bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel cost allocation method applying fuzzy DEMATEL technique
Authors: Mirzamohammadi Saeed , Karimi Saeed , Pishvaee Mir Saman
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new systematic method for a multi-unit organization to cope with the cost allocation problem, which is an extension of the reciprocal method. As uncertainty is the inherent characteristic of business environments, assuming changes in engaged parameters is almost necessary. The outputs of the model determine the total value of each unit/business lines or product.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed method, contrary to existing models, business units are able to transfer their costs to other units, and also, not necessarily transfer the total costs of support units completely. The DEMATEL approach, which finds all relationships between different parts of a system, is also applied for computing effects of the units’ expense paid to each other. Moreover, a fuzzification approach is used to capture linguistic experts’ judgments about related data.

Findings

Being closer to the real-world problem in comparison to the previous approach, the proposed systematic approach encompasses the other cost allocation models.

Practical implications

Applying the proposed model for a system like a multi-unit organization, the total price of each unit/business line can be obtained. Moreover, this cost allocation process guides the related decision-makers to better manage the expenses that each unit pays the others.

Originality/value

In the existing studies, business units cannot pay expense support units. However, in the proposed method, the business units are able to pay expenses for other units, and also, not necessarily pay total expenses for support unit completely. Moreover, considering engaged parameters as fuzzy numbers makes the proposed model closer to real-world problems.
Generational differences in technology behaviour: comparing millennials and Generation X
Authors: Calvo-Porral Cristina , Pesqueira-Sanchez Rogelio
Published: January 2020

Purpose

There are differences in the motivations underlying technology behaviour in each generational group; and there may be variances in the way each generational group uses and gets engaged with technology. In this context, this study aims to address the following questions: “Does generational cohort influence technology behaviour?” and if so: “What are the main motivations underlying Millennials and Generation X technology behaviour?”.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, based on the uses and gratifications theory this study examines technology behaviour through multi-group structural equation modelling, drawing on a sample of 707 millennials and 276 Generation X individuals

Findings

Research findings indicate that millennials mostly use and get engaged with technologies for entertainment and hedonic purposes; while Generation X individuals are mainly driven by utilitarian purposes and information search. Further, research findings indicate the moderating role of generational cohort in the use of technologies.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence of the main differences and motivations differences driving technology behaviour of millennials and Generation X individuals.
Effects of anaesthesia‐induced hypotension and phenylephrine on plasma volume expansion by hydroxyethyl starch: A randomised controlled study
Authors: Kaneko Takahiko , Tatara Tsuneo , Hirose Munetaka
Published: January 2020

Background

Changes in blood haemoglobin concentration indicate plasma volume expansion following hydroxyethyl starch (HES) infusion, but may be affected by vascular tone and HES‐induced shedding of the endothelial surface layer (ESL). We hypothesised that anaesthesia‐induced hypotension enhances changes in plasma volume as assessed by blood haemoglobin concentration (ΔPVHb, %) following HES infusion.

Methods

Fifty‐two patients undergoing abdominal surgery were randomised to receive a continuous infusion of saline (S group) or phenylephrine to restore vascular tone (P group) (n = 26 each). Both groups received an infusion of 8 mL/kg 6% HES solution after induction of general anaesthesia. We compared ΔPVHb at the end of fluid infusion (15 minutes) and 15 minutes later (30 minutes) between the two groups. We assessed changes in ESL structure by measuring plasma concentrations of hyaluronate and syndecan‐1. P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Mean arterial blood pressure was lower in the S group approximately by 30‐40% compared to the P group (P < .001). ΔPVHb was larger in the S group compared to the P group at 15 minutes (24.9 [5.2] % vs 19.0 [5.2] %; P < .001) and 30 minutes (26.5 [5.9] % vs 16.9 [6.6] %; P < .001). There were no clinically significant differences in plasma concentrations of hyaluronate and syndecan‐1 with time and between the groups.

Conclusions

Increased volume expansion of circulating plasma following HES infusion in anaesthesia‐induced hypotension compared to when blood pressure is restored by phenylephrine may result from an attenuation of transcapillary fluid filtration, rather than ESL shedding.

UMIN Clinical Trial Registration Number: UMIN000017394 (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm).
Compliance with follow‐up Test of Cure and outcomes after treatment for high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Tan Jeffrey H.J. , Malloy Michael J. , Brotherton Julia M.L. , Saville Marion
Published: January 2020

Background

Test of Cure (ToC), a combination of testing for oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) and cytology, at 12 months post‐treatment and annually thereafter, was approved in Australia in 2005 for follow‐up of women treated for high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) of the cervix.

Aims

To determine among women resident in Victoria, Australia, the compliance with ToC and the incidence of recurrence up to five years after successful ToC.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis of women with HSIL (diagnosed at pre‐treatment punch biopsy or at excision) who had excisional treatment between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2011. De‐identified data were retrieved from the Victorian Cervical Cytology Registry in Melbourne as at 24 April, 2015. Successful ToC is defined as the occurrence of two consecutive normal (negative) co‐tests. Recurrence after treatment is defined by histologically detected HSIL or greater.

