bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The temporal multimodal influence of optical and auditory cues on the repellent behavior of ring-billed gulls (Larus delewarensis)
Authors: Lecker Caitlin A. , Parsons Michael H. , Lecker Daniel R. , Sarno Ronald J. , Parsons Faith E.
Published: June 2015

Context
A generation of new animal repellents is based on the premise that threat stimuli are best interpreted through multiple sensory pathways. Ring-billed gulls (RBG; Larus delawarensis) offer a unique opportunity to assess the efficacy of multimodal repellents over time. This pest species is repelled by both auditory and optical cues and persists in stable populations, often remaining in the same colony for life. This distinctive attribute makes it possible to assess colonies independently over time and space.

Aims
We assessed the unimodal (single-cue treatment) and multimodal (paired-cue) response by RBG to auditory (conspecific distress call) and optical (green or red laser) cues, along with a double-negative control (flashlight aimed at ground, background noise).

Methods
All stimuli were investigated separately and together within a 3 × 2 factorial design randomised by treatment and site. We predicted that paired stimuli would generate more pronounced (number of gulls fleeing from a roost) and faster (flight initiation time) responses than stimuli presented alone with a control.

Key results
The distress call was more effective than either visual signal and almost nullified our ability to detect a multimodal response. However, the multimodal influence was detected on two levels. Gulls were more likely to flee from either paired treatment (optical + auditory) than from unimodal stimuli (laser light only; P < 0.001) and gulls fled more quickly from multiple cues (P < 0.001). A more subtle, but important, benefit was observed in that – over time – gulls were more likely to flee from either paired treatment (optical or auditory), but not from unimodal treatments (P < 0.005). The latter response may have been due to a fear-conditioned generalisation.

Conclusions
We provide evidence and a causal mechanism to address why multimodal stimuli may be more efficacious as deterrents than single-mode treatments. This species may be more effectively managed, over longer periods of time, through the use of multimodal repellents.

Implications
A better understanding of how multimodal repellents function may help frame novel approaches to animal conservation and to assay better tools and repellents for wildlife management. Even modest multimodal benefits may justify their use, if they delay habituation over time.
Nature as capital: Advancing and incorporating ecosystem services in United States federal policies and programs
Authors: Schaefer Mark , Goldman Erica , Bartuska Ann M. , Sutton-Grier Ariana , Lubchenco Jane
Published: June 2015

The concept of nature as capital is gaining visibility in policies and practices in both the public and private sectors. This change is due to an improved ability to assess and value ecosystem services, as well as to a growing recognition of the potential of an ecosystem services approach to make tradeoffs in decision making more transparent, inform efficient use of resources, enhance resilience and sustainability, and avoid unintended negative consequences of policy actions. Globally, governments, financial institutions, and corporations have begun to incorporate natural capital accounting in their policies and practices. In the United States, universities, nongovernmental organizations, and federal agencies are actively collaborating to develop and apply ecosystem services concepts to further national environmental and economic objectives. Numerous federal agencies have begun incorporating these concepts into land use planning, water resources management, and preparations for, and responses to, climate change. Going forward, well-defined policy direction will be necessary to institutionalize ecosystem services approaches in federal agencies, as well as to guide intersector and interdisciplinary collaborative research and development efforts. In addition, a new generation of decision support tools are needed to further the practical application of ecosystem services principles in policymaking and commercial activities. Improved performance metrics are needed, as are mechanisms to monitor the status of ecosystem services and assess the environmental and economic impacts of policies and programs. A greater national and international financial commitment to advancing ecosystem services and natural capital accounting would likely have broad, long-term economic and environmental benefits.
Streptococcus pneumoniaesecretes hydrogen peroxide leading to DNA damage and apoptosis in lung cells
Authors: Rai Prashant , Parrish Marcus , Tay Ian Jun Jie , Li Na , Ackerman Shelley , He Fang , Kwang Jimmy , Chow Vincent T. , Engelward Bevin P.
Published: June 2015

Significance

Streptococcus pneumoniaeis the most common cause of pneumonia, a leading cause of death globally. Limitations in antibiotic efficacy and vaccines call attention to the need to develop our understanding of host–pathogen interactions to improve mitigation strategies. Here, we show that lung cells exposed toS. pneumoniaeare subject to DNA damage caused by hydrogen peroxide, which is secreted by strains ofS. pneumoniaethat carry the spxBgene. The observation thatS. pneumoniaesecretes hydrogen peroxide at genotoxic and cytotoxic levels is consistent with a model wherein host DNA damage and repair modulate pneumococcal pathogenicity.
Light-driven synchrony of
Prochlorococcus
growth and mortality in the subtropical Pacific gyre
Authors: Ribalet Francois , Swalwell Jarred , Clayton Sophie , Jiménez Valeria , Sudek Sebastian , Lin Yajuan , Johnson Zackary I. , Worden Alexandra Z. , Armbrust E. Virginia
Published: June 2015

