Application of an Ovate Leaf Shape Model to Evaluate Leaf Bilateral Asymmetry and Calculate Lamina Centroid Location

Leaf shape is an important leaf trait, with ovate leaves common in many floras. Recently, a new leaf shape model (referred to as the MLRF equation) derived from temperature-dependent bacterial growth was proposed and demonstrated to be valid in describing leaf boundaries of many species with ovate leaf shape. The MLRF model’s parameters can provide valuable information of leaf shape, including the ratio of lamina width to length and the lamina centroid location on the lamina length axis. However, the model wasn’t tested on a large sample of a single species, thereby limiting its overall evaluation for describing leaf boundaries, for evaluating lamina bilateral asymmetry and for calculating lamina centroid location. In this study, we further test the model using data from two Lauraceae species, Cinnamomum camphora and Machilus leptophylla, with >290 leaves for each species. The equation was found to be credible for describing those shapes, with all adjusted root-mean-square errors (RMSE) smaller than 0.05, indicating that the mean absolute deviation is smaller than 5% of the radius of an assumed circle whose area equals lamina area. It was also found that the larger the extent of lamina asymmetry, the larger the adjusted RMSE, with approximately 50% of unexplained variation by the model accounted for by the lamina asymmetry, implying that this model can help to quantify the leaf bilateral asymmetry in future studies. In addition, there was a significant difference between the two species in their centroid ratio, i.e., the distance from leaf petiole to the point on the lamina length axis associated with leaf maximum width to the leaf maximum length. It was found that a higher centroid ratio does not necessarily lead to a greater investment of mass to leaf petiole relative to lamina, which might depend on the petiole pattern.

3D X-ray Micro-CT Analysis of Rebar Corrosion in Reinforced Concrete Subjected to a Chloride-Induced Environment

The paper presents experimental investigations of the concrete covers’ protective ability to counteract rebar corrosion in reinforced concrete cubes. The concrete sample was subjected to a chloride-induced environment to get corroded and combined with an un-corroded sample. The chloride-accelerated technique can induce a high degree of corrosion within a controlled time. Moreover, detailed and thorough experimental measurements and analyses of reinforcement loss due to corrosion and its influence on concrete microstructure, were studied through 3D X-ray micro-computed tomography. The rebar outside the concrete was heavily corroded due to the chloride-accelerated test, whereas, only local surface corrosion products appeared inside the concrete. It turned out that the concrete cover showed protective ability to counteract the reinforcing-steel corrosion mechanism despite the accelerated corrosion environment. Moreover, the bond strength between the reinforcement rebar and concrete was not visibly affected since the failure force in the pull-out test and failure mechanisms, observed by 3D X-ray micro-CT, were similar for corroded and un-corroded samples. The failure occurred due to radial cracks with a maximum width equal to approximately 0.25 mm.

Determination of the maximum dangerous width of a rail track on a reinforced concrete base with fasteners of the КБ type, taking into account all influencing factors

Railway track retention standards in Ukraine do not take into account theconstruction of the subrail base, but regulate one for all types maximum dangerous value of the trackwidth, which was changed from 1546 mm to 1548 mm without any justification of scientific researchor explanations of the effects of tolerances the width of the rail track and the wheel track, which ingeneral at that time were not fully investigated but taking into account the emergence anddevelopment of new scientific problems associated with the emergence of intensive lateral wear ofrails and ridges of locomotive and wagon wheels. The deterministic dependences of lateralimpressions of the P65 type rail thread head on the simultaneous influence of vertical and horizontalforces for the newly installed repair profiles of UZ rolling stock on the basis of previously performedexperimental and theoretical studies were investigated. The results allow at this stage of research todetermine and calculate the practical values of the maximum dangerous width of the track, in whichthe subrail base consists of reinforced concrete sleepers and separate rail fasteners, which are usedboth on conventional highways with mixed traffic and on high-speed lines UZ.The article establishes the need to take into account new factors influencing the dangerouswidth of the rail track with intermediate rail fasteners of separate type depending on the load stress of sections and new repair profiles of rolling stock, as well as wear processes of intermediate railfasteners type KБ and its elements on the appearance of elastic backlash in the lateral direction fromthe influence of the guide wheels of the rolling stock. The recommended value of the maximum widthof the rail track for areas where service or emergency braking is applied - 1550 mm, taking intoaccount that the contact of the wheel and the rail is not at a point, but on an ellipse. The establishednorm of the maximum width of a rail track allows to define economic efficiency of introduction in theconditions of operation of a track in curved sections of a track of small radii with limited use of themaximum admissible lateral wear (15 mm) of a head of a rail thread provided that the normal-forcedentry of rolling stock carts.

