Opacity Effects Research Articles

Fiscal opacity and reduction of income inequality through taxation: Effects on economic growth

We analyze the effect of fiscal opacity regarding the budget deficit and the reduction of income inequality through progressive direct taxation on economic growth. Using a sample of thirteen OECD countries from 1980–2016, we propose fiscal opacity indicators, through signal-to-noise ratios, that reflect the public’s ignorance regarding the budget deficit. Moreover, we calculate contraction factors to consider the income inequality through income taxation of heterogeneous households. The findings show that an increase in fiscal opacity decreases growth and that there is an asymmetric nature of redistributive taxation on economic growth. Furthermore, it is possible to conjecture that fiscal opacity can amplify income inequality’s asymmetric effect on growth.

Perceived unfairness of revenue management pricing: developing a measurement scale in the context of hospitality

PurposeThis paper aims to offer a multi-dimensional scale for measuring the concept of perceived unfairness of revenue management pricing (RMP) in the context of hospitality.Design/methodology/approachTo develop a measurement scale for the perceived unfairness of RMP, the authors conducted a qualitative study using the critical incident technique to identify the key components of our measurement tool. They then collected two samples of quantitative data enabling them to have compelling evidence of the scale’s reliability and validity.FindingsThis research identified three dimensions of perceived unfairness of RMP in the context of hospitality: perceived normative deviation, perceived opacity and negative effects. The new scale proposed here is an alternative measurement instrument that could be useful for detecting and correcting some negative aspects of RMP.Practical implicationsThis measurement scale will help hotel managers to detect potential feelings of unfairness in relation to the RMP policies. It might also be used within the framework of market analyses and pricing strategy plans. Finally, the results of this research show that transparency, fairness and ethics based pricing could help hotel managers increase their revenue-per-available-room during and post COVID-19 pandemic.Originality/valueThis research develops a complete measurement scale for perceived unfairness of RMP, including cognitive and affective dimensions. The richness of this scale will help hospitality companies effectively identify the indicators that denote perceived unfairness of RMP, making them better equipped to handle customer dissatisfaction.

Understanding dark side of artificial intelligence (AI) integrated business analytics: assessing firm’s operational inefficiency and competitiveness

ABSTRACT The data-centric revolution generally celebrates the proliferation of business analytics and AI in exploiting firm’s potential and success. However, there is a lack of research on how the unintended consequences of AI integrated business analytics (AI-BA) influence a firm’s overall competitive advantage. In this backdrop, this study aims to identify how factors, such as AI-BA opacity, suboptimal business decisions and perceived risk are responsible for a firm’s operational inefficiency and competitive disadvantage. Drawing on the resource-based view, dynamic capability view, and contingency theory, the proposed research model captures the components and effects of an AI-BA opacity on a firm’s risk environment and negative performance. The data were gathered from 355 operational, mid-level and senior managers from various service sectors across all different size organisations in India. The results indicated that lack of governance, poor data quality, and inefficient training of key employees led to an AI-BA opacity. It then triggers suboptimal business decisions and higher perceived risk resulting in operational inefficiency. The findings show that operational inefficiency significantly contributes to negative sales growth and employees’ dissatisfaction, which result in a competitive disadvantage for a firm. The findings also highlight the significant moderating effect of contingency plan in the nomological chain.

Observation and calibration strategies for large-scale multi-beam velocity-resolved mapping of the [CII] emission in the Orion molecular cloud

