bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating hazard, exposure, vulnerability and resilience for risk and emergency management in a volcanic context: the ADVISE model
Authors: Bonadonna Costanza , Frischknecht Corine , Menoni Scira , Romerio Franco , Gregg Chris E. , Rosi Mauro , Biass Sebastien , Asgary Ali , Pistolesi Marco , Guobadia Dehrick , Gattuso Alessandro , Ricciardi Antonio , Cristiani Chiara
Published: November 2021

Risk assessments in volcanic contexts are complicated by the multi-hazard nature of both unrest and eruption phases, which frequently occur over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. As an attempt to capture the multi-dimensional and dynamic nature of volcanic risk, we developed an integrAteD VolcanIc risk asSEssment (ADVISE) model that focuses on two temporal dimensions that authorities have to address in a volcanic context: short-term emergency management and long-term risk management. The output of risk assessment in the ADVISE model is expressed in terms of potential physical, functional, and systemic damage, determined by combining the available information on hazard, exposed systems and vulnerability. The ADVISE model permits qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative risk assessment depending on the final objective and on the available information. The proposed approach has evolved over a decade of study on the volcanic island of Vulcano (Italy), where recent signs of unrest combined with uncontrolled urban development and significant seasonal variations of exposed population result in highly dynamic volcanic risk. For the sake of illustration of all the steps of the ADVISE model, we focus here on the risk assessment of the transport system in relation to the tephra fallout associated with a long-lasting Vulcanian cycle.
Dynamics model analysis of bacteriophage infection of bacteria
Authors: Li Xiaoping , Huang Rong , He Minyuan
Published: November 2021

A bacteriophage (in short, phage) is a virus that can infect and replicate within bacteria. Assuming that uninfected and infected bacteria are capable of reproducing with logistic law, we investigate a model of bacteriophage infection that resembles simple SI-models widely used in epidemiology. The dynamics of host-parasite co-extinctions may exhibit four scenarios: hosts and parasites go extinct, parasites go extinct, hosts go extinct, and hosts and parasites coexist. By using the Jacobian matrix and Bendixson–Dulac theory, local and global stability analysis of uninfected and infected steady states is provided; the basic reproduction number of the model is given; general results are supported by numerical simulations. We show that bacteriophages can reduce a host density. This provides a theoretical framework for studying the problem of whether phages can effectively prevent, control, and treat infectious diseases.
Measuring mental wellness among adolescents living with a physical chronic condition: a systematic review of the mental health and mental well-being instruments
Authors: Orth Zaida , van Wyk Brian
Published: November 2021

Background

Globally, promoting mental health and well-being among adolescents has become a public health priority, especially for adolescents living with a physical chronic condition (CC), as research suggests they may be more at risk of developing mental health co-morbidities. Valid and reliable instruments are needed to measure and better understand mental health and mental well-being among adolescents living with a CC. To this end, we reviewed studies reporting on mental health and well-being instruments used in adolescent populations living with a chronic physical condition/disease globally.

Methods

We used a systematic review method guided by PRISMA to identify assess mental health and mental well-being instruments used in adolescents living with a CC. In this instance, mental health instruments were defined as those representing negative domains of mental health (i.e. depression and anxiety) while mental well-being instruments included positive aspects of mental health (i.e. self-concept and resilience).

Results

We identified 22 articles, which included 31 instruments that were used to measure either mental health (n = 8) or mental well-being (n = 15) or both (n = 8) in adolescents living with a CC. Of these, thirteen studies used a Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) scale to measure mental health and/or mental well-being. The KIDSCREEN questionnaires and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were identified as being frequently used across the 22 studies. Additionally, 7 out of the 31 instruments were disease specific, with 3 focusing on adolescents with diabetes. All the instruments were developed in high income countries and adapted for use in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes (n = 7) and HIV (n = 4) were researched in 11 out of 22 studies. Only eight studies were conducted in LMIC, of which four were in Africa.

Conclusions

HRQoL instruments are useful in measuring mental health and well-being in adolescents living with a CC. However, relatively few valid measures of mental health and mental well-being for adolescents living with a CC exist, which accentuates the paucity of research on mental health and mental well-being of adolescents who are living with a CC. Specific measures need to be developed in and for LMICs where cultural contexts affect mental well-being in unique ways.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020186707.
The affectability of writing assessment scores: a G-theory analysis of rater, task, and scoring method contribution
Authors: Khodi Ali
Published: November 2021

