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Organizing archaeological artefacts under a conceptual system is part and parcel of archaeological research. As an abundant material category, pottery artefacts classified in an effective typological model provide a rich source of information for the discipline. However, building a typological model from scratch, as well as maintaining it, often represents a challenge. To support archaeological research, automated methods are increasingly utilized in sustaining classification models. Yet, there is potential for advancement in creating, rethinking, and updating typological arrangements by means of digital, label-driven, or data-driven algorithmic approaches. In this paper, we take a step towards fulfilling this potential while highlighting the fuzziness involved in typological arrangements. We present a complete research pipeline of pottery form quantification, fuzzy-type description, and fuzzy-type definition which is in principle applicable to any typological model. The methodological pipeline is implemented, first, in rim segments to algorithmically construct polythetic rim descriptors; second, in complete profiles to algorithmically connect the global form with the attributed functional class; and third, in types to investigate within-class form variation and its chronological relevance. This paper provides tools to formalize the ambivalence of typological classification using fuzzy logic and revisit the theoretical model to investigate the vagueness of belonging to a class based on morphological aspects of pottery profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we employed geometric morphometrics (GMs) to analyze the shell shape differences among two mass-selected strains of bay scallops (red shell strain (RS) and black shell strain (BS)) and a control group (CG). The results revealed distinct shell shape differences corresponding to shell coloration, with the black shell strain displaying a more elliptical shell compared to the red shell strain. Additionally, the umbonal angle of the red shell strain was smaller than that of the black shell strain, indicating that the black shell strain had a more favorable jet direction that could enhance swimming capabilities. To evaluate the model's performance in practical applications, leave-one-out cross-validation was carried out on the two shell strains and one control group. The results demonstrated discrimination accuracy rates of 67.44%, 47.62%, and 68.18% for the BS strain, RS strain, and CG, respectively. Similarly, for the right valves, the discrimination accuracy rates were 62.79%, 50.00%, and 75.00% for the BS strain, RS strain, and CG, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Mechanical Engineering is the property of Editorial Board of China Mechanical Engineering 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.)

At present, the evaluation method of 3D printing concrete constructability is not uniform. Different from the traditional analysis method, this experiment combines the geometric morphology method to analyze the influence of various factors on the 3D printing of cement-based materials. The research shows that with the increase of Mekralon, setting accelerator, and HPMC, the extrusion time becomes longer, and with the increase of nano-silica, the extrusion time becomes shorter. Nano-silica and setting accelerator can shorten the initial setting time, while HPMC and Mekralon prolong the initial setting time. The addition of HPMC can reduce the deformation of the specimen. The variation of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer are generally consistent, and the different coefficient of the third layer is greater than that of the second layer, while the different coefficient of the first layer is the smallest. HPMC, fiber, and nano-silica can control deformation. With the increase of nano-silica and Mekralon content, flexural strength increases. With the increase of HPMC content, the flexural strength gradually decreases. Nano-silica has a good improvement effect on the flexural strength of cement-based 3D printing specimens. Geometric morphology can better characterize the properties of cement-based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we employed geometric morphometrics (GMs) to analyze the shell shape differences among two mass-selected strains of bay scallops (red shell strain (RS) and black shell strain (BS)) and a control group (CG). The results revealed distinct shell shape differences corresponding to shell coloration, with the black shell strain displaying a more elliptical shell compared to the red shell strain. Additionally, the umbonal angle of the red shell strain was smaller than that of the black shell strain, indicating that the black shell strain had a more favorable jet direction that could enhance swimming capabilities. To evaluate the model’s performance in practical applications, leave-one-out cross-validation was carried out on the two shell strains and one control group. The results demonstrated discrimination accuracy rates of 67.44%, 47.62%, and 68.18% for the BS strain, RS strain, and CG, respectively. Similarly, for the right valves, the discrimination accuracy rates were 62.79%, 50.00%, and 75.00% for the BS strain, RS strain, and CG, respectively.

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Entomology is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Entomology, Editorial Department 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.)

Recently the incorporation of artificial intelligence has allowed the development of valuable methodological advances in taphonomy. Some studies have achieved great precision in identifying the carnivore that produced tooth marks. Additionally, other works focused on human activity have managed to specify what type of tool or raw material was used in the filleting processes identified at the sites. Through the use of geometric morphometrics and machine learning techniques, the present study intends to analyze the cut marks of the Ulaca oppidum (Solosancho, Ávila, Spain) in order to identify the type of tools used during carcass modification. Although the Ulaca oppidum is an Iron Age site, the results suggest that most of the cut marks were produced with flint tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the effect of origin, harvest times and loading rates on the biomechanical properties of laver, aiming to develop laver harvesting and postharvest transportation equipment. The values and changing regular of biomechanical properties were obtained via a combination of morphological and mechanical tests as well as numerical statistics. The correlation between biological and mechanical properties was detected simultaneously. The results show that the biological properties are affected dramatically by origin and harvest times. The values of length, width, thickness and mass of laver from Dalian exceeded those found in Qingdao and Lianyungang. The width, thickness and mass increased, whereas the length-to-width ratio decreased with the increasing harvest time. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties are also influenced significantly by loading rates, origin and harvest times. Tensile and shear strength displayed an overall decreasing trend, whereas adhesive force and adhesiveness in general increased with the increasing loading rate. The tensile and shear strengths were greatest for laver from Qingdao, while the adhesive force and adhesiveness were greatest for laver from Dalian. Tensile strength, adhesive force and adhesiveness increased, and shear strength decreased with the delay of harvest time. In addition, the tensile strength and thickness of the laver at different harvest times were positively correlated. The maximum tensile strength, shear strength, adhesive force and adhesiveness were 3.56 MPa, 4.79 MPa, 0.32 N and 1.01 N·mm, respectively. These results are believed to be able to provide a reference for the design and optimization of machineries such as harvest, postharvest transportation and laver processing.

