Conventional Modes Research Articles

Unlocking mode programming with multi-plane light conversion using computer-generated hologram optimisation

Abstract Programmable optical devices provide performance enhancement and flexibility to spatial multiplexing systems enabling transmission of tributaries in high-order eigenmodes of spatially-diverse transmission media, like multimode fibre (MMF). Wavefront shaping with spatial light modulators (SLMs) facilitates scalability of the transmission media by allowing for channel diagonalization and quasi-single-input single-output operation. Programmable mode multiplexing configurations like multi-plane light conversion (MPLC) utilise the SLM and offer the potential to simultaneously launch an arbitrary subset of spatial tributaries in any N -mode MMF. Such programmable optical processor would enable the throughput of space-division multiplexing (SDM) systems to be progressively increased by addressing a growing number of tributaries over one MMF and in this way meet a growing traffic demand – similarly to the wavelength-division multiplexing evolution path. Conventionally, MPLC phasemasks are calculated using the wavefront matching algorithm (WMA). However, this method does not exploit the full potential of programmable mode multiplexers. We show, that computer-generated hologram algorithms like direct search enable significant improvement compared to the traditional WMA-approach. Such gains are enabled by tailored cost functions with dynamic constraints concerning insertion loss as wellas mode extinction ratio. We show that average mode extinction ratio can be greatly improved by as much as ≈ 15 dB at the expense of a small insertion loss35
deterioration of < 3 dB. One particular feature of programmable mode multiplexers is the adaptability to optimised transmission functions. Besides conventional LP modes transmission, we employ our approach on Schmidt modes, which are spatial eigenchannels with minimum crosstalk derived from a measured transmission matrix

The Environmental and Biodiversity Impacts of a New Cableway System: A Comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment

Cars are still used as the primary mode of transportation for daily commuting, with their emissions significantly affecting urban air quality, contributing to overall greenhouse gas emissions. Efforts to reduce car dependency have led to exploration of alternative transportation options such as cableway systems in urban areas. However, limited information exists regarding the environmental impacts and biodiversity implications of such systems. This study conducted a comparative life cycle assessment between a proposed cableway system for the city of Trieste, Italy and its current car transportation mode. The analysis considered both daily operational profiles and passenger occupancy rates of the cableway system. Drawing from similar cableway systems worldwide, it was calculated that the proposed Trieste cableway would accommodate 2,007 daily passengers, on average. Results from the environmental assessment revealed that the cableway's operational phase had by far the greatest impact on all environmental categories, followed by its construction and by land clearance. Additionally, the use phase was found to be the major cause for most biodiversity loss, particularly towards terrestrial ecosystems. Comparisons of life cycle GHG emissions between the cableway and car transportation indicated that the cableway system would be a preferable option if the daily average passengers would reach at least 3,908, which is almost double than the expected ones. Furthermore, the cableway system exhibited larger environmental impacts across most categories compared to current car transportation. Thus, this study challenges the perception that the cableway system is a more sustainable option compared to conventional modes of transport, as additional factors need to be considered for a broader overview of the environmental performances.

A novel continuum damage evolution model based on the concept of damage driving force for unidirectional composites

A novel damage evolution model for unidirectional (UD) composites is established in this paper in the context of continuum damage mechanics (CDM). It addresses matrix cracking and it is to be applied along with the damage representation established previously. The concept of damage driving force is employed based on the Helmholtz free energy. It is shown that the damage driving force can be partitioned into three parts, resembling closely three conventional modes of fracture, respectively. A damage evolution law is derived accordingly based on the newly obtained expressions of the damage driving force. The fully rationalised Tsai-Wu criterion is employed in the model for predicting the initiation of matrix cracking damage and fibre failure, assisted with the rationalised maximum stress criterion for identifying the damage modes. A mechanism is introduced to describe the unloading behaviour as a part of the proposed model. The predictions were validated against experimental results, showing good agreement with the experiments and demonstrating the capability and effectiveness of the proposed model.

