Showing papers by "Wilkes University published in 2016"

Biomass offsets little or none of permafrost carbon release from soils, streams, and wildfire: an expert assessment

Abstract: As the permafrost region warms, its large organic carbon pool will be increasingly vulnerable to decomposition, combustion, and hydrologic export. Models predict that some portion of this release w ...

Arabidopsis SAURs are critical for differential light regulation of the development of various organs

Abstract: During deetiolation of Arabidopsis seedlings, light promotes the expansion of cotyledons but inhibits the elongation of hypocotyls. The mechanism of this differential regulation of cell enlargement is unclear. Our organ-specific transcriptomic analysis identified 32 Small Auxin Up RNA (SAUR) genes whose transcripts were light-induced in cotyledons and/or repressed in hypocotyls. We therefore named these SAURs as lirSAURs Both overexpression and mutation analyses demonstrated that lirSAURs could promote cotyledon expansion and opening and enhance hypocotyl elongation, possibly by inhibiting phosphatase activity of D-clade type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2C-Ds). Light reduced auxin levels to down-regulate the expression of lirSAURs in hypocotyls. Further, phytochrome-interacting factors (PIFs) were shown to directly bind the genes encoding these SAURs and differentially regulate their expression in cotyledons and hypocotyls. Together, our study demonstrates that light mediates auxin levels and PIF stability to differentially regulate the expression of lirSAURs in cotyledons and hypocotyls, and these lirSAURs further mediate the differential growth of these two organs.

SLG controls grain size and leaf angle by modulating brassinosteroid homeostasis in rice.

Abstract: Grain size and leaf angle are two important traits determining grain yield in rice. However, the mechanisms regulating the two traits remain largely unknown. Here, we characterized a rice gain-of-function mutant, slender grain Dominant (slg-D), which exhibited longer and narrower grains and larger leaf angles, similar to plants with elevated brassinosteroid (BR) levels or strengthened BR signaling. The increased cell length is responsible for the mutant phenotypes in slg-D We demonstrated that the phenotype of slg-D is caused by enhanced expression of SLG, a BAHD acyltransferase-like protein gene. SLG is preferentially expressed in young panicles and lamina joints, implying its role in controlling cell growth in those two tissues. slg-D was restored to wild type by treatment with brassinazole, an inhibitor of BR biosynthesis. Overexpression of SLG in d11-2 (deficient in BR synthesis) and d61-1 (deficient in BR signaling) did not change the existing phenotypes. The slg-D plants had elevated BR contents and, accordingly, expression of BR-related genes was changed in a manner similar to BR treatment. Moreover, SLG RNAi plants displayed mild BR-deficient phenotypes including shorter grains, smaller leaf angles, and compact semi-dwarf plant types. The in vitro biochemical assays and transgenic approaches collectively demonstrated that SLG functions as homomers. Taken together, we conclude that SLG is an important regulator in BR homeostasis and that manipulation of SLG expression to an optimal level may provide a way to develop an ideal plant type.

WHITE PANICLE1, a Val-tRNA Synthetase Regulating Chloroplast Ribosome Biogenesis in Rice, Is Essential for Early Chloroplast Development.

Abstract: Chloroplasts and mitochondria contain their own genomes and transcriptional and translational systems. Establishing these genetic systems is essential for plant growth and development. Here we characterized a mutant form of a Val-tRNA synthetase (OsValRS2) from Oryza sativa that is targeted to both chloroplasts and mitochondria. A single base change in OsValRS2 caused virescent to albino phenotypes in seedlings and white panicles at heading. We therefore named this mutant white panicle 1 (wp1). Chlorophyll autofluorescence observations and transmission electron microscopy analyses indicated that wp1 mutants are defective in early chloroplast development. RNA-seq analysis revealed that expression of nuclear-encoded photosynthetic genes is significantly repressed, while expression of many chloroplast-encoded genes also changed significantly in wp1 mutants. Western-blot analyses of chloroplast-encoded proteins showed that chloroplast protein levels were reduced in wp1 mutants, although mRNA levels of some genes were higher in wp1 than in wild type. We found that wp1 was impaired in chloroplast ribosome biogenesis. Taken together, our results show that OsValRS2 plays an essential role in chloroplast development and regulating chloroplast ribosome biogenesis.

