Structural Dimensions Research Articles

Level of Maturity in Sustainable Innovation Practices: an Application of the Eco-Mi Model in a Red Ceramics Company

Objective: To identify the level of maturity with sustainable innovation practices of a company in the red ceramics segment in the state of Paraíba, according to the concept and application of the Eco-Mi model. Theoretical Framework: The thematic contextualization recalls the concepts of sustainable development, innovation, sustainability and sustainable innovations. In this sense, (BARBIERI et al., 2010) defends the importance of considering the understanding of sustainable innovation practices, fully incorporated into the company's strategic objectives. The better this relationship between sustainable development through sustainable innovation practices and company objectives is defined, the greater the likelihood of success. Method: This is a descriptive and exploratory study conducted in the form of a case study, using a descriptive statistics approach with quantitative data extracted by applying a questionnaire. The type of sampling is defined as non-probabilistic by intentionality. SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) was used to analyze the data. Results and Discussion: The evolution of the level of maturity weighs up quantitative and qualitative aspects, since the author herself, who designed the Eco-Mi Model, warns that there are some limitations, mainly of a qualitative nature due to the participants' self-assessment, since the analysis requires knowledge of strategy, structure, resources and organizational culture. These limitations highlight promising directions for future research and for consolidating the model and spreading knowledge about eco-innovation. Based on the results obtained from the research, it is possible to conclude that it was possible to answer the research problem by showing that, among the 4 dimensions analyzed, the company moves through levels of maturity evolving between scale 2 and 5. The Strategy and Structure dimensions are not satisfactory, and the Resources and Culture dimensions are more satisfactory. In this case, the company needs to review its choices and practices of sustainable innovation, seeking greater homogeneity in the dimensions of the model used. The field of knowledge still offers ample scope for further research and consolidation of the Eco-Mi maturity model. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied to or influence actions in the field of sustainable innovation. These implications can cover the organizational areas of companies in the context of sustainable innovation practices. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature, as the topic of sustainability has incorporated the role of humans as equally responsible as industries, in a way that seeks to balance the relationship between human society (consumption and waste), natural resources, the current mode of production and the socio-economic system. The relevance and value of this research is evidenced by the results of the level of maturity perceived by the four dimensions studied: strategy, structure, resources and culture. The result reflects on the company's performance from the moment it characterizes in detail the levels of maturity according to the Eco-Mi model.

Simulation of the effects of nanopores at different scales on the wettability of coal

The structural difference of nanopores at different scales in coal is one of the important factors that affect the wettability of coal. Therefore, it is necessary to determine influences of nanopores at different scales in coal on the wettability thereof from the perspective of molecular structure. Taking coal samples collected from Pingdingshan (PDS), Hebi (HB), Xiegou (XG), and Changping (CP) as research objects, the nanopore combination types of the interface were divided by using Materials Studio (MS) molecular simulation software and Image Pro Plus (IPP) image processing software, fractal theory and wettability dynamic simulation method, and the fractal characteristics of different nanopore combination types and the wetting angle change characteristics of active water were analyzed. The effects of total porosity and fractal dimension of pore structure on wettability of nanopores were discussed. The results show that the nanopore combinations in coal can be divided into three types according to the diameter of water molecules: those separately dominated by diffusion pores, adsorption-diffusion pores, and adsorption pores. As the diameter of dominant pores decreases, the fractal dimension decreases and the structure becomes increasingly simple. The wetting angle of active water in diffusion pores changes as follows: it rapidly decreases at first, then tends to stabilizes, before increasing slightly; that in adsorption-diffusion pores changes in this way: it rapidly decreases after transient fluctuations, then basically stabilizes, and finally slightly increases; that in adsorption pores changes as follows: it fluctuates for a long period, then decreases with fluctuations, and finally basically stabilizes. As the total porosity of nanopores increases, the wetting angle decreases linearly. If the porosity is similar, the negative influence of fractal dimension on the wettability of coal interfaces by active water increases as the scale of dominant pores in pore combinations decreases.