Bridging the resolution-sectioning gap in STED nanoscopy with coherent-hybrid depletion

Microscopes generally achieve better 2D imaging compared to 3D, and super-resolution microscopes often aggravate such axial-lateral resolution mismatch. A prime example is vortex phase-based stimulated emission depletion (STED) fluorescence microscopy, which only narrows the point-spread function laterally, thereby increasing the point-spread function (PSF) anisotropy. In this study, we developed a semi-analytical theory based on the Nijboer-Zernike expansion, developed a set of metrics and performed experiments to establish the merits of the alternative, bivortex phase-based, coherent-hybrid STED. We find that this mode reduces the axial-lateral resolution mismatch by providing access to PSF geometries that are strictly forbidden to the two conventional single-beam modes, emulating noisier multi-beam approaches. Both theory and experiment indicate that bivortex STED not only addresses the axial-lateral resolution gap but also delivers a higher signal-to-background ratio than the two more common STED modes that it bridges.

Innovative Bacterial Therapies and Genetic Engineering Approaches in Colorectal Cancer: A Review of Emerging Strategies and Clinical Implications.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered a widespread cancer, ranking second in mortality and incidence among cancer patients worldwide. CRC develops from adenoma to carcinoma through the dynamic interplay of genetic and environmental factors. The conventional modes of treatment, including operation, chemotherapy, and irradiation, are associated with significant challenges, such as drug resistance and toxicity, necessitating the exploration of new treatment modalities. These difficulties reveal the necessity of the emergence of new therapeutic approaches. This review mainly emphasizes the bacterial-based therapies that have recently developed like the engineered bacteriophage therapy and bacterial immunotherapy that pale the existing chemotherapy in terms of toxicity but are effective in killing tumor cells. Also, it also investigates various molecular genetic engineering strategies such as CRISPR-Cas9, CRISPR prime editing and gene silencing to achieve better targeting of CRC. Implementing these new approaches into the forefront of CRC treatment may bring better, more effective therapy with fewer side effects on patients' quality of life.

Tracheal gas insufflation for refractory hypercapnia

A 65 year male patient got admitted to ICU after alleged intake of ~ 250 ml of Chlorpyrifos (Organophosphate insecticides which cause cholinergic toxidrome) and cypermethrin (Synthetic pyrethroid) and presented with cholinergic toxidrome with severe hypercapnia (supercarbia). All conventional and advanced modes of ventilation failed to ventilate the patient because of severe bronchospasm and a prolonged expiratory time constant with high airway pressures and high auto-peep. As a last resort, we resorted to unconventional modes, as the patient could not afford ECMO. Tracheal gas insufflation was done using a coaxial flow of humidified oxygen at 8 lpm with a suction catheter and ventilator parameter were adjusted to match the added gas flows. Tracheal gas insufflation can be delivered by a thin catheter placed through the endotracheal tube (terminating within 1 to 2 cm of the main carina) or via a modified endotracheal tube with channels embedded in the walls of the tube. Tracheal gas insufflation flow can be forward (toward the alveoli) or reversed in direction toward the proximal end of the endotracheal tube. Keywords: TGI, Hypercapnia, organophosphate toxicity

Degradation behavior of yttria-stabilized zirconia in thermal barrier coatings under reducing environments after short-term heat treatment

The gradual transition of hydrogen as a fuel for land-based gas turbines has resulted in direct changes to the combustion environment. The inadequate combustion of hydrogen fuel can lead to a transition from an oxidizing environment to a partially reducing environment, and further introduces a new potential failure mode for existing thermal barrier coating materials. In this study, tests were conducted on thermal barrier coating samples at 1000 °C in Ar + 5 % O2 and Ar + 5 % H2 environments, in addition to samples subjected to heat-treatment in pure argon and air environments to provide a comparison against low oxygen partial pressure and conventional failure modes. The results demonstrated that the degree of sintering of the top coat decreased gradually with a decreasing oxygen partial pressure, and was significantly inhibited in a reducing environment. Faster cooling rates led to the expansion of vertical cracks in the top coat toward the interface, which was accompanied by the generation of numerous transverse cracks in the reducing environment. In contrast, the structure of the top coat remained intact in the other three environments. Furthermore, effective methods for improving the coating durability in reducing environments are discussed. This study therefore contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the failure behavior of thermal barrier coatings in reducing environments, providing new insights into enhancing the stability under such conditions.

