bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distinct sources of deterministic and stochastic components of action timing decisions in rodent frontal cortex
Authors: Murakami Masayoshi , Shteingart Hanan , Loewenstein Yonatan , Mainen Zachary F. 
Published: November 2016

SUMMARYThe selection and timing of actions are subject to determinate influences such as sensory cues and internal state as well as to effectively stochastic variability. Although stochastic choice mechanisms are assumed by many theoretical models, their origin and mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we investigated this issue by studying how neural circuits in the frontal cortex determine action timing in rats performing a waiting task. Electrophysiological recordings from two regions necessary for this behavior, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and secondary motor cortex (M2), revealed an unexpected functional dissociation. Both areas encoded deterministic biases in action timing, but only M2 neurons reflected stochastic trial-by-trial fluctuations. This differential coding was reflected in distinct timescales of neural dynamics in the two frontal cortical areas. These results suggest a two-stage model in which stochastic components of action timing decisions are injected by circuits downstream of those carrying deterministic bias signals.
Estimating Drivers of Cell State Transitions Using Gene Regulatory Network Models
Authors: Schlauch Daniel , Glass Kimberly , Hersh Craig P. , Silverman Edwin K. , Quackenbush John 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSpecific cellular states are often associated with distinct gene expression patterns. These states are plastic, changing during development, or in the transition from health to disease. One relatively simple extension of this concept is to recognize that we can classify different cell-types by their active gene regulatory networks and that, consequently, transitions between cellular states can be modeled by changes in these underlying regulatory networks. Here we describeMONSTER,MOdelingNetworkStateTransitions fromExpression andRegulatory data, a regression-based method for inferring transcription factor drivers of cell state conditions at the gene regulatory network level. As a demonstration, we apply MONSTER to four different studies of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to identify transcription factors that alter the network structure as the cell state progresses toward the disease-state. Our results demonstrate that MONSTER can find strong regulatory signals that persist across studies and tissues of the same disease and that are not detectable using conventional analysis methods based on differential expression. An R package implementing MONSTER is available at github.com/QuackenbushLab/MONSTER.
Age and sex modulate the variability of neural responses to naturalistic videos
Authors: Petroni Agustin , Cohen Samantha , Ai Lei , Langer Nicolas , Henin Simon , Vanderwal Tamara , Milham Michael P. , Parra Lucas C. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractNeural development is generally marked by an increase in the efficiency and diversity of neural processes. In a large sample (N = 114) of children and adults with ages ranging from 5 −44 years, we investigated the neural responses to naturalistic video stimuli. Videos from both real-life classroom settings and Hollywood feature films were used to probe different aspects of attention and engagement. For all stimuli, older ages were marked by more variable neural responses. Variability was assessed by the inter-subject correlation of evoked electroencephalographic (EEG) responses. Young males also had more variable responses than young females. These results were replicated in an independent cohort (N = 303). When interpreted in the context of neural maturation, we conclude that neural function becomes more variable with maturity, at least in during the passive viewing of real-world stimuli.Significance StatementNaturalistic videos were used to measure how a large sample of children and adults process environmentally meaningful stimuli. As age increased, neural responses were more variable, and females responded more variably than males - a difference that disappeared with age. These results are consistent with developmental theories positing that neural variability increases with maturation, and that neural maturation typically occurs earlier in females. This is the first study to investigate neural variability under naturalistic conditions in a developmental sample.
Correlates of work-alienation and positive job attitudes in high- and low-status workers
Authors: Fedi Angela , Pucci Letizia , Tartaglia Stefano , Rollero Chiara 
Published: November 2016

PurposeThe concept of alienation boasts a long history in the academic literature. However, their empirical relations are not clear. The purpose of this paper is to test a model of predictors and outcomes of alienation. Since occupational status plays a key role in alienation processes, such model was tested with high- and low-status workers.Design/methodology/approachParticipants were 340 workers holding high-status (n=98) and low-status (n=242) positions. Data were collected through a self-report questionnaire. The authors verified the hypothesized relationships by means of a structural equation modelling, simultaneously tested on high- and low-status workers.FindingsResults showed that individual determinants of alienation, i.e. locus of control, appear to play a more relevant role for high-status professionals, whereas organizational dimensions, i.e. perception of decision making, have an impact only for low-status workers. Relational variables, i.e. work-family conflict, fostered alienation, regardless the status. Concerning outcomes, alienation decreased both job satisfaction and job involvement.Research limitations/implicationsThe specificities of the cultural context have to be considered. Generalizing the results to other cultural contexts requires caution.Practical implicationsWork alienation has a negative influence on work attitudes that can be better managed by the knowledge of alienation’s correlates and peculiarities.Originality/valueThe study confirms the relevance of alienation for workers’ satisfaction and involvement highlighting the difference between high- and low-status workers.
“The monster of the month”: teachers’ views about alcohol within personal, social, health, and economic education (PSHE) in schools
Authors: Davies Emma Louise 
Published: November 2016