Results

There were 8478 women who had excisional treatment for HSIL, with 448 (5.5%) experiencing recurrence. Only 2253 (26.6%) women successfully completed ToC, with a decreasing likelihood of ToC completion by time since year of treatment (32.0% in 2007 compared with 20.9% in 2011). Only one (0.08%) woman had HSIL on histology after successful ToC. From the 2007 cohort, 555 (32.0%) women completed ToC successfully and no HSIL recurrence occurred thereafter (median subsequent follow‐up period of 4.7 years).

Conclusions

Our study confirmed that women who successfully complete ToC can be returned to five‐year routine screening. However, more concerted efforts are needed to ensure that all women treated complete ToC.
Native and invasive hosts play different roles in host–parasite networks
Authors: Llopis‐Belenguer Cristina , Blasco‐Costa Isabel , Balbuena Juan Antonio , Sarabeev Volodimir , Stouffer Daniel B.
Published: January 2020

Parasites are often key players in biological invasions since they can mediate the impact of host invasions or can themselves become invasive species. However, the nature and extent of parasite‐mediated invasions are often difficult to delineate. Here, we used individual‐based, weighted bipartite networks to study the roles (degrees of interactions of individuals in a modular network according to their within‐ and among‐module connections) played by native and invasive host individuals to their parasite communities. We studied two phylogenetically and ecologically close fish species, Mugil cephalus s.l. and Planiliza haematocheilus (Teleostei: Mugilidae). Planiliza haematocheilus is native to the Sea of Japan and invasive in the Sea of Azov whereas, M. cephalus s.l. is native to both seas. Based on the common evolutionary history that drives native host–parasite networks, we hypothesised that 1) native networks have higher modularity than invaded ones; and 2) invasive hosts in the invaded area play a peripheral role to structure parasite communities. We analysed the whole parasite community and subsets based on transmission strategy and host specificity of the parasite species to establish whether modularity and host roles are related to these features in the native and invaded areas. All networks were found to be modular. However, modularity tended to be higher in networks of the native area rather than those of the invaded area. Host individuals of both fish species played similar roles in the native area, whereas invasive hosts played a peripheral role in the networks of the invaded area. We propose that long‐term monitoring of the roles of invasive hosts in parasite communities can be a useful proxy for estimating the maturity of the establishment of the invasive hosts in an ecosystem.
Downside beta and the cross section of equity returns: A decade later
Authors: Atilgan Yigit , Demirtas K. Ozgur , Gunaydin A. Doruk
Published: January 2020

This study reexamines the relation between downside beta and equity returns in the United States. First, we replicate the 2006 work of Ang, Chen, and Xing who find a positive relation between downside beta and future equity returns for equal‐weighted portfolios of NYSE stocks. We show that this relation doesn't hold after using value‐weighted returns or controlling for various return determinants. We also extend the original sample, add AMEX/NASDAQ stocks or utilize alternative downside beta measures and still find no downside risk premium. We focus on factor analysis results, persistence of downside beta, and various subsamples to understand the economic reasons behind the findings.
Climate change fingerprints in recent European plant phenology
Authors: Menzel Annette , Yuan Ye , Matiu Michael , Sparks Tim , Scheifinger Helfried , Gehrig Regula , Estrella Nicole
Published: January 2020

A paper published in Global Change Biology in 2006 revealed that phenological responses in 1971–2000 matched the warming pattern in Europe, but a lack of chilling and adaptation in farming may have reversed these findings. Therefore, for 1951–2018 in a corresponding data set, we determined changes as linear trends and analysed their variation by plant traits/groups, across season and time as well as their attribution to warming following IPCC methodology. Although spring and summer phases in wild plants advanced less (maximum advances in 1978–2007), more (~90%) and more significant (~60%) negative trends were present, being stronger in early spring, at higher elevations, but smaller for nonwoody insect‐pollinated species. These trends were strongly attributable to winter and spring warming. Findings for crop spring phases were similar, but were less pronounced. There were clearer and attributable signs for a delayed senescence in response to winter and spring warming. These changes resulted in a longer growing season, but a constant generative period in wild plants and a shortened one in agricultural crops. Phenology determined by farmers’ decisions differed noticeably from the purely climatic driven phases with smaller percentages of advancing (~75%) trends, but farmers’ spring activities were the only group with reinforced advancement, suggesting adaptation. Trends in farmers’ spring and summer activities were very likely/likely associated with the warming pattern. In contrast, the advance in autumn farming phases was significantly associated with below average summer warming. Thus, under ongoing climate change with decreased chilling the advancing phenology in spring and summer is still attributable to warming; even the farmers’ activities in these seasons mirror, to a lesser extent, the warming. Our findings point to adaptation to climate change in agriculture and reveal diverse implications for terrestrial ecosystems; the strong attribution supports the necessary mediation of warming impacts to the general public.
Foreign women in academia: Double‐strangers between productivity, marginalization and resistance
Authors: Strauβ Anke , Boncori Ilaria
Published: January 2020