The present study attempted to to investigate  factors  which affect EFL writing scores through using generalizability theory (G-theory). To this purpose, one hundred and twenty students participated in one independent and one integrated writing tasks. Proceeding, their performances were scored by six raters: one self-rating,  three peers,-rating and two instructors-rating. The main purpose of the sudy was to determine the relative and absolute contributions of different facets such as student, rater, task, method of scoring, and background of education  to the validity of writing assessment scores. The results indicated three major sources of variance: (a) the student by task by method of scoring (nested in background of education) interaction (STM:B) with 31.8% contribution to the total variance, (b) the student by rater by task by method of scoring (nested in background of education) interaction (SRTM:B) with 26.5% of contribution to the total variance, and (c) the student by rater by method of scoring (nested in background of education) interaction (SRM:B) with 17.6% of the contribution. With regard to the G-coefficients in G-study (relative G-coefficient ≥ 0.86), it was also found that the result of the assessment was highly valid and reliable. The sources of error variance were detected as the student by rater (nested in background of education) (SR:B) and rater by background of education with 99.2% and 0.8% contribution to the error variance, respectively. Additionally, ten separate G-studies were conducted to investigate the contribution of different facets across rater, task, and methods of scoring as differentiation facet. These studies suggested that peer rating, analytical scoring method, and integrated writing tasks were the most reliable and generalizable designs of the writing assessments. Finally, five decision-making studies (D-studies) in optimization level were conducted and it was indicated that at least four raters (with G-coefficient = 0.80) are necessary for a valid and reliable assessment. Based on these results, to achieve the greatest gain in generalizability, teachers should have their students take two writing assessments and their performance should be rated on at least two scoring methods by at least four raters.
Three-dimensional assessment of airway volumes in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate
Authors: Kiaee Bita , Nucci Ludovica , Sarkarat Farzin , Talaeipour Ahmad Reza , Eslami Sara , Amiri Faezeh , Jamilian Abdolreza
Published: November 2021

Background

Considering the adverse consequences of respiratory insufficiency in cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients, this study aimed to assess the pharyngeal airway dimensions in 9–12-year-old patients with unilateral CLP. This historical cohort evaluated the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 30 patients with non-syndromic unilateral CLP between 9 and 12 years and 30 age- and sex-matched non-cleft controls. Three-dimensional (3D) images were reconstructed by the Mimics software, and the nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and total airway volumes, as well as the minimal cross-sectional area of the airway (minAx), and posterior airway length (PAL) were all measured in the sagittal plane. Data were analyzed by the Student’s t test.

Results

The oropharyngeal and the total airway volumes, as well as the minAx and PAL in CLP patients, were significantly smaller than the corresponding values in the control group (P < 0.05). Despite smaller nasopharyngeal airway volume in CLP patients than controls, this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Nine- to twelve-year-old non-syndromic unilateral CLP patients have smaller pharyngeal airway dimensions than non-cleft controls, and are therefore at higher risk of respiratory insufficiency.
Five-year outcomes of EVO implantable collamer lens implantation for the correction of high myopia and super high myopia
Authors: Chen Xun , Wang Xuanqi , Xu Yilin , Cheng Mingrui , Han Tian , Niu LingLing , Wang Xiaoying , Zhou Xingtao
Published: November 2021

Background

To evaluate the long-term safety, efficacy, predictability, and stability of implantable collamer lens with a central hole (EVO ICL) implantation for correcting high myopia (HM) and super high myopia (SHM).

Methods

This prospective study evaluated 83 eyes of 46 patients who were divided into groups based on their spherical equivalent refractive error (SE): HM group (− 12 D ≤ SE < − 6 D) and SHM group (SE < − 12 D). They were followed up for 5 years after ICL implantation; assessments of uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refractive error, axial length, intraocular pressure, corneal endothelial cell density, and vault were conducted, and a questionnaire was administered.

ResuIts

At 5 years postoperatively, the safety indices of the HM and SHM groups were 1.03 ± 0.10 and 1.32 ± 0.39, and the efficacy indices were 0.83 ± 0.25 and 0.86 ± 0.32, respectively. In the HM group, 60.47% and 79.07% of the eyes were within ± 0.50 D and ± 1.00 D of the attempted correction, while it was achieved for 22.50% and 47.50% of the eyes in the SHM group, respectively. The SE of the HM group decreased from  − 9.72 ± 1.41 D preoperatively to 0.04 ± 0.39 D 1 month postoperatively and − 0.67 ± 0.57 D 5 years postoperatively, while in the SHM group, it decreased from − 15.78 ± 3.06 D preoperatively to  − 0.69 ± 0.97 D 1 month postoperatively and − 1.74 ± 1.19 D 5 years postoperatively.

Conclusion

EVO ICL implantation is safe, effective, and predictable for correcting HM and SHM. CDVA improved more after surgery for SHM, but the growth of axial length still needs attention.
The roles of exosomal immune checkpoint proteins in tumors
Authors: Xing Cheng , Li Heng , Li Rui-Juan , Yin Le , Zhang Hui-Fang , Huang Zi-Neng , Cheng Zhao , Li Ji , Wang Zhi-Hua , Peng Hong-Ling
Published: November 2021

Targeting immune checkpoints has achieved great therapeutic effects in the treatment of early-stage tumors. However, most patients develop adaptive resistance to this therapy. The latest evidence demonstrates that tumor-derived exosomes may play a key role in systemic immune suppression and tumor progression. In this article, we highlight the role of exosomal immune checkpoint proteins in tumor immunity, with an emphasis on programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), as well as emerging evidence on roles of T cell immunoglobulin-3 (TIM-3), arginase 1 (ARG1), and estrogen receptor binding fragment-associated antigen 9 (EBAG9) expressed by exosomes.
Sugammadex, neostigmine and postoperative pulmonary complications: an international randomised feasibility and pilot trial
Authors: Leslie Kate , Chan Matthew T. V. , Darvall Jai N. , De Silva Anurika P. , Braat Sabine , Devlin Nancy J. , Peyton Philip J. , Radnor Jade , Lam Carmen K. M. , Sidiropoulos Sofia , Story David A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Sugammadex reduces residual neuromuscular blockade after anaesthesia, potentially preventing postoperative pulmonary complications. However, definitive evidence is lacking. We therefore conducted a feasibility and pilot trial for a large randomised controlled trial of sugammadex, neostigmine, and postoperative pulmonary complications.

