Complex Arrangement Research Articles

Gold Tetrahedral Nanoframes with Mono-Rim or Dual-Rim Morphologies for Enhanced Near-Field Focusing in SERS.

This study presents a synthesis method for Au tetrahedral nanoframes (Td NFs) through a rationally designed multiple-step process, followed by an investigation of their distinctively ordered self-assembly for enhanced performance in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Two distinct Au Td NF building blocks are synthesized, exhibiting mono-rim or dual-rim morphologies. The mono-rim structure lacks intra-nanogaps, whereas the dual-rim configuration features well-defined intra-nanogaps. The non-centrosymmetric Td NFs self-assemble into a distinctive antiparallel arrangement that alternates between the tip-up and face-up orientations of the Au Td NFs. This configuration results in the formation of both triply tip-to-tip and face-to-face nanogaps. The unique zigzag pattern exhibited strong electromagnetic field enhancement and extensive spatial hot zones, significantly amplifying near-field focusing and, consequently, the SERS effect. The near-field enhancement of Au Td NF assemblies is confirmed through finite element method simulations and experimentally validated by comparing bulk SERS measurements with those of Au octahedron NF assemblies, which tend to adopt a parallel face-to-tip alignment during assembly. Owing to the complex arrangement of multiple intra-nanogaps between the internal rim-to-rim interfaces and the four exposed facets, dual-rim Td NFs exhibited single-particle SERS activity, a capability not observed in analogous Td NFs with single rims.

Properties optimisation of nanostructures via machine learning: Progress and perspective

Nanostructures play a vast role in the current Internet of NanoThings (IoNT) era due to remarkable properties and features that precisely impart their desired application functions in catalysis, energy and other fields. The exploration in understanding their minute features caused by the flexibility of compositional and complex atomic arrangement from the synthesis reaction widely opens for the in-depth discovery of their search space such as particle size, morphology and structures that controlled the characteristics. A wide range of possible compositions and various lattice atomic arrangements combined with small particle size distribution and large surface area create grand challenges to copy/differentiate their corresponding specific properties. Thus, the employment of machine learning (ML)-based strategies using the closed-loop experimental data from the nanostructure synthesis to help navigate and optimise for the large classes of data attributes related to the size, morphology and other properties from the trained model are reviewed. The data attributes are assisted by discussions of the selected case studies from the recent literature that highlight different condition nanostructures. The review concludes with a discussion of perspectives on the major challenges in the implementation of ML data-driven design in the field of nanostructure synthesis.

Enhancement in Corrosion Resistance of Low-Carbon Steel via Surface Modification

This research investigated the corrosion resistance of surface layers on low-carbon steel exposed to a chloride environment at room temperature. This study systematically evaluated the effects of varying pack compositions, coating temperatures, and application durations on the characteristics of the deposited coatings. The potentiodynamic polarization corrosion test was employed to assess the wet corrosion behavior of the specimens. Elemental compositions and microstructural features were analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) in conjunction with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), providing insights into phase distribution. The chromizing, titanizing, and chromotitanizing treatments were conducted at temperatures of 900 °C, 1000 °C, and 1100 °C, respectively, with varying coating times. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a complex arrangement of elements and compounds within the coatings, including Cr, Ti, Cr1.9Ti, FeTi, Al2O3, Cr2O3, TiO2, Cr1.36Fe0.52, and (Ti0.86)3.58. The study found that as the deposition duration increased, the coating thickness increased, comprising a thin inner layer and a substantially thicker outer layer. This layered structure resulted from the outward diffusion of Fe atoms and the inward diffusion of Cr and Ti atoms. Electrochemical analysis in a 3.5% NaCl aqueous solution indicated a marked enhancement in the corrosion resistance of the coated specimens compared to their uncoated counterparts. The potentiodynamic polarization tests confirmed that the protective coatings significantly reduced the corrosion rate, with performance influenced by both the temperature and duration of the deposition process. These findings highlighted the potential of tailored coating techniques to improve the durability and performance of low-carbon steel in corrosive environments.

