Changes In Orientation Research Articles

The Impact of Political Orientation and Government Change on Public Satisfaction with Food Policy in South Korea.

This study investigates the relationship between political orientation, government change, and public satisfaction with food policies in the Republic of Korea. Utilizing data from the Consumer Behavior Survey for Foods (CBSF) conducted by the Korea Rural Economic Institute from 2020 to 2021, we employ fixed effects models to examine the impact of political orientation, the presence of a conservative government, and their interactions on satisfaction across various dimensions of food policy. We also analyze the change in satisfaction levels from 2020 to 2021 based on shifts in political orientation. The results reveal complex dynamics between political alignment, government performance, and public perceptions. While conservatives and liberals exhibit higher satisfaction with labeling policies, they show lower satisfaction with safety and redress policies. The presence of a conservative government is associated with higher satisfaction in specific policy areas but lower overall satisfaction. Changes in political orientation significantly influence policy satisfaction, with shifts away from conservatism and towards liberalism leading to decreased satisfaction. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the nuanced preferences of different political groups and the need for responsive and transparent food policy frameworks. This study advances the theoretical understanding of the political economy of policy satisfaction and provides novel policy implications for effective governance.

Electrophysiological signatures of veridical head direction in humans.

Information about heading direction is critical for navigation as it provides the means to orient ourselves in space. However, given that veridical head-direction signals require physical rotation of the head and most human neuroimaging experiments depend upon fixing the head in position, little is known about how the human brain is tuned to such heading signals. Here we adress this by asking 52 healthy participants undergoing simultaneous electroencephalography and motion tracking recordings (split into two experiments) and 10 patients undergoing simultaneous intracranial electroencephalography and motion tracking recordings to complete a series of orientation tasks in which they made physical head rotations to target positions. We then used a series of forward encoding models and linear mixed-effects models to isolate electrophysiological activity that was specifically tuned to heading direction. We identified a robust posterior central signature that predicts changes in veridical head orientation after regressing out confounds including sensory input and muscular activity. Both source localization and intracranial analysis implicated the medial temporal lobe as the origin of this effect. Subsequent analyses disentangled head-direction signatures from signals relating to head rotation and those reflecting location-specific effects. Lastly, when directly comparing head direction and eye-gaze-related tuning, we found that the brain maintains both codes while actively navigating, with stronger tuning to head direction in the medial temporal lobe. Together, these results reveal a taxonomy of population-level head-direction signals within the human brain that is reminiscent of those reported in the single units of rodents.

Transformation of Hadji Kalla's Thought and Policy in Managing Kalla Group's Business from a Amanah Perspective

This research aims to: 1) description of Hadji Kalla in managing business 2) The foundation of Hadji Kalla's thinking in running the business 3) Business management done by Hadji Kalla in the perspective of Amanah metaphor and 4) Model of thought transformation in Kalla Group company. Qualitative research using grounded theory phenomenalogical approach informants consist of Directors of Holding Company and two retired employees who had interacted with Hadji Kalla in his time. The results of the study; (1) Hadji Kalla as an entrepreneur started as a child and continued his business to Watampone, Bone and Makassar. In Makassar established the company NV HADJI KALLA (1952) engaged in import and export, the first importer of Japanese cars TOYOTA brand, (2) In running his business always juxtapose it with religion so that all business activities, social society, Hadji Kalla view work is worship. (3) In business management, Kalla Group has formulated corporate value into the foundation of policy in the form of five Kalla Value (4) The transformation of Hadji Kalla's thinking that took place from the first generation (Hadji Kalla) to the second generation (JK and FK) to the third generation (SJK) through the method of mentoring by experience. The transformation process of Hadji Kalla's thinking regarding Work is Worship, underwent development, addition and emphasis on aspects of work quality improvement, sincerity, BMW (Cost Quality Time) method, Faith Work Ethic, Performance, and changes in business orientation to a portfolio based on usefulness (maslahah), synergy and balance. The Kalla Value that has been applied becomes a distinctive feature that shapes the entrepreneurial spirit. Researchers call this the KALLAPRENEUR phenomenon, which is a trustworthy entrepreneurial posture, full of Islamic spirituality values using modern managerial approaches and local wisdom.

