the macroscopic surface morphology and iron loss variations of grain-oriented silicon steel under the influence of two types of laser spots (circular spots without the application of a diffractive optical element (DOE) and rectangular spots formed by a DOE), laser power (600W to 2400W), and scribing spacing (3.5mm to 7.5mm) as process parameters. The relationship between magnetic domain width, stress, and iron loss was analyzed. The result shows that the iron loss improvement rates (β) achieved with circular and rectangular spot scribing were 16.054% and 17.116%, respectively. Corresponding magnetic domain widths were 0.17754 mm and 0.1636 mm, with hysteresis losses of 0.5114 W/kg and 0.5033 W/kg, respectively. Under the same laser power and scribing spacing, a lower energy density significantly reduced the damage to the surface macroscopic morphology by the laser, leading to improved iron loss. Furthermore, the iron loss of grain-oriented steel is positively correlated with the width of magnetic domains and negatively correlated with compressive stress.

SpatialRef: a reference of spatial omics with known spot annotation.

Spatial omics technologies have enabled the creation of intricate spatial maps that capture molecular features and tissue morphology, providing valuable insights into the spatial associations and functional organization of tissues. Accurate annotation of spot or domain types is essential for downstream spatial omics analyses, but this remains challenging. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a manually curated spatial omics database (SpatialRef, https://bio.liclab.net/spatialref/), to provide comprehensive and high-quality spatial omics data with known spot labels across multiple species. The current version of SpatialRef aggregates >9 million manually annotated spots across 17 Human, Mouseand Drosophila tissue types through extensive review and strict quality control, covering multiple spatial sequencing technologies and>400 spot/domain types from original studies. Furthermore, SpatialRef supports various spatial omics analyses about known spot types, including differentially expressed genes, spatially variable genes, Gene Ontology (GO)/KEGG annotation, spatial communication and spatial trajectories. With a user-friendly interface, SpatialRef facilitates querying, browsing and visualizing, thereby aiding in elucidating the functional relevance of spatial domains within the tissue and uncovering potential biological effects.

3D Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrate Based on an Array of Self-Assembled Au@SiO2 Microspheres

A quasi-periodic array of 3D gold-nanoparticle-capped SiO2 microspheres (Au@SiO2) was designed and prepared with a facile approach to enhance the Raman signal intensity of adsorbed biomolecules. Through adjusting the thickness and annealing of Au thin films initially deposited on arrays of self-assembled SiO2 microspheres, we were able to control the diameter of Au nanoparticles and their interparticle spacing to produce two types of plasmonic near-field hot spots, locating at the gaps of such densely arranged Au nanoparticles on individual SiO2 microspheres and in the gap regions of neighboring SiO2 microspheres, respectively. Such double near-field enhancement mechanism leads to a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement factor up to 3 × 106 for Rhodamine 6G molecules. The SERS signal intensity was highly uniform with a relative standard deviation of 4.5%. This 3D SERS substrate has significant potential for various applications in the field of SERS detection of analytes and wearable biosensing.

Short- and long-term destination resilience in Wuhan, China under COVID-19: Differences in scenic spot type and origin market structure

Analyzing changes in destination resilience can inform critical but under-explored linkages characterizing disaster events and recovery. Based on web search data from 2011 to 2021, this study applied Tourism Background Trend Line (TBTL) modeling to calculate tourism resilience of 41 scenic spots in Wuhan, China under COVID-19. Existing government classifications and market demand data informed scenic spot categorization into three groups based on attraction type (cultural, leisure, natural) or domestic origin market structure (high, moderate and low dependence on the local market). Two-way ANOVAs tested differences in short- and long-term resilience among these different groups. Results indicate that scenic spots with low dependence on the local market were most resilient in the short-term (Jan–April 2020), while scenic spots with high dependence on the local market and natural scenic spots were most resilient in the long-term (May 2020–Dec 2021). Findings highlight heterogeneities in destination resilience at the micro-scale within a single destination, encouraging managers to develop targeted marketing strategies for various scenic spots at different stages of crises like COVID-19. The study's novel framework and implications also inform short-versus long-term resilience theory while accentuating destination recovery strategies in post-pandemic contexts.

