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In recent years, geomagnetic observation stations have been subjected to more and more serious interference by HVDC transmission, subway, vehicles, etc. About 35 of the national geomagnetic second sampling stations have been subjected to vehicle interference, which has affected the integrity and efficiency of geomagnetic observation data. In this paper, three GM4 fluxgate magnetometers are used to carry out field interference tests on different types of vehicles in different directions, at different distances and at different speeds at Hongshan geomagnetic station, and the quantitative changes of horizontal component H, vertical component Z and magnetic declination angle D of geomagnetic field are analyzed. The results show that the dynamic vehicle driving orientation can be determined by the variation pattern of geomagnetic declination D component, and the influence of dynamic vehicle speed on geomagnetic field is small in space. A mathematical model of vehicle position change in geomagnetic field is established. Three fluxgate magnetometers can be used to invert the vehicle driving direction, driving speed and relative observation instrument position changes caused by geomagnetic stations. It provides a reference for the geomagnetic station to identify the impact of vehicle interference.

In this study, toroidal soft magnetic composites (SMCs) with the same specifications, positively engraved (FeSiBC–F) and side-engraved (FeSiBC–S) were prepared by pressing FeSiBC amorphous flake powder into a block, and then engraving from the front part and the side part, respectively. In addition, different mass fractions of FeSiBCCr amorphous spherical fine powder were mixed in the FeSiBC flake powder. Therefore, the effects of flake powder orientation and mixed FeSiBCCr fine powder on the magnetic properties of the compound SMCs were investigated deeply. The results show that FeSiBC–F has higher permeability and lower loss than FeSiBC–S as well as FeSiBCCr SMCs. This is because the powder's long axis in FeSiBC–F is parallel to the diameter direction of the SMCs, originating from the demagnetization effect induced by the shape anisotropy of the flake powder. Calculations of the loss separation of the compound SMCs mixed with FeSiBCCr fine powder show that the eddy current energy loss is only 1/120-1/200 of the total energy loss that can be neglected, which is due to the high resistivity and integrity of the insulating layer. While the hysteresis energy loss and excess energy loss are affected by the density of compound SMCs and the volume fraction of non-magnetic pores, which dominate the total energy loss and tend to decrease initially, then increase as the mass fraction of FeSiBCCr amorphous spherical fine powder increases. Compared with pure FeSiBC SMCs, compound SMCs with the optimal microstructure can be obtained by mixing 15 wt% of FeSiBCCr fine powder, resulting in an all-around improvement in comprehensive soft magnetic properties. Its permeability increased from 66.69 to 67.34, and the DC bias performance at 100 Oe improved by 0.77%. The total loss decreased from 165.48 mW/cm³ to 153.39 mW/cm³ at 100 kHz, 500 Gs. It is shown that mixing appropriate amount of amorphous spherical fine powder in FeSiBC amorphous flake powder to fill the non-magnetic pores is an effective way to optimize the microstructure of amorphous SMCs, and to fully utilize the high-frequency soft magnetic properties of amorphous SMCs.

The hot, arid climate of the Qassim region in Saudi Arabia poses significant challenges for energy-efficient building design, especially in terms of passive cooling strategies. Courtyards, a traditional architectural element, offer potential for improving thermal performance in such climates. However, the impact of courtyard plan aspect ratio and orientation on energy consumption in semi-detached houses remains understudied. This research addresses this gap by investigating the thermal behavior of U-shaped courtyards in arid climates through IES simulations. The study aims to assess the influence of different courtyard shapes (square and rectangular) and orientations (north, east, west, and south) on cooling loads in adjacent spaces. Two semi-detached house configurations, each featuring either a square or rectangular U-shaped courtyard, were modeled and analyzed. The findings indicate that square courtyards perform better than rectangular, reducing cooling loads during summer months. South-facing courtyards exhibited the highest energy consumption due to prolonged solar exposure, while west-facing courtyards had the lowest cooling loads. Furthermore, the results show that the internal zoning of rooms adjacent to the courtyard should be strategically planned based on thermal performance, as specific zones experienced varying cooling demands depending on courtyard shape and orientation. In conclusion, optimizing courtyard design, including plan aspect ratio and orientation, can significantly enhance energy efficiency and thermal comfort in arid climates. These insights provide architects with practical guidelines for designing more sustainable and energy-efficient courtyard houses. Future research could explore the integration of social and environmental aspects, as well as the impact of natural light on adjacent spaces

Cell polarity refers to the orientation of tissue and organelles within a cell and the direction of its function. It is one of the most critical characteristics of metazoans. The development, growth, and functional tissue distribution are closely related to holistic tissue or organ homeostasis. However, the connection between cell polarity and osteoarthritis (OA) is less well-known. In OA, multiple chondrocyte clusters and tissue disorganisation can be observed in the degraded cartilage tissue. The excessive upregulation of the planar cell polarity (PCP) signalling pathway leads to the loss of cell polarity and organisation in OA progression and aetiology. Recent research has become increasingly aware of the importance of cell polarity and its correlation with OA. Several cell polarity-related treatments have shed light on OA. A thorough understanding of cell polarity and OA would provide more insights for future investigations to treat this worldwide disease. The translational potential of this article: Understanding cell polarity, associated signalling pathways, organelle changes, and cell movement in the development of OA could lead to advances in precision medicine and enhanced treatment strategies for OA patients.

Hungarian foreign policy has been in the international spotlight, raising doubts about its direction. The purpose of this article is to highlight the contradictions between an interest-based and a value-based foreign policy. A theoretical introduction is followed by a brief analysis of the elements of a pragmatic foreign policy. At the same time, the second part of the paper presents a short case study from the Western Balkans. The Hungarian position on two countries, Kosovo and Serbia, will be analysed, not forgetting that these two countries are examples of the changes that have taken place in the relations between Hungary and Serbia. Despite earlier nationalist tensions, Serbia has become Hungary's almost sole ally in the region, putting the minority issue in the background and adopting a pragmatic approach. In this essay, we will also try to identify the considerations that guided Hungarian diplomacy in its position towards the West. Finally, we will discuss the extent to which the original goal of "occupying Brussels" was realistic and the consequences of Hungary's pragmatic foreign policy.

Abstract Background Medical students with sexual and gender diversity (SGD) often face challenges in educational performance and encounter more education-related problems, potentially due to discrimination in medical schools. This study aimed to compare academic difficulties, education-related issues, and experiences of discrimination among medical students with SGD versus those identifying as non-SGD. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. Participants included a convenient sample of medical students aged at least 18 from five Thai medical schools, all recruited during the 2021 academic year. General demographic data, academic difficulties, education-related problems, and both positive and negative aspects of medical education, encompassing physical aspects, supporting systems, and discrimination, were assessed. The descriptive data and comparison between SGD and non-SGD medical students were performed. Binary logistic regression was adopted to evaluate the association between characteristics of discrimination in each categorized type of gender diversity. Results Among 1322 medical students, 412 (31.2%) described themselves as having SGD. There was no significant difference in academic performance between SGD and non-SGD students. However, SGD students reported higher dropout thoughts (39.8% vs. 23.1%, p

Abstract Studying crystal anisotropy is of great importance for understanding the thermal–mechanical coupling behavior of crystalline rocks in deep underground engineering. In this study, a microscopic parameter calibration method incorporating the size effect is proposed. Subsequently, a thermal–mechanical coupling model accounting for the quartz crystal anisotropy is established to investigate the thermal–mechanical coupling behavior of monomineral quartzite. The results show that thermal-induced microcracks are exclusively distributed along crystal boundaries, and initiate preferentially from crystal boundaries with a larger average linear thermal expansion coefficient, eventually leading to the formation of a crack network. With the increase in temperature, the peak strength of monomineral quartzite increases slightly at first and then decreases rapidly, and the transition threshold temperature is 200 °C. Both elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio show a monotonic pattern, with abrupt changes occurring at 200 and 300 °C, respectively. The monomineral quartzite exhibits a significant compaction stage under uniaxial compression, and the ductile strengthening critical temperature for monomineral quartzite are between 400 and 500 °C. The quartz crystal anisotropy leads to an anisotropic distribution of inclination angles for tensile microcracks under high temperatures while having no obvious effect on the shear microcracks. In addition, the average size of fragments generated under uniaxial compression is influenced by thermal cracking, demonstrating an initial decrease followed by an increase, and the distribution of fragment sizes is solely correlated with the temperature, which is more concentrated with the increase in temperature.