The legal and penitentiary system as repressive apparatus: Legal methods of protecting a civil and political rights

The relevance of the study lies in the growing role of legal and penitentiary systems in the conditions of modern challenges, in particular, the state of war in Ukraine, which necessitates a clear understanding of the mechanisms of legal regulation of the execution of criminal punishments, taking into account the principles of protection of human rights, namely prisoners. The purpose of the research was to carry out a comprehensive study of the mechanism of legal and penitentiary systems, which includes the disclosure of concepts, features and principles of their functioning. The theoretical and methodological approach, the method of synthesis, legal hermeneutics and others were used to conduct the research. The results of the study demonstrated that the combination of theoretical and practical aspects of work in the field of legal and penitentiary systems allows creating a holistic view of the mechanisms that are based on the change in the social orientation of criminal punishment and contribute to the further development of paradigms of treatment of convicts. In the course of conducting this study, the impact of martial law on the legal and penitentiary systems was characterized. The peculiarities of the legal regulation of execution of criminal punishments in the conditions of martial law in Ukraine are determined. In addition, the practice of applying measures of criminal enforcement influence on convicts was analysed and, accordingly, the experience of foreign countries in ensuring the rights and freedoms of convicts was summarized. The results obtained during the research can be used by state authorities, penitentiary institutions, scientific and public organizations to improve the legal regulation of the execution of punishments, ensure the rights and freedoms of convicts, and humanize their detention

On the Effect of Interphase Boundary Energy Anisotropy on Morphologies: A New Type of Eutectic Grain Observed in a Three-Phase Eutectic System

Eutectic microstructures are dramatically affected by the anisotropy in interphase boundary energy. Depending on this anisotropy function, different eutectic grains may grow simultaneously at the same experimental conditions. In all reported quasi-isotropic and anisotropic two-phase and three-phase eutectic grains in thin samples, lamellar morphology is observed and the microstructure is essentially two dimensional (2D), since the interphase boundaries are perpendicular to the sample walls. Using the β(In)–In2Bi–γ(Sn) system and real-time solidification experiments in thin samples, we introduce a unique and new type of anisotropic three-phase eutectic grain, entitled here as “Laminated Matrix with Rods (LMR).” In this grain, due to the anisotropy in In2Bi/γ(Sn) interphase boundary, the evolving phases, and hence, the microstructures observed through the two glass plates of the thin sample are completely different, despite the strong confinement effect. During rotating directional solidification (RDS) experiments, the morphology or the aspect ratio of all phases changes periodically and drastically. Specifically, In2Bi, β(In), and γ(Sn) phases evolve from all being lamellar perpendicular to the sample walls to the matrix, elongated/trapezoidal rods, and a lamella parallel to the sample walls, respectively. Our experimental results show that these morphological transitions are due to change in the interphase boundary orientation with respect to the growth direction.Graphical abstract

Unraveling the influence of surface functionalities on gas Physisorption: A comprehensive study on SBA-15 nanoporous material from Monte Carlo simulation for improved Textural-Energetic characterization

In this study, we conducted experimental and Monte Carlo simulation studies in the grand canonical ensemble (GCMC) to investigate the role of molecular orientation and surface heterogeneity on the adsorption of N2 at 77 K. Our research focused on a series of ordered nanoporous materials (SBA-15) with varying degrees of oxygen functionalities. Specifically, we examined the effects of surface heterogeneity on the calculation of pore size distribution (PSD) and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) area of porous materials. To provide a comprehensive perspective, we compared our results with three levels of surface oxidation, including a pristine case without any surface oxidation.The results from both our experimental and simulation data reveal the importance of chemical heterogeneity in determining equilibrium properties such as molecular packing within the pores, differential enthalpies of adsorption, and N2 orientation distribution. Our findings suggest that accurate characterization of surface heterogeneity is crucial for understanding gas adsorption in nanoporous materials and for developing better models for predicting their performance in various applications. Moreover, our simulations revealed substantial changes in the molecular orientation of adsorbate particles with increasing surface heterogeneity. This insight provides valuable information about the behavior of molecules within the nanoporous materials, further enhancing our understanding of the complex adsorption processes in these systems.

