Structural Complexity Research Articles

Contrasting responses of bats and macro-moths to structural complexity in forest borders

Habitat fragmentation increases the proportion of forest borders in the landscape and many forest borders lose their structural complexity due to modern forestry practices. However, remnants of structurally complex deciduous forests can remain as ecotones between plantations and agricultural fields. In this study we used terrestrial laser scanning to measure structural complexity of different forest borders, measured microclimate, and surveyed bats and macro-moths to understand how these taxa are affected. Our aim is to disentangle the main drivers, direct or indirect, that influence bat and moth assemblages. We studied 79 forest borders, and surrounding landscapes and compared them with adjacent agricultural fields and coniferous plantations. Overall, we found less bat activity and lower macro-moth diversity in simple compared to complex borders. Using structural equation modelling, we show the contrasting responses of forest-specialist bats and moths to structural complexity; with bats responding positively and moths negatively. We found similar divergent results in relation to understorey openness; with increasing forest-specialist bat activity but a lower diversity of forest-specialist moths in more open borders. Understorey vegetation also appears to regulate microclimate with more open borders being warmer and less humid. This has a potential knock-on effect for bats as they favoured borders that were warmer and more humid. Surrounding land-cover was more important than structural complexity for generalist species; with increasing generalist bat activity due to a higher proportion of local deciduous forest cover and increasing generalist moth diversity in landscapes with more forest borders. Overall, these complex relationships between forest structure, microclimate and landscape factors, coupled with divergent responses of both taxa highlight their diverse ecological needs. Therefore, we highlight the importance of managing forest borders to retain complexity and connectivity within multifunctional landscapes.

Effect of thickness and noise on angular correlation analysis from scanning electron nanobeam diffraction of disordered carbon

Disordered carbons are of significant scientific and industrial interest for modern applications. To understand the differences in the performance of disordered carbons, it is crucial to elucidate their structure, but this is challenging due to the variation and complexity of structures they can possess: for example, different hybridizations of the carbon atoms, and significant extended-range order composed of connected rings, curved sheets and stacks. This study establishes the useful information that can be obtained from angular correlation analysis of scanning electron nanobeam diffraction patterns for disordered carbons and other materials with extended-range order. The effects of sample thickness and experimental noise are investigated, showing that it is crucial to consider their impact when interpreting the results. Furthermore, opportunities for analyzing different ranges of scattering angles are explored, for example, to access structural information about the intralayer structure of disordered carbons. These approaches could be used to access novel quantitative measures to probe the structural differences of disordered carbons and understand their properties.

Influence of synergistic effect of polyacrylamide and surfactant on dewatering performance of flotation clean coal

ABSTRACT The moisture content of flotation clean coal products is a critical factor influencing their calorific value, making dewatering research vital for the efficient utilization of coal. In this study, cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) was employed as a high molecular weight flocculant and filter aid to investigate the mechanisms by which the anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), cationic dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB), and nonionic polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij L23) affect the dewatering of flotation clean coal. The influence of these surfactants on the dewatering performance of flotation clean coal in conjunction with CPAM was examined through filter aid experiments, density functional theory, zeta potential measurements, agglomeration of flotation clean coal particles, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis. The results indicated that DTAB and SDS exhibited a larger positive electrostatic potential compared to Brij L23, demonstrating stronger electrostatic adsorption on the molecules of flotation clean coal. However, the -OSO3 groups in SDS interacted more strongly with the molecules of flotation clean coal than the tertiary amine groups in DTAB. The ether and hydroxyl groups in Brij L23 interacted weakly with the molecules of flotation clean coal. The surfactants increased the compactness and structural complexity between particles within the flocs, leading to an increase in the fractal dimension of the flocs. Additionally, the surfactants enlarged the pores within the filter cake of flotation clean coal, which was beneficial for the removal of moisture.

Dissolved organic carbon can alter coastal sediment phosphorus dynamic: Effects of different carbon forms and concentrations.

