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Gorgonians are a diverse and conspicuous component of coral reef ecosystems, providing habitat structure that supports unique assemblages of fishes and invertebrates. Evaluating their overall importance as ecological engineers requires an understanding of their spatial patterns of distribution, abundance and assemblage composition, and the biophysical factors that drive these patterns. No baseline data are available on the spatial patterns of distribution of gorgonians for the Great Barrier Reef. In this study, we quantified the abundance, genera richness, and composition of gorgonian assemblages using video surveys at three depths (5, 10, and 15 m) at 16 locations at the Palm Islands, an inshore island group in the central Great Barrier Reef. We compared gorgonian abundance and genera richness between depths and assessed the role of benthic habitat in structuring gorgonian communities. We also conducted a preliminary investigation of the potential role of water currents in driving gorgonian spatial patterns in the Palm Islands, using in situ current meters. Gorgonian abundance and genera richness consistently increased with depth, although the magnitude of the depth effect varied among locations. Abundance increased with increasing percent cover of rubble and conversely declined with increasing cover of hard corals. The composition of gorgonian assemblages also varied among depths, with whip (Junceella, Viminella) and fan (Acanthogorgia, Anthogorgia, Annella) growth forms being dominant at depths of 5 and 10 m, and branching (Dichotella, Icilogorgia) and candelabrum (Ctenocella) forms being dominant at 15 m. The shallow gorgonian assemblage was associated with high coral cover, whilst the deeper assemblage was associated with high per cent cover of rubble, turf and/or macroalgae. This study highlighted that the abundance, diversity, and composition of gorgonian assemblages on coral reefs in the Palm Islands are determined by a range of biophysical factors linked to depth. Further work is required to isolate the primary drivers of these depth-related effects and evaluate their relative importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abrasive waterjet technology is nowadays a well established non-conventional method with significant capabilities for material removal with high productivity and minimum environmental impact compared to other processes. However, in order to be in line with the green transition directives, further steps are required to ensure the sustainability of manufacturing processes and reduce the risk of material depletion by employing recyclable materials. For this purpose, an eco-friendly abrasive material such as walnut shell is employed for pocket machining of a titanium alloy workpiece. Due to the relatively low hardness of this material, compared to common abrasive materials such as garnet or alumina, it is required to determine the appropriate range of process parameters in order to obtain high-quality pockets with high productivity. Thus, in this work, a comprehensive experimental study is conducted in order to determine the effect of various process parameters on pocket depth, pocket width, material removal rate, flatness and parallelism error of produced pockets. The results prove the feasibility of using walnut shell as abrasive material for pocket milling, although MRR is almost an order of magnitude lower than the values commonly obtained for usual abrasives. Moreover, it is not recommended to use jet pressure values over 250 MPa so dimensional accuracy, flatness and parallelism error are maintained in acceptable values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

It is shown that the depth of every module over C(X), the ring of all real valued continuous functions on a topological space X, is at most 1. This result is proved for modules over rings of a much more general class than the rings of continuous functions. It also turns out that many facts in the literature concerning the depths of C(X), their sub-algebras, and ideals are consequences of this main result. Some known results are generalized and some applications are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arctic experiences dramatic annual cycles in environmental condition, including winters that can last two thirds of the year. During these long winters, coastal waters are covered in ice and show very low levels of productivity which presumably can be stressful for organisms which remain in the same ecosystem year-round. However, the activities or behavior of marine Arctic residents during this period is not well understood. Fourhorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus quadricornis) are residents of Tremblay Sound, Nunavut, Canada which freezes over entirely from October to June each year. We characterized the behavior of a small number of individuals (n = 7) beneath sea ice with passive acoustic telemetry to monitor position as well as in situ acceleration and depth over time. Intermittent bursts of acceleration and changes in depth usage indicate that sculpins are not dormant under the winter ice and likely continue their characteristic lie-in-wait foraging. A generalized linear mixed model indicated activity increased marginally while individuals moved to shallower waters as spring approached. These behaviors suggest that sculpin could be exploiting early ice-associated productivity before ice melt begins. The continued activity of sculpin even under sea ice provides potential insight to how residents persist in Arctic winters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to lay out the main tenets of Bernhard Waldenfels's analyses of the experience of the alien and to confront the philosophical thesis underwriting them with a central insight stemming from Merleau-Ponty's late philosophy. In the first section, I reconstruct the outlines of the experience of the alien, as described by Waldenfels, and show that, on his account, this experience can function as a powerful impetus enabling us to call into question some of the most deeply held commitments of Western philosophical tradition: the sovereignty of the ego, the supremacy of order, the priority of the whole. In the second section, I show how a patient analysis of this experience compels us to undertake an inquiry concerning the "inter-world," understood as the place of the encounter and the threshold of separation between the own and the alien. Finally, drawing on Merleau-Ponty's alternative description of the "inter-world," I maintain that Waldenfels's account is insufficiently radical and show that the in-between realm cannot be assimilated to an interstice lodged between two insulated spheres. Rather, the "inter-world" should be conceived of as a shared dimension, subtending the partition between the spheres of ownness and alienness, as the one inclusive world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite efforts to mitigate possible modifiable risk factors, dislocations following hemiarthroplasty for hip fracture still occur, with reported incidence rates ranging from 1.5 to 11%. The aim of this study was to investigate whether acetabular dysplasia is a significant contributing factor to dislocation, and since non-modifiable, whether it should affect patient selection for this treatment option. Methods: This is a multicentre nested case-control study of patients treated at 2 separate centres over a 10-year period from January 2011 to December 2020. All cases of hemiarthroplasty dislocation following hip fracture were identified from local databases, and 4 random controls were selected for every case. Tönnis angle (TA) and Acetabular-depth-ratio (ADR) was measured on the injured side using AP pelvis radiographs. Patients with TA > 10° and/or ADR < 250 were considered to have abnormal acetabular morphology. Results: 35 cases of dislocation were identified and 140 random controls were selected. Cases of dislocation had a larger mean TA (8.8° vs. 5.5°, p < 0.001) and lower mean ADR (254 vs. 289, p < 0.001) than controls. 