Barriers and Facilitators to Pediatric Oncology Social Work Practice: A Qualitative Study

Background: Childhood cancer is significant due to its high prevalence and its impact on the entire family, resulting in various psychological, social, economic, and communication challenges for the families. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators to pediatric oncology social work practices in Iran. Methods: This qualitative study used a content analysis method and involved 19 pediatric oncology social workers. We used a purposeful sampling method until data saturation was reached. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and field observations and then analyzed. Results: This study demonstrated that the factors influencing social workers' practice include personal characteristics and interpersonal communication at the micro level, while barriers mainly consist of cultural, social, economic, organizational, and structural dimensions at the macro level. Conclusions: In order to better support children with cancer and their families, policymakers and health system managers need to give special attention to the status of social workers. Strengthening support systems and addressing the challenges they face can be effective in protecting the professional practices of these caregivers.

Contact Hole Shrinkage: Simulation Study of Resist Flow Process and Its Application to Block Copolymers.

For vertical interconnect access (VIA) in three-dimensional (3D) structure chips, including those with high bandwidth memory (HBM), shrinking contact holes (C/Hs) using the resist flow process (RFP) represents the most promising technology for low-k1 (where CD=k1λ/NA,CD is the critical dimension, λ is wavelength, and NA is the numerical aperture). This method offers a way to reduce dimensions without additional complex process steps and is independent of optical technologies. However, most empirical models are heuristic methods and use linear regression to predict the critical dimension of the reflowed structure but do not account for intermediate shapes. In this research, the resist flow process (RFP) was modeled using the evolution method, the finite-element method, machine learning, and deep learning under various reflow conditions to imitate experimental results. Deep learning and machine learning have proven to be useful for physical optimization problems without analytical solutions, particularly for regression and classification tasks. In this application, the self-assembly of cylinder-forming block copolymers (BCPs), confined in prepatterns of the resist reflow process (RFP) to produce small contact hole (C/H) dimensions, was described using the self-consistent field theory (SCFT). This research paves the way for the shrink modeling of the enhanced resist reflow process (RFP) for random contact holes (C/Hs) and the production of smaller contact holes.

A survey and analysis of peri-operative quality indicators promoted by National Societies of Anaesthesiologists in Europe: The EQUIP project.

To capture preventable peri-operative patient harm and guide improvement initiatives, many quality indicators (QIs) have been developed. Several National Anaesthesiologist Societies (NAS) in Europe have implemented quality indicators. To date, the definitions, validity and dissemination of such quality indicators, and their comparability with validated published indicators are unknown. The aim of this study was to identify all quality indicators promoted by NAS in Europe, to assess their characteristics and to compare them with published validated quality indicators. A cross-sectional study with mixed methods analysis. Using a survey questionnaire, representatives of 37 NAS were asked if their society provided quality indicators to their members and, if so, to provide the list, definitions and details of quality indicators. Characteristics of reported quality indicators were analysed. The 37 NAS affiliated with the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) at the time. Data collection, translations: March 2018 to February 2020. Representatives of all 37 NAS completed the survey. QIs reported by NAS. Only 12 (32%) of the 37 NAS had made a set of quality indicators available to their members. Data collection was mandatory in six (16.2%) of the 37 countries. We identified 163 individual quality indicators, which were most commonly descriptive (60.1%), anaesthesia-specific (50.3%) and related to intra-operative care (21.5%). They often measured structures (41.7%) and aspects of safety (35.6%), appropriateness (20.9%) and prevention (16.6%). Patient-centred care (3.7%) was not well covered. Only 11.7% of QIs corresponded to published validated or well established quality indicator sets. Few NAS in Europe promoted peri-operative quality indicators. Most of them differed from published sets of validated indicators and were often related to the structural dimension of quality. There is a need to establish a European-wide comprehensive core set of usable and validated quality indicators to monitor the quality of peri-operative care. No registration.

