Communication Capacity Research Articles

Enhanced Photodetection Performance of InBiSe3/ReS2 Polarization-Sensitive Heterostructure Photodetectors.

Individual anisotropic two-dimensional (2D) materials have been widely applied for developing polarization-sensitive photodetectors, but they often suffer from limitations in photoresponsivity, detection range, etc. To overcome these challenges, van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures created by stacking different 2D materials provide a promising solution to enhance the performance of the photoelectronic device. In this work, a novel polarization-sensitive photodetector is developed by leveraging a heterojunction formed by InBiSe3 and anisotropic ReS2 nanoflakes. The InBiSe3/ReS2 vdW heterostructure devices exhibit excellent photodetection performance with a high photoresponsivity (R)of 7.68 AW-1 and a specific detectivity (D*)up to 1.26×1011 Jones as well as an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 1790% under 532 nm laser irradiation. Additionally, benefiting from the broadband light absorption of InBiSe3 crystals together with the pronounced anisotropic electronic and optical characteristics of ReS2 flakes, the devices demonstrate a broad spectral response range from 402 to 1006 nm with a distinct polarization sensitivity of 1.24. Moreover, the devices exhibit extraordinary optical communication and high contrast polarimetric imaging capacity. This work demonstrates the enhanced photodetection performance with the InBiSe3/ReS2 vdW heterostructures operating in a photoconductive mode and illustrates promising application of these heterostructures in integrated optoelectronic systems.

Ultra-broadband multimode fiber-to-chip edge coupler based on periodically segmented waveguides

Mode-division multiplexing (MDM) technology demonstrates a bright outlook for enhancing the capacity of chip-scale or fiber-based optical communication. Nevertheless, the fiber-to-chip MDM optical interconnects are hindered by the considerable mode mismatch and inter-modal cross talk between the few-mode fiber (FMF) and on-chip few-mode waveguide (FMW). In this Letter, a new, to the best of our knowledge, multimode coupling solution based on periodically segmented waveguides for the MDM system is proposed, which achieves efficient conversion between LP01, LP11a, and LP11b modes in FMF and E11, E21, and E12 modes in FMW with low refractive index difference. The simulation results show that the coupling loss is less than 0.41, 0.27, and 0.90 dB for the three modes, over the wavelength range of 1100–1800 nm. The fabricated device based on a polymer platform shows low fiber-to-chip coupling losses of less than 1.8, 1.7, and 3.0 dB, respectively, over a 130 nm wavelength. The presented scheme provides a competitive solution for realizing the ultra-efficient integration of prospective fiber-chip optical interconnections and communications.

High gain distributed Raman amplifier for orbital angular momentum mode-division multiplexing and wavelength-division multiplexing in a 104-km ring-core fiber over the C + L band

Mode-division multiplexing (MDM) and wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) are regarded as effective solutions for enhancing the communication capacity of fiber-optic transmission systems. To extend the transmission distance, a suitable amplification technique is required to amplify the signal light, with distributed Raman amplifier (DRA) offering a high-flat gain. In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate the transmission of 3 orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode-division multiplexing and 9 wavelength-division multiplexing ranging from 1530 nm to 1610 nm over a 104-km self-designed ring-core fiber (RCF) with the assistance of DRA. The homemade all-fiber mode selective couplers (MSCs) can (de)multiplex OAM modes (OAM01, OAM11, OAM21) efficiently in long-distance MDM + WDM fiber-optic transmission systems. The OAM-DRA provides high gain (with an on-off gain greater than 10 dB) as well as flat gain (with a differential wavelength gain of less than 0.88 dB and a differential mode gain of less than 0.28 dB) over the C + L band.

Introducing edge intelligence to smart meters via federated split learning

The ubiquitous smart meters are expected to be a central feature of future smart grids because they enable the collection of massive amounts of fine-grained consumption data to support demand-side flexibility. However, current smart meters are not smart enough. They can only perform basic data collection and communication functions and cannot carry out on-device intelligent data analytics due to hardware constraints in terms of memory, computation, and communication capacity. Moreover, privacy concerns have hindered the utilization of data from distributed smart meters. Here, we present an end-edge-cloud federated split learning framework to enable collaborative model training on resource-constrained smart meters with the assistance of edge and cloud servers in a resource-efficient and privacy-enhancing manner. The proposed method is validated on a hardware platform to conduct building and household load forecasting on smart meters that only have 192 KB of static random-access memory (SRAM). We show that the proposed method can reduce the memory footprint by 95.5%, the training time by 94.8%, and the communication burden by 50% under the distributed learning framework and can achieve comparable or superior forecasting accuracy to that of conventional methods trained on high-capacity servers.