Significance

The cyanobacterium
Prochlorococcus
is the most abundant photosynthetic organism in the oceans, driving marine food webs and biogeochemistry. Estimates of
Prochlorococcus
cell mortality and cell production are critical to determine how organic matter is transferred into the food web. Using novel high-resolution sampling methods on two winter-time cruises, we show that the daily production of
Prochlorococcus
cells in surface waters of the subtropical Pacific gyre is consistently balanced by their nightly consumption by other organisms. These synchronized loss processes suggest that
Prochlorococcus
-derived organic matter stabilizes multiple species interactions, from viruses to grazers. The observed resilience of this synchronized food web dynamic as temperature increased within the gyre suggests that ecosystem stability may persist in future warmer oceans.
Natural capital and ecosystem services informing decisions: From promise to practice
Authors: Guerry Anne D. , Polasky Stephen , Lubchenco Jane , Chaplin-Kramer Rebecca , Daily Gretchen C. , Griffin Robert , Ruckelshaus Mary , Bateman Ian J. , Duraiappah Anantha , Elmqvist Thomas , Feldman Marcus W. , Folke Carl , Hoekstra Jon , Kareiva Peter M. , Keeler Bonnie L. , Li Shuzhuo , McKenzie Emily , Ouyang Zhiyun , Reyers Belinda , Ricketts Taylor H. , Rockström Johan , Tallis Heather , Vira Bhaskar
Published: June 2015

The central challenge of the 21st century is to develop economic, social, and governance systems capable of ending poverty and achieving sustainable levels of population and consumption while securing the life-support systems underpinning current and future human well-being. Essential to meeting this challenge is the incorporation of natural capital and the ecosystem services it provides into decision-making. We explore progress and crucial gaps at this frontier, reflecting upon the 10 y since the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. We focus on three key dimensions of progress and ongoing challenges: raising awareness of the interdependence of ecosystems and human well-being, advancing the fundamental interdisciplinary science of ecosystem services, and implementing this science in decisions to restore natural capital and use it sustainably. Awareness of human dependence on nature is at an all-time high, the science of ecosystem services is rapidly advancing, and talk of natural capital is now common from governments to corporate boardrooms. However, successful implementation is still in early stages. We explore why ecosystem service information has yet to fundamentally change decision-making and suggest a path forward that emphasizes: (
i
) developing solid evidence linking decisions to impacts on natural capital and ecosystem services, and then to human well-being; (
ii
) working closely with leaders in government, business, and civil society to develop the knowledge, tools, and practices necessary to integrate natural capital and ecosystem services into everyday decision-making; and (
iii
) reforming institutions to change policy and practices to better align private short-term goals with societal long-term goals.
A century of sprawl in the United States
Authors: Barrington-Leigh Christopher , Millard-Ball Adam
Published: June 2015

Significance

Urban development patterns in the 20th century have been increasingly typified by urban sprawl, which exacerbates climate change, energy and material consumption, and public health challenges. We construct the first long-run, high-resolution time series of street-network sprawl in the United States. We find that even in the absence of a coordinated policy effort, new developments have already turned the corner toward less sprawl. Initial impacts on vehicle travel and greenhouse gas emissions will be modest given that the stock of streets changes slowly, but feedbacks are likely to mean that benefits compound in future years. Our publicly released data provide further opportunities for research on urban development and the social and environmental impacts of different urban forms.
A universal entropy-driven mechanism for thioredoxin–target recognition
Authors: Palde Prakash B. , Carroll Kate S.
Published: June 2015

Significance

Thioredoxin (Trx) is universally conserved thiol-oxidoreductase that regulates numerous cellular pathways under thiol-based redox control, and its activity is often upregulated in malignant cancer cells. Despite its central importance, the mechanism by which Trx recognizes its target proteins remains unknown. Herein, we address this longstanding question by investigating the noncovalent forces involved in Trx–target interactions. Using a combination of biochemical and quantitative biophysical methods, we identify favorable entropy as the major force in molecular recognition that drives target specificity. These findings, and others reported herein, afford considerable new insight into Trx–target recognition, which is critical to understanding its function in normal metabolism and represents a fundamental step toward the development of new pharmacological strategies to address redox-related disorders.
Cortical instability drives periodic supracellular actin pattern formation in epithelial tubes
Authors: Hannezo Edouard , Dong Bo , Recho Pierre , Joanny Jean-François , Hayashi Shigeo
Published: June 2015

