Preference Ratings Research Articles

Tectonic geomorphology and Quaternary slip history of the Fuyun fault, southwestern Altai Mountains, central Asia

The northwest-trending Altai Mountains of central Asia expose a complex network of thrust and strike-slip faults that are key features accommodating intracontinental crustal shortening related to the Cenozoic India-Asia collision. In this study, we investigated the Quaternary slip history of the Fuyun fault, a right-lateral strike-slip fault bounding the southwestern margin of the Altai Mountains, through geologic mapping, geomorphic surveying, and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) geochronology. At the Kuoyibagaer site, the Fuyun fault displaces three generations of Pleistocene–Holocene fill-cut river terraces (i.e., T3, T2, and T1) containing landslide and debris-flow deposits. The right-lateral offsets are magnified by erosion of terrace risers, suggesting that river course migration has been faster than slip along the Fuyun fault. The highest Tp2 terrace was abandoned in the middle Pleistocene (150.4 ± 8.1 ka uppermost OSL age) and was displaced 145.5 +45.6/–12.1 m along the Fuyun fault, yielding a slip rate of 1.0 +0.4/–0.1 mm/yr since the middle Pleistocene. The lower Tp1 terrace was abandoned in the late Pleistocene and aggraded by landslides and debris flows in the latest Pleistocene–Holocene (36.7 ± 1.6 ka uppermost OSL age). Tp1 was displaced 67.5 +14.2/–6.1 m along the Fuyun fault, yielding a slip rate of 1.8 +0.5/–0.2 mm/yr since the late Pleistocene. Our preferred minimum slip rate of ~1 mm/yr suggests the Fuyun fault accommodates ~16% of the average geodetic velocity of ~6 mm/yr across the Altai Mountains. Integration of our new Fuyun slip rate with other published fault slip rates accounts for ~4.2 mm/yr of convergence across the Chinese Altai, or ~70% of the geodetic velocity field.

Comparing Oral Vs. Vaginal Antifungal Treatment for Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis remains a pervasive gynecological concern, affecting a significant portion of women at least once in their lifetime. With the myriad of antifungal treatments available, the choice between oral and intravaginal therapies continues to challenge clinicians and patients alike, underscored by considerations of efficacy, side effects, and patient compliance. Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy, side effects, and acceptability of oral fluconazole and intravaginal clotrimazole for treating vulvovaginal candidiasis in a population of married women aged 16 to 50 years. Methods: Conducted as an interventional, experimental study at Pulse Medical Complex, Lahore, over six months from June 2023 to December 2023, 100 participants were randomly allocated to receive either a single dose of 150 mg oral fluconazole or 500 mg of clotrimazole administered as a vaginal pessary or 1% cream for three consecutive days. Data on demographic features, drug side effects, patient compliance, and cost-effectiveness were meticulously collected and analyzed using SPSS version 10.0. Results: Fluconazole demonstrated a higher cure rate with 84% of patients symptom-free within an average of 5 days, compared to 86% for clotrimazole over an average of 8.5 days. Side effects were more common and varied with fluconazole, yet 96% of patients expressed a preference for this treatment due to its convenience and faster symptom resolution. Clotrimazole users reported a 74% preference rate, primarily due to cost considerations. Conclusion: The study reaffirms the superior efficacy and patient acceptability of oral fluconazole over intravaginal clotrimazole for the treatment of uncomplicated vulvovaginal candidiasis, advocating for a patient-centered approach in the selection of antifungal therapy.

DYNAMICS OF DELAYED AUTONOMOUS MODEL WITH CARRY-OVER EFFECTS, INCLUDING PREY HARVESTING

This paper proposes a two-dimensional modified Leslie–Gower predator–prey model with carry-over effects, fear, prey protection and additional food, including prey harvesting. For this, it assumes the carry-over effect with delay incorporated in the birth rate of the prey population and gestation delay in Leslie–Gower term of a predator, and supposes that the predator consumes the prey according to Holling type II functional response. This dynamical system is split into two groups, namely non-delayed and delayed systems, respectively. In the non-delayed system, first, we discuss positivity, boundedness solutions, and the existence of equilibria, especially finding the coexistence of interior equilibrium points under certain conditions. After that, local and global stabilities are systematically analyzed. In addition, we obtain the conditions of Hopf-bifurcation in terms of the growth rate of prey species, prey protection and preference rate of predator for the non-delayed system. Whereas in the delayed system, both the delays have an essential role in governing the dynamical system discussed in three cases, and each case found the Hopf-bifurcation parameters for which the system changes stability behavior into instability. At last, the numerical simulations have been carried out to verify the theoretical findings.