Analysis of spatial distribution characteristics of A-level tourist attractions in Yunnan Province based on GIS

Based on GIS geographic information technology, this paper analyses and researches the spatial distribution characteristics of tourist attractions in Yunnan Province based on the data of Class A tourist attractions in Yunnan Province in 2022, using the nearest-neighbour index, kernel density analysis, geographic concentration index, imbalance index and Lorenz curve method. The results show that: (1) The spatial distribution type of A-grade tourist scenic spots in Yunnan Province is agglomeration, and the balance is low and the concentration degree is high, and the Lorentz curve shows a significant upward trend. From the perspective of the geographical area of Yunnan Province, the number of A-level tourist attractions in Kunming, Dalizhou, Puer, Qujing and Lijiang exceeds 50% of the province, showing obvious imbalance. (2) The spatial distribution of tourist attractions in Yunnan Province is obviously different, and the overall distribution characteristics of more northwest, less eastern edge, and more central area are mainly concentrated in central Yunnan and western Yunnan, while eastern Yunnan and northeast Yunnan are less distributed.

Comparative Effects of Potassium Iodate and SAAF-Fungicide on the Control of Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) And the Yield of Pepper (Capsicum spp. L.)

SAAF Fungicide is a systemic and contact fungicide that is used to prevent leaf spot, blast disease, rust disease, and other types of fungi pests in all kinds of crops, especially on vegetable plant. Hence, the objective of this paper as to compare the effects of Potassium Iodate and SAAF-fungicide on the control of Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) and the Yield of Pepper (Capsicum spp L.) using appropriate standard methods. Agronomic data such as number of leaves, plant height and flowers was collected. Disease incidence and severity as well as yield were measured and analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Among all the treatment, Gulpinar F1 with KIO3 has the highest height and number of leaves across the experiment while negative control has the least height and number of leaves. De cayenne with SAAF has the highest yield of pepper harvested followed by Gulpinar F1 with KIO3, the negative control has the highest disease infection and severity, there are very mild infection on the treated plots. The two treatments have positive effect on the growth, disease control and yield of pepper. The highest pepper yield was achieved from SAAF treated sample.

Determination of driving power and dependency of wastes in the healthcare sector: a lean and ISM-Based approach

PurposeThe objective of this study is to systematically identify, categorize and assess the driving factors and interdependencies associated with various types of healthcare waste. The study specifically focuses on waste that has been managed or is recommended for treatment through the application of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodologies.Design/methodology/approachTo accomplish the study’s objectives, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) was utilized. This analytical tool aided in quantifying the driving power and dependencies of each form of healthcare waste, referred to as “enablers,” as well as their related variables. As a result, these enablers were classified into four distinct categories: autonomous, dependent, linkage and drivers or independents.FindingsIn the healthcare sector, the “high cost” (HC) emerges as an autonomous variable, operating with substantial independence. Conversely, variables such as skill wastage, poor service quality and low patient satisfaction are identified as dependent variables. These are distinguished by their low driving power and high dependency. On the flip side, variables related to transportation, production, processing and defect waste manifest strong driving forces and minimal dependencies, categorizing them as independent factors. Notably, inventory waste (IW) is highlighted as a salient issue within the healthcare domain, given its propensity to engender additional forms of waste.Research limitations/implicationsEmploying the ISM model, along with comprehensive case study analyses, provides a detailed framework for examining the complex hierarchies of waste existing within the healthcare sector. This methodological approach equips healthcare leaders with the tools to accurately pinpoint and eliminate unnecessary expenditures, thereby optimizing operational efficiency and enhancing patient satisfaction. Of particular significance, the study calls attention to the key role of IW, which often acts as a trigger for other forms of waste in the sector, thus identifying a crucial area requiring focused intervention and improvement.Originality/valueThis research reveals new insights into how waste variables are structured in healthcare, offering a useful guide for managers looking to make their waste-reduction strategies more efficient. These insights are highly relevant not just for healthcare providers but also for the administrators and researchers who are helping to shape the industry. Using the classification and ranking model developed in this study, healthcare organizations can more easily spot and address common types of waste. In addition, the model serves as a useful tool for practitioners, helping them gain a deeper, more detailed understanding of how different factors are connected in efforts to reduce waste.

