bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved moth flame optimization algorithm to optimize cost-oriented two-sided assembly line balancing
Authors: Ab. Rashid Mohd Fadzil Faisae , Mohd Rose Ahmad Nasser , Nik Mohamed Nik Mohd Zuki , Mohd Romlay Fadhlur Rahman
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an improved Moth Flame Optimization (I-MFO) algorithm to optimize the cost-oriented two-sided assembly line balancing (2S-ALB). Prior to the decision to assemble a new product, the manufacturer will carefully study and optimize the related cost to set up and run the assembly line. For the first time in ALB, the power cost is modeled together with the equipment, set up and labor costs.

Design/methodology/approach

I-MFO was proposed by introducing a global reference flame mechanism to guide the global search direction. A set of benchmark problems was used to test the I-MFO performance. Apart from the benchmark problems, a case study from a body shop assembly was also presented.

Findings

The computational experiment indicated that the I-MFO obtained promising results compared to comparison algorithms, which included the particle swarm optimization, Cuckoo Search and ant colony optimization. Meanwhile, the results from the case study showed that the proposed cost-oriented 2S-ALB model was able to assist the manufacturer in making better decisions for different planning periods.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this work is the global reference flame mechanism for MFO algorithm. Furthermore, this research introduced a new cost-oriented model that considered power consumption in the assembly line design.
Talent management dimensions and its relationship with Generation Y employee’s intention to quit: an Indian hotel perspective
Authors: Gupta Vikas
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the causal relationship between talent management dimensions such as perceived organisational support (POS), human capital index and its influence on the turnover intentions of Generation Y employees in Indian hotel industry. This research will also examine how the intension of hotel employees to quit relates to the talent management practices (TMP) in the Indian hotel establishments.

Design/methodology/approach

This research will suggest an integrated conceptual model based on earlier literature where the significant relationships between the relevant constructs will be confirmed. For data collection, a cross-sectional survey plan will be used to collect data from the Generation Y employees working in the 5-star hotels across India. This technique is appropriate for the descriptive and predictive functions associated with correlation research and for measuring the inter-relationship amongst several variables used in the study.

Findings

Pearson correlations was applied which exhibited a practically substantial positive relationship between the organisation’s TMP and POS. It was also found that the perceived supervisor support does not mediate the relationship between TMP and intention to quit. The results of this research also approve that employees’ perception regarding the organisation’s actions has direct consequence on their perception of support from their supervisors. The research also found essentially significant negative association between POS and the employee’s intention to quit, where high levels of POS is associated with a reduced employee’s intention to quit the hotel organisation.

Originality/value

This study confirmed a causal relationship amongst the relevant construct, i.e. perceived TMP, the POS, the supervisory support and the Generation Y’s intention to quit. It also provided an understanding for the management to comprehend upon the perceptions regarding TMP and support and how it influences an employee’s intent to leave the organisation in the Indian hotel industry.
The performance implications of knowledge management and strategic alignment of MNC subsidiaries
Authors: Dabic Marina , Kiessling Timothy
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to investigate antecedents and results of strategic choices of multinational corporation (MNC) subsidiaries in Croatia economy. Hence, the authors examined knowledge management and its association with performance. Additionally, they explored which of the strategies will be most likely chosen by subsidiaries in transitional economies that are characterized by market volatility and uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a survey of 131 MNC subsidiaries operating in Croatia. To test the theoretical correlation between knowledge management capabilities and strategic orientation, the authors used the ANCOVA method and controlled for industry, years in international business and firm size.

Findings

The results pointed out the recognized necessities for a specific alignment between environment, strategy and knowledge management capabilities. The findings also suggest that there is a positive relationship between knowledge management and performance.

Research limitations/implications

As with most of the research, this paper has limitations. First, all data were collected using self-report surveys raising the possibility of response set biases. Additionally, all data were collected at one point in one country specifically in Croatia.

Practical implications

Clearly, there is substantial interaction between the MNC subsidiary’s environment and the MNC subsidiary’s strategic orientation. Most notably, the environment studied here was at the competitive and consumer market level. Firms need to develop a strategic plan for knowledge management based upon the local environmental influences.

Social implications

Other firms from Central and Eastern European and developed countries may compare their own environment, strategy and knowledge management practices in MNCs with findings from Croatia to be aware of similarities and market differences.

