bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospital-level Variation in Utilization of Surgery for Clinical Stage I-II Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Swords Douglas S. , Mulvihill Sean J. , Skarda David E. , Finlayson Samuel R. G. , Stoddard Gregory J. , Ott Mark J. , Firpo Matthew A. , Scaife Courtney L.
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To (1) evaluate rates of surgery for clinical stage I-II pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), (2) identify predictors of not undergoing surgery, (3) quantify the degree to which patient- and hospital-level factors explain differences in hospital surgery rates, and (4) evaluate the association between adjusted hospital-specific surgery rates and overall survival (OS) of patients treated at different hospitals.

Background:

Curative-intent surgery for potentially resectable PDAC is underutilized in the United States.

Methods:

Retrospective cohort study of patients ≤85 years with clinical stage I-II PDAC in the 2004 to 2014 National Cancer Database. Mixed effects multivariable models were used to characterize hospital-level variation across quintiles of hospital surgery rates. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the effect of adjusted hospital surgery rates on OS.

Results:

Of 58,553 patients without contraindications or refusal of surgery, 63.8% underwent surgery, and the rate decreased from 2299/3528 (65.2%) in 2004 to 4412/7092 (62.2%) in 2014 (P < 0.001). Adjusted hospital rates of surgery varied 6-fold (11.4%–70.9%). Patients treated at hospitals with higher rates of surgery had better unadjusted OS (median OS 10.2, 13.3, 14.2, 16.5, and 18.4 months in quintiles 1–5, respectively, P < 0.001, log-rank). Treatment at hospitals in lower surgery rate quintiles 1–3 was independently associated with mortality [Hazard ratio (HR) 1.10 (1.01, 1.21), HR 1.08 (1.02, 1.15), and HR 1.09 (1.04, 1.14) for quintiles 1–3, respectively, compared with quintile 5] after adjusting for patient factors, hospital type, and hospital volume.

Conclusions:

Quality improvement efforts are needed to help hospitals with low rates of surgery ensure that their patients have access to appropriate surgery.
Cell-free andin vivocharacterization of Lux, Las, and Rpa quorum activation systems inE. coli
Authors: Halleran Andrew D. , Murray Richard M.
Published: July 2017

Synthetic biologists have turned towards quorum systems as a path for building sophisticated microbial consortia that exhibit group decision making. Currently, however, even the most complex consortium circuits rely on only one or two quorum sensing systems, greatly restricting the available design space. High-throughput characterization of available quorum sensing systems is useful for finding compatible sets of systems that are suitable for a defined circuit architecture. Recently, cell–free systems have gained popularity as a test-bed for rapid prototyping of genetic circuitry.

We take advantage of the transcription-translation cell-free system to characterize three commonly used Lux-type quorum activators, Lux, Las, and Rpa. We then compare the cell-free characterization to results obtainedin vivo.We find significant genetic crosstalk in both the Las and Rpa systems and substantial signal crosstalk in Lux activation. We show that cell-free characterization predicts crosstalk observedin vivo.
Toward leveraging big data in human functional connectomics: Generalization of brain graphs across scanners, sessions, and paradigms
Authors: Cao Hengyi , McEwen Sarah C. , Bearden Carrie E. , Addington Jean , Goodyear Bradley , Cadenhead Kristin S. , Mirzakhanian Heline , Cornblatt Barbara A. , Olvet Doreen M. , Mathalon Daniel H. , McGlashan Thomas H. , Perkins Diana O. , Belger Aysenil , Seidman Larry J. , Thermenos Heidi , Tsuang Ming T. , van Erp Theo G.M. , Walker Elaine F. , Hamann Stephan , Woods Scott W. , Cannon Tyrone D.
Published: July 2017

While graph theoretical modeling has dramatically advanced our understanding of complex brain systems, the feasibility of aggregating brain graphic data in large imaging consortia remains unclear. Here, using a battery of cognitive, emotional and resting fMRI paradigms, we investigated the reproducibility of functional connectomic measures across multiple sites and sessions. Our results revealed overall fair to excellent reliability for a majority of measures during both rest and tasks, in particular for those quantifying connectivity strength, network segregation and network integration. Higher reliabilities were detected for cognitive tasks (vs rest) and for weighted networks (vs binary networks). While network diagnostics for several primary functional systems were consistently reliable independently of paradigm, those for cognitive-emotional systems were reliable predominantly when challenged by task. Different data aggregation approaches yielded significantly different reliability. In addition, we showed that after accounting for observed reliability, satisfactory statistical power can be achieved in the multisite context with a total sample size of approximately 250 when the effect size is at least moderate. Our findings provide direct evidence for the generalizability of brain graphs for both resting and task paradigms in large consortia and encourage the use of multisite, multisession scans to enhance power for human functional connectomic studies.
Predicting serious rare adverse reactions of novel chemicals
Authors: Poleksic Aleksandar , Xie Lei
Published: July 2017

