Specific Orientation Research Articles

Oriented attachment kinetics for rod-like particles at a flat surface: Buffon's needle at the nanoscale.

The adsorption of large rod-like molecules or crystallites on a flat crystal face, similar to Buffon's needle, requires the rods to "land," with their binding sites in precise orientational alignment with matching sites on the surface. An example is provided by long, helical antifreeze proteins (AFPs), which bind at specific facets and orientations on the ice surface. The alignment constraint for adsorption, in combination with the loss in orientational freedom as the molecule diffuses toward the surface, results in an entropic barrier that hinders the adsorption. Prior kinetic models do not factor in the complete geometry of the molecule, nor explicitly enforce orientational constraints for adsorption. Here, we develop a diffusion-controlled adsorption theory for AFP molecules binding at specific orientations to flat ice surfaces. We formulate the diffusion equation with relevant boundary conditions and present analytical solutions to the attachment rate constant. The resulting rate constant is a function of the length and aspect ratio of the AFP, the distance threshold associated with binding, and solvent conditions such as temperature and viscosity. These results and methods of calculation may also be useful for predicting the kinetics of crystal growth through oriented attachment.

Dynamic recrystallisation via nucleation at distorted twins in a Ni-based superalloy

Annealing twins of Σ3 character are common special grain boundaries in face centred cubic metals with low-to-medium stacking fault energy such as Ni-based superalloys. Despite their prevalence, little is known about the detailed evolution of these interfaces during hot deformation, then often referred to as distorted twins, and how their presence contributes to nucleation during dynamic recrystallisation. Here, we developed an automated methodology to systematically analyse large numbers of distorted Σ3 twins in microstructures after hot compression tests using electron backscatter diffraction. We show that annealing twins lose their Σ3 character via a deviation in misorientation angle from the ideal 60°. This is accompanied by a rotation axis shift from 〈111〉 towards 〈110〉. These distorted twins then facilitate discontinuous dynamic recrystallisation. Newly recrystallised grains generally form via twinning phenomena and maintain a special orientation relationship to their neighbouring deformed grains by sharing a close to common 〈111〉 direction. At high deformation temperatures above 1130 °C, most pre-existing twin boundaries are fully transformed into recrystallised grains. This highlights the importance of twin boundaries as nucleation sites for recrystallisation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that automated methodologies are required to enable systematic studies of the interplay between recrystallisation and microstructural features such as Σ3 twins.

UN Treaty on Business and Human Rights or Investor-State Arbitration? A Sober Answer for the Better Protection of Human Rights

Summary The concept of legal personality has been and is currently the object of studies. The doctrine is vast and made of many convincing interpretations. For this reason, an excursus of the main theories will be outlined in the light of recent events which support a specific theoretical orientation. The study will give a clear understanding of how international legal personality applies to Non-State Actors. After removing minor doctrines from the equation, those that remain will be highlighted, and compared with how the same matter is de facto faced in international investment law. The relationship between international investment law and international human rights law with regards to the role played by investors will be scrutinised. In investment arbitration, the position of the State and the investor is equal. This leads to the impression that international investment law is the realm in which to ensure more protection for the victims of human rights violations by business enterprises. So, if respect for international human rights is incorporated into the investment arbitral dispute procedures it could protect and or prevent human rights abuses. The opposite approach is to view business activities as objects. In this case, the role to regulate companies and protect stakeholders will be only on the state, and companies will be indirectly obliged to respect human rights. Therefore, the current draft of the binding treaty on business and human rights will be taken into consideration. The analysis of the two approaches will highlight which represents the more stable option for preventing, protecting and remedying human rights abuses by business enterprises. Specifically, the main questions to be answered are: is the international investment law’s field the future for more effective protection of human rights violations coming from business activities? Or is it a states’ prerogative to set and impose rules to prevent and protect such violations?

