bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legal Analytics: Students and artificial intelligence on the exam
Authors: Isakov Vladimir , Mamcev Radomir
Published: October 2023

In Russian education, there is an active search for forms of using artificial intelligence, which requires additional efforts from both teachers and students. The authors of the book conducted an original educational experiment: artificial intelligence (GhatGPT)
was offered to answer a list of exam questions on the discipline "Legal Analytics" and compared its texts with written answers of students. As a result, a double test turned out: the knowledge of students and the capabilities of artificial intelligence in the field of legal analytics, they can be compared.
For analytical specialists, teachers, postgraduates and students of law and humanities universities and faculties.
Tax law
Authors: Zhutaev Aleksey , Pokachalova Elena , Sadchikov Mihail
Published: October 2023

The textbook discusses the issues of tax law: the concept and features of tax, its difference from other mandatory payments, the functions of taxation, the system of taxes and fees of the Russian Federation, the concept and essence of tax duty, the procedure for its execution, as well as issues of tax control and liability for violations of legislation on taxes and fees, elements of taxation on taxes and fees to be paid, including in accordance with special taxation regimes, territories with a special taxation procedure, tax rules governing tax relations complicated by a foreign element.
The textbook is intended for the study of tax law in bachelor's and specialty programs, as well as secondary vocational education.
Parliamentary Law of the Russian Federation
Authors: Kokotov Aleksandr
Published: October 2023

The textbook reveals the basic concepts and institutions of parliamentary law of Russia as an integral part of Russian constitutional law. Special attention is paid to the presentation of the history of the formation of representative government in the country, the place of parliamentary bodies in the system of people's representation, their legal status, the order of activity, primarily in terms of legislative activity.
Students, postgraduates, law school teachers, government officials, as well as anyone interested in the legal regulation of parliamentary activities.
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) administration and Clostridioides difficile infection - is this a real clinical problem? A critical review of the literature
Authors: Głaz Aneta , Knop Kinga , Kochanowska Anna , Wach Damian , Piasecka Zuzanna , Wesołek Ewelina , Kasztelan-Szczerbińska Beata , Skrzydło-Radomańska Barbara
Published: October 2023

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used drugs that reduce gastric acid secretion. In recent years, there has been a gradual increase in their use. The safety of prolonged PPI therapy and the potential for cumulative side effects of these drugs raise legitimate concerns. An association between PPI administration and the risk of Clostridioides difficile infection has been suggested. The findings regarding this phenomenon require further unequivocal verification.

Material and methods: A review of publications obtained from the PubMed database and published between 2016-2023. Based on the keywords "proton pump inhibitor", "PPI" and "Clostridium", 132 articles were selected. Finally, 6 meta-analyses were included in the analysis.

Results: Studies conducted in recent years have shown a statistically significant increase in the risk of C. difficile infection in patients taking PPIs compared to those who avoid this therapy. The aforementioned relationship was observed in both adults and pediatric patients. One study proved that the risk remained high even up to 1 year after the end of treatment. The described relationship is still a matter of debate due to the fact that patients using antacids are usually elderly, have several comorbidities and a higher risk of developing C. difficile infection regardless of PPI use.

Conclusions: The relationship between the use of PPIs and the risk of developing C. difficile infection is still controversial, which justifies the need for continued clinical trials to objectively resolve this issue. PPIs exert high efficacy in the treatment of acid-dependent diseases, but due to the many ambiguities surrounding possible side effects, caution in their administration seems warranted, especially for long-term therapy in elderly patients with polypharmacy.
Estrategias metropolitanas
Authors: Trachana Angelique
Published: October 2023

Implicaciones culturales de los diversos modos de producción y consumo de la civilización metropolitana en la construcción de la arquitectura de la ciudad. Enfoque profesional de la construcción de la metrópolis contemporánea en el contexto de la indeterminación ideológica del postcapitalismo contemporáneo y el debilitamiento teórico de las disciplinas de la arquitectura y el urbanismo.
Frontiers: Inequalities in Dealers’ Interest Rate Markups? A Gender- and Race-Based Analysis
Authors: Ozturk O. Cem , He Cheng , Chintagunta Pradeep K.
Published: October 2023

We document the existence of gender and racial gaps in dealer markups of auto financing interest rates.
La gestión constructiva de conflictos en la práctica profesional del Trabajo Social: aportaciones desde los modelos históricos de medición
Authors: Dorado Ana Isabel , de la Fuente Roldán Iria Noa
Published: October 2023

El conflicto es, históricamente, uno de los ejes centrales en torno a los cuales giran las intervenciones que desarrollan las y los profesionales del Trabajo Social. Ante los procesos de cambio social y la creciente complejidad de las sociedades actuales, es preciso profundizar tanto en el desarrollo de herramientas e instrumentos facilitadores de la gestión de conflictos, como en la construcción de nuevos marcos desde los que comprender y abordar las situaciones de conflicto. En este sentido, el presente artículo pretende realizar un movimiento reflexivo profesional en torno a la importancia de incorporar la mirada mediadora a la práctica profesional del Trabajo Social. Para ello, se realiza una revisión de los modelos históricos de mediación como contexto teórico-práctico que permita vertebrar las intervenciones en torno a la gestión constructiva de conflictos en la práctica profesional.
Bringing animal magic into early education to boost well-being
Authors: Mallott Nikki
Published: October 2023