Cryptic species are prevalent among mammals, and identifying morphological methods or measurements that can effectively distinguish cryptic species has high significance in taxonomy. Three of the white-bellied rats, Niviventer confucianus, N. fulvescens and N. huang (Rodentia: Muridae), have such similar morphological characteristics that taxonomists have not been able to effectively identify them according to their morphologies. Recent studies have determined that the N. fulvescens species complex contains multiple species, indicating that previous morphological comparisons were potentially based on inaccurate species identifications, leading to false conclusions. To clarify whether the morphological differences among these three species can be used for identification, a variety of morphological methods and measurements were combined with molecular species identification to ensure accurate identifications prior to comparing morphological characteristics. The results showed that: (1) only N. confucianus has a white tail tip, distinguishing this species from the other two species but not N. fulvescens from N. huang; and (2) the tail length of N. fulvescens and ear length of N. confucianus are greater than those of the other species. Traditional morphological methods cannot differentiate these species well, with the discrimination rate reaching more than 90%; therefore, they can only be used as auxiliary methods for morphological identification. Additionally: (3) the geometric morphological results of the four skull views can be combined to distinguish the three species, among which the discrimination rate of lateral view of mandible reaches 98%, making it effective for differentiating these species; and (4) the phallic morphologies of the three species differed significantly in the presence of a dorsal groove, thickness of the distal baculum, and the positional relationship between the distal and proximal baccula; thus, this approach can completely distinguish these species. This study examines the applicability of various morphological measurements for the identification of highly morphologically similar species, provides a reference for distinguishing cryptic species produced by convergent evolution or incomplete differentiation by morphology, and suggests that phallic morphology should be the primary characteristic for differentiating such species in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tribes of the leafhopper subfamily Typhlocybinae have traditionally been defined based on differences in hind wing venation, but the forewing venation also differs among some tribes. Here we used geometric morphometric analysis to determine whether previously recognized tribes can be distinguished based on the configuration of forewing veins. Focusing on the apical area of the male right forewing, 76 semi-landmarks in six curves corresponding to individual wing veins were measured for representatives of four previously recognized tribes and the data were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA), canonical variable analysis (CVA), and UPGMA clustering analysis. The study showed that differences in the apical area of the forewing mainly occur in RP, MP′, and MP″ + CuA′. PCA, CVA, and cluster analysis showed three distinct clusters representing tribes Empoascini, Erythroneurini, and Typhlocybini (sensu lato) but failed to distinguish Typhlocybini (sensu stricto) from Zyginellini, which has been considered as either separate tribe or a synonym of Typhlocybini by recent authors. The results show that the forewing venation differs among tribes of Typhlocybinae, but also agree with recent molecular phylogenetic analyses, indicating that Zyginellini is derived from within Typhlocybini.

The aquaculture of yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) has expanded around the globe, including China. Genetic resource of Chinese S. lalandi urgently needs to be assessed for improving production. Here, we collected wild S. lalandi samples from the Bohai Sea, China and evaluated its genetic diversity based on 17,690 nuclear loci. A population from the Southern Ocean, Australia was used for comparison. The analyses showed that the Chinese and Australian S. lalandi formed two completely distinct clusters and there was no genetic introgression from the Australian S. lalandi into the Chinese S. lalandi population. The genetic diversity is slightly lower, but comparable in Chinese versus Australian yellowtail kingfish (Chinese population, expected heterozygosity: 0.19, observed heterozygosity: 0.19, nucleotide diversity: 0.19 ± 0.09; Australian population, expected heterozygosity: 0.23, observed heterozygosity: 0.22, nucleotide diversity: 0.22 ± 0.11). Overall, our results indicated that Chinese S. lalandi could be a potential subject for genetic breeding programs. We also investigated morphological characters and developed molecular markers for population identification. Comparison of meristic characters between the Chinese population and the Australian population revealed that main shape difference were in the number of dorsal spines, dorsal fin rays and the number of upper gill rakers. Geometric morphology based on eight landmarks also revealed significant difference between the two populations including the distance between the tip of snout to origin of pelvic fin and the distance between the tip of snout to origin of pectoral fin. These morphological characters can be used for easy identification of the Chinese S. lalandi.

