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The application of immersive virtual reality technology in geoscience

  • School of Earth and Space Sciences,University of Science and Technology of China,Hefei 230026,China

Cite this:
https://doi.org/10.52396/JUST-2021-0073
  • Received Date: 13 March 2021
  • Rev Recd Date: 10 June 2021
  • Publish Date: 30 June 2021
    Abstract

  • Abstract

    In recent years, with the development of science and technology, a large amount of measurement and simulation data in the field of geoscience has emerged,posing challenges to data visualization and real-time analysis. Traditional two-dimensional visualization methods can no longer fully meet the scientific research and teaching needs of geoscience. The new generation of immersive virtual reality technology enables observers to intuitively observe and analyze the scientific data of the three-dimensional earth, and interact with the data to achieve immersive real-time analysis or remote virtual field surveys. This will help researchers in the field of geoscience to understand the three-dimensional geoscience data more quickly and accurately; promote the generation of new scientific discoveries; and help popularize the results of geoscience among the general public. At present, many scholars have carried out related explorations and achieved a series of important results. This article reviews the basic principles of immersive virtual reality technology and various specific applications in the field of geoscience in the past few decades, discusses the advantages and prospects of this technology in the field of geoscience, and the related issues that need to be resolved to further expand the application level.

    Abstract

    In recent years, with the development of science and technology, a large amount of measurement and simulation data in the field of geoscience has emerged,posing challenges to data visualization and real-time analysis. Traditional two-dimensional visualization methods can no longer fully meet the scientific research and teaching needs of geoscience. The new generation of immersive virtual reality technology enables observers to intuitively observe and analyze the scientific data of the three-dimensional earth, and interact with the data to achieve immersive real-time analysis or remote virtual field surveys. This will help researchers in the field of geoscience to understand the three-dimensional geoscience data more quickly and accurately; promote the generation of new scientific discoveries; and help popularize the results of geoscience among the general public. At present, many scholars have carried out related explorations and achieved a series of important results. This article reviews the basic principles of immersive virtual reality technology and various specific applications in the field of geoscience in the past few decades, discusses the advantages and prospects of this technology in the field of geoscience, and the related issues that need to be resolved to further expand the application level.
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    • References(50)
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    Gerloni I G, Carchiolo V, Vitello F R, et al. Immersive virtual reality for earth sciences. In: 2018 Federated Conference on Computer Science and Information Systems (FedCSIS). IEEE, 2018: 527-534.
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    Kellogg L H, Bawden G W, Bernardin T, et al. Interactive visualization to advance earthquake simulation. Pure and Applied Geophysics, 2008, 165(3): 621-633.
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    [4]
    Zhao Q. A survey on virtual reality. Science in China Series F: Information Sciences, 2009, 52(3): 348-400.
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    Patterson C,Ortiz D, Hall E M, et al. Folding LiDAR and scientific data into virtual reality: Creating a planetary cave exploration utility for future missions to Mars. AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts, 2020: P055-0002.
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    Tullo A, Mancini F, Ori G. Virtual reality at regional scale: Exploring terrestrial bodies in immersive 3D environments. In: AGU 2021 Fall Meeting, New Orleans, LA. Washington DC: American Geophysical Union, 2021.
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    Hyde D A B, Hall T R, Caers J. VRGE: An immersive visualization application for the geosciences. In: 2018 IEEE Scientific Visualization Conference (SciVis). IEEE, 2018: 1-5.
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    Heilig M L.Sensorama Simulator. US Patent 3050870, 1962.
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    Comeau C. Headsight television system provides remote surveillance. Electronics, 1961: 86-90.
    [10]
    Sutherland I. The ultimate display. Proceedings of IFIP Congress,1965: 506-508.
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    DeVito N, Ngalamou L. VR implementation in user-interactive simulation environments. In: 2021 IEEE 7th International Conference on Virtual Reality (ICVR). IEEE, 2021: 172-179.
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    Burdea G C, Coiffet P. Virtual Reality Technology. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2003.
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    Cruz-Neira C, Sandin D J, DeFanti T A,et al. The CAVE: Audio visual experience automatic virtual environment. Communications of the ACM, 1992, 35(6): 64-73.
    [14]
    Shibata T. Head mounted display. Displays, 2002, 23: 57-64.
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    Cruz-Neira C, Sandin D J, DeFanti T A. Surround-screen projection-based virtual reality: The design and implementation of the CAVE. In: Proceedings of the 20th Annual Conference on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques. New York: Association for Computing Machinery, 1993: 135-142.