Crystallographic analysis of Ga+ irradiation-induced phase transformation in austenitic stainless steels

Focused ion beam processing with Ga+ ion sources is widely applied for nanoscale fabrication of materials and preparation of specimens for advanced microstructural observation by methods such as transmission electron microscopy and 3D atom probes. It is important to suppress specimen damage and microstructural changes associated with Ga+ irradiation, but limited information is available on the mechanism of microstructural changes. In this study, we explored the mechanism of Ga+ irradiation-induced phase transformation of an austenitic stainless steel. The irradiation-induced fcc-bcc phase transformation was characterized by microstructural observations of surfaces and cross sections of specimens and analyses of crystallographic orientation relationships. The results of microstructural analysis showed that the formation of the irradiation-induced bcc phase on the specimen surface increased with increasing irradiation dose. At the same irradiation dose, the bcc transformation initiated sooner, and the total amount of transformation was higher, for irradiation of the (111)fcc planes than the (001)fcc planes. Microstructural analysis of cross-sections showed that irradiation (8.0 × 1016 ions/cm2) of the (001)fcc and (111)fcc planes caused formation of a transformation phase to depths of 100 nm and 60 nm, respectively; the bcc transformation extended to deeper regions in the (001)fcc planes than the (111)fcc planes. In addition, these transformation areas extended over a wider area than the areas of high Ga concentration. The crystallographic orientation relationship before and after the transformation was not a specific orientation relationship, such as Kurdjumov–Sachs or Nishiyama-Wasserman, and its distribution differed depending on the direction of Ga+ irradiation. The mechanism of fcc-bcc phase transformation of SUS304 steel by Ga+ ion irradiation was explained by chemical and stress effects due to the injection of Ga+ ions. Furthermore, the transformation behavior, which depended on the irradiation direction, was discussed in terms of the (111)fcc orientation angle relative to the irradiation direction.

Investigation of spin-charge-structure in human heme using the DFT method

The enzyme heme oxygenase (HO) plays an essential role in the destruction of heme molecules. Heme oxygenase uses dioxygen to open the specific orientation of the porphyrin ring at the position of the [Formula: see text]-meso carbon. This reaction is called mesohydroxylation, which produces [Formula: see text]-bilirubin, and the [Formula: see text]-bilirubin produced by the second enzyme bilirubin reductase is converted into bilirubin. The destruction of heme is carried out by a special enzymatic process, and the enzymes heme oxygenase and bilirubin reductase are responsible for the enzymatic role of this process. All calculations were done using Gaussian 2003 and Gaussian 2009 on an Asus NW522 computer and with the help of the Gaussian viewer, and Hyperchem software. Calculation and optimization of different configurations of molecules using the quantum computing method from the beginning of B3LYP were performed using the 631G-basis set using the FOPT keyword. The calculation of charge and spin was done based on Mulliken’s charge and spin. The analysis of bonding orbitals (NBO) was done to fully investigate the distribution of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] spins in d orbitals of iron and ring. The molecule is optimized using the quantum calculation method from the beginning, B3LYP with the basis set 6-31G. The results of DFT studies showed that the LUMO-HOMO energy gap values reflect the chemical activity of the molecule. The higher the HOMO-LUMO energy gap, the harder and more stable the molecule is and the less reactive it is. The reduction of the HOMO and LUMO energy gap explains the final charge transfer interaction that occurs inside the molecule due to the ability to accept electrons in the electron acceptor group.

Orientational cell adhesions (OCAs) for tissue morphogenesis.

Distinct tissue architectures arise when cells are organized in specific orientations relative to neighboring cells. These orientational intercellular relationships are established and maintained by cell adhesions. We propose the concept of 'orientational cell adhesions' (OCAs) to couple cell orientations with cell adhesions, thus offering a new perspective to study tissue morphogenesis.

Aging phenomenon in low molybdenum Fe-21Cr-5Mn-1.5Ni alloy: Microstructure evolution, texture development and corrosion behavior

In the present work, the effect of long-term aging at 750°C up to 480 hours on microstructure evolution, texture development and corrosion behavior of a low molybdenum Fe–21Cr-1.5Ni–5Mn alloy has been investigated systematically. An increase in aging time results in increase in proportion of σ-phase. The σ-phase formation took place by the eutectoid decomposition reaction: δ → σ + γ 2 . The σ-phase did not show any specific orientation relationship with neighbouring δ ferrite grains. The initial solution annealed sample showed the presence of strong Brass ({110}<112>), Cube ({100}<001>), Goss ({110}<112>), and minor Cu ({112}<111>) in austenite, and strong γ-fiber (normal direction, ND//<111>) along with minor α-fiber (rolling direction, RD//<110>) in ferrite. After, long-term aging up to 480 hours, austenite showed strong Cu ({112}<111>) and minor Brass ({110}<112>) along with Cube ({100}<001>). Ferrite, on the other hand, showed γ-fiber. The lower amount of Cr/Mo and higher N in Fe-21Cr-1.5Ni-5Mn alloy was not enough to avoid the σ precipitation, however, it delayed its precipitation. The increase in σ-phase with aging time resulted in a decrease in corrosion resistance.