Understanding the liminal situation of lone‐parent and blended families—A review and agenda for work–family research

AbstractThis review takes a transdisciplinary approach to work–family (WF) research, offering new perspectives on different family forms in the context of employment. It focuses on lone‐parents and blended families, highlighting how management research on the WF interface has been constrained by traditional definitions of ‘family’, assuming intact couple relationships. The review shows that the WF experiences of lone‐parents and blended families differ significantly from those of traditional or nuclear families. Our findings demonstrate that blended and lone‐parent families struggle with conventional WF policies based on traditional family forms. These families face four main challenges: (1) complex residential arrangements and relationships with co‐parents; (2) managing (limited) resources; (3) navigating stigma; and (4) narrow cultural scripts defining family roles. Utilizing cross‐domain identity transition theory, we question the traditional ideas at the core of current WF theory. We demonstrate that non‐traditional families occupy a ‘liminal’ WF space due to their more fluid parental, occupational and household identities compared to traditional families. We urge employers and policy makers to recognize and address the distinct WF challenges faced by lone‐parents and blended families. Employers should develop flexible working policies that accommodate complex residential arrangements and provide resources to support lone and blended family structures. Policy makers should consider revising family leave policies to be more inclusive of diverse family forms. Future research should further explore the diverse experiences of employed parents, including those from LGBTQIA+ communities, using our framework, which encourages researchers to think differently regarding existing WF theories through the consideration of our four themes.

Noncollinear Magnetic Structures in the Chiral Antiperovskite β-Fe2SeO.

We present the magnetic properties of the chiral, polar, and possibly magnetoelectric antiperovskite β-Fe2SeO as derived from magnetization and specific-heat measurements as well as from powder neutron diffraction and Mössbauer experiments. Our macroscopic data unambiguously reveal two magnetic phase transitions at TN1 ≈ 103 K and TN2 ≈ 78 K, while Rietveld analysis of neutron powder diffraction data reveals a noncollinear antiferromagnetic structure featuring magnetic moments in the a-b plane of the trigonal structure and a ferromagnetic moment along c. The latter is allowed by symmetry between TN1 and TN2, weakly visible in the magnetization data yet unresolvable microscopically. While the intermediate phase can be expressed in the trigonal magnetic space group P31, the magnetic ground state is modulated by a propagation vector q = (1/2 1/2 0) resulting in triclinic symmetry and an even more complex low-temperature spin arrangement which is also reflected in the Mössbauer hyperfine patterns indicating additional splitting of Fe sites below TN2. The complex noncollinear spin arrangements suggest interesting magnetoelectric properties of this polar magnet.

Numerical and experimental evaluations of the impact attenuation of a rail-fastening assembly

The stability of railway tracks relies on a complex arrangement of rail, rail pad, rail clip, sleeper, and ballast. Impact forces from wheel-rail irregularities can lead to concrete sleeper cracking. Traditional experimentation to assess impact attenuation of a rail-fastening assembly (BS EN 13146-3) is both costly and time-consuming. In this study, an experiment-finite element analysis coupling method was utilized. Dynamic properties of the rail pad were experimentally determined and incorporated them into finite element analysis (FEA) to simulate impact attenuation, which was then experimentally validated. Investigating the damping constant ( cP) and dynamic stiffness ( kP) of the rail pad revealed that while increasing cP doesn’t significantly alter sleeper strain, reducing kP decreases the initial peak strain. Therefore, the impact attenuation is primarily influenced by kP. This approach not only reduces evaluation costs and time but also aids in rail-fastening assembly design, analysis, maintenance, and development.

Altered renal vascular patterning reduces ischemic kidney injury and limits vascular loss associated with aging.

