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The Prytz planimeter is a simple mechanical device that historically was used to approximate areas of plane regions. It also serves as a starting point to explain topics in differential geometry and sub-Riemannian geometry. In this article, we present a mathematical description and analysis of the planimeter and show how the analysis of its motion leads to concepts such as connections and sub-Riemannian geodesics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Health Sciences / İstanbul Gelişim Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Istanbul Gelisim Universitesi Saglik Bilimleri Yuksekokulu 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.)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and agreement of a new computerized planimetric method (CPM) for the measurement and assessment of plaque on all types of removable dental prostheses (RDPs).Materials and Methods: From a database containing 780 images taken following a standardized method for 65 RDPs, 55 images were randomly selected for image analysis. Adobe Photoshop software was used according to standard operating procedure (SOP) by one main examiner two times in different sessions, and one time by three additional examiners. To estimate the intra- and interexaminer reliability, intraclass correlation coefficient ICC(2,1) were used. Three parameters were used to estimate agreement: standard error of measurement (SEM), smallest detectable change at the 95% confidence level (SDC95%), and limits of agreement (LoA) according to the Bland-Altman method.Results: In all steps of the image analysis, both intra- and interexaminer reliability were excellent, with ICC(2,1) values > 0.85 at the 95% confidence level. The intra- and interexaminer values for both the SEMagreement and SDC95% were ≤ 6% and ≤ 17%, respectively. The Bland-Altman analysis revealed a satisfactory level of agreement.Conclusion: This study shows excellent inter- and intraexaminer reproducibility, a satisfactory level of examiner agreement, and acceptable measurement error. Furthermore, the method can be used with all types of RDPs. The CPM is more suitable for clinical research because of its objectivity, reliability, high level of standardization, and ability to detect and quantify small changes in plaque. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate skeletal and soft tissue changes with surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) and intermaxillary Class III elastics. Methods: A total of 15 patients (mean age: 19.58 years) were included in the study. Each patient underwent SARME with the use of Class III elastics (500 g) applied through miniscrews to stimulate maxillary advancement. Lateral cephalograms and posteroanterior radiographs obtained before treatment (T1), after SARME and elastic use (T2), and after treatment (T3) were analyzed to determine the changes in each phase of treatment. Planimeter was used to evaluate facial soft tissue changes. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to evaluate the changes that occur during treatment. Results: SARME provided permanent and efficient maxillary expansion at both skeletal and dental levels (p<0.01). Maxillary skeletal (ANS-Ver and U1i-Ver; p<0.01) and soft tissue (Pr-Ver, Sn-Ver, and ULA-Ver; p<0.01) variables and superior upper labial area (Area 1; p<0.05) increased due to maxillary dental and skeletal changes. Superior lower labial area (Area 3; p<0.05) decreased as a result of slight increase in facial height and changes in maxillary-mandibular incisor relationship at the end of the treatment. Conclusion: The results suggest that the improvement in the facial profiles of the patients is related to the significant increase in the bony and dental support of the upper lip region together with the contribution of the superior lower lip area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work evaluates the performance of some methods oriented towards the generation of the volume of four subdural hematomas (SDH), present in multi-layer computed tomography images. To do this, firstly, a reference volume is specified: the volume obtained by a neurosurgeon using the manual planimetric method (MPM); which allows the generation of manual segmentations of space-occupying lesions. In this case, these volumes are matched with the SDH. In parallel, the volumetry of the 4 SDHs is obtained, considering both the original version of the ABC/2 method and two of its variants, identified in this paper as ABC/3 method and 2ABC/3 method. The ABC methods allow the calculation of the volume of the hematoma under the assumption that the SDH has an ellipsoidal shape. In third place, SDH's are studied through an intelligent automatic technique (SAT) that generates the three-dimensional segmentation of each SDH. Finally, the percentage relative error is calculated as a metric to evaluate the methodologies considered. The results show that the SAT method exhibits the best performance generating an average percentage error of less than 5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Runeson (Scandanavian Journal of Psychology 18:172-179, 1977) suggested that the polar planimeter might serve as an informative model system of perceptual mechanism. The key aspect of the polar planimeter is that it registers a higher order property of the environment without computational mediation on the basis of lower order properties, detecting task-specific information only. This aspect was posited as a hypothesis for the perception of jumping and reaching affordances for the self and another person. The findings supported this hypothesis. The perception of reaching while jumping significantly differed from an additive combination of jump-without-reaching and reach-without-jumping perception. The results are consistent with Gibson’s (The senses considered as perceptual systems, Houghton Mifflin, Boston, MA; Gibson, The senses considered as perceptual systems, Houghton Mifflin, Boston, MA, 1966; The ecological approach to visual perception, Houghton Mifflin, Boston, MA; Gibson, The ecological approach to visual perception, Houghton Mifflin, Boston, MA, 1979) theory of information—that aspects of the environment are specified by patterns in energetic media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The salivary glands and pancreas have comparable anatomic and antigenic properties and can share common pathogenetic mechanisms involving toxic or autoimmune processes. The aim of this study is to assess the correlation in size between the normal submandibular glands and the pancreas. The study was based on human autopsy specimens of the pancreas, neck and oral base from 22 adults, both sexes (mean age, 57.9 years). The pancreatic and submandibular ducts were injected with a contrast medium, and the area of the salivary and pancreatic glandular ductograms was measured with the aid of software for quantification of visual information. Samples of tissue from the salivary glands and the pancreas were studied by means of light microscopy. A high correlation was found between the planimetric size of the pancreas and the submandibular glands (correlation coefficient 0.497 and 0.699 for the right and the left gland, respectively). This ratio was close to 5:1. There were no significant differences in size for the left vs. right submandibular gland ( p = 0.39). The ductograms were significantly larger in size in males than in females ( p < 0.001). This study has proven a positive correlation in planimetric size between the normal submandibular glands and pancreas, a result that is expected to have possible clinical implications in the long-term follow-up of patients with chronic pancreatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the results of the positional accuracy assessment of digital topographic maps at scale 1: 25 000 produced by the Serbian Military Geographic Institute (MGI). The