Optimal plot size for experimentation of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in the northern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil

The objective was to evaluate the minimum size of experimental plots for the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) using the modified maximum curvature method. The experiment consisted of a uniformity trial with the cultivar BRSFC-402 sown at a spacing of 0.5 m between plant rows and 10 plants per meter within the row. 20 central rows measuring 20 m in length were considered for measurements, totaling 4,000 plants on an area of 200 m2. Final bean stand (FS), mean number of pods per plant (NPP), mean number of grain per pod (NGP), mean 100-grain weight (M100), and grain yield (kg ha-1) were evaluated. At evaluations, each row with 10 plants was considered a basic unit (0.5 m2), amounting to 400 basic units whose dimensions were combined into 14 plot shapes. The methods of relative information and modified maximum curvature were used to obtain the best shape and the most appropriate plot size, respectively, for experimental evaluation with common bean. Using these methods, and considering that the optimum plot should enable an efficient evaluation of all evaluated characteristics, the appropriate plot size was five UB (25 plants) in the format with five rows x one UB per row. Highlights Support for experimental evaluation of common beans under edaphoclimatic conditions in the northern region of Minas Gerais Experimental plots with five basic units ensure maximum precision for joint evaluation of the main phenotypic descriptors of common beans. The characteristics mass of 100 grains and productivity were associated with the smallest and the largest plot sizes, respectively.

Effect of Bow Camber and Mass Distribution on Violinists' Preferences and Performance

Little is known about how bow mechanical characteristics objectively and quantitatively influence violinists' preferences and performance. Hypothesizing that the bow shape (i.e., camber) and mass distribution modifications would alter both violinists' appreciations of a bow and objective assessments of their performance, we recruited 10 professional violinists to play their own violin using 18 versions of a single bow, modified by combining three cambers and six mass distributions, in random order. A musical phrase, composed for this study, was played legato and spiccato at three octaves and two tempi. Each violinist scored all 18 bows. Then, experts assessed the recorded performances according to criteria inspired by basic musical analysis. Finally, 12 audio-descriptors were calculated on the same note from each trial, to objectivise potential acoustic differences. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) reveals that bow camber impacted the violinists' appreciations (p < 0.05), and that heavier bow tips gave lower scores for spiccato playing (p < 0.05). The expert evaluations reveal that playing with a lighter bow (tip or frog), or with a bow whose camber's maximum curvature is close to the frog, had a positive impact on some violinists' performance (NS to p < 0.001). The “camber-participant” interaction had significant effects on the violinists' appreciations (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001), on the expert's evaluation and on almost all the audio-descriptors (NS to p < 0.001). While trends were identified, multiple camber-participant interactions suggest that bow makers should provide a variety of cambers to satisfy different violinists.

Analisis Tingkat Kegempaan Wilayah Jawa Timur berbasis Distribusi Spasial dan Temporal Magnitude Of Completeness (Mc), A-Value Dan B-Value

<p class="AbstractText">Distribusi spasial dan temporal dari parameter seismisitas yang terdiri dari <em>magnitude of completeness</em> (Mc), <em>a-value</em>, dan <em>b-value </em>telah dihitung sebagai upaya untuk menganalisis tingkat kegempaan wilayah Jawa Timur. Parameter tersebut dihitung berdasarkan data katalog gempa bumi <em>International Seismological Center</em> (ISC) dalam rentang waktu antara tahun 1980-2020. Tujuan dari penelitian iniadalah untuk menentukan parameter seismisitas dan distribusi spasial dan temporalnya sehingga proses deteksi dan peringatan dini gempa bumi di Jawa Timur dapat berjalan secara optimal. Parameter seismistas dihitung dengan menggunakan metode <em>Maximum Curvature</em> (MaxC). Metode MaxC dalam menentukan parameter seismisitas terdiri dari proses menentukan titik kelengkungan maksimum dengan menghitung nilai maksimum dari turunan pertama kurva distribusi Frekuensi-Magnitudo (FMD). Variasi parameter seismisitas kemudian dipetakan secara spasial dan temporal setiap sepuluh tahun dalam kurun waktu 50 tahun terakhir untuk melihat perubahan variasi parameter seismisitas. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan Mc-<em>value</em> 3,4 – 4,8; a-<em>value</em> 5,560 - 8,244; dan b-<em>value</em> (0,73 – 0,82 ± 0.13). Daerah yang memiliki <em>b-value</em> rendah (0,73 ± 0.13) berada di sekitar wilayah selatandai Jawa Timur. Wilayah ini diindikasikan sebagai daerah dengan pelepasan momen seismik yang tinggi dan memiliki akumulasi tingkat <em>stress</em> batuan yang tinggi. Mengetahui dan memahami hubungan antara parameter seismistas dan struktur tektonik dapat membantu kita untuk menentukan tingkat resiko bencana gempa bumi di wilayah Jawa Timur.</p>