The kidney vasculature has a complex arrangement, which runs in both series and parallel to perfuse the renal tissue and appropriately filter plasma. Recent studies have demonstrated that the development of this vascular pattern is dependent on netrin-1 secreted by renal stromal progenitors. Mice lacking netrin-1 develop an arterial tree with stochastic branching, particularly of the large interlobar vessels. The current study investigated whether abnormalities in renal vascular pattern altered kidney function or response to injury. To examine this, we analyzed kidney function at baseline as well as in response to recovery from a model of bilateral ischemic injury and measured vascular dynamics in aged mice. We found no differences in kidney function or morphology at baseline between mice with an abnormal arterial pattern compared to control. Interestingly, male and female mutant mice with stochastic vascular patterning showed a reduction in tubular injury in response to ischemia. Similarly, mutant mice also had a preservation of perfused vasculature with aging compared to a reduction in the control group. These results suggest that guided and organized patterning of the renal vasculature may not be required for normal kidney function; thus, modulating renal vascular patterning may represent an effective therapeutic strategy. Understanding how patterning and maturation of the arterial tree affects physiology and response to injury or aging has important implications for enhancing kidney regeneration and tissue engineering strategies.

Atom probe tomography of deuterium-charged optimised ZIRLO

This study investigates the morphology and composition of hydrides in Optimized ZIRLO following electrochemical deuterium charging. Both ZrO and ZrDx phases were formed upon charging. The interfaces between these phases are investigated by using atom probe tomography aided by cryogenic sample transfer. The Ga and Sn have formed a “net”-like structure at the original atom probe specimen surface, which is assumed to be associated with the boundaries between individual hydride laths/needles, as it thought to have formed as these species were excluded from the hydrides. Calculation of the D/Zr ratio throughout the sample allows for identification of the ZrDx phases, revealing the specimen consists of a complex arrangement of different hydride phases. In some areas there is small excess of D in the hydride, i.e. ZrD2+y. This result is interpreted as deuterium which was “frozen” as it was passing through the hydride during electrochemical charging. The observed microstructural changes and interfacial phenomena contribute valuable insights that may prove useful for improving the performance and safety of Zr alloys.

The Paintings of Henok Melkamzer

The formal properties, styles, and techniques of telsem fascinates viewers from Ethiopia and abroad. Drawn traditionally on parchment and in acrylic in contemporary times, the sophisticated and intricate lines of telsem consist of symbols that are spectacularly expressive. However, the conventional knowledge base for telsem art in Western art-historical provisions has been cabalistic. Modernism, as a field of study, persists in classifying the sophisticated forms, exuberant colors, lines, shapes, and conceptually complex arrangement of telsem paintings in categories that are outside of the modernist canon. While Western art critics acknowledge the exquisite imagery of telsem art, they place emphasis on the disciplinary divide and difference between the visual languages of European art forms, which are modern and historical, and non-Western art forms such as telsem, which are perceived as ahistorical objects. Even though they are practiced in contemporary times, they are still approached in anthropological designations. Certainly, the uses of the supernatural in non-Western visual art are grouped together under the rubric of magical realism, and humanistic scholars have given little significance to the substantial modernist interventions of such works. These complex works of art cannot be purely described in terms of contrasts such as reality versus fantasy or in contexts of a long-gone tradition that has waned. They are still produced in contemporary times, fantastically depicting specific cultural, political, and social experiences of the contemporary moment in both rational and mythical ways. It is precisely this underlying difference in art-historical studies that the Sharjah Art Foundation’s 2024 exhibition Henok Melkamzer: Telsem Symbols and Imagery attempts to extend.

An ultrastructure analysis of the developing human anterior cruciate ligament tibial enthesis.

This study aimed to investigate the ultrastructural anatomy of the developing ACL tibial enthesis. We hypothesized that enthesis architecture would progressively mature and remodel, eventually resembling that of the adult by the early postnatal stage. Five fresh-frozen human pediatric cadaveric knees aged 1-36 months underwent anatomical dissection to harvest the ACL insertion and underlying tibial chondroepiphysis. The samples were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine the ultrastructural anatomy of the enthesis and underwent histological staining for circular polarized light (CPL) and light microscopy imaging. SEM analysis of the 1- and 8-month-old samples revealed a shallow interdigitation between the dense fibrous (ligamentous) tissue and unmineralized chondrogenic tissues, with a minimal transition zone. By 11-month, a more complex transition zone was present. By age 19- and 36-month-old, a progressively more complex and defined fibrocartilage zone was observed. CPL analysis revealed distinct collagen fiber continuity, alignment, and organization changes over time. By 19 and 36 months, the samples exhibited complex fiber arrangements and a progression toward uniform fiber orientation. Similarly, histological analysis demonstrated progressive remodeling of the enthesis with increasing age. Our results suggest that the ACL enthesis of the developing knee begins to mimic that of an adult as early as 19 months of age, as a more complex transition between ligamentous and chondro-epiphyseal tissue can be appreciated. We hypothesize that the observed changes are likely due to mechanical loading of the enthesis with the onset of weightbearing. Future investigations of ACL reconstruction and repair will benefit from improved understanding of the chondro-epiphyseal/ACL regions.