Originality/value

The strategic employment of knowledge acquisition, conversion and application are examined across firms using the Prospector, Analyzer, Defender and Reactor strategic orientations.
Importance of corporate image for domestic brands moderated by consumer ethnocentrism
Authors: Teng Weichen
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Although consumers’ tendency to support domestic companies by buying local products is growing, few studies discuss the corporate branding for domestic brands. This study aims to help domestic brands develop corporate branding strategies by examining the effects of corporate image of domestic brands on customers’ purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates various aspects of corporate image, including product quality, corporate ability, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and local-customer-first (a measure that is identified in this study). It conducts a survey (N = 283) and tests eight hypotheses with bivariate regression analyses with SPSS, Hayes’ PROCESS macro and structural equation modelling with AMOS to identify significant relationships.

Findings

The results show that all aspects of corporate image have significant positive effects on customers’ purchase intentions towards domestic brands. However, the effect of CSR image on purchase intention is fully mediated by the corporate ability and product quality images, whereas consumer ethnocentrism moderates the corporate ability and local-customer-first images.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by examining the effect of corporate image on customers’ domestic brand purchase intentions in emerging economies when the product quality image in the country is low. This study also identifies a new factor, local-customer-first, and its positive effect on purchase intention. It is recommended that domestic brands strengthen their CSR, corporate ability and local-customer-first images to gain local customers’ support. Furthermore, it is found that corporate ability and local-customer-first are more highly valued by ethnocentric consumers. These findings can help domestic brands develop corporate branding strategies.
A new model for evaluating the effect of cloud computing on the e-learning development
Authors: Rajabion Lila , Wakil Karzan , Badfar Arshad , Nazif Mohammad , Ehsani Ali
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Despite the importance of investigating the impact of cloud computing on the e-learning process, the relationship development between the two is not examined well. Thus, the main goal of this research is to assess how to improve the e-learning process by using cloud services. This paper aims to attempt to investigate the impact of cloud computing on e-learning development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. For review-related work and statistical analysis of questionnaires, the SPSS 22 and SMART-PLS 3.2 software package are used.

Findings

The results from the study show that e-learning development is significantly influenced by the quality of services, cloud features, university readiness and users’ readiness.

Originality/value

The adoption of cloud technology within an instructional environment has the capacity of offering new opportunities for improvement and innovation for gaining knowledge of the process.
Study on factors affecting preschool education service quality
Authors: Xu Lan , Zhang Yuting
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the critical factors which affect the quality of preschool education service so that targeted and effective measures to improve service quality can be put forward.

Design/methodology/approach

Evidential theory is applied to aggregate experts’ knowledge, and a fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) model of preschool education service quality is established to further carry out a simulation for inference, thus figuring out the critical factors to improve service quality.

Findings

The simulation results show that the main body of supervision and environment of governments and policies are two critical factors affecting the quality of preschool education service. More emphasis should be put on these two aspects, and corresponding measures can be put forward so as to ensure the quality of preschool education service.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a new model based on FCM and evidential theory to study the factors affecting preschool education service quality.
Directorate ties: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Caiazza Rosa , Simoni Michele
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Over the last 100 years, research on interlocking directorates has proliferated. The purpose of this paper is to realize a bibliometric analysis of articles on interlocking directorates to identify the evolutionary patterns that characterize the studies on board interlocks.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric analysis of articles on interlocking directorates published since 1914 was realized to evidence how research has evolved over time. Papers were classified according to the research topic, the type of article and the use of different theories to explain board interlocks’ causes and effects.

Findings

The authors identified four different periods that characterize board interlocks studies: the emerging debate, the earliest modern era, the modern era and the post-modern era.

Originality/value

This bibliometric analysis assesses the extant literature by highlighting emerging trends and identifying several avenues for future research.
Reaching organizational ambidexterity in the merger process: a temporal switching
Authors: Thelisson Anne-Sophie , Missonier Audrey , Guieu Gilles
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how a company reaches organizational ambidexterity during a merger process. Organizational ambidexterity refers to the proactive adaptations of an organization to simultaneously explore and exploit.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a longitudinal case study of a public-private merger of two listed French companies. The data were collected from participant observation, interviews and archival documentation over two years.

Findings

The balance between autonomy and control by the parent companies evolves during the post-merger integration. The findings reveal that there was no concordance between the oscillations between autonomy and control on the part of the parent companies and the new organization’s exploration/exploitation strategies. However, the progressive evolution of control and autonomy from the parent companies engendered organizational ambidexterity during the third phase integration.

Practical implications

The study adds insight into how organizations can develop ways to manage organizational ambidexterity dynamics by employing temporal mechanisms, referring to an organization’s shifting sequentially between exploration and exploitation. The case highlights how temporal switching between exploration and exploitation occurs to ultimately enable ambidexterity.

