Orientation Patterns Research Articles

Effect of Alkalization Time on the Toughness and Strength of Jute Sack Waste Lamina Composite as an Alternative Car Bumper Material

Alkaline conditions, such as the concentration of Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) and the duration of soaking time, significantly affect the mechanical properties of natural fiber and its composites. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of alkali treatment on the impact toughness and tensile strength of laminated composites made from jute sack (burlap) waste woven fibers, which can potentially be used as a substitute material for vehicle bumpers. The experimental group comprised specimens that were alkalized by manipulating the duration of soaking and the concentration of alkali in the woven fibers of jute sack waste, with a fiber orientation pattern of 0°/+90°/0°/+90°/0°. The fiber immersion time is 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours when using a 5% NaOH concentration. Epoxy resin serves as a composite matrix, specifically epoxy resin and epoxy hardener. Two sets of specimens underwent tests to measure their tensile and impact strengths. The result of the study reveals that the jute sack laminated epoxy composite with a fiber orientation of 0°/+90°/0°/+90°/0° had the maximum tensile strength and impact strength after a 48-hour alkaline treatment at 14.99 MPa and 0.010 J/mm2, respectively. The alkali treatment has successfully enhanced the tensile strength of the jute fiber by approximately 42.49% and 39.66% when compared to the untreated jute fiber. The study concludes that the utilization of alkaline process with NaOH improves the surface area of the fiber, compatibility with polymer matrix and mechanical strength.

DOES A NOVEL INTRAOPERATIVE NAVIGATION PLATFORM ALLOW TO RETAIN NATIVE KNEE FUNCTION FOLLOWING TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY?

IntroductionThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel intraoperative navigation platform for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in restoring native knee joint kinematics and strains in the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) during squatting motions.MethodSix cadaver lower limbs underwent computed tomography scans to design patient-specific guides. Using these scans, bony landmarks and virtual single-line collateral ligaments were identified to provide intraoperative real-time feedback, aided in bone resection, implant alignment, tibiofemoral kinematics, and collateral ligament elongations, using the navigation platform. The specimens were subjected to squatting (35°-100°) motions on a physiological ex vivo knee simulator, maintaining a constant 110N vertical ankle load regulated by active quadriceps and bilateral hamstring actuators. Subsequently, each knee underwent a medially-stabilized TKA using the mechanical alignment technique, followed by a retest under the same conditions used preoperatively. Using a dedicated wand, MCL and LCL insertions—anterior, middle, and posterior bundles—were identified in relation to bone-pin markers. The knee kinematics and collateral ligament strains were analyzed from 3D marker trajectories captured by a six-camera optical system.ResultBoth native and TKA conditions demonstrated similar patterns in tibial valgus orientation (Root Mean Square Error (RMSE=1.7°), patellar flexion (RMSE=1.2°), abduction (RMSE=0.5°), and rotation (RMSE=0.4°) during squatting (p>0.13). However, a significant difference was found in tibial internal rotation between 35° and 61° (p<0.045, RMSE=3.3°). MCL strains in anterior (RMSE=1.5%), middle (RMSE=0.8%), and posterior (RMSE=0.8%) bundles closely matched in both conditions, showing no statistical differences (p>0.05). Conversely, LCL strain across all bundles (RMSE<4.6%) exhibited significant differences from mid to deep flexion (p<0.048).ConclusionThe novel intraoperative navigation platform not only aims to achieve planned knee alignment but also assists in restoring native knee kinematics and collateral ligament behavior through real-time feedback.AcknowledgmentThis study was funded by Medacta International (Castel San Pietro, Switzerland).

The Investigation of Overflow Water-Powered Projectile-Assisted Injection Molded Short-Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene

