bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tourscapes
Authors: Mee Alan
Published: March 2023

La evaluación de Harvey del concepto lefebvriano del derecho a la ciudad determina que se trata de un derecho comunitario, compartido por asociación con la comunidad que rodea el proyecto urbano. ¿Cómo podría traducirse esta idea a una pequeña nación isleña, recientemente transformada de una sociedad rural a un conglomerado post-urbano, espacialmente caótico de pequeñas ciudades, suburbios y un paisaje de consumo turístico, o ‘Tourscapes’?Los Touscapes existentes y emergentes pueden ser mapeados y analizados, a diferentes escalas simultaneas, relacionadas con su importancia local, ciudadana o regional, y los significados de su orden visual y espacial pueden ser revisados. Este trabajo propondrá escenarios exploratorios para lidiar con la práctica espacial relacionada con el turismo usando ejemplos del caso de estudio irlandés, y también investigará cómo los derechos comunitarios a los ‘Tourscapes’ pueden ser reclamados o ejercidos, para el uso de la comunidad a través del análisis, la gestión y el control y proposición de la forma espacial.
An Implicit Plan Landscape, Art and Lanzarote’s Tourism Development (1960-1974)
Authors: Zamora Cabrera Antonio
Published: March 2023

A pesar de no existir un plan formal, una serie de factores subyacentes han generado un proyecto que buscaba hibridar el turismo y el paisaje a través de la protección del medio ambiente de Lanzarote, adaptándose a su vez a la actividad económica de la región. Con el objetivo de mantenerse fiel a la naturaleza de la isla, no se adoptaron soluciones como fragmentos aislados sino como parte de un sistema completo. Esto resultó en un destacado modelo de interacción humana con el entorno mientras se conseguía una imagen diferente y competitiva dentro del mercado turístico.
La gobernanza de los convenios de colaboración en España: La gestión participativa del turismo frente la jerarquización de la acción social
Authors: Haro González Ana
Published: March 2023

La gobernanza de los convenios de colaboración entre diferentes niveles de gobierno es un tema de creciente interés que no ha recibido mucha atención por parte de la literatura. Con la intención de contribuir a un mejor conocimiento de este instrumento de gestión, este artículo identifica dos modelos de gobernanza, analizando las políticas de turismo y accesibilidad para personas con impedimentos físicos en España para entender sus dinámicas. Este análisis nos permite observar que la gobernanza participativa permite el involucramiento de todos los actores en la gestión de los proyectos, siendo por ello más efectiva para la gestión de proyectos de turismo. Por su parte, el análisis de la gobernanza jerárquica nos muestra una mayor incidencia de los actores del centro, encontrándose así en sectores estratégicos como la accesibilidad. Se trata, por tanto, de un estudio comparado que dibuja algunas conclusiones que pueden servir como referencia para otras experiencias en América Latina.
Análisis para el diseño curricular de los estudios en turismo en República Dominicana: Competencias y perfiles profesionales para habilitar el desarrollo prospectivo del turismo
Authors: Peguero Manzanares David , Sanmartín Antolín Gloria , Iglesias Xamaní Montserrat
Published: March 2023

La necesidad de repensar y redefinir los estudios universitarios de turismo en la Republica Dominicana, donde el sector turístico es clave para el desarrollo económico, provocó que el Ministerio de Educación Superior, Ciencia y Tecnología dominicano lanzara en 2011 un proyecto destinado a elaborar una base metodológica que sirva de guía para el rediseño de la Licenciatura en Turismo.Las principales líneas estratégicas se han formulado partiendo de dos requisitos esenciales: la necesidad de cubrir una gama más amplia de perfiles profesionales y la necesidad de “turistificación” curricular.Las competencias de los graduados en todos los ámbitos cognitivos del turismo deberían desarrollarse mediante una formación dirigida a la creación y gestión de empresas turísticas, productos y destinos. El objetivo es generar opciones innovadoras para la  revitalización económica, la descentralización del enfoque actual en la hotelería y la incorporación de nuevos entornos profesionales con potencial de crecimiento en el sector turístico dominicano.Dada la heterogeneidad de los destinos turísticos existentes y potenciales, la idiosincrasia de cada región se ha tenido en cuenta con el fin de contextualizar los planes de estudio y de fomentar el espíritu empresarial forjando los futuros directivos de pequeñas y medianas empresas, optimizando así sus recursos.
Propuesta de un sistema de indicadores de sostenibilidad turística para destinos urbanos
Authors: Cordero Fernández de Córdova Juana Catalina
Published: March 2023

Considerando el importante auge que actualmente experimenta el turismo urbano y el impacto que genera esta actividad en estos entornos, se hace necesario definir indicadores de sostenibilidad que permitan gestionar eficientemente la actividad. En esta línea, el objetivo de esta investigación es generar una propuesta de sistema de indicadores de sostenibilidad turística para destinos urbanos. Esta investigación aplicada, que emplea una metodología que combina el análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo, parte de la conceptualización del turismo urbano y su sostenibilidad y de la aplicación y cuantificación de indicadores. Este análisis inicial permite identificar las dimensiones de la sostenibilidad de los destinos urbanos y las variables de mayor incidencia para generar un primer listado de indicadores. Este primer listado teórico de indicadores se aplica en cuatro casos piloto (Barcelona, Tarragona, Lleida y Girona), y resulta en un sistema propio formado por cuatro dimensiones (sociocultural, económica, medio ambiental e institucional) y 26 indicadores validados. Los resultados muestran que la falta de información para la cuantificación de indicadores constituye una de las grandes limitaciones al momento de medir la sostenibilidad turística, por ello, la cooperación constante entre la administración pública y el sector privado es primordial para la generación de datos que permitan la aplicación de los indicadores de sostenibilidad, convirtiéndolos así en herramientas reales de planificación y gestión turística.
Calidad de los sitios web turísticos. El caso del DTI Barcelona
Authors: Sanabre Carles , Vinyals-Mirabent Sara , Pedraza-Jiménez Rafael
Published: March 2023