Evolution of as-solidified and heat-affected microstructures under different thermal manufacturing processes for 316 L stainless steel

In this study, laser-arc welding (LAW), laser welding (LW), and laser cutting (LC) of 316 L stainless steel plates were selected to comparatively study melting-solidifying and heat-affected zones (MSZ, HAZ). Variations of morphology, crystalline orientation, and phase interfaces were systematically investigated from LAW to LW and LC. In the MSZ, δ phase presented a dramatic decrease in fraction and size with degenerated dendritic and increasingly dispersed features while γ grains were gradually refined. Special orientation relationships Bain, K.-S., N.-W. and G.-T. were frequently observed in re-solidified zones and δ coarsening regions of HAZ. Depending on the solidification speed, temperature gradient, and solid/liquid interface instability caused by manufacturing processes, δ and γ refinements in MSZ and HAZ from LAW to LW and LC were attributed to the S/L instability, lowered high-temperature duration，and variable epitaxial growth on previously formed δ (LW) or γ (LC). • Evolution of microstructure and microtexture in as-solidified and heat affected zones were compared. • The fraction and arrangment of δ phase was primarily controlled by the solid precipitation duration. • Grain size and orientation of γ phase was both decided by previously formed δ phase at a low temperature gradient or γ phase at a high one.

The Distance Orientation Problem

The Distance Orientation Problem (DOP) is formulated as follows: Given a graph with positive weights on its edges, are there weights for the vertices, such that for every edge x y it holds that the absolute difference between the weights of x and y is equal to the weight of x y ? This problem can also be formulated as a problem of finding a special orientation of G and was motivated by an application in Shape from Shading, a method in the field of Computer Vision. We present a linear-time algorithm for complete 3-cover graphs, a generalization of chordal graphs and planar triangulations. For outerplanar graphs we show that the DOP is fixed-parameter tractable and present a pseudo-polynomial time algorithm for integral edge weights. Both algorithms use the idea that the existence of feasible weights for the vertices of an outerplanar graph can be decided by only looking at the edge weights of each face of its outerplane embedding separately. We show that this property does not hold for any embedding of a planar graph which is not outerplanar. Furthermore, we prove that the DOP is strongly NP -complete for grid graphs, i.e., there is no pseudo-polynomial algorithm to solve it unless P = NP .

Dexterous robotic manipulation using deep reinforcement learning and knowledge transfer for complex sparse reward‐based tasks

AbstractThis paper describes a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) approach that won Phase 1 of the Real Robot Challenge (RRC) 2021, and then extends this method to a more difficult manipulation task. The RRC consisted of using a TriFinger robot to manipulate a cube along a specified positional trajectory, but with no requirement for the cube to have any specific orientation. We used a relatively simple reward function, a combination of a goal‐based sparse reward and a distance reward, in conjunction with Hindsight Experience Replay (HER) to guide the learning of the DRL agent (Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient [DDPG]). Our approach allowed our agents to acquire dexterous robotic manipulation strategies in simulation. These strategies were then deployed on the real robot and outperformed all other competition submissions, including those using more traditional robotic control techniques, in the final evaluation stage of the RRC. Here we extend this method, by modifying the task of Phase 1 of the RRC to require the robot to maintain the cube in a particular orientation, while the cube is moved along the required positional trajectory. The requirement to also orient the cube makes the agent less able to learn the task through blind exploration due to increased problem complexity. To circumvent this issue, we make novel use of a Knowledge Transfer (KT) technique that allows the strategies learned by the agent in the original task (which was agnostic to cube orientation) to be transferred to this task (where orientation matters). KT allowed the agent to learn and perform the extended task in the simulator, which improved the average positional deviation from 0.134 to 0.02 m, and average orientation deviation from 142° to 76° during evaluation. This KT concept shows good generalization properties and could be applied to any actor‐critic learning algorithm.