Millipixel accuracy optical localization for point-like targets on pixelated image sensors

Localizing point-like targets, such as stars and single molecules on pixelated image sensors, are of great importance in optical measurement fields, including astronomy and microscopy. To date, a localization accuracy of 0.01 pixels has been considered high in practical applications. It is difficult to assess or achieve a higher accuracy (e.g., millipixel level) using experimental data due to noise from conventional setups or environment. Here, we propose a millipixel-scale localization accuracy assessment and realization method. The method combines organic light emitting diode subpixel precise motion control and large-ratio optical scaling to form spot array motion with ultrahigh accuracy in digital images for localization assessment and uses effective point spread function (PSF) modeling and maximum likelihood estimation fitting to realize millipixel localization performance. A localization accuracy better than 0.001 pixels has been demonstrated on two types of practical spots. The work not only provides an experimental assessment method for localization techniques with ultrahigh accuracy but also verifies the ability of optical localization as a powerful tool to measure 2D displacements at nano-scale accuracy in advanced manufacturing.

Revealing spatiotemporal inequalities, hotspots, and determinants in healthcare resource distribution: insights from hospital beds panel data in 2308 Chinese counties

BackgroundEnsuring universal health coverage and equitable access to health services requires a comprehensive understanding of spatiotemporal heterogeneity in healthcare resources, especially in small areas. The absence of a structured spatiotemporal evaluation framework in existing studies inspired us to propose a conceptual framework encompassing three perspectives: spatiotemporal inequalities, hotspots, and determinants.MethodsTo demonstrate our three-perspective conceptual framework, we employed three state-of-the-art methods and analyzed 10 years’ worth of Chinese county-level hospital bed data. First, we depicted spatial inequalities of hospital beds within provinces and their temporal inequalities through the spatial Gini coefficient. Next, we identified different types of spatiotemporal hotspots and coldspots at the county level using the emerging hot spot analysis (Getis-Ord Gi* statistics). Finally, we explored the spatiotemporally heterogeneous impacts of socioeconomic and environmental factors on hospital beds using the Bayesian spatiotemporally varying coefficients (STVC) model and quantified factors’ spatiotemporal explainable percentages with the spatiotemporal variance partitioning index (STVPI).ResultsSpatial inequalities map revealed significant disparities in hospital beds, with gradual improvements observed in 21 provinces over time. Seven types of hot and cold spots among 24.78% counties highlighted the persistent presence of the regional Matthew effect in both high- and low-level hospital bed counties. Socioeconomic factors contributed 36.85% (95% credible intervals [CIs]: 31.84–42.50%) of county-level hospital beds, while environmental factors accounted for 59.12% (53.80–63.83%). Factors’ space-scale variation explained 75.71% (68.94–81.55%), whereas time-scale variation contributed 20.25% (14.14–27.36%). Additionally, six factors (GDP, first industrial output, local general budget revenue, road, river, and slope) were identified as the spatiotemporal determinants, collectively explaining over 84% of the variations.ConclusionsThree-perspective framework enables global policymakers and stakeholders to identify health services disparities at the micro-level, pinpoint regions needing targeted interventions, and create differentiated strategies aligned with their unique spatiotemporal determinants, significantly aiding in achieving sustainable healthcare development.

Temporal and Periodic Analysis of Penumbra–Umbra Ratio for the Last Four Solar Cycles