This article examines the professional experience of foreign women academics working across geographic boundaries in today's neoliberal academia characterized by liquidity. Framed within an intersectional perspective, we use the concept of the ‘double‐stranger' to examine data stemming from 20 in‐depth semi‐structured interviews conducted with scholars at different stages of their career in the social sciences. This article advances understandings of academic careers theoretically by identifying a temporal and hierarchical dynamic in the intersection of two categories of difference (gender and foreignness) that constitute a position of simultaneous belonging and non‐belonging for foreign women academics; and empirically through a qualitative investigation that explores three areas in which academic professional experiences are mobilized for double‐strangers: (i) transnational career moves; (ii) productivity and performance in today's neoliberal academia; and (iii) self‐induced estrangement as a form of resistance.
HDAC1 and HDAC2 regulate anti‐inflammatory effects of anesthetic isoflurane in human monocytes
Authors: Guo Xinying , Deng Jie , Zheng Bin , Liu Hao , Zhang Yuehong , Ying Yanlu , Jia Jie , Ruan Xiangcai
Published: January 2020

Pre‐exposure to volatile anesthetics inhibits inflammation induced by various stimuli, including surgical procedures and ischemia. We hypothesize that volatile anesthetics may induce anti‐inflammatory effects via a mechanism involving regulation of histone deacetylases (HDACs). Pre‐exposure of 1.5% isoflurane for 0.5 h induced anti‐inflammatory effects [measured by cytokine production of tumor necrosis factor‐ɑ, interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and IL‐1β] in both human THP‐1 cells and primary human peripheral blood monocytes stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. In human THP‐1 cells, coadministration of the HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) blocked the isoflurane‐induced anti‐inflammatory effects. TSA also blocked isoflurane‐upregulated HDAC1‒3 expression and isoflurane‐reduced nuclear translocation of p65 and p50 subunits of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB). The ability of isoflurane to reduce NF‐κB nuclear translocation and proinflammatory responses in the cell line was blocked by gene silencing ofHDAC1andHDAC2, but not by gene silencing ofHDAC3. A coimmunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that the decreased interaction between HDAC1 and HDAC2 through lipopolysaccharide was restored by isoflurane pretreatment. These findings were validated in primary human peripheral blood monocytes  wherein gene silencing ofHDAC1andHDAC2resulted in increased cytokine production and NF‐κB nuclear translocation induced by isoflurane pre‐exposure and lipopolysaccharide stimulation. These results indicate that anti‐inflammatory effects of the volatile anesthetic isoflurane in human monocytes involve regulation of HDAC1 and HDAC2.
Annual Research Review: Adolescent mental health in the digital age: facts, fears, and future directions
Authors: Odgers Candice L. , Jensen Michaeline R.
Published: January 2020

Adolescents are spending an increasing amount of their time online and connected to each other via digital technologies. Mobile device ownership and social media usage have reached unprecedented levels, and concerns have been raised that this constant connectivity is harming adolescents’ mental health. This review synthesized data from three sources: (a) narrative reviews and meta‐analyses conducted between 2014 and 2019, (b) large‐scale preregistered cohort studies and (c) intensive longitudinal and ecological momentary assessment studies, to summarize what is known about linkages between digital technology usage and adolescent mental health, with a specific focus on depression and anxiety. The review highlights that most research to date has been correlational, focused on adults versus adolescents, and has generated a mix of often conflicting small positive, negative and null associations. The most recent and rigorous large‐scale preregistered studies report small associations between the amount of daily digital technology usage and adolescents’ well‐being that do not offer a way of distinguishing cause from effect and, as estimated, are unlikely to be of clinical or practical significance. Implications for improving future research and for supporting adolescents’ mental health in the digital age are discussed.
Stack ensembled model to measure size and mass of almond kernels
Authors: Vidyarthi Sriram K. , Tiwari Rakhee , Singh Samrendra K.
Published: January 2020

After harvesting almond crop, accurate measurement of almond kernel sizes is a significant specification to plan, develop and enhance almond processing operations. The size and mass of the individual almond kernels are vital parameters usually associated with almond quality and yield. In this study, we propose a novel methodology that combines image processing and machine‐learning ensemble that accurately measures the size and mass of whole raw almond kernels (classification—Nonpareil) simultaneously. We have developed an image‐processing algorithm using recursive method to identify the individual almond kernels from an image and estimate the size of the kernels based on the occupied pixels by a kernel. The number of pixels representing an almond kernel was used as its digital fingerprint to predict its size and mass. Various popular machine learning (ML) models were implemented to build a stacked ensemble model (SEM), predicting the mass of the individual almond kernels based on the features derived from the pixels of the individual kernels in the image. The prediction accuracy and robustness of image processing and SEM were analyzed using uncertainty quantification. The mean error in estimating the average length of 1,000 almond kernel was 3.12%. Similarly, mean errors associated with predicting the 1,000 kernel mass were 0.63%. The developed algorithm in almond imaging in this study can be used to facilitate a rapid almond yield and quality appraisals.
Marked heterogeneity in the diagnosis of compensated cirrhosis of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection in a real‐world setting: A large, multicenter study from Japan
Authors: Toyoda Hidenori , Atsukawa Masanori , Watanabe Tsunamasa , Nakamuta Makoto , Uojima Haruki , Nozaki Akito , Takaguchi Koichi , Fujioka Shinichi , Iio Etsuko , Shima Toshihide , Akahane Takehiro , Fukunishi Shinya , Asano Toru , Michitaka Kojiro , Tsuji Kunihiko , Abe Hiroshi , Mikami Shigeru , Okubo Hironao , Okubo Tomomi , Shimada Noritomo , Ishikawa Toru , Moriya Akio , Tani Joji , Morishita Asahiro , Ogawa Chikara , Tachi Yoshihiko , Ikeda Hiroki , Yamashita Naoki , Yasuda Satoshi , Chuma Makoto , Tsutsui Akemi , Hiraoka Atsushi , Ikegami Tadashi , Genda Takuya , Tsubota Akihito , Masaki Tsutomu , Iwakiri Katsuhiko , Kumada Takashi , Tanaka Yasuhito , Okanoue Takeshi
Published: January 2020