GRAMMATICAL AND SYNTACTIC PECULIARITIES OF TRANSLATION OF ENGLISH MILITARY AND POLITICAL TEXTS INTO UKRAINIAN

The article is focused on the study of grammatical and syntactic features of the translation of English-language military and political texts. Due to the specific communicative and functional orientation, the specialized language of the military sphere operates within three functional language styles (official, journalistic and scientific). The preference for one of these styles varies according to the topic of communication. The study of the translation of military texts is relevant, considering the Russian war with Ukraine and the tense political situation in Europe. More and more linguists are investigating this kind of discourse. The purpose of the article is to analyze the use of transformations in the translation of English military-political texts at the grammatical and syntactic levels. The object of the research is textual units of English and Ukrainian texts on military and political topics. Military and political articles, books served as the research material. In the course of the study, characteristic grammatical and syntactic features of military-political texts were analyzed. Having analyzed English texts on military and political topics, we conclude that the grammatical level is characterized by the use of transformations, for example, modulation (army artillery – польова артилерія), tracing (avenue of approach), explication or descriptive translation (Air Defense Artillery anti-aircraft artillery), transliteration (NATO), generalization and specification (attack by fire). Regarding the syntactic component, it should be noted that military-political texts are distinguished by the use of simple, impersonal sentences and the use of imperative voice. Keywords: grammatical features; syntactic features; specialized language of military sphere; translation transformations; translation methods; military and political texts.

Orientation Detection System Based on Edge-Orientation Selective Neurons

In this paper, we propose a mechanism of orientation detection system based on edge-orientation selective neurons. We assume that there are neurons in the V1 that can generate response to object’s edge, and each neuron has the optimal response to specific orientation in a local receptive field. The global orientation is inferred from the aggregation of local orientation information. An orientation detection system is further developed based on the proposed mechanism. We design four types of neurons for four local orientations and used these neurons to extract local orientation information. The global orientation is obtained according to the neuron with the most activation. The performance of this orientation detection system is evaluated on orientation detection tasks. From the experiment results, we can conclude that our proposed global orientation mechanism is feasible and explainable. The mechanism-based orientation detection system shows better recognition accuracy and noise immunity than the traditional convolution neural network-based orientation detection systems and EfficientNet-based orientation detection system, which have the most accuracy for now. In addition, our edge-orientation selective cell based artificial visual system can greatly save time and learning cost compared to the traditional convolution neural network and EfficientNet.

Cracking mechanisms and prevention of Stellite 6# surface layer built by laser cladding during thermal cyclic process

This study analyzed the mechanism of the development and propagation of crack of Stellite 6 coating fabricated by laser cladding during thermal cyclic process and adopted the buffer layer between Stellite 6 coating and substrate to prevent the crack from generating. An obvious crack initiating from the layer surface was observed at 104 times of thermal cyclic treatment. The macrotensile stress, Laves phase, and nanocarbides along stacking faults detected by TEM (transmission electron microscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction), and SEM (scanning electron microscopy) measurements were closely related to the initiation and propagation of the crack. SAED (Selected area electron diffraction) and HRTEM (high-resolution transmission electron microscopy) results demonstrated specific orientations between γ-Co, ε-Co, and nanocarbides formed in the thermal cyclic process, and details were depicted by 3D modeling. The adoption of the Inconel 625 buffer exerted a positive effect on cracking resistance, and no cracking phenomenon occurred at 300 times of thermal cyclic process resulting from the compressive residual stress during the fatigue test. Lastly, the microhardness of the coating with and without the buffer layer in different cycling times was measured. The coating without the buffer layer and the zone of the buffer layer coating far from the interface acquired enhancement in hardness performance. The hardness of the buffer layer coating near the interface first increased and then decreased.

