Hearing the Future

Pt-SiO2 Janus Particles and the Water/Oil Interface: A Competition between Motility and Thermodynamics

“…The sideways orientation represents the thermodynamically least favorable configuration for entering the interface and prevents active Pt-SiO 2 Janus particles from attaching to the interface. Therefore, active Pt-SiO 2 Janus particles tend to stay in the vicinity of the interface in their sideways configuration within a confined range of θ orientations and varying ϕ orientations, which resembles the behavior found for active Janus particles near a wall. − ,,, The varying ϕ orientations are attributed to the thermal fluctuations that contribute to the motion of the particles along with the directional propulsion of the particles; hence, the orientation of the particles within the plane is subject to the random forces and changes with time. Additionally, unlike in the case of the passive Pt-SiO 2 particles, turning the cell of active Pt-SiO 2 Janus particles around and turning it back to its initial state does not show any particles near the interface.…”

Practical Challenges in Mitigating the Aftermath of Fire in Historic Buildings

“…Organisational response and decision-making Some organisations, for example Historic Royal Palaces 14 in the UK, have looked specifically at the post-fire challenges and planned carefully for these, and following table-top exercises to assess practical requirements, it has been recognised that having the key stakeholders, both internal and external, able to meet and agree on the course of action to be taken is important in the immediate post-fire situation, particularly given the need for urgent decisions to be made in some cases. 15 The establishment of an internal team to facilitate decision-making may be required, though it is acknowledged that there is a wide range of possible types of property and of ownership or management. This range is perhaps bookended by, for example, a small privately-owned country house at one extreme and an extensive property which is part of a much bigger portfolio and owned or managed by a national organisation at the other.…”