Favorable Direction Research Articles

Numerical and Experimental Evaluation of Structured Material for Use in Multiscale Topology Optimization

Multiscale topology optimization is a powerful tool for engineers seeking a design with minimum weight and maximum stiffness, using a structured material in the form of a lattice structure. Furthermore, the current trend is to combine multiple lattice topologies in one component to achieve the best possible response to local loading conditions while minimizing weight. Therefore, herein, a numerical and experimental evaluation by compression tests in two directions is performed for six basic lattice topologies and two hypotheses are tested. The first hypothesis states that an additional weight saving of more than 30% can be achieved by a better choice of lattice topology. The second hypothesis is based on the manufacturing limitations of the laser powder bed fusion technology and the assumption that a favorable loading direction parallel to the building direction exists. The first hypothesis is only confirmed for loading in the direction parallel to the building direction and the second only for two lattice topologies. When both hypotheses are combined, the additional weight reduction of the multiscale topology optimization result is 44.5% according to the numerical results and 32.7% according to the experimental verification.

The predicted benefits of genomic selection on pig breeding objectives.

The premise was tested that the additional genetic gain was achieved in the overall breeding objective in a pig breeding program using genomic selection (GS) compared to a conventional breeding program, however, some traits achieved larger gain than other traits. GS scenarios based on different reference population sizes were evaluated. The scenarios were compared using a deterministic simulation model to predict genetic gain in scenarios with and without using genomic information as an additional information source. All scenarios were compared based on selection accuracy and predicted genetic gain per round of selection for objective traits in both sire and dam lines. The results showed that GS scenarios increased overall response in the breeding objectives by 9% to 56% and 3.5% to 27% in the dam and sire lines, respectively. The difference in response resulted from differences in the size of the reference population. Although all traits achieved higher selection accuracy in GS, traits with limited phenotypic information at the time of selection or with low heritability, such as sow longevity, number of piglets born alive, pre- and post-weaning survival, as well as meat and carcass quality traits achieved the largest additional response. This additional response came at the expense of smaller responses for traits that are easy to measure, such as back fat and average daily gain in GS compared to the conventional breeding program. Sow longevity and drip loss percentage did not change in a favourable direction in GS with a reference population of 500 pigs. With a reference population of 1000 pigs or onwards, sow longevity and drip loss percentage began to change in a favourable direction. Despite the smaller responses for average daily gain and back fat thickness in GS, the overall breeding objective achieved additional gain in GS.

Effects of modified twin block appliance in growing Class II high angle cases: A cephalometric study

Background Class II malocclusions represent anteroposterior dysplasia usually resulting from mandibular retrusion. Along with a retropositioned mandible, it can be associated with either upward or backward jaw rotation. High angle cases are often associated with a short ramal height, steeper mandibular plane, and large gonial angle. Twin block is a commonly used myofunctional appliance that incorporates bite planes that direct the occlusal forces in a more favorable direction for correction of the retrognathic mandible. We aimed to evaluate skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes following modified twin block appliance therapy in high-angle cases. Methods A cephalometric study was performed on 15 growing (10-14 years) high angle (Frankfort mandibular angle 28-35°) Class II Division I malocclusion patients undergoing twin block therapy. Skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes were evaluated by cephalometric analysis using Dolphin software. Results Pre- and post-treatment changes in cephalograms were assessed by analysis of variance and paired t-test. Significant changes in the position of the mandible (angle between Sella-Nasion-Point B [SNB] increased by 3.9 degrees, P=0.02), Wits appraisal (decreased by 1.54 mm, P=0.04), maxillo-mandibular relationship (angle between Point A-Nasion-Point B [ANB] decreased by 3.74 degrees, P=0.02) were observed. Soft tissue changes like the nasolabial angle were also significant, increasing by 3.8 degrees (P=0.04) and lower lip relation to E-line (reduction in lower lip protrusion) by 2 mm (P=0.04). Vertical parameters showed non-significant changes, like the Frankfort mandibular angle (FMA) increased by 0.07 degrees, (P=0.67), the angle between Sella-Nasion and Gonion-Gnathion (SN-Go-Gn) increased by 0.33 degrees, (P=0.67), Y-axis increased by 0.2 degrees, (P=0.32). The upper incisor inclination decreased non-significantly from 115.27±1.33 to 113.42±1.65 degrees, (P=0.12) and lower incisor increased non-significantly from 100.13±2.23 to 101.80 ±1.37 degrees, (P=0.08). Conclusions Modified twin block appliance can be used to successfully treat Class II Division I high angle cases with good vertical control.