PurposeThere is a lack of evidence for effective school-based prevention programmes to reduce alcohol misuse in adolescents. The purpose of this paper is to explore teacher’s views about alcohol education in secondary schools in order to inform the subsequent development of new educational and intervention measures.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were conducted with nine female teachers from a range of schools who had responsibility for designing and delivering personal social, health, and economic education (PSHE).FindingsThree main themes were identified in a thematic analysis of the interview transcripts. The themes demonstrated the importance of PSHE to these teachers, who faced challenges in delivering a comprehensive enough curriculum. Alcohol unit knowledge and responsible drinking were priorities for the teachers. However, given the many pressures faced by young people, alcohol could be viewed as just one challenge amongst many.Research limitations/implicationsInterventions may be seen as too compartmentalised by teachers if they fail to address the wider concerns of adolescents. Intervention developers should consider gaining input from teachers on the content of their programmes prior to running a trial to enhance feasibility and acceptability.Originality/valueThere are few studies that have explored what teachers think about alcohol education in general or about the content of specific interventions prior to their implementation. This study adds their voice to the literature and highlights the importance of considering the views and first hand experiences when developing new alcohol interventions aimed at adolescents.
Transformative gender interventions
Authors: de Vries Jennifer Anne , van den Brink Marieke 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
Translating the well-established theory of the gendered organization into strategic interventions that build more gender equitable organizations has proven to be difficult. The authors introduce the emergence of the “bifocal approach” and its subsequent development and examine the potential of the “bifocal approach” as a feminist intervention strategy and an alternative means of countering gender inequalities in organizations. While pre-existing transformative interventions focus on more immediately apparent structural change, the focus begins with the development of individuals. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
Developed through iterative cycling between theory and practice, the “bifocal approach” links the existing focus on women’s development with a focus on transformative organizational change. The bifocal approach deliberately begins with the organization’s current way of understanding gender in order to build towards frame-breaking transformative change.

Findings
The authors show how the bifocal is able to overcome some of the main difficulties of earlier transformative approaches, maintaining organizational access, partnership building, sustaining a gender focus and ultimately sustaining the change effort itself. The bifocal approach seeks structural change, however, the change effort rests with individuals. The development of individuals, as conceived within the bifocal approach was designed to create a “small wins” ripple effect, linking individual (agency) and organizational change (structure).

Practical implications
The bifocal approach offers a comprehensive re-modelling of traditional interventions for other scholars and practitioners to build on. Organizational interventions previously categorized as “fixing women” could be re-examined for their capacity to provide the foundation for transformative change.

Originality/value
The contribution of this paper lies in proposing and examining the bifocal approach as a feminist intervention strategy that overcomes the dualism between the existing frames of organizations and the transformative frame of scholars, in order to move practice and theory forward.
Workplace inclusion of persons with a disability
Authors: Kulkarni Mukta , Boehm Stephan Alexander , Basu Soumyak 
Published: November 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to integrate research on human resource systems with work on disability management practices to outline how multinationals across India and Germany are engaged in efforts to increase workplace inclusion of persons with a disability.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews with respondents from multinational corporations in India and Germany were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed.FindingsEmployers followed three guiding principles (i.e. beliefs): importance of harnessing diversity, encouraging multi-stakeholder engagement internally, and engaging with the external ecosystem to build internal human resource capabilities. Respondents further noted two interdependent and mutually constitutive programs that covered the life cycle of the employee: job flexibility provisions and integration programs. Country-specific differences existed in terms of perceived external stakeholder support and availability of talent.Research limitations/implicationsThe results complement prior research with respect to the importance of organizational factors for the inclusion of persons with a disability and also extend prior research by shedding light on the role of the national context in such inclusion endeavors.Practical implicationsFindings indicate that disability-inclusion principles may be universal, but their operationalization is region specific. Global organizations must be aware of these differences to design effective inclusion programs.Social implicationsThe study helps in designing and evaluating appropriate inclusion initiatives for persons with disabilities, an important yet underutilized group of potential employees in both India and Germany.Originality/valueThis is the first study to investigate country-specific commonalities and differences in fostering workplace inclusion of persons with disabilities in India and Germany.
From legalism to value-oriented Islamic finance practices
Authors: Bin Hasan Zulkifli 
Published: November 2016