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are one of the main causes of death and a major financial burden on the world’s economy. Due to the limitations of the animal model, computational prediction of serious, rare ADRs is invaluable. However, current state-of-the-art computational methods do not yield significantly better predictions of rare ADRs than random guessing. We present a novel method, based on the theory of “compressed sensing”, which can accurately predict serious side-effects of candidate and market drugs. Not only is our method able to infer new chemical-ADR associations using existing noisy, biased, and incomplete databases, but our data also demonstrates that the accuracy of our approach in predicting a serious adverse reaction (ADR) for a candidate drug increases with increasing knowledge of other ADRs associated with the drug. In practice, this means that as the candidate drug moves up the different stages of clinical trials, the prediction accuracy of our method will increase accordingly. Thus, the compressed sensing based computational method reported here represents a major advance in predicting severe rare ADRs, and may facilitate reducing the time and cost of drug discovery and development.
Assessing Runs of Homozygosity: A comparison of SNP Array and Whole Genome Sequence low coverage data
Authors: Ceballos Francisco C. , Hazelhurst Scott , Ramsay Michèle
Published: July 2017

Runs of Homozygosity (ROH) are sequences that arise when identical haplotypes are inherited from each parent. Since their first detection due to technological advances in the late 1990s, ROHs have been shedding light on human population history and deciphering the genetic basis of monogenic and complex traits and diseases. ROH studies have predominantly exploited SNP array data, but are gradually moving to whole genome sequence (WGS) data as it becomes available. WGS data, covering more genetic variability, can add value to ROH studies, but require additional considerations during analysis. Using SNP array and low coverage WGS data from 1885 individuals from 20 world populations, our aims were to compare ROH from the two datasets and to establish software conditions to get comparable results, thus providing guidelines for combining disparate datasets in joint ROH analyses. Using the PLINK Homozygosity functions, we found that by allowing 3 heterozygous SNPs per window when dealing with WGS low coverage data, it is possible to establish meaningful comparisons between data using the two technologies.
Rapid, parallel identification of pathways for catabolism of lignin-derived aromatic compounds
Authors: Cecil Jacob H. , Michener Joshua K.
Published: July 2017

This manuscript has been authored by UT-Battelle, LLC under Contract No. DE-AC05-00OR22725 with the U.S. Department of Energy. The United States Government retains and the publisher, by accepting the article for publication, acknowledges that the United States Government retains a non-exclusive, paid-up, irrevocable, world-wide license to publish or reproduce the published form of this manuscript, or allow others to do so, for United States Government purposes. The Department of Energy will provide public access to these results of federally sponsored research in accordance with the DOE Public Access Plan (http://energy.gov/downloads/doe-public-access-plan).
Geospatial statistics of high field functional MRI reveals topographical clustering for binocular stereo depth in early visual cortex
Authors: Parker A.J. , Coullon G. S. L. , Sanchez-Panchuelo R. M. , Francis S.T. , Clare S. , Kay D.A. , Duff E. P. , Minini L. , Jbabdi S. , Schluppeck D. , Bridge H.
Published: July 2017

Significance statement

Functional topography is present throughout the cerebral cortex, often in the form of columns or clusters of neurons with similar functional properties within identified cortical regions. Most of the evidence for these structures comes from work with non-human species. Using high-field strength magnetic resonance imaging in living human cortex, the search for this structure is frustrated by the presence of a background of local spatial correlations in the signal across the cortical surface. This structured background, which we term ‘neural dust’, is a form of noise that imposes a fundamental limit on the detection of clustering and topography. We apply a novel analysis approach that quantifies the background of spatial correlations, so that we achieve reliable identification of high-signal clusters of activation in the human cortex at a scale previously only visible with invasive optical imaging in animals. We searched specifically in visual cortex for correlates of binocular stereoscopic depth. We show both that signals for stereoscopic depth are clustered into specific zones within the cortex and that these signals occur within spatially extended cortical domains, which have similar preferences for the stereoscopic depth. The revealed structures are reliably identified in all subjects tested and in repeated testing of individual subjects. Our methods provide an objective approach for defining the size and locations of clusters of activation within functional images of neural activity.

