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PURPOSE: To assess the effect of residual sphere on vision and satisfaction in pseudophakic patients. SETTING: Private clinics, United Kingdom. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: A multivariate model evaluated the effect of 1-month residual sphere on outcomes of pseudophakic patients. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to assess the relative risk of not achieving ≥20/20 monocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), ≥20/50 uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), and not being satisfied with vision. ORs were assessed for residual sphere -1.00 to +1.00 diopter (D) in quarter-diopter steps, using 0.00 D as a reference. RESULTS: The analysis included 38 828 multifocal and 11 571 monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). The residual myopic sphere ≤-0.25 D and hyperopic sphere ≥+0.50 D had a clinically meaningful effect on UDVA. Although monofocal IOLs had an improvement in UNVA with every additional 0.25 D of myopia, the change in ORs with increasing myopia was not significant for multifocal IOLs. The mean improvement in UNVA comparing eyes with 0.00 D and -1.00 D sphere was 0.26 logMAR for monofocal and 0.03 logMAR for multifocal IOLs. Low near-addition IOLs had a slightly higher gain in UNVA with increasing myopia, but the gain was not as substantial as with monofocal IOLs. The effect of ametropia on satisfaction was more pronounced for multifocal IOLs. For every 0.25 D of residual myopia, there was >25% increase in dissatisfied patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although myopia improved UNVA in eyes with monofocal IOL, multifocal IOLs did not benefit from residual myopia. Multifocal IOL patients desiring distance vision should be targeted closest to emmetropia, even if it means targeting slight hyperopia.

PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy of intraoperative wavefront aberrometry (IWA) versus modern intraocular lens formulas in post-myopic laser vision correction (LVC) patients undergoing cataract surgery with capsular tension ring placement. METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review conducted at an academic outpatient center. All post-myopic LVC eyes undergoing cataract surgery with IWA from a single surgeon from 05/2017 to 12/2019 were included. All patients received a capsular tension ring (CTR). Mean numerical error (MNE), median numerical error (MedNE), and percentages of prediction error within 0.50D, 0.75D, and 1.00D were calculated for the above formulas. RESULTS: Twenty-seven post-myopic LVC eyes from 18 patients were included. In post-myopic LVC, MNE with Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA), Barrett True K (BTK), Haigis, Haigis-L, Shammas, SRK/T, Hill-RBF v3.0, and W-K AL-adjusted Holladay 1 were + 0.224, - 0.094, + 0.193, - 0.231, - 0.372, + 1.013, + 0.860, and + 0.630 (F = 8.49, p

A 78-year-old woman with an ocular history of cataract surgery with a diffractive intraocular lens (IOL) in each eye has developed fluctuating vision, greater in the right eye than the left eye, after 4 years. She has a history of inactive central serous retinopathy and a vision potential of 20/25 + 2 in the right eye and 20/25 in the left eye. She has well-controlled diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. She has enjoyed her spectacle independence for some time and wishes to have her vision restored. On examination, her uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was 20/50 in the right eye and 20/25 in the left eye and her uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) was J3 in the right eye and J1 in the left eye. Intraocular pressures (IOPs) measured 22 mm Hg in the right eye and 18 mm Hg in the left eye. Pupils had limited reactivity with irregularity in the right eye but no obvious relative afferent pupillary defect. Motility and confrontation visual fields were unremarkable in both eyes. Retinal acuity meter was 20/20 in both eyes, and manifest refraction was plano -1.25 × 105 20/40, J3 in the right eye and +0.50 × 20/25, J1 in the left eye. Pertinent findings on slitlamp examination included temporal iris atrophy and transillumination defects greater in the right eye than the left eye, peripupillary pseudoexfoliative changes in both eyes, significant inferior subluxation of a diffractive 3-piece posterior chamber IOL in the capsular bag with lens-pitting peripherally and few central, moderate pseudophacodonesis, and an open posterior capsule in the right eye. In the left eye, she had mild inferior subluxation of a single-piece acrylic diffractive IOL in the capsular bag with moderate pseudophacodonesis and an open posterior capsule (Figure 1JOURNAL/jcrs/04.03/02158034-202403000-00019/figure1/v/2024-02-20T193212Z/r/image-tiff). All other anterior segment findings were unremarkable. On dilated posterior examination, she had a cup-to-disc ratio of 0.50 in the right eye and 0.65 in the left eye without edema hemorrhage or pallor. There were attenuated vessels in both eyes, posterior vitreous detachment in both eyes, and a few small drusen peripherally in both eyes. There was retinal pigment epithelium irregularity and dropout parafoveal in the right eye and subfoveal in the left eye (Figure 2). There was no evidence of macular edema, subretinal fluid, choroidal thickening, or neovascular membranes. The periphery was unremarkable in both eyes.JOURNAL/jcrs/04.03/02158034-202403000-00019/figure2/v/2024-02-20T193212Z/r/image-tiff What testing would you obtain preoperatively to help guide your decision-making? How would you counsel the patient regarding comorbid conditions and expectations?