Using the pan-genomic framework for the discovery of genomic islands in the haloarchaeon Halorubrum ezzemoulense.

In this study, we use pan-genomics to characterize the genomic variability of the widely dispersed halophilic archaeal species Halorubrum ezzemoulense (Hez). We include a multi-regional sampling of newly sequenced, high-quality draft genomes. The pan-genome graph of the species reveals 50 genomic islands that represent rare accessory genetic capabilities available to members. Most notably, we observe rearrangements that have led to the insertion/recombination/replacement of mutually exclusive genomic islands in equivalent genome positions ("homeocassettes"). These conflicting islands encode for similar functions, but homologs from islands located between the same core genes exhibit high divergence on the amino acid level, while the neighboring core genes are nearly identical. Both islands of a homeocassette often coexist in the same geographic location, suggesting that either island may be beyond the reach of selective sweeps and that these loci of divergence between Hez members are maintained and persist long term. This implies that subsections of the population have different niche preferences and rare metabolic capabilities. After an evaluation of the gene content in the homeocassettes, we speculate that these islands may play a role in the speciation, niche adaptability, and group selection dynamics in Hez. Though homeocassettes are first described in this study, similar replacements and divergence of genes on genomic islands have been previously reported in other Haloarchaea and distantly related Archaea, suggesting that homeocassettes may be a feature in a wide range of organisms outside of Hez.IMPORTANCEThis study catalogs the rare genes discovered in strains of the species Halorubrum ezzemoulense (Hez), an obligate halophilic archaeon, through the perspective of its pan-genome. These rare genes are often found to be arranged on islands that confer metabolic and transport functions and contain genes that have eluded previous studies. The discovery of divergent, but homologous islands occupying equivalent genome positions ("homeocassettes") in different genomes, reveals significant new information on genome evolution in Hez. Homeocassette pairs encode for similar functions, but their dissimilarity and distribution imply high rates of recombination, different specializations, and niche preferences in Hez. The coexistence of both islands of a homeocassette pair in multiple environments demonstrates that both islands are beyond the reach of selective sweeps and that these genome content differences between strains persist long term. The switch between islands through recombination under different environmental conditions may lead to a greater range of niche adaptability in Hez.

Updates in Diagnosis and Management of Forearm Compartment Syndrome

In children, compartment syndrome of the forearm often arises from supracondylar fractures, whereas in adults, distal radius fractures are the predominant cause. In 48% of instances, diagnosis was based exclusively on clinical assessment, while in the remaining 52% of cases, a combination of intracompartmental pressure measurement and clinical assessment was used. Several methods, including wick catheters, slit catheters, the Whitesides method, and the Stryker compartment pressure measurement device, were employed to measure intracompartmental pressure. The treatment approach of choice was fasciotomy, with a preference rate of 73%. Out of all the patients that needed wound management, postfasciotomy skin grafting was essential in 61% of them, while secondary closure was done in 39% of cases. The most prevalent consequence, observed in 21% of patients, was neurological impairment.

Quercetin inhibits neuronal Ferroptosis and promotes immune response by targeting lipid metabolism-related gene PTGS2 to alleviate breast cancer-related depression

