bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis on the Ancient Bronze Cooking Outils Excavated from Historic Site of Anti-Mongolian Struggle in Hangpaduri, Jeju
Authors: Lee Jae Sung , You Ha Rim , Kim Hyun Woo
Published: October 2024

The microstructure of ancient bronze cooking outil excavated in historic site of anti-Mongolian struggle in Hangpaduri was analyzed to confirm various manufacturing techniques. Bronze spoon and bronze ladles were made by alloying only copper and tin, and the alloy ratio included approximately 22% tin in the copper composition of the forged high tin bronze. The manufacturing process of forged high tin bronze technology, which commonly involves high-temperature forging and final finishing with quenching, was performed. In addition, the sulfide elongated in the longitudinal direction shows that the copper material supplied to the metal may be copper ore containing sulfur such as chalcopyrite and chalcocite. The three bronzewares were made using a binary alloy of copper-tin and a ternary alloy of copper-tin-lead, respectively. Manufacturing techniques using a binary alloy of copper-tin are divided into a forged high tin bronze technique using a hammering and quenching process and a manufacturing technique system of quenching after casting into a shape. Bronze bowl made using a ternary alloy of copper-tin-lead contain 11 wt% tin and 9 wt% lead in the main metal of copper. The lead contained in large quantities is formed in an uneven size within the microstructure, and shows the characteristic of sulfide being distributed around the lead. In addition, there are no traces of additional processing or heat treatment such as quenching. Therefore, it can be seen that the work process was completed by casting the shape. The results of the microstructure analysis show various manufacturing technology systems applied to the bronze cooking outils from historic site of anti-Mongolian struggle in Hangpaduri, Jeju. In particular, through comparison with bronze artifacts utensils excavated from other regions of the Sambyeolcho’s historic site, the possibility of bronze being introduced due to the migration of the Sambyeolcho was confirmed.
Do more pregnancies increase the risk of periodontal disease?
Authors: Helmi M. , AlJoghaiman Eman
Published: October 2024

Background Hormonal changes in pregnancy and their induced effect on periodontal health are well documented. The present study is aimed at the potential repercussions of multiple pregnancies on periodontal health. Materials and methods Our study utilized data from key sections of the NHANES. All the pertaining and relevant data for the study is collected. Our exposure variable was the number of pregnancies, and the outcome variable was periodontal disease. The number of pregnancies is classified as one, two, three, four, or more. Age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, poverty/income ratio, marital status, and other variables. Multiple logistic regression models were employed to assess the impact of multiple pregnancies on periodontal disease. Result The crude and multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that none of the variables were significantly associated with the prevalence of periodontitis. In univariate analysis, patients with one or two pregnancies had higher odds of experiencing periodontitis (OR 1.154, 95% CI 0.748-1.779), (OR 1.464, 95% CI 0.864-2.483) respectively. However, these associations did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion Within the limitation of the study, there is no significant relationship between parity and the prevalence of periodontitis, the longitudinal study may be warranted to delve deeper into any potential associations.
The Why, What, Who, When, and Where of Carbon Capture and Storage in Southern Ontario
Authors: Hart Bruce S.
Published: October 2024

This paper reviews the five Ws (Why, What, Who, When, and Where) of carbon capture and storage in southwestern Ontario. This area is home to nearly one quarter of Canada’s population and approximately three-quarters of one million people work in the manufacturing sector. Fifteen of the province’s top 20 CO2 emission point sources are in this area. The industries responsible for these emissions include steel mills, refineries and petrochemical plants, and cement plants. These industries are part of the hard-to-abate sector, in that CO2 is used or generated as an integral part of the industrial process. As such, eliminating or even reducing emissions from these industries is a difficult task.  Carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects aim to sequester that gas in sedimentary basins over periods exceeding several thousand years. To this end, deeply buried (> 800 m) porous and permeable rocks (a repository) must be overlain by impermeable rocks that act as a seal, preventing the upward migration of CO2 into the atmosphere. The possibility that injection activities could trigger seismicity is but one of the additional considerations. When operational, CCS projects have a negative carbon footprint and the desirability of developing and using this technology has been established for over 20 years. True CCS projects differ from carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects in that the former are only designed with sequestration in mind. One type of CCUS project involves using CO2 for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and this technology has been employed for several decades.  Cambrian sandstones are the most suitable injection targets for CCS in southwestern Ontario because previous oil and gas drilling has shown the rocks to have the necessary characteristics. They are buried below 800 m, can be tens of metres thick, and have adequate porosity and permeability. However, the Cambrian section is lithologically and stratigraphically heterogeneous and oil, gas, and brine can all be present in the pore space. The extent to which this complexity will affect CO2 injection has not yet been evaluated.
Intraoperative ‘space suits’ do not reduce periprosthetic joint infections in shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Stoneham Adam , Poon Peter , Hirner Marc , Frampton Christopher , Gao Ryan
Published: October 2024

Aims

Body exhaust suits or surgical helmet systems (colloquially, ‘space suits’) are frequently used in many forms of arthroplasty, with the aim of providing personal protection to surgeons and, perhaps, reducing periprosthetic joint infections, although this has not consistently been borne out in systematic reviews and registry studies. To date, no large-scale study has investigated whether this is applicable to shoulder arthroplasty. We used the New Zealand Joint Registry to assess whether the use of surgical helmet systems was associated with lower all-cause revision or revision for deep infection in primary shoulder arthroplasties.

