Structural Order Research Articles

IL CORPO VIVO DELLA LINGUA: ALCUNE CONSIDERAZIONI PRATICO-TEORICHE SULLE LINGUE «SPARGĂ» E «LEOPARDĂ» DI NINA CASSIAN E VIRGIL TEODORESCU

This contribution, starting from the studies of Giorgio Agamben, aims to highlight the peculiarity of two poetic languages invented by Nina Cassian and Virgil Teodorescu: the “spargă” language and the “leopardă” languages. The “spargă” and “leopardă” languages, developed during the surrealist period in Bucharest, embody the intrinsic dynamism of language. On the one hand, they reflect the multiplicity and original complexity of poetic language, where meanings are manifold and semantic closure is not definitive. On the other hand, these two fantastic languages highlight the pulsional heterogeneity underlying culture itself, suggesting that the truth of things does not directly coincide with what is explicitly said, but rather requires an act of translation and interpretation by the subject. Moreover, these two experimental idiolects can also be interpreted as poetic explorations that challenge the normative structures of the symbolic order, introducing elements of the semiotic that materially express the unconscious in art. The connection with Lacan’s “lalangue” is evident in their common focus on the pre-linguistic and affective dimensions of language, which transcend the limitations of ordinary communication.

Regulating the structure and gelling properties of maize starch by non-thermal effect of low intensity radio frequency wave

To verify whether there is a non-thermal effect in the radio frequency (RF) treatment process, it's very important for effectively excluding the thermal effect. Native maize starch (MS) slurry was treated under a specific electric field intensity while maintaining the sample temperature at 25 ± 2 °C for different times (1, 2, 4 and 8 h), which would effectively eliminate the influence of thermal effect on starch. A corresponding low electric field intensity of 3.3–3.4 kV/m was established after adjusting the electrode gap to be 220 mm of the 27.12 MHz RF system. Samples treated without RF-wave for the same time (1, 2, 4 and 8 h) were used as controls. The differences between the effect of these two treatments on the multi-scale structural and gelling properties of starch samples were investigated. Results showed that the low intensity RF-wave treatment enhanced the short-range structural order. A higher degree of order value and the double helical structure were observed from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and solid state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR). Moreover, compared to control MS, the crystallinity of low intensity RF-treated starch significantly increased though the crystal pattern remained unchanged. Low intensity RF-wave treated starch had no significant difference in loss modulus, energy and distance of inter-double helices hydrogen bond, and pasting properties (i.e. TV, SB and BD) when compared with control sample. The effect of low intensity RF wave on starch without heating was insufficient to cause macroscopic property changes. These results provide valuable insights into the structural changes of starch treated by low intensity RF-wave and verify that the non-thermal effect of RF waves may be primarily achieved through the dipole polarization mechanism.

Controllable Design of Polyamide Composite Membrane Separation Layer Structures via Metal-Organic Frameworks: A Review.

Optimizing the structure of the polyamide (PA) layer to improve the separation performance of PA thin-film composite (TFC) membranes has always been a hot topic in the field of membrane preparation. As novel crystalline materials with high porosity, multi-functional groups, and good compatibility with membrane substrate, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been introduced in the past decade for the modification of the PA structure in order to break through the separation trade-off between permeability and selectivity. This review begins by summarizing the recent progress in the control of MOF-based thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane structures. The review also covers different strategies used for preparing TFN membranes. Additionally, it discusses the mechanisms behind how these strategies regulate the structure and properties of PA. Finally, the design of a competent MOF material that is suitable to reach the requirements for the fabrication of TFN membranes is also discussed. The aim of this paper is to provide key insights into the precise control of TFN-PA structures based on MOFs.

The influence of the bounding surface on the structural ordering of short chains of oligoetherimides.

In this study, we have conducted a comparative analysis of the structural ordering of short oligoetherimide chains (dimers) near the bounding surface, depending on the structure of that surface. In order to clarify the possibility of oligoetherimide ordering along the symmetry axes of graphene, two types of bounding surfaces were considered: graphene, with a regular discrete position of interaction centers (carbon atoms), and a smooth, structureless impermeable wall. The chemical structures of the considered dimers consist of two repeating units of BPDA-P3, ODPA-P3, or aBPDA-P3 thermoplastic polyetherimides. Using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, the process of structural ordering of the dimers near the surface of the graphene or wall was established. The ODPA-P3 and BPDA-P3 dimers form an ordered state near the graphene surface, while the aBPDA-P3 dimers do not demonstrate structural ordering. The simulation results confirmed that the ordering direction of the BPDA-P3 and ODPA-P3 dimers near the graphene surface is chosen randomly. Comparison of the oligoetherimide structure formed near the attracting wall without a symmetrical location of the interaction centers shows the similarity of the ordering of dimers near the graphene surface and the wall. As in the case of the graphene surface, the ordering of oligoetherimide molecules near the structureless wall demonstrates one direction of ordering. Therefore, we confirmed that the key factor for the onset of ordering is the presence of a confining surface, rather than the symmetrical arrangement of interaction centers in the substrate structure.