We investigate the long-term dynamic behavior of the sunspot penumbra to umbra area ratio by analyzing the Debrecen Photoheliographic Data (DPD) of sunspot groups during the period 1976–2017 (Solar Cycles 21–24). We consider all types of spots and find that the average penumbra–umbra ratio does not exhibit any significant variation with spot latitudes, solar-cycle phases as well as sunspot-cycle strengths. However, the behavior of this ratio is different when we consider the latitudinal distribution of the northern and southern hemispheres separately. Our analysis indicates that for daily total sunspot area the average spot ratio varies from 5.5 to 6.5 and for very large sunspots (> 5000 μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$\\mu$\\end{document}Hem; one μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$\\mu$\\end{document}Hem is 10−6\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$10^{-6}$\\end{document} the area of visual solar hemisphere) its value rises to about 8.3. In the case of the group-sunspot area, the average spot ratio is ∼6.76. Furthermore, we found that this ratio exhibits a trend for both smaller (area <100 μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$\\mu$\\end{document}Hem) and large (area > 100 μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$\\mu$\\end{document}Hem) sunspots. Finally, we report the periodic and quasiperiodic variations present in this ratio time series after applying the multitaper method (MTM) and Morlet-wavelet technique. We found that along with the ∼11-year solar-cycle period, the penumbra to umbra area ratio also shows several midterm variations, specifically, Rieger-type and quasibiennial periodicities. We also found that Rieger-type periods occur in all cycles, but the temporal evolution and the modulation of these types of periodicities are different in different solar cycles.

Microbes on the "peachy spots" of ancient Kaihua paper: microbial community and functional analysis.

Kaihua paper is a type of precious hand-made paper in China that has been used throughout Chinese history. Due to its extraordinary whiteness and fine texture, it was adopted by the imperial palace in the reign of Emperor Kang Xi and Yong Zheng of the Qing Dynasty of China in the 17th and 18th century. It is stained by a special type of yellowish-brown spot after years of storage, which is called a "peachy spot." The formation of such spots remains unclear, although complicated physicochemical processes or microbial activities might be involved. We performed nondestructive sampling and high-throughput sequencing on peachy spot surfaces, unstained areas, and air samples in the stack room to analysis the the bacterial and fungal communities, and performed prediction of functional genes of the bacterial communities. The results showed that peachy spot formation was mainly related to bacterial communities rather than fungal communities. Significantly more potential acid- producing, acidophilic or cellulase-producing bacteria, such as, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Lysinibacillus, and pigment-producing bacteria, such as Methylobacterium and Rubrobacter, were identified in the peachy spot samples. Prediction of the functional genes of the bacterial community also suggested the production of acidic substance pigments. These findings provide new insights into the pigment formation mechanism in ancient paper and open an opportunity to develop new strategies to preserve the ancient paper documents.

Research on Teaching Reform of College Curriculum Based on Subject Knowledge Mapping Architecture

Abstract In this paper, we first construct a framework of subject knowledge mapping for teaching and learning reforms in higher education courses, automate the supervision of the proposed optimized CLSTM-GAT model for extracting and recognizing the texts of teaching and learning reforms in higher education courses using remote supervision, and propose a storage architecture for domain subgraphs to save storage space. The feasibility of the proposed model and architecture is evaluated through experiments. The visualization and analysis of the teaching reform of college courses based on the knowledge graph reveals that the frequency and centrality values of the subject term “teaching reform” in the research vocabulary are 10526 and 0.29, respectively, and that the value of the expansion coefficient of “local colleges and universities” is 17.5466. 17.5466, with 10 years, are the highest. In the research on teaching reform of college curriculum, the research theme words mainly center around keywords such as “teaching reform, colleges and universities, teaching mode”, and “local colleges and universities, reform practice and teaching reform” belong to the hot spot type of research direction in the future research on teaching reform of college curriculum. The research direction.

Role of interleukin-6 and endothelin-1 receptors in enhanced melanocyte dendricity of facial spots and suppression of their ligands by niacinamide and tranexamic acid.