Originality/value

Although organizational ambidexterity is recognized as a key element for post-merger integration, how it is achieved over the course of the merger process has received little attention. The study highlights that in the case of public-private mergers, the parent companies influence exploration and/or exploitation strategies. The paper adds insights on whether exploration and exploitation can be differentiated over time and whether exploration and exploitation can be reconciled at the same time.
Art, accounting and technology: unravelling the paradoxical “in-between”
Authors: McGuigan Nicholas , Ghio Alessandro
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical reflection on how ongoing revolutionary technological changes can extend the possibilities of accounting into artistic spaces. In addition, arts ability to protest, challenge, open and inspire may be instrumental to humanise technological advances transforming the accounting profession.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws upon the methodological, theoretical and empirical literature of accounting, technology and art and outlines a research and professional agenda for developing the role of art in the context of accounting and technology.

Findings

The authors unravel and navigate the paradoxical “in-between” of art, accounting and technology. It emerges that the transformative power of new technologies lies not only in the technologies themselves but also in their ability to extend the possibilities of accounting into the artistic spaces of visualisation, curation performance and disruption. New technologies, combined with artistic spaces, present a unique ability to open up the latent disruptive potential of accounting itself, pushing accounting in new directions towards more humanistic models of multiple narratives.

Originality/value

The insights of this paper are relevant to open professional and scholarly dialogue that relates accounting, art and technologies during a significant period of disruptive and transformative technological changes. This paper provides new understandings of how art through visualisation, curation, performance and disruption can force accounting researchers and practitioners to challenge the traditionally held views of accounting, opening us towards more futuristic models of accountability.
Translating knowledge management into performance
Authors: Asiaei Kaveh , Bontis Nick
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to tie together insights from the body of research on knowledge management (KM) and management accounting control systems to propose a conceptual model in which performance measurement systems (PMS) can play a role in translating knowledge resources into enhanced performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The underlying assumption of the “fit-as-mediation” approach signifies that knowledge features can play a role in the determination of the structure and implementation of particular managerial processes and this, in turn, may support information processing and lead to desirable results within organizations.

Findings

Synthesizing theory from performance measurement and the knowledge-based view of the firm, the paper’s analysis and discussions elucidate how the implementation of an overarching PMS, i.e. diversity of measurement, could translate the knowledge-related factors, i.e. knowledge resources and knowledge process capabilities, into enhanced performance. In particular, the proposed model shows that a comprehensive PMS plays an intervening role between KM and organizational performance.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model may inspire a new research agenda to show how knowledge initiatives are managed and measured in organizations and how they are properly aligned with specific managerial processes to deliver real value.

Practical implications

Drawing upon the conceptualized associations among KM, PMS and organizational performance, this paper recommends some practical guidelines by highlighting the importance of PMS whereby organizations may reap maximum benefit from their KM initiatives.

Originality/value

This paper sheds new light on the links between KM and organizational performance, and it appears to be the first study to propose an intervening effect of PMS between KM and organizational performance.
The future of followership
Authors: Kellerman Barbara
Published: August 2019

Purpose

As the author defines “followership” followers cannot have authority. But, they can and increasingly they do have power and influence. Social media embolden followers to pressure leaders, to push leaders as they never have previously been pressured or pushed. The author explores the consequences of this new dynamic.

Design/methodology/approach

The author urges that a curriculum be developed by academics and trainers that includes teaching the fundamentals of followership and learning what constitutes a follower who is as ethical as effective.

Findings

History is replete with examples of what goes wrong when individual answerability is abdicated and followers have the responsibility learn how to use their power to pressure their organizations to act ethically and morally.

Originality/value

Implicit in the growing if still modest interest in followers by researchers and trainers is the implication that the leadership industry is now obliged – for moral, intellectual and practical reasons – to pay them some increased level of attention. This article makes the case that followers have more power than ever before and need to learn how to use it ethically and morally.
Dark tourism: tourist value and loyalty intentions
Authors: Sharma Pramod , Nayak Jogendra Kumar
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the direct and indirect effects of tourists’ value on satisfaction and loyalty intentions in dark tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was conducted using the data collected through a questionnaire survey from 403 tourists visiting a dark tourism destination in India. Data were analyzed using CFA and SPSS macro (Process).

Findings

The findings confirmed that tourists’ values have significant direct and indirect effects on loyalty intentions via satisfaction in dark tourism. Among specific value, the strongest direct and indirect influence of emotional value in dark tourism is the unique finding of this research.

Practical implications

This study would help the marketers, government, local authorities and relevant stakeholders operating in dark tourism to formulate policies and strategies to better serve this niche tourism.