We demonstrate the generation of highly directive circularly polarized beams by proposing a meta-lens to calibrate the near fields over the holographic surface. Such a design possesses the merits of ultra-low profile as a lens system on the basis of phase compensation of a specific radiating aperture rather than the conventional consideration of the lens focus, and the ratio between the overall height of the antenna architecture and diameter of radiating aperture is only 0.09. Especially, the proposed meta-lens integrated holographic surface also offers a satisfactory solution to improve the overall efficiency of holographic antennas, and the experimental results verify the proposed design with 27.6 dBic measured gain and 40.4 % aperture efficiency at 15 GHz. We expect the proposed strategy of integrating phase compensation lens closely over the holographic surface, pave the way for highly efficient meta-radiators with ultra-low profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of planar meta‐lenses on flexible materials has profoundly impacted the long‐standing perception of diffractive optics. Despite their advantages, these lenses still face challenges in design and fabrication to obtain high focusing efficiency and resolving power. A nanofabrication technique is demonstrated based on photolithography and polyimide casting for realizing membrane‐based multilevel phase‐type Fresnel zone plates (FZPs) with high focusing efficiency. By employing advantageous techniques, these lenses with nanostructures are directly patterned into thin polyimide membranes. The computational and experimental results have indicated that the focusing efficiency of these nanostructures at the primary focus increases significantly with increasing the number of phase levels. Specifically, 16‐level phase lenses on a polyimide membrane can achieve a focusing efficiency of more than 91.6% of the input signal (9.5 times better than that of a conventional amplitude‐type FZP) and focus light into a diffraction‐limited spot together with very weak side‐lobes. Furthermore, these lenses exhibit considerably reduced unwanted diffraction orders and produce extremely low background signals. The potential impact of these lenses extends across various applications and techniques including microscopy, imaging, micro‐diffraction, remote sensing, and space flight instruments which require lightweight and flexible configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The progression of myopia can lead to vision impairment and increase the risk of sight-threatening complications. Various treatment methods have been described to control the progression of myopia, including the use of specialized spectacle lenses. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of prismatic bifocal spectacle lenses in controlling the progression of myopia in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two eyes of 26 patients who used prismatic bifocal spectacle lenses were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who showed an increase in myopia greater than 0.50 D during the last year of follow-up with single-vision spectacle lenses and whose eyes had a cycloplegic objective refraction measurement of =-2.00 D were included in the study. Demographic data of the patients such as age and gender were recorded. The increase in objective spherical equivalent and axial length after one year of using single-vision spectacle lenses were compared with the increase observed after one year of using prismatic bifocal spectacle lenses. The effects of potential variables such as age, sex, baseline myopia degree, and increase in axial length on myopia treatment were investigated. Results: The mean age of the patients was 11.65 ± 2.70 years. Sixteen patients were male, and 10 patients were female. The increase in mean spherical equivalent after using singlevision spectacle lenses was 1.25 ± 0.76 D, whereas it was 0.24 ± 0.14 D after using prismatic bifocal spectacle lenses and this difference was statistically significant. The increase in mean axial length with single-vision spectacle lenses was 0.66 ± 0.31 mm, whereas with bifocal spectacle lenses it was 0.014 ± 0.015 mm. The difference was also statistically significant. Prismatic bifocal spectacle lenses were found to be more effective in myopia treatment in eyes with high baseline myopia and a higher increase in axial length. Conclusion: Prismatic bifocal spectacle lenses have been found to be an effective in myopia control, particularly in children with rapid myopia progression. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed to fully assess the long-term effects of this treatment method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We formally introduce IsaVODEs (Isabelle verification with Ordinary Differential Equations), an open, compositional and extensible framework for the verification of cyber-physical systems. We extend a previous semantic approach with methods and techniques that increase its expressivity, proof automation, and scalability to the level of state-of-the-art deductive verification tools. Our contributions include a user-friendly specification language, a flexible hybrid store model, including vectors and matrices, and separation-logic-style rules for local reasoning with hybrid stores using a novel form of differentiation called framed Fréchet derivatives. The formalisation of correctness specifications with forward predicate transformers, the certification of flows as unique solutions to systems of ordinary differential equations, and invariant reasoning for such systems also contribute to the scalability and usability of our framework. In combination, these features make our framework flexible and adaptable to several verification workflows. A suite of examples and hybrid systems verification benchmarks validate our framework relative to other state-of-the-art approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the study. To analyze the change in the thickness of the sub­lens water layer depending on the time of wearing lenses in patients using scleral lenses using the SkyOptix Laboratory lenses as an example.Patients and methods. To determine the thickness of the sublens water layer in the vertical and horizontal meridians, a study was performed in 33 people in 46 eyes. Among the patients there were 25 men and 8 women, from 18 to 59 years old (mean 37.3 ± 9.5 years). The main indication for the use of scleral lenses was the ineffectiveness of other methods of vision correction.Results. The mean sublens water layer thickness reduction in the total group of examined patients using scleral lenses was 9.3 % or 37.73 μm after 1 hour of wear and 20.8 % or 84.48 μm after 4 hours of wear compared to initial values.Conclusions. The largest and clinically significant changes in the thickness of the sublens water layer occur during the first hour of lens wear, which, according to our study, is approximately 40 microns. Considering the temporal dynamics of changes in the thickness of the sublens water layer, the final calculation of the parameters must be made no earlier than after 1 hour of wearing the scleral lens. The thickness of the sublens water layer should be assessed in relation to the time spent in the scleral lens. According to our survey, over the entire period of observation in all patients using scleral lenses, there is a decrease in the thickness of the sublens water layer over time of wearing, which requires further additional research to determine identifying the exact causes and factors underlying this process.