A characteristic principle of the organization of cerebral neocortex is the presence of clusters or columns of neurons with similar functional properties. Animals with forward-facing eyes exploit slight differences between the images in the two eyes to determine binocular depth using stereopsis. Evidence for an organized structure in human visual cortex for the representation of stereoscopic depth has proved elusive. Using 7-tesla functional MRI, with gradient-echo echo-planar imaging at 0.75 mm isotropic resolution and a novel analytical approach based on geospatial mapping methods, we find that clustered responses for disparity-defined depth can be clearly segregated from a background of spatially correlated signals in all subjects tested. High-signal clusters are associated with cortical domains as large as 12-15mm across the cortical surface, in which nearby points in the cortical map tend to respond to the same stereoscopic depth. These domains are found predominantly within visual cortical area V3A.
Adaptive evolution of animal proteins over development: support for the Darwin selection opportunity hypothesis of Evo-Devo
Authors: Liu Jialin , Robinson-Rechavi Marc
Published: July 2017

A driving hypothesis of Evo-Devo is that animal morphological diversity is shaped both by adaptation and by developmental constraints. Here we have tested Darwin’s “selection opportunity” hypothesis, according to which high evolutionary divergence in late development is due to strong positive selection. We contrasted it to a “developmental constraint” hypothesis, according to which late development is under relaxed negative selection. Indeed, the highest divergence between species, both at the morphological and molecular levels, is observed late in embryogenesis and post-embryonically. To distinguish between adaptation and relaxation hypotheses, we investigated the evidence of positive selection on protein-coding genes in relation to their expression over development, in flyDrosohila melanogaster, zebrafishDanio rerio, and mouseMus musculus. First, we found that genes specifically expressed in late development have stronger signals of positive selection. Second, over the full transcriptome, genes with evidence for positive selection trend to be expressed in late development. Finally, genes involved in pathways with cumulative evidence of positive selection have higher expression in late development. Overall, there is a consistent signal that positive selection mainly affects genes and pathways expressed in late embryonic development and in adult. Our results imply that the evolution of embryogenesis is mostly conservative, with most adaptive evolution affecting some stages of post-embryonic gene expression, and thus post-embryonic phenotypes. This is consistent with the diversity of environmental challenges to which juveniles and adults are exposed.
Socio-affective touch expression database
Authors: Lee Masson Haemy , Op de Beeck Hans
Published: July 2017

Socio-affective touch communication conveys a vast amount of information about emotions and intentions in social contexts. In spite of the complexity of the socio-affective touch expressions we use daily, previous studies addressed only a few aspects of social touch mainly focusing on hedonics, such as stroking, leaving a wide range of social touch behaviour unexplored. To overcome this limit, we present the Socio-Affective Touch Expression Database (SATED), which includes a large range of dynamic interpersonal socio-affective touch events varying in valence and arousal. The original database contained 26 different social touch expressions each performed by three actor pairs. To validate each touch expression, we conducted two behavioural experiments investigating perceived naturalness and affective values. Based on the rated naturalness, 13 socio-affective touch expressions along with 12 corresponding non-social touch events were selected as a complete set, achieving 75 video clips in total. Moreover, we quantified motion energy for each touch expression to investigate its intrinsic correlations with perceived affective values and its similarity among actor-and action-pairs. As a result, the touch expression database is not only systematically defined and well-controlled, but also spontaneous and natural, while eliciting clear affective responses. This database will allow a fine-grained investigation of complex interpersonal socio-affective touch in the realm of social psychology and neuroscience along with potential application areas in affective computing and neighbouring fields.
Investigating the occurrence ofE. coliO157:H7 in the final effluents of two wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Osuolale Olayinka , Okoh Anthony
Published: July 2017

AIM

The final effluent of two wastewater plants located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa were tested for the presence of Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) isolates, and characteristics of the isolates obtained were determined.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 23 wastewater samples were collected from the treatment plants at the final effluent point after the disinfectant stages of wastewater processing. Altogether, 540 presumptive E. coli isolates were obtained by colony counting on the E. coli O157:H7 chromogenic agar base supplemented with cefixime tellurite and were sub-cultured onto sorbitol-MacConkey agar and tested for agglutination using the Prolex E. coli O157 latex test reagent kit. The results showed that the 149 suspected colonies from SMAC agar were all negative for the antisera.