Este trabajo presenta una propuesta para la evaluación integral de la calidad de un sitio web turístico. En él se aborda el estado de la cuestión sobre la calidad web, tanto en general como en el contexto especializado del turismo. Tiene como objetivo demostrar que la calidad de un sitio web turístico no puede ser evaluada utilizando un único sistema de análisis, procedimiento seguido y propuesto habitualmente tanto por la industria como por la academia. Tomando en consideración el sitio web oficial de la ciudad de Barcelona, esta investigación demuestra que para la evaluación integral de su calidad es necesario utilizar dos sistemas de análisis: uno de ellos centrado en los aspectos estratégicos del sitio web y otro focalizado en sus aspectos técnicos. Con el fin de validar esta hipótesis se han utilizado dos sistemas de análisis actualmente en uso: el sistema SAST (para la evaluación técnica del sitio) y el sistema WSCM (para su evaluación estratégica). Los resultados alcanzados tras la aplicación de ambos sistemas demuestran que su utilización conjunta e interrelacionada ofrece una evaluación completa y precisa del sitio web. Además, se constata que la utilización individual de un único sistema podría propiciar una evaluación parcial e inexacta del sitio web.
La sala hipóstila del Park Güell desde un diálogo estético entre las formas clásicas y las modernistas
Authors: García Ávila Manuel-Blas
Published: March 2023

Las salas hipóstilas son un vehículo arquitectónico que nos lleva a la comprensión de la estética, la monumentalidad y la funcionalidad clásicas, desde Egipto, Grecia o la Persia Aqueménida. La capacidad creativa unida al sentido democrático de la Atenas de Pericles, tiene su culminación en hermosas salas para funciones populares, como la música, el teatro, o la oratoria. Una versión lúdica y libre, realizada desde la corriente Modernista de Gaudí nos demuestra que, con imaginación y conocimientos estilísticos se pueden alcanzar resultados simbióticos relevantes. La sala hipóstila del Park Güell, realizada en equilibrio formal, fusionando la racionalidad clásica con la emoción del planteamiento gaudiniano, es una demostración de este pensamiento. Planteamos con este texto un diálogo estético entre las formas clásicas y las Modernistas, no para concluir con un dictamen calificativo, sino para observar la simbiosis resultante de su utilización formal.
Manipulating nanoparticles based on a laser photothermal trap
Authors: Shi Hui , Huang Xiangmin , Jiang Kaiyang , Zhao Hang , Ma Jun , Shi Xiaofeng
Published: March 2023

A method of efficient directional optical manipulation of nanoparticles
based on a laser photothermal trap is proposed, and the influence
mechanism of external conditions on the photothermal trap is
clarified. Through optical manipulation experiments and finite-element
simulations, it is determined that the main cause of gold nanoparticle
directional motion depends on the drag force. The laser power,
boundary temperature, and thermal conductivity of the substrate at the
bottom of the solution and liquid level essentially affect the
intensity of the laser photothermal trap in the solution and then
affect the directional movement and deposition speed of gold
particles. The result shows the origin of the laser photothermal trap
and the three-dimensional spatial velocity distribution of gold
particles. It also clarifies the height boundary of photothermal
effect onset, which clarifies the boundary between light force and
photothermal effect. In addition, nanoplastics are manipulated
successfully based on this theoretical study. In this study, the
movement law of gold nanoparticles based on the photothermal effect is
deeply analyzed through experiments and simulations, which is of
significance to the theoretical study of the optical manipulation of
nanoparticles using the photothermal effect.
Multiscale architecture for fast optical addressing and control of large-scale qubit arrays
Authors: Graham T. M. , Oh E. , Saffman M.
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a technique for rapid site-selective control of the
quantum state of particles in a large array using the combination of a
fast deflector (e.g., an acousto-optic deflector) and a
relatively slow spatial light modulator (SLM). The use of SLMs for
site-selective quantum state manipulation has been limited due to slow
transition times that prevent rapid, consecutive quantum gates. By
partitioning the SLM into multiple segments and using a fast deflector
to transition between them, it is possible to substantially reduce the
average time increment between scanner transitions by increasing the
number of gates that can be performed for a single SLM full-frame
setting. We analyzed the performance of this device in two different
configurations: In configuration 1, each SLM segment addresses the
full qubit array; in configuration 2, each SLM segment addresses a
subarray and an additional fast deflector positions that subarray with
respect to the full qubit array. With these hybrid scanners, we
calculated qubit addressing rates that are tens to hundreds of times
faster than using an SLM alone.
Performance evaluation of a time-division multiplexed fiber Bragg grating sensor based on heterodyne detection
Authors: Kuroda Keiji
Published: March 2023