Coastal waters are receiving increasing loads of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), differing in structural complexity and molecular weights with potential different effects on the phosphorus (P) dynamics in these waters. This study conducted an in-situ investigation in Xiangshan Harbor, China, to explore the patterns of P release in response to DOC inputs. To further elucidate the underlying mechanisms behind the DOC-affected sediment P release, a two-month mesocosm experiment was undertaken with coastal sediment (Xiangshan Harbor) to which acetate, glucose, and humic acid (representing the fermentation product, the simple available carbon, and the refractory humic-like carbon sources, respectively) were separately added to the overlying water at dosages of 0, 5, 10, and 20mgC L-1. We found that: i) sediment P release showed a non-linear increase with DOC input, a pattern likely due to the diverse forms of DOC in coastal zones, which had varying impacts on P release; ⅱ) significant P release for labile DOC (acetate- and glucose-amended) treatments but retention for humic acid treatments, and the magnitude of P changes mainly depended on the amount of DOC addition; ⅲ) acetate and glucose shared similar P-release-promotion mechanisms, i.e., decreased dissolved oxygen, increased ppk genes in water, and increased P bacteria and alkaline phosphatase activity were the dominant factors behind the P release for both carbon sources, as indicated by piecewise structural equation modelling; ⅳ) humic acid-inhibitory effects on sediment P release, which likely reflect increasing "P-humic acid" complexes that favor P adsorption and sedimentation and form stable "humic acid-enzyme" complexes that reduce the catalytic activity of alkaline phosphatase. Our findings provide new understanding of relationships between loading of DOC with different form/concentration and sediment P dynamics in coastal areas.

Dual-strategy microneedles of bio‑oxygen therapy and artificial enzyme anti-oxidation for psoriasis treatment.

Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between the production of free radicals by oxidants and their removal by antioxidants. Chronic oxidative stress is a key factor in inflammation, characterized by hypoxic microenvironments and elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Psoriasis, a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder, profoundly impacts the physical and psychological well-being of affected individuals. In response to this, we have innovatively developed a core-shell structured Chlorella-Prussian Blue Complex (Z-PB), integrating dual therapeutic strategies of biological oxygen therapy and oxidative stress regulation to address psoriasis. The Z-PB leveraged the unique ability of Chlorella to generate dissolved oxygen under light, combined with the broad enzymatic activity of Prussian Blue (PB), to effectively ameliorate the oxidative stress in the chronic inflammatory microenvironment. Additionally, the Z-PB overcame challenges such as the survival of Chlorella in high ROS environments and the aggregation of nanoenzymes. The Z-PB-loaded hyaluronic acid microneedles (Z-PBHA/MNs) demonstrated excellent skin permeability, in vitro release profiles, and biocompatibility. These Z-PBHA/MNs had been shown to alleviate psoriasis induced by imiquimod (IMQ). Overall, the Z-PBHA/MNs incorporating both biological oxygen therapy and artificial enzyme antioxidants represented a promising and innovative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of psoriasis.

Intellectual Property Rights’ Trade Relevance

This article critically examines the intellectual property rights’ (IPRs’) trade relevance philosophy and its policy implications. Riding on the productivity and transportation convenience unleashed by the Industrial Revolution, the century-long evolution of the IPRs regime since the 1880s was both the driving force and result of a trade evolution that eventually grew into the World Trade Organization (WTO). The incorporation of IPRs into the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), however, is an ill-considered one. Private and negative IPRs – as expression of originality in arts and literature, inventions in products, and goodwill in marks evolve in trade for trade yet separate from goods and services in trade – are trade relevant, yet can be destructive without competition control. The structural complexity of TRIPS three-tiered exceptions – as to the rights, the use of rights, and rights’ sovereign implications – suggests that the TRIPS philosophy of the balance of rights and obligations is the essence of IPRs’ trade relevance. TRIPS’ IPRs incorporation, however, was ill-considered and IPRs’ trade relevance philosophy is underdefined. Absent of trade-accommodating competition control, IPRs are not trade-related, neither can rights and obligations be balanced, unless the dropped competition negotiation is duly resumed with a positive outcome.