Nikki Mallott, head of Learning and Discovery & Research and Conservation at Knowsley Safari, outlines the benefits of human-animal interactions for children in early years to boost well-being and aid learning. She explains why every setting should encourage child to learn about and experience interacting with a wide range of animals, birds and insects from a young age.
Review of Rhetoric Matters: A Guide to Success in the First Year Writing Class
Authors: Drost Leslie
Published: October 2023

New students in higher education may come to their university with the expectation that they are already trained to write academically. Their instructors may also have this expectation, but that is often not the case. The authors of Rhetoric Matters have put together a comprehensive textbook for these students which encompasses the entire research and scholarship process, from reading effectively to sources and research to accurately using multiple citations styles.
Immobilization of Bee Pollen Extract on Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Fabric for Wound Dressing
Authors: Bhat Chetna , Jeswani Jahnavi , Dsouza Myrene Roselyn
Published: October 2023

Bee pollen is used in the apitherapeutic treatment as it demonstrates anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant, antimicrobial, and local analgesic activities and also facilitates the granulation process of burn wound healing. In this study, pure bee pollen synthesized by the giant honeybee Apis dorsata dorsata was investigated for the presence of phytochemicals. The extraction of bioactives was done using 30% ethanol and 70% methanol. To develop wound dressing fabric with biomedical applications, phenolics derived from bee pollen were covalently bound to amino polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric by immobilization using polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE) as a cross-linker. Alterations in the chemical configuration were studied using ATR-FTIR spectra and the contact angle of 122° in unmodified PET decreased to 110° and 98° post amination and immobilization. Antibacterial activity of the immobilized fabric was observed against bacteria and yeast isolated from burn wounds. Thus, the study revealed that PET fibrous mats in the presence of bee pollen could be considered potential wound dressing materials due to their enhanced processing capabilities and suitable structural properties. As not much research has been conducted on bee pollen previously, this study sets out to examine its efficacy and therapeutic utility in connection to burn wound healing capabilities.
Nutritional and Shelf-Life Estimation of Nutritive Muffins Incorporating Dillenia indica and Terminalia Chebula Flour
Authors: Islam Jasmin , Devi Ph Vivekanandini , Sarma Manash Pratim , Gogoi Madhumita , Medhi Rupam
Published: October 2023

The present study was undertaken to develop nutritive muffins using Dillenia indica and Terminalia chebula, evaluate their sensory attributes, nutrient content and conduct shelf-life studies. Three variations of muffins were developed and under each formulation, three different level of incorporations were made and compared to a control muffin. The developed muffins were evaluated for their sensory acceptability and the most preferred F2 formulation was selected and evaluated for proximate composition and shelf life. Developed nutritive muffins had been highly accepted in all attributes, is nutrient-dense, innovative and healthier snack but low shelf-life due to non-addition of any artificial preservative.
Disease-modifying agents in osteoarthritis: where are we now and what does the future hold?
Authors: Makaram Navnit S. , Simpson A. H. R. W.
Published: October 2023

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(10):654–656.
Single incision laparoscopy versus conventional multiport laparoscopy for colorectal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: ElSherbiney M , Khawaja AH , Noureldin K , Issa M , Varma A
Published: October 2023

Introduction

There has been an increase in colorectal cancer resections worldwide and in the UK. Initially conducted as an open procedure, this was replaced with the conventional multiport technique. Laparoscopic colectomy became the standard surgical technique in 1991. With innovation in surgical technology, single incision laparoscopy (SIL) has attracted more attention as the possible next step in colorectal resection. The aim of this review was to compare outcomes between SIL and conventional laparoscopy (CL).

Methods

A literature search was carried out in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The PubMed®, MEDLINE®, Embase®, Google Scholar™ and Cochrane Library databases were used to extract randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 2000 and May 2021. Statistical analysis was performed with RevMan software.

Results

A total of 11 RCTs were extracted with 1,370 patients (686 SIL, 684 CL). There was no significant difference between SIL and CL for operative time (standardised mean difference [SMD]: 0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.19 to 0.22, z=0.11, p=0.91), length of hospital stay (SMD: −0.10, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.02, z=1.61, p=0.11) or overall complications (odds ratio [OR]: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.75 to 1.30, z=0.09, p=0.93). SIL had a shorter mean incision (SMD: −0.99, 95% CI: −1.35 to −0.62, z=5.25, p<0.00001). Patients undergoing SIL had a higher conversion rate to CL or an open approach (OR: 3.10, 95% CI: 0.95 to 10.14, z=1.87, p=0.06) but this just missed statistical significance.