Methods

Patients aged ≥40 years having elective or expedited abdominal or intrathoracic surgery were recruited in Australia and Hong Kong. Perioperative care was at the discretion of clinicians, except for the use of rocuronium and/or vecuronium for neuromuscular blockade and the randomised intervention (sugammadex or neostigmine) for reversal. Feasibility measurements included recruitment, crossover, acceptability, completeness, and workload. Trial coordinator feedback was systematically sought. Patient-reported quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D-5L score. The primary pilot outcome was the incidence of new pulmonary complications up to hospital discharge (or postoperative day 7 if still in hospital).

Results

Among 150 eligible patients, 120 consented to participate (recruitment rate 80%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 73 to 86%). The randomised intervention was administered without crossover to 115 of 117 patients who received reversal (98%, 95% CI 94 to 100%). The protocol was acceptable or highly acceptable to the anaesthetist in 108 of 116 cases (93%, 95% CI 87 to 97%; missing = 4). Four patients of the 120 patients were lost to follow-up at 3 months (3.3%, 95% CI 0.9 to 8.3%). Case report forms were complete at 3 months for all remaining patients. The median time to complete trial processes was 3.5 h (range 2.5–4.5 h). Trial coordinators reported no barriers to trial processes. Patients were aged 64 (standard deviation 11) years, 70 (58%) were male and 50 (42%) were female, and planned surgeries were thoracic (23 [19%]), upper abdominal (41 [34%]), and lower abdominal (56 [47%]). The primary outcome was observed in 5 (8.5%) of the 59 sugammadex patients and 5 (8.2%) of the 61 neostigmine patients (odds ratio 1.02, 95% CI 0.28 to 3.67).

Conclusions

A large international randomised controlled trial of sugammadex, neostigmine and postoperative pulmonary complications in adult patients having abdominal and intrathoracic surgery, including collection of cost-effectiveness evidence for Health Technology Appraisal, is feasible.

Trial registration

Prospectively registered at the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620001313921) on December 7, 2020. www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=380645&isReview=true.
On the factors of Bitcoin’s value at risk
Authors: Kwon Ji Ho
Published: November 2021

This study investigates the factors of Bitcoin’s tail risk, quantified by Value at Risk (VaR). Extending the conditional autoregressive VaR model proposed by Engle and Manganelli (2004), I examine 30 potential drivers of Bitcoin’s 5% and 1% VaR. For the 5% VaR, quantity variables, such as Bitcoin trading volume and monetary policy rate, were positively significant, but these effects were attenuated when new samples were added. The 5% VaR responds positively to the Internet search index and negatively to the fluctuation of returns on commodity variables and the Chinese stock market index. For the 1% VaR, variables related to the macroeconomy play a key role. The consumer sentiment index exerts a strong positive effect on the 1% VaR. I also find that the 1% VaR has positive relationships with the US economic policy uncertainty index and the fluctuation of returns on the corporate bond index.
Amphiregulin as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma before and after locoregional treatment
Authors: Isaac Amira , Mohamed Sherif Mounir , Ahmed Osama Ashraf , Hassan Ahmed Gamal Mohamed , Rasmy Hany Samir
Published: November 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a highly prevalent tumor worldwide. Amphiregulin is a ligand of the epidermal growth factor receptor. Its elevation is linked to different inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. Therefore, amphiregulin may represent a potential diagnostic target in HCC, which has sparked interest as a potential predictor of diagnosis and progression of HCC. The current work was set out to evaluate amphiregulin as a possible diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCC on top of cirrhosis. Thirty adult patients with liver cirrhosis and HCC (HCC group) were randomly selected as candidates for locoregional therapies, either radiofrequency ablation or transarterial chemoembolization. A separate group of thirty liver cirrhosis patients served as controls (cirrhosis group). All patients underwent standard laboratory tests and abdominal ultrasounds. Alpha-fetoprotein and amphiregulin were measured twice at baseline and 1 month after the intervention.

Results

Baseline serum amphiregulin was significantly higher in the HCC group than in the cirrhosis group (23.2 ± 11.5 vs. 11.1 ± 7.1), with a p value < 0.001. Patients with multiple and larger focal lesions had greater levels of amphiregulin, with p values of 0.015 and 0.002, respectively. At 1 month following locoregional treatment, the amphiregulin level considerably declined compared with its baseline levels (from 23.2 ± 11.5 to 19.4 ± 10.9), with a p value of 0.012, while AFP showed an insignificant reduction. At follow-up, the level of serum amphiregulin was statistically significantly greater in recurrence cases than in remission cases (30.8 ± 14.1 vs. 17.2 ± 8.8), with a p value of 0.008, and the same was observed for AFP level.