Modulation of retrogradation properties by removal and retention of starch granule-associated lipids: A case study on buckwheat and wheat starches

The objective of this research was to investigate the influence of starch granule-associated lipids (SGALs) on retrogradation properties of buckwheat and wheat starches. According to the results, the removal of SGALs led to remarkable increase in the retrogradation enthalpy change of all starches and the strength of starch gels, as well as the density and short-range ordered structure of starch aggregates. The strength of starch gel experienced a rise from 3139.39 g to 3718.18 g in Tartary buckwheat, 2924.12 g to 3551.13 g in common buckwheat, and 1887.55 g to 2555.24 g in wheat, respectively. The removal of SGALs contributed to a decrease in the thermal stability of starches and an augmentation of amylose leaching during gelatinization process, which would strengthen the hydrogen bond interaction between starch molecules during cooling process, and promoting the rearrangement of the order structure of starch molecules. In general, these results indicated that the retention of SGALs could limit amylose leaching, then inhibited rearrangement and recrystallization of dissolved starch molecules, and ultimately delayed the short-term and long-term retrogradation process. This work further supplemented theoretical knowledge about SGALs in buckwheat and wheat starches, also provided a new perspective for regulating the physicochemical properties of starches.

Role and tasks of volunteers in the public health institution

In recent years, our country has undergone a radical transformation of its administrative structure in order to adapt to the new and no longer postponable demands for the decentralisation of state powers and competences

The legal foundations and specifics of exercising corporate rights by individuals authorized to perform local self-government

Financial liberalization is a widely adopted policy for countries to enhance growth. Financial liberalization enables financial institutions to proceed with innovative activities by familiarizing themselves with fewer mortgage loans in the financial market. Financial liberalization is a widely adopted policy for countries to enhance growth; however, it is a complex and controversial issue, with different studies providing contrasting perspectives. Financial liberalization is considered an efficient way to measure and change the financial market and structure in order to reach a position to get financial liberalized markets under an efficient and effective guideline. In the case of Vietnam, very few scholars have investigated the issue of financial liberalization-led growth. This endeavor examines the effects of financial liberalization on economic growth in the presence of control variables for Vietnam over the period of 1990 to 2021. This study uses the Autoregressive Distributive Lag Model approach due to its several advantages. The results show that financial liberalization enhances economic growth, which implies that more liberalization results in enhanced growth in Vietnam. Improved access to credit is another positive outcome of financial liberalization, as it can result in greater access to credit for individuals and businesses, enabling them to make investments and expand their operations. Hence, the results support the neo-liberal view of liberalization.

Impact of Silver Incorporation and Flash-Lamp-Annealing on the Photocatalytic Response of Sputtered ZnO Films.

Thin films of silver-doped zinc oxide (SZO) were deposited at room temperature using a DC reactive magnetron co-sputtering technique using two independent Zn and Ag targets. The crystallographic structure, chemical composition and surface morphology of SZO films with different silver concentrations were correlated with the photocatalytic (PC) properties. The crystallization of the SZO films was made using millisecond range flash-lamp-annealing (FLA) treatments. FLA induces significant structural ordering of the wurtzite structure and an in-depth redistribution of silver, resulting in the formation of silver agglomerates. The wurtzite ZnO structure is observed for silver contents below 10 at.% where Ag is partially incorporated into the oxide matrix, inducing a decrease in the optical band-gap. Regardless of the silver content, all the as-grown SZO films do not exhibit any significant PC activity. The best PC response is achieved for samples with a relatively low Ag content (2-5 at.%) after FLA treatment. The enhanced PC activity of SZO upon FLA can be attributed to structural ordering and the effective band-gap narrowing through the combination of silver doping and the plasmonic effect caused by the formation of Ag clusters.

