Search Results (198)

This paper proposes a formal descriptive model for understanding the evolution of characters in detective fiction from the 19th to the 20th century, using methodologies and technologies from the Semantic Web. The integration of Digital Humanities within the theory of comparative literature opens new paths of study that allow for a digital approach to the understanding of intertextuality through close reading techniques and ontological modelling. In this research area, the variety of possible textual relationships, the levels of analysis required to classify these connections, and the inherently referential nature of certain literary genres demand a structured taxonomy. This taxonomy should account for stylistic elements, narrative structures, and cultural recursiveness that are unique to literary texts. The detective figure, central to modern literature, provides an ideal lens for examining narrative intertextuality across the 19th and 20th centuries. The analysis concentrates on character traits and narrative functions, addressing various methods of rewriting within the evolving cultural and creative context of authorship. Through a comparative examination of a representative sample of detective fiction from the period under scrutiny, the research identifies mechanisms of (meta)narrative recurrence, transformation, and reworking within the canon. The outcome is a formal model for describing narrative structures and techniques, with a specific focus on character development, aimed at uncovering patterns of continuity and variation in diegetic content over time and across different works, adaptable to analogous cases of traditional reworking and narrative fluidity. Full article

This paper proposes a Fresnel-based Modified Moiré Varifocal Metalens (MMVL) addressing the inherent defocus at 0° rotation and significant focal quality degradation during varifocal operation in Traditional Moiré Varifocal Metalenses (TMVLs). The transmission function of the Fresnel-modified Moiré metalens combines a static term with a dynamic term, allowing the MMVLs to effectively overcome these limitations. Meanwhile, to minimize energy losses arising from polarization conversion and diffraction between the two metalenses, the nano-units on the metalenses are optimized by Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) with FDTD simulations, maximizing the polarization conversion efficiency and transmittance. The simulation results demonstrate superior focal quality and stability in the MMVL throughout full rotational cycles, with super-diffraction-limited focusing maintained across all varifocal states. MMVLs have advantages in robustness; under axial distance variation (d = 0–20$d_0$, 0–3 μm), they maintain on-axis focus without deviation; with centering error (p = 0–10$p_0$, 0–3 μm), they sustain a clear focus at >36% efficiency. These results confirm that MMVLs have enhanced tolerance to manufacturing/assembly errors compared to TMVLs, delivering significantly stabilized optical performance. This advancement enables new possibilities for integrated micro-optics and optical tweezer applications. Full article

Waveguide-integrated metasurfaces offer a promising platform for ultracompact on-chip optical systems, enabling applications such as fluorescence sensing, holography, and near-eye displays. In particular, integrated achromatic metalenses that couple guided modes to free-space radiation are highly desirable for single-molecule fluorescence sensing, where high numerical aperture (NA), efficient light focusing, and consistent focal volume overlap across excitation and emission wavelengths are critical. However, designing integrated high-NA metalenses with multi-wavelength operation remains fundamentally challenging due to the wavelength-dependent propagation of guided modes. Here, we present an inverse design framework that simultaneously optimizes the geometries and positions of silicon nitride nanofins atop a slab waveguide to achieve diffraction-limited focusing at three wavelengths with unity NA. The resulting metalens outperforms conventional segmented designs in focusing efficiency and sidelobe suppression, particularly at wavelengths corresponding to the excitation and emission bands of the model fluorophore Alexa Fluor 647. Numerical analysis shows that the design yields a high molecule detection efficiency suitable for epi-fluorescence single-molecule sensing. This work highlights the potential of inverse-designed metalenses as a versatile on-chip platform for advanced applications in fluorescence spectroscopy, augmented reality, or optical trapping. Full article