CONCLUSION

None of the isolates agglutinated with antisera against E. coli O157. Thus no presence of the bacteria can be confirmed from the treated effluents

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY

The likelihood of the receiving water body and the environment being contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 is therefore minimal.
Annotation and cluster analysis of spatiotemporal- and sex-related lncRNA expression in rhesus macaque brain
Authors: Liu Siling , Wang Zhengbo , Chen Dong , Zhang Bowen , Tian Ren-Rong , Wu Jing , Zhang Ying , Xu Kaiyu , Yang Liu-Meng , Cheng Chao , Ma Jian , Lv Longbao , Zheng Yong-Tang , Hu Xintian , Zhang Yi , Wang Xiangting , Li Jiali
Published: July 2017

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) mediate important epigenetic regulation in a wide range of biological processes and diseases. We applied comprehensive analyses of RNA-seq and CAGE-seq (cap analysis of gene expression and sequencing) to characterize the dynamic changes in lncRNA expression in rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) brain in four representative age groups. We identified 18 anatomically diverse lncRNA modules and 14 mRNA modules representing spatial, age, and sex specificities. Spatiotemporal- and sex-biased changes in lncRNA expression were generally higher than those observed in mRNA expression. A negative correlation between lncRNA and mRNA expression in cerebral cortex was observed and functionally validated. Our findings offer a fresh insight into spatial-, age-, and sex-biased changes in lncRNA expression in macaque brain and suggest that the changes represent a previously unappreciated regulatory system that potentially contributes to brain development and aging.
Optical scanner assisted robotic assembly
Authors: Wojciechowski Jakub , Suszynski Marcin
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to propose the method of automatic robotic assembly of two or more parts placed without fixing instrumentation and positioning on the pallet.

Design/methodology/approach

Assembly tasks performed by industrial robots are usually based on a constant program, extensive tooling, fixing objects in a given place and a relatively limited sensory system. In this study, a different approach is presented. The industrial robot program is adjusted to the location of parts for assembly in the work space. This leads to a transition from a clearly defined assembly sequence realized by the industrial robot to the one in which the order of execution of the assembly operations can be determined by the mutual position of parts to be assembled.

Findings

The method presented in this study combines many already known algorithms. The contribution of the authors is to test and select the appropriate combination of methods capable of supporting robotic assembly process based on data from optical 3D scanners. The sequence of operations from scanning to place the parts in the installation position by an industrial robot is developed. A set of parameters for selected methods is presented. The result is a universal procedure that determines the position of the preset models in partial measurements performed at a fixed relative position of the sensor, the measurement object.

Originality/value

The developed procedure for determining the position of the parts is essential to develop a flexible robotic assembly system. It will be able to perform the task of assembly on the basis of appropriate search algorithms taking into account the selected and implemented sequence of assembly position and orientation of parts, particularly the base unit freely placed on an assembly pallete. It is also the basis of a system for testing different algorithms to optimize the flexible robotic assembly.
Investigation of ball screw’s alignment error based on dynamic modeling and magnitude analysis of worktable sensed vibration signals
Authors: Wang Yiqiang , Guo Zhengcai , Liu Botao , Zhu Yanfei , Luo Haibo
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The alignment precision of existing methods is limited by the precision of detecting element and worker’s experience, which the parallelism between ball screw and guide way is not guaranteed effectively. Thus, this paper aims to propose a method of detecting ball screw’s alignment error (BSAE) via monitoring the average vibration magnitude induced by rotational frequency of ball screw (VMRFBS).

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the ball screw is simplified as a freely supported beam. A mathematical model of the effect of BSAE on the contact angle of the ball and screw is established. The change of contact angle has effect on the deformation and contact stiffness according to the Hertz contact theory. To improve the accuracy of the experimental results, the VMRFBS are analyzed by using average method, and the average values of the VMRFBS at different BSAEs are calculated by using the least squares method.

Findings

The experimental results show that the average VMRFBS increases with the increasing of BSAE under the BSAE from 0 to 0.2 mm, while the other conditions are unchanged.

Originality/value

This method provides an approach to monitor the BSAE and improve the alignment accuracy of machine tools and automation equipment, which has a certain guide for improving the alignment accuracy of ball screw.
A hybrid technology for assembly sequence planning of reflector panels
Authors: Wang Dou , Shao Xiaodong , Ge Xiaobo , Liu Simeng
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to guarantee assembly quality and reduce the number of manufacturing cycles required for an reflector of the large reflector antenna. An optimal approach combining a finite element method (FEM) with a genetic algorithm (GA) is developed to simulate and optimize reflector assembly before the assembly stage.

Design/methodology/approach

The chromosomes of GA are encoded with the consideration of the factors that affect the assembly of reflector. The fitness function of the GA consists of the assembly accuracy obtained from simulation, with evaluation of the assembly time consumption and labor cost. The algorithm will terminate when the GA is finished or the simulation results meet the permissible accuracy. Taking the assembly process of the reflector into account, an FEM based on a “life – death element” technique is introduced to quickly and precisely simulate reflector assembly.