Originality/value

This research is the first-known attempt to reveal the uniqueness of tourists’ perception of value in dark tourism. It could significantly add to the literature and practice of dark tourism.
The safety of oral fluconazole during the first trimester of pregnancy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Z , Zhang X , Zhou Y‐y , Jiang C‐m , Jiang H‐y
Published: August 2019

Background

Oral fluconazole is used to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis during pregnancy. However, there are concerns regarding the pregnancy outcomes following exposure to fluconazole.

Objectives

To evaluate the pregnancy outcomes associated with exposure to oral fluconazole during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Search strategy

A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies published from inception until April 2019.

Selection criteria

Relevant English‐language citations using the terms oral fluconazole and pregnancy in humans.

Data collection

Two reviewers independently abstracted data and assessed study quality.

Main results

Oral fluconazole use during the first trimester of pregnancy was marginally associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations (odds ratio [OR] 1.09, 95% CI 0.99–1.2, P = 0.088; n = 6 studies), whereas in the subgroup analysis, this association existed only for high‐dose users (>150 mg) (OR 1. 19, 95% CI 1.01–1.4, P = 0.039; n = 2). Exposure to fluconazole also increased the risk of heart malformations (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.09–1.57, P = 0.003; n = 4), cardiac septal defects (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.67, P = 0.047; n = 3), and tetralogy of Fallot (OR 3.39 95% CI 1.71–6.74, P < 0.001; n = 2) in the offspring. In addition, exposure to fluconazole was significantly associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.38–2.88, P < 0.001; n = 3).

Conclusions

Oral fluconazole use during the first trimester of pregnancy appears to be associated with heart malformations and spontaneous abortion, but a causal link cannot be proven.

Tweetable abstract

Oral fluconazole during the first trimester of pregnancy may be associated with unfavourable pregnancy outcomes.
Predictors of Increases in Alcohol Problems and Alcohol Use Disorders in Offspring in the San Diego Prospective Study
Authors: Schuckit Marc A. , Smith Tom L. , Clarke Dennis , Mendoza Lee Anne , Kawamura Mari , Schoen Lara
Published: August 2019

Background

The 35‐year‐long San Diego Prospective Study documented 2‐fold increases in alcohol problems and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in young‐adult drinking offspring compared to rates in their fathers, the original probands. The current analyses use the same interviews and questionnaires at about the same age in members of the 2 generations to explore multiple potential contributors to the generational differences in adverse alcohol outcomes.

Methods

Using data from recent offspring interviews, multiple cross‐generation differences in characteristics potentially related to alcohol problems were evaluated in 3 steps: first through direct comparisons across probands and offspring at about age 30; second by backward linear regression analyses of predictors of alcohol problems within each generation; and finally third through R‐based bootstrapped linear regressions of differences in alcohol problems in randomly matched probands and offspring.

Results

The analyses across the analytical approaches revealed 3 consistent predictors of higher alcohol problems in the second generation. These included the following: (i) a more robust relationship to alcohol problems for offspring with a low level of response to alcohol; (ii) higher offspring values for alcohol expectancies; and (iii) higher offspring impulsivity.

Conclusions

The availability of data across generations offered a unique perspective for studying characteristics that may have contributed to a general finding in the literature of substantial increases in alcohol problems and AUDs in recent generations. If replicated, these results could suggest approaches to be used by parents, healthcare workers, insurance companies, and industry in their efforts to mitigate the increasing rates of alcohol problems in younger generations.
Five‐Year Incidence of Hospital‐Based Emergencies Related to Acute Recreational Intoxication in Minors
Authors: Sanvisens Arantza , Sanjeevan Irina , Zuluaga Paola , Túnez Adrià , de Francisco Antonio , Papaseit Esther , García‐Eroles Luis , Muga Robert
Published: August 2019

Background

Alcohol or other drug (AOD) intoxication in minors is a public health challenge. We characterized underage patients admitted to an emergency department (ED) with acute, recreational AOD intoxication.

Methods

We conducted a 5‐year (2012 to 2016) analysis of minors admitted to the only hospital‐based pediatric ED in an urban area. Episodes of AOD intoxication were selected using ICD‐9‐CM diagnostic codes. Sociodemographics, substance use and clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, and discharge dispositions were collected through the revision of clinical charts.

Results

A total of 266 admissions related to recreational AOD intoxication in 258 patients occurred during the study period. Among the 258 patients, 127 (49.2%) were men, median age 16 years [IQR: 15 to 17 years], and 234 (90.7%) of episodes were alcohol‐related. At admission, 202/256 (78.9%) patients had a Glasgow Coma Scale ≥ 13 points, the median systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 109 mmHg (IQR: 101 to 118 mmHg) and 67 mmHg (IQR: 60 to 73 mmHg), respectively, and the median blood glucose level was 112 mg/dl (IQR: 99 to 127 mg/dl). Only 72/258 (27.9%) patients underwent urine screening (22/72 (30.5%) were positive for cannabis), and only 30/258 (11.6%) were tested for blood ethanol (median: 185 mg/dl, IQR: 163 to 240 mg/dl). There was a trend in admissions occurring early in the morning of weekend days, and 249 (96.5%) patients were discharged home the day of admission.

