Plasmonic sensor based on offset-splicing and waist-expanded taper using multicore fiber for detection of Aflatoxins B1 in critical sectors.

In this work, authors have developed a portable, sensitive, and quick-response fiber optic sensor that is capable of detection of Aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) quantitatively and qualitatively. Using multi-mode fiber (MMF) and multi-core fiber (MCF), the MMF-MCF-MCF-MMF fiber structure based on symmetric transverse offset splicing and waist-expanded taper is fabricated. The evanescent waves are enhanced to form a strong evanescent field by etching the fiber surface with hydrofluoric acid. To successfully excite the localized surface plasmon resonance phenomenon, gold nanoparticles are deposited on the optical fiber probe's surface. Further, to modify the fiber optic probes, Niobium carbide (Nb2CTx) MXene and AFB1 antibodies are functionalized. Nb2CTx MXene is employed to strengthen the biocompatibility of the sensor and increase the specific surface area of the fiber probe, while AFB1 antibody is used to identify AFB1 micro-biomolecules in a specific manner. The reproducibility, reusability, stability, and selectivity of the proposed fiber probe are tested and validated using various concentration of AFB1 solutions. Finally, the linear range, sensitivity, and limit of detection of the sensing probe are determined as 0 - 1000 nM, 11.7 nm/µM, and 26.41 nM, respectively. The sensor offers an indispensable technique, low-cost solution and portability for AFB1-specific detection in agricultural products and their byproducts with its novel optical fiber structure and superior detecting capability. It is also useful for marine species like fish and consequently affecting health of human body.

FoRSR1 Is Important for Conidiation, Fusaric Acid Production, and Pathogenicity in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ginseng.

The root rot disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ginseng is one of the most destructive diseases of ginseng, an economically important herb. However, little is known about the pathogen's toxin biosynthesis or the molecular mechanisms regulating infection of ginseng. In this study we identified and functionally characterized the FoRSR1 gene that encodes a Ras-related (RSR) small GTPase homologous to yeast Rsr1 in F. oxysporum f. sp. ginseng. Disruption of FoRSR1 resulted in a significant reduction in mycelial dry weight in liquid cultures, although vegetative growth rate was not affected on culture plates. Notably, the Forsr1 mutant exhibited blunted and swollen hyphae with multi-nucleated compartments. It produced fewer and morphologically abnormal conidia and was defective in chlamydospore formation. In infection assays with ginseng roots, the Forsr1 mutant was significantly less virulent and caused only limited necrosis at the wounding sites. Deletion of FoRSR1 also affected pigmentation, autophagy, and production of fusaric acid. Furthermore, the expression of many candidate genes involved in secondary metabolism was significantly downregulated in the mutant, suggesting that FoRSR1 is also important for secondary metabolism. Overall, our results indicated that FoRSR1 plays important roles in conidiation, vacuolar morphology, secondary metabolism, and pathogenesis in F. oxysporum f. sp. ginseng.

Homemade low-cost fabrication technique and stability analysis of a U-shaped fiber sensor structure.

In this work, the fabrication method of a U-shaped optical fiber (UOF) structure using single-mode fiber is proposed. Few UOF sensors have been developed to date, but the fabrication process has not been described in detail. Here, its subsequent homemade fabrication, optimization strategies, and analysis are thoroughly explored. Further, the influence of transmission on U-shaped diameter is explored. The transmitted intensity is mainly used to assess the strength of the evanescent field. For this purpose, three different diameters of 2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm UOFs are fabricated. The results show that the transmission of the U-shaped structure is dependent on the diameter of the UOF. Thereafter, different concentrations of glucose solutions are detected using the optimized stable UOF structure to showcase the sensing properties. Overall, this work is essential for beginners who want to conduct research on optical fiber sensors with a curved shape.

Development of a core-offset-based SMS fiber structure for detection of various biomolecules.

