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The Two‐Out‐of‐Five method is one of the basic sensory discrimination methods. It is a special case of the 'M+N' method with M = 3 and N = 2. Three variants of the method are discussed in the paper: specified, unspecified, and unspecified with forgiveness. Analytical and simulation‐derived psychometric functions for all three variants of the Two‐Out‐of‐Five method are derived and produced. The performance of the method in both difference and similarity/equivalence tests are explored. It is shown that both difference and similarity/equivalence testing powers for the specified Two‐Out‐of‐Five are larger than those for the 2‐AFC and 3‐AFC. Both difference and similarity/equivalence testing powers for the unspecified Two‐Out‐of‐Five are larger than those for the Triangle and Duo‐trio. Both difference and similarity/equivalence testing powers for the unspecified with forgiveness Two‐Out‐of‐Five are larger than those for the conventional unspecified Two‐Out‐of‐Five and unspecified Tetrads. Tables and R codes are presented and provided for estimations of the probability of correct response, Pc, Thurstonian discriminal distance δ or d', and the B value for estimating the variance of d' for the three variants of the Two‐Out‐of‐Five method. Practical Applications: The Two‐Out‐of‐Five method is a powerful sensory discrimination method. However, this method has not been used widely in sensory and consumer research, partly since the method has not been explored adequately in the literature. This paper explores the Two‐Out‐of‐Five method and shows that the method has potential for wide application. The Two‐Out‐of‐Five method involves a larger number of samples (5) and sensory fatigue may be of concern. Hence, the method may not be suitable for taste and smell tests with strong stimuli. The method is particularly suitable for manual and visual inspection testing where sensory fatigue is of a lesser concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 12‐week longitudinal study with 247 US menopausal women was undertaken to investigate the perceptual efficacy of a tablet formulated with an extract of Siberian rhubarb to provide relief from menopausal symptoms. The 5‐point menopause rating scale (MRS) (0 = none; 1 = mild; 2 = moderate; 3 = severe; 4 = extremely severe) was used to measure symptom intensity. The MRS scale, an ordinal categorical scale, was transformed into an R‐index, a ratio scale, using the frequencies of the MRS categories. Symptom relief was compared to an initial week baseline measure; defined as R‐index = 0.5. An index, A.RDEX, which is based on area under the R‐index curve (AUC) in the range of 0–84 days was used to measure percentage efficacy of symptom relief. Results show that symptom relief occurs through the first 17 days in terms of R‐index = 0.64 for the total score and improves with continued use, reaching an A.RDEX = 0.42 by 84 days, suggesting about 42% relief considering all 11 MRS attributes. Practical Applications: MRS ratings data can be transformed into an R‐index using MRS category frequencies at an initial week and a subsequent week. Functional data analysis for R‐index values provides an advanced statistical model for analysis of perceptual differences throughout longitudinal studies that can examine MRS attribute effects over time. R codes are developed and provided in the paper to transform MRS data into R‐index measures and to conduct functional data analysis for R‐index measures obtained from different time points (weeks or days). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sparse hierarchical clustering (SHC) method and the R package "sparcl" are used for consumer segmentation with 247 perimenopausal and postmenopausal US women. The data includes 11 menopause rating scale (MRS) attributes measuring severity of symptoms collected in the first week of a 12‐week extended use menopause tablet perceptual efficacy study. SHC is one of the advanced statistical clustering approaches for high‐dimensional data with potential noise variables. Sparse clustering is an important topic of the actively developing field of statistical learning with sparsity. An advantage of the SHC method is that it simultaneously finds the clusters of subjects and the important clustering variables. It allows clustering the data in low‐dimensional subspaces without dimension reduction of the data before clustering. The SHC method is particularly applicable to consumer segmentation based on high‐dimensional consumer data. Practical Applications: Sparse hierarchical clustering (SHC) provides advantages in consumer segmentation based on high‐dimensional consumer data with potential noise variables. This advanced clustering method finds the relative importance of attributes in clustering, helping to identify homogeneous clusters and enhance understanding of how consumer responses/needs vary among clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To interact with humans more precisely and naturally, social robots need to "perceive" human engagement intention, especially need to recognize the main interaction person in multi-person interaction scenarios. By analyzing the intensity of human engagement intention (IHEI), social robots can distinguish the intention of different persons. Most existing research in this field mainly focus on analyzing whether a person has the intention to interact with the robot while lack of analysis of IHEI. In this regard, this paper proposes an approach for recognizing the engagement intention intensity. Four categories of visual features, including line of sight, head pose, distance and expression of human, are captured, and a CatBoost-based machine learning model is applied to train an optimal classifier for predicting the IHEI on the dataset. The experimental results show that this classifier can effectively predict the IHEI that can be applied into real human–robot interaction scenarios. Moreover, the proposed model is an interpretable machine learning model, where interpretability analysis on the trained classifier has been done to explore the deep associations between input features and engagement intention, thereby providing robust and effective robot social decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role and underlying mechanism of liver macrophages and their derived miR-155-5p in hepatic lymphangiogenesis in liver fibrosis remain unclear. Here, we investigated the mechanism by which macrophages and miR-155-5p were involved in lymphangiogenesis during liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Methods: In vivo, hepatic lymphatic vessel expansion was evaluated; the liver macrophage subsets, proportion of peripherally-derived macrophages and expressions of CCL25, MCP-1, VAP-1 and MAdCAM-1 were documented; and miR-155-5p in the peripheral blood and liver was detected. In vitro, macrophages with miR-155-5p overexpression and inhibition were used to clarify the effect of miR-155-5p on regulation of macrophage polarization and the possible signalling pathway. Results: Hepatic lymphangiogenesis was observed in mice with liver fibrosis and cirrhosis challenged with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). In the liver, the number of M1 macrophages was associated with lymphangiogenesis and the degree of fibrosis. The liver recruitment of peripherally-derived macrophages occurred during liver fibrosis. The levels of miR-155-5p in the liver and peripheral blood gradually increased with aggravation of liver fibrosis. In vitro, SOCS1, a target of miR-155-5p, regulated macrophage polarization into the M1 phenotype through the JAK1/STAT1 pathway. Conclusion: MiR-155-5p-SOCS1/JAK1/STAT1 pathway participates in hepatic lymphangiogenesis in mice with liver fibrosis and cirrhosis induced by CCl4 by regulating the polarization of macrophages into the M1 phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate forecasting of daily tourism demand is a meaningful and challenging