bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fundamental bounds on learning performance in neural circuits
Authors: Raman Dhruva V. , O’Leary Timothy 
Published: December 2018

AbstractHow does the size of a neural circuit influence its learning performance? Intuitively, we expect the learning capacity of a neural circuit to grow with the number of neurons and synapses. Larger brains tend to be found in species with higher cognitive function and learning ability. Similarly, adding connections and units to artificial neural networks can allow them to solve more complex tasks. However, we show that in a biologically relevant setting where synapses introduce an unavoidable amount of noise, there is an optimal size of network for a given task. Beneath this optimal size, our analysis shows how adding apparently redundant neurons and connections can make tasks more learnable. Therefore large neural circuits can either devote connectivity to generating complex behaviors, or exploit this connectivity to achieve faster and more precise learning of simpler behaviors. Above the optimal network size, the addition of neurons and synaptic connections starts to impede learning performance. This suggests that overall brain size may be constrained by the need to learn efficiently with unreliable synapses, and may explain why some neurological learning deficits are associated with hyperconnectivity. Our analysis is independent of specific learning rules and uncovers fundamental relationships between learning rate, task performance, network size and intrinsic noise in neural circuits.
Configural properties underlie the perceived faceness of a stimulus
Authors: Gnolo Carmine , Senden Mario , Grillini Alessandro , Cornelissen Frans W. , Goebel Rainer 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe global geometrical arrangement of face parts (eyes over nose over mouth), commonly referred to as first order configural (FOC) properties, is believed to constitute a fundamental aspect of face detection. Indeed, several brain regions in the face processing network have been shown to display increased activity in response to abstract stimuli for face-like as compared to random spatial arrangements. However, the absence of a mathematical formalization of FOC properties makes it difficult to systematically study their contribution to face perception. To fill this gap, we used analytical geometry to define a set of 19 FOC features. In two psychophysical studies, a 2-alternative forced choice task assessing difference in perceived faceness between two stimuli and a Likert test assessing measuring perceived faceness of individual stimuli, we evaluated the contribution of each feature to the perceived faceness of abstract stimuli consisting of four black rectangular shapes reflecting the two eyes, the nose and the mouth. From the two experiments two subsets of features relevant for face detection were selected, including 10 and 11 features, respectively. Interestingly, 7 features are shared between the two sets. The difference between the subsets reflects processing of individual FOC features in the first study and holistic processing in the second study. The partial superimposition, on the other hand, is reflective of a shared basic mechanism in the perception of first order configural properties.
Dysregulation of splicing-related proteins in prostate cancer is controlled by FOXA1
Authors: Foster John G. , Arkell Rebecca , Giudice Marco Del , Anene Chinedu , Lauria Andrea , Kelly John D. , Lemoine Nicholas R. , Oliviero Salvatore , Cereda Matteo , Rajan Prabhakar 
Published: December 2018

AbstractProstate cancer (PCa) is genomically driven by dysregulation of transcriptional networks involving the transcriptional factors (TFs) FOXA1, ERG, AR, and HOXB13. However, the role of these specific TFs in the regulation of alternative pre-mRNA splicing (AS), which is a proven therapeutic vulnerability for cancers driven by the TF MYC, is not described. Using transcriptomic datasets from PCa patients, we tested for an association between expression of FOXA1, ERG, AR, HOXB13, and MYC, and genes involved in AS - termed splicing-related proteins (SRPs), which have pleiotropic roles in RNA metabolism. We identified FOXA1 as the strongest predictor of dysregulated SRP gene expression, which was associated with PCa disease relapse after treatment. Subsequently, we selected a subset of FOXA1-binding and actively-transcribed SRP genes that phenocopy the FOXA1 dependency of PCa cells, and confirmed in vitro via knockdown and over-expression that FOXA1 regulates SRP gene expression. Finally, we demonstrated the persistence of a FOXA1-SRP gene association in treatment-relapsed castration-resistant PCa (CRPCa) patients. Our data demonstrate, for the first time, that FOXA1 controls dysregulated SRP gene expression, which is associated with poor PCa patient outcomes. Analogous to MYC-driven cancers, our findings implicate the therapeutic targeting of SRPs and AS in FOXA1-overexpressing PCa.
Leaders as organisational representatives: a structural model
Authors: Dartey-Baah Kwasi , Addo Seth Ayisi 
Published: December 2018