test for the horizontal and vertical accuracy compliance of map sheets is done by comparing the planimetric and height coordinates of the ground points to the coordinates of the same points as determined by a check survey of higher accuracy. In this research STANAG 2215 standard was used and the methodology of its use is discussed in detail. The results of positional accuracy assessment for the digital topographic maps at scale 1:25 000 produced by the Military Geographic Institute have confirmed the highest level of accuracy defined by STANAG 2215 standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reef islands are morphologically dynamic features located on atolls and platform reefs that are very sensitive to wave-induced processes on different timescales. The planform morphological evolution of reef islands is widely described; however, the mechanisms of the volumetric variations in response to wave energy are still poorly documented. To assess their multitemporal vertical and horizontal mobility, we performed a series of synchronous measurements of the volumetric changes and incident wave energies at two reef islands and a shingle bank at the Rocas Atoll in the South Atlantic Ocean. The results show the differences in the magnitudes and locations of the sediment mobility between the reef islands. Whereas one island remained stable on all timescales, with only small volumetric changes concentrated at its extremities, the other island (Farol Island) showed high mobility, especially during the energetic northern swell season. The gross volumetric change reached 10.03 × 103 m3 (5% of the total island volume) on a daily timescale; however, on a seasonal scale, the gross erosion was compensated by the gross accretion, indicating a cyclical seasonal pattern. Moreover, the observed volumetric changes induced by the waves on both daily and seasonal timescales did not result in large shoreline displacements. However, long-term oceanward erosion and substantial lagoonward accretion were observed at Farol Island on a decadal scale, resulting in a pronounced change in its planform morphology. This appears to be promoted by at least three sediment transport pathways induced by waves at the atoll, including sediment adjustment between the reef islands. Our results show that reef islands on the same atoll can have very distinct morphological behaviors on daily, seasonal and decadal scales in response to the same boundary conditions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim was to investigate hand surface as a percentage of body surface area from infancy to 13 years of age using physical measurement and digital planimetry and establish the influence of age, gender, BMI for age and ethnicity, specifically in the South African population. A secondary aim included the development of a template for burn size measurement. Methodology This was a cross-sectional observational study. Demographic information was obtained from each participant. Body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA) were determined using several established formulas. The hand area was measured using a standard physical measurement method and a digital planimetry method. All data was presented in an Excel and SPSS spreadsheet and the calculations performed with SPSS 24.0. Results Three-hundred and sixty-eight burn patients and 150 children from a nearby primary school were enrolled. The age ranged from 1 month to 13 years. The hospital patient group was significantly younger, included more boys and had a lower BMI by age. Most patients (98.7%) were African or mixed race compared to the school children who were primarily Caucasian (p < 0.001). The seven formulas to determine the BSA were highly comparable with Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.997 (95% CI 0.996–0.998). Actual hand surface area measured ranged from 22.44 cm 2 to 164.9 cm 2 . The mean measured and digital percentage HSA of TBSA for all participants was 0.929% with a SD of 0.088. Male children, had a larger HSA as a proportion of TBSA by 0.036%. Generally, as the child gets older from toddler to late childhood, the hand becomes relatively smaller by a factor of approximately 0.08%. As the BMI increased, the hand got relatively smaller. Conclusion The potential value of the physical measurement method is that it lends itself to direct measurement during examination of the burnt child. The study showed that there are minor differences between racial groups, gender, BMI and age variations. The clinical relevance of these variations is negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current wound assessment practices are lacking on several measures. For example, the most common method for measuring wound size is using a ruler, which has been demonstrated to be crude and inaccurate. An increase in periwound temperature is a classic sign of infection but skin temperature is not always measured during wound assessments. To address this, we have developed a smartphone application that enables non-contact wound surface area and temperature measurements. Here we evaluate the inter-rater reliability and accuracy of this novel point-of-care wound assessment tool. Methods and findings: The wounds of 87 patients were measured using the Swift Wound app and a ruler. The skin surface temperature of 37 patients was also measured using an infrared FLIR™ camera integrated with the Swift Wound app and using the clinically accepted reference thermometer Exergen DermaTemp 1001. Accuracy measurements were determined by assessing differences in surface area measurements of 15 plastic wounds between a digital planimeter of known accuracy and the Swift Wound app. To evaluate the impact of training on the reproducibility of the Swift Wound app measurements, three novice raters with no wound care training, measured the length, width and area of 12 plastic model wounds using the app. High inter-rater reliabilities (ICC = 0.97–1.00) and high accuracies were obtained using the Swift Wound app across raters of different levels of training in wound care. The ruler method also yielded reliable wound measurements (ICC = 0.92–0.97), albeit lower than that of the Swift Wound app. Furthermore, there was no statistical difference between the temperature differences measured using the infrared camera and the clinically tested reference thermometer. Conclusions: The Swift Wound app provides highly reliable and accurate wound measurements. The FLIR™ infrared camera integrated into the Swift Wound app provides skin temperature readings equivalent to the clinically tested reference thermometer. Thus, the Swift Wound app has the advantage of being a non-contact, easy-to-use wound measurement tool that allows clinicians to image, measure, and track wound size and temperature from one visit to the next. In addition, this tool may also be used by patients and their caregivers for home monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Investigating the biological functions of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is limited by the interference of vast numbers of putative sources and causes of DNA release into circulation. Utilization of three-dimensional (3D) spheroid cell cultures, models with characteristics closer to the in vivo state, may be of significant benefit for cfDNA research. Methods CfDNA was isolated from the growth medium of C3A spheroid cultures in rotating bioreactors during both normal growth and treatment with acetaminophen. Spheroid growth was monitored via planimetry, lactate dehydrogenase activity and glucose consumption and was related to isolated cfDNA characteristics. Results Changes in spheroid growth and stability were effectively mirrored by cfDNA characteristics. CfDNA characteristics correlated with that of previous two-dimensional (2D) cell culture and human plasma research. Conclusions 3D spheroid cultures can serve as effective, simplified in vivo -simulating “closed-circuit” models since putative sources of cfDNA are limited to only the targeted cells. In addition, cfDNA can also serve as an alternative or auxiliary marker for tracking spheroid growth, development and culture stability. Biological significance 3D cell cultures can be used to translate “closed-circuit” in vitro model research into data that is relevant for in vivo studies and clinical applications. In turn, the utilization of cfDNA during 3D culture research can optimize sample collection without affecting the stability of the growth environment. Combining 3D culture and cfDNA research could, therefore, optimize both research fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to apply a semi-automated calculation method of fetal body volume and, thus, of magnetic resonance-estimated fetal weight (MR-EFW) prior to planned delivery and to evaluate whether the technique of measurement could be simplified while remaining accurate.Methods: MR-EFW was calculated using a semi-automated method at 38.6 weeks of gestation in 36 patients and compared to the picture archiving and communication system (PACS). Per patient, 8 sequences were acquired with a slice thickness of 4-8 mm and an intersection gap of 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, or 20 mm. The median absolute relative errors for MR-EFW and the time of planimetric measurements were calculated for all 8 sequences and for each method (assisted vs. PACS), and the difference between the methods was calculated.Results: The median delivery weight was 3,280 g. The overall median relative error for all 288 MR-EFW calculations was 2.4% using the semi-automated method and 2.2% for the PACS method. Measurements did not differ between the 8 sequences using the assisted method (p = 0.313) or the PACS (p = 0.118), while the time of planimetric measurement decreased significantly with a larger gap (p < 0.001) and in the assisted method compared to the PACS method (p < 0.01).Conclusion: Our simplified MR-EFW measurement showed a dramatic decrease in time of planimetric measurement without a decrease in the accuracy of weight estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Bones of the foot form longitudinal and transverse arches which absorb and distribute downward forces from the body during standing and moving on different surfaces. The medial longitudinal arch is the longest, highest and most important in static position and moving. Studies classify the medial longitudinal arch as high, normal, and flat. This study was designed to determine the factors that affect the development of the medial longitudinal foot arch. Methods: Cross-sectional study design was employed, 424 subjects were selected using quota sampling method. The footprint areas were measured using a planimeter. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regressions were used for data analysis and p value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: From the total subjects, 46.2%, 42.9%, and 10.9% were high, normal and flat arched, respectively. About 6.9% of shoe-wearers and 4% of the barefooted had flat arch. From the flat arched, 8.5% were males and 2.4% were females. Among the shoe-wearers, 10.2% used closed toe shoes, and 3.3% that wore sandals were flat-arched. From 29 flat-arched, 24 (11.2%) were urban residents. Conclusion: Sex, type of shoes, wearing shoes and being barefooted residence were significant factors affecting the development of foot arch. Shoe age did not determine arch development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To evaluate the accuracy of tumor size by maximum diameter, ABC/2 formula, and planimetry method using thick-slice and thin-slice magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods Maximum diameter and tumor volume calculated using ABC/2 formula (V1) and planimetry method with thick-slice MRI (V2) and thin-slice MRI (V3) were examined in 83 meningiomas. Form factor (FF) analysis was performed to assess irregularity of the tumor. V3 values were considered as real tumor volumes. The accuracy of V1 and V2 was evaluated using ratio and difference from V3. Meningiomas were categorized by tumor locations: skull base (anterior, middle, and posterior) and non–skull base (calvaria and other sites). Results Correlation between maximum diameter and V3 was statistically significant ( r = 0.91), but the error was significant in tumors with longer maximum diameters. Correlation between V1 and V3 was significant ( r = 0.97). However, V1 tended to be larger in middle skull base meningiomas or in tumors with low FF values ( R 2 = 0.21). V2 represented relatively accurate volumes in both groups except in the case of small meningiomas. When tumors were demonstrated within 3 fractions on thick-slice MRI, the ratio of V2 to V3 showed significant variability. Conclusions Using the ABC/2 formula, the volume of meningiomas in the middle skull base or meningiomas with low FF value might be calculated larger than the real tumor volume. The planimetry method with thick-slice MRI demonstrated relatively accurate volumes if the tumor was fractionated in >4 slices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is devoted to the description of the experimental results regarding the measurement of static radial deformation characteristics of the selected tire and its impact on the size of the contact surface and contact pressure. The given measurement was carried out on the diagonal tire Mitas TS05 10.0/75-15.3 PR10 in the area of the soil test channel. The radial deformation characteristics of the tires in question were determined for inflation pressures of 300 kPa, 220 kPa, 160 kPa and 100 kPa, with a radial stress of the tire varying in the range of 567.9 kg to 1025.09 kg. The prints of the tire's contact surfaces were made at the same time for the corresponding inflation pressure and the corresponding radial stress. The size of these prints was subsequently planimeterized by the digital polar planimeter Koizumi KP-90N. The values of the medium contact pressure on a solid support were subsequently calculated from the tire radial stress values and the obtained contact surfaces. The calculated static radial stiffness values were obtained through the linearization of the measured deformation characteristics according to Jante. The course of the deformation characteristics and the calculation of static radial stiffness imply that static radial stiffness is significantly dependent on the tire inflation pressure. A suppler tire structure at a lower inflation pressure allows for greater values of the contact surfaces and lower values of contact pressures. This feature can be used when selecting appropriate tire inflation pressures when driving off-road to reduce soil degradation and improving the vehicle's passability through the terrain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Current methods for infarct size and microvascular obstruction (MVO) quantification by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging rely on planimetry. This method is time-consuming. We sought to evaluate a direct assessment of MVO severity based on visual evaluation and to compare it to a reference method.Methods: CMR was performed in 112 consecutive patients after reperfused myocardial infarction. MVO was estimated by direct visual assessment based on a three-grade severity scale (MVO 1, mild; MVO 2, moderate; MVO 3, severe) on late gadolinium-enhancement (LGE).Results: MVO was present in 69 patients (61.6 %). Quantitative MVO extent significantly increased accordingly to visual MVO grading (p < 0.01). Correlation between visual grading and quantitative assessment was excellent (r = 0.92, IQR 0.88-0.95, p < 0.001). CMR inter- and intraobserver variability for visual MVO evaluation was low (κ = 0.93 and κ = 0.96, respectively), whereas quantitative MVO assessment suffered from moderate agreement (interobserver, bias = -0.81 ± 1.8 g LV; intraobserver, -0.83 ± 2.1 