Within the framework of the presented research, the question of the manipulative potential of mass culture as a tool of political influence is raised. The methodology of the work is built based on a combination of elements of comparative, structural and descriptive analysis. The author concludes that popular culture products, even if their creators have purely commercial motives, play the role of a tool for promoting meanings and values and, due to this, are a resource for regulating the behavior and perception of the target audience. The latter turns mass culture into a product of the functioning of the orientational level of the political system. The potential of works of popular culture to develop the effect of emotional contagion contributes to the fact that the impact of broadcast content becomes as wide as possible. The high degree of dependence of the content of cultural narratives on the context and the possibility of free commentary contributes to an increase in the options for their interpretation. The result is the loss by authors and customers of works of full control over the dissemination of transmitted meanings and their interpretation.

Abstract Background To assess the relationship between postoperative implantable collamer lens (ICL) vault and lens height obtained from two different measurements. Methods A retrospective case series study enrolled eyes with horizontally implanted ICL. Crystal lens rise (CLR) and the distance between STS plane and anterior crystalline lens surface (STSL) were measured in the horizontal and vertical directions using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). We compared the differences in the parameters measured in both horizontal and vertical directions. The participants were categorized into three groups according to ciliary sulcus width (CSW) which is defined as the distance between the posterior angle of the iris and the anterior angle of the ciliary process: narrow CSW group (NSG); medium CSW group (MSG); and wide CSW group (WSG). The correlations between CLR/STSL and vault were examined in each of the three groups. Biased correlation analysis was used further to contrast the correlation between CLR/STSL and vault. Results This retrospective study included 223 myopic eyes. Vertical STSL (VSTSL) and vertical CLR (VCLR) exhibited significantly greater values compared to their horizontal counterparts (both P

Abstract Texture segregation studies indicate that some types of textures are processed by edge-based and others by region-based mechanisms. However, studies employing nominally edge-based textures have found evidence for region-based processing mechanisms when the task was to detect rather than segregate the textures. Here we investigate directly whether the nature of the task determines if region-based or edge-based mechanisms are involved in texture perception. Stimuli consisted of randomly positioned Gabor micropattern texture arrays with five types of modulation: orientation modulation, orientation variance modulation, luminance modulation, contrast modulation and contrast variance modulation (CVM). There were four modulation frequencies: 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 cpd. Each modulation type was defined by three types of waveforms: sinewave (SN) with its smooth variations, square-wave (SQ) and cusp-wave (CS) with its sharp texture edges. The CS waveform was constructed by removing a sinewave from an equal amplitude square-wave. Participants performed two tasks: detection in which participants selected which of two stimuli contained the modulation and discrimination in which participants indicated which of two textures had a different modulation orientation. Our results indicate that threshold amplitudes in the detection task followed the ordering SQ

Introduction The understanding of the biomechanics of movements in the spinopelvic segment plays an important role in the successful treatment of patients with hip-spine syndrome. Analysis of the biomechanical processes occurring in the biokinematic chain of the spine–pelvis–hip during the transition from standing position to sitting position allows us to conclude that the acetabular axis of rotation of the pelvis in space is not the only one. Classical methods for measuring PI, PT, overhang S1 are applicable for patients in a standing position and use the hip joint as a starting point, since it is the point of rotation of the pelvis in space in a standing position. Previously, using mathematical modeling, we described spatial changes in the pelvis during a given change in the body position and showed the presence of a second point of pelvis rotation in space, which appears in a sitting position. We assumed that in a sitting position, it is necessary to use other methods for calculating indicators of spinopelvic relationships for their determination. Purpose of the study was to evaluate the parameters of patients’ sagittal balance using the proposed alternative method in standing and sitting positions. Materials and methods Medical documentation and the results of X-ray examination of 20 patients with unilateral idiopathic coxarthrosis who underwent total hip replacement surgery were analyzed. The radiographic parameters were calculated: PI, PT, overhang S1 in standing and sitting positions, anterior inclination of the acetabular component; parameters PI ischial, PT ischial, deviation of the ischial tuberosities in standing and sitting positions were proposed and calculated. Results The study shows that there is no statistical difference in the values of the angles PI standard for a standing position and PI ischial for a sitting position. It corresponds to objective data and is generally accepted. Examples of changes in radiographic parameters of the sacral slope and the deviation of the ischial tuberosities were shown reflecting the rotation of the pelvis in space through the second, ischial axis, that confirm the biaxial concept of pelvic rotation. Discussion The calculations demonstrated the possibility of using alternative indicators of spinopelvic relationships (PT, distance of overhang of the sacrum (overhang S1), deviation of the ischial tuberosities). They enabled assessment of the spatial transformation of the pelvis and the ability to predict the spatial position of the acetabulum, which is an important factor for successful treatment of patients with combined pathology of the hip joint and spine. Conclusion Our findings complement the biaxial concept of pelvic rotation. An alternative method for measuring sagittal balance parameters in a sitting position has been proposed. Further research is required to assess the practical significance of this method.

Abstract The stability of cropping systems in a changing climate context depends on numerous factors, including row orientation, to optimize the use of environmental resources. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of agricultural systems based on the row orientation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and maize (Zea mays) in three different ecological conditions in Côte d’Ivoire, in 2020 and 2021. An experimental design with plots divided into three complete randomized blocks with six subplots per block and three repetitions was set up, varying the row orientation in intercropping and monoculture. Row orientation, cropping system used, and ecological zone significantly influenced crop yield and its components. In intercropping, cowpea (tiligré) showed the best yields when oriented North–South (NS) in the tropical rainforest zone and the sub-Sudanian savannah, while East–West (EW) orientation was optimal in the forest-savannah mosaic zone. In contrast, maize (GMRP18) yielded the best in intercropping when rows were oriented East–West, regardless of the season. In monoculture, cowpea yielded best when oriented EW in the tropical rainforest zone (488.17 kg ha−1) and in the forest-savannah mosaic zone (1262.12 kg ha−1), while NS orientations were preferable (228.6 and 259.54 kg ha−1) in the sub-Sudanian savannah zone. For maize monoculture, EW orientation was also preferable. Throughout the study, for both seasons, the highest yield advantages in maize-cowpea intercropping were obtained in EW orientation, regardless of the ecological zone. Overall, the forest-savannah mosaic zone yielded the best cowpea yields (1262.12 and 663.9 kg ha−1).