At a cutoff ≥ 17 pg/mL, amphiregulin was a valuable marker in HCC detection with a sensitivity and specificity of 63.3% and 86.7%, respectively, while it has 60% sensitivity and 96% specificity in detecting possible tumor recurrence at a cutoff ≥ 29.7 pg/ml.

Conclusions

Amphiregulin may be a good diagnostic marker for HCC and a prognostic marker after locoregional therapies because its follow-up levels are useful in predicting possible tumor recurrence.
Influence of Coulomb potential on photoelectron momentum distributions in few-cycle linearly polarized laser field
Authors: Sun Y. , Chen J. H. , Wang Z. , Zhang J. , Liu X. S.
Published: November 2021

We investigate the influence of the Coulomb potential on the photoelectron momentum distributions of H atoms in few-cycle linearly polarized laser field by numerically solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation and using the semi-classical method. We demonstrate that the electrons ionized from the different time windows will contribute to different interference types and regions in the photoelectron momentum distributions. The typical trajectories of the photoelectrons are used to illustrate the effect of the Coulomb potential on the interference stripes. We mainly investigate the photoelectron momentum distribution contributed by the electron wave packets, which are emitted within the nonadjacent falling edges of the electric field. In this case, a discontinuous region near the center of the photoelectron momentum distribution can be clearly observed, which exhibits a strong dependence on the Coulomb potential. We also observe a shift in the photoelectron momentum distributions in each quarter cycle. We quantitatively illustrate that the shift is induced by the Coulomb correction along the axis of polarization. Our results may provide a reference for further analytical research about the shift of the photoelectron momentum distributions in few-cycle strong laser field.
Association of Impaired Fasting Glucose With Cardiovascular Disease in the Absence of Risk Factor
Authors: Zuo Yingting , Han Xinsheng , Tian Xue , Chen Shuohua , Wu Shouling , Wang Anxin
Published: November 2021

Background

The association between impaired fasting glucose and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in participants without atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk factors based on current definitions is unclear. The study aimed to examine the association of fasting glucose levels with CVD and its subtypes in persons without ASCVD risk factors.

Methods

This study included 38 297 participants [men 62.1%; mean age 47.9 (12.9) years] who were free of a history of CVD and absent of ASCVD risk factors and had a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level between 70 to 125 mg/dL at baseline from Kailuan Study during 2006 and 2007. Participants were followed until new-onset CVD event, death, or December 31, 2017. Cox proportional hazards models were performed to evaluate the associations.

Results

During a median follow-up of 11.0 years (interquartile range 10.7-11.2 years), we observed 1217 incident CVD events. Compared with participants with FPG 70 to 99 mg/dL, the multivariable adjusted hazard ratios for CVD among participants with FPG 100 to 109 mg/dL and 110 to 125 mg/dL were 1.18 (95% CI 1.02-1.38) and 1.27 (95% CI 1.03-1.55), respectively. Multivariable-adjusted spline regression model showed a J-shaped association between FPG and the risk of CVD.

Conclusions

We found that among individuals without diabetes or other traditional ASCVD risk factors, there is an increased risk of incident CVD with increasing abnormal FPG levels. These results highlight the importance of primordial prevention for FPG level increases along with other traditional ASCVD risk factors.
Genome-Wide Association Study and Polygenic Risk Scores of Serum DHEAS Levels in a Chilean Children Cohort
Authors: Miranda José Patricio , Lardone María Cecilia , Rodríguez Fernando , Cutler Gordon B , Santos José Luis , Corvalán Camila , Pereira Ana , Mericq Verónica
Published: November 2021

Context

Adrenarche reflects the developmental growth of the adrenal zona reticularis, which produces increasing adrenal androgen secretion (eg, dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA]/dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEAS]) from approximately age 5 to 15 years.

Objective

We hypothesized that the study of the genetic determinants associated with variations in serum DHEAS during adrenarche might detect genetic variants influencing the rate or timing of this process.

Methods

Genome-wide genotyping was performed in participants of the Chilean pediatric Growth and Obesity Chilean Cohort Study (GOCS) cohort (n = 788). We evaluated the genetic determinants of DHEAS levels at the genome-wide level and in targeted genes associated with steroidogenesis. To corroborate our findings, we evaluated a polygenic risk score (PRS) for age at pubarche, based on the discovered variants, in children from the same cohort.

Results

We identified one significant variant at the genome-wide level in the full cohort, close to the GALR1 gene (P = 3.81 × 10–8). In addition, variants suggestive of association (P < 1 × 10–5) were observed in PRLR, PITX1, PTPRD, NR1H4, and BCL11B. Stratifying by sex, we found variants suggestive of association in SERBP1 and CAMTA1/VAMP3 for boys and near ZNF98, TRPC6, and SULT2A1 for girls. We also found significant reductions in age at pubarche in those children with higher PRS for greater DHEAS based on these newly identified variants.

