A new method of calculating crown projection area and its comparative accuracy with conventional calculations for asymmetric tree crowns

This paper introduces a new method of calculating crown projection area(CPA),the area of level ground covered by a vertical projection of a tree crown from measured crown radii through numerical interpolation and integration.This novel method and other four existing methods of calculating CPA were compared using detailed crown radius measurements from 30 tall trees of Eucalyptus pilularis variable in crown size,shape,and asymmetry.The four existing methods included the polygonal approach and three ways of calculating CPA as the area of a circle using the arithmetic,geometric and quadratic mean radius.Comparisons were made across a sequence of eight non-consecutive numbers(from 2 to 16)of measured crown radii for each tree over the range of crown asymmetry of the 30 trees through generalized linear models and multiple comparisons of means.The sequence covered the range of the number of crown radii measured for calculating the CPA of a tree in the literature.A crown asymmetry index within the unit interval was calculated for each tree to serve as a normative measure.With a slight overestimation of 2.2%on average and an overall mean error size of 7.9%across the numbers of crown radii that were compared,our new method was the least biased and most accurate.Calculating CPA as a circle using the quadratic mean crown radius was the second best,which had an average overestimation of 4.5%and overall mean error size of 8.8%.These two methods remained by and large unbiased as crown asymmetry increased,while the other three methods showed larger bias of underestimation.For the conventional method of using the arithmetic mean crown radius to calculate CPA as a circle,bias correction factors were developed as a function of crown asymmetry index to delineate the increasing magnitude of bias associated with greater degrees of crown asymmetry.This study reveals and demonstrates such relationships between the accuracy of CPA calculations and crown asymmetry and will help increase awareness among researchers and practitioners on the existence of bias in their CPA calculations and for the need to use an unbiased method in the future.Our new method is recommended for calculating CPA where at least four crown radius measurements per tree are available because that is the minimum number required for its use.

Calix[4]Crowns类化合物在分离铯中的应用

Calix[4]Crowns类化合物作为超分子识别材料能够有效地分离铯,并能很好地应用在溶剂萃取、液膜萃取、色谱分离等领域。介绍了Calix[4]Crowns类化合物及其复合超分子材料对铯离子的识别和分离效果,为寻求对Cs(Ⅰ)有优异配合能力的Calix[4]Crowns类有机配体结构及相应的功能材料提供参考。

Tooth wear against ceramic crowns in posterior region: a systematic literature review

The objective of this systematic review was to assess tooth wear against ceramic crowns in posterior region in vitro and in vivo. An electronic PubMed search was conducted to identify studies on tooth wear against ceramic crowns in posterior region. The selected studies were analyzed in regard to type of crowns, natural antagonist, measuring protocol and outcome. From a yield of 1 000 titles, 43 articles were selected for full-text analysis; finally, no in vitro and only five in vivo studies met the inclusion criteria. As there is heterogeneity in design, used measuring method, ceramics and analysis-form, a meta-analysis was not possible. Results of these studies are very controversial which makes a scientifically valid comparison impossible. This review indicated that some all-ceramic crowns are as wear friendly as metal-ceramic crowns. Up to now, it has been impossible to associate tooth wear with any specific causal agent. The role of ceramic surface treatment that might be responsible for the changing in rate of tooth wear seems undetermined as yet through clinical trials. The literature reveals that studies on this topic are subject to a substantial amount of bias. Therefore, additional clinical studies, properly designed to diminish bias, are warranted.

