Search Results (6)

The smaller-incision new-generation implantable miniature telescope (SING IMT) represents an advancement over the previous model, WA-IMT, serving as a unilateral prosthetic device for patients with late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Purpose: This study aims to report changes in multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) 6 months post–SING IMT implantation. Methods: In this case series, we prospectively evaluated a cohort of phakic patients with late-stage AMD who underwent SING IMT implantation at the Ophthalmology Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy. We assessed best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) and best-corrected near visual acuity (BCNVA) preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. Additionally, mfERGs were conducted using Retimax (CSO, Florence, Italy). Results: All four treated patients showed an increase in both BCDVA and BCNVA at the 6-month follow-up. Additionally, all eyes demonstrated increased P1 density at this time point, with the greatest augmentation observed at the central fixation point, gradually diminishing across the five concentric rings. While all patients displayed a general increase in P1 amplitude, the third patient exhibited a slight decrease in the foveal region. Conclusions: In this case series with four cases, the new generation implantable miniature telescope, SING IMT, demonstrates promising results in enhancing mfERG parameters in patients with late-stage AMD. Six months post-surgery, we observed an augmentation in both P1 density and amplitude, predominantly at the fixation point and gradually tapering in the surrounding concentric rings. Full article

The aim of this study was to analyze, both theoretically and experimentally, the material transport mechanisms governing the separation of ionic species in aqueous solutions using nanofiltration membranes. To interpret the experimental results, the Donnan Steric Partitioning Model (DSPM) and the Dielectric Exclusion Model (DSPM-DE) were applied and computationally simulated in Matlab. Experimental tests were conducted using a pilot-scale system with commercial NF90 membranes. The results indicate that the DSPM better describes the rejection of monovalent ions (sodium and chloride), while the DSPM-DE is more suitable for divalent ions (sulfate and magnesium). Additionally, both models were sensitized to explore the impact of hindrance factors on the rejection of different ionic species. For neutral molecules present in the solution, it was observed that the DSPM and DSPM-DE do not adequately interpret selectivity, suggesting that under such conditions, the electrostatic exclusion mechanism loses significance, with the steric mechanism prevailing. Full article

Examining the early history of the Chinese translation of Buddhist scriptures, it is revealed that translators from the Eastern Han Dynasty to the Wei and Jin Dynasties, such as An Shigao, Lokakṣema, Kang Senghui and Dharmarakṣa, already paid much attention to and began translating Buddhist scriptures related to “filial piety”. They even, during the translation process, altered the original meanings of some words to promote the sinicization of Buddhism or brought together the contents of several sutras to provide a more culturally attuned interpretation of the Buddhist idea of “filial piety and repayment of kindness”, in accordance with Chinese culture. With their efforts, the Chinese gradually realized that Buddhism also preached filial ethics. Buddhists were not against the value of filial piety when embracing monastic life; instead, they could accumulate merits and dedicate them to their parents and relatives, rescuing them from samsara. This introduced a fresh perspective for traditional Confucian filial piety, and highlighted the importance of “filial piety” beyond the framework of “family and state as one.” Confucianism and Buddhism were able to agree on the significance of filial piety, and Buddhism also affected and complemented the ethical cultivation of the Chinese medieval society. Full article

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes severe vision impairments, including blindness. An option to improve vision in AMD patients is through intraocular lenses and optics. Among others, implantable miniaturized telescopes, which direct light to healthy lateral regions of the retina, can be highly effective in improving vision in AMD patients. Yet, the quality of the restored vision might be sensitive to the optical transmission and aberrations of the telescope. To shed light on these points, we studied the in vitro optical performance of an implantable miniaturized telescope, namely, the SING IMT™ (Samsara Vision Ltd., Far Hills, NJ, USA) designed to improve vision in patients affected by late-stage AMD. Specifically, we measured the optical transmission in the spectral range 350–750 nm of the implantable telescope with a fiber-optic spectrometer. Wavefront aberrations were studied by measuring the wavefront of a laser beam after passing through the telescope and expanding the measured wavefront into a Zernike polynomial basis. Wavefront concavity indicated that the SING IMT™ behaves as a diverging lens with a focal length of −111 mm. The device exhibited even optical transmission in the whole visible spectrum and effective curvature suitable for retinal images magnification with negligible geometrical aberrations. Optical spectrometry and in vitro wavefront analysis provide evidence supporting the feasibility of miniaturized telescopes as high-quality optical elements and a favorable option for AMD visual impairment treatments. Full article

Programming by demonstration (PBD) is a technique which allows end users to create, modify, accommodate, and expand programs by demonstrating what the program is supposed to do. Although the ideal of common-purpose programming by demonstration or by examples has been rejected as practically unrealistic, this approach has found its application and shown potentials when limited to specific narrow domains and ranges of applications. In this paper, the original method of applying the principles of programming by demonstration in the area of process mining (PM) to interactive construction of block-structured parallel business processes models is presented. A technique and tool that enable interactive process mining and incremental discovery of process models have been described in this paper. The idea is based on the following principle: using a demonstrational user interface, a user demonstrates scenarios of execution of parallel business process activities, and the system gives a generalized model process specification. A modified process mining technique with the α^|| algorithm applied on weakly complete event logs is used for creating parallel business process models using demonstration. Full article

“The Mirror: Advice on the Presence of Awareness” (dran pa dang shes bzhin gyi gdams pa me long ma) is a short text that describes the essence of the Dzogchen teaching (rdzogs chen, total perfection). Concerning the way to establish this point of view (lta ba), the main point is to have a direct understanding through the experience of our primordial state of pure presence, beyond any mental or intellectual construction. With regard to meditation (sgom pa), this involves practicing in order to be sure to understand our own true nature, the non-dual condition of the calm state (the essence of the mind) and movement (its natural energy). Behavior (spyod pa) is the integration of meditation in all our daily activities, continuing in the state of pure presence in every circumstance of life. This is the total realization. Full article