task, but studies on this issue are scarce. To address this issue, multisource time series data, relating to past tourist volumes, web search information, daily weather conditions, and the dates of public holidays, are selected as the forecasting variables. To fully capture the relationship between these forecasting variables and actual tourism demand automatically, an ensemble of long short-term memory (LSTM) networks is proposed with a correlation-based predictor selection (CPS) algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified in daily tourism demand forecasting for the Huangshan Mountain Area, benchmarked against 11 forecasting methods. This study contributes to the literature by (1) introducing the use of big data in daily tourism demand forecasting, (2) proposing an ensemble of LSTM networks for daily tourism demand forecasting, and (3) providing an effective predictor selection algorithm in ensemble learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Functional data analysis (FDA) for Rating Scale (RS) Time-Intensity (T-I) data. • The mean RS functional curves and their 1st and 2nd derivative curves. • The index of efficiency (A.RS) based on area under curve for percentage (%) relief. • Functional analysis of variance (FANOVA) for detection of group effects. A longitudinal study was undertaken recently in the USA to investigate the perceptual efficacy of a supplement tablet. Efficacy was assessed using an 11-attribute 5-point Rating Scale (RS). The RS diary time-intensity data were analyzed using functional data analysis (FDA). The mean RS functional curves and their 1st and 2nd derivative curves are produced. Attribute intensities (symptom relief) are compared to baseline measures. Two indices of efficacy were used to measure reduction in symptom severity. Results show symptoms decreased over the 12-week study with use of the tablet. The focus of this paper is on applied use of FDA and the new index A.RS which shows advantages by providing examination of the full range of longitudinal data (0–84 days) and a percentage efficacy index versus a traditional efficacy index that is based on the difference between just two time points (day 0 and day 84). The analytic methods in this paper have relevancy for sensory and consumer time-intensity research and longitudinal study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its high thermal conductivity, graphene has received much attention as a thermal interface material (TIM) for dissipating heat, which would otherwise be accumulated in heat sources, to heatsinks. However, the weak interlayer force induces tearing of graphene under repeated deformation; hence, the application of graphene as a TIM in the manufacturing of flexible electronics has been limited. To overcome this hurdle, the graphene composite (GC) films, in which thermoplastic polymers were infiltrated into connected multilayer graphene (MLG) patterns, were fabricated in this study. While the connected MLG patterns attained high in-plane thermal conductivity (κ x), the polymers prevented tearing of the graphene. To investigate the effect of the graphene content on the κ x of the GC films, the area of MLG patterns was carefully adjusted by coating a graphene solution through metal masks with various opening sizes. The κ x of the GC-4 film was calculated as 53 W/m·K, which was slightly changed after 10,000 folding test cycles with a 1.5-mm bending radius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the two‐interval, two‐alternative forced‐choice (2I2AFC) paradigm in signal detection theory (SDT), which can also be called the paired A‐Not A with AB and BA pairs in the sensory and consumer fields. The article describes how to estimate the parameters and their variances from the psychometric function of the method. Tables and R codes were developed and are provided for the estimations. The performance of the method is evaluated. It shows that the paired A‐Not A with AB and BA pairs is more effective and powerful than the conventional A‐Not A and the A‐Not A with reminder (A‐Not AR) tests. An extension of the method, that is, the ratings of the paired A‐Not A with AB and BA pairs is also explored. A facial shine case study applying this method is provided. Practical applications: As one of the paired versions of sensory discrimination methods, the paired A‐Not A with AB and BA pairs has wide potential applications to detect and measure sensory difference, especially to detect and measure before‐after treatment effects of products. The method can be used to detect both product effects and serving order effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unspecified tetrad is a powerful non‐attribute‐specified sensory discrimination method widely used for sensory analysis and consumer research. A paired version of the method is proposed and explored in this article. It is the paired unspecified tetrad with different order (AB and BA) pairs. An analytical and a simulation‐derived psychometric function of the new method are produced. The paired unspecified tetrad with AB and BA pairs is more powerful than the conventional unspecified tetrad and the paired versions of the triangle and duo‐trio methods. A weakness of the paired version of the unspecified tetrad versus the conventional unspecified tetrad is that the new method involves in more adaption, fatigue, or memory factors. Practical Applications: The paired unspecified tetrad with different order (AB and BA) pairs has wide potential applications, especially for visual or manual inspection of food or nonfood products to detect before–after treatment effects, but may not be suitable for food tasting considering the adaption, fatigue, or memory factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a method of single-event burnout (SEB) hardening at high linear energy transfer (LET) value range is proposed and investigated by the 2-D numerical simulations. The improved MOSFET using this method and the conventional MOSFET are analyzed and compared to evaluate the effectiveness of this method. Simulation results show that, compared with the conventional MOSFET, the improved MOSFET using this method can effectively and quickly reduce the internal high electric field, thereby reducing the temperature. Under the condition of a LET value of 0.5 pC/μm and a drain voltage of 1200 V, the maximum drain current is 0.168 A, and the maximum global device temperature is 1724 K, which is much lower than the melting down temperature of silicon carbide (SiC) (3100 K). The hardening method in this article can be applied to different breakdown voltages by adjusting structure parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are two main objectives of this paper. One is to review the current Thurstonian models for the conventional and modified triangle and duo‐trio methods. Another objective is to develop Thurstonian models for, and assess the performances of the paired triangle and paired duo‐trio methods with AB and BA pairs. Bradley's models based on the noncentral F distribution for the triangle and duo‐trio methods are revisited and are used to derive the psychometric functions for the paired versions of the triangle and duo‐trio methods. The simulation‐derived psychometric functions for the new methods are also produced. The performances of the new methods in both difference and similarity/equivalence tests are explored and show that the new methods are more powerful than most of the conventional unspecified forced‐choice methods and are similar to the unspecified tetrad. Practical applications: The triangle and the duo‐trio methods are popular sensory discrimination methods used widely in sensory and consumer research. One weakness of the methods is relatively lower testing power. The paired triangle and paired duo‐trio methods proposed and explored in this paper overcome this weakness of the conventional methods. The paired versions of the methods are more powerful than most of the conventional unspecified discrimination methods in difference and similarity tests for products. The new methods are particularly suitable for assessment of before–after treatment effects of products. The methods have wide potential application for visual and manual inspection testing of food or non‐food products where less sensory fatigue is of concern. R codes were developed and provided in the paper for the Thurstonian models of both the conventional versions and the paired versions of the triangle and the duo‐trio methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) has a mean survival time of 6 months and accounts for 1–2% of all thyroid tumors. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis and progression in ATC would contribute to the identification of novel therapeutic targets. A previous study revealed that microRNA (miR)-599 was associated with tumor initiation and development in certain types of cancer. However, the specific functions and mechanisms of miR-599 in ATC are poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to identify its expression, function and molecular mechanism in ATC. The expression levels of miR-599 in 10 pairs of surgical specimens and human ATC cell lines were examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Function assays illustrated that miR-599 overexpression not only suppressed KAT-18 cell viability, proliferation and metastasis in vitro and decreased tumor growth in the tumor xenograft model but also induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, T-cell intracellular antigen (TIA1), a tumor suppressor, was confirmed as a direct target of miR-599. It was demonstrated that TIA1 silencing rescued the inhibitory effect of migration and invasion induced by the overexpression of miR-599 in KAT-18 cells. In conclusion, the present study revealed that miR-599 inhibited ATC cell growth and metastasis via activation of TIA1. Therefore miR-599 may be a novel molecular therapeutic target for ATC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An overview of layer-by-layer assembly technique for solar energy conversion is comprehensively elucidated and summarized. [Display omitted] • Design principle for Layer-by-Layer (LbL) assembly is elucidated. • Latest developments of LbL-assembled photocatalysts and photoelectrodes are recapitulated. • Structure-performance correlation of LbL-assembled nanoarchitectures is unleashed. Heterostructured photosystems constructed by exquisite interface engineering have sprung up in solar-powered photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis, and have been attracting enduring interest in the past few decades. Among the diverse synthesis strategies, layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly offers a promising and robust platform for design of multifarious spatially multilayered nanoarchitectures by virtue of simplicity, versatility, easy accessibility and universality. However, LbL self-assembly of multilayered photocatalysts and photoelectrodes are in the infant stage. In this review, fundamental understanding on LbL assembly including principle, molecular interaction, influencing factors, and operation methods are concisely introduced. Most importantly, we comprehensively summarized the latest developments on LbL assembly of spatially multilayered nanoarchitectures with multiple dimensionalities and elucidated their advantages in fabricating high-performance photocatalysts and photoelectrodes. Furthermore, applications of LbL-assembled nanoarchitectures in diverse fields including environmental remediation, hydrogen production, selective organic transformation, and photoelectrochemical water splitting are systematically introduced. It is expected that our review can provide enriched information on rational design and construction of LbL assembled nanostructures for solar energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Psychometric function based on a normal distribution function. • Psychometric function based on a bivariate normal distribution function. • Psychometric function based on a non-central F -distribution function. • Four-interval oddity test is more powerful than the Triangle and Duo-trio tests. • Tables and R codes for data analysis using the four-interval oddity task. The four-interval oddity task is an extension of the Triangle method, which is the three-interval oddity task and is one of the most broadly used conventional sensory discrimination methods. It is a special case of the m - interval oddity task or the m - alternative odd-man-out task where m = 4. It is also a special situation of the unspecified 'M + N' with M = 3 and N = 1. Some new forms of the analytical psychometric function for the four-interval oddity task based on a normal distribution function, a bivariate normal distribution function, and a non-central F -distribution function are provided originally in this paper. The performance of the four-interval oddity task in both difference testing and similarity/equivalence testing is explored and compared with some unspecified forced-choice sensory discrimination methods including the Triangle. Tables and R codes are presented and provided for estimations of the probability of correct response, P c , Thurstonian discriminal distance δ or d´ , and the B value for estimating the variance of d´ for the four-interval oddity task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The 4I2AFC is a paired 2-AFC with AB and BA pairs. • The 4I2AFC can be used to detect small changes of stimuli. • The 4I2AFC can be used to identify direction of stimuli changes. • The 4I2AFC is more powerful than the tetrads in both difference and similarity testing. • The 4I2AFC is particularly suitable for visual or manual evaluations with less sensory fatigue. Abstract The four-interval, two-alternative forced-choice (4I2AFC) is a paired version of the 2-AFC with AB and BA pairs as two alternatives, where A is a signal or a stronger stimulus and B is a noise or a weaker stimulus. The task of the subject in 4I2AFC is to select the pair (AB) with decreasing stimuli change. The 4I2AFC is a powerful sensory discrimination forced-choice method to detect small, directional changes of stimuli particularly suitable for visual or manual evaluations with less sensory fatigue. This paper explores the 4I2AFC method and includes an applied illustrative case study for measuring facial skin smoothness visually using the method. An analytical psychometric function is derived. The performances of the 4I2AFC in both difference testing and similarity/equivalence testing are compared with those of the conventional sensory discrimination forced-choice methods. The 4I2AFC is theoretically more powerful than any of the published conventional methods including the tetrads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The non-receptor tyrosine kinase Fyn-related kinase (FRK) has been reported to affect cell proliferation in several cancer types. However, its effect on the proliferation of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains largely unknown. Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the expression pattern and function of FRK in ccRCC. We further determined how FRK interacted with other molecules to regulate ccRCC proliferation. Patients and methods: The expression of FRK in ccRCC samples and paired normal renal tissues from 30 patients were analyzed by immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR. Then the role of FRK in ccRCC proliferation was analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation assay and EdU incorporation assay. In addition, the miRNA targeting FRK was predicted through a bioinformatic approach and validated by quantitative PCR, immunoblotting and luciferase reporter assay. Finally, the underlying mechanism of FRK regulation of ccRCC proliferation was also determined. Results: Low expression of FRK was detected in ccRCC samples and predicted poor survival for ccRCC patients. FRK inhibited the proliferation of ccRCC cells via phosphorylating downstream PTEN. miR-19 was identified as a novel suppressor of FRK in renal cancer cells and it promoted the proliferation of ccRCC by inhibiting the FRK–PTEN axis. Conclusion: Our results unravel a new regulatory mechanism involved in ccRCC proliferation and may be useful in the identification of therapeutic targets for ccRCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Early growth response factor 1 (Egr1) plays a crucial role in cancer progression. However, its precise role in HCC has not been clear. Here, we identified the aggravating role of Egr1 in cell proliferation of HCC firstly. The expression of Egr1 was significantly increased in HCC tissues. Functionally, overexpression of Egr1 enhanced, whereas silenced Egr1 expression attenuated HCC cells proliferation in vitro. Mechanistically, up-regulated Egr1 induced cell proliferation through activating Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad signaling pathway concomitantly with upregulation of p-Smad2 and p-Smad3. Secondly, miR-181a-5p was down-regulated in clinical HCC specimens and its expression was inversely correlated with Egr1 expression. Functionally, overexpression of miR-181a-5p inhibited, whereas decreased expression of miR-181a-5p promoted HCC cells proliferation in vitro. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR-181a-5p overexpression directly suppressed Egr1, resulting in a down-regulated TGF-β1/Smad pathway. Besides, the silenced Egr1 expression could rescue the enhanced cell proliferation induced by miR-181a-5p inhibitor. Thus, we concluded that miR-181a-5p is a negative regulator of Egr1 that can suppress tumor proliferation in HCC through targeting Egr1/TGF-β1/Smad pathway, which may be a potential therapeutic approach of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• General psychometric functions for the methods of Tetrads, Hexads, and Octads. • A type of more powerful unspecified discrimination methods. • Tables and R codes for analyses of the data using the methods of Hexads and Octads. • The methods are more appropriate for visual and manual evaluations of products. The well-known sensory discrimination method of Tetrads is a special case of the 'M + N' with M = N = 2. This paper extends the method of Tetrads to a general situation, i.e., the 'M + N' with M = N = k ≥ 2. The methods of Hexads and Octads are the special cases of the 'M + N' with M = N = k , where k = 3, and 4, respectively. The general analytical psychometric functions for the specified and unspecified 'M + N' with M = N = k ≥ 2 are produced. Simulation-derived psychometric functions for the specified and unspecified methods of Hexads and Octads are also produced. The values of the simulation-derived psychometric functions are well-matched with the values of the analytical psychometric functions. The performances of the methods of Hexads and Octads in both difference and similarity/equivalence tests are explored and compared with the performances of the method of Tetrads. It is shown that both difference and similarity/equivalence testing powers for the unspecified methods of Hexads and Octads are larger than those for the unspecified method of Tetrads. It suggests that the unspecified methods of Tetrads, Hexads, and Octads are a type of more powerful unspecified sensory discrimination methods. Tables and R codes are presented and provided for estimations of probability of correct response, P c , Thurstonian discriminal distance δ or d´ , B value for estimating variance of d´ for the specified and unspecified methods of Hexads and Octads. Tables and R codes for critical values, testing powers, and sample sizes for difference and similarity/equivalence tests using the specified and unspecified methods of Hexads and Octads are also presented and provided. The methods of Hexads and Octads are appropriate for visual and manual evaluations of food or non-food products, where sensory fatigue, carryover, or adaption effects are not mainly concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The R‐index is a sound methodology, which has been introduced, developed, and used in the sensory and consumer fields for several decades. The R‐index methodology can be used both to measure and to test sensory difference and consumer preference. This paper provides an R code for calculation of the R‐index critical value for difference testing, which is a supplement to or an alternative for the published table in Bi & O'Mahony (2007) (Journal of Sensory Studies, 22, 713–720). Practical applications: The R code provided in the short contributions overcomes the limitation of the previously published table of R‐index critical values in Bi & O'Mahony (2007) (Journal of Sensory Studies, 22, 713–720) with its limited number of sample sizes and required equal size for the control sample and test sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) participates in the process of insulin resistance (IR), a crucial pathophysiology in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Meanwhile, suppressor of cytokine signaling3 (SOCS3) also regulates IR in NAFLD. Both PPARγ and SOCS3 play a role in NAFLD through regulating IR, while it is unclear whether these two proteins interact to regulate hepatic steatosis. PPARγ, SOCS3 and its associated JAK2/STAT3 pathway were analyzed using Kuppfer cells (KCs) treatment with LPS and BRL-3A cells treatment with palmitic acid, KC-conditioned medium (KCCM), PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone (ROZ) or JAK2 inhibitor AG490 to demonstrate the role of PPARγ and SOCS3 in hepatocytes steatosis. As LPS concentration increasing, phagocytosis activity of KCs decreased; but releasing of TNF-α and IL-6 increased. After treatment with KCCM, mRNA level of SOCS3, JAK2 and STAT3 as well as protein expression of SOCS3, p -JAK2 and p-STAT3 in steatosis BRL-3A cells increased significantly, which were inhibited by AG490 or ROZ treatment. Taken together, these results indicated that KCCM attributed to KCs dysfunction facilitated hepatocyte steatosis through promoting expressing SOCS3; but PPARγ agonist ROZ alleviated steatosis through reducing SOCS3 expression by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 in hepatocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new type of sensory discrimination methods, i.e., paired versions of various sensory discrimination forced-choice methods, which can be regarded as modified versions of the same-different method. The new type of methods possesses the advantage of the same-different test for measuring overall sensory difference, but overcomes its weaknesses of large variations of response bias and lower testing power. An important finding is that this type of methods is closely related to the same-different area theorem and its extension. The same-different area theorem establishes an equivalence between the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the same-different method and the proportion of correct responses ( P c ) in the dual-pair method. This paper re-demonstrates and extends the same-different area theorem. An analytical expression of a general psychometric function for the new type of methods is derived. Performances of the new type of methods are evaluated with testing power and sample size in both difference and similarity/equivalence tests. R codes are provided for the new type of methods for P c , Thurstonian discriminal distance δ, and variance of d′ , where d′ is an estimator of δ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers’ affective states associated with product development are hot topics and an important area of consumer research. The Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition TM – Adult (POMS 2-A™) with 65 items and 5 negative scales can be used to assess adult consumers’ affect. Consumer POMS data collected in the US for the NUTRILITE™ brand multivitamin multimineral supplement product are analyzed using an advanced statistical model and the R package ‘repolr’. This