Search Results (57)

This study focuses on the Alentejo and Algarve regions of southern Portugal, which is characterized by a typical Mediteranean climate. In the Mediterranean region, evaporation plays a significant role in reservoir water budgets. Therefore, estimating water surface evaporation is essential for efficient reservoir water management. This study aims to (i) assess the reservoir evaporation pattern in southern Portugal from meteorological offshore measures, (ii) benchmark various indirect methods for evaluating reservoir evaporation at a monthly scale, and (iii) provide recommendations on the most suitable indirect method to apply in operational practices. This study presents meteorological data collected from floating weather stations on instrumented platforms across nine reservoirs in Alentejo and Algarve. This is the first time that so many offshore local measurements have been made available in a Mediterranean climate region. The reservoir evaporation was estimated by the Energy Budget (Bowen Ratio) method, having concluded that monthly evaporation rates across the nine reservoirs ranged from 0.8 mm d${\phantom{­}}^{-1}$ in winter to 4.6 mm d${\phantom{­}}^{-1}$ in summer, with an annual average of 2.7 mm d${\phantom{­}}^{-1}$. Annual evaporation values ranged from 750 to 1230 mm, showing a positive gradient from the northern Alentejo region to the southwest Algarve region. To evaluate the performance of five empirical and semi-empirical evaporation indirect methods, a benchmarking analysis was conducted. The indirect methods studied are Mass Transfer (MT), Penman (PEN), Priestley and Taylor (PT), Thornthwaite (THOR), and Pan Evaporation (PE). Regarding the MT method, an N function of a reservoir superficial area is presented for the Mediterranean climate regions. In the Pan Evaporation method, the pan coefficient was considered equal to one. The benchmarking analysis revealed that all studied methods produced estimates that had good correlation with the Energy Budget method’s results across all reservoirs. All the methods showed small biases at the monthly scale, particularly in the dry semester. The estimates’ evaporation variability depended on the reservoir. Overall, the evaluation of evaporation methods concluded that (i) the stakeholders should considerer having an evaporation pan offshore; (ii) to manage the water balance of the studied reservoirs, the manager must apply the method with the best performance, depending on the data available; (iii) to manage other reservoirs located in the Mediterranean climate region, the manager must compare reservoir characteristics and the data available in order to choose the most suitable method to apply. Full article

Background: Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique providing high-resolution en-face and cross-sectional views of the epidermis and superficial dermis for in vivo characterisation of actinic keratosis (AK), Bowen’s disease (BD) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Despite its promise, standardised imaging protocols are lacking. Objective: This systematic review aims to assess the utility of LC-OCT for diagnosing AK, BD and SCC, with particular emphasis on workflow optimisation and protocol standardisation. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases (January 2018–October 2024). Two reviewers independently screened the records, extracted data and applied the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (CERQual) framework to assess confidence in key findings. Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. LC-OCT reliably identified key histopathological correlates. Across studies, LC-OCT consistently visualised hyperkeratosis, keratinocytic atypia, parakeratosis, and acanthosis, as well as characteristic vascular alterations and dermal remodeling. LC-OCT also demonstrated its capacity to detect invasive features by revealing disruptions in the dermo-epidermal junction and the presence of tumour strands infiltrating the dermis. Multimodal imaging combined with technical optimisations such as minimal probe pressure, paraffin oil coupling, and dermoscopy-guided localisation, substantially improved image resolution and interobserver concordance. Conclusions: This systematic review provides a basis for establishing standardised LC-OCT imaging protocols in keratinocytic tumours. While LC-OCT shows promise as a non-invasive diagnostic tool, further multicenter studies are needed to refine imaging workflows and evaluate the integration of artificial intelligence-based analysis to improve diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility. Full article