Evolution mechanism of coal chemical structure after supercritical CO2 transient fracturing

This study investigates the chemical structural evolution of coal during supercritical CO2 transient fracturing using a self-developed experimental platform. Coal samples with different metamorphic ranks were subjected to transient fracturing under different pressures. Characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, analyzed the fractured coal samples. Initially, supercritical CO2 dissolved minerals and non-aromatic structures, rearranging organic compounds. As fracturing intensified, alkanes and substituents rapidly released, causing large aromatic rings to break into smaller ones. The breakage of small aromatic rings created pores and increased aromatic structure dimensions. Moreover, the interaction between fractured small aromatic rings and oxygen atoms in the C=O group facilitated the formation of new C–C bonds, promoting the connection of aromatic rings to form larger structures. In the early stages of fracturing, the molecular structure of coal relaxed, and subsequently, as the fracturing intensified, the hydrogen bonds initially broken could reconnect to aromatic structures to form OH-π interactions, enhancing intermolecular attraction. This promoted molecules to be more inclined to form stable, dense structures. Understanding this evolution mechanism aids in analyzing the transformation of fractured coal pores, thereby enhancing our understanding of the mechanism for improving coal seam permeability using this technology.

Identifying Key Causal Factors of “Outsourcing Failure” in Government Procurement of Public Service Based on Interval Type‐2 Fuzzy DEMATEL‐Prospect Theory

ABSTRACTAccurately identifying the key causal factors of “outsourcing failure” in government procurement of public service (GPPS) is the focus when constructing its corrective mechanism. The research process and contributions of this paper unfold in two parts: First, based on the structure‐process‐outcome (SPO) model, from the three dimensions of structure, process and outcome, constructing a library of factors causing “outsourcing failure” in GPPS. Then aiming at the ambiguity, uncertainty, and risk preference of decision makers in the decision‐making process, this study proposes a method to identify the key causal factors of “outsourcing failure” in GPPS based on interval type‐2 fuzzy decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL)‐prospect theory. We take government procurement of home‐based care services in Jiangsu Province as an example. The results show that nine key causal factors were identified. Further, targeted correction suggestions are proposed to provide strong support and reference for improving the effect of GPPS outsourcing.

Transactional Distance’s Influence on Students’ Social, Cognitive, Teaching Presence, and Academic Achievement

ABSTRACT The study aimed to investigate how different levels of transactional distance impact students’ perceptions of social, cognitive, and teaching presence, as well as their academic achievement. The research involved 72 students from a state university’s education faculty and used a 3 × 2 factorial design, with structured, semi-structured, and unstructured online environments provided, all with a “high” dialog dimension according to transactional distance theory. These environments were established based on the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process. Over 15 weeks, students in the three experimental groups received education through these online environments. The study found no significant difference in academic achievement scores or community of inquiry scale scores among the groups. Students reported positive perceptions of the online environments they were in. The satisfaction they experienced in the online environment was influential in the absence of differences in academic achievement scores and community of inquiry scale scores among the groups. In conclusion, high dialog, provided at different levels of transactional distance, effectively eliminated potential differences arising from the structural dimension among the groups. If dialogue is kept at the maximum level in online environments, transactional distance that may arise from the structure dimension can be prevented.