Conclusions

SIL can be considered a safe alternative to CL if performed by experienced surgeons.
Low Dose Combined Spinal-Epidural (CSE) Anaesthesia with Blocks for Management of A High-Risk Geriatric Patient with Dilated Cardiomyopathy Posted for TURBT
Authors:   Department of Anaesthesia, Teerthanker Mahavir Medical College and Research Centre, Delhi Road, NH 24, Bagadpur, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India., Sharma Vivek , Aggarwal Hiteshi ,   Department of Anaesthesia, Teerthanker Mahavir Medical College and Research Centre, Delhi Road, NH 24, Bagadpur, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India., Prakash Vivek ,   Department of Anaesthesia, Teerthanker Mahavir Medical College and Research Centre, Delhi Road, NH 24, Bagadpur, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India., Ahluwalia Pallavi ,   Department of Anaesthesia, Teerthanker Mahavir Medical College and Research Centre, Delhi Road, NH 24, Bagadpur, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) is the first-line method and mainstay for endoscopic diagnosis, staging, and treatment of urinary bladder tumours. Hypotonic fluid absorption, electrolyte imbalance from irrigation, haemorrhage, and obturator jerk episodes are just a few of the procedure’s intrinsic risks. Cardiovascular issues were more likely to arise in elderly patients undergoing this surgery. A high risk of pulmonary oedema, arrhythmia, and bleeding problems exists in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP), multiple comorbidities, and anticoagulant medication. Case Presentation: Here, we provide a challenging situation of A 74-year-old man was scheduled to have TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tissue) for a bladder mass with hematuria and many comorbidities, including Hypertension (HTN), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary artery disease (CAD), post percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP), ejection fraction (EF) 25%, and Severe MR necessitating obturator nerve block (ONB), spinal anaesthesia (SA), and epidural anaesthesia (EA) for perioperative and postoperative anaesthetic as well as analgesia, which was effectively handled without any difficulties. Conclusion: Elderly patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy are at higher risk of major cardiovascular events perioperatively. Low dose spinal anaesthesia combined with epidural anaesthesia provides better hemodynamic stability, prevents myocardial depression, provide perioperative analgesia and early ambulation. Keywords: Obturator nerve block, Spinal anaesthesia, General anaesthesia practice, Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tissue (TURBT), Cerebrovascular accident (CVA), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
A Case of Cardiac Arrest During Parotidectomy Surgery
Authors:   Department of Anaesthesia, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India., Baxi Vaibhavi , Parikh Ravisha ,   Department of Anaesthesia, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Sudden brady-arrhythmias during anaesthesia can be life threatening. Bradycardia and asystole have been reported during Maxillofacial surgeries due to tri-gemino-cardiac reflex. We report a case of a rare complication of asystole following dissection and handling of deep lobe of parotid gland during total parotidectomy under general anaesthesia. Case Presentation: A 70-year-old, 82 kgs, normotensive female scheduled for total left parotidectomy for tumor excision with nerve monitoring under general anaesthesia developed severe bradyarrhythmia soon progressing to asystole; 85 mins into surgery during dissection of deep lobe of parotid possibly due to tri-gemino-cardiac reflex. Conclusion: We present this case of asystole during parotidectomy to demonstrate the significance and possible severity of the reflex bradycardic response during surgical handling of deep lobe of parotid gland. Keywords: Cardiac arrest, Parotidectomy, Resuscitation, General anaesthesia, Nerve monitoring.
Windshield Wiper Effect in Human Bone-Peri-Implant Benign Diaphyseal Expansile Lesion with Humerus Shaft Fracture Non-Union with Implant in situ – Case Report
Authors: Thakkar Yash N , Bava S S , Phunde Rajendra , Soni Harshil , Haider Hunaid
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Humerus shaft fractures account for 3% of all adult fractures. Union rate after surgical management is around 84–97% with no difference between compression plating and intramedullary (IM) nailing. Non-union of humeral shaft fracture is not unusual complication of both conservative and operative treatment. IM nailing has been known to have several benefits from its relative stability with minimal soft-tissue dissection but with drawbacks such as less perfect reduction with higher risk of distraction, inability to take down interpositional tissue, risk of radial nerve injury and technical difficulty to pass guide wire and locking of nail. Many methods have been described for nonunion of humeral fracture with good results. However, treatment of a long-standing nonunion of the humerus with bone defect is challenging, as it may be complicated by broken implants. Very less research documented for long standing nonunion of humeral bone with diaphyseal bone defect. Case Report: We report a case report of middle-aged female who suffered a closed traumatic humeral shaft fracture which was managed with open reduction and fixation with IM nailing with some distraction and distal locking screw missing the nail making it an unstable construct traditionally called Wind shield, wiper effect was noticed in this patient and was the cause of nonunion in this case at some other institute 5 years back lending up in to nonunion with diaphyseal bone defect showing peri-implant expansile benign lesion treated at our institute with implant removal, excision of lytic lesion, and stabilized with extra articular distal humerus locking plate after strut fibular auto bone grafting. Conclusion: Humerus shaft non-union in a middle-aged patient is heterogeneous entity and has to be managed after ruling out neoplastic (metastasis) as well as infective etiology, and locking plate is the gold standard for its management along with strut grafting being osteoporotic bone with some bony defect. Keywords: Nonunion, windshield wiper, humerus, peri-implant lytic lesion, disabilities of arm shoulder and hand score.
Isolated Hamate Dislocation: A Case Report and Technique Guide
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Loma Linda University Health Consortium, Loma Linda, California., Flanigan Trenden , Nayak Rusheel , Robker Jerrick , Riedel Barth ,   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Loma Linda University Health Consortium, Loma Linda, California.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Isolated hamate dislocation is a rare case with potentially devastating complications, given the resultant instability of the carpus following the injury. This has been reported in the literature before with varying constructs and varying results but never with an internal bracing construct and early rehabilitation. Case Report: A 26-year-old male injured his left hand in an all-terrain vehicle accident. After initial misdiagnosis and subsequent persistent pain, he was diagnosed with a chronic dorsal hamate dislocation. An open reduction and internal brace fixation were performed resulting in an anatomic and stable reduction. By the final follow-up visit, the patient had no pain with near full range of motion and had returned to work with good to excellent outcome scores. Conclusion: Open reduction with ligament reconstruction utilizing an internal bracing technique provides a stable fixation and anatomic repair of the intercarpal and carpometacarpal ligaments. This is a feasible treatment option for hamate dislocations that allows for early rehabilitation in comparison to previously described methods and may result in good to excellent outcomes. Keywords: Hamate, dislocation, internal brace.
