bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of neural network model parameters from local field potentials (LFPs)
Authors: Skaar Jan-Eirik W. , Stasik Alexander J. , Hagen Espen , Ness Torbjørn V. , Einevoll Gaute T. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMost modeling in systems neuroscience has beendescriptivewhere neural representations, that is, ‘receptive fields’, have been found by statistically correlating neural activity to sensory input. In the traditional physics approach to modelling, hypotheses are represented bymechanisticmodels based on the underlying building blocks of the system, and candidate models are validated by comparing with experiments. Until now validation of mechanistic cortical network models has been based on comparison with neuronal spikes, found from the high-frequency part of extracellular electrical potentials. In this computational study we investigated to what extent the low-frequency part of the signal, the local field potential (LFP), can be used to infer properties of the neuronal network. In particular, we asked the question whether the LFP can be used to accurately estimate synaptic connection weights in the underlying network. We considered the thoroughly analysed Brunel network comprising an excitatory and an inhibitory population of recurrently connected integrate-and-fire (LIF) neurons. This model exhibits a high diversity of spiking network dynamics depending on the values of only three synaptic weight parameters. The LFP generated by the network was computed using a hybrid scheme where spikes computed from the point-neuron network were replayed on biophysically detailed multicompartmental neurons. We assessed how accurately the three model parameters could be estimated from power spectra of stationary ‘background’ LFP signals by application of convolutional neural nets (CNNs). All network parameters could be very accurately estimated, suggesting that LFPs indeed can be used for network model validation.Significance statementMost of what we have learned about brain networksin vivohave come from the measurement of spikes (action potentials) recorded by extracellular electrodes. The low-frequency part of these signals, the local field potential (LFP), contains unique information about how dendrites in neuronal populations integrate synaptic inputs, but has so far played a lesser role. To investigate whether the LFP can be used to validate network models, we computed LFP signals for a recurrent network model (the Brunel network) for which the ground-truth parameters are known. By application of convolutional neural nets (CNNs) we found that the synaptic weights indeed could be accurately estimated from ‘background’ LFP signals, suggesting a future key role for LFP in development of network models.
Predicting nucleation sites in chemotaxing Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Asante-Asamani E.O. , Rawal Devarshi , Santiago Zully , Brazill Derrick , Loustau John 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBlebs, pressure driven protrusions of the plasma membrane, facilitate the movement of cell such as the soil amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum in a three dimensional environment. The goal of the article is to develop a means to predict nucleation sites. We accomplish this through an energy functional that includes the influence of cell membrane geometry (membrane curvature and tension), membrane-cortex linking protein lengths as well as local pressure differentials. We apply the resulting functional to the parameterized microscopy images of chemotaxing Dictyostelium cells. By restricting the functional to the cell boundary influenced by the cyclic AMP (cAMP) chemo-attractant (the cell anterior), we find that the next nucleation site ranks high in the top 10 energy values. More specifically, if we look only at the boundary segment defined by the extent of the expected bleb, then 96.8% of the highest energy sites identify the nucleation.Author summaryThis work concerns the prediction of nucleation sites in the soil amoeba-like Dictyostelium discoideum. We define a real valued functional combining input from cortex and membrane geometry such as membrane curvature and tension, cortex to membrane separation and local pressure differences. We show that the functional may be used to predict the location of bleb nucleation. In the region influenced by the cAMP gradient (the cell anterior), the next blebbing site lies in the ten highest energy functional values 70% of the time. The correctness increases to 96.8% provided we restrict attention to the segment in the general location of the next bleb. We verify these claims through the observation of microscopy images. The images are sequential at 1.66 and 0.8 seconds per image. We first identify the earliest sign of the bleb. We then use several observational factors to identify the nucleation site and estimate the corresponding location in the prior image.
The price of official-business collusion
Authors: Hou Xiaohui , Li Shuo 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the anti-corruption campaign, “Hunting the Tigers,” incurs a significant short-term loss of shareholders’ returns.

Design/methodology/approach
A sophisticated event study approach is employed.

Findings
The results show that the “Hunting the Tigers” has incurred a significant short-term loss of investment returns for shareholders in China’s main stock market board. In addition, the beginning of a new assault on China’s official mogul corruption in another round of political anti-corruption cycle after the 18th National Congress of the CPC has reduced this price significantly.