Background and Aim

The presence of cirrhosis is an important factor for the management of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and it determines the duration of treatment for HCV with the direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) regimen of glecaprevir (GLE) and pibrentasvir (PIB), that is, 8 or 12 weeks, if patients do not have a history of DAA failure. However, in real‐world settings, determination of cirrhosis depends on the discretion of the attending hepatologists, and it is unclear whether compensated cirrhosis was homogenously diagnosed or not. In this study, we investigated the real‐world diagnosis of cirrhosis by characterizing DAA‐naïve patients who underwent a 12‐week GLE/PIB regimen in whom cirrhosis was diagnosed, comparing their characteristics with those of patients who underwent an 8‐week regimen in whom cirrhosis was absent.

Methods

In a large, multicenter cohort study, we compared background characteristics and treatment outcomes among DAA‐naïve patients who underwent an 8‐week versus a 12‐week GLE/PIB regimen.

Results

Among 977 patients enrolled, 296 (30.3%) were determined to have cirrhosis and underwent a 12‐week regimen. Some patient characteristics largely overlapped between the two groups, including liver fibrosis indices. Sustained viral response rates were similar between groups after adjusting liver fibrosis index with propensity score matching.

Conclusion

Although adequately diagnosed, the determination of cirrhosis varied widely among institutions or by hepatologists in real‐world settings, and the severity of liver fibrosis overlapped significantly between patients in whom compensated cirrhosis was determined to be present and patients in whom cirrhosis was absent. Virologic efficacy was similar after adjusting for the degree of liver fibrosis.
Comparison of preference mapping with projective mapping for characterizing consumer perception of brewed black coffees
Authors: Harwood William S. , McLean Kyle G. , Ennis John M. , Ennis Daniel M. , Drake MaryAnne
Published: January 2020

This study compared projective mapping (PM) with check‐all‐that apply (CATA) with 24 consumers to traditional preference mapping with 257 consumers for evaluation of drivers of liking for brewed black coffees. For the PM exercise, black coffee consumers (n = 24) evaluated 11 coffees and placed them on a two‐dimensional plane based on similarities and then selected attributes from a provided list (PMCATA) to describe each coffee. These consumers also scored liking of each coffee. PMCATA and liking evaluations were completed in duplicate. A trained descriptive analysis (DA) panel (n = 8) documented properties of the coffees in quadruplicate and black coffee consumers (n = 257) were recruited for traditional consumer acceptance testing. Landscape segmentation analysis (LSA) was applied to trained panel data and consumer acceptance scores. Data from the PMCATA exercise was analyzed using multiple factor analysis (MFA). Consumer groups from the PMCATA exercise were differentiated by preferences for light or dark roast attributes. Similarly, determination of ideal points by LSA revealed that consumer groups were defined primarily by differences in preference for different roast types and roast‐related attributes. Based on the similarities in regard to product characterization and consumer segmentation, these results demonstrate that PMCATA can be an effective preliminary alternative to traditional methods for profiling and consumer preferences of complex products like coffee.

Practical application

Descriptive analysis (DA) and consumer acceptance testing for preference mapping can be time and cost intensive. This study demonstrates that projective mapping, combined with check‐all‐that‐apply (PMCATA) profiling by consumers, can be used as a rapid method for understanding a product landscape and acceptability of products with particular attributes. It is unlikely that PMCATA will replace preference mapping practices; however, it might serve as an effective alternative for researchers and developers when time or budget is constrained, or as an initial screening step for understanding a product category.
PINOID regulates floral organ development by modulating auxin transport and interacts with MADS16 in rice
Authors: Wu Hua‐Mao , Xie Dong‐Jiang , Tang Zuo‐Shun , Shi Dong‐Qiao , Yang Wei‐Cai
Published: January 2020