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    Cowgill E, Bernardin T S, Oskin M E, et al. Interactive terrain visualization enables virtual field work during rapid scientific response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Geosphere, 2012, 8(4): 787-804.
    [17]
    Head J W III, van Dam A, Fulcomer S G, et al. ADVISER: Immersive scientific visualization applied to Mars research and exploration. Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing, 2005, 71(10): 1219-1225.
    [18]
    Bagher M M, Sajjadi P, Carr J, et al. Fostering penetrative thinking in geosciences through immersive experiences: A case study in visualizing earthquake locations in 3D. In: 2020 6th International Conference of the Immersive Learning Research Network (iLRN). IEEE, 2020: 132-139.
    [19]
    Kinsland G L, Borst C W. Visualization and interpretation of geologic data in 3D virtual reality. Interpretation, 2015, 3(3): SX13-SX20.
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    Whitmeyer S J, Nicoletti J, De Paor D G. The digital revolution in geologic mapping. GSA Today, 2010, 20(4/5): 4-10.
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    Pavlis T L, Mason K A. The new world of 3D geologic mapping. GSA Today, 2017, 27(9): 4-10.
    [22]
    Borst C W, Kinsland G L. Visualization and interpretation of 3D geological and geophysical data in heterogeneous virtual reality displays: Examples from the Chicxulub Impact Crater. Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions,2005, 55: 23-34.
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    Borst C W, Kinsland G L, Baiyya V B, et al. System for interpretation of 3-D data in virtual-reality displays and refined interpretations of geophysical and topographic data from the Chicxulub Impact Crater. Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions, 2006, 56: 87-100.
    [24]
    Kinsland G L, Borst C W, Indugula A P, et al. 3-D virtual reality database of the Chicxulub Impact Structure and new interpretations within. In: 38th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, March 12-16, 2007, League City, Texas. Houston, TX: Lunar and Planetary Institute, 2007.
    [25]
    Kinsland G L, Borst C W, Best C M, et al. Geomorphology and Holocene fluvial depositional history in the Mississippi River Valley near Lafayette, Louisiana: Interpretations of LIDAR data performed in 3D virtual reality. In: 2007 GCAGS 57th Annual Convention, Corpus Christi, Texas. Tulsa, OK: American Association of Petroleum Geologists, 2007.
    [26]
    Kinsland G L, Borst C W, Tiesel J P, et al. Interpretation and mapping in 3D virtual reality of Pleistocene Red River distributaries on the surface of the Prairie complex near Lafayette, Louisiana. In: 2008 GCAGS 58th Annual Meeting, Houston, Texas. Tulsa, OK: American Association of Petroleum Geologists, 2008.
    [27]
    Kinsland G L, Borst C W, Tiesel J P, et al. Cross-cutting relationships of features on the Pleistocene Prairie Complex near Lafayette, Louisiana: Imaged with LIDAR data and interpreted in 3D virtual reality. Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions, 2009, 59: 413-424.
    [28]
    Wang X, Guo C, Yuen D A, et al. GeoVReality: A computational interactive virtual reality visualization framework and workflow for geophysical research. Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors, 2020, 298: 106312.
    [29]
    Snavely N, Seitz S M, Szeliski R. Photo tourism:Exploring photo collections in 3D. ACM Transactions on Graphics, 2006, 25(3): 835-846.
    [30]
    James M R, Robson S. Straightforward reconstruction of 3D surfaces and topography with a camera: Accuracy and geoscience application. Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface, 2012, 117(F03017).
    [31]
    Trexler C C, Morelan A E, Oskin M E, et al. Surface slip from the 2014 South Napa earthquake measured with structure from motion and 3-D virtual reality. Geophysical Research Letters, 2018, 45(12): 5985-5991.
    [32]
    Tibaldi A, Bonali F L, Vitello F, et al. Real world-based immersive Virtual Reality for research, teaching and communication in volcanology. Bulletin of Volcanology, 2020, 82(5): 38.
    [33]
    Zhao J, Wallgrün J O, LaFemina P C, et al. Harnessing the power of immersive virtual reality-visualization and analysis of 3D earth science data sets. Geo-spatial Information Science, 2019, 22(4): 237-250.
    [34]
    Mariotto F P, Bonali F L, Venturini C. Iceland, an open-air museum for geoheritage and Earth science communication purposes. Resources, 2020, 9(2): 14.