Measuring loblolly pine crowns with drone imagery through deep learning

In modeling forest stand growth and yield,crown width,a measure for stand density,is among the parameters that allows for estimating stand timber volumes.However,accurately measuring tree crown size in the field,in particular for mature trees,is challenging.This study demonstrated a novel method of applying machine learning algorithms to aerial imagery acquired by an unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)to identify tree crowns and their widths in two loblolly pine plantations in eastern Texas,USA.An ortho mosaic image derived from UAV-captured aerial photos was acquired for each plantation(a young stand before canopy closure,a mature stand with a closed canopy).For each site,the images were split into two subsets:one for training and one for validation purposes.Three widely used object detection methods in deep learning,the Faster region-based convolutional neural network(Faster R-CNN),You Only Look Once version 3(YOLOv3),and single shot detection(SSD),were applied to the training data,respectively.Each was used to train the model for performing crown recognition and crown extraction.Each model output was evaluated using an independent test data set.All three models were successful in detecting tree crowns with an accuracy greater than 93%,except the Faster R-CNN model that failed on the mature site.On the young site,the SSD model performed the best for crown extraction with a coefficient of determination(R^(2))of 0.92,followed by Faster R-CNN(0.88)and YOLOv3(0.62).As to the mature site,the SSD model achieved a R^(2)as high as 0.94,follow by YOLOv3(0.69).These deep leaning algorithms,in particular the SSD model,proved to be successfully in identifying tree crowns and estimating crown widths with satisfactory accuracy.For the purpose of forest inventory on loblolly pine plantations,using UAV-captured imagery paired with the SSD object detention application is a cost-effective alternative to traditional ground measurement.

Comparison of Clinical Effects of Au-Pt Based and Ni-Cr Based Porcelain Crowns

Objective To compare the long-term clinical effects of two kinds of crowns and bridges made of porcelain fused to Au-Pt alloy and Ni-Cr alloy. Methods A total of 131 teeth (64 patients) were rehabilitated using porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, among which 59 were rehabilitated with Au-Pt alloy metal ceramic crown and 72 with Ni-Cr alloy metal ceramic crown. The porcelain fracture, shade, marginal adaptation, gingival discoloration, and gingival status after finishing restoration and 36 months of follow-up were evaluated. Results After 36 months of restoration, porcelain fused to Au-Pt alloy crown showed better clinical effects than porcelain fused to Ni-Cr alloy crown in shade, marginal adaptation, gingival discoloration, as well as gingival status (all P<0.05). Conclusion The Au-Pt alloy ceramic crown is superior to Ni-Cr alloy ceramic crown in long-term clinical effects.

An <i>in Vitro</i>Study of Microleakage Comparing Total-Etch with Bonding Resin and Self-Etch Adhesive Luting Cements for All-Ceramic Crowns

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the dye leakage present following cementation of all-ceramic crowns with 7 currently used cements to compare total-etch (TE) with dentine bonding agent (DBA) and self-etch (SE) systems. Methods: Forty-two Authentic? crowns were fabricated and cemented onto extracted human teeth using 7 currently available cements (2 two-stage adhesives (TE + DBA): Panavia 21 Kuraray;Paracore, Coltene Whaledent and 5 all-in-one adhesives (SE): MaxCem Kerr;Panavia F2.0 Kuraray;RelyX Unicem 3MEspe;seT SDI). Following storage in water and thermal cycling, the teeth were exposed to dye, sectioned and examined under confocal microscopy. Leakage was determined by two blinded examiners and scoring was carried out on a scale of 0 - 8 per tooth (0 = no leakage, 8 complete leakage across the section). One overall reading was obtained per tooth with 6 teeth per material. Results: The results showed a wide range of scores between the different cements. Only a few specimens which used TE + DBA showed slight marginal leakage: Paracore (mean score 0 ± 0) and Panavia 21 (0.3 ± 0.5). The majority of specimens using SE showed leakage: RelyX Unicem (0.8 ± 0.8), SmartCem (1.7 ± 2.1), MaxCem (3.2 ± 1.7), Panavia F2.0 (4.5 ± 2.4) then seT (5.2 ± 2.5). Statistical analysis was carried out showing that Paracore and Panavia 21 were significantly less prone to leakage than MaxCem, (P = 0.002) and seT (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, the choice of luting cement is important in reducing dye leakage. This study strongly favours the use of a TE with separate adhesive system placed prior to the composite luting resin.