Conclusions

Though the severity of AOD intoxication seems to be mild to moderate, assessment of substance exposure is low and may underestimate polydrug use in underage populations.
Utilizing the commodity purchase task to evaluate behavioral economic demand for illicit substances: a review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Strickland Justin C. , Campbell Ethan M. , Lile Joshua A. , Stoops William W.
Published: August 2019

Background andAims

The commodity purchase task is a simulated demand procedure that is easy and quick to complete (< 5 minutes) as well as adaptable for remote delivery and use with varied study populations. The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to synthesize research using the commodity purchase task with illicit substances to evaluate the magnitude of omnibus effects sizes and moderators of the correlation of demand indices with quantity–frequency (QF) and severity measures.

Design

Random‐effects meta‐analyses and meta‐regressions involving studies with cross‐sectional correlational designs.

Setting and Participants

Eleven studies, 10 outcomes and 2146 participants from two countries (USA and UK) published up to 1 October 2018.

Measurements

Omnibus effect sizes (correlation coefficients) of five demand indices from the commodity purchase task [intensity (unconstrained consumption), elasticity (price sensitivity), Omax (maximum expenditure), Pmax (price at maximum expenditure) and breakpoint (first price of zero consumption)] with QF and severity measures. Meta‐regression models tested moderators of effect sizes (i.e. sample age and sex composition, commodity type and number of prices used in the commodity purchase task).

Findings

Significant omnibus effect sizes were observed with QF and severity measures for intensity (r = 0.32/0.28, QF/severity, respectively), elasticity (r = −0.14/−0.18), Omax (r = 0.30/0.29) and breakpoint (r = 0.17/0.22) values. Pmax was only significantly associated with severity measures (r = 0.15). The percentage of female participants and number of prices used in the purchase task significantly moderated Pmax and breakpoint effect‐size estimates in that stronger associations were observed in samples with a greater percentage of women and in studies using tasks with more price points. Commodity type (cannabis versus cocaine) did not significantly moderate associations involving any demand index.

Conclusions

Behavioral economic demand as measured by the commodity purchase task is consistently correlated with measures of illicit substance use quantity–frequency and severity.
ANXA7 regulates trophoblast proliferation and apoptosis in preeclampsia
Authors: Mo Hui‐Qin , Tian Fu‐Ju , Li Xiao , Zhang Jing , Ma Xiao‐Ling , Zeng Wei‐Hong , Lin Yi , Zhang Yan
Published: August 2019

Problem

Preeclampsia (PE) is a unique gestational disorder leading to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. AnnexinA7 (ANXA7) is a calcium‐dependent phospholipid‐binding protein that promotes membrane fusion during exocytosis. However, the function of ANXA7 in placental trophoblast is poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate a possible association between ANXA7 and human trophoblast apoptosis.

Methods

We collected human placental tissues from patients with PE and normal pregnant women to elucidate the expression level of ANXA7. The ANXA7‐knockdown and ANXA7‐overexpressing HTR8/SVneo cells were utilized for studying the function of ANXA7 in trophoblast. The proliferation and apoptosis levels of trophoblast were examined with Western blot assay, flow cytometry, Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, and immunohistochemistry.

Results

ANXA7 expression was significantly lower in placentas from patients with PE patients compared with that in from normal pregnant controls. Knockdown of ANXA7 induced cell apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation in HTR‐8 via by downregulating BCL2 protein levels. Overexpression of ANXA7 reduced apoptosis and promoted HTR8 proliferation. Further analyses showed that ANXA7 knockdown inhibited the activation of the JAK1/STAT3 pathway in HTR‐8 cells.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed a new regulatory pathway of ANXA7/JAK1/STAT3 in trophoblast apoptosis in preeclampsia, suggesting that ANXA7 is a potential therapeutic target for preeclampsia.
In vitro interaction of glutathione S‐transferase‐pi enzyme with glutathione‐coated silver sulfide quantum dots: A novel method for biodetection of glutathione S‐transferase enzyme
Authors: Aydemir Duygu , Hashemkhani Mahshid , Acar Havva Yagci , Ulusu Nuriye Nuray
Published: August 2019