Methods

We analyzed 16,000 shoulder arthroplasties (hemiarthroplasties, anatomical, and reverse geometry prostheses) recorded on the New Zealand Joint Registry from its inception in 2000 to the present day. We assessed patient factors including age, BMI, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, as well as whether or not the operation took place in a laminar flow operating theatre.

Results

A total of 2,728 operations (17%) took place using surgical helmet systems. Patient cohorts were broadly similar in terms of indication for surgery (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fractures) and medical comorbidities (age and sex). There were 842 revisions (5% of cases) with just 98 for deep infection (0.6% of all cases or 11.6% of the revisions). There were no differences in all-cause revisions or revision for deep infection between the surgical helmet systems and conventional gowns (p = 0.893 and p = 0.911, respectively).

Conclusion

We found no evidence that wearing a surgical helmet system reduces the incidence of periprosthetic joint infection in any kind of primary shoulder arthroplasty. We acknowledge the limitations of this registry study and accept that there may be other benefits in terms of personal protection, comfort, or visibility. However, given their financial and ecological footprint, they should be used judiciously in shoulder surgery.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(10):894–897.
Prevalence of Dental Fluorosis among Primary School Children in Rural Areas of Tiruchengode Block, Namakkal District, TN, India
Authors: A. Ravikumar  , S. M. Mazhar Nazeeb Khan
Published: October 2024

Fluoride analysis is one of the major emerging areas of drinking water quality criterion and the majority of people is forced to consume fluoride contaminated water due to necessity. High fluoride ground water is found in many parts of the developing world, and several millions of people rely on groundwater having concentrations more than the WHO, APHA and BIS guidelines. Estimation of fluoride concentrations in groundwater, identification of sources and monitoring the impact of fluoride on school children was undertaken in different villages of Tiruchengode block, Namakkal district, Tamilnadu. Most of the inhabitants of the study area rely on groundwater for domestic use due to inadequate pipe-borne drinking water supply. A preliminary survey showing that some of the residents in selected villages have mottled teeth motivated the study. A database was created by obtaining information on the impact of fluoride on school children. Four primary schools, in four distinct villages were visited and the students interviewed. The presence and severity of dental fluorosis were recorded. Fluoride concentrations in groundwater of these villages were found to be higher than the prescribed limit of APHA. The overall prevalence of dental fluorosis was found to be 28.28 % in our study samples. Based on the finding of this study dental fluorosis was associated with higher fluoride level in groundwater. On a scale of measurement the people are having 0 to grade III stage of dental fluorosis.
Physico-Chemical and Microbiological Studies of Soil Samples in Alathur Block, Prembalur District, Tamilnadu
Authors: A. Jafar Ahamed  , S. Ananthakrishnan  , K. Loganathan
Published: October 2024

The current study has been undertaken to investigate the Physico-chemical properties of the soil samples of agricultural region collected from Alathur Block Prembalur and were analyzed. The soil characterization was carried out for the parameters viz soil pH, turbidity ,total dissolved solid, total hardness, total alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, sulphate, chloride, fluoride, phosphate, iron, biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand concentration. Microbiological characteristics of the soil samples were carried out Escherichia and staphylococcus auras species were the predominant bacteria generally isolated.
The Corrosion Inhibition of Carbon Steel by Lauric Acid –Zinc Ion System in Neutral Aqueous Media
Authors: C. Thangavelu  , T. Kasilingam  , T. Asokan  , R. Gobi
Published: October 2024

Lauric acid (LA) in the presence of Zn2+ ions is used to function as the corrosion inhibitors to control corrosion of carbon steel. The co-operative effect between LA and Zn2+ has been investigated by corrosion mass-loss technique. It is observed that the formulation consisting 25ppm Zn2+ and 175ppm LA in 60ppm Cl- neutral aqueous environment, as the immersion period increases in the growth of protective film on the metal surface also increases. Polarization study indicates that LA an Zn2+ system acts as a cathodic inhibitor; UV-visible spectral study indicates that were possibility formation of complexes of LA and Zn2+ with carbon steel iron. FTIR spectral study confirmed the formation of protective film on the metal surface. The adsorption of this inhibitor is also found to obey Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The inhibitor system has 80% biocidal efficiencies.
Synthesis, Characterization, Directional Crystal Growth Mechanism and Photocatalytic Activity of Three-Dimensional Hierarchical Fern-Like Nanostructures of BaTiO3
Authors: P. M. Nithya  , L. Gomathi Devi
Published: October 2024