proportional odds model (POM) fitted with generalized estimating equations (GEE) is more appropriate for repeated ordinal categorical data than conventional ANOVA. Analysis of the data collected before product testing show that there are significant user group effects for each of the 7 POMS scales and significant gender and age group effects for some scales. Product users, females and age group 45–55 show larger scores for positive scales and smaller scores for the negative scales than non-users, males and other age groups. Analysis of the data collected after product testing shows that there are significant product effects for some scales of POMS (Depression-Dejection, Anger-Hostility, and Total Mood Disturbance). The estimated effect parameters in the model, i.e., log odds ratio values, can be transformed into Thurstonian discriminal distance δ or d -prime and other sensory measures, offering all the advantages of Thurstonian modeling and ease of interpretation of the results. Further analysis shows that although the results using conventional ANOVA are consistent with the results using the advanced POM model, the POM model for the POMS data is more valid and powerful than conventional ANOVA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-class sentiment classification has extensive application backgrounds, whereas studies on this issue are still relatively scarce. In this paper, a framework for multi-class sentiment classification is proposed, which includes two parts: 1) selecting important features of texts using the feature selection algorithm, and 2) training multi-class sentiment classifier using the machine learning algorithm. Then, experiments are conducted for comparing the performances of four popular feature selection algorithms (document frequency, CHI statistics, information gain and gain ratio) and five popular machine learning algorithms (decision tree, naïve Bayes, support vector machine, radial basis function neural network and K-nearest neighbor) in multi-class sentiment classification. The experiments are conducted on three public datasets which include twelve data subsets, and 10-fold cross validation is used to obtain the classification accuracy concerning each combination of feature selection algorithm, machine learning algorithm, feature set size and data subset. Based on the obtained 3600 classification accuracies (4 feature selection algorithms × 5 machine learning algorithms × 15 feature set sizes × 12 data subsets), the average classification accuracy of each algorithm is calculated, and the Wilcoxon test is used to verify the existence of significant difference between different algorithms in multi-class sentiment classification. The results show that, in terms of classification accuracy, gain ratio performs best among the four feature selection algorithms and support vector machine performs best among the five machine learning algorithms. In terms of execution time, the similar comparisons are also conducted. The obtained results would be valuable for further improving the existing multi-class sentiment classifiers and developing new multi-class sentiment classifiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Simulated Type I errors rates of ANOVA based on GLM and LM models for CATA data. • Simulated testing powers of ANOVA based on the GLM and LM models for CATA data. • Predicted precisions using GLM and LM models for CATA data. • The claim that logistic regressions violate Type I error rates is not generally true. • Liberty or conservativeness is not a criterion of validity or invalidity of a test. Some discussions about statistical models used for analysis of CATA data appear in recent issues of this journal. This paper is a further discussion on the topic, following Bi and Kuesten (2022) (Food Quality and Preference , 95), related to Meyners and Hasted (2021, 2022) (Food Quality and Preference , 92, 95). This paper presents some statistical analyses for a real consumer CATA dataset using a generalized linear model (GLM) and a linear model (LM), respectively. The main objectives are to simulate Type I error levels of ANOVA; to simulate the empirical testing powers of ANOVA; and to compare testing results and predicted precisions based on different models. Meyners and Hasted (2022) claim that logistic regressions violate Type I error rates. The simulation results show that the claim is not generally true and suggest that violating Type I error rates is due to two-way ANOVA with a special type of Sums of Squares (Type2SS), not due to the GLM. Meyners and Hasted (2022) conclude that the GLM or logistic regression is invalid and flawed for analysis of CATA data. We disagree with the conclusion because we cannot find any convincing reasoning supporting the conclusion. It is true that the test of two-way ANOVA with Type2SS based on the GLM is more liberal than that with Type1SS and that based on the LM. Liberty and conservativeness are a characteristic of a test, not a criterion to judge validity or invalidity of a test. Meyners and Hasted (2022) advocate that GLM should be precluded for the use of CATA data. Our position is that the GLM deserves to be a standard and first selected practice, at least one of the useful and valid methods for analysis of CATA data. The advocacy of precluding the GLM for analysis of CATA data is unacceptable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online product reviews have significant impacts on consumers’ purchase decisions. To support consumers’ purchase decisions, how to rank the products through online reviews is a valuable research topic, while research concerning this issue is still relatively scarce. This paper proposes a method based on the sentiment analysis technique and the intuitionistic fuzzy set theory to rank the products through online reviews. An algorithm based on sentiment dictionaries is developed to identify the positive, neutral or negative sentiment orientation on the alternative product concerning the product feature in each review. According to the identified positive, neutral and negative sentiment orientations, an intuitionistic fuzzy number is constructed for representing the performance of an alternative product concerning a product feature. The ranking of alternative products is determined by intuitionistic fuzzy weighted averaging (IFWA) operator and preference ranking organization methods for enrichment evaluations II (PROMETHEE II). A case study is given to illustrate the use of the proposed method. The comparisons and experiments are further conducted to illustrate the characteristics and advantages of the proposed method. Converting the identified positive, neutral and negative sentiment orientations into intuitionistic fuzzy numbers is a new idea for processing and fusing a large number of sentiment orientations of online reviews. Based on the proposed method, decision support system can be developed to support the consumers’ purchase decisions more conveniently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The m-Alternative Forced Choice ( mAFC), including the 2AFC, 3AFC, and mAFC where m > 3, are a type of widely used sensory discrimination method. This article offers an interesting finding for the psychometric function for the mAFC. The conventional general psychometric function for the mAFC, which is based on m independent normal distributions with one signal and m−1 noise observations, can be expressed as an elegant simplified form, i.e., a single cumulative distribution function (cdf) of the standard ( m−1)-variate normal distribution. This finding provides not only an alternative approach to calculate the probability of correct responses ( Pc) and Thurstonian discriminal distance ( δ) for the mAFC, but also an intuitive geometric interpretation for Pc in the mAFC. Moreover, the simplified form of the psychometric function for the mAFC may provide some insight for the decision strategies used in the mAFC. Practical Applications The simplified form of the