Water-powered projectile-assisted injection molding (W-PAIM) is a novel injection molding technology that has been recently developed based on the ripe water-assisted injection molding (WAIM). Fiber orientation pattern and residual wall thickness (RWT) are two crucial factors determining the quality of W-PAIM parts composed of short fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (SFRTCs). However, limited work has been conducted on W-PAIM of SFRTC parts, which restricts its application process. In this work, an intensive investigation of W-PAIM parts composed of short fiber-reinforced polypropylene was conducted via a newly lab-developed W-PAIM platform. The results indicated that fibers were quite well oriented in the region extending from the core zone to the water channel, especially in the water channel zone, but randomly aligned in a small region near the mold wall. Nevertheless, fibers in the water channel zone of W-PAIM part were highly oriented, presenting an opposite alignment trend in fiber orientation compared to that in the water channel zone of the WAIM part as reported earlier. These disparities in fiber orientation between W-PAIM and WAIM parts were primarily attributed to the strong flow fields generated by projectile penetration. Additionally, the influence of three main processing parameters that significantly affected the projectile penetration on these two crucial factors was also investigated using the single-factor method. It was discovered that water injection delay time constituted the primary factor affecting the projectile penetration process, and reducing this time could greatly increase the relative thickness of the ordered area and the uniformity of RWT. More importantly, within the value range of the tested processing parameters, increased water pressure, elevated melt temperatures, and shorter water injection delay time could simultaneously improve fiber orientation and the uniformity of RWT in W-PAIM parts, which may improve the properties of W-PAIM parts and enlarge their application scope. This work provides a comprehensive guide for the fabrication of W-PAIM parts of SFRTCs.

Influence of water on crystallographic preferred orientation patterns in a naturally deformed quartzite

Abstract. Laboratory experiments demonstrate that intragranular water exerts an important control on deformation within quartz, causing weakening and promoting plasticity. The role of water in natural quartz deformation, however, remains unclear, as recent studies find an inverse relationship between water content and the magnitude of plastic strain. Furthermore, little work has investigated the effects, if any, of water on the relative activity of various slip systems in quartz. We focus on a naturally strained quartzite from the Antietam Formation of the Blue Ridge in Virginia, USA. Quartz water content ranges from < 50 to > 2000 ppm H2O. Water content and crystallographic data were correlated for 968 grains, enabling us to explore the relationship between water content and quartz crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) patterns. “Dry” (< 150 ppm H2O) and “wet” (> 500 ppm H2O) subsets show distinct CPOs; c axes of dry grains define a cross girdle oriented perpendicular to the extension direction (x), whereas c axes of wet grains are concentrated along the perimeter of the pole figure. All water content subsets show grains clustered near the direction of maximum shortening (z), consistent with activity of the basal 〈a〉 slip system. The cross girdle in the driest grains suggests activity of prism 〈a〉 and possibly rhomb 〈a〉, whereas the orientation of the wettest grains implies a contribution from prism [c] slip. These slip system interpretations are supported by analyses of intragranular misorientations. These results indicate that water content impacts the relative activity of various slip systems in natural quartz, potentially affecting application of the quartz opening angle thermometer.

Understanding the Relationship Between Attachment Orientation and Physical Activity Participation: An Exploratory Study.

Physical inactivity is recognized as a global health challenge. Attachment theory may provide insight into individual physical activity (PA) patterns, informing the development of PA interventions to promote the maintenance of behavior change. This study investigated the associations between attachment orientation and why and how individuals engage in PA. Given the association between attachment and sensory processing, this study also investigated the link between sensory processing and PA participation. Participants (N = 141) completed an online questionnaire that included the Modified Experiences of Close Relationships Scale and the Highly Sensitive Person Scale. The relationship between attachment orientation and sensory processing patterns, and preference for PA participation were analyzed using 2-sided independent t tests. Attachment avoidance, attachment anxiety, and sensory sensitivity were significantly related to participants' preference for PA participation in theoretically consistent ways. Avoidantly attached individuals were less likely to participate in PA as a form of social interaction (mean = 8.57, SD = 2.87, P = .005, d = 0.48). Anxiously attached individuals were more likely to participate in PA to support weight management (mean = 37.02, SD = 11.54, P = .01, d = -0.46) or if recommended by a health professional (mean = 43.55, SD = 12.45, P = .039, d = -0.88). Sensory sensitive individuals were more likely to participate in PA alone (mean = 124.11, SD = 19.23, P = .005, d = -0.510), and more likely to prefer light-intensity forms of PA (mean = 133.29, SD = 12.67, F3,123 = 5.49, P = .001). Findings highlight the potential value of considering an individual's attachment orientation and sensory processing patterns in the development of PA interventions. This may help to address the challenges of PA participation, by individually tailoring interventions to participants.