Long live the fault! Double inversion of a Mesozoic rift‐related fault system in the central Apennines

AbstractThe San Potito area in central Apennines (Italy), enclosed within the Latium‐Abruzzi carbonate platform, exposes anomalously pelagic carbonates filling an intraplatform basin formed during Jurassic rifting. Oriented obliquely to the regional NW‐SE trend of Cenozoic thrusts and extensional faults, the basin's eastern boundary fault system, striking N‐S, played a pivotal role in structuring orogenic and post‐orogenic features. Large tracts of the fault experienced double reactivation: positive inversion during Miocene shortening, and negative during post‐orogenic extension. Double reactivation is evidenced by older‐on‐younger extensional contacts, and by the change in orientation of thrusts and recent extensional faults from NW‐SE to NNW‐SSE, the latter being consistent with the trend of Jurassic rift‐related structures of the area. This structural interplay highlights the importance of Jurassic faults and their ability in forcing the structural trends, by surviving across multiple deformation stages, even controlling active extensional seismicity.

Study on the Influence of Runner and Overflow Area Design on Flow-Fiber Coupling in a Multi-Cavity System.

Fiber-reinforced composites (FRPs) are characterized by their lightweight nature and superior mechanical characteristics, rendering them extensively utilized across various sectors such as aerospace and automotive industries. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms governing the interaction between the fibers present in FRPs and the polymer melt during industrial processing, particularly the manipulation of the flow-fiber coupling effect, remain incompletely elucidated. Hence, this study introduces a geometrically symmetrical 1 × 4 multi-cavity mold system, where each cavity conforms to the ASTM D638 Type V standard specimen. The research utilizes theoretical simulation analysis and experimental validation to investigate the influence of runner and overflow design on the flow-fiber coupling effect. The findings indicate that the polymer melt, directed by a geometrically symmetrical runner, results in consistent fiber orientation within each mold cavity. Furthermore, in the context of simulation analysis, the inclusion of the flow-fiber coupling effect within the system results in elevated sprue pressure levels and an expanded core layer region in comparison to systems lacking this coupling effect. This observation aligns well with the existing literature on the subject. Moreover, analysis of fiber orientation in different flow field areas reveals that the addition of an overflow area alters the flow field, leading to a significant delay in the flow-fiber coupling effect. To demonstrate the impact of overflow area design on the flow-fiber effect, the integration of fiber orientation distribution analysis highlights a transformation in fiber arrangement from the flow direction to cross-flow and thickness directions near the end-of-fill region in the injected part. Additionally, examination of the geometric dimensions of the injected part reveals asymmetrical geometric shrinkage between upstream and downstream areas in the end-of-fill region, consistent with microscopic fiber orientation changes influenced by the delayed flow-fiber coupling effect guided by the overflow area. In brief, the introduction of the overflow area extends the duration in which the polymer melt exerts control in the flow direction, consequently prolonging the period in which the fiber orientation governs in the flow direction (A11). This leads to the impact of fiber orientation on the flow of the polymer melt, with the flow reciprocally affecting the fibers. Subsequently, the interaction between these two elements persists until a state of equilibrium is achieved, known as the flow-fiber coupling effect, which is delayed.

Attachment mediates the impact of previous trauma on posttraumatic symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is some evidence that individuals previously been exposed to traumatic events may present higher vulnerability to PTSD because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Furthermore, exposure to traumatic events may cause changes in attachment orientations which might influence levels of PTSD symptoms (PTSS) in populations subjected to "stay-home" measures related to the COVID-19 outbreak. The present study analyzed interrelations of number of traumatic events, attachment orientations, and PTSS during the COVID-19 in a group of Portuguese participants. The study comprised 2 time points: 3 days after the beginning of the lockdown (time 1) and 3 days before the end of the lockdown (time 2). Sample included 736 Portuguese participants who completed the questionnaires at both time points. Data were collected through a survey that included self-reported questionnaires. Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine if effect of number of traumatic events on PTSS at T2 was mediated attachment orientations at T1. Higher exposure to traumatic events was associated with higher levels of PTSS. Attachment anxiety at T1 partially mediated the effect of number of traumatic events on PTS at T2. Findings suggest that PTSS is a risk induced by the establishment of a total lockdown and that individuals with higher exposure to traumatic events and higher attachment anxiety levels present increased risk of higher levels of PTSS at the end of the lockdown. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Effect of Watching Turkish Series on Gender Harmony in Jordanian Society

The Effect of Watching Turkish Series on Gender Harmony in Jordanian Society

Conversion practices in Aotearoa New Zealand: Developing a holistic response to spiritual abuse.