psychometric function for the mAFC derived originally in this paper can be expressed in a built-in S-Plus program ' pmvnorm' (for 3AFC) and R program ' pmvnorm' (for mAFC where m > 2) in the R package 'mvtnorm.' Two R codes 'mAFCp' and 'mAFCq,' which are based on the simplified form and the R package, were developed in the article. The codes can be used for calculations of Pc and δ for the mAFC easily. A table for Pc values in the mAFC is produced for m = 2 to 8, and δ from 0 to 4 with a step of 0.1. A table for δ values in the mAFC is produced for m = 2 to 8, and Pc from 0.01 to 0.99 with a step of 0.01. A table for the B values for calculation of variance of d-prime obtained from the mAFC is also produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The balanced-reference duo-trio test using the comparison of distances (COD) strategy is a widely used unspecified discrimination method. However, it suffers lower testing power. A dual reference duo-trio (DRDT) method was proposed recently as an improved duo-trio in the sensory literature. This paper proposes a new cognitive decision strategy for the DRDT, involving the comparison of pairs of distances (COPD) and investigates theoretically the performance of the DRDT based on a simulation-derived psychometric function. The DRDT is compared with the conventional balanced-reference duo-trio (DT) and the triangle methods. Comparison results show that the DRDT assuming the COPD is more sensitive than the conventional DT assuming the COD, and is more powerful than the conventional DT and the triangle methods for both difference testing and similarity/equivalence testing. The averaged generalized power efficiency of the DRDT is about 34% over that of the conventional DT, and is about 13% over that of the triangle method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carmine spider mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) and the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, are serious pests of strawberries and many other horticultural crops. Control of these pests has been heavily dependent upon chemical acaricides. Objectives of this study were to determine the resistance status of these two pest species to commonly used acaricides on strawberries in a year-round intensive horticultural production region. LC90 of abamectin for adult carmine spider mites was 4% whereas that for adult twospotted spider mites was 24% of the top label rate. LC90s of spiromesifen, etoxazole, hexythiazox and bifenazate were 0.5%, 0.5%, 1.4% and 83% of their respective highest label rates for carmine spider mite eggs, 0.7%, 2.7%, 12.1% and 347% of their respective highest label rates for the nymphs. LC90s of spiromesifen, etoxazole, hexythiazox and bifenazate were 4.6%, 11.1%, 310% and 62% of their respective highest label rates for twospotted spider mite eggs, 3%, 13%, 432,214% and 15% of their respective highest label rates for the nymphs. Our results suggest that T. cinnabarinus have developed resistance to bifenazate and that the T. urticae have developed resistance to hexythiazox. These results strongly emphasize the need to develop resistance management strategies in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a recent paper in the sensory literature, the method of "M + N" with larger M and N is proposed to be a new kind of sensory discrimination method. Fisher's exact test is used for the method for discrimination testing. The current article focuses on sensory measurements for the method. Five indices for sensory measurements and effect-sizes are derived, estimated, and proposed. The indices include log odds ratio, R-index, Thurstonian discriminal distance δ (or d'), Cohen's D (or d) and Gini-index. Variances of the estimators of the indices are also produced. With the proposed indices, the method of "M + N" with larger M and N can be connected to and compared with the conventional sensory discrimination methods based on common sensory measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lady Tasting Tea is a famous real story in the history of development of statistics, related to R.A. Fisher, one of the greatest statisticians and founders of modern statistics. The main learning and insight offered by this paper from revisiting the story are that the methodology of conventional sensory difference tests can be and should be expanded to cover the ‘ M + N ’ method with larger M and N . Unlike the conventional discrimination tests, which use multiple sets of ‘ M + N ’ samples with small M and N based on a binomial model, the ‘ M + N ’ tests with larger M and N can reach a statistical significance in a single trial using only one set of ‘ M + N ’ samples based on a hypergeometric distribution in Fisher’s exact test. This paper explores the applications of the new methods particularly in assessing performance of trained sensory panels and panelists. The connection of the odds ratio or common odds ratio with Cohen’s standardized mean difference d is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Benchmark Dose ( BMD) methodology is a statistical tool for quantitative risk assessment. It has been developed as an alternative to the approach of 'no observed adverse effect level' or 'lowest observed adverse effect level' during the last decades in many scientific fields for risk assessment. Because risk is various and ubiquitous, the BMD methodology has potential applications in the food science field for risk assessment of negative sensory effects in product development and sensory and consumer research. This paper discusses the BMD analysis in a product development effort using ratings data and Thurstonian discriminal d′ data. Practical Applications Risk assessment of negative sensory effects in product development using the Benchmark Dose ( BMD) methodology has two major objectives. One objective is to determine an appropriate change of ingredient for a product at an allowed risk. The second objective is to assess the risk of negative sensory effects associated with a particular change. The well-developed U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's ( EPA) Benchmark Dose Modeling Software ( BMDS) and the R/ S-Plus codes developed and provided in the paper can be used for BMD analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maskless phase-change lithographic technology is developed as a photoresist of phase-change materials. The controllable growth behavior of the crystallization region on an amorphous thin film of Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) irradiated by a laser beam is investigated; the GST thin film is deposited on a silicon substrate by the sputtering method. The results of a series of the experiments and the simulations all show that the width of a crystalline pattern is not only closely related to laser power and pulse duration, but also is apparently affected by the interactive area between the focused laser spot and thin film. The width maintains a nonlinear growth with the enhancement of the laser power until the thin film approaches melting, whereas it gradually reaches a constant value due to the local thermal equilibrium. This equilibrium makes the width irrelevant to the moving velocity with certain constraints when the laser works in continuous-wave mode. Within a defocus range of 15 µm, the widths of the crystalline patterns are obtained in a broad range from 690 nm to 8.13 µm under a 0.4-NA objective lens. By adjusting the defocus amount, some crystalline square patterns with expected widths in a wide range are fabricated, and the mean percentage error between the expected and fabricated widths is only 1.495%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Torgerson's complete method of triads is a famous and useful method for com-parison of multiple samples. However, this method has not been used widely in the sensory field. One possible reason is that the Thurstonian model of the method is complicated and there is no published tables and available computer software