Exploration of coalbed methane (CBM) has long been plagued by critical technical challenges, including a low signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio in seismic data, difficulty identifying thin coal seams, and inadequate accuracy in interpreting complex structures. This study presents an innovative methodological framework that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) with advanced seismic processing and interpretation techniques. Its effectiveness is verified through a case study in the North Bowen Basin, Australia. A multi-scale seismic data enhancement approach combining dynamic balancing and blue filtering significantly improved data quality, increasing the S/N ratio by 53%. Using deep learning-driven, multi-attribute fusion analysis, we achieved a prediction error of less than ±1 m for the thickness of thin coal seams (4–7 m thick). Integrating 3D coherence and ant-tracking techniques improved the accuracy of fault identification, increasing the fault recognition rate by 30% and reducing the spatial localization error to below 3%. Additionally, a finely tuned, spatially variable velocity model limited the depth conversion error to 0.5%. Validation using horizontal well trajectories revealed that the rate of reservoir encounters exceeded 95%, with initial gas production in the predicted sweet spots zone being 25–30% higher than with traditional methods. Notably, this study established a quantitative model linking structural curvature to fracture intensity, providing a robust scientific basis for accurately predicting CBM sweet spots. Full article

Wheat is a staple crop widely sown in Northwest China, and understanding and modelling evapotranspiration (ET) during the wheat-growing stage is important for irrigation scheduling and the efficient use of agricultural water resources. In this study, a four-year observation was conducted on a spring wheat field with border irrigation (BI) treatment and drip irrigation (DI) treatment, based on two Bowen ratio energy balance (BREB) systems. The results showed that the average ET across the whole growing stage scale was 512.0 mm for the BI treatment and 446.9 mm for the DI treatment, and the DI treatment reduced ET by 65.1 mm across the growing stage scale. The driving factors of the changes in ET in the two treatments were investigated using partial correlation analysis after understanding the changing pattern of ET. Net radiation (Rn), soil water content (SWC), and leaf area index (LAI) were the main meteorological, soil, and crop factors leading to the changes in ET in the two treatments. In terms of ET simulation, the SWAP model and different types of machine learning algorithms were used in this study to numerically simulate ET at a daily scale. The total ET values simulated by the SWAP model at the interannual scale were 11.0–14.2% lower than the observed values of ET, and the simulation accuracy varied at different growing stages. In terms of the machine learning simulation of ET, this study is the first to apply five machine learning algorithms to simulate a typical irrigated wheat field in the arid region of Northwest China. It was found that the Stacking algorithm as well as the SWAP model had the optimal simulation among all machine learning algorithms. These findings can provide a scientific basis for irrigation management and the efficient use of agricultural water resources in spring wheat fields in arid regions. Full article

This study employs social network analysis to illuminate the intricate relationships within Daoist exorcism rituals from the Southern Song to the Yuan dynasty, as documented in two pivotal compilations: Pearls Left Behind from the Sea of Ritual (Fahai Yizhu 法海遺珠) and Collected Essentials of Daoist Methods (Daofa Huiyuan 道法會元). While previous scholarship focused on individual rituals or generals using traditional document analysis, this article introduces a novel digital humanities methodology. By treating the Daoist generals summoned in these rituals as network nodes, we map and analyze their co-occurrence patterns, offering a comprehensive understanding of the evolving ritual landscape. Our analysis reveals a significant expansion in the scale of exorcism rituals from Fahai Yizhu to Daofa Huiyuan, indicating a shift from concise manuals to more systematic frameworks with clearer factional organization. Specifically, the Great Demon-Subjugating Ritual of Shangqing Tianpeng (Shangqing Tianpeng Fumu Dafa 上清天蓬伏魔大法) and various Marshal Zhao exorcism rituals exhibit the largest scales, reflecting the widespread popularity of Heavenly Commander Tianpeng (Tianpeng 天蓬) beliefs and Marshal Zhao’s capacity to integrate diverse pantheons, including local deities, plague gods, thunder generals, and “rampant soldiers” (changing 猖兵). Key figures like Yin Jiao (殷郊), Zhao Gongming (趙公明), Zhang Yuanbo (張元伯), Ma Sheng (馬勝), Deng Bowen (鄧伯溫), and Guan Yu (關羽) demonstrate high centrality. Notably, Ma Sheng, Zhao Gongming (趙公明), and Guan Yu (關羽) play increasingly pivotal roles in Daofa Huiyuan, while Zhang Yuanbo (張元伯) and Song Wuji (宋無忌) experience hierarchical reversals, suggesting an augmented importance of local deities after the Southern Song. This pioneering SNA application offers a robust framework for understanding these complex interconnections. Full article