Hyperpigmented spots are common issues in all ethnicities with a hallmark characteristic of increased melanocyte dendricity. To determine (1) potential receptors and/or cytokines that are involved in increased melanocyte dendricity in multiple facial spot types; (2) treatment effects of skin-lightening compounds on identified cytokine release from keratinocytes and on dendricity in melanocytes. Facial spots (melasma, solar lentigo, acne-induced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and adjacent non-spot skin biopsies were collected from Chinese women (age 20-70). The epidermal supra and basal layers were laser dissected to enrich keratinocyte or melanocyte biology respectively for transcriptome analysis. Melanocyte dendricity was assessed histologically by immunofluorescent staining. Effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) on melanocyte dendricity and melanosome transfer were assessed in human melanocytes or melanocyte-keratinocyte co-culture models. Treatment effects of skin-lightening compounds (niacinamide, tranexamic acid [TxA], sucrose laurate/dilaurate mixture [SDL]) were assessed on IL-6 or ET-1 release from keratinocytes and on dendricity in melanocytes. Transcriptome analysis revealed IL-6 receptor and ET-1 receptor were significantly upregulated compared to the adjacent normal skin, visually confirmed at the protein level through immunostaining. Melanocytes in spot areas are more dendritic than melanocytes in adjacent non-spot skin. The addition of IL-6 and ET-1 to cell culture models increased melanocyte dendricity and melanosome transfer. IL-6 release was significantly suppressed by niacinamide and its combination, while ET-1 release was significantly reduced by both niacinamide and TxA. In contrast, SDL acted directly upon melanocytes to reduce dendricity. Interleukin-6 and ET-1 receptors are significantly upregulated in multiple facial spot types. The invitro testing demonstrated their respective ligands increased melanocyte dendricity. Tested skin-lightening compounds showed reduction in release of IL-6/ET-1 from epidermal keratinocytes and/or inhibition of melanocyte dendricity. This work sheds light on pathophysiological mechanism of facial spots and potential new mechanisms of these skin-lightening compounds which warrant further human clinical validation.

Awe or excitement? The interaction effects of image emotion and scenic spot type on the perception of helpfulness

This paper explores two kinds of image emotion (awe and excitement) of user-provided images on tourism e-retailing platforms. The current research comprises three studies: Study 1 and Study 3, two laboratory experiments, and Study 2, a field study. These three studies examined the interaction effects of image emotion (awe vs. excitement) and scenic spot type (nature-based scenic spot vs. amusement park) on the perception of helpfulness in reviews. The results of Study 1 showed that regarding amusement parks, user-provided images that participants scored high on the excitement led to more perceptions of helpfulness in reviews. The results of Study 2 showed that image emotion and scenic spot type had interaction effects on the perception of helpfulness in reviews. The results of Study 3 indicated that mental imagery played the mediating role.

Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Soybean Production in Heilongjiang Province, China

Heilongjiang Province, as the largest production and supply base for high-quality soybeans in China, plays a vital role in optimizing the layout of soybean production and promoting the revitalization of the soybean industry. Soybean yield is used as a key indicator of soybean production. This study integrated soybean yield data from agricultural reclamation systems and local authorities. A variety of statistical analysis methods, such as barycenter analysis, the Mann–Kendall test, the space–time cube, and grey relational analysis, were used to research the spatiotemporal evolution and influencing factors of soybean production in Heilongjiang Province from 2011 to 2021. This paper revealed the spatiotemporal evolution mechanism and explored the reasons for the differences in the effects of influencing factors. The results were as follows. (1) During the period between 2011 and 2021, the center of gravity of county-level soybean yield in Heilongjiang Province moved towards the northwest over a distance of 16.82 km. The soybean yield in the province experienced a mutation in approximately 2018, from a downward trend to an upward trend. (2) The spatiotemporal hot spots of county-level soybean yield in Heilongjiang Province were concentrated along the line from Hailun to Aihui. The types of hot spots included consecutive hot spots, intensifying hot spots, sporadic hot spots, and new hot spots. (3) The spatiotemporal agglomeration patterns of county-level soybean yield in Heilongjiang Province included only high-high clusters, only low-low clusters, only high-low outliers and multiple types. (4) The temporal changes in soybean yield in various counties of Heilongjiang Province had obvious regional characteristics. (5) Socioeconomic factors had aftereffects on soybean planting decisions. (6) Sunlight hours, the price ratio of local soybeans to local maize, average temperature, the number of soybean patents, the price ratio of imported soybeans to local soybeans, soybean cultivation income, local soybean prices, and the number of newly established soybean enterprises were primary influencing factors. Precipitation and soybean import volume were secondary influencing factors. The income difference between maize and soybeans, crops-hitting disaster area, and maize yield were general influencing factors. This study aims to offer new pathways for alleviating the structural contradiction between soybean supply and demand and to provide a reference for the formulation of national soybean industry policies and food security strategies.