Effect of texture and color enhancement imaging on the visibility of gastric tumors

Texture and color enhancement imaging (TXI) may improve the visibility of gastric tumors and allow their early detection. However, few reports have examined the utility of TXI. Between June 2021 and October 2022, 56 gastric tumors in 51 patients undergoing endoscopic submucosal dissection at Fukuchiyama City Hospital were evaluated preoperatively using conventional white light imaging (WLI), narrow-band imaging (NBI), and TXI modes 1 and 2. The color differences of the tumors and surrounding mucosae were evaluated using the CIE 1976 L*a*b color space, Additionally, the visibility scores were scaled. Of the 56 gastric tumors, 45 were early gastric cancers, and 11 were adenomas. Overall, the color difference in TXI mode 1 was considerably higher compared to WLI (16.36 ± 7.05 vs. 10.84 ± 4.05; p < 0.01). Moreover, the color difference in early gastric cancers was considerably higher in TXI mode 1 compared to WLI, whereas no significant difference was found in adenomas. The visibility score in TXI mode 1 was the highest, and it was significantly higher compared to WLI. Regarding adenomas, the visibility score in TXI mode 1 was also significantly higher compared to that in WLI. TXI may provide improved gastric tumor visibility.

Ambient Temperature Effects on Energy Consumption and CO2 Emissions of a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle

The ambient temperature affects the operation of different powertrain systems, including electric, hybrid electric, and internal combustion engines. This study investigated the effect of the ambient temperature on the energy consumption and CO2 emissions of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle running in different powertrain modes. The vehicle was driven for 4150 km following a selected route 199 times in different powertrain modes and in different ambient temperatures ranging from −24 °C to 32 °C. Instantaneous and cumulative fuel consumptions were measured using a fuel flow meter, and the battery energy usage was determined from the vehicle telematics during each test. The total energy consumption and total CO2 emissions were affected by the ambient temperature in all powertrain modes, including electric, hybrid electric (charge-depleting and charge-sustaining), and conventional internal combustion engine modes. The highest increase was associated with the charge-depleting hybrid electric mode, with 350% and 290% increases in energy consumption and CO2 emissions when the ambient temperature dropped from 29 °C to −24 °C. The conventional internal combustion engine mode was the least affected, with only 7% and 8% increased in energy consumption and CO2 emissions, respectively.

Imaging and Quantification of the Hepatic Vasculature of Mice Using Ultrafast Doppler Ultrasound.

Non-invasive in vivo imaging of the vasculature is a powerful tool for studying disease mechanisms in rodents. To achieve high sensitivity imaging of the microvasculature using Doppler ultrasound methods, imaging modalities employing the concept of ultrafast imaging are preferred. By increasing the frame rate of the ultrasound scanner to thousands of frames per second, it becomes possible to improve the sensitivity of the blood flow down to 2 mm/s and to obtain functional information about the microcirculation in comparison to a sensitivity of around 1 cm/s in conventional Doppler modes. While Ultrafast Doppler ultrasound (UFUS) imaging has become adopted in neuroscience, where it can capture brain activity through neurovascular coupling, it presents greater challenges when imaging the vasculature of abdominal organs due to larger motions linked to breathing. The liver, positioned anatomically under the diaphragm, is particularly susceptible to out-of-plane movement and oscillating respiratory motion. These artifacts not only adversely affect Doppler imaging but also complicate the anatomical analysis of vascular structures and the computation of vascular parameters. Here, we present a qualitative and quantitative imaging analysis of the hepatic vasculature in mice by UFUS. We identify major anatomical vascular structures and provide graphical illustrations of the hepatic macroscopical anatomy, comparing it to an in-depth anatomical assessment of the hepatic vasculature based on Doppler readouts. Additionally, we have developed a quantification protocol for robust measurements of hepatic blood volume of the microvasculature over time. To contemplate further research, qualitative vascular analysis provides a comprehensive overview and suggests a standardized terminology for researchers working with mouse models of liver disease. Furthermore, it offers the opportunity to apply ultrasound as a non-invasive complementary method to inspect hepatic vascular defects in vivo and measure functional microvascular alterations deep within the organ before unraveling blood vessel anomalies at the micron scale levels using ex vivo staining on tissue sections.