Objective: This scoping review aimed to identify and describe the available evidence on the effect of magnifying devices (loupe or microscope) on the performance of restorative dental preparations. Materials and methods: This study was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews and registered on the INPLASY database. An electronic search was performed in four databases and Grey literature for articles published until November 2023. Eligibility criteria were determined using the PICOS strategy and comprised studies that evaluated the performance of magnification devices for restorative dental preparations. A bibliographic mapping of the evidence was conducted. Results: Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies (n = 12) compared the performance of dental preparations using magnification loupes vs. no magnification. The magnification for loupes and microscopes ranged from 2.5x to 4.0x and 6.4x to 10x, respectively. The use of magnifying loupes improved the performance of restorative preparations in 66.6% of the evaluated studies. However, when the magnifications were compared, the greater magnification provided by microscopes did not improve preparation performance compared to magnification loupes. Regarding the place of publication, the American continent concentrates the most significant number of evidence. Conclusions: Although evidence for magnification improving the performance of dental preparations has increased over the last decade, basically only in vitro studies (most of which have taken place in the Americas) have been reported in the literature. The evidence suggests that magnification significantly improves restorative preparation performance when compared to non-magnification. However, higher magnifications (e.g., microscopes) do not appear to improve tooth preparation performance compared with lower magnification devices (e.g., magnification loupes). Clinical relevance: Available evidence supports that using magnification can improve the performance of restored tooth preparations. However, high magnifications have no advantages over lower magnifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gradient‐index (GRIN) lenses have long been recognized for their importance in optics as a result of their ability to manipulate light. However, traditional GRIN lenses are limited on a scale of tens of microns, impeding their integration into nanoscale optical devices. This study presents a groundbreaking self‐assembled method that overcomes this limitation, allowing for constructing GRIN lenses at an extremely small dimension. The self‐assembly process offers several advantages, including creating highly precise, scalable, cost‐effective, and complex structures that eliminate the need for intricate and time‐consuming manual assembly. By engineering densely packed arrays of metallic nanoparticles, exceptional control over the local refractive index has been achieved. This is accomplished by layer‐by‐layer assembly of gold nanoparticles of different sizes over silica beads. A GRIN lens light‐sink is built where light is preferentially directed toward the center, which is corroborated by measuring the fluorescence of Rhodamine B (RhB) in the inside. Unlike traditional bulky macroscopic GRIN lenses, light‐sinks boast a size under 2.5 µm. Notably, the self‐focusing effects of this design allowed us to track the growth of single‐nanoparticle layers using SERS (Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy). These results pave the way for designing and developing lens‐like devices at the nanoscale, allowing unprecedented light manipulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper argues that learning analytics as a research field can benefit from a theory‐informed shared language to describe sensemaking of learning and teaching data. To make the case for such shared language, first, I critically review prominent sensemaking theories to then demonstrate how studies in learning analytics do not use coherent descriptions of sensemaking, eclectically combining the paradigms that have underlying differences. I then propose a conceptualization of sensemaking that overcomes the differences between these theories and explains how the concepts of activity system, the definition of the situation and affordances can be used to capture individual differences in sensemaking. The paper concludes with a preliminary framework and examples demonstrating its utility in raising new theoretical questions, informing design principles and providing shared language for researchers in learning analytics.Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topicSensemaking happens when individuals try to explain unknown situations.Learning analytics uses sensemaking as a lens to understand dashboard use.Systematic analysis of sensemaking is essential for learning analytics.What this paper addsThe paper notes that noticing and perceiving are commonly examined in learning analytics on dashboard use.The paper suggests a revision of fundamental assumptions in sensemaking.A paper proposes a toy model of sensemaking that includes operationalization of the definition of the situation, activity where sensemaking happens and processes of noticing and perceiving affordances.Implications for practice and/or policyLearning analytics must examine sensemaking of data about teaching and learning in a systematic manner.Internal perceptions of the social environment and activity that are informed by the data need to be considered in evaluating dashboard use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of an Nd:YAG multistage optical amplifier of a laser beam, the spatial parameters of which were corrected by thermal lenses formed in the active elements of each amplifier stage, were studied. Nd:YAG crystals transverse-pumped by laser diode units were used as the amplifier active elements. Removal of lens-compensators was shown to reduce the total optical losses of the amplifier and enhance its compactness. The optical losses of an optical amplifier with five amplification stages and correction of the amplified beam characteristics by thermally induced lenses of active elements were 16%; its linear dimensions, 13% less than similar indicators for a five-stage amplification system with four two-lens compensators between amplification stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The propagation phase and the Pancharatnam–Berry phase are two primary strategies to control surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) wave, however, hampered by the spatial conjugation and the spin conjugation, respectively. Combining these two approaches together, the conjugations are broken and a compound spin Hall plasmonic lens (SHPL) is proposed and demonstrated numerically and experimentally in the visible frequency range. The proposed strategy can be utilized to realize both transversal and longitudinal deviations of SPP focus. The positions of the SPP focus can be dynamically modulated by switching the spin states of excitation light and adjusting the phase gradient encoded onto the lens. Promising applications of the proposed SHPL include on-chip communication and polarization detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual reality (VR) can enhance a tourist's travel experience and the effectiveness of destination marketing. Drawing on cognitive appraisal theory, this study developed a theoretical framework that examined VR tourism interaction, immersion, sense of presence in relation to pleasure and arousal, and the effect of these emotional responses on behavioral intention. Our results showed that VR interactivity, immersion, and sense of presence influence users' emotional responses, however, the interactive experience has no positive effect on arousal, and arousal has no positive effect on behavioral intention. Our study contributes to the development of cognitive appraisal theory and suggests valuable practical recommendations for