bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delta/theta band EEG differentially tracks low and high frequency speech-derived envelopes
Authors: Bröhl Felix , Kayser Christoph 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe representation of speech in the brain is often examined by measuring the alignment of rhythmic brain activity to the speech envelope. To conveniently quantify this alignment (termed ‘speech tracking’) many studies consider the overall speech envelope, which combines acoustic fluctuations across the spectral range. Using EEG recordings, we show that using this overall envelope can provide a distorted picture on speech encoding. We systematically investigated the encoding of spectrally-limited speech-derived envelopes presented by individual and multiple noise carriers in the human brain. Tracking in the 1 to 6 Hz EEG bands differentially reflected low (0.2 – 0.83 kHz) and high (2.66 – 8 kHz) frequency speech-derived envelopes. This was independent of the specific carrier frequency but sensitive to attentional manipulations, and reflects the context-dependent emphasis of information from distinct spectral ranges of the speech envelope in low frequency brain activity. As low and high frequency speech envelopes relate to distinct phonemic features, our results suggest that functionally distinct processes contribute to speech tracking in the same EEG bands, and are easily confounded when considering the overall speech envelope.HighlightsDelta/theta band EEG tracks band-limited speech-derived envelopes similar to real speechLow and high frequency speech-derived envelopes are represented differentiallyHigh-frequency derived envelopes are more susceptible to attentional and contextual manipulationsDelta band tracking shifts towards low frequency derived envelopes with more acoustic detail
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) expressing the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 as vaccine candidate
Authors: Sun Weina , Leist Sarah R. , McCroskery Stephen , Liu Yonghong , Slamanig Stefan , Oliva Justine , Amanat Fatima , Schäfer Alexandra , Dinnon Kenneth H. , García-Sastre Adolfo , Krammer Florian , Baric Ralph S. , Palese Peter 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDue to the lack of protective immunity of humans towards the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2, this virus has caused a massive pandemic across the world resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths. Thus, a vaccine is urgently needed to contain the spread of the virus. Here, we describe Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vector vaccines expressing the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 in its wild type or a pre-fusion membrane anchored format. All described NDV vector vaccines grow to high titers in embryonated chicken eggs. In a proof of principle mouse study, we report that the NDV vector vaccines elicit high levels of antibodies that are neutralizing when the vaccine is given intramuscularly. Importantly, these COVID-19 vaccine candidates protect mice from a mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 challenge with no detectable viral titer and viral antigen in the lungs.Research in contextEvidence before this studyThe spike (S) protein of the SARS-CoV-2 is the major antigen that notably induces neutralizing antibodies to block viral entry. Many COVID-19 vaccines are under development, among them viral vectors expressing the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 exhibit many benefits. Viral vector vaccines have the potential of being used as both live or inactivated vaccines and they can induce Th1 and Th2-based immune responses following different immunization regimens. Additionally, viral vector vaccines can be handled under BSL-2 conditions and they grow to high titers in cell cultures or other species restricted-hosts. For a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, several viral vectors are being tested, such as adenovirus, measles virus and Modified vaccinia Ankara.Added value of this studyThe NDV vector vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 described in this study has advantages similar to those of other viral vector vaccines. But the NDV vector can be amplified in embryonated chicken eggs, which allows for high yields and low costs per dose. Also, the NDV vector is not a human pathogen, therefore the delivery of the foreign antigen would not be compromised by any pre-existing immunity in humans. Finally, NDV has a very good safety record in humans, as it has been used in many oncolytic virus trials. This study provides an important option for a cost-effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.Implications of all the available evidenceThis study informs of the value of a viral vector vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Specifically, for this NDV based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, the existing egg-based influenza virus vaccine manufactures in the U.S. and worldwide would have the capacity to rapidly produce hundreds of millions of doses to mitigate the consequences of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Effects of Microplastics and Drought on Ecosystem Functions and Multifunctionality
Authors: Lozano Yudi M. , Aguilar-Trigueros Carlos A. , Onandia Gabriela , Maaß Stefanie , Zhao Tingting , Rillig Matthias C. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMicroplastics in soils have become an important threat for terrestrial systems, which can be exacerbated by drought as microplastics may affect soil water content. Thus, the interaction between these two factors may alter ecosystem functions such as litter decomposition, stability of soil aggregates, as well as functions related to nutrient cycling. Despite this potential interaction, we know relatively little about how microplastics, under different soil water conditions, affect ecosystem functions and ecosystem multifunctionality.To address this gap, we carried out a controlled-environment study using grassland plant communities. We applied the two factors microplastic fibers (absent, present) and soil water conditions (well-watered, drought), in all possible combinations in a factorial experiment. At harvest, we measured multiple ecosystem functions linked to nutrient cycling, litter decomposition, and soil aggregation and as terrestrial systems provide these functions simultaneously, we also assessed ecosystem multifunctionality.Our results showed that the interaction between microplastic fibers and drought affected ecosystem functions and multifunctionality. Overall, drought had negatively affected nutrient cycling by decreasing potential enzymatic activities and increasing nutrient leaching, while microplastic fibers had a positive impact on soil aggregation and nutrient retention by diminishing nutrient leaching. Microplastic fibers also impacted enzymatic activities, soil respiration and ecosystem multifunctionality, but importantly, the direction of these effects depended on soil water status (i.e., they decreased under well watered conditions, but tended to increase or had similar effects under drought conditions). Litter decomposition had a contrary pattern.Synthesis and applications. As soil water content is affected by climate change, our results suggest that areas with sufficiency of water would be negatively affected in their ecosystem functioning as microplastics increase in the soil; however, in areas subjected to drought, microplastics would have a neutral or slightly positive effect on ecosystem functioning.