Background: Tele-practice, as an evidence-based practice, has gained momentum over the last two decades. However, routine clinical adoption is not spontaneous. Implementation science facilitates stakeholder engagement and the assessment of needs and plans. The study aims to assess the needs related to audiology and speech–language pathology services for children under six years of age and readiness for a tele-practice-based model of care for diagnostic and rehabilitation services among parents within the public sector in Tamil Nadu. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. The qualitative methods of focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were conducted for parents of children with disabilities. A quantitative community survey was conducted on parents of children with no known disabilities. A deductive-inductive method of analysis was used. Results: Community survey responses were analyzed using percentage analysis. The results were classified based on the constructs of Bowen’s feasibility framework: demand/need for tele-practice, acceptability of tele-practice, and integration and practicality of tele-practice. Parents considered the existing services to be inadequate. Parents perceived tele-practice as beneficial, yet they felt a hybrid method would be more suitable, with sufficiently interspersed in-person visits. Parents believed that training and community awareness were necessary before implementing a technology-based model of services. Conclusions: The study’s findings guided the fine-tuning of the proposed comprehensive tele-practice model for hearing and speech–language services for children in this rural district. Full article

Evidence-based and theory-informed interventions focusing on parents of children with disabilities in low-income countries are scarce. This study examined the feasibility of Tiyanjane, a 12-week pilot intervention developed to promote parental involvement in the education of children with disabilities in Malawi. A mixed-method approach was employed based on five aspects of Bowen’s feasibility framework: acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, and limited efficacy. Twenty-one participants (13 caregivers, four teachers, and four local leaders) participated in the study. Standardised measures, namely the Parent and Family Adjustment Scale (PAFAS) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), were employed to evaluate changes in parental practices, adjustments, and perceived social support. Qualitative data were collected using focus groups and in-depth interviews to assess the feasibility of the intervention. Tiyanjane showed promise in promoting parental involvement in the education of children with disabilities. The intervention demonstrated high fidelity, achieving 100% retention and 95% attendance. Local resources, commitment from participants and facilitators, and strong family school–community ties enabled the practicality and execution of the intervention. Significant improvements were observed in the PAFAS and MSPSS scores across the assessed post-intervention outcomes. Minor logistical issues including resource and implementation challenges were reported. Tiyanjane was feasible for the facilitators and participants in the Malawian context. Further studies are needed to assess the programme’s adaptation, integration, and expansion in other contexts before scaling up. Full article

Background/Objectives: Radiomics has seen substantial growth in medical imaging; however, its potential in optical coherence tomography (OCT) has not been widely explored. We systematically evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of handcrafted radiomics features (HRFs) from OCT scans of benign nevi and examine the impact of bin width (BW) selection on HRF stability. The effect of using stable features on a radiomics classification model was also assessed. Methods: In this prospective study, 20 volunteers underwent test–retest OCT imaging of 40 benign nevi, resulting in 80 scans. The repeatability and reproducibility of HRFs extracted from manually delineated regions of interest (ROIs) were assessed using concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs) across BWs ranging from 5 to 50. A unique set of stable HRFs was identified at each BW after removing highly correlated features to eliminate redundancy. These robust features were incorporated into a multiclass radiomics classifier trained to distinguish benign nevi, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and Bowen’s disease. Results: Six stable HRFs were identified across all BWs, with a BW of 25 emerging as the optimal choice, balancing repeatability and the ability to capture meaningful textural details. Additionally, intermediate BWs (20–25) yielded 53 reproducible features. A classifier trained with six stable features achieved a 90% accuracy and AUCs of 0.96 and 0.94 for BCC and Bowen’s disease, respectively, compared to a 76% accuracy and AUCs of 0.86 and 0.80 for a conventional feature selection approach. Conclusions: This study highlights the critical role of BW selection in enhancing HRF stability and provides a methodological framework for optimizing preprocessing in OCT radiomics. By demonstrating the integration of stable HRFs into diagnostic models, we establish OCT radiomics as a promising tool to aid non-invasive diagnosis in dermatology. Full article