Recently the incorporation of artificial intelligence has allowed the development of valuable methodological advances in taphonomy. Some studies have achieved great precision in identifying the carnivore that produced tooth marks. Additionally, other works focused on human activity have managed to specify what type of tool or raw material was used in the filleting processes identified at the sites. Through the use of geometric morphometrics and machine learning techniques, the present study intends to analyze the cut marks of the Ulaca oppidum (Solosancho, Ávila, Spain) in order to identify the type of tools used during carcass modification. Although the Ulaca oppidum is an Iron Age site, the results suggest that most of the cut marks were produced with flint tools.

This paper investigates the effect of origin, harvest times and loading rates on the biomechanical properties of laver, aiming to develop laver harvesting and postharvest transportation equipment. The values and changing regular of biomechanical properties were obtained via a combination of morphological and mechanical tests as well as numerical statistics. The correlation between biological and mechanical properties was detected simultaneously. The results show that the biological properties are affected dramatically by origin and harvest times. The values of length, width, thickness and mass of laver from Dalian exceeded those found in Qingdao and Lianyungang. The width, thickness and mass increased, whereas the length-to-width ratio decreased with the increasing harvest time. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties are also influenced significantly by loading rates, origin and harvest times. Tensile and shear strength displayed an overall decreasing trend, whereas adhesive force and adhesiveness in general increased with the increasing loading rate. The tensile and shear strengths were greatest for laver from Qingdao, while the adhesive force and adhesiveness were greatest for laver from Dalian. Tensile strength, adhesive force and adhesiveness increased, and shear strength decreased with the delay of harvest time. In addition, the tensile strength and thickness of the laver at different harvest times were positively correlated. The maximum tensile strength, shear strength, adhesive force and adhesiveness were 3.56 MPa, 4.79 MPa, 0.32 N and 1.01 N·mm, respectively. These results are believed to be able to provide a reference for the design and optimization of machineries such as harvest, postharvest transportation and laver processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout the Great Lakes, burbot Lota lota are a native, high‐trophic level predator that plays a substantial ecological role. L. lota spawning occurs during wintertime and early spring with length‐at‐hatch of 3 mm. Wild‐caught larval L. lota were obtained from three different locations: Lake Superior Keweenaw Peninsula, Ontonagon, Michigan (LSKP), Lake Michigan Midlake Reef (LMMR) and the St. Clair‐Detroit River System (SCDR). Adult spawning L. lota were captured from the Sturgeon River, Pelkie, Michigan (LSSR) and were artificially fertilized; eggs were retained and reared in a laboratory setting. Throughout the first 10 weeks of development, cultured larval L.lota were randomly selected and photographed to measure morphological features. These features were contrasted between cultured larvae and wild‐caught larvae to understand developmental variability in L. lota. From patterns discerned in both cultured and wild‐caught larval L. lota we demonstrated the importance of asynchronous hatching, source location, and variability in larval L. lota development. Comparisons of wild‐caught larval L. lota showed morphological differences, as well as variability in stage and size based on sampling month. These results established that larval L. lota development in the Great Lakes is highly flexible and both species‐specific and environmental processes create the observed variability. The impact of this variability on L. lota populations must be explored to further understand this native Great Lakes species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to explore the forming quality of Laser Cladding NiCrCoAlY. The small changes in process parameters on the geometric characteristics of cladding layer was investigated. Mathematical models were established based on the linear regression analysis, and the influence of process parameters on the geometric morphology was obtained through the sensitivity analysis. The results show that the mathematical models have remarkable fitting accuracy. The laser power is positively correlated with clad height, width, and dilution rate; while the scanning speed is negatively correlated with clad height and width but positively with dilution rate. The powder feeding voltage has a positive correlation with clad height and a negative with clad width and dilution rate. In addition, the clad height has the greatest negative sensitivity to scanning speed, while the clad width is most sensitive to laser power and nearly insensitive to powder feeding voltage, which indicates that the clad width cannot be controlled effectively by powder feeding voltage. The dilution rate is most sensitive to laser power. The findings of this research provide a characteristic diagram of sensitivity for the geometric characteristics of laser cladding NiCrCoAlY, and also provide a theoretical basis for the further effective control on the forming quality of cladding layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore and analysis the correlation between ultrasound cardiac geometry and hemodynamics in premature infants. Methods: From August 2017 to June 2020. 60 cases of premature infants (premature group) and 60 cases of term infants (term group) who were selected in our hospital were selected as the research objects. All the cases were given ultrasound examination, recorded cardiac geometric morphology, hemodynamic indicators(LVDd, LVDs, LAD, LVPWd, LVRWT, LVM and LVDV, LVSV, SV, LVEF,LVFS) and were given correlation analysis. Results: The LVDd, LVDs, LAD, LVPWd, LVRWT and LVM values of the preterm group were significantly lower than those of the term group (P<0.05). The LVDV, LVSV, and SV values of the preterm group were lower than those of the term group (P<0.05), and there were no significant difference in the LVEF and LVFS values compared between the two groups (P>0.05). In the preterm group, Pearson correlation analysis showed that LVDd, LVDs, LAD, LVPWd, LVRWT, LVM values were positively correlated with LVDV, LVSV, and SV values (P<0.05). The Cox proportional hazard regression model showed that the birth weight and length of premature infants were the main factors affected the LVDd and LVDV values(P<0.05). Conclusion: The ultra- sound cardiac geometric morphology indexes