This paper discusses the details about the fabrication of single-mode fiber (SMF)- and multi-mode fiber (MMF)-based core-offset sensor structures for biomolecules detection. SMF-MMF-SMF (SMS) and SMF-core-offset MMF-SMF (SMS structure with core-offset) are proposed in this paper. In the conventional SMS structure the incident light is introduced from the SMF to the MMF and then passes through the MMF to the SMF. However, in the SMS-based core offset structure (COS) the incident light is introduced from the SMF to the core offset MMF and then passes through the MMF to the SMF, and more incident light leaks at the fusion point between the SMF and the MMF. This structure causes more incident light to leak out from the sensor probe, forming evanescent waves. By analyzing the transmitted intensity, the performance of COS can be improved. The results show that the structure of the core offset has great potential for the development of fiber-optic sensors.

Effective splicing technique of different cladding diameter-based optical fibers and performance evaluation.

In this work, the fabrication and sensing performance of fusion structures based on single-mode fiber (SMF) and multimode fiber (MMF) with different cladding diameters are discussed, and the effects of different lengths of MMF and fiber etching on sensing performance are analyzed. First, the transmitted intensity measurement experiment is performed, and the results indicate that the performance of the SMF-MMF-SMF(SMS)-based structure is better for sensing purposes. In addition, the results demonstrate that the performance of etched fiber is better than that of non-etched fiber. The etched fiber structure with lower fiber diameters produces more evanescent waves and is better for sensing purposes. Therefore, the proposed structure has certain development potential as an application of future optical fiber sensors.

Development and stability analysis of an S-tapered optical fiber-based sensor structure.

In this paper, three S-tapered fiber (STF) structures with different diameters (40, 60, and 80 µm) are fabricated using conventional single-mode fiber. First, the reproducibility of the proposed S-tapered structure is confirmed through an analysis of the diameter distribution. Considering the transmitted intensities of the three various diameter, S-tapered structures reveal that the STF with a 40 µm diameter produces more evanescent waves and is more sensitive to external refractive index variations. Therefore, the STF structure with a 40 µm diameter was evaluated for the detection of different concentration of glucose solutions, demonstrating that the structure has the potential to be utilized to develop a highly sensitive fiber sensor.

Feasibility analysis of an SMS-/MSM-/SMSMS-based optical fiber sensor structure.

The paper discusses the application of single-mode fiber (SMF) and multimode fiber (MMF) to the fabrication of a sensor structure based on the hetero-core optical fiber structure. The proposed structures are SMF-MMF-SMF (SMS), MMF-SMF-MMF (MSM), and SMF-MMF-SMF-MMF-SMF (SMSMS). The transmitted intensity of the probe is used to estimate the strength of the evanescent field. The results indicate that the SMSMS structure generates more evanescent waves that penetrate deeper into the sensing probe, increasing its sensitivity. As a result, the SMSMS structure has enormous development potential in the field of sensing.

Adoption and Performance of Complementary Clinical Information Technologies: Analysis of a Survey of General Practitioners.

BACKGROUND: The benefits from the combination of 4 clinical information systems (CISs)-electronic health records (EHRs), health information exchange (HIE), personal health records (PHRs), and telehealth-in primary care depend on the configuration of their functional capabilities available to clinicians. However, our empirical knowledge of these configurations and their associated performance implications is very limited because they have mostly been studied in isolation. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to pursue 3 objectives: (1) characterize general practitioners (GPs) by uncovering the typical profiles of combinations of 4 major CIS capabilities, (2) identify physician and practice characteristics that predict cluster membership, and (3) assess the variation in the levels of performance associated with each configuration. METHODS: We used data from a survey of GPs conducted throughout the European Union (N=5793). First, 4 factors, that is, EHRs, HIE, PHRs, and Telehealth, were created. Second, a cluster analysis helps uncover clusters of GPs based on the 4 factors. Third, we compared the clusters according to five performance outcomes using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a Tamhane T2 post hoc test. Fourth, univariate and multivariate multinomial logistic regressions were used to identify predictors of the clusters. Finally, with a multivariate multinomial logistic regression, among the clusters, we compared performance in terms of the number of patients treated (3 levels) over the last 2 years. RESULTS: We unveiled 3 clusters of GPs with different levels of CIS capability profiles: strong (1956/5793, 37.36%), medium (2764/5793, 47.71%), and weak (524/5793, 9.04%). The logistic regression analysis indicates that physicians (younger, female, and less experienced) and practice (solo) characteristics are significantly associated with a weak profile. The ANOVAs revealed a strong cluster associated with significantly high practice performance outcomes in terms of the quality of care, efficiency, productivity, and improvement of working processes, and two noncomprehensive medium and weak profiles associated with medium (equifinal) practice performance outcomes. The logistic regression analysis also revealed that physicians in the weak profile are associated with a decrease in the number of patients treated over the last 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Different CIS capability profiles may lead to similar equifinal performance outcomes. This underlines the importance of looking beyond the adoption of 1 CIS capability versus a cluster of capabilities when studying CISs. GPs in the strong cluster exhibit a comprehensive CIS capability profile and outperform the other two clusters with noncomprehensive profiles, leading to significantly high performance in terms of the quality of care provided to patients, efficiency of the practice, productivity of the practice, and improvement of working processes. Our findings indicate that medical practices should develop high capabilities in all 4 CISs if they have to maximize their performance outcomes because efforts to develop high capabilities selectively may only be in vain.