BaTiO3 with fern-like nano-structural morphology has been successfully synthesized via a simple sol-gel method followed by ageing process and was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The composition and the morphology was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and (high-resolution) transmission electron microscopy (TEM/HRTEM). The bonding linkage between Ba, Ti and O in the BaTiO3 sample was obtained by FTIR study. The band gap was calculated by using Kubelka-Munk function based on UV-absorption spectroscopic studies. The binding state of the elements present in BaTiO3 were obtained from XPS analysis. The details pertaining to thermal decomposition process of the uncalcined barium titanyl oxalate to barium titanate was obtained from TGA analysis. The surface area was determined by BET adsorption-desorption isotherms. The plausible directional growth mechanism of different BaTiO3 facets forming fern-like clusters is discussed in detail. The fern-like BaTiO3 exhibited only Ì´ 10% higher photocatalytic activity compared to the BaTiO3 with coral-like morphology for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) dye under UV irradiation.The photocatalytic degradation was also explored by the addition of H2O2 as electron scavenger, KI as surface hydroxyl radical scavenger and TBA as bulk hydroxyl radical scavenger.
Photocatalytic Activity of Rhodamine B Using Alginate Supported Photocatalyst
Authors: V. Vidhya  , A. Nithya  , V. Kavin kumar  , K. Jothivenkatachalam
Published: October 2024

Titanium dioxide-Alginate (TiO2-Alg) and Zinc oxide-Alginate (ZnO-Alg) nanocomposites were synthesized and their optical, structural, spectral and morphological analyses were carried out by several techniques. The prepared TiO2-Alg and ZnO-Alg nanocomposites act as a photocatalyst for removal of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye under visible light irradiation. The pseudo first order kinetics was derived according to Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) model.
Legal protection for people with mental disorders
Authors: Furtak-Niczyporuk Marzena
Published: October 2024

The way in which the legal subjectivity of persons with disabilities is understood, which is particularly true for persons with mental disorders, is evolving in the context of the legal institution of incapacitation. First of all, a shift from a substitute decision-making model to a supported decision-making model is suggested. The former involves depriving such persons of their legal (procedural) capacity and placing them under the care or guardianship of others. The latter is to provide them with the appropriate means to access the support they will need in exercising their legal (procedural) capacity. Hence, the legal institution of incapacitation should eventually be abolished and replaced with a new legal instrument of support, which is to be directly based on supportive guardians, representative guardians and legal assistants.
The proper protection of the rights of people with mental disorders is obviously possible only within a democratic state of law.
Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights (right to a fair trial) in juvenile cases
Authors: Nowosad Aleksandra
Published: October 2024

The purpose of the article is to determine whether the guarantees of Article 6 of the ECHR in the form of the right to a fair criminal trial are available in juvenile proceedings, including in the welfare model. In addition, the goal was to examine what impact international standards have had on Polish law in this regard. The article uses the formal-dogmatic method and, to a limited extent, the legal-comparative method. The article shows that the right to a fair criminal trial guaranteed by Article 6 of the ECHR also applies in juvenile proceedings. Even in legislatures that adopt a welfare model, if the Engel test leads to the conclusion that the case is criminal in nature, the guarantees apply. The impact of Article 6 of the ECHR on the criminal law of individual countries is shown on the example of Polish legislation, presenting changes in Polish law as a consequence of ECtHR judgments.
Selected victim protection measures in ordinary criminal proceedings
Authors: Kruk Ewa
Published: October 2024

The victim becomes a participant in the criminal proceedings not because he or she has consciously made such a decision. It is almost always that the victim becomes a participant against their will, which is caused by a direct violation or threat to its legal interest by a criminal offence. This is reflected in the legal definition of the victim contained in Article 49 § 1 of the Criminal Procedure Code (hereinafter CPC) . Cezary Kulesza notes that this definition contains the following elements: subjective (natural or juridical person) and objective, relating to the legal interest infringed by the criminal offence to the extent defined by that provision, but also a provision of substantive criminal law (Kulesza, 1995, p. 17–18).
The victim's participation in criminal proceedings makes the victim a participant in those proceedings, whether natural or juridical person, and that participation is limited to fulfilling the role assigned to them by the criminal procedural law (Tylman, 2003, p. 47). The legislature attributes three roles to the victim: in the pre-trial proceedings, the victim is a party (Article 299 § 1 CPC), in the judicial proceedings, the victim may be an auxiliary prosecutor (Article 53 CPC), incidental or subsidiary, and in the course of the entire criminal proceeding, also a testimonial evidence source (Article 177 § 1 CPC, Article 185a § 1 CPC, Article 185c CPC). The status of a party to pre-trial proceedings is acquired by operation of law and does not require the victim to take any action. The situation is different in judicial proceedings, where acquiring the status of auxiliary prosecutor requires a certain effort to by the victim, namely expressing the will to act in that capacity.
Reimbursement of earnings or income lost by the party as a result of appearing before a court or a public administration authority
Authors: Kotulska-Kmiecik Magdalena
Published: October 2024