Magnetic field sensor based on one-dimensional binary photonic crystal

The work describes the study of a 1D photonic crystal to detect the magnetic fluid as a function of temperature and magnetic field. The structural dimensions are designed by incorporating alternating layers in a periodic way. Each layer is formed as a pair, in which a combination of two materials, PbS and air, is made with a thickness of 91 nm and 387 nm. Along with the structure, there is another mode called the defect mode, with a thickness of 277.5 nm, where the detecting magnetic fluid is injected. The overall PC structure is characterized by the transfer matrix method (TMM), whose results in the transmission spectrum as a function of wavelength are analyzed theoretically. In response to the magnetic fluid, the defect mode is generated and meets resonance at a particular wavelength. The change in shift for magnetic fluid gives the results for sensor performances. In particular, the proposed sensor is optimized by its structural perceptions, and its sensitivity is identified for both magnetic field and temperature through the absorption of magnetic fluid. The study of the temperature dependence of magnetic fluid is carried out at high temperatures up to 500 K. The sensitivity is calculated by noting the shift in defect mode for various incident angles, thicknesses, and temperatures. An increase in the angle of incidence improves both the sensitivity and FOM. The maximum sensitivity achieved, which depends on magnetic field and temperature, is 31.2 pm Oe−1 and 6.46 pm K−1, respectively, for a thickness of 305.25 nm at an angle of incidence of 50°. A maximum FOM of 57.884 Oe−1 is also achieved at an incident angle of 50° and a temperature 300 K. The work’s findings suggest developing prospective photonic devices, and the proposed PC has dual sensor characteristics that may be tuned.

Teachers’ mindset meaning system: achievement goals, beliefs and classroom practices

AbstractMindsets are crucial factors for individuals’ adaptive behavior in educational contexts. In meaning systems, these associations between mindsets and behavior are mediated through motivational aspects. It is generally assumed that students should also benefit if teachers adopt a growth mindset. Even though many studies have investigated mindset processes of students, analyses of teachers’ meaning systems are lacking. This study, therefore, examines relationships between teachers’ mindsets, self-efficacy, achievement goals (mastery, performance-avoidance), and instructional practices (goal structure dimensions of task, autonomy, recognition, grouping, evaluation, time). The sample of the questionnaire study comprises 650 Austrian in-service teachers (69.6% female; mean age 45.1 years; SD = 11.3) with an average of 19 years of teaching experience. Data was analyzed using latent mediation modeling with fixed mindset as a predictor, self-efficacy, mastery goals, performance-avoidance goals as mediators, and six mastery classroom goal structure dimensions as outcomes. The results indicated positive relations between a fixed mindset with performance-avoidance goals and negative relations with self-efficacy and mastery goals. Mastery goals and self-efficacy negatively fully mediated the effects of fixed mindsets on five of six mastery goal structure dimensions. No mediation was found for performance-avoidance goals except for the fixed mindset-autonomy and fixed mindset-grouping links. To conclude, the study’s findings support that a meaning system approach is also valid for teachers and provide insights into the associations between mindset, self-efficacy beliefs, achievement goals, and classroom practices.

Design and characterization of a wind-adaptable piezoelectric energy harvester utilizing a rigid-flexible compound blunt body

In response to the challenges posed by uncontrolled amplitude during galloping and narrow effective bandwidth during vortex-induced vibrations in current energy harvesters, a novel wind-adaptable piezoelectric energy harvester utilizing a rigid-flexible compound blunt body (W-APEH) is proposed. The rigid-flexible compound blunt body improves environmental adaptability and power generation capacity. During the transformation process of the rigid-flexible compound blunt body from a Y-shape to an r-shape, a vibration pattern changes from galloping to coupled vibration, then to vortex-induced vibration. The feasibility of the structure and principle of the W-APEH were proved through a series of simulations and experiments. The higher proportion of rigid wings within a blunt body increases the susceptibility to galloping. A larger windward angle will delay the occurrence of galloping in the W-APEH, shorten the time of coupled vibration, and reduce the output voltage. In the case of the flexible wing thickness remains below 0.3 mm, an increase in thickness leads to an extended galloping time, with vortex-induced vibrations occurring later. Specifically, the onset wind speed is only 3.5 m/s, and the working wind speed range is 5–21 m/s with appropriate structural dimensions. Furthermore, the W-APEH provides a maximum output power of 3.78 mW at an optimal load resistance of 250 kΩ.