Abstract Invasive Anoplophora glabripennis recently became established in Japan and has caused heavy damage to several street-tree species. Overseas, A. glabripennis infests trees of the genera Acer and Populus as common host plants, and Malus, Pyrus, and Prunus (Rosaceae), including apple, pear, and plum trees; it therefore poses a potential risk to the production of economically valuable fruits in Japan. Fruit farms in areas already invaded by A. glabripennis are now threatened with tree infestation. We aimed to determine the potential damage to major fruit species in Japan. In the laboratory, we determined if the adult beetle is attracted to the odor of each of these tree species’ branches; two confirmed host plant species and five Rosaceae fruit species, as well as its feeding preferences among branches of one host plant and the five fruit trees and its oviposition preferences among them. Among the fruit species, cherry branch had the highest rate of odor orientation by males. The feeding-preference assay showed that, besides the host plant, Japanese pear was the most consumed among the fruit trees. The potential risk of A. glabripennis laying eggs on fruit-tree branches was high for Japanese pear and above zero for plum, apple, and cherry branches.

Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) on vertical façades is a potential PV application in today's buildings. The performance of BIPV on façades is significantly influenced by the façade orientation. For tropical cities, the optimum façade orientation, in terms of maximum energy yield and daylight performance, cannot be simply determined, due to relatively symmetrical sun path throughout the day. This study therefore aims to determine the optimum orientation for BIPV on tropical building façades. To achieve the objective, experiment, modelling, and computational simulation are conducted to evaluate the BIPV energy yield and to predict the indoor daylight performance in a scale-model building with a 105Wp monocrystalline silicon PV, facing each cardinal orientation in Bandung, Indonesia. The South orientation yields practically zero ASE1000,250, providing the best annual daylight performance, and yielding the most desirable value in four out of five daylight metrics. The greatest annual energy yield is at the North orientation, providing 179–186 kWh (95% prediction interval) per year, but with larger uncertainty compared to that at the South, due to direct sunlight occurrence. Based on three different objective functions, the South orientation is considered optimum for placing the BIPV panel on the prototype façade in the location.

Automated Aerial Triangulation (AAT), aiming to restore image poses and reconstruct sparse points simultaneously, plays a pivotal role in earth observation. AAT has evolved into a fundamental process widely applied in large-scale Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) based mapping. However classic AAT methods still face challenges like low efficiency and limited robustness. This paper introduces DeepAAT, a deep learning network designed specifically for AAT of UAV imagery. DeepAAT considers both spatial and spectral characteristics of imagery, enhancing its capability to resolve erroneous matching pairs and accurately predict image poses. DeepAAT marks a significant leap in AAT’s efficiency, ensuring thorough scene coverage and precision. Its processing speed outpaces incremental AAT methods by hundreds of times and global AAT methods by tens of times while maintaining a comparable level of reconstruction accuracy. Additionally, DeepAAT’s scene clustering and merging strategy facilitate rapid localization and pose determination for large-scale UAV images, even under constrained computing resources. The experimental results demonstrate that DeepAAT substantially improves over conventional AAT methods, highlighting its potential for increased efficiency and accuracy in UAV-based 3D reconstruction tasks. To benefit the photogrammetry society, the code of DeepAAT will be released at: https://github.com/WHU-USI3DV/DeepAAT.

In this study, Computed Tomography (CT) technology was employed to visually analyze the influence of thermal effects on the microstructure of prefabricated fractured granite. The porosity and heterogeneity of the samples were calculated using three-dimensional reconstruction techniques, and two parameters, crack length and orientation, were introduced to quantitatively evaluate the impact of prefabricated fractures on subsequent crack propagation. The results indicated that at 400 °C–500 °C, numerous microcracks were generated within the samples, but they did not interconnect. Above 600 °C, microcracks gradually propagated, forming well-connected crack networks. Due to the uneven thermal stress distribution caused by the prefabricated fractures, samples subjected to temperatures above 600 °C exhibited higher heterogeneity in the vertical direction. While in other directions, the samples gradually tended to homogenize as the temperature rose. Below 500 °C, crack length was significantly affected by the prefabricated fractures, although this influence diminished with increasing distance from the fractures. When the temperature was below 400 °C, microcracks mainly propagated along the direction of the prefabricated fractures. However, when the temperature exceeded 500 °C, microcracks began to initiate and propagate in the opposite direction of the prefabricated fractures, and anti-wing cracks started to emerge.

Rural areas are increasingly the focus of exploration by various stakeholders. However, local communities, as landowners in these regions, often do not reap the full benefits. This issue stems from their limited involvement in regional development and a lack of awareness about ongoing projects. Local communities play a crucial role in the success of rural development, and understanding their attitudes is vital. This study aimed to explore local community attitudes toward eco-rural tourism development in Kerinci Regency, Jambi Province. A closed-ended questionnaire, designed with a "One Score One Indicator" system, assessed various factors including socio-cultural aspects, conservation, ethnic politics, economics, regional development, tourism, and landscape ecology across six villages. The analysis of local community orientation was conducted using quantitative descriptive methods and One-Way ANOVA statistical tests. Results indicated a positive polarization in community attitudes across all villages, showing strong support for eco-rural tourism. By focusing on the identified indicators, local communities are motivated to collaborate and enhance their rural areas through eco-tourism initiatives. The findings suggest that these communities possess significant potential to develop their regions in line with eco-rural tourism principles. Additionally, the insights gained can inform the creation of eco-rural tourism programs that emphasize community involvement and leverage local strengths. This approach aims to ensure that rural communities benefit from the exploration and development occurring in their areas.

To realize the automatic orientation and decapitation of shrimp, an integrated device for shrimp orientation and decapitation was designed based on the shape and size characteristics of shrimp, which was mainly composed of oriented rollers, shrimp pushing boards, adaptive clamping claw and knife for the decapitation of shrimp. Three kinds of shrimp of small, medium, and large size were selected. Taking the speed of the shrimp pushing boards, the horizontal speed of the adaptive clamping claw, the rotational speed of oriented rollers and the radius of the oriented rollers as the test factors, and the success rate of the shrimp decapitation as the index, the single factor test and the orthogonal test were carried out to study the effect of each factor on the shrimp decapitation, and then the main parameters of the device were optimized. The results showed that the optimal parameter combinations of the three sizes of shrimp were the speed of shrimp pushing plates of 60mm/s, the horizontal speed of adaptive clamping claw of 70mm/s, the rotational speed of oriented rollers of 60r/min, and the radius of oriented rollers of 20mm. Under the optimal combination of parameters, the device has the highest decapitation success rate and the success rate of shrimp decapitation was 91.5% for small shrimp, 94.6% for medium shrimp, and 92.8% for large shrimp, the decapitation speed was 36pcs/min for small shrimp, 38 pcs/min for medium shrimp, and 37 pcs/min for large shrimp. Therefore, the feasibility of the device design is verified.

ObjectiveThe primary aim of this investigation was to devise an intelligent approach for interpreting and measuring the spatial orientation of semicircular canals based on cranial MRI. The ultimate objective is to employ this intelligent method to construct a precise mathematical model that accurately represents the spatial orientation of the semicircular canals.MethodsUsing a dataset of 115 cranial MRI scans, this study employed the nnDetection deep learning algorithm to perform automated segmentation of the semicircular canals and the eyeballs (left and right). The center points of each semicircular canal were organized into an ordered structure using point characteristic analysis. Subsequently, a point-by-point plane fit was performed along these centerlines, and the normal vector of the semicircular canals was computed using the singular value decomposition method and calibrated to a standard spatial coordinate system whose transverse planes were the top of the common crus and the bottom of the eyeballs.ResultsThe nnDetection target recognition segmentation algorithm achieved Dice values of 0.9585 and 0.9663. The direction angles of the unit normal vectors for the left anterior, lateral, and posterior semicircular canal planes were [80.19°, 124.32°, 36.08°], [169.88°, 100.04°, 91.32°], and [79.33°, 130.63°, 137.4°], respectively. For the right side, the angles were [79.03°, 125.41°, 142.42°], [171.45°, 98.53°, 89.43°], and [80.12°, 132.42°, 44.11°], respectively.ConclusionThis study successfully achieved real-time automated understanding and measurement of the spatial orientation of semicircular canals, providing a solid foundation for personalized diagnosis and treatment optimization of vestibular diseases. It also establishes essential tools and a theoretical basis for future research into vestibular function and related diseases.