Replacement of Unesthetic Posterior Metal Crowns with Monolithic Zirconia Crowns: A Case Report

Advances in metal-free materials and the popularization of Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) have led to the wide clinical use of all-ceramic crowns for esthetic restorations. A 72-year-old woman presented to our hospital with unesthetic restorations on the right upper and lower posterior teeth. Intraoral examination revealed poorly fitting metal crown margins. Defective prostheses were removed, and provisional restorations were provided to stabilize the mandibular position. Optical impressions and the maxillomandibular relationship were recorded using an intraoral scanner, and monolithic zirconia crowns were fabricated using CAD/CAM technology for complete veneer crown restorative treatment. Occlusal examination revealed an improvement in occlusal force distribution at initial examination (right side: 33.5%, left side: 66.5%) after placement of the zirconia crowns (right side: 54.9%, left side: 45.1%). Occlusal force and occlusal force distribution area also showed an increasing trend. The Oral Health Impact Profile short form (OHIP-14) score decreased from 7 points at initial examination to 0 points after prosthodontic treatment. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment planning contributed to the increased occlusal force and balanced occlusal force distribution. Therefore, the present case indicates the potential of monolithic zirconia crowns to achieve both esthetic and stable functional outcomes.

Morphological characteristics of tree crowns of Cunninghamia lanceolata var. Luotian

The structural characteristics of the tree crowns of Cunninghamia lanceolata var. Luotian(herein, Luotian), a natural variety of C. lanceolata(Chinese-fir, herein Lanceolata) in China, were analyzed using trunk and branch measurements and biomass determinations. Samples from two typical cultivated varietal populations were collected, including twenty-six 15–23-year-old trees of Luotian from a plantation, and nine 16–23-year-old trees of Lanceolata. Our results show that Luotian and Lanceolata samples differed significantly in crown structure, morphological indices, and biomass:(1) the oldest live branches on Luotian trees were 5–6 years old and 8–11 years old on Lanceolata. The ages of the live branches were not affected by the ages of the Luotian trees, while live branch ages increased with ages of Lanceolata trees;(2) the maximumbranching order of Luotian was level two. Compared to Lanceolata, the average number of first-order lateral branches(i.e., branches emerging from the trunk) and the number of first-order lateral branch whorls per sample tree were 12.9% and 32.2% lower, respectively, in Luotian.However, the average number of branches within a single whorl was 21.8% greater in Luotian;the average number of branch whorls at crown height was 51.1% greater. Thus,the Luotian variety has thicker branches;(3) the average lateral branch angles in Luotian and Lanceolata sample trees were 105.2° and 61.4°, respectively. The branch angles in 53.0% of lateral branches on Luotian ranged from105° to 135°, but 30° to 90° in 96% of the lateral branches on Lanceolata. Within the same crown layer, the average branch angle was 1.6–2.2 times greater in Luotian, and the angle was directly proportional to crown thickness;(4) the average base diameter and branch length on Luotian were1.3 cm and 75.8 cm, respectively, and 1.6 cm and112.2 cm for Lanceolata. For individual trees, branch growth differed significantly(p < 0.01) between Luotian and Lanceolata. However, the lateral branches grew at a similar rate among Luotian trees of different ages;(5) the average height to the lowest live branch on Luotian was128.3% greater than on Lanceolata, resulting in a significant difference(p < 0.01) in crown size. Compared to the crowns on Lanceolata, the Luotian crowns were 45.3%higher and 41.1% wider, and the surface area, volume, and growth of the crown were 27.0%, 11.4%, and 2.4 times greater than for Lanceolata, respectively;and,(6) the biomass of Luotian and Lanceolata sample trees also differed significantly. The mean crown, branch, and leaf biomass for Luotian was 40.0%, 25.2%, and 54.1% of those for Lanceolata, respectively. However, the leaf biomass in each layer of the Luotian crown was higher thanthat of Lanceolata, and leaf biomass increased with crown thickness.

Differential modulation of crown allometry and stem growth at gap edges in five European tree species by drought conditions

Background In Central Europe,forests are increasingly affected by various disturbances,resulting in an increasing gap formation in the canopy.In order to support goal-oriented management,more knowledge is required about the acclimation of the crown and its effects on the basal area growth of trees at the edge of a gap.Methods This work compared trees'growth and crown structure at the edge of a transient gap,with a gap size of more than 80m^(2),with trees in the stand that were at least 30m away from the gap.A total of 249 European beeches(Fagus sylvatica L.),Norway spruces(Picea abies L.Karst),Scots pines(Pinus sylvestris L.),oaks(Quercus spp.;Quercus petraea(Matt.)Liebl.,Quercus robur L.),and silver firs(Abies alba Mill.)were examined on long-term experimental plots in southern Germany.Various crown measures were developed and calculated using high-resolution terrestrial laser scanning(TLiDAR)to capture the three-dimensional crown structures.Growth responses to edge conditions were measured based on tree rings.Using linear mixed models,we predict the basal area increment of edge trees relative to trees in the stand under wet and dry soil moisture conditions after the gap formation.Results We identified i)species-specific acclimation of the crown of edge trees after the gap formation,ii)under wet soil moisture conditions a growth increase of 25%–45%for beech,pine,and oak edge trees and growth losses of 5%–60%for spruce and fir and iii)coniferous tree species benefited from the edge position regarding their basal area increment under dry soil moisture conditions and deciduous tree species grew regardless of the soil moisture conditions at the edge of a gap.Conclusion Gaps have a species-specific effect on the habitus and growth of edge trees and can have both positive and negative impacts on silviculture.