Lithofacies Characteristics and Sweet Spot Distribution of Lacustrine Shale Oil Reservoirs: A Case Study of the Second Member of the Kongdian Formation in the Cangdong Sag, Bohai Bay Basin

In contrast to marine shale oil reservoirs, lacustrine shale exhibits rapid lithofacies changes and strong mineral compositional heterogeneity, posing new challenges for the evaluation and distribution prediction of shale oil sweet spots. The oiliness, reservoir properties, oil fluidity, and fracability of different lithofacies were analyzed using emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) observation, low-pressure nitrogen physisorption (LNP) analysis, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and triaxial compression testing. Based on the mineral composition obtained from X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, total organic carbon (TOC) content, and sedimentary structure, four lithofacies were classified, which are organic-rich laminated calcareous shale (LC), organic-rich laminated siliceous shale (LS), organic-rich laminated mixed shale (LM), and organic-poor massive calcareous shale (MC). Considering the factors of oiliness, reservoir properties, oil fluidity, and fracability, the LC and LS lithofacies were determined as being high-quality sweet spots (type I). Within the stratigraphic sequence divided by GR-INPEFA curves, multi-resolution graph-based clustering (MRGC) analysis of sensitive well logs was used to classify the lithofacies, after which the distribution of sweet spots was predicted. The results reveal that the sweet spots exhibit regular changes in their vertical distribution and a ring-like pattern in their planar distribution, influenced by variations in the sedimentary environment. This finding can offer valuable guidance for the future exploitation of shale oil in the Guandong region.

Anti-spot Effects of Developed Brightening Cream Composed of Three Active Ingredients (Resorcinol, Arbutin and Licorice Root Extract) in Comparison with the Hydroquinone Cream

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the brightening effects of a complex composed of Resorcinol, Arbutin, and Licorice root extract (RAL complex) in patients faced with skin spots compared to a potential hydroquinone compound. Background: Skin spots are defined as excessive accumulation of melanin pigment in different layers of the skin caused by extravagant sun exposure, pregnancy, and other hormonal and genetic factors. Therefore, it is necessary to use appropriate products to treat these types of spots. Objective: To evaluate skin brightness after using the RAL complex, this study was designed in a double-blind randomized trial and the removal of melanin pigment and skin spots was evaluated by different methods. Methods: In this study, the brightening cream formulated with actives comprising the RAL complex in 2.1% w/w concentration and a hydroquinone cream was applied in two groups of 20 women with a mean age of 48 years showing the severity scale 3 of skin pigmentation, separately. This study was conducted to evaluate the brightening effect of this complex compared to a hydroquinone compound after 4, 8, and, 12 weeks of application to the entire face. Results: The results showed the highest percentage of skin brightness 12 weeks after applying the cream, reported at 93% and 89% for RAL complex and hydroquinone compound, respectively. Skin pigmentation rate was measured before and after applying the RAL complex cream with a mexameter device. The highest amount of dark spot removal was seen after using this cream in different areas of the skin. Conclusion: The results showed that the RAL complex was more effective than the hydroquinone compound in removing skin blemishes without any side effects compared to products containing hy-droquinone.

Relative Sea-Level Fluctuations during Rhuddanian–Aeronian Transition and Its Implication for Shale Gas Sweet Spot Forming: A Case Study of Luzhou Area in the Southern Sichuan Basin, SW China