Free Reflection Multiarrangements and Quasi-Invariants

Abstract To a complex reflection arrangement with an invariant multiplicity function one can relate the space of logarithmic vector fields and the space of quasi-invariants, which are both modules over invariant polynomials. We establish a close relation between these modules. Berest–Chalykh freeness results for the module of quasi-invariants lead to new free complex reflection multiarrangements. Saito’s primitive derivative gives a linear map between certain spaces of quasi-invariants. We also establish a close relation between non-homogeneous quasi-invariants for root systems and logarithmic vector fields for the extended Catalan arrangements. As an application, we prove the freeness of Catalan arrangements corresponding to the non-reduced root system $BC_{N}$.

Enhancement of Single-Molecule Magnet Properties by Manipulating Intramolecular Dipolar Interactions.

A new single-molecule magnet (SMM) complex [K(18-crown-6)][(COT)Er(µ-Cl)3Er(COT)] (Er2Cl3, COT=cyclooctatetraenide dianion) is obtained by the reaction of [(COT)Er(µ-Cl)(THF)]2 (Er2Cl2, THF=tetrahydrofuran) with an equivalent of KCl in the presence of 18-crown-6. The two COT-Er units in the newly formed complex are triply bridged by µ-Cl ligands, leading to the "head-to-tail" alignment of the magnetic easy axes distinctly different from the "staggered" arrangement in the precursor complex. This structural transformation has led to significantly enhanced intramolecular dipolar interactions and a reduced transverse component of the crystal fields, increasing the energy barrier from 150(8) K for Er2Cl2 to 264(4) K for Er2Cl3 and extending its magnetic relaxation time at 2 K by 2500 times with respect to Er2Cl2. More importantly, the blocking temperature increased from lower than 2 K for Er2Cl2 to 8 K for Er2Cl3, and the magnetic hysteresis loops at 2 K changed from butterfly-shaped for Er2Cl2 to open hysteresis loop with coercive force of 7 kOe for Er2Cl3. These results suggest that the properties of SMMs can be effectively tuned and improved by rationally arranging magnetic spins via molecular engineering.

The Potential Application of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) Protein in Plant‐Based Food Analogs: A Review

ABSTRACTThe increasing demand for plant‐based food products by consumers along with the growing global population requires the discovery of novel and sustainable protein sources to address environmental challenges and meet nutritional requirements. Among various plant proteins, mung bean protein (MBP) exhibits several unique characteristics that make it a valuable ingredient in the field of plant‐based food analogs. This literature review aims to express the unique structure and composition of MBP, in addition to its physicochemical, functional, and nutritional properties. Furthermore, its potential applications in novel meat, dairy, and egg analogs are highlighted to meet the growing demand for sustainable, nutritious, and delicious plant‐based food alternatives. Structurally, MBP consists of a complex arrangement of amino acids, forming a globular protein with distinct functional properties. Its composition is also rich in essential amino acids, particularly leucine and lysine, making it a promising protein source for plant‐based diets. From a techno‐functional perspective, MBP exhibits remarkable gelling, emulsifying, foaming, and binding properties, which are necessary for the development of stable emulsions, airy foams, firm gels, and cohesive textures in various plant‐based food formulations. Moreover, MBP and its derivatives can possess notable bio‐functional properties, including antioxidant activity and anti‐inflammatory benefits, as well as cholesterol‐lowering, anti‐obesity, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and anticancer effects. Consequently, the production of food analogs based on MBP not only improves the techno‐functional attributes of the final products but also can promote consumer health and well‐being.