Context.The [CII] 158 μm far-infrared fine-structure line is one of the dominant cooling lines of the star-forming interstellar medium. Hence [CII] emission originates in and thus can be used to trace a range of ISM processes. Velocity-resolved large-scale mapping of [CII] in star-forming regions provides a unique perspective of the kinematics of these regions and their interactions with the exciting source of radiation.Aims.We explore the scientific applications of large-scale mapping of velocity-resolved [CII] observations. With the [CII] observations, we investigate the effect of stellar feedback on the ISM. We present the details of observation, calibration, and data reduction using a heterodyne array receiver mounted on an airborne observatory.Methods.A 1.15 square degree velocity-resolved map of the Orion molecular cloud centred on the bar region was observed using the German REceiver for Astronomy at Terahertz Frequencies (upGREAT) heterodyne receiver flying on board the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy. The data were acquired using the 14 pixels of the German REceiver for Astronomy at Terahertz Frequencies that were observed in an on-the-fly mapping mode. 2.4 million spectra were taken in total. These spectra were gridded into a three-dimensional cube with a spatial resolution of 14.1 arcseconds and a spectral resolution of 0.3 km s−1.Results.A square-degree [CII] map with a spectral resolution of 0.3 km s−1is presented. The scientific potential of this data is summarized with discussion of mechanical and radiative stellar feedback, filament tracing using [CII], [CII] opacity effects, [CII] and carbon recombination lines, and [CII] interaction with the large molecular cloud. The data quality and calibration is discussed in detail, and new techniques are presented to mitigate the effects of unavoidable instrument deficiencies (e.g. baseline stability) and thus to improve the data quality. A comparison with a smaller [CII] map taken with theHerschel/Heterodyne Instrument for the Far-Infrared spectrometer is presented.Conclusions.Large-scale [CII] mapping provides new insight into the kinematics of the ISM. The interaction between massive stars and the ISM is probed through [CII] observations. Spectrally resolving the [CII] emission is necessary to probe the microphysics induced by the feedback of massive stars. We show that certain heterodyne instrument data quality issues can be resolved using a spline-based technique, and better data correction routines allow for more efficient observing strategies.

Do family firms engage in less tax avoidance than non-family firms? The corporate opacity perspective

We examine the moderating effect of corporate opacity on the relationship between family firms and tax avoidance. We find, ceteris paribus, that family firms and tax avoidance are negatively associated. However, the negative association is attenuated when corporate opacity increases. Our results indicate that corporate opacity affects firms’ tax avoidance, with this effect stronger for family firms than for non-family firms. We also find that tax avoidance by and corporate opacity of family firms are negatively associated with firm valuation. These results are consistent with the opportunistic perspective that family firms engage in more tax avoidance than non-family firms when corporate opacity is higher.

Development and Characterization of Bioactive Poly(butylene-succinate) Films Modified with Quercetin for Food Packaging Applications.

The preparation of biodegradable active packaging materials is still a major challenge. Here, we report the fabrication and characterization of poly(butylene succinate)-based (PBS) films enriched with a natural polyphenolic antioxidant—quercetin. The PBS-based films with various quercetin content (0.05; 0.10; 0.25 and 0.50 pph on PBS) were prepared via a solvent casting method. Physical (optical, mechanical, thermal, moisture and water sorption, water vapor and UV–vis barrier) and biofunctional (antioxidant and antibacterial against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) film properties were tested. The migration of quercetin into model food liquid systems was determined. As a result of quercetin addition, significant changes in color, opacity and UV-blocking effect were observed. The presence of the active substance did not significantly affect the thermal properties of the PBS matrix. However, the mechanical properties of the films were slightly decreased. The films exhibited excellent free radicals (DPPH, ABTS, O2−) scavenging and some bactericidal activities. PBS-quercetin films with superior functional properties have many possibilities for active food packaging applications.

Learning phrasal verbs in the EFL classroom: the effect of prior vocabulary knowledge and opacity

Abstract Although it is widely acknowledged that phrasal verbs constitute a major difficulty for language learners, only a few studies have examined how to best learn phrasal verbs in the EFL context. With the aim of addressing this gap in the literature, the current study compared the influence of different learning conditions on phrasal verb knowledge development. The 77 EFL participants were divided into two experimental groups (incidental learning vs. enhanced exposure) and a control group. While the incidental learning group read the target phrasal verbs within restaurant reviews, the enhanced exposure group had the phrasal verbs bolded and underlined in the same texts and the control group did not receive any treatment. The participants’ performance on the post-test revealed a clear advantage for enhanced exposure over incidental learning. The results also revealed a significant relationship between the participants’ prior vocabulary knowledge and their phrasal verb knowledge, and that opacity and vocabulary knowledge modulated learning gains. The results are discussed in light of the existing literature. Pedagogical implications and directions for future research are highlighted.