Using a technique to observe reflection spectra, the signal-to-noise ratio can be improved for time-division multiplexed interrogation of three fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) based on heterodyne detection methods. To calculate peak reflection wavelengths of the FBG reflections, absorption lines of 12C2H2 are used as wavelength markers, and temperature dependence of the peak wavelength is measured for one FBG. Positioning the FBGs at a distance of 20 km from the control port demonstrates the applicability of this method to a long sensor network.
Low loss sensitivity of the anapole mode in localized defective nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Chen Guang , Zhao Jia , Niu Chuanning , Wang Zuojia
Published: March 2023

The excitation of a nonradiating anapole in a high-index dielectric nanosphere is an effective pathway for enhancing light absorption. Here, we investigate the effect of localized lossy defects on the nanoparticle based on Mie scattering and multipole expansion theories and find its low sensitivity to absorption loss. The scattering intensity can be switched by tailoring the defect distribution of the nanosphere. For a high-index nanosphere with homogeneous loss distributions, the scattering abilities of all resonant modes reduce rapidly. By introducing loss in the strong field regions of the nanosphere, we achieve independent tuning of other resonant modes without breaking the anapole mode. As the loss increases, the electromagnetic scattering coefficients of the anapole and other resonant modes show opposite trends, along with strongly suppressed corresponding multipole scattering. While regions with strong electric fields are more susceptible to loss, the anapole’s inability to emit or absorb light as a dark mode makes it hard to change. Our findings provide new opportunities for the design of multi-wavelength scattering regulation nanophotonic devices via local loss manipulation on dielectric nanoparticles.
Pinholes in Al/MgF2
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Zhou Peng , Ren Shuai , Wang Haifeng , Li Xinkai , Chen Bo
Published: March 2023

Pinholes in Al/MgF2 were first inferred by the
transmittance enhancement in Larruquert group’s research. However, no
direct proof was reported to verify the existence of the pinholes in Al/MgF2. In the past 80 years,
pinholes were first observed by dark-field microscopy and bright-field
microscopy in the transmission mode. They were small and on the order
of several hundred nanometers to several micrometers. Essentially, the
pinhole was not a real hole, partially because of the lack of the Al
element. Increasing the thickness of Al cannot reduce the size of the
pinholes. The occurrence of the pinholes was dependent on the
deposition rate of the Al film and the substrate heating temperature,
and it was independent of the substrate materials. This research
eliminates an otherwise easily ignored scattering source, and it will
benefit the development of ultra-precise optics, including mirrors for
gyro-lasers, the detection of gravitational waves, and coronagraph
detection.
Quantum ghost imaging based on a “looking back” 2D SPAD array
Authors: Gili Valerio Flavio , Dupish Dupish , Vega Andres , Gandola Massimo , Manuzzato Enrico , Perenzoni Matteo , Gasparini Leonardo , Pertsch Thomas , Setzpfandt Frank
Published: March 2023

Quantum ghost imaging (QGI) is an intriguing imaging protocol that
exploits photon-pair correlations stemming from spontaneous parametric
down-conversion (SPDC). QGI retrieves images from two-path joint
measurements, where single-path detection does not allow us to
reconstruct the target image. Here we report on a QGI implementation
exploiting a two-dimensional (2D) single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD)
array detector for the spatially resolving path. Moreover, the
employment of non-degenerate SPDC allows us to investigate samples at
infrared wavelengths without the need for short-wave infrared (SWIR)
cameras, while the spatial detection can be still performed in the
visible region, where the more advanced silicon-based technology can
be exploited. Our findings advance QGI schemes towards practical
applications.
Multiple-wavelength range-gated active imaging applied to the evaluation of simultaneous movement of millimeter-size objects moving in a given volume
Authors: Matwyschuk Alexis , Metzger Nicolas
Published: March 2023

The combined multiple-wavelength range-gated active imaging (WRAI) principle is able to determine the position of a moving object in a four-dimensional space and to deduce its trajectory and its speed independently of the video frequency. However, when the scene size is reduced and the objects have a millimeter size, the temporal values intervening on the depth of the visualized zone in the scene cannot be reduced further because of technological limitations. To improve the depth resolution, the illumination type of the juxtaposed style of this principle has been modified. Therefore, it was important to evaluate this new context in the case of millimeter-size objects moving simultaneously in a reduced volume. Based on the rainbow volume velocimetry method, the combined WRAI principle was studied in accelerometry and velocimetry with four-dimensional images of millimeter-size objects. This basic principle combining two wavelength categories determines the depth of moving objects in the scene with the warm color category and the precise moment of moving objects position with the cold color category. The difference in this new, to the best of our knowledge, method is at the level of the scene illumination, which is obtained transversally by a pulsed light source having a wide spectral band limited in warm colors in order to get a better depth resolution. For cold colors, the illumination with pulsed beams of distinct wavelengths remains unchanged. Thus, it is possible independently of the video frequency to know from a single recorded image the trajectory, the speed, and the acceleration of millimeter-size objects moving simultaneously in 3D space and also the chronology of their passages. The experimental tests validated this modified multiple-wavelength range-gated active imaging method and confirmed the possibility of avoiding confusion when the object trajectories intersect.
Numerical modeling of the actively Q-switched dual-wavelength Raman laser with a small wavelength separation
Authors: Wang Cong , Lv Dongxiang
Published: March 2023