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders associated with excessive smartphone use represent a significant health issue. Text neck syndrome is one such disorder within that group, increasingly affecting individuals worldwide across various age groups. The phenomenon of text neck may occur in individuals who frequently and for prolonged periods adopt a forward-flexed neck and head position while looking at the screens of mobile electronic devices. Various therapeutic methods are used in the treatment of text neck syndrome. However, there is no consensus on text neck rehabilitation, which poses a challenge for physiotherapists. Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the phenomenon of text neck, with a particular emphasis on current scientific reports regarding the rehabilitation of text neck syndrome. The scoping review was conducted to determine the physiotherapy methods currently used in the treatment of individuals with text neck, assess their impact on symptom reduction, and identify existing knowledge gaps and limitations in the current literature on the rehabilitation of text neck syndrome. Design: A scoping review was conducted on the treatment of text neck syndrome based on electronic databases: PubMed, ResearchGate, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and the Cochrane Library. The databases were searched up to 1 December 2024. The inclusion criteria comprised studies investigating physiotherapy interventions for individuals with text neck, published between 2018 and 2024 and written in English. Results: A total of fifteen papers were reviewed, focusing on various methods used in text neck rehabilitation, including postural correction exercises, stabilization exercises, strengthening and stretching exercises, Pilates, PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation), kinesiology taping, Bowen therapy, and manual therapy. Nearly all studies were conducted in the adult population (93%), with the majority of studies taking place in India (60%). Conclusions: In summary, all studies suggest that appropriate physiotherapeutic interventions can provide significant benefits, including pain reduction, posture correction, and improved range of motion in the cervical spine. The best outcomes appear to be achieved by combining various therapeutic techniques. However, further high-quality research is needed to strengthen the evidence and offer reliable recommendations for clinical practice. Additionally, there is limited research on physiotherapy for text neck in the pediatric population, presenting a potential area for future studies. Full article

How to quickly and accurately obtain the basal crop coefficient is the key to estimating evapotranspiration in sparse vegetation. To enhance the accuracy of vineyard evapotranspiration estimation in the subhumid region of Northwest China, this study utilized the actual evapotranspiration (ET_c) measured by the Bowen ratio system as the reference standard. The reference crop evapotranspiration (ET_o) was calculated using the Penman formula, and the grape crop coefficient (K_c) was subsequently derived. The FAO-56 dual crop coefficient method was then employed to determine the soil evaporation coefficient (K_e) and the water stress coefficient (K_s), leading to the acquisition of the basal crop coefficient (K_cb). Concurrently, multispectral remote sensing images captured by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) were used to gather grape spectral data, from which the reflectance of multiple bands was extracted to compute four vegetation indices: the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), the Ratio Vegetation Index (RVI), and the Difference Vegetation Index (DVI). Relationship models between the grape basal crop coefficient (K_cb) and these vegetation indices were established using univariate linear regression, polynomial regression, and multiple linear regression. These models were then used to estimate vineyard evapotranspiration and validate the accuracy of the UAV multispectral remote sensing in estimating the grape K_cb. The results indicated that: (1) The growth stage, type of vegetation index, and modeling method were three significant factors influencing the fitting accuracies of the relationship models between the grape basal crop coefficient (K_cb) and vegetation indices. These model fitting accuracies had a notable impact on the estimation accuracies of evapotranspiration. (2) The application of UAV-based multispectral remote sensing to estimate the grape basal crop coefficient in the subhumid region of Northwest China was feasible. Compared to the K_cb values recommended by the FAO-56, the K_cb values derived from the UAV data improved the estimation accuracies of evapotranspiration by more than 11% in 2021 and 13% in 2022. Full article