Factors Influencing Language Learning in Didactic Audiovisual Translation Within the TRADILEX Project

This paper reports a mixed-method study on the factors shaping language learning through didactic audiovisual translation. The aim is to analyse the determinants influencing the effective implementation of an integrative project, revealing the strengths and weaknesses of the learning process. Data from 172 students were gathered through initial and final questionnaires, which offered insights into their perceptions of didactic audiovisual translation. The results demonstrate a noticeable shift in learners’ attitudes towards audiovisual translation as a language learning tool during the tasks. This transformation led to the recognition of potential benefits, not only in conventional modes like subtitling and dubbing but also in less recognised modes such as audio-description and subtitling for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Evaluation of GC-MS for identification and characterization of pneumococcal serotype 24A, 24B, and 24F capsular polysaccharide

Analysis of pneumococcal polysaccharides (PnPs) has been an arduous task, especially in similar serotypes. Pneumococci invades the host immune response by modulating capsule structure with small genetic changes making them indistinguishable from similar serotypes by conventional modes of analysis. The new serotype 24F causing invasive pneumococcal-resistant infection is an analytical challenge for its analysis as related serotypes 24A and 24B Ps share a common backbone. The difference in the branched chain which contains arabinitol and ribitol in 24F and 24B respectively are stereoisomers making their identification even more challenging. The composition analysis by GC-MS revealed distinct peaks for arabinitol in 24F and 24A Ps and ribitol in Pn 24B serotype polysaccharide. The mass spectral analysis confirmed their identification along with a heterologous cross-reactivity which confirmed anti-Pn-24F mAb reactive to Pn 24B than Pn 24A. The quantitative analysis of pneumococcal 24A, 24B and 24F using GC-MS showed sensitive analysis over the concentration range 3.125–200 μg/mL with regression coefficient >0.99 making ideal modality for the characterization, identification, and quantitation of pneumococcal 24A, 24B and 24F similar serotypes.

Terminal-Matched Topological Photonic Substrate-Integrated Waveguides and Antennas for Microwave Systems.

In engineered photonic lattices, topological photonic (TP) modes present a promising avenue for designing waveguides with suppressed backscattering. However, the integration of the TP modes in electromagnetic systems has faced longstanding challenges. The primary obstacle is the insufficient development of high-efficiency coupling technologies between the TP modes and the conventional transmission modes. This dilemma leads to significant scattering at waveguide terminals when attempting to connect the TP waveguides with other waveguides. In this study, a topological photonic substrate-integrated waveguide (TPSIW) is proposed that can seamlessly integrate into traditional microstrip line systems. It successfully addresses the matching problem and demonstrates efficient coupling of both even and odd TP modes with the quasi-transverse electromagnetic modes of microstrip lines, resulting in minimal energy losses. In addition, topological leaky states are introduced through designed slots on the TPSIW top surface. These slots enable the creation of TP leaky-wave antennas with beam steering capabilities. A wireless link based on TPSIWs are further established that enables the transmission of distinct signals toward different directions. This work is an important step toward the integration of TP modes in microwave systems, unlocking the possibilities for the development of high-performance wireless devices.

Ventilator strategies in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

This review focuses on contemporary mechanical ventilator practices used in the initial management of neonates born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Both conventional and non-conventional ventilation modes in CDH are reviewed. Special emphasis is placed on the rationale for gentle ventilation and the current evidence-based clinical practice guidelines that are recommended for supporting these fragile infants. The interplay between CDH lung hypoplasia and other key cardiopulmonary elements of the disease, namely a reduced pulmonary vascular bed, abnormal pulmonary vascular remodeling, and left ventricular hypoplasia, are discussed. Finally, we provide insights into future avenues for mechanical ventilator research in CDH.

