bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Searching for Principles of Brain Computation
Authors: Maass Wolfgang
Published: December 2016

Highlights

Hints for computational principles from experimental data

Computational role of diverse network components

Emergence and computational role of assemblies

Probabilistic inference through stochastic network dynamics

Ongoing network rewiring and compensation through synaptic sampling

Experimental methods in neuroscience, such as calcium-imaging and recordings with multielectrode arrays, are advancing at a rapid pace. They produce insight into the simultaneous activity of large numbers of neurons, and into plasticity processes in the brains of awake and behaving animals. These new data constrain models for neural computation and network plasticity that underlie perception, cognition, behavior, and learning. I will discuss in this short article four such constraints: Inherent recurrent network activity and heterogeneous dynamic properties of neurons and synapses, stereotypical spatio-temporal activity patterns in networks of neurons, high trial-to-trial variability of network responses, and functional stability in spite of permanently ongoing changes in the network. I am proposing that these constraints provide hints to underlying principles of brain computation and learning.
The contribution of area MT to visual motion perception depends on training
Authors: Liu Liu D. , Pack Christopher C.
Published: December 2016

Perceptual decisions require the transformation of raw sensory inputs into cortical representations suitable for stimulus discrimination. One of the best-known examples of this transformation involves the middle temporal area (MT) of the primate visual cortex. Area MT provides a robust representation of stimulus motion, and previous work has shown that it contributes causally to performance on motion discrimination tasks. Here we report that the strength of this contribution can be highly plastic: Depending on the recent training history, pharmacological inactivation of MT can severely impair motion discrimination, or it can have little detectable influence. Similarly, depending on training, microstimulation can bias motion perception or simply introduce noise. Further analysis of neural and behavioral data suggests that training shifts the readout of motion information between MT and lower-level cortical areas. These results show that the contribution of individual brain regions to conscious perception can shift flexibly depending on sensory experience.
A systematic cell size screen uncovers coupling of growth to division by the p38/HOG network inCandida albicans
Authors: Sellam Adnane , Chaillot Julien , Mallick Jaideep , Tebbji Faiza , Richard Albert Julien , Cook Michael A. , Tyers Mike
Published: December 2016

Cell size is a complex trait that responds to developmental and environmental cues. Quantitative analysis of the size phenome in the pathogenic yeastCandida albicansuncovered 195 genes that markedly altered cell size, few of which overlapped with known size genes in other yeast species. A potent size regulator specific toC. albicanswas the conserved p38/HOG MAPK module that mediates the osmotic stress response. Basal HOG activity inhibited the SBF G1/S transcription factor complex in a stress-independent fashion to delay the G1/S transition. The HOG network also governed ribosome biogenesis through the master transcriptional regulator Sfp1. Hog1 bound to the promoters and cognate transcription factors for both the G1/S and ribosome biogenesis regulons and thereby directly linked cell growth and division. These results illuminate the evolutionary plasticity of size control and identify the HOG module as a nexus of cell cycle and growth regulation.
The value of prior knowledge in machine learning of complex network systems
Authors: Craft David , Ferranti Dana , Krane David
Published: December 2016

Our overall goal is to develop machine learning approaches based on genomics and other relevant accessible information for use in predicting how a patient will respond to a given proposed drug or treatment. Given the complexity of this problem, we begin by developing, testing, and analyzing learning methods using data from simulated systems, which allows us access to a known ground truth. We examine the benefits of using prior system knowledge and investigate how learning accuracy depends on various system parameters as well as the amount of training data available. The simulations are based on Boolean networks – directed graphs with 0/1 node states and logical node update rules – which are the simplest computational systems that can mimic the dynamic behavior of cellular systems. Boolean networks can be generated and simulated at scale, have complex yet cyclical dynamics, and as such provide a useful framework for developing machine learning algorithms for modular and hierarchical networks such as biological systems in general and cancer in particular. We demonstrate that utilizing prior knowledge (in the form of network connectivity information), without detailed state equations, greatly increases the power of machine learning algorithms to predict network steady state node values (“phenotypes”) and perturbation responses (“drug effects”).
Repliscan: a tool for classifying replication timing regions
Authors: Zynda Gregory J. , Song Jawon , Concia Lorenzo , Wear Emily E. , Hanley-Bowdoin Linda , Thompson William F. , Vaughn Matthew W.
Published: December 2016

Background

Replication timing experiments that use label incorporation and high throughput sequencing produce peaked data similar to ChIP-Seq experiments. However, the differences in experimental design, coverage density, and possible results make traditional ChIP-Seq analysis methods inappropriate for use with replication timing.

