Obtaining 2D Soil Geotechnical Profiles from Cokriging Interpolation of Sample Data and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT)—Applications in Mass Movements Studies

Brazil annually faces significant challenges with mass movements, particularly in areas with poorly constructed housing, inadequate engineering, and lacking sanitation infrastructure. Campos do Jordão, in São Paulo state, is a city currently grappling with these issues. This paper details a study conducted within a pilot area in Campos do Jordão, where geophysical surveys and geotechnical borehole data were integrated. The geophysical surveys provided 2D profiles, and samples were collected to analyse soil moisture and plasticity. These datasets were combined using a Cokriging-based model to produce an accurate representation of the subsurface conditions. The enhanced modelling of subsurface variability facilitates a deeper understanding of soil behavior, which can be used to improve landslide risk assessments. This approach is innovative, particularly within the international context where similar studies often do not address the complexities associated with urban planning deficits such as those observed in some areas of Brazil. These conditions, including the lack of proper sanitation and irregular housing, significantly influence the geological stability of the region, adding layers of complexity to subsurface assessments. Adapting geotechnical evaluation methods to local challenges offers the potential to increase the efficacy and relevance of geological risk management in regions with similar socio-economic and urban characteristics.

Is It about a Bicycle? A Posthumanist Perspective on the Role of Women’s Bicycles in WWII Resistance Movements

Drawing upon Donna Haraway’s cyborg theory,this paper argues that the bicycle can be conceived as a cyborg extension of body and identity which transcended its mechanical essence to become an integral co-partner for women involved in resistance activities in WWII.More specifically,the study explores how women used cycling during World War Ⅱ not only for mobility but as a profound expression of courage,endurance and solidarity which enabled them to overcome physical and symbolic barriers under totalitarian regimes.The bicycle emerges not only as a central co-agent but also actively co-creates the situations in which it emerges as a transformative force.Cycling acted as a catalyst for personal and collective empowerment,fostering new subjectivities while transcending physical and social limitations.This study sparks multidimensional discourse on how technological tools can co-create our societies and identities,offering insights into how bicycles can drive socio-political change,promote emancipation and foster inclusivity.

Obtaining 2D Soil Resistance Profiles from the Integration of Electrical Resistivity Data and Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Light Dynamic Penetrometer (DPL) Resistance Tests—Applications in Mass Movements Studies

In Brazil and various regions globally, the initiation of landslides is frequently associated with rainfall;yet the spatial arrangement of geological structures and stratification considerably influences landslide occurrences. The multifaceted nature of these influences makes the surveillance of mass movements a highly intricate task, requiring an understanding of numerous interdependent variables. Recent years have seen an emergence in scholarly research aimed at integrating geophysical and geotechnical methodologies. The conjoint examination of geophysical and geotechnical data offers an enhanced perspective into subsurface structures. Within this work, a methodology is proposed for the synchronous analysis of electrical resistivity geophysical data and geotechnical data, specifically those extracted from the Light Dynamic Penetrometer (DPL) and Standard Penetration Test (SPT). This study involved a linear fitting process to correlate resistivity with N10/SPT N-values from DPL/SPT soundings, culminating in a 2D profile of N10/SPT N-values predicated on electrical profiles. The findings of this research furnish invaluable insights into slope stability by allowing for a two-dimensional representation of penetration resistance properties. Through the synthesis of geophysical and geotechnical data, this project aims to augment the comprehension of subsurface conditions, with potential implications for refining landslide risk evaluations. This endeavor offers insight into the formulation of more effective and precise slope management protocols and disaster prevention strategies.

Spatio-Temporal Kinematic Decomposition of Movements

We propose the new experimental method for investigating and approximating the organization and structure of movements with given accuracy. The composition of approximating trajectories illuminating the movement traits discloses the level of movement expertise in dancers and golf players. The method allows estimating the level of movement expertise, drawing the detailed structure of movements, and classifying movements into a given repertoire automatically.

Using Quantile Regression Approach to Analyze Price Movements of Agricultural Products in China

This paper studies how the price movements of pork,chicken and egg respond to those of related cost factors in short terms in Chinese market.We employ a linear quantile approach not only to explore potential data heteroscedasticity but also to generate confidence bands for the purpose of price stability study.We then evaluate our models by comparing the prediction intervals generated from the quantile regression models with in-sample and out-of-sample forecasts.Using monthly data from January 2000 to October 2010,we observed these findings：（i） the price changes of cost factors asymmetrically and unequally influence those of the livestock across different quantiles;（ii） the performance of our models is robust and consistent for both in-sample and out-of-sample forecasts;（iii） the confidence intervals generated from 0.05th and 0.95th quantile regression models are good methods to forecast livestock price fluctuation.