In rice (Oryza sativa L.), floral organ development is an important trait. Although a role for PINOID in regulating floral organ development was reported recently, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here, we isolated and characterized an abnormal floral organ mutant and mapped the causative gene through an improved MutMap method. Molecular study revealed that the observed phenotype is caused by a point mutation in OsPINOID (OsPID) gene; therefore, we named the mutation as ospid‐4. Our data demonstrate that OsPID interacts with OsPIN1a and OsPIN1b to regulate polar auxin transport as shown previously. Additionally, OsPID also interacts with OsMADS16 to regulate transcription during floral organ development in rice. Together, we propose a model that OsPID regulates floral organ development by modulating auxin polar transport and interaction with OsMADS16 and/or LAX1 in rice. These results provide a novel insight into the role of OsPID in regulating floral organ development of rice, especially in stigma development, which would be useful for genetic improvement of high‐yield breeding of rice.
Molecular phylogeny of Punctaria mageshimensis reveals evidence for its transfer to Spatoglossum as S. mageshimense (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Kawai Hiroshi , Terada Ryuta , Hanyuda Takeaki
Published: January 2020

Taxonomy of the little‐studied brown algal species Punctaria mageshimensis (Ectocarpales s.l.) was reexamined by molecular phylogeny and morphology. In the genetic analyses of newly collected specimens using plastid rbcL and psaA gene sequences, the specimens morphologically referable to P. mageshimensis were phylogenetically distant from Ectocarpales s.l. and were included in the clade of Spatoglossum (Dictyotales). Morphological reexamination of the type specimen and newly collected specimens confirmed its systematic position in Dictyotales: Branched thallus; cushion‐shaped rhizoidal holdfast occasionally forming secondary holdfast at the bottom of the thallus; many discoidal plastids without pyrenoid per cell; tetrasporangium‐like reproductive structures with dark, homogeneous cell content; occurrence of hair tufts. Genetically P. mageshimensis was most related to a reported sequence of Spatoglossum asperum, but P. mageshimensis was considerably different from S. asperum as well as other known Spatoglossum species in the deep habitat and in having scarcely‐branched lanceolate and considerably thickened thallus. In conclusion, we propose the transfer of P. mageshimensis to Spatoglossum as S. mageshimense comb. nov.
Carbohydrate utilisation by tilapia: a meta‐analytical approach
Authors: Maas Roel M. , Verdegem Marc C.J. , Wiegertjes Geert F. , Schrama Johan W.
Published: January 2020

Currently, studies reporting the digestibility of carbohydrates, starch and especially non‐starch polysaccharides (NSP) in fish are scarce. Carbohydrate digestibility in the diet is largely dependent upon carbohydrate composition (starch vs. NSP). NSP are often considered to be indigestible and thus of no nutritional value. The present study reviews carbohydrates in fish feed, distinguishing between total carbohydrate, starch and NSP. Besides a qualitative approach, a meta‐analysis was performed, compiling available data from digestibility studies on tilapia. Our meta‐analysis confirms the negative effect of NSP on performance (FCR) and nutrient digestibility (crude protein, fat and energy). However, an average NSP digestibility of 24.3% was calculated in 95 cases. Out of these 95 cases, 88% of them showed a positive NSP digestibility. NSP digestibility was shown to contribute to energy digestibility. The digestion of NSP in fish is associated with fermentation in the gut, producing beneficial volatile fatty acids that are rapidly absorbed by the colonic lumen. Therefore, in diet formulation, digestibility and thus energy originating from NSP should be taken into consideration because NSP contribute to the energy needs of fish, here tilapia. Besides being an energy source, specific types of NSP may have immune‐modulating and prebiotic effects and may be increasingly added to fish feed as modulators of fish health. We suggest that NSP is potentially (partly) digested by a wide range of fish species, especially by warm‐water species with a long gut adapted to feeding on plant matter, as these factors favour gut fermentation.
Hermeneutic observational studies: describing a method
Authors: Eriksson Thomas , Lindahl Berit , Nåden Dagfinn , Bergbom Ingegerd
Published: January 2020

There is a need to develop and use research observations in the clinical field, primarily to gain insight into and assess evidence of what comprises caring in a real‐life situation and confirm what is actually taking place. In addition, assessments lead to a new and different understanding of what caring constitutes, thereby enabling the identification of what kind of care is being provided and is required. Such observations also enable the observer to perceive and verbalise caring. There are ongoing discussions, specifically in Nordic countries, on how to use caring science‐based observations as a means of collecting and interpreting qualitative data through the application of a hermeneutic approach, which constitutes describing what has been seen and reporting on it by way of ethical obligation. This article contributes to the debate through the provision of additional content and by reflecting on the development and usability of hermeneutical research observations from a method and methodological perspective, thereby refining previous ideas and extending previous assumptions. The primary study objective was to report on the experience of utilising observations as a single data collection method for hermeneutic research with the aim of evaluating the interplay between intensive care unit (ICU) patients and their next of kin. A secondary objective was to highlight the impact of preknowledge and preunderstanding on the interpretation process. An intensive care context was assessed as the most appropriate, as the majority of patients are unable to engage in verbal narratives during ongoing treatment and care. The benefits of employing hermeneutic observation as well as interpretation and preunderstanding from a caring science perspective are considered.
Is ‘City Branding’ Worth Re‐Visiting?
Authors: Kavaratzis Mihalis
Published: January 2020

