Successful fiber sensing technologies and hot topics for the near future

Inside the Photonics field Optical Fiber Sensors (OFS) are currently being used and will still be used in the future in a wide number of applications because its properties present technical advantages over traditional techniques or, sometimes, is practically the only feasible solution. In this paper, the more successful techniques will be reviewed. Then a prospective for the near future of the market and hot topics in which invest research resources will be suggested

Superparamagnetic Nanocomposites Based on the Dispersion of Oleic Acid-Stabilized Magnetite Nanoparticles in a Diglycidylether of Bisphenol A-Based Epoxy Matrix: Magnetic Hyperthermia and Shape Memory

Superparamagnetic nanocomposites were obtained by dispersion of oleic acid (OA)-coated magnetite NPs in an epoxy system based on diglycidylether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) modified with OA. Dispersion of conventional oleic acid-stabilized magnetite NPs in a typical epoxy matrix is not possible due to the dissimilar chemical structures of the organic coating and the reactive solvent. However, by modification of a DGEBA-based epoxy with 20 wt % OA, we obtained a suitable reactive solvent to disperse up to at least 8 wt % of OA-stabilized magnetite NPs. A tertiary amine was used to catalyze the epoxy–acid reaction and initiate the homopolymerization of the epoxy excess. Both reactions occurred practically in series, first the epoxy–acid and then the epoxy homopolymerization. It was necessary to complete the first reaction to attain a very good dispersion of magnetite NPs in the reactive solvent previous to the occurrence of the final reaction. Magnetization curves and TEM images revealed a uniform dispersion of individual nanoparticles in the cross-linked epoxy. A sample containing 8 wt % OA-coated magnetite NPs exhibited a temperature increase of 25 °C at its surface when exposed to an alternating magnetic field. The temperature increase was enough to induce the shape memory effect of the nanocomposite

Structure-Directing and High-Efficiency Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production by Ag Clusters

H₂ production by water splitting is hindered mainly by the lack of low-cost and efficient photocatalysts. Here we show that sub-nanometric silver clusters can catalyze the anisotropic growth of gold nanostructures by preferential adsorption at certain crystal planes of Au seeds, with the result that the final nanostructure can be tuned via the cluster/seed ratio. Such semiconducting Ag clusters are extremely stable and retain their electronic structure even after adsorption at the tips of Au nanorods, enabling various photocatalytic experiments, such as oxygen evolution from basic solutions. In the absence of electron scavengers, UV irradiation generates photoelectrons, which are stored within the nanorods, increasing their Au Fermi level up to the redox pinning limit at 0 V (RHE), where hydrogen evolution occurs with an estimated high efficiency of 10%. This illustrates the considerable potential of very small zerovalent, nonmetallic clusters as novel atomic-level photocatalysts

Transformation of Gold Nanorods in Liquid Media Induced by nIR, Visible, and UV Laser Irradiation

Gold nanorods (GNRs) were initially prepared with three different aspect ratios (2.5, 2.9, and 3.8) via a seed-mediated chemical route, using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as the organic surfactant. These rods were then irradiated under continuous-wave (λ = 1064 nm) and pulsed (λ = 1064, 532, 355 nm) emission modes using Nd:YVO₄ and Nd:YAG lasers, respectively. The photostability and behavior of the Au nanorods under these laser irradiation conditions were studied using UV–vis–nIR spectroscopy and electron microscopy. Photofragmentation and melting mechanisms were provoked as a function of laser irradiation parameters (emission mode and wavelength) and caused the GNRs to undergo considerable morphological changes. Important differences were observed between the wavelengths used for irradiation, indicating significantly different nanorod breakdown mechanisms

Safety of hospital discharge before return of bowel function after elective colorectal surgery

Background Ileus is common after colorectal surgery and is associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. Identifying features of normal bowel recovery and the appropriateness for hospital discharge is challenging. This study explored the safety of hospital discharge before the return of bowel function. Methods A prospective, multicentre cohort study was undertaken across an international collaborative network. Adult patients undergoing elective colorectal resection between January and April 2018 were included. The main outcome of interest was readmission to hospital within 30 days of surgery. The impact of discharge timing according to the return of bowel function was explored using multivariable regression analysis. Other outcomes were postoperative complications within 30 days of surgery, measured using the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Results A total of 3288 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 301 (9 center dot 2 per cent) were discharged before the return of bowel function. The median duration of hospital stay for patients discharged before and after return of bowel function was 5 (i.q.r. 4-7) and 7 (6-8) days respectively (P < 0 center dot 001). There were no significant differences in rates of readmission between these groups (6 center dot 6 versus 8 center dot 0 per cent; P = 0 center dot 499), and this remained the case after multivariable adjustment for baseline differences (odds ratio 0 center dot 90, 95 per cent c.i. 0 center dot 55 to 1 center dot 46; P = 0 center dot 659). Rates of postoperative complications were also similar in those discharged before versus after return of bowel function (minor: 34 center dot 7 versus 39 center dot 5 per cent; major 3 center dot 3 versus 3 center dot 4 per cent; P = 0 center dot 110). Conclusion Discharge before return of bowel function after elective colorectal surgery appears to be safe in appropriately selected patients