Risk Factors for Prolonged Symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pediatric Sports Concussion Clinic Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To examine predictors of prolonged symptom duration from mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in a pediatric sports medicine specialty clinic cohort as these predictors may be distinct in this population. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Outpatient specialty clinic. PATIENTS: Charts of 549 patients (age range: 10-18 years) with concussions were reviewed in an outpatient clinic that predominantly managed sports-related injuries (77.3%). Patients (n = 431) included in the final analysis met the criteria for mTBI and were symptomatic at their first visit. ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS: Patient history, injury, and recovery variables were evaluated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Predictors of prolonged time to reach self-reported symptom recovery were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards. RESULTS: Median time to symptom recovery of the 431 patients who presented to clinic with symptoms was 40 days (full clinic sample median = 34 days). Analyses identified 3 unique predictors of symptom recovery: loss of consciousness (LOC) [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.56, P < 0.0001], female sex (HR = 0.57, P < 0.0001), and concussion symptom score at first clinic visit (HR = 0.76, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged duration of mTBI symptoms in patients who present to a pediatric sports-based concussion clinic is related to initial symptom severity, female sex, and LOC.

Serial CAD/CAM Bracing: An Alternative to Serial Casting for Early Onset Scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: Years of casting for infantile scoliosis can lead to significantly detrimental quality of life for both the child and parents. Concerns have been raised about the long-term negative neurodevelopmental effects of repeated anesthesia on young children. We developed an elongation bending derotation brace (EBDB) that uses primarily a bending derotation force applied to the curve to achieve the same goals as the cast. The goal of the study is to describe the preliminary results of a technique for creation of EBDB for infantile idiopathic scoliosis using computer-aided design/computer-aided milling (CAD/CAM) technology with at least 24 months follow-up. METHODS: Nine patients with infantile idiopathic scoliosis had minimum 2-year follow-up (mean, 3.4 y; range, 2 to 6 y). Mean age at the treatment was 11 months (4 to 24 mo). There were 2 right thoracic, 7 left thoracic curves. CAD/CAM technology was used to create the EBDB after the child was placed in traction and a derotation strap applied. The same rotational forces that are used in the creation of the Mehta-type cast can also be utilized in creating the brace. A laser scanner was used to obtain the spinal geometry. Compliance can be monitored with a heat sensor. RESULTS: Four patients were full corrected with serial bracing alone (curve ≤10 degrees). Five patients with more rigid curves showed improvement from mean 57 degrees (48 to 62 degrees) to mean 21 degrees (10 to 44 degrees). CONCLUSIONS: This paper describes the preliminary results of a new methodology for creating a patient-specific brace for infantile scoliosis using CAD/CAM technology. This methods shows promising potential to treat the infantile curve without the drawbacks of casting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

The Relationship of Foot Strike Pattern, Shoe Type, and Performance in a 50-km Trail Race.