PurposeThis paper aims to provide analysis on the state of Islamic finance through critical appraisal on its current form and practices. This paper argues that the current form of Islamic finance practices is due to its legalistic approach and hence requires value-oriented reform. In this regard, Shari’ah governance system can be one of the mechanisms toward such reformation.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses case study research method and comparative studies of other’s works to develop understanding on the extent of Islamic finance practices. The study utilizes descriptive, comparative and critical analysis approaches in extracting and analyzing the information.FindingsThe literature has indicated the growing frustration of scholars and proponents of Islamic economics on the failure of Islamic finance in addressing the real economic and ethical issues beyond the legal realm of Shari’ah compliance. Legalism leads to a narrow understanding and ignores certain dimensions of Islamic finance practices. Considering all factors and through critical observation, this paper argues that the current form of Islamic finance practices is due to its legalistic approach and hence requires value-oriented reform. At this juncture, the paper suggests that Shari’ah governance system can be one of the mechanisms toward such reformation.Originality/valueThis paper provides valuable discussion and fresh and recent information on Islamic finance practices, including Shari’ah governance practices of Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) through case studies. The study shares experience of Malaysia in developing its Islamic finance framework and practices from legalistic toward value-oriented approach.
Natural convection and entropy generation in a three dimensional volumetrically heated and partially divided cavity
Authors: Kolsi Lioua , Abu-Hamdeh Nidal , Öztop Hakan F. , Alghamdi Abdulaziz , Mohamad Naceur Borjini , Ben Assia Habib 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a solution for natural convection in a cavity with a partial heater in case of volumetric heating and analysis of the entropy generation.

Design/methodology/approach
The control volume method based on three-dimensional (3D) vorticity-potential vector was applied to solve governing equations of natural convection in a 3D cavity with a fin for different governing parameters as external Rayleigh numbers (103=RaE=106), internal Rayleigh numbers 103=RaI=106, partition height (0.25=h=0.75) and partition location (0.25=c=0.75). A code was written by using Fortran platform.

Findings
The edge of the fin becomes important on entropy generation. The ratio of the RaI/RaE plays the important role on natural convection and entropy generation. The variation of external Rayleigh number becomes insignificant for the RaI/RaE>1.

Originality/value
The originality of this work is to analyze the entropy generation and natural convection in a cubical cavity with volumetrically heating.
An introduction to an ancient Chinese algorithm and its modification
Authors: He Chun-Hui 
Published: November 2016

PurposeEvery student knows Newton’s iteration method from a textbook, which is widely used in numerical simulation, what few may know is that its ancient Chinese partner, Ying Buzu Shu, in about second century BC has much advantages over Newton’s method. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the ancient Chinese algorithm and its modifications for numerical simulation.Design/methodology/approachAn example is given to show that the ancient Chinese algorithm is insensitive to initial guess, while a fast convergence rate is predicted.FindingsTwo new algorithms, which are suitable for numerical simulation, are introduced by absorbing the advantages of the Newton iteration method and the ancient Chinese algorithm.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper focuses on a single algebraic equation; however, it is easy to extend the theory to algebraic systems.Practical implicationsThe Newton iteration method can be updated in numerical simulation.Originality/valueThe ancient Chinese algorithm is elucidated to have modern applications in various numerical methods.
An evaluation of human capital theory and female entrepreneurship in sub-Sahara Africa
Authors: Adom Kwame , Asare-Yeboa Irene Tiwaa 
Published: November 2016