PurposeLeaders are seen as representatives of their organisations; as such, their actions and behaviours towards their subordinates reflect on the organisations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of some dimensions under transformational and transactional leadership styles on perceived organisational support (POS) in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 264 engineers and technicians from the country’s power transmission subsector through a survey. Covariance-based structural equation modelling was used in analysing the data with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences and AMOS.FindingsThe analysis indicated surprisingly that idealised influence predicted POS negatively while intellectual stimulation had no significant influence on employees’ POS. However, inspirational motivation, individualised consideration and contingent rewards predicted employees’ POS positively with contingent reward having the highest influence on POS.Practical implicationsThe study’s findings indicate the importance that engineers and technicians in Ghana attach to support from their leaders, specifically inspiration and motivation, consideration for their needs and interests and rewards for their performance; thus, the study recommended that organisations must entreat their leaders to show such supportive behaviours towards their subordinates.Originality/valueThe study findings present fresh knowledge from a developing country perspective with regard to the importance that employees attach to these leadership dimensions.
Identification of critical risk factors in public-private partnership project phases in developing countries
Authors: Babatunde Solomon Olusola , Perera Srinath , Adeniyi Onaopepo 
Published: December 2018

Purpose
Public‐private partnerships (PPPs) are being faced by risk threats, notwithstanding the fact that the PPP model has been structured in a way that the associated risks are shared by both the public and private sectors. Consequently, the sources of risk change over the PPP project phases. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the risk factors in PPP infrastructure project phases comprising development phase, construction phase, operation phase and project life cycle through an empirical approach.

Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted four different data-gathering approaches including literature review, desk review, brainstorming session and questionnaire survey. In order to capture a broad perception of stakeholders, the questionnaires were administered to three different stakeholder organizations to include public sector authorities (i.e. ministries, department and agencies), concessionaires and lenders/banks involved in different PPP infrastructure projects implementation in Nigeria. A total of 81 questionnaires were administered, out of which 63 were retrieved but after checking through the completed questionnaires, 60 questionnaires were found suitable for the analysis. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean score, Kruskal–Wallis test and the risk significance index in terms of severity and likelihood of occurrence conducted.

Findings
In total, 70 risk factors were identified with respect to PPP project phases and their relative importance was gauged. In addition, the analysis of total 70 risk factors in the development phase, construction phase, operation phase and project life cycle phase indicated that 51 risk factors are located in the yellow zone, which is considered as moderate and 19 risk factors are located in the red zone that are regarded as critical.

Practical implications
The identification of specific critical risk factors in each PPP project phase will provide a benchmark in developing risk management programs in developing countries.

Originality/value
These study findings would be useful for PPP stakeholders to focus their attention, priorities and leadership in managing these critical risk factors. Furthermore, the findings of this study are significant in providing an in-depth understanding of the current Nigeria’s PPP market environment, which is a true reflection of developing countries as a whole.
Views of Estonian nonprofit executives on succession: lessons from the field
Authors: Santora Joseph C. , Bozer Gil , Kooskora Mari 
Published: December 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the perceptions of five leadership succession themes by executives of Estonian nonprofit organizations.

Design/methodology/approach
This is a qualitative study that uses narrative inquiry and purposive sampling. Face-to-face and Skype interviews were conducted with 15 executives.

Findings
Succession was unplanned in most of the Estonian nonprofits; successors were coached during initial transitionary periods; insiders were preferred to outsiders; requirements of executive positions were unmet because of a talent shortfall; lack of trust, unexpected behavior, and possible ethical issues were key risk factors associated with succession; and mixed opinions were received regarding the advantages and disadvantages of succession planning.

Research limitations/implications
Narrow focus on Estonian nonprofit organizations and their executives, purposive sampling, and single qualitative research method. Results may not be applicable to other nonprofits.

Practical implications
Practitioners of Estonian nonprofits can better understand the implications of executive succession issues. Lessons learned may help other nonprofit leaders.

Social implications
Having a carefully crafted succession plan can enable smoother transitions between organizational leaders and create organizational stability, thereby ensuring a continuous delivery of goods and services to clients.

Originality/value
Seminal research – this is the first study of its kind on Estonian nonprofit organizations and executive succession issues. This paper can serve as a foundation for further research on Eastern European nonprofits.
Work-family balance of female parliamentarians in Ghana
Authors: Markwei Ummu , Kubi Michael , Quao Benedicta , Attiogbe Esther Julia 
Published: December 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the challenges female parliamentarians in Ghana face in their attempt to balance their professions and families.

