Final Orientation Research Articles

Analysing enterprise resources for developing CRM framework in higher education institutions

PurposeMost Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have silos of distributed processes, which adds to the confusion and conflict concerning the Customer Relationship Management (CRM), desires, expectation and needs (DEN). Where possible, in order to maximise resource impact and minimise organisational disruption, HEIs should practically map these DEN to processes, roles, events, activities, channels, and technologies (PRE-ACTs) that already exist within the organisation. The paper iteratively considers use of additional practical approaches that need be considered in order to ensure that strategic HEI CRM DEN are effectively captured, and that the requirements are appropriately mapped to existing HEI activities.Design/methodology/approachContent from 27 JISC cases, 10 semi-structured interviews and three focus group sessions have been collected and analysed using thematic analysis to understand how to develop preliminary stage 2 steps and assess the applicability of the final CRM strategy orientation support (CRM-SOS) framework stage 2 methods.FindingsThe authors believe that this study provides substantial practical support to CRM implementation practitioners when analysing customer CRM desires, expectation, and needs requirements. The developing practical tools aim to 1) support practitioners better comprehend the multifaceted life cycles, needs, and requirements of HEI customers, and 2) aid in the planning and management of CRM change more effectively.Originality/valueThe paper is extending the recent research around CRM strategy in HEIs by proposing additional practical approaches that need be considered to ensure that strategic CRM are effectively captured. The paper also offers considerable practical support to CRM implementation practitioners when analysing customer CRM desires, expectation, and needs' requirements.

Lattice rotation effect on the dislocation pattern of Cu deformed in tension

ABSTRACT The dislocation pattern of cold deformed FCC metals follows an orientation-dependent rule. However, only final orientation after deformation has been considered in related studies, i.e. without considering lattice rotation effect, although metals have undergone heavy lattice rotation during plastic deformation. In this work, the lattice rotation effect on the dislocation structures of Cu is investigated by combining electron backscatter diffraction, focused ion beam lift-out and scanning transmission electron microscopy techniques. The dislocation patterns of [110]-[110], [111]-[111] and [110]-[111] type grains deformed in tension under room temperature are compared. The notation [h1k1l1]-[h2k2l2] represents the lattice rotation history of a grain, meaning that the grain rotates from [h1k1l1] corner to [h2k2l2] corner during tension. It is found that for a given strain range, the dislocation cell structure is observed in [111]-[111] grain, while the dislocation cell block structure is dominant in [110]-[111] grain. This demonstrates that for Cu grains with a final orientation near [111] corner, dislocation pattern type is influenced by the lattice rotation feature. Same with [110]-[111] type grain, cell block structure is the main feature found in [110]-[110] grain, indicating that for grain with initial orientation near [110] corner, lattice rotation has a marginal effect on the dislocation structure. The relation between the dislocation structure, lattice rotation, slip system and strain level of Cu is discussed.

Systematic Odometry Error Evaluation and Correction in a Human-Sized Three-Wheeled Omnidirectional Mobile Robot Using Flower-Shaped Calibration Trajectories

Odometry is a simple and practical method that provides a periodic real-time estimation of the relative displacement of a mobile robot based on the measurement of the angular rotational speed of its wheels. The main disadvantage of odometry is its unbounded accumulation of errors, a factor that reduces the accuracy of the estimation of the absolute position and orientation of a mobile robot. This paper proposes a general procedure to evaluate and correct the systematic odometry errors of a human-sized three-wheeled omnidirectional mobile robot designed as a versatile personal assistant tool. The correction procedure is based on the definition of 36 individual calibration trajectories which together depict a flower-shaped figure, on the measurement of the odometry and ground truth trajectory of each calibration trajectory, and on the application of several strategies to iteratively adjust the effective value of the kinematic parameters of the mobile robot in order to match the estimated final position from these two trajectories. The results have shown an average improvement of 82.14% in the estimation of the final position and orientation of the mobile robot. Therefore, these results can be used for odometry calibration during the manufacturing of human-sized three-wheeled omnidirectional mobile robots.