Research arising from conversion practices, also known as conversion therapy and sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts, has generally been underpinned by an emancipatory discourse that has evolved to counter harmful practices by evidencing associated harms and estimating prevalence. Little attention, however, has focused on what is required to support survivors, inclusive of those currently or those having previously experienced conversion efforts. Within a context of Aotearoa New Zealand having recently criminalised conversion practices, this study adopted an in-depth qualitative research design, informed by a dual adherence to life history and an empowerment methodology. Twenty-three religious conversion practice survivors, who had experienced religious conversion practices across a range of Christian identified faith settings, were interviewed. Participants had a median age of 34 and the majority identified as New Zealand European, cisgender, and gay. Participant narratives were discursively analysed. Three primary discourses were identified that inform the needed development of interventions and supports: 1) pervasive framing of conversion practices as harm, rather than spiritual abuse, has minimised the impacts of conversion practices. Rather, conceptualising conversion as spiritual abuse positions conversion practices as requiring urgent intervention and ongoing support, inclusive of the development of policy and operational responses; 2) the coercive nature of spiritual abuse needs to be appreciated in terms of spiritual, social, and structural entrapment; 3) the metaphor of a pipeline was enlisted to encapsulate the need for a multidimensional array of interventions to ensure those entrapped within spiritual abuse have a "pipeline to safety". Holistic survivor-centric conversion-related responses to spiritual abuse are required. These need to be informed by an understanding of entrapment and the associated need for holistic responses, inclusive of extraction pathways and support for those entrenched within abusive religious settings, support immediately after leaving abusive environments, and support throughout the survivors' healing journeys.

Spatial confinement modulates endothelial cell behavior and traction force in 3D hydrogel microgrooves

The mechanical environment of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) encompasses a wide range of curvatures due to variations in blood vessel diameters. Integrins, key mediators of cell-matrix interactions, establish connections between the extracellular matrix and the actin cytoskeleton, influencing diverse cellular behaviors. In this study, we explored the impact of spatial confinement on human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) cultured within three-dimensional hydrogel microgrooves of varying curvatures and the underlying role of integrins in mediating cellular responses. Employing maskless lithography, we successfully fabricated precise and wall curvatures-controlled hydrogel microgrooves, conferring spatial constraints on the cells. Our investigations revealed substantial alterations in HUVEC behavior within the hydrogel microgrooves with varying sidewall curvatures, marked by reduced cell size, enhanced orientation, and increased apoptosis. Interestingly, microgroove curvature emerged as a crucial factor influencing cell orientation and apoptosis, with rectangular microgrooves eliciting distinct changes in cell orientation, while ring-form microgrooves exhibited higher apoptosis rates. The side-wall effect in the 20 μm region near the microgroove wall had the greatest influence on cell orientation and apoptosis. HUVECs within the microgrooves exhibited elevated integrin expression, and inhibition of αV-integrin by cilengitide significantly curtailed cell apoptosis without affecting proliferation. Additionally, integrin-mediated cell traction force closely correlated with the spatial confinement effect. Cilengitide not only reduced integrin and focal adhesion expression but also attenuated cell traction force and cytoskeletal actin filament alignment. Overall, our findings elucidate the spatial confinement of ECs in hydrogel microgrooves and underscores the pivotal role of integrins, particularly αV-integrin, in mediating cell traction force and apoptosis within this microenvironment.

In-situ EBSD investigation of excellent strength-ductility synergy mechanism achieved by thermal-mechanical processing of Al0·25FeCoNiV high-entropy alloy

The development of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) is plagued by a trade-off between strength and ductility. In this study, we investigated the effects of different cold rolling ratios and subsequent heat treatments on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the Al0·25FeCoNiV HEA. An efficient and economical thermal-mechanical processing route was successfully explored to prepare multiscale, multiphase heterogeneous structures consisting of heterogeneous grain structures and duplex structures. Yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and fracture elongation of 1277.3 MPa, 1633.6 MPa, and 26.4 %, respectively, could be achieved. The strength-ductility trade-off was avoided. Detailed information on the evolution of grain boundary distribution, grain orientation changes, and grain rotation under stress and strain fields were obtained with in-situ electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) tensile tests. The mechanism of coordinated plastic deformation and the intrinsic mechanism of excellent strength and ductility were investigated by quantitatively calculating the activation of the slip system, slip transfer at the phase boundaries, and grain rotation paths. It was found that the excellent mechanical properties can be attributed to multistage hetero-deformation-induced (HDI) strengthening and strain-hardening coupling mechanisms. In this study, an effective method for designing novel HEAs with excellent strength-ductility combinations and an analytical method based on in-situ tests are proposed.