    [35]
    Rossa P, Horota R K, Junior A M, et al. MOSIS: Immersive virtual field environments for earth sciences. In: 2019 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces (VR). IEEE, 2019: 1140-1141.
    [36]
    Kinsland G L, Borst C W, Tiesel J P, et al. Imaging digital well logs in 3D virtual reality: Investigation of northern Louisiana Wilcox fluvial/coal strata for coalbed natural gas. Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions, 2008, 58: 517-524.
    [37]
    Kinsland G L, Borst C. Visualization of petroleum well-logs from northern Louisiana in 3D immersive virtual reality. In: AAPG Hedberg Conference, Interpretation Visualization in the Petroleum Industry, Houston, Texas, June 1-4, 2014. Tulsa, OK: American Association of Petroleum Geologists, 2014.
    [38]
    Fischer K M, Parmentier E M, Stine A R, et al. Modeling anisotropy and plate-driven flow in the Tonga subduction zone back arc. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 2000, 105(B7): 16181-16191.
    [39]
    Billen M I, Gurnis M, Simons M. Multiscale dynamics of the Tonga-Kermadec subduction zone. Geophysical Journal International, 2003, 153(2): 359-388.
    [40]
    Tassara A, Götze H J, Schmidt S, et al. Three-dimensional density model of the Nazca plate and the Andean continental margin. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 2006, 111(B9): B09404.
    [41]
    Miller M S, Kennett B L N. Evolution of mantle structure beneath the northwest Pacific: Evidence from seismic tomography and paleogeographic reconstructions. Tectonics, 2006, 25(4): TC4002.
    [42]
    Miller M S, Gorbatov A, Kennett B L N. Three-dimensional visualization of a near-vertical slab tear beneath the southern Mariana arc. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 2006, 7(6): Q06012.
    [43]
    Jadamec M A, Kreylos O, Chang B, et al. A visual survey of global slab geometries with ShowEarthModel and implications for a three-dimensional subduction paradigm. Earth and Space Science, 2018, 5(6): 240-257.
    [44]
    Tackley P J. Mantle convection and plate tectonics: Toward an integrated physical and chemical theory. Science, 2000, 288(5473): 2002-2007.
    [45]
    McNamara A K, Zhong S. Thermochemical structures beneath Africa and the Pacific Ocean. Nature, 2005, 437(7062): 1136-1139.
    [46]
    Jadamec M A, Billen M I. Influence of slab geometry on diffuse plate boundary deformation: 3D numerical models of the plate boundary corner in southern Alaska. AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts, 2006: T23B-0491.
    [47]
    Wiedemann M, Schuberth B S A, Colli L, et al. Visualising large-scale geodynamic simulations: How to dive into Earth’s mantle with virtual reality. In: 22nd EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts. Munich Germany: European Geosciences Union, 2020: 5714.
    [48]
    Mazuryk T, Gervautz M. Virtual reality: History, applications, technology and future. Vienna, Austria: Vienna University of Technology, 1996.
    [49]
    Mihelj M, Novak D, Beguš S. Virtual Reality Technology and Applications. Berlin: Springer, 2014.
    [50]
    Zhang H. Head-mounted display-based intuitive virtual reality training system for the mining industry. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology, 2017, 27(4): 717-722.
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    [1]
    Gerloni I G, Carchiolo V, Vitello F R, et al. Immersive virtual reality for earth sciences. In: 2018 Federated Conference on Computer Science and Information Systems (FedCSIS). IEEE, 2018: 527-534.
    [2]
    Kellogg L H, Bawden G W, Bernardin T, et al. Interactive visualization to advance earthquake simulation. Pure and Applied Geophysics, 2008, 165(3): 621-633.
    [3]
    Sherman W R, Kinsland G L, Borst C W, et al. Immersive visualization for the geological sciences. In: Handbook of Virtual Environments: Design, Implementation, and Applications. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2014.
    [4]
    Zhao Q. A survey on virtual reality. Science in China Series F: Information Sciences, 2009, 52(3): 348-400.
    [5]
    Patterson C,Ortiz D, Hall E M, et al. Folding LiDAR and scientific data into virtual reality: Creating a planetary cave exploration utility for future missions to Mars. AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts, 2020: P055-0002.
    [6]
    Tullo A, Mancini F, Ori G. Virtual reality at regional scale: Exploring terrestrial bodies in immersive 3D environments. In: AGU 2021 Fall Meeting, New Orleans, LA. Washington DC: American Geophysical Union, 2021.