g LV). Visual evaluation was significantly faster than reference method (0.65 ± 0.37 vs. 10.2 ± 2.9 min, p < 0.0001).Conclusions: MVO severity based on direct visual assessment on LGE images is feasible, rapid, reproducible and agrees very well with quantitative methods, with a very low inter- and intraobserver variability. Our approach could be used for routine evaluation in patients undergoing CMR after acute myocardial infarction.Key Points: • Microvascular obstruction direct visual evaluation is feasible, rapid and highly reproducible. • Microvascular obstruction direct visual evaluation correlates well with quantification by planimetry. • Microvascular obstruction or no-reflow phenomenon is determined on late gadolinium-enhanced images. • Cardiac MRI is useful for myocardial damage assessment after myocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The skin prick test is still the first and basic procedure in the diagnosis of allergic diseases. The possibility of using a sensitive thermographic method supported by the mathematical model for the assessment of skin test results will be highlighted in the studies. Aim: To compare the proposed approach with routine planimetric and thermographic methods. Material and methods: A mathematical model of allergic reaction was developed. Simplifying assumptions of the IgE-mediated skin reaction is the essence of the model. Investigations were performed in a group of 40 patients. Results: Using the spatio-temporal evolution of temperature distributions, the ratios of the histamine released from mast cells to the control histamine were determined. The obtained values very well correlate with the standard evaluation of skin prick tests (correlation coefficient = 0.98). Conclusions: The proposed method of skin test evaluation presents several advantages. The continuous acquisition of data provides the monitoring of time course of the allergic response. The transport of mediator and its concentration were distinctly discriminated, which may be diagnostically useful, especially for abnormal cases. The high sensitivity of the method enables studying patients regardless of age and skin sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical maps are vital tools for landscape reconstruction from the late medieval period onwards. However, the planimetric accuracy of local and regional maps before the nineteenth century is often considered problematic. This paper proposes a method for the evaluation of these maps, through integration in multiple computer programs such as ArcGIS, MapAnalyst and statistical software (SPSS). This method has been tested on a sample of historical maps depicting coastal landscape change in an area at the present-day Dutch-Belgian border (ranging from the local to the supra-regional level and from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries), and variations in planimetric accuracy over time have been interpreted. Results point to an exceptionally high accuracy of earlier medium- and large-scale maps – scale being the first determinant of planimetric accuracy – since no significant rise in accuracy over time was found. Notwithstanding this overall accuracy, many maps display pronounced local distortions. However, rather than disqualifying maps for landscape reconstruction, systematic analysis of these distortions can help to facilitate the interpretation of the historical maps and their use for landscape reconstruction. Finally, a method for integrating map accuracies in landscape reconstructions based on multiple maps is proposed and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Sufficient floor space is a fundamental precondition for poultry to perform normal behavioural patterns. To calculate and determine stocking densities, it is essential to know the absolute minimum surface area required by any given animal (body space). Additional space is required for characteristic behaviours (behavioural space) and for adequate inter-individual distances, group sizes and room to perform social interactions have to be taken into account.To calculate body space, planimetric measurements were carried out by the colour contrast method “KobaPlan” in various poultry species in standing and sitting positions and at a number of different ages. They included laying hens (Lohmann brown (LB), Lohmann selected Leghorn (LSL)), broiler breeders (Ross, both genders), broiler chickens (Ross 308, both genders), turkeys (BUT 6, males), Peking ducks (Cherry Valley, both genders) and Muscovy ducks (Canedins R51, males).Depending on live weight, age, plumage condition and body position, LB hens occupied an average area between 401 cm2 and 542 cm2, LSL hens between 353 cm2 and 445 cm2, broiler breeder females between 440 cm2 and 537 cm2, broiler breeder males 623 cm2 up to 945 cm2, broiler chickens up to 434 cm2, male fattening turkeys up to 1808 cm2, Muscovy drakes up to 873 cm2 and Peking ducks up to 627 cm2.The values can be regarded as necessary minimum spatial requirements for the measured poultry species and genotype.The current method offers the potential to record the area occupied by animals exhibiting species-specific behavioural patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both for scientists and river basin managers, development of automated geographic information system (GIS) tools is essential today to characterize riverscapes and explore biogeomorphologic processes over large channel networks. Since the 1990s, GIS toolboxes and add-in programs have been used to characterize catchments. However, there is currently no equivalent to a planimetric and longitudinal characterization of fluvial corridor networks at multiple scales. This paper describes FluvialCorridor , a new GIS toolbox. This package allows the user: (i) to extract a large set of riverscape features such as the main components of fluvial corridors from DEM and vector layers (e.g. stream network or valley bottom), and (ii) to aggregate spatial features into homogeneous segments and metrics characterizing each of them. The methodological frameworks involved have been previously described by Alber and Piégay (2011), Leviandier et al. (2012) and Bertrand et al. (2013) and this contribution focuses on the GIS tools allowing the user to automatically operate them. A case study on the Drôme River (France) is provided to illustrate the potential of the package both for geomorphologic understanding and target management actions. FluvialCorridor has been developed for ArcGIS with the related native Python library named ArcPy and tested on ArcGIS 10.0 and 10.1. Obviously, each component of the package can be used separately; however, it also provides a complete workflow for fluvial corridor characterization, even as the toolbox is continually under development and revision. Case study database, FluvialCorridor package and guidelines are available online at http://umrevs-isig.fr . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to use the planimetric method to determine frontal area (Ap) throughout the stroke cycle in the four swimming strokes as well as during “streamlined leg kicking”. The minimum Ap values in all strokes are similar to those assessed during “streamlined leg kicking” (about 0.13 m 2 ). Active drag (Da = 1/2 ρ C d Ap v 2 ) was then calculated/estimated based on the average Ap values, as calculated for a full cycle in each condition. Da is the lowest in the “streamlined leg kicking” condition (Da = 19.5 v 2 , e.g., similar to the values of passive drag reported in the literature), is similar in front crawl (Da = 30.0 v 2 ), backstroke (Da = 26.9 v 2 ) and butterfly (Da = 28.5 v 2 ) and is the largest in the breaststroke (Da = 37.5 v 2 ). Based on the C vs. v relationships reported in the literature for the four strokes it is then possible to estimate drag efficiency: for a speed of 1.5 m s −1 , it ranges from 0.035–0.038 (breaststroke and backstroke, respectively) to 0.052–0.058 (butterfly and front crawl, respectively). This study is the first to establish Ap values throughout the swimming cycle for all swimming strokes and these findings have implications for active drag estimates, for the energetics of swimming and for swimming speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cartographic maps are representations of the Earth upon a flat surface in the smaller scale than it's true. Large scale maps cover relatively small regions in great detail and small scale maps cover large regions such as nations, continents and the whole globe. Logical connection between the features and scale map must be maintained by changing the scale and it is important to recognize that even the most accurate maps sacrifice a certain amount of accuracy in scale to deliver a greater visual usefulness to its user. Cartographic generalization, or map generalization, is the method whereby information is selected and represented on a map in a way that adapts to the scale of the display medium of the map, not necessarily preserving all intricate geographical or other cartographic details. Due to the problems facing small-scale map production process and the need to spend time and money for surveying, today's generalization is used as executive approach. The software is proposed in this paper that converted various data and information to certain Data Model. This software can produce generalization map according to base map using the existing algorithm. Planimetric generalization algorithms and roles are described in this article. Finally small-scale maps with 1:100,000, 1:250,000 and 1:500,000 scale are produced automatically and they are shown at the end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Channel characterization and instream wood surveys demonstrate the spatial complexity of an ungauged, tropical headwater stream (HWS) in the Tilarán Mountains of Costa Rica. Throughout the stream course, we characterized 29 individual reaches based on their morphological organization and instream wood occurrences. Bifurcated reaches were the most numerous and consistently distributed. They also had the highest values of wood abundance and loading and contained the majority of unattached instream wood. We selected two bifurcated reaches for ultrahigh resolution terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) surveys. Orthographic TLS produced millimeter-resolution point cloud data sets from which 2cm, planimetric-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) of the channel surface were derived for both reaches. Cross-sectional surveys of these DEMs, using the River Bathymetry Toolkit (RBT), produced hydraulic geometries at two flow levels (high and low) for every meter-length of channel reach. We input these geometries into a one-dimensional, analytical model to demonstrate the downstream evolution of mean stream power through varying morphology elements. Mean stream power variation displays a regular pattern through the vertical modulation of step-pool sequences, but this regular pattern is lost through channel widening and bifurcation. Reach geometric data indicates that increasing width-to-depth ratio is the most notable feature of channel bifurcation and corresponds to a reduction in slope and roughness variation. This primary understanding of channel dynamics denotes the complex organization of a tropical HWS and promotes further research into tropical HWS systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An elementary approach is proposed to the mechanical proof of planimetric theorems of rational type. This approach is implemented in the form of geom software modules and their modified version geom_zeta, which are developed in the Maple computer algebra system. Examples of mechanical proofs of difficult planimetric theorems (both well-known and comparatively new ones) are presented on the basis of convenient rational parametrizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Impervious surface area increased and became more connected over time. [•] Building and parking lot surfaces became more important in the last 20 years. [•] Spatial heterogeneity of surfaces was quantified in different percent IS zones. [•] Dominant impervious surfaces include roads (low IS zones), buildings (medium), and parking lots (high). [•] Policy and practice implementation to mitigate against IS impacts can be targeted in different percent IS zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: GeoEye-1 and WorldView-2 are the commercial very high resolution (VHR) satellites more innovative, unexplored and presenting the highest available resolutions nowadays. The attainable geopositioning accuracies from GeoEye-1 and WorldView-2 single panchromatic images, both along the sensor orientation and orthorectification phases, are analyzed at the same study area and by using exactly the same ancillary data. The accuracy assessment was carried out depending on the following factors: (i) type of input satellite image (GeoEye-1 Geo, WorldView-2 Ortho Ready Standard and WorldView-2 Basic), (ii) sensor orientation model used (rigorous and based on rational function), (iii) number of well-distributed ground control points (GCPs) used in the triangulation process, (iv) off-nadir viewing angle, and finally (v) vertical accuracy of the DEM employed to conduct the orthorectification process. Regardless of satellite or product, the best horizontal geopositioning accuracies were always attained by using third order 3D rational functions with vendor''s rational polynomial coefficients data refined by a zero order polynomial adjustment (RPC0). Focusing on WorldView-2 products, worse accuracies were yielded from Basic images than from Ortho Ready Standard level ones. As a general rule, and for attaining sub-pixel planimetric accuracies for the orthorectified GeoEye-1 Geo and WorldView-2 Ortho Ready Standard images and using RPC0 model with 7 GCPs, users should avoid off-nadir angles higher than 20° and use a very accurate DEM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A geometrical theory of general nonholonomic mechanical systems on fibred manifolds and their jet prolongations, based on so-called Chetaev-type constraint forces, was developed in 1990s by Krupková. The relevance of this theory for general types of nonholonomic constraints, not only linear or affine ones, was then verified on appropriate models. Frequently considered constraints on real physical systems are based on rolling without sliding, i.e. they are holonomic, or semiholonomic, i.e. integrable. On the other hand, there exist some practical examples of systems subjected to true (non-integrable) nonholonomic constraint conditions. In this paper we study the planimeter—a mechanism for measuring areas which belongs to mechanical systems subjected to constraint conditions containing among others a true nonholonomic one. We study the planimeter motion using the above mentioned Krupková''s approach. The results of numerical solutions of constrained equations of motion, derived within the theory, are in a good agreement with theoretical ones and thus they confirm the possibility of direct application of the theory to practical situations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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In this article, the author presents a simple model of a bicycle as a moving oriented segment in the plane. He mentions that the basic principle involved in hatchet planimeter which is a mechanical device for approximate measuring area of plane domain, is same as that of bicycle motion model. He also discusses about Mobius transformation which is describes as a monodromy map sending the initial position of the bicycle to its terminal. He also presents a proof of a 100-year-old conjecture.