Does anchoring vary across cultures? Expanding the Many Labs analysis

AbstractNumerous investigations have examined anchoring effects, but most of them studied individuals from similar cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Replication studies have shown that anchoring heuristics have heterogeneous effects across different cultural groups. In the present investigation, we examined this heterogeneity by looking for associations between effect size and cultural values orientation. We conducted pre‐registered meta‐analyses of four anchoring tasks, using open data provided by previous works and collected from 6,344 participants in 10 countries. The analyses confirmed that anchoring effects display strong heterogeneity between cultures. Moreover, specific cultural values orientations explained substantial amounts of variability in anchoring effect sizes between cultures: Intellectual Autonomy and Egalitarianism were negatively correlated with anchoring effect size, as we had expected. Surprisingly, Harmony was also negatively correlated with anchoring effect size, whereas Mastery had a positive association. These results suggest that cultural differences can play an important role in observed anchoring effect size.

A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS FOR AUDIT RESEARCH: EVIDENCE FROM ALGERIAN SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS PLATFORMS (ASJP)

Addressing the increase of auditing in the current era, this study examines hotspots in auditing, research trends, and practical core works shaping this topic in Algeria since studies have yet to be conducted on the issue according to our specific orientation. By adopting a bibliometric analysis approach and searching with the keyword ''audit'' and its synonyms by different languages in the available cell allocated to the title within the database, Data(manuscripts) were automatically collected by author names, years of publication, titles, journals, abstracts and keywords up to 31st December 2021. The study input relies on 390 papers published in The Algerian Scientific Journals Platform (ASJP) from 2008 to 2021. The findings have shown a rapid increase in the number of publications, with a peak of 84 articles in 2021. The language commonly used was Arabic in (72 %) of the papers, and researchers performed their empirical contributions in sixteen countries, but the prevailing majority was in Algeria. Furthermore, The scientific landscape of auditing within accounting research is found to be fragmented into general classes: firstly, external audit (30%), secondly, internal audit (23%), while the scientific collaboration among authors was feeble and applied at (8.05%). However, the research with a specialized audit theme must be systematically adopted and developed in Algeria.

A Comparative Analysis of Classical, Shakespearean and Modern Tragedies

Tragic drama since the Classical Greece has had some distinct changes in the course of its development. Since the time of Sophocles, tragedy has been shaped by different theatrical conventions and philosophies. It has experienced different kinds of change under various kinds of situations, pressures etc., which obviously came from the changing world about it. Each period sees the development of a special orientation and emphasis, a characteristic style of theatre. The framework of this paper falls on its search to draw a comparative analysis of the Classical, Renaissance and Modern tragedies. The tragic conception from the time of the Greeks to the present has undergone a metamorphosis in definitions and experience This paper therefore highlights the fundamental similarities and differences between the tragedies of the Classical, the Renaissance and the Modern ages. It discusses the overall significance of changes in convention which tragedy like every other genre has undergone from the ancient period. The paper concludes that it is obvious from the consideration of the three great periods of tragedy that no theatrical period ever repeats itself as there are differences among them as there must be since the theatre of any given period reflects the world in which it exists.

Molecularly imprinted polymers for environmental adsorption applications.

Molecular imprinting polymers (MIPs) are synthetic materials with pores or cavities to specifically retain a molecule of interest or analyte. Their synthesis consists of the generation of three-dimensional polymers with specific shapes, arrangements, orientations, and bonds to selectively retain a particular molecule called target. After target removal from the binding sites, it leaves empty cavities to be re-occupied by the analyte or a highly related compound. MIPs have been used in areas that require high selectivity (e.g., chromatographic methods, sensors, and contaminant removal). However, the most widely used application is their use as a highly selective extraction material because of its low cost, easy preparation, reversible adsorption and desorption, and thermal, mechanical, and chemical stability. Emerging pollutants are traces of substances recently found in wastewater, river waters, and drinking water samples that represent a special concern for human and ecological health. The low concentration in which these pollutants is found in the environment, and the complexity of their chemical structures makes the current wastewater treatment not efficient for complete degradation. Moreover, these substances are not yet regulated or controlled for their discharge into the environment. According to the literature, MIPs, as a highly selective adsorbent material, are a promising approach for the quantification and monitoring of emerging pollutants in complex matrices. Therefore, the main objective of this work was to give an overview of the actual state-of-art of applications of MIPs in the recovery and concentration of emerging pollutants.