Junior High School Student Models in Online Learning as A Post-Covid Effect

Junior High School Student Models in Online Learning as A Post-Covid Effect

TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGES IN THE UKRAINIAN SOCIO-CULTURAL SPACE AT THE END OF THE XX - FIRST HALF OF THE XXI CENTURY

In the article, the author examines the transformational changes in the Ukrainian socio-cultural space of the end of the ХХ-th – the first half of the ХХІ-st century. The ХХІ-st century is characterized by great transformations not only in the economic and social context, but also in the sphere of cultural life, which is intensively developing in various directions. The author notes that Ukraine is currently experiencing a nation-state revival and the introduction of democratic values in conditions that are difficult and contradictory due to the instability and revolutionary nature of many sociopolitical and socio-economic processes that began in the 1990s and as a result of this , even to this day, the worldview and value orientations that regulate human behavior and relationships, which has a significant impact on the sociocultural situation in Ukraine, remain undefined. Global social changes, if they are systemic and related to the establishment of a new social order, are always accompanied by cultural transformations and characterized as a «reevaluation of all values». The situation became much more complicated due to the annexation of Crimea by Russia, the hybrid war in Donbas, and later the full-scale invasion of Russia on the territory of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, which became new difficult challenges for our country. According to the author, in connection with the new historical context, new conditions for the development of the sphere of culture arose, which caused the formation of a new socio-cultural situation, which is characterized by a change in socio-cultural orientation and ideals, rethinking and creation of a new hierarchy of values. The author believes that the foundations of socio-cultural development of Ukrainian society today are based on all manifestations of unique cultural and social values; development of common cultural, spiritual and educational spaces; active use of the Ukrainian language in all spheres; preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage; popularization and development of the cultural environment; ensuring maximum access to cultural properties, their preservation; stimulating investments for the development of cultural and social spheres, etc. Keywords: transformational processes, socio-cultural activity, socio-cultural development, socio-cultural policy, man, society, culture

Physics of the Signal Formation in Photopletysmography: Assessment of the Contribution of Light Absorption and Scattering to the Registered Flux of Optical Radiation

The paper is devoted to the study of physical mechanisms of photoplethysmography (PPG) signal formation using Monte Carlo simulations of light transport in biological tissue. The problem of estimating the contribution of absorption and scattering variations to the registered PPG signal is solved. Based on a three-layer skin model, changes in the optical properties of the dermal layer (absorption and scattering) were sequentially simulated and their contributions to the total signal were estimated. Calculations were carried out for two wavelengths, 525 nm and 810 nm. It was found that for green light the main contribution to the signal formation is made by absorption (88 % versus 12 % scattering, respectively). While for the near infrared light, scattering predominates over absorption. In this case, the contributions of absorption and scattering are 28 % and 72 %. Thus, for the green wavelength range the classical volumetric model of signal formation is valid. Whereas for the near-infrared range, the predominant factor in signal formation is scattering of the medium, which can change due to processes such as changes in orientation, aggregation and deformation of red blood cells, their concentration in the diagnostic volume of tissue, etc.

A model of strain hardening for stage IV based on lattice curvature induced dislocations and grain fragmentation

A new model is presented for the interpretation of the nearly linear Stage IV large strain hardening behavior observed in polycrystalline metals. The approach is based on the orientation change of the grains that induces a curvature of the crystallographic lattice and produces geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs). The GND density is dependent on grain size, the latter is decreasing in a reciprocal manner with plastic strain in Stage IV. The GNDs are added to the dislocation density present at the end of Stage III in the Taylor relation to obtain an analytical formula for the strain hardening behavior of the material. The model is applied to polycrystalline nickel, copper, and commercially pure aluminum and produced good agreement with experiments. As grain fragmentation is a common phenomenon of all metals during large strain at low temperature, this model explains the universal nature of Stage IV.