A lookback study of well performance using borehole image data

The main objective of this work is to understand the impact of fracture, stress, drilling direction, and other reservoir properties on the production performance of a horizontal well (HW) in the Karachaganak Field. Taking advantage of the 70 available borehole image logs helped extend the analysis beyond individual wells to a field scale evaluation. Three analysis methods were developed to progress with the study: a favored drilling direction map, a Reservoir Property Filter, and crossplotting for multiple reservoir properties to gauge well performance. Results showed linear, nonlinear, and multidimensional relationships. The findings will be used to guide future HW drilling optimization, support dynamic modeling, and improve the model’s predictability for effective reservoir management.

Massive seasonal high-altitude migrations of nocturnal insects above the agricultural plains of East China

Long-distance migrations of insects contribute to ecosystem functioning but also have important economic impacts when the migrants are pests or provide ecosystem services. We combined radar monitoring, aerial sampling, and searchlight trapping, to quantify the annual pattern of nocturnal insect migration above the densely populated agricultural lands of East China. A total of ~9.3 trillion nocturnal insect migrants (15,000 t of biomass), predominantly Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, and Diptera, including many crop pests and disease vectors, fly at heights up to 1 km above this 600 km-wide region every year. Larger migrants (>10 mg) exhibited seasonal reversal of movement directions, comprising northward expansion during spring and summer, followed by southward movements during fall. This north-south transfer was not balanced, however, with southward movement in fall 0.66× that of northward movement in spring and summer. Spring and summer migrations were strongest when the wind had a northward component, while in fall, stronger movements occurred on winds that allowed movement with a southward component; heading directions of larger insects were generally close to the track direction. These findings indicate adaptations leading to movement in seasonally favorable directions. We compare our results from China with similar studies in Europe and North America and conclude that ecological patterns and behavioral adaptations are similar across the Northern Hemisphere. The predominance of pests among these nocturnal migrants has severe implications for food security and grower prosperity throughout this heavily populated region, and knowledge of their migrations is potentially valuable for forecasting pest impacts and planning timely management actions.

A bibliometric analysis of miRNAs in rheumatoid arthritis from 2001 to 2022: Research hotspots and trends.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are widely recognized in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. As a key regulatory factor, miRNAs have introduced new biomarkers for the early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and provided a favorable research direction for the development of novel therapeutic targets. This study aimed to explore the hotspots of miRNA research related to RA published from different countries, organizations, and authors. From 2001 to 2022, publications on miRNA related to RA were identified in the Web of Science database. The total and annual number of publishments, citations, impact factor, H-index, productive authors, and involved journals were collected for quantitative and qualitative comparisons. A total of 29 countries/regions in the world have participated in the research of miRNAs and RA over the past two decades, and China (760, 53.18%) and the United States (233, 16.31%) account for the majority of the total publications. China dominated in total citation (17881) and H-index (62). A total of 507 academic journals have published articles in related fields, and Frontiers in Immunology published the most (53, 3.71%). Chih-hsin Tang of the China Medical University has published the most papers (16, 1.2%). Stanczyk (2008) published the most cited article Altered expression of miRNAs in synovial fibroblasts and synovial tissue in rheumatoid arthritis in Arthritis and Rheumatism, with 660 citations. Inflammation is the high-frequency keyword outside of RA and miRNAs, and related researches have mainly focused on miR-146a and miR-155. In the past two decades, extensive and continuous research has been conducted to investigate the role of miRNAs in RA, and miRNAs are widely recognized in the pathogenesis of RA. Related research has mainly focused on miR-146a and miR-155 that have shown promising results as key factors in RA experimental models. Focusing on clinical applications and translational research may be the future research direction and hotspot based on molecular biology basic research and mechanism exploration.