This commentary attempts to briefly but critically discuss some of the potential factors that have made the 2005 article 'City Branding: An effective assertion of identity or a transitory marketing trick?' a well‐known and extensively cited article in the field of place branding. It includes an account of the major sources of inspiration and the main intentions of the article, as well as a necessarily personal reflection on its shortcomings.
Cartographic reconstruction of building footprints from historical maps: A study on the Swiss Siegfried map
Authors: Heitzler Magnus , Hurni Lorenz
Published: January 2020

Extracting features from printed maps has been a challenge for decades; historical maps pose an even larger problem due to manual, inconsistent drawing or scribing, low printing quality, and geometrical distortions. In this article, a new workflow is introduced, consisting of a segmentation step and a vectorization step to acquire high‐quality polygon representations of building footprints from the Siegfried map series. For segmentation, an ensemble of U‐Nets is trained, yielding pixel‐based predictions with an average intersection over union of 88.2% and an average precision of 98.55%. For vectorization, methods based on contour tracing and orientation‐based clustering are proposed to approximate idealized polygonal representations. The workflow has been tested on 10 randomly selected map sheets from the Siegfried map, showing that the time required to manually correct these polygons drops to about 45 min per map sheet. Of this sample, approximately 10% of buildings required manual corrections. This workflow can serve as a blueprint for similar vectorization efforts.
Export diversification, margins and economic growth at industrial level: Evidence from Thailand
Authors: Jongwanich Juthathip
Published: January 2020

This paper examines the relationship between export diversification, export margins and economic growth at the industry level using Thailand as a case study during 2002–16. Our results show that the effects of export diversification and margins on economic growth vary across industries. Export diversification helps boost growth only in some sectors, including electronics, automotive and chemicals, plastic and rubber, while in the processed food, and textiles and apparel industries, specialisation matters more in promoting growth. In almost all industries, a non‐linear relationship between diversification and economic growth is not revealed, except in textiles and apparel. The diversification is crucial in enhancing the impact of exports on growth only in the processed food and textiles and apparel industries. Expansion of intensive margins plays an important role in boosting growth in key industries within Thailand. The role of extensive margins, both in terms of new products and new market destinations, in promoting economic growth is limited. For extensive margins (new products), it is found to be significant in boosting economic growth only in processed food and textiles and apparel, while in the case of extensive margins (new market destinations), its significance in boosting growth is revealed only in the electronics sector.
Modeling and Analysis of a Planar Soft Panel Continuum Mechanism
Authors: Wang Wenbin , Xi Fengfeng , Tian Yingzhong , Zhao Yinjun , Li Yuwen
Published: January 2020

Continuum mechanisms have drawn wide attention to scholars due to their salient advantages including compliance and dexterity. In this paper, a planar continuum mechanism made of soft panels is proposed. This mechanism has a reduced degree-of-freedom (DOF) compared with some existing continuum mechanisms capable of 3D motion. However, it can meet some application requirements in the field of robot and aerospace due to its characteristics of small stiffness in the motion plane and large stiffness perpendicular to the motion plane. Besides, a combined kinematics and statics modeling approach is presented for this mechanism by using the classical beam theory and a constrained optimization method. In order to ensure the model accuracy, a hybrid approach is proposed to consider gravity depending on the deformation under study. By comparing our results with those from the commonly used constant-curvature method, it is shown that our model is more accurate in predicting the deformation shapes.
Workspace Analysis and Optimal Design of a Translational Cable-Driven Parallel Robot With Passive Springs
Authors: Zhang Zhaokun , Shao Zhufeng , Peng Fazhong , Li Haisheng , Wang Liping
Published: January 2020

Cable-driven parallel robots (CDPRs) have great prospects for high-speed applications because of their nature of low inertia and good dynamics. Existing high-speed CDPRs mainly adopt redundant cables to keep positive cable tensions. Redundant cables lead to complex and costly structure, and are likely to cause interference. In this study, a non-redundant CDPR for high-speed translational motions is designed with passive springs and parallel cables. First, the configuration of the CDPR is illustrated, and its kinematics and dynamics are studied. Then, the workspace of the CDPR is discussed in detail. The condition of positive cable tensions is proved. The influence of the springs’ layout on the workspace is analyzed. A method for determining the regular cylindrical operation workspace is proposed. Furthermore, the optimal design method for high-speed CDPRs with passive springs is developed. Performance indices for evaluating the force transmission are defined based on the matrix orthogonal degree. The geometric parameters are optimized based on the workspace and force transmission indices. The stiffness coefficient of the spring is determined based on the acceleration and cable tension requirements. Finally, the proposed CDPR and the traditional CDPR with redundant cables are compared through simulation. The results show that the designed CDPR possesses advantages in energy consumption and simple structure compared to CDPR with redundant cables.
Screw Theory-Based Motion/Force Transmissibility Analysis of High-Speed Parallel Robots With Articulated Platforms
Authors: Meng Qizhi , Xie Fugui , Liu Xin-Jun , Takeda Yukio
Published: January 2020