Most scholars believe that transgression events can contribute positively to organic matter enrichment and shale gas sweet spot development, while whether or not regression events are conducive to shale gas sweet spot development remains to be further discussed. Variations in organic carbon content (TOC), and major and trace elements at the Rhuddanian–Aeronian stage in the Luzhou area, the southern margin of Sichuan Basin, were analyzed in this paper. We discuss differences in paleoenvironment organic matter enrichment and shale sweet spot development during transgression and regression. A transgressive system tract (TST) occurred during the early Rhuddanian stage, while early highstand system tracts (Ehst-1 and Ehst-2) occurred during the late Rhuddanian stage and Aeronian stage, and a late highstand system tract (LHST) developed during the late Aeronian stage. A rise in sea level during the TST in the upper Yangtze resulted in an anoxic environment, where a continuous upwelling current brought about a large number of nutrients in the seawater, significantly increasing paleoproductivity. Strong tectonic subsidence, weak chemical weathering, and a rising sea level together led to a low terrigenous debris supply in the catchment area. Therefore, paleoproductivity and redox conditions were the primary controlling factors of organic matter enrichment at the TST stage, with a clastic supply of secondary importance. With the advance of the Guangxi orogeny, the organic matter enrichment at the EHST-1, EHST-2, and LHST stages was mainly controlled by redox conditions and debris supply. A comparison of the key physical parameters and geochemical indicators of shale reservoirs from these four system tracts suggests that two shale sweet spot types (type I and II) were developed during the Rhuddanian–Aeronian stage, occurring in the TST and EHST-2 stages. High TOC and high microcrystalline quartz content are key to developing type I sweet spots, while enhanced anoxic conditions in the bottom water caused by ephemeral, small-scale sea level rises are the main determinant of class II sweet spots in the later EHST stage.

Characteristics and Key Controlling Factors of the Interbedded-Type Shale-Oil Sweet Spots of Qingshankou Formation in Changling Depression

Different types of shale-oil sweet spots have developed and are vertically stacked in multiple layers of the Qingshankou Formation in the Changling Depression, southern Songliao Basin. Furthermore, this area lacks a classification standard in the optimization of its shale-oil sweet-spot area/layers. Through relevant tests of the region in question’s organic geochemistry, physical properties, oiliness, and pore structure, this paper investigates the formation elements of shale-oil sweet spots. In addition, summaries of its enrichment-controlling factors are given, and the classification standard and evaluation method for understanding the comprehensive sweet spots of the interbedded-type shale oil are then established. The interbedded-type shale oil is enriched in the Qingshankou I Member in the Changling Depression, and it has the features of medium-to-high maturity, the development of inorganic pores and micro-cracks, as well as higher oil saturation and better oil mobility. The sweet-spot enrichment is affected by lamina type, sedimentary facies, maturity, and sand–shale combinations. Both silty-laminated felsic shale and argillaceous-laminated felsic shale, which are developed in semi-deep lakes, are favorable shale lithofacies as they have excellent brittleness and oil mobility. The high maturity and the interbedded combination of sand and shale ensure the efficient production of shale oil, among which the pure-shale section issues a continuous contribution to the production process. Combined with oil testing, sweet-spot classification standards and a comprehensive evaluation of interbedded-type shale oil were established. An area of 639.2 km2 for the interbedded-type shale-oil sweet spots was preferred, among which type I (193 km2) belonged to the combination of “good shale and good siltstone interlayers adjacent”, and type II belonged to “good shale and medium siltstone interlayers adjacent” combination (which have long-term low and stable production prospects). The research provides theoretical guidance on the effective exploration and development of the shale oil of the Qingshankou Formation in the Changling Depression.

Dispositional mindfulness and BIS/BAS up-close: can the self-regulation of people be seen in the eyes?

Pigmentation in animal models is related to behavioral regulation and development, suggesting that both may belong to the same biological system. However, such models are poorly documented in humans. The current study explored personality and group differences in self-regulation among healthy subjects and their specific eye structures (contraction furrows and pigment spots). Three objectives were proposed: to analyze statistical differences in dispositional mindfulness (DM), behavioral inhibition system (BIS), and behavioral approach system (BAS) among subjects with a specific iris type of contraction furrows and pigment spots. The study sample consisted of 194 university students. One month after taking photographs of their eyes, the students completed the online scales of DM, BIS, and BAS. DM was negatively related to pigment spots (rs = -0.193; p < 0.01). Cluster analysis of the iris structures converged at a four-cluster solution. The cluster types 2 (absence of pigment spots and contraction furrows extending 8/10 of iris circle or more) and 3 (one or more pigment spots and contraction furrows extending 8/10 of iris circle or more) significantly differed in DM with a small effect size (F = 3.37; p = 0.021; η2 = 0.051). Participants with contraction furrows (8/10 or more circle extent) and without pigment spots had a significantly higher DM than those with pigment spots. No significant differences existed among the iris types in BIS/BAS. Future research directions are suggested.