The Power of Perception: How Branding Shapes Consumer Behavior

This study investigates the multifaceted relationship between branding and consumer behavior, with a specific focus on the role of perception. Brands exert a significant influence on consumer decision-making processes, shaping preferences, attitudes, and purchasing behaviors. Recognizing the nuances of how consumers perceive and interpret branding cues is instrumental for businesses seeking to cultivate robust connections with their target audience. By synthesizing theories of perception and branding, this research explores the complex interplay between branding strategies and consumer behavior. Employing a variety of research methodologies, including surveys, interviews, and experimental analyses, this study elucidates the profound impact of sensory experiences, emotional associations, and cognitive processes on brand perception. Furthermore, it identifies and assesses effective branding strategies adept at harnessing perception to steer consumer behavior in a favorable direction. The insights derived from this study offer actionable recommendations for marketers to refine their branding strategies, foster brand loyalty, and gain a competitive advantage. Ultimately, this research contributes to advancing our understanding of the intricate dynamics of perception in shaping consumer behavior and informs strategic brand management practices.

Abstract P183: Cholesterol Ester 18:2 is an Exercise Inducible Metabolite Associated With a Favorable Cardiometabolic Profile

Background: Prospective cohort studies have shown plasma cholesterol ester (CE) 18:2 is inversely associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. However, less is known about the association of CE18:2 with cardiometabolic risk factors and whether it is responsive to regular exercise. Methods: A total of 193 known plasma lipids, including 11 CEs, were measured using the C8-positive LC-MS method in 671 participants from the HERITAGE Family Study (56% Female, 35% Black, 35 yrs) before and after a 20-week exercise intervention. Linear mixed models were used to test the associations of all lipids with 6 cardiometabolic traits at baseline and post-training adjusting for age, sex, and race, with post-training models also adjusted for baseline lipid and trait values. Paired t-tests were used to test the difference in CE18:2 abundance before and after exercise training. Results: Out of the 193 lipids, CE18:2 was consistently among the top 2 associations with each cardiometabolic trait at baseline ( Table 1 ). Levels of CE18:2 were inversely associated with triglycerides, visceral fat, glycA, and small LDL, while positively associated with HDL-C and insulin sensitivity. Importantly, CE18:2 abundance was increased following the exercise intervention (p=0.0003). Exercise-induced change in CE18:2 was significantly (FDR<0.05) associated with concomitant changes in all traits except visceral fat in the same directions as baseline, with CE18:2 among the top 3 associations with each training response trait ( Table 1 ). Conclusions: Plasma CE18:2 levels were associated with cardiometabolic traits in a favorable direction both before and after an exercise intervention. Thus, this plasma lipid may be an exercise inducible metabolite that is indicative of improvements in cardiometabolic health. However, additional studies are needed to confirm the observed findings and determine the mechanisms underlying these beneficial associations.

In situ preparation of oriented microbial consortium-based compound enzyme strengthens food waste disintegration and anaerobic digestion: Performance, mechanism, microbial communities and global metabolic pathways

This study used food waste (FW) as the substrate, under the co-culture system, innovatively developed the oriented and high matching degree microbial consortium-based compound enzyme (MCE) used for promoting FW hydrolysis and anaerobic digestion (AD). It was found that the highest hydrolysis efficiency and substrate biodegradability could be obtained after 1:100 MCE (i.e. the inoculation ratio of Aspergillus oryzae CICC 40214 as protease generator and Aspergillus niger CICC 40294 as amylase generator was 1:100) pretreatment, thereby harvesting the highest biomethane yield of 522.61 mL/g VS. The dissection of FTIR results indicated that the structure of main components of starch, protein and lipid in FW was destructed after MCE pretreatment, of which the protein was more susceptible to MCE and disintegrated first, while its structure also became looser. XPS C1s spectra and N1s spectra showed that the C-(C/H) and protein-N of the enzyme pretreated solid were respectively decreased from 77.82 % to 69.19 % and 69.43 % to 40.07 %, which further implied that more carbohydrates and proteins were released from solid phase to liquid phase after MCE pretreatment. The microbial community and metagenome analysis illustrated that MCE pretreatment regulated the microbial communities lead to a shift in the favorable direction of biomethane production. While based on the changes in gene abundance, the deciphering of global metabolic pathways revealed that the 80 %, 60 %, 75 % and 86 % of the functional genes related to glycolysis, amino acid metabolism, TCA cycle and methane metabolism were respectively intensified after 1:100 MCE pretreatment, thereby achieving the maximized biomethane yield.