The orientation (including the c axis orientation and crystal direction parallel to rolling direction) evolution of grown recrystallization grains during annealing at 250 °C for 45–180 min in Mg–Zn-Gd alloy was characterized by quasi-in-situ electron backscatter diffraction method. An unusual grain orientation rotation during the process of static recrystallization grain growth, rather than common plastic deformation or recrystallization nucleation process, was observed. Due to the higher storage energy, the growth size in the early stage of annealing (1.41 μm) is larger than that in the late stage of annealing (0.73 μm) for most (∼76%) grains, and corresponding average c-axis rotation angles are 3.65° and 1.39°, respectively, indicating that the larger the increase in grain size, the greater the changing degree in grain orientation. It is speculated that the orientation rotation during grain growth process is mediated by the interaction between dislocations and grain boundaries. The results reported in the current paper can provide a new insight into the study on the relationship between preferential grain growth and non-basal texture formation in rare earth contained Mg alloys.

The unique coherency strain hardening mechanism and sluggish precipitation kinetics of γ″ phase have enabled Inconel 718 excellent elevated temperature serving performance and formability. However, the orienting character of γ″ phase determines its precipitation mutability and its morphology is susceptible to external stress and plastic deformation. Inconel 718 alloy is generally fabricated through plastic processing technologies like forging and rolling, where heterogeneous γ″ particles are commonly observed after aging. Therefore, it is vital to reveal the structural factor inducing the heterogeneous γ″ precipitation caused by deformation to lay fundamentals for particle configuration control. For this purpose, the present work aimed to define the heterogeneous γ″ configuration induced by prior deformation and explore the relevant structural mechanism. The γ″ particle morphologies in directly-aged cold-rolled Inconel 718 were characterized, prior rolling deformation resulted in heterogeneous γ″ precipitation during the aging process, which was defined as the inequivalence in their relative number fraction and particle size of perpendicular γ″-variants. Deformation led to the formation of β grains with lattice distortion in Inconel 718 alloy, which was the primary structural factor to induce the heterogeneous γ″ precipitation. These results explained that the FCC-γ lattice distortions caused by plastic deformation were responsible for the heterogeneous precipitation of second-particles.

The proliferation of flexible electronics has entirely transformed the field of antenna design and paved the door for cutting-edge uses in communication, sensing, and other areas. The present research lends a succinct overview of the intriguing advancements in flexible antenna technology, with specific emphasis on the implementation of polymer substrates. As we refer to poly-flex antennas in this article, they stand for the incorporation of polymer substrates in antenna design. Polymer substrates are the optimum candidate for flexible antenna applications as they have specific advantages, including being lightweight, conformable, and inexpensive. The main features of poly-flex antennas, such as their design concepts, fabrication processes, and performance characteristics, are being explored in this proposed article. We delve into the wide variety of polymer substrates that are appropriate for antennas, taking into account their dielectric characteristics, flexibility, and environmental resistance. Their dielectric characterization, bending effects, challenges, and future prospects of this burgeoning field are also addressed. We conclude by emphasizing the immense potential of poly-flex-antennas to shape the future of wireless communication and sensing systems, and how the adoption of polymer substrates is driving innovation in antenna engineering.

La présente étude s’est intéressée à la nécessité de l’organisation du service d’orientation scolaire au sein des structures d’enseignement. Sa contribution au développement de notre pays tant souhaitée est considérable du fait que l’orientation scolaire et professionnelle répond à un besoin important, étant donné la complexité croissante du travail et que chaque filière de formation doit fournir une élite à la collectivité. Ainsi, cette étude va consister à observer l’impact de l’orientation sur le rendement scolaire des élèves. Pour comparer les résultats de deux catégories d’élèves comme souhaité au niveau de l’objectif de la recherche, nous avons opté pour la méthode d’enquête matérialisée par la technique documentaire, en se servant des listes des élèves orientés et les palmarès 2021-2022, précisément pour la classe de 1ère année au collège Saint Raphael de Limete à Kinshasa.

Abstract Visual perceptual learning is traditionally thought to arise in visual cortex. However, typical perceptual learning tasks also involve systematic mapping of visual information onto motor actions. Because the motor system contains both effector-specific and effector-unspecific representations, the question arises whether visual perceptual learning is effector-specific itself, or not. Here, we study this question in an orientation discrimination task. Subjects learn to indicate their choices either with joystick movements or with manual reaches. After training, we challenge them to perform the same task with eye movements. We dissect the decision-making process using the drift diffusion model. We find that learning effects on the rate of evidence accumulation depend on effectors, albeit not fully. This suggests that during perceptual learning, visual information is mapped onto effector-specific integrators. Overlap of the populations of neurons encoding motor plans for these effectors may explain partial generalization. Taken together, visual perceptual learning is not limited to visual cortex, but also affects sensorimotor mapping at the interface of visual processing and decision making.

The polymer gels containing dynamic cross-links and mesogenic groups are among the key candidates for the development of soft actuators and detectors, displays, sensors and other programmable and self-healing materials. In this article, firstly, the collapse of polymer networks with irreversible cross-links in the presence of a dynamic cross-linker is investigated by means of Flory-type theory. It is shown that, at not a very poor solvent quality (near the theta-conditions), the swelling ratio for a gel containing irreversible and dynamic cross-links is less than for a gel with irreversible cross-links only, whereas at poor or good solvent qualities sizes of these gels are close to each other. The number of dynamic cross-links monotonically increases with worsening the solvent quality. The gel contraction can be also achieved by increasing the dynamic cross-linker concentration, which allows one to change the transition point in a wide range of solvent conditions. Secondly, polymer networks containing irreversible and dynamic cross-links and incorporating mesogenic side groups is studied using the Maier–Saupe theory. With decreasing in the temperature, the continuous transition from a swollen to collapsed state occurs. With further increase in the temperature, the swelling ratio discontinuously decreases and the nematic order parameter sharply increases from zero to a value ​​close to one. By increasing the dynamic cross-linker concentration, the swelling-to-collapse transition and, then, the isotropic-nematic transition are observed. A phase diagram of the gel is constructed and, depending on the dynamic cross-linker concentration and temperature, the swollen gel with the zero nematic order parameter, the collapsed gel with the zero nematic order parameter, and the collapsed gel with the nematic ordering can be formed. A growth of the length of the mesogenic side group leads to an increase in the area of ​​existence of the collapsed gel with the nematic ordering in the phase diagram. The obtained theoretical results are in agreement with corresponding experimental data from the literature.