Quantum dots (QD) are being evaluated as inorganic nanoparticles for both in vitro and in vivo optical imaging. They are also used as sensors or vehicles for targeted drug delivery combined with optical imaging. In this study, we demonstrated that glutathione‐coated Ag2S QDs (GSH‐Ag2S QDs) act as a substrate analogue of glutathione S‐transferase (GST) enzymes for the first time in the literature. The GSTs belong to a major group of detoxification enzymes involved in the detoxification metabolism responsible for the protection of cells against reactive oxygen species (ROS) or electrophiles. GST isozymes are impaired in the various diseases such as neurological diseases and cancer. We evaluated the interaction of GST‐pi enzyme with GSH‐Ag2S QDs, which have never been studied in the literature before, using both fluorometric and spectrophotometric methods. Our data showed that GSH‐Ag2S QDs gave reaction with GST enzyme as a substrate analogue. In conclusion, our data may help to guide researchers for further development of sensing systems for GST activity which is impaired in various diseases including cancer.
Information Integration in Modulation of Pragmatic Inferences During Online Language Comprehension
Authors: Ryskin Rachel , Kurumada Chigusa , Brown‐Schmidt Sarah
Published: August 2019

Upon hearing a scalar adjective in a definite referring expression such as “the big…,” listeners typically make anticipatory eye movements to an item in a contrast set, such as a big glass in the context of a smaller glass. Recent studies have suggested that this rapid, contrastive interpretation of scalar adjectives is malleable and calibrated to the speaker's pragmatic competence. In a series of eye‐tracking experiments, we explore the nature of the evidence necessary for the modulation of pragmatic inferences in language comprehension, focusing on the complementary roles of top–down information ‐ (knowledge about the particular speaker's pragmatic competence)  and bottom‐up cues  (distributional information about the use of scalar adjectives in the environment). We find that bottom‐up evidence alone (e.g., the speaker says “the big dog” in a context with one dog), in large quantities, can be sufficient to trigger modulation of the listener's contrastive inferences, with or without top‐down cues to support this adaptation. Further, these findings suggest that listeners track and flexibly combine multiple sources of information in service of efficient pragmatic communication.
Learning How to Generalize
Authors: Austerweil Joseph L. , Sanborn Sophia , Griffiths Thomas L.
Published: August 2019

Generalization is a fundamental problem solved by every cognitive system in essentially every domain. Although it is known that how people generalize varies in complex ways depending on the context or domain, it is an open question how people learn the appropriate way to generalize for a new context. To understand this capability, we cast the problem of learning how to generalize as a problem of learning the appropriate hypothesis space for generalization. We propose a normative mathematical framework for learning how to generalize by learning inductive biases for which properties are relevant for generalization in a domain from the statistical structure of features and concepts observed in that domain. More formally, the framework predicts that an ideal learner should learn to generalize by either taking the weighted average of the results of generalizing according to each hypothesis space, with weights given by how well each hypothesis space fits the previously observed concepts, or by using the most likely hypothesis space. We compare the predictions of this framework to human generalization behavior with three experiments in one perceptual (rectangles) and two conceptual (animals and numbers) domains. Across all three studies we find support for the framework's predictions, including individual‐level support for averaging in the third study.
Epiregulin enhances odontoblastic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells via activating MAPK signalling pathway
Authors: Cui Dixin , Xiao Jiani , Zhou Yachuan , Zhou Xin , Liu Ying , Peng Yiran , Yu Yi , Li Hongyu , Zhou Xuedong , Yuan Quan , Wan Mian , Zheng Liwei
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The odontoblastic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) contributes to tertiary dentin formation. Our previous study indicated that epiregulin (EREG) enhanced odontogenesis potential of dental pulp. Here, we explored the effects of EREG during DPSC odontoblastic differentiation.

Methods

The changes in EREG were detected during tertiary dentin formation. DPSCs were treated with recombinant human EREG (rhEREG), EREG receptor inhibitor gefitinib and short hairpin RNAs. The odontoblastic differentiation was assessed with ALP staining, ALP activity assay, alizarin red S staining and real‐time RT‐PCR of DSPP, OCN, RUNX2 and OSX. Western blot was conducted to examine the levels of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2). The expression of EREG and odontoblastic differentiation‐related markers was investigated in human dental pulp from teeth with deep caries and healthy teeth.

Results

Epiregulin was upregulated during tertiary dentin formation. rhEREG enhanced the odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs following upregulated p38 MAPK and Erk1/2 phosphorylation, but not JNK, whereas depletion of EREG suppressed DPSC differentiation. Gefitinib decreased odontoblastic differentiation with decreased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and Erk1/2. And suppression of p38 MAPK and Erk1/2 pathways attenuated DPSC differentiation. In human dental pulp tissue, EREG upregulation in deep caries correlates with odontoblastic differentiation enhancement.