Results

To accurately detect and classify regions of replication across the genome, we present Repliscan. Repliscan robustly normalizes, automatically removes outlying and uninformative data points, and classifies Repli-seq signals into discrete combinations of replication signatures. The quality control steps and self-fitting methods make Repliscan generally applicable and more robust than previous methods that classify regions based on thresholds.

Conclusions

Repliscan is simple and effective to use on organisms with different genome sizes. Even with analysis window sizes as small as 1 kilobase, reliable profiles can be generated with as little as 2.4x coverage.
Deep learning is effective for the classification of OCT images of normal versus Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Lee Cecilia S , Baughman Doug M , Lee Aaron Y
Published: December 2016

Objective: The advent of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) with large electronic imaging databases along with advances in deep neural networks with machine learning has provided a unique opportunity to achieve milestones in automated image analysis. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is the most commonly obtained imaging modality in ophthalmology and represents a dense and rich dataset when combined with labels derived from the EMR. We sought to determine if deep learning could be utilized to distinguish normal OCT images from images from patients with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Design: EMR and OCT database study Subjects: Normal and AMD patients who had a macular OCT. Methods: Automated extraction of an OCT imaging database was performed and linked to clinical endpoints from the EMR. OCT macula scans were obtained by Heidelberg Spectralis, and each OCT scan was linked to EMR clinical endpoints extracted from EPIC. The central 11 images were selected from each OCT scan of two cohorts of patients: normal and AMD. Cross-validation was performed using a random subset of patients. Receiver operator curves (ROC) were constructed at an independent image level, macular OCT level, and patient level. Main outcome measure: Area under the ROC. Results: Of a recent extraction of 2.6 million OCT images linked to clinical datapoints from the EMR, 52,690 normal macular OCT images and 48,312 AMD macular OCT images were selected. A deep neural network was trained to categorize images as either normal or AMD. At the image level, we achieved an area under the ROC of 92.78% with an accuracy of 87.63%. At the macula level, we achieved an area under the ROC of 93.83% with an accuracy of 88.98%. At a patient level, we achieved an area under the ROC of 97.45% with an accuracy of 93.45%. Peak sensitivity and specificity with optimal cutoffs were 92.64% and 93.69% respectively. Conclusions: Deep learning techniques achieve high accuracy and is effective as a new image classification technique. These findings have important implications in utilizing OCT in automated screening and the development of computer aided diagnosis tools in the future.
Stabilized supralinear network dynamics account for stimulus-induced changes of noise variability in the cortex
Authors: Hennequin Guillaume , Ahmadian Yashar , Rubin Daniel B. , Lengyel Máté , Miller Kenneth D.
Published: December 2016

Variability and correlations in cortical activity are ubiquitously modulated by stimuli. Correlated variability is quenched following stimulus onset across multiple cortical areas, suppressing low-frequency components of the LFP and ofVm-LFP coherence. Modulation of Fano factors and correlations in area MT is tuned for stimulus direction. What circuit mechanisms underly these behaviors? We show that a simple model circuit, the stochastic Stabilized Supralinear Network (SSN), robustly explains these results. Stimuli modulate variability by modifying two forms of effective connectivity between activity patterns that characterize excitatory-inhibitory (E/I) circuits. Increases in the strength with which activity patterns inhibit themselves reduce correlated variability, while increases in feedforward connections between patterns (transforming E/I imbalance into balanced fluctuations) increase variability. These results suggest an operating regime of cortical dynamics that involves fast fluctuations and fast responses to stimulus changes, unlike previous models of variability suppression through suppression of chaos or networks with multiple attractors.
Optic atrophy, cataracts, lipodystrophy/lipoatrophy, and peripheral neuropathy caused by a de novo OPA3 mutation
Authors: Bourne Stephanie C. , Townsend Katelin N. , Shyr Casper , Matthews Allison , Lear Scott A. , Attariwala Raj , Lehman Anna , Wasserman Wyeth W. , van Karnebeek Clara , Sinclair Graham , Vallance Hilary , Gibson William T.
Published: December 2016

We describe a woman who presented with cataracts, optic atrophy, lipodystrophy/lipoatrophy, and peripheral neuropathy. Exome sequencing identified a c.235C > G p.(Leu79Val) variant in the optic atrophy 3 (OPA3) gene that was confirmed to be de novo. This report expands the severity of the phenotypic spectrum of autosomal dominant OPA3 mutations.
Whole-exome sequencing reveals an inherited R566X mutation of the epithelial sodium channel β-subunit in a case of early-onset phenotype of Liddle syndrome
Authors: Polfus Linda M. , Boerwinkle Eric , Gibbs Richard A. , Metcalf Ginger , Muzny Donna , Veeraraghavan Narayanan , Grove Megan , Shete Sanjay , Wallace Stephanie , Milewicz Dianna , Hanchard Neil , Lupski James R. , Hashmi Syed Shahrukh , Gupta-Malhotra Monesha
Published: December 2016