Pedigree‐based analysis of derivation of genome segments of an elite rice reveals key regions during its breeding

Abstract: Analyses of genome variations with high-throughput assays have improved our understanding of genetic basis of crop domestication and identified the selected genome regions, but little is known about that of modern breeding, which has limited the usefulness of massive elite cultivars in further breeding. Here we deploy pedigree-based analysis of an elite rice, Huanghuazhan, to exploit key genome regions during its breeding. The cultivars in the pedigree were resequenced with 7.6× depth on average, and 2.1 million high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained. Tracing the derivation of genome blocks with pedigree and information on SNPs revealed the chromosomal recombination during breeding, which showed that 26.22% of Huanghuazhan genome are strictly conserved key regions. These major effect regions were further supported by a QTL mapping of 260 recombinant inbred lines derived from the cross of Huanghuazhan and a very dissimilar cultivar, Shuanggui 36, and by the genome profile of eight cultivars and 36 elite lines derived from Huanghuazhan. Hitting these regions with the cloned genes revealed they include numbers of key genes, which were then applied to demonstrate how Huanghuazhan were bred after 30 years of effort and to dissect the deficiency of artificial selection. We concluded the regions are helpful to the further breeding based on this pedigree and performing breeding by design. Our study provides genetic dissection of modern rice breeding and sheds new light on how to perform genomewide breeding by design.

Prebriefing in Simulation-Based Learning Experiences.

Abstract: Scientific method, nursing process, and experiential learning models all include phases for planning, action, and evaluation. In nursing process, we collect information, create a plan of care, implement the plan, and then evaluate it. To be consistent with nursing process, nurses should include planning in all nursing activities, and simulationbased learning experiences should be no exclusion. In simulation-based learning experiences, we refer to this planning as prebriefing. There is a gap in the literature, however, as to what exactly should be included in prebriefing. Most educators agree prebriefing should include an orientation to both the simulation environment and manikins used in enacting the case scenario. Most also agree that prebriefing should include a discussion of academic integrity and review of the fiction contract. Some believe prebriefing can be used to identify the roles of team members and provide an introduction to the case, which will be enacted during the simulated scenario. In nursing process, however, planning includes the use of a nursing care plan or concept map. This critical step in nursing process is typically not included in the prebriefing stage of simulation, making simulation-based learning experiences inconsistent with nursing process, scientific method, and experiential learning principles. Currently, debriefing has been well covered in the simulation literature. There are specific debriefing methods such as Harvard’s Debriefing Assessment for Simulation in Healthcare and Dreifuerst’s Debriefing for Meaningful Learning. Debriefing activities are theory based and provide both educators and learners with a structured process for evaluating performance, encouraging self-evaluation, andbuilding knowledge. This structured process of debriefing provides a formalized method for assessing outcomes. One of the common activities in debriefing is allowing the learner to link actual with expected outcomes. But when are these expected outcomes formalized by the learner? The need to provide an opportunity for learners to identify their expected outcomes can be addressed through structured prebriefing. Like debriefing, for prebriefing to most effective, nurse educators must reach a consensus on the fundamental components of prebriefing. Currently, Delphi studies are being conducted to identify the key concepts and components of prebriefing. Once these essential concepts and components are identified, they will play a key role in the development of structured and more formalized methods of prebriefing. As educators work to design structured methods of prebriefing, it is essential that they keep in mind 3 important factors: theory, nursing process, and outcomes. Prebriefing design should be rooted in experiential learning theory. Simulation is an experiential learning process, and as such, experiential learning theory should be engrained in all components of simulation-based learning experiences including prebriefing. In accordance with experiential learning theory, learning is most effective when the learner is engaged in structured activities that include abstract conceptualization, active experimentation, concrete experience, and reflective observation. In active experimentation, the learner applies knowledge to a situation to identify expectations and make a plan for action. To be consistent with experiential learning theory, prebriefing should allow the learner time to formally identify expected outcomes and devise a plan of action. Simulation is the replication of reality. In nursing education, simulation-based learning experiences are used to immerse learners in a realistic yet safe setting in which they can gain clinical experience. To be consistent with reality, simulation-based learning experiences should replicate what is expected of the learner in the actual clinical setting and be modeled on nursing process. In prelicensure nursing education, learners are expected to review the patient case and make a plan prior to the provision of care. This plan is shared with clinical instructors in a preconference. In simulationbased learning experiences, the replication of this preconference should be included in prebriefing. This planning component of prebriefing gives the learner an opportunity to identify expected outcomes.