Analysis of facies proportions as a tool to quantify reservoir heterogeneity

The geometry, orientation and stacking patterns of sedimentary geobodies play a key control on fluid migration within subsurface reservoirs, aquifers, and repositories. Outcrops and more recently virtual outcrops are commonly used as analogues to characterise geobody architecture and stacking. Traditionally, both reservoirs and their analogues are described with respect to the bulk proportion of different facies and architectural elements within the system. These are combined with geometric measurements of the different geobodies to describe heterogeneity.This study presents a new methodology for quantifying the range of facies proportions within architectural element panels taken from outcrop analogues. This method measures the facies proportions within a series of vertical profiles and considers the statistical distribution, rather than the simple mean across the entire panel. The basic premise being that within a layer cake system, the spread in facies proportions will be very narrow whereas in a more “jigsaw” type system the spread will be much wider.To test this hypothesis, a series of nine virtual outcrops from a range of clastic depositional systems including fluvial, shallow marine and deep marine settings, have been analysed. Depositional facies (architectural elements) were interpreted in LIME and a series of depositional strike-orientated orthorectified panels were extracted. The panels were then analysed, and the extracted facies proportions were translated to “net sand” distribution. Results were then compared with conventional analysis of reservoir heterogeneity.Different depositional systems show distinct patterns. When arranged in depositional dip order, there is a systematic decrease in sand distribution spread down dip with significant resets at the boundaries between the major gross depositional environments (continental, shallow marine/shelf, deep marine).

Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography and scleral collagen fiber orientation in osteogenesis imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a rare genetic connective tissue disorder, primarily arises from pathogenic variants affecting the production or structure of collagen type I. In addition to skeletal fragility, individuals with OI may face an increased risk of developing ophthalmic diseases. This association is believed to stem from the widespread presence of collagen type I throughout various parts of the eye. However, the precise consequences of abnormal collagen type I on different ocular tissues remain unknown. Of particular significance is the sclera, where collagen type I is abundant and crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the eye. Recent research on healthy individuals has uncovered a unique organizational pattern of collagen fibers within the sclera, characterized by fiber arrangement in both circular and radial layers around the optic nerve head. While the precise function of this organizational pattern remains unclear, it is hypothesized to play a role in providing mechanical support to the optic nerve. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of abnormal collagen type I on the sclera by assessing the fiber organization near the optic nerve head in individuals with OI and comparing them to healthy individuals. Collagen fiber orientation of the sclera was measured using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT), an extension of the conventional OCT that is sensitive to materials that exhibit birefringence (axial changes in light refraction). Birefringence was quantified and used as imaging contrast to extract collagen fiber orientation as well as the thickness of the radially oriented scleral layer. Three individuals with OI, exhibiting different degrees of disease severity, were assessed and analyzed, along with seventeen healthy individuals. Mean values obtained from individuals with OI were descriptively compared to those of the healthy participant group. PS-OCT revealed a similar orientation pattern of scleral collagen fibers around the optic nerve head between OI individuals and healthy individuals. However, two OI participants exhibited reduced mean birefringence of the radially oriented scleral layer compared to the healthy participant group (OI participant 1 oculus dexter et sinister (ODS): 0.34°/μm, OI participant 2: ODS 0.26°/μm, OI participant 3: OD: 0.29°/μm, OS: 0.28°/μm, healthy participants: ODS 0.38 ± 0.05°/μm). The radially oriented scleral layer was thinner in all OI participants although within ±2 standard deviations of the mean observed in healthy individuals (OI participant 1 OD: 101 μm, OS 104 μm, OI participant 2: OD 97 μm, OS 98 μm, OI participant 3: OD: 94 μm, OS 120 μm, healthy participants: OD 122.8 ± 13.6 μm, OS 120.8 ± 15.1 μm). These findings imply abnormalities in collagen organization or composition, underscoring the necessity for additional research to comprehend the ocular phenotype in OI.