Motion/force transmissibility is an essential property reflecting the kinematic performance of parallel robots. Research on this performance of the single-platform parallel robots (SPPRs) has long been concerned and studied. In contrast, although many innovations and applications of the high-speed articulated-platform parallel robots (APPRs) have been presented, few studies on their motion/force transmissibility have been reported. This paper deals with the motion/force transmissibility analysis of high-speed parallel robots with articulated platforms. A modified output transmission index (MOTI) for the high-speed parallel robots with articulated platforms is proposed based on a newly defined concept of equivalent transmission wrench screw. Furthermore, by having an insight into the instantaneous relative motion inside the mobile platform, a medial transmission index (MTI) is proposed to evaluate its internal motion/force transmissibility. Based on these foundations, the local transmission index (LTI) is redefined as the minimum value of the input, modified output, and medial transmission indices. Under the framework of the above performance indices, motion/force transmissibility analysis of two typical high-speed articulated-platform parallel robots, i.e., Heli4 and Par4, are presented. The proposed indices are excepted to be applied to the optimal design of high-speed parallel robots with articulated platforms.
Optimization of Slots-Groove Coupled Casing Treatment for an Axial Transonic Compressor
Authors: Zhu Guoming , Yang Bo
Published: January 2020

A multi-objective optimization of a coupled casing treatment (CCT) for an axial transonic compressor is performed in this study. The coupled casing treatment is the basis axial slots with a circumferential groove located at various positions along the slots. During the optimization stage, five important parameters to control the geometry are used as the optimal variables. The stall margin and the peak efficiency are selected as the optimal objectives. Non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II coupled with radial basis function (RBF) approximation is used to search for Pareto-optimal solutions. Then, four optimal configurations are selected from Pareto-front for further analysis. As shown in the simulation results with and without the coupled casing treatments, the leakage flow is reenergized and the blocking region near the blade leading edge at rotor tip is decreased by the use of these structures under the low flowrate condition, which is the main reason for stability enhancement. Besides, a coupled casing treatment with the groove settled near the end of the basis slots have the potential to generate more injection flow and extend the operating range of compressor further.
New SARS-like virus in China triggers alarm
Authors: Cohen Jon , Normile Dennis
Published: January 2020

Pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan appears to subside, but the virus could re-emerge.
‘Diversity statements’ divide mathematicians
Authors: Price Michael
Published: January 2020

Hundreds choose sides both for and against requiring such statements in academic hiring.
A high-resolution summary of Cambrian to Early Triassic marine invertebrate biodiversity
Authors: Fan Jun-xuan , Shen Shu-zhong , Erwin Douglas H. , Sadler Peter M. , MacLeod Norman , Cheng Qiu-ming , Hou Xu-dong , Yang Jiao , Wang Xiang-dong , Wang Yue , Zhang Hua , Chen Xu , Li Guo-xiang , Zhang Yi-chun , Shi Yu-kun , Yuan Dong-xun , Chen Qing , Zhang Lin-na , Li Chao , Zhao Ying-ying
Published: January 2020

A finer record of biodiversity

We have pressing, human-generated reasons to explore the influence of environmental change on biodiversity. Looking into the past can not only inform our understanding of this relationship but also help us to understand current change. Paleontological records depend on fossil availability and predictive modeling, however, and thus tend to give us a picture with large temporal jumps, millions of years wide. Such a scale makes it difficult to truly understand the action of environmental forces on ecological processes. Enabled by a supercomputer, Fan
et al.
used machine learning to analyze a large marine Paleozoic dataset, creating a record with time intervals of only ∼26,000 years (see the Perspective by Wagner). This fine-scale resolution revealed new events and important details of previously described patterns.

Science
, this issue p.
272
; see also p.
249
VISTA is a checkpoint regulator for naïve T cell quiescence and peripheral tolerance
Authors: ElTanbouly Mohamed A. , Zhao Yanding , Nowak Elizabeth , Li Jiannan , Schaafsma Evelien , Le Mercier Isabelle , Ceeraz Sabrina , Lines J. Louise , Peng Changwei , Carriere Catherine , Huang Xin , Day Maria , Koehn Brent , Lee Sam W. , Silva Morales Milagros , Hogquist Kristin A. , Jameson Stephen C. , Mueller Daniel , Rothstein Jay , Blazar Bruce R. , Cheng Chao , Noelle Randolph J.
Published: January 2020

A VISTA on naïve T cell fate

T cell quiescence and tolerance restrain the immune system from becoming overactive and attacking healthy tissue. Negative checkpoint regulators normally limit T cell responses to help safeguard against conditions such as autoimmunity. ElTanbouly
et al.
report that the checkpoint regulator VISTA (V-type immunoglobulin domain-containing suppressor of T cell activation) restricts early stages of T cell activation by shaping the inherent heterogeneity of the naïve CD4
+
T cell compartment to one that is more uniformly quiescent and silent (see the Perspective by Brown and Rudensky). Therapeutic targeting of VISTA using an agonistic antibody in mice curbed the development of graft-versus-host disease and promoted the death of naïve T cells abnormally activated by self-antigen. VISTA thus represents a distinctive immunoregulatory molecule that controls naïve T cell function by maintaining quiescence and peripheral tolerance.