for applications of the method. This paper discusses a Thurstonian model for a special case of the method with one control sample and two test samples. A table for Thurstonian discriminal distances and proportions of responses is produced. A set of R/S-Plus codes was developed and provided for applications of the method including estimations of parameters and covariance matrix, difference and similarity tests. A case study is provided for illustration of applications of the methods. The main novel contributions of this paper to the method are (1) using a computer-intensive approach to produce a simulation-based psychological function for the special case of the method and (2) using a delta method to derive a covariance matrix of the estimators of the two Thurstonian discriminal distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the paired difference or preference test applied to consumer research, the 2-Alternative Choice (2-AC) method that allows a "no difference" or "no preference" option is more suitable. For this method, using both test and placebo pairs is seful for estimating the degree of response bias among the consumers using the test and accurately estimating the degree of difference or preference between the test pairs. This paper proposes a Thurstonian model for the 2-AC for both test pairs and placebo pairs in a test method. Maximum likelihood estimations are used for the parameters: d', a perceived distance of difference or preference, and τ, a criterion and a decision parameter. Three methods are used for estimations of the covariance matrix for the parameter estimators: (1) using the built-in functions in the S-Plus and R packages, which are based on maximum likelihood and observed Fisher information; (2) the delta method, which is based on the Taylor series approximation; and (3) the bootstrap method, which is computer-intensive with resampling. Statistical tests are discussed for d' and vectors of responses for test pairs and placebo pairs in both a monadic design and a paired design. R/S-Plus codes are developed and provided for the calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychometric functions for discrimination tests, which connect probabilities of correct response, pc, with Thurstonian discriminal distances, d′, are of theoretical and practical significance. This paper uses a computer-intensive approach to produce simulation-derived psychometric functions for the ' M + N' test, which is a generalization and can be considered as a framework of many forced-choice methods. The paper demonstrates and describes chance probabilities in different situations for the ' M + N' test. The paper compares the performances of the specified and unspecified ' M + N' test with the M = N test. The paper provides novel tables for pc and d′ for four specific versions of the ' M + N' test: the specified 'two-out-of-five' test (i.e., the ' M + N' test with M = 3 and N = 2); the unspecified 'one-out-of-four' test (i.e., the ' M + N' test with M = 3 and N = 1); the specified and unspecified octad tests (i.e., the ' M + N' test with M = N = 4). The corresponding B values, for calculation of the variances of d' for the tests, are also provided. The concept and practice of pseudo-correct response, i.e., forgiveness introduced by Ennis, are discussed and generalized. Practical Applications Considering the constraints imposed by the products and the circumstances of the business objective, different forms of various difference test method might be selected as the most suitable design. The proposed Thurstonian modeling approach using a simulation-derived psychometric function makes it possible to drive psychometric functions for any one of the more than 40 different versions of the ' M + N' test. This paper shows that a simulation-derived psychometric function is compatible with an exact psychometric function. R/ S-Plus codes for the simulation-derived psychometric functions are also developed and provided. Using this technique, various versions of commonly used sensory difference test methods, including the 2- AFC, triangle and tetrad, can be compared with many more versions of difference test methods. In addition, using the supplied R/ S-Plus codes, the Thurstonian sensory difference measure, d′, can be computed easily and quickly for various forms of the ' M + N' test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An analytical psychometric function for the dual reference duo-trio (DRDT). • Two forms of the analytical psychometric function for the DRDT. • Tables and R codes for P c , d ' , and variance of d ' (B value) based on the function. The dual reference duo-trio (DRDT) is an improved balanced-reference duo-trio method, in which two same references are presented in a test but the reference is changed across the tests. The performance of the DRDT has been investigated theoretically based on a simulation-derived psychometric function in a previous paper published in this journal. The DRDT method is more powerful than the conventional duo-trio and the triangle methods. This paper derives an analytical psychometric function for the DRDT. Another form of the psychometric function for the DRDT is also derived based on the Torgerson's method of triads. Tables and R codes are provided for presentations and calculations of P c , δ (or d '), and variance of d ' (B -value) based on the analytical psychometric function for the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs)/silicon nitride composites were fabricated by hot pressing. The fracture toughness of the composite containing 1.5wt% BNNTs increases about 40% than that of the monolithic. The BNNTs pullout, BNNTs necking and the development of elongated grains are the main responsible factors for the toughness improvement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Classical time-intensity is extended with MATI (multi-attribute time-intensity). [•] Data was collected with descriptive and consumer panels on taffy chews. [•] MATI offers concurrent evaluation of multiple intensity and hedonic attributes. [•] Some analytics are novel and avoid limitations in other time–intensity analytics. [•] MATI statistical methods offer panel and panelist performance assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measuring and analyzing time-intensity ( T- I) of sensory attributes is an important subject of sensory analysis. This paper proposes using functional data analysis ( FDA), an emerging field in statistical research, as a new strategy and framework for sensory T- I data analysis. This paper discusses and illustrates how to apply the well-developed FDA techniques and use the available R package 'fda' to analyze sensory T- I data. The analyses include data smoothing, descriptions of functional data, functional regression analysis, functional analysis of variance and permutation tests of functional hypotheses (functional F-tests and t-tests). Some conclusions about applications of FDA to sensory T- I data are reached. Practical Applications The currently used statistical analysis for sensory T- I data is not well developed. There are some limitations of using univariate and multivariate data analyses for sensory T- I data. FDA is a promising alternative. This paper shows some advantages using FDA and the R package 'fda' for the analysis of sensory T- I data. It is expected that the introduction and application of FDA in the sensory field will dramatically improve data analysis for T- I evaluation of sensory attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The A- Not A with reminder ( A- Not AR) is a relatively new method in the sensory literature. This paper derives and demonstrates the function illustrating the relationship between the area under the receiver operating characteristic ( ROC) curve and d′ for the A- Not AR with the differencing strategy. This function shows that the area under an ROC curve for the A- Not AR is equal to the maximum proportion of correct responses in an A- Not A. This