and hemodynamic indexes of premature infants are positively correlated, suggesting ultra- sound can accurately record and monitor the cardiac geometry and hemodynamics of premature infants, and they can be used as a reliable methods to evaluate the cardiac function of premature infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to determine the body shape variation among the populations of Iranian goby (P. Iranicus) in the southern Caspian Sea basin using landmark-based geometric morphometrics. A total of 350 specimens of the species were sampled using electro-shocker, and in the laboratory, the left sides of the fish samples were photographed by a digital camera. Fourteen landmark points were digitized on two -dimensional images using TPSDige2 software. The obtained data from Landmarks were analyzed using multivariate statistical analyses inc luding PCA, CVA, and cluster analysis (CA). The phenotype plasticity patterns of each population related to the shape of the overall average of populations were illustrated. The results of the study demonstrated that there was a significant difference amon g the studied populations in terms of morphological features. Dendrograms revealed that both sexes could be divided into five groups related to the localities of specimens. Analysis of MANOVA/CVA showed that females of P. Iranicus have a high separation rate among the provinces, while males of Mazanderan province had significant isolation from males of Guilan and Golestan provinces. The two provinces showed a high overlap in the morphological characteristics. The results of the study can improve understanding of growing phenotype patterns plasticity of these fishes in the water bodies of different river systems from the southern basin of the Caspian Sea as well as identifying species of P. Iranicus populations in the southern basin of the Caspian Sea rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhodnius Stål, 1859 is the second largest genus of Triatominae after Triatoma Laporte, 1832, and includes several important Chagas vectors. Genitalia in Reduviidae are frequently used for species identification, but the current use of terminology for it is inconsistent in Triatominae. Here, Rhodnius micki sp. nov., is described from Bolivia and considered as belonging to the pictipes group based on its morphological characters and distribution. Detailed documentation of the genitalia of Rhodnius micki sp. nov. is provided with emphasis on its everted phallus, especially the endosomal sclerites, which are potentially useful as species-level diagnostic features in Rhodnius. To further verify the validity of this species, the head shapes and wing venation patterns of five species in Rhodnius are compared with morphometric analysis. After reviewing taxonomic and comparative morphology papers of assassin bugs, a vocabulary with a terminology of morphological characters, especially of external male genitalic characters, is assembled with the preferred terms and the synonyms listed. Establishing a consistent terminological framework will greatly facilitate future research on the homology of these structures across Triatominae and will ultimately contribute to our understanding of the evolution of these groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular parenchyma cells (VPCs) provide a critical metabolic and energetic link for xylem transport of water and mineral nutrients and phloem transport of photoassimilates. Understanding the morphology of these cells is required to understand their function. This study describes the morphology and classification of VPCs of moso bamboo by light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The key results revealed that vascular parenchyma could be divided into three categories according to cell geometric morphology: cells with two transverse end walls, cells with one oblique end and one transverse end walls, and cells with two oblique end walls. Additionally, there were two types of thickening patterns of the secondary wall, uniform and reticulate thickening, and both diffuse pitting and opposite-alternate pitting were observed. The average length, width, lumen diameter, double wall thickness, and area of the VPCs were 139.0 μm, 17.3 μm, 10.4 μm, 6.9 μm, and 51.1 μm2, respectively. Most VPCs were slender and thin-walled, and growth of the VPCs was not correlated in either the length or the width directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The change of angle θ between laser cladding powder plane and substrate plane will lead to changes in cladding layer's geometric morphology. Therefore, we established a quantitative numerical prediction model for cladding layer geometry. In this model, we consider the variation of θ, the laser energy attenuation rate and the temperature rise of the powder particles. At the same time, the simulation results were verified by experiments. The results show that when θ is in the range of 50°~90°, the initial temperature is 298 K, the scanning speed is 3.75 mm/s, and the laser spot diameter is 4.5 mm, the Fe#1 powder cladding can achieve better forming effect on Q235. In general, with the decrease of θ, the height of the cladding layer decreases and the width of the layer increases. However, when θ is less than 50°, the quality of the formed morphology significantly deteriorated. The experimental results are in good agreement with the simulation results, which verifies the validity and reliability of the model. This work provides a theoretical reference for further understanding the relationship between the laser cladding morphology and the incident angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the R-wave detection problem, this paper proposed an R-wave detection algorithm based on geometric group features. Firstly, the algorithm preprocessed the ECG signal with the filter bank. Then, it calculated geometric eigenvalues by means of signal processing giving consideration to both overall and local, and used the three geometric eigenvalues in the group to detect the R-wave. Finally, it adopted MIT-BIH standard arrhythmia database to test and verify this algorithm. The experimental results show that the error detection rate of the algorithm for R-wave detection is 1.07%, the sensitivity is 99.38%, the accuracy rate is 99.61%, and the precision rate is 98.99%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to evaluate the differences related to area of males and females of Akis costitubera Marseul by using morphometric geometric technique. The study was accomplished by using photographic records of each individual in ventral views by using a CELES- TRON X-150 digital camera. A matrix of photographs for each view was constructed using the TpsUtil program. In each view, we used 26 homologous landmarks which were digitized in the TPSdig2 program. 30 males and 30 females individuals were collected, photographed, and 26 land- marks from ventral views were digitized. We used a multivariate analysis of morphological variation. The results revealed significant differences between male and female (P