Drifts effect on the divertor W leakage mechanisms under different dissipative divertor conditions of EAST

A new drift module has been developed in the DIVIMP code, enabling two-dimensional simulations of tungsten (W) transport in the edge plasma with full drifts included. By using the SOLPS-DIVIMP code package, the impact of drifts on W transport and screening has been investigated for various levels of dissipative divertor conditions and different divertor geometric configurations in EAST. Simulation results reveal that E⃗×B⃗ drifts can enhance the W leakage by more than one order of magnitude. Under the favorable Bt direction, W erosion mainly occurs on the outer divertor target, making the W leakage from the outer divertor region the dominator. A leakage path from the near-scrape-off layer (SOL) region is revealed by the modeling results. In the leakage path, both the ion temperature gradient force and the reversed poloidal E⃗×B⃗ drift are pointing upstream. With the radial E⃗×B⃗ drift pushing W ions from the well-screened far-SOL region to the near-SOL region, the leakage from the near-SOL region becomes significant. As the divertor condition varies from the low-recycling regime to the deep detachment regime, the decrease of the ion temperature gradient velocity and poloidal E⃗×B⃗ drift velocity narrows the width of the near-SOL leakage tunnel and thus enhances W screening. While under the unfavorable Bt , W erosion and leakage from the inner divertor target matters, the leakage mechanism especially the leakage path from the near-SOL region is similar as the favorable Bt cases. Furthermore, the effect of different divertor geometries on the W screening has been investigated. The configuration with the outer strike point (OSP) on the horizontal divertor plate is proved to narrow the near-SOL leakage tunnel, and thus the unreversed poloidal E⃗×B⃗ drift pointing to the divertor target dominates and helps to enhance the divertor W screening. For the same D 2 puffing rate, the W leakage ability of cases with the OSP on the horizontal target can be more than 10 times weaker than the cases with the OSP on the vertical target, especially when the divertor is detached.

A comprehensive metabolomics analysis of volatile and non-volatile compounds in matcha processed from different tea varieties

Tea varieties play a crucial role on the quality formation of matcha. This research aimed to examine the impact of four specific tea plant varieties (Okumidori, Longjing 43, Zhongcha108, and E’Cha 1) on various aspects of matcha, including sensory evaluation, major components, color quality, volatile and non-volatile metabolomic profiles. The findings revealed that the levels of tea polyphenols, ester catechins, nonester catechins, and amino acids varied among these four varieties. Notably, 177 significant different metabolites, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids were identified among 1383 non-volatile compounds. In addition, 97 key aroma-active compounds were identified based on their odor activity value exceeding 1. Aldehydes, heterocyclic compounds, and ketones were closely associated with the formation of volatile metabolites. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of how different tea plant varieties impact the quality of matcha, and can provide valuable guidance for improving matcha varieties in a favorable direction.

Temporal gut microbiota variability and association with dietary patterns: From the one-year observational Diet, Cancer, and Health - Next Generations MAX study

BackgroundKnowledge about the variability of gut microbiota within an individual over time is important to allow meaningful investigations of the gut microbiota in relation to diet and health outcomes in observational studies. Plant-based dietary patterns have been associated with a lower risk of morbidity and mortality and may alter gut microbiota in a favorable direction. ObjectivesTo assess the gut microbiota variability during one year and investigate the association between adherence to diet indexes and the gut microbiota in a Danish population. MethodsFour hundred forty-four participants were included in the Diet, Cancer, and Health - Next Generations MAX study (DCH-NG MAX). Stool samples collected up to three times during a year were analyzed by 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene sequencing. Diet was obtained by 24-hour dietary recalls. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess temporal microbial variability based on 214 individuals. Diet indexes (Nordic, Mediterranean, and plant-based diets) and food groups thereof were associated with gut microbiota using linear regression analyses. ResultsWe found that 91 out of 234 genera had an ICC >0.5. We identified three subgroups dominated by Bacteroides, Prevotella 9, and Ruminococcaceae and adherence to diet indexes differed between subgroups. Higher adherence to diet indexes was associated with the relative abundance of 22 genera. Across diet indexes, higher intakes of fruit, vegetables, whole grains/cereals, and nuts were most frequently associated with these genera. ConclusionsIn the DCH-NG MAX study, 39% of the genera had an ICC >0.5 over one year, suggesting that these genera could be studied with health outcomes in prospective analyses with acceptable precision. Adherence to the Nordic, Mediterranean, and plant-based diets differed between bacterial subgroups and was associated with a higher abundance of genera with fiber-degrading properties. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains/cereals, and nuts were frequently associated with these genera.