Background/Objectives: High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) has been reported to be useful for the diagnosis of cutaneous diseases; however, its two-dimensional nature limits the value both in quantitative and qualitative evaluation. Three-dimensional (3D) visualization might help overcome the weakness of the currently existing HFUS. Methods: 3D-HFUS was newly developed and applied to various skin tumors and inflammatory hair diseases to assess its validity and advantages for dermatological use. Results: Three-dimensional images were successfully obtained from skin tumors, including basal cell carcinoma, subungual squamous cell carcinoma, Bowen’s disease, and malignant melanoma, as well as inflammatory hair loss diseases including alopecia areata in different disease phases and lichen planopilaris. Vertical and horizontal images were generated from the original 3D image data and assessed in comparison with histopathological and/or dermoscopic images. By additionally obtaining horizontal data, lateral tumor margins at any depth were visualized in tumors. In inflammatory hair loss diseases, signs potentially associated with disease activity and pathology were detected. In addition, horizontal evaluation helped grasp hair cycle status and hair follicle densities. Conclusions: These findings suggested that this novel technology holds promise as a robust noninvasive tool to diagnose and evaluate various cutaneous diseases. Full article

Cutaneous squamous scell carcinoma (cSCC) is a frequent non-melanoma skin cancer that originates from keratinocytes with increased prevalence. cSCC can be either in situ, as in Bowen’s disease, or extended. Advanced age, accumulated sun exposure, light pigmentation, and prior skin cancer diagnosis are all significant risk factors for cSCC. Although most cSCCs can be treated surgically, some recur and metastasize, resulting in death. The role of immune status is not yet determined in the prognosis of these patients. Objective. Immunosuppressed patients are more likely to develop cSCC, which is often characterized by more aggressive, multifocal lesions. This study aimed to determine the risks of mortality in patients with cSCC and immunosuppression versus non immunosuppression and to compare variations in overall survival based on different clinical features. Method. We evaluated clinical cases of patients at “Sfantul Apostol Andrei” Emergency Hospital of Galati, Romania, from 1 March 2018 to 1 April 2024. Subjects in the trial had to be at least 18 years old and have a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (cHNSCC). We divided the patients into two different categories based on whether they had immunosuppression. Results. In this cohort of 68 subjects with cSCC, patients with immunosuppression had significantly lower overall survival, as well as lower three- and five-year survival rates compared with those without immunosuppression, even after adjustment for age, sex, stage, and previous surgical treatment. The median survival time for immunosuppressed individuals ranged from 11 to 21 months, varying based on their particular characteristics, and most critically, on the presence of other malignancies, while that of immunocompetent patients ranged from 18 to 51 months. In addition, immune-deficient patients with early-stage disease had a 21-month median survival rate that changed to11 months for advanced-stage cases. In a similar manner, immunocompetent patients with early-stage cancer had a significantly better median survival than those withadvancedstages,43 versus 18months. Our results indicate that immunosuppression is a distinct risk factors associated with a less favorable outcome in patients with cHNSCC. Full article

Alpine meadows are vital ecosystems on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, significantly contributing to water conservation and climate regulation. This study examines the energy flux patterns and their driving factors in the alpine meadows of the Qilian Mountains, focusing on how the meteorological variables of net radiation (R_n), air temperature, vapor pressure deficit (VPD), wind speed (U), and soil water content (SWC) influence sensible heat flux (H) and latent heat flux (LE). Using the Bowen ratio energy balance method, we monitored energy changes during the growing and non-growing seasons from 2022 to 2023. The annual average daily R_n was 85.29 W m⁻², with H, LE, and G accounting for 0.56, 0.71, and −0.32 of R_n, respectively. Results show that R_n is the main driver of both H and LE, highlighting its crucial role in turbulent flux variations. Additionally, a negative correlation was found between air temperature and H, suggesting that high temperatures may suppress H. A significant positive correlation was observed between soil moisture and LE, further indicating that moist soil conditions enhance LE. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the impact of climate change on energy distribution in alpine meadows and calls for further research on the ecosystem’s dynamic responses to changing climate conditions. Full article