• The effects of work holding equipment errors on geometry and mesh were investigated. • The face-hobbed hypoid gear model considering eccentricities was established. • The correspondence between transmission error and gear geometry was established. • The method of separating long wave and short wave of transmission error was proposed. • The geometry and mesh are more sensitive to angular eccentricity. This paper proposed the accurate mathematical model considering work holding equipment errors based on the three-face cutter differing from typical commercial software. The simulated flow included manufacturing issues from industry applications have been established. Quasi-static loaded tooth contact analysis was used to discuss the contact characteristic and gear geometry with existence of radial and angular eccentric errors. In addition, the correspondence between transmission error and gear geometry was established. The method of separating the long wave (low frequency) and short wave (high frequency) from total transmission error has been proposed. Results show that the effect of angular eccentric error on gear geometry is more sensitive than that of radial eccentric error. The gear geometry deviations present periodic changes because of variation of pitch error. And radial eccentric error cannot influence the position and shape of contact pattern. On the contrary, with existence of angular eccentric error, the contact area moves to the heel side and then backward. Furthermore, the length of contact pattern is firstly decreased and then increased in one period. The transmission error is sensitivity for both two eccentric errors and the peak to peak value of transmission error increase obviously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By analyzing and studying the deduced theory of the surrounding plastic zone in the circular mining roadway, it is found that the radius of the surrounding plastic zone in the roadway considering the influence of mining coefficient can be divided into two stages: In the first stage, when the mining coefficient is small, the radius of the plastic zone is less sensitive to the mining coefficient, and the process increases linearly with the gradual increase of the mining coefficient. In the second stage, when the mining coefficient increases to a certain extent, the sensitivity of the radius of the plastic zone to the mining coefficient increases rapidly, and the non-linearity increases rapidly with the increase of the mining coefficient. With the gradual increase of the mining coefficient, the geometrical distribution morphology of the surrounding plastic zone of the roadway varies from circular to ellipse to round rectangle to butterfly, and the larger the mining coefficient, the more easily the surrounding rock is butterfly plastic zone, and the developmental dimension and range of the butterfly-leaf are larger. The growth of the buried depth of the roadway and the decrease of the cohesion and internal friction angle of the surrounding rock will lead to an increase in the radius of the plastic zone. With the rise of the mining coefficient, the sensitivity of the plastic zone radius to the buried depth of the roadway, cohesion and internal friction angle gradually enhanced. The butterfly plastic zone of the mining roadway has directional, and the butterfly-leaf will rotate to different degrees with the change of the principal stress direction of the surrounding rock of the roadway, When the maximum depth of butterfly-leaf plastic zone is located directly above the roof of roadway, the roof stability is the worst, and roof caving is easy to occur, thus, the support should be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• It is feasible to classify the maxillary central incisor and calculate the representative mean value model by using Three-dimensional geometric morphometric. • All samples were classified into four groups, the number of each group was 14、19、38、32. And obtained the mean value model of all samples and each group. • The first ten principal components comprised 86.27% shape variation of maxillary central incisor. • The largest variation of the labial shape of maxillary central incisor was the relative position of the distal incisor angle. Objectives: Classify and obtain the representative shape of the maxillary central incisor by three -dimensional geometric morphological method. Materials and methods: One hundred three dental plaster models of Chinese juvenile were scanned by a 3D laser scanner, including 51 males and 52 females. The mean value model of all samples was obtained by using Procrustes superimposition method. All samples were classified by k-means cluster analysis. Principal component analysis was performed to assess shape parameters. With the help of thin plate spline (TPS), we explored the anatomical significance of each principal component. Results: All samples were classified into four groups, the number of each group was 14、19、38、32. And obtained the mean value model of all samples and each group. The first ten principal components comprised 86.27% shape variation of maxillary central incisor. Conclusions: It is feasible to classify the maxillary central incisor and calculate the representative mean value model by using Three-dimensional geometric morphometric, which provides the theoretical basis for developing the standard crown data of the maxillary central incisor in CAD/CAM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Asaccus is one of the most unknown members of the Phyllodactylidae family. The earliest described species within the genus is Werner’s Leaf-toed gecko, Asaccus elisae. However, little information is still available on the distribution, phylogeny, speciation processes, gene flow, ecological relationships, and potential and actual threats to its populations in Iran. This study was conducted to investigate the morphological diversity of different populations of this species in Iran. To do so, traditional morphological studies with the use of 15 morphometric and 10 meristic characters and geometrics morphometric studies have been used. A total of 60 specimens were caught with the permission of the Environmental Protection Organization from April to September 2018 in 9 stations in the western to southern regions of Iran. The morphometric and meristic characters of the samples have been measured using a Vernier caliper. All samples, after sex determination and photography in the sampling area, were released in their habitat immediately. The results showed that males and females had significant differences