To comprehensively evaluate a European–American child with severe hypertension, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on the child and parents, which identified causal variation of the proband's early-onset disease. The proband's hypertension was resistant to treatment, requiring a multiple drug regimen including amiloride, spironolactone, and hydrochlorothiazide. We suspected a monogenic form of hypertension because of the persistent hypokalemia with low plasma levels of renin and aldosterone. To address this, we focused on rare functional variants and indels, and performed gene-based tests incorporating linkage scores and allele frequency and filtered on deleterious functional mutations. Drawing upon clinical presentation, 27 genes were selected evidenced to cause monogenic hypertension and matched to the gene-based results. This resulted in the identification of a stop-gain mutation in an epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), SCNN1B, an established Liddle syndrome gene, shared by the child and her father. Interestingly, the father also harbored a missense mutation (p.Trp552Arg) in the α-subunit of the ENaC trimer, SCNN1A, possibly pointing to pseudohypoaldosteronism type I. This case is unique in that we present the early-onset disease and treatment response caused by a canonical stop-gain mutation (p.Arg566*) as well as ENaC digenic hits in the father, emphasizing the utility of WES informing precision medicine.
Generation of apodized X-ray illumination and its application to scanning and diffraction microscopy
Authors: Khakurel Krishna P. , Kimura Takashi , Nakamori Hiroki , Goto Takumi , Matsuyama Satoshi , Sasaki Tomoya , Takei Masashi , Kohmura Yoshiki , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Yamauchi Kazuto , Nishino Yoshinori
Published: December 2016

X-ray science has greatly benefited from the progress in X-ray optics. Advances in the design and the manufacturing techniques of X-ray optics are key to the success of various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques practiced today. Here the generation of apodized X-ray illumination using a two-stage deformable Kirkpatrick–Baez mirror system is presented. Such apodized illumination is marked by the suppression of the side-lobe intensities of the focused beam. Thus generated apodized illumination was employed to improve the image quality in scanning X-ray fluorescence microscopy. Imaging of a non-isolated object by coherent X-ray diffractive imaging with apodized illumination in a non-scanning mode is also presented.
Comparison of helical scan and standard rotation methods in single-crystal X-ray data collection strategies
Authors: Polsinelli Ivan , Savko Martin , Rouanet-Mehouas Cecile , Ciccone Lidia , Nencetti Susanna , Orlandini Elisabetta , Stura Enrico A. , Shepard William
Published: December 2016

X-ray radiation in macromolecular crystallography can chemically alter the biological material and deteriorate the integrity of the crystal lattice with concomitant loss of resolution. Typical alterations include decarboxylation of glutamic and aspartic residues, breaking of disulfide bonds and the reduction of metal centres. Helical scans add a small translation to the crystal in the rotation method, so that for every image the crystal is shifted to expose a fresh part. On beamline PROXIMA 2A at Synchrotron SOLEIL, this procedure has been tested with various parameters in an attempt to understand how to mitigate the effects of radiation damage. Here, the strategies used and the crystallographic metrics for various scenarios are reported. Among these, the loss of bromine from bromophenyl moieties appears to be a useful monitor of radiation damage as the carbon–bromine bond is very sensitive to X-ray irradiation. Two cases are focused on where helical scans are shown to be superior in obtaining meaningful data compared with conventional methods. In one case the initial resolution of the crystal is extended over time, and in the second case the anomalous signal is preserved to provide greater effective multiplicity and easier phasing.
Enhancing critical thinking: accounting students’ perceptions
Authors: Wilkin Carla L.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how assessment design was used to enhance students’ critical thinking in a subject concerned with business enterprise systems. The study shows positive results and favorable perceptions of the merit of the approach.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach was used to examine how the problem-based assessment task was redesigned to enhance students’ critical thinking. The study documents post-graduate accounting students’ achievements, including some comparison with results from an earlier version of the task. Data were collected using surveys and anonymous student comments.

Findings

The case study reveals that the merit of the assessment design lay in presenting students with new material that generated some cognitive dissonance, which had to be resolved, rather than just applying subject knowledge to a new scenario. By requiring students to assimilate and harmonize the materials, they were encouraged to think more critically about how their prior learning applied to the problem.