Recent "in-race" studies have observed the foot strike patterns of runners in traditional road marathon races. However, similar studies have not been conducted for trail runners, which have been estimated to account for 11% of all runners. The purpose of this study was to (a) determine the rear-foot strike (RFS) prevalence in a 50-km trail race and compare with traditional road marathon races; (b) determine if there is a relationship between foot strike and sex in a 50-km trail race; and (c) determine if there is a relationship between foot strike, shoe type, and performance in a 50-km trail race. One hundred sixty-five runners were videotaped at the 8.1-km mark of the 2012 Ice Age Trail 50-km race. Foot strike analysis revealed RFS prevalence of 85.1%, less than previously reported in traditional road marathon races. There was no relationship found between sex and foot strike (p = 0.60). A significant effect of shoe type on foot strike (RFS was less common among runners in minimalist shoes, p < 0.01) and performance (faster runners were more likely to be wearing minimalist shoes, p < 0.01) was observed; however, no association between foot strike and performance was observed (p = 0.83). This study suggests that most trail runners, albeit less than road runners, prefer an RFS pattern, which is accompanied by biomechanical consequences unique from a non-RFS pattern and, therefore, likely carries a unique injury profile. In addition, the findings in this study suggest that minimalist shoes may represent a reasonable training modification to improve performance.

Acoustic property reconstruction of a pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) forehead based on computed tomography imaging.

Computed tomography (CT) imaging and sound experimental measurements were used to reconstruct the acoustic properties (density, velocity, and impedance) of the forehead tissues of a deceased pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps). The forehead was segmented along the body axis and sectioned into cross section slices, which were further cut into sample pieces for measurements. Hounsfield units (HUs) of the corresponding measured pieces were obtained from CT scans, and regression analyses were conducted to investigate the linear relationships between the tissues' HUs and velocity, and HUs and density. The distributions of the acoustic properties of the head at axial, coronal, and sagittal cross sections were reconstructed, revealing that the nasal passage system was asymmetric and the cornucopia-shaped spermaceti organ was in the right nasal passage, surrounded by tissues and airsacs. A distinct dense theca was discovered in the posterior-dorsal area of the melon, which was characterized by low velocity in the inner core and high velocity in the outer region. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in density, velocity, and acoustic impedance between all four structures, melon, spermaceti organ, muscle, and connective tissue (p < 0.001). The obtained acoustic properties of the forehead tissues provide important information for understanding the species' bioacoustic characteristics.

An efficient three-component synthesis of highly functionalized tetrahydroacenaphtho[1,2-b]indolone derivatives catalyzed by L-proline.

An efficient and diastereoselective synthetic procedure for highly functionalized tetrahydroacenaphtho[1,2-b]indolone derivatives was successfully developed by the three-component reaction of acenaphthequinone, enaminones, and barbituric acid in the presence of a catalytic amount of L-proline. This method has the advantages of convenient operation, excellent yields, mild reaction conditions, and environmental friendliness.

A Sustainable and Cost-Effective Nitrogen-Doped Three-Dimensional Porous Carbon for High-Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Affordable clean energy is one of the major sustainable development goals that can transform our world. At present, researchers are working to develop cheap electrode materials to develop energy storage devices, the Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery is considered a promising energy storage device owing to its excellent theoretical specific capacity and energy density. Herein, utilizing the ramie degumming waste liquid as raw materials, after freeze-drying and high-temperature calcination, a sustainable and cost-effective three-dimensional (3D) porous nitrogen-doped ramie carbon (N-RC) was synthesized. The N-RC calcined at 800 °C (N-RC-800) shows a superior high specific surface area of 1491.85 m2 ⋅ g-1 and a notable high pore volume of 0.90 cm3 ⋅ g-1. When employed as a sulfur host, the S@N-RC-800 cathode illustrates excellent initial discharge capacity (1120.6 mAh ⋅ g-1) and maintains a reversible capacity of 625.4 mAh ⋅ g-1 after 500 cycles at 1 C. Simultaneously, the S@N-RC-800 cathode also shows excellent coulombic efficiency and ideal rate performance. Such exceptional electrochemical performance of S@N-RC-800 can be primarily attributable to N-RC's high specific surface area, high porosity, and abundant polar functional groups. This green and low-cost synthesis strategy offers a new avenue for harnessing the potential of waste biomass in the context of clean energy storage.