B-spline based corner smoothing method to decrease the maximum curvature of the transition curve

Toolpath represented by linear segments leads to tangency discontinuity between blocks, which results in fluctuation of feedrate and reduction of machining efficiency and quality. To eliminate these unwanted external factors, optimal corner smoothing operation is essential for CNC systems to achieve a smooth toolpath. This work proposes a corner smoothing approach by generating a B-spline transition curve with 7 control points. By adjusting the position of the control points, the resulting transition curve is not limited to smooth the corner in the convex side of the corner, but shuttles back and forth between the convex and concave sides to decrease the maximum curvature, while respecting the given error tolerance. The approximation errors in convex and concave sides can be analytically calculated. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method on machining efficiency improvement.

Milling-Induced Residual Stress and Distortion Under Variations of Bulk Residual Stress

Undesired distortion can arise during machining of metals from two main mechanisms: 1) release of bulk residual stress in the pre-form, and 2) deformation induced by the cutting tool. The interaction between these two mechanisms is explored herein using aluminum plate-shaped samples that have a large surface with variations of bulk residual stress (BRS), where that surface is subsequently milled and we observe milling-induced residual stress (MIRS) and distortion. Plate samples are cut from two kinds of large blocks, one kind stress-relieved by stretching and a second kind that had been solution heat treated, quenched, and aged. MIRS is measured following milling using hole-drilling with fine depth increments. Distortions of thin wafers cut at the milled surfaces are used to show how the interactions between BRS and MIRS change milling-induced distortion. Data from the study show that the directions of MIRS and distortion relative to the milling direction are changed when milling in samples with high BRS magnitude (roughly ±100 MPa), with the direction of maximum curvature rotating toward or away from the milling direction depending on the sign and direction of BRS. High magnitude BRS increased distortion, nearly doubling the amount found compared to milling in samples free of BRS.

Integrated Fracture Characterization of Thamama Reservoirs in Abu Dhabi Oil Field, United Arab Emirates

Summary Volumetric maximum curvature attribute computed from 3D ocean bottom cable (OBC) seismic data, production logging tool (PLT), inorganic chemical tracer data, and fractures observed from core and full-bore formation microimager (FMI) logs were integrated to characterize fractured carbonate reservoirs of an offshore oil field in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The extracted maximum curvature anomalies are predominantly orientated in NNE-SSW and NE-SW, a trend perpendicular to the dominant fault direction in the oil field and similar to the dominant strike directions of fractures measured from core data and FMI logs. Because the fracture strike directions of well data mimic the strike directions of curvature anomalies at corresponding reservoir levels, we interpreted the maximum curvature anomalies to represent dilatational fractured zones or fracture corridors. Integration of dynamic data, such as PLT and chemical tracers, and maximum curvature anomalies demonstrate that the inferred fracture zones can determine water breakthroughs as well as inter- and intrareservoir communications. As a result, this study highlights possible fracture zones and their internal architecture, as well as their potential flow capabilities. These results play a key role in reservoir management and monitoring of water movement through structural pathways.