Design and Engineering of Silver Nanomushroom Arrays as a Universal Solid-State SERS Platform for the Label-Free, Sensitive, and Quantitative Detection of Trace Proteins.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is an ultrasensitive optical technique that is critical for protein detection and essential for identifying protein structure and concentrations in various biomedical and diagnostic applications. However, achieving highly sensitive and reproducible SERS signals for label-free proteins remains challenging due to their weak Raman signals and structural complexity. In this study, silver nanomushroom arrays (Ag NMAs) as SERS substrates were readily prepared and surface-engineered using a facile template-assisted micro- and nanofabrication approach. The surface of the substrate exhibits nanoscale roughness, long-range order, and hydrophilicity, enabling rapid and uniform dispersion of protein molecules. These molecules are anchored through Ag-S bonds, resulting in ultrasensitive Raman signals driven by strong electromagnetic enhancement effects. The highly ordered array structure improves signal repeatability, achieving a relative standard deviation of as low as 4.32%. Additionally, utilizing the silicon characteristic peak of the SERS substrate as an internal standard significantly reduces measurement errors, allowing for reliable and precise quantitative detection of protein molecules, with a linear correlation coefficient (R2) exceeding 0.96. Ultrasensitive SERS detection and effective protein discrimination via principal component analysis further validate the Ag NMA substrate's potential for universal trace protein detection. This study presents an advanced SERS platform for the sensitive and rapid detection of trace proteins, showcasing significant potential in pharmaceutical research, metabolic studies, diagnostic medicine, and protein engineering.

The influence of habitat complexity on otolith morphology and sensory capacities in Nile tilapia: A controlled experimental approach.

The inner ear of teleost fishes is known to serve both auditory and vestibular functions. Many studies have compared otoliths from different species and attempted to understand the observed differences within the light of environmental factors. However, experimental data on how otoliths could adapt are scarce. This study explores the relationship between environmental structural complexity and otolith morphology, and its effects on auditory and vestibular functions in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Using a controlled design, fishes of the same brood were distributed between a control tank and a tank equipped with suspended chains, only increasing the structural complexity. After a period of five months, we monitored auditory sensitivity and compared otolith morphology of both groups. Auditory capacities were measured using Auditory Evoked Potential (AEP) technique whereas otolith morphology was assessed through classical and geometric morphometrics. Tilapias raised in complex environments developed sagittae with increased length, thickness, area and volume. However, auditory sensitivity was consistent across both groups, suggesting that the morphological changes solely affected vestibular function. These findings support otolith morphology can adapt to fish surrounding environment, here to improve balance and manoeuvrability in complex settings. This reaffirms otolith sagittae not only support hearing but fulfil multiple roles to cope with environmental challenges. This also constitutes an indirect first demonstration of the sagitta's involvement in the vestibular function. Together with significant morphological changes, the similar auditory capabilities across groups underscore the complexity of defining functional roles within the inner ear and reaffirm the mixed function hypothesis, challenging the association between the observed variation and inner ear specific functions.

Integrated 3D reservoir modelling for the unconventional reservoir prospects: a case study of Upper Cretaceous Brown Limestone reservoir, South Geisum field, Gulf of Suez, Egypt

The Gulf of Suez basin (GOS) hosts over eighty conventional oilfields spanning from the Pre-Cambrian to the Recent. This research focuses on a segment of the (GOS) sequence within the territories managed by PGM Company. It outlines a methodology for evaluating unconventional resource potential within the Brown Limestone interval of Upper Cretaceous age in this region. The Brown Limestone interval serves not only as a crucial source rock but also as a fractured reservoir widespread across many oilfields. Due to intricate reservoir architecture, diverse lateral variations in facies and the heterogeneity of the reservoir quality, uncertainties prevail. These challenges impede the optimization of reservoir exploitation throughout the GOS Basin. This study employs an integrated approach utilizing diverse datasets and techniques to ascertain the precise structural setting, property attributes of the Upper Cretaceous Brown Limestone and forecast its complex geometry in three-dimensional space within the study area. The study aims to assess the reservoir and trap heterogeneity under various scenarios to create a robust 3D static model dictating the structural and property complexities. The objective of the model is to enhance the precision of reserve estimates and provide crucial support for decision-making in the development planning of the South Geisum oilfield.

Functional switching among dynamic neuronal hub-nodes in the brain induces maintenance/transition of cognitive states