Conclusion

Our results disclose one variant associated with DHEAS concentrations at the level of genome-wide association study significance, and several variants with a suggestive association that may be involved in the genetic regulation of adrenarche.
New onset asthma during pregnancy: two case reports
Authors: Schriek Paula S. , Bendien Saar A. , Feitsma Hanneke A. , van Exsel Jeroen
Published: November 2021

Introduction: 

Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease during pregnancy. However, reports of new onset asthma during pregnancy are lacking. We report two cases of new onset asthma during pregnancy following respiratory tract infection, subsequently one case with M. pneumoniae infection and the other case with a combined infection with respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus.  

Case presentation:  

Both patients presented with the clinical features of an acute asthma exacerbation during pregnancy without a medical history of asthma. During follow up the diagnosis of asthma was supported by spirometry showing significant reversibility and elevated fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Patients were hospitalized and received supplemental oxygen, treatment for an acute asthma exacerbation with systemic corticosteroids, high dose inhalation therapy. These therapeutic interventions subsequently led to a good outcome for the mother and newborn in both cases.  

Conclusions: 

New onset asthma should be part of the differential diagnosis in pregnant patients with respiratory symptoms, particularly in case of mycoplasma infection. 

Diagnosing asthma during pregnancy can be challenging. In these circumstances, additional diagnostic tests (like inflammatory biomarkers FeNO and blood eosinophils) can be helpful to support the diagnosis.
Rates of refusal of clinical autopsies among HIV-positive decedents and an overview of autopsies in Uganda
Authors: Namuju Olivie C. , Kwizera Richard , Lukande Robert , Pastick Katelyn A. , Taylor Jonee M. , Nicol Melanie R. , Boulware David R. , Meya David B.
Published: November 2021

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related mortality remains high in sub-Saharan Africa. Clinical autopsies can provide invaluable information to help ascertain the cause of death. We aimed to determine the rate and reasons for autopsy refusal amongst families of HIV-positive decedents in Uganda.

Methods: We consented the next-of-kin for post-mortem examinations among Ugandan decedents with HIV from 2017-2020 at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital. For those who refused autopsies, reasons were recorded.

Results: In this analysis, 165 decedents with HIV were included from three selected wards at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital.  Autopsy was not performed in 45% of the deceased patients; the rate of autopsy refusal was 36%. The most common reasons for autopsy refusal were time constraints (30%), family satisfaction with clinical diagnosis (15%), fear of disfigurement of the remains (15%), and lack of perceived benefit (15%). By seeking consent from multiple family members and clearly explaining to them the purpose of performing the autopsy, we found a reduction in the rate of autopsy refusal among relatives of the deceased patients at this hospital compared to previous studies at the same site (36% vs. 60%).

Conclusions: We found lower rates of autopsy refusal compared to previous studies at the same site. This underscores the importance of clearly explaining the purpose of autopsies as they increase active sensitization about their relevance and dispel myths related to autopsies among the general population. Good, culturally sensitive, and timely explanations to the family of the benefits of autopsy increase the rate of obtaining permission. Building capacity for performing autopsies by training more pathologists and increasing laboratory resources to decrease the turn-around-time for autopsy reports and extending these services to peripheral health facilities could improve autopsy acceptance rates.
Honesty in the Digital Age
Authors: Cohn Alain , Gesche Tobias , Maréchal Michel André
Published: November 2021

Modern communication technologies enable efficient exchange of information but often sacrifice direct human interaction inherent in more traditional forms of communication. This raises the question of whether the lack of personal interaction induces individuals to exploit informational asymmetries. We conducted two experiments with a total of 848 subjects to examine how human versus machine interaction influences cheating for financial gain. We find that individuals cheat about three times more when they interact with a machine rather than a person, regardless of whether the machine is equipped with human features. When interacting with a human, individuals are particularly reluctant to report unlikely and therefore, suspicious outcomes, which is consistent with social image concerns. The second experiment shows that dishonest individuals prefer to interact with a machine when facing an opportunity to cheat. Our results suggest that human presence is key to mitigating dishonest behavior and that self-selection into communication channels can be used to screen for dishonest people.

This paper was accepted by Axel Ockenfels, decision analysis.
POSSIBILITY OF DETERMINING ARGUMENTATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE ARTICLES: THE CASE OF LATVIAN
Authors: Lele-Rozentāle Dzintra , Laiveniece Diāna , Dubova Agnese , Egle Baiba
Published: November 2021

Argumentation is an essential part of the research process and its linguistic representation. Argumentation, as well as the formation of appropriate wording requires that the author is familiar with different types of argumentation and the experience with their use to substantiate one's thoughts and statements in a proper scientific way. Until now, argumentation as an object of linguistic research in scientific has been widely researched, but in the context of scientific articles in Latvian, it has not been studied at all.

This paper explores the possibilities of qualitative analysis of argumentation in order to develop a methodology for determining the presence of argumentation and further linguistic research on it (for example, classification of argumentation by strategy, structure, scope or expansion, etc.).

To achieve the intended goal, 20 social science articles (published from 2016–2018) in Latvian have been selected from the fields of political science, economics and business, education, and sociology. These articles were structurally different, 8 articles strictly adhered to IMRaD format, 6 articles partially followed it (mainly the discussion section was missing) while the remaining 6 articles completely ignored the IMRaD format. The selection of articles was done to accept or reject the initial hypothesis that the proportion of argumentation is directly related to the IMRaD structure of the articles.