Drug Class Combination–Associated Acute Kidney Injury:

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the quality of available evidence of drug class combinations and their association with the development of acute kidney injury (AKI). Data Sources: A search of MEDLINE and Embase databases was completed using the following terms: “risk factor AND (acute kidney injury or acute kidney failure) AND (drug or medication).” Study Selection and Data Extraction: Inclusion criteria were the following: English language, full-text availability, and at least 1 drug-combination. Each citation was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. The literature was evaluated using the quality of evidence component of GRADE. No standardized definition of AKI was applied throughout.. Data Synthesis: Out of 2139 total citations, 151 were assessed for full-text review, with 121 citations (6%) meeting inclusion criteria, producing76 unique drug class combinations. Overall, 56 combinations (73.7%) were considered very low quality; 12 (15.8%) were ...

ICTs and labour productivity growth in sub‐Saharan Africa

Abstract: This article investigates the effect of various information and communication technologies (ICTs) on labour productivity growth, using a sample of 43 sub-Saharan African countries The authors’ findings show significant increasing returns for labour productivity growth from fixed-telephone and mobile-cellular penetration, confirming the presence of network effects Specifically, doubling the current proliferation rate of fixed and mobile-cellular telephones increases labour productivity growth by approximately 0 12–015 per cent, and 005 per cent, respectively Furthermore, the results point to financial inclusion as one of the possible channels through which mobile-cellular subscriptions affect labour productivity growth in sub-Saharan Africa

Total business excellence – a new management model for operationalizing excellence

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and address the underlying causes of costly quality/ethical problems that have prevented companies to achieve and sustain excellence. More broadly, the study has leveraged data from multiple sources to determine root-cause issues and propose a new management model that enables leadership to prevent and effectively address quality/ethical problems by operationalizing excellence. For the purpose of this research, operationalization is defined in terms of developing a sustained culture of excellence and enabling a firm to systematically prevent, detect, and address costly problems in their daily operations. Design/methodology/approach – The study has defined the concept of excellence in terms of measurable results based on ten critical success factors: products, financials, stakeholders, employees, leadership, societal, operational, innovation, alignment, and ethical excellence. To identify and address the underlying causes, this study has used a spiral rese...

A pharmacy-based medication reconciliation and review program in hemodialysis patients: a prospective study

Abstract: Background: Hemodialysis (HD) patients are on multiple medications, see many prescribers and have many hospitalizations which put them at risk for medication record discrepancies and medication related problems (MRP). Being able to effectively identify and reconcile these medication issues is crucial in reducing hospitalizations, morbidities, and mortalities. The care of the hemodialysis patients can be enhanced by incorporating a pharmacist into the interprofessional team. There is little data in the literature on medication record discrepancies and MRP’s in dialysis patients.Objective: The objectives of this research were to determine the types of medication discrepancies and MRPs in dialysis patients and if recommendations for changes based on these findings were accepted by providers.Methods: Patients were asked to bring medications to the dialysis unit for review. Discrepancy and MRP recommendations were communicated to the unit staff via written progress notes. A follow-up was performed an average of 33 days later to determine if the recommendations were accepted.Results: Overall, in 93 unique patients, 376 discrepancies (3.1 per patient) and 64 MRPs (0.5 per patient) were identified. The most common type of discrepancy and MRP was drug omission and indication without drug, respectively. Of the total 440 interventions, 77% were ultimately accepted. Discrepancies were more likely to be accepted as compared to MRPs (85% vs. 27%, respectively).Conclusion: Medication record discrepancies and MRPs are common in dialysis patients. Recommendations related to discrepancies were more likely to be accepted by the providers as compared to MRPs. Medication records became inaccurate within 12 months. A pharmacy-based medication reconciliation and review program may have an important impact on the care of hemodialysis patients.

Examining the Relationship between Secondary Mathematics Teachers' Self-Efficacy, Attitudes, and Use of Technology to Support Communication and Mathematics Literacy.