BackgroundQuercetin, the key ingredient in Xiaoyao Kangai Jieyu Formula, has been previously found to relieve breast cancer-related depression (BCRD). PurposeWe want to explore the potential mechanisms and therapeutic targets of quercetin alleviating BCRD. MethodsBALB/c mice were injected subcutaneously with 4T1 cells and corticosterone (CORT) to create a BCRD mice model. The primary hippocampal neurons were co-induced with 10 μg/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and 200 μM CORT for 6 h to establish an in vitro model of BCRD. Quercetin was applied to explore its effect on disease symptoms, gut microbiota, and lipid metabolism of BCRD mice. Lipid metabolism-related genes were screened based on network pharmacology. Molecular docking was employed to prove whether quercetin bound to prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2). PTGS2 overexpression was carried out to explore the underlying mechanism of quercetin treatment on BCRD. ResultsQuercetin treatment not only altered the composition and abundance of gut microbiota but also alleviated abnormal lipid metabolism in BCRD mice. In particular, quercetin down-regulated BCRD and lipid metabolism-related genes screened by network pharmacology, especially PTGS2. Further, molecular docking verified the stable binding between quercetin and PTGS2. In hippocampal neurons, quercetin promoted proliferation but reduced ferroptosis-related markers (total Fe, Fe2+, MDA, and ROS) levels by targeting PTGS2. In BCRD mice, quercetin reduced the high immobility time and increased the sucrose preference rate and serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and noradrenaline (NE) levels. Meanwhile, quercetin increased CD4+/CD8+ T cells ratio and IL-2 and IFN-γ levels but reduced CA153 and IL-10 levels to alleviate BCRD development. However, PTGS2 overexpression reversed these effects of quercetin on BCRD. ConclusionQuercetin inhibited neuronal ferroptosis and promoted immune responses in BCRD mice by targeting the lipid metabolism-related gene PTGS2. This provided a reference for quercetin in the treatment of BCRD.

Latent-Variable Modelling of Ordinal Outcomes in Language Data Analysis

ABSTRACT In empirical work, ordinal variables are typically analysed using means based on numeric scores assigned to categories. While this strategy has met with justified criticism in the methodological literature, it also generates simple and informative data summaries, a standard often not met by statistically more adequate procedures. Motivated by a survey of how ordered variables are dealt with in language research, we draw attention to an un(der)used latent-variable approach to ordinal data modelling, which constitutes an alternative perspective on the most widely used form of ordered regression, the cumulative model. Since the latent-variable approach does not feature in any of the studies in our survey, we believe it is worthwhile to promote its benefits. To this end, we draw on questionnaire-based preference ratings by speakers of Maltese English, who indicated on a 5-point scale which of two synonymous expressions (e.g. package-parcel) they (tend to) use. We demonstrate that a latent-variable formulation of the cumulative model affords nuanced and interpretable data summaries that can be visualized effectively, while at the same time avoiding limitations inherent in mean response models (e.g. distortions induced by floor and ceiling effects). The online supplementary materials include a tutorial for its implementation in R.

Study protocol for a type-II hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial to reach teenagers using mobile money shops to reduce unintended pregnancies in Uganda

IntroductionUnintended teenage pregnancies have become a global public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. There is a notably high prevalence of unintended pregnancies among unmarried teenagers in Uganda. This study...

Validation of a Soft Pneumatic Unit Cell (PUC) in a VR Experience: A Comparison Between Vibrotactile and Soft Pneumatic Haptic Feedback.

Soft pneumatic displays have shown to provide compelling soft haptic feedback. However, they have rarely been tested in Virtual Reality applications, while we are interested in their potential for haptic feedback in the metaverse. Therefore, we designed a fully soft Pneumatic Unit Cell (PUC) and implemented it in a VR button task, in which users could directly use their hands for interaction. Twelve participants were asked to enter six-digit sequences, while being presented with PUC feedback, vibration feedback (VT), or no haptic feedback. Metrics on task performance, kinematics and cognitive load were collected. The results show that both vibration and PUC feedback resulted in participants pressing through the back of buttons less. The kinematic data showed that participants moved more smoothly during PUC feedback compared to vibration feedback. These effects were also reflected in the questionnaire data: participants felt more successful when using either PUCs or VTs, but they perceived the lowest level of stress when using PUCs. Feedback preference ratings also showed that PUC was the most preferred kind of feedback. Concluding, our array of metrics confirm that PUCs are good alternatives for haptic feedback in VR tasks in which electromechanical vibration motors typically excel: creating virtual button clicks.