tourism marketing managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines the outcomes from three rounds of action learning sets with a charity that supports vulnerable adults and those with learning disabilities in supported living and residential care. The action learning sets focused on safeguarding cases and how they had been managed by 11 leaders at various levels of the charity (the team). The findings demonstrate that using a reflective process and the 'fishbowl' model of action learning sets in this context is effective in evaluating the actions taken by the team in the safeguarding case, but also the awareness of the perspectives – or lenses – the team had used when reflecting on the roles of the various stakeholders included. We outline the development and application of the Multiple Lens View Model (Table 1) which was designed during the research and which helps to analyse the perspectives the participants were taking when focusing on the issues in each case. We conclude with an exploration of how this charity can more critically engage in debate around assumptions made in safeguarding incidents. We discuss how The Multiple Lens View Model can be developed further as a conceptual framework for this charity and for critical action learning in other institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The numerical aperture of the spectrometer is crucial for weak signal detection. The transmission lens-based configuration has more optimization variations, and the grating can work approximately in the Littrow condition; thus, it is easier to acquire high numerical aperture (NA). However, designing a large aperture focusing lens remains challenging, and thus, ultra-high NA spectrometers are still difficult to acquire. In this paper, we propose a method of setting image plane tilt ahead directly when designing the large aperture focusing lens to simplify the high NA spectrometer design. By analyzing the accurate demands of the focusing lens, it can be concluded that a focusing lens with image plane tilt has much weaker demand for achromatism, and other monochromatic aberration can also be reduced, which is helpful to increase the NA. An NA0.5 fiber optic spectrometer design is given to demonstrate the proposed method. The design results show that the NA can achieve 0.5 using four lenses of two materials, and the MTF is higher than 0.5 when the spectral dispersion length is 12.5 mm and the pixel size is 25 μm, and thus, the spectral resolution can achieve 6.5 nm when the spectral sampling ratio is 2:1. The proposed method can provide reference for applications when appropriate materials are limited and high sensitivity is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work presented in the paper describes a mechatronic test stand and technique employed to determine the accuracy of a system developed by the authors to assist optometrists in measuring parameters used in the customization of progressive lenses, as well as regular lenses. The system aims to offer information about interpupillary distance, pantoscopic angle, and vertex distance, as well as measurements useful in correctly mounting the lenses in the frames. This is conducted by attaching a marker support system to the user's frame and determining the user's dimensions by using image acquisition techniques performed via a custom application built for this purpose. In this paper, a test mannequin is used to determine the accuracy of the system, with measurements being compared to those obtained by using classic methods. This method is used to determine the accuracy of the measurements in a controlled environment. Following the good results obtained in this paper and pending some improvements to the application, clinical tests will be performed on a small scale in selected optometrist offices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocular diseases can cause vision problems or even blindness if they are not detected early. Some ocular diseases generate irregular physical changes in the eye; therefore, reliable diagnostic technology for continuous monitoring of the eye is an unmet clinical need. In this study, a pulsed laser (Nd:YAG) was used to create optical nanostructures on a hydrogel-based commercial contact lens. Simulations were used to determine the spacing of the nanostructures, which were then produced and tested on the lens in ambient humidity and fully hydrated environments. The nanostructures produced a 4° diffraction angle difference in response to the environmental changes. Vision obstruction was considered while designing the nanostructure features on the lens. The curved nanostructures exhibited a series of visible rainbow colors with an average range of 8° under normal room light. A spherical surface was also used to simulate the human eye, and application of a force (curvature change) caused the nanostructure spacing to change, influencing the visible color of the contact lenses. A smartphone camera application was used to measure the progress of ocular diseases by analyzing the RGB color values of the visible color. The nanostructures were also responsive to K+ ion variations in artificial tear fluids, with a 12 mmol L−1 sensitivity, which may allow the detection of ocular ionic strength changes. A pulsed laser created optical nanostructures (holograms) on hydrogel-based soft contact lenses. The nanostructures produced varying diffraction patterns in response to the environmental changes. Vision obstruction was considered while designing the nanostructure features on the lens surface. A change in curvature of the contact lens caused the nanostructure spacing to change, influencing the visible color of the hologram. A smartphone camera application was used to monitor the diffraction colors by analyzing the RGB color values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have realized a graded flat lens with negative effective index operating at telecom wavelength for Silicon Photonics. We report on its design, fabrication, and experimental characterization. This photonic device behaves as a convergent lens; it has been designed so as to be fabricated on a Silicon on Insulator platform and to operate at 1.55 μm. It consists of a graded photonic crystal whose filling factor has been varied so as to fit the profile of index of the graded index lens. Since it operates in the second band of Photonic Crystals, the effective index is negative. It has been characterized in two steps: (i) first, the output beam has been scanned by a set of waveguides and a CCD camera. (ii) Second, the focusing has been investigated by Scanning Near-field Optical Microscopy. This characterization validates the design: the focal length is about 5 μm (≃ 3λ), while the width of the focal spot is 0.87 μm (0.53 λ). This compact photonic device is at the wavelength scale (thickness = 4.4λ). Our design, based on Graded Index Optics, may be adapted to design new devices perfectly suited for Photonics applications, such as a short taper or a mode converter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permanent engravings on contact lenses provide information about the manufacturing process and lens positioning when they are placed on the eye. The inspection of their morphological characteristics is important, since they can affect the user's comfort and deposit adhesion. Therefore, an inverted wavefront holoscope (a lensless microscope based on Gabor's principle of in-line digital holography) is explored for the characterization of the permanent marks of soft contact lenses. The device, based on an in-line transmission configuration, uses a partially coherent laser source to illuminate the soft contact lens placed in a cuvette filled with a saline solution for lens preservation. Holograms were recorded on a digital sensor and reconstructed by back propagation to the image plane based on the angular spectrum method. In addition, a phase-retrieval algorithm was used to enhance the