Originality/value
This finding should be perceived as the price of the corruption of official-business collusion within capital markets in contemporary China.
Defects in newly constructed residential buildings: owners’ perspective
Authors: Zalejska Jonsson Agnieszka , Hungria Gunnelin Rosane 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present defects reported by cooperative owners, and to determine the relationship between building characteristics, developer’s/contractor’s company size and defect type.

Design/methodology/approach
The analysis is based on defects reported by board members of cooperatives in Sweden through a survey questionnaire. The 1,563 questionnaires were posted by regular mail to the boards of cooperatives for buildings. The current research presents results from analysis of responses from 394 regular residential projects constructed between 2006 and 2013. The responses represent owners’ experience from a total 1,107 buildings.

Findings
Findings presented in this study indicate that building quality might be one of the factors contributing to the energy gap. The analysis indicates that the most severe problems reported by cooperatives are issues related to building envelope, particularly shortcomings in the function of windows, issues related to the function of the balcony and cracks in the facade and leakage caused by rain water. The results show that the building quality differs depending on developers’ size, measured by number of employees. The authors have also found a significant relationship between reported defects and location expressed by size of the city/municipality.

Originality/value
The discussion on newly constructed residential buildings has been dominated by the perspective of professionals (inspectors) and contractors (or developers) rather than of the owners/users themselves. This study presents findings from the owners’ perspective, thus contributing the owners’ viewpoint to the debate on building quality.
Opportunities and challenges for multi-professional units in rural areas
Authors: Norri-Sederholm Teija , Joensuu Minna , Lammintakanen Johanna 
Published: March 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate opportunities and challenges for multi-professional paramedic-firefighter units in small municipalities in Finland.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected by means of four focus group interviews conducted with managers (N=12) and a questionnaire comprising open-ended questions for the personnel working in the units (n=73). Data from both sources were analyzed using inductive content analysis.FindingsThe empirical results suggest that the use of multi-professional units (MPUs) may be one means of providing a better standard of service in rural areas. However, the working practices and different professional backgrounds in MPUs are considered challenging by the personnel. Managers had a broader perspective; during the interviews they raised matters such as citizen characteristics, legal issues like varying working hours, and economic aspects. Both the personnel and the managers agreed on the strengths and weaknesses of the MPU model in principle.Practical implicationsThe results of this study may clarify the opportunities and challenges posed by MPUs in rural areas from the perspectives of personnel and managers.Originality/valueThe study provides novel information on MPUs comprising paramedics and firefighters, who function at the interface of emergency medical services and rescue services and who have new tasks in rural areas, including home healthcare support and accident prevention.
Enhancing the generative learning of young people in the domain of financial literacy through learning study
Authors: Pang Ming Fai 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to collect new evidence about the efficacy of the pedagogical principles derived from our earlier study on boosting students’ financial literacy, with the aim of providing a theoretically and practically powerful account of how generative learning in the domain of financial literacy can be enhanced.

Design/methodology/approach
This is an example of learning study consisting of a design experiment, which aims to test the conjectures of the variation theory of learning. A total of 156 students who were aged from 14 to 16 years were taught under the three learning conditions which embedded the test criteria, and a total of seven lessons were used by the two participating teachers for each of the classes. To assess students’ appropriation of the object of learning, four tests were conducted, i.e. a pre-test, post-test immediately after the lessons, delayed post-test after six weeks and second delayed post-test after six months.

Findings
This study shows that a systematic use of the pattern of “contrast-fusion-generalization” to deal with the individual core economic concepts identified can help students lay a solid conceptual foundation for developing financial literacy. Furthermore, with the use of the meta-level pattern of “contrast-fusion-generalization” through complex everyday financial problems or situations which transcend the specific concepts, students can make effective use of the core economic concepts learned and transform them organically into one’s analytical framework. This enables students to discern and focus upon the critical aspects of novel financial situations and have a greater likelihood of making well-reasoned and sound financial decisions.

