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Investigation of a Polymer-Based Holographic Grating for Visible Light Dosimetry Using a Bleachable Dye
Get PDFHolographic sensors are of interest for a range of sensing tasks because of their high sensitivity, rapid response time, broad dynamic range, lightweight characteristics, and design flexibility. The practical application of holography makes it possible to design optical sensors that are effective in the visible and near-infrared ranges. The objective of this research is to construct a holographic grating that is customised to provide quantitative data in visible light dosimetry applications. Upon exposure to visible light, the proposed holographic grating will produce a measurable change in diffraction efficiency based on the bleaching of the grating material. In the evolution of holographic sensors, phase gratings have been the primary transduction mechanism employed, mainly because of their high diffraction efficiency. There is little published on the use of absorption gratings as a sensor, possibly due to the low maximum theoretical diffraction efficiency of gratings. With the advent of low-cost optical power meter technology, low diffraction efficiency can now be measured with increased accuracy and hence is no longer a significant challenge. In addition, the drawback of post-recording sensitivity to light can be exploited for light dosimetry applications. Absorption gratings, in contrast to phase gratings, are ideal transducers for visible dosimetry applications because they respond directly to visible light. Holographic absorption gratings have been recorded in a polymer layer containing a bleachable dye. The formulation and the holographic recording conditions for the grating have been optimised for bleaching rate, diffraction efficiency and stability, and over 3% diffraction efficiency has been achieved. Results are presented here for diffraction efficiencies at a range of probe wavelengths. Experimental observation of the diffraction efficiency at wavelengths outside the absorption band have revealed, in-line with the Kramers-Kronig relations, an accompanying refractive index modulation in the grating. Here, the behaviour and nature of the mixed grating is explored
Optimising Non-Cycloplegic Screening Strategies for Early Detection of Pre-Myopia and Myopia in Young Children
Get PDFPurpose: Early detection of myopia is essential to delay its onset and progression. Pre-myopia, defined by an inadequate hyperopic reserve, increases myopia risk in childhood. However, effective screening methods remain limited. This study aimed to develop practical non-cycloplegic screening methods for pre-myopia and myopia in 6- to 7-year-olds to support earlier interventions.
Methods: This cross-sectional study of 621 Irish schoolchildren (mean age: 7.12 ± 0.45 years; 51.8% boys) assessed uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA). Cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction (SER) classified refractive status (myopia: SER ≤ −0.50D; pre-myopia: SER \u3e −0.50 ≤ 0.75D). Pre- and post-cycloplegic SER were measured using the Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener and Dong-Yang Rekto-ORK 11, respectively. Axial length (AL) and corneal radius (CR) were measured with the Zeiss IOLMaster, and parental myopia history was measured via questionnaire. Logistic regression and ROC curves evaluated non-cycloplegic screening methods.
Results: Pre-myopia prevalence was 24.3% (95% confidence intervals (CIs): 29.3–36.2), and myopia prevalence was 3.3% (CI: 2.5–5.5). UDVA screening had an area under the curve (AUC) (CI) = 0.72 (0.59–0.86) and 0.42 (0.36–0.47) for detecting myopia and pre-myopia, respectively. For pre-myopia discrimination, non-cycloplegic SER, AL, AL/CR and parental myopia had AUCs of 0.67 (0.62–0.72), 0.67 (0.62–0.72), 0.69 (0.64–0.74) and 0.59 (0.53–0.64), respectively. The best method combined non-cycloplegic SER and AL/CR (AUC = 0.72 (0.67–0.76)). Including UDVA or parental myopia did not improve results. For myopia detection, AUCs were non-cycloplegic SER: SER:0.84 (0.72–0.97), AL: 0.88 (0.82–0.95), AL/CR: 0.84 (0.75–0.94) and parental myopia: 0.62 (0.48–0.75). The best method combined AL and non-cycloplegic SER 0.94 (0.90–0.99). Adding parental myopia did not improve the AUC = 0.93 (0.87–0.99), but adding UDVA achieved an AUC = 0.95 (0.90–0.99).
Conclusion: While UDVA alone provided acceptable discrimination for myopia, it was insufficient for screening pre-myopia. Non-cycloplegic SER alone had relatively poor discrimination for pre-myopia, but its performance improved when combined with the AL/CR ratio. The best results for myopia discrimination were achieved by combining non-cycloplegic SER, axial length and UDVA measures
G4) Unveiling the Potential: Exploring the Role of Waqf in Catalysing Islamic Religious Tourism Growth
Get PDFThis paper explores the proportional relationship between Islamic waqf and the growth of tourism, with a specific emphasis on Islamic religious tourism. Islamic waqf refers to the endowment or charitable trust established under Islamic principles, aimed at promoting religious, educational, or social welfare activities. Over the centuries, waqfs have played a crucial role in supporting various institutions and initiatives within the Muslim world. Tourism, as a global industry, has witnessed significant growth in recent years. With the rise of Islamic religious tourism, which caters to the specific needs and interests of Muslim travellers, there is a need to examine the relationship between Islamic waqf and the tourism sector. This paper aims to bridge this gap by investigating the proportional connection between the two.