PurposeThe study aims to evaluate critically how the elements of human capital theory such as level of education, area of education, training and prior work experience influence female entrepreneurship in sub-Saharan Africa, with focus on Ghana. Though it is very critical that the elements of human capital are known and assessed, there is currently very little known about the elements of human capital as pertains to female entrepreneurship in Ghana. This situation has called for a study such as this one.Design/methodology/approachA phenomenological paradigm was adopted for the study. This includes in-depth interview, documentation and observation. Unlike narrative research that reports on lived experiences of an individual, phenomenological study focuses on describing the lived experiences of several individuals. It is mainly a descriptive account of shared experiences of those individuals located near universal lived experience(s).FindingsReporting data from a 2014 qualitative in-depth interview of 25 women entrepreneurs in Accra who work in service delivery, manufacturing and trading, it was revealed that level of education, business training and knowledge gained during the course of their work were crucial factors for their success. As a consequence, this study calls for effective policies that will encourage education and training of women entrepreneurs, especially those with low levels of education, on a sustainable basis.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focused on some of the elements of human capital and women’s entrepreneurship in Ghana. However, there exist other issues that are critical to the development of female entrepreneurship in the sub-Saharan region that can be explored to provide more insight on this subject or different context.Practical implicationsThe human capital dimensions which were evaluated for this study included level of education, area of education, business training and experience gained from prior employment. The outcome is that these elements are crucial for the success of women entrepreneurs in Ghana, but there is the need for wider research in other global regions on women entrepreneurs and human capital factors and whether similar variations prevail.Originality/valueEvidence from the literature reveals that little is known until now to evaluate the elements of the human capital of female entrepreneurs in Ghana, and this study seeks to bridge this gap. Results are examined comparing what is pertaining in other international communities, thus avoiding a merely national viewpoint.
Tribological behaviour of calcium grease containing carbon nanotubes additives
Authors: Kamel Bahaa M. , Mohamed Alaa , El Sherbiny M. , Abed K.A. 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to fabricate composite nanogrease for tribological applications. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with a size 10 nm average diameter and 5 μm in length were used as additives to calcium grease.

Design/methodology/approach
The tribological four-ball machine was used to evaluate calcium grease with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as an additive. The interaction between CNT and calcium grease (nanogrease) were studied by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction.

Findings
MWCNTs composite nanogrease was manufactured for tribological applications. The effectiveness of the fabricated grease in improving the tribological performance at different concentrations and under different loads was tested. The results are summarized as follows. CNT nanoparticle additive dispersed in calcium grease significantly improve its anti-wear performance, reducing friction, increasing load-carrying capacity and extreme pressure (EP) property. The friction is reduced by about 50 per cent, the wear scar diameter (WSD) decreased to 32 per cent and the EP properties increases about 38 per cent, with only 3 wt.%. The modified grease with CNTs additives of 3 wt.% showed the most favorable results. Energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis shows that C was present on the worn scar surface, with atomic concentration of about 22 per cent. The presence of C suggests that a lubricating film is likely formed because of the presence of CNTs and very likely prevented the steel-to-steel direct contact.

Originality/value
The results indicated that a 3 wt.% of MWCNT nanogrease is an excellent antiwear, with EP and low friction coefficient. It was also found that the friction coefficient was reduced to about 50 per cent, the WSD decreased by about 32 per cent and the EP properties increased about 38 per cent. The mating surfaces were investigated with scanning electron microscopy and EDX. The results show that a boundary film mainly composed of CNTs, Cr and Fe was formed on the rubbed surfaces.
Synthesis of nanostructured flower-like MoS2 and its friction properties as additive in lubricating oils
Authors: Tontini Gustavo , Semione Guilherme Dalla Lana , Bernardi Cristian , Binder Roberto , de Mello José Daniel Biasoli , Drago Valderes 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to synthesize nanostructured flower-like molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) particles and evaluate their suitability to act as additives for lubricants.

Design/methodology/approach
A hydrothermal method without any surfactant successfully produced 250 nm mean diameter Nanostructured flower-like MoS2 particles. The resulting product was then solvothermally treated with absolute ethanol producing lipophilic powder particles which after being dispersed in two different lubricants were tribologicaly characterized by using a pin-on-disk tribometer geometry with reciprocal movement under immersion.

Findings
The influence on the stability and the coefficient of friction of the nano-oils is shown to be strongly dependent on their molecular structure. After 1 h of tribological testing, a ramified polyolester oil with 1 Wt.% of MoS2 nanoflowers did not show decrease in its average coefficient of friction, while an additive naphthenic oil with the same concentration of nanoparticles showed a decrease of 86 per cent.

Originality/value
In this paper, nanostructured flower-like MoS2 synthesized by the hydrothermal method was dispersed in lubricating oils to study its stability and tribological properties. To ensure good stability of the nano-oils, the particles were solvothermally treated with absolute ethanol to dehydrate and lipophilize them. A ramified polyolester-based nano-oil with 1 Wt.% of MoS2 nanoflowers showed no decrease in its steady state coefficient of friction, while a naphthenic-based nano-oil with the same concentration of nanoparticles presented a remarkable 86 per cent reduction.