Learning phrasal verbs in the EFL classroom: the effect of prior vocabulary knowledge and opacity

AbstractAlthough it is widely acknowledged that phrasal verbs constitute a major difficulty for language learners, only a few studies have examined how to best learn phrasal verbs in the EFL context. With the aim of addressing this gap in the literature, the current study compared the influence of different learning conditions on phrasal verb knowledge development. The 77 EFL participants were divided into two experimental groups (incidental learning vs. enhanced exposure) and a control group. While the incidental learning group read the target phrasal verbs within restaurant reviews, the enhanced exposure group had the phrasal verbs bolded and underlined in the same texts and the control group did not receive any treatment. The participants’ performance on the post-test revealed a clear advantage for enhanced exposure over incidental learning. The results also revealed a significant relationship between the participants’ prior vocabulary knowledge and their phrasal verb knowledge, and that opacity and vocabulary knowledge modulated learning gains. The results are discussed in light of the existing literature. Pedagogical implications and directions for future research are highlighted.

The Effect of Earnings Opacity and Tax Avoidance on Companies Value

Companies in Indonesia have carried out many earnings modification practices where earnings modification is the attitude of management to choose accounting policy with various purposes or motives, namely opportunistic motives and efficiency motives. Opportunistic motive if the modification aims to provide welfare for management, while the efficient motive is if it aims to increase the market value of the company. This study functions to analyze the effect of earnings opacity , tax avoidance , price earnings ratio, return on assets, and leverage on the value of food and beverage companies listed on theIDX in 2018-2020, with a sample of 15 companies based on the purposive sampling method. The research method used is a quantitative method. Analysis of the information used in this study is multiple regression analysis. The results prove that earnings opacity and tax avoidance have a negative effect on companies value

Banka Opaklığının Hisse Senedi Fiyat Gecikmesine Etkisi: BİST te İşlem Gören Bankalar Üzerine Bir Araştırma (The Effect of Bank Opacity on Stock Price Delay: A Research on Banks Traded on BIST)

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of opacity on the stock price delay in banks traded on BIST in the 2007-2019 period. Design/methodology/approach – This research uses the data of stock price, bid-ask spread, share turnover, market capitalization, book-to-market ratio, beta, idiosyncratic volatility, and also for opacity analysis it uses the data of investment securities, deposits, total assets, loans, long-term debt, shareholder equity, debt-to-equity ratio. The parameters of the panel regression model were estimated using the generalized least squares (GLS) estimator. Findings – According to the results, it was observed that the banks which have lower stock price, liquidity, beta; higher idiosyncratic volatility, firm value, non-mortgage loans, other opaque assets (derivative financial assets, fixed assets, intangible assets etc.), deposits, long-term debts, equity and total debt to equity ratio are more opaque, and opacity disrupts the price efficiency of stocks and increases the price delay. Discussion – While the price delay is expected to decrease as the stock turnover rate increases, it is seen in the analysis results that the price delay has increased. It is thought that in inefficient and shallow markets speculative transactions may occur, high volume values may not reflect real buyers-sellers, and the limited number of data in the study causes results contrary to expectations.

Comparing plasma conditions in short-pulse-heated foils via fine-structure x-ray emission.

Fine-structure x-ray spectra have been measured from foils with embedded tracer layers at two laser facilities. A suite of layered foils with thin Ti tracers under varied tamper layers was studied at both the Titan and the ALEPH 400nm laser facilities, where Ti Heα emission was recorded using a high-resolution Bragg crystal spectrometer. Several indicators of plasma parameters are examined in the spectra, including temperature- and density-dependent line ratios and line broadening from Stark and opacity effects. Spectra indicate that (1) the plasma density at ALEPH is significantly higher than at Titan and (2) the electron temperature is high for near-surface layers at both facilities but drops more quickly with depth at ALEPH. These inferences of plasma conditions are consistent with differing levels of temporal contrast at each laser facility.

High-energy-density-physics measurements in implosions using Bayesian inference

Convergent high-energy-density (HED) experimental platforms are used to study matter under some of the most extreme conditions that can be produced on Earth, comparable to the interior of stars. There are many challenges in using these systems for fundamental measurements currently being addressed by new analysis methods, such as the combination of a reduced physics model and Bayesian inference, allowing a self-consistent inference of physical quantities with a robust error analysis. These methods in combination with simple (as compared to inertial confinement fusion implosions) implosion platforms, which can be modified to show sensitivity to different physical mechanisms of interest, are used to study the physical properties of matter under extreme conditions. This work discusses a subset of implosion targets for studying opacity effects, electron–ion equilibration, and thermal conductivity and, as an example, a system consisting of a thick-shelled, gas-filled laser-direct-drive implosion is used to show how a reduced model and Bayesian inference can help inform experimental design decisions such as diagnostic choice. It is shown that for this system that a combination of neutron and x-ray self-emission diagnostics is critical for constraining the details of the thermodynamic states in the system and that the conductivity exponent in a Spitzer like framework can be constrained to the 30% level in deuterium at gigabar conditions. This process can be applied to many HED systems to make underlying model assumptions explicit and facilitate experimental design and analysis.