Steering surface reconstruction of hybrid metal oxides for efficient oxygen evolution reaction in water splitting and zinc-air batteries

Surface reconstruction yields real active species in electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) conditions; however, rationally regulating reconstruction in a targeted manner for constructing highly active OER electrocatalysts remains a formidable challenge. Here, an electrochemical activation strategy with selective etching was utilized to guide the reconstruction process of a hybrid cobalt-molybdenum oxide (CoMoO4/Co3O4@CC) in a favorable direction to improve the OER performance. Both in-situ Raman and multiple ex-situ characterization tools demonstrate that controlled surface reconstruction can be easily achieved through Mo etching, with the formation of a dynamically stable amorphous-crystalline heterostructure. Theoretical calculations together with experimental results reveal that the synergistic effects between amorphous CoOOH and crystalline Co3O4 are crucial in enhancing the catalytic performance. Consequently, the reconstructed CoMoO4/Co3O4@CC exhibits a low overpotential of 250 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH, and more importantly it can be practiced in electrolytic water splitting and rechargeable zinc-air batteries devices, achieving ultra-long stability for over 500 and 1200 h, respectively. This work provides a promising route for the construction of high-performance electrocatalysts.

A new integrated remanufacturing process planning and scheduling model under uncertainties using extended non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II

Remanufacturing, with its environmental and economic implications, is gaining significant traction in the contemporary industry. Owing to the complementarity between remanufacturing process planning and scheduling in actual remanufacturing systems, the integrated remanufacturing process planning and scheduling (IRPPS) model provides researchers and practitioners with a favorable direction to improve the performance of remanufacturing systems. However, a comprehensive exploration of the IRPPS model under uncertainties has remained scant, largely attributable to the high complexity stemming from the intrinsic uncertainties of the remanufacturing environment. To address the above challenge, this study proposes a new IRPPS model that operates under such uncertainties. Specifically, the proposed model utilizes interval numbers to represent the uncertainty of processing time and develops a process planning approach that integrates various failure modes to effectively address the uncertain quality of defective parts during the remanufacturing process. To facilitate the resolution of the proposed model, this study proposes an extended non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II with a new multi-dimensional representation scheme, in which, a new self-adaptive strategy, multiple genetic operators, and a new local search strategy are integrated to improve the algorithmic performance. The simulation experiments results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed algorithm over three other baseline multi-objective evolutionary algorithms.

Incorporating body measurement traits to increase genetic gain of feed efficiency and carcass traits in Japanese Black steers.