Abstract: The rich language surrounding mathematical concepts often is reduced in many classrooms to a narrow process of memorizing isolated procedures with little context. This approach has proven to be detrimental to students’ ability to understand mathematics at deeper levels and remain engaged with this content. The current generation of students values technology as a natural, and often preferred method, for communication. These preferences provide teachers a unique opportunity to extend mathematics communication beyond the classroom. This study sought to understand secondary mathematics teachers’ use of communication technology and the relationship between variables that may contribute to a teacher’s decision to integrate technology for this purpose. Using a descriptive quantitative approach, the research investigated the relationship between teachers’ self-efficacy, attitudes, and the use of communication technology in secondary education mathematics classrooms. A total of 90 teachers in grades 7-12 participated. Results revealed a significant relationship between teachers’ attitudes toward using technology for communication and personal self-efficacy (p < .05), yet few reported using technology in this way. An important recommendation from this study is to investigate why teachers who demonstrate key positive indicators for technology integration are not capitalizing on the potential that communication technology provides to cultivate mathematics communication and literacy.

The use of spatial memory for cache management by a scatter-hoarding rodent

Abstract: Some scatter-hoarding species show a cache recovery advantage over naive animals, suggesting that they rely on spatial memory of cached seeds. However, the extent to which spatial memory is used in recovery or management of caches or the pilferage of others’ caches is not known. We used Siberian chipmunks, Tamias sibiricus, to investigate this question in large, semi-natural enclosures. We found that individual chipmunks (1) clearly distinguish caches they made from those made by naive conspecifics (or observers); (2) that this species will consistently avoid its own caches while pilfering caches of others; and (3) that this species is likely to maintain a recovery advantage when scatter-hoarding. Our study also suggests that this process of cache management is facilitated by spatial memory of caches. In a final experiment, chipmunks remembered and distinguished between their own caches and other cached nuts for at least 3 days. Our study suggests that spatial memory for cached seeds is necessary for scatter-hoarding animals to not only retrieve the food they buried but also for long-term management of caches. We argue that the behavior of avoiding one’s own caches in favor of foraging for other food stores observed here could benefit cache survival and indirectly affect the processes of seedling establishment. Our study shows that spatial memory of individual cache sites is necessary for scatter-hoarding animals to not only retrieve the food they buried but also for management of caches over time. We demonstrate that Siberian chipmunks will first bury caches and then avoid their own caches in subsequent foraging, pilfering, and caching activity, suggesting that they use spatial memory to conserve their own caches. The study provides further insight into the use of memory in the scatter-hoarding process as well as the mechanisms of animal-mediated seed dispersal by scatter-hoarding animals.

Assessing and Training Young Children in Same and Different Relations Using the Relational Evaluation Procedure (REP)

Abstract: Previous research suggests the relational evaluation procedure (REP) is a useful means by which to assess and train relational responding. Most work so far has been with adults; however, given the potential utility of the REP for assessing and training relational responding, researchers need to investigate its use with young children. The current series of studies presents relevant data. Study 1 shows correlations between performance on a simple REP-based multi-level protocol (the NSD-REP) and cognitive and linguistic ability in a relatively large (n = 26) sample of typically developing children (aged 2–5). Studies 2–4 involved training REP performance to criterion in a number of these children, using a multiple baseline design across participants in each case to show experimental control. These findings supplement previous data suggesting the utility of the REP for training relational responding in young children.

Regulation of mRNA Translation Is a Novel Mechanism for Phthalate Toxicity

Abstract: Phthalates are a group of plasticizers that are widely used in many consumer products and medical devices, thus generating a huge burden to human health. Phthalates have been known to cause a number of developmental and reproductive disorders functioning as endocrine modulators. They are also involved in carcinogenesis with mechanisms less understood. To further understand the molecular mechanisms of phthalate toxicity, in this study we reported a new effect of phthalates on mRNA translation/protein synthesis, a key regulatory step of gene expression. Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) was found to directly inhibit mRNA translation in vitro but showed a complicated pattern of affecting mRNA translation in cells. In human kidney embryonic cell (HEK-293T), BBP increased cap-dependent mRNA translation at lower concentrations but showed inhibitory effect at higher concentrations. Cap-independent translation was not affected. On the other hand, mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) as a major metabolite of another important phthalate di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) inhibited both can-dependent and -independent mRNA translation in vivo. In contrast, BBP and MEHP exhibited an overall promoting effect on mRNA translation in cancer cells. Mechanistic studies identified that the level and phosphorylation of eIF4E-BP (eIF4E binding protein) and the amount of eIF4GI in eIF4F complex were altered in accordance with the effect of BBP on translation. BBP was also identified to directly bind to eIF4E, providing a further mechanism underlying the regulation of mRNA by phthalate. At the cellular level BBP inhibited normal cell growth but slightly promoted cancer cells (HT29) growth. Overall, this study provides the first evidence that phthalates can directly regulate mRNA translation as a novel mechanism to mediate their biological toxicities.