Protein Surface Printer for Exploring Protein Domains
Authors: Li Yang , Qiao Baofu , de la Cruz Monica Olvera 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe surface of proteins is vital in determining protein functions. Herein, a program, Protein Surface Printer(PSP), is built that performs multiple functions in quantifying protein surface domains. Two proteins, PETase and cytochrome P450, are used to validate that the program supports atomistic simulations with different combinations of programs and force fields. A case study is conducted on the structural analysis of the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, and the human cell receptor ACE2. Although the surface domains of both spike proteins are highly similar, their receptor binding domains(RBDs) and the O-linked glycan domains are structurally different. Statistically, the outer surface of ACE2 displays less correlation with the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 than that of SARS-CoV. The O-linked glycan domain of SARS-CoV-2 is highly positively charged, which may promote binding to negatively charged human cells. Our program paves the way for an accurate understanding of protein binding for aggregation and ligand recognition.
Including tree spatial extension in the evaluation of neighbourhood competition effects in Bornean rain forest
Authors: Newbery David M. , Stoll Peter 
Published: July 2020

AbstractClassical tree neighbourhood models use size variables acting at point distances. In a new approach here, trees were spatially extended as a function of their crown sizes, represented impressionistically as points within crown areas. Extension was accompanied by plasticity in the form of crown removal or relocation under the overlap of taller trees. Root systems were supposedly extended in a similar manner. For the 38 most abundant species in the focal size class (10 - <100 cm stem girth) in two 4-ha plots at Danum (Sabah), for periods P1(1986-1996) and P2(1996-2007), stem growth rate and tree survival were individually regressed against stem size, and neighbourhood conspecific (CON) and heterospecific (HET) basal areas within incremented steps in radius. Model parameters were critically assessed, and statistical robustness in the modelling set by randomization testing. Classical and extended models differed importantly in their outcomes. Crown extension weakened the relationship of CON effect on growth versus plot species’ abundance, showing that models without plasticity over-estimated negative density dependence. A significant negative trend of difference in CON effects on growth (P2− P1) versus CON or HET effect on survival in P1was strongest with crown extension. Model outcomes did not then support an explanation of CON and HET effects being due to (asymmetric) competition for light alone. An alternative hypothesis is that changes in CON effects on small trees, largely incurred by a drought phase (relaxing light limitation) in P2, and following the more shaded (suppressing) conditions in P1, were likely due to species-specific (symmetric) root competition and mycorrhizal processes. The very high variation in neighbourhood composition and abundances led to a strong ‘neighbourhood stochasticity’, and hence to largely idiosyncratic species’ responses. A need to much better understand the roles of rooting structure and processes at the individual tree level was highlighted.
Dorsal raphe dopamine neurons signal motivational salience dependent on internal and external states
Authors: Cho Jounhong Ryan , Chen Xinhong , Kahan Anat , Robinson J. Elliott , Wagenaar Daniel A. , Gradinaru Viviana 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe ability to recognize motivationally salient events and respond to them adaptively is critical for survival. Here we tested whether dopamine (DA) neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) contribute to this process. Population recordings of DRNDAneurons during associative learning tasks showed that their activity dynamically tracks salience, developing excitation to both reward- and punishment-paired cues. The DRNDAresponse to reward-predicting cues was diminished after satiety, suggesting modulation by internal states. DRNDAactivity was also greater for unexpected outcomes than for expected outcomes. Two-photon imaging of DRNDAneurons demonstrated that the majority of individual neurons developed activation to reward-predicting cues but not to punishment-predicting cues, which was surprising and qualitatively distinct from the population results. Head-fixation during fear learning abolished the neural response to aversive cues, indicating modulation by behavioral context. Overall, these results suggest that DRNDAneurons encode motivational salience, dependent on internal and external factors.