20 out of 35 (57%) cases were considered to have abnormal acetabular morphology, compared to 19 out of 140 (14%) controls. The odds of dislocation is 8.5 times greater (odds ratio = 8.49, 95%CI = 3.73, 19.39) in patients with abnormal TA and/or ADR. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that TA > 10° and ADR < 250 are useful criteria to identify patients at greater risk of hip hemiarthroplasty dislocation due to acetabular dysplasia. Special consideration to preoperative planning should be taken in these patients. Future research should focus on methods to minimise risk in this subset of patients, including evaluating total hip arthroplasty with dual mobility component vs hemiarthroplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is a powerful tool for monitoring blood flow changes in tissue or vessels in vivo, but its applications are limited by shallow penetration depth under reflective imaging configuration. The traditional LSCI setup has been used in transmissive imaging for depth extension up to 2 l t – 3 l t ( l t is the transport mean free path), but the blood flow estimation is biased due to the depth uncertainty in large depth of field (DOF) images. In this study, we propose a transmissive multifocal LSCI for depth-resolved blood flow in thick tissue, further extending the transmissive LSCI for tissue thickness up to 1 2 l t . The limited-DOF imaging system is applied to the multifocal acquisition, and the depth of the vessel is estimated using a robust visibility parameter V r in the coherent domain. The accuracy and linearity of depth estimation are tested by Monte Carlo simulations. Based on the proposed method, the model of contrast analysis resolving the depth information is established and verified in a phantom experiment. We demonstrated its effectiveness in acquiring depth-resolved vessel structures and flow dynamics in in vivo imaging of chick embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How the zero eventually developed from the concept of śūnyatā and if it developed from there at all, may still be open to discussion. Certain, however, is that any such development has to cross the line between intuition and formalization and this crossing can even go both ways. It is, for instance, possible that the Hindu concept of karma has developed from the practical relations and registration of debt. The formalization of this with the introduction of bookkeeping and money might in its turn have led to a formalization and dogmatization of the concept of karma. Did such a border crossing also happen in the case of zero? Tom Tillemans has argued that it did, which means that the emptiness intuition of Nāgārjuna has been formalized (or has lost a dimension, as I will argue) into a logical structure that might have instigated the institution of zero. I will argue that we need to practice phenomenology if we want to recover the other side of the border of formalization and understand the nature of border crossing. Tom Tillemans (TT) is a historian and philologist of Buddhist texts, who has an impressive record of publications. He has done intensive research into the Buddhist philosophy of emptiness called the Mādhyamika. He also conducted several discussions with colleagues about the subject. This resulted in a series of publications, of which the most important have recently been published in two books. In this article I want to review the most important problems with which TT et al. were confronted and suggest a way out which in my opinion has been overlooked due to self-imposed philosophical restrictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our group previously reported that melanoma of the foot is associated with advanced disease on diagnosis and decreased survival. Lesions localized to the toe appeared to have the worst outcomes. In this study, we both expanded our study to include a 10-year population of patient with invasive melanoma of the foot and ankle and investigated additional factors associated with prognosis. Between January 2007 and December 2016, 211 patients underwent biopsy diagnosis and surgery for invasive melanoma in the BLANK health care system. Demographic, pathologic, staging, and localization characteristics were studied for overall survival. Lesions were localized to dorsal foot, plantar foot, toe (nonsubungual), and toe (subungual) locations. Multivariable analysis found Breslow depth, ulceration, lymph node involvement, and subungual toe location to be associated with poorer survival. Overall survival rate for foot melanoma was 70.6%. Overall survival for nonsubungual toe melanoma was 60.7%, compared to 53.1% for subungual toe melanoma. Of the subungual melanomas, 37.5% of presented as deep lesions with a Breslow depth >4.0 mm. Subungual melanoma was statistically significant for and found to be an independent prognostic factor associated with poorer survival and advanced disease. Based on the results of this study, there should be a low threshold to biopsy suspicious lesions of the toe and foot with particular attention to be dedicated to subungual lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual working memory (VWM) is a cognitive mechanism essential for interacting with the environment and accomplishing ongoing tasks, as it allows fast processing of visual inputs at the expense of the amount of information that can be stored. A better understanding of its functioning would be beneficial to research fields such as simulation and training in immersive Virtual Reality or information visualization and computer graphics. The current work focuses on the design and implementation of a paradigm for evaluating VWM in immersive visualization and of a novel image-based computational model for mimicking the human behavioral data of VWM. We evaluated the VWM at the variation of four conditions: set size, spatial layout, visual angle (VA) subtending stimuli presentation space, and observation time. We adopted a full factorial design and analysed participants' performances in the change detection experiment. The analysis of hit rates and false alarm rates confirms the existence of a limit of VWM capacity of around 7 ± 2 items, as found in the literature based on the use of 2D videos and images. Only VA and observation time influence performances (p<0.0001). Indeed, with VA enlargement, participants need more time to have a complete overview of the presented stimuli. Moreover, we show that our model has a high level of agreement with the human data, r>0.88 (p<0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThe reproducibility of gene expression measured by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) is dependent on the sequencing depth. While unmapped or non-exonic reads do not contribute to gene expression quantification, duplicate reads contribute to the quantification but are not informative for reproducibility. We show that mapped, exonic, non-duplicate (MEND) reads are a useful measure of reproducibility of RNA-Seq datasets used for gene expression analysis.FindingsIn bulk RNA-Seq datasets from 2,179 tumors in 48 cohorts, the fraction of reads that contribute to the reproducibility of gene expression analysis varies greatly. Unmapped reads constitute 1-77% of all reads (median [IQR], 3% [3-6%]); duplicate reads constitute 3-100% of mapped reads (median [IQR], 27% [13-43%]); and non-exonic reads constitute 4-97% of mapped, non-duplicate reads (median [IQR], 25% [16-37%]). MEND reads constitute 0-79% of total reads (median [IQR], 50% [30-61%]).ConclusionsBecause not all reads in an RNA-Seq dataset are informative for reproducibility of gene expression measurements and the fraction of reads that are informative varies, we propose reporting a dataset's sequencing depth in MEND reads, which definitively inform the reproducibility of gene expression, rather than total, mapped, or exonic reads. We provide a Docker image containing (i) the existing required tools (RSeQC, sambamba, and samblaster) and (ii) a custom script to calculate MEND reads from RNA-Seq data files. We recommend that all RNA-Seq gene expression experiments, sensitivity studies, and depth recommendations use MEND units for sequencing depth.