Analisis Perpindahan Besar Akibat Gaya Non-Konservatif

Structural applications based on large displacement analysis are widespread in various fields, such as the application of aircraft structures, membranes, cables, pipelines and risers. In this study, the author reviews the structural responses based on large displacement theory and non-conservative load models, assuming linear sections and materials. The parameters reviewed are the variation of the load factor and the variation of the slope angle of the load P at the end of the span. Solving non-linear differential equations with non-conservative force, using numerical integration method. The simulation results with the variation of the load factor with the angle of inclination, vertical and horizontal displacements are obtained, where the final orientation of the acting force corresponds to the deformation of the structure, and the maximum deformation occurs at a load angle of 90o, the deformation decreases for the angle orientation is getting smaller.

Coronary Access After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement With Commissural Alignment: The ALIGN-ACCESS Study.

Coronary access (CA) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with supra-annular transcatheter heart valves (THV) can be challenging. Specific Evolut R/Pro and Acurate Neo THVs orientations are associated with reduced neo-commissure overlap with coronary ostia, while SAPIEN 3 THV cannot be oriented. With the ALIGN-ACCESS study (TAVR With Commissural Alignment Followed by Coronary Access), we investigated the impact of commissural alignment on the feasibility of CA after TAVR. We performed coronary angiography after TAVR with intra-annular SAPIEN 3, supra-annular Evolut R/Pro, and Acurate Neo THVs in 206 patients. Evolut THVs were implanted aiming for commissure alignment. Alignment of Acurate Neo was retrospectively assessed in 36, intentionally attempted in 26 cases. The primary end point was the rate of unfeasible and nonselective CA after TAVR. Thirty-eight percent of patients received SAPIEN 3, 31.1% Evolut Pro/R, 30.1% Acurate Neo THV. Final valve orientation was favorable to commissural alignment in 85.9% of Evolut and 69.4% of Acurate Neo cases (with intentional alignment successful in 88.5%). Selective CA was higher for SAPIEN 3 than for aligned and misaligned supra-annular THVs (95% versus 71% versus 46%, P<0.001). Cannulation of at least one coronary was unfeasible with 11% misaligned supra-annular, 3% aligned supra-annular, and 0% SAPIEN 3 THVs. Independent predictors of unfeasible/nonselective CA were implantation of a misaligned supra-annular THV (odds ratio, 4.59 [95% CI, 1.81-11.61]; P<0.01), sinus of Valsalva height (odds ratio, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.7-0.98]; P=0.03), and THV-sinus of Valsalva relation (odds ratio, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.02-1.1]; P<0.01). Commissural alignment improves the rate of selective CA after TAVR with supra-annular THVs. Nevertheless, aligned supra-annular THVs carry higher risk of unfeasible/nonselective CA than SAPIEN 3. Patients with a misaligned supra-annular THV, low sinus of Valsalva, and higher THV-sinus of Valsalva relation are at highest risk of impaired CA after TAVR.

Cloud motion and magnetic fields: Four clouds in the Cepheus Flare region

Context. The Cepheus Flare region consists of a group of dark cloud complexes that are currently active in star formation. Aims. The aim of this work is to estimate the motions of four clouds, namely L1147/1158, L1172/1174, L1228, and L1251, located at relatively high Galactic latitude (b &gt; 14°) in the Cepheus Flare region. We study the relationship between the motions of the clouds with respect to the magnetic field and the clump orientations with respect to both the magnetic field and the motion. Methods. We estimated the motions of the molecular clouds using the proper motion and distance estimates of the young stellar objects (YSOs) associated with them using the Gaia EDR3 data. By assuming that the YSOs are associated with the clouds and share the same velocity, the projected directions of motion are estimated for the clouds. We measured the projected geometry of the magnetic field towards the direction of each cloud by combining the Planck polarization measurements. Results. We estimated a distance of 371 ± 22 pc for L1228 and 340 ± 7 pc for L1251, implying that all four complexes are located at almost the same distance. Assuming that both the clouds and YSOs are kinematically coupled, we estimated the projected direction of motion of the clouds using the proper motions of the YSOs. The directions of motion of all the clouds are offset by ~30° with respect to the ambient magnetic fields, except in L1172/1174 where the offset is ~45°. In L1147/1158, the starless clumps are found to be oriented predominantly parallel to the magnetic fields while prestellar clumps show a random distribution. In L1172/1174, L1228, and L1251, the clumps are oriented randomly with respect to the magnetic field. With respect to the motion of the clouds, there is a marginal trend that the starless clumps are oriented more parallel in L1147/1158 and L1172/1174. In L1228, the major axes of the clumps are oriented more randomly. In L1251, we find a bimodal trend in the case of starless clumps. We do not find any overall specific correlation between the core orientation and the global/local magnetic fields for the clouds in Cepheus. Also, we conclude that the local small-scale dynamics of the cloud with respect to the magnetic field direction could be responsible for the final orientation of the cores.