Joint-preserving Surgery for Idiopathic Bilateral Osteonecrosis of the Distal Tibia: A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon,, Honeine Mohamad Omar Y , Ghanem Wendy M ,   [2] Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon,, Otayek Joeffroy N ,   [1] Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon,, Dib Nabil G ,   [2] Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon,, Badra Mohammad I ,   [2] Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon, [3] Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Clemenceau Medical, Beirut, Lebanon., Moucharafieh Ramzi S ,   [2] Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon, [3] Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Clemenceau Medical, Beirut, Lebanon.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Osteonecrosis (ON) is a serious pathological condition that can affect weight-bearing areas of the lower limbs, including the distal tibia. Although trauma is a common cause of ON, the condition has multiple possible etiologies. ON has been associated with a range of factors, including trauma, medication use, alcoholism, and vascular disease. Interruption of blood flow to a particular bone region is the first step in the pathophysiology of ON. Conservative management is typically indicated in the early stages of ON, but joint-preserving procedures may be necessary in cases where conservative treatment fails. Case Report: This article presents a case of bilateral ON of the distal tibia in a 38-year-old female patient without a history of trauma or identifiable risk factors. The patient was initially managed conservatively but ultimately underwent joint-preserving surgery due to treatment failure. Conclusion: Joint-preserving procedures should be considered in cases of early-stage distal tibia ON that do not respond to conservative management to prevent joint collapse. This case highlights the importance of considering ON as a possible diagnosis even in the absence of identifiable risk factors or trauma. Keywords: Distal tibia, osteonecrosis, avascular necrosis, atraumatic, bilateral.
Multilevel Customized 3D-Printed Titanium Alloy Interbody Cages used to Treat Congenital Scoliosis: A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA,, Pesante Benjamin , Wellington Ian ,   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA,, Eastlack Robert ,   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines, La Jolla, CA, USA., Singh Hardeep ,   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA,
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Customized, patient-specific interbody cages have been used in the treatment of spinal neoplasia, degenerative disease, infection, congenital anomalies, and trauma. However, to date, their use has been limited to a single spinal level, and the utility of customized spinal implants in multiple spinal levels remains unclear. In addition, limited studies exist that compare outcomes following fusion and decompression surgery using customized implants to traditional, standard implants. Case Report: We present two cases. Case 1 consists of a multilevel deformity surgery from L3-S1 anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and T10-Pelvis posterior spinal fusion (PSF) in a patient with a congenital scoliosis (CS) using customized implants on multiple spinal levels. We compare Case 1 to Case 2, in which a patient underwent a lumbar decompression and fusion for CS using standard titanium implants. While the patient in Case 1 reported improved back pain and independent ambulation at 1-year post-operative and required no revision surgery, the patient in Case 2 required revision surgery 2 years post-operative due to pseudoarthrosis. Conclusion: CS with right wedge hemivertebrae may be treated with customized implants on multiple spinal levels, and customized implants may provide benefit over standard implants. Keywords: Spine, hemivertebrae, customized implants.
Delayed Spontaneous Fracture of the Proximal Tibia after Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy for Treatment of Patella Instability: A Case Report
Authors:   [1] Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hôpital de Jolimont-Lobbes, La Louvière, Belgium. [2] Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium., Goetz Pierre-Emmanuel , Manon Julie ,   [2] Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium. [3] Neuromusculoskeletal Lab (NMSK), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium. [4] Pole of Morphology (MORF), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium., Quintart Christian ,   [1] Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hôpital de Jolimont-Lobbes, La Louvière, Belgium.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) is a surgical procedure commonly used. Several local postoperative complications have been identified in the literature, such as early proximal tibial fractures. In exceptional cases, these fractures can occur later in the postoperative period, i.e., after 6 months. The current paper described a case study of this rare delayed complication. Case Report: An athletic 24-year-old military man was admitted to the emergency department following a spontaneous proximal tibial fracture below and arising from the TTO site realized 7 months earlier. Conclusion: Delayed spontaneous fractures of the proximal tibia following TTO are extremely rare complications. This paper describes a case of delayed spontaneous fracture in a young athlete. Factors contributing to this fracture are analyzed. An adaptation of the surgical technique and rehabilitation protocol is discussed. Keywords: Tibial tubercle osteotomy, complications, delayed tibial fracture, rehabilitation
Failure of a Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty with a Broken Humeral Stem Tray: A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Izmir University of Economics Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey,, Kaymakoglu Mehmet , Aral Furkan ,   Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey,, Huri Gazi ,   Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The evolution of prosthesis design has increased the frequency of RTSA procedures across various indications. This rise in surgeries has also led to a growing number of associated complications. This case report highlights an unusual occurrence: a mechanical failure of a RTSA at the humeral stem tray. Case Report: A 55-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with a sharp pain after 2 years of his initial reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) surgery. A broken humeral stem of the RTSA was diagnosed on the plain radiography and the patient underwent a one-stage revision. Further complications have not arisen during his follow-up to date and the patient has a nearly full range of motion. Conclusion: Although a humeral stem tray failure is a rarely seen complication for shoulder arthroplasty, surgeons who have used this model prosthesis should be aware that they may encounter such a complication. Keywords: Case report, humeral stem, revision, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, implant failure.
Skin-like and highly elastic optical fiber strain sensor based on a knot-bend shape for human motion monitoring
Authors: Al-Lami Shahad Sabhan , Salman Ansam M. , Al-Janabi Abdulhadi
Published: October 2023