Assuming the intracavity photon number densities and initial population-inversion density are Gaussian distributions, the rate equations of the actively Q-switched dual-wavelength Raman laser based on one Raman mode are deduced. Under the condition that the wavelength separation of the two Raman lasers is very small, these space-dependent rate equations are normalized and solved numerically. A set of universal theoretical curves describing the operations of the dual-wavelength Raman laser is obtained. The influence of the composite normalization variables on the performances of the dual-wavelength Raman laser is analyzed. The normalization theory is verified with experimental data. The experimental results are consistent with the numerical ones, which proves that the proposed rate equations are correct and feasible.
3D full-wave multi-scattering forward solver for coherent microscopes
Authors: Qin Yingying , Butola Ankit , Agarwal Krishna
Published: March 2023

A rigorous forward model solver for conventional coherent microscope is presented. The forward model is derived from Maxwell’s equations and models the wave behaviour of light matter interaction. Vectorial waves and multiple-scattering effect are considered in this model. Scattered field can be calculated with given distribution of the refractive index of the biological sample. Bright field images can be obtained by combining the scattered field and reflected illumination, and experimental validation is included. Insights into the utility of the full-wave multi-scattering (FWMS) solver and comparison with the conventional Born approximation based solver are presented. The model is also generalizable to the other forms of label-free coherent microscopes, such as quantitative phase microscope and dark-field microscope.
High-performance anti-reflection micro-forests on aluminium alloy fabricated by laser induced competitive vapor deposition
Authors: Chen Qiaodan , Duan Jun , Xiong Wei , Deng Leimin
Published: March 2023

Surfaces with strong anti-reflection properties have attracted the wide attention of scientists and engineers due to their great application potential in many fields. Traditional laser blackening techniques are limited by the material and surface profile, which are not able to be applied to film and large-scale surfaces. Inspired by the rainforest, a new design for anti-reflection surface structures was proposed by constructing micro-forests. To evaluate this design, we fabricated micro-forests on an Al alloy slab by laser induced competitive vapor deposition. By controlling the deposition of the laser energy, the surface can be fully covered by forest-like micro-nano structures. The porous and hierarchical micro-forests performed a minimum and average reflectance of 1.47% and 2.41%, respectively, in the range of 400-1200 nm. Different from the traditional laser blackening technique, the micro-scaled structures were formed due to the aggregation of the deposited nanoparticles instead of the laser ablation groove. Therefore, this method would lead to little surface damage and can also be applied to the aluminum film with a thickness of 50 µm. The black aluminum film can be used to produce the large-scale anti-reflection shell. Predictably, this design and the LICVD method are simple and efficient, which can broaden the application of the anti-reflection surface in many fields such as visible-light stealth, precision optical sensors, optoelectronic devices, and aerospace radiation heat transfer device.
Generation of perfect vectorial vortex beams by employing coherent beam combining
Authors: Ju Pei , Fan Wenhui , Gao Wei , Li Zhe , Gao Qi , Li Gang , Jiang Xiaoqiang , Zhang Tongyi
Published: March 2023

Based on coherent beam combining, we propose a method for generating the perfect vectorial vortex beams (VVBs) with a specially designed radial phase-locked Gaussian laser array, which is composed of two discrete vortex arrays with right-handed (RH) and left-handed (LH) circularly polarized states and in turn adjacent to each other. The simulation results demonstrate that the VVBs with correct polarization order and topological Pancharatnam charge are successfully generated. The diameter and thickness of generated VVBs independent of the polarization orders and topological Pancharatnam charges further prove that the generated VVBs are perfect. Propagating in free space, the generated perfect VVBs can be stable for a certain distance, even with half-integer orbital angular momentum. In addition, constant phases φ0 between the RH and LH circularly polarized laser arrays has no effect on polarization order and topological Pancharatnam charge but makes polarization orientation to rotate φ0/2. Moreover, perfect VVBs with elliptically polarized states can be flexibly generated only by adjusting the intensity ratio between the RH and LH circularly polarized laser array, and such perfect VVBs are also stable on beam propagation. The proposed method could provide a valuable guidance for high power perfect VVBs in future applications.
Aberration-induced vortex splitting in amplified orbital angular momentum beams
Authors: Harrison Justin , Buono Wagner Tavares , Forbes Andrew , Naidoo Darryl
Published: March 2023

Here we report the generation and power amplification of higher-order (l = 2) orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams using a compact end-pumped Nd:YAG Master-Oscillator-Power-Amplifier (MOPA) design. We analysed the thermally-induced wavefront aberrations of the Nd:YAG crystal using a Shack-Hartmann sensor as well as modal decomposition of the field and show that the natural astigmatism in such systems results in the splitting of vortex phase singularities. Finally, we show how this can be ameliorated in the far field through engineering of the Gouy phase, realising an amplified vortex purity of 94% while achieving an amplification enhancement of up to 1200%. Our comprehensive theoretical and experimental investigation will be of value to communities pursuing high-power applications of structured light, from communications to materials processing.
SNR-enhanced and high-order frequency multiplied 64-QAM millimeter-wave signal generation enabled by MZM-based angle modulation
Authors: Li Zhengran , Xia Yu , Cheng Mengfan , Yang Qi , Tang Ming , Liu Deming , Deng Lei
Published: March 2023