Palatal mucosa thickness and palatal neurovascular bundle position evaluation by cone-beam computed tomography—retrospective study on relationships with palatal vault anatomy

Background Measuring the thickness of the palatal mucosa at the planning of the surgical procedure is an important step in order to obtain the maximum width and thickness of the graft from the appropriate area. The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a relationship between palatal angle (PA) or palatal depth (PD) and palatal mucosa thickness (PMT) or palatal neurovascular bundle distance (PNBD). Methods PMT, PNBD, PD and PA were measured on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of maxillary posterior region of 200 male and 200 female patients. The mean of all parameters according to gender was compared and the significance of the difference detected between groups was evaluated. Potential relationship between PMT or PNBD and PA or PD was also evaluated. Results In females, the palatal mucosa was significantly thinner at all tooth regions (p < 0.005), and PNBD was lower only at the level of the second molar (p < 0.001). In addition, it was found that there was a significant inverse correlation between the palatal depth value and the palatal mucosal thickness, and palatal depth was correlated with the palatal neurovascular bundle distance (p ≤ 0.001). Discussion Consistent with previous studies, it was observed that the thickest mucosa in the palatal region was located in the region of the premolar teeth, and women had thinner palatal mucosa. In addition, in patients with a deeper palate vault, the palatal mucosa was thinner, but the palatal neurovascular bundle was more distant from the cemento-enamel junction.

Morphological and morphometric studies on the scapula and humerus of Binturong (Arctictis Binturong)

Natural Habitat of Binturong is the forest remnant of South-east Asia. Common characteristic features of a Binturong are its shout legs, thick black body coat and prehensile tail. After collecting the samples from Aizawl Zoological Park, Mizoram with permission from the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate change, Government of Mizoram, those were macerated by the combination of boiling hot water and HODifferent morphometric parameters of scapula and humerus were measured. Scapula of Binturong was a flat almost square shaped bone with similar width in both dorsal and ventral border with a wide scapular neck, average circumference of which is around 8.04 cm. Average maximum length and width of the scapula of Binturong was 8.81 cm and 6.56 cm, respectively. A small foramen was seen at the neck of the scapula perforating the ventral portion of the scapular spine. Average maximum total length of Binturong Humerus was 12.81 cm. Proximal extremity of the humerus carries a caudally present oval shaped head, average maximum width of which is about 2.05cm. Distal extremity of the Binturong humerus is consists of a supracondylar foramen, a radial fossa, a olecranon fossa, lateral and medial condyle and epicondyle. Since not much work has been done on the related field in this particular animal, therefore this present study was conducted to get the baseline data about the two bones of forelimb in Binturong, which can play a predominant role in disease diagnosis, treatments and other applied fields of veterinary biology.

Comparison of Polysomnographic and Cephalometric Parameters Based on Positional and Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Dependency in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The aim of this study is to investigate the differences in polysomnographic and cephalometric features according to positional and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep dependencies in obstructive sleep apnea patients. Standard polysomnography and cephalometric analyses were performed on 133 OSA patients. The subjects were categorized into positional and non-positional, and REM-related and not-REM-related OSA groups according to positional and REM sleep dependency on severity of sleep apnea. Polysomnographic and cephalometric parameters were compared between groups. Positional and REM-related OSA patients showed significantly lower non-supine apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), non-REM (NREM) AHI and overall AHI and higher NREM oxygen saturation (SpO2) and mean SpO2 compared to non-positional and not-REM-related OSA patients, respectively. Cephalometric features between positional and non-positional OSA patients did not show any significant differences. However, REM-related OSA patients showed significantly larger inferior oral airway space and shorter perpendicular distance between mandibular plane and anterior hyoid bone and the distance between uvula and posterior nasal spine, and narrower maximum width of soft palate than not-REM-related OSA patients. Positional and REM-related OSA patients have lower severity of sleep apnea, suggesting the possibility of lower collapsibility of the upper airway. Anatomical factors maybe more closely related to REM sleep than positional dependency.

Designing of The Propellant Cutting Machine Used Anthropometric Method

Designing a machine relates to the human factor. The size of the human body and machine can cause problems due to mismatch. So that, size of the human body into consideration in the design of the machine is very important. The shape and size of the machine that is not suitable will cause difficulties for the operator in carrying out their activities. The purpose of this research was to design propellant cutting machine sizes based on anthropometry. The research method is based on the anthropometry of Indonesia. Anthropometry tools obtained the size of the minimum height of the machine, the maximum width of the machine, and also the maximum height of the table. The Result dimension of the height of the machine was 1792 mm and the width of the machine was 300 mm while the height of the machine table was 932 mm. The position of the operator control was 95mm from the floor.