A Composite Fault Model for the 2024 MW 7.4 Hualien Earthquake Sequence in Eastern Taiwan Inferred From GNSS and InSAR Data

AbstractOn 2 April 2024, an MW 7.4 earthquake struck the northern Longitudinal Valley in eastern Taiwan, about 18 km SSW of Hualien, causing damage and casualties. In this study, we investigated a comprehensive geodetic data set, employing Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) measurements to assess the rupture geometry associated with earthquake sequence. Although geodetic data can be satisfactorily reproduced by simple single‐fault models (i.e., a high‐angle E‐dipping plane related to the Longitudinal Valley Fault (LVF), or a gentle W‐dipping surface associated with the Central Range Fault, CRF), a composite model involving the rupture of different fault segments (a major CRF‐related W‐dipping fault, a deep segment of the E‐dipping LVF, and the Milun Fault) is able to explain the observations, the distribution of seismicity, and the complex structural arrangement of the northernmost sector of the Longitudinal Valley.

Green space-building integration for Urban Heat Island mitigation: Insights from Beijing's fifth ring road district

In this research, we delve into the complex arrangement of urban landscapes, where green spaces and buildings are not merely co-existing but are interwoven into a cohesive fabric that shapes the thermal environment. Our approach transcends the conventional methods of analysis, which typically isolate the roles of greenery or built environments. Instead, we adopt a synergistic perspective that recognizes the collective influence of these landscape constituents on the urban thermal pattern. Key insights are: (1) A linear decrease in average land surface temperature with increasing green space coverage is observed. However, substantial temperature variations (up to 8 °C) within the same coverage interval highlight the significant impact of built-up pattern on thermal conditions; (2) High Building Height and Floor Area Ratio, and low Building Coverage Ratio and Sky View Factor, are linked to cooler temperatures in areas with up to 50 % green space; (3) The study suggests that low-temperature areas can inform the adjustment of built-up patterns in high-temperature areas, offering a strategy for thermal environment optimization within specific green space coverage intervals. This research contributes insights into the integrated planning of green spaces and buildings, with implications for urban development and renewal initiatives aiming to enhance the urban thermal environment.

Evaluation of the roughness of lattice structures of AISI 316 stainless steel produced by laser powder bed fusion

The present work evaluates the surface roughness of lattice structures produced in AISI 316 stainless steel, with laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). To this end, five lattice types were evaluated, namely cubic (C), truncated octahedron (TO), truncated cubic (TC), rhombicuboctahedron (RCO) and rhombitruncated cuboctahedron (RTCO) to determine the average roughness Sa by profilometry. For comparison, the surface roughness of a bulk specimen was also measured. The average roughness was Sa=7.3 mm for the bulk specimen, for the C and TC arrangements it was around 11 mm, while for configurations RCO, RTCO and TO it was in the range 18-22 mm, meaning that surface roughness increases for more complex structures. Values of Sa around 10-25 mm are reported in the literature for parts fabricated by LPBF for medical implants. If complex lattice arrangements are required, a study of the printing parameters is relevant, to achieve scaffolds with improved biomechanical performance.

A Deep-learning-based Auto Encoder-Decoder Model for Denoising Electrocardiogram Signals

Learning-based denoising techniques have become superior to the traditional assumption-based denoising methods in this modern era. Also, with the advancement of wearable technologies and remote electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring systems, the requirement for optimal storage has increased due to the limited availability of hardware resources. Therefore, denoising and compression both are essential at the preprocessing stage of the ECG signal. Deep learning-based denoising auto encoder-decoder (DAED) models guarantee cutting-edge performance for these tasks. This article presents a lightweight, adaptive, hybrid Convolutional Neural Network-Gated Recurrent Unit (CNN-GRU) based DAED model that achieves a signal compression ratio of 64 with high signal-to-noise ratio improvement for the elimination of ECG noises. The novelty of this work lies in the customization of the CNN layers and utilization of the advantages of the GRU layer in a proper channel for compression and denoising ECG signals. The comparative study with other complex deep learning-based DAED arrangements and state-of-the-art denoising techniques shows the proposed model has simplicity in construction and an improved signal-to-noise ratio with minimum mean square error.