Microstructure engineering of yttrium-doped barium zirconate thin films via seed layer technique

Proton conducting yttrium-doped barium zirconate (BZY) thin films have been successfully synthesized by chemical solution deposition (CSD). The seed layer technique is developed to obtain BZY films with different growth orientations, in combination with the layer-by-layer approach. The concentration of the precursor solution for the deposition of the seed layer is the decisive parameter to the final orientations and microstructures of BZY films. In particular, BZY thin films with the preferred (111) and (100) orientations have been fabricated on platinized silicon wafers, which are rarely reported in previous literature results. Meanwhile, the average grains size can be about 230 nm in the plane of the interface. In addition, these films with certain orientations and larger grains are obtained at a, compared to bulk BZY processing, relatively low annealing temperature (950 °C). The different nucleation behavior during the deposition of seed layers has been discussed to explain this relationship between the fabricating processes and final microstructures. For the BZY thin film with (111) orientation, annular dark field imaging in scanning transmission electron microcopy (HADDF-STEM) has been employed to reveal its porous and layered internal microstructure. In addition, proton conductivity of these thin films has been evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) at intermediate temperatures (350–600 °C).

Analysis of Local Trajectory Planners for Mobile Robot with Robot Operating System

The goal of this work is to analyze and compare trajectory planners for a mobile robot in Robot Operating System (ROS), focusing on the performance of local planners on symmetric and asymmetric environments. In addition, two global planners, Dijkstra and A-star, are implemented in order to have a complete analysis and comprehension of the navigation architecture. Two local planning algorithms, Dynamic Window Approach and Timed Elastic Bands, are analyzed and compared more in depth using the mobile robot TurtleBot 3 Burger, an open-source and low-cost platform. The analyzed criteria were geometric and angular precision of the final position and orientation, time and distance of the complete trajectory, and usage of computational power. Experiments were carried out in two environments with different spatial arrangement of obstacles, with the intention of analyzing the behavior both in simulation with the Gazebo software and in the real robot. Both local planning algorithms enabled the robot to reach the target destination without any collisions, presenting the main difference in the usage of processing power.

Tibial Guidewire Insertion Timing- Does it Affect the Functional Outcome in Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction? A Prospective Longitudinal Study

Introduction: Tibial fixation site of graft in arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction has an effect on anterior displacement and internal rotation of the tibia. The position of the interference screw determines the final orientation of the graft. The screw position in turn depends on the position of the tibial guidewire. The tibial guidewire can be placed before introducing the graft or after the graft placement. There are no studies in the literature comparing the outcome of tibial guidewire placement timing in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. Aim: To compare the functional outcome of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, with placing the tibial guidewire before and after graft passage. Materials and Methods: This prospective longitudinal study was conducted at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, India, from February 2020 to January 2021, among patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. A total of 84 patients with an isolated ACL tear, who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstructionwere followedup for a minimum period of nine months. Two groups were studied, each with 42 patients. In group 1, the tibial guidewire was placed posterolaterally in the tibial tunnel and then the graft was pulled through femoral and tibial tunnels. In group 2, the guidewire was placed after the graft was passed through femoral and tibial tunnels. Functional outcomes were evaluated with International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm knee scores after nine months. Statistical analyses were carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) statistics version 22.0. Results: The median age of the study subjects were 27 (22;35) years. Fifty nine (70.2%) patients were males. Forty eight (57.1%) patients had left-sided injuries. The majority of injuries (n= 58, 69%) were due to sports injuries. In 14 patients (16.7%), the mode of injury was due to road traffic accidents and in 12 patients (14.3%) it was due to a fall. In the majority of the cases (n=50, 59.5%), the duration between injury and ACL reconstruction was 3 months. The mean IKDC subjective score of group 1 was 86±5.51 and that of group 2 was 81.9±6.64; (p-value=0.003). The mean Lysholm score of group 1 was 84.9±8.73 and that of group 2 was 79.6±9.56; (p-value=0.009). Conclusion: Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction placing the tibial guidewire posterolaterally prior to graft passage has got a better functional outcome compared to placing the guidewire after passing the graft. Prior placement of guidewire before graft ensures the posterolateral position of the interference screw at the tibial tunnel and increases the graft obliquity