Modeling and simulation of high-speed passenger train movements in the rail line

In this paper, we propose a new formula of the real-time minimum safety headway based on the relative velocity of consecutive trains and present a dynamic model of high-speed passenger train movements in the rail line based on the proposed formula of the minimum safety headway. Moreover, we provide the control strategies of the high-speed passenger train operations based on the proposed formula of the real-time minimum safety headway and the dynamic model of highspeed passenger train movements. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control strategies of the passenger train operations can greatly reduce the delay propagation in the high-speed rail line when a random delay occurs.

Convulsive-like movements as the first symptom of basilar artery occlusive brainstem infarction:A case report

BACKGROUND Convulsive-like movements are rare in basilar artery occlusive cerebral infarction(BAOCI).These manifestations may easily be mistaken for epileptic seizures caused by compromised anterior circulation or by cortical lesions.Delayed diagnosis of this condition affects its subsequent treatment and prognosis.Therefore,it is critical to recognize this type of phenomenon in the early stage.CASE SUMMARY A 55-year-old male patient presented with unconsciousness,rigidity,and a paroxysmal twitch in both lower limbs.These conditions lasted for nearly 2 h and resembled status epilepticus.After the initial conditions subsided,hemiplegia occurred and then subsided rapidly.The family refused thrombolytic therapy because the symptoms were similar to Todd paralysis after epilepsy.However,magnetic resonance imaging showed left pontine infarction.No abnormality was observed in a video electroencephalogram during the interictal period.Digital subtraction angiography revealed that the basilar artery was occluded and that the posterior communicating arteries were patent.Fortunately,the patient received a good prognosis after antiplatelet therapy,lipid regulation,balloon dilatation of the basilar artery,and rehabilitation.CONCLUSION Convulsive-like movements may be an early sign of basilar artery occlusive brainstem infarction.It is important to identify this phenomenon in a timely manner.

Graphene stirrer with designed movements:Targeting on environmental remediation and supercapacitor applications

Beyond the traditional focus on improvements in mechanical, electronic and absorption properties, controllability, actuation, and dynamic response of monoliths have received increasing attentions for practical applications. However, most of them could only realize simple response to constant conditions(e.g. a stationary magnetic field) while carrying out humdrum motions. By controlling distribution of metal organic framework obtained carbon-enriched Fe304 nanoparticles in self-assembly reduced graphene oxide(RGO) monoliths, we could achieve two distinctive RGO-Fe_3 O_4 stirrers that could dynamically respond to the rapidly changing magnetic field while executing designed movements precisely: rotating with lying down posture or standing straight posture. These stirrers can not only be applied in environmental remediation(e.g.suction skimmer), but also be recycled as electrode active materials for supercapacitors after fulfilling their destiny, realizing transformation of trash to treasure, which will inspire other dynamically responsive monoliths for various applications.

Comprehensive Investigation of Submarine Slide Zones and Mass Movements at the Northern Continental Slope of South China Sea

Multi-beam bathymetry and seismic sequence surveys in the northern slope of the South China Sea reveal detailed geomorphology and seismic stratigraphy characteristics of canyons, gullies, and mass movements. Modern canyons and gullies are roughly elongated NNW–SSW with U-shaped cross sections at water depths of 400–1000 m. Mass movements include slide complexes, slide scars, and debris/turbidity flows. Slide complexes and slide scars are oriented in the NE–SW direction and cover an area of about 1790 and 926 km^2, respectively. The debris/turbidity flows developed along the lower slope. A detailed facies analysis suggests that four seismic facies exist, and the late Cenozoic stratigraphy above the acoustic basement can be roughly subdivided into three sequences separated by regional unconformities in the study area. The occurrence of gas hydrates is marked by seismic velocity anomalies, bottom-simulating reflectors, gas chimneys, and pockmarks in the study area. Seismic observations suggest that modern canyons and mass movements formed around the transition between the last glacial period and the current interglacial period. The possible existence and dissociation of gas hydrates and the regional tectonic setting may trigger instability and mass movements on the seafloor. Canyons may be the final result of gas hydrate dissociation. Our study aims to contribute new information that is applicable to engineering construction required for deep-water petroleum exploration and gas hydrate surveys along any marginal sea.