Conclusion

Epiregulin is released during tertiary dentin formation. And EREG enhanced DPSC odontoblastic differentiation via MAPK pathways.
907. FRITILLARIA FORBESII
Authors: Rix Martyn
Published: August 2019

Fritillaria forbesii Baker from south‐western Turkey is illustrated and the history of its discovery and present distribution around Fethiye are given. It is compared with the recently‐described Fritillaria mughlae Tekşen & Aytaç, a serpentine endemic from nearby Marmaris.
910. COELOGYNE SUSANAE
Authors: Cribb Phillip , Schuiteman André , Kompalli Bala
Published: August 2019

Coelogyne susanae,an endemic of the islands of the Bismarck and Solomon Archipelagos is illustrated. Instructions for its successful cultivation are given.
Isolated anterior mitral cleft
Authors: Ozturk Semi
Published: August 2019

Anterior mitral valve clefts are unusual anomalies particularly associated with endocardial cushion defects. A dysplastic subvalvular apparatus causing left ventricular outflow tract obstruction may result in diagnostic confusion. We present an isolated anterior mitral cleft associated with subvalvular dysplasia.
A neurophysiological investigation of anticipation to pain in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Martin Sarah L. , Jones Anthony K. P. , Brown Christopher A. , Kobylecki Christopher , Silverdale Monty A.
Published: August 2019

Chronic pain is common in people with Parkinson's disease and is often considered to be caused by the motor impairments associated with the disease. Altered top‐down processing of pain characterises several chronic pain conditions and occurs when the cortex modifies nociceptive processing in the brain and spinal cord. This contrasts with bottom‐up modulation of pain whereby nociceptive processing is modified on its way up to the brain. Although several studies have demonstrated altered bottom‐up pain processing in Parkinson's, the contribution of enhanced anticipation to pain and atypical top‐down processing of pain has not been fully explored. During the anticipation to noxious stimuli, EEG source localisation reported an increased activation in the midcingulate cortex and supplementary motor area in the Parkinson's disease group compared to the healthy control group during mid [−1,500 –1,000]‐and late anticipation [−500 0], indicating enhanced cortical activity before noxious stimulation. The Parkinson's disease group was also more sensitive to the laser and required a lower voltage level to induce pain. This study provides evidence supporting the hypothesis that enhanced top‐down processing of pain may contribute to the development of chronic pain in Parkinson's. Additional research to establish whether the altered anticipatory response is unique to noxious stimuli is required as no control stimulus was used within the current study. With further research to confirm these findings, our results inform a scientific rationale for novel treatment strategies of pain in Parkinson's disease, including mindfulness, cognitive therapies and other approaches targeted at improving top‐down processing of pain.
The epistemic limits of shared reasons
Authors: Motchoulski Alexander
Published: August 2019

Accounts of public reason disagree as to the conditions a reason must meet in order to qualify as public. On one prominent account, a reason is public if, and only if, it is shareable between citizens. The shareability account, I argue, relies on an implausibly demanding assumption regarding the epistemic capabilities of citizens. When more plausible, limited, epistemic capabilities are taken into consideration, the shareability account becomes self‐defeating. Under more limited epistemic conditions, few, if any, reasons will be shareable between all reasonable citizens, making the shareability account so demanding that it precludes public reasoning altogether.
Development and accuracy of an artificial intelligence algorithm for acne grading from smartphone photographs
Authors: Seité Sophie , Khammari Amir , Benzaquen Michael , Moyal Dominique , Dréno Brigitte
Published: August 2019

We developed an artificial intelligence algorithm (AIA) for smartphones to determine the severity of facial acne using the GEA scale and to identify different types of acne lesion (comedonal, inflammatory) and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIHP) or residual hyperpigmentation. Overall, 5972 images (face, right and left profiles) obtained with smartphones (IOS and/or Android) from 1072 acne patients were collected. Three trained dermatologists assessed the acne severity for each patient. One acne severity grade per patient (grade given by the majority of the three dermatologists from the two sets of three images) was used to train the algorithm. Acne lesion identification was performed from a subgroup of 348 images using a tagging tool; tagged images served to train the algorithm. The algorithm evolved and was adjusted for sensibility, specificity and correlation using new images. The correlation between the GEA grade and the quantification and qualification of acne lesions both by the AIA and the experts for each image were evaluated for all AIA versions. At final version 6, the GEA grading provided by AIA reached 68% and was similar to that provided by the dermatologists. Between version 4 and version 6, AIA improved precision results multiplied by 1.5 for inflammatory lesions, 2.5 for non‐inflammatory lesions and by 2 for PIHP; recall was improved by 2.6, 1.6 and 2.7. The weighted average of precision and recall or F1 score was 84% for inflammatory lesions, 61% for non‐inflammatory lesions and 72% for PIHP.
The synchronization manifesto: a critique of whole‐culture synchronization
Authors: Cooper Stephen
Published: August 2019