    [7]
    Hyde D A B, Hall T R, Caers J. VRGE: An immersive visualization application for the geosciences. In: 2018 IEEE Scientific Visualization Conference (SciVis). IEEE, 2018: 1-5.
    [8]
    Heilig M L.Sensorama Simulator. US Patent 3050870, 1962.
    [9]
    Comeau C. Headsight television system provides remote surveillance. Electronics, 1961: 86-90.
    [10]
    Sutherland I. The ultimate display. Proceedings of IFIP Congress,1965: 506-508.
    [11]
    DeVito N, Ngalamou L. VR implementation in user-interactive simulation environments. In: 2021 IEEE 7th International Conference on Virtual Reality (ICVR). IEEE, 2021: 172-179.
    [12]
    Burdea G C, Coiffet P. Virtual Reality Technology. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2003.
    [13]
    Cruz-Neira C, Sandin D J, DeFanti T A,et al. The CAVE: Audio visual experience automatic virtual environment. Communications of the ACM, 1992, 35(6): 64-73.
    [14]
    Shibata T. Head mounted display. Displays, 2002, 23: 57-64.
    [15]
    Cruz-Neira C, Sandin D J, DeFanti T A. Surround-screen projection-based virtual reality: The design and implementation of the CAVE. In: Proceedings of the 20th Annual Conference on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques. New York: Association for Computing Machinery, 1993: 135-142.
    [16]
    Cowgill E, Bernardin T S, Oskin M E, et al. Interactive terrain visualization enables virtual field work during rapid scientific response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Geosphere, 2012, 8(4): 787-804.
    [17]
    Head J W III, van Dam A, Fulcomer S G, et al. ADVISER: Immersive scientific visualization applied to Mars research and exploration. Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing, 2005, 71(10): 1219-1225.
    [18]
    Bagher M M, Sajjadi P, Carr J, et al. Fostering penetrative thinking in geosciences through immersive experiences: A case study in visualizing earthquake locations in 3D. In: 2020 6th International Conference of the Immersive Learning Research Network (iLRN). IEEE, 2020: 132-139.
    [19]
    Kinsland G L, Borst C W. Visualization and interpretation of geologic data in 3D virtual reality. Interpretation, 2015, 3(3): SX13-SX20.
    [20]
    Whitmeyer S J, Nicoletti J, De Paor D G. The digital revolution in geologic mapping. GSA Today, 2010, 20(4/5): 4-10.
    [21]
    Pavlis T L, Mason K A. The new world of 3D geologic mapping. GSA Today, 2017, 27(9): 4-10.
    [22]
    Borst C W, Kinsland G L. Visualization and interpretation of 3D geological and geophysical data in heterogeneous virtual reality displays: Examples from the Chicxulub Impact Crater. Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions,2005, 55: 23-34.
    [23]
    Borst C W, Kinsland G L, Baiyya V B, et al. System for interpretation of 3-D data in virtual-reality displays and refined interpretations of geophysical and topographic data from the Chicxulub Impact Crater. Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions, 2006, 56: 87-100.
    [24]
    Kinsland G L, Borst C W, Indugula A P, et al. 3-D virtual reality database of the Chicxulub Impact Structure and new interpretations within. In: 38th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, March 12-16, 2007, League City, Texas. Houston, TX: Lunar and Planetary Institute, 2007.
    [25]
    Kinsland G L, Borst C W, Best C M, et al. Geomorphology and Holocene fluvial depositional history in the Mississippi River Valley near Lafayette, Louisiana: Interpretations of LIDAR data performed in 3D virtual reality. In: 2007 GCAGS 57th Annual Convention, Corpus Christi, Texas. Tulsa, OK: American Association of Petroleum Geologists, 2007.
    [26]
    Kinsland G L, Borst C W, Tiesel J P, et al. Interpretation and mapping in 3D virtual reality of Pleistocene Red River distributaries on the surface of the Prairie complex near Lafayette, Louisiana. In: 2008 GCAGS 58th Annual Meeting, Houston, Texas. Tulsa, OK: American Association of Petroleum Geologists, 2008.
    [27]
    Kinsland G L, Borst C W, Tiesel J P, et al. Cross-cutting relationships of features on the Pleistocene Prairie Complex near Lafayette, Louisiana: Imaged with LIDAR data and interpreted in 3D virtual reality. Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions, 2009, 59: 413-424.
    [28]
    Wang X, Guo C, Yuen D A, et al. GeoVReality: A computational interactive virtual reality visualization framework and workflow for geophysical research. Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors, 2020, 298: 106312.