Modernization And Ideological Divergence Among The Bureaucracy In The Late Ottoman Empire: Suggestion For A New Classification

The ideological divergence within the bureaucracy during the modernization process in the last period of the Ottoman Empire is mostly reduced to three different ideological orientations composed of Westernism, Islamism, and Turkism in the relevant literature. However, claiming that this model, which is formulated regarding the classical works of Gökalp and Akçura, could not adequately explain the actual ideological division between the bureaucrats of the period, this study aims to propose a new theoretical framework based upon an alternative tripartite model. For this, Anthony D. Smith’s infamous theoretical explanation about the ideological-strategic differences between the bureaucratic elites of various societies, which rise as a response to the experience of modernization, is re-evaluated and reformulated concerning the intellectual contribution revealed in classical and contemporary studies on the ideological and intellectual orientations within the late Ottoman elites. Accordingly, the first ideological orientation within the elite groups that fundamentally stood against any attempts in the name of modernization and advocated retaining the Islamic tradition could be entitled “traditionalism.” The second one, which could be named “Westernism” (Westernist modernism), asserted that the only way to capture Western civilization was following the same modernization path as the West, contrary to the previous orientation. “Conservatism” (conservative modernism), the third and final ideological orientation, made a distinction between the fields of culture and civilization and idealized to implement a conservative version of modernization by synthesizing Islamic tradition with the technical developments of the contemporary Western world.

The Application of Leader Following Method and Cubic Polynomial Path Planning Algorithm with Formation Control on Multi-Robot Systems

In this study, the movement of mobile robots on a certain path by preserving their formation and with a leader-follower was examined. Knowing the initial and final positions and orientations of the leader robot, the cubic polynomial was used and the positions of the leader at all points on the path were found. Then, the positions, where the followers were found with the homogeneous transformations, were calculated in order to provide the equilateral triangle formation. The velocity profile of the leader was calculated with certain calculations by determining the maximum velocity for the leader. Controller has been designed for the leader's right and left motors. In order to find the velocity of the follower robots, it was calculated by using the position information that the robots should be at a certain moment. The resulting graphics showed how the robots would create a path at certain angles. The distance values that should be between the robots and the location information from the UWB (Ultra-wideband) were shown on the Matlab graphics. The calculated linear velocities and desired velocities of the leader and follower robots are shown graphically. In the control diagram created for the left and right motors of the leader robot, it has been shown how the linear and angular velocities are affected by PID.

Outcomes of a Toric Monofocal Piggyback Intraocular Lens for Residual Astigmatic Refractive Error in Pseudophakic Eyes