Findings

A case study is presented, to which the proposed approach is applied. The results of finite element simulation demonstrate that the proposed FEM can simulate the reflector assembly process with oversimplified modeling and accurate simulation results. The optimal approach provides an accurate and efficient method for reflector assembly sequence planning indicated by the comparison of the measurements and calculation results.

Originality/value

The results also demonstrate that the proposed approach has practical significance for guiding reflector assembly in engineering practice.
Loan repayment performance of clients of informal lending institutions
Authors: Charles Goodluck , Mori Neema
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine the effects that dynamic incentives and the borrowing histories of clients of informal lending institutions have on loan repayment performance, in particular, the extent to which multiple borrowing and progressive lending affect the repayment of loans.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a data set of 835 borrowers drawn from an informal lending institution in Tanzania. Descriptive analysis and econometric models are used to test the developed hypotheses.

Findings

Whereas clients with multiple loans are associated with poor loan repayment, progressive lending contributes to positive repayment outcomes. Multiple borrowers face increased debt levels and thereby an increased inability to meet their repayment obligations; in contrast, progressive lending by building up a lender–client relationship helps clients to obtain higher loans with a minimum amount of screening.

Research limitations/implications

This was a cross-sectional study based on a sample of individual clients drawn from a single institution. However, since the majority of clients had also taken out loans with other financial institutions, the sample is considered to be representative.

Practical implications

A client’s past repayment performance and multiple loan history must be assessed so that multiple borrowing can be prevented and credit absorption capacity can be gauged more accurately. The repeated nature of the interactions and the threat to cut off any future lending (if loans are not repaid) can be exploited to overcome any information deficit.

Originality/value

This study was conducted in a context in which the degree of information sharing was low and institutional access to clients’ credit histories was limited. It contributes knowledge on how lenders minimise the risk flowing from the ex ante information gap and moral hazards arising from the ex post information gap.
Beyond the crime-terror nexus: socio-economic status, violent crimes and terrorism
Authors: Ljujic Vanja , van Prooijen Jan Willem , Weerman Frank
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The literature on terrorism suggests a strong link between criminal offending and terrorism – the crime-terror nexus. Building upon a strain theory perspective, the purpose of this paper is to suggest that devalued socio-economic status (i.e. limited education and unemployment) and criminal past define the pool of people from which violent and terror offenders may be recruited.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study compares three sources of data on educational and employment characteristics of violent and terror offenders: Dutch statistical data (CBS) including the Police Recognition System (HKS) on violent criminals, the findings on jihadist networks and the open access on European terrorists.

Findings

The majority of Dutch violent offenders, foreign fighters and European terrorists have only completed secondary school (or lower) and were unemployed in the year of offending. Half of recent European terrorists had previously been involved in violent crimes and/or had joined jihadi groups abroad.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of the study concerns the exploratory use of secondary and open-access data. While it was impossible to establish causality with the current methodology, these findings highlight the background conditions under which violent and terrorist crime can originate, and suggest one of the mechanisms that shapes the crime-terror nexus. Future research would benefit from more work identifying the causal antecedents to terrorism.

Practical implications

Whether relative deprivation is a direct cause or merely an amplifying factor in criminal motivation needs to be scrutinized in future research. However, its consideration may have great implications for policy and law enforcement agencies.

Social implications

An individual’s desire to improve status and personal significance by the virtue of illegal activity may be particularly salient in the context of cultural polarization, which manifests as decreased trust and loyalty toward national laws and institutions. Parallel to preventive and security measures, it may be worthwhile to encourage multicultural associations and community networks in support of mutual (interethnic and interreligious) understanding.

Originality/value

The paper explores one of the oldest factors that has been suspected of leading to terrorism in lack of economic or educational opportunity. However, the paper also offers a new perspective on how these factors may relate to participation in terrorism. Rather than claiming these factors directly cause terrorism, the authors take a strain theory perspective to argue that these strains induce fewer opportunities to engage in terrorism and provide individuals with the skills/strength to resist de-radicalization or counter-radicalization.
The future of the draft UN Convention on international terrorism
Authors: De Vido Sara
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The paper is meant to analyse the debate over the revival of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that a United Nations (UN) Convention on international terrorism is still necessary – provided that it is updated considering the new challenges that have recently emerged – and could be complemented by an annex containing the list of terrorist organisations, the determination of which is of common concern of the entire international community.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is conducted from an international law perspective. The paper uses a comparative perspective – counter-terrorism, Antarctic and ICAO system - to support the main argument.