Relativistic-induced opacity of electron–positron plasmas

The interaction of intense electromagnetic waves with electron–positron () plasmas is studied by particle-in-cell simulations and theoretical analysis. It is found that an initial underdense plasma can become opaque under the irradiation of a relativistically intense laser pulse. The strong ponderomotive force of the relativistic laser pulse and the small mass density of the plasma can combine to induce the efficient pile-up of the electrons and positrons at the front of the laser pulse. Therefore, the local plasma density at the laser pulse front increases dramatically and finally the initial underdense plasma becomes opaque. This relativistic-induced opacity effect of plasmas is opposite to the well-known relativistic-induced transparency effect, in which an initial overdense electron-ion plasma can become transparent to a relativistically intense laser pulse. Further, the significant red shift of reflected lights as well as the efficient generation of energetic positrons are investigated in the relativistic-induced opacity of plasmas. This relativistic-induced opacity effect is a peculiar phenomenon in the plasmas, which may be encountered in the high-energy astrophysical phenomena or in the interactions of intense lasers with matters in the laboratories.

Evidence of chromospheric molecular hydrogen emission in a solar flare observed by the IRIS satellite

ABSTRACT We have carried out the first comprehensive investigation of enhanced line emission from molecular hydrogen, H2 at 1333.79 Å, observed at flare ribbons in SOL2014-04-18T13:03. The cool H2 emission is known to be fluorescently excited by Si iv 1402.77 Å UV radiation and provides a unique view of the temperature minimum region (TMR). Strong H2 emission was observed when the Si iv 1402.77 Å emission was bright during the flare impulsive phase and gradual decay phase, but it dimmed during the GOES peak. H2 line broadening showed non-thermal speeds in the range 7–18 $\rm {km\,s}^{-1}$, possibly corresponding to turbulent plasma flows. Small red (blue) shifts, up to 1.8 (4.9) $\rm {km\,s}^{-1}$ were measured. The intensity ratio of Si iv 1393.76 Å and Si iv 1402.77 Å confirmed that plasma was optically thin to Si iv (where the ratio = 2) during the impulsive phase of the flare in locations where strong H2 emission was observed. In contrast, the ratio differs from optically thin value of 2 in parts of ribbons, indicating a role for opacity effects. A strong spatial and temporal correlation between H2 and Si iv emission was evident supporting the notion that fluorescent excitation is responsible.

Mechanical Properties of Nanohybrid Resin Composites Containing Various Mass Fractions of Modified Zirconia Particles.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of various mass fractions of 10-methacry-loyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP)-conditioned or unconditioned zirconia nano- or micro-particles with different initiator systems on the mechanical properties of nanohybrid resin composites.MethodsBoth light-cured (L) and dual-cured (D) resin composites were prepared. When the mass fraction of the nano- or micro-zirconia fillers reached 55 wt%, resin composites were equipped with dual-cured initiator systems. We measured the three-point bending-strength, elastic modulus, Weibull modulus and translucency parameter of the nanohybrid resin composites containing various mass fractions of MDP-conditioned or unconditioned zirconia nano- or micro-particles (0%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt% and 55 wt%). A Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 was used to test the cell cytotoxicity of the experimental resin composites. The zirconia nano- or micro-particles with MDP-conditioning or not were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).ResultsResin composites containing 5–20 wt% MDP-conditioned or unconditioned nano-zirconia fillers exhibited better three-point bending-strength than the control group without zirconia fillers. Nano- or micro-zirconia fillers decreased the translucence of the nanohybrid resin composites. According to the cytotoxicity classification, all of the nano- or micro-zirconia fillers containing experimental resin composites were considered to have no significant cell cytotoxicity. The FTIR spectra of the conditioned nano- or micro-fillers showed new absorption bands at 1719 cm−1 and 1637 cm−1, indicating the successful combination of MDP and zirconia particles. The XPS analysis measured Zr–O–P peak area on MDP-conditioned nano- and micro-zirconia fillers at 39.91% and 34.89%, respectively.ConclusionNano-zirconia filler improved the mechanical properties of nanohybrid resin composites, but cannot be the main filler to replace silica filler. The experimental dual-cured composites can be resin cements with better opacity effects and a low viscosity.