A simply designed, highly sensitive, stretchable, compact wearable, and skin-like optical fiber sensing instrument is designed and demonstrated for joint motion monitoring. The fiber sensing scheme comprises only a section of single-mode fiber (SMF) deformed in the knot-like configuration, which performs as a Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) based on a modal coupling mechanism between the core and cladding modes of the deformed SMF section. This proposed optical fiber sensor based on a knot-like configuration is mounted onto wearable woven fabric and then garments on the limbs of a healthy human’s body. As the flexion angle of the human limb is varied, the interference fringe coding based on the spectral shift difference of the periodical transmission spectra is perceived. The proposed wearable optical fiber sensor exhibits excellent sensitivities from around −0.431 to −0.614nm/∘ realized for elbow and knee joint flexion between a range of motion around 0°–90°. Additionally, this sensor also displays high repeatability and stability and a fast response time of 1.4 ms, combined with a small standard deviation of about 2.585%. The proposed sensor device possesses manufacturing simplicity, high processing accuracy, lightness, and elasticity, as well as certain improvements over other goniometers and optical fiber sensors. These attributes of the proposed sensor prove its applicability for human joint angle monitoring.
Monitoring acoustic vibrations in optical fibers by estimating polarization matrix variation with the integration of coherent optical communication and sensing
Authors: Zeng Tao , Li Wei , Hu Shan , Pan Yinmei , Zhang Bo , He Qingyu , Luo Ming , Xiao Xi
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we propose a novel architecture called as the Direct-Computation-Sensing Architecture (DCSA) to directly calculates the polarization state changes caused by optical fiber vibrations with training data, offering a more accurate and responsive method than that with adaptive filter-based sensing architectures. We detected the distinct fiber vibration induced by piezoelectric ceramics in an established experimental platform, and recovered a song melody played near the optical fiber buddle from the fiber's polarization changes. We locate the source of the vibration by comparing data from both ends of a bidirectional transmission setup. Lastly, we conducted field tests under conditions involving machine-induced vibrations and natural cable movements.
Investigating the thermal robustness of soliton crystal microcombs
Authors: Murray Caitlin E. , Tan Mengxi , Prayoonyong Chawaphon , Zhu Xiaotian , Chu Sai T. , Little Brent E. , Morandotti Roberto , Mitchell Arnan , Moss David J. , Corcoran Bill
Published: October 2023