Findings

The paper proposes an annex to the convention including a list of terrorist organisations. Some terrorist organisations are unanimously labelled as terrorist and therefore this list will be useful in developing cooperation among States. A system of revision is also presented; a system which emphasises the role of the UN Ombudsperson.

Research limitations/implications

The proposal presented does not delve into the content of the convention which should be based on the draft prepared by the UN General Assembly ad hoc Committee and should take into account the most recent forms of terrorism. The paper does not provide an answer to all the questions, and it does not linger over the tragedy of civilians living in Syria and Iraq who have been deprived – starting long before the rise of the Islamic State – of their land and lives.

Practical implications

Revival of the debate on the draft convention – proposal for a renewed role of the Ombudsperson – legal implications of a list annexed to a convention on international terrorism – importance of multilateral cooperation in the field.

Originality/value

The paper is innovative in changing the perspective of the problem. The point of view regarding the definition of international terrorism has usually been the following: to find a common definition of international terrorism trying to overcome all the differences regarding general exceptions. The proposed perspective is to find the lowest common denominator for the definition and to identify organisations on which States cannot but agree on their condemnation.
“Small town” entrepreneurial ecosystems
Authors: Roundy Philip T.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Entrepreneurial ecosystems are receiving growing attention from scholars, practitioners and policy-makers in both developed and developing countries. Studies of this phenomenon have focused almost exclusively on ecosystems in large, urbanized regions and metropolitan areas, located primarily in developed economies. However, the prevalence of small cities across the globe and the increasing acknowledgment that entrepreneurship in small towns is a key determinant of their economic development and rejuvenation suggests that entrepreneurial ecosystems research would benefit from a broader lens of inquiry. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to introduce a framework for studying entrepreneurial ecosystems in small towns.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper introduces the concept of small town entrepreneurial ecosystems (STEEs), draws from a wide-ranging set of disciplines to delineate the ways in which small town ecosystems are similar to and different than their larger counterparts and theorizes about several strategies STEEs use to overcome their limitations.

Findings

It is theorized that entrepreneurship in small cities is best conceptualized as the outcome of an ecosystem, which means that although small towns may not have some of the same key components as entrepreneurial ecosystems in large urban centers, other elements of the ecosystem may be able to bolster these deficiencies. It also suggests that those attempting to create or develop small town ecosystems may need to be entrepreneurial in the way they attract, view and utilize resources. Finally, it is theorized that small cities may be able to engage in several strategies to overcome their limitations and create vibrant entrepreneurial communities.

Originality/value

The theory developed produces implications for scholars focused on entrepreneurial ecosystems, economic development and emerging economies and suggests practical implications for policy-makers and development organizations seeking to improve the economic landscape of small cities.
Quantile treatment effect and double robust estimators
Authors: Caracciolo Francesco , Furno Marilena
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Several approaches have been proposed to evaluate treatment effect, relying on matching methods propensity score, quantile regression, influence function, bootstrap and various combinations of the above. This paper considers two of these approaches to define the quantile double robust (DR) estimator: the inverse propensity score weights, to compare potential output of treated and untreated groups; the Machado and Mata quantile decomposition approach to compute the unconditional quantiles within each group – treated and control. Two Monte Carlo studies and an empirical application for the Italian job labor market conclude the analysis. The paper aims to discuss these issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The DR estimator is extended to analyze the tails of the distribution comparing treated and untreated groups, thus defining the quantile based DR estimator. It allows us to measure the treatment effect along the entire outcome distribution. Such a detailed analysis uncovers the presence of heterogeneous impacts of the treatment along the outcome distribution. The computation of the treatment effect at the quantiles, points out variations in the impact of treatment along the outcome distributions. Indeed it is often the case that the impact in the tails sizably differs from the average treatment effect.

Findings

Two Monte Carlo studies show that away from average, the quantile DR estimator can be profitably implemented. In the real data example, the nationwide results are compared with the analysis at a regional level. While at the median and at the upper quartile the nationwide impact is similar to the regional impacts, at the first quartile – the lower incomes – the nationwide effect is close to the North-Center impact but undervalues the impact in the South.

Originality/value

The computation of the treatment effect at various quantiles allows to point out discrepancies between treatment and control along the entire outcome distributions. The discrepancy in the tails may differ from the divergence between the average values. Treatment can be more effective at the lower/higher quantiles. The simulations show the performance at the quartiles of quantile DR estimator. In a wage equation comparing long and short term contracts, this estimator shows the presence of an heterogeneous impact of short term contracts. Their impact changes depending on the income level, the outcome quantiles, and on the geographical region.
Bayesian analysis of working capital management on corporate profitability: evidence from India
Authors: Shrivastava Arvind , Kumar Nitin , Kumar Purnendu
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Decisions pertaining to working capital management have pivotal role for firms’ short-term financial decisions. The purpose of this paper is to examine impact of working capital on profitability for Indian corporate entities.

