Effective Utilization of Local Fiber Coating Materials for Enhanced Sensitivity in Temperature and Humidity Sensing Applications

In the customary procedures relevant to the manipulation of optical fibers, including practices, such as splicing, tapering, and polishing, the conventional practice involves the removal of the protective coating layer from the optical fiber. During our empirical examinations pertaining to the process of optical fiber polishing, we have achieved that a substantial portion of this modal interference phenomenon occurs within the residual coating layer. Importantly, this naturally occurring polymeric material lends itself to applications in the field of temperature and humidity sensing. Leveraging this discovery, our study achieves a remarkable humidity sensitivity of -0.815 nm per relative humidity percentage (RH%) and a temperature sensitivity of -3.422 nm/°C. Furthermore, the engineered structural configuration exhibits robust operational and stability characteristics

An advanced data analytic approach for reallocating green gas emissions in cap-and-trade context

The swift economic growth experienced by nations has exacerbated the challenge of global warming over the years. Cap-and-trade stands out as the most effective approach for managing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This study aims to construct a data envelopment analysis model to redistribute authorized emissions among decision-making units (DMUs). Notably, the model accounts for the intricate relationship between the production of desirable and undesirable outputs within the cap-and-trade framework. Furthermore, the model adapts the current mathematical modelling by addressing undesirable output as an inherent by-product of the desirable output. Emphasis is placed on maximizing the collective efficiency scores of all DMUs. Additionally, to confront the presence of multiple potential optimal solutions in the cap-and-trade context, the model computes the efficiency interval of DMUs. Finally, the paper showcases the model's capabilities by presenting a comprehensive case study, demonstrating its practical application and effectiveness in addressing emissions reallocation within the cap-and-trade system

Visible Light-Driven Organic Pollutant Removal Using Fe-Based Photocatalysts Supported by Wheat Straw Biochar

Researchers are actively pursuing the development of highly functional photocatalyst materials using environmentally friendly and sustainable resources. In this study, wheat straw biochar (BC), a by-product of biomass pyrolysis, was explored as a green, porous substrate and a carbon-based sensitizer to activate Fe-based photocatalysts under visible light. The research also delved into the impact of doping copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and zinc (Zn) to enhance the photocatalytic activity of BC-Fe-based catalysts for the removal of methylene orange (MO) from water. Characterization results revealed a more than twofold increase in surface area and greater porosity, contributing to improved radical generation. BC demonstrated its dual functionality as a high surface area substrate and an electron sink, facilitating multistep electron movement and enhancing the photoactivity of the composite catalyst. Photodegradation experiments indicated that the combination of BC with Fe and Zn exhibited the highest performance, removing over 80% of MO within 120 min. Parametric studies highlighted the preference for an alkali pH, and the photocatalyst demonstrated efficient performance up to 30 ppm of dye. Radical scavenging experiments identified •OH and h+ as the most generated radicals. This study establishes that the green and sustainable BC holds promise as a material in the quest for more sustainable photocatalysts

Buckling strengths of Cold-Formed Built-up Cruciform Section Columns under axial compression

This paper describes experiments addressing the buckling and collapse behaviour of cold-formed stainless steel cruciform section columns. Doubly symmetrical flanged cruciform section columns were built using six individual press-braked plain channels made of austenitic grade EN 1.4307 assembled back-to-back. Three different column lengths were tested – namely, short (600 mm), intermediate (1200 mm) and long (2400 mm) lengths, and two channel geometries were used in all tests – with cross-section depths of 200 mm and 100 mm. Tests were carried out under pure axial compression and with fixed end support conditions. Tests were repeated two times for each length. It was observed that the buckling patterns were affected both by the global slenderness and by the spacing between the fasteners. Stocky columns experienced local buckling of the individual channel sections. The plastic failure mechanism was dependent on the fasteners spacing. Intermediate slenderness columns were characterised by interaction between global torsional buckling and local buckling whereas more slender columns failed predominantly through torsional buckling. For the latter, the spacing between the fasteners had a minor influence on the ultimate capacity

Can social media be used to increase fruit and vegetable consumption?:A pilot intervention study

BACKGROUND: Exposure to social norms about fruit and vegetable intake has been shown to increase individuals' consumption of these foods. Further, exposure to socially endorsed 'healthy' food posts can increase consumption of low energy-dense (LED), relative to high energy-dense (HED) foods. The current pilot study aimed to investigate whether exposure to healthy eating (vs. control) social media accounts can shift normative perceptions about what others eat, eating intentions and self-reported food consumption. METHODS: In a 2 (condition) × 2 (type of food consumed) mixed factorial design, 52 male and female students were asked to follow either healthy eating (intervention) or interior design (control) Instagram accounts over a two-week period. Baseline and post-intervention measures assessed normative perceptions of Instagram users' consumption of fruit and vegetables (LED foods), and energy dense snacks and sugar sweetened beverages (HED foods). Participants' intentions to consume, and self-reported consumption of these foods, were also measured. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in perceptions about what others eat, or participants' own eating intentions ( ps > 0.05). However, the intervention increased participants' self-reported consumption of LED foods by 1.37 servings (per day) and decreased consumption of HED foods by 0.81 items (per day), compared to the control condition ( ps < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This novel pilot study demonstrates that a social norm-based social media intervention can successfully encourage healthier eating, with a large effect after two weeks. Certain social media platforms may therefore provide a viable tool for nudging healthy eating. Future work will aim to replicate these findings in a larger and more diverse sample

Winners and losers: Emotional shifts across elections are conveyed by a politician’s smile