Building Performance Strategy to Achieve Thermal Comfort on Post-Disaster Design

Purpose: This study is a development of previous studies that focused on testing building performance from the aspect of building comfort. A house is a place to live that is used daily that must meet the needs of the occupants' thermal comfort which is greatly influenced by environmental and building conditions, such as natural lighting, air flow, and thermal performance as well as the conditions of the building's orientation layout and space openings. To determine the thermal performance of a building, it is necessary to conduct several analyses of several parameters of air temperature, air circulation and thermal conditions that occur in buildings in several conditions of building layout or orientation and openings made. Theoretical reference: Adaptive buildings are buildings that have adaptation to external environmental conditions, occupant needs and building operational conditions with the aim of increasing energy efficiency, comfort and sustainability. These adaptive buildings are able to provide a more comfortable environment, flexible and efficient space by maximizing natural ventilation and using building materials that function as insulation against temperature and solar radiation. Method: To determine the thermal comfort conditions of the building, it is necessary to conduct several tests on several parameters, such as natural lighting, air flow, and thermal performance using several analyzes such as solar analysis, air movement analysis and thermal analysis of the planned building prototype with several alternative building orientations. To test the thermal performance of the building, solar analysis and thermal analysis are carried out using Revit-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Results and Conclusions: The results of the study showed that the influence of building orientation and opening placement patterns will produce several different thermal performances. And the optimal results obtained from this adaptive strategy were that the optimal heat generated caused heat generation in the envelope of 0.76 kW/m2, meaning that by considering the heat transfer value of the building envelope not exceeding 35 W/m2 (SNI 6389:2020), a wall envelope made of 10 cm thick calciboard with air holes was used to withstand the rate of heat flow into the room. Research implications: As part of the adaptive building context that supports the field of knowledge and practice in the fields of architecture, engineering and the environment, it has positive implications related to the flexibility of spatial arrangement to adjust to the needs of occupants' space, the use of more efficient and environmentally friendly building technology and materials according to the needs of adaptive buildings, and the adjustment of natural ventilation strategies according to local climate potential. Originality/value: The components that distinguish this research from previous research can be seen from the various approaches and innovations carried out by the author, namely: Adaptive Design Method: developing the functionality of spatial arrangements in post-disaster residential buildings that apply the principles of spatial efficiency and arrangement to improve more dynamic relationships between spaces and their relationships with the surrounding environment. Use of New and Data-based Technology: applying new technology in ways to monitor and control the quality of space with the surrounding environment that affects it in real-time. Using technology applications for data analysis, modeling and predicting the performance of post-disaster residential buildings according to environmental and building parameters that affect them, and using big data analysis to understand the thermal behavior of buildings to optimize building design and operations.

Fluid flow zones along fracture corridors inferred from collapse dolines in carbonates of the Irecê Basin, Brazil

AbstractDolines are a widespread karst landform, and understanding their genesis can provide critical information about the evolution of subsurface karstification and groundwater flow zones. Swarms of collapse dolines characterise the karst in the southern portion of the Irecê Basin, northeastern Brazil. The basin comprises Neoproterozoic carbonate rocks approximately 100 m thick, bounded by less soluble older quartzites. The distribution of dolines is not uniform, as they cluster along NW‐SE axes and are aligned with cave systems and permeability (fracture) corridors mostly associated with the Almas and Água de Rega ephemeral rivers. Detailed analysis of sectors with a higher density of dolines was performed using LiDAR and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery at two different scales to obtain morphometric and orientation patterns. As expected, scale dependency is observed, with an increase in density and circularity index at a higher resolution scale, but a decrease in mean area and perimeter. However, Voronoi polygon indices are similar at both scales (6.86 ± 1); the departure from the more stable number of six due to the clustering of dolines associated with NW‐SE oriented structural trends. Doline density trends closely follow the orientation of caves, but they are not always spatially connected, since doline evolution may either occlude the caves or be related to a non‐identified void. The Irecê Basin karst system displays a continuum of landforms evolving initially from high‐density fracture zones (fracture corridors), which work as favourable dissolution zones, grading into more integrated flow routes, cave systems and eventually clusters of collapse dolines. Collapse dolines are widespread karst landforms worldwide, and their genesis requires the presence of dissolution voids at depth, which may pass undetected from the surface. In some sectors of Irecê Basin, the existence of doline alignments but the absence of known caves indicates the potential of collapse dolines to be used as proxies for subsurface karstification. Such an approach may allow the prediction of the location and orientation of subsurface zones of enhanced dissolution that can potentially represent productive aquifers or favourable zones for geofluids.