Research of developmental models and techniques in the function of improving communication capacities

Communication as a basic form of social interaction is based on transmission of experiential contents through signs, whether they are symbols, signals or their combinations. In addition to the numerous factors that contribute to intensification and more efficient communication, there are also a large number of negative factors that reduce the effect of unforced, easy and relaxed communication. We shall try by this work to open current discussions about the elements, aspects, types, forms, functions, models and techniques of improving communication in social interactions. Consistently to the results of the conducted research, we shall provide new interpretations on manner how to overcome situations when we know "what should we say" but we do not know "how to announce it". The increasing communication capacities, the increasing the probability of better and more successful social interaction occur, which causally initiates an increase in the quality of life.

1 × N All‐Logic Optical Switch Based on Polymer Platform Using Multimode Interferometer

The compact and broadband optical switch with a large port count is demanded with the increasing communication capacity. In this article, a universal method for modeling the 1 × N switch using multimode interferometer (MMI) through transmission matrixes is proposed. Herein, the reasons for the narrowing of the operating bandwidth switch are analyzed. As a proof of concept, a wide bandwidth 1 × 4 switch, which has an insertion loss lower than 23.7 dB, and a cross talk better than −10 dB at 1550 nm are simulated, designed, and fabricated. The cross talk throughout the C band is lower than −8.5 dB. According to the experimental result, the 1 × 4 switch with four‐equal‐length modulating arms shows a 32 nm bandwidth for −10 dB cross talk which is 13 times larger than traditional switch. The switch realizes a multi‐port logic optical switch by modulation. The 1 × N switch based on the generalized Mach–Zehnder interferometer (GMZI) structure reduce the footprint significantly compared with the 1 × N switch consisting of a 1 × 2 switch cascade. It is believed that 1 × N switch based on GMZI structures is a promising solution to increase integration density.

Measuring the Collective Community Capacity of a Network to Address Health Inequities during a Public Health Emergency: Findings from the National COVID-19 Resiliency Network.

This study assesses the collective community capacity of the National COVID-19 Resiliency Network (NCRN), a multisectoral network mitigating the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on minoritized populations. From January to April 2022, we used two concurrent data collection methods: a Collective Community Capacity (C3) survey (n=65) and key informant interviews (KIIs) (n=26). The C3 assessed capacity for creation of a shared vision, engagement in community change, and distributive leadership. KIIs assessed perspectives on network formation and implementation. We used a convergent design and triangulation for interpretation. NCRN has growing collective community capacity. The C3 survey found high capacity for establishing a shared mission and evidence of mutual commitment, trust, and accountability. About three-quarters of respondents strongly agreed that partners addressed social, economic, and cultural barriers related to COVID-19. Interviewees valued NCRN leaders' openness, availability, and willingness to listen. Partners learned from one another, increased their health communication capacity, and supported sustainability. They sought greater opportunities to partner and support decision-making. NCRN developed a collaborative network with a shared vision of improving health equity during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, while identifying areas for improvement in distributive leadership. Findings can support other organizations seeking to build collective community capacity to address equity in public health emergencies.

Topological-charge-tunable and wavelength- switchable vortex laser enabled by a helically twisted high-absorption few-mode erbium-doped fiber.

Vortex beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) offer a solution for enhancing spatial degrees of freedom, particularly in conjunction with wavelength division multiplexing, which can significantly boost data capacity for optical communication. Addressing the increasing demand for high information-carrying capacity, we present a dynamically tunable OAM laser source in this study. We demonstrate a ring-cavity vortex fiber laser employing intra-cavity mode conversion through a helically twisted high-absorption few-mode erbium-doped fiber (HA-FM-EDF). The constructed vortex fiber laser exhibits wavelength switchability via an integrated Sagnac loop, facilitated by a homemade ring-core fiber. Furthermore, topological-charge tunability is achieved through the utilization of twisted HA-FM-EDF with varying helical pitches. To our knowledge, this marks the first successful implementation of two-dimensional multiplexing of wavelength and OAM in a vortex fiber laser. The OAM laser serves as a versatile vortex source with high tunability and flexibility, holding significant potential for deployment in ultrahigh-speed/ultrahigh-capacity communications, ultrahigh-resolution imaging, and ultrahigh-sensitivity sensing applications.