Originality/value

Congruent with widespread calls by employers and professional bodies, there is renewed focus on the importance of developing critical thinking skills as an integral part of higher education courses. Whilst achievement is usually realized interdependently through communication, problem solving and analysis, critical thinking must be fostered in the context of the specific professional knowledge. This study contributes knowledge about how students’ critical thinking may be fostered, with the added difficulty that the context involves a focus on the role and value of technology.
Determinants of banking sector’s credit granting policy for the yacht industry in Taiwan
Authors: Yang Yi-Chih , Liu Hsien-Pin
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate bank credit policies and uncover yacht building finance assessment factors from bank credit policies toward the yacht industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study’s questionnaire attempts to identify survey respondents’ degrees of awareness through difference analysis, and then uses entropy weighting and gray relational analysis to discover priority ranking order of bank credit assessment considerations from the perspective of Taiwan’s banking sector.

Findings

The research findings show that yacht builders have to review their ship financing application methods and improve shortcomings to meet banks’ credit granting requirements.

Originality/value

Banks emphasize yacht builders’ repayment ability to protect their depositors and shareholders.
A study of the critical success factors of international ship finance centre
Authors: Choy Petrus W.C. , Yip T.L. , Pang Kelvin , Lee Eunha
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the critical success factors to international ship finance centre (ISFC) and to understand the reasons behind ship financing decision by shipowners and their views on the potential of Shanghai to become an ISFC in the near future.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey questionnaire and follow-up interviews were conducted. The survey of this study was conducted by firstly sending online questionnaire with interview questions via email and then carrying out interview either on telephone or in-person with the interview questions to collect factual data and views from individual interviewees.

Findings

This study identified governmental support and stable policy, sound and favourable legal system, advanced maritime cluster and dynamic source of finance as critical success factors which can help Shanghai to evolve into an international maritime centre with dual function as an ISFC which is a synthesis with the maritime sector of an international finance centre.

Originality/value

This paper is known to be the first to link international maritime centre with ISFC.
Preliminary study on new container stacking/storage system due to space limitations in container yard
Authors: Abdul Rahman Noorul Shaiful Fitri , Ismail Alisha , Lun Venus Y.H.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to introduce a new innovative means of container stacking/storage as a potential solution for overcoming the lack of container yard space.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology that incorporates questionnaires and interview sessions as the tools is utilised together with an application of new innovation concept.

Findings

The proposed system not only allows increased efficiency and effectiveness in handling containers, but also increases the profit margin of ports, as container stacking/storage is tripled in height.

Research limitations/implications

This is just the beginning of a preliminary research study that proposes a new container stacking/storage system to address the lack of space in container yards. Therefore, much more work needs to be done in future studies before a solid and concrete decision on the application of this innovative system can be carried out.

Practical implications

The practicality of the proposed model means that it can be easily implemented to address space limitation problems in ports.

Social implications

The benefits of the results to the local community around ports are a healthier environment, with cleaner air, so that there will be less health issues of the residents and therefore reduced burden on the local health system. This is due to the use of technology that will prevent the expansion of ports that ultimately could lead to deforestation and environmental damage. This technology will also help to preserve the greenery of the area around ports.

Originality/value

An innovative model of a container stacking/storage system is presented in this study as a possible solution to the problem.
Off-peak truck deliveries at container terminals: the “Good Night” program in Israel
Authors: Bentolila David J. , Ziedenveber Ronit Kastro , Hayuth Yehuda , Notteboom Theo
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Avoiding truck congestion and peaks in landside activity is one of the challenges to container terminal managers. The spreading of truck arrivals at terminals can be facilitated by widening the opening hours of terminals at the landside. Israel’s Ministry of Transport has instituted the “Good Night Program”, involving monetary incentives for importers and exporters who deliver containers to ports at night.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper aims to quantitatively examine the market utility resulting from shifting traffic from daytime to nighttime, and analyzes customer considerations regarding nighttime transportation.

Findings

The external utility found in the traffic-economics model is quite similar to the economic incentive given to customers. Therefore, a significant increase of the incentive is not feasible.

Originality/value

Furthermore, it seems that an incentive method by itself is not effective enough, and does not motivate customers to act and find creative solutions to the obstacles they face. To achieve a considerable change in nighttime transport to Israeli ports, more effective methods should be examined.
Motivations behind irrationality in the shipping asset management
Authors: Duru Okan
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and clarify “irrationality” problem through the maritime industry practices and leading incentives behind common investors.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper includes a review of broader business and economics literature; review of shipping business practices and detection of institutional pathways and misleading mechanisms behind the irrational preferences; investigation of data (for some arguments); and introduction of a theoretical approach.