Significance

Robust pattern formation is a ubiquitous question of developmental biology. In 1952, Turing proposed in a seminal paper that this could be achieved by a hydrodynamical instability of two diffusing species reacting with each other, but direct experimental evidence of how a mechanism is implemented biologically is still lacking. In this paper, we show by a combination of experiment and theory that the actin cytoskeleton, one of the main force-producing mechanisms in biology, has the property to self-organize into regular supracellular patterns in vivo in
Drosophila
. We show that the wavelength of the pattern depends on the physical properties of the gel and can be modified experimentally.
Mediation of donor–acceptor distance in an enzymatic methyl transfer reaction
Authors: Zhang Jianyu , Kulik Heather J. , Martinez Todd J. , Klinman Judith P.
Published: June 2015

Significance

During the past 30 years, the methyl transfer community has attempted to find the molecular origin of the methyltransferases’ catalytic power. This report describes a combination of experimental and computational studies of enzymatic methyl transfer catalyzed by catechol-O-methyltransferase and its mutants at position Tyr68. The results show structural and dynamical differences between WT and mutants, as well as a role for substrate ionization in the generation of active site compaction. For the first time, to our knowledge, we are able to show a trend in donor–acceptor distance in the ground state that can be correlated with catalytic efficiency. This work provides an important step forward and a clear new direction for understanding enzymatic methyl transfer.
Influence of support morphology on the bonding of molecules to nanoparticles
Authors: Yim Chi Ming , Pang Chi L. , Hermoso Diego R. , Dover Coinneach M. , Muryn Christopher A. , Maccherozzi Francesco , Dhesi Sarnjeet S. , Pérez Rubén , Thornton Geoff
Published: June 2015

Significance

Supported metal nanoparticles often exhibit properties differing from those of their single-crystal counterparts. There have been several suggested explanations for this, including quantum size effects, strong metal support interactions, and some interplay between facets. In this article, we show that the support morphology can also have a decisive role in the nanoparticle properties. Using scanning tunneling microscopy, we show that Pd nanocrystals formed across steps of a TiO2support have a curved top facet, where unusual adsorption behavior of CO is found. Calculations suggest that the different adsorption behavior arises from strain originating in the curved top facet. Our observations open the way for the tailoring of nanoparticle functionality by tuning the morphology of the support.
Amorphous oxide alloys as interfacial layers with broadly tunable electronic structures for organic photovoltaic cells
Authors: Zhou Nanjia , Kim Myung-Gil , Loser Stephen , Smith Jeremy , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Guo Xugang , Song Charles , Jin Hosub , Chen Zhihua , Yoon Seok Min , Freeman Arthur J. , Chang Robert P. H. , Facchetti Antonio , Marks Tobin J.
Published: June 2015

Significance

The development of system-independent and non–material-specific interfacial layers (IFLs) to facilitate efficient charge collection is of crucial importance for organic photovoltaic (OPV) cell performance. Here we report a broadly applicable IFL design strategy using solution-processed amorphous oxide semiconductors where their energetics can be tuned by varying the elemental composition without varying the surface chemistry. Based on the energetic requirements of specific organic active layers, these oxides can be readily designed with dialed-in energy levels. Using OPV solar cells as a test bed, we use a broad series of photoactive bulk heterojunction materials to demonstrate the effectiveness of these electronically tunable oxides for optimizing the performance of diverse OPV material sets.
Elites, power and ideology in Algeria: between state-building and political change
Authors: Bensaid Mourad , Ziani Salah
Published: June 2015

This paper analyses the relationship between the elites and the ruling authority in Algeria and the influence of ideology on the development of this relationship through a study of the roles undertaken by the elites from independence to today. The Algerian elites and the ruling authority participated together in building the Algerian state, after which relations between the two parties cooled, so political conditions in Algeria had to follow a trajectory similar to that of other Arab countries. This will transform the concerns of the elites, now merely political decor for legitimatizing the ruling authority within a nation-building strategy, into real agents in the political process, thereby guaranteeing political change and allowing the political map in Algeria to be redrawn. However, concerns have arisen about the distinct role and attitude of the Algerian elites towards issues of political change, especially within the scope of the so-called ‘Arab Spring revolutions’. Therefore, the stages in the process of democratic transition require careful attention to avoid any relapse that may obstruct and destroy the transition, preventing the complete metamorphosis to democracy. That is contingent on the role of the elites who are steering the transition, since they embody the popular will by granting the masses an opportunity to choose the political system that suits them. It is the elites’ historical responsibility for leading this difficult stage in the history of a nation which is considering taking its fate into its own hands.
On the martingale problem for degenerate-parabolic partial differential operators with unbounded coefficients and a mimicking theorem for Itô processes
Authors: Feehan Paul , Pop Camelia
Published: June 2015