ABSTRACTPurpose/AimTo evaluate the visual outcomes, refractive outcomes and rotational stability of a toric piggyback intraocular lens (1stQ AddOn, GmbH, Mannheim, Germany) for astigmatic refractive error in pseudophakic eyes.Materials and MethodsVisual and refractive outcomes were assessed based on the standard graphs for reporting refractive surgery outcomes. Rotational stability was assessed according to the Intraocular Lens (IOL) standards of the International Organisation for Standards.ResultsTwenty-two eyes of 17 patients (age: 65.1 ± 9.3 years) underwent toric piggyback IOL insertion. After a minimum follow-up of 3 months, 18 eyes (82%) achieved an uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 0.00 logMAR (20/20) or better and all eyes achieved 0.1 logMAR (20/25). Mean UDVA improved from 0.27 ± 0.03 to 0.12 ± 0.03 and 0.04 ± 0.04 at one and 3 months (all p < .05). Nineteen eyes (86%) achieved an UDVA at least equal to the pre-operative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA). No eyes lost more than one line of CDVA. All eyes achieved within 0.5D of target spherical equivalent (SE). In 18 eyes (82%), the residual astigmatism magnitude was 0.5D or less. The mean absolute difference between the target axis and the achieved axis 1 and 3 months postoperatively was 2.5° ± 2.7° and 3.2° ± 3.3°, respectively. The final IOL orientation was within 10 degrees of target axis in 19 of 22 (86.4%) eyes, within 20 degrees in 21 of 22 (95.2%) eyes and within 30 degrees in 22 of 22 (100%) eyes. IOL rotational repositioning was required in two eyes (9.1%).ConclusionsIn this cohort of patients, the 1stQ AddOn toric monofocal piggyback IOL resulted in very good visual and refractive outcomes and showed reasonable rotational stability. This IOL appears to be an effective treatment option for residual astigmatic refractive error in pseudophakic eyes.

A numerical study on free-fall of a torus with initial inclination angle at low Reynolds numbers

In this study, the sedimentation of a torus is studied numerically over a range of Reynolds number spanning 10 ≤ ReT≤ 90. The three-dimensional governing equations are solved using the fluid–structure interaction version of the SVD-GFD method on a hybrid Cartesian-cum-meshless grid. The torus has a fixed aspect ratio AR = 2, and is set to fall along the negative x direction at an initial inclination angle θ0, in the range of 0 ≤θ0≤ 80°. The flow behavior induced by the falling torus is characterized by the far field vortex sheet and the near field recirculation zone. At a given ReT, the flow reaches the same terminal state and the torus maintains the same final state, orientation and terminal velocity, regardless of θ0. The torus initially experiences a zigzag motion (along the x and z directions) in the global frame and the pitch motion in its body frame, which are more obvious at larger ReT and θ0. The offset of the torus centroid in the z direction between the initial and terminal states increases with increasing ReT and θ0 because of the θ0 effect. The falling time (Tf) for the torus traveling along the same distance in the x direction decreases with increasing θ0 when ReT≤ 50. However, when ReT > 50, Tf initially increases and then decreases with increasing θ0, with the maximum Tf occurring at θ0≈ 60°. A lift-like force is generated in the positive x direction due to the translational torus motion in the z direction, which originates from the pressure. This force is most pronounced at θ0≈ 60° for ReT > 50, which thus significantly decelerates the falling speed of the torus and increases Tf.

Re-engineering the Past: Countrywide Geo-referencing of Archival Aerial Imagery

Archival aerial imagery (AAI) represents a unique and relatively unexploited resource for assessing long-term environmental changes at a very high spatial resolution. A major constraint for the wider use of AAI often lies in the difficulties of establishing precise geo-referencing, namely in the difficult and time-consuming task of assigning ground reference through manual digitization of Ground control points (GCPs). We present a highly automated photogrammetric workflow for orientation of AAI. The workflow substitutes manual GCP measurements by generating image matches to a digital reference. The resulting abundant observations are algorithmically filtered and used in a bundle block adjustment (BBA) to obtain final image orientations. The proposed workflow has successfully been employed to process a complete coverage of AAI over the territory of Switzerland based on images acquired between 1985 and 1991. The accuracies obtained from the orientation process are very satisfying and allow for generating meaningful 2D and 3D products. The absolute accuracy for derived orthophotos and their mosaics is about 1 m. The relative accuracies are in the subpixel range and allow for generation of country-wide Digital surface models (DSMs) through dense-image matching. The obtained accuracies are comparable to those obtained at the authors’ affiliation using classical workflows that involve manual GCP identification from digital reference data. With regard to human working time, the workflow has, in our case, proven to be at least five times more efficient than classical workflows whilst the required computational resources are very moderate.