theoretic function can be used to estimate d′ and its variance from the ratings of the A- Not AR. A simulation study shows that the nonparametric estimation based on this function is close to those obtained by using the maximum likelihood estimation. The estimation of the variance of d′ based on the delta method is close to that obtained by using the bootstrap method. R codes are provided for the estimations of d′ and its variance as well as simulations. Practical Applications The A- Not AR is a variation of the conventional A- Not A method, which is used in the sensory field for discrimination testing. This method is particularly useful when it is difficult to have an adequate familiarization procedure for the test samples for panelists before a test. This approach also offers the potential for applying such a method to problems like hedonic, purchase intent, and consumer concept measures in addition to other measures in the sensory and consumer science field. This paper provides a new nonparametric method and R codes for estimating d′ and its variance from the ratings of the A- Not AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We conducted a study to understand the genetic effect of ERCC1 and RRM1 on the chemotherapy response and clinical outcome of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Methods: The relative cDNA quantification for ERCC1 and RRM1 was conducted using a fluorescence-based real-time detection method among 294 NSCLC patients. Results: Compared with the internal reference gene β-action, the median levels of ERCC1 and RRM1 expression were 2.43×10-2 and 0.11×10-2, respectively. Our study showed response to platinum-containing regimen chemotherapy was high in those with high ERCC1 expression, and the OR (95% CI) were 1.73(1.06- 2.81). An apparently high response to chemotherapy was decreased when patients were carrying both high expression of ERCC1 and RRM1, with OR (95% CI) of 2.57(1.21-4.90). Patients with high expression of ERCC1 were associated with a longer OS by multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. Moreover, those carrying both high levels of ERCC1 and RRM1 were seem to have a longer OS when compared with those with low expression (HR=0.31, 95% CI=0.13-0.62 for OS). Conclusion: This observation could be used in personalized chemotherapy, increase the response rate and prolonged survival time, and could encourage to explore the predictive value of other genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To investigate the roles of fascin in migration and invasiveness in bladder urothelial carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical detection of fascin in urothelial carcinoma samples and inhibition the expression of fascin in the urothelial carcinoma cell line were performed, then the differences in cell behaviors before and after silencing of the fascin gene were tested. Results: In our study, we found that overexpression of fascin was more frequent in urothelial carcinoma tissues (p < 0.001). Fascin expression was positively correlated with histological grade (p = 0.024) and pT stage (p < 0.001). After transfection of fascin shRNA, the expressions of fascin in 5637 cells and BIU87 cells were efficiently decreased according to real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. When fascin was inhibited, a significant decrease in migration and invasion, and increase in adhesion were observed in 5637 cells and BIU87 cells. However, there was no significant change in the proliferation of 5637 cells or BIU87 cells with or without inhibition of the fascin gene. Conclusions: Fascin expression can be used as a predictor for transformation and progression of urothelial carcinoma, and reduction of fascin levels may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to overcome the low thermal conductivity of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs), multilayer graphene (MLG) pattern embedded PSA tapes (g-PSAs tapes) were fabricated in this study. First, an acrylic copolymer was synthesized and used as a component of a PSA. The glass transition temperature of the PSA and peel strength of the neat PSA tape were determined as −30 °C and 792 ± 14 gf/25 mm, respectively. Next, g-PSA tapes were fabricated by laminating an uncrosslinked PSA tape onto MLG patterns on a PET film followed by curing. The MLG content of the g-PSA tapes was adjusted with the size of MLG patterns fabricated by using metal masks with various opening sizes. Unlike the neat PSA tape, the peel strength of the g-PSA tapes fluctuated during peeling because of the delamination of the graphene layers. The in-plane thermal conductivity of the stacked g-PSA-2 tape with a graphene content of 21.4 vol% was measured to be 5.51 Wm−1K−1. The mechanical durability of the g-PSA-1 and g-PSA-2 tapes was also measured through a folding test and no delamination of the tapes was observed after 10000 folding cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• GLM is more appropriate for testing product difference with CATA data. • Multiple comparisons based on GLM with a binomial distribution for CATA data. • Cochran's Q test and normal approximation for CATA data have historical importance. • There is no sound reason nowadays to use these methods for CATA data analyses. ANOVA and multiple comparisons based on generalized linear model (GLM) with a binomial distribution are proposed to be used for testing product differences with CATA data. The methods of Cochran's Q test and ANOVA based on a normal distribution for CATA data analyses have only historical significance. There is no sound reason nowadays to insist on using these methods for CATA data analyses from both a theoretical and a practical perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamics of terrestrial vegetation have changed a lot due to climate change and direct human interference. Monitoring these changes and understanding the mechanisms driving them are important for better understanding and projecting the Earth system. Here, we assessed the dynamics of vegetation in a semi-arid region of Northwest China for the years from 2000 to 2019 through satellite remote sensing using Vegetation Index (VI) data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and analyzed the interannual covariation between vegetation and three climatic factors—air temperature, precipitation, and vapor pressure deficit (VPD)—at nine meteorological stations. The main findings of this research are: (1) herbaceous land greened up much more than forests (2.85%/year vs. 1.26%/year) in this semi-arid region; (2) the magnitudes of green-up for croplands and grasslands were very similar, suggesting that agricultural practices, such as fertilization and irrigation, might have contributed little to vegetation green-up in this semi-arid region; and (3) the interannual dynamics of vegetation at high altitudes in this region correlate little with temperature, precipitation, or VPD, suggesting that factors other than temperature and moisture control the interannual vegetation dynamics there. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basis of the autonomous driving system of the micro-vehicles based on simple visual is the road element detection. Based on the lack of the micro-vehicles processing capacity and the real-time requirements of the detection and control algorithms, the paper proposed a new feature extraction and tracking algorithm based on the pixel data blocks. We use the fixed OTSU threshold image binarization to reduce the impact of light. The detection experiments show that the rapid structural road elements detection(RSRED) algorithm can extract the lane markings, road signs, zebra crossings and other road elements against the interference of light, shelter, pollution and the vehicle speed definitely influence over detection rate of road elements. Finally the Lane-kepping and Overtaking experiments show that the algorithm is efficient and stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]