Interference Amplification of Evanescent Waves in a Layered Structure with the Participation of a Hyperbolic Medium

For a planar structure of dielectric and conducting layers, which allows independent propagation of waves of TE- and TM- types, it is shown that for a plane volume wave of the transverse magnetic type incident from the outside, the result of the interaction of partial evanescent waves in each of the layers of the hybrid structure may not be only a sharp increase in the amplitude of the excited interference inhomogeneous wave, but also realization of the effects of both resonant transparency and resonant opacity of the magnetoplasmonic structure.

ALMA chemical survey of disk-outflow sources in Taurus (ALMA-DOT)

Context.Planets form in protoplanetary disks and inherit their chemical composition. It is therefore crucial to understand the molecular content of protoplanetary disks in their gaseous and solid components.Aims.We aim to characterize the distribution and abundance of molecules in the protoplanetary disk of DG Tau and to compare them with its dust distribution.Methods.In the context of the ALMA chemical survey of Disk-Outflow sources in the Taurus star forming region (ALMA-DOT) we analyze ALMA observations of the nearby disk-outflow system around the T Tauri star DG Tau in H2CO 31,2−21,1, CS 5−4, and CN 2−1 emission at an unprecedented resolution of ~0′′.15, which means ~18 au at a distance of 121 pc.Results.Both H2CO and CS emission originate from a disk ring located at the edge of the 1.3 mm dust continuum. CS probes a disk region that is slightly further out with respect to H2CO; their peaks in emission are found at ~70 and ~60 au, with an outer edge at ~130 and ~120 au, respectively. CN originates from an outermost and more extended disk/envelope region with a peak at ~80 au and extends out to ~500 au. H2CO is dominated by disk emission, while CS also probes two streams of material possibly accreting onto the disk with a peak in emission at the location where the stream connects to the disk. CN emission is barely detected and both the disk and the envelope could contribute to the emission. Assuming that all the lines are optically thin and emitted by the disk molecular layer in local thermodynamic equilibrium at temperatures of 20−100 K, the ring- and disk-height-averaged column density of H2CO is 2.4−8.6 × 1013cm−2, that of CS is ~1.7−2.5 × 1013cm−2, while that of CN is ~1.9−4.7 × 1013cm−2. Unsharp masking reveals a ring of enhanced dust emission at ~40 au, which is located just outside the CO snowline (~30 au).Conclusions.Our finding that the CS and H2CO emission is co-spatial in the disk suggests that the two molecules are chemically linked. Both H2CO and CS may be formed in the gas phase from simple radicals and/or desorbed from grains. The observed rings of molecular emission at the edge of the 1.3 mm continuum may be due to dust opacity effects and/or continuum over-subtraction in the inner disk, as well as to increased UV penetration and/or temperature inversion at the edge of the millimeter(mm)-dust which would cause enhanced gas-phase formation and desorption of these molecules. CN emission originates only from outside the dusty disk, and is therefore even more strongly anti-correlated with the continuum, suggesting that this molecule is a good probe of UV irradiation. The H2CO and CS emission originate from outside the ring of enhanced dust emission, which also coincides with a change in the linear polarization orientation at 0.87 mm. This suggests that outside the CO snowline there could be a change in the dust properties that manifests itself as an increase in the intensity (and change of polarization) of the continuum and of the molecular emission.