Self-Adhesive Electronic Skin with Bio-Inspired 3D Architecture for Mechanical Stimuli Monitoring and Human-Machine Interactions.

Recent development of wearable devices is revolutionizing the way of artificial electronic skins (E-skin), physiological health monitoring and human-machine interactions (HMI). However, challenge remains to fit flexible electronic devices to the human skin with conformal deformation and identifiable electrical feedback according to the mechanical stimuli. Herein, an adhesive E-skin is developed that can firmly attach on the human skin for mechanical stimuli perception. The laser-induced adhesive layer serves as the essential component to ensure the conformal attachment of E-skin on curved surface, which ensures the accurate conversion from mechanical deformation to precise electrical readouts. Especially, the 3D architecture facilitates the non-overlapping outputs that bi-directional joint bending and distinguishes strain/pressure. The optimized E-skin with bio-inspired micro-cilia exhibited significantly improved sensing performances with sensitivity of 0.652 kPa-1 in 0-4kPa and gauge factor of 8.13 for strain (0-15%) with robustness. Furthermore, the adhesive E-skin can distinguish inward/outward joint bending in non-overlapping behaviors, allowing the establishment of ternary system to expand communication capacity for logic outputs such as effective Morse code and intelligent control. It expects that the adhesive E-skin can serve as a functional bridge between human and electrical terminals for applications from daily mechanical monitoring to efficient HMI.

FedADMM-InSa: An inexact and self-adaptive ADMM for federated learning

Federated learning (FL) is a promising framework for learning from distributed data while maintaining privacy. The development of efficient FL algorithms encounters various challenges, including heterogeneous data and systems, limited communication capacities, and constrained local computational resources. Recently developed FedADMM methods show great resilience to both data and system heterogeneity. However, they still suffer from performance deterioration if the hyperparameters are not carefully tuned. To address this issue, we propose an inexact and self-adaptive FedADMM algorithm, termed FedADMM-InSa. First, we design an inexactness criterion for the clients’ local updates to eliminate the need for empirically setting the local training accuracy. This inexactness criterion can be assessed by each client independently based on its unique condition, thereby reducing the local computational cost and mitigating the undesirable straggle effect. The convergence of the resulting inexact ADMM is proved under the assumption of strongly convex loss functions. Additionally, we present a self-adaptive scheme that dynamically adjusts each client’s penalty parameter, enhancing algorithm robustness by mitigating the need for empirical penalty parameter choices for each client. Extensive numerical experiments on both synthetic and real-world datasets have been conducted. As validated by some tests, our FedADMM-InSa algorithm improves model accuracy by 7.8% while reducing clients’ local workloads by 55.7% compared to benchmark algorithms.

Investigation of dual-mode cloaked cylindrical slot antennas with a pulsed radar signal processing

In this paper, the cloaked slot antennas (CSAs) in a circular conducting cylinder have been proposed, numerically studied, and fundamentally characterized with respect to the pulsed radar aspects. The two cylindrically slotted antennas have been introduced, namely the axially slotted cloaked antenna and the circumferentially slotted cloaked antenna (CSCA). These two cloaked slot antennas have been parametrically studied to explore the antenna’s resonant characteristics together with their cloaking performance. The resonant frequency of the antennas is controlled by the parameters of the aperture of the slot such as width and length, while independently cloaking the CSAs at the cloaking frequency controlled by the parameters of the coated metasurface. The characteristics of the dual-mode operation at resonant and cloaking frequencies have been intensively studied by pulsed radar signal processing. The modulated Gaussian pulse with the modulation frequency being either resonant or cloaking frequency is used as an excitation source. Several scenarios have been proposed and studied to characterize the cloaking performance and communication capacity of the cloaked slot antennas. The radiating pulse from the CSAs has been numerically characterized by a pulse radar signal processing with an interval of 22.5° in terms of the theta and phi polarizations. These two CSAs have directive and omnidirectional characteristics in the theta- and phi-polarization, respectively.