Soliton crystals are a novel form of microcomb, with relatively high conversion efficiency, good thermal robustness, and simple initiation among the methods to generate them. Soliton crystals can be easily generated in microring resonators with an appropriate mode-crossing. However, fabrication defects can significantly affect the mode-crossing placement and strength in devices. To enable soliton crystal states to be harnessed for a broader range of microcomb applications, we need a better understanding of the link between mode-crossing properties and the desired soliton crystal properties. Here, we investigate how to generate the same soliton crystal state in two different microrings, how changes in microring temperature change the mode-crossing properties, and how mode-crossing properties affect the generation of our desired soliton crystal state. We find that temperature affects the mode-crossing position in these rings but without major changes in the mode-crossing strength. We find that our wanted state can be generated over a device temperature range of 25 ∘C, with different mode-crossing properties, and is insensitive to the precise mode-crossing position between resonances.
Electrically tunable gradient-index lenses via liquid crystals: beyond the power law
Authors: Lin Yi-Hsin , Cheng Wei-Cheng , Reshetnyak Victor , Huang Hao-Hsin , Huang Ting-Wei , Cheng Chang-Chiang , Wu Yung-Hsun , Yang Chiu-Lien
Published: October 2023

In this study we present an investigation of electrically tunable progressive lenses utilizing liquid crystals (LC). We introduce a polarized progressive LC lens capable of dynamically adjusting its focal length, functioning as either a positive or negative lens. Our findings reveal that the spatial distribution of lens power within the progressive LC lens, ranging from +4D to -3D, far surpassing the range of -0.87D to +0.87D which one may expect within the parabolic wavefront approximation. For a lens with a 30 mm aperture a total tunable range is 7.6 D (from +5.6D to -2D) which is 4.75 times larger than the traditional parabolic prediction∼1.6D (from +0.8D to -0.8D). This study not only challenges conventional limitations set by optical phase differences in gradient-index LC lenses (the power law) but also ushers in a new possibility for ophthalmic applications. The profound insights and outcomes presented in this paper redefine the landscape of LC lenses, paving the way for transformative advancements in optics and beyond.
Full-space wavefront control enabled by a bilayer metasurface sandwiching 1D photonic crystal
Authors: Chu Yanhao , Chen Chen , Xiao Xingjian , Shen Wenjing , Ye Xin , Zhu Shining , Li Tao
Published: October 2023

Metasurfaces, composed of sub-wavelength structures, have a powerful capability to manipulate light propagations. However, metasurfaces usually work either in pure reflection mode or pure transmission mode. Achieving full-space manipulation of light at will in the optical region is still challenging. Here we propose a design method of full-space meta-device containing a bilayer metasurface sandwiching 1D photonic crystal to manipulate the transmitted and reflected wave independently. To provide a proof-of-concept demonstration, a device is proposed to show the light focusing in transmission and a vortex beam in reflection. Meanwhile, a device focusing the reflected light with oblique 45° incidence and the transmitted light with normal incidence is designed to indicate its application potential in augmented reality (AR) application. Our design provides a promising way to enrich the multifunctional meta-devices for potential applications.
Noise reduction in digital holography phase maps by phase-preserving discrete Fourier resampling
Authors: Buitrago-Duque Carlos , Garcia-Sucerquia Jorge
Published: October 2023

Several methods have been proposed to reduce the detrimental effects of coherent noise in holographic imaging. Among them, the use of spatial-frequency masking or resampling has been widely applied because of its low implementation complexity and well-studied trade-off between denoising effectiveness and spatial resolution. While the digital application of this method has been successfully demonstrated for intensity images, its application to phase maps fails. This work shows that the phase applicability of these methods depends on the use of resampling masks that strictly keep the zero-order spatial frequencies. Alternative masks are proposed that demonstrate effective single-shot noise reduction in experimental phase maps from digital holographic microscopy. The resulting method is potentially extendable to any other complex-valued-field retrieval technique.
Dielectric optical waveguide fabricated on a transparent substrate
Authors: Yuan Jiaqi , Aoni Rifat A. , Armani Andrea M.
Published: October 2023

Transparent glass substrates are routinely used in the fabrication of metasurfaces, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and holographic devices. While readily compatible with photolithographic patterning methods, when electron beam (E-Beam) techniques are used, field distortion and stitching errors can result due to the buildup of charge. A common approach to overcome this issue is to deposit a thin conductive polymer layer (E-Spacer). However, if high-voltage E-Beam is used to achieve nano-features, the polymer conductivity is not sufficient. We have shown that by using chromium (Cr) as an overcoating conductive layer on the resist, we can achieve accurate and seamless patterning in multiple writing fields and used the method to fabricate on-chip Si3N4 waveguides on SiO2. This technique has the potential to enable the fabrication of large-scale integrated photonic systems on transparent or dielectric substrates.
2 µm band four-wavelength-switchable narrow linewidth fiber laser enabled by fs-laser direct-written polarization-dependent parallel fiber Bragg gratings
Authors: Shen Bingyang , Feng Ting , Yan Fengping , Wu Shengbao , Su Jing , Guo Shaoheng , Yao X. Steve
Published: October 2023