Using results from a companion article by the authors (J. Differential Equations 254 (2013), 4401–4445) on a Schauder approach to existence of solutions to a degenerate-parabolic partial differential equation, we solve three intertwined problems, motivated by probability theory and mathematical finance, concerning degenerate diffusion processes. We show that the martingale problem associated with a degenerate-elliptic differential operator with unbounded, locally Hölder continuous coefficients on a half-space is well-posed in the sense of Stroock and Varadhan. Second, we prove existence, uniqueness, and the strong Markov property for weak solutions to a stochastic differential equation with degenerate diffusion and unbounded coefficients with suitable Hölder continuity properties. Third, for an Itô process with degenerate diffusion and unbounded but appropriately regular coefficients, we prove existence of a strong Markov process, unique in the sense of probability law, whose one-dimensional marginal probability distributions match those of the given Itô process.
m-Health adoption by healthcare professionals: a systematic review
Authors: Gagnon Marie-Pierre , Ngangue Patrice , Payne-Gagnon Julie , Desmartis Marie
Published: June 2015

Objective The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize current knowledge of the factors influencing healthcare professional adoption of mobile health (m-health) applications.

Methods Covering a period from 2000 to 2014, we conducted a systematic literature search on four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychInfo). We also consulted references from included studies. We included studies if they reported the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding barriers and facilitators to m-health utilization, if they were published in English, Spanish, or French and if they presented an empirical study design (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods). Two authors independently assessed study quality and performed content analysis using a validated extraction grid with pre-established categorization of barriers and facilitators.

Results The search strategy led to a total of 4223 potentially relevant papers, of which 33 met the inclusion criteria. Main perceived adoption factors to m-health at the individual, organizational, and contextual levels were the following: perceived usefulness and ease of use, design and technical concerns, cost, time, privacy and security issues, familiarity with the technology, risk-benefit assessment, and interaction with others (colleagues, patients, and management).

Conclusion This systematic review provides a set of key elements making it possible to understand the challenges and opportunities for m-health utilization by healthcare providers.
Performance Budgeting: Incentives and Social Waste From Window Dressing
Authors: Bischoff Ivo , Blaeschke Frédéric
Published: June 2015

Performance budgeting schemes in the public sector have to operate with imperfect performance measures. We argue that these imperfections generate incentives for the potential recipients of performance-based funds to use up resources in socially wasteful window dressing. Using a theoretical model, we analyze the trade-off between the efficiency-enhancing effect of performance budgeting (PB) and the social waste it induces. We show that the social waste from window dressing may outweigh the gains from PB. This social waste provides an explanation for the mixed empirical evidence concerning the impact of PB on public sector performance. We provide first guidance on how to assess window dressing and its consequences in future empirical studies.
Trichomegaly Induced by Cetuximab: Case Series and Review the Literature
Authors: Koksal Ulkuhan I. , Pilanci Kezban N. , Ordu Cetin , Okutur Kerem , Saglam Sezer , Demir Gokhan
Published: June 2015

Trichomegaly is a rare side effect of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors. We present here 4 patients who treated with cetuximab (an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor) for metastatic colorectal cancer. All of the cases were treated with cetuximab 500 mg/m2 biweekly in combination protocol. The mean period from the start of the treatment until the development the trichomegaly was 4.75 (3–6) months. In all of the patients after the end of the cetuximab therapy, trichomegaly was regressed. Only 1 case resolved with topical treatment that conjunctivitis with trichomegaly. Trichomegaly is an important ocular toxicity of cetuximab that can cause visual discomfort and corneal damages. However, these side effects usually do not require discontinuation of treatment.
Morphometry of the Greater Palatal Canal in Adult Skulls
Authors: Soto Reinaldo A. , Cáceres Felipe , Vera Cristóbal
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in dry skulls the length and angle between the greater palatine foramen and the foramen rotundum in both the frontal and sagittal planes. In 50 human skulls from the department of morphology, the distance and angulation required to reach the foramen rotundum through the greater palatine canal were measured in the frontal and sagittal planes. A stylet was introduced up to the foramen rotundum in each greater palatine canal and fixed. The skulls were then photographed from a front and lateral view (both right and left). Finally, the stylets were photographed on graph paper. These images were analyzed with Photoshop software. In the frontal plane, mean angulations of 5.32 degrees on the right side and 6.15 degrees on the left side were obtained. In the sagittal plane, mean angulations of 61.66 degrees on the right side and 61.81 degrees on the left side were obtained. Finally, the mean length required to reach the foramen rotundum was 31.95 mm on the right side and 32.49 mm on the left side. Some of these results differ from those stated in the foreign literature (10 degrees front, 70 degrees sagittal). These differences should be considered for both clinical practice and teaching in Chile.
A Technique for Preoperative Identification of the Facial Nerve Mandibular Branch Using a Nerve Stimulator
Authors: Ijichi Kei , Adachi Makoto , Hamajima Yuki , Murakami Shingo
Published: June 2015