Time Evolution of Orbital Angular Momentum Modes for Deep-Routing Multiplexing Channels

Optical orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode multiplexing has emerged as a promising technique for boosting communication capacity. However, most existing studies have concentrated on channel (de)multiplexing, overlooking the critical aspect of channel routing. This challenge involves the reallocation of multiplexed OAM modes across both spatial and temporal domains—a vital step for developing versatile communication networks. To address this gap, we introduce a novel approach based on the time evolution of OAM modes, utilizing the orthogonal conversion and diffractive modulation capabilities of unitary transformations. This approach facilitates high-dimensional orthogonal transformations of OAM mode vectors, altering both the propagation direction and the spatial location. Using Fresnel diffraction matrices as unitary operators, it manipulates the spatial locations of light beams during transmission, breaking the propagation invariance and enabling temporal evolution. As a demonstration, we have experimentally implemented the deep routing of four OAM modes within two distinct time sequences. Achieving an average diffraction efficiency above 78.31%, we have successfully deep-routed 4.69 Tbit·s−1 quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) signals carried by four multiplexed OAM channels, with a bit error rate below 10–6. These results underscore the efficacy of our routing strategy and its promising prospects for practical applications.

Vocal functional flexibility in a nonprimate vocal learning species

Abstract Can nonhuman animals use the same acoustic signal to transmit different illocutions on different occasions? This communicative capacity is known as vocal functional flexibility and occurs, for example, in speech, when a sentence serves different illocutionary forces or functions on different occasions based on changes to visual and intonational cues. Although common in human speech, there is a lack of clear evidence for this ability in other species. Here, we examined a likely candidate, the Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater), which is a vocal-learning songbird species that develops a repertoire of structurally distinct song types. Most of this species’ songs are directed towards conspecific males and females less than a meter away, making it unusually easy to determine the apparent target of songs, unlike the broadcast songs done by most songbirds. Songs directed to other males have clear aggressive/threatening intent, while those to females involve courtship/sexual intent. Extensive prior work shows that male cowbirds perform the visual display that accompanies singing differently in these two social settings and also modulate the intonation of song types differently. Because of these display and tonal modulations, constancy of song type usage across male- vs female-directed singing would provide evidence of vocal functional flexibility. Herein, we examined 4,828 songs in three captive flocks containing twenty-four males and thirty females during the breeding season. Males did not use their song types randomly and had strongly favored songs and less commonly used ones. Importantly, favored song types and less commonly used ones were the same whether directing courtship song to a female, aggressive song to another male or singing nonsocially with no receiver nearby. Results were consistent within and across the three flocks, providing strong evidence of vocal functional flexibility. These findings indicate that some species may evolve the ability to modulate and exaggerate visual display components and prosody more than vocal presentation per se because a learned phonological system in this and possibly other species is constrained by its vital role as an indicator trait.

The international dissemination of China’s English academic journals on Twitter: Structure, theme and impact

Objective/Significance: To measure the international communication capacity of China’s English academic journal papers based on social media platforms. Method/Process: Social network analysis, content analysis and emotion analysis were used to describe the diffusion structure of China’s English academic journal papers on Twitter from the aspects of network structure and identify important node users, explore the identity characteristics and emotion characteristics of users as well as diffusion capability of journals of different disciplines. Conclusion/Discovery: Journal articles in the fields of natural sciences and engineering as well as humanities and social sciences exhibit a strong positive correlation between their diffusion structure and network size. Networks with a mixed diffusion structure typically have larger network sizes. The users occupying key positions in the diffusion network typically have profile information that is academically relevant. The retweets and comments are mainly statements without emotional inclination, and the comments are mainly summary descriptions of the papers. The distribution of diffusion width, diffusion strength and diffusion speed of each discipline is significantly different. There is a significant positive correlation between the diffusion structure of papers and their diffusion capabilities. Innovation/Value: To reveal the diffusion structure and characteristics of China’s English academic journal papers on social media platforms, so as to provide reference for expanding the visibility of China’s English academic journals and improving the international dissemination capacity of China’s English journals.

Assessment of the effectiveness of hospital external disaster functional drills on health care receivers’ performance, using standardized patients and mass cards simulation: a pilot study from Saudi Arabia