Interfacial engineering through lead binding using crown ethers in perovskite solar cells

In the domain of perovskite solar cells(PSCs),the imperative to reconcile impressive photovoltaic performance with lead-related issue and environmental stability has driven innovative solutions.This study pioneers an approach that not only rectifies lead leakage but also places paramount importance on the attainment of rigorous interfacial passivation.Crown ethers,notably benzo-18-crown-6-ether(B18C6),were strategically integrated at the perovskite-hole transport material interface.Crown ethers exhibit a dual role:efficiently sequestering and immobilizing Pb^(2+)ions through host-guest complexation and simultaneously establishing a robust interfacial passivation layer.Selected crown ether candidates,guided by density functional theory(DFT)calculations,demonstrated proficiency in binding Pb2+ions and optimizing interfacial energetics.Photovoltaic devices incorporating these materials achieved exceptional power conversion efficiency(PCE),notably 21.7%for B18C6,underscoring their efficacy in lead binding and interfacial passivation.Analytical techniques,including time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry(ToF-SIMS),ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy(UPS),time-resolved photoluminescence(TRPL),and transient absorption spectroscopy(TAS),unequivocally affirmed Pb^(2+)ion capture and suppression of non-radiative recombination.Notably,these PSCs maintained efficiency even after enduring 300 h of exposure to 85%relative humidity.This research underscores the transformative potential of crown ethers,simultaneously addressing lead binding and stringent interfacial passivation for sustainable PSCs poised to commercialize and advance renewable energy applications.

Cherry Blossom Crowns Beijing

It’s spring in Beijing,which means the cherry blossoms are in bloom.one of the best places to see these beautiful pink and white flowers is at the city’s yuyuantan Park,which is home to more than 3,000 cherry trees attracting visitors from across the country and beyond.one of the traditions is for visitors to wear a crown of cherry blossoms bought from vendors stationed around the park.it all adds to the festive spirit ushering in the season of growth and

三次CVC、五次CVC及SmartCrown辊形控制特性对比研究

通过对三次连续变凸度(continuously variable crown,CVC)、五次CVC及SmartCrown三种辊形方程进行推导分析,得出了各自的板形控制特性,提出了各自的辊形设计方法。研究表明:三次CVC只具备二次凸度控制能力,控制特性简单;五次CVC可根据二次及四次凸度控制需要灵活设计,凸度比在窜辊过程中并非恒定;SmartCrown四次凸度控制能力受形状角影响,凸度比恒为负值。

An Evaluation of Crown Structure and Site Index to Determine Crown Closure in Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis Stands in Guangxi,China

Eucalyptus forests are grown in many parts of the world for their commercial value and use in construction projects. Density management becomes im- portant as a means to attain the management goals in these forests. Changes in canopy and tree crown structure were quantified for Eucalyptus urophylla x E. grandis forests at different ages to determine when canopy closure occurs and the onset of competition begins. Site index was developed for these forests to determine whether site quality affects the canopy structure. Site index had little effect in the forests sampled, with the forest canopy on the better sites becoming slightly more elongated. Based upon crown projection ratio and crown diameter： dbh （diameter at breast height） ratio, it appears that crown closure occurs by age 4 years in these forests. The age at which this occurs was also checked and verified with the evaluation of relative spacing, RS （the ratio of the mean distance between trees to the average dominant height of the stand）. The RS value displayed a rapid decline until age 4 years, and then became relatively flat through age 21 years. The rapid height growth during the first 3 years with no change in density accounted for this rapid decrease. By age 4 years, reductions in the number of trees due to mortality began to have more of an influence on this value, resulting in a more gradual de- cline. The implications for management are discussed.