A systems approach to improving health consideration in UK urban development: a real estate perspective

ABSTRACT This research investigates how population health is considered in urban development decision-making by developing a causal loop diagram from 21 interviews with senior real estate actors. It classifies variables in the model in structural, attitudinal, and transactional dimensions, links them to relevant decision-making actors, and identifies key feedback loops. This enhances understanding of the system and informs intervention strategies for improving the consideration of health. Structural and attitudinal variables are powerful leverage points but are more challenging to influence directly and slower to change. Yet, when activated through a transactional variable, such as enhancing a data-led health metric to increase the ability of stakeholders to include health in planning, investment and development decisions, they generate virtuous feedback loops. These drive and sustain decision-making that shapes a healthier built environment.

Research on Train-Induced Vibration of High-Speed Railway Station with Different Structural Forms.

Elevated stations are integral components of urban rail transit systems, significantly impacting passengers' travel experience and the operational efficiency of the transportation system. However, current elevated station designs often do not sufficiently consider the structural dynamic response under various operating conditions. This oversight can limit the operational efficiency of the stations and pose potential safety hazards. Addressing this issue, this study establishes a vehicle-bridge-station spatial coupling vibration simulation model utilizing the self-developed software GSAP V1.0, focusing on integrated station-bridge and combined station-bridge elevated station designs. The simulation results are meticulously compared with field data to ensure the fidelity of the model. Analyzing the dynamic response of the station in relation to train parameters reveals significant insights. Notably, under similar travel conditions, integrated stations exhibit lower vertical acceleration in the rail-bearing layer compared to combined stations, while the vertical acceleration patterns at the platform and hall layers demonstrate contrasting behaviors. At lower speeds, the vertical acceleration at the station concourse level is comparable for both station types, yet integrated stations exhibit notably higher platform-level acceleration. Conversely, under high-speed conditions, integrated stations show increased vertical acceleration at the platform and hall levels compared to combined stations, particularly under unloaded double-line working conditions, indicating a superior dynamic performance of combined stations in complex operational scenarios. However, challenges such as increased station height due to bridge box girder maintenance, track layer waterproofing, and track girder support maintenance exist for combined stations, warranting comprehensive evaluation for station selection. Further analysis of integrated station-bridge structures reveals that adjustments in the floor slab thickness at the rail-bearing and platform levels significantly reduce dynamic responses, whereas increasing the rail beam height notably diminishes displacement responses. Conversely, alterations in the waiting hall floor slab thickness and frame column cross-sections exhibit a minimal impact on the station dynamics. Overall, optimizing structural dimensions can effectively mitigate dynamic responses, offering valuable insights for station design and operation.

Social Changes in the community After 24-Hour Electricity in Temajuk Village, Paloh District, Sambas Regency

This study aims to find out and describe the social changes in the community in Temajuk Village after the existence of 24-hour electricity from the social, economic, and cultural aspects. The theory used in this study is the Theory of the Dimension of Social Change (Himes and Moore). The method used in this study is qualitative research with a descriptive approach. The data collection technique uses observation, interview, and documentation techniques. The informants of this research were determined using the purposive sampling technique according to the criteria that had been determined, namely inn owners, homemakers who sell online, the general public, village heads, village officials, and PLN technical supervisors. The data analysis technique used is an analysis model from Miles and Huberman that goes through three stages: data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. The results of this study are, first, the structural dimension related to the economic aspects of the community. There is a change in the role/emergence of a new role for homemakers to become online traders and changes in access to the activities of inn owners by utilizing 24-hour electricity facilitated by PT PLN to increase income. Both dimensions relate to cultural changes in children's language and habits. The use of language from social media began to grow, and traditional game habits began to be abandoned. The three interactional dimensions are related to social aspects, namely community interaction, which is the reduction of interaction intimacy in the family and the closer interaction between communities in Temajuk Village.