Morphological and histopathological studies of Thelandros chalcidae (Oxyuroidea: Pharyngodonidae) infecting Chalcides ocellatus from Egypt

Background Thelandros (Pharyngodonidae) is a gastrointestinal nematode parasite with a life cycle including lizards as main hosts. Thelandros chalcidae collected from the large intestine of the Egyptian ocellated skink, Chalcides ocellatus were described and illustrated by light and scanning electron microscopes. Seven out of fifteen (46.66%) of the examined lizards were found to be naturally infected. Also, host intestinal tissues were evaluated from hematoxylin/eosin-stained sections to describe any histopathological changes. Results Microscopic examinations revealed that the recovered pharyngodonid species characterized by mouth with triangular opening and surrounded by six simple lips, the cuticle had regular transverse annulations extending from the posterior margin of the lips to the end of the body. Male was cylindrical with distinct truncated posterior end and measured 1.59–1.86 (1.64 ± 0.10) long and 0.29–0.37 (0.32 ± 0.01) in maximum width at the level of mid-body. Female measured 1.72–2.43 (1.85 ± 0.2) long and 0.36–0.49 (0.42 ± 0.01) maximum width at the mid-body level, terminated posteriorly in a short, stout spike. Histological studies observed structural alterations represented by leukocytic infiltration, villi atrophy, and muscularis degeneration. These changes were indicative of inflammatory and degenerative reaction due to Thelandros chalcidae infection. Conclusion The present morphological study revealed that the recovered pharyngodonid species was Thelandros chalcidae causing pathological alterations in Chalcides ocellatus intestinal tissues.

Characteristics and Prevalence of Anterior Buccal Mandibular Depression Area in Cone Beam Computed Tomography Images

Summary Background/Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the anterior buccal mandibular depressions (ABMD) prevalence and clinical characteristics at cone beam computed tomography images (CBCT). Material and Methods: 198 CBCT images with minimal depression between the mandibular molars were evaluated retrospectively. Presence and location of ABMD, its maximum depth, maximum width, cortical width, if any, alveolar crest width at maximum depth, the distance between maximum depth and alveolar crest apex and existing teeth in the relevant region were examined in cross-sectional views. Panoramic radiography of ABMD patients was evaluated for trabecular pattern and radiopacity to determine the area of interest. The possible lingual depression area on the maximum depth of ABMD slice was investigated and the same measurements for ABMD was performed. The presence of aperture / foramen in the ABMD area was also investigated. Results: The prevalence of ABMD was found as 43.43% where 82 cases were at bilateral side and 4 cases were only at left side. Lingual depression was observed in 20.7% right side and 30.2% left side of the ABMD cases. There was no statistically significant difference for maximum depth between different age groups. Most frequent location was observed in lateral and canine region (27.4%) followed by lateral-first premolar area (25.6%). Least frequent location was at canine-second premolar area (1.2%). Conclusions: ABMD is a lesser known area with a high prevalence observed on CBCT images. The detectability of the area on panoramic radiographs is limited. Clinicians should take into consideration ABMDs’ characteristics to avoid confusion with periapical pathologies. Failure to detect these areas before implant surgeries may cause complications. For this reason, it is important to be examined in detail for ABMD before surgery.

Termites (Insecta: Isoptera) diversity in forest conseccion areas of PT Inhutani I, Indonesia

Termites as wood biodeterioration agents have an important role in the ecosystem. This study aimed to observe termite diversity. A termites survey was conducted on Forest Concession Areas of PT. Inhutani I, South Sulawesi Indonesia. The termite specimens collected used the standardized transect sampling protocols at three different sites (forest with mixed vegetation, Pinus merkusii plantation, and logged-over area; and measurement of nine morphological characters of the soldier was conducted, i.e: head length without mandibles, head width at base of mandible, maximum width of head, left mandible length, pronotum length, maximum width of pronotum, postmentum length, postmentum width of postmentum, and the number of antenna segments. The results showed that there are four species found based on the morphological characteristics and morphometrical data, namely: Odontotermes javanicus., Nasutitermes sp., Schedorhinotermes sp. and Coptotermes curvignathus. The highest termite abundance was found in forest with mixed vegetation. The termite diversity in logged-over area and forest with mixed areas was moderate, while species diversity in pine plantation was low.