Phage embedded gelatin, alginate and gelatin/alginate-starch based hydrogels for topical bactericidal applications against multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Topical phage administration through hydrogels is one of the most efficient ways to inhibit bacterial growth in soft tissues. Hydrogels can benefit the skin by acting as a barrier and also promote tissue regeneration and moisture retention in cases of skin breach. Hydrogels incorporated with bioactive ingredients (BAC) have found their way into skin applications ranging from pharmaceutical to cosmetic products, whereas, phage incorporated hydrogels have been under-explored. In this study, we developed gelatin (protein-based) and alginate (polysaccharide-based) hydrogels (GH & AH) to immobilize phages for topical antibacterial treatments. P. aeruginosa is a common wound infecting pathogen and the strain ATCC 15442 used in this study is a β-lactamase producing multi-drug resistant variant. Gelatin and alginate are natural polymers and were chemically crosslinked (covalent & ionic interactions) to develop matrices that embed phages. Aloe vera extracts were used to synthesize hydrogels to succor the healing process. Starch-incorporated gelatin and alginate gels were also screened for phage immobilization. The addition of starch adversely affected the porosity of the matrices but did not affect the swelling ratio of the hydrogels. SEM analysis revealed porous microstructure of gelatin and alginate hydrogel, where starch addition resulted in cracked surface topography. All the developed hydrogels were amorphous in nature, lacking a regular pattern in the structural orientation of the molecules. Phages were successfully administered into the matrix after hydrogel synthesis through absorption. The swelling ratio of gelatin and alginate hydrogels were 2.6 and 0.5 g/g at 30 min. Phages released in buffer at 30 min were 1.6 x 107 and 2.6 x 106 PFU/mL for gelatin and alginate hydrogels respectively. The antibacterial evaluation of phage-incorporated gels showed a zone of inhibition against phage specific P. aeruginosa in agar plates.

Detection of Lowering in Sport Climbing Using Orientation-Based Sensor-Enhanced Quickdraws: A Preliminary Investigation.

Climbing gyms aim to continuously improve their offerings and make the best use of their infrastructure to provide a unique experience for their clients, the climbers. One approach to achieve this goal is to track and analyze climbing sessions from the beginning of the ascent until the climber's descent. Detecting the climber's descent is crucial because it indicates when the ascent has ended. This paper discusses an approach that preserves climber privacy (e.g., not using cameras) while considering the convenience of climbers and the costs to the gyms. To this aim, a hardware prototype has been developed to collect data using accelerometer sensors attached to a piece of climbing equipment mounted on the wall, called a quickdraw, which connects the climbing rope to the bolt anchors. The sensors are configured to be energy-efficient, making them practical in terms of expenses and time required for replacement when used in large quantities in a climbing gym. This paper describes the hardware specifications, studies data measured by the sensors in ultra-low power mode, detects sensors' orientation patterns during descent on different routes, and develops a supervised approach to identify lowering. Additionally, the study emphasizes the benefits of multidisciplinary feature engineering, combining domain-specific knowledge with machine learning to enhance performance and simplify implementation.

Transition Metal Chelation Effect in MOF-253 Materials: Guest Molecule Adsorption Dynamics and Proposed Formic Acid Synthesis Investigated by Atomistic Simulations.

The dynamic characterization of guest molecules in the metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can always provide the insightful and inspiring information to facilitate the synthetic design of MOF materials from the bottom-up design of perspective. Herein, we present a series of atomistic molecular dynamics simulation for investigating the bipyridine dicarboxylate (bpydc) linker rotation effect on guest molecule adsorption with and without considering the transition metal (TM) chelation in MOF-253 materials. The simulated PXRD patterns of the various linker orientations present the challenge of distinguishing these structural varieties by the conventional crystalline spectroscopic measurements. The observed short inter-TM stable structure may subsequently lead to the formation of a binuclear TM catalytic site, and a proposed formic acid generation mechanism from CO2 and H2 is derived based upon the density functional theory calculations for the application of CO2 reduction.

Spin cones in random-field XY models.