Three-Dimensional Analysis of the In Vivo Motion of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Leads

Better understanding of the lead curvature, movement and their spatial distribution may be beneficial in developing lead testing methods, guiding implantations and improving life expectancy of implanted leads. Objective The aim of this two-phase study was to develop and test a novel biplane cine-fluoroscopy-based method to evaluate input parameters for bending stress in leads based on their in vivo 3D motion using precisely determined spatial distributions of lead curvatures. Potential tensile, compressive or torque forces were not subjects of this study. Methods A method to measure lead curvature and curvature evolution was initially tested in a phantom study. In the second phase using this model 51 patients with implanted ICD leads were included. A biplane cine-fluoroscopy recording of the intracardiac region of the lead was performed. The lead centerline and its motion were reconstructed in 3D and used to define lead curvature and curvature changes. The maximum absolute curvature Cmax during a cardiac cycle, the maximum curvature amplitude Camp and the maximum curvature Cmax@amp at the location of Camp were calculated. These parameters can be used to characterize fatigue stress in a lead under cyclical bending. Results The medians of Camp and Cmax@amp were 0.18 cm−1 and 0.42 cm−1, respectively. The median location of Cmax was in the atrium whereas the median location of Camp occurred close to where the transit through the tricuspid valve can be assumed. Increased curvatures were found for higher slack grades. Conclusion Our results suggest that reconstruction of 3D ICD lead motion is feasible using biplane cine-fluoroscopy. Lead curvatures can be computed with high accuracy and the results can be implemented to improve lead design and testing.

A purpose-design computational method for estimation of plane of maximum curvature in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex three-dimensional (3D) deformity, and the plane of maximum curvature (PMC) is proposed to reflect these clinical features, which refers to a vertical plane presenting the maximum projected spinal curvature and its parameters include the PMC Cobb and orientation (angle between PMC and sagittal planes). This study aimed to develop a computational method (CM) for PMC estimation. Twenty-nine patients with AIS and computed tomography (CT) images were recruited. For CT, PMC was determined by rotating a vertical plane about its vertical axis with 5° increment until the maximum Cobb angle was measured. For CM, PMC was estimated via identifying the eight points (the corner points of the superior and inferior endplates of the upper and lower end-vertebrae respectively) in the coronal and lateral CT images. Two experienced raters repeated the PMC estimation three times with one-week interval. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman method were used for statistical analysis. Twenty-seven right thoracic curves (RTs) (mean Cobb: 46.1°±12.4°) and 23 left thoracolumbar/lumbar (LTLs/LLs) (mean Cobb: 30.6°±11.1°) were analysed. The intra- and inter-rater ICC values were >0.91 and 0.84 in RTs and LTLs/LLs, respectively. The PMCs obtained from the CM and CT were showed good agreement was also observed between the PMCs obtained from the two methods according to ICC (>0.90) and Bland-Altman method assessments. This purpose-design computational method could provide reliable and valid estimation of PMCs for AIS, which has potential to be used as an alternative for 3D assessment.

Micro-CT evaluation of rotary and reciprocating glide path and shaping systems outcomes in maxillary molar curved canals

The shaping outcomes after instrumentation with rotary and reciprocating glide path and shaping systems were evaluated through micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT). Thirty extracted maxillary first molars were selected. Mesio-buccal canals were randomized into two groups (n = 15): rotary system ProGlider and ProTaper Next X1, X2 (PG-PTN) and reciprocating system WaveOne Gold Glider and WaveOne Gold Primary (WOGG-WOG). Specimens were micro-CT scanned before, after glide path and after shaping. Increase in canal volume and surface area, percentage of removed dentin from the inner curvature, centroid shift and canal geometry variation through ratio of diameter ratios (RDR) and ratio of cross-sectional areas (RA) were measured in the apical and coronal levels and at the point of maximum curvature. The number of pecking motions needed to reach the working length (WL) was recorded. One-way ANOVA and post hoc Turkey–Kramer tests were used (p < 0.05). Post-glide path analysis revealed that in the coronal third, RDR was more favorable to PG and centroid shift was lower for WOGG in the apical third. Post-shaping analysis showed a reduced removal of dentin and a more favorable RA for PTN at point of maximum curvature. The number of pecking motions up to WL resulted in different between groups both for glide path and shaping phases. Despite a higher dentin removal for reciprocating instruments at the point of maximum curvature, both systems seemed to produce well-centered glide path and shaping outcomes. Rotary and reciprocating systems seemed able to respect the original canal anatomy.