Findings

There are several industry practices and norms well established and followed by decision makers, which may cause and initiate illogical and irrational (long-run) preferences. Short-termism is an erroneous habit of common shipping investors, which is embedded and forced through traditional financial math (i.e. discounted cash flow), financial system (e.g. initial public offerings with high-frequency transactions, interest rate governance and asset valuation mechanism) or flawed contracting tradition (i.e. commission bias).

Practical implications

Both shipping business and financial institutions need to redesign their working mechanisms, evaluation systems, risk detection and assessment procedures. As discussed in Section 4.7, commission-based (float) services must be converted to regular flat rate payments with long-term contracts to protect investors from rational choices of intermediaries in the short-run which encourages investor’s irrationality. Having a long-term service contract will also improve sustainability of intermediaries and lower their business risk (win-win).

Originality/value

The impact of this paper is two-fold. First, it raises critical questions about professional decay and drawbacks of some traditional instruments in the shipping business. For the first time, this paper emphasises on various challenges which deteriorate credibility of the industry and causes ill-defined investments. Some arguments have extreme priority for strengthening the foundations of the industry. Second, this paper establishes a new stream of scholarly research highlighting weaknesses of conventional economic approach and demand for outsourcing other schools of economics (e.g. institutional and behavioural) into the shipping business.
Evaluating the use of alternative maritime power in Taiwan
Authors: Yang Chung-Shan
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically evaluate the impacts of institutional pressures on the use of alternative maritime power (AMP) and which in turn enhance environmental performance in the maritime shipping context.

Design/methodology/approach

Factor analysis was used to identify the key coercive pressure, normative pressure, mimetic pressure, AMP practice and green performance dimensions. The author collects data from a survey of 184 maritime shipping operators in Taiwan and applies a structural equation modelling (SEM) to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The findings show that AMP practice act as mediator variables between institutional pressures and environmental performance.

Originality/value

Theoretical contributions and managerial implications are drawn to help maritime shipping operators to improve environmental performance.
The effects of behavioural supply chain relationship antecedents on integration and performance
Authors: Tsanos Christos S. , Zografos Konstantinos G.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of behavioural antecedents of collaboration in supply chain relationships on supply chain integration and performance by developing and empirically validating a model linking these constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model was developed based on the relational exchange theory, social exchange theory and resource-based view. An international survey with supply chain/logistics managers from manufacturing focal firms based in Europe, USA and Asia was conducted; they provided input on upstream and downstream relationships based on their actual interaction and experience with supply chain partners. The collected data, which reflect supply chain managers’ perceptions on the above described phenomena, were analysed using the partial least squares method.

Findings

Mutuality, reciprocity, trust and commitment are instrumental for the formation of supply chain relationships characterised by higher information integration. In turn, information integration has much stronger impact on the coordination of operational decisions related to production and demand planning than on decisions related to actual production processes, but, interestingly, the latter affects supply chain performance much more than the former.

Research limitations/implications

The research could benefit from a longitudinal rather than a cross-sectional approach, incorporating multiple respondents such as representatives of supply chain partners and senior management of the focal firm, to capture potentially varying opinions on the supply chain phenomena under examination.

Practical implications

The results can assist supply chain decision-makers in understanding the importance of behavioural closeness between supply chain partners for the development of collaborative supply chain relationships that lead to higher integration and superior performance. Insight is provided on linkages between examined dimensions of supply chain integration. A process view of intermediate steps needed to translate collaborative relationships into higher supply chain integration and performance across the supply chain is offered.

Originality/value

The development and testing of an integrated model examining linkages between supply chain relationship antecedents, integration and performance is an original contribution. By proposing and confirming a sequential order of the influence of behavioural antecedents, integration dimensions and their impact on supply chain performance, the paper sets foundations of a roadmap for achieving higher supply chain performance from collaborative supply chain relationships. Finally, the paper contributes to the limited theoretical justification on the development of knowledge for assisting decision-making in SCM/logistics and its integration into models, processes and tasks.
Supply chain readiness, response and recovery for resilience
Authors: Chowdhury Md Maruf Hossan , Quaddus Mohammed
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Despite the proliferation of supply chain risk management (SCRM) studies, a theoretically supported and empirically validated study on justifying the antecedents and measurement dimensions of supply chain resilience (SCRE) is rare. Therefore, drawing on extensive literature review, this study aims to explore and validate the antecedents and the measurement dimensions of SCRE.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses positivist paradigm using quantitative method. However, it also uses qualitative approach in the form of field study to contextualize the research model. The quantitative study is conducted by operationalising a survey research. Partial least square-based structural equation modelling has been used to analyze the data.