The cognitive states have broadly been divided into waking, rapid eye movement sleep (REMS), and non-REMS (NREMS). The exact mechanism of cognitive state maintenance/transition is unknown to date. We have proposed that functional activation/deactivation of specific brain regions leads to such transition irrespective of the underlying cortical structure complexity. An analysis of electroencephalogram (EEG) allows us to explore properties and associations among brain regions. To address our query, we have recorded the frontal and occipital cortical EEG from surgically prepared chronic freely moving, normally behaving rats and classified vigilance states (VS) and vigilance state transitions (VST). Brain functional and structural complexity analysis has been carried out to characterize VS and VST. The multifractal spectrum width categorized VST as highly non-linear and more complex than vigilance states. The NREMS possesses a more complex cortical structure but it exhibits lower functional complexity than REMS and Wake. Further, the EEG signals decomposed into brain oscillations and dynamic network attributes of these oscillations show a strong/weak correlation of topology between the frontal and occipital regions reflecting synchrony/de-synchrony, respectively, during a cognitive state or transition. The functional topology trends of the underlying hierarchical network organization have been characterized by the percentage of the hub and non-hub nodes, which further determines the global and local connectivity trends. The switching behaviour in the ratio of hub/non-hub nodes between frontal and occipital regions during NREMS-Wake and Wake-NREMS transitions provides support as proof-of-principle of functional regional inactivation or activation of hub-nodes as the gradual switching mechanism towards transitioning of cognitive states in a graded (or non-flipping) manner, wake to sleep or vice versa; the detailed neuro-physio-chemical mechanism needs further study. Understanding sleep-wake transitions is vital for addressing sleep disorders, such as insomnia and sleep apnea. Analyzing EEG signals in rats reveals neural mechanisms behind these transitions, laying groundwork for precision interventions to restore healthy sleep patterns and mitigate sleep disorder impacts on cognition and well-being.

Complexity of near-surface deformation and subsurface structure of the Chihshang creeping fault-line scarp, eastern Taiwan: insights from integration of geological and geophysical data

The precise position and geometry of a fault and the recognition of contemporary active strands are pivotal elements for formulating regulations for earthquake fault zones and fault setbacks. The western frontal escarpment toe of the Coastal Range in Tapo, eastern Taiwan is commonly considered as the plausible location of the N18°E-trending, east-dipping Chihshang creeping seismogenic fault. Frontal collapse and flattening of reverse faulting, in addition to fluviation and landslide have complicated the process for defining the Chihshang fault configuration. We used a multidisciplinary approach, combining site investigation, geological core analysis and correlation, resistivity prospecting, and inclinometer monitoring, to illuminate the subsurface structure and deformation of the leading edge of the Chihshang fault at Tapo Elementary School. We found that (1) the Chihshang main fault is a contact of alluvium deposits and the mudstone of Lichi mélange, and has a dip angle of approximately 77° within the resistivity gradation zone 55 m east of the toe of the geomorphic escarpment; (2) it has a 2-year cumulative horizontal displacement of 20.7 mm northwestward and continuously creeps without seasonal variation; and (3) the active deformation on the escarpment results from a combined effect of fault creeping and slow gravity sliding of the mass which is steadily supplied by the Chihshang reserve faulting. A mechanism of faulting-relay landsliding is proposed to understand the active deformation on the escarpment. Great caution is needed in the interpretation of the aseismic surface ruptures along the inferred trace of reverse creeping faults as fault branching.Graphical

Study on Performance of Coordinated Ventilation Strategies during T-Shaped Subway Station Hall Fire

A subway transfer station hall is crowded and complex in structure, which makes evacuation more difficult in case of a fire, but also provides more strategic options for smoke extraction. Full-scale experiments and numerical simulations are conducted to investigate the feasibility and performance of coordinated ventilation in a T-shaped transfer station hall, accounting for different fire source locations, ventilation modes, and fire shutter operations. It is found that the optimal ventilation strategy varies based on the fire location within the T-shaped configuration. For fires on the ‘T’s horizontal side, lateral airflow from longitudinal fans can effectively disrupt smoke spreading, with coordinated extraction strategies outperforming the traditional methods. However, for fires on the ‘T’s longitudinal side, horizontal fans are ineffective in controlling smoke flow, making the traditional fire shutter closure optimal. The idea of dispersing hot smoke to a reasonable degree can create better evacuation conditions for people near a fire, while creating almost no new danger zones.

Layer‐by‐Layer Assembly of Antibiotic‐Loaded Multilayered Coating on Polyacrylate Scaffold

ABSTRACTBacteria‐related infection is a significant problem for the implant materials, which would lead to the failure of the implants. Thus, the surface functionalization for the implant with bacterial inhibition properties would be urgently needed. However, surface inertness and structure complexity are barriers to the surface modification of the 3D‐printed polymer implant. For this reason, the efficiency of antibiotic‐loaded polyelectrolyte multilayers on 3D‐printed resin is investigated. The obtained samples are characterized by various techniques. Antimicrobial test results show that a 99.9% eradication rate against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) could be achieved by antibiotic‐loaded samples. However, the cytocompatibility test shows that the samples also exhibit mild cytotoxicity due to the rapid release of gentamicin sulfate (GS); thus, further work is needed to reduce the side effects of the antibiotics.