Correlation of transverse rotation of the spine using surface topography and 3D reconstructive radiography in children with idiopathic scoliosis.

PURPOSE: The relationship between axial surface rotation (ASR) measured by surface topography (ST) and axial vertebral rotation (AVR) measured by radiography in the transverse plane is not well defined. This study aimed to: (1) quantify ASR and AVR patterns and their magnitudes from T1 to L5; (2) determine the correlation or agreement between the ASR and AVR; and (3) investigate the relationship between axial rotation differences (ASR-AVR) and major Cobb angle. METHODS: This is a retrospective study evaluating patients (age 8-18) with IS or spinal asymmetry with both radiographic and ST measurements. Demographics, descriptive analysis, and correlations and agreements between ASR and AVR were evaluated. A piecewise linear regression model was further created to relate rotational differences to Cobb angle. RESULTS: Fifty-two subjects met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 14.1 ± 1.7 and 39 (75%) were female. Looking at patterns, AVR had maximal rotation at T8, while ASR had maximal rotation at T11 (r = 0.35, P = .006). Cobb angle was 24.1° ± 13.3° with AVR of - 1° ± 4.6° and scoliotic angle was 20.9° ± 11.5° with ASR of - 2.3° ± 6.6°. (ASR-AVR) vs Cobb angle was found to be very weakly correlated with a curve of less than 38.8° (r = 0.15, P = .001). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary findings support that ASR measured by ST has a weak correlation with estimation of AVR by 3D radiographic reconstruction. This correlation may further help us to understand the application of transverse rotation in some clinical scenarios such as specific casting manipulation, padding mechanism in brace, and surgical correction of rib deformity.

3D Back Contour Metrics in Predicting Idiopathic Scoliosis Progression: Retrospective Cohort Analysis, Case Series Report and Proof of Concept.

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis is a 3D spinal deformity commonly characterized by serial radiographs. Patients with AIS may have increased average radiation exposure compared to unaffected patients and thus may be implicated with a modest increase in cancer risk. To minimize lifetime radiation exposure, alternative imaging modalities such as surface topography are being explored. Surface topography (ST) uses a camera to map anatomic landmarks of the spine and contours of the back to create software-generated spine models. ST has previously shown good correlation to radiographic measures. In this study, we sought to use ST in the creation of a risk stratification model. A total of 38 patients met the inclusion criteria for curve progression prediction. Scoliotic curves were classified as progressing, stabilized, or improving, and a predictive model was created using the proportional odds logistic modeling. The results showed that surface topography was able to moderately appraise scoliosis curvatures when compared to radiographs. The predictive model, using demographic and surface topography measurements, was able to account for 86.9% of the variability in the future Cobb angle. Additionally, attempts at classification of curve progression, stabilization, or improvement were accurately predicted 27/38 times, 71%. These results provide a basis for the creation of a clinical tool in the tracking and prediction of scoliosis progression in order to reduce the number of X-rays required.

The efficacy of virtual reality technology for the postoperative rehabilitation of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM): a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cervical spondylosis myelopathy (CSM) may experience severe neurological dysfunction due to untimely spinal cord compression after surgery. These disorders may lead to sensory and motion disorders, causing considerable psychological distress. Recent studies found that virtual reality (VR) technology can be an effective tool for treating spinal cord injuries. Owing to this discovery, we developed an exploratory research project to investigate the impact of this intervention on the postoperative recovery of patients with CSM. METHODS: The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of combining VR technology with conventional rehabilitation strategies for the postoperative rehabilitation of patients with CSM. A total of 78 patients will be recruited and randomized to either the conventional rehabilitation group or the group subjected to VR technology combined with conventional rehabilitation strategies. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale will be the main tool used, and secondary outcomes will be measured via the visual analogue scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), and functional MRI (fMRI). The data analysis will identify differences between the intervention and control groups as well as any relationship between the intragroup changes in the functional area of the brain and the subjective scale scores after the intervention. DISCUSSION: The aim of this trial is to investigate the effect of VR training on the postoperative rehabilitation of patients with CSM after 12 intervention treatments. Positive and negative outcomes will help us better understand the effectiveness of the intervention and its neural impact. If effective, this study could provide new options for the postoperative rehabilitation of patients with CSM. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300071544). Registered 17 May 2023, https://www.chictr.org.cn/ .