Findings

Study results suggest that the psychometric properties of the SCRE dimensions, supply chain readiness, response and recovery, are reliable and valid. It also affirms that supply chain orientation (SCO), learning and development and supply chain risk management culture (SCRMC) significantly influence the SCRE. Further, SCRMC mediates the relationship between SCO and SCRE.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will assist the supply chain managers in taking decision on readiness capability development and reducing the decisional uncertainty during response and recovery.

Originality/value

Drawing on extensive extant literature on crisis management and supply chain management, this study develops and validates the measurement dimensions of SCRE in terms of readiness, response and recovery, as well as justifies the antecedent factors of SCRE, which is a novel attempt in SCRM literature.
Dynamic vs. static social networks in models of parasite transmission: predicting Cryptosporidium spread in wild lemurs
Authors: Springer Andrea , Kappeler Peter M. , Nunn Charles L.
Published: December 2016

Social networks provide an established tool to implement heterogeneous contact structures in epidemiological models. Dynamic temporal changes in contact structure and ranging behaviour of wildlife may impact disease dynamics. A consensus has yet to emerge, however, concerning the conditions in which network dynamics impact model outcomes, as compared to static approximations that average contact rates over longer time periods. Furthermore, as many pathogens can be transmitted both environmentally and via close contact, it is important to investigate the relative influence of both transmission routes in real‐world populations.

Here, we use empirically derived networks from a population of wild primates, Verreaux's sifakas (Propithecus verreauxi), and simulated networks to investigate pathogen spread in dynamic vs. static social networks.

First, we constructed a susceptible‐exposed‐infected‐recovered model of Cryptosporidium spread in wild Verreaux's sifakas. We incorporated social and environmental transmission routes and parameterized the model for two different climatic seasons. Second, we used simulated networks and greater variation in epidemiological parameters to investigate the conditions in which dynamic networks produce larger outbreak sizes than static networks.

We found that average outbreak size of Cryptosporidium infections in sifakas was larger when the disease was introduced in the dry season than in the wet season, driven by an increase in home range overlap towards the end of the dry season. Regardless of season, dynamic networks always produced larger average outbreak sizes than static networks. Larger outbreaks in dynamic models based on simulated networks occurred especially when the probability of transmission and recovery were low. Variation in tie strength in the dynamic networks also had a major impact on outbreak size, while network modularity had a weaker influence than epidemiological parameters that determine transmission and recovery.

Our study adds to emerging evidence that dynamic networks can change predictions of disease dynamics, especially if the disease shows low transmissibility and a long infectious period, and when environmental conditions lead to enhanced between‐group contact after an infectious agent has been introduced.
Repeatability, heritability, and age‐dependence of seasonal plasticity in aggressiveness in a wild passerine bird
Authors: Araya‐Ajoy Yimen G. , Dingemanse Niels J.
Published: December 2016

Labile characters allow individuals to flexibly adjust their phenotype to changes in environmental conditions. There is growing evidence that individuals can differ both in average expression and level of plasticity in this type of character. Both of these aspects are studied in conjunction within a reaction norm framework.

Theoreticians have investigated the factors promoting variation in reaction norm intercepts (average phenotype) and slopes (level of plasticity) of a key labile character: behaviour. A general prediction from their work is that selection will favour the evolution of repeatable individual variation in level of plasticity only under certain ecological conditions. While factors promoting individual repeatability of plasticity have thus been identified, empirical estimates of this phenomenon are largely lacking for wild populations.

We assayed aggressiveness of individual male great tits (Parus major) twice during their egg‐laying stage and twice during their egg‐incubation stage to quantify each male's level of seasonal plasticity. This procedure was applied during six consecutive years; all males breeding in our plots during those years were assayed, resulting in repeated measures of individual reaction norms for any individual breeding in multiple years. We quantified among‐ and within‐individual variation in reaction norm components, allowing us to estimate repeatability of seasonal plasticity. Using social pedigree information, we further partitioned reaction norm components into their additive genetic and permanent environmental counterparts.

Cross‐year individual repeatability for the intercepts (average aggressiveness) and slopes (level of seasonal plasticity) of the aggressiveness reaction norms were 0·574 and 0·516 respectively. The mean of the posterior distributions suggested modest heritabilities (h2 = 0·260 for intercepts; h2 = 0·266 for slopes), but these estimates were relatively uncertain. Males behaved more aggressively in areas with higher breeding densities, and became less aggressive and less plastic with increasing age; plasticity thus varied within individuals and was multidimensional in nature.