Artificial intelligence improves bronchoscopy performance – a randomized cross-over trial

RationaleFlexible bronchoscopy is an operator dependent procedure. An automatic bronchial identification system based on artificial intelligence (AI) could help bronchoscopists to perform more complete and structured procedures through automatic guidance.Methods101 participants were included from six different continents at the European Respiratory Society annual conference in Milan, 9–13th September 2023. Participants were split into three groups based on experience: Novices (0 bronchoscopies), Intermediates (1-249 bronchoscopies), and Experienced (≥250 bronchoscopies). The participants performed two bronchoscopies on a realistic physical phantom, one with AI (AmbuBronchoSimulatorTrainingGUIDEv.0.0.1, Prototype version, Ambu) and one Standard procedure. The F1-group received AI-guidance for their first procedure, the F2-group for their second. A cross-over randomization controlled for learning by testing. All procedures were automatically rated according to the outcome measures: Inspected segments, Structured Progressions, and Procedure Time.ResultsAI guidance caused the participants to inspect more segments, (mean difference, paired t-test: +6.0 segments, p<0.001), perform more Structured Progressions (+5.2 progressions, p<0.001), and spend more time on the procedure (+72 s, p<0.001) compared to their standard procedures. The effects of AI guidance on inspected segments and structured progression were highest for novices but significant for all experience groups: Novices (+8.2 segments, p=.012 and +6.6 progressions p<0.001), Intermediates (+5.7 segments, p=.006 and +5.1 progressions p<0.001, and Experienced (+4.3 segments, p=.006 and +3.8 progressions p<0.016).ConclusionsAI-guidance helped bronchoscopists of all experience levels to inspect more segments in a more structured order. Clinical implementation of AI guidance could help ensure and document more complete bronchoscopy procedures in the future.

Construction of hierarchical and core-shell structured Co3O4@MnO2@NiO nanoarrays as binder-free electrodes for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors

Remarkable specific capacity and excellent cycle stability of the electrode materials are vital prerequisites for their practical applications. Transition metal oxide-based materials have been extensively explored and employed as electrode materials for asymmetric supercapacitors. However, the actual specific capacitances of these materials are still far lower than their theoretically predicted values. Thus, it is essential to design transition metal oxide with novel structures in order to maximize their specific capacity and cycle stability. Herein, we constructs hierarchical and core-shell structured Co3O4@MnO2@NiO arrays on nickel foam (Co3O4@MnO2@NiO/NF) through a three-step hydrothermal-annealing process, and use them as a direct binder-free electrode for pseudocapacitors. The as-prepared layered hierarchical Co3O4@MnO2@NiO/NF electrode exhibits an impressive specific capacitance of 6.42 F cm−2 (2054 F g−1) at 1 mA cm−2 in a three-electrode configuration, which is largely because of the synergistic effect among Co3O4, MnO2 and NiO. Furthermore, the 3D nanoarray structure can provides a larger specific surface area, a rapid diffusion path, and more active sites that allow to achieve improved electrochemical performance. In addition, the assembled Co3O4@MnO2@NiO/NF//AC/NF ASC all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) displays a remarkable energy density (30.7 Wh kg−1 at 400.4 W kg−1), demonstrating that this all-solid-state ASC owns considerable potential for practical applications in such high-performance energy storage devices.

Measuring Oxygen Solubility in Amorphous and Semicrystalline Polyolefins Using Test Particle Insertion: A Comparative Study of Polyethylene and Isotactic Polypropylene.

The test particle insertion method is used to study the solubility of oxygen in two commonly used polymers: polyethylene (PE) and isotactic polypropylene (iPP). Amorphous samples for both polymers were prepared by means of Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations, and the oxygen solubility was measured across different temperatures. The solubility-temperature dependence for iPP proved to be nonmonotonic due to the interplay between binding and reorganizational enthalpy, while for PE, it appeared to be monotonic based on the available data in the studied temperature range. A broad comparison to experiments and simulations is included. Further oxygen insertions were also performed in semicrystalline PE and iPP samples at ambient temperature, and the obtained values were compared to a linear relationship which correlates the solubility in the purely amorphous phase with the solubility in the crystalline phase. The solubility of PE closely follows the linear relationship, while iPP exhibits some divergence. All the semicrystalline samples were previously annealed at elevated temperatures for long periods (a few μs), and a strong effect of annealing was observed on the structure and the solubility of iPP. A well-developed iPP lamellar structure emerged at longer annealing times, while PE develops that structure already in the early crystallization stages. The solubility of semicrystalline iPP samples with lamellar morphology exhibited better agreement with extrapolated solubility values of the amorphous state─the extrapolation was made using a linear relationship connecting solubility in the purely amorphous phase and solubility in mixed phases (amorphous and crystalline). Results on the correlation of the solubility with the local structural ordering are also present.

Generalization of Zhou Fixed Point Theorem

We give two generalizations of the Zhou fixed point theorem. They weaken the subcompleteness condition of values, and relax the ascending condition of the correspondence. As an application, we derive a generalization of Topkis’ theorem on the existence and order structure of the set of Nash equilibria of supermodular games.