The objective of the present study was to comprehensively evaluate whether body measurement traits, including body weight and body size, could be used as indicators of genetic selection for feed efficiency and carcass traits in Japanese Black steers. First, we estimated the genetic parameters for body measurements, feed efficiency, and carcass traits. Second, we estimated the correlated responses in feed efficiency and carcass traits when selection was applied to one or multiple-body measurement traits. In total, 4,578 Japanese Black steers with phenotypic values of residual feed intake (RFI) and residual body weight gain (RG) as feed efficiency traits and carcass weight (CWT) and beef marbling standard (BMS) as carcass traits were used. Eleven body measurement traits were measured at the start and finish of the fattening periods (BMT1 and BMT2, respectively), and their growth during the fattening period (BMT3) was used for genetic analyses. The results of genetic parameters showed that the heritability estimates were low to moderate (0.10 to 0.66), and the genetic correlations among body measurement traits were also estimated to be positively moderate to high in each measuring point (0.23 to 0.99). The genetic correlations of body measurement traits with RFI and BMS were estimated to be low (-0.14 to 0.30 and -0.17 to 0.35, respectively), but those with CWT were positively low to high (0.12 to 0.97). The genetic correlation estimates between BMT3 and RG were moderate to high (0.38 to 0.78). Second, correlated responses were estimated under positive selection for body measurement traits. Positive selection for BMT2 and BMT3 increased CWT and RG; however, positive selection for body measurement traits resulted in no change in RFI and BMS. Favorable directions of genetic gains, which were positive for RG, CWT, and BMS and negative for RFI, were obtained by selection indices, including multiple traits in BMT1. Our results suggest that using only one-body measurement trait as an indicator of genetic selection for RFI is difficult. However, body measurement traits can be indirect indicators of improved RG. Our results also suggest that genetic improvement of both RFI and RG without reducing CWT and BMS could be achieved using selection indices that account for a balance of body conformation using multiple-body measurement traits in Japanese Black cattle.

Novel radiology PRIMER course enhances medical student perception of radiology and key concept comprehension

Rationale and objectivesA novel three-day radiology course, PRIMER, directly preceding medical students’ clinical year, was created and assessed. The required course consisted of large group lecture sessions, small group breakout sessions, and individual assignments. Though early exposure to radiology has been described in preclinical anatomy curricula, few schools offer immersive experiences to radiology as a direct predecessor to the wards. Materials and methodsAn identical survey was distributed prior to and at the completion of the PRIMER course. Students’ perceptions of radiology were assessed through Likert-style questions. Students’ knowledge of radiological concepts was assessed through multiple choice questions (MCQs) related to key concepts, MCQs in which students selected the most likely diagnosis, and hotspot questions in which learners had to select the area of greatest clinical importance. Mean pre- and post-course student perception scores were compared using a T-test. For knowledge-based questions, each student received an exam score, and mean pre- and post-exam scores were compared using a T-test. ResultsStudents’ opinions of radiology changed significantly in a favorable direction across all tested questions between inception and conclusion of PRIMER (p < 0.01). Students demonstrated superior knowledge of radiological concepts after course completion (posttest mean 52% vs pretest mean 26.3%, p < 0.01). ConclusionThe novel radiology PRIMER course promoted a positive impression of radiology and increased medical students’ knowledge of key concepts. These results suggest that a condensed introductory radiology curriculum delivered at a key moment in the overarching curriculum can have a significant impact on medical students’ perceptions and knowledge.

Analyzing problem framing in design teams: a systems mapping approach

Abstract Early phases of the design process require designers to select into view elements of the problem that they deem important. This exploration process is commonly referred to as problem framing and is essential to solution generation. There have recently been calls in the literature for more precise representations of framing activity and how individual designers come to negotiate shared frames in team settings. This paper presents a novel research approach to understand design framing activity using a system thinking lens. Systems thinking is the way that we understand a system’s components and the interrelations to create interventions, which can be used to move the system outcomes in a more favorable direction. The proposed approach is based on the observation that systems as mental representations of the problem bear some similarity to frames as collections of concepts implicit in the designer’s cognition. Systems mapping – a common visualization tool used to facilitate systems thinking – could then be used to model external representations of framing, made explicit through speech, and sketches. We thus adapt systems mapping to develop a coding scheme to analyze verbal protocols of design activity to retrospectively represent framing activity. The coding scheme is applied on two distinct datasets. The resulting system maps are analyzed to highlight team problem frames, individual contributions, and how the framing activity evolves over time. This approach is well suited to visualize the framing activity that occurs in open-ended problem contexts, where designers are more focused on problem finding and analysis rather than concept generation and detailed design. Several future research avenues for which this approach could be used or extended, including using new computational methods, are presented.

First-principles study for quasi-static growth model in FeAl intermetallic based on Wulff cluster model.