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel scheme to generate ultrahigh-order frequency multiplied millimeter-wave (mm-wave) signals with high fidelity enabled by angle modulation (ANG-M). The constant envelope (CE) characteristic of the ANG-M signal makes it possible to avoid nonlinear distortion induced by photonic frequency multiplication. In addition, the theoretical formula and the simulation results prove that the modulation index (MI) of the ANG-M signal increases along with frequency multiplication, so as to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the frequency-multiplied signal. In the experiment, we confirm the SNR of the 4-fold signal is enhanced by 2.1 dB approximately for the increased MI compared to the 2-fold signal. Finally, a 6-Gb/s 64-QAM signal with a carrier frequency of 30 GHz is generated and transmitted over 25-km standard single-mode fiber (SSMF) using only a 3-GHz radio frequency signal and 10-GHz bandwidth Mach–Zehnder modulator. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that a 10-fold frequency-multiplied 64-QAM signal with high fidelity is generated. The results prove that the proposed method will be a potential solution for low-cost mm-wave signal generation in future 6G communication.
Highly sensitive gas pressure sensor based on the hollow core Bragg fiber and harmonic Vernier effect
Authors: Wang Yu , Yan Yaxi , Yuan Weihao , Lian Zhenggang , Chen Daru , Tao Lau Alan Pak , Yu Changyuan , Lu Chao
Published: March 2023

A highly sensitive inline gas pressure sensor based on the hollow core Bragg fiber (HCBF) and harmonic Vernier effect (VE) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. By sandwiching a segment of HCBF between the lead-in single-mode fiber (SMF) and the hollow core fiber (HCF), a cascaded Fabry–Perot interferometer is produced. The lengths of the HCBF and HCF are precisely optimized and controlled to generate the VE, achieving a high sensitivity of the sensor. Meanwhile, a digital signal processing (DSP) algorithm is proposed to research the mechanism of the VE envelope, thus providing an effective way to improve the sensor’s dynamic range based on calibrating the order of the dip. Theoretical simulations are investigated and matched well with the experimental results. The proposed sensor exhibits a maximum gas pressure sensitivity of 150.02 nm/MPa with a low temperature cross talk of 0.00235 MPa/∘C. All these advantages highlight the sensor’s enormous potential for gas pressure monitoring under various extreme conditions.
Electrically addressable tungsten doped phase change device in a through pixel configuration
Authors: Burrow Joshua A. , Lawandi Roseanna G. , Sarangan Andrew , Agha Imad
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we propose and demonstrate electrical switching of a 4% tungsten-doped Ge2Sb2Te5 (W-GST) pixel in a lateral configuration without the need for an auxiliary resistive heater. The phase transition between an amorphous and poly-crystalline state is achieved by Joule heating directly through the 4 μm × 4 μm × 350 nm active volume of the chalcogenide phase change pixel. While undoped GST would be challenging to switch in a lateral configuration due to very large resistance in the amorphous state, W-GST allows for switching at reasonable voltage levels. The pixel temperature profile is simulated using finite element analysis methods to identify the pulse parameters required for a successful electrical actuation. Experimentally, a 1550 nm light source is used for in-situ optical reflection measurements in order to verify the crystallization and re-amorphization of the pixel. As a result of the W doping, we identify volatile and non-volatile regimes with respect to bias voltage and pulse width during crystallization. During amorphization, we observe irreversible material failure after one complete cycle using in-situ optical monitoring, which can be attributed to a migration or segregation process. These results provide a promising path toward electrically addressed devices that are suitable for optical applications requiring amplitude modulation in a reflective geometry, such as spatial light modulators.
Fabrication of low-loss III-V Bragg-reflection waveguides for parametric down-conversion
Authors: Thiel Hannah , Wagner Marita , Nardi Bianca , Schlager Alexander , Chapman Robert J. , Frick Stefan , Suchomel Holger , Kamp Martin , Höfling Sven , Schneider Christian , Weihs Gregor
Published: March 2023

Entangled photon pairs are an important resource for many types of quantum protocols. Semiconductor Bragg-reflection waveguides are a promising photon-pair source due to mature fabrication, integrability, large transparency window in the telecom wavelength range, integration capabilities for electro-optical devices as well as a high second-order nonlinear coefficient. To increase performance, we improved the fabrication of Bragg-reflection waveguides by employing fixed-beam-moving-stage optical lithography, low-pressure, and low chlorine concentration etching, and resist reflow. The reduction in sidewall roughness yields a low optical loss coefficient for telecom wavelength light of αreflow = 0.08 (6) mm−1. Owing to the decreased losses, we achieved a photon-pair production rate of 8800 (300) (mW · s · mm)−1, which is 15-fold higher than in previous samples.
High-Transparency 3D Micro-Optics of Hybrid-Polymer SZ2080™ Made via Ultrafast Laser Nanolithography and Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Galvanauskas Karolis , Astrauskyte Darija , Balcas Giedrius , Gailevičius Darius , Grineviciute Lina , Malinauskas Mangirdas
Published: March 2023