French-Language Adaptation of the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V)

ObjectivesThis study aimed to adapt the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) protocol for perceptual voice assessment to the French language. The primary objective was to achieve consensus among an international panel of voice experts on the content of the adapted protocol. MethodsTo ensure the relevance and robustness of the French CAPE-V protocol, this study employed a systematic Delphi method and involved an international panel primarily comprising speech therapists and lecturers from France and Belgium. The multi-stage process included an initial panel size of 15 experts. Three rounds of online questionnaires, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data collection, were conducted. Participants provided feedback and ratings on various protocol elements until consensus was reached. Adaptations targeted the choice of task stimuli (sustained vowel, sentence reading, semi-spontaneous speech), of the rating scales, and vocal quality terminology. ResultsThe Delphi process achieved consensus on all elements of the adapted CAPE-V protocol. Notably, the sustained vowel task saw consensus in favor of the vowel /a/. Sentence adaptations achieved substantial agreement, with the final set unanimously approved. The simple Visual Analog Scale (VAS) emerged as the preferred rating scale. Agreement on terms for describing vocal qualities marked a crucial step in establishing a shared vocabulary among French-speaking voice experts. ConclusionsThe study successfully adapted the CAPE-V protocol for perceptual voice assessment to the French language through a systematic Delphi process. The final protocol closely resembles the original English version, maintaining its structure and core objectives. Consensus on sustained vowel tasks, sentence adaptations, rating scales, and vocal quality terminology indicates the relevance and robustness of the adapted protocol. Ongoing validation studies in France demonstrate the potential clinical utility of the adapted CAPE-V in French-speaking contexts, representing a significant step toward standardized and validated voice assessment tools for clinicians and researchers globally.

DFQF Market Access Schemes Offered by the QUAD Countries to Least Developed Countries’ Products and the Volatility of the Utilization Rate of these Schemes

Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have been keen in supporting the integration of the least developed countries (LDCs) into the global trading system. A major Decision adopted by WTO Trade Ministers in favor of LDCs was the one concerning the Duty-Free-Quota-Free (DFQF) market access for products originating in LDCs. This paper investigates whether the DFQF market access schemes offered by the Quadrilateral (i.e., Canada, the European Union, Japan and the United States) to LDCs have helped reduce the volatility of the utilization rates of these generous preferences. To perform the analysis, we compare LDCs’ performance in terms of the volatility of the utilization rate of the DFQF market access schemes with countries that would have been included in the LDC category but were not. These countries did not enjoy the benefits of the DFQF schemes, as their products received less generous preferential treatment than LDCs’ products. The comparison of the performance of LDCs with this set of countries was made over the period 2014-2019 versus the period 2004–2013. Results have revealed that the DFQF market access initiative has genuinely been instrumental in reducing the volatility of the utilization rate of these generous preferences schemes by LDCs. Moreover, countries with higher utilization rates of GSP programs experience a larger negative effect of the DFQF schemes on the volatility of the utilization of GSP programs than countries with lower utilization rates of these programs. The policy implications of the analysis are discussed.

Impact of digital technologies on the risk assessment in food supply chain: a wake towards digitalisation

SummaryNowadays, the adoption of digital technologies getting a significant pace. It has the potential to improve the existing dynamics of the food supply chains and improve its transparency. Many times, uncertainties prevail in the food supply chain performance systems, which cause amplification of risk. These uncertainties are due to a lack of product traceability mechanisms in the food supply chains. Hence, it becomes vital to harness the potential of digital technologies like the Internet of Things, Blockchain, and common digital platforms to improve the flow of information and products in the food supply chain. The presented work is aimed at assessing the impact of digital technologies on risk identification and its mitigation in the food supply chain dynamics. For the same, risks are assessed relative to its mitigation strategy by the two‐stage methodology of preference rating approach. Here, the impacts of risk under consideration are quantified relative to every risk mitigation strategy for a better depiction of the potential of digital transformation of the food supply chain. It yields the broadening of its implication perspectives at operational, strategic and tactical levels of the food supply chain and makes them future‐ready.