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a four-wavelength-switchable single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) narrow linewidth thulium–holmium co-doped fiber laser (THDFL) using two polarization-dependent parallel fiber Bragg gratings (PD-PFBGs). The PD-PFBGs, fabricated using femtosecond (fs) laser direct-writing technology in a standard single-mode fiber (SMF) via a point-by-point method, are used as a four-channel reflection filter. Two FBGs are inscribed in parallel in the fiber core along the axial direction and are uniquely positioned symmetrically on either side of the centerline. This configuration enables polarization-dependent multi-channel filtering capability, which further allows for polarization-control-based four-wavelength-switchable operations of the THDFL. SLM lasing is accomplished by utilizing a simple dual-ring sub-cavity filter. An exceptional output performance of the THDFL is achieved, including an optical signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of >72 dB, maximum power and wavelength fluctuations of 0.350 dB and 0.024 nm, respectively, and a linewidth of <2 kHz, for all four single-wavelength operations lasing at ∼2000 nm. These performance indicators suggest that the THDFL can be applied in free-space optical communication, atmospheric monitoring, and Lidar.
Simultaneously enhancing capacity and security in free-space optical chaotic communication utilizing orbital angular momentum
Authors: Zhang Yiqun , Xu Mingfeng , Pu Mingbo , Zhou Mengjie , Ding Jiazheng , Chen Shuangcheng , Qiu Kun , Jiang Ning , Luo Xiangang
Published: October 2023

Optical chaotic signals emitted from an external-cavity feedback or injected laser diode enable small-signal information concealment in a noise-like carrier for secure optical communications. Due to the chaotic bandwidth limitation resulting from intrinsic relaxation oscillation frequency of lasers, multiplexing of optical chaotic signal, such as wavelength division multiplexing in fiber, is a typical candidate for high-capacity secure applications. However, to our best knowledge, the utilization of the spatial dimension of optical chaos for free-space secure communication has not yet been reported. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a free-space all-optical chaotic communication system that simultaneously enhances transmission capacity and security by orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing. Optical chaotic signals with two different OAM modes totally carrying 20 Gbps on–off keying signals are secretly transmitted over a 2 m free-space link, where the channel crosstalk of OAM modes is less than −20  dB, with the mode spacing no less than 3. The receiver can extract valid information only when capturing approximately 92.5% of the OAM beam and correctly demodulating the corresponding mode. Bit error rate below the 7% hard-decision forward error correction threshold of 3.8×10−3 can be achieved for the intended recipient. Moreover, a simulated weak turbulence is introduced to comprehensively analyze the influence on the system performance, including channel crosstalk, chaotic synchronization, and transmission performance. Our work may inspire structured light application in optical chaos and pave a new way for developing future high-capacity free-space chaotic secure communication systems.
Reflection-type surface lattice resonances in all-metal metasurfaces for refractive index sensing
Authors: Li Liye , Ouyang Yifan , Ma Lijun , Sun Hongshun , Chen Yusa , Wu Meizhang , Qi Zhimei , Wu Wengang
Published: October 2023

Surface lattice resonance (SLR) is a pretty effective mechanism to realize ultranarrow linewidths in the spectrum. Herein, we propose and demonstrate reflection-type SLRs in all-metal metasurfaces experimentally, compared with the traditional transmission-type SLR, which can avoid the refractive index (RI) mismatch problem and are more suitable for high-efficiency RI sensing due to direct contact and strong light–matter interaction. The measured SLR linewidth is 13.5 nm influenced by the meta-atom size, which needs a compromise design to keep a balance between the narrow linewidth and noise immunity. Notably, the SLR sensitivity is determined by the lattice period along the polarization direction with regularity, which establishes an intuitive link between structures and optical responses and provides a theoretical guide for metasurface designs. Additionally, incident angle multiplexing will make the resonance wavelength red shift or blue shift in the case of orthogonal polarization. The rectangular array metasurface can realize dual SLRs with different sensing performances. Flexibly, the SLR can also be formed by the different meta-atoms and arrays. This research supports SLR multifarious applications involving not only RI sensing but also nonlinear optics, nano-lasers, etc.
Lévy movements and a slowly decaying memory allow efficient collective learning in groups of interacting foragers
Authors: Falcón-Cortés Andrea , Boyer Denis , Aldana Maximino , Ramos-Fernández Gabriel
Published: October 2023

Many animal species benefit from spatial learning to adapt their foraging movements to the distribution of resources. Learning involves the collection, storage and retrieval of information, and depends on both the random search strategies employed and the memory capacities of the individual. For animals living in social groups, spatial learning can be further enhanced by information transfer among group members. However, how individual behavior affects the emergence of collective states of learning is still poorly understood. Here, with the help of a spatially explicit agent-based model where individuals transfer information to their peers, we analyze the effects on the use of resources of varying memory capacities in combination with different exploration strategies, such as ordinary random walks and Lévy flights. We find that individual Lévy displacements associated with a slow memory decay lead to a very rapid collective response, a high group cohesion and to an optimal exploitation of the best resource patches in static but complex environments, even when the interaction rate among individuals is low.
Pervasive, conserved secondary structure in highly charged protein regions
Authors: Triandafillou Catherine G. , Pan Rosalind Wenshan , Dinner Aaron R. , Drummond D. Allan
Published: October 2023