Abstract Background Among the most widely predicted climate change-related impacts to biodiversity are geographic range shifts, whereby species shift their spatial distribution to track their climate niches. A series of commonly articulated hypotheses have emerged in the scientific literature suggesting species are expected to shift their distributions to higher latitudes, greater elevations, and deeper depths in response to rising temperatures associated with climate change. Yet, many species are not demonstrating range shifts consistent with these expectations. Here, we evaluate the impact of anthropogenic climate change (specifically, changes in temperature and precipitation) on species’ ranges, and assess whether expected range shifts are supported by the body of empirical evidence. Methods We conducted a Systematic Review, searching online databases and search engines in English. Studies were screened in a two-stage process (title/abstract review, followed by full-text review) to evaluate whether they met a list of eligibility criteria. Data coding, extraction, and study validity assessment was completed by a team of trained reviewers and each entry was validated by at least one secondary reviewer. We used logistic regression models to assess whether the direction of shift supported common range-shift expectations (i.e., shifts to higher latitudes and elevations, and deeper depths). We also estimated the magnitude of shifts for the subset of available range-shift data expressed in distance per time (i.e., km/decade). We accounted for methodological attributes at the study level as potential sources of variation. This allowed us to answer two questions: (1) are most species shifting in the direction we expect (i.e., each observation is assessed as support/fail to support our expectation); and (2) what is the average speed of range shifts? Review findings We found that less than half of all range-shift observations (46.60%) documented shifts towards higher latitudes, higher elevations, and greater marine depths, demonstrating significant variation in the empirical evidence for general range shift expectations. For the subset of studies looking at range shift rates, we found that species demonstrated significant average shifts towards higher latitudes (average = 11.8 km/dec) and higher elevations (average = 9 m/dec), although we failed to find significant evidence for shifts to greater marine depths. We found that methodological factors in individual range-shift studies had a significant impact on the reported direction and magnitude of shifts. Finally, we identified important variation across dimensions of range shifts (e.g., greater support for latitude and elevation shifts than depth), parameters (e.g., leading edge shifts faster than trailing edge for latitude), and taxonomic groups (e.g., faster latitudinal shifts for insects than plants). Conclusions Despite growing evidence that species are shifting their ranges in response to climate change, substantial variation exists in the extent to which definitively empirical observations confirm these expectations. Even though on average, rates of shift show significant movement to higher elevations and latitudes for many taxa, most species are not shifting in expected directions. Variation across dimensions and parameters of range shifts, as well as differences across taxonomic groups and variation driven by methodological factors, should be considered when assessing overall confidence in range-shift hypotheses. In order for managers to effectively plan for species redistribution, we need to better account for and predict which species will shift and by how much. The dataset produced for this analysis can be used for future research to explore additional hypotheses to better understand species range shifts.

This study was conducted to model and optimise the efficiency of a disc plough on loamy-sand soil in South-East Nigeria to aid farmers to examine and choose the right ploughing implement based on the soil type for an effective and bountiful production. The operational speed and cutting depth were taken as factors for the study of the plough efficiency. The results revealed that the highest field efficiency of 80% was noted when the plough worked at the cutting depth of 30 cm and a speed of 5 km.h-1 while the lowest efficiency of 68.10% was achieved at a speed of 9 km.h-1 and a depth of 10 cm. The quadratic model was significant for the response (P 2 (0.76) was consistent with the adjusted R2 of 0.96. The adequacy precision of 24.89 showed a suitable indicator and that the model could navigate the design space. The optimum field efficiency and the desirability of 77.50% and 1.00 were, respectively, obtained at an optimum speed of 7 km.h-1 and a cutting depth of 30 cm. Farmers can, however, assess and select the implements with the aid of the developed model.

This article is mainly concerned with computations of some algebraic invariants of quotient rings of edge ideals of perfect [h,d]-ary trees and unicyclic graphs. We compute exact values of depth and Stanley depth and consequently projective dimension for above mentioned quotient rings, except for the one special case of unicyclic graph for which best possible bounds of Stanley depth are given.

Dorsal human midbrain contains two nuclei with clear laminar organization, the superior and inferior colliculi. These nuclei extend in depth between the superficial dorsal surface of midbrain and a deep midbrain nucleus, the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG). The PAG, in turn, surrounds the cerebral aqueduct (CA). This study examined the use of two depth metrics to characterize depth and thickness relationships within dorsal midbrain using the superficial surface of midbrain and CA as references. The first utilized nearest-neighbor Euclidean distance from one reference surface, while the second used a level-set approach that combines signed distances from both reference surfaces. Both depth methods provided similar functional depth profiles generated by saccadic eye movements in a functional MRI task, confirming their efficacy for delineating depth for superficial functional activity. Next, the boundaries of the PAG were estimated using Euclidean distance together with elliptical fitting, indicating that the PAG can be readily characterized by a smooth surface surrounding PAG. Finally, we used the level-set approach to measure tissue depth between the superficial surface and the PAG, thus characterizing the variable thickness of the colliculi. Overall, this study demonstrates depth-mapping schemes for human midbrain that enables accurate segmentation of the PAG and consistent depth and thickness estimates of the superior and inferior colliculi.

Misty Groupers (Hyporthodus mystacinus) are one of the largest and most geographically widespread grouper species and one of the few grouper species known to occur at depths greater than 200 m. However, aspects of their basic biology, behavior, and ecology remain poorly understood, leaving significant gaps in our ability to evaluate their functional role throughout the vertical water column, as well as our understanding of their conservation needs in a changing ocean. Through in-situ video observation obtained using deep-sea landers in both The Bahamas and Cayman Islands over multiple years, we documented Misty Grouper occurrence up to 470 m depth in the mesopelagic zone. These observations provide a new depth range extension for the species and illuminate the potential importance of deep-water habitats for large grouper species in the wider Caribbean.