The Article 86.3 of the Act on court costs in civil cases (which also applies in administrative cases and cases tried before administrative courts) establishes the upper limit of compensation for earnings or income lost by a person who appeared before a civil court, administrative court or public administration authority. A similar solution is provided for in Article 618b § 3 of the Code of Criminal Procedure in relation to the maximum amount of compensation for lost earnings that may be awarded to a witness in criminal proceedings. Unless specific provisions do not provide otherwise, this amount is currently (2024) PLN 82.31, which is much lower than the average daily wage of a person receiving the minimum wage and, as such, in most cases, does not compensate for the actual loss suffered by the party, witness or expert who appeared before the court or public administration authority. The applicable provisions specifying the maximum amount of compensation for lost earnings or income are considered inconsistent with the Constitution. For now, however, the Constitutional Tribunal has not recognized them as such, so these provisions are in force. Nevertheless, some judges do not apply them, assuming that they have the right to omit provisions that, in their opinion, are inconsistent with the Constitution. By doing so, they expose themselves to disciplinary liability. Is a regulation establishing an upper limit on the reimbursed income or earnings justified and necessary? Should judges ignore the provisions that set such a limit at too low a level? The author of the paper tries to answer these questions.
Consent of a party in general administrative proceedings
Authors: Kmiecik Zbigniew
Published: October 2024

The consent of a party, which determines the admissibility of the administrative authority to take certain procedural actions, is one of the three most important instruments of his or her protection in administrative proceedings, next to the right to actively participate in the proceedings and the right to appeal against the decisions made. Actions requiring the consent of a party include: conducting the proceedings initiated ex officio in a matter requiring an application of a party, mediation, examining a party, stay or discontinuance of the proceedings despite the lack of objective reasons for it, the so-called self-control of the first instance authority, supplementation of evidence by the appellate authority and quashing or changing the final decision despite its compliance with the law. The paper analyzes, on the one hand, the considerations justifying the authority’s taking the above actions; on the other hand, the reasons why the provisions of law provide the party with the opportunity to block such actions of the authority by not expressing consent, i.e. potential or actual adverse consequences for the party resulting from such actions.
Electronic Injunctive Proceedings - the Future of the Polish Criminal Procedure
Authors: Kosowski Jakub
Published: October 2024

The article is intended to analyse the possibility of implementing electronic injunctive proceedings into the Polish criminal procedure. The rationale for that action, the positive aspects and the barriers to the implementation of the proposed solutions have been identified. The author analysed the historical development of injunctive proceedings and subjected the existing regulations to legal-dogmatic analysis from the perspective of the solutions proposed. The results of the study pointed to the possibility of electronization of the injunctive proceedings, presenting a broad justification for this direction of change in the criminal procedure. The author proposes two stages of modification of the electronic injunctive procedure, distinguishing the electronic injunctive procedure of the first degree and of the second degree. As part of the 1st-degree electronic injunctive procedure, it was proposed to electronize individual procedural acts, in particular the service of procedural documents and keeping the court records, but also to change the jurisdiction of courts which decide cases through injunctive proceedings, by establishing one or a maximum 2 to 4 courts dealing exclusively with injunctive proceedings. Depriving district courts (sądy rejonowe) of the competence to consider injunctive cases would, in the author's opinion, accelerate the consideration of other criminal cases. The 2nd-degree electronic injunctive procedure would include an element of AI implementation, which should be subject to evolution, starting from the proposing of a substantive resolution of the case to automating the process of issuing injunctive judgments.
Learning to weave through a digital app: Women’s empowerment in Artisan Villages of Nepal
Authors: Saakha Prasuna , Discetti Roberta
Published: October 2024

This article aims to understand how and to what extent Fair Trade initiatives empower women workers through what we call ‘digital localization’, namely through the provision of digitally enabled trainings that support localization of production and consequent improvement of workers’ livelihoods. While digitalization processes are often considered as disconnected ‘by default’ by the communities in which they take place, here we propose instead that digitalization and localization are interconnected and complementary processes for the purpose of women’s empowerment in Fair Trade supply chains. In order to address these questions, we present the case study of ‘Artisan Villages’ an ongoing project launched by the organization Label STEP Nepal to provide Nepalese workers with decent and dignified local jobs as hand-knotted carpet weavers. The project is implementing not only digitalization of learning and monitoring but also localization and decentralization of production. We collected 12 women weavers’ biographies and interviewed six women weavers and master weavers involved in the programme. Results showed that our participants indicated three main benefits generated by the programme: i) the acquisition of new locally relevant skills; ii) the opportunity to secure local employment and generate stable incomes; iii) increased confidence and improved time management. The contribution of this paper lies in the acknowledgement that ‘digital’ and ‘local’ are not mutually exclusive dimensions, and that processes of digitalization and localization, far from being separate, can foster and reinforce each other, through positive loops with impactful outcomes for women workers’ livelihoods.
Tatian polynomial-based annular pupil wavefront optimization method for high-NA extreme ultraviolet lithography
Authors: Yuan Miao , Li Zhaoxuan , Li Zhen , Yang He , Huang Weichen , Li Yanqiu
Published: October 2024