Sensing the structural and conformational properties of single-stranded nucleic acids using electrometry and molecular simulations

Inferring the 3D structure and conformation of disordered biomolecules, e.g., single stranded nucleic acids (ssNAs), remains challenging due to their conformational heterogeneity in solution. Here, we use escape-time electrometry (ETe) to measure with sub elementary-charge precision the effective electrical charge in solution of short to medium chain length ssNAs in the range of 5–60 bases. We compare measurements of molecular effective charge with theoretically calculated values for simulated molecular conformations obtained from Molecular Dynamics simulations using a variety of forcefield descriptions. We demonstrate that the measured effective charge captures subtle differences in molecular structure in various nucleic acid homopolymers of identical length, and also that the experimental measurements can find agreement with computed values derived from coarse-grained molecular structure descriptions such as oxDNA, as well next generation ssNA force fields. We further show that comparing the measured effective charge with calculations for a rigid, charged rod—the simplest model of a nucleic acid—yields estimates of molecular structural dimensions such as linear charge spacings that capture molecular structural trends observed using high resolution structural analysis methods such as X-ray scattering. By sensitively probing the effective charge of a molecule, electrometry provides a powerful dimension supporting inferences of molecular structural and conformational properties, as well as the validation of biomolecular structural models. The overall approach holds promise for a high throughput, microscopy-based biomolecular analytical approach offering rapid screening and inference of molecular 3D conformation, and operating at the single molecule level in solution.

Efficient binary diol-based deep eutectic solvent pretreatment for enhancing enzymatic saccharification and lignin fractionation from eucalyptus

An innovative binary biol-based deep eutectic solvent (DES), specifically ethylamine hydrochloride-ethylene glycol (EaCl-EG), was developed for efficient pretreatment of eucalyptus biomass. This DES exhibited superior performance in achieving high delignification (85.0%) and xylan removal (80.0%), while preserving a significant amount of cellulose (94.5%) compared to choline chloride-based DES. Notably, the pretreated eucalyptus residues showed a remarkable glucose yield of over 92.5%, representing a substantial enhancement of up to 15 times compared to untreated eucalyptus. Furthermore, the pretreated liquor yielded high-purity lignin with a yield of 97.8%, characterized by well-preserved β-O-4 structure and nanoscale dimensions. These lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) were subsequently self-assembled into lignin nanobottles (LNBs), adding further value to the pretreatment process. The proposed novel binary EaCl-EG DES presented great potential as an efficient pretreatment solvent for future biomass fractionation processes.

Effect of vibration on the interface properties of welded steel joints and filled concrete in steel pipes

Concrete-filled steel tubes (CFSTs) have been increasingly utilized in engineering due to their excellent mechanical properties. Ensuring a solid bond between a steel tube and concrete is essential for optimizing their synergistic effect. This study introduces an internally welded steel bar structure within the inner wall of a steel tube to enhance the bond properties at the connection interface. The influence of various configurations of steel bars welded to the inner surface of the tube on the bond strength is investigated considering the impact of vibration on the load-bearing capacity of the component. This study comprises two groups of specimens, one with vibration and one without vibration, for a total of ten specimens. Each group included CFST members with five distinct internal welded steel bar structures. The experimental results, including load–displacement curves and strain data of the steel tube, were used to assess the impact of the internal welded steel bar configurations on the steel–concrete interface. The sliding process is described by correlating test data with curves and observed phenomena. To comprehensively compare the effects of structural dimensions on the bonding and slipping properties of the welded bars, finite element simulations replicating the experimental conditions were carried out using ABAQUS software, and the simulation results agreed with the experimental observations. The study demonstrated that incorporating internal welded steel bars substantially enhances the bond strength of steel pipe–concrete interfaces. While vibration weakens the bond strength in CFST members, internal welded steel bars mitigate this effect. These findings improve the structural performance of CFST structures and their resilience to external vibrations.