in morphological variables, so morphological analyses were performed separately for males and females. Also, the results showed that there is a significant difference between different populations based on morphometric and meristic variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A family of 6R single-loop multiple metamorphic mechanisms is proposed. • Reconfiguration characteristics are analyzed based on screw system geometric morphology. • Impact of the parameter changes on the reconfiguration characteristics is analyzed. • Reconfiguration characteristics of mechanisms are divided into seven different types. The design and analysis of reconfigurable mechanisms is a hot topic in the current research, but few studies discuss the impact of geometric parameter changes on the mechanism's reconfiguration characteristics. In this paper, for a family of 6R single-loop multiple metamorphic mechanisms, the evolution of reconfiguration characteristics under the change of geometric parameters is analyzed, including the link length ratio and the orientation characteristics of revolute joints. Based on the geometric morphology of screw system, the reconfiguration characteristics of the mechanism under different parameters are revealed, and the influence of parameter changes on the reconfiguration characteristics of the mechanism is discussed. Meanwhile, the effect of double parameter changes on mechanism reconfiguration is studied, and the reconfiguration characteristics of mechanisms under different parameter ranges are divided into seven different types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on fruit tree canopies is important for decision making in orchard management, including irrigation, fertilization, spraying, and pruning. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imaging system was used to establish an orchard three-dimensional (3D) point-cloud model. A row-column detection method was developed based on the probability density estimation and rapid segmentation of the point-cloud data for each apple tree, through which the tree canopy height, H, width, W, and volume, V, were determined for remote orchard canopy evaluation. When the ground sampling distance (GSD) was in the range of 2.13 to 6.69 cm/px, the orchard point-cloud model had a measurement accuracy of 100.00% for the rows and 90.86% to 98.20% for the columns. The coefficient of determination, R2, was in the range of 0.8497 to 0.9376, 0.8103 to 0.9492, and 0.8032 to 0.9148, respectively, and the average relative error was in the range of 1.72% to 3.42%, 2.18% to 4.92%, and 7.90% to 13.69%, respectively, among the H, W, and V values measured manually and by UAV photogrammetry. The results showed that UAV visual imaging is suitable for 3D morphological remote canopy evaluations, facilitates orchard canopy informatization, and contributes substantially to efficient management and control of modern standard orchards.

Otoliths are part of the auditory system of teleostean fishes, and are species-specific structures that may have intraspecific variation depending on the environmental conditions at a regional scale. The main aim of this study was to assess changes in otolith shape of Micropogonias furnieri along its geographical distribution range between the tropical and warm temperate coastal of Southwestern Atlantic. Ten otoliths from each of six areas along the South American coast were examined:1) Rio de Janeiro State (23°S); 2) São Paulo State (24°S); 3) Santa Catarina State (27°S), 4) Rio Grande do Sul State (32°S); 5) Uruguayan coast (35°S); 6) Northern coast of Argentine (39°S). The sagitta otolith contour and shape were characterized using the Elliptical Fourier Analysis (EFA) and the morphometric measurements of both otoliths and respective sulcus acusticus were performed using the software ImageJ. Variations of otolith shape were assessed by five explanatory variables (area, perimeter, width, circularity and the maximum Feret diameter) and a Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was applied to Elliptical Fourier Descriptors. We found significant differences in area, perimeter and circularity of otoliths. Clustering the range of the 30 first harmonics using Ward’s hierarchical algorithm yielded three otolith morphotypes. Plots of the two first Principal Component (PCs) axes for the 60 examined otoliths did not discriminate the population distribution along the six areas. The three different otolith morphotypes do not seem to be subjected to a clinal variation for this transition area in the Southwestern Atlantic, and suggest an overlap of individuals of different stocks/populations mixing along their geographical distribution range favored by their eurythermic and euryhaline characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenotypic variation of Panulirus argus (Decapoda: Paniluridae) in Southwest Caribbean. The spiny lobster Panulirus argus is an important fishery species in the Western Central Atlantic. Changes in the dispersion range through its life cycle and heterogeneous habitats, suggest that P. argus exhibit phenotypic plasticity. However, the morphometric variation of this species is unknown so far, although this information is relevant in evolutionary studies as well as to solve questions of fishery interest. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether P. argus exhibit phenotypic variation between sexes, among five geographic origins and three oceanographic conditions of Southwest Caribbean (Colombian archipelago San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina). A total of 193 P. argus adults were submitted to geometric morphometrics using six landmarks that delimit one half of the sternal plate. The differences in sternal plate size were compared with Kruskal- Wallis and Mann-Whitney Tests. The allometric effect was estimated using Multivariate Regression Analysis, the model of allometric slopes was tested by Multivariate analysis of covariance and the sternal plate shape differences was explored using non-parametric comparisons of Euclidian distances and Neighbour Joinnig trees. The results showed that the morphometric variation of sternal plate of this spiny lobster varied according to the gender since the sexual size and shape dimorphisms were significant. In both sexes, the sternal plate shape differed among oceanographic scenarios as it was evidenced by significant differences among Euclidian distances, and the tendency to cluster by North, Centre and South sections of San Andrés archipelago. Additionally, the morphometric variation resulting from phenotypic plasticity to variable ecological contexts may explain the phenotypic differences among genetically similar populations. This information permits to define management units, support the selection of regulatory policies of this fishery and complement the genetic analysis of the species in this Caribbean region. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (3): 975-990. Epub 2016 September 01. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To check the suitability of otoliths for measuring biodiversity, the contour and shape of the sulcus acusticus of sagittal otoliths were described using geometric morphological analysis. Thirteen and fourteen points were used to define these structures respectively. Three current coastal fish assemblages of the north-western Mediterranean were selected for the present study. The results demonstrate that the relative warps generated in the geometric analysis explained both characteristics related to contour and the otolith sulcus. A comparative study with body fish shape using morphospaces and clusters revealed that otolith shape is a better variable for explaining the ecological structure of a fish assemblage. Moreover, three morphological indices (morphological richness (MR), morphological disparity and the morphogeometric index) were estimated from relative warps of otoliths and were compared with ecological, taxonomic, functional and morphological (from body shape) indices. MR increased with functional diversity and average taxonomic distinctness, reflecting the ecological and taxonomic character of otolith morphology. These findings suggest that otoliths could be a useful tool for studying the diversity of present and past fish assemblages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphometric analysis of organisms has undergone a dramatic renaissance in recent years, embracing a range of novel computational and imaging techniques to provide new approaches to phenotypic characterization. These innovations have often developed piece-meal, and may reflect the taxonomic specializations and biases of their creators. In this review, we aim to provide a brief introduction to applications and applicability of modern morphometrics to non-vascular land plants, an often overlooked but evolutionarily and ecologically important group. The scale and physiology of bryophytes (mosses, liverworts, and hornworts) differ in important and informative ways from more "traditional" model plants, and their inclusion has the potential to powerfully broaden perspectives in plant morphology. In particular we highlight three areas where the "bryophytic perspective" shows considerable inter-disciplinary potential: (i) bryophytes as models for intra-specific and inter-specific phenotypic variation, (ii) bryophyte growth-forms as areas for innovation in architectural modularity, and (iii) bryophytes as models of ecophysiological integration between organs, individuals, and stands. We suggest that advances should come from two-way dialog: the translation and adoption of techniques recently developed for vascular plants (and other organisms) to bryophytes and the use of bryophytes as model systems for the innovation of new techniques and paradigms in morphogeometric approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasions have become major players in the current biodiversity crisis, but realistic tools to predict which species will establish successful populations are still unavailable. Here we present a novel approach that requires only a morphometric characterisation of the species. Using fish invasions of the Mediterranean, we show that the abundance of non-indigenous fishes correlates with the location and relative size of occupied morphological space within the receiving pool of species. Those invaders that established abundant populations tended to be added outside or at the margins of the receiving morphospace, whereas non-indigenous species morphologically similar to resident ones failed to develop large populations or even to establish themselves, probably because the available ecological niches were already occupied. Accepting that morphology is a proxy for a species' ecological position in a community, our findings are consistent with ideas advanced since Darwin's naturalisation hypothesis and provide a new warning signal to identify invaders and to recognise vulnerable communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Precise quantification of femur strength and accurate assessment of hip fracture risk would help physicians to identify individuals with high risk and encourage them to take preventive interventions. A major contributing factor of hip fracture is the reduction of hip strength, determined by the bone quality. Bone mineral density (BMD) alone cannot determine bone strength accurately. In this paper, subject-specific quantitative computer tomography (QCT) image-based finite element analyses were conducted to identify the quantitative relationships between femoral strength and BMD, material distribution and geometric morphology. Sixty-six subjects with QCT data of hip region were selected from the MrOS cohorts in Hong Kong. Subject-specific nonlinear finite element models were developed to predict strengths of proximal femurs. The models took non-linear elasto-plasticity and heterogeneity of bone tissues into consideration and derived bone strengths with proper bone failure criteria. From finite element analysis (FEA), relationships between femoral strength and BMD, material distribution, and geometric parameters were determined. Results showed that FEA-predicted femoral strength was highly correlated with BMD, material distribution, height, weight, diameters of femoral head (HD), and femoral neck (ND), as well as the moment arm for femoral neck bending-offset (OFF). Through principal components analysis, three independent principal components (PCs) were extracted. PC1 was the component of bone material quality. PC2 included height, weight, HD, and ND. PC3 mainly represented OFF. Multivariate linear regression showed that the PCs were strongly predictive of the FEA-predicted strength. This study provided quantitative information regarding the contributing factors of proximal femur strength and showed that such a biomechanical approach may have clinical potential in noninvasive assessment of hip fracture risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of the sacral pelvic incidence (SPI) in relation to individual variations of sagittal spinal curvature has become well-recognised. We attempted to determine the relationship between SPI and acetabular orientation. The three-dimensional coordinates of 47 homologous points were observed on 51 adult anatomical pelvises (26 female and 25 male). The reference vertical plane was Lewinnek's anterior pelvic plane. 