一种基于五次CVC和SmartCrown复合辊型的板形控制方法

为改善轧机的板形调控能力,在分析连续变凸度CVC辊型和SmartCrown辊型特性的基础上,提出了一种基于五次CVC和SmartCrown的复合辊型的板形控制方法。将五次CVC和SmartCrown辊型在控制板形缺陷方面的特性相结合,采用分解与迭加的方法重新确定其二次和四次凸度及调控能力。通过设计实例和效果分析验证,表明该方法有效改善了五次CVC和AVC辊型因辊径差较大不利于板形控制的缺点。

[｛Pt_4(en)_4(NHCO^tBu)_4｝｛Tl(18-crown-6)｝_2](PF_6)_6的合成与晶体结构(英文)

The compound [｛Pt4(en)4(NHCOtBu)4｝｛Tl(18-crown-6)｝2](PF6)6 has been synthesized by a simple one-potmulticomponent reaction. Its structure was determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis. The cation ofthe compound consists of one linearly arranged [Pt4(en)4(NHCOtBu)4]4+ chain and two [Tl(18-crown-6)]+ ions located atthe two ends of the platinum chain. The complex crystallizes in a triclinic P1 with a=1.060 5(1), b=1.252 3(1), c=2.015(2) nm, α=107.430(2)°, β=91.032(2)°, γ=101.910(2)°, V=2.489 6(4) nm3, Z=2, R1=0.074 4, wR2(I>2σ(I))=0.2225, S=1.062. CCDC: 294083.

Research on Crown Grafting of Seedling Cashew Trees

Objective] The study was aimed to improve the yield and quality of cashew. [Method] Through the comparative analysis, the survival rate, new germi-nation and yield characteristics of the cutting stems with different heights by stem grafting and bark grafting. [Result] The best cutting stem height of cashew should be in 100-150 cm, when the number of new germinated shoots was 85.5-87.7. Stem grafting could significantly improve the survival rate of the shooting branch （92.7%）, growth condition of which was better than that of bark grafting, and it also had no clip cortex. The yield of stem grafting was significantly higher than that of bark grafting, and it could reach up to 18.1 kg/plant in 4 years. The branches from stem grafting had significantly better ability in resisting the wind damage than those from bark grafting. [Conclusion] The study provided references for the crown grafting of cashew planting in China.

Smart Crown轧辊轧制钨板过程有限元分析

针对传统轧制工艺轧制钨板过程中,轧辊易损坏、钨板轧废严重等现象,基于有限元分析软件,研究利用Smart Crown轧辊轴向移动轧制钨板,根据要求设计了一款Smart Crown轧辊。从辊形、应力、应变以及磨损方面,分析钨板轧制情况,发现同等轧制条件下,Smart Crown轧辊轴向移动轧制钨板的新工艺优于传统钨板轧制工艺。

Application of the Plate Crown Prediction

The program of the plate crown optimal prediction applied in the plate mill of Wuhan Iron and Steel(Group) Co. Ltd. is described. Optimal prediction is programmed in ALPHA 4000. The original profile, wear, expansion and deformation of work rolls are introduced into the program. The plate crown is controlled by the original profile of work rolls and the draft whose objective is the optimal plate crown. The run schedule is also optimized through the optimal prediction of the plate crown.

TOOTH CROWN DEFORMABLE DESIGN BASED ON DIRECT MANIPULATION OF FFD

A flexible and adaptable design method for the tooth crown is presented based on the direct manipulation of free-form deformation （FFD）. The correct shape of the tooth crown can be obtained by adding, modifying, and deleting constraint points or load points based on stretching and compressing operation. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the method to be efficient.

基于WindowsCE和CROWN集群技术的DTVSP模式

摘 要：基于嵌入式操作系统技术、多媒体数据文件切片方案及网络电视、数字电视标准等提出了基于WindowsCE与Linux集群的DTVSP架构模型，并针对DTVSP模式中客户端功能的实现进行探索，使网络功能、（未来）用户个性化功能与安全性都予以充分的体现；同时使分布式DTVSP的整体功能与事件的管理成为可能。