Identifying coaching approaches that enable teachers' moral learning in professional learning communities
Authors: Keijzer Helma De , Jacobs Gaby , Swet Jacqueline Van , Veugelers Wiel 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThis study sought to identify those approaches used by coaches that enable teachers' moral learning in professional learning communities (PLCs). Coaches who support moral learning focus on questioning values, beliefs and bias, which is in contrast with learning only (new) knowledge or skills.Design/methodology/approachThis was an exploratory case study. Eleven meetings of three PLCs were observed; each PLC consisted of four teachers and one teacher–coach. Semi-structured interviews with the coaches were conducted to gain information about their approaches. Data were analysed using supportive coaching approaches derived from educational literature.FindingsIn total, 14 specific approaches regarding the support given by coaches for teachers' moral learning were identified. Four characteristics of coaches' attitudes that guided their approaches and seemed valuable in supporting moral learning were also identified. The findings showed the tensions the coaches encountered – for example, when balancing between offering a safe environment and encouraging critical reflection.Practical implicationsWith coaches' support, teachers can develop a more thoughtful understanding of the meaning of values, beliefs and bias for their actions in teaching practice.Social implicationsMaking explicit, and exploring precisely, what coaches do to support teachers' moral learning are useful for designing and improving professional development programmes that promote moral learning.Originality/valueThe research reported in this paper outlines how coaches can encourage teachers' awareness of the impact of their actions on pupils, which, in turn, helps teachers to meet the complex moral challenges of their practice.
The relationship between financial risk management and succession planning in family businesses
Authors: Mihaylov George , Zurbruegg Ralf 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThis article examines the relationship between financial risk management and succession planning in family businesses. Motivated by the Theory of Planned Behaviour, we hypothesize that the use of professional risk management practices is associated with an increased likelihood that businesses adopt professionalized approaches to succession planning. We then investigate if succession planning professionalization is, in turn, positively related to the financial performance of family businesses.Design/methodology/approachWe apply binary probit and ordered dependent variable regressions to unique data generated from a survey sample of Australian family businesses. To check the robustness of our results to potential endogeneity concerns we apply difference tests to propensity score matched sub-samples from our original cohort of respondents.FindingsThe results show that, in contrast to verbal or absent succession arrangements, formal written succession plans are both positively associated with the use of financial risk management practices and with superior financial performance in family businesses.Originality/valueOur arguments and findings suggest that active financial risk management provides a platform for planning succession in family businesses, and that this links with improved short-term financial performance. In light of the critical role that succession plays in ensuring long-term business sustainability, our findings provide important and novel insights into the conditions under which family businesses are most likely to use formal professionalized succession planning.
Climate change vulnerability and adaptation in Vietnam from a gender perspective: a case study of Northern province of Vietnam
Authors: Nong Ha Thi Thuy , Gan Christopher , Hu Baiding 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThis study analyses climate change vulnerability and adaptation in a northern province in Vietnam from the gender perspective.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. The Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) was calculated for 134 female and 239 male-headed households. Descriptive statistics were synthesized to investigate climate change adaptation from the gender perspective.FindingsThe results show that the LVI of female-headed households is higher than male-headed households, but the variation is negligible. In addition, female and male farmers in the study area use different methods to adapt to climate change. Female farmers have critically contributed to the family workforce and climate change adaptation. Nevertheless, female farmers have less accessibility to agricultural services such as training and credit.Research limitations/implicationsThe study suggests that gendered interventions for improvement of livelihood to adapt to climate change should be developed for each aspect of the livelihood. Furthermore, enhancement of services for women and recognition of women's roles in responding to climate change would contribute to more active adaptation to climate change.Originality/valueStudies on climate change from the gender perspective in Vietnam have been conducted on a limited scale. Particularly, there are very limited studies on climate change in association with gender issue in North Vietnam. Thus, this study will provide more insights into the gender dimension of climate change vulnerability and adaptation so that gender-based adaptation strategies can be developed.