Estimating daily continuous evapotranspiration (ET) can significantly enhance the monitoring of crop stress and drought on regional scales, as well as benefit the design of agricultural drought early warning systems. However, there is a need to verify the models’ performance in estimating the spatiotemporal continuity of long-term daily evapotranspiration (ET_d) on regional scales due to uncertainties in satellite measurements. In this study, a thermal-based two-surface energy balance (TSEB) model was used concurrently with Terra/Aqua MODIS data and the ERA5 atmospheric reanalysis dataset to calculate the surface energy balance of the soil–canopy–atmosphere continuum and estimate ET at a 1 km spatial resolution from 2000 to 2022. The performance of the model was evaluated using 11 eddy covariance flux towers in various land cover types (i.e., savannas, woody savannas, croplands, evergreen broadleaf forests, and open shrublands), correcting for the energy balance closure (EBC). The Bowen ratio (BR) and residual (RES) methods were used for enforcing the EBC in the EC observations. The modeled ET was evaluated against unclosed ET and closed ET (ET_BR and ET_RES) under clear-sky and all-sky observations as well as gap-filled data. The results showed that the modeled ET presented a better agreement with closed ET compared to unclosed ET in both Terra and Aqua datasets. Additionally, although the model overestimated ET_d across all different land cover types, it successfully captured the spatiotemporal variability in ET. After the gap-filling, the total number of days compared with flux measurements increased substantially, from 13,761 to 19,265 for Terra and from 13,329 to 19,265 for Aqua. The overall mean results including clear-sky and all-sky observations as well as gap-filled data with the Aqua dataset showed the lowest errors with ET_RES, by a mean bias error (MBE) of 0.96 mm.day⁻¹, an average mean root square (RMSE) of 1.47 mm.day⁻¹, and a correlation (r) value of 0.51. The equivalent figures for Terra were about 1.06 mm.day⁻¹, 1.60 mm.day⁻¹, and 0.52. Additionally, the result from the gap-filling model indicated small changes compared with the all-sky observations, which demonstrated that the modeling framework remained robust, even with the expanded days. Hence, the presented modeling framework can serve as a pathway for estimating daily remote sensing-based ET on regional scales. Furthermore, in terms of temporal trends, the intra-annual and inter-annual variability in ET can be used as indicators for monitoring crop stress and drought. Full article

The proposal for a method of identifying the occurrence of desertification that has a strong association with in situ data leads to more assertive results when analysing the contribution of climate and social and economic factors to advancing the process. This study aimed to develop a methodology called the RisDes_Index to evaluate the evolution of the desertification process based on satellite data. The concept of the RisDes_Index method was based on the reflectance variables of the R, B and G bands, albedo and LAI of the Landsat 5/TM and Landsat 8/OLI satellites. Principal component analysis was used to assess the biophysical basis of the RisDes_Index by associating the results with micrometeorological data, physical and chemical properties, and vegetation cover data collected from five experimental sites in the semi-arid region of Brazil. These sites included one from a seasonally dry forest (i.e., the Caatinga), an agricultural cactus plantation, an area undergoing desertification, and two irrigated sugarcane crops (wetlands), one with and one without straw cover. The RisDes_Index was applied to all pixels of the images from 5 December 1991, 14 November 2001, 20 November 2009 and 6 October 2016 of an important desertification nucleus (DN) in the semi-arid region of Brazil, i.e., the DN of Cabrobó. The proposed RisDes_Index was able to identify areas with significant processes of desertification, which mainly occur in areas of sandy, acidic, bare soils with a high β value (Bowen ratio) and high soil temperature. The results of the RisDes_Index showed that in 5 December 1991, desertified areas comprised 38% of the total area of the DN of Cabrobó, expanding to 51% in 2016. Application of the RisDes_Index confirmed the advance of desertification in the DN of Cabrobó. This was due to a consequent increase in the water deficit and intensified deforestation to increase the areas of livestock farming. The RisDes_Index proved to be a robust method, as its estimation based on simple satellite products exhibited a strong association with biophysical variables of areas with different land uses and degradation levels. Thus, it is suggested that the RisDes_Index be applied in various regions of the world, with the idea of directing action to meet the advance of desertification. Full article