Therapeutic benefit of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for severe mirror movements A case report

Congenital mirror movements retard typical hand functions, but no definite therapeutic modality is available to treat such movements. We report an 8-year-old boy with severe mirror movements of both hands. His mirror movements were assessed using the Woods and Teuber grading scale and his fine motor skills were also evaluated by the Purdue Pegboard Test. A 2-week regimen of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation produced markedly diminished mirror movement symptoms and increased the fine motor skills of both hands. Two weeks after the completion of the regimen, mirror movement grades had improved from grade 4 to 1 in both hands and the Purdue Pegboard Test results of the right and left hands also improved from 12 to 14 or 13. These improvements were maintained for 1 month after the 2-week repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation regimen. After 18 months, the mirror movement grade was maintained and the Purdue Pegboard test score had improved to 15 for the right hand while the left hand score was maintained at 13. This occurred without any additional repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation or other treatment. These findings suggest that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for this patient had a therapeutic and long-term effect on mirror movements.

Influence of breathing movements and Valsalva maneuver on vena caval dynamics

AIM: To study changes produced within the inferior vena cava(IVC) during respiratory movements and identify their possible clinical implications.METHODS: This study included 100 patients(46 women; 54 men) over 18 years of age who required an abdominal computed tomography(CT) and central venous access. IVC cross-sectional areas were measured on CT scans at three levels, suprarenal(SR), juxtarenal(JR) and infrarenal(IR), during neutral breathing and again during the Valsalva maneuver. All patientswere instructed on how to perform a correct Valsalva maneuver. In order to reduce the total radiation dose in our patients, low-dose CT protocols were used in all patients. The venous blood pressure(systolic, diastolic and mean) was invasively measured at the same three levels with neutral breathing and the Valsalva maneuver during venous port implantation. From CT scans, threedimensional models of the IVC were constructed and a collapsibility index was calculated for each patient. These data were then correlated with venous pressures and cross-sectional areas.RESULTS: The mean patient age was 51.64 ± 12.01 years. The areas of the ellipse in neutral breathing were 394.49 ± 85.83(SR), 380.10 ± 74.55(JR), and 342.72 ± 49.77 mm2(IR), and 87.46 ± 18.35(SR), 92.64 ± 15.36(JR) and 70.05 ± 9.64 mm2(IR) during the Valsalva(P s < 0.001). There was a correlation between areas in neutral breathing and in the Valsalva maneuver(P < 0.05 in all areas). Large areas decreased more than smaller areas. The collapsibility indices were 0.49 ± 0.06(SR), 0.50 ± 0.04(JR) and 0.50 ± 0.04(IR), with no significant differences in any region. Reconstructed three-dimensional models showed a flattening of the IVC during Valsalva, adopting an ellipsoid cross-sectional shape. The mean pressures with neutral breathing were 9.44 ± 1.78(SR), 9.40 ± 1.44(JR) and 8.84 ± 1.03 mmHg(IR), and 81.08 ± 21.82(SR), 79.88 ± 19.01(JR) and 74.04 ± 16.56 mmHg(IR) during Valsalva(P s < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between cross-sectional caval area and venous blood pressure, but this was not statistically significant in any of the cases. There was a significant correlation between diastolic and mean pressures measured during neutral breathing and in Valsalva.CONCLUSION: Respiratory movements have a major influence on IVC dynamics. The increase in intracaval pressure during Valsalva results in a significant de-crease in the IVC cross-sectional area.

WATER AND SALT MOVEMENTS IN SIMULTANEOUS FLOOD-IRRIGATION AND WELL-DRAINAGE OPERATIONS

This paper describes a new technology for solonchak soil reclamation in which surface flood irrigation of fresh water and pumped wells drainage of salty groundwater are combined. The comprehensive investigation of water and salt movement has been conducted through field test, laboratory simulation and numerical calculation. The dependence of desalination on irrigation water quantity, drainage quantity, leaching time and other parameters is obtained based on the field tests. The entire desalination process under the flood-irrigation and well-drainage operations was experimentally simulated in a vertical soil column. The water and salt movement has been numerically analysed for both the field and laboratory conditions. The present work indicates that this new technology can greatly improve the effects of desalination.