Weibull statistical properties for Rockwell hardness of Incoloy 825 at different heat treatment temperatures
Authors: Nam Ki-Woo , Son Su-Hong 
Published: July 2020

PurposeIn this study, the Incoloy 825 alloy was hot-forged 90% by open die forging, and the Rockwell hardness was measured by change of solution treatment temperature and aging time. The Rockwell hardness was analyzed by the Weibull statistics.Design/methodology/approachThe hot forging process generally involved heating to 1,423 K, to make grain size smaller than required grain size of 50 µm of the Incoloy 825 alloy. Thereafter, after a certain time, a forging ratio of 90% was obtained with a 5,000 ton press. At this time, the finish forging temperature was 1,173 K. To investigate the effect of solution treatment temperature, the material was maintained at 973, 1,073, 1,173 and 1,273 K for 1 h and then water-cooled. To investigate the effect of aging time, the material was water-cooled after holding for 1, 5, 10 and 30 h at 973 K.FindingsThe amount of precipitate increased with aging time, and the size of precipitate became larger. The lower the solution treatment temperature, the longer the aging time, and the Rockwell hardness increased. Shape parameter of solution-treated material increased with increasing temperature, but decreased sharply at 1,273 K. The scale parameter decreased. Shape parameters and the scale parameters of the aging treatment material increased, according to increasing of aging time.Originality/valueThe effect of heat treatment on microstructure and Rockwell hardness, in Incoloy 825 alloy with hot forging of 90% grain size increased and precipitates decreased with increasing solution treatment temperature, precipitate increased and precipitates' size increased with increasing aging time at 973 K. Shape parameter increased but scale parameter decreased. Shape parameters and scale parameters of the aging-treated material increased.
An exploratory study of financial well-being among Malaysian households
Authors: Mahdzan Nurul Shahnaz , Zainudin Rozaimah , Abd Sukor Mohd Edil , Zainir Fauzi , Wan Ahmad Wan Marhaini 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically explore the financial well-being (FWB) of Malaysian households and to construct a subjective FWB index with present and future time perspectives.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 1,867 respondents across five major regions in Malaysia. Adapting the InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-being (IFDFW) Scale by Prawitzet al.(2006) and the method of computing an index by Devlin (2009), this study develops an FWB index using subjective measures that include future time perspectives (retirement). The index was employed to measure the FWB across low-, middle- and high-income groups and socio-demographic characteristics.FindingsThis study finds evidence that Malaysians' FWB is at an average level (46.8). Middle-income households' FWB (46.1) flanks between the financial well-being index (FWBI) levels of the low-income (37.4) and high-income households (58.7). Across age groups, education levels and employment sectors, the FWB of Malaysians significantly varies, although not across different ethnics, religions, zones and residential areas. Overall, the results suggest that the detrimental effects of FWB are perceived by all Malaysian households nationwide regardless of their religion, ethnicity and residential areas.Practical implicationsThe results of this study complement the other well-being indices used by policymakers and may serve as a useful input for government and policymakers for them to formulate appropriate strategies to promote higher FWB of Malaysian households based on their socio-demographic characteristics.Originality/valueThis study used primary data and developed a subjective FWB index that leverages on people's perceptions of their own financial well-being while including present and future time perspectives. The main contribution of this paper is to construct an index that is easily interpretable and that complements the existing FWB indices, and to identify the segments of society that have low vis-à-vis high FWB.
Alternative lenses for viewing how China has built its accounting and auditing profession
Authors: Macve Richard H. 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe paper reviews some theoretical approaches that have been adopted for understanding the drivers and achievements of the Chinese professional project and the challenges it faces for the future, as a complement and a contrast to previous histories of China and to studies of other developing economies.Design/methodology/approachBased mainly on evaluating the information as obtained from the interviews in mainland China, in Hong Kong and in London reported by Macve (2020), complemented by other published histories.FindingsChina remains a paradox. Since the “reform and open” policy began in 1978 it has been transformed from one of the poorest countries to one of the economically most powerful in just some 40 years. However it remains (per capita) a “developing country”/”emerging economy” and ideologically a Communist country. While the accounting profession in the USA and UK has developed “from the bottom up” over more than a century and a half, the Chinese profession has effectively been created “from the top down” in under 25 years. The paper outlines alternative theorizations of the major stages in this achievement, in the context of the continuing rapid growth of China's economy and its stock markets, and of the overseas expansion of its manufacturing and increasingly service-oriented base.Research limitations/implicationsSpace has restricted the analysis here to a general overview. Application of Gramsci's hegemony theory is argued to be inappropriate in the context of understanding China's professional project. Instead, this study is framed within the neo-institutional theory of “linked ecologies” originally developed to examine “Western” developments and extended to the emergence of glocalization, while offering a comparison with related theorization of Russia's post-Communist development. Further theoretical development outside the Western neo-liberal context is called for.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates how accounting and auditing's development in this globally significant context has differed from that in other developing and transitional economies, reflecting in particular the proactive agency of the state. Given China's economic power, fuller understanding of the interrelated factors shaping its development is important for understanding the likely future shaping of the worldwide profession.