In the summer of 2010, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) hyperspectral calibration and characterization experiment of the Resonon PIKA II imaging spectrometer was conducted at the US Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory (INL) UAV Research Park. The purpose of the experiment was to validate the radiometric calibration of the spectrometer and determine the georegistration accuracy achievable from the on-board global positioning system (GPS) and inertial navigation sensors (INS) under operational conditions. In order for low-cost hyperspectral systems to compete with larger systems flown on manned aircraft, they must be able to collect data suitable for quantitative scientific analysis. The results of the in-flight calibration experiment indicate an absolute average agreement of 96.3%, 93.7% and 85.7% for calibration tarps of 56%, 24%, and 2.5% reflectivity, respectively. The achieved planimetric accuracy was 4.6 m (based on RMSE) with a flying height of 344 m above ground level (AGL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise calculation of total body surface area (TBSA) or premarked surface areas (P-MSAs) is of great importance in many biomedical applications. The aim of the paper was to present a simple procedure of measurement of P-MSAs in small animals and to determine a more accurate Meeh's constant (k), for a commonly used weight range of laboratory rats. A series of 30 Wistar rats, weighing 195-240 g, were anaesthetized and weighted. The TBSA of each animal was measured using a clear pocket and a planimeter. The data obtained were entered into the Meeh's formula (TBSA ¼ kW2/3), the most commonly used for small experimental animals, so that a k value for each animal as well as a mean k value (9.83) were obtained. The TBSA of the animals was also calculated using the aforementioned mean k value and compared with that obtained using k values reported in previous studies. According to our findings, the new mean k value, determined with the use of our procedure of surface area measurement, ensured greater accuracy in the determination of the TBSA of experimental rats of a specific weight range. We also suggest a new procedure of surface area measurement which is easy, accurate and does not require animal sacrifice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A high precision planimeter is introduced in the paper. It can measure all kinds of graph area in high-precision. It includes three parts: FPGA, photo encoder and peripherals. The FPGA is the control center, and the peripherals are used to display, print and input etc. Two photoelectric encoders are installed in the rolling wheel and the end of tracing arm respectively. When they rotated, two square wave signals A and B will be outputted, whose phase difference is 90°. It presents the rolling direction, clockwise or anticlockwise. Also, the output signal will be exchanged into the samples accordingly. Then the area or the length of the graph or the curve will be calculated by the FPGA. In addition, to increase the detection precision, the FPGA-base four subdivision circuits is introduced into the planimeter. The fourfold-frequency of the pulse counting part is achieved by the signal processing parts of FPGA. Because it can increase the photoelectric encoder detection precision, the orientation precision of each sample''s coordinate is increased correspondingly. Finally, the test data shows that the FPGA-based planimeter not only has high detection precision which does not be affected by the type of graph to be measured, but also is easy to use and bring [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare planimetric aortic valve area (AVA) measurements from 256-slice CT to those derived from transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and cardiac catheterization in high-risk subjects with known high-grade calcified aortic stenosis. Methods and materials: The study included 26 subjects (10 males, mean age: 79±6; range, 61–88 years). All subjects were clinically referred for aortic valve imaging prior to percutaneous aortic valve replacement from April 2008 to March 2009. Two radiologists, blinded to the results of TEE and cardiac catheterization, independently selected the systolic cardiac phase of maximum aortic valve area and independently performed manual CT AVA planimetry for all subjects. Repeated AVA measurements were made to establish CT intra- and interobserver repeatability. In addition, the image quality of the aortic valve was rated by both observers. Aortic valve calcification was also quantified. Results: All 26 subjects had a high-grade aortic valve stenosis (systolic opening area <1.0cm2) via CT-based planimetry, with a mean AVA of 0.62±0.18. In four subjects, TEE planimetry was precluded due to severe aortic valve calcification, but CT-planimetry was successfully performed with a mean AVA of 0.46±0.23cm2. Mean aortic valve calcium mass score was 563.8±526.2mg. Aortic valve area by CT was not correlated with aortic valve calcium mass score. A bias and limits of agreement among CT and TEE, CT and cardiac catheterization, and TEE and cardiac catheterization were −0.07 [–0.37 to 0.24], 0.03 [−0.49 to 0.55], 0.12 [−0.39 to 0.63]cm2, respectively. Differences in AVA among CT and TEE or cardiac catheterization did not differ systematically over the range of measurements and were not correlated with aortic valve calcium mass score. Conclusion: Planimetric aortic valve area measurements from 256-slice CT agree well with those derived from TEE and cardiac catheterization in high-risk subjects with known high-grade calcified aortic stenosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The algorithm we present here is useful for measuring the planimetric discrepancy between two models which can be represented by contours. In cartography the paradigm of such models is represented by digital terrain models (DTMs). The measure we propose is based on an area enclosed between homologous contours (two level contours, each belonging to two different models). Our measure is similar to another used previously, although, in the previous studies, the area enclosed between homologous contours was computed manually or it was restricted to particular conditions. The innovation of our approach consists of the automation of the entire process and in the constraint elimination. The main problem to solve before computing the horizontal shift measure is how to determine the area enclosed between homologous contours. This is a problem because there is no bijective correspondence between homologous contours, and therefore the identification of the homologous contours is not a trivial task. Our approach overcomes this difficulty by closing following the limit of the DTM the open contours (the contours which cut the limit of the DTM) and classifying them by the external level. We achieve the automation assisted by the Boolean polygon operations, specifically using the symmetric difference operation. Our algorithm facilitates the computation of accuracy of a DTM by comparison with another and it is applicable in such fields as hydrology (precision estimation of the hydrological features), cartographic generalization, and civil engineering. Finally we use our measure for estimating the planimetric discrepancy between the same streams derived from different DEMs (different sources and precisions). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The proposed method in this paper uses circular statistics for the analysis of errors in the positional accuracy of geometric corrections satellite images using Independent Check Lines (ICL) instead of Independent Check Points (ICP). Circular statistics has been preferred because of the vectorial nature of the spatial error. A study case has been presented and discussed in detail. From the TERRA-ASTER images of Extremadura area (Spain), the Ground Control Point (GCP), ICP, and ICL data were acquired using differential GPS through field survey, and the planimetric positional accuracy was analyzed by both the conventional method (using ICP) and the proposed method (using ICL). Comparing conventional and proposed methods, the results indicated that modulus statistics are similar (e.g., RMSE of Geometric Correction 1 were 17.5 for the conventional method and 17.2 m for proposed method). But as additional results, azimuthal component statistics was calculated (e.g., mean direction: 247.2° in Geometric Correction 1), and several tests were made which showed the error distribution are not uniform and normal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In time trial cycling stage, aerodynamic properties of cyclists are one of the main factors that determine performances. Such aerodynamic properties are strongly dependent on the cyclist ability to get into the most suitable posture to have minimal projected frontal area facing the air. The accurate knowledge of the projected frontal area ( A) is thus of interest to understand the performance better. This study aims for the first time at a model estimating accurately A as a function of anthropometric properties, postural variations of the cyclist and the helmet characteristics. From experiments carried out in a wind tunnel test-section, drag force measurements, 3D motion analysis and frontal view of the cyclists are performed. Computerized planimetry measurements of A are then matched with factors related to the cyclist posture and the helmet inclination and length. Data show that A can be fully represented by a rate of the cyclist body height, his body mass, inclination and length of his helmet. All the above-mentioned factors are thus taken into account in the present modelling and the prediction accuracy is then determined by comparisons between planimetry measurements and A values estimated using the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hakki''s formula (simplified Gorlin formula) can be used during cardiac catheterization to calculate the stenosed cardiac valve areas and can also be adapted to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure the stenosed cardiac valve areas. We evaluated the reliability of this approach to determine the severity of aortic stenosis compared to the continuity equation using transthoracic echocardiography and planimetry using MRI. We included all eligible symptomatic patients with known aortic stenosis referred to our department during a 1-year period. The aortic valve area (AVA) was estimated using Hakki''s formula (MRI), planimetry (MRI), and the continuity equation (transthoracic echocardiography). The agreement among the measurement methods was analyzed using the Bland-Altman method. A total of 63 patients were included (mean age 72 ± 10 years, 35 men [56%]). The mean AVA was 0.70 ± 0.21 cm2 using the continuity equation (transthoracic echocardiography), 0.67 ± 0.18 cm2 using planimetry (MRI), and 0.64 ± 0.21 cm2 using Hakki''s formula (MRI). The mean difference was 0.03 cm2 (95% limits of agreement −0.32 to 0.25) between planimetry and the continuity equation, 0.05 cm2 (95% limits of agreement −0.40 to 0.29) between Hakki''s formula and the continuity equation, 0.02 cm2 (95% limits of agreement −0.20 to 0.25) between Hakki''s formula and planimetry. The inter- and intraobserver reproducibility using Hakki''s formula was excellent. In conclusion, measurement of the AVA using Hakki''s formula yielded similar results to those obtained using planimetry and slightly different ones from those obtained using the continuity equation. However, Hakki''s formula has the advantage of being easy to use, fast, and reproducible and can be used regardless of the status of the valve (in contrast to planimetry). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The feeding ecology of the Little Owl (Athene noctua) was studied in farmlands of southeast Poland, which is dominated by monocultural farms. 3065 prey dissected from pellets were collected at 13 pellet stations between 1999 and 2001 through 7 seasons in total. Mammals were found to dominate both in total number (54.3% of caught prey) and total biomass (93.0% of caught prey) while insects comprised 43.0% of the number, but only 1.1% of the prey biomass. However, the proportion of insects reached up to 62% in certain seasons. Coleopteran beetles dominated the insect fraction representing 98.3% of the number and 87.9% of the insect biomass. Our study also illustrated that in some seasons, the prey composition included taxa related to intensive agricultural management. The food composition of the Little Owls from the examined Polish sites is more similar to Eastern and Southern populations than to Northern and Western populations of Little Owls in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare aqueous outflow and India ink inflow to evaluate clear corneal incisions (CCIs). Setting: Wilmer Eye Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Methods: Two 25-gauge needles connected to a salt solution bag and to a digital manometer were inserted through the limbus of human donor corneas 120 degrees apart from each other. Three 2.75 mm wide incisions were created in a different third of each cornea as follows: single-plane 1.50 mm tunnel length, single-plane 3.00 mm tunnel length, and 2-step 3.00 mm tunnel length. The Seidel test was evaluated at 5 intraocular pressures (IOPs) in the physiologic range. A masked observer evaluated the recorded tests. With a preset 10 mm Hg IOP, India ink was applied to the incision site and a sudden IOP fluctuation induced. India ink influx was outlined and measured by planimetry. Results: With the 1.5 mm single-plain incisions, all 6 globes showed inflow and outflow. With the 3.0 mm single-plain incisions, all 6 globes showed inflow and 2 showed outflow by the Seidel test. With the 3.0 mm 2-step incisions, 2 globes showed inflow and 3 had positive Seidel test results. Area and length of inflow were statistically significantly greater with the 2 single-planed incisions than with the 2-step incisions. Conclusion: This human ex vivo model showed that wound deformation produced during Seidel testing might not be an accurate way to predict the risk for bacterial invasion in the early postoperative period. Financial Disclosure: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This model is based on the concept of transport concentration, defined as the time-averaged concentration in a given location of a lagoon, which determines the long-term net transport of sediments as the sum of a dispersive and an advective flux. Dispersive net flux of sediments is due to the alternate components of the tidal flow, while the advective net flux of sediments is due to the residual (Eulerian) component of the tidal, fluvial and littoral flow and possibly to the asymmetry between flow and ebb tide. The long-term deposition (or erosion) rate in a given location is expressed as proportional to the difference between the local transport concentration and the local equilibrium concentration, depending in turn on the local stirring action by waves and currents. The two-dimensional model is able to reproduce the ontogeny of a tidal lagoon as a consequence of a breaching of the littoral dune line. During the ontogenetic phase, the system tends rapidly toward a quasi-equilibrium condition apparently characterized by a stable planimetric configuration of the channel network. The structure of the channels and their watersheds is qualitatively similar to the Venice Lagoon''s ones. After the relatively fast ontogenetic phase, the subsequent morphological evolution of the bottom continues at a slower pace until a stable bathymetric configuration of the lagoon is reached. The model is able to reproduce the morphological effects of subsequent perturbations of natural or anthropogenic origin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper reports the field evidence and the kinematical study of the motion of two blocks (A and B) mobilised by a rockfall in Lavone (Valtrompia, northern Italy) on 14 