Understanding how protein sequences confer function remains a defining challenge in molecular biology. Two approaches have yielded enormous insight yet are often pursued separately: structure-based, where sequence-encoded structures mediate function, and disorder-based, where sequences dictate physicochemical and dynamical properties which determine function in the absence of stable structure. Here we study highly charged protein regions (>40% charged residues), which are routinely presumed to be disordered. Using recent advances in structure prediction and experimental structures, we show that roughly 40% of these regions form well-structured helices. Features often used to predict disorder—high charge density, low hydrophobicity, low sequence complexity, and evolutionarily varying length—are also compatible with solvated, variable-length helices. We show that a simple composition classifier predicts the existence of structure far better than well-established heuristics based on charge and hydropathy. We show that helical structure is more prevalent than previously appreciated in highly charged regions of diverse proteomes and characterize the conservation of highly charged regions. Our results underscore the importance of integrating, rather than choosing between, structure- and disorder-based approaches.
An effective internet-based system for surveillance and elimination of triatomine insects: AlertaChirimacha
Authors: Tamayo Laura D. , Condori-Pino Carlos E. , Sanchez Zoee , Gonçalves Raquel , Málaga Chávez Fernando S. , Castillo-Neyra Ricardo , Levy Michael Z. , Paz-Soldan Valerie A.
Published: October 2023

Vector-borne diseases remain a significant public health threat in many regions of the world. Traditional vector surveillance and control methods have relied on active and passive surveillance programs, which are often costly and time-consuming. New internet-based vector surveillance systems have shown promise in removing some of the cost and labor burden from health authorities. We developed and evaluated the effectiveness of a new internet-based surveillance system, “AlertaChirimacha”, for detecting Triatoma infestans (known locally by its Quechua name, Chirimacha), the Chagas disease vector, in the city of Arequipa, Peru. In the first 26 months post-implementation, AlertaChirimacha received 206 reports of residents suspecting or fearing triatomines in their homes or neighborhoods, of which we confirmed, through pictures or inspections, 11 (5.3%) to be Triatoma infestans. After microscopic examination, none of the specimens collected were infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. AlertaChirimacha received 57% more confirmed reports than the traditional surveillance system and detected 10% more infested houses than active and passive surveillance approaches combined. Through in-depth interviews we evaluate the reach, bilateral engagement, and response promptness and efficiency of AlertaChirimacha. Our study highlights the potential of internet-based vector surveillance systems, such as AlertaChirimacha, to improve vector surveillance and control efforts in resource-limited settings. This approach could decrease the cost and time horizon for the elimination of vector-mediated Chagas disease in the region.
Risk phenotype for sarcopenia in older adults from Amazonas, Brazil; a cross-sectional study
Authors: de Lima Alex Barreto , Torres-Costoso Ana , Zymbal Vera , Gouveia Élvio Rúbio , Baptista Fátima
Published: October 2023

Background

There are several markers for the suspicion, identification, and confirmation of sarcopenia.

Objectives

To analyse the importance of several markers for assessing sarcopenia by classifying phenotypes based on five domains: symptomatology, muscle function, muscle mass, physical performance, and physical function.

Methods

A cross-sectional study analysing 312 older adults (72.6±7.8 yrs) was conducted in Novo Aripuanã, Amazonas, Brazil. Symptoms of sarcopenia were determined with the SARC-Calf; muscle function was assessed using the 30-Chair Stand test (CST), 30-CST power, and handgrip strength (HGS) with and without normalisation for body mass/height; the skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) was estimated from anthropometry; physical performance was determined through the 4-m gait speed (GS) and 6-min walking test (6MWT); and physical function was determined with the Composite Physical Function Scale (CPF).

Results

Cluster analysis revealed two phenotypes (at risk vs not at risk for sarcopenia) and the contribution of each marker (ranged from 0 to 1). In men, the contribution of each marker was: 1 for SARC-Calf, 0.18 for SMMI, 0.09 for 30-CST power and 0.06 for HGS; in women: 1 for SARC-Calf, 0.25 for 30-CST power, 0.22 for SMMI, 0.06 for GS, 0.04 for HGS, and 0.03 for CPF. Considering the cutoff values proposed by Rikli and Jones (2013) for physical function and Cruz-Jentoft et al. (2019) for the other domains, the risk profile for sarcopenia was characterized by: high SARC-Calf in both sexes (men:51.8 vs 3.6%, p<0.001; women:71.2 vs 1.1%, p<0.001), low SMMI (men:73.2 vs 44.6%, p<0.002; women:44.1 vs 23.6%, p = 0.002); in women, low GS (38.7 vs 12.4%, p<0.001) and low CPF (29.7 vs 15.7%, p = 0.020), and no differences in HGS between groups in both sexes.

Conclusions

SARC-Calf, SMMI, and 30-CST were more relevant markers for sarcopenia risk in older adults of both sexes, GS and CPF played also an important role in women.