The refractive index of seawater is one of the essential parameters in ocean observation, so it is necessary to achieve high-precision seawater refractive index measurements. In this paper, we propose a method for measuring the refractive index of seawater, based on a position-sensitive detector (PSD). A theoretical model was established to depict the correlation between laser spot displacement and refractive index change, utilizing a combination of a position-sensitive detector and laser beam deflection principles. Based on this optical measurement method, a seawater refractive index measurement system was established. To effectively enhance the sensitivity of refractive index detection, a focusing lens was incorporated into the optical path of the measuring system, and simulations were conducted to investigate the impact of focal length on refractive index sensitivity. The calibration experiment of the measuring system was performed based on the relationship between the refractive index of seawater and underwater pressure (depth). By measuring laser spot displacement at different depths, changes in displacement, with respect to both refractive index and depth, were determined. The experimental results demonstrate that the system exhibits a sensitivity of 9.93×10−9 RIU (refractive index unit), and the refractive index deviation due to stability is calculated as ±7.54×10−9 RIU. Therefore, the feasibility of this highly sensitive measurement of seawater refractive index is verified. Since the sensitivity of the refractive index measurement of this measurement system is higher than the refractive index change caused by the wake of underwater vehicles, it can also be used in various applications for underwater vehicle wake measurement, as well as seawater refractive index measurement, such as the motion state monitoring of underwater navigation targets such as AUVs and ROVs.

Objectives: To assess the function of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) both only and in combination with bioactive glass in intrabony defects. Materials and Method: Twenty patients were split into two groups with 10 samples each: group I with PRP alone, whereas group II was done with PRP in addition to bioactive glass. Following local anesthesia, full-thickness mucoperiosteal flaps were elevated in the afflicted site, the defect was debrided, and root planning with curettes was performed. Irrigation was then used while in group II- PRP along with bone graft (BG) preservationwas done. Suturing in group I was contained. At day 0 (baseline) and 6 months after surgery, the clinical parameters for probing depth, clinical attachment stage, and radiographic assessment were noted for both groups. Result: When comparing both groups, there was no statistically considerable variation. However, the intragroup comparison for pocket depth and clinical attachment level between baseline and 6 months was significant. Radiographic bone level was not considerably dissimilar across groups; however, it was significantly different between groups. Conclusion: Reduced probing depth, higher clinical attachment level, and radiographic evidence of bone fill are clinical outcome measures that are associated with effective regenerative therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristic of vocabulary learning skills is different from any other language learning skill. It requires self-willingness and experience to achieve a higher vocabulary number or specific language proficiency level. Students with higher vocabulary knowledge seem to have tremendous advantages in comprehending language sources. At the same time, their counterparts find that vocabulary is their barrier to acquiring, understanding, and even using the target language. This study aims to examine whether or not students' vocabulary learning strategies contribute to their vocabulary knowledge. The study participants were second-year students of the English Department at Khairun University. The vocabulary strategy data were obtained from a questionnaire developed by Gu and Johnson (1996), while the vocabulary knowledge used a validated version of the Vocabulary Levels Test by Schmitt et al. (2001) and the Word Associates Test (WAT) developed by Read (1993; 2004). The result revealed that students preferred indirect effective strategies to acquire new words, while indirect social cooperation was the least used strategy. However, students’ vocabulary strategy scores correlated negatively to the breadth and depth of students’ vocabulary knowledge. Students need special treatment to enhance their vocabulary knowledge.

I want to analyse how Lawrence, in Last Poems – that is when his poetic oeuvre reaches its ultimate limit, its edge – proposes a very visual approach to the sea. If scholars have shown interest in the depths of the ocean, in Lawrence’s idea of the sea as a place of origins, as a mysterious profound berth, I will show how he also poeticizes its angles, its “level,” “rim,” “edge,” “lip,” and lines. Lawrence’s phenomenological approach to the sea is poeticized in such a way that the latter repeatedly appears as solid block, almost sharply geometrical, eventually “breaking itself to bits” (which calls to mind the “kaleidoscope tossed at random” of “Moony” in Women in Love). The movements to and out of the sea further poeticize this idea of a clear-cut zone – “sea-ward” vs. “out of the sea” – of a fiercely eternal, sustaining block whose “distance never changes” (“Middle of the World”). And this irreducible distance, Lawrence seems to say, is just as irreducibly cognitive. How does the sea therefore fit itself within the limits of the poems whose genre is by nature constrained? How is this constrain oddly transgressed in “The Ship of Death” – where the sea is this time metaphorical – and Lawrence refers to “the endless ocean of the end” - an intriguing and self-contradictory mise en abyme of this (im)possible “end?”

AbstractThis study is an attempt to estimate the incidence, severity, depth, and determinants of poverty in Jhang district, Punjab, Pakistan. For this purpose, the data were collected from 1,000 households through a specifically designed questionnaire using multistages sampling technique in all four subdistricts of Jhang district. The study used both income-regression model and logistic regression to assess the impact of demographic and socioeconomic factors on poverty incidence. The results show that 54.3% of households are below the poverty line, including 16% extremely poor. Poverty measures including headcount index, severity, and depth of poverty are worse among the households headed by farmers, daily-wagers, and illiterates. Moreover, the results confirm that the household’s livestock population, landholding, ownership of agricultural land, total assets, and earners per household considerably reduced the poverty incidence in Jhang district. While household size, age of household head, economic dependency ratio, and total dependency ratio significantly increased the level of poverty. The study concludes that demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the households are of greater importance in alleviating poverty generally in Pakistan but particularly in rural areas. Hence, it is suggested that governments should increase public spending on socioeconomic programs and services with a particular focus on education, women’s empowerment, family planning, employment opportunity, pro-agriculture policies, and equitable distribution of land and wealth to alleviate poverty in rural areas of Pakistan. Further research can be conducted by selecting large sample size and analyzing the household characteristics at the disaggregated level incorporating time variations to develop a more impactful policy framework.

Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is a powerful tool for monitoring blood flow changes in tissue or vessels in vivo, but its applications are limited by shallow penetration depth under reflective imaging configuration. The traditional LSCI setup has been used in transmissive imaging for depth extension up to [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] is the transport mean free path), but the blood flow estimation is biased due to the depth uncertainty in large depth of field (DOF) images. In this study, we propose a transmissive multifocal LSCI for depth-resolved blood flow in thick tissue, further extending the transmissive LSCI for tissue thickness up to [Formula: see text]. The limited-DOF imaging system is applied to the multifocal acquisition, and the depth of the vessel is estimated using a robust visibility parameter [Formula: see text] in the coherent domain. The accuracy and linearity of depth estimation are tested by Monte Carlo simulations. Based on the proposed method, the model of contrast analysis resolving the depth information is established and verified in a phantom experiment. We demonstrated its effectiveness in acquiring depth-resolved vessel structures and flow dynamics in in vivo imaging of chick embryos.