Laser Direct Writing (LDW) allows for the fabrication of complex free-form structures, particularly advantageous in micro-optic applications when used in conjunction with high-performance polymers, such as SZ2080™. Nonetheless, high-complexity and integrated micro-optical elements often manifest multiple interfaces, resulting in increased Fresnel reflection losses. While conventional physical vapour deposition processes are usually employed in the manufacture of high-precision optics, such methods are incapable of producing uniform coatings on micrometer scale complex free-form structures. Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) is an alternative highly flexible coating process, able to coat intricate geometries down to nano-scale. We propose the use of LDW in conjunction with ALD in the production of highly efficient anti-reflective (AR) coated functional free-form sub-100 μm micro-optic elements - multi-layer platforms and triplet objectives. Low-temperature deposition of aluminum oxide and titanium oxide AR coating proved to be compatible with SZ2080™ polymer structures, as no loss of optical function was observed. In addition, a substantial increase in transmittance, up to 99.9% per interface, is seen. Such findings prove suitable for use in highly efficient compound micro-lens arrays, greatly integrated solutions, and low-loss photonic components making them readily available for Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs).
Genome-wide association study identifies four pan-ancestry loci for suicidal ideation in the Million Veteran Program
Authors: Ashley-Koch Allison E. , Kimbrel Nathan A. , Qin Xue J. , Lindquist Jennifer H. , Garrett Melanie E. , Dennis Michelle F. , Hair Lauren P. , Huffman Jennifer E. , Jacobson Daniel A. , Madduri Ravi K. , Coon Hilary , Docherty Anna R. , Kang Jooeun , Mullins Niamh , Ruderfer Douglas M. ,   the VA Million Veteran Program (MVP),   the MVP Suicide Exemplar Workgroup,   the International Suicide Genetics Consortium, Harvey Philip D. , McMahon Benjamin H. , Oslin David W. , Hauser Elizabeth R. , Hauser Michael A. , Beckham Jean C.
Published: March 2023

Suicidal ideation (SI) often precedes and predicts suicide attempt and death, is the most common suicidal phenotype and is over-represented in veterans. The genetic architecture of SI in the absence of suicide attempt (SA) is unknown, yet believed to have distinct and overlapping risk with other suicidal behaviors. We performed the first GWAS of SI without SA in the Million Veteran Program (MVP), identifying 99,814 SI cases from electronic health records without a history of SA or suicide death (SD) and 512,567 controls without SI, SA or SD. GWAS was performed separately in the four largest ancestry groups, controlling for sex, age and genetic substructure. Ancestry-specific results were combined via meta-analysis to identify pan-ancestry loci. Four genome-wide significant (GWS) loci were identified in the pan-ancestry meta-analysis with loci on chromosomes 6 and 9 associated with suicide attempt in an independent sample. Pan-ancestry gene-based analysis identified GWS associations with DRD2, DCC, FBXL19, BCL7C, CTF1, ANNK1, and EXD3. Gene-set analysis implicated synaptic and startle response pathways (q’s<0.05). European ancestry (EA) analysis identified GWS loci on chromosomes 6 and 9, as well as GWS gene associations in EXD3, DRD2, and DCC. No other ancestry-specific GWS results were identified, underscoring the need to increase representation of diverse individuals. The genetic correlation of SI and SA within MVP was high (rG = 0.87; p = 1.09e-50), as well as with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; rG = 0.78; p = 1.98e-95) and major depressive disorder (MDD; rG = 0.78; p = 8.33e-83). Conditional analysis on PTSD and MDD attenuated most pan-ancestry and EA GWS signals for SI without SA to nominal significance, with the exception of EXD3 which remained GWS. Our novel findings support a polygenic and complex architecture for SI without SA which is largely shared with SA and overlaps with psychiatric conditions frequently comorbid with suicidal behaviors.
Collection of triatomines from sylvatic habitats by a Trypanosoma cruzi-infected scent detection dog in Texas, USA
Authors: Christopher Devin M. , Curtis-Robles Rachel , Hamer Gabriel L. , Bejcek Justin , Saunders Ashley B. , Roachell Walter D. , Cropper Thomas Leo , Hamer Sarah A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Triatomine insects, vectors of the etiologic agent of Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi), are challenging to locate in sylvatic habitats. Collection techniques used in the United States often rely on methods to intercept seasonally dispersing adults or on community scientists’ encounters. Neither method is suited for detecting nest habitats likely to harbor triatomines, which is important for vector surveillance and control. Furthermore, manual inspection of suspected harborages is difficult and unlikely to reveal novel locations and host associations. Similar to a team that used a trained dog to detect sylvatic triatomines in Paraguay, we worked with a trained scent detection dog to detect triatomines in sylvatic locations across Texas.

Principle methodology/Findings

Ziza, a 3-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer previously naturally infected withT.cruzi, was trained to detect triatomines. Over the course of 6 weeks in the fall of 2017, the dog and her handler searched at 17 sites across Texas. The dog detected 60 triatomines at 6 sites; an additional 50 triatomines were contemporaneously collected at 1 of these sites and 2 additional sites without the assistance of the dog. Approximately 0.98 triatomines per hour were found when only humans were conducting searches; when working with the dog, approximately 1.71 triatomines per hour were found. In total, 3 adults and 107 nymphs of four species (Triatoma gerstaeckeri,Triatoma protracta,Triatoma sanguisuga, andTriatoma indictiva) were collected. PCR testing of a subset revealedT.cruziinfection, including DTUs TcI and TcIV, in 27% of nymphs (n = 103) and 66% of adults (n = 3). Bloodmeal analysis of a subset of triatomines (n = 5) revealed feeding on Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), Southern plains woodrat (Neotoma micropus), and eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus).