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated refractive outcomes, particularly astigmatic correction, in keratoconus following toric intraocular lens (tIOL) implantation. A systematic search identified eligible studies reporting pre- and postoperative refractive cylinder, spherical equivalent (SE), uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA). Eight studies, comprising 135 eyes, were included. Outcomes were pooled using a random-effects model with restricted maximum likelihood as the estimator for tau². Methodological quality was assessed using the MINORS tool for non-comparative studies and the JBI checklist for case series. Postoperative refractive cylinder and SE improved by 2.28 dioptres (95% CI, 1.60–2.96) and 4.17 dioptres (95% CI, 2.32–6.01), respectively. UDVA and CDVA also improved substantially, with pooled gains of 0.87 logMAR (95% CI, 0.71–1.03) and 0.19 logMAR (95% CI, 0.12–0.26), respectively. Most tIOL rotations did not exceed 10 degrees, with only one case requiring realignment surgery. Complications were infrequent and mostly minor. tIOL implantation is effective in reducing astigmatism and improving vision in stable keratoconus patients. However, limitations in vector analysis and methodology heterogeneity underscore the need for standardised reporting to optimise outcomes. Full article

This study responds to the increasing call for thoughtful theological and ethical engagement with Artificial Intelligence (AI) by examining the role of personal theological reflection using Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) content in Catholic theological education. It investigates how both educators and students might utilize AI-generated imagery as a pedagogical resource with which to enrich theological insight and foster ethical discernment, particularly through the lens of theological virtue ethics. AI is not a substitute for all human tasks. However, the use of AI holds potential for theology and catechetical religious education. Following Gläser-Zikuda’s model of Self-Reflecting Methods of Learning Research, this study systematically engages in reflective observation to examine how the use of GenAI in theology classrooms has influenced personal theological thinking, pedagogical practices, and ethical considerations. It documents experiences using common generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Canva, Meta AI, Deep AI, and Gencraft in theology classes. The principles of virtue ethics and Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HCAI) offer a critical framework for ethical, pedagogical, and theological engagement. The findings contribute to the emerging interdisciplinary discourse on AI ethics and theology, and religious pedagogy in the digital age. Full article

On-chip spectral splitting structures with compact footprints hold tremendous potential for next-generation molecular sensing applications in the mid-infrared region. Here, we propose and theoretically investigate a carefully designed structure comprising a tilt grating and metalenses for dual-band spectral splitting with enhanced bandwidth. The tilt grating serves to separate the wavelength bands, and the metalenses following the grating guarantee a smooth transition of light into single-mode waveguides, giving rise to transmittances of 73.59% at 4 μm and 68.74% at 11 μm. The use of this tandem structure results in a significant footprint reduction and a remarkable 25.8% bandwidth enhancement over conventional approaches. The proposed spectral splitting scheme, with its broad wavelength range applicability, unlocks new pathways for on-chip simultaneous multi-target molecule detection. Full article

As power grids scale and aging assets edge toward obsolescence, grounding grid corrosion has become a critical vulnerability. Conventional diagnosis must fit high-dimensional electrical data to a physical model, typically yielding a nonlinear under-determined system fraught with computational burden and uncertainty. We propose the Enhanced Biomimetic Hippopotamus Optimization (EBOHO) algorithm, which distills the river-dwelling hippo’s ecological wisdom into three synergistic strategies: a beta-function herd seeding that replicates the genetic diversity of juvenile hippos diffusing through wetlands, an elite–mean cooperative foraging rule that echoes the way dominant bulls steer the herd toward nutrient-rich pastures, and a lens imaging opposition maneuver inspired by moonlit water reflections that spawn mirror candidates to avert premature convergence. Benchmarks on the CEC 2017 suite and four classical design problems show EBOHO’s superior global search, robustness, and convergence speed over numerous state-of-the-art meta-heuristics, including prior hippo variants. An industrial case study on grounding grid corrosion further confirms that EBOHO swiftly resolves the under-determined equations and pinpoints corrosion sites with high precision, underscoring its promise as a nature-inspired diagnostic engine for aging power system infrastructure. Full article