The advanced technology node has an exact error tolerance. The effect
of projection objective aberration on imaging cannot be neglected. In
order to reduce the effect of aberration, considering the central
obscuration of the high-NA extreme ultraviolet projection objective,
we propose a Tatian polynomial-based annular pupil wavefront
optimization (TBAPWO) method. An active pupil consisting of 64-term
Tatian polynomials is incorporated into the imaging model. The
suitable coefficients of the Tatian polynomials are solved using the
gradient iteration method. The optimized active pupil can improve
lithographic imaging quality. Simulation results show that the TBAPWO
method can effectively reduce the pattern error of imaging by more
than 30%, which indicates that the effect of aberration on imaging is
controlled.
Method for luminescent digital image correlation deformation measurement in non-illuminated environments
Authors: Shi Peng , Zhang Keming , Peng Junxiang
Published: October 2024

This study presents a luminescent digital image correlation (DIC) method that utilizes long afterglow materials to prepare speckle patterns, overcoming the limitations of classical DIC in achieving high-precision deformation measurements, such as the issues of specular reflections from specimens and insufficient contrast of speckle patterns. While fluorescent DIC has some advantages in overcoming these limitations, it relies on active ultraviolet light sources, making it challenging for luminescent measurements. Long afterglow materials, capable of maintaining brightness for extended periods, serve as a viable alternative. Through sphere reconstruction experiments, the accuracy of this method was validated, demonstrating a relative error of 0.04% under well-illuminated conditions and 0.025% under non-illuminated conditions. Finite element simulations and a comparison with DIC experimental results showcased excellent consistency, suggesting the potential for this method to further replace fluorescent DIC measurements. Furthermore, the study revealed that speckle patterns prepared using this approach ensure measurement validity in both well-illuminated and non-illuminated scenarios. This luminescent DIC method holds promising potential for broader applications in non-illuminated measurement environments.
Announcing the winners of the 2023 Best Paper Prize for Applied Optics: editorial
Authors: Bennett Gisele
Published: October 2024

Editor-in-Chief Gisele Bennett announces the three winners of the 2023 Best Paper Prize for Applied Optics.
Differentiable design of freeform diffractive optical elements for beam shaping by representing phase distribution using multi-level B-splines
Authors: Liao Qingming , Wang Haoqiang , Feng Zexin , Li Mengmeng , Luo Yi , Mao Xianglong
Published: October 2024

The generation of a specific laser beam profile on the work surface is key to various laser beam shaping tasks, relying heavily on diffractive optical elements (DOEs). Most beam-shaping DOEs are designed using iterative Fourier transform algorithms (IFTAs), which generally have slow convergence and prone to stagnate at local minima. Moreover, the microreliefs generated by IFTAs tend to be irregular, complicating manufacturing and causing uncontrolled scattering of light. We propose a differentiable DOE design method that applies a phase-smoothness constraint using multi-level B-splines. A multi-scale gradient-descent optimization strategy, naturally linked with the multi-level B-splines, is employed to robustly determine the optimized phase distribution that is fully continuous. This, in turn, can lead to more regular DOE microreliefs, which can simplify the fabrication process and be less sensitive to changes in wavelength and working distance. Furthermore, our method can also design a fully continuous freeform lens, distinguished from most freeform lens design approaches by its foundation in physical optics rather than geometrical optics. Simulation and experimental results of several design tasks demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Integrated lithium niobate Vernier micro-ring filter with wide and fast tuning capabilities
Authors: Wang Zhenzheng , Chen Zhaoxi , Feng Hanke , Zhang Ke , Wang Cheng
Published: October 2024

Tunable optical micro-ring filters play significant roles in optical communications, microwave photonics, and photonic neural networks. Typical micro-ring filters are based on either a thermo-optic (TO) effect with microsecond timescales or an electro-optic (EO) effect with a limited tuning range. Here, we report a continuously tunable lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) Vernier cascaded micro-ring filter with wire-bonded packaging integrated with both TO and EO tuning electrodes, featuring a 40-nm free spectral range (FSR), 2.3 GHz EO bandwidth, and a high sidelobe suppression ratio of 21.7 dB, simultaneously. Our high-performance optical micro-ring filter could become an important element in future LNOI photonic circuits with applications in high-capacity wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) systems, broadband microwave photonics, fast-tunable external-cavity lasers, and high-speed photonic neural networks.
Integrated sensor chip of a resonant cavity light emitter and photon detector for wearable optical medicine
Authors: Li Jianjun , Fu Congle , Cui Yuzheng , Li Yuchang , Qin Xiaowei , Guo Yuqi , Deng Jun , Xie Yiyang
Published: October 2024