Originality/value
This paper sheds light on the ways in which students’ generative learning in the domain of financial literacy can be enhanced through the conceptual approach grounded in the variation theory of learning.
Cash flow volatility and trade credit in Asia
Authors: Harris Chris , Roark Scott , Li Zhe 
Published: March 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the relation between cash flow volatility and trade credit offered by firms in developing Asian economies.Design/methodology/approachThe study conducts country fixed effect regressions testing the relationship between cash flow volatility and firm investment in trade credit. The relationship is then examined with all firms separated into two groups based on firm size, and then again comparing the relation before and after the 2008 finasncial crisis.FindingsHigher levels of cash flow volatility are negatively related to the amount of trade credit offered. The negative relationship with cash flow volatility is greater amongst smaller firms that may have less access to external sources of capital. Additionally, the negative relationship is greater following the 2008 financial crisis.Practical implicationsTrade credit plays an important role in the business process, particularly in developing economies. However, these firms may not be able to maintain their investment in trade credit when experiencing greater levels of cash flow volatility. These results are especially pronounced after the 2008 financial crisis and for small firms.Originality/valueThis study identifies an important connection between cash flow volatility and firm investment in trade credit among firms in developing Asian economies.
Animal-assisted therapy in a Canadian psychiatric prison
Authors: Dell Colleen , Chalmers Darlene , Stobbe Mark , Rohr Betty , Husband Alicia 
Published: March 2019

PurposePrison-based animal programs are becoming increasingly common in North America. The majority focus on community and animal well-being, with less explicit therapeutic goals for human participants. The purpose of this paper is to measure the objectives of a canine animal-assisted therapy (AAT) program in a Canadian psychiatric prison and examine whether the program supports inmates’ correctional plans.Design/methodology/approachA modified instrumental case study design was applied with three inmates over a 24-AAT-session program. Quantitative and qualitative AAT session data were collected and mid- and end-of-program interviews were held with the inmates, their mental health clinicians and the therapy dog handlers.FindingsInmates connected with the therapy dogs through the animals’ perceived offering of love and support. This development of a human–animal bond supported inmates’ correctional plans, which are largely situated within a cognitive-behavioral skill development framework. Specifically, inmates’ connections with the therapy dogs increased recognition of their personal feelings and emotions and positively impacted their conduct.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings suggest that prison-based AAT programs emphasizing inmate mental well-being, alongside that of animal and community well-being generally, merit further exploration. It would be worthwhile to assess this AAT program with a larger and more diverse sample of inmates and in a different institutional context and also to conduct a post-intervention follow-up.Originality/valueThis is the first study of a prison-based AAT program in a Canadian psychiatric correctional facility.
What influence domestic and overseas developers’ decisions?
Authors: Hou Huiying , Wu Hao 
Published: February 2019

PurposeForeign firms entering into the domestic real estate industry and foreign investment control are significant in global hot markets such as Australia. Despite their market impact and policy sensitivity, developer choice is rarely studied. The purpose of this paper is to study domestic and overseas property developers for their motive and preference in response to market growth and market barriers including regulatory constraint.Design/methodology/approachInternational trade theory suggests local and overseas firms can vary significantly for their risk profile when engaging in location-specific development opportunities. Using a comprehensive decision factor system for the residential development process, the authors conducted an experimental survey to collect the prime data to measure stated preference of domestic and overseas developers in the context of the Melbourne residential market.FindingsResults suggest high consistency between the samples of domestic and overseas developers. Possible explanations include vertical integration by innovative contracting, strict regulatory constraint dictates domestic and overseas firms’ preference or sample selection bias. This micro-analysis of developer stated preference highlights their entrepreneurial ability to combine substitution and integration for innovative contractual strategy. This ability to join asset holding and project management enables firm flexibility to mitigate business risk in rapidly globalising capital and factor markets.Practical implicationsThese insights of firm-level decision making contribute to the decision literature of real estate developers and are relevant to the broader literature of industrial economics and international trade. Government may evaluate policy strategies based on the explicit entrepreneur (e.g. developer) preference for their “comparative advantage”.Originality/valueThis paper highlights developer’s ability to jointly consider investment and project management for decision making. It found that other than political cost such as national interest and domestic interest group pressure, domestic and overseas developers in the Melbourne residential market actually think quite alike. It suggests that irrespective of property ownership conditions, market integration occurs in the Melbourne residential sector.
Antecedents and consequences of customer engagement on Facebook
Authors: Hinson Robert , Boateng Henry , Renner Anne , Kosiba John Paul Basewe 
Published: March 2019