Consistent c-axis orientation and reinforced magnetoelectric coupling performance in bulk BaSrCo2Fe11AlO22

Consistent c-axis orientation characteristics toward the direction of applied pressure of Y-type BaSrCo2Fe11AlO22 (BSCFAO-θ) were successfully prepared by the strategy of hot pressing. The samples’ magnetoelectric coupling performance was greatly enhanced by the strategy of hot pressing than that of the traditional solid reaction method. The magnetoelectric current of BSCFAO-θ (θ = 0°) (12.06 μA/m2) was nearly 5 times higher than BSCFAO-SS (2.24 μA/m2). The magnetoelectric polarization of BSCFAO-θ (θ = 0°) (32.82 μC/m2) was nearly 4 times higher than that of BSCFAO-SS (8.31 μC/m2). The magnetoelectric coupling coefficients of BSCFAO-θ (θ = 0°) (1880 ps/m) were nearly 4 times higher than those of BSCFAO-SS (404 ps/m). The enhancement of magnetoelectric polarization of BSCFAO-θ (θ = 0°) can be attributed to the uniform c-axis orientation, which reinforced magnetoelectric polarization compared with none orientation that eliminated the magnetoelectric polarization on grain boundaries. The magnetoelectric coupling performance of BSCFAO-θ presented a gradually decreasing trend with the angle changing from 0° to 90° for the changing of orientation. Compared with traditional solid reaction methods, the strategy of hot pressing inhibits grain growth and increases grain boundaries, thus facilitating the enhancement of grain boundaries’ resistivity, and the electrical resistivity of BSCFAO-θ (3.08 × 1010 Ω cm) was nearly 10 000 times higher than that of BSCFAO-SS (2.5 × 106 Ω cm), which also benefits the magnetoelectric polarization performance of BSCFAO-θ. Therefore, the hot-pressing strategy can contribute to the forming of oriented ceramics and enhance the grain boundaries’ resistivity to improve magnetoelectric coupling performance.

Robust two-dimensional PCANet with F-norm distance metric

The principal component analysis network (PCANet) is a simplified convolutional neural network (CNN) implemented using a deep subspace learning model. Since its typical PCA filters utilize the squared Frobenius-norm (F-norm) as the distance metric, it exhibits extreme sensitivity to outliers hidden within the data. Furthermore, PCANet faces challenges in extracting structural information in the row and column directions of images as the filters need to be pre-vectorized. To address these issues, we propose a robust bi-directional two-dimensional PCANet (RBDPCANet), wherein the filters utilize the F-norm instead of the squared F-norm to mitigate the impact of outliers. Additionally, the relationship between reconstruction errors and projection distances is simultaneously considered in the objective function. After a concise analytical description of the PCANet concept and related work, we present the methodology for generating three convolutional kernels in the form of RBDPCANet-1, RBDPCANet-2, and RBDPCANet-3 algorithms. These convolution kernels are iteratively obtained and are suitable for numerical implementation. Each of the three algorithms uses another optimization objective function. It has been shown that in image recognition tasks, the developed methods are characterized by better resistance to noise compared to the classic PCANet approach. The rotation invariance and convergence of RBDPCANet are demonstrated according to theoretical principles. The efficacy of the proposed method is validated using images from publicly available datasets. Extensive experimental results on these datasets demonstrate that the proposed RBDPCANet not only significantly boosts the efficiency of image classification but also has strong resistance to occlusions, changes in lighting, changes in orientation, etc. Our implementation code is available at https://github.com/Wesley-li1/RBDPCANet-.

Microstructural evolution and its influence on the wear resistance of a laser directed energy deposited Ni-based single crystal superalloy

The wear behavior of Ni-based single crystal (NBSC) superalloy SRR99 fabricated by laser-directed energy deposition (LDED) is investigated and compared with that of its cast counterpart. While γ’ precipitate size in the latter is > 400 nm, that in the former is an order of magnitude lower. Dry sliding wear tests reveal that the wear rate and coefficient of friction of the LDED alloy are 75 % and 20 % lower than that of its cast counterpart, respectively. Detailed transmission electron microscopy investigation of the wear-tested cast alloy indicates that there is orientation change and formation of nanoscale grains only at the top layer of the worn surface, whereas regions below undergo moderate plastic deformation via dislocation slip. In contrast, the sub-surface of the worn LDED alloy has a graded microstructure, with a composite of NiO/γ-Ni on the top, γ’ free nano-grains in the middle, and a highly deformed nanoscale layer at the bottom. The improved wear behavior of the LDED alloy is attributed to its higher dislocation density, finer γ’ precipitates, and the formation of this graded microstructure. Finally, a detailed description of mechanisms that lead to the formation of this unique graded microstructure is provided.