We determine the arrangement of spins in the ground state of the XY model with quenched, random fields, on a fully connected graph. Two types of disordered fields are considered, namely, randomly oriented magnetic fields and randomly oriented crystal fields. Orientations are chosen from a uniformly isotropic distribution, but disorder fluctuations in each realization of a finite system lead to a breaking of rotational symmetry. The result is an interesting pattern of spin orientations found by solving a system of coupled, nonlinear equationswithin perturbation theory and also by exact numerical continuation. All spins lie within a cone for small enough ratio of field to coupling strength, with an interesting distribution of spin orientations, with peaks at the cone edges. The orientation of the cone depends strongly on the realization of disorder, but the opening angle does not. In the case of random magnetic fields, the cone angle widens as the ratio increases till a critical value at which there is a first-order phase transition and the cone disappears. With random crystal fields, there is no phase transition and the cone angle approaches 180^{∘} for large values of the ratio. At finite low temperatures, Monte Carlo simulations show that the formation of a cone and its subsequent alignment along the equilibrium direction occur on two different timescales.

Characterizing multi-PIK3CA mutations across cancer types: Toward precision oncology.

PIK3CA mutations are implicated in various cancers, but the implications of multiple concurrent mutations and their orientations within the gene have not been fully explored. In this study, we analyzed multi-PIK3CA mutations across a diverse pan-cancer cohort comprising 3564 tumors. Multi-PIK3CA mutations were present in 10.3% of all PIK3CA-mutant tumors, predominantly occurring in breast and gynecological cancers. Notably, mutations within the helical domain (E542:E545) exclusively occurred in the trans-orientation, contrasting with mutations in the kinase ABD and C2 domains, which mainly appeared in the cis orientation. The distinct pattern of mutation orientations in PIK3CA suggests variable oncogenic potential, with helical domain mutations in the trans-orientation potentially being less oncogenic. These findings highlight the importance of mutation orientation in the PIK3CA gene as potential biomarkers for targeted therapy. This understanding is crucial for designing clinical trials that leverage PI3K inhibitors, aiming for more effective and precise cancer treatment.

Reach-Scale Mapping of Surface Flow Velocities from Thermal Images Acquired by an Uncrewed Aircraft System along the Sacramento River, California, USA

An innovative payload containing a sensitive mid-wave infrared camera was flown on an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) to acquire thermal imagery along a reach of the Sacramento River, California, USA. The imagery was used as input for an ensemble particle image velocimetry (PIV) algorithm to produce near-continuous maps of surface flow velocity along a reach approximately 1 km in length. To assess the accuracy of PIV velocity estimates, in situ measurements of flow velocity were obtained with an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP). ADCP measurements were collected along pre-planned cross-section lines within the area covered by the imagery. The PIV velocities showed good agreement with the depth-averaged velocity measured by the ADCP, with R2 values ranging from 0.59–0.97 across eight transects. Velocity maps derived from the thermal image sequences acquired on consecutive days during a period of steady flow were compared. These maps showed consistent spatial patterns of velocity vector magnitude and orientation, indicating that the technique is repeatable and robust. PIV of thermal imagery can yield velocity estimates in situations where natural water-surface textures or tracers are either insufficient or absent in visible imagery. Future work could be directed toward defining optimal environmental conditions, as well as limitations for mapping flow velocities based on thermal images acquired via UAS.

Transpression in the Eastern Jiangnan Orogen and its implications for ductile deformation process and regional Tectonics of the South China block

The transpressive deformation in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen during the Early Paleozoic is the structural response to the oblique convergence of the Yangtze-Cathaysia blocks, and this relationship is critical for understanding the tectonics of South China. The Jiangwan–Huangshan shear zone (JHSZ) and Baiji–Sanyang shear zone (BSSZ) exhibit NEE–SSW-trending oblique dextral and sinistral shearing, respectively, and their evolution resulted in local E–W dextral strike-slip shearing. Most kinematic vorticity values range from 0.4 to 0.81, which implies that the JHSZ and BSSZ deformed under the contribution of both pure-shear and simple-shear components, suggesting complicated deformation histories for those orogenic shear zones. The quartz and feldspar deformation mechanisms, opening angles and lattice preferred orientation (LPO) patterns of the quartz c-axis fabrics suggest shear deformation temperatures between 400 and 550 °C in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen. Locally deformation occurred under high-temperature (>600 °C) conditions. Combined with previous data and regional geology, these findings indicate that the shearing deformation in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen accommodated the oblique convergence between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks during the Early Paleozoic, which was possibly caused by the final assembly of Gondwana.