We established the method of preoperative identification to facial nerve marginal mandibular branch (FNMB) identification using a nerve stimulator with bipolar probe for upper-neck surgery. The bipolar electrode is placed on the region while patients were awake; the patient should be in the same position and posture as during the surgery, with the neck skin stretched. A nerve course is confirmed by observing the movement of the lower lip. In this study, 5 upper-neck surgeries were conducted. Preoperative analysis revealed that 4 of the 5 cases had 2 branches of FNMB, and 1 with 3 branches. All FNMB immediately confirmed preoperatively were identified during surgery. We performed this method in much surgery including the surgery of the upper neck. It was easy to identify the facial nerve by this method and came to be able to do it precisely, and an operative time was shortened. We concluded that the preoperative FNMB identification using a nerve stimulator is most useful and benefit for upper-neck surgery patients and lead to avoid lower lip paralysis.
NSAID Use and Incident Cognitive Impairment in a Population-based Cohort
Authors: Wichmann Margarete A. , Cruickshanks Karen J. , Carlsson Cynthia M. , Chappell Rick , Fischer Mary E. , Klein Barbara E.K. , Klein Ronald , Schubert Carla R.
Published: June 2015

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may prevent dementia, but previous studies have yielded conflicting results. This study estimated the association of prior NSAID use with incident cognitive impairment in the population-based Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (EHLS, n=2422 without cognitive impairment in 1998-2000). Prospectively collected medication data from 1988-1990, 1993-1995, and 1998-2000 were used to categorize NSAID use history at the cognitive baseline (1998-2000). Aspirin use and nonaspirin NSAID use were separately examined. Cox regression models were used to estimate the associations between NSAID use history at baseline and incident cognitive impairment in 2003-2005 or 2009-2010. Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate associations with a second outcome, mild cognitive impairment/dementia, available in 2009-2010. Participants using aspirin at baseline but not 5 years prior were more likely to develop cognitive impairment (adjusted hazard ratio=1.77; 95% confidence interval=1.11, 2.82; model 2), with nonsignificant associations for longer term use. Nonaspirin NSAID use was not associated with incident cognitive impairment or mild cognitive impairment/dementia odds. These results provided no evidence to support a potential protective effect of NSAIDs against dementia.
Spatial modelling of type II diabetes outcomes: a systematic review of approaches used
Authors: Baker Jannah , White Nicole , Mengersen Kerrie
Published: June 2015

With the rising incidence of type II diabetes mellitus (DM II) worldwide, methods to identify high-risk geographical areas have become increasingly important. In this comprehensive review following Cochrane Collaboration guidelines, we outline spatial methods, outcomes and covariates used in all spatial studies involving outcomes of DM II. A total of 1894 potentially relevant citations were identified. Studies were included if spatial methods were used to explore outcomes of DM II or type I and 2 diabetes combined. Descriptive tables were used to summarize information from included studies. Ten spatial studies conducted in the USA, UK and Europe met selection criteria. Three studies used Bayesian generalized linear mixed modelling (GLMM), three used classic generalized linear modelling, one used classic GLMM, two used geographic information systems mapping tools and one compared case:provider ratios across regions. Spatial studies have been effective in identifying high-risk areas and spatial factors associated with DM II outcomes in the USA, UK and Europe, and would be useful in other parts of the world for allocation of additional services to detect and manage DM II early.
Isothermal pumping analysis for high-altitude tethered balloons
Authors: Kuo Kirsty A. , Hunt Hugh E. M.
Published: June 2015

High-altitude tethered balloons have potential applications in communications, surveillance, meteorological observations and climate engineering. To maintain balloon buoyancy, power fuel cells and perturb atmospheric conditions, fluids could be pumped from ground level to altitude using the tether as a hose. This paper examines the pumping requirements of such a delivery system. Cases considered include delivery of hydrogen, sulfur dioxide (SO2) and powders as fluid-based slurries. Isothermal analysis is used to determine the variation of pressures and velocities along the pipe length. Results show that transport of small quantities of hydrogen to power fuel cells and maintain balloon buoyancy can be achieved at pressures and temperatures that are tolerable in terms of both the pipe strength and the current state of pumping technologies. To avoid solidification, transport of SO2would require elevated temperatures that cannot be tolerated by the strength fibres in the pipe. While the use of particle-based slurries rather than SO2for climate engineering can reduce the pipe size significantly, the pumping pressures are close to the maximum bursting pressure of the pipe.
Consistent individual differences in haemolymph density reflect risk propensity in a marine invertebrate
Authors: Fürtbauer Ines
Published: June 2015