PurposeMarketing researchers have usually studied consumers’ attachment to brands from an emotional bonding perspective. However, the purpose of this study is to show that attachment to objects is not only limited to bonding. Thus, the authors conceptualised the attachment theory from two perspectives: bonding-based and identity-based attachment. In addition, the study further seeks to identify the elements of each component and examine how these elements drive customer engagement on a brand’s Facebook page while assessing some consumer-related outcomes of customer engagement on Facebook.Design/methodology/approachUsing an online survey, the authors examined antecedents of customer engagement on Facebook and the outcomes of engagement behaviours among 649 respondents. Structural equation modelling was used in analysing the data.FindingsThe results of the study show that consumers’ attachment to a brand drives them to engage the brand on the brand’s Facebook page. The results also show that the consumer engagement of brands on Facebook results in positive user-generated contents and consumer involvement.Practical implicationsManagerially, the attachment theory provides value for marketers in terms of evaluating customer–brand relationships and how such a relationship can yield positive results.Originality/valueThis study expands how the attachment theory has been conceptualised and applied in the marketing literature. The study shows that consumer attachment to brands is identity-based in addition to being bonding-based.
Digital marketing adoption and success for small businesses
Authors: Ritz Wendy , Wolf Marco , McQuitty Shaun 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
This paper aims to examine small business’ participation in digital marketing and to integrate the do-it-yourself (DIY) behavior model and technology acceptance model (TAM) so as to explore the motivations and expected outcomes of such participation.

Design/methodology/approach
Data from 250 small business owners/managers who do their own digital promotion are collected through an online survey. Structural equation modeling is used to analyze the relationships between the models.

Findings
The results contribute to the understanding of small business’ digital marketing behavior by finding support for the idea that the technological benefits may not be the only motivators for small business owner/managers who undertake digital marketing. Moreover, and perhaps more importantly, the authors find that the DIY behavior model applies to small business owner/managers who must perform tasks that require specialized knowledge.

Research limitations/implications
The limitations of this research are that the motivations to undertake digital marketing are limited to those contained in the DIY and TAM models, and the sample may not be representative of all owners and managers who perform digital marketing for their small businesses. Therefore, future research is needed to determine if further motivations to conduct digital marketing exist and whether other samples produce the same interpretations.

Originality/value
This study presents empirical evidence supporting the application of the DIY model to a context outside of home-repair and extends the understanding of digital footprint differences between large and small businesses.
Evaluation of fan-out wafer level package strength
Authors: Xu Cheng , Zhong Z.W. , Choi W.K. 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
The fan-out wafer level package (FOWLP) becomes more and more attractive and popular because of its flexibility to integrate diverse devices into a very small form factor. The strength of ultrathin FOWLP is low, and the low package strength often leads to crack issues. This paper aims to study the strength of thin FOWLP because the low package strength may lead to the reliability issue of package crack.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses the experimental method (three-point bending test) and finite element method (ANSYS simulation software) to evaluate the FOWLP strength. Two theoretical models of FOWLP strength are proposed. These two models are based on the location of FOWLP initial fracture point.

Findings
The results show that the backside protection tape does not have the ability to enhance the FOWLP strength, and the strength of over-molded structure FOWLP is superior to that of other structure FOWLPs with the same thickness level.

Originality/value
There is ample research about the silicon strength and silicon die strength. However, there is little research about the package level strength and no research about the FOWLP strength. The FOWLP is made up of various materials. The effect of individual component and external environment on the FOWLP strength is uncertain. Therefore, the study of strength behavior of FOWLP is significant.
The feasibility of using real-time, objective measurements of physiological stress among law enforcement officers in Dallas, Texas
Authors: Reingle Gonzalez Jennifer M. , Jetelina Katelyn K. , Bishopp Stephen A. , Livingston Melvin D. , Perez Rodolfo A. , Gabriel Kelley Pettee 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) suffer from premature mortality, intentional and unintentional injury, suicide and are at an increased risk for several non-communicable disease outcomes including cardiovascular disease and several cancers, compared to those employed in other occupations. Repeated exposure to stressful and traumatic stimuli is a possible mechanism driving these adverse health outcomes among LEOs. To better identify the sources of these health problems, the purpose of this paper is to determine the feasibility of conducting a cohort study using physiological measures of stress (e.g. heart rate) with LEOs; perceptions of the FitBit device, including LEO buy-in and attitudes associated with the protocol.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from ten recent graduates of the Dallas Police Training Academy.

Findings
Results suggest that officer buy-in and protocol compliance was high. Officers were eager to participate in this study, and completion of weekly surveys was 100 percent. Minute-level missing data from wearable devices was relatively low (25 percent), and 90 percent of participants wore the FitBit devices on more than 90 percent of study days.

Originality/value
Results from this study suggest that wearable physiological devices can be effectively used in law enforcement populations to measure stress.