The purpose of this research was to examine entrepreneurial orientation of Bahir Dar University (BDU) students as research. The paper reports on experimental research undertaken to evaluate the entrepreneurship course offered at Bahir Dar University. 183 undergraduate students were recruited using stratified sampling across colleges for the study. A standardized questionnaire adopted from Entrepreneurial Attitude Orientation (EAO) scale was used as a data collection instrument measuring four constructs: achievement, innovation, perceived personal control, and perceived self-esteem in business. A pre-test was given for the sample students before the course began. Then, the course was given for a semester, after which a post-test was given to 176 students since 7 students had withdrawn from the study. The findings of the study revealed that, except in innovation, a non-significant contribution was found in the remaining three constructs. Educators and curricula experts might get deep insight about what aspects of entrepreneurship course would bring about entrepreneurial inclination in the students’ minds. Concerned management bodies of the University on entrepreneurship training and education programs could also use the findings to make required interventions in the form of support, revision, and encouragement of the programs.

In the field of additive manufacturing, Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is a prominent techniques used to create elaborate three-dimensional objects without wasting materials. 3D-printing technology has been revolutionized with the polymer Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG), replacing traditional polymers because of its chemical toughness and mechanical strength. In addition, composites made of PETG, especially those reinforced with fibers, have proven their versatility in different fields. However, the key issue is to prepare PETG composites with optimal mechanical performance throughout their service life, which requires precise fine-tuning of printing parameters. Therefore, this study attempted to optimize several process parameters, including orientation, print speed, layer height, and infill density, to achieve the full potential of printed aramid-fiber-reinforced PETG (PETG-KF) composites. The specimens were manufactured carefully according to the L16 orthogonal array, which ensured full variation of the parameters using Taguchi optimization. Following this, a comprehensive Analysis of Variance was performed with a 95% confidence interval as a support, which allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of the printing parameters on the bending properties. Based on the results, the optimal performance in bending properties of PETG-KF materials was achieved at a printing speed of 80 mm/s, 0.20 mm layer height, and 100% infill-density. This study not only elucidates the complex process of optimizing 3D-printing parameters but also offers valuable insights into improving the mechanical properties of PETG-KF-based composites. In addition, the investigation covers various mechanical attributes, including Ultimate Tensile Strength, hardness, fatigue resistance, and impact strength, which show significant improvement in 3D-printing.

Herein, we study comparatively the crystal structure, orientation, and residual stress of polypropylene (PP) films processed by uniaxial constant width (UCW) and uniaxial free width (UFW) stretching modes, respectively. Compared with UFW PP film, UCW PP film exhibits broad lamellar thickness distribution with thinner average lamellar thickness, and accordingly lower melting temperature region. UCW PP film also has larger lateral lamellar size with high orientation along stretching direction. In addition, a preferential orientation of b-axis perpendicular to the surface exists in the UCW PP film, while a cylindrical symmetry around the stretching direction is in UFW PP film. A new single tilt X-ray diffraction method is utilized to measure the residual stress of PP films. The direction of maximum principal tensile residual stress is approximately along stretching direction for both films, while tensile residual stress occurs in UCW PP film and compressive residual stress in UFW PP film in transverse direction. Good correlation of the direction of maximum residual stress with crystal orientation is found in both PP films.

The visual system can compute summary statistics of several visual elements at a glance. Numerous studies have shown that an ensemble of different visual features can be perceived over 50–200 ms; however, the time point at which the visual system forms an accurate ensemble representation associated with an individual’s perception remains unclear. This is mainly because most previous studies have not fully addressed time-resolved neural representations that occur during ensemble perception, particularly lacking quantification of the representational strength of ensembles and their correlation with behavior. Here, we conducted orientation ensemble discrimination tasks and electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings to decode orientation representations over time while human observers discriminated an average of multiple orientations. We modeled EEG signals as a linear sum of hypothetical orientation channel responses and inverted this model to quantify the representational strength of orientation ensemble. Our analysis using this inverted encoding model revealed stronger representations of the average orientation over 400–700 ms. We also correlated the orientation representation estimated from EEG signals with the perceived average orientation reported in the ensemble discrimination task with adjustment methods. We found that the estimated orientation at approximately 600–700 ms significantly correlated with the individual differences in perceived average orientation. These results suggest that although ensembles can be quickly and roughly computed, the visual system may gradually compute an orientation ensemble over several hundred milliseconds to achieve a more accurate ensemble representation.

Abstract Quasi‐2D perovskite quantum wells are increasingly recognized as promising candidates for direct‐conversion X‐ray detection. However, the fabrication of oriented and uniformly thick quasi‐2D perovskite films, crucial for effective high‐energy X‐ray detection, is hindered by the inherent challenges of preferential crystallization at the gas‐liquid interface, resulting in poor film quality. In addressing this limitation, a carbonyl array‐synergized crystallization (CSC) strategy is employed for the fabrication of thick films of a quasi‐2D Ruddlesden‐Popper (RP) phase perovskite, specifically PEA2MA4Pb5I16. The CSC strategy involves incorporating two forms of carbonyls in the perovskite precursor, generating large and dense intermediates. This design reduces the nucleation rate at the gas‐liquid interface, enhances the binding energies of Pb2+ at (202) and (111) planes, and passivates ion vacancy defects. Consequently, the construction of high‐quality thick films of PEA2MA4Pb5I16 RP perovskite quantum wells is achieved and characterized by vertical orientation and a pure well‐width distribution. The corresponding PEA2MA4Pb5I16 RP perovskite X‐ray detectors exhibit multi‐dimensional advantages in performance compared to previous approaches and commercially available a‐Se detectors. This CSC strategy promotes 2D perovskites as a candidate for next‐generation large‐area flat‐panel X‐ray detection systems.

Abstract The contact resistivity originating from the metal–semiconductor interface is a crucial factor for conversion efficiency of thermoelectric films devices. Due to anisotropic nature of state‐of‐art Bi2Te3 films, the contact resistivity also needs to match with the different orientations in/out‐plane film configurations. Here, a series of bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) films with different orientations are deposited, and the contact resistivity between Ti/Cr/Cu and Bi2Te3‐based films is studied in detail. The increased (00l) orientation can effectively reduce the contact resistivity mainly due to the enhanced Tunneling effect. Finally, a low contact resistivity of 0.84 µΩ cm2 is observed in highly (00l)‐orientated Bi2Te3 film in contact with Cr. This work provides an effective method to control contact resistivity by adjusting the orientation of film, and also provides guidance on how to further improve the performance of thin film‐TEDs with different configurations.

