Reasonable Non-conventional Generator of Random Linear Chains Based on a Simple Self-avoiding Walking Process: A Statistical and Fractal Analysis

Models based on self-excluded walks have been widely used to generate random linear chains. In this work, we present an algorithm capable of generating linear strings in two and three dimensions, in a simple and efficient way. The discrete growth process of the chains takes place in a finite time, in a network without pre-established boundary conditions and without the need to explore the entire configurational space. The computational processing time and the length of the strings depending on the number of trials N′ . This number is always less than the real number of steps in the chain, N. From the statistical analysis of the characteristic distances, the radius of gyration ( Rg ), and the end-to-end distance ( Ree ), we make a morphological description of the chains and we study the dependence of this quantities on the number of steps, N. The universal critical exponent obtained are in very good agreement with previous values reported in literature. We also study fractal characteristics of the chains using two different methods, Box-Counting Dimension or Capacity Dimension and Correlation Dimension. The studies revealed essential differences between chains of different dimensions, for the two methods used, showing that three-dimensional chains are more correlated than two-dimensional chains

Structural Characterization of Linear Three-Dimensional Random Chains: Energetic Behaviour and Anisotropy

In this work, we will make an energetic and structural characterization of three-dimensional linear chains generated from a simple self-avoiding random walk process in a finite time, without boundary conditions, without the need to explore all possible configurations. From the analysis of the energy balance between the terms of interaction and bending (or correlation), it is shown that the chains, during their growth process, initially tend to form clusters, leading to an increase in their interaction and bending energies. Larger chains tend to “escape” from the cluster when they reach a number of “steps” N>∼1040 , resulting in a decrease in their interaction energy, however, maintaining the same behavior as flexion energy or correlation. This behavior of the bending term in the energy allows distinguishing chains with the same interaction energy that present different structures. As a complement to the energy analysis, we carry out a study based on the moments of inertia of the chains and their radius of gyration. The results show that the formation of clusters separated by “tails” leads to a final “prolate” structure for this type of chain, the same structure evident in real polymeric linear chains in a good solvent

Nonlinear Measures for Characterizing Rough Surface Morphologies

We develop a new approach to characterizing the morphology of rough surfaces based on the analysis of the scaling properties of contour loops, i.e. loops of constant height. Given a height profile of the surface we perform independent measurements of the fractal dimension of contour loops, and the exponent that characterizes their size distribution. Scaling formulas are derived and used to relate these two geometrical exponents to the roughness exponent of a self-affine surface, thus providing independent measurements of this important quantity. Furthermore, we define the scale dependent curvature and demonstrate that by measuring its third moment departures of the height fluctuations from Gaussian behavior can be ascertained. These nonlinear measures are used to characterize the morphology of computer generated Gaussian rough surfaces, surfaces obtained in numerical simulations of a simple growth model, and surfaces observed by scanning-tunneling-microscopes. For experimentally realized surfaces the self-affine scaling is cut off by a correlation length, and we generalize our theory of contour loops to take this into account.Comment: 39 pages and 18 figures included; comments to [email protected]

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

High performance electrochromic devices based on anodized nanoporous Nb2O5

Despite the predictions, the true potential of Nb2O5 for electrochromic applications has yet to be fully realized. In this work, three-dimensional (3D) compact and well-ordered nanoporous Nb2O5 films are synthesized by the electrochemical anodization of niobium thin films. These films are formed using RF sputtering and then anodized in an electrolyte containing ethylene glycol, ammonium fluoride, and small water content (4%) at 50 °C which resulted in low embedded impurities within the structure. Characterization of the anodized films shows that a highly crystalline orthorhombic phase of Nb2O5 is obtained after annealing at 450 °C. The 3D structure provides a template consisting of a large concentration of active sites for ion intercalation, while also ensuring low scattering directional paths for electrons. These features enhance the coloration efficiency to 47.0 cm2 C?1 (at 550 nm) for a 500 nm thick film upon Li+ ion intercalation. Additionally, the Nb2O5 electrochromic device shows a high bleached state transparency and large optical modulation