Search Results (4)

Driven by sea-level rise and frequent compound coastal flooding, accurate inundation simulation is essential for disaster mitigation and urban planning. To address the topologically disconnected overestimation errors inherent in the traditional bathtub model, this study proposes a dynamic coastal inundation simulation framework based on an 8-neighbor seed-spread algorithm. Within this framework, a digital elevation model (DEM) is resampled to a 10 m spatial resolution, and a high frequency tidal sequence with a 5-min temporal resolution is reconstructed from typical spring tides. The vertical datums of both the topography and tidal water levels are strictly unified to the Mean Sea Level (MSL) to maintain physical consistency. Comparative experiments across multiple water level scenarios reveal a distinct threshold effect and non-linear expansion characteristics in inundation responses under complex geomorphological conditions. Because the traditional bathtub model fails to account for the blocking effects of inland physical barriers, its overestimation increases significantly once the water level exceeds critical flood protection thresholds. By generating high resolution Time of Arrival (ToA) maps, the proposed framework provides a robust spatial–temporal basis for precise coastal risk assessment, evacuation planning, and defense resource allocation. Full article

Background: Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) relies on barrier membranes, for which polylactic acid (PLA) and its copolymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) are promising biodegradable polymers. However, their inherent hydrophobicity limits biological performance, and the evidence regarding how specific modifications affect key human cell types, particularly osteoblasts and fibroblasts, remains scattered. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to synthesize the in vitro evidence on the response of primary human osteoblasts and fibroblasts to polylactic acid-based materials. Following a pre-registered protocol (10.17605/OSF.IO/CE8KB), a comprehensive search was performed across four major databases, and the risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using an adapted OHAT tool. Results: Twenty-six studies were included, which showed that polylactic acid-based materials have limited bioactivity, and their modification significantly improves cellular responses. The incorporation of bioceramics and growth factors, or alterations in surface topography, notably enhanced osteogenic differentiation and mineralization in osteoblasts. For gingival fibroblasts, topographical modifications like micro-grooves guided cell alignment and modulated proliferation. Conclusions: Native polylactic acid-based materials display limited bioactivity. However, functionalization through bioceramics incorporation, growth factor delivery, and surface topographical modification is crucial for transforming them into bioactive scaffolds capable of achieving the dual biofunctionality required for successful GBR. Full article

Background/Objectives: Natural oils are widely promoted and used around the world as part of skincare. Among them, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) stands out for its broad range of organic compositions and well-known moisturizing properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of topically applied EVOO compared to petrolatum on skin barrier function (SBF) and microtopography. Methods: A within-person randomized clinical trial was conducted in healthy adult volunteers. EVOO and petrolatum were applied to defined areas on the volar forearm. Parameters related to the SBF, including stratum corneum hydration (SCH), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), temperature, and erythema, were assessed. The skin microtopography was evaluated through two approaches: (1) topographic parameters—surface roughness, desquamation, smoothness, and wrinkles; and (2) stratum corneum (SC) composition—corneocytes subtypes and the desquamation index (DI). The participants completed a tolerability questionnaire for each product. Results: A total of 54 participants (50% female; mean age: 28.57 ± 11.02 years) completed the study. Both EVOO and petrolatum significantly improved the SBF by increasing SCH and reducing erythema and skin temperature. Petrolatum additionally reduced TEWL. Regarding the skin microtopography, both products decreased the desquamation index and reduced the prevalence of mature corneocyte types (types 2–5). These effects were more pronounced with petrolatum. Notably, EVOO significantly increased the proportion of early-stage corneocytes (type 1). Conclusions: Both EVOO and petrolatum effectively enhanced the SBF and improved the microtopographic features of the skin. While petrolatum exerted a stronger occlusive effect by reducing TEWL and desquamation, EVOO uniquely promoted epidermal renewal by increasing epidermal turnover. Full article

Integrating coastal topographic and bathymetric data for creating regional seamless topobathymetric digital elevation models of the land/water interface presents a complex challenge due to the spatial and temporal gaps in data acquisitions. The Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project develops topographic (land elevation) and bathymetric (water depth) regional scale digital elevation models by integrating multiple sourced disparate topographic and bathymetric data models. These integrated regional models are broadly used in coastal and climate science applications, such as sediment transport, storm impact, and sea-level rise modeling. However, CoNED’s current integration method does not address the occurrence of measurable vertical discrepancies between adjacent near-shore topographic and bathymetric data sources, which often create artificial barriers and sinks along their intersections. To tackle this issue, the CoNED project has developed an additional step in its integration process that collectively assesses the input data to define how to transition between these disparate datasets. This new step defines two zones: a micro blending zone for near-shore transitions and a macro blending zone for the transition between high-resolution (3 m or less) to moderate-resolution (between 3 m and 10 m) bathymetric datasets. These zones and input data sources are reduced to a multidimensional array of zeros and ones. This array is compiled into a 16-bit integer representing a vertical assessment for each pixel. This assessed value provides the means for dynamic pixel-level blending between disparate datasets by leveraging the 16-bit binary notation. Sample site RMSE assessments demonstrate improved accuracy, with values decreasing from 0.203–0.241 using the previous method to 0.126–0.147 using the new method. This paper introduces CoNED’s unique approach of using binary code to improve the integration of coastal topobathymetric data. Full article