Design/methodology/approach
This is a qualitative study which explores the nature of strain female MP’s in Ghana encounter in their struggle to achieve a work-life balance.

Findings
It is concluded that most female parliamentarians in Ghana go through tough times in trying to juggle career with family life. The study revealed that the MPs adopt strategies such as prioritizing roles, limiting official duties at home and using social support to help them cope with the pressures of their roles. The organizational policies put in place to aid female employees to achieve a healthy work-life balance did not yield much result for the participants in this study.

Originality/value
The originality of this paper lies in it being the first study that qualitatively explores the complex challenges female parliamentarians face in their political careers and family lives in Ghana.
Homeless medical respite service provision in the UK
Authors: Dorney-Smith Samantha , Thomson Emma , Hewett Nigel , Burridge Stan , Khan Zana 
Published: December 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review the history and current state of provision of homeless medical respite services in the UK, drawing first on the international context. The paper then articulates the need for medical respite services in the UK, and profiles some success stories. The paper then outlines the considerable challenges that currently exist in the UK, considers why some other services have failed and proffers some solutions.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper is primarily a literature review, but also offers original analysis of data and interviews, and presents new ideas from the authors. All authors have considerable experience of assessing the need for and delivering homeless medical respite services.

Findings
The paper builds on previous published information regarding need, and articulates the human rights argument for commissioning care. The paper also discusses the current complex commissioning arena, and suggests solutions.

Research limitations/implications
The literature review was not a systematic review, but was conducted by authors with considerable experience in the field. Patient data quoted are on two limited cohorts of patients, but broadly relevant. Interviews with stakeholders regarding medical respite challenges have been fairly extensive, but may not be comprehensive.

Practical implications
This paper will support those who are thinking of undertaking a needs assessment for medical respite, or commissioning a new medical respite service, to understand the key issues involved.

Social implications
This paper challenges the existing status quo regarding the need for a “cost-saving” rationale to set up these services.

Originality/value
This paper aims to be the definitive paper for anyone wishing to get an overview of this topic.
Do the rich pollute more? Mexican household consumption by income level and CO2 emissions
Authors: Santillán Vera Mónica , de la Vega Navarro Angel 
Published: December 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to quantitatively examine if varying household consumption activities at different income levels drove CO2 emissions to different degrees in Mexico from 1990 to 2014.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper applied a simple expenditure-CO2 emissions elasticity model – a top-down approach – using data from consumption-based CO2 emission inventories and the “Household Income and Expenditure Survey” and assuming a range of 0.7-1.0 elasticity values.

Findings
The paper results show a large carbon inequality among income groups in Mexico throughout the period. The household consumption patterns at the highest income levels are related to significantly more total CO2 emissions (direct + indirect) than the household consumption patterns at the lowest income levels, in absolute terms, per household and per capita. In 2014, for example, the poorest household decile emitted 1.6 tCO2 per capita on average, while the wealthiest decile reached 8.6 tCO2 per capita.

Practical/implications
The results suggest that it is necessary to rethink the effect of consumption patterns on climate change and the allocation of mitigation responsibilities, thus opening up complementary options for designing mitigation strategies and policies.

Originality/value
The paper represents an alternative approach for studying CO2 emissions responsibility in Mexico from the demand side, which has been practically absent in previous studies. The paper thereby opens a way for studying and discussing climate change in terms of consumption and equity in the country.
Consumer participation in last-mile logistics service: an investigation on cognitions and affects
Authors: Wang Xueqin , Yuen Kum Fai , Wong Yiik Diew , Teo Chee-Chong 
Published: December 2018