quality of the recovered images. The instrument was experimentally validated through a calibration process in terms of spatial resolution and thickness estimation, showing values that perfectly agree with those that were theoretically expected. Finally, phase maps of different engravings for three commercial soft contact lenses were successfully reconstructed, validating the inverted wavefront holoscope as a potential instrument for the characterization of the permanent marks of soft contact lenses. To improve the final image quality of reconstructions, the geometry of lenses should be considered to avoid induced aberration effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the author describes two novel design futuring pedagogical tools that were included in the review of a foundational undergraduate Design Computing unit. Using two cycles of Participatory Action Research the article shows how these two simple visual tools--five square futuring and design timescapes--helped to introduce students to the principles of visual communication via a futuring lens, familarise the cohort with creative time-based visual argumentation, and demonstrate the practical application of futures thinking to design practice. The article uses exceptional student works to illustrate their application in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Absolute instrument refers to a media that can make light rays to propagate in a closed orbit and perform imaging and self-imaging. In the past few decades, traditional investigations into absolute instrument have been centered on the two-dimensional plane and rotational symmetry situations, and have paid less attention to three-dimensional counterparts. In this article, we design two types of three-dimensional non-spherically symmetric absolute instruments based on conformal inverse transformation, which originated from the three-dimensional Luneburg lens and Lissajous lens. We carry out ray tracing on the optical performance of these new lenses and analyze the imaging laws. Our work enlarges the family of absolute instruments from two dimensions to three dimensions and symmetry to asymmetry, which may allow for imaging applications in optical waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the challenge of defining and evaluating good design, considering the different ways of thinking about what constitutes good Islamic Design in different populations and market segments. The lack of a standard definition raises important issues, such as limiting evaluation tools without a shared understanding. To address this issue, this paper examines the characteristics of good design and the evaluation criteria used by design competition platforms worldwide. The research is based on a qualitative methodology; keyword coding and linking analysis the evaluation criteria of seven prominent design competition platforms. By creating a common understanding of these attributes inspired by the divine attributes of Asma-ul-Husna, this paper will improve communication between designers and critics, allowing them to explore innovative design ideas more freely and confidently. It is intended for perceptions of good design to evolve and be influenced by changing aesthetics, as well as user needs brought about by technological advances. This study reveals a cyclical pattern in which design preferences emerge periodically, as seen in movements such as postmodernism. Therefore, the attributes of good design must be timeless and universal to ensure lasting relevance. This paper proposes an evaluation criterion that considers existing global standards and identifies seven timeless themes universally applicable to evaluating good design. This result highlights the need for further research, including expert opinion, to refine the proposed criteria. Creating a common basis for interpreting the hallmarks of good design from the perspective of the divine attributes of The Creator benefits designers and critics. It contributes to the enduring importance of good design in an evolving design environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photothermolysis is the process that converts radiation energy into thermal energy, which results in the destruction of surrounding tissues or cells through thermal diffusion. Laser therapy that is based on photothermolysis has been a widely used treatment for various skin diseases such as skin cancers and port-wine stains. It offers several benefits such as non-invasiveness and selective treatment. However, the use of light, e.g., laser, for safe and effective photothermolysis becomes challenging due to the limited penetration of light into skin tissue as well as the presence of melanin, which absorbs this light. To solve the current issues, we propose an optical microneedle–lens array (OMLA) coated with gold in this work to directly deliver light to targeted skin layers without being absorbed by surrounding tissues as well as melanin, which results in the improvement of the efficiency of photothermal therapy. We developed a novel fabrication method, frame-guided micromolding, to prepare the OMLA by assembling two negative molds with simultaneous alignment. In addition, evaluations of the optical and heat transfer characteristics of the OMLA were performed. We expect our developed OMLA to play a crucial role in realizing more effective laser therapy by allowing the precise delivery of photons to the target area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the intricate interplay between ecological and evolutionary processes through the lens of the prisoners dilemma game. But while previous studies on cooperation amongst selfish individuals often assume instantaneous interactions, we take into consideration delays to investigate how these might affect the causes underlying prosocial behavior. Through analytical calculations and numerical simulations, we demonstrate that delays can lead to oscillations, and by incorporating also the ecological variable of altruistic free space and the evolutionary strategy of punishment, we explore how these factors impact population and community dynamics. Depending on the parameter values and the initial fraction of each strategy, the studied eco-evolutionary model can mimic a cyclic dominance system and even exhibit chaotic behavior, thereby highlighting the importance of complex dynamics for the effective management and conservation of ecological communities. Our research thus contributes to the broader understanding of group decision-making and the emergence of moral behavior in multidimensional social systems.

An 8-year-old female pre-metamorphic axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) was examined for a suspected anterior lens luxation. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed two lens-like structures in the anterior chamber of the right eye (OD), each with cataractous change. Ultrasound biomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed without sedation, and revealed small lenticular structures each with distinct nuclei and cortices. Although a distinct connection of the two lenticular structures could not be definitively ruled out, the structures appeared separate. Each of the lenticular structures was closely associated with its respective iris leaflet. This report demonstrates application of advanced imaging for diagnostic use in axolotl ophthalmology, showing that imaging of the lens can be performed without sedation, topical anesthetic, nor contact gel with high diagnostic quality. Although two distinct lenses were diagnosed with no historical evidence of trauma, the small sizes of each lenticular structure, with no detectable connection between them, are suggestive of a possible regenerative abnormality. This report opens discussion for the regenerative capabilities of the pre-metamorphic adult axolotl and possible implementations of their use in regenerative medicine research for the development of future therapies.