While the literature on consistent individual differences in correlated suites of physiological and behavioural traits is steadily growing for vertebrates, invertebrates have received less attention. The few studies that do exist have measured temporary physiological states (or responses), rather than consistent individual physiological traits. Here, I explore the consistency of individual differences in physiology and behaviour of
n
=53 shore crabs (
Carcinus maenas
) by repeatedly measuring haemolymph density (HD) and the crabs' responses to a novel environment. In crustaceans, HD is directly proportional to protein concentrations, and thus indicative of physiological condition. HD was highly repeatable, and crabs showed consistent individual differences in their behavioural responses to a novel environment, thus indicating individual consistency in both physiology and behaviour. Furthermore, HD was significantly correlated with the crabs' risk propensity, i.e. individuals with higher HD spent more time near shelter. Overall, this provides the first evidence for consistency in an endogenous physiological trait in an invertebrate. The link between consistent physiology and behaviour, i.e. coping styles, analogous to those found in vertebrates, suggests metabolic and/or immunological correlates of personality which offer great potential for future studies.
Towards a ‘siliconeural computer’: technological successes and challenges
Authors: Hughes Mark A. , Shipston Mike J. , Murray Alan F.
Published: June 2015

Electronic signals govern the function of both nervous systems and computers, albeit in different ways. As such, hybridizing both systems to create an iono-electric brain–computer interface is a realistic goal; and one that promises exciting advances in both heterotic computing and neuroprosthetics capable of circumventing devastating neuropathology. ‘Neural networks’ were, in the 1980s, viewed naively as a potential panacea for all computational problems that did not fit well with conventional computing. The field bifurcated during the 1990s into a highly successful and much more realistic machine learning community and an equally pragmatic, biologically oriented ‘neuromorphic computing’ community. Algorithms found in nature that use the non-synchronous, spiking nature of neuronal signals have been found to be (i) implementable efficiently in silicon and (ii) computationally useful. As a result, interest has grown in techniques that could create mixed ‘siliconeural’ computers. Here, we discuss potential approaches and focus on one particular platform using parylene-patterned silicon dioxide.
Chemical computing with reaction–diffusion processes
Authors: Gorecki J. , Gizynski K. , Guzowski J. , Gorecka J. N. , Garstecki P. , Gruenert G. , Dittrich P.
Published: June 2015

Chemical reactions are responsible for information processing in living organisms. It is believed that the basic features of biological computing activity are reflected by a reaction–diffusion medium. We illustrate the ideas of chemical information processing considering the Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction and its photosensitive variant. The computational universality of information processing is demonstrated. For different methods of information coding constructions of the simplest signal processing devices are described. The function performed by a particular device is determined by the geometrical structure of oscillatory (or of excitable) and non-excitable regions of the medium. In a living organism, the brain is created as a self-grown structure of interacting nonlinear elements and reaches its functionality as the result of learning. We discuss whether such a strategy can be adopted for generation of chemical information processing devices. Recent studies have shown that lipid-covered droplets containing solution of reagents of BZ reaction can be transported by a flowing oil. Therefore, structures of droplets can be spontaneously formed at specific non-equilibrium conditions, for example forced by flows in a microfluidic reactor. We describe how to introduce information to a droplet structure, track the information flow inside it and optimize medium evolution to achieve the maximum reliability. Applications of droplet structures for classification tasks are discussed.
Overcoming analytical reliability issues in clinical proteomics using rank-based network approaches
Authors: Bin Goh Wilson Wen , Wong Limsoon
Published: June 2015

Proteomics is poised to play critical roles in clinical research. However, due to limited coverage and high noise, integration with powerful analysis algorithms is necessary. In particular, network-based algorithms can improve selection of reproducible features in spite of incomplete proteome coverage, technical inconsistency or high inter-sample variability. We define analytical reliability on three benchmarks --- precision/recall rates, feature-selection stability and cross-validation accuracy. Using these, we demonstrate the insufficiencies of commonly used Student’s t-test and Hypergeometric enrichment. Given advances in sample sizes, quantitation accuracy and coverage, we are now able to introduce and evaluate Ranked-Based Network Approaches (RBNAs) for the first time in proteomics. These include SNET (SubNETwork), FSNET (FuzzySNET), PFSNET (PairedFSNET). We also introduce for the first time, PPFSNET(samplePairedPFSNET), which is a paired-sample variant of PFSNET. RBNAs (particularly PFSNET and PPFSNET) excelled on all three benchmarks and can make consistent and reproducible predictions even in the small-sample size scenario (n=4). Given these qualities, RBNAs represent an important advancement in network biology, and is expected to see practical usage, particularly in clinical biomarker and drug target prediction.
An accurate genetic clock
Authors: Hamilton David
Published: June 2015