Рекуррентно-итерационный алгоритм синтеза управления терминальной переориентацией космического аппарата на основе метода аналитического конструирования оптимальных регуляторов

The paper considers the application of the method for analytical design of optimal controllers as formulated by of A.A. Krasovsky (optimization according to the criterion of generalized work) for the control synthesis of spacecraft reorientation from an arbitrary angular position to a given attitude during a fixed time period. A predictive algorithm model was selected as a numerical implementation for the analytical design according to the generalized performance criterion. In order to investigate the angular motion optimization methods experimentally, a model of the spacecraft reorientation control process was developed and implemented in C#. Numerical experiments demonstrated that the generic algorithm does not ensure the specified accuracy of the final orientation, and an increase in the weight coefficients in the terminal member in order to reduce the orientation errors leads to a loss of stability of the dynamic process. The paper proposes a modification of the prediction algorithm — a recurrent-iterative algorithm for exact reorientation of a spacecraft in a fixed time period. The approach used in this case involves organizing an iterative procedure for synthesizing the optimal control of the spacecraft reorientation based on a prediction algorithm. The optimal control calculated at each iteration is used at the next step of the iterative procedure as the next additive component of programmable control. Numerical experiments demonstrated that the recursive-iterative method for reorienting a spacecraft ensures the angular motion stability of the spacecraft and the specified accuracy of the final orientation in a wide range of boundary conditions. The scope of the proposed algorithm is limited to control objects with continuum end-effectors. An example of such a control object is a remote sensing satellite with power gyroscopes (gyrodines) in the orientation system.

A simple MATLAB draping code for fiber-reinforced composites with application to optimization of manufacturing process parameters

This paper presents a simple code written in MATLAB for simulating and optimizing the draping of a composite material fabric onto a mold. Being simple and kinematically based, the algorithm can be used to predict the final fiber orientations after a fabric has adapted to a double-curved mold surface. These fiber orientations will in turn govern the mechanical properties of the composite part and a draping analysis is thus advantageous in connection with a structural analysis as well as manufacturing. The code is intended for educational purposes and can be found in the Appendix of the paper and on the repository at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4316860 along with a Python implementation. After a description of the code, various extensions are introduced, including a framework for optimization of the draping parameters.

Maximizing Net Pay in Penta-Lateral Well With Advanced Proactive Geosteering and 2D Structural Analysis Using Azimuthal Resistivity Measurements

A unique challenge for ongoing Schrader Bluff development is to increase field production with the drilling of a high-angle, multilateral producer. To address the challenge, a project was initiated with the primary goal to safely drill five laterals with a key emphasis on maximizing net sand exposure while balancing the short- and long-term value associated with selecting the appropriate technology. This paper focuses on the technical aspects of the proactive geosteering with azimuthal resistivity measurements and multilayered user-guided inversion used in this project. The prewell study based on multiple offset wells is discussed in detail, followed by presenting the highlights of the real-time drilling/geosteering operations, and concluded with the comprehensive post-well analysis study after all five laterals were drilled. The key effort before the drilling was thorough simulation of various scenarios for several target formations. It allowed the selection of the proper geosteering service level (tools and data inversion methods), providing required resolution capabilities but not exceeding the project budget. Value of inversion on real-time data is demonstrated with several examples accompanied by uncertainty analysis of inversion results. Post-well processing included quantification of the main fault amplitude, in-depth uncertainty analysis, and 3D visualization, as well as geological interpretation using an advanced 3D modeling application. The final position and orientation of the major fault were supported with the results of 2D inversion performed in the vicinity of the fault. The integration between advanced geosteering tools and an active team effort helped achieve this complex penta-lateral well, drilling all legs with excellent directional control with numerous steering adjustments and a final net pay of 20,455 ft out of 28,886 ft drilled, which exceeded the operator’s expectations.