Abstract The authors presents a low‐profile wideband circularly polarised (CP) millimetre‐wave (mmWave) elliptical integrated lens antenna (ILA) fabricated by dielectric 3D printing technology. The proposed lens is integrated with a dielectric polariser and an air cavity for phase compensation, which can transfer incident waves from linearly polarised (LP) to planar CP waves over a wide bandwidth. Compared to the classic bifocal ILA, the proposed lens has a low profile. The phase compensation is performed by introducing a specifically shaped air cavity, which greatly reduces the length and weight of the lens. The polariser causes the two electric field components Ex and Ey to degenerate with an orthogonal phase difference, which results in the wideband characteristics of the antenna. The polariser, air cavity and lens can be conveniently and precisely fabricated by low‐cost 3D printing technology. Measurements show that the proposed ILA has a wide axial ratio (AR) bandwidth of 21.9–32.6 GHz, while the gain reaches 22.54 dBic with a 38% size reduction and a 60.7% weight reduction. Benefiting from the low profile, high gain, wide bandwidth and low cost, the proposed ILA has great potential to be the candidate antenna for 5G applications and satellite communications.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has been a long-standing leader in driving advances in science and technology through advanced computing. However, DOE laboratories are currently facing urgent workforce challenges, particularly in terms of underrepresentation from key communities, including people of color, women, persons with disabilities, and first-generation scholars. This paper introduces the work carried out as part of the Exascale Computing Project (ECP) Broadening Participation Initiative, which aims to address workforce challenges through a lens that considers the distinct needs and culture of high-performance computing (HPC). The work focuses on three main efforts: hosting Intro to HPC Bootcamps, expanding the Sustainable Research Pathways (SRP) internship and workforce development program, and establishing an HPC Workforce Development and Retention Action Group. The paper also highlights various workforce efforts throughout the computational science community and explores opportunities for future work aimed at broadening participation in HPC.

The arrival of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), Euclid-Wide and Roman wide-area sensitive surveys will herald a new era in strong lens science in which the number of strong lenses known is expected to rise from |$\mathcal {O}(10^3)$| to |$\mathcal {O}(10^5)$|⁠. However, current lens-finding methods still require time-consuming follow-up visual inspection by strong lens experts to remove false positives which is only set to increase with these surveys. In this work, we demonstrate a range of methods to produce calibrated probabilities to help determine the veracity of any given lens candidate. To do this we use the classifications from citizen science and multiple neural networks for galaxies selected from the Hyper Suprime-Cam survey. Our methodology is not restricted to particular classifier types and could be applied to any strong lens classifier which produces quantitative scores. Using these calibrated probabilities, we generate an ensemble classifier, combining citizen science, and neural network lens finders. We find such an ensemble can provide improved classification over the individual classifiers. We find a false-positive rate of 10−3 can be achieved with a completeness of 46 per cent, compared to 34 per cent for the best individual classifier. Given the large number of galaxy–galaxy strong lenses anticipated in LSST, such improvement would still produce significant numbers of false positives, in which case using calibrated probabilities will be essential for population analysis of large populations of lenses and to help prioritize candidates for follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reduce the cost of milling ultra-precision microlens arrays and improve its efficiency, a fast tool servo-assisted microlens milling method is proposed which combines a fast tool servo (FTS) and a traditional three-axis displacement platform. The FTS-assisted microlens arrays milling path generation algorithm is established and the milling surface simulation model based on milling kinematics and grid discretization principle is constructed. A high precision FTS system is developed based on which a FTS-assisted microlens arrays milling platform is built. For verifying the effectiveness of this new method, a series of experiments are carried out. The minimum surface roughness and surface PV error of the machined micro-lenses are 0.046 µm and 0.673 µm, respectively. The results of tests with various cutting parameters illustrate that feed rate is the main cutting parameter to affect the milling quality of micro-lens array. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a semi‐passive smart contact lens platform for sensor and actuator applications. It focuses on design improvements made prior to human clinical trials involving basic considerations on comfort and safety, which are verified through animal studies. Observations of tissue temperature variation and post‐trial surgery examinations confirm that the 50 μW on‐lens wireless power delivery reduces the impact on tissue of previously reported SCL. Migration of wirelessly powered radio frequency identification (RFID)‐based passive SCL to semi‐passive systems is enabled with the proposed on‐lens power storage element. Furthermore, a switched capacitor converter extends the active time of the storage element and reduces electromagnetic influence. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global energy landscape faces significant challenges in meeting the demands of modern industries for stable and efficient energy supply. Laser wireless power transmission (LWPT) systems, which utilize the photovoltaic effect to convert laser beam energy, hold great promise due to their long-range transmission capability and high precision. However, the current energy conversion efficiency of these systems requires further improvement to achieve optimal performance. To enhance concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) system performance, the study examines different nonimaging concentrators such as reverse truncated pyramid, cross-compound parabolic concentrator, and square elliptical hyperboloid. Numerical simulations using the finite element method analyze the multifield coupling mechanism of PV modules with various concentration lenses. Three CPV systems with RTP concentrators of different heights were studied to understand the impact of geometry on CPV performance. And the main impact of rotation angle was discussed. The research findings provide essential insights into CPV system performance and the influence of different concentration lenses, contributing valuable knowledge towards improving LWPT technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A crucial requirement of augmented reality head‐up displays (AR‐HUDs) is continuously adjustable virtual image distance (VID), which allows adaptation to various depths in road environments and thereby avoids visual fatigue. However, usual varifocal components for near‐eye displays are unavailable because AR‐HUDs require the varifocal component's aperture to be larger than 10 cm. This study considers the Alvarez lenses, which change the optical power by in‐plane sliding two freeform lenses. Under the paraxial assumption, classic Alvarez lenses can create a quadratic wavefront profile, but the large aperture and extensive diopter variation range required by AR‐HUDs lead to significant aberrations. Thus, the classic paraxial Alvarez lens design is extended by co‐optimizing Alvarez lenses with high‐order surface profiles and a primary freeform mirror. Therefore, a novel varifocal AR‐HUD containing Alvarez lenses with apertures larger than 15 cm is proposed. The AR‐HUD generates a varifocal plane whose VID can be continuously adjusted between 2.5 and 7.5 m, and another focal plane with a fixed VID at 7.5 m. In addition, merely one display panel is used for compactness. Finally, an AR‐HUD prototype with a reduced volume of 9.8 L was built. The expected varifocal performance and qualified imaging quality were experimentally verified through the field of view, VID, and image sharpness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prime‐focus catadioptric astrographs have been used for a long time in various astronomical applications. The prime advantage offered by them is the capability to produce remarkably wide fields of view, and hence generate a huge amount of data in relatively less observation time. An emerging application of such wide‐field astrographs is in the form of telescope arrays. While this has been implemented mostly, using commercial refractive lenses, low‐cost catadioptric objectives can be used as an alternative for wide‐field or high‐contrast array applications. Commercial catadioptric systems are generally available as modifications of Schmidt and Maksutov systems, that too, mostly in the Cassegrain configuration. Here, we present a low‐cost alternative prime focus camera design of Richter–Slevogt configuration, which is in turn an extension of the Houghton correctors. The Richter–Slevogt design has the potential for a very high performance due to several degrees of freedom. The presented one is a 150 mm aperture, f/3$$ f/3 $$ system, providing 3.5° (circular) diffraction‐limited FOV (strehl ≥0.85$$ \ge 0.85 $$), using only standard glasses, N‐BK7 and F2. We present the performance analysis, tolerance sensitivity, and statistical (Monte‐Carlo) analysis for this design. Potential applications of the system, other than as an array are also briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we modeled real valued functions using freeform lenses. In our model, the bottom surface of the lens is flat whereas its top surface is determined by a function, f(x). We consider vertically coming light rays with x-coordinate x. Our aim is to find f(x) such that x is mapped to F(x), the horizontal position where the light ray leaves the bottom surface. We have found the nonlinear differential equation for a generic lens to model a given function. Namely, given F(x), the solution of the differential equation gives us the lens surface f(x). Finally, we have calculated the lens surface for four functions numerically and have provided their plots respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gradient refractive index (GRIN) metamaterial lenses can achieve multi-band fusion infrared imaging and has the characteristics of integration, light weight, and achromaticity, compared with existing curved refractive lenses group. Constructing a three-dimensional (3D) GRIN lens for dual-band (3.0–5.0 and 7.5–9.2 µm) mid-infrared imaging is challenging due to the difficulty of fabricating the desired 3D GRIN materials with continuously changing linewidths. Here, we present a 3D self-focusing GRIN lens with a cylindrical symmetry configuration in the mid-infrared band. Such a 3D GRIN lens is designed with gradient woodpile polymer metamaterials based on effective medium theory and fabricated with high fidelity by grayscale two-photon lithography. Simulated and experimental results simultaneously exhibit a 3D GRIN lens possessing dual-band, achromatic, near-diffraction-limit focusing on the wavelengths of 4.5 and 7.5 µm. The protocol for developing the 3D GRIN lens with dual-band fusion imaging would prompt potential applications in integrated light-coupled devices and lightweight infrared imaging devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Knowledge: International Journal is the property of Institute for Knowledge Management and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Transient terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) imaging has emerged as a novel non-ionizing and noninvasive biomedical imaging modality, designed for the detection and characterization of a variety of tissue malignancies due to their high signal-to-noise ratio and submillimeter resolution. We report our design of a pair of aspheric focusing lenses using a commercially available lens-design software that resulted in about 200 × 200-μm2 focal spot size corresponding to the 1-THz frequency. The lenses are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) obtained using a lathe fabrication and are integrated into a THz-TDS system that includes low-temperature GaAs photoconductive antennae as both a THz emitter and detector. The system is used to generate high-resolution, two-dimensional (2D) images of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded murine pancreas tissue blocks. The performance of these focusing lenses is compared to the older system based on a pair of short-focal-length, hemispherical polytetrafluoroethylene (TeflonTM) lenses and is characterized using THz-domain measurements, resulting in 2D maps of the tissue refractive index and absorption coefficient as imaging markers. For a quantitative evaluation of the lens effect on the image resolution, we formulated a lateral resolution parameter, R2080, defined as the distance required for a 20–80% transition of the imaging marker from the bare paraffin region to the tissue region in the same image frame. The R2080 parameter clearly demonstrates the advantage of the HDPE lenses over TeflonTM lenses. The lens-design approach presented here can be successfully implemented in other THz-TDS setups with known THz emitter and detector specifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fogging and staining of a laparoscope lens negatively impact surgical visualization. We hypothesized that the disposable hot pack could not only warm but also clean laparoscopes. Hence, this study verified and developed the disposable hot pack with anti-fogging and cleaning function. The laparoscope was inserted into a swine abdominal cavity