This work presents an integrated chip of a resonant cavity light emitter and photon detector (RCLEPD) to address the requirements of wearable optical medical devices for compact size, high efficiency, and interference resistance sensors. The optical radiation pattern and light extraction efficiency of the resonant cavity light emitting diode (RCLED) as well as the optical absorption spectrum of the resonant cavity enhanced photon detector (RCEPD) are theoretically simulated. Additionally, the wavelength selectivity of the RCEPD absorption spectrum is analyzed. Material epitaxial growth of RCLEPD was performed using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), and an integrated sensing chip with an area of 2 × 2 mm2 was fabricated. Experimental results demonstrate that RCLED achieves a maximum external quantum efficiency of 10.206%, consistent with the simulation results, while maintaining a peak wavelength at 677.5 nm within a current range of 0-20 mA. Furthermore, the RCEPD exhibits a peak response wavelength at 678 nm, matching that of the RCLED. Utilizing RCLEPD as the sensor, photoplethysmography (PPG) signals are collected from the human wrist under different RCLED driving currents resulting in an average period of 977 ms which aligns with a human pulse frequency of 61 beats/min. With further processing techniques applied to PPG signals, RCLEPD is expected to be used as a sensor in wearable blood pressure and glucose monitoring devices.
High-precision dynamic axial clearance measurement method based on an all-fiber heterodyne microwave-AMCW with an all-phase tracking algorithm
Authors: Yu Zhenxin , Duan Fajie , Fu Xiao , Niu Guangyue , Jiang Jiajia
Published: October 2024

Rotor-stator axial clearance is critical to the safety and efficiency of major rotating machinery. However, factors such as high-speed rotation, narrow space, high temperature, and vibration present significant challenges for high-precision dynamic measurement of axial clearance. This paper proposes an axial clearance measurement method based on an all-fiber heterodyne microwave amplitude-modulated continuous wave (microwave-AMCW) system combined with an all-phase tracking algorithm, characterized by high precision, wide bandwidth, and a large measurement range. To mitigate environmental influences, a heterodyne all-fiber microwave-AMCW optical path structure is developed, and a compact dual-core fiber sensor probe is designed. The all-phase tracking algorithm is introduced to enhance dynamic precision and expand bandwidth. Additionally, what we believe to be a novel bandwidth test method based on time division multiplexing is proposed to evaluate the system's wide-bandwidth performance. The proposed system's performance is validated through simulations and experiments. The results demonstrate that the system exhibits excellent resistance to environmental interference, with a measurement range up to 24.5 mm and a static precision better than 4.5µm. Dynamic experiments further confirm the algorithm's effectiveness, achieving a precision better than 5.3µm at 100kHz bandwidth. Compared to other clearance measurement algorithms including the Hilbert transform and FFT, the proposed method reduces dynamic error by over 74%.
Metasurface with high cross-polarization isolation using rectangular split rings for simultaneous amplitude and phase controls
Authors: Qiao Hui , Zhuge Xiaodong , Yang Junhui , Xiong Mengfei
Published: October 2024

Metasurfaces have demonstrated significant potential for versatile modulation of electromagnetic waves. To enhance the control of electromagnetic waves, simultaneous control of amplitudes and phases is often essential in certain applications. The C-shaped split ring (SR) with polarization conversion and its deformed structures can fulfill this requirement; however, such structures encounter the challenge of low polarization isolation, which is mainly reflected in its inherent characteristics of low polarization isolation and the deterioration of polarization isolation in amplitude control. In this paper, a reflective metasurface with improved polarization isolation is proposed. The designed metasurface consists of rectangular split ring (R-SR) elements, which can realize both amplitude and phase controls simultaneously and independently while exhibiting higher polarization isolation than the conventional SR element. Furthermore, an alternating mirror rotation method (AMRM) for the arrangement of amplitude-control elements is proposed to suppress the degradation of polarization isolation caused by amplitude control. Several metasurfaces are designed to verify the characteristics of the proposed R-SR structure and the effectiveness of the AMRM. Finally, two reflective metasurfaces composed of R-SR elements and SR elements with identical configurations are designed and manufactured. Both the simulation and measured results demonstrate the versatility of the proposed design and its advantages in terms of polarization isolation and transfer efficiency.
High color rendering index WLEDs enabled by multi-band tuning of InP quantum dots
Authors: Ma Qing , Yang Bin , Sun Yanzi , Yan Fengrui , Zhang Tingting , Li Qinghua
Published: October 2024