The human smile can convey both rewarding and affiliative social intent and thus has significant utility in politics, where the ability to bond with and reassure voters is vital to electoral success. We examine experimental evidence from the 2019 UK general election to investigate the influence of a politician’s reward or affiliative smile on voter emotions. It was hypothesised that the winner’s affiliative smile would engender positive affect across all partisan groups compared to the winner’s reward smile display. Participants from a nationally representative sample were shown campaign footage containing both types of smiles from the leaders of the main competing political parties both before and after the election. Increases in happiness and affinity were revealed across all partisan groups when shown footage of the eventual winner’s affiliative smile; at the same time, supporters of losing parties indicated a decrease in negative affect. Affinity has been shown to increase civic engagement. Thus, we conclude that affiliative smiles displayed by leading candidates during the campaign likely acted as a mechanism to align voter behaviour with the dominant political message

Emotions

This chapter demonstrates how emotions allow us to see, think and interpret political events ‘otherwise’ by exposing the political nature of emotions and their ability to resist and contest hegemonic stories about world politics. Acknowledging the significance of emotions in the social and political world, this chapter examines how emotions contribute important insights into the production of knowledge and dynamics of power at both the micro and macro level of global politics. First, we situate emotions research in the discipline of International Relations and illustrate how the inclusion of emotions in IR can transform our interpretation of global political events such as the European refugee ‘crisis’. Second, the chapter highlights key theoretical, empirical, and methodological debates in emotions research and shows how emotions are social, political and cultural. Lastly, drawing on the response to violence against Indigenous women in Canada in the #nomorestolensisters campaign, the chapter examines ways in which emotions research can challenge the Western-centric nature of world politics and raises the possibility for it to be central to decolonial scholarship and politics

An Insight into Knowledge, Perspective, and Practices of Indian Optometrists towards Childhood Myopia

The current understanding of clinical approaches and barriers in managing childhood myopia among Indian optometrists is limited. This research underscores the necessity and relevance of evidence-based practice guidelines by exploring their knowledge, attitude, and practice towards childhood myopia. A self-administered internet-based 26-item survey was circulated online among practicing optometrists in India. The questions assessed the demographics, knowledge, self-reported clinical practice behavior, barriers, source of information guiding their management, and extent of adult caregiver engagement for childhood myopia. Of 393 responses, a significant proportion of respondents (32.6–92.4%) were unaware of the ocular complications associated with high myopia, with less than half (46.5%) routinely performing ocular biometry in clinical practice. Despite the growing awareness of emerging myopia management options, the uptake remains generally poor, with single-vision distance full-correction spectacles (70.3%) being the most common mode of vision correction. Barriers to adopting optimal myopia care are medicolegal concerns, absence of clinical practice guidelines, and inadequate consultation time. Own clinical experience and original research articles were the primary sources of information supporting clinical practice. Most (>70%) respondents considered involving the adult caregiver in their child’s clinical decision-making process. While practitioners’ awareness and activity of newer myopia management strategies are improving, there is plenty of scope for its enhancement. The importance of evidence-based practice guidelines and continuing education on myopia control might help practitioners enhance their clinical decision-making skills

Cross Sectional Survey of Antenatal Educators' Views About Current Antenatal Education Provision

Antenatal education (ANE) is part of National Health Service (NHS) care and is recommended by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to increase birth preparedness and help pregnant women/birthing people develop coping strategies for labour and birth. We aimed to understand antenatal educator views about how current ANE supports preparedness for childbirth, including coping strategy development with the aim of identifying targets for improvement. A United Kingdom wide, cross-sectional online survey was conducted between October 2019 and May 2020. Antenatal educators including NHS midwives and private providers were purposively sampled. Counts and percentages were calculated for closed responses and thematic analysis used for open text responses. Ninety-nine participants responded, 62% of these did not believe that ANE prepared women for labour and birth. They identified practical barriers to accessing ANE, particularly for marginalised groups, including financial and language barriers. Educators believe class content is medically focused, and teaching is of variable quality with some midwives being ill-prepared to deliver antenatal education. 55% of antenatal educators believe the opportunity to develop coping strategies varies between location and educators and only those women who can pay for non-NHS classes are able to access all the coping strategies that can support them with labour and birth. Antenatal educators believe current NHS ANE does not adequately prepare women for labour and birth, leading to disparities in birth preparedness for those who cannot access non-NHS classes. To reduce this healthcare inequality, NHS classes need to be standardised, with training for midwives in delivering ANE enhanced. [Abstract copyright: © 2024. The Author(s).

Dynamic Light Scattering in Biomedical Applications:feature issue introduction

The feature Issue on "Dynamic Light Scattering in Biomedical Applications" presents a compilation of research breakthroughs and technological advancements that have shaped the field of biophotonics, particularly in the non-invasive exploration of biological tissues. Highlighting the significance of dynamic light scattering (DLS) alongside techniques like laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), diffusing wave spectroscopy (DWS), and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), this issue underscores the versatile applications of these methods in capturing the intricate dynamics of microcirculatory blood flow across various tissues. Contributions explore developments in fluorescence tomography, the integration of machine learning for data processing, enhancements in microscopy for cancer detection, and novel approaches in optical biophysics, among others. Innovations featured include a high-resolution speckle contrast tomography system for deep blood flow imaging, a rapid estimation technique for real-time tissue perfusion imaging, and the use of convolutional neural networks for efficient blood flow mapping. Additionally, studies delve into the impact of skin strain on spectral reflectance, the sensitivity of cerebral blood flow measurement techniques, and the potential of photobiomodulation for enhancing brain function. This issue not only showcases the latest theoretical and experimental strides in DLS-based imaging but also anticipates the continued evolution of these modalities for groundbreaking applications in disease detection, diagnosis, and monitoring, marking a pivotal contribution to the field of biomedical optics. [Abstract copyright: © 2024 Optica Publishing Group.