for five minutes. Then, the laparoscopic tip was heated with 65 °C saline or the folded disposable hot pack with nonwoven fabric coated surfactant for ten seconds (n = 15). Also, a laparoscopic tip with dirt was wiped with the prototype or conventional gauze for 10 s (n = 10). The dirt, fogging, and temperature of the laparoscopic tip were respectively evaluated after the laparoscope was inserted into the abdominal cavity. The laparoscopic tip temperature five minutes after insertion into the abdominal cavity was similar (31.1 °C vs 31.2 °C, p = 0.748) and there was no fogging in both methods. The conventional gauze had significantly less temperature of the laparoscopic tip after cleaning and higher fogging occurrence than the prototype (29.5 °C vs 34.0 °C, p < 0.001, 30% vs 0%, p = 0.030, respectively), although there was no dirt left after both methods. The disposable hot pack has a strong potential as an anti-fogging and cleaning device for use during laparoscopic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors presents a low‐profile wideband circularly polarised (CP) millimetre‐wave (mmWave) elliptical integrated lens antenna (ILA) fabricated by dielectric 3D printing technology. The proposed lens is integrated with a dielectric polariser and an air cavity for phase compensation, which can transfer incident waves from linearly polarised (LP) to planar CP waves over a wide bandwidth. Compared to the classic bifocal ILA, the proposed lens has a low profile. The phase compensation is performed by introducing a specifically shaped air cavity, which greatly reduces the length and weight of the lens. The polariser causes the two electric field components Ex and Ey to degenerate with an orthogonal phase difference, which results in the wideband characteristics of the antenna. The polariser, air cavity and lens can be conveniently and precisely fabricated by low‐cost 3D printing technology. Measurements show that the proposed ILA has a wide axial ratio (AR) bandwidth of 21.9–32.6 GHz, while the gain reaches 22.54 dBic with a 38% size reduction and a 60.7% weight reduction. Benefiting from the low profile, high gain, wide bandwidth and low cost, the proposed ILA has great potential to be the candidate antenna for 5G applications and satellite communications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Actas de Diseño is the property of Facultad de Diseno y Comunicacion, Fundacion Universidad de Palermo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Laser speckle has a negative effect on laser projectors, so reducing laser speckle is crucial for the development of laser projector displays. We primarily focus on studying the laser speckle contrast of laser projector displays and the mechanism for reducing speckle. Based on the theory of decreasing temporal and spatial coherence of laser light, this report derives the complete formula for calculating speckle contrast in a laser projector display and provides detailed calculation procedures. According to the comprehensive formula, the primary factors influencing speckle contrast encompass wavelength, spectrum, angles of incidence or observation of lasers, the roughness of the screen surface, the number of independent speckle patterns generated by a moving diffuser, and the number of resolution elements within one eye resolution element in the projector lens. Various methods have been used in the projection engine to suppress speckle, and the main factors for reducing speckle have been verified through theoretical calculations and experimental verification. At a testing distance of 700 mm and with an F-number of 41.7 for the detector lens, the RGB laser speckle contrasts were measured to be 9.1%, 7.3%, and 10.4%, respectively, which aligns well with the results obtained from theoretical calculations. Meanwhile, the speckle contrast of the white field was also measured, yielding a result of 5.6%. The speckle contrast becomes imperceptible when the viewing distance exceeds 2000 mm in our projection system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabry-Pérot (FP) microcavities have attracted tremendous attention in recent years due to their favorable optical characteristics of the high quality (Q) factor and small mode volume. In this work, we presented a novel approach that utilized the soft lithography and imprinting technology to incorporate the convex micro-lens array structure into the FP (FP-lens) cavity. A strong mode-profile restriction of the micro-lens simultaneously reduced the mode volume and enhanced the Q factor, exhibiting high tolerance to non-parallelism of mirrors compared with that of the plane-plane FP (PP-FP) microcavities. In the experiment, the Q factor of the FP-lens cavity was measured to be 8.145×104, which exhibited a 5.6-fold increase than that of the PP-FP cavity. Furthermore, we experimentally measured the refractive index sensing performance of the FP-lens cavity with the sensitivity of 594.7 nm/RIU and a detection limit of 4.26×10−7 RIU. On the basis of this superior sensing performance, the FP-lens cavity has the great potential for applications in biosensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the domain of Naked‐eye 3D display technology, the periodic interference between lenticular lens and screen subpixels frequently results in the generation of moiré patterns, which significantly impair image quality. This study proposes a strategy to reduce moir é artifacts by adjusting the tilt angle of the lenticular lens. Relying on the human eye sensitivity function, we have conducted a thorough analysis of the moiré patterns caused by the interference between the lenticular lens and the screen at various tilt angles. After extensive research, it has been discovered that the analytical method which applies spectral sensitivity weighting subsequent to the consideration of the human eye sensitivity function aligns more closely with the actual perception of moiré patterns by the human eye. This approach enables a more precise determination of the optimal tilt angles for lenticular lenses and screens, thereby substantially minimizing the moiré effect. The implications of this finding are significant for the realization of high‐quality, high‐definition naked‐eye 3D image displays, and may positively contribute to advancements within this technical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficiency enhancement is one of top priority in Micro‐ OLED to achieve high brightness in AR and VR applications. One of well‐ known solutions is to adapt a micro‐lens array (MLA), but there have been a few investigations to consider detail design parameters. Based on robust FDTD simulation, we propose a stepwise simulation methodology to optimize lens design to obtain enhanced efficiency and to control light leakage to adjacent pixel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider new LC photonics devices based on photoalignment and photopatterning technology using azodye nanolayers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]