Inverting Geodetic Strain Rates for Slip Deficit Rate in Complex Deforming Zones: An Application to the New Zealand Plate Boundary

AbstractThe potential for future earthquakes on faults is often inferred from inversions of geodetically derived surface velocities for locking on faults using kinematic models such as block models. This can be challenging in complex deforming zones with many closely spaced faults or where deformation is not readily described with block motions. Furthermore, surface strain rates are more directly related to coupling on faults than surface velocities. We present a methodology for estimating slip deficit rate directly from strain rate and apply it to New Zealand for the purpose of incorporating geodetic data in the 2022 revision of the New Zealand National Seismic Hazard Model. The strain rate inversions imply slightly higher slip deficit rates than the preferred geologic slip rates on sections of the major strike‐slip systems including the Alpine Fault, the Marlborough Fault System and the northern part of the North Island Fault System. Slip deficit rates are significantly lower than even the lowest geologic estimates on some strike‐slip faults in the southern North Island Fault System near Wellington. Over the entire plate boundary, geodetic slip deficit rates are systematically higher than geologic slip rates for faults slipping less than one mm/yr but lower on average for faults with slip rates between about 5 and 25 mm/yr. We show that 70%–80% of the total strain rate field can be attributed to elastic strain due to fault coupling. The remaining 20%–30% shows systematic spatial patterns of strain rate style that is often consistent with local geologic style of faulting.

Taraxacum officinale Extracts Alleviate Anhedonia and Depression by Inhibiting UPRmt and Mitophagy in the Hippocampi of T2DM Rats

<i>Taraxacum officinale</i> Extracts Alleviate Anhedonia and Depression by Inhibiting UPR^mt and Mitophagy in the Hippocampi of T2DM Rats

Effect of reducing electrical stimulation rate on hearing performance of Nucleus® cochlear implant recipients

Objective To evaluate whether a 500 pulses per second per channel (pps/ch) rate would provide non-inferior hearing performance compared to the 900 pps/ch rate in the Advanced Combination Encoder (ACE™) sound coding strategy. Design A repeated measures single-subject design was employed, wherein each subject served as their own control. All except one subject used 900 pps/ch at enrolment. After three weeks of using the alternative rate program, both programs were loaded into the sound processor for two more weeks of take-home use. Subjective performance, preference, words in quiet, sentences in babble, music quality, and fundamental frequency (F0) discrimination were assessed using a balanced design. Study sample Data from 18 subjects were analysed, with complete datasets available for 17 subjects. Results Non-inferior performance on all clinical measures was shown for the lower rate program. Subjects’ preference ratings were comparable for the programs, with 53% reporting no difference overall. When a preference was expressed, the 900 pps/ch condition was preferred more often. Conclusion Reducing the stimulation rate from 900 pps/ch to 500 pps/ch did not compromise the hearing outcomes evaluated in this study. A lower pulse rate in future cochlear implants could reduce power consumption, allowing for smaller batteries and processors.

Integrating Landscape Character Assessment with Community Values in a Scenic Evaluation Methodology for Regional Landscape Planning

The Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) method from the UK has proven effective in identifying landscape values and characteristics through a comprehensive mapping process. However, it is predominantly expert-led and lacks an evaluation of scenery, hindering the inclusion of the broader community’s preferences and visual attachment to their landscape. In Australia, the application of the Scenic Amenity Methodology (SAM) using Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping has engaged communities but has often overlooked the importance of landscape character. To overcome these limitations, this study presents an innovative scenic assessment methodology, referred to as modified Scenic Amenity Methodology (modified SAM). The methodology establishes landscape character types (LCTs) to map scenic preference ratings derived from community photo surveys. Simultaneously, it incorporates the visual exposure of the landscape from publicly accessible viewpoints, modelled using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The combination of scenic preferences and visual exposure enables mapping of the scenic amenity values held by the community. This methodology was first trialled in Bundaberg, then Cairns, the Whitsunday Islands, and, most recently, Toowoomba in Queensland, Australia. This paper presents the results of the Toowoomba study and reports on the challenges and limitations of informing landscape character type (LCT) values through a public photo survey, developing a scenic preference map from ratings of photos across a region, a map of the visual exposure of landscape elements from key public viewing locations, and, ultimately, a map of scenic amenity values across the Toowoomba Region. It indicates that integrating previous LCA approaches with public participation through community preferences is indeed feasible for regional landscape planning.