PurposeIncreasingly, the logistics industry offers innovative solutions that interact with end-consumers directly. The purpose of this paper is to examine the consumer participation behaviour in co-creating logistics service values, using self-collection via automated parcel station as an example. Built on the synthesised insights from logistics studies and behavioural theories on consumers’ attitude and affect, the effect of cognitions (what consumers think) and affects (what consumers feel) are investigated.Design/methodology/approachA total of 500 valid responses are collected from an online panel of respondents and the data are analysed using exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling.FindingsConsumers’ affects towards participation are stronger motivations that not only intrinsically motivate consumers to participate but also exert an indirect influence via consumers’ cognitions.Practical implicationsTo elicit consumers’ affections, it is critical to create enjoyable (enjoyment), assuring (assurance) and secure (security) service experiences. On the other hand, an overly straightforward service offering (in terms of cognitive functionality), void of the aforementioned experiences, may discourage consumers from participation.Originality/valueThis research unveils consumer participation in co-creating logistics service values, contributing to studies on the emerging phenomenon of consumer logistics. A rebalancing of the logistics research from a utility-creation perspective to an experience-creation perspective has been advocated.
Global-local consumer identities as drivers of global digital brand usage
Authors: Makri Katerina , Papadas Karolos-Konstantinos , Schlegelmilch Bodo B. 
Published: December 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to represent the first empirical attempt to explore global-local consumer identities as drivers of global digital brand usage. Specifically, this study considers a unique category of digital products, social networking sites (SNS), and develops a set of hypotheses to assess the mechanism through which location-based identities influence the actual usage of global SNS (Facebook and Instagram). Moreover, cross-country variations are investigated under the lens of developed vs developing countries.Design/methodology/approachCross-country surveys in a developed (Austria) and a developing country (Thailand) were conducted. Data collected from 425 young adults were analyzed using SEM techniques in order to test a set of hypotheses.FindingsResults show that in Thailand, users with a global identity enjoy participating in global SNS more than their counterparts in Austria. In addition, consumers with a local identity in Thailand demonstrate less pleasure when participating in global SNS than their counterparts in Austria, and consequently are less inclined to use global SNS.Practical implicationsFindings provide digital marketers with useful insights into important strategic decisions regarding the selection and potential adaptation of global digital brands according to the country context.Originality/valueThis research is the first to extend the location-based identity research in the context of global digital brands, explain how global-local identities predict SNS usage through an engagement mechanism and investigate cross-country variations of this mechanism.
The InstaBooth: an interactive methodology for community involvement and place-making
Authors: Guaralda Mirko , Mayere Severine , Caldwell Glenda , Donovan Jared , Rittenbruch Markus 
Published: December 2018

PurposeCommunity involvement is a common strategy to negotiate changes to the built environment. Traditional community involvement approaches are increasingly augmented through playful elements or through the use of technology. The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of a community involvement approach aimed at expanding participants’ ability to contribute to the issue. Through the design of bespoke interactive approaches to asking questions and receiving responses, the InstaBooth shifts the involvement process toward an open discussion between community members.Design/methodology/approachThe InstaBooth methodology established in this paper is based on the use of a physical interactive installation for situated community involvement and place-making, the InstaBooth. This methodology embeds design thinking and collaborative approaches to move the focus of the engagement from data gathering to data sharing and content co-creation.FindingsIn 2015, the authors worked with the local community of Pomona, Queensland, Australia, to inform the new masterplan for the town center by using the InstaBooth as a community involvement methodology. Examining the case of Pomona reveals how the InstaBooth approach allows participants to join a discussion about their own environment in a playful and unstructured way. This is achieved through the application of design thinking across three key phases of the community engagement; 1) planning the engagement strategy, 2) implementation of the strategy and deployment and 3) data co-analysis.Originality/valueThe InstaBooth is an interactive methodology which has allowed citizens to engage in the discussion about the future development of their town strengthening their sense of place and sense of community. The significance of this paper is applicable to others interested in community involvement and place-making, as it presents a novel methodology that combines different methods for different contexts while embedding co-creation in its approach.
Isolating small Belize banks from the global system
Authors: Duncan Philippa 
Published: December 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to increase insights into the withdrawal of correspondent banks (CBs) from developing markets.

Design/methodology/approach
A case study of a small offshore bank in Belize was conducted using information collected from the bank’s CEO and compliance officer through semi-structured interviews. The interview data were triangulated with data from relevant laws in Belize and literature review.

Findings
Compliance with international standards is onerous on small banks, but necessary to level the playing field and protect the global system. Practices within small banks effectively combat money laundering, but remain unsung because size and geographic location of banks influence perceptions about the banks. The approach to de-risking was overreaching and unfair.

Research limitations/implications
The findings are specific to one offshore bank, but create awareness of Belize banking practices to mitigate money laundering risks. The results could influence regulators, international organizations and CBs to pierce through to the bank level to assess risks and determine CB relationships.

Originality/value
This is the first study providing firsthand accounts of efforts by a small Belize bank to comply with international standards and remain connected to the global financial system. The study highlights a critical weakness in employing a risk-based approach to rate banks.