Grease is used as a lubricant in a wide range of fields, including bearings, because it reduces friction, prevents harmful wear of components, protects against rust and corrosion, and acts as a seal to prevent the invasion of dirt and water. Although most of the research on grease has focused on the environment inside the bearing, there has been little research on the fundamental lubrication mechanism of grease. It is known that thickeners, which keep a complex three-dimensional structure in the grease, have a significant effect on the shear characteristics of grease, and it is assumed that this is due to the orientation of the thickener structure in the shear direction. In this study, the apparent viscosity of grease in a micro-order gap was measured using our original viscometer and compared with the apparent viscosity measured with a submillimeter-order gap rheometer because grease may show different rheological properties compared to conventional measurements. In addition, the dynamic response of viscous resistance that appeared when each grease was subjected to a change in the shear force was quantitatively evaluated using relaxation time. As a result, the apparent viscosity remarkably decreased in a micro-order gap compared to a submillimeter gap, and two types of shear thinning mechanisms were proposed based on the orientation of the thickener: one caused by the narrow gap and the other by the shear force. In addition, the behavior of viscous resistance due to changes in the shear force depended on the type of thickener. It was also confirmed that the relaxation time of each grease correlates with its oil film-forming ability and the entanglement level of the thickener’s structure. Furthermore, the mechanism of the dynamic response was proposed based on the reorientation of thickeners.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the spatial orientation of the crista ampullaris within the inner ear and its implications for the diagnosis and management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).MethodsUsing high-resolution MRI scans of 55 normal inner ears, 3D models of the semicircular canals were segmented. These were complemented by detailed membrane labyrinth models from micro-CT scans of human temporal bones, accessed via the Comparative Ear Bank (www.earbank.org). A statistical shape model of inner ears and eyeballs was established, and a standardized 3D spatial coordinate system was created. The horizontal plane was defined using the top of the common crus and the bottom of the eyeballs. This calibrated reference system allowed for precise quantification of crista ampullaris orientations by calculating angles between the defined crista planes and coordinate planes.ResultsThe plane of the ampulla and the corresponding semicircular canal plane are nearly perpendicular to each other. In the upright position, the posterior semicircular canal crista ampullaris formed an angle of 48.9° with the horizontal plane. The relative orientations of the crista ampullaris of the lateral and superior canals were also defined. Furthermore, we identified “zero-point planes” representing crista orientations perpendicular to gravity, which resulted in minimal ampullary stimulation. A 6.2° tilt to the left in the supine position resulted in the plane of the left lateral semicircular canal crista ampullaris being parallel to the direction of gravity.ConclusionThis study elucidates the precise spatial orientation of the crista ampullaris, thereby providing an anatomical basis for understanding BPPV pathophysiology and improving the accuracy of diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers. The findings have the potential to significantly enhance the management of BPPV and other inner ear disorders.

Today, the increase in the number of cities and greenhouse gas increases has led to the intensification of global warming. The construction industry has had a significant impact on this crisis. Therefore, using passive solutions such as optimizing building proportions and proper orientation in any climate can significantly help reduce building energy consumption and greenhouse gases. The research aims to optimize the proportions of residential buildings and their orientation to minimize the building's energy consumption in the city of Rasht with a moderate climate. For this purpose, a three-story building with dimensions of 1:1 was selected, and the energy consumption of the building, including the load of cooling, heating, and lighting, was calculated in the north-south and east-west dimensions up to the ratio of 1–10. This research has used validated software to calculate energy consumption. Then, the most optimal mode was selected in terms of proportionality; the energy consumption of the building with a different orientation compared to the geographical north was calculated for each degree up to 360°. The results showed that the energy consumption of the building with a ratio of 1:4 with east-west elongation was 155.29 kWh/m2, which has the lowest energy consumption compared to other modes and is also compatible with the construction and building industry. Also, the building with zero-degree orientation to the geographic north and east-west elongation has the lowest carbon dioxide production and annual energy consumption, which are 2107 kg/m2 and 146.28 kWh/m2, respectively. By using two primary parameters, i.e., building orientation and aspect ratio, this research presents a valid innovation in optimizing the energy consumption of buildings. This research is focused on the detailed analysis of the environmental performance of a building in Rasht climate and determining the best form and orientation to reduce energy consumption and environmental efficiency.

Abstract The aim of this study was to quantify the orientation of breast masses and determine whether it can enhance the utility of a not parallel orientation in predicting breast mass malignancy. A total of 15,746 subjects who underwent breast ultrasound examinations were initially enrolled in the study. Further evaluation was performed on subjects with solid breast masses (≤ 5 cm) intended for surgical resection and/or biopsy. The orientation angle, defined as the acute angle between the align of the maximal longitudinal diameter of the breast mass and the surface of the breast skin, was measured. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted, and various performance measures including sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy, odds ratio, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were calculated. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine if the orientation angle was an independent predictor of breast malignancy. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was also conducted to assess the net benefit of adopting the orientation angle for predicting breast mass malignancy. The final analysis included 83 subjects with breast cancer and 135 subjects with benign masses. The intra-group correlation coefficient for the measurement of the orientation angle of breast masses was 0.986 (P = 0.001), indicating high reproducibility. The orientation angles of malignant and benign breast masses were 36.51 ± 14.90 (range: 10.7–88.6) degrees and 15.28 ± 8.40 (range: 0.0–58.7) degrees, respectively, and there was a significant difference between them (P 22.9°), not circumscribed margin, and calcifications of the breast mass were independent factors predicting breast malignancy. The net benefit of adopting the orientation angle for predicting breast malignancy was 0.303. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that quantifying the orientation angle of breast masses is useful in predicting breast malignancy, as it demonstrates high sensitivity, specificity, AUC, and standardized net benefit. It optimizes the utility of the not parallel orientation in assessing breast mass malignancy.

Illuminated bridges have become important assets to navigable aquatic systems. However, if artificial light at night (ALAN) from illuminated bridges reaches aquatic habitats, such as rivers, it can threaten the river's natural heterogeneity and alter the behavioural responses of migratory fish. Here, via a pilot study, we quantified levels of ALAN at illuminated bridges that cross a river and, propose a conceptual model to estimate its potential implications on two migrating fish species with contrasting life histories. Night-time light measurements on the river Spree in Berlin were performed continuously along a transect and in detail at seven illuminated bridges. Photometric data of the pilot study showed rapidly increased and decreased light levels at several illuminated bridges from which we derived several model illumination scenarios. These illumination scenarios and their potential effect on migrating Atlantic salmon smolts (Salmo salar) and European silver eel (Anguilla anguilla) are presented as a conceptual model, considering illuminated bridges as behavioural barriers to fish migration. ALAN's adverse effects on freshwater habitats must be better researched, understood, managed, and properly communicated to develop future sustainable lighting practices and policies that preserve riverscapes and their biodiversity.

This paper considers an OFDM-based wireless cellular network operating at millimeter waves and studies the problem of estimating the position and orientation of a mobile station (MS) upon relying on the pilot symbols emitted by the serving base station (BS), which are received via a direct link and an indirect link provided by a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS). To counterbalance the multiplicative pathloss in the indirect link, an active RIS is employed, which is able to reflect and amplify the incident signal. Upon introducing a convenient signal model, which accounts for the additional noise generated by the reflective amplifiers in the active RIS, we derive the ML estimators of the MS position and orientation and the corresponding Cramér Rao Lower Bounds under three levels of system cognition at the MS concerning the BS beamforming matrix, the RIS response, and the channel amplitudes on the direct and indirect links. In two cases, we also derive a suboptimal estimator with a reduced implementation complexity. Finally, we provide a numerical analysis to show the merits of the proposed estimators, assess the achievable gains granted by the use of an active RIS (as compared to a passive one), and investigate the impact of the main system parameters, including the BS-RIS distance and the amplification gain at the RIS.

On the eve of the tercentenary of Kant’s birth, just as it was a hundred years ago, Kantianism is simultaneously on the receiving end of the blows of history and attacks by rival philosophical parties, both progressivist and reactionary. The radical wings of both parties perceive modernity as a depressing, nauseating period which must be broken with by moving toward the past or toward the future. One of the most original and profound diagnoses of this attitude was offered by Hans Jonas, who discerned in radical doctrines of a hundred years ago a similarity with the gnosticism of antiquity. Jonas’s diagnosis has not lost its relevance. That is why the central question addressed in this study is as follows: what prescription does the Kantian programme offer for modernity’s “gnostic dizziness?” I maintain that Kant’s critical turn is still an effective strategy by means of which to compensate for the sudden stresses and “gnostic impulses” provoked by the modern worldview revolution, bringing back an “orientation in thinking” which reorients the world process and individual activity. The imperative to always see and respect humanity in a particular individual warns against the “category mistake” committed by modern radicals who ascribe agency (subjectivity) to non-­human abstractions which cannot possess this property. In theory, Kant grounds the view that humanity should resign itself to the fact of its perspective being limited and local. Kantian practical philosophy provides the traveler with a map of regulative ideas and a “moral compass”, along with an explanation of disruptive factors, offering a working explanation of the situation and its possible outcomes. Kant’s “Copernican revolution” brings human beings back into focus and imagination to order, allowing for the hope that new challenges will be successfully met.