Conclusion/Significance

A trained scent detection dog enhanced triatomine detections in sylvatic habitats. This approach is effective at detecting nidicolous triatomines. Control of sylvatic sources of triatomines is challenging, but this new knowledge of specific sylvatic habitats and key hosts may reveal opportunities for novel vector control methods to block the transmission ofT.cruzito humans and domestic animals.
La Transformación Organizacional en los Servicios de Atención Temprana en Castilla la Mancha
Authors: Martínez-Tur Vicente , De la Mano Rodero Paola , Estreder Orti Yolanda , Flox Flox Amparo , Díaz Brazal Montserrat , Díaz Sánchez Cristina , Gil Ardila Belén
Published: March 2023

Se está produciendo un cambio en España, y a escala internacional, con respecto a la atención temprana y a la concepción de los/as niños/as y la discapacidad (Tamarit, 2015). Se está pasando de un enfoque clínico, basado en la rehabilitación y centrado en las/los niñas/os, a un enfoque más global, sistémico, ecológico, centrado en la familia y en los entornos naturales. Sin embargo, su alcance y generalización siguen siendo desiguales. En Castilla-La Mancha (una comunidad autónoma española) se está realizando un esfuerzo de transformación en este sentido. El presente estudio, a través de entrevistas en profundidad a agentes relevantes (familiares, personal de la Administración y profesionales que ocupaban los roles de coordinación y de gerencia en entidades de Plena inclusión Castilla-La Mancha) y el análisis de su contenido, ha indagado en los avances logrados en el proceso de transformación; los factores involucrados, tanto en la vida interna de los servicios y entidades como en el entorno externo; y los principales obstáculos y los retos pendientes. A partir de la información recabada, se propone un modelo que describe la transformación y que puede facilitar la transferencia de conocimiento a centros y comunidades que estén desarrollando (o se lo estén planteando) un proceso de transformación similar hacia un enfoque centrado en la familia.
THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL CAPITAL AND HUMAN CAPITAL (LEVEL OF EDUCATION) ON GROWTH IN INDONESIA
Authors: Bunyamin Firman
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to investigate, by use of relevant robust econometric modelling, physical capital and human capital, and their impact on growth in Indonesia for policy analysis. The Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) by Pesaran and Pesaran (1997) were chosen for supporting the relationship analysis. The important finding for policy analysis is that human capital appears to be a continuing factor shaping Indonesia’s growth, along with physical capital accumulation, with particularly strong effects for human capital arising from tertiary education. Physical capital has shown a strong and significant impact on the growth in the long run and indicates that Indonesia needs long term investment to generate growth. Such investment has distinction which related to sustainable operation such as infrastructure, sophisticated services, and venture capital. Consequently, it requires high skill labour supplied by tertiary education institutions. A further development of tertiary education next to enhancement of investment environment in manufacture and service sector should be set as priority programs in inducing growth.
THE IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL LAND OWNERSHIP ON THE SUBJECTIVE WELLBEING OF FARMERS IN INDONESIA
Authors: Pratiwi Kartika Eka , Moeis Jossy Prananta
Published: March 2023

Welfare measures began to shift to the condition of Subjective Wellbeing (SWB). Meanwhile, the welfare of farmers must be prioritized, one of which is to fulfill their basic needs in the form of agricultural land. Ironically, land inequality in Indonesia is still quite high. This study aims to see the impact of agricultural land ownership on the SWB score of farmers in Indonesia. This study uses data from the 2007 and 2014 IFLS and fixed effect estimation method and PSM to address sellection bias. Agricultural land tenure was found to have a consistent and positive effect on SWB even after controlling for income.
Estimate of chickpea production (Cicer arietinum L.) as a function of plant phenology
Authors: Duarte Isabel
Published: March 2023

Chickpea is a crop of the indeterminate type which can be an advantage to estimate in advance the production of this crop. The lack of water, cold or heat are the most limiting factors for the success of this culture; in the emergency phase, situations of waterlogging or extreme drought lead to an irregular installation of the culture, on the other hand, drought, excess water and extreme heat during the reproductive period, cause floral abortion and/or shorter cycles, and consequently, smaller income. Chickpea yield essentially depends on the number of seeds per unit area, which in turn depends on the length of the reproductive period. This is a problematic situation that proves the complexity of estimating the yield in leguminous crops in relation to species of determined habit. We try to know the dates of development of chickpeas, namely when the vegetative apex becomes reproductive (Beginning of Flowering, BF) and when the last flower of the apex no longer develops (End of Flowering, EF), this knowledge is fundamental anticipate and estimate the productive potential. Portugal is a country with a typical Mediterranean climate that has high capacity to produce grain legumes and the chickpea breeding program started at Plant Breeding Station, Elvas, Portugal in 1986. Since this data we have determined the dates of the BF and EF and, due to the difference between the two, the Reproductive Period (RP); the longer this period, the greater the number of pods and seeds per plant, and, as a consequence, greater final productions. In this way, over the course of 24 years, we have been recording the dates of entry into flowering and the end of flowering according to the thermal sum in Growing Degree Days (GDD) of by genotype, by trial and by year. In this analysis it was found that the BF is achieved when the sum of the GDD reaches 757 ºC, for maximum temperatures of 23 ºC, and the EF for sums of 1224 ºC and maximum temperatures of 30 ºC, that is, when temperatures above 28 ºC are registered, for two or three days in a row, is an indicator that the EF is approaching. It may happen later if precipitation occurs when the temperature reaches those values, but it varies from genotype to genotype. The new varieties, Elipse, Electra, Eleia, Eladir and Elfo confirm this situation, with the ELEIA variety standing out earlier in flowering.
Qualidade de méis de abelhas sem ferrão Tetragonisca angustula (Latreille 1811), Trigona pallens (Fabricius, 1798) e Lestrimelitta limao (Smith) em área urbana, Goiás, Brasil
Authors: Lico João Carlos Tomaz , Menezes Filho Antonio Carlos Pereira de , Souza Wendel Cruvinel , Taques Aparecida Sofia , Alves Ivan , Castro Carlos Frederico de Souza , Ventura Matheus Vinicius Abadia
Published: March 2023