Absolute radiometric calibration of a VUV spectrometer in the wavelength range 46–300 nm

Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation corresponds to photon energies exceeding 6.2 eV and provides access to atomic and molecular resonant transitions in various plasmas. Determining population densities of electronic levels directly connected to the ground state requires an absolute intensity calibration of the VUV spectrometer. For this purpose, synchrotron radiation from electron storage rings is the typical primary standard source associated with transport effort and operating costs. Alternatively, a complex procedure using several secondary standards and discharges directly at the setup in use can be applied. In this work, an absolute intensity calibration avoiding synchrotron radiation to cover the wavelength range 46–300 nm accessible with two detectors—a photomultiplier tube and a channel electron multiplier—is presented. A combination of different standard sources—two deuterium arc lamps, branching-ratios of a nitrogen plasma and a high current hollow cathode—is applied for the relative calibration. The absolute calibration is based on simultaneous measurements of atomic lines in a low pressure helium discharge with the VUV spectrometer and an absolutely calibrated optical emission spectrometer. Special focus is laid on the uncertainties of the relative and absolute calibration depending on the wavelength range. The applicability of the intensity calibration is demonstrated at a hydrogen plasma in the wavelength range 80–300 nm. Using the emissivity of the Lyman series, population densities of the first six excited atomic states are calculated considering opacity effects. The excellent agreement with results from the Balmer series by optical emission spectroscopy manifests the high validity of the performed absolute intensity calibration.

Investigation of extreme ultraviolet spectra from highly charged holmium ions in 1 μ m laser-produced plasmas

Absolute intensity calibrated extreme ultraviolet spectra radiated by highly charged holmium (Ho) ions from 1 μm Nd:YAG laser generated plasmas in the 1–8 nm wavelength spectral range were measured and investigated. The spectral features show a broad structured continuum-like emission band, most prominent in the wavelength range 6–8 nm, which accounts for more than half of the emitted power. Assuming local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) in the laser produced plasmas and using the flexible atomic code and Cowan suite of codes, the wavelengths and LTE-gA values of unresolved transition arrays (UTAs) from E 1-contributing transition arrays 4p–4d, 4d–4f and super transition arrays such as 4p64d k−14f + 4p54d k+1–4p64d k−24f2 + 4p44d k+2 + 4p54d k 4f and 4d10(5s5p) k 4f m−k –4d9(5s5p) k 4f m−k+1 were calculated and shown to be responsible for the strongest observed spectral structure. Transitions between these excited to excited states are considered, since even if only weakly present, they will not be influenced by opacity effects unlike resonance transitions involving ground configurations. Another two intense continuous emission bands at 3–6 nm and 2–3 nm that dominate the spectra in the shorter wavelength range mainly arise from 4d–5p, 4d5s–4d5s5p, 4f–5g, 4f5s–4f5s5g and 4d–5f, 4d5s–4d5s5f, 4p–5s transitions. Spectral line shape parameters of Gaussian fits to the LTE-gA weighted radiation spectra of each Ho ion were given, enabling direct explanation of recorded spectra. Based on the LTE-gA UTAs formalism parameters, reasonable agreement is obtained between the synthetic spectrum and experimental result enabling some of the observed spectral features to be identified.

Poor Quality of Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy Images Has a Significant Negative Effect in the Diagnosis of Small Bowel Malignancy.

Background and AimsCapsule endoscopy (CE) is a visual modality; hence, diagnosis relies on image quality. We studied the contribution of image parameters to visualization quality and their effect on diagnostic certainty of small bowel (SB) lesions.MethodsFive clear CE images of common SB pathology – two vascular lesions, two inflammatory, one polyp – were processed for three image parameters to simulate poor SB conditions: opacity (color-matched to luminal content; 10–90%, 10% increments); blurriness (radius 1–10 pixels; one pixel increments); and contrast (−50-50%; 10% increments). Nine expert readers evaluated whether images were adequate for diagnosis. Points where perception of image quality changed significantly were determined for each parameter. Three further sets of SBCE images (vascular, inflammatory, and neoplastic lesions; nine images/set) were processed for four points/parameters. Twenty experienced/expert CE readers reviewed these images.ResultsThe negative effects of opacity in diagnostic certainty were mostly evident in images of neoplasia; images of vascular and inflammatory lesions were less affected. Similar results were observed with increasing blur radius, simulating movement, and poor focus. The proportions of readers finding vascular and inflammatory images adequate for diagnosis did not drop significantly at wider blur radii, while images of neoplasia were quickly deemed inadequate. Low contrast had a greater negative effect than high, most consistently in neoplastic lesions.ConclusionPoor visualization quality in all parameters affected mostly neoplastic lesions. Software to increase contrast and sharpen images can improve visualization quality; smart frame rate adaptation could improve the number of high-quality frames obtained. Thoroughness in SB cleansing is most important when there is a suspicion of neoplasia.