Quantum dots (QDs) represent a significant class of fluorescent materials, offering the potential to reduce power consumption and enhance the color rendering index (CRI) of white light-emitting diode (WLED) devices. However, the presence of toxic elements such as Cd and Pb in traditional fluorescent QDs limits their widespread commercial application. Compared to the broad emission characteristics of environmentally friendly AgInS2 and CuInS2 QDs, the narrower linewidth of InP-based core-shell QDs is advantageous for developing WLED devices with a higher CRI. In this study, we employed a multistage heating method to synthesize a series of amino-phosphine-based InP/ZnSe core-shell QDs, which exhibited emission wavelengths ranging from 535 to 650 nm, narrow emission linewidths of 43-47 nm, and high photoluminescence quantum yields of 60%-80%. Subsequently, six different color QDs are used to fabricate a WLED device. The best WLEDs show not only bright warm light (correlated color temperature = 3323 K) with a maximum luminous efficacy of 74.1 lm W-1, but also excellent color quality (CRI Ra = 93, as well as R9 = 94.8, and R13 = 97.1). These results indicate remarkable progress in InP-based WLEDs for high-quality lighting applications.
Dispersion effects in thermal emission from temporal metamaterials: High-frequency cut-offs
Authors: Vertiz-Conde Amaia , Liberal Inigo , Vazquez-Lozano J. Enrique
Published: October 2024

The latest breakthroughs in time-varying photonics are fueling novel thermal emission phenomena, for example, showing that the dynamic amplification of quantum vacuum fluctuations, induced by the time-modulation of material properties, enables a mechanism to surpass the black-body spectrum. So far, this issue has only been investigated under the assumption of non-dispersive time-modulations. In this work, we identify the existence of a non-physical diverging behavior in the time-modulated emission spectra at high frequencies, and prove that it is actually attributed to the simplistic assumption of a non-dispersive (temporally local) response of the time-modulation associated with memory-less systems. Accordingly, we upgrade the theoretical formalism by introducing a dispersive response function, showing that it leads to a high-frequency cut-off, thereby eliminating the divergence and hence allowing for the proper computation of the emission spectra of time-modulated materials.
Modeling wavelengths and spectral half power bandwidths for Rayleigh equation anomaloscopes
Authors: Dain Stephen , Hovis Jeffery
Published: October 2024

The recommended and required wavelengths for Rayleigh equation anomaloscopes are many and varied and without a numerical evidence base. The requirements for spectral half power bandwidth in the German standard DIN 6160 also have no known evidence base. This paper provides data to establish requirements. The constraint on the short wavelength limit of green was assessed by plotting chromaticities for a range of wavelengths and spectral half power bandwidths and limiting the results to within the first half of the deuteranopic (green and yellow) or protanopic (red) confusion zone. The other wavelength limits were assessed by modeling the match point and matching range using the normal and anomalous photopigment data of DeMarco, Pokorny and Smith (1992). The proposed wavelength limits are expressed as chromaticity and equivalent wavelength and spectral half power bandwidth limits. The wavelength limits are less restrictive than in DIN 6160.
Operation mode-switchable photodetector with a pn junction local-floating gate
Authors: Jiang Yurong , Wang Zhi , Xing Wenqian , Liao Chuanzheng , Song Xiaohui , Li Xueping , Xia Congxin
Published: October 2024

The photodetectors are critical elements in state-of-the-art technology; however, it is still challenging to realize simultaneously high detectivity and responsivity for the fixed operation mode configuration. In this work, we propose a pn junction local-floating gate photodetector (PNLFG-PD) based on a two-dimensional p-WSe2/n-MoS2 heterojunction, where n-type MoS2 is partly floated on the p-WSe2 channel. The device exhibits the switchable mode between the Λ-shaped anti-ambipolar conduction in dark and the unipolarity conduction of p-type under illumination. Subsequently, the high responsivity of 2.12×105  A/W and detectivity of 1.25×1014 Jones are simultaneously obtained at 2 V bias and 405 nm illumination of 370 μW light power, resulting in high light/dark ratio over 106 attributed to barrier lowering in the channel. This work provides a particular platform to overcome the tradeoff between detectivity and responsivity for the high-performance photodetection.
Adopting sustainable innovations for remote access to TB and HIV care in South Africa
Authors: Galvin Michael , Evans Denise , Moolla Aneesa , Coetzee Lezanie , Maluleke Vongani , Leshabana Patricia , Miot Jacqui
Published: October 2024