To determine the argumentation, the same research methods that are used in computational linguistics are applied to qualitative research and manual text zone marking is used. The study was intended to obtain and test a universal methodological approach that could be used for future linguistic research in disciplines (mainly humanities and arts) where the IMRaD structure is not used.
Civic leadership, emotions and social change: decolonial ethnographic research on an American Indian non-profit organisation
Authors: Jimenez-Luque Antonio , Burgess Melissa
Published: November 2021

The non-profit sector in the United States (US) plays a key role in reproducing racism and classism. These two systems of oppression within non-profits mirror colonialism since their agendas and decisions about their implementation are made by elites rather than by people directly affected by the issues at hand. Through a case study of a Native American non-profit organisation in the north-west of the US, this article explores how emotions, particularly the processes through which people regulate emotions, can be used as resources for social change. Drawing on decolonial theory and combining critical non-profit and leadership studies, the research included observations, the gathering of artefacts and 13 interviews/conversations with individuals and groups. This article offers leadership strategies and actions for decolonising structures of the non-profit sector using emotions as assets for meaning-making, communication and resistance. Two central findings emerge: (a) emotions can change the dominant script; and (b) emotions can be used to resist, raise voices and contribute to social change. These findings bring new perspectives and nuances to better understand public leadership within postcolonial societies and are especially relevant for non-profit organisations led by marginalised social groups that have initiated collective struggles of social change to decolonise American society.
Efficient modeling method for emitting focusing grating coupler based on complex mode matching and effective index method
Authors: Xu Hui , Sun Chonglei , Zhao Jia , Du Liuge , Xu Xiao , Zhang Chen
Published: November 2021

In this paper, an efficient modeling method for a photonics-focusing grating coupler is proposed and studied. The focusing grating coupler can be divided into two parts: the cylindrical coordinate slab waveguide and the Cartesian coordinate slab waveguide. Using the cylindrical slab modes and the two-dimensional complex mode-matching method, we can obtain the efficient compact model for the focusing grating coupler. This model reduces the three-dimensional structure into a two-dimensional structure by using the effective index method to reduce the computation time as well as the computational resources. The simulation result, which is dependent on the finite-difference time-domain method, demonstrates the accuracy of the advanced compact model. This model can also be integrated into the circuit simulation.
Twisted electromagnetic elliptical multi-Gaussian Schell-model beams and their transmission in random media
Authors: Liu Xiayin , Shen Yanting , Zhu Weiting
Published: November 2021

We extend the scalar elliptical multi-Gaussian Schell-model (EMGSM) beams with twist phase to the electromagnetic domain and obtain the analytical expression for the propagation of the electromagnetic twisted EMGSM beams through random media. The twist phase-induced changes of the spectral density and degree of polarization of such beams on propagation are studied numerically. Results show that by adjusting the twist factor and the correlated parameters of the source, both the spectral density and degree of polarization not only rotate around the propagation axis but also exhibit diverse shapes. The flattopped ellipse-like and diamond-like shape maintain over a relatively long propagation distance and finally involve into Gaussian-like shape due to stronger atmospheric turbulence. The results will be useful in optical trapping and optical communication.
Noise in Brillouin based information storage
Authors: Nieves Oscar A. , Arnold Matthew D. , Schmidt Mikołaj K. , Steel Michael J. , Poulton Christopher G.
Published: November 2021

We theoretically and numerically study the efficiency of Brillouin-based opto-acoustic data storage in a photonic waveguide in the presence of thermal noise and laser phase noise. We compare the physics of the noise processes and how they affect different storage techniques, examining both amplitude and phase storage schemes. We investigate the effects of storage time and pulse properties on the quality of the retrieved signal and find that phase storage is less sensitive to thermal noise than amplitude storage.
Infrared scene projector (IRSP) for cryogenic environments based on a light-driven blackbody micro cavity array (BMCA)
Authors: Gao Yanze , Li Zhuo , Zhang Sichen , Zhao Tianze , Shi Rui , Shi Qingfeng
Published: November 2021

An infrared scene projector (IRSP) that can operate at an ambient temperature lower than 190 K is developed for the hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation of space-borne IR detection systems. The IRSP is composed of a visible scene generator (VSG), a visible to IR converter, and an IR projection system optimized for cryogenic environments. The core component of the IRSP is a light-driven blackbody micro cavity array (BMCA). The BMCA is a photothermal conversion device. It can transform visible light images into IR images. The BMCA can operate properly in an ultralow temperature environment, and the temperature of the BMCA is the same as the ambient temperature. This property allows the BMCA to generate IR scenes with a pure low temperature background, which is crucial for the ground testing of space-borne IR detection systems. The performance of the IRSP was tested in a vacuum cold chamber. In the cryogenic environment with an ambient temperature of 187.75K, the observed highest temperature of the generated IR scene was 426.15 K, the lowest temperature was 187.75 K, the dynamic range of the IR scene was 38.69 db, and the frame rate of the IR scene reached 76 Hz. The average visible to IR conversion efficiency of BMCA was about 10.6%∼3.1% under different ambient temperatures. The radiation spectrum of the IRSP is close to the standard blackbody radiation spectrum both in the MWIR band and the LWIR band. The IRSP has been applied in a HIL simulation test of a space-borne IR detection system.
Efficient color imaging through unknown opaque scattering layers via physics-aware learning
Authors: Zhu Shuo , Guo Enlai , Gu Jie , Cui Qianying , Zhou Chenyin , Bai Lianfa , Han Jing
Published: November 2021