In order to investigate the structure of FeAl mesoscopic crystals segregating in liquid state alloys, we have determined their equilibrium structures (Wulff shape) based on the Wulff cluster model. For non-stoichiometric surface terminations, the chemical environment is taken into account through the chemical potential of the constituents. In this case, different cluster shapes change as a function of the chemical environment. In order to model the growth process in more detail, we propose a quasi-static growth model based on the sequential addition of (sub-)monolayers in the most favorable surface directions. Thus, a sequence of different Wulff shapes results in the growth process, as illustrated for the FeAl intermetallic compound. This model is proved preliminarily by calculating the concentration trend of Al/Fe atoms on both Al-terminated and Fe-terminated surfaces, and by simulating the most stable layer adsorbed on these two surfaces. This model might be helpful in analyzing the growth processes including nucleation barriers during nucleation processes theoretically.

Russia/USSR – Türkiye/Turkey: Legacy of “Friendly Neutrality”.Goals of Soviet Policy towards Turkey

The article is dedicated to the analysis of the Soviet leadership’s approaches to the implementation of the goals of the Soviet foreign policy towards Turkey, legacy of which remains until nowadays. The Soviet-Turkish relations in the 1920-s were built up on the basis of common political interests shared between two neighboring states existing in a similar geopolitical environment. The common goal for the Republic of Turkey and the USSR was to overcome international isolation and ensure national security. The Soviet government’s approach to determining the role and place of Turkey in the security system near the borders of the USSR was outlined by People&amp;apos;s Commissar for Foreign Affairs G.V. Chicherin, who saw the Soviet-Turkish cooperation as one of the tools for ensuring the security of the Soviet borders in the south and southwest. One of the key issues in the Soviet-Turkish relations was the issue of the Black Sea straits. Considering the straits a &amp;quot;gateway&amp;quot; for an attack on the southern borders of the USSR, the Soviet government tried to revise the regime of the straits in a more favorable way for the country. the resolution of which in 1936 at the conference in Montreux did not suit the Soviet government completely. It was assumed that strong economic ties with the USSR and mutually beneficial security cooperation would become an effective instrument for deterring the Turkish leaders. During the Great Patriotic War, the goals of the USSR’s policy towards Turkey were to prevent it from being drawn into the war on the side of the antagonistic alliance, as well as to further revise the Montreux Convention in a more favorable direction for the Soviet leaders. The 1939–1946 attempts to put pressure on Turkey on the straits issue caused Turkey to withdraw from the orbit of the Soviet influence and led to almost two decades of hostile and tense relations between the two countries. After the death of I.V. Stalin, particularly in Khruschev’s era, the Soviet approach was characterized by a search for ways to improve Soviet-Turkish relations. The main instrument of this was expansion of the Soviet-Turkish trade and economic cooperation, due to which the foundations of today&amp;apos;s highly developed bilateral Russian-Turkish relations were laid.

Skeletal, Dental and Soft Tissue Effects of Twin Block Appliance in Different Facial Divergence Cases

IntroductionClass II malocclusions refer to a discrepancy in the sagittal plane associated with either backward or upward rotation of the jaw. A backwardly positioned mandible is usually managed using a Twin block appliance which contains a bite plane to direct the occlusal forces in a more favorable direction. Our aim was to evaluate skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes using twin-block appliance therapy in different facial divergence patients. MethodsA cephalometric study was conducted among two groups with 15 patients in each group. Group 1 have a Frankfort Mandibular plane Angle (FMA) of 18-25 degree while Group 2 have an FMA of 28 to 33 degree with Class II Division I malocclusion. All of them were treated with twin block appliances with modifications done according to FMA. Cephalometric analysis was done using Dolphin software (Dolphin Imaging 11.95) to evaluate skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes after twin block therapy. ResultsAnalysis of variance and paired t-test were used to evaluate pre and post-treatment changes in cephalograms. The position of the mandible, maxillomandibular relation, and mandibular length was changed by 3.99 degrees, 5.23 degrees, and 4.04mm respectively in horizontal growers, while by 2.9 degrees, 1.74 degrees, and 1.07mm respectively in vertical growers. An increment in FMA by 4.59 degrees in horizontal growers with good vertical control and a little increment in FMA by 1.07 degrees in vertical growers were seen. Conclusions The twin block appliance is effective in skeletal, dental, and soft tissue correction in patients with different facial divergences.