Mechanics and validation of an in vivo device to apply torsional loading to caudal vertebrae.

Axial loading of vertebral bodies has been shown to modulate growth. Longitudinal growth of the vertebral body is impaired by compressive forces while growth is stimulated by distraction. Investigations of torsional loading on the growth plate in the literature are few. The purposes of this study were two-fold: (1) to develop a torque device to apply torsional loads on caudal vertebrae and (2) investigate numerically and in vivo the feasibility of the application of the torque on the growth plate. A controllable torque device was developed and validated in the laboratory. A finite element study was implemented to examine mechanically the deformation of the growth plate and disk. A rat tail model was used with six 5-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. Three rats received a static torsional load, and three rats received no torque and served as sham control rats. A histological study was undertaken to investigate possible morphological changes in the growth plate, disk, and caudal bone. The device successfully applied a controlled torsional load to the caudal vertebrae. The limited study using finite element analysis (FEA) and histology demonstrated that applied torque increased lateral disk height and increased disk width. The study also found that the growth plate height increased, and the width decreased as well as a curved displacement of the growth plate. No significant changes were observed from the in vivo study in the bone. The torsional device does apply controlled torque and is well tolerated by the animal. This study with limited samples appears to result in morphological changes in the growth plate and disk. The use of this device to further investigate changes in the disk and growth plate is feasible.

The effect of hybrid SCMC (BYOD) on foreign language anxiety and learning experience in comparison to pure SCMC and FTF communication.

This study aims to investigate the impact of using synchronized computer-mediated communication (SCMC) in a face-to-face (FTF) classroom on reducing foreign language anxiety (FLA) and enhancing the learning experience. Fifty Chinese college students participated in a learning activity under three modes: normal FTF classroom (the blank sample), pure SCMC, and hybrid SCMC (BYOD). Smartphones, PCs, open internet, and the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) concept were used for SCMC applications. After completing the learning activity, the students completed Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) questionnaires. The students were also asked to complete perceptual questionnaires to assess their interaction, anxiety, distraction from the internet, and class atmosphere in the three modes. The results showed that the hybrid SCMC (BYOD) resulted in better interaction than the normal FTF classroom mode (the blank sample), while pure SCMC showed no significant improvement. Both SCMC modes reduced FLA compared to the normal FTF classroom mode (the blank sample), but pure SCMC caused a noticeable increase in distraction from the internet and weakened the classroom atmosphere. In contrast, the hybrid SCMC (BYOD) mode slightly increased distraction and improved the classroom atmosphere.

Humanoid-shaped WaveFlex biosensor for the detection of food contamination.

High-toxicity secondary metabolites called aflatoxin are naturally produced by the fungus Aspergillus. In a warm, humid climate, Aspergillus growth can be considerably accelerated. The most dangerous chemical among all aflatoxins is aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which has the potential to cause cancer and several other health risks. As a result, food forensicists now urgently need a method that is more precise, quick, and practical for aflatoxin testing. The current study focuses on the development of a highly sensitive, specific, label-free, and rapid detection method for AFB1 using a novel humanoid-shaped fiber optic WaveFlex biosensor (refers to a plasmon wave-based fiber biosensor). The fiber probe has been functionalized with nanomaterials (gold nanoparticles, graphene oxide and multiwalled carbon nanotubes) and anti-AFB1 antibodies to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of the developed sensor. The findings demonstrate that the developed sensor exhibits a remarkable low detection limit of 34.5 nM and exceptional specificity towards AFB1. Furthermore, the sensor demonstrated exceptional characteristics such as high stability, selectivity, reproducibility, and reusability. These essential factors highlight the significant potential of the proposed WaveFlex biosensor for the accurate detection of AFB1 in diverse agricultural and food samples.