Analysis of the Relationship between Step Angle and Step Rate during Running: Implication for Rehabilitation

In running, step rate and step angle are important, but the relationship between the two parameters is not clear in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the effect of step rate manipulation on step angle in running. A group of twenty healthy recreational runners aged between 30 and 59 years who regularly run 15–90 km per week were recruited. Kinematic data were recorded using a motion capture system while running on a treadmill. Participants maintained a self-selected speed and then altered their step rate using a metronome and completed three thirty-second trials at the preferred step rate, 10% above the preferred step rate and 10% below the preferred step rate. The results showed that the step angle is not significantly correlated with the step rate and kept at roughly 37 degrees at the preferred step rate and 10% lower than the preferred step rate but increased to 42 deg when the step rate increased to 10% of the preferred step rate. The step angles were not significantly different between the male and female or between sides. This finding provides an understanding of the association of step rate re-training on swing phase parameters.

Preference of Chinese pre-service music teachers and schoolteachers for three culturally diverse musical pieces.

Using three musical pieces as musical stimuli from Romania, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia, this study extended Fung's study by examining Chinese pre-service music teachers' (n = 115) and schoolteachers' (n = 131) personal preferences and external preferences for orchestral, folk, and popular music pieces. Two groups of participants were asked to select their preferred music from three pieces and to provide verbal descriptions of the reasons for their selections. The results showed (a) no significant differences in personal preference between the two groups but statistical significances in external preferences between the two groups; (b) the highest preference rating by both groups of teachers was folk music and the highest forced-choice preference was popular music; (c) statistically significant correlations between personal preference and external preference were evident in both groups across all three pieces; and (d) frequent descriptions by both groups of participants of the pieces in terms of musical characteristics were shared. The implications of this study are as follows. (1) Psychologists and music researchers gain insights about Chinese young adults' listening preferences, which might offer implications for future research in the field of psychology; and (2) By enhancing multicultural awareness, music education teachers and researchers should combine different music styles to broaden students' music horizons.

Review of Geodetic and Geologic Deformation Models for 2023 U.S. National Seismic Hazard Model

ABSTRACT We review five deformation models generated for the 2023 update to the U.S. National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM), which provide input fault-slip rates that drive the rate of earthquake moment release. Four of the deformation models use the Global Positioning System-derived surface velocity field and geologic slip-rate data to derive slip-rate estimates (Evans, Pollitz, Shen-Bird, and Zeng), and one model uses geologic data (the “geologic model”). The correlation between the geologic model preferred slip rates and geodetically derived slip rates is high for the Pollitz, Zeng, and Shen-Bird models, and the median of all slip-rate models has correlation coefficient of 0.88. The median geodetic model slip rates are systematically lower than the preferred geologic model rates for faults with slip rates exceeding 10 mm/yr and systematically higher on faults with slip rates less than 0.1 mm/yr. Geodetically derived slip rates tend to the low end of the geologic model range along sections of the San Andreas fault and the Garlock fault, whereas they tend to be higher across north coast California faults. The total on-fault moment rates agree well across models with all rates within 18% of the median. Estimated off-fault strain rate orientations and styles vary considerably across models and off-fault moment rates vary more than on-fault moment rates. Path integrals across the western U.S. accounting for fault-slip rate and off-fault deformation are generally consistent with Pacific-North America plate motion with the median deformation rates recovering about 98% of the plate motion with about 20% of the total plate motion accommodated by off-fault strain rate. The geologic model, which has no off-fault deformation, accounts for about 82% of plate motion with fault slip. Finally, we make a recommendation for relative weighting of the models for the NSHM as well as several recommendations for future NSHM deformation model development.

A cluster differences unfolding method for large datasets of preference ratings on an interval scale: Minimizing the mean squared centred residuals.

Clustering and spatial representation methods are often used in combination, to analyse preference ratings when a large number of individuals and/or object is involved. When analysed under an unfolding model, row-conditional linear transformations are usually most appropriate when the goal is to determine clusters of individuals with similar preferences. However, a significant problem with transformations that include both slope and intercept is the occurrence of degenerate solutions. In this paper, we propose a least squares unfolding method that performs clustering of individuals while simultaneously estimating the location of cluster centres and object locations in low-dimensional space. The method is based on minimising the mean squared centred residuals of the preference ratings with respect to the distances between cluster centres and object locations. At the same time, the distances are row-conditionally transformed with optimally estimated slope parameters. It is computationally efficient for large datasets, and does not suffer from the appearance of degenerate solutions. The performance of the method is analysed in an extensive Monte Carlo experiment. It is illustrated for a real data set and the results are compared with those obtained using a two-step clustering and unfolding procedure.