Humor as Hope?

This article examines the use of humor in contemporary environmental short films, centering on the alleviating power of humor and its capacity to challenge conventional modes of perception. It argues that humor constitutes an important narrative device in the stories of critical hope that scholars claim are necessary in moving beyond the debilitating registers of apocalyptic rhetoric and crisis discourse. By comparing two short films—the Indian satire Finding Beauty in Garbage, and the American mockumentary The Majestic Plastic Bag—the article examines the affordance of irony, parody, and satire to model alternative and hopeful ways of interacting with contemporary toxic landscapes. The article demonstrates that while genres and devices such as satire, irony, and parody all trouble anthropocentric paradigms of human mastery, they do so in different ways and with different implications. Whereas satire offers an effective vehicle for lamenting the proliferation of waste, the critical mood that defines the genre also restricts its capacity for generating meanings and sensibilities outside conventional environmental discourse. By contrast, parody and irony appear more suited to mobilize such changes, as their playful estrangements model innovative and self-reflexive ways of perceiving waste as a source of beauty, a site of agency, and an object of guilt.

Quality assessment of the wide-angle detection option planned at the high-intensity/extended Q-range SANS diffractometer KWS-2 combining experiments and McStas simulations.

For a reliable characterization of materials and systems featuring multiple structural levels, a broad length scale from a few ångström to hundreds of nanometres must be analyzed and an extended Q range must be covered in X-ray and neutron scattering experiments. For certain samples or effects, it is advantageous to perform such characterization with a single instrument. Neutrons offer the unique advantage of contrast variation and matching by D-labeling, which is of great value in the characterization of natural or synthetic polymers. Some time-of-flight small-angle neutron scattering (TOF-SANS) instruments at neutron spallation sources can cover an extended Q range by using a broad wavelength band and a multitude of detectors. The detectors are arranged to cover a wide range of scattering angles with a resolution that allows both large-scale morphology and crystalline structure to be resolved simultaneously. However, for such analyses, the SANS instruments at steady-state sources operating in conventional monochromatic pinhole mode rely on additional wide-angle neutron scattering (WANS) detectors. The resolution must be tuned via a system of choppers and a TOF data acquisition option to reliably measure the atomic to mesoscale structures. The KWS-2 SANS diffractometer at Jülich Centre for Neutron Science allows the exploration of a wide Q range using conventional pinhole and lens focusing modes and an adjustable resolution Δλ/λ between 2 and 20%. This is achieved through the use of a versatile mechanical velocity selector combined with a variable slit opening and rotation frequency chopper. The installation of WANS detectors planned on the instrument required a detailed analysis of the quality of the data measured over a wide angular range with variable resolution. This article presents an assessment of the WANS performance by comparison with a McStas [Willendrup, Farhi & Lefmann (2004). Physica B, 350, E735-E737] simulation of ideal experimental conditions at the instrument.

Perspectives on Eco-Translation in Diane Ackerman ("The Zookeeper’s Wife") and Kapka Kassabova ("Border: A Journey to the Edge of Europe")

The present article takes into account a current trend in the translation studies that reconsiders anthropocentric thinking about translation – as Michael Cronin, one of the leading theoreticians of this movement believes, communication systems have to be made effective against the threatening prospects of an imminent ecological crisis. Central to this expanded vision of translation is the idea that communication is not the exclusive “property” of humanity, but a natural means of interaction that characterizes the lives and being of all planetary forms of existence (including landscapes and geological sites). In other words, the Earth itself is held together by impulses of verbal and non-verbal communication, and human beings are just members of this infinitely extended, but effectively operating communicative space that Cronin refers to as “tradosphere”. While this is just the beginning of a challenging, exciting and meaningful re-routing of the conventional modes of thinking about translation, I aim to explore how this planetary consciousness can be employed as a critical instrument in reading narratives of suffering and survival. It is in such survival stories that human integrity is tested both psychologically and physically as physical menace strips human characters of their cultural identities and relocates them in the immense network of cross-species communication.