Design/methodology/approach

Both classical panel analysis and Bayesian techniques have been employed that provides opportunity not only to perform comparative analysis but also allows flexibility in prior distribution assumptions.

Findings

It is found that longer cash conversion period has detrimental influence on profitability. Financial soundness indicators are playing significant role in determining firm profitability. Larger firms seem to be more profitable and significant as per Bayesian approach. Bayesian approach has led to considerable gain in estimation fit.

Practical implications

Observing the highly skewed distribution of dependent variable, Multivariate Student t-distribution has been considered along with normal distribution to model stochastic term. Accordingly, Bayesian methodology is applied.

Originality/value

Analysis of working capital for firms has been performed in Indian context. Application of Bayesian methodology is performed on balanced panel spanning from 2003 to 2012. As per author’s knowledge, this is the first study which applies Bayesian approach employing panel data for the analysis of working capital management for Indian firms.
Capturing the scene: efficacy test of the re-enactment investigative instruction
Authors: Launay Céline , Py Jacques
Published: July 2017

Purpose

As eyewitnesses provide the most valuable information for criminal investigations, it is important to further develop and test techniques for collecting eyewitness testimony so that they meet the major objective of a police interview: obtaining details pertaining to criminal actions. The purpose of this paper is to test a new instruction – the re-enactment investigative instruction – formulated to collect the most fine-grained details of a criminal event as accurately as possible. It leads the interviewee to decompose all directly recollected actions into the most minimal actions so that the event can be accurately re-enacted.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 40 participants individually viewed a video depicting a robbery, were randomly assigned to a re-enactment or structured interview (SI) group and then interviewed face-to-face. Each interview was comprised of two free recall phases and a questioning phase. Manipulation of the re-enactment instruction took place in the second free recall phase of the re-enactment interviews (RIs).

Findings

The RI elicited more correct information compared to the SI (d=1.14), and slightly but not significantly less incorrect information (d=0.09). Participants in the RI condition reported significantly more details pertaining to general and specific actions.

Practical implications

The re-enactment instruction shows the potential to increase witness recall in a way that promotes recall of both additional correct information and investigative-relevant information.

Originality/value

The instruction provides witnesses a retrieval strategy that facilitates overcoming both the gap between memory availability and accessibility and the gap between memory availability and output regulation, eliciting more details with no significant increase of errors.
Networked improvement communities
Authors: LeMahieu Paul G. , Grunow Alicia , Baker Laura , Nordstrum Lee E. , Gomez Louis M.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to delineate an approach to quality assurance in education called networked improvement communities (NICs) that focused on integrating the methodologies of improvement science with few of the networks. Quality improvement, the science and practice of continuously improving programs, practices, processes, products and services within organized social systems, is a still-evolving area in education. This paper is the first of seven elaborating upon different approaches to quality improvement in education[1]. It delineates a new methodology called the NICs model. Developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, the approach is aimed at continuously improving the quality of practices, processes and outcomes in targeted problem areas in education systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the historical development, theoretical foundations, core principles and adaptation of key elements of the NICs model for quality improvement in education. A case study specifically examines the problem of fostering new teacher effectiveness and retention in large public school systems in the USA.

Findings

The six principles underlying the NICs model are as follows: make the work problem-specific and user-centered, focus on variation in performance, see the system that produces outcomes, improve at scale what you can measure, use disciplined inquiry to drive improvement and accelerate learning through networked communities.

Originality/value

Few theoretical treatments and demonstration cases are currently available that examine the application of common models of quality improvement in education. This paper elaborates on one promising approach. In addition to examining the NICs model, the paper derives added value by allowing comparisons with seven widely used quality improvement approaches treated in this volume.
Meeting the Capstone Challenge in Postgraduate Food Science Education
Authors: McSweeney Peter , Calvo Joaquin , Santhanam‐Martin Michael , Billman‐Jacobe Helen
Published: July 2017

Project work and work placements can help prepare tertiary food science students for the workplace. Programs in the curriculum should support the development of transferable skills such as communication, problem‐solving, and planning. This paper describes a case study of a new capstone project for Masters of Food Science students based on a work integrated learning model. Students were engaged to develop a HACCP plan for a cheesemaker. They interacted with a peer group, academics, and with professionals from the food industry. Two iterations of the project were completed. Staff and student feedback from the first iteration informed modifications in the subsequent iteration. Industry partners and an authentic work task were key components of the project. The model could apply to a broad range of programs that require a capstone project in the curriculum.
Therapeutic concentrations of digitoxin inhibit endothelial focal adhesion kinase and angiogenesis induced by different growth factors
Authors: Trenti Annalisa , Zulato Elisabetta , Pasqualini Lorenza , Indraccolo Stefano , Bolego Chiara , Trevisi Lucia
Published: July 2017