3D Printed Metal Organic Framework Hydrogel for Dye Adsorption and Gas Sensing

AbstractMetal organic frameworks (MOFs) have tunable chemical structures, orderly pore structures, and modifiable surface functional groups making them a promising material for environmental remediation. However, their rigid powder morphology poses significant challenges for customizing MOF structures with adjustable mechanical properties. Here, we synthesis the stretchable UV‐curable MOF hydrogels through high‐resolution digital light processing 3D printing, and evaluated its adsorption effect on seven common dyesand.The results showed that it had selective adsorption effect on methylene blue (MB), and the adsorption effect increased with the increase of the initial concentration of MB: its adsorption capacity on 6 mgL−1, 12 mgL−1 and 24 mgL−1 MB solution reached 13.55 mgg−1, 26.31 mgg−1 and 50.70 mgg−1 respectively. Compared to powdered MOFs, the 3D‐printed MOF (Cu‐BTC) exhibited superior adsorption for dye and radioactive pollution, with methylene blue adsorption increasing from 8.93 mgg−1 to 25.05 mgg−1 and I2 adsorption from 141.56 mgg−1 to 792.65 mgg−1. Furthermore, the 3D‐printed MOF structure proved easily cleanable with dilute HCl and reusable over five times without degradation. In addition, our study highlighted the suitability of the 3D‐printed MOF for CO2‐sensing devices, demonstrating its broad applicability in environmental remediation and sensing technology.

Sustained-release effect of eggshell powder microcapsules on lavender essential oil

Eggshells are rich in Ca2+ and organic compounds, which can be taken as coupling agents for sustained-release materials. Essential oils are widely applied due to their excellent volatility, but poor sustained-release stability has limited their development. The study aimed to develop a novel eggshell powder (EP) sustained-release microcapsule, providing a new approach to protect the active ingredients of Lavender essential oil (LEO), and investigated the reasons for EP to regulate protein-polysaccharide microcapsule structure. Experimental results showed when the addition ratio of EP and Whey protein (WPI) was 1: 3, the dosage of LEO was 25%, the microcapsule displayed smooth and porous spherical structure. XRD and FT-IR indicated that a dense and orderly network structure was formed via the cross-linking reaction between eggshell powder and wall materials, which induced protein and polysaccharide to form special spherical hollow sustained-release shell structure through the calcium bridge (-COO-Ca-COO-), then achieved the sustained-release effect on LEO.

EXTENDED MONITORING AS SUPPORT IN NUMERICAL MODELLING OF COMPLEX HISTORICAL TIMBER STRUCTURE

To support the conservation efforts regarding a wooden church in Domachowo, extensive research and design work was required to strengthen its weakened structure. A variety of data and analyses are necessary to make an accurate assessment, including obtaining a computational model, monitoring the behavior of the structure and its response to external forces and also performing strength analyses and verifying them with measurement data. For accurate geometric evaluation, static and dynamic measurements were required. A mathematical model and a flowchart of the necessary tasks were developed, along with the selection and installation of measuring devices. For this particular structure, static measurements were made using an automatic total station and dynamic measurements using tilt sensors. The purpose of the analysis was to correlate the inertia measurements with the absolute tachymetric observations related to reference points fixed outside the object in order to accurately assess the behavior of the object. Another important issue was to model the column element under study in such a way that its horizontal displacements could be determined from the measured inclinations. The obtained results indicated the need to strengthen the joints of the two main parts of the structure in order to minimize the impact of dynamic weather conditions. The paper describes the measurement process, the method of calculating displacements and the correlation of both types of data. Selected results confirming the conclusions are also presented.

Amine-impregnated cellulose aerogels prepared from old corrugated containers: Microstructure characterization and CO2 capture performance

Here, five different amines (MEA, DETA, TEPA, PEI, and PEPA) were immobilized onto a mesoporous cellulose aerogels (CAs) support prepared from old corrugated containers (OCCs) using the impregnation method, and the thermal stabilities, pore structures, and CO2 adsorption capacities of the resulting amine loaded materials were investigated. The results showed that the thermal stabilities and pore textures of the materials decreased relative to the unmodified CAs support. Additionally, the addition of high molecular weight amines improved the thermal stability of the resulting materials, in the order of PEI>PEPA>TEPA>DETA>MEA. The adsorption capacities of the five Amine40@CAs materials tested ranged from 111.76 to 62.48 mg.g−1 and were in the order of DETA>PEI>MEA>TEPA>PEPA. Considering both thermal stability and CO2 adsorption capacity, PEI is the most suitable for physical immobilization in the CAs support. Consequently, the sample loaded with 30 % PEI exhibits a maximum CO2 capture capacity of 136.84 mg.g−1 material. However, a loading above 30 % results in pore blockage due to amine infiltration into the pore structure, leading to a decrease in the specific surface area and hence the CO2 adsorption capacity. This indicates that there is a balance to be struck between amine loading and CO2 uptake in the solid amine adsorbents using the physical impregnation method, and it is necessary to choose an appropriate method for improving the pore structure in order to maximize the amine loading and thus enhance the CO2 capture capacity.