These extensive kelps forest are among the most productive and diverse habitats on the planet, playing an important ecological role in marine ecosystems. These habitats have been affected by anthropogenic factors worldwide and directly by environmental variations resulting from climate change. The Magellan ecoregion has the southernmost kelp forests in the world, dominated by the species Macrocystis pyrifera. This species presents high ecophysiological plasticity being able to inhabit heterogeneous environments, characteristic of the fjord and channel systems of the region, and has high ecological, sociocultural, and economic importance for local coastal communities. To understand the ecophysiological acclimation strategies of M. pyrifera, samples from different blades were collected at different depths at four locations in the Magellan Ecoregion: Possession Bay, Skyring Sound, Otway Sound, and Puerto del Hambre seasonally. Abiotic measurements (salinity, temperature, and PAR light) were carried out for each location sampled. Measurements of photosynthetic parameters, Fv/Fm, rETRmax, Ek and α; pigment analysis of Chl a, Chl c, and fucoxanthin; and fecundity analysis of the sporophylls of each population studied were carried out on the M. pyrifera sporophytes. Significant differences were observed between seasons, locality, and depth of blades. Each population generally showed different photoacclimation processes, depending on the local conditions such as salinity values and probably tidal cycles. This is reflected in the photosynthetic, pigment, and fecundity values obtained during this study. The higher Fv/Fm values in all populations during the winter and autumn seasons and the differences in Chl c and fucoxanthin concentration during the winter period in Otway Sound and Puerto del Hambre population suggest the marked seasonal acclimation of M. pyrifera. In addition, the coastal environmental heterogeneity observed in the Magellan ecoregion related to salinity gradients (Skyring Sound) or wide tidal amplitudes (Possession Bay) influences the acclimation strategy of each population of M. pyrifera. Therefore, the characteristics of each population should be considered in order to promote its sustainability in times of social and climate change.

According to Frances Tustin, the core of autism is found in sensory modifications--and tactile modifications in particular. Tustin argues that sensory experiences may become self-absorbed to such an extent that the sensory environment experientially flattens into a two-dimensional "feel," which complicates the individual's relations with the external environment and other people. Focusing on these fundamental modifications and their experiential consequences, the article introduces Tustin's main insight in terms of collapse of intentional depth, suggesting that this collapse concerns not only concrete spatial depth, but symbolic and intersubjective depth as well. By so doing, the article illustrates how Tustin's ideas render intelligible certain commonly recognized features of autism, such as "deficits in the ability to initiate and to sustain reciprocal social interaction and social communication" and "restricted, repetitive, and inflexible patterns of behavior, interests or activities" (ICD-11). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medusozoa (Cnidaria) are characterized by diverse life cycles, with different semaphoronts (medusa, medusoid, fixed gonophore, polyp) representing the sexual phase and carrying the gametes. Although egg size is often considered a proxy to understand reproductive and developmental traits of medusozoans, understanding of the processes influencing egg size variation in the group under an evolutionary context is still limited. We carried out a comprehensive review of the variation of egg size in Medusozoa to test whether this variation is related to biological/sexual or environmental traits. Egg size presents a strong phylogenetic signal (λ = 0.79, K = 0.67), explaining why closely related species with different reproductive strategies and different individual sizes have similar egg sizes. However, variation in egg size is influenced by the number of eggs, depth and temperature, with larger eggs frequently present in species with few eggs (1–15), in deep-sea species and in cold-water species. Conversely, the production of small eggs among cold-water species of Staurozoa might be associated with the development of a small benthic larvae in this group. Our study reinforces that egg sizes respond to reproductive and environmental traits, although egg size is highly conserved within medusa classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale electronic tagging is a very powerful tool to study how fish movements and migrations shape the internal dynamics of populations. This knowledge, crucial for improving fishery management, was still limited for the European seabass, whose stocks in the Northeast Atlantic have declined drastically over the last decade. To better understand the species ecology and the spatio-temporal structure of the population, we tagged seabass in the North Sea, the English Channel, and the Bay of Biscay, from 2014 to 2016. Out of 1220 deployed DSTs, 482 have been recovered by November 2022. Approximately half of them included a period of potential spawning migration. Reconstructed trajectories confirmed seabass to be a partial migratory species, as individuals exhibited either long-distance migrations or residence. Most migrants exhibited fidelity to summer feeding areas and winter spawning areas. Our dataset enriches the knowledge of seabass biological traits (e.g. temperature and depth ranges, vulnerability to predation and fishing). Our results suggest a spatial structure of the Atlantic population that differs from the stock structure currently considered for assessment and management. The consequences should be explored at both the European level and by regional managers involved in conservation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Digital interventions, like websites, offer greater access to psychosocial treatments; however, engagement is often suboptimal. Initial use may be a target to “hook” participants. Few studies examine engagement with cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM). We tested predictors of engagement in the first week of using a CBSM website among women with breast cancer (BC). Methods: Older women (≥ 50 years) with nonmetastatic BC enrolled in an on-going trial (8/2016–4/2022, #NCT03955991) and were randomized to receive 10 synchronous, virtual CBSM group sessions immediately (n = 41) or after a 6-month waitlist (n = 34). All received simultaneous access to an asynchronous website, where supplemental videos and resources were released weekly. Engagement was tracked via breadth (features used) and depth (clicks within content). Multilevel modeling tested predictors of engagement (i.e., time, condition, age, daily stress, depression, race, ethnicity, disease stage). Results: Breadth decreased over the first week of CBSM (b = -0.93, p <.01), and women with more advanced stage disease engaged with more breadth (b = 0.52, p <.01) and depth (b = 14.06, p <.01) than women with earlier stage disease. Non-Hispanic (b = -0.59, p =.03) and White (b = -0.97, p <.01) women engaged with more features. Cancer stage and intervention timing interacted. Women with more advanced cancer stage who received CBSM later engaged with the most depth (b = -11.73, p =.04). All other characteristics did not predict engagement. Conclusions: Disease stage, race, ethnicity, and intervention timing predicted engagement with a CBSM website in older BC patients. Implications for cancer survivors: Delivering CBSM later in cancer treatment may mitigate competing demands. Fostering greater engagement in racial/ethnic minorities is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantification of earthquake-generated site-specific ground motions is necessary for accurate and reliable seismic hazard assessment for critical structures. To this aim, empirical and numerical approaches are typically used in order to characterize the site response at the target site. This is not