Design and simulation of a Ka-band frequency doubling gyroklystron amplifier

The design methodology of a Ka-band frequency doubling two cavity gyroklystron has been discussed in this paper. In this study, the amplifier’s design and simulation are accomplished by employing nonlinear analysis and validated using particle-in-cell simulation techniques. The output cavity functions in the TE02 mode at two times the input signal frequency at the second harmonic of the cyclotron frequency, while the input cavity is powered by a 17.5 GHz source and functions in the TE01 mode at the first harmonic of the cyclotron resonance. The device’s performance has been examined both in the presence and in the absence of a beam. A number of factors were taken into account in order to optimize the interaction structure dimension to reach the device’s targeted performance. By adjusting the structural features and electron beam parameters, the device’s RF output power is assessed in an effort to increase efficiency. Simulation results estimate that the device displays a gain of 21.5 dB, an efficiency of 21.6%, a power of 227 kW, and a −3 dB bandwidth of ∼0.3%.

Numerical investigation of the multiphase flow and loading state of underwater semiclosed initial interrupted bubbles

The pulsation of bubbles and the impact load from reverse flow, generated by the evolution of semiclosed initial intermittent bubble multiphase flow during underwater launches, are crucial factors affecting launch safety. This paper employs the mixture multiphase flow model and the interphase heat and mass transfer model to simulate the interaction between the gas inside a partially enclosed cylinder and the water medium outside the cylinder, combined with simulation and piggybacking experiments, to analyze the flow process and load state. The numerical model is further utilized to study the evolution of the multiphase flow field of the semienclosed initial intermittent bubble, the pulsating load of the bubble, the impact load of the inverted water flow, and the influence of structural dimensions on the load. The results show that the initial intermittent bubble in the mouth of the cylinder experiences an expansion–contraction–expansion pulsation process, and as the migration of the interface between the phases results in significant pressure pulsation, the peak pulsation can exceed twice the pressure difference between the initial gas pressure inside the cylinder and the hydrostatic pressure at the mouth of the cylinder. At the late stage of bubble pulsation, a large amount of water with pulsating bubbles flows into the semiclosed cylinder, and the pulsation-induced velocity and gravity are used to form a high-speed inverted water flow. The interaction between the inverted water and the gas inside the cylinder generates an oscillating shock load where the maximum shock load is significantly greater than the ambient pressure load. Additionally, the effect of structural dimensions on the load state under the same intermittent conditions is examined.

Nanocolumnar Metamaterial Platforms: Scaling Rules for Structural Parameters Revealed from Optical Anisotropy

AbstractNanostructures represent a frontier where meticulous attention to the control and assessment of structural dimensions becomes a linchpin for their seamless integration into diverse technological applications. However, determining the critical dimensions and optical properties of nanostructures with precision still remains a challenging task. In this study, by using an integrative and comprehensive methodical series of studies, the evolution of the depolarization factors in the anisotropic Bruggeman effective medium approximation (AB‐EMA) is investigated. It is found that these anisotropic factors are extremely sensitive to the changes in critical dimensions of the nanostructure platforms. In order to perform a systematic characterization of these parameters, spatially coherent, highly‐ordered slanted nanocolumns are fabricated from zirconia, silicon, titanium, and permalloy on silicon substrates with varying column lengths using glancing angle deposition (GLAD). In tandem, broad‐spectral range Mueller matrix spectroscopic ellipsometry data, spanning from the near‐infrared to the vacuum UV (0.72–6.5 eV), is analyzed with a best‐match model approach based on the anisotropic Bruggeman effective medium theory. The anisotropic optical properties, including complex dielectric function, birefringence, and dichroism, are thereby extracted. Most notably, the research unveils a generalized, material‐independent inverse relationship between depolarization factors and column length. It is envisioned that the presented scaling rules will permit accurate prediction of optical properties of nanocolumnar thin films improving their integration and optimization for optoelectronic and photonic device applications. As an outlook, the highly porous nature and extreme birefringence properties of the fabricated columnar metamaterial platforms are further explored in the detection of nanoparticles from the cross‐polarized integrated spectral color variations.