For the last decade, South Africa has made substantial progress to control the dual HIV and TB epidemics. However, disruptions in TB and HIV treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to reverse this. This study aimed to identify adaptations in HIV and TB service delivery models in response to COVID-19 and government restrictions. This information informed the development of an online survey, which was utilized as part of a consultation exercise to further capture adaptations made to HIV/TB service delivery within the South African context. The literature review involved screening 380 titles and abstracts, identifying 30 HIV and TB studies across 19 countries, and categorizing 90 individual interventions into ten thematic areas. Common themes included interventions addressing screening, testing, diagnosis, medication collection and delivery support, and virtual models. Digital health interventions and adaptations to medication collection/delivery were reported in 38% of studies. Analysis of survey responses from 33 stakeholders in South Africa revealed that 47% of interventions targeted HIV, 11% TB, and 23% HIV/TB integrated service delivery. Most interventions (81%) were integrated into the national HIV or TB program, with implementation occurring at various levels: 39% at facility level, 35% at sub-district or district level, and 18% at provincial level. Programmatic data was available for 86% of interventions, with 50% being funded. This study demonstrated that services can be delivered in locations other than in health facilities (e.g., community-based or home-based) and that integrated services can also free up additional resources. Although studies varied, COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of differentiated service delivery (DSD) models for TB care, including multi-month dispensing (MMD) for TB preventative therapy (TPT) and TB treatment, home-based or mobile outreach screening and testing, and community pickup points (PuP) for TB medications. These initiatives had previously lagged behind HIV-focused DSD models, and it is crucial to sustain these services beyond the pandemic. To achieve universal health coverage, it will also be important to capitalize on these experiences and learn from HIV-focused DSD models so programs can deliver integrated person-centered chronic care services for TB, HIV, and non-communicable diseases.
Blood-spinal cord barrier in spinal cord injury: a scientific review based on own experimental trial
Authors: Chelyshev Yu. A. , Kabdesh I. M. , Mukhamedshina Ya. O.
Published: October 2024

Objective. To analyze the mechanisms of the blood-spinal cord barrier permeability violation after spinal cord injury and to assess its impact on the development of secondary injuries, including those in the areas significantly remote from the epicenter of injury.

Material and Methods. The article is an analysis of 45 publications supplemented by our own experimental data. The search for articles was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science on the topic under study. Experimental data were obtained using confocal microscopy and bioluminescence detection on a rat spinal cord contusion injury model.

Results. The problem of barrier disintegration in a region remote from the injury epicenter is considered. It is shown that spinal cord injury significantly increases the permeability of the blood-spinal cord barrier, which promotes enhanced transmigration of immune cells and release of cytotoxic molecules. The results of our own studies on a model of dosed contusion injury in the thoracic spinal cord of a rat show that the permeability of the barrier increases not only in the injury epicenter, but also along the entire length of the organ. This circumstance is especially significant for the lumbar spinal cord, where neural networks that are critical for the maintenance and restoration of motor function are localized.

Conclusion. Potential causes of remote barrier disruption have been discussed, including the possible influence of damage biomarker molecules that travel from the injury epicenter to remote regions of the spinal cord via the bloodstream or cerebrospinal fluid. The promising clinical application of effective experimental approaches to contain barrier disruption and restore the blood-spinal cord barrier and the lack of translational research in this direction are highlighted.
Endoscopic and microsurgical decompression for central lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Khalepa R. V. , Amelina E. V. , Kubetsky Yu. E.
Published: October 2024

Objective. To perform comparative analysis of the results of endoscopic and microsurgical decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis.

Material and Methods. Design: Retrospective monocentric intra-cohort comparison of two groups of patients. The study included 99 patients aged 51–88 years with clinically significant lumbar spinal stenosis manifested by neurogenic intermittent claudication syndrome. Endoscopic decompression was performed in 51 patients, and microsurgical decompression – in 48 patients. To objectify and standardize clinical symptoms, walking distance in meters, pain syndrome and quality of life were assessed before and after surgery using standard scales and questionnaires (VAS, ODI). On the first day after surgery, back and lower limb pain were assessed, and during the observation period back and lower limb pain, quality of life and walking distance were assessed. Functional lumbar radiography was performed to exclude instability of the spinal motion segment. Using MRI, the cross-sectional area of the dural sac at the level of stenosis was measured before and after surgery. Clinical efficacy was assessed using the MCID (Minimal Clinical Important Difference) criterion. The results of the operation were followed-up for 12 months after the operation.

Results. Blood loss in the endoscopic intervention group was less than in the microsurgical group. Pain in the lumbar spine and in the lower extremities decreased, and the cross-sectional area of the dural sac increased. In the first days after surgery, patients after endoscopic decompression had less severe back and lower extremity pain than patients after microsurgical decompression due to less soft tissue trauma. Pain syndrome in back 10–12 months after surgery was without statistically significant difference between the groups. Patients after endoscopic decompression had statistically significantly better quality of life according to ODI, lesser pain in the lower extremities according to VAS and longer walking distance than those in the microsurgical decompression group. Surgical treatment in both groups turned out to be effective, which is confirmed by MCID. The time of endoscopic intervention is significantly longer than that of microsurgical intervention. The length of the incision during endoscopic decompression is shorter than that of microsurgical decompression.

Conclusion. A comparative analysis of the results of endoscopic and microsurgical decompression for degenerative central lumbar stenosis showed comparable effectiveness of both methods, including an increase in the spinal canal dimension and ensuring regression of clinical symptoms. The results of the comparison do not allow making a sufficiently substantiated judgment on the advantages of one of the methods, which dictates the need for further research.