This empirical study quantified cross‐year individual repeatability, heritability and age‐related reversible plasticity in behaviour. Acknowledging such patterns of multi‐level variation is important not only for testing behavioural ecology theory concerning the evolution of repeatable differences in behavioural plasticity but also for predicting how reversible plasticity may evolve in natural populations.
High‐performance work systems and firm capabilities in Korea: a fit perspective with organizational culture
Authors: Rhee Seung‐Yoon , Oh Hyo Jun , Yu Gun Jea
Published: December 2016

Taking a behavioral perspective on high‐performance work systems (HPWS), we examine the role that organizational trust plays as a key psychological mechanism linking HPWS and firm capabilities (customer response capability and internal process capability). We further draw on configuration theory and explore how the fit between organizational culture and HPWS can be mutually reinforcing, leading to superior firm capabilities. Based on multisource data collected from 2094 employees in 500 companies in South Korea, the results show that HPWS are positively related to firm capabilities and that the link is fully mediated by organizational trust. HPWS show significant interaction effects with adhocracy, market, and clan cultures on firm capabilities but show no interaction effects with hierarchy culture. These findings highlight the importance of organizational trust and organizational culture aligned with human resource practices in the successful implementation of HPWS.
Economic Structure and Vulnerability to Recession in Rural Areas
Authors: Patton Myles , Xia Wei , Feng Siyi , Hewitt Victor
Published: December 2016

The recent recession had a marked impact on the rural labour market in Northern Ireland, particularly within remote rural areas. The extent to which this reflected the underlying economic structure is explored using shift‐share analysis. Remote rural areas suffered from the double impact of the industrial concentration of employment within certain industries and the regional redistribution of employment. They were severely impacted by the contraction in the construction sector and during the early period of the recession the performance of the manufacturing sector. Nevertheless, the labour market within remote rural areas recovered more rapidly compared to urban and accessible rural areas. In particular, the manufacturing sector had a strong positive influence during the recovery period within remote rural areas. The concentration of employment within goods‐producing sectors within Northern Ireland means that rural areas tend to respond more quickly to business cycle fluctuations. In order to reduce the susceptibility of rural areas to recessionary falls in demand it is desirable to build on the strengths of specific sectors that build on the asset base of rural areas, e.g. the development of new products and processes within the food and drinks industry that are primarily rural based.
Diversity and Innovation in the FADN Data Collection Systems in the EU‐28
Authors: Bradley Dylan , Hill Berkeley
Published: December 2016

The EU's Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) is a key source of microeconomic information for monitoring and evaluating the performance of the CAP. The data, in the form of completed FADN Farm Returns, are drawn from independent national surveys of farm accounts in the EU‐28 Member States. A recent study found that these vary in their coverage and the ways in which data are collected. Three broad groupings of countries emerge: collection by the FADN Liaison Agency; by advisory services; and from accountancy firms who have prepared accounts for taxation purposes. Multiple ways of extracting the data and of recording them are encountered, not only reflecting differences between countries but also within Member States depending on the nature of the subject, the availability of existing sources, and the legal status of the farm operator. This variety is, on the one hand, a potential threat to data quality and international comparability of results because of inconsistency. On the other it provides the opportunity to identify best practices, leading to improvements by reducing costs, increasing benefits, enhancing the quality and timeliness of data, or decreasing the burden on participating farmers.
Uses and Benefits of FADN Information in the EU‐28
Authors: Hill Berkeley , Bradley Dylan , Vrolijk Hans
Published: December 2016

The benefit from information contained in FADN results and those of national farm accounts surveys comes from the improvements that are made possible in decisions by public policymakers and by farmers. Direct valuation of these benefits is difficult and attention has to focus on publication of results and uses by EU central institutions, national governments and the private sector, especially farmers. FADN is used by the European Commission for the analysis and evaluation of economic policy relating to the agricultural sector comprising ‘commercial farms’ and results are published as statistics for both the EU and Member States. Almost all national governments use their results for similar public purposes but most also make them available for the provision of advice to farmers and benchmarking of their own performance. Member States differ in their views on whether the national survey would continue in the absence of the legal obligation to supply data to FADN. The Netherlands provides an example of data collection that is broader than is required for FADN and which enables a wide range of policies to be serviced, with a judgement by its government that it therefore represents good value for money.
Aptamer‐Based SERS Detection of Lysozyme on a Food‐Handling Surface
Authors: Boushell Victoria , Pang Shintaro , He Lili
Published: December 2016