February 1987. The two sequences of impact marks left by the blocks on the ground surface were measured and the lithostratigraphical features of the debris slope were surveyed. On the basis of the field-collected input data, several computer simulations were carried out to calculate the coefficients of restitution ( E) satisfying the trajectory conditions. The computed output values show that rebound trajectories require high coefficients of restitution (0.8 ≤ E ≤ 0.9). Back-calculated impact velocities range from 9.2 to 19.8 m/s. Trajectory heights vary from 0 to 2.4 m above the slope surface. Block trajectories differ considerably according to the circumstances of initial air projection, i.e. to initial rebound angle (αr). The calculated values of (αr) denote a considerable range (36°), emphasising the random nature of this parameter. The described case-history shows that rockfall computer analyses can be an effective tool to describe the bouncing propagation of single blocks but care must be taken in choosing the restitution coefficient E and the geometrical parameters of initial air projections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Food storage economies among hunter–gatherers have been fundamentally important in research within anthropological archeology. It is well recognized that food storage was a key element in the evolution of hunter–gatherer societies. This paper examines storage facilities utilizing a digital planimeter to evaluate the volume and morphology of storage pits in the Jomon period (ca. 13,750–500cal. BC). Quantitative analysis of Jomon storage pits shows temporal and spatial variability in terms of size. This research demonstrates that the quantitative analysis of storage pits is an effective way to improve our understanding of storage and its role in the Jomon economy in particular and subsistence adaptations in general. Thus, this approach has potential applications to other storage economies worldwide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Aortic valve stenosis is the most common type of valve lesion in Europe and North America. Patient treatment is based on disease severity, which is classified by determining the aortic valve area (AVA). Purpose: To compare dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for quantifying AVA. Material and Methods: Thirty-two patients, 28 with normal aortic valve function and four with aortic valve stenosis, who underwent DSCT coronary angiography (Somatom Definition; Siemens, Erlangen, Germany), were included in this study. Retrospective ECG-gated contrast-enhanced DSCT scans with dose-reducing tube current modulation were performed, and data sets were reconstructed in 3% steps of the R-R interval (slice thickness 0.75 mm, increment 0.6 mm). Planimetry of the AVA in systole was assessed on cross-sectional images by multiplanar reformations. Within 48 hours, MR was performed with a 1.5T scanner (Magnetom Sonata; Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) using a balanced steady-state free-precession cine sequence (repetition/echo time 3/1.5 ms, flip angle 60°, spatial resolution 1.4x1.4 mm2). Cine sequences of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) were obtained in two orthogonal planes, and MR planimetry was performed on cross-sectional images of the aortic valve perpendicular to the LVOT images. Results: AVA assessment by DSCT and MR was feasible in all 32 patients. Mean AVA values determined by DSCT and MR were 4.73±1.5 cm2 and 4.69±1.4 cm2, respectively. A strong positive correlation was found between both imaging modalities (R=0.98, P<0.001). Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated an excellent intermodality agreement, with a slight underestimation of AVA by DSCT. The mean difference was -0.04 cm2, with a standard deviation of 0.32 cm2. Conclusion: Retrospective ECG-gated contrast-enhanced DSCT with tube current modulation provides an accurate imaging technique for the assessment of the AVA. Further studies are required to determine whether DSCT also allows for AVA quantification in patients with aortic valve stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An assessment is made of the accuracy of the map and written survey, which is essentially a list of land-holders and the areas held by each, and of their mutual consistency. The geometry of the map is compared quantitatively with that of the first edition (1852) Ordnance Survey 6-inch (1 : 10 560) map. The Saxton map is found to have a scale of 1 : 5140, leading to the conclusion that the perch used in the scale bar represents 71/9 yards or thereabouts. The areas quoted in the written survey are consistent with acres based on this value. The positional accuracy of points on the map is found to be ∼20 m, and areas of typical plots determined from the map are uncertain by between about 4 and 12%. The relationship between these two facts can be understood through a detailed study of the statistics of the errors in separations of points on the map. The written survey is found to omit a substantial number of plots of land from its listings. The map thus appears to be more reliable overall than the written survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate and nondestructive methods to determine individual leaf areas of plants can be useful in physiological and agronomic research. The red cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L. f. Rubra), cvs. Red Dynasty, Red Rookie, and Schwarzkopf 2, was used. Several characteristics were measured to assess cabbage for their suitability for production in northern Iran. Determination of individual leaf area (LA) of red cabbage was based on predictive equations constructed from measurement of leaf length (L) and width (W) and their combination. Regression analysis of LA vs. L and W revealed several equations that could be used for estimating the area of individual red cabbage leaves. A linear equation having W as the independent variable provided the most accurate estimate of LA. The linear equation (LA = -338.88 + 3.2859W2) exhibited a high degree of accuracy and precision in estimating LA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We developed a Web-based, blinded, prospective, randomized, multicenter trial, using standardized digital photography to clinically evaluate hand burn depth and accurately determine wound area with digital planimetry. Methods: Photos in each center were taken with identical digital cameras with standardized settings on a custom backdrop developed at Wake Forest University containing a gray, white, black, and centimeter scale. The images were downloaded, transferred via the Web, and stored on servers at the principal investigator's home institution. Color adjustments to each photo were made using Adobe Photoshop 6.0 (Adobe, San Jose, Calif). In an initial pilot study, model hands marked with circles of known areas were used to determine the accuracy of the planimetry technique. Two-dimensional digital planimetry using SigmaScan Pro 5.0 (SPSS Science, Chicago, Ill) was used to calculate wound area from the digital images. Results: Digital photography is a simple and cost-effective method for quantifying wound size when used in conjunction with digital planimetry (SigmaScan) and photo enhancement (Adobe Photoshop) programs. The accuracy of the SigmaScan program in calculating predetermined areas was within 4.7% (95% CI, 3.4%-5.9%). Dorsal hand burns of the initial 20 patients in a national study involving several centers were evaluated with this technique. Images obtained by individuals denying experience in photography proved reliable and useful for clinical evaluation and quantification of wound area. Conclusion: Standardized digital photography may be used quantitatively in aWeb-based, multicenter trial of burn care. This technique could be modified for other medical studies with visual endpoints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]