The field of cell cycle studies is dominated by the incorrect idea that one can treat an entire culture to produce a synchronized culture. If this predominant method cannot work, at all, then an enormous amount of work on the cell cycle must be re‐evaluated. Here, criteria are presented for determining whether a culture is ‘truly’ synchronized. No whole‐culture ‘synchronization’ method has been shown to produce a ‘truly’ synchronized population of cells rather than a population of cells sharing some singular and particular property within that collection of cells. It is demonstrated and explained why it is impossible to truly synchronize cells using whole‐culture methods. Such whole‐culture methods produce cells that may have some properties in common for all the cells in a group, but these cells are not actually and truly synchronized. Synchronized cultures can only be produced by a selection method where cells of a particular cell cycle age or size are removed from the cell population and the remainder is discarded. The field of cell cycle analysis is chained to the incorrect idea of whole‐culture synchronization methodology. It is important to break the chains that lead to many incorrect results regarding the cell cycle. It must be recognized that an enormous amount of funds, time, energy, and thought is wasted using the methods that do not synchronize cells at all.
Fracture damage prediction in fissured red sandstone under uniaxial compression: acoustic emission b‐value analysis
Authors: Niu Yong , Zhou Xiao‐Ping , Zhou Lun‐Shi
Published: August 2019

In this paper, uniaxial compression tests are conducted on fissured red sandstone specimens to predict fracture damage (large‐scale events). The acoustic mission (AE) coupled with digital image correlation (DIC) technologies are used to monitor and record the real‐time cracking process of tested specimens. The AE characteristics are analysed during the cracking process. Moreover, three types of b‐value methods based on the AE parameters are adopted to predict the occurrence of large‐scale events (macro‐cracking). The results show that every macro‐cracking leads to a rapid decrease in three types of b value. When the fissured specimens reach to ultimate failure, all three types of b value reach to the minimum. The b value based on the AE parameters can be used as a predictor of large‐scale events during the cracking process of fissured rocks.
Seasonal changes in European whitefish muscle and invertebrate prey fatty acid composition in a subarctic lake
Authors: Keva Ossi , Tang Patrik , Käkelä Reijo , Hayden Brian , Taipale Sami J. , Harrod Chris , Kahilainen Kimmo K.
Published: August 2019

Ambient light and temperature show extreme seasonal variation in subarctic lakes due to the midnight sun period in summer and cold polar night period in winter. These changes have clear impacts on fish feeding and reproduction cycles, potentially affecting the fatty acid (FA) composition of muscle. Despite extensive research into fish FA over recent decades, we know little about intra‐annual changes of fish FA profile and content.

We studied intra‐annual changes in the FA profile (mol%) and content (mg g‐1 dry weight) of sexually mature European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) muscle in a large and deep subarctic lake located in northern Fennoscandia. We collected fish, zooplankton, and benthic macroinvertebrate samples during 3 ice‐covered months, including December (during whitefish spawning), and 3 open‐water months. Fish size, age, sex, stomach content and fullness, and gonadosomatic index were also assessed as co‐variates.

Whitefish changed diet from benthic macroinvertebrates in winter to zooplankton in summer. Generally, whitefish somatic growth was slow and most energy was used for gonad growth. Zooplankton had higher total content and different profile of FA compared to benthic macroinvertebrates. Increased zooplanktivory in summer was detected with higher α‐linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n‐3) and stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n‐3) percentage and content as well as increased the ratio of polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) of n‐3 and n‐6 family (n‐3/n‐6 ratio) in fish muscle.

Whitefish gonadal growth and development occur during the summer growing season and continue until the initiation of spawning in early winter. We found that the content of physiologically crucial PUFA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n‐3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3), and arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n‐6) decreased by c. 60% between late summer and the spawning period in early winter. After spawning, total FA content of whitefish muscle increased rapidly, reaching the maximum recorded level in mid‐summer.

Intra‐annual changes in whitefish muscle FA profiles and contents were modified both by available diet and reproductive phase; however, reproductive physiology was clearly a stronger driver of the changes in muscle FA composition. Results suggest marked changes in intra‐annual FA composition of fish muscle, an important factor that should be considered in future studies and especially in long term monitoring programs. Future studies are needed to determine whether these inter‐annual FA patterns revealed in this study can be extended to different regions and to e.g. adipose or spring spawning species.