Background: Professional nurses relocate to foreign countries as expatriate nurses due to host countries' push or pull factors. Preceptorship programs are designed to support newly hired nurses in transitioning into a new health-care environment. Aims: This study aimed to understand expatriate professional nurses' preceptorship experiences in a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the goal of providing recommendations to enhance the preceptorship program and facilitate better adaptation among expatriate nurses. Setting and Design: This study was conducted at a tertiary military hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and employed a phenomenological research approach. Materials and Methods: Based on inclusion criteria, ten expatriate professional nurses were selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected through unstructured, audio-recorded, verbatim transcribed interviews, observations, and field notes. Statistical Analysis: Colaizzi's seven-step methodology was employed for data analysis. Results: The results identified three themes: (1) participants experienced both positive and negative aspects of preceptorship, encountering personal adjustment challenges and issues with the initial orientation program; (2) preceptors' abilities and dedication played a crucial role in assisting participants in adjusting to their new workplace; and (3) participants reflected on their preceptorship experience, expressing their expectations and opinions of the preceptorship program. Conclusions: Preceptorship is an effective onboarding strategy to support expatriate nurses in their adaptation process, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and continued management support.

Strong anisotropic corrosion and mechanical properties caused by specimen orientations greatly limit the applications of wrought magnesium alloys. To investigate the influences of specimen orientation, the corrosion tests and (corrosion) fatigue crack growth tests were conducted. The rolled and transverse surfaces of the materials show distinct corrosion rate differences in the stable corrosion stage, but the truth is the opposite for the initial stage of corrosion. In air, specimen orientations have a significant influence on the plastic deformation mechanisms near the crack tip, which results in different fatigue fracture surfaces and cracking paths. Compared with R-T specimens, N-T specimens show a slower fatigue crack growth (FCG) rate in air, which can be attributed to crack closure effects and deformation twinning near the crack tip. The corrosion environment will not significantly change the main plastic deformation mechanisms for the same type of specimen. However, the FCG rate in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) is one order of magnitude higher than that in air, which is caused by the combined effects of hydrogen-induced cracking and anodic dissolution. Owing to the similar corrosion rates at crack tips, the specimens with different orientations display close FCG rates in PBS.

Introduction and purpose: Critical thinking and progress orientation are effective in developing entrepreneurial traits in undergraduate students. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between critical thinking tendency and progress goal orientation with entrepreneurial traits among students of Abadan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: The present study was a descriptive-analytical study. The statistical population of the study was the undergraduate students of Abadan University of Medical Sciences in 2022and 139 respondents were randomly selected. The research instruments included three questionnaires on critical thinking tendency, goal orientation of progress and measurement of entrepreneurship characteristics. To analyze the data from descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and analytical statistics (two-sample t-tests (Mann-Whitney), analysis of variance (Kruskal-Wallis), correlation coefficient according to Pearson or Spearman) , the software SPSS. 26 was used with a significance level of 0.05. Results: A statistically significant correlation was found between the variables of entrepreneurial characteristics and goal-progress (P-value

The strong anisotropy of magnesium alloy affects both its corrosion and fatigue performance by orientation, and it is important to investigate the effect of orientations on the two properties for the development of magnesium alloy in the biomedical field. In this paper, through the corrosion experiments and fatigue experiments of corroded specimens, the differences in corrosion resistance and fatigue failure performance of ZK60 magnesium alloy with different orientations were investigated, and the mechanism of these differences was analyzed. In terms of corrosion performance, compared with the RN surface, the RT surface with higher atomic arrangement density has a lower corrosion rate and higher corrosion resistance. In addition, regarding the fatigue performance, the corroded RT-R specimens had the longest fatigue life, followed by the RN-R and RN-N.

SnBi based solders have attracted widespread attention due to their promising applications in heterogeneous integration and three-dimensional microelectronic packaging. However, the low melting point of SnBi based solder means their high homologous temperature during service, leading to fast coarsening of the microstructure, which can significantly impair the reliability of electron devices. It has been found that Bi grains in SnBi based solder interconnects grow significantly and exhibit a preferred orientation under thermal loading conditions, but the mechanisms underneath the preferential growth of Bi grains is yet to be understood. In this work, a phase field model incorporating the thermal stress effect is developed and employed to investigate the dynamic evolution of the microstructure of SnBi solder under thermal aging, and to capture the morphology changes of the grains with different orientations. It is demonstrated that Bi grains with c-axis parallel to the z-axis preferentially exist in eutectic SnBi solder under thermal aging, and Bi grains with a large angle between the c-axis and the z-axis are swallowed by the preferred grains. Moreover, there is a competitive evolution between grains with different orientations in the polycrystalline eutectic SnBi solder, due to the minimization of system elastic strain energy. Further mechanism analysis elucidates that the Bi grain orientation preference in SnBi solders is caused by the dependence of their Young’s modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion on the grain orientation, the favored grains possess a lower strain energy compared to other grains.

Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) is a form of additive manufacturing that can directly make metal components and has begun to be employed in a variety of industrial situations. Moreover, the erosion characteristics of SLM-produced items have been documented relatively infrequently. In the current work, the erosion behavior of a heat-treated Al-Si-10% Mg alloy generated via laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) has been investigated. The samples were printed in three directions (horizontal (0o), vertical (90o), and inclined (45o) on the build platform using the Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) system (EOS M 290) machine. Al%Si-10%Mg samples were given treatment (T5, T6). Optical and scanning electron microscopes (SEM) were used to examine the microstructure under both printed and heat-treated conditions. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) were used to investigate the alloy's elemental composition and compound production. The erosion test was executed in each of the three orientations, plus heat-treated samples and as-printed samples. The selected input parameters were impingement angle and flow velocity. The erosion rate was examined and contrasted across orientations for printed and heat-treated conditions to establish the best orientation. The post-eroded surface was analysed using SEM, EDS, and XRD to evaluate possible erosion processes. The key findings were: T5 heat-treated samples sustain well and have the least mass loss; Horizontal (0°) oriented samples undergo less erosion compared to other orientations; T6 heat-treated samples show maximum erosion on printed samples, and hence it is not recommended. T5 heat treatment is proven to be superior in providing high erosion resistance, followed by printed and T6 heat-treatment, respectively. The heat treatment effects are more significant than the orientation effects in determining the erosion resistance of the Al10SiMg alloy. The erosion mechanisms, such as ploughing, melting, and cratering, were identified.