A Case Study in Migrating Open Orders

ABSTRACT Migrating from Innovative’s Sierra to OCLC WorldShare during the COVID-19 quarantine was the incentive to try a novel approach to transferring open serial and monograph orders using WorldShare’s application programming interfaces (APIs). At a time when staff training and supervision would have been difficult or impossible, and in the absence of a standard procedure for migrating acquisitions data to WorldShare, we were nevertheless able to accomplish this task with a small team working remotely. Instead of recreating orders manually in the new system, we took advantage of the APIs and the flexible structure of order records in WorldShare to systematically and reliably migrate data exported from Sierra.

Investigating the effect of different contents of mung beans on the structure and function of extruded buckwheat noodles

The effects of different contents of mung bean on microstructure, cooking property, hypoglycemic activity and in vitro starch digestion of extruded buckwheat noodles were studied. The results demonstrated that as the increase of mung bean content, the cooking loss of the noodles decreased from 19.26 % to 14.59 %, the estimated glycemic index (eGI) decreased from 85.17 to 69.66, and the content of resistant starch (RS) content increased from 39.32 % to 55.45 %; Furthermore, the α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities were significantly enhanced; however, the overall sensory attributes did not change significantly. Afterwards, XRD and FTIR analyses revealed that the addition of mung bean promoted the formation of starch-lipid complexes and improved the short-range structural order of starch; Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicated that as the content of mung bean increased, the pores within the extruded buckwheat noodle gradually became smaller, and the number of pores increased gradually, contributing a more complete network structure, which favors the formation of gels with enhanced mechanical properties. In conclusion, the comprehensive quality of extruded buckwheat noodles with the addition of mung bean was effectively improved.

Organic molecular intercalation regulated hydrated vanadate cathodes with improved electrochemical properties and fast kinetics for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Due to the large hydrated zinc ion radius resulting from the stable solvation structure with six water molecules in electrolyte, the interlayer spacing of most vanadium-based materials fails to meet the requirements for efficient insertion and extraction of Zn2+. Therefore, it is crucial to optimize and reconstruct the VO layer structure in order to achieve rapid and stable zinc storage. In this paper, composites of phenylalanine methyl ester (PM) inserted hydrated V2O5 (PMVO) are prepared using a one-step hydrothermal method. With the increase of PM insertion, the electrochemical properties initially exhibit enhancement followed by subsequent decline. Notably, PMVO-1.6 presents exceptional electrochemical performance, including a high capacity of 464 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, excellent rate capability with 220 mAh g−1 at 7 A g−1, and superior cycling stability with 97.5 % capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 4 A g−1. The incorporation of PM not only serves as stable structural pillars, but also reduces the solubilization of vanadium, facilitates the diffusion kinetics of hydrated zinc ions, and enhances the surface pseudo-capacitance effect.

High-temperature structural drivers immobilizing alkaline substances in red mud-derived mineral wool

Smelting and fiberization of red mud (RM) is an attractive approach for rapid recovery of metal resources, production of mineral wool, and immobilization of hazardous alkalis. However, an enormous challenge remains in understanding alkali immobilization behavior in mineral wool over a broad A/S (Al2O3 to SiO2 mass ratio) range. Here we addressed the challenge through molecular dynamics, thermodynamic and experimental analyses. Increasing A/S ratio caused an increasing degree of structural order and the remarkable micro-phase separation occurred at A/S > 0.9. The role of Na+ and Ca2+ changed from the network-modifying cations to the charge-compensating cations. Melt viscosity decreased and then increased significantly with an intensified temperature sensitivity, identified by the increasing viscous flow activation energy from 211.5 to 377.03 kJ/mol in the temperature region from 1500 to 1570 °C. The transformation of thermodynamic properties (real mixed/excess molar Gibbs free energies, and entropy increment) corresponded to the structural changes. Thermal, mechanical and leaching tests confirmed the negative effect of this structural transformation on alkali immobilization. The A/S ratios controlled below 0.9 were proposed for environmental benefits and product stability. The investigation of immobilization mechanism provides valuable information for tuning the vitrification chemistry and developing safe and green mineral wool from RM.