straightforward in low-seismicity regions and even more challenging when the target structure is located at great depth. This article, focusing on a practical application for an underground radioactive waste repository project to be located in the eastern part of the Paris Basin (France), presents and discusses the results and the faced challenges in the characterization of the site transfer function (TF) from surface to several depths as well as when assessing the applicability of the ergodic site terms from empirical ground motion models to the target site. We first present the data collected in the last years at the project site and the empirical TFs between the surface and two locations at depth (–490 m and –445 m). The empirical transfer function is robust in the frequency range 0.5–10 Hz and less reliable above 10 Hz due to the reduced number of usable recordings. A good consistency is found with the numerical transfer function based on a 1D soil model derived from local boreholes data. A transfer function based on noise recordings is also computed and compared to the earthquake-based one showing a good agreement of the horizontal components. These results clearly open several perspectives on the potential use of ambient noise data and numerical modelling in order to quantify the site response at any point of the underground project layout. Then, we investigate the site-specific high-frequency decay parameter κ 0 using the available earthquake recordings at the surface. The estimates of κ 0 obtained combining both acceleration- and displacement-based approaches are affected by large uncertainties owing mainly to the lack of data at short distances (< than 100 km). Nonetheless, a range of κ 0 values having a central κ 0 =0.042 s and lower and upper bounds of 0.02 s and 0.058 s is proposed and V s - κ 0 adjustment factors are calculated using the IRVT approach (Al Atik 2014 BSSA 104:336–346) for few example cases. Such adjustment factors together with the empirical TFs and related uncertainties can be used to remove the ergodic assumption on the site term of GMMs in order to improve classical ergodic seismic hazard assessment for structures at surface and at depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have estimated the geochemical equilibration depth and temperature of the widespread Neogene alkaline basalts in the Cordillera of Alaska, Northwest Canada, and in Mexico using geobarometry on bulk compositions that have been minimally differentiated in upward transit. The method has uncertainties of about ±10 km and <70 °C. The regional averages of geochemical equilibration depth for 12 sites in Alaska vary from 50 ± 10 to 84 ± 2 km, somewhat broader than those from the Cordillera in western Canada, western USA, and Mexico. There are no associations of depth with terranes or geological provinces. The final equilibration depth of lavas with the surrounding mantle is concluded to be where partial melt percolating from greater depths' ponds at the lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary (LAB) until it becomes gravitationally unstable and moves upward in conduits. The top of the low velocity zone from seismic receiver functions, taken to be the LAB in regions of Alaska where Neogene volcanism occurs, varies from 60 to 85 km, covering the range of geochemical equilibration depths of the alkaline lavas. A mean lava equilibration depth of 65 ± 10 km occurs in 24 of 36 alkaline volcanic centers from Alaska to Mexico, and several other global locations, suggesting the LAB may be controlled to a first order by the change in H2O storage capacity and viscosity across the garnet–spinel peridotite phase change at this depth. The scatter and variation in equilibration depths and temperatures are a factor of 2 greater than the recognized uncertainties, and are not yet explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algorithms for converting 2D to 3D are gaining importance following the hiatus brought about by the discontinuation of 3D TV production; this is due to the high availability and popularity of virtual reality systems that use stereo vision. In this paper, several depth image-based rendering (DIBR) approaches using state-of-the-art single-frame depth generation neural networks and inpaint algorithms are proposed and validated, including a novel very fast inpaint (FAST). FAST significantly exceeds the speed of currently used inpaint algorithms by reducing computational complexity, without degrading the quality of the resulting image. The role of the inpaint algorithm is to fill in missing pixels in the stereo pair estimated by DIBR. Missing estimated pixels appear at the boundaries of areas that differ significantly in their estimated distance from the observer. In addition, we propose parameterizing DIBR using a singular, easy-to-interpret adaptable parameter that can be adjusted online according to the preferences of the user who views the visualization. This single parameter governs both the camera parameters and the maximum binocular disparity. The proposed solutions are also compared with a fully automatic 2D to 3D mapping solution. The algorithm proposed in this work, which features intuitive disparity steering, the foundational deep neural network MiDaS, and the FAST inpaint algorithm, received considerable acclaim from evaluators. The mean absolute error of the proposed solution does not contain statistically significant differences from state-of-the-art approaches like Deep3D and other DIBR-based approaches using different inpaint functions. Since both the source codes and the generated videos are available for download, all experiments can be reproduced, and one can apply our algorithm to any selected video or single image to convert it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of submerged cage depth on the growth of green lobsters (Panulirus homarus) in Vietnamese-style cultivation on the East Coast of Pangandaran. The submerged cage was intended so that the lobsters are not disturbed by the situation/water quality in the upper layer of the water. The research method used a completely randomized design using 3 submerge cage depth treatments and 4 repetitions with different ones, A (2 meters); B (3.5 meters); and C (5 meters). Lobster maintenance was carried out for 40 days using a submerged cage with a diameter of 80 cm and a height of 90 cm. Each cage contains 10 lobster seeds measuring 40 g. Frequency of feeding 2 times a day. The amount of test feed given was 20% of the lobster weight each day. Measurement of water quality as supporting data was carried out at the beginning and end of the research. Sampling was done every 10 days and the observed parameters were growth rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feed efficiency (FE). Lobster growth performance showed that treatment C (placement of cages at a depth of 5 meters) was the best among the others, as well as the daily growth rate (LPH) of 1.35%, feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 12.8, and feed efficiency ( EP) of 8.6%. The water quality in the submerged cage with a depth of 5 meters was DO 5.22 mg/L, the water temperature was 28 Celsius, pH was 7 and salinity was 34 ppt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let k be a field, let A and B be polynomial rings over k , and let S = A ⊗ k B . Let I ⊆ A and J ⊆ B be monomial ideals. We establish a binomial expansion for rational powers of I + J ⊆ S in terms of those of I and J. Particularly, for u ∈ Q + , we prove that (I + J) u = ∑ 0 ≤ ω ≤ u , ω ∈ Q I ω J u - ω , and that the sum on the right-hand side is a finite sum. This finite sum can be made more precise using jumping numbers of rational powers of I and J. We further give sufficient conditions for this formula to hold for the integral closures of powers of I + J in terms of those of I and J. Under these conditions, we provide explicit formulas for the depth and regularity of (I + J) k ¯ in terms of those of powers of I and J. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edge ideals of finite simple graphs G on n vertices are the ideals I(G) of the polynomial ring S in n variables generated by the quadratic monomials associated with the edges of G. In this paper, we consider the possible pairs of dimensions and depths of S / I (G) for connected graphs with a fixed number of vertices. We discuss such pairs in the case when the dimension is relatively large. As a corollary, we completely determine the pairs for connected graphs with a small number of vertices. We also study the possible pairs for connected chordal graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the coming decades, warming and deoxygenation of marine waters are anticipated to result in shifts in the distribution and abundance of fishes, with consequences for the diversity and composition of fish communities. Here, we combine fisheries-independent trawl survey data spanning the west coast of the USA and Canada with high-resolution regional ocean models to make projections of how 34 groundfish species will be impacted by changes in temperature and oxygen in British Columbia (BC) and Washington. In this region, species that are projected to decrease in occurrence are roughly balanced by those that are projected to increase, resulting in considerable compositional turnover. Many, but not all, species are projected to shift to deeper depths as conditions warm, but low oxygen will limit how deep they can go. Thus, biodiversity will likely decrease in the shallowest waters (less than 100 m), where warming will be greatest, increase at mid-depths (100–600 m) as shallow species shift deeper, and decrease at depths where oxygen is limited (greater than 600 m). These results highlight the critical importance of accounting for the joint role of temperature, oxygen and depth when projecting the impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity. This article is part of the theme issue 'Detecting and attributing the causes of biodiversity change: needs, gaps and solutions'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Marine litter (ML) in the Catalan coast is composed by 64 % of plastic. • The most populated area holds the highest amount and density of ML. • Density of ML varies with depths being highest in the continental shelf. • Bottom trawlers may potentially remove 237 ± 36 t year−1 of ML in the Catalan coast. The seafloor of the Mediterranean Sea accumulates marine litter (ML), an area where bottom trawlers operate and can accidentally catch the litter from the seafloor. This study aims to describe and quantify the ML caught by bottom trawlers along the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean Sea) and estimate the potential of the bottom trawl fleet to extract ML from the area as a Fishing for Litter (FFL) initiative to tackle the ML issue. Marine litter was collected from commercial trawlers and was classified as metal, plastic, rubber, textile, wood, and other waste and weighed (kg) from 305 hauls performed during three years (2019–2021) from 9 different ports at 3 different depths. ML was present in 97 % of the hauls, with plastic being the most abundant material. The composition varied according to zone, port and depth, with the highest densities found in highly urbanized areas (13.75 ± 3.25 kg km−2), which mainly contained plastics (74.3 %). The port of Barcelona had the highest presence of plastics (23.62 ± 6.49 kg km−2), mainly wet wipes. Regarding depth, the continental shelf had the highest density of ML, with 12.24 ± 2.40 kg km−2. The potential ML removal (t year−1) was calculated using fishing effort (hours). It is estimated that the bottom trawlers may potentially remove 237 ± 36 t year−1 of ML in the Catalan coast. FFL initiatives should be part of a multidisciplinary approach to tackle marine litter, which must include prevention, monitoring, and cleaning actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the effect of nitrification inhibitor combined with urease inhibitor on soil N2O emission under different nitrogen application depths. We carried out a soil column simulation test under 25°C. The combination of 1% N-butyl Phosphorothioate Triamine (NBPT) and 5% Dicyandiamide (DCD) was added to the soil. Anaerobically digested pig slurry (ADPS) was used as a nitrogen source and applied to four soil depths (soil surface (0 cm), 5 cm, 10 cm, and 15 cm, respectively). It was found that the inhibitory effects of NBPT and DCD on the soil N2O emission were significantly affected by different nitrogen application depths. When the ADPS was applied at 15 cm, 10 cm, and on the soil surface, the combination of 1% NBPT and 5% DCD could inhibit soil N2O emission by 46.1%, 21.7%, and 34.6%, respectively. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that the addition of inhibitors changed the microbial paths of soil N2O production. The dominant microbial path of soil N2O production after adding inhibitors was from ammonia oxidation dominated by AOB-amoA to denitrification dominated by nirS and nirK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bituminous sands of Agbabu have been mapped using several geophysical techniques. However, many of these methods provided information about the depth to the bituminous body and basement of the study area but failed to predict the possible geometry of the body. Hence, this study aimed at determining the depth to the bituminous body along with its geometry using SPI and 3D Euler deconvolution methods. A total of 161 gravity station points data were acquired, and corrected for the effect of drift, elevation and Bouguer slab effect. The SPI showed that the depth in the range of 8 m - 31 m. The 3D Euler deconvolution method revealed the assumed geometry of the free flowing bitumen in the near surface to be a fault/contact/fracture, or crack at a depth of 9 m - 35 m. The depth estimates obtained using the SPI and 3D Euler Deconvolution methods correlates greatly. These results together with the qualitative analysis of the derivative maps revealed that the bituminous sands of the study trends in the east-west direction with the presence of a fault, contact, fracture, and/or crack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weedy rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most problematic weed in rice fields due to the few control management alternatives to control it, because of the genetic similarity with the crop. Different cropping systems (regarding soil preparation before sowing) have been used as options to control the persistence and emergence of the weed seedbank. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the longevity and vertical distribution of weedy rice seeds in the soil seedbank after 22 years of different rice cropping systems. Data was analyzed as a two-way factorial, with cropping systems carried out for 22 years [no-tillage (NT), conventional tillage (CT), wet direct-seeded (WDS)] as one factor and sampling depth (0-2, 2-5, 5-10 and 10-20 cm) as the other factor. The number of whole and deteriorated seeds per m-2 were assessed, as well as the viability (%). No effect between the systems were detected up to 5 cm, however at 5-10 cm CT and WDS showed higher amount of seeds, and WDS at 10-20 cm. As the sampling depth increased, NT showed fewer amount of seeds, while less reduction of the soil seedbank was observed in WDS. CT and WDS spread viable seeds in the soil profile from 0 to 20 cm depth. After 22 years there are viable weedy rice seeds up to 10 cm of depth in the three cropping systems and there is no difference among them up to 5 cm of depth, demonstrating the serious problem of the seedbank for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues that hate differs from mere disliking in terms of its "depth," which is understood via a notion of "othering," whereby one rejects at least some aspect of the identity of the target of hate, identifying oneself as not being what they are. Fleshing this out reveals important differences between personal hate, which targets a particular individual, and impersonal hate, which targets groups of people. Moreover, impersonal hate requires focusing on the place hate has within particular sorts of communities, enabling a further important distinction between "insider" and "outsider" hate in terms of whether the hater includes members of the targeted group within a particular community or