Multiscale study of fibre orientation effect on pullout and tensile behavior of steel fibre reinforced concrete

The tensile response of steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) placed in a given structural element is strongly dependent on the final fibre distribution and orientation with respect to the load direction. In this work, fibre orientation effect was investigated in multi-scale through double-sided inclined fibre pullout test and SFRC dogbone specimen tension test. A numerical model based on Lattice Discrete Particle Model-Fibre (LDPM-F) was developed considering fibre bridging effect by modelling individual fibre, randomly placed within the matrix according to the given fibre volume fraction. The SFRC numerical model validation was achieved by well predicting the mechanical response as well as the failure pattern of SFRC under tension. Both fibre pullout test and SFRC tension test revealed that the fibre inclined angle with respect to tensile load, increasing from 0° to 60°, leads to greater ductility. Lower fibre content SFRC with oriented fibres showed greater energy absorption capacity than SFRC with higher fibre content. Relevance of fibre orientation for bond-slippage behavior and tensile properties of SFRC was highlighted. This fibre orientation control concept may promote the material development of cost effective but performance superior SFRC.

Ligand and structure-based computational designing of multi-target molecules directing FFAR-1, FFAR-4 and PPAR-G as modulators of insulin receptor activity

Multi-agent therapies are an important treatment modality in many diseases based on the assumption that combining agents may result in increased therapeutic benefit by overcoming the mechanism of resistance and providing superior efficiency. Extensively validated 3D pharmacophore models for free fatty acid receptor-1 (FFAR-1), free fatty acid receptor-4 (FFAR-4), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-G (PPAR-G) was developed. The pharmacophore model for FFAR-1 (r2 = 0.98, q 2 = 0.90) and PPAR-G (r2 = 0.89, q 2 = 0.88) suggested that one hydrogen bond acceptor, one hydrogen bond donor, three aromatic rings, and two hydrophobic groups arranged in 3D space are essential for the binding affinity of FFAR-1 and PPAR-G inhibitors. Similarly, the pharmacophore model for FFAR-4 (r2 = 0.92, q 2 = 0.87) suggested that the presence of a hydrogen bond acceptor, one negative atom, two aromatic rings, and three hydrophobic groups plays a vital role in the binding of an inhibitor of FFAR-4. These pharmacophore models allowed searches for novel FFAR-1, PPAR-G, and FFAR-4 triple inhibitors from multi-conformer 3D databases (Asinex). Finally, the twenty-five best hits were selected for molecular docking, to study the interaction of their complexes with all the proteins and final binding orientations of these molecules. After molecular docking, ten hits have been predicted to possess good binding affinity as per the Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) calculation for FFAR-1, FFAR-4, and PPAR-G which can be further investigated for its experimental in-vitro/in-vivo anti-diabetic activities. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

High-resolution micro-computed tomography reveals cracking in a hydrophobic composite; a new mechanism for mobilisation in controlled release applications

High-resolution micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) provides new insights into the release of water-soluble crystalline materials from hydrophobic polymer matrices. This technique was applied to investigate the complex pathways underpinning the release of the agrichemical dicyandiamide (DCD), a common crystalline, water-soluble nitrification inhibitor, following its encapsulation in a biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co -3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) matrix at a loading of 250 g kg −1 . Such a material allows controlled DCD delivery and improves its stability in tropical cropping systems. The insights gained from the use of this advanced 3-D imaging technique has led to a new understanding of the processes driving release of active agents and will aid the modelling and design of such tailored delivery formulations. These insights are broadly applicable and relevant to various soluble crystalline agrichemicals, drugs and medical implants. The release rate from DCD-PHBV pellets, fabricated through industrially relevant extrusion processing, was initially rapid, exponentially decaying over the first eight weeks. This was followed by a very gradual, linear release over the next 18 weeks. High-resolution μ-CT (0.5 μm) led to two important conclusions: i) the DCD that was rapidly mobilized existed within channels connected to the surface of the pellet, and ii) fine cracks present before and after release may explain the very slow mobilisation from the eighth week onward. Revealing the microstructure of this type of composite improves our current understanding of the mechanisms controlling the release of soluble crystalline materials encapsulated in a hydrophobic biodegradable polymer matrix. • μ-CT reveals cracks that contribute to release of DCD from a biodegradable matrix. • Analysis found 2–4 μm cracks that propagate from pores and vertices of DCD crystals. • The biopolymer, PHBV, is shown to not follow Higuchi's classic moving front theory. • Pore analysis quantifies initial and final porosity and orientation of DCD crystals.