Alcohol harm continues to present a public health priority. Whilst we know that a relationship exists between exposure to content and alcohol initiation and use in young people, the mechanism behind this effect is not well understood. Using the social identity approach as a meaning-making lens, a systematic review of the qualitative literature and meta-synthesis was conducted using Medline (all years), Embase (all years), and PsycINFO (all years). The inclusion criteria included studies which qualitatively explored the effect of exposure to content or marketing in young people (aged < 26). Twenty-two articles were identified and included in the synthesis and assessed for bias using the Downe and Walsh checklist. Four themes were identified: normalisation of alcohol use, branding and identity, marketing strategies, and acting in identity congruence. A line of argument was constructed arguing that alcohol content and marketing are often targeted at and work through social identities and cultural norms to normalise alcohol use and lead to increased consumption through embedding content and marketing in culture. These findings have implications for stricter regulations around alcohol marketing and the protection of young people from alcohol content. Full article

Optical systems with wide field-of-view (FOV) imaging capabilities are crucial for applications ranging from biomedical diagnostics to remote sensing, yet conventional wide-angle optics face integration challenges in compact platforms. Here, we present the design and experimental demonstration of a single-layer silicon carbide (SiC) metalens achieving a 90° total FOV, whose planar structure and small footprint address the challenges. This design is driven by a gradient-based numerical optimization strategy, Gradient-Optimized Phase Profile Shaping (GOPP), which optimizes the phase profile to accommodate the angle-dependent requirements. Combined with a front aperture, the GOPP-generated phase profile enables off-axis aberration control within a planar structure. Operating at 803 nm with a focal length of 1 mm (NA = 0.25), the fabricated metalens demonstrated focusing capabilities across the wide FOV, enabling effective wide-angle imaging. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using numerical optimization to realize single-layer metalens with challenging wide FOV capabilities, offering a promising route towards highly compact imagers for applications such as endoscopy and dermoscopy. Full article

Infrared imaging has gained considerable attention across diverse fields, including security, surveillance, and environmental monitoring. The need to minimize size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) poses challenges for conventional optical systems like refractive lenses. Metalenses with subwavelength surface patterns have emerged as promising solutions to address these limitations. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of all-dielectric metalenses for long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) imaging applications, a critical spectral region for human detection and analytical applications (such as gas analysis). We examine the limitations of conventional infrared (IR) lens materials and highlight the performance advantages of LWIR metalenses. Key design principles, including chromatic and achromatic lens configurations, are discussed alongside their imaging performance. Additionally, we review advanced functionalities such as polarization control, multifocal capabilities, zoom, and reconfigurability. Theoretical performance limits and trade-offs are analyzed to provide insights into design optimization. We identify future challenges related to advanced design methods and fabrication techniques. LWIR metalenses can be expected to overcome the shortcomings of conventional LWIR lenses owing to meta-optics technologies, to achieve SWaP-C and advanced functionalities that cannot be achieved by conventional LWIR lenses. This review will guide researchers in academia and industry to develop LWIR metalenses to advance IR imaging technologies. Full article

Museums in Dispute: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Culture, and Critical Curation analyzes contemporary debates in the museum field through the lens of tensions between technology, digital culture, and political and epistemological disputes. Structured in three parts, the article develops a critical approach that, in the first section, revisits critiques of the modernist museum model, highlighting how discourses from New Museology, institutional critique, and decolonial perspectives challenge the idea of neutral, universal, and Eurocentric museums. The second part explores the shift from temple-like museums to interface-museums, focusing on the analysis of practices such as digitization, immersive exhibitions, and gamification. It argues that while these technologies may expand access, their uncritical use can reproduce inequalities and render plural and inclusive narratives invisible. The third part addresses the emergence of hyperconnected museums and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in curatorial, mediating, and reconstructive processes, analyzing collaborative and artistic projects such as Demonumenta and Curationist that critically reinterpret collections. Throughout the article, the concept of meta-algorithmic curation is developed, which is understood as a practice that makes algorithms visible, open to critique, and reconfigurable as cultural and political devices. Methodologically, the article combines critical theoretical review with analysis of institutional and artistic case studies, highlighting practices that appropriate the supposed neutrality of data to develop a critical pesrpective and advocate for more inclusive, distributed, and politically engaged curatorial narratives. Full article