Robust Visual Odometry Leveraging Mixture of Manhattan Frames in Indoor Environments.

We propose a robust RGB-Depth (RGB-D) Visual Odometry (VO) system to improve the localization performance of indoor scenes by using geometric features, including point and line features. Previous VO/Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithms estimate the low-drift camera poses with the Manhattan World (MW)/Atlanta World (AW) assumption, which limits the applications of such systems. In this paper, we divide the indoor environments into two different scenes: MW and non-MW scenes. The Manhattan scenes are modeled as a Mixture of Manhattan Frames, in which each Manhattan Frame in itself defines a Manhattan World of a specific orientation. Moreover, we provide a method to detect Manhattan Frames (MFs) using the dominant directions extracted from the parallel lines. Our approach is designed with lower computational complexity than existing techniques using planes to detect Manhattan Frame (MF). For MW scenes, we separately estimate rotational and translational motion. A novel method is proposed to estimate the drift-free rotation using MF observations, unit direction vectors of lines, and surface normal vectors. Then, the translation part is recovered from point-line tracking. In non-MW scenes, the tracked and matched dominant directions are combined with the point and line features to estimate the full 6 degree of freedom (DoF) camera poses. Additionally, we exploit the rotation constraints generated from the multi-view dominant directions observations. The constraints are combined with the reprojection errors of points and lines to refine the camera pose through local map bundle adjustment. Evaluations on both synthesized and real-world datasets demonstrate that our approach outperforms state-of-the-art methods. On synthesized datasets, average localization accuracy is 1.5 cm, which is equivalent to state-of-the-art methods. On real-world datasets, the average localization accuracy is 1.7 cm, which outperforms the state-of-the-art methods by 43%. Our time consumption is reduced by 36%.

When teachers take notice of the schoolscape: a Q method study of teacher perception of schoolscape of Indigenous Tribal Minority (ITM) schools of Chhattisgarh, India

ABSTRACT The Indian Constitution and the Directive Principles for State Policy (DPSP) aspire that individual states with Indigenous Tribal Minority (ITM) populations take special care to promote education and economic interests of the ITM communities. Despite Art 350(a) which explicitly guarantees (only) the ITM child education in its mother-tongue, the ITM child finds itself in an institutional space that operationalises the monolingual mindset in the literacy-semiotic environment, most obvious of which is the schoolscape. Educational programmes designed for the ITM child in these schools proceduralise institutional mechanisms that subscribe to specific orientations to languages (and political disposition to the notion of linguistic accommodation – both of which are visibilised in the schoolscape. Teachers, as primary implementers of the educational programme, then, are expected to calibrate their pedagogies for the child within the ITM child’s linguistic environment. Therefore, this study explored teachers’ understanding and interpretation of the signage of the ITM child’s schoolscape. Using the Q-method approach, teacher subjectivities associated with the schoolscape reveal four ways of understanding the schoolscape: the pedagogic, the reductive, the homogenising and the silencing effect of the schoolscape.

Aligned multi-walled carbon nanotube-embodied hydrogel via low magnetic field: A strategy for engineering aligned injectable scaffolds

Injectable scaffolds are a promising strategy to restore and regenerate damaged and diseased tissues. They require minimally invasive procedure and allow the formation of an in-situ structure of any shape. However, the formation of 3D in-situ structure with aligned morphologies using a method which could be easily transferred to clinical settings remains a challenge. Herein, the rational design of an aligned injectable hydrogel-based scaffold via remote-induced alignment is reported. Carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (cMWCNT) are aligned into hydrogel via low magnetic field. The uniform dispersion and alignment of cMWCNT into the hydrogel are clearly demonstrated by small angle neutron scattering. The obtained aligned cMWCNT-embodied hydrogel is stable over 7 days at room temperature and as well at body temperature (i.e. 37 °C). As unique approach, the formation of MWCNT-hydrogel composite is investigated combining rheology with molecular dynamic and quantum mechanical calculations. The increase of MWCNT concentration into the hydrogel decreases the total energy promoting structural stabilization and increase of stiffness. The remote aligning of injectable hydrogel-based scaffold opens up horizons in the engineering of functional tissues which requires specific cell orientation.