Privacy-preserving ADP for secure tracking control of AVRs against unreliable communication

In this study, we developed an encrypted guaranteed-cost tracking control scheme for autonomous vehicles or robots (AVRs), by using the adaptive dynamic programming technique. To construct the tracking dynamics under unreliable communication, the AVR's motion is analyzed. To mitigate information leakage and unauthorized access in vehicular network systems, an encrypted guaranteed-cost policy iteration algorithm is developed, incorporating encryption and decryption schemes between the vehicle and the cloud based on the tracking dynamics. Building on a simplified single-network framework, the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation is approximately solved, avoiding the complexity of dual-network structures and reducing the computational costs. The input-constrained issue is successfully handled using a non-quadratic value function. Furthermore, the approximate optimal control is verified to stabilize the tracking system. A case study involving an AVR system validates the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed algorithm.

State Prediction Model of Steel Structure Based on VMD-CNN Method

With the rapid pace of economic and social development, the complexity and diversity of building structures continue to evolve. Over their operational lifespan, structures are subjected to various forms of degradation, including material aging and environmental erosion, which can significantly diminish their durability. Consequently, the development of robust structural health monitoring systems becomes imperative. These systems not only track the evolving performance trends of structures but also predict potential failures, extending their operational lifespan and ensuring the safety of occupants and assets. This study addresses the challenges inherent in extracting detailed structural feature information and enhancing the accuracy of predictive models. Focused on the cantilever beam test model as a research framework, the research explores an innovative approach to structural state prediction. It integrates Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) methodologies to effectively analyze and forecast structural conditions. The study highlights a significant improvement in prediction accuracy and overall model performance by comparing CNN’s predictions using original structural signals with those processed through VMD. The results show that when the number of modes [Formula: see text], compared with the original signal (when [Formula: see text]), the growth rate of the [Formula: see text]-value at each measuring point can reach a maximum of 288.13%, and the average growth rate is 101.07%. This indicates that the VMD-CNN can significantly improve the prediction performance of the model.

Ontogenetic shifts by juvenile fishes highlight the need for habitat heterogeneity and connectivity in river restoration

AbstractLarge‐scale anthropogenic river modifications have caused the loss of critical floodplain nursery habitats for riverine fish, leading to population declines. Restoration efforts have been implemented to recover these habitats, but with varying success. Understanding how larval and juvenile fish use habitats in dynamic river environments is essential for improving restoration strategies. We assessed ontogenetic shifts in habitat use by young‐of‐the‐year fishes in the lower Rhine, analyzing 2167 samples across 18 restored floodplains over three growing seasons (2018–2020). Five distinct nursery habitats were identified: (1) exposed, fast‐flowing habitats with coarse substrate; (2) turbid, nonflowing areas with high turbidity and chlorophyll; (3) shallow, vegetated habitats with macrophytes and shoreline vegetation; (4) deeper, sheltered habitats with structural complexity; and (5) shallow, slow‐flowing areas. Habitat use shifted significantly with ontogeny across species. Larvae generally preferred shallow habitats (< 50‐cm depth), either in slow‐flowing areas (e.g., asp, ide, monkey goby, nase, and whitefin gudgeon) or vegetated zones with macrophytes (e.g., bleak, bitterling, bream, round goby, and zander). Juveniles increasingly used deeper habitats (> 50‐cm depth), favoring fast‐flowing areas (e.g., asp, barbel, ide), or deeper, nonflowing habitats (e.g., bream, zander). Our findings thus highlight the critical importance of habitat heterogeneity and connectivity for riverine fish biodiversity. Restoration strategies should prioritize the creation of a mosaic of shallow, low‐velocity habitats for larvae, alongside deeper, fast‐flowing, or sheltered areas for juveniles. Additionally, the movement of rheophilic species from floodplain habitats to the main river channel emphasizes the need for maintaining continuous connectivity between floodplains and the river.