Our method for “Time to most recent common ancestor” TMRCA of genetic trees for the first time deals with natural selection by apriori mathematics and not as a random factor. Bioprocesses such as “kin selection” generate a few overrepresented “singular lineages” while almost all other lineages terminate. This non-uniform branching gives greatly exaggerated TMRCA with current methods. Thus we introduce an inhomogenous stochastic process which will detect singular lineages by asymmetries, whose “reduction” then gives true TMRCA. Reduction implies younger TMRCA, with smaller errors. This gives a new phylogenetic method for computing mutation rates, with results similar to “pedigree” (meiosis) data. Despite these low rates, reduction implies younger TMRCA, with smaller errors. We establish accuracy by a comparison across a wide range of time, indeed this is only y-clock giving consistent results for 500-15,000 ybp. In particular we show that the dominant European y-haplotypes R1a1a & R1b1a2, expand from c3700BC, not reaching Anatolia before c3300BC. This contradicts current clocks dating R1b1a2 to either the Neolithic Near East or Paleo-Europe. However our dates match R1a1a & R1b1a2 found in Yamnaya cemetaries of c3300BC by Svante Pääbo et al, together proving R1a1a & R1b1a2 originates in the Russian Steppes.
General Electric: how GE worked to transform oncology healthcare in the Kingdom
Authors: Balakrishnan Melodena Stephens , Moonesar Immanuel Azaad
Published: June 2015

Subject area

Health Management and Leadership, Marketing Social Causes, Strategy, International Business.

Study level/applicability

Post-graduates, Practitioners.

Case overview

General Electric has been operating in the Middle East, North Africa (MENA) region for over a century. GE is committed to corporate citizenship having launched ecomagination in 2005 and healthymagination in 2009. For sustainability, GE believes that both innovation and localization are critical. This case deals with contextualization of breast cancer campaign for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through healthymagination. Rania Rostom, Communications Director, Middle East, North Africa and Turkey region, GE, reviews the campaign implemented and looks at roll-out across the MENA region. The situation is unique, as breast cancer strikes women in the region ten years earlier than the West, and the cultural context does not allow the discussion of the topic in public. One of the peculiarities of this region was the high penetration of social media and its large adoption rate by the young. GE used a unique Facebook campaign to drive awareness on the topic, encourage screening appointments, seek treatment and reduce the discomfort associated with the process.

Expected learning outcomes

On completion of utilizing the case study as an exercise, students should be able to gain case-specific skills – critically examine the importance of the consumer behavior, health marketing, marketing strategy and aspects of international business in the Middle East, KSA, in particular, and demonstrate this by analyzing real regional/world examples using complex theoretical frameworks; identify examples of best practice and explain the dynamics toward consumer behavior, health marketing, marketing strategy, international business with reference to a range of theoretical models and apply these in a meaningful way to the MENA region – discipline-specific skills – synthesize and critically evaluate a corpus of academic literature and government reports on consumer behavior, health marketing, marketing strategy, international business – and personal and key skills – reflect on the process of learning and undertake independent/self-directed learning (including time management) to achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment; work as a participant or leader of a group and contribute effectively to the achievement of objectives in the field of consumer behavior, health marketing, marketing strategy, international business.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Lammtara Pictures: creating a cultural entertainment organization – the way forwards
Authors: Balakrishnan Melodena Stephens
Published: June 2015

Subject area

Entrepreneurship and strategy.

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate and graduates.

Case overview

This is a case that can be used to teach advanced undergraduate classes or lower-level master's level classes in the areas of strategy, leadership and entrepreneurship. The case will appeal to SMEs, policymakers in the area of entrepreneurship funding, incubators and other funding firms associated with entrepreneurs.

Expected learning outcomes

As the case is specific to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – it can be used to study UAE or the Middle East North Africa region. Ideally, students should be encouraged to read up on the region/country prior to studies. They should also understand the need and state of entrepreneurship in the region.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
PepsiCo MEA: the role of packaging in brand activation
Authors: Balakrishnan Melodena Stephens
Published: June 2015

Subject area

Marketing, International Business, Strategy, Packaging, Promotion.

Study level/applicability

Graduate students.

Case overview

This case is recommended to master's students studying consumer behaviour, products strategy, brand activation and international business. Practitioners in the food industry, design and advertising industry may also find this case interesting. Policymakers looking at mobility of products across borders may also consider this case interesting.

Expected learning outcomes

This paper explains the role of packaging in brand and product strategy; describes how packaging can give a competitive advantage in the fast-moving consumer goods category; relates consumer insights to strategy using packaging to achieve market objectives like penetration, market share increase, engagement and loyalty.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
RedBus: looking up to the clouds
Authors: Dastidar Surajit Ghosh , Thakurta Rahul
Published: June 2015

Subject area

The case can be introduced in the information technology (IT) strategy course. The case can also fit well in courses like emergent technologies where the case forms the vehicle to show how cloud-based solutions can provide leverage to an organization.

Study level/applicability

The case is aligned more for management participants, for example, students who are enrolled in master's or executive program in management. Considering the master's program in management, the case can be introduced in the IT strategy course. The case can also fit well in courses like emergent technologies where the case forms the vehicle to show how cloud-based solutions can provide leverage to an organization. Assignment questions addressed below are designed from the perspective of teaching this case to a business student audience. The case could certainly be adjusted to fit the needs of students in more technical disciplines.