BackgroundGiven the increasing frequency of disasters globally, it is critical that healthcare systems are prepared for these mass casualty events. The Saudi health system’s preparedness for mass casualty incidents needs to be more robust, potentially due to limited disaster drills and inadequate standardized patient (SP) simulation training. This study aims to (i) assess the performance of front-line hospital staff in Saudi Arabia through a functional drill and (ii) evaluate the drill’s effectiveness using SP and MAC-SIM cards, providing detailed insights into its design and execution.MethodsA functional drill was conducted at a government hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 19, 2022, using a cross-sectional approach with two phases. 141 healthcare receivers served as subjects, while 23 volunteers acted as SPs. The scenario simulated a building collapse to assess the emergency department (ED) response, interdepartmental communication, and surge capacity. Data were collected through direct observation of healthcare practitioners’ interactions with the SPs, analysis of SP data, and participant feedback. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative data were examined for patterns and themes related to simulation performance and effectiveness.ResultsThe hospital receivers’ performances demonstrated accurate triage categories. The ED team assessed most patients (67%) in less than 5 min. For patients requiring definitive care, such as intensive care unit, 95% spent less than 2.5 h in the ED. Most patients (65%) required ‘other treatments’. Communication was efficient in the triage zone and the yellow treatment area. Participants’ feedback on using MAC-SIM cards during the simulation was overwhelmingly positive with 82.61% reporting that MAC-SIM use helped them respond better. Experienced SPs (paramedics) with prior disaster knowledge and experience outperformed inexperienced SPs (nurses) in the functional exercise.ConclusionThis groundbreaking study is the first in the Arabic Gulf region to use SPs with MAC-SIM cards in functional drills. The findings highlight the potential of simulation exercises to improve hospital team knowledge and performance when responding to disasters. Multiple evaluation techniques can effectively identify participant strengths and weaknesses, informing future disaster improvement plans. This information is a valuable resource for Arabic and middle-income countries where disaster medicine is still developing.

Abstract B164: Sustaining statewide transdisciplinary collaborations to address cancer disparities

Abstract Background: Wisconsin’s cancer disparities are evident when considered by race/ethnicity, geography, and socio-economic status. Addressing these disparities requires deeper integration of social and scientific problem-solving and a systems approach. Given the nature of disparities, it also demands that we not just seek equitable outcomes but collaborate in ways that reflect equity in the process. To achieve this, we developed a transdisciplinary approach inclusive of community, clinicians, and researchers and builds capacity to understand, at a deep level, factors that underpin disparities and design newer sustainable solutions. Methods: The Community and Cancer Science Network (CCSN) Integration Hub was established within the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center to provide leadership and capacity building to eight transdisciplinary teams working to address cancer disparities. The Integration Hub and its teams use a co- leadership structure with a community and academic PI as well as a facilitator and evaluator. The Integration Hub has four primary strategies: identifying and addressing knowledge gaps in cancer disparities, building capacity for transdisciplinary collaboration, cultivating networks and relationships, and disseminating through feedback loops that touch communities, academic medicine, and policy. Our approach is grounded in the principles of deep equity, considerations across the biology to policy spectrum, and systems thinking. Results: In its third year, CCSN adapted and adopted tools to understand its effectiveness in building a collaborative environment for transdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving and to set strategy for sustainability. Results from a partner survey administered to team members (n=73) highlighted that the CCSN model contributes to fostering learning conditions that support a strong transdisciplinary approach including a supportive learning environment, concrete learning practices, leadership that reinforces learning and a reflection of core principles as well as embedding a transdisciplinary orientation in team members. The Integration Hub leadership also completed the Organizational Mapping Tool for Coalitions, Alliances and Networks (OMT-CAN) to assess critical dimensions of network health. The assessment helps identify strengths and identify areas for improvements. CCSN network leaders (n=21) rated the network moderate to strong in culture and relationships; joint action, planning, learning and evaluation; and in purpose, goals and strategy. The team further identified the need to work on refining structure, identity and participation; its capacity for strategic communications; and advocacy and organizing. Discussion: To integrate social and scientific problem-solving and address cancer disparities requires the resourcing of credible capacity building networks that can broker equitable relationships between academic medicine and community members and organizations. The CCSN Integration Hub offers a strong model embedded within a cancer center that accomplishes those goals. Citation Format: Tobi Cawthra, Laura Pinsoneault, Kristen Gardner-Volle, Alexis Krause, Kim Kinner, Melinda Stolley. Sustaining statewide transdisciplinary collaborations to address cancer disparities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B164.