Science
, this issue p.
eaay0524
; see also p.
247
Quantum spin liquids
Authors: Broholm C. , Cava R. J. , Kivelson S. A. , Nocera D. G. , Norman M. R. , Senthil T.
Published: January 2020

An overview of an exotic type of liquid

Materials with interacting quantum spins that nevertheless do not order magnetically down to the lowest temperatures are candidates for a materials class called quantum spin liquids (QSLs). QSLs are characterized by long-range quantum entanglement and are tricky to study theoretically; an even more difficult task is to experimentally prove that a material is a QSL. Broholm
et al.
take a broad view of the state of the field and comment on the upcoming challenges.

Science
, this issue p.
eaay0668
Eat and listen—how chewing and hearing evolved
Authors: Schultz Julia A.
Published: January 2020

Mammalian middle ear bones separated from the jaw of vertebrate ancestors
Development of a Highly Effective African Swine Fever Virus Vaccine by Deletion of the I177L Gene Results in Sterile Immunity against the Current Epidemic Eurasia Strain
Authors: Borca Manuel V. , Ramirez-Medina Elizabeth , Silva Ediane , Vuono Elizabeth , Rai Ayushi , Pruitt Sarah , Holinka Lauren G. , Velazquez-Salinas Lauro , Zhu James , Gladue Douglas P.
Published: January 2020

Currently, there is no commercially available vaccine against African swine fever. Outbreaks of this disease are devastating the swine industry from Central Europe to East Asia, and they are being caused by circulating strains of African swine fever virus derived from the Georgia 2007 isolate. Here, we report the discovery of a previously uncharacterized virus gene, which when deleted completely attenuates the Georgia isolate. Importantly, animals infected with this genetically modified virus were protected from developing ASF after challenge with the virulent parental virus. Interestingly, ASFV-G-ΔI177L confers protection even at low doses (10
2
HAD
50
) and remains completely attenuated when inoculated at high doses (10
6
HAD
50
), demonstrating its potential as a safe vaccine candidate. At medium or higher doses (10
4
HAD
50
), sterile immunity is achieved. Therefore, ASFV-G-ΔI177L is a novel efficacious experimental ASF vaccine protecting pigs from the epidemiologically relevant ASFV Georgia isolate.
Microbial life in the nascent Chicxulub crater
Authors: Schaefer Bettina , Grice Kliti , Coolen Marco J.L. , Summons Roger E. , Cui Xingqian , Bauersachs Thorsten , Schwark Lorenz , Böttcher Michael E. , Bralower Timothy J. , Lyons Shelby L. , Freeman Katherine H. , Cockell Charles S. , Gulick Sean P.S. , Morgan Joanna V. , Whalen Michael T. , Lowery Christopher M. , Vajda Vivi
Published: January 2020

The Chicxulub crater was formed by an asteroid impact at ca. 66 Ma. The impact is considered to have contributed to the end-Cretaceous mass extinction and reduced productivity in the world’s oceans due to a transient cessation of photosynthesis. Here, biomarker profiles extracted from crater core material reveal exceptional insights into the post-impact upheaval and rapid recovery of microbial life. In the immediate hours to days after the impact, ocean resurge flooded the crater and a subsequent tsunami delivered debris from the surrounding carbonate ramp. Deposited material, including biomarkers diagnostic for land plants, cyanobacteria, and photosynthetic sulfur bacteria, appears to have been mobilized by wave energy from coastal microbial mats. As that energy subsided, days to months later, blooms of unicellular cyanobacteria were fueled by terrigenous nutrients. Approximately 200 k.y. later, the nutrient supply waned and the basin returned to oligotrophic conditions, as evident from N2-fixing cyanobacteria biomarkers. At 1 m.y. after impact, the abundance of photosynthetic sulfur bacteria supported the development of water-column photic zone euxinia within the crater.
Fading magnetic anomalies, thermal structure and earthquakes in the Japan Trench
Authors: Choe Hanjin , Dyment Jerome
Published: January 2020

Early magnetic studies of the Japan Trench showed that seafloor spreading magnetic anomalies progressively fade away and disappear during subduction, reflecting the increasing distance to magnetized sources and the removal of their remanent magnetization with alteration and increasing temperature. An improved magnetic anomaly map derived from both scalar and vector magnetic anomaly data, coupled with a better knowledge of the slab geometry in one hand, of the magnetic structure of the oceanic crust on the other hand, allow us to constrain the thermal structure of the subducting slab. We, for the first time, identify two steps in the anomaly disappearance: first the magnetization of extrusive basalt is rapidly erased between 9 and 12 km, where titanomagnetite reaches its blocking temperature between 150 °C and 350 °C, then the magnetization of deeper crustal layers slowly decreases down to ∼20 km, reflecting the progressive slab heating toward the Curie temperature of magnetite, 580 °C. The resulting slab temperatures are higher than predicted by most thermal models. Recent observations and models suggest rejuvenated hydrothermal activity triggered by lithospheric flexure before subduction that may significantly heat up the subducting oceanic crust through thermal blanketing and possibly serpentinization, with consequences on the depth of the seismogenic zone.