Hypothesis: Fibers with low melting point have high bonding strength with other fibers, and in addition, they have a controllable melting temperature and good processability. Currently, these fibers are used in production of non-woven fabrics for textile, medical and agricultural applications. In this study, melt spinnability of two grades of low melting point co-polyester in high speed spinning has been investigated. Also, structural, rheological and physical properties of the resulting filament yarn have been studied.Methods: The properties of polymeric chips were investigated, and for this purpose, differential scanning calorimetry analysis, melting point determination test, drying conditions and rheological analysis were carried out. Then filament yarns produce, and their properties were investigated. Linear density, yarn tensile properties, melting temperature, thermal shrinkage, rheological properties, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, optical birefringence index and surface longitudinal cross-section were analyzed.Findings: The results of thermal analysis of polymeric chips with low melting point analysis showed that the used polymers are not crystalline and their melting point is about 176°C. The temperature 60°C for 24 h is enough to dry the chips, and the melt of these materials has a viscous behavior. Both low melting point co-polyesters grades were spun by melt spinning process. But only one of them had a suitable spinnability. After melt spinning, as-spun yarns were drawn because it was necessary to produce no brittle filaments. The results of the investigation of the properties of as-spun and drawn yarns showed that the best conditions for melt spinning of the copolyester yarn is as follows: the optimum extrusion temperature of 230°C and the take-up speed of 2500 m/min. All samples have no crystalline region, the polymer chains are oriented, and the phenomenon of rheological instability, such as melt fracture during melt spinning, which disrupts the cross-sectional area of the fibers, has not occurred.

IntroductionIran, a large and diverse country with a rich multicultural tapestry, is home to various ethnic groups. The coexistence of these diverse ethnicities poses the potential to weaken the nation's collective identity and unity. Neglecting these differences can have detrimental consequences, leading to social disintegration. Embracing a sense of belonging to a broader national community is crucial for fostering social cohesion and averting political and social instability. The inclination to identify with the national community and derive a sense of identity from it is a vital indicator of social development in Iran. When individuals, despite their affiliations with smaller ethnic, religious, or class groups, prioritize membership in the national community and draw their identity from it, they are better positioned to contribute to the country's progress and respond voluntarily to societal crises, leveraging their abilities and resources to aid in problem-solving. Additionally, the manner, in which a society is governed, plays a significant role in reinforcing the inclination towards a national community. A fair and efficient government that aligns with the values of the society, comprising diverse smaller groups, can bolster the propensity towards the national community. This study aimed to assess the inclination towards the national community and the factors influencing it. Materials and MethodsThe data for this study were gathered through a survey designed to capture various dimensions of national community orientation, including cognition, emotion, and behavior, as well as social, historical, territorial, cultural, political, and economic aspects, along with perceptions of intergroup justice and a shared future. The sample size was determined using Cochran's formula, resulting in a sample of 384 individuals to achieve a 95% confidence level with a 5% margin of error. To ensure accuracy, 530 questionnaires were ultimately completed. The survey employed a two-stage sampling approach, utilizing cluster sampling to select localities and random sampling to select respondents. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software and internal consistency, construct validity, and Cronbach's alpha were assessed to ensure the reliability and validity of the indicators. Owing to space constraints, the internal correlation results were not presented in this article. Discussion of Results & ConclusionThe findings indicated that the inclination towards the national community in Iran averaged at 4 out of 6 on a 6-point scale, signifying a substantial tendency. Specifically, there was a strong inclination in the social, cultural, historical, and territorial dimensions, while the political and economic dimensions showed a relatively lower sense of justice between groups and common destiny towards the national community. In terms of orientation, the emotional dimension of orientation to the national community was rated at 4.6 out of 6, indicating a high to very high level, but it exhibitd a weaker status in the cognitive and behavioral dimensions. This underscored the importance of enhancing knowledge and providing further training in understanding the national community as the individuals demonstrated a strong orientation towards it but lacked sufficient knowledge and exhibited weaker behavior in strengthening their national community. Another significant point pertained to commonalities within the national community, which were categorized into past, present, and future. The current survey revealed that people were more interested in commonalities originating from the past, including culture (4.7), history (4.8), and land (4.6), compared to the commonalities of the present (economy, politics, etc.) and the future. In other words, the tendency towards the national community based on the common past was stronger than the tendency based on the commonality of the present and the future. Commonalities related to the present and the future were more influenced by the efficiency of the government and alignment of values in the society. The government's acceptability in terms of efficiency and value orientation effectively increased orientation towards the national community. The variables investigated accounted for 65% of the changes in the tendency towards the national community.

In this paper, we follow the co-constitutive material-participant relationships that propel action in escape room play, particularly how they open and close paths for learning. We focus on how learning is organized in one escape room game, The Author’s Enigma, as intertwined with conversations on play and learning to consider the relational values and ideologies that appear through more-than-human encounters. We contribute a critical (new) materialist draw toward material-participant intra-actions to notice the production of narrowed messages, as well as openings that lead toward multiplicity. Thinking-with-theory; we take up Ahmed’s (2006) concepts of orientation and disorientation to consider objects’ arrivals and their not-yet-presence. We also move with Barad’s (2003) concept of intra-action, perceiving more-than-human actors as ‘matter-in-the-process-of-becoming’. Following a conch shell as a vibrant material in the ecology of escape, we trace participants and the shell through moments of intra-action across escape play. We detail the communicative forms produced through material intra-actions as both open and closed, while producing resonant logics with players in the room. We discuss implications for: 1) game-based approaches to education; 2) disruption to assimilative lenses for sensing and supporting learning; and 3) valuing particular relational arrangements with materials.

ABSTRACTBackground Analyses of collective cell migration and orientation phenomena are needed to assess the behavior of multicellular clusters. While some tools to the authors’ knowledge none is capable to analyze collective migration, cellular orientation and proliferation in phase contrast images simultaneously.Methods We provide a tool based to analyze phase contrast images of dense cell layers. PIV is used to calculatevelocity fields, while the structure tensor provides cellular orientation. An artificial neural network is used to identify cell division events, allowing to correlate migratory and organizational phenomena with cell density.Conclusion The presented tool allows the simultaneous analysis of collective cell behavior from phase contrast images in terms of migration, (self-)organization and proliferation.

ABSTRACTLymphangiogenesis plays pivotal roles in diverse physiological and pathological conditions. Steady direct-current electric fields (DC EFs) induce vascular endothelial behaviors related to angiogenesis have been observed. This study investigated the effects of DC EFs on the lymphangiogenic response of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). We demonstrated that EFs stimulation induced directional migration, reorientation, and elongation of human LECs in culture. These lymphangiogenic responses required VEGF receptor 3 (VEGFR-3) activation and were mediated through the PI3K-Akt, Erk1/2, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in relation to the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Our results indicate that endogenous EFs may play a role in lymphangiogenesis in vivo, and VEGFR-3 signaling activation may be involved in the cellular function of LECs driven by EFs.

AbstractCurrently, advanced technologies have been developed to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. The fact that the building envelope causes energy losses of up to 73% leads to the search for the right solutions in the design of building systems. Providing human comfort in interiors with current design strategies would decrease the need for using active systems and bring along energy gains. As a result, less fuel will be consumed, and fewer emissions will be generated, contributing to a healthier environment on a global scale. In the scope of this study it is aimed to evaluate different facade applications on a reference building for three provinces located in different climate zones, which are Karabük, Konya, and Mersin in Turkey. In addition, façade scenarios in the direction of east-west and north-south axes were evaluated to determine the energy waste or gains caused by orientation. The scenarios were analyzed considering heating-cooling energy demand, thermal comfort, carbon emissions, and payback periods. REVIT and Design Builder were used for 3D modeling and simulations. Results indicated that an opaque ventilated wall is the most advantageous scenario for the Mediterranean climate zone in all parameters. This façade system performs better than the others in reducing carbon emissions and saving costs for all the regions. Although the solar chimney makes a significant contribution to the reduction of especially heating loads for all regions, this system is not applicable when the payback period is considered. In terms of thermal comfort, southward orientation minimizes the humidity and temperature fluctuations indoors throughout the year.