What Eye Movements Tell About Identifying Compound Words in Reading and Top-Down Effects in Reading Long Texts

Two lines of research on eye movements in reading are summarized. One line of research examines how adult readers identify compound words during reading. The other line of research deals with how a specific reading goal influences the way long expository texts are read. Both lines of research are conducted using Finnish as the source language. With respect to the first research question, it is demonstrated that compound words are recognized either holistically or via their components, depending on the length of the compound word. Readers begin to process whatever information is readily available in the foveal vision(i.e., either the whole-word form or the initial component). The second line of research demonstrates that(1)a specific reading goal is capable of exerting an early effect on readers’ eye fixation patterns,(2)time course analyses based on eye movement patterns can reveal interesting individual differences, and(3)working memory capacity is linked to the efficiency to strategically allocate attention as well as to encode information to and retrieve it from the long-term memory. It is concluded that the eye-tracking technique is an excellent research tool to tap into the workings of the human mind during the comprehension of written texts.

Using a GIS to Assess the Land Movements Hazard: Application on Berhoum Area, Hodna Basin, Algeria

Modeling land movements hazard by multi-criteria approach is a line of research to provide a methodological framework for risk mapping. This work is intended to establish a model for mapping “land movements hazard” by GIS approach based on multi-criteria analysis. The methodology is to create thematic maps by combining in GIS, determining factors (slope, lithology, water, …) in triggering landslides phenomena and shrinking-swelling soil, using the method of Weighted Sum Model (WSM). These maps are then combined to provide a hazard map of land movements. The application of this method allows the spatial distribution of different criteria and phenomena in Berhoum area, region of Hodna Basin, eastern Algeria. As a result, the study area has been divided into four different areas: 1) areas with no land movements hazard, 2) areas with a medium land movements hazard, 3) areas with a high land movements hazard, and 4) areas with very high land movements hazard.

Existence of Extracellular Calmodulin in the Lower Epidermis of the Leaves of Vicia faba and Its Role in Regulating Stomatal Movements

As a possible peptide primary messenger, extracellular calmodulin (CaM) may regulate processes such as cell proliferation, pollen germination and expression of some genes. Stomata open or close quickly in response to environmental stimuli. CaM was found to be extracellular both in guard cells of broad bean leaves and in epidermal cells by immuno-electron microscopy and immuno-fluorescence microscopy techniques. Exogenous purified CaM enhanced stomatal closure and inhibited stomatal opening with an optimal concentration of 10(-8) mol/L; CaM antagonist W7-agarose and anti-CaM serum, which were membrane-impermeable macromolecules, inhibited stomatal closure and promoted stomatal opening. All these data showed that endogenous extracellular CaM. of guard cells did promote stomatal closure and inhibit stomatal opening, and could he active only outside the cells. Therefore under natural conditions, the endogenous extracellular CaM of guard cells might regulate stomatal movements as a primary messenger together with other signal molecules, and might be an important linkage between environmental stimuli and cell responses.

Monitoring crustal movements in northern Tianshan Mountain based on GPS technology

Monitoring results for the period 2009-2014 by ten standard GPS stations allowed to determine the crustal movements of seismically active region in south-eastern Kazakhstan. Maps of movement velocity were made in geocentric coordinate system and in reference system of the Eurasian continent. GPS points displacements reflect the features of modern deformation processes that are notable in the high seismic activity region. The structure of the velocity field divergence qualitatively confirms major deformation in the sublatitudinal direction which is parallel to the main ridge of the northern Tianshan Mountain. The epicenters of earthquakes are in agreement with the border areas of compression -tension, as well as the allocated areas of multidirectional rotary motion. The conclusion is that GPS monitoring of the movements of the Earth＇s crust can be used to evaluate the territory＇s stress-strain state for the purpose of seismic zoning and seismic risk assessment.