    [29]
    Snavely N, Seitz S M, Szeliski R. Photo tourism:Exploring photo collections in 3D. ACM Transactions on Graphics, 2006, 25(3): 835-846.
    [30]
    James M R, Robson S. Straightforward reconstruction of 3D surfaces and topography with a camera: Accuracy and geoscience application. Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface, 2012, 117(F03017).
    [31]
    Trexler C C, Morelan A E, Oskin M E, et al. Surface slip from the 2014 South Napa earthquake measured with structure from motion and 3-D virtual reality. Geophysical Research Letters, 2018, 45(12): 5985-5991.
    [32]
    Tibaldi A, Bonali F L, Vitello F, et al. Real world-based immersive Virtual Reality for research, teaching and communication in volcanology. Bulletin of Volcanology, 2020, 82(5): 38.
    [33]
    Zhao J, Wallgrün J O, LaFemina P C, et al. Harnessing the power of immersive virtual reality-visualization and analysis of 3D earth science data sets. Geo-spatial Information Science, 2019, 22(4): 237-250.
    [34]
    Mariotto F P, Bonali F L, Venturini C. Iceland, an open-air museum for geoheritage and Earth science communication purposes. Resources, 2020, 9(2): 14.
    [35]
    Rossa P, Horota R K, Junior A M, et al. MOSIS: Immersive virtual field environments for earth sciences. In: 2019 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces (VR). IEEE, 2019: 1140-1141.
    [36]
    Kinsland G L, Borst C W, Tiesel J P, et al. Imaging digital well logs in 3D virtual reality: Investigation of northern Louisiana Wilcox fluvial/coal strata for coalbed natural gas. Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions, 2008, 58: 517-524.
    [37]
    Kinsland G L, Borst C. Visualization of petroleum well-logs from northern Louisiana in 3D immersive virtual reality. In: AAPG Hedberg Conference, Interpretation Visualization in the Petroleum Industry, Houston, Texas, June 1-4, 2014. Tulsa, OK: American Association of Petroleum Geologists, 2014.
    [38]
    Fischer K M, Parmentier E M, Stine A R, et al. Modeling anisotropy and plate-driven flow in the Tonga subduction zone back arc. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 2000, 105(B7): 16181-16191.
    [39]
    Billen M I, Gurnis M, Simons M. Multiscale dynamics of the Tonga-Kermadec subduction zone. Geophysical Journal International, 2003, 153(2): 359-388.
    [40]
    Tassara A, Götze H J, Schmidt S, et al. Three-dimensional density model of the Nazca plate and the Andean continental margin. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 2006, 111(B9): B09404.
    [41]
    Miller M S, Kennett B L N. Evolution of mantle structure beneath the northwest Pacific: Evidence from seismic tomography and paleogeographic reconstructions. Tectonics, 2006, 25(4): TC4002.
    [42]
    Miller M S, Gorbatov A, Kennett B L N. Three-dimensional visualization of a near-vertical slab tear beneath the southern Mariana arc. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 2006, 7(6): Q06012.
    [43]
    Jadamec M A, Kreylos O, Chang B, et al. A visual survey of global slab geometries with ShowEarthModel and implications for a three-dimensional subduction paradigm. Earth and Space Science, 2018, 5(6): 240-257.
    [44]
    Tackley P J. Mantle convection and plate tectonics: Toward an integrated physical and chemical theory. Science, 2000, 288(5473): 2002-2007.
    [45]
    McNamara A K, Zhong S. Thermochemical structures beneath Africa and the Pacific Ocean. Nature, 2005, 437(7062): 1136-1139.
    [46]
    Jadamec M A, Billen M I. Influence of slab geometry on diffuse plate boundary deformation: 3D numerical models of the plate boundary corner in southern Alaska. AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts, 2006: T23B-0491.
    [47]
    Wiedemann M, Schuberth B S A, Colli L, et al. Visualising large-scale geodynamic simulations: How to dive into Earth’s mantle with virtual reality. In: 22nd EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts. Munich Germany: European Geosciences Union, 2020: 5714.
    [48]
    Mazuryk T, Gervautz M. Virtual reality: History, applications, technology and future. Vienna, Austria: Vienna University of Technology, 1996.
    [49]
    Mihelj M, Novak D, Beguš S. Virtual Reality Technology and Applications. Berlin: Springer, 2014.
    [50]
    Zhang H. Head-mounted display-based intuitive virtual reality training system for the mining industry. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology, 2017, 27(4): 717-722.
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