Electroosmotic strengthening of soft clay under different electrification modes

AbstractElectrification mode is one of the important factors affecting the energy consumption and drainage effect of the electroosmosis method. In this work, a series of laboratory tests were performed to explore the impact of continuous changes in the electric field on the migration of ions and electrons, as well as the migration of electroosmotic flow. The results show that different electrification modes had a significant impact on the current and water discharge. An electrode reversed from anode to cathode, from one circuit to another, is beneficial to drainage, while an electrode reversed from cathode to anode, from one circuit to another, is unfavorable to drainage. The drainage effect of the specific cyclic and progressive electroosmosis (CPE) is not as good as the conventional electroosmosis method. However, combining the two electrification modes can further enhance the shear strength of the soil near a designated electrode. The generation of transverse cracks in soil is mainly due to the drainage difference caused by the electroosmotic flow, which is caused by the adjacent electric field at that location. When the electroosmotic flow is strong, longitudinal cracks will occur in the soil along the strongest electroosmotic flow path. In practical in situ engineering applications, the electrification mode of CPE will be more energy‐efficient than conventional electrification modes with the same processing time.

Predicting NFC-based mobile payments usage intention with perceived usefulness as mediator: a dual-stage PLS-SEM and NCA analysis

PurposeThe increasing prevalence of mobile phones and the ease of cheaper Internet access have accelerated the growth of mobile-based payments in India. The study aims to identify must-have and should-have factors affecting consumers’ usage intention toward “Near-Field Communication (NFC)” based mobile payments.Design/methodology/approachThe research integrates diffusion innovation theory and the technology acceptance model. Employing a mixed-methods approach, combining partial least square structural equation modeling and Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA). Thus, the study draws from qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey of 218 respondents.FindingsThe study results indicate that the relative advantage of NFC-based mobile payments over conventional payment modes and security concerns directly affect the intention to use it. However, complexity, transaction speed and ease of use do not affect the intention to use. Moreover, perceived usefulness mediates the relationship between complexity, relative advantage and transaction speed with the intention to use NFC-based mobile payments. Less complexity and ease of use, despite being insignificant determinants as per PLS-SEM, must be focused on as the NCA results indicate its necessity for future market growth.Originality/valueThis research addresses a significant gap by focusing on Indian consumers' intention to use NFC-based mobile payments, an area largely unexplored despite the global and availability of such services. The study distinguishes itself by examining factors influencing adoption within the nascent stage of mobile-based NFC payments in India, where digital growth and technology uptake are gradually unfolding.

Tensile deformation of fine-grained Mg at 4K, 78K and 298K

The impact of grain size, ranging from 0.9 μm to 9 μm, on the mechanical properties of commercially pure Mg is investigated at temperatures of 4K, 78K, and 298K. The mechanisms governing plastic flow are influenced by both grain size and temperature. At 4K and 78K, dominant deformation modes in Mg involve dislocation glide and extension twinning, regardless of grain size. The interactions between basal and non-basal dislocations and dislocations with grain boundaries promote an unusually high rate of work hardening in the plastic regime, leading to premature failure. The yield stress follows the Hall-Petch relationship σy∼k/d, with the slope k increasing with decreasing temperature. At 298K, in addition to dislocation glide and twinning, grain boundary sliding (GBS) becomes significant in samples with grain sizes below 3 μm, considerably enhancing the material’s deformability. GBS activation provides an additional recovery mechanism for dislocations accumulating at grain boundaries, facilitating their absorption during sliding and rotation. Analysis of σΘ relationship suggests that the basal slip is the dominant dislocation mode in Mg at 298K. Decreasing grain size suppresses dislocation activity and twinning and increases GBS, resulting in lower Θ and σΘ values. Suppressing conventional deformation modes coupled with enhanced GBS yields stress softening, breaking down the Hall-Petch relationship in Mg below 3 μm grain size, leading to an inverse Hall-Petch behaviour. The work reports new data on the strength, ductility, work hardening and fracture behaviour, and their variations with Mg grain size across different temperature regimes.