Optical Fibers Profiling Using Interferometric and Digital Holographic Methods

Optical fibers are extensively used in modern technology such as sensing, short-distance and long-distance telecommunications. This motivated many researchers to present different methods in order to characterize optical fibers and determine their refractive index profiles. In addition, variation of refractive index profiles of optical fibers suffering mechanical stresses or other external effects reflects good information about the internal structure of these fibers and how they are responding to these external effects. Optical interferometry and digital holography methods are accurate and effective tools used to achieve this task. In this chapter, we illustrate the application of different types of optical interference on conventional, polarizing maintaining and thick optical fibers. Also, we illustrate some mathematical interpretations (and recently automatic analyzing of interference patterns) that have been used to reconstruct the accurate refractive index profiles of optical fibers. Some experimental interferograms and refractive index profiles are demonstrated as well

Evaluation of Color Difference and Translucency of Modified PEEK Restorations Veneered with Different Veneering Materials Before and After Thermal Cycling

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different PEEK veneering materials, as well as thermocycling on the color difference (ΔE) and the translucency parameter (TP) of modified PEEK veneered restorations. Materials and Methods: Thirty disc shaped specimens of veneered BioHPP (1.5 mm X 12 mm) were randomly divided into three groups (n=10) based on the type of the veneering material. Group (A): Discs veneered with CAD milled Lithium Disilicate, group (B): Discs veneered with pre-cured milled composite, and group (C): Discs veneered with conventional light cured composite. CIELab values were calculated for all specimens over white and black backgrounds using a laboratory spectrophotometer and then (ΔE) and (TP) were calculated. Specimens were subjected to thermal cycling, after which the same procedure for calculating (ΔE) and (TP) was repeated. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA showed that both the veneering material, and thermocycling had a statistically significant effect on mean ΔE, and on (TP) (P-value Conclusions: All veneering techniques rendered an amount of color difference that was clinically unacceptable, as well as displaying much lower translucency levels than that of natural enamel and dentine

Silent struggles: Unveiling the unspoken epidemic of domestic violence against infertile women in Egypt

Background: Globally, the issue of domestic violence (DV) against women remains a paramount concern in public health. However, a distinct facet of this challenge revolves around DV targeting women grappling with infertility, presenting a unique nexus with their overall well-being. This study endeavors to unravel the prevalence, associated determinants, and diverse manifestations of domestic violence against infertile women. Methods: The investigation unfolded within the Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Delayed Reproduction and the Gynecological Outpatient Clinic at Beni-Suef University spanning from the first of March to the end of July 2022. Employing a cross-sectional descriptive approach, the study engaged 200 infertile women actively seeking infertility treatment. Data acquisition transpired through an interview questionnaire tailored for the purpose. Results: Among surveyed women, 69.0 % reported experiencing physical violence due to infertility, while 65.5 % reported verbal violence. Additionally, 36.5 % reported incidents of sexual violence, and 47.0 % reported being subjected to financial violence. Statistical analyses revealed noteworthy correlations between physical and verbal violence and various factors, including age (p = 0.013), types of infertility (p = 0.001), gender of children (p = 0.006, p < 0.0001), and frequency of coitus (p = 0.019, p = 0.012), respectively. Conclusion and recommendations: Domestic violence exerts a profound impact on the general well-being of women, particularly affecting their emotional and social dimensions. This study underscores a heightened prevalence of violence among infertile women, with verbal abuse emerging as the predominant form. Recognizing the pivotal role of domestic violence in women's health, it becomes imperative for healthcare professionals to proactively identify at-risk individuals. Tailored interventions, such as comprehensive training programs encompassing communication skills and problem-solving approaches, should be devised and implemented. Moreover, counseling sessions should involve both spouses, elucidating the detrimental effects and challenges associated with all forms of violence

Does liver diffusion tensor imaging (L-DTI) has a role in differentiation of hepatic focal lesions? Analytic study for assessment of the value of L-DTI in differentiating hepatic focal lesions according to LI-RADS

Abstract Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in the differentiation of hepatic focal lesions and diagnosis of hepatic malignancy, especially hepatocellular carcinoma which is a major health problem worldwide. Diffusion imaging is a functional MRI technique that became an essential part of MRI study of the liver. Recently, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is diffusion variant that can provide more information than conventional diffusion imaging based on the tissue anisotropy. The aim of this study was to present the role of DTI in the assessment and differentiation between hepatic focal lesions. Results Fifty-one patients having 95 hepatic focal lesions who underwent dynamic MRI with conventional diffusion imaging and DTI acquisition were included in the study. A positive moderate significant correlation was found between Fractional anisotropy (FA) values and Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) category while substantial negative significant correlation and moderate negative significant correlation were found between DTI-ADC and DWI-ADC values, respectively, with the LI-RADS category. There was a significant negative correlation between DTI-ADC and FA values. DTI-ADC showed a significant role in differentiation of benign from malignant lesions with cut-off value 0.905 × 10−3 having 88.7% sensitivity and 88.3% specificity compared to 78.5% and 68.7% for DWI-ADC, respectively. Also, it was found that FA value had a significant role in differentiation between benign and malignant lesions with cut-off value 0.34 having 87.1% sensitivity and 73.9% specificity. Conclusions DTI can be included in liver MRI studies for better tissue characterization as it may perform better than conventional DWI with higher sensitivity and specificity of DTI-ADC and FA values than conventional DWI-ADC