Color imaging with scattered light is crucial to many practical applications and becomes one of the focuses in optical imaging fields. More physics theories have been introduced in the deep learning (DL) approach for the optical tasks and improve the imaging capability a lot. Here, an efficient color imaging method is proposed in reconstructing complex objects hidden behind unknown opaque scattering layers, which can obtain high reconstruction fidelity in spatial structure and accurate restoration in color information by training with only one diffuser. More information is excavated by utilizing the scattering redundancy and promotes the physics-aware DL approach to reconstruct the color objects hidden behind unknown opaque scattering layers with robust generalization capability by an efficient means. This approach gives impetus to color imaging through dynamic scattering media and provides an enlightening reference for solving complex inverse problems based on physics-aware DL methods.
Analytical method for designing tunable terahertz absorbers with the desired frequency and bandwidth
Authors: Liu Zhongmin , Guo Liang , Zhang Qingmao
Published: November 2021

We present a novel and effective approach for designing and analyzing graphene metasurface-based terahertz absorbers with the desired central frequency and fractional bandwidth. Narrowband and broadband absorbers are designed using the same configuration with a single-layer of graphene ribbons deposited on a metal-backed dielectric film. An analytical circuit model derived for the graphene array applies the impedance matching concept to realize the desired terahertz absorber. Absorbers with a fractional bandwidth ranging from 10-100% are realized at the 1-THz central frequency. The results show excellent agreement with those calculated using full-wave numerical simulations. The proposed method is promising for terahertz imaging, sensing, and filtering applications.
Theoretical and experimental study of hybrid optical computing engine for arbitrary-order FRFT
Authors: Hong Jiaying , Zhou Xi , Xin Nian , Chen Zhengyu , He Bin , Hu Zhangwei , Zhang Ning , Li Qin , Xue Ping , Zhang Xiao
Published: November 2021

Fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) is the generalization of Fourier transform. It provides many significant advantages, such as fractional order as the new degree of freedom and high efficiency and great performance for non-stationary signal analysis/processing, that other operations including Fourier transform cannot. Here, we report a hybrid optical system for computation of arbitrary-order FRFT of temporal signals. In experiment, the fractional-domain information of input temporal signals could be directly acquired by detector. In addition, the optical computing results are in good agreement with numerical results. Then we apply the optical computing engine to demodulation of chirp spread spectrum signals. Using sub-Nyquist sampling, the proposed technology could greatly save the number of measurements in demodulation. The compression ratio could be as low as 0.4%, because of the high compression performance of chirp signals in FRFT domain. As a result, the proposed technology has unique advantages in analysis and information extraction for non-stationary signals, especially for chirp-like signals, and may become a powerful optical time-frequency analysis tool for temporal signals.
High-temperature broadband reflection reduction: design, fabrication, and characterization
Authors: Han Tiancheng , Wen Kaihuai , Lu Haipeng , Wang Xin , Zhang Li , Liang Difei , Deng Longjiang
Published: November 2021

We report the design, fabrication, and measurement of a refractory metamaterial with a broadband reflection reduction insensitive to temperature. This is achieved based on a polarization conversion, which demonstrates a significant bandwidth expansion due to the three electromagnetic resonances generated in a simple cut-wire unit. The unit cell can effectively convert linearly polarized waves into cross-polarized waves in the frequency band of 4.3 GHz to 7.3 GHz, with the polarization conversion ratio (PCR) above 90%. After arranging the polarization conversion units in chessboard layout with 0/1 form, a low specular reflection below -10dB from 4.3 GHz to 7.3 GHz is obtained. The broadband reflection reduction has been experimentally validated in a wide temperature range from room temperature to 500°C. It is believed that these results may provide a new route to achieve broadband reflection reduction at a wide temperature range and are promising for many applications.
Two-stage digital differential atomic spin precession detection method
Authors: Chen Dongying , Yang Yuanhong , Jin Wei , Wang Xuefeng , Liu Yuanxing , Wang Tianshun
Published: November 2021

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a two-stage digital differential method for atomic spin precession detection. The first differential operation is carried out with a polarimeter module and subsequent digital differential. The second differential operation is achieved by orthogonally modulating the polarization direction of a linearly polarized probe light with a LiNbO3 electro-optic modulation module and by digitally demodulating the difference in the outputs corresponding to the positive and negative half periods of the modulation square-waves. This method is insensitive to the error of modulator and double sensitivity coefficient was obtained. The built detection system with the digital circuit was applied to a spin-exchange relaxation-free magnetometer, and the sensitivity coefficient, sensitivity, and bias instability were tested and compared with two other typical detection methods. The highest sensitivity and minimum bias instability and noise were achieved with the proposed method.
105° field of view non-contact handheld swept-source optical coherence tomography
Authors: Ni Shuibin , Nguyen Thanh-Tin P. , Ng Ringo , Khan Shanjida , Ostmo Susan , Jia Yali , Chiang Michael F. , Huang David , Peter Campbell J. , Jian Yifan
Published: November 2021