Undeclared food allergens due to cross contamination of processing equipment is a leading cause for food product recalls. Therefore, there is a great need for developing rapid and sensitive methods to detect food allergens. In this paper, an aptamer highly specific to egg white lysozyme was coupled to dendritic silver nanoparticles in order to perform surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The procedure was successfully tested in water and on a stainless steel food‐handling surface. The lowest detectable concentration for lysozyme was 0.5 μg/mL in water and 5 μg/mL on a stainless steel food‐handling surface. Principal component analysis shows a significant change in SERS spectra when lysozyme was present, suggesting the successful capture of lysozyme by the aptamer. Quantification of lysozyme target was also shown from 0 to 6 μg/mL, that is, 0, 0.5, 2, 6 μg/mL. Overall method took less than 40 min. The developed method can be extended to detect other food allergens using specific aptamers.
Child Development: New Diagnoses for the NANDA International
Authors: Souza Juliana Martins de , Cruz Diná de Almeida Lopes Monteiro da , Veríssimo Maria De La Ó Ramallo
Published: December 2016

OBJECTIVE

The paper proposes new diagnoses on child development (CD) for NANDA International.

METHODS

The study followed the recommended steps of Developmental Processes for NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses. It was a secondary analysis study on the findings of a concept analysis study on CD.

RESULTS

A proposal of labels and components of three diagnoses: “Delayed child development,” “Risk for delayed child development,” and “Readiness for enhanced child development.”

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed diagnoses represent all the complexity of CD.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The proposed diagnoses can support nurses in the development of a comprehensive care plan on the health of children.

Objetivo

propor novos diagnósticos de enfermagem para a NANDA‐International que abordem o desenvolvimento infantil.

Método

Este estudo seguiu as etapas recomendadas para o desenvolvimento de diagnósticos de enfermagem da NANDA‐International. Foi realizado a partir dos resultados da análise de conceito do termo desenvolvimento infantil.

Resultados

Propostos os títulos e os componentes de três diagnósticos: “Atraso no desenvolvimento infantil,” “Risco de atraso no desenvolvimento infantil,” e “Disposição para desenvolvimento infantil melhorado.”

Conclusões

Os diagnósticos propostos contemplam toda a complexidade do desenvolvimento infantil.

Implicações para a prática de enfermagem

Os novos diagnósticos podem subsidiar o enfermeiro na elaboração de um plano de cuidados integrais à saúde da criança.
Foreign Aid and Undeserved Credit Claiming
Authors: Cruz Cesi , Schneider Christina J.
Published: December 2016

Politicians in developing countries misuse foreign aid to get reelected by fiscally manipulating foreign aid resources or domestic budgets. Our article suggests another mechanism that does not require politicians to have any control over foreign aid in order to make use of it for electoral purposes: undeserved credit claiming. We analyze the conditions under which local politicians can undeservedly take credit for the receipt of foreign aid and thereby boost their chances of reelection. We theorize that politicians can employ a variety of techniques to claim credit for development aid even when they have little or no influence on its actual allocation. Using a subnational World Bank development program in the Philippines, we demonstrate that credit claiming is an important strategy to exploit foreign aid inflows and that the political effects of aid can persist even when projects are designed to minimize the diversion or misuse of funds.
Physical activity in relation to development and progression of myopia – a systematic review
Authors: Suhr Thykjær Anne , Lundberg Kristian , Grauslund Jakob
Published: December 2016

On a global scale, myopia is one of the most common causes of visual impairment. Given the increasing prevalence of myopia, it is vital to understand the pathogenesis and to identify potential interventions. Some studies have described physical activity as a potential correlation for myopia. The objective of this study was to make a systematic review regarding the correlation between physical activity and myopia. A total of 263 papers were identified in a systematic database search of PubMed/Medline and Embase. Five steps of screening removed studies of a low evidence quality and animal studies. Studies included had refractive error and physical activity (as measured by questionnaires, accelerometers and cycle ergometers) as separate, well‐defined outcomes. Nine studies (six cross‐sectional, two cohorts and one case–control study) with a total of 17 634 subjects were included. Six studies demonstrated a reverse association between physical activity and myopia. Three studies supported this, but also attributed the results to time spent outdoors and not physical activity per se. One cross‐sectional study found no relation. We could not identify trends among the papers regarding the type of studies, population sizes, ethnicity or age of study subjects. A consistent relationship between more physical activity and less myopia was observed. No evidence of physical activity as an independent risk factor for myopia was seen. Evidence suggests that time outdoors remain the most important factor. Future studies should include objective measurements of physical activity to determine a potential independent effect. Distinction between physical activity and outdoor exposure remains important.