Nano-ridge plasmonic structural colors fabricated by roll-to-roll hot-embossing

Structural colors are now applied in many areas, like traceable anti-counterfeiting and wearable technologies, due to their durability and wide color gamut. However, the large-scale deployment of structural colors has been limited by the complexity of device structures and, subsequently, the realization of cost-effective fabrication. In this work, we introduce a plasmonic structural color based on periodical nano-ridges, which can be nano-imprinted on an aluminum-polyurethane-polyethylene terephthalate film. These aluminum nano-ridges can excite metal and dielectric hybrid waveguide modes with surface plasmonic resonance for transverse magnetic (TM) lights, resulting in broad dips in the reflection spectrum. The design and key optical features of the proposed device structures are presented. The fabricated structures show desirable features, including angle-dependent and polarization-dependent chromatic reflections. This structure could be mass-produced using a conventional roll-to-roll hot-embossing nano-imprinting process on pre-prepared films, making it suitable for low-cost anti-counterfeiting applications.

Influence of Geometric Parameters on the Hemodynamic Characteristics of the Vertebral Artery.

The carotid arteries (CAs) and vertebral arteries (VAs) are principal conduits for cerebral blood supply and are common sites for atherosclerotic plaque formation. To date, there has been extensive clinical and hemodynamic reporting on carotid arteries; however, studies focusing on the hemodynamic characteristics of the VA are notably scarce. This article presents a systematic analysis of the impact of VA diameter and the angle of divergence from the subclavian artery (SA) on hemodynamic properties, facilitated by the construction of an idealized VA geometric model. Research indicates that the increase in the diameter of the VA is associated with a corresponding increase in the complexity of the vortex structures at the bifurcation with the SA. When the VA diameter is constant, a 30 deg VA-SA angle yields better hemodynamic capacity than 45 deg and 60 deg angles, and the patterns of blood flow and helicity values are consistent across different angles. Elevated oscillatory shear index (OSI) zones are mainly at the origin of the VA, with an elliptical low OSI region within. As the diameter increases, the high OSI region spreads downstream. Increasing the bifurcation angle decreases OSI values in and below the elliptical low OSI region. These findings are valuable for studying the physiological and pathological mechanisms of VA atherosclerosis.

Multi-scale characterization of tight carbonate rocks based on digital cores

The characterization of carbonate microstructure is of great significance for the evaluation of carbonate oil and gas resources. However, due to the complexity and heterogeneity of the pore structure of tight carbonate rocks, high-pressure mercury intrusion, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and other methods have different limitations in the characterization. This study takes tight carbonate core samples in the fourth member of the Ordovician Majiagou Formation in the Ordos Basin as the research object, and the rock physics experiments, computed tomography (CT), high resolution large-scale backscatter scanning electron microscopy (MAPS), quantitative evaluation of minerals by scanning electron microscopy (QEMSCAN) and focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) was utilized to characterize the pore structure from micrometer to nanometer, revealing the main mineral composition, and systematically analyzing the relationship between different mineral and pore structures. The results show that the microscopic reservoir space in the study area is mainly composed of inter-crystalline pores, intra-crystalline pores and microfractures; there are obvious differences in the pore structure of different lithologies. The samples with more dolomite have the largest number of pores and throats, the largest coordination number, and the best connectivity; the samples with more calcite have the smallest pore radius. The presence of quartz is conducive to the preservation of pores. This multi-scale characterization method using digital core technology provides us with comprehensive pore characteristic, provides important clues for further understanding the pore structure of tight carbonate reservoirs.

A Comparative Study of Fractal Models Applied to Artificial and Natural Data

This paper presents an original and comprehensive comparative analysis of eight fractal analysis methods, including Box Counting, Compass, Detrended Fluctuation Analysis, Dynamical Fractal Approach, Hurst, Mass, Modified Mass, and Persistence. These methods are applied to artificially generated fractal data, such as Weierstrass–Mandelbrot functions and fractal Brownian motion, as well as natural datasets related to environmental and geophysical domains. The objectives of this research are to evaluate the methods’ capabilities in capturing fractal properties, their computational efficiency, and their sensitivity to data fluctuations. Main findings indicate that the Dynamical Fractal Approach consistently demonstrated the highest accuracy across different datasets, particularly for artificial data. Conversely, methods like Mass and Modified Mass showed limitations in complex fractal structures. For natural datasets, including meteorological and geological data, the fractal dimensions varied significantly across methods, reflecting their differing sensitivities to structural complexities. Computational efficiency analysis revealed that methods with linear or logarithmic complexity, such as Persistence and Compass, are most suited for larger datasets, while methods like DFA and Dynamic Fractal Approaches required higher computational resources. This study provides an original comparative study for researchers to select appropriate fractal analysis techniques based on dataset characteristics and computational limitations.