We demonstrate a handheld
swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) system with a 400 kHz
vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) light source, a
non-contact approach, and an unprecedented single shot 105° field of
view (FOV). We also implemented a spiral scanning pattern allowing
real-time visualization with improved scanning efficiency. To the best
of our knowledge, this is the widest FOV achieved in a portable
non-contact OCT retinal imaging system to date. Improvements to the
FOV may aid the evaluation of retinal diseases such as retinopathy of
prematurity, where important vitreoretinal changes often occur in the
peripheral retina.
High-speed secure key distribution using local polarization modulation driven by optical chaos in reciprocal fiber channel
Authors: Shao Weidong , Cheng Mengfan , Deng Lei , Yang Qi , Dai Xiaoxiao , Liu Deming
Published: November 2021

We propose a secure key distribution (SKD) based on local polarization modulation driven by optical chaos in a reciprocal fiber link. A robust error-free SKD with a key generation rate of 4.3 Gbit/s over transmission of 10-km standard single-mode fiber is experimentally demonstrated. A chaotic laser system shared by legitimate users serves as an external wideband entropy source. The polarization reciprocity of the fiber channel provides fundamental safety against eavesdropping. The robustness of SKD resulted from local chaotic polarization modulation is also theoretically analyzed and then verified by practical performance. The proposed scheme is an alternative SKD strategy with high speed and strong security.
1.7  µm Tm-fiber chirped pulse amplification system with dissipative soliton seed laser
Authors: Chen Ji-Xiang , Zhan Ze-Yu , Li Can , Liu Meng , Luo Ai-Ping , Zhou Pu , Xu Wen-Cheng , Luo Zhi-Chao
Published: November 2021

We report on a 1.7 µm Tm-fiber chirped pulse amplification (CPA) system by virtue of a broadband dissipative soliton seed laser. The seed oscillator delivers the dissipative soliton with 10 dB spectral bandwidth of 23 nm and an average power of 4 mW. The duration of the seed pulse is directly stretched to

∼

60

p
s

by a segment of 50 m normal dispersion fiber. Using a two-stage fiber amplifier, the average power of the pulse is amplified to 1.95 W with a slope efficiency of 40.3%. The amplified pulse is then compressed to 348 fs by a pair of fused silica transmission gratings. The compressed average power of 1.3 W and peak power of 155 kW are achieved. These experimental results would pave the way to achieve a high-power femtosecond laser source at 1.7 µm, which could find important applications in fields such as three-photon deep-tissue imaging and material processing.
Fiber-based source of 500  kW mid-infrared solitons
Authors: Tiliouine I. , Delahaye H. , Granger G. , Leventoux Y. , Jimenez C. E. , Couderc V. , Février S.
Published: November 2021

Fiber-based sources delivering high-energy few-cycle pulses at high repetition rates are currently being developed in the near-infrared spectral range, thanks to the wide availability of telecommunication-grade optical fibers and components. Similar sources in the middle-wave infrared (mid-IR) spectral domain, however, are scarce, although such sources are of high interest for applications such as high-precision frequency metrology and molecular spectroscopy or as a seed source to reach further into the mid-IR via coherent nonlinear processes. Here we report on the design of a fiber-based source of 50-nJ energy 90 fs duration pulses up to 2950 nm, corresponding to 500 kW peak power. To obtain this level of peak power we exploit multi-solitonic fission and soliton self-frequency shift in large mode area fibers excited by picosecond pulses emitted at 2 µm from a megahertz repetition rate fiber laser. We leverage mature silica-based fiber technology up to 2.4 µm and restrict the use of fluoride fiber to the very last frequency-shifting stage. The level of instantaneous power and ultra-short duration achieved in this Letter pave the way to all-fiber format generation of an ultra-broadband coherent continuum in the mid-IR with profound implications for applications such as high-resolution molecular spectroscopy and imaging.
Recalibration of the nonlinear optical coefficients of BaGa4Se7 crystal using second-harmonic-generation method
Authors: Zhao Xuezhi , Li Chunxiao , Bai Jinzhou , Wang Zhengping , Yao Jiyong , Tan Rongqing , Xu Xinguang
Published: November 2021

Nonlinear optical coefficients are important parameters for nonlinear optical crystals. Based on the previously disclosed

B
a
G

a

4

S

e

7

crystal coefficients, the optimum phase-matching direction with the largest effective nonlinear optical coefficient appears in the second octant (

90

∘

<
θ
<

180

∘

,

0

∘

<
ϕ
<

90

∘

). In this study, a recalibration was performed using the second-harmonic-generation method, and it was confirmed that the optimum phase-matching direction of the

B
a
G

a

4

S

e

7

crystal is located in its

X
Z

principal plane (

ϕ
=

0

∘

). Therefore, this study will serve as a good reference for future applications of this excellent crystal.