Eye movements during inspecting pictures of natural scenes for information to verify sentences

As eye tracking can be used to record moment-to-moment changes of eye movements as people inspect pictures of natural scenes and comprehend information, this paper attempts to use eye-movement technology to investigate how the order of presentation and the characteristics of information affect the semantic mismatch effect in the picture-sentence paradigm. A 3（syntax）×2（semantic relation） factorial design is adopted, with syntax and semantic relations as within-participant variables. The experiment finds that the semantic mismatch is most likely to increase cognitive loads as people have to spend more time, including first-pass time, regression path duration, and total fixation duration. Double negation does not significantly increase the processing difficulty of pictures and information. Experimental results show that people can extract the special syntactic strategy from long-term memory to process pictures and sentences with different semantic relations. It enables readers to comprehend double negation as affirmation. These results demonstrate that the constituent comparison model may not be a general model regarding other languages.

Large Scale Mass Movements Triggered by the Kashmir Earthquake 2005,Pakistan

The SPOT image analysis in Muzaffarabad Azad Kashmir,northwest Himalayas,Pakistan reveals that the Kashmir earthquake 2005 triggered a number of coseismic mass movements along the hanging wall block of the Muzaffarabad Fault.The Neelidandi and Langarpura rock falls have been identified as two major reactivated mass movements with an estimated volume of 3.1 × 106m3and 5.76 × 106m3,respectively.The Neelidandi and Langarpura mass movements were initiated during earthquake in the direction of northwest-southeast extension and northeastsouthwest directed thrusting,respectively.The Neelidandi rock fall occurred in sheared cherty dolomites and limestones of the Cambrian Muzaffarabad Formation,whereas the Langarpura rock fall occurred in alternating clays,shales,claystones,siltstones and sandstones of the Miocene Murree Formation.These rock units along the fault are highly fractured and jointed.The geotechnical maps and geological longitudinal profiles show the relationship between the geometrical characteristics and mechanism of these mass movements.Their characteristics were analyzed according to the role of topographic,seismic,geological and tectonic factors.The steep topography,sheared rocks,lithology,coseismic uplift and strong ground shaking of the hanging wall block along Muzaffarabad Fault facilitated the gravity collapse of these mass movements.

Movements and home range of a common species of tree-shrew,Tupaia glis,surrounding houses of otoacariasis cases in Kuantan,Pahang,Malaysia

Objective:To document movement patterns,home range,nesting behaviour and social organization of 5 individuals(3 males and 2 females) of a common species of tree-shrew,Tupaia glis(T.glis) surrounding houses of otoacariasis cases.Methods:Each shrew was fitted with a transmitter chip radio-collar which operates between the frequencies of 154.13 MHz to 154.21 MHz.Each transmitter was then tracked with a Portable Telemetry Receiver(Sirtrack,New Zealand) fitted with a 3-element Yagi antenna.Collared shrews were located using standard methods of ground-based triangulation.Each location was taken from at least 2 directional fixes and a minimum of 3 compass bearings.Fixes were taken hourly for each collared individual from the time of emergence from nest(beginning of activity) till time of entry into the nest(end of activity) every day for 5 to 7 continuous days.Three series of radio telemetry observations were carried out.The bearings,time and positions of an observer were recorded and later plotted on a graph paper in order to derive coordinates of the collared animal.[These coordinates then analyzed using Ecological Software Solutions(Biotas Version 1.03)].Results:Nests were found in a jack fruit tree,long bushes,and 2 houses.Daily telemetry detections demonstrated 2 individuals of different sex having nests(or a nest) in the same house.All shrews emerged from and returned to their nests between 0601 to 0659 hours and 1901 to 1959 hours,respectively. Both the time of exit from and entry into nest were the same between sexes(P】0.05).Their average total active period was 4.90 to 7.00 hours with a total daily travel distant of 270 m to 382 m.A male and a female shrew can move as far as 3 285 m and 4 591 m,respectively.Active movements of T.glis were during daytime.They regularly entered some houses in the area during day and night except for one individual which visited during daytime only.The sizes of home range and core area for the shrews were 2.00-3.40 ha and 0.05-0.42 ha,respectively.Generally, the mean home range size of females was 20.8%larger than that of males.Females covered a 15.4%slightly higher daily movement range compared to males.Conclusions:This is the first radio telemetry study in Malaysia to monitor movements and home range of shrews carrying ticks on their body.It demonstrates that shrews are potential carriers of ticks from wild into the houses and their compounds based on their total active periods spent moving around from fruit orchards, secondary forest,plantations and other vegetations to trees in compound of 4 to 7 houses and vice versa.There are also evidences showing shrews have close contact with humans.