Background and Purpose

Cardiac glycosides are Na+/K+‐ATPases inhibitors used to treat congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias. Epidemiological studies indicate that patients on digitalis therapy are more protected from cancer. Evidence of a selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells has suggested their potential use as anticancer drugs. The effect on angiogenesis of clinically used cardiac glycosides has not been extensively explored.

Experimental Approach

We studied the effect of digoxin, digitoxin and ouabain on early events of the angiogenic process in HUVECs. We determined HUVEC viability, proliferation, migration and differentiation into capillary tube‐like structures. We also tested drug activity using an in vivo angiogenesis model. Activation of protein tyrosine kinase 2 (FAK) and signalling proteins associated with the Na+/K+‐ATPase signalosome was determined by Western blotting.

Key Results

Digitoxin and ouabain (1–100 nM) inhibited HUVEC migration, concentration‐dependently, without affecting cell viability, while digoxin induced apoptosis at the same concentrations. Digitoxin antagonized growth factor‐induced migration and tubularization at concentrations (1–25 nM) within its plasma therapeutic range. The anti‐angiogenic effect of digitoxin was confirmed also by in vivo studies. Digitoxin induced Src, Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation but did not affect FAK autophosphorylation at Tyr397. However, it significantly inhibited growth factor‐induced FAK phosphorylation at Tyr576/577.

Conclusions and Implications

Therapeutic concentrations of digitoxin inhibited angiogenesis and FAK activation by several pro‐angiogenic stimuli. These novel findings suggest a potential repositioning of digitoxin as a broad‐spectrum anti‐angiogenic drug for diseases where pathological angiogenesis is involved.
Structural evolution of sheared margin basins: the role of strain partitioning. Sørvestsnaget Basin, Norwegian Barents Sea
Authors: Kristensen Thomas B. , Rotevatn Atle , Marvik Maria , Henstra Gijs A. , Gawthorpe Robert L. , Ravnås Rodmar
Published: July 2017

Spatio‐temporal analysis of basins formed along sheared margins has received much less attention than those formed along orthogonally extended margins. Knowledge about the structural evolution of such basins is important for petroleum exploration but there has been a lack of studies that document these based on 3D seismic reflection data. In this study, we demonstrate how partitioning of strain during deformation of the central and southern part of the Sørvestsnaget Basin along the Senja Shear Margin, Norwegian Barents Sea, facilitated coeval shortening and extension. This is achieved through quantitative analysis of syn‐kinematic growth strata using 3D seismic data. Our results show that during Cenozoic extensional faulting, folds and thrusts developed coevally and orthogonal to sub‐orthogonal to normal faults. We attribute this strain partitioning to be a result of the right‐lateral oblique plate motions along the margin. Rotation of fold hinge‐lines and indications of hinge‐parallel extension indicate that the dominating deformation mechanism in the central and southern Sørvestsnaget Basin during opening along the Senja Shear Margin was transtensional. We also argue that interpretation of shortening structures attributed to inversion along the margin should consider that partitioning of strain may result in shortening structures that are coeval with extensional faults and not a result of a separate compressional phase.
Measuring market power and the efficiency of Alberta's restructured electricity market: An energy‐only market design
Authors: Brown David P. , Olmstead Derek E. H.
Published: July 2017

We measure the degree of market power execution and inefficiencies in Alberta's restructured electricity market. Using hourly wholesale market data from 2008 to 2014, we find that firms exercise substantial market power in the highest demand hours with limited excess production capacity. The degree of market power execution in all other hours is low. Market inefficiencies are larger in the high demand hours and elevate production costs by 6.7%–19% above the competitive benchmark, with an average of 13%. This reflects 2.1% of the average market price across all hours. A recent regulatory policy clarifies that certain types of unilateral market power execution is permitted in Alberta. We find evidence that suggests that strategic behaviour changed after this announcement. Market power execution increased. We illustrate that the observed earnings are often sufficient to promote investment in natural gas based technologies. The rents from market power execution can exceed the estimated capacity costs for certain generation technologies. However, we demonstrate that the energy market profits in the presence of no market power execution are generally insufficient to promote investment in new generation capacity. This stresses the importance of considering both short‐run and long‐run electricity market performance measures.