10 angular parameters and 11 linear parameters were defined and calculated. These wereexpressed both in absolute value (in millimetres) and in "acetabular unit" (relative to the mean value of the right and left acetabular rays). Mean values of the parameters were calculated for all pelvises and according to gender. There were two dominant parameters: the "sacral slope" and the "V pubic angle". "Acetabular tilting" was primarily dependant on the "sacral slope" and its intermediary on the "SPI", while "acetabular anteversion" dependent on the "V pubic angle" via the "angle of prow". It is recommended that positioning of the acetabular cup in total hip arthroplasty relates to anatomical parameters, and to the global sagittal balance of the pelvi-spinal unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The “segmentation”, i.e., the three-dimensional point cloud partition in different morphological zones, is a necessary operation while approaching the reverse engineering cycle, because it helps the operator in generating the surface model. This operation is usually developed after the acquisition and the pre-processing phases, and it tries to define a boundary grid which the following surface fitting operation will employ for the surface model definition. Many approaches apply the segmentation methods far from the 3D scanner device. On the contrary, this research proposes an iterative strategy which starts from a first raw point acquisition and then partitions the object surface and identifies the boundary of those zones showing significant morphological features (shape-changes). As a consequence, they will be re-digitised with deeper scansions, in order to reach more precise morphological information. This partitioning operation is driven by a morphology descriptor, the gaussian curvature, giving an estimation of the local surface morphological complexity. Moreover the proposed algorithm employs the 3D scanner measuring uncertainty to define a “curvature variation threshold”, in order to identify those zones showing significant morphological shape-changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creation of a CAD model from a hard model is something necessary for design modification, part replication or rapid prototyping and surface inspection. This is reverse engineering. Scientific literature presents many different approaches, even if, actually all the systems, mechanical (contact devices) and optical (non contact devices), work with constant acquisition pitches. This became a great deal in relation to the different object morphology combinations that the same surface could show. Working in fact with a constant pitch on a free-form surface it is possible to struggle with an insufficient points cloud density, when the acquisition pitch would be a compromise between the complex and elementary features that describe the object to acquire, or with an excessive points cloud density, when the acquisition pitch represents the highest scanner resolution. Referring to this situation, this paper proposes, starting from a first raw acquisition, an automatic methodology, directly implemented on the acquisition device, for the selective individuation of surface zones which present sensible curvature. In this approach the curvature of the measured surfaces is analyzed by defining a threshold over which it is necessary to perform a deeper scansion of the surface. In the present paper a methodology for the definition of the threshold value based on the measurement system uncertainty is described. In the current description the method is applied to an algorithm for curvature analysis, but it could be extended to any other approaches. Furthermore, it will be demonstrated that this new methodology is simple to apply and can be easily automated directly in the control scanner software. In the end of the paper a practical example is described in order to give an experimental validation of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Reverse engineering is a technique used during the project phase of a new product, which makes it possible to trace, in terms of mathematical expressions, the geometrical features of a given physical model. Scientific literature presents many different approaches to reverse engineering. Great part of those are based on the analysis of point clouds acquired through coordinate measuring devices, such as, for example, Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), Optical Scanners or Interferometric Systems. Referring to this kind of approach, a common problem is to individuate the surface zones, which present sensible variations of curvature. Many algorithms, commonly implemented on commercial software through semi-automatic procedures, are already based on this method. In these cases the local curvature variation of the measured surfaces is analyzed by defining a threshold over which it is necessary to perform a deeper scansion of the surface zones. However, most of the problems are related to the definition of an appropriate value for the threshold level. In the present paper a methodology for the definition of the threshold value based on the measurement system uncertainty is described. In the current description the method is applied to an elementary algorithm for curvature definition, but it could be extended to any other kind of more complicated approach. Furthermore, it will be demonstrated that this new methodology is simple to apply and can be easily automated in commercial software for points selective sampling in industrial reverse engineering applications. In the end a practical example is described in order to give an experimental validation of the method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Rhodnius Stål, 1859 is the second largest genus of Triatominae after Triatoma Laporte, 1832, and includes several important Chagas vectors. Genitalia in Reduviidae are frequently used for species identification, but the current use of terminology for it is inconsistent in Triatominae. Here, Rhodnius micki sp. nov. , is described from Bolivia and considered as belonging to the pictipes group based on its morphological characters and distribution. Detailed documentation of the genitalia of Rhodnius micki sp. nov. is provided with emphasis on its everted phallus, especially the endosomal sclerites, which are potentially useful as species-level diagnostic features in Rhodnius . To further verify the validity of this species, the head shapes and wing venation patterns of five species in Rhodnius are compared with morphometric analysis. After reviewing taxonomic and comparative morphology papers of assassin bugs, a vocabulary with a terminology of morphological characters, especially of external male genitalic characters, is assembled with the preferred terms and the synonyms listed. Establishing a consistent terminological framework will greatly facilitate future research on the homology of these structures across Triatominae and will ultimately contribute to our understanding of the evolution of these groups., (Yisheng Zhao, Cleber Galvão, Wanzhi Cai.)