Patterning of 2D second harmonic generation active arrays in ferroelectric nematic fluids

Ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals exhibit unique non-linear optical properties, with the potential to become transformative materials for photonic applications. A promising direction relies on the fabrication of tailored polar orientational patterns via photoalignment, thus shaping the non-linear optical susceptibility through thin slabs of the ferroelectric fluid. Here, we explore the fabrication of 2D periodic SHG active arrays in ferroelectric nematic fluids, for different materials, cell thicknesses and motifs. Based on polarizing optical microscopy observations in combination with optical simulations, second harmonic generation microscopy and interferometry, the 3D structure of the motifs is revealed. Two different 2D periodic patterns are explored, showing that the balance between flexoelectric and electrostatic energy can lead to different domain structures, an effect which is rooted in the difference between the flexoelectric properties of the materials. It is shown that by combining the surface-inscribed alignment with different spontaneous degrees of twist, 2D SHG active arrays can be obtained in the micrometre scale, in which adjacent areas exhibit maximum SHG signals at opposite angles.

Goal orientation patterns and preferred coaching leadership styles among football players of District Training Centre in Seberang Perai Tengah, Penang, Malaysia

Goal orientation patterns and preferred coaching leadership styles among football players of District Training Centre in Seberang Perai Tengah, Penang, Malaysia

Estimating the efficacy of solar photovoltaic panels in Lebanon using a digital surface model: A geospatial approach

With the escalating need for alternative energy sources due to economic crises and fossil fuel shortages in Lebanon, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have emerged as an attractive solution. This study examines the capacity and efficacy of rooftop-installed PV solar panels. Using geospatial technologies, including Digital Surface Models drone-based photogrammetry, the study assesses geometric and solar characteristics, seasonal solar radiation, solar duration, and power for 40 PV units installed in the study area. This research presents specific quantitative values for optimal orientations that result in high solar radiation across various seasons and identifies varying slopes influencing the performance of PV solar panels. Employing the Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) technique, PV units are systematically classified into clusters labeled as Moderate, High, Low, and Very Low solar power, offering quantitative metrics regarding the effectiveness of distinct panels. The high-efficiency Cluster exhibits an average solar power of 1868.114 kWh/m² during the summer season, whereas the Very Low Cluster, comprising panels with minimal solar power output, averages 150.578 kWh/m² in the same season. In conclusion, the most effective PV solar panels within the study area are those oriented between 195 and 225 degrees, with shallow inclination angles and larger surface areas contributing to enhanced performance in capturing solar radiation and generating power. These precise quantitative insights contribute to informed decision-making for optimizing the placement of PV panels to enhance energy generation. The study's recommendations are substantiated by specific numerical data, guiding future solar installations to maximize solar energy generation.

An Automated Approach for Mapping Mining-Induced Fissures Using CNNs and UAS Photogrammetry

Understanding the distribution and development patterns of mining-induced fissures is crucial for environmental protection and geological hazard prevention. To address labor-intensive manual inspection, an automated approach leveraging Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Unmanned Aerial System Photogrammetry (UASP) is proposed for fissure identification and mapping. Initially, the ResNet-50 network was employed for the binary classification of the cropped UASP orthophoto images. A comparative analysis was conducted to determine the optimal model between DeepLabv3+ and U-Net. Subsequently, the identified fissures were mosaicked and spatially projected onto the original orthophoto image, incorporating precise projection data, thereby furnishing a spatial reference for environmental governance. The results indicate a classification accuracy of 93% for the ResNet-50 model, with the U-Net model demonstrating a superior identification performance. Fissure orientation and distribution patterns are influenced by the mining direction, ground position of the mining workface, and topographic undulations. Enhancing the CNN performance can be achieved by incorporating variables such as slope indices, vegetation density, and mining workface locations. Lastly, a remote unmanned approach is proposed for the automated mapping of mining-induced fissures, integrated with UAS automated charging station technology. This study contributes to the advancement of intelligent, labor-saving, and unmanned management approaches advocated by the mining industry, with potential for broad applications in mining environmental protection efforts.