What Is the Crystallographic Resolution of Structural Models of Proteins Generated with AlphaFold2?

Recent advancements in AI-driven computational modeling, especially AlphaFold2, have revolutionized the prediction of biological macromolecule structures. AlphaFold2 enabled accurate predictions of structural domains and complex arrangements. However, computational models lack a clear metric for accuracy. This study explores whether computational models can match the crystallographic resolution of crystal structures. By comparing distances between atoms in models and crystal structures using t tests, it was found that AlphaFold2 models are comparable to high-resolution crystal structures (1.1 to 1.5 Å). While these models exhibit exceptional quality, their accuracy is lower than the crystal structure with resolutions better than 1 Å.

Diversity and Complexity of CTXΦ and Pre-CTXΦ Families in Vibrio cholerae from Seventh Pandemic.

CTXΦ is a lysogenic filamentous phage that carries the genes encoding cholera toxin (ctxAB), the main virulence factor of Vibrio cholerae. The toxigenic conversion of environmental V. cholerae strains through CTXΦ lysogenic infection is crucial for the emergence of new pathogenic clones. A special allelic form of CTXΦ, called pre-CTXΦ, is a precursor of CTXΦ and without ctxAB. Different members of the pre-CTXΦ and CTXΦ families are distinguished by the sequence of the transcriptional repressor-coding gene rstR. Multiple rstR alleles can coexist within a single strain, demonstrating the diverse structure and complex genomic integration patterns of CTXΦ/pre-CTXΦ prophage on the chromosome. Exploration of the diversity and co-integration patterns of CTXΦ/pre-CTXΦ prophages in V. cholerae can help to understand the evolution of this phage family. In this study, 21 V. cholerae strains, which were shown to carry the CTXΦ/pre-CTXΦ prophages as opposed to typical CTXETΦ-RS1 structure, were selected from approximately 1000 strains with diverse genomes. We identified two CTXΦ members and six pre-CTXΦ members with distinct rstR alleles, revealing complex chromosomal DNA integration patterns and arrangements of different prophages in these strains. Promoter activity assays showed that the transcriptional repressor RstR protected against CTXΦ superinfection by preventing the replication and integration of CTXΦ/pre-CTXΦ phages containing the same rstR allele, supporting the co-integration of the diverse CTXΦ/pre-CTXΦ members observed. The numbers and types of prophages and their co-integration arrangements in serogroup O139 strains were more complex than those in serogroup O1 strains. Also, these CTXΦ/pre-CTXΦ members were shown to present the bloom period of the CTXΦ/pre-CTXΦ family during wave 2 of the seventh cholera pandemic. Together, these analyses deepen our comprehension of the genetic variation of CTXΦ and pre-CTXΦ and provide insights into the evolution of the CTXΦ/pre-CTXΦ family in the seventh cholera pandemic.

Regulatory challenges in modernizing toll road transaction systems in Indonesia

The Government of Indonesia has modernized the toll road transaction system by implementing the multi-lane free-flow (MLFF) project, set to operate commercially by the end of 2024. This project leverages Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology to identify vehicles using toll roads and establish a transaction mechanism that allows the MLFF Project Company to charge road users according to distance, vehicle category, and tariff levels. The project has result in a complex business arrangement between the Indonesia National Toll Road Authority (INTRA), Toll Road Companies (TRCs), and the MLFF Project Company. The aim of this paper is to review the regulatory and institutional framework of the MLFF project and analyze its challenges. The methodology employed is a qualitative framework for legal research, utilizing international literature reviews and current regulatory frameworks. The study assesses the proposed transaction architecture of the project and identifies commercial, political, and other risks associated with its implementation. Based on the analysis, the research identifies opportunities for regulatory improvements and better contracting arrangements. This research provides valuable insights into the regulatory landscape and offers policy recommendations for the Government to mitigate the identified risks. This contribution is significant to the academic field as it enhances understanding regulatory and institutional challenges in implementing advanced toll road systems.