Metalenses, as ultrathin planar optical devices based on metasurfaces, have attracted significant research interest in recent years due to their compact structure and versatile light manipulation, showing great potential to replace traditional lenses in specific applications. This review focuses on the fundamental principles of geometric and propagation phases of metalenses, introducing their applications in achromatic aberration correction, and emphasizing their advantages and limitations. We further discuss the application of multilayer metalenses in zoom optical systems and summarize methods such as topology optimization and inverse design to enhance the efficiency of metalenses. Special attention is given to comparing broadband and discrete achromatic correction, highlighting their respective working principles, design challenges, and practical implications. Additionally, recent advances in using deep learning for image-side aberration correction are briefly discussed. Finally, we highlight various practical applications of metalenses and discuss future research directions. Full article

This work proposes an ultrathin dual-polarized double-layer Huygens’ meta-atom, capable of generating Huygens’ resonance and achieving nearly 360° phase coverage and high transmission simultaneously. Two metalenses are designed based on the proposed meta-atom. The first is a dual-polarized metalens antenna with excellent directional radiation performance, achieving a peak gain of 30.4 dBi, an aperture efficiency of 47.8%, and a 3 dB bandwidth of 8.4% at 25 GHz. The second is a two-channel focusing metalens, with focusing efficiencies of 52.4% for x-polarization and 48.6% for y-polarization. The proposed meta-atom exhibits excellent transmission performance and offers a more flexible approach for designing transmissive devices, demonstrating significant application potential in the field of microwave communications, wireless power transfer, and imaging. Full article

On the basis of the hypothesis that has emerged from recent research studies, this article discusses the new pedagogical training model for primary school pre-service teachers (PSTs), namely the Meta Discussion on a Pedagogical model (MDPm). The study was conducted with 400 PSTs enrolled in a primary education mathematics course. The MDPm is a collective discussion involving PSTs and their facilitator about the prior teaching experience based on a Mathematical Discussion (MD) model. In this article we try to give a more detailed definition of MDPm by analyzing different examples drawn from a collection of data gathered in the frame of different teacher training experiments. The results indicate that engaging PSTs in both a direct MD and a subsequent reflective meta-discussion leads to enhanced awareness of the teacher’s role and a more robust conceptualization of the MD model. These experiments aimed to help future teachers recognize the characteristics of their instructional actions within a pedagogical model, engaging them actively in their training, in and from practice. In this setting, PSTs assumed a dual role as both students and future teachers. The research has been conducted in a technological environment, which assumed a fundamental role in supporting the processes involved in the teaching experiment. The examples are analyzed through a specific lens aimed at identifying key elements supporting and refining the MDPm, with the aim of more precisely characterizing it. Full article

Conventional metalenses struggle with chromatic aberration and narrow field of view (FOV), making it challenging to meet the dispersion requirements for large apertures and compensate off-axis aberrations for wide FOV. Here, we demonstrate a hybrid metalens module consisting of five refractive plastic lenses and a polarization-insensitive metalens to achieve broadband achromatic imaging within 400–700 nm and a wide FOV up to 100°. The system exhibits negligible variation in focal length (~1.2%) across the visible range (460–656 nm) and consistently achieves modulation transfer function (MTF) values > 0.2 at 167 lp/mm across all wavelengths and incident angles. We also demonstrate integrated lens modules that capture high-quality images from distances ranging between 0.5 and 4 m without post-processing, showcasing its potential for compact, wide-angle optical systems. Full article