rejects them as "beneath" membership in that community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature-like fish passes are commonly designed as a preferred way to overcome barriers in rivers. However, meeting the recommended hydraulic parameters for these passes can be challenging. As a result, boulders or sills are often incorporated to supplement their structure. From a hydraulic standpoint, the crucial parameters under investigation are the depths and velocities (or the corresponding velocity field). In this study, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on a full-width rock-ramp fish pass constructed in a river, specifically targeting the barbel zone. The achieved parameters were assessed through direct field measurements, complemented by mathematical modeling using 1D and 2D HEC-RAS models (version 6.3.1). For the assessment of model accuracy, the error indices root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) were used. Based on their evaluation, the 1D model provides more precise results in the assessed profiles (the RMSE for depths (m) was 0.0663 (for velocities (m∙s−1) 0.293) compared to the 2D model, where the RMSE for depths (m) was 0.070 (for velocities (m∙s−1) 0.398), the MAE for the 1D model for depths (m) was 0.0350 (for velocities (m∙s−1) 0.185) compared to the 2D model, where the MAE for depths (m) was 0.0375 (for velocities (m∙s−1) 0.274)). The findings highlight the differences in the problem-solving approaches between the models as well as the potential for simplifications in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is an attempt to estimate the incidence, severity, depth, and determinants of poverty in Jhang district, Punjab, Pakistan. For this purpose, the data were collected from 1,000 households through a specifically designed questionnaire using multistages sampling technique in all four subdistricts of Jhang district. The study used both income-regression model and logistic regression to assess the impact of demographic and socioeconomic factors on poverty incidence. The results show that 54.3% of households are below the poverty line, including 16% extremely poor. Poverty measures including headcount index, severity, and depth of poverty are worse among the households headed by farmers, daily-wagers, and illiterates. Moreover, the results confirm that the household's livestock population, landholding, ownership of agricultural land, total assets, and earners per household considerably reduced the poverty incidence in Jhang district. While household size, age of household head, economic dependency ratio, and total dependency ratio significantly increased the level of poverty. The study concludes that demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the households are of greater importance in alleviating poverty generally in Pakistan but particularly in rural areas. Hence, it is suggested that governments should increase public spending on socioeconomic programs and services with a particular focus on education, women's empowerment, family planning, employment opportunity, pro-agriculture policies, and equitable distribution of land and wealth to alleviate poverty in rural areas of Pakistan. Further research can be conducted by selecting large sample size and analyzing the household characteristics at the disaggregated level incorporating time variations to develop a more impactful policy framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary goal of this research is to identify how and whether knowledge distance influences multinational enterprises' innovation performance. Although international business scholars have acknowledged the importance of knowledge distance, the research question is under-explored. Based on the distance approach, this study provides a theoretical foundation for knowledge distance and empirically examines its impact on the innovation performance of multinational enterprises engaging in cross-border acquisitions. Furthermore, we investigated whether internationalization breadth and depth moderate knowledge distance-innovation performance. We examined Chinese-listed firms that made international acquisitions from 2010 to 2016 and found a negative relationship between knowledge distance and innovation performance. We also discovered that internationalization breadth and depth moderate the negative relationship between knowledge distance and innovation performance. Our study contributes to international business studies by providing the theoretical foundation and empirical results of knowledge distance in the international business context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Familiarity with the typical measurements of the maxillary and mandibular curves of Spee can assist clinicians in formulating sagittal plane occlusion and proves beneficial in delivering prosthetic rehabilitation for patients with occlusal derangement. The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the radius and depth of the Spee curve in the maxillary and mandibular arches among both male and female individuals within young Nepalese population. Materials and Methods: The study comprised 21 men and 21 women aged between 18 and 30 years. Alginate impressions were made for both the maxillary and mandibular arches and dental stone casts were subsequently created. Digital images of the right side of maxillary and mandibular dental casts were captured using a digital camera and subsequently transferred to a computer. The tips of the distal cusps of molars, premolars, and canines in both the maxillary and mandibular arches were identified. Utilizing the computer software (Corel DRAW), the radius and depth of the Spee curve were measured based on the digital photographs of the dental casts. Results: The results indicated a substantial difference in the depth of the Spee curve between the mandibular and maxillary arches (p<0.001), with the mandibular arch displaying a significantly greater depth. Furthermore, the Spee curve was notably deeper in females (p=0.045) compared to males. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the depth of the Spee curve in the mandible between genders (p=0.171). Conclusions: The radius of the Spee curve was unaffected by the gender or arch of the subjects under investigation. Nevertheless, the Spee curve was observed to be significantly flatter in the maxillary arch when contrasted with the mandibular arch. Additionally, a notable difference in the depth of the Spee curve was identified between females and males, with females displaying a greater depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many earth dams are damaged by shearing under seismic stresses effect. In Algeria, earthquake of 21 May 2003, of magnitude Mm = 6.9 on Richter scale, considered as the most violent for more than 20 years, occurred about 70 km east of Algiers’s capital, where a large number of structures were damaged in this region. The aim of this article is to present a numerical analysis of an earth dam in the province of Oum-Elboughi. The objective is to show the influence of compressive seismic waves and the effect of foundation deph on dam behavior .The stady was carried out using a 2D finite difference method (FDM) using the FLAC 2D calculation code. In this analysis, a soil nonlinear behaviour is provided by a combined Hardin/Drnevich hysteretic damping behaviour model with Mohr–Coulomb elasto-plastic model. Results that are presented in terms of deformations and shear stresses developed at the dam and dam foundation show that the most critical area is located on the downstream side of the dam. Increasing the foundation depth decreases the value of horizontal stress, while decreasing it increases the dam instability risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let G be a finite simple graph and let I_G denote its associated toric ideal in the polynomial ring R. For each integer n\geq 2, we completely determine all the possible values for the tuple (\operatorname {reg}(R/I_G), \deg (h_{R/I_G}(t)), \operatorname {pdim}(R/I_G), \operatorname {depth}(R/I_G), \dim (R/I_G)) when G is a connected bipartite graph on n vertices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]