Multilayer Reconfigurable 3D Photonics Integrated Circuits Based on Deposition Method

AbstractPhotonics integrated circuits (PICs) can overcome the bottlenecks in communication capacity. 3D PIC technology is an attractive method for increasing density effectively and combining different materials on one chip for functional integration. In this study, a low‐cost and reconfigurable 3D integrated silicon photonics (SiPhs) platform is proposed fabricated by depositing polycrystalline silicon (poly‐Si) on crystalline silicon (c‐Si), which is patterned through deep ultraviolet (DUV) stepper‐based manufacturing process. The high mobility of poly‐Si ensures high‐speed and power‐efficient modulation. Based on the proposed 3D SiPhs platform, an 8 × 8 optical switch whose units are separated in different layers is fabricated and packaged. The switch shows average insertion losses of −13.98 and −15.86 dB, while working in “all‐cross” and “all‐bar” states, respectively. The crosstalk is lower than −19 and −11 dB for “all‐cross” and “all‐bar” states. Additionally, an overlayer switch located on the 1st and 3rd layers is proposed and experimentally demonstrated, which offers overlapping capabilities that are more compact compared with switches in a single‐layer platform. This validates the possibility of the large‐density integration scalability of the platform.

Risk perceptions of Italian paediatricians for the impact of climate change on children’s health

BackgroundsThis study delves into the risk perceptions of Italian pediatricians concerning climate change's impact on children's health. Given children's heightened vulnerability to climate-related health risks, comprehending these perceptions is crucial. A review of pertinent literature establishes the framework, emphasizing six key factors influencing children's susceptibility to climate-related health hazards.MethodsMethodologically, the study utilized a survey tool developed collaboratively with the Italian Society of Pediatrics (SIP), garnering responses from a representative sample of Italian pediatricians.ResultsFindings indicate a high level of awareness among respondents regarding climate change and its health implications, with a majority attributing it primarily to human activity. Pediatricians recognize various current and anticipated health impacts of climate change, notably concerning illnesses linked to outdoor air quality. Despite acknowledging their role in addressing climate-related health concerns, respondents also cite barriers to engagement, including time constraints and knowledge gaps. However, they express interest in resources like professional training and policy statements to bolster their capacity for effective communication and advocacy.ConclusionsComparisons with prior studies highlight the consistency of findings across diverse contexts and underscore the significance of integrating climate and environmental health education into medical training. Overall, this study sheds light on pediatricians' perspectives in tackling the convergence of climate change and children's health, pinpointing avenues for enhancing their involvement in climate advocacy and mitigation efforts.

Acoustic Processing and the Origin of Human Vocal Communication

Humans have inherited from their remotest mammalian ancestors an integration of the sensory and motor systems that permits the exchange of signals and information, led by an instinctive response to harmonicity. The transition, from capacity for animal communication involving calls, facial expression and gestures, to modern human culture that embraces language, music, and dance, has resulted from anatomical adaptations such as upright posture, a distinct oro-facial and respiratory tract arrangement, and important changes in neural architecture, connectivity and plasticity. A key development on which modern human vocal abilities depend was the achievement of a feedback loop between the perception and production of voiced sound that allows precise matching, imitation, and meaningful variation, of the acoustic properties: fundamental frequency, duration, amplitude, and timbre; all contributing to the capacity to coordinate simultaneous participation. These are the four specific properties that influence our sensations of sound. They play parallel and complementary roles in both language and vocal music, represented in blended synchrony such as unison song and collective speech as well as temporally organised and coordinated sequences such as call-and-response and polyphony. In turn, responding especially to the properties of the Harmonic Series, such features inform the musical employment of tools – musical instruments – that make use of materials available in the local environment (skin, bone, stone, bamboo, wood, etc.) to provide increased range and loudness as well as alternative timbres to those produced by the voice. We propose a framework by which the adaptations essential to such universal behaviours may have arisen, drawing on an extensive and varied literature to explore the potential of this position for illuminating the nature of human musicality and its relationship to language development.

Tbps wide-field parallel optical wireless communications based on a metasurface beam splitter

Optical wireless communication (OWC) stands out as one of the most promising technologies in the sixth-generation (6G) mobile networks. The establishment of high-quality optical links between transmitters and receivers plays a crucial role in OWC performances. Here, by a compact beam splitter composed of a metasurface and a fiber array, we proposed a wide-angle (~120°) OWC optical link scheme that can parallelly support up to 144 communication users. Utilizing high-speed optical module sources and wavelength division multiplexing technique, we demonstrated each user can achieve a communication speed of 200 Gbps which enables the entire system to support ultra-high communication capacity exceeding 28 Tbps. Furthermore, utilizing the metasurface polarization multiplexing, we implemented a full range wide-angle OWC without blind area nor crosstalk among users. Our OWC scheme simultaneously possesses the advantages of high-speed, wide communication area and multi-user parallel communications, paving the way for revolutionary high-performance OWC in the future.