O Brasil possui uma grande riqueza em espécies de abelhas sem ferrão que produzem mel de alta qualidade. Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a qualidade de méis de abelhas sem ferrão em área urbana no município de Rio Verde, Goiás, Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras de méis de Tetragonisca angustula, Trigona pallens e Lestrimelitta limao em apiário na área urbana. Foram realizadas análises físico-químicas e de atividade antioxidante na redução do DPPH usando como controle mel de Apis mellifera também coletado no município, no entanto, em uma área sem a presença de transeuntes. Os méis apresentaram baixo conteúdo polínico, e alto potencial sobre as análises de qualidade físico-químicas, bem como, atividade biológica. Em especial, os parâmetros físico-químicos avaliados para méis de abelhas sem ferrão obedecem a legislação para mel, embora seja sobre os parâmetros para mel de A. mellifera. As amostras de méis de abelhas indígenas Tetragonisca angustula, Trigona pallens e Lestrimelitta limao apresentam valores adequados para o consumo humano, podendo ser utilizados em projetos de preservação de espécies nativas com interesse comercial.
History of Gestational Diabetes and Incident Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: The Kangbuk Samsung Health Study
Authors: Cho Yoosun , Chang Yoosoo , Ryu Seungho , Kim Chanmin , Wild Sarah H. , Byrne Christopher D.
Published: March 2023

INTRODUCTION:

We examined the relationship between a previous history of gestational diabetes mellitus (pGDM) and risk of incident nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and investigated the effect of insulin resistance or development of diabetes as mediators of any association.

METHODS:

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 64,397 Korean parous women without NAFLD. The presence of and the severity of NAFLD at baseline and follow-up were assessed using liver ultrasonography. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine adjusted hazard ratios for incident NAFLD according to a self-reported GDM history, adjusting for confounders as time-dependent variables. Mediation analyses were performed to examine whether diabetes or insulin resistance may mediate the association between pGDM and incident NAFLD.

RESULTS:

During a median follow-up of 3.7 years, 6,032 women developed incident NAFLD (of whom 343 had moderate-to-severe NAFLD). Multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) comparing women with time-dependent pGDM with the reference group (no pGDM) were 1.46 (1.33–1.59) and 1.75 (1.25–2.44) for incident overall NAFLD and moderate-to-severe NAFLD, respectively. These associations remained significant in analyses restricted to women with normal fasting glucose <100 mg/dL or that excluded women with prevalent diabetes at baseline or incident diabetes during follow-up. Diabetes and insulin resistance (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) each mediated <10% of the association between pGDM and overall NAFLD development.

DISCUSSION:

A previous history of GDM is an independent risk factor for NAFLD development. Insulin resistance, measured by the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance, and development of diabetes each explained only <10% of the association between GDM and incident NAFLD.
Assisted Reproductive Technology Treatment Outcomes in Women With Liver Disease
Authors: Lee Jessica D. , Gounko Dmitry , Lee Joseph A. , Mukherjee Tanmoy , Kushner Tatyana
Published: March 2023

INTRODUCTION:

There is a need for evidence-based counseling for women with chronic liver disease (LD) who may experience impaired fertility. Currently, the literature on assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment in women with LD has been limited to a single European case series. We evaluated ART treatment outcomes in patients with LD and compared with controls.

METHODS:

The retrospective study evaluated women with and without LD who had normal ovarian reserve and underwent ART treatment in a high-volume fertility practice from 2002 to 2021.

RESULTS:

We identified 295 women with LD (mean age 37.8 ± 5.2 years) who underwent 1,033 ART treatment cycles; of these women, 115 underwent 186 in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Six women (2.0%) had cirrhosis, 8 (2.7%) were postliver transplantation, and 281 (95.3%) had chronic LD, with viral hepatitis (B and C) being the most prevalent. In the subgroup who underwent IVF and embryo biopsy, the median fibrosis-4 score was 0.81 (0.58–1.03), and there were no statistically significant differences in response to controlled ovarian stimulation, embryo fertilization rate, or ploidy outcome in patients with LD compared with controls. In those who subsequently underwent a single thawed euploid embryo transfer to achieve pregnancy, there were no statistically significant differences in rates of clinical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy loss, or live birth in patients with LD compared with controls.

DISCUSSION:

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the largest to date to evaluate IVF efficacy in women with LD. Our study demonstrates that patients with LD have similar ART treatment outcomes compared with those without LD.