Case overview

Set in March 2009, Charan Padmaraju, the CTO of redBus was grappling with his companies IT infrastructure and scalability issues. He was considering cloud computing as a solution to all his worries. redBus was founded in August 2006 as a bus ticketing company in India. From INR 50 lakhs of gross bookings in their first financial year 2006-07 to an estimated INR 300 million in gross bookings in the financial year ending 2008-09, redBus had registered phenomenal growth. From selling 10 tickets a day, it now sold more than 4,000 tickets a day for more than 5,000 routes across 15 states in India. However, the IT infrastructure of redBus could not match up with their business needs and required frequent upgrades. Charan thought “The procurement of new servers, upgrading existing servers and most of the developer's time went into circumventing scaling issues which were not adding values to our core business.” He wondered “Can cloud computing be an answer to all my worries? “But what exactly is cloud computing? Will it solve my existing scalability issues? How reliable it is? Is it expensive? What is the time for deployment?”

Expected learning outcomes

To understand what is a business model; to appreciate the technical issues related to business expansion decisions; to explain the concepts behind cloud based solutions; and to demonstrate how adoption of the cloud solution can enable an organization to achieve competitive advantage.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
GEZ petrol station: CVP analysis and spread sheet modelling for planning and decision making
Authors: Ku Ismail Ku Nor Izah , Wan Hussin Wan Nordin , Salleh Mat Supian
Published: June 2015

Subject area

Management Accounting and Financial Modelling.

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate and post-graduated levels.

Case overview

Aiman, the Area Manager of GEZ Berhad, realised the importance for petrol station operators to have an understanding of fundamental management accounting concepts such as cost behaviour and cost–volume–profit (CVP) analysis. He also believed that the petrol station operators should be proficient in using Microsoft Excel functionality and able to construct “intelligent” financial model with extended sensitivity analysis. Being a manager responsible for training the petrol station operators, Aiman would like to introduce the CVP concepts and spreadsheet model-building process to the petrol station operators, to aid them in planning and decision making. To construct the Excel spreadsheet model, Aiman sought the assistance of Rizal, a university lecturer in accounting, who in turn gathered the relevant operational and financial data from Baron Service Station, a typical petrol station under GEZ stable. The model should be flexible enough to allow the petrol station operator to anticipate, for example: What will happen to overall profitability of the petrol station if the fuel prices go up? What is the minimum volume of fuel that needed to be sold to break even? How much extra profit can be generated if credit card sale is reduced? and Is it viable to install an automated teller machines (ATM) kiosk and incurring administrative charges from bank to lure more customers to visit the petrol station? As the petrol station sells multiple products (petrol, diesel and convenience goods), the owner is also interested to know which product lines are the most and least profitable. Thus, the model should be able to generate segmented income statement with appropriate allocation of the common fixed costs to the each of the products.

Expected learning - outcomes

The case discussion is intended to achieve the following learning outcomes: students are able to prepare a financial model which include a segmented contribution income statement based on the information on product mix; students are able to calculate the break-even point and distinguish between fixed and variable costs; students are able to differentiate between traceable fixed costs and common fixed costs; students are able to build a financial model that is sufficiently flexible to allow various what if analysis to be performed; and students are able to use what if analysis tools in Excel such as Goal Seek and Data Tables.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Higher educational institutes as learning organizations for employer branding
Authors: LENKA USHA , CHAWLA SANIYA
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Contemporary organizations emphasize upon continuous learning to be able to face the environmental dynamism and further build a learning organization. The purpose of this paper is to reflect the conceptual framework of learning organization, integrating variables at individual, team, and organizational levels.

Design/methodology/approach

– The framework has been devised through the review of literature from 1950s to 2014 using the databases of EBSCO, Emerald, Proquest, Science Direct, and Scopus to ensure the reliability.

Findings

– The variables are resonant leadership style, knowledge management, intrapreneurship, total quality management (TQM), and supportive learning culture. Resonant leaders are emotionally intelligent leaders who evoke positive emotions among their subordinates through setting an example, ensuring mindfulness, hope, and compassion. Knowledge management is basically creating, transferring, maintaining, and organizing knowledge in organizational repositories. Intrapreneurship is the initiative and risk taken by the employees. TQM is a management practice that promotes total involvement, continuous improvement, and reflexive decisions taken by team members. Supportive learning culture pushes individuals toward a common goal, which is further facilitated, by open communication, affective and cognitive trust, and organic structure. These factors pose as enablers to foster continuous learning among employees. A learning organization, therefore, can establish a strong employer brand by enhancing employees’ emotional attachment and further aides’ attraction and retention of talent.

Originality/value

– So far, all these important variables have been ignored in the academic literature especially in the context of educational institutes as learning organizations. Also, there is a void in academic literature with respect to integrated model of learning organization. In this way, the paper tries to fill the gap by developing a conceptual framework of learning organization, followed by discussion and managerial implications.