Social Class, Family Formation, and Delinquency in Early Adulthood

Abstract: Recent research suggests increasing heterogeneity in the transition from adolescence to early adulthood. This study considers how this heterogeneity may influence delinquency between these two deve...

Effects of propolis and gamma-cyclodextrin on intestinal neoplasia in normal weight and obese mice.

Abstract: Obesity is associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). This effect might be attributed to adipokine-supported signaling. We have established that propolis suppresses survival signaling in CRC cells in vitro; therefore, we ascertained the ability of a propolis supplement to modulate intestinal neoplastic development in C57BL/6J-ApcMin/+/J mice in the lean and obese state. To induce obesity, mice were fed with a Western diet containing 40% fat. Since the propolis supplement includes gamma-cyclodextrin, the interventions included diets supplemented with or without gamma-cyclodextrin. The animals were administered the following diets: (1) control diet, (2) control diet/gamma-cyclodextrin, (3) control diet/propolis, (4) Western diet, (5) Western diet/gamma-cyclodextrin, and (6) Western diet/propolis. Western diet, resulting in obesity, accelerated neoplastic progression, as evidenced by the larger size and higher grade dysplasia of the neoplasms. In the context of normal weight, gamma-cyclodextrin and propolis affected neoplastic progression, as determined by the size of the lesions and their grade of dysplasia. A statistically significant decrease in the number of adenomas was detected in mice fed a control diet with the propolis supplement (61.8 ± 10.6 vs. 35.3 ± 7.6, P = 0.008). Although there was no significant difference in the polyp numbers between the six groups, the mice with the lowest number and size of adenomas were those fed a Western diet with gamma-cyclodextrin. This unexpected outcome might be explained by the increased levels of apoptosis detected in the intestinal tissues of these obese mice. We posit that butyrate derived from the metabolism of gamma-cyclodextrin may contribute to the decreased neoplastic burden in the context of obesity; however, future studies are required to address this possibility.

Pharmacy impact on medication reconciliation in the medical intensive care unit.

Abstract: Objective: Pharmacy-driven medication history (MH) programs have been shown to reduce the number of serious or potentially life-threatening (S/PLT) medication discrepancies (MDs) in many settings, but not Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Methods: MHs were repeated over a 6-week period. Demographics, number, and nature of MDs were documented. Discrepancy severity was graded using a previously published method. Primary outcome was the proportion of MHs containing >1 S/PLT MDs. Findings: Sixty-three MHs were repeated. Pharmacy MHs were less likely to contain ≥1 S/PLT MDs (0% vs. 50%, P Conclusion: Pharmacy MHs contained fewer S/PLT MDs in this small sample. S/PLT MDs on admission and home medication lists were common in patients admitted to the medical ICU. Pharmacy-driven medication reconciliation (MR) reduced the number and frequency of these discrepancies. Further research is required to improve current MR procedures.

The Effects of Attention on the Trigeminal Blink Reflex.

Abstract: During top-down processing, higher cognitive processes modulate lower sensory processing. The present experiment tested the effects of directed attention on trigeminal reflex blinks in humans (n = 8). In separate sessions, participants either attended to blink-eliciting stimuli or were given no attentional instructions during stimulation of the supraorbital branch of the trigeminal nerve. Attention to blink-eliciting stimuli significantly increased reflex blink amplitude and duration and shortened blink latency compared with the no attention condition. These results suggested that higher processes such as attention can modify the trigeminal blink reflex circuit.

Senior Leaders as Effective Fundraisers: A Toolbox for Dealing with Complexities in the New Ecology

Abstract: Funding in higher education continues to be volatile and complex, so senior leaders must focus on fundraising among a host of other key roles (Bornstein, 2003, 2011; Cheng, 2011; Clevenger, 2014; Cohen, 2010; Drezner & Huels, 2014; Essex & Ansbach, 1993; Gould, 2003; Hodson, 2010; Kaufman, 2004; Rhodes, 2001; Tromble, 1998). The goal is creating win-win relationships with a donor and the institution (Bornstein, 2003, 2011; Bruch & Walter, 2005; Carroll & Buchholtz, 2015; Clevenger; Eddy, 2010; Levy, 1999; Prince & File, 2001; Siegel, 2012). There is “a new ecology—a context deeply different from that in which many of today’s institutions, assumptions, and habits were formed