The study employs a comprehensive literature review, analysing existing research, academic articles, and reports to gain insights into the impact of waqf on tourism. It explores how waqfs can contribute to the development and sustainability of tourism infrastructure, attractions, and services within the context of Islamic tourism. Furthermore, the paper investigates the potential benefits and challenges associated with integrating waqf into tourism initiatives. It examines the role of waqf-funded projects in enhancing the tourism experience for Muslim travellers, including the provision of halal facilities, Islamic cultural centres, and educational institutions. Additionally, the research delves into the economic implications of waqf-driven tourism, assessing its contribution to local economies, job creation, and socio-cultural development. The paper also explores the ethical dimensions of waqf-driven tourism and its alignment with Islamic principles of social responsibility and community development. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the proportional relationship between Islamic waqf and the growth of tourism, shedding light on the potential synergies between these two domains. The research outcomes aim to inform policymakers, tourism planners, and stakeholders about the opportunities and challenges associated with leveraging waqf assets to promote Islamic religious tourism and contribute to sustainable tourism development
K3) Religious Tourism in A Key Textual Perspective: Spiritual Authenticity and Cultural Heritage
Get PDFOver the last few decades religious tourism has emerged as a growing, relevant sector in international tourism industry. It is estimated that approximately 300 million visitors per year go on pilgrimages and the global number continually increases (Syngh & Bhuyan, 2024).
The purpose of the present study is twofold: first, as major pilgrimage destinations strategically employ tourism discourse (Dann, 1996; Maci, 2020), this paper critically examines English tourism discourse as used on the official website Jubilee 2025. Second, it investigates how religious tourism itineraries, promoted on the website, are discursively framed to engage international visitors (Wodak & Meyer, 2015). Indeed, there is a noticeable trend of religious tourism becoming increasingly intertwined with ˜cultural tourism’ (Singh & Bhuyan, 2024).
More specifically, the analysis focuses on key textual features that contribute to the persuasive nature of the website’s content, including lexical choices in the narrative structure, and discursive strategies. Special attention is given to the way the website balances religious authenticity with cultural heritage. By critically examining the promotional language used to frame the pilgrimage experience, this study sheds light on the ideological underpinning of religious tourism discourse and its implications for visitors’ perceptions.
Findings from this research contribute to the broader field of tourism discourse studies by demonstrating how religious tourism websites function as powerful communicative tools, both in an informative and in a persuasive perspective. Additionally, the study highlights how sacred and secular tourism narratives converge within institutional tourism promotion, thus also influencing the representation of religious destinations in digital spaces. Ultimately, this research offers insights into the persuasive mechanisms at play in contemporary religious tourism marketing and the role of discourse in shaping the Jubilee 2025 experience for global audiences
“Did I say that?”: Introducing an oral process to reflective practice to enhance student learning in a final year project
Get PDFThis paper reviews the introduction of an oral reflective component to a final year class practical assignment. Drawing on the theory of student involvement, feedback literacy, and the literature relating to reflective practice, the redesign of the assignment repositions the student at the centre of their own learning journey and as a sense-maker of their learning from their applied experiences. The positive outcomes in this case study suggest the approach is worthy of trialling in a wider context, to see if it is replicated and has an impact on learner attainment
Max Snax
Get PDF\u27Let\u27s book the shitty train. It\u27s not so bad. bring your own food and water and it\u27s ok.\u27
\u27You know I\u27m going to bring snacks...\u2
A Change in Palate
Get PDF\u27He\u27s not gonna talk to me, is he?\u27 Conor said, with a slight tremble in his voice..
Introducing HyFlex teaching in Geotechnical Engineering
Get PDFGeotechnical Engineering 2 is a third-year technical module in the BE in Civil Engineering and the BE in Structural Engineering, and it covers the theoretical and practical aspects of the retaining wall stability, foundation design and compressibility of soils. The two classes are merged together for it. It uses lectures, laboratories and tutorials as teaching methods. The module has 36 hours of direct contact and 64 hours of self-directed learning. It is a semester 2 core module that follows Geotechnical Engineering 1. The mode of delivery for both modules is in-person lectures at the lecture hall, with three laboratory practices at the Soil Laboratory on campus. For the academic year 2024/25, Geotechnical Engineering 1 was delivered as described, while Geotechnical Engineering 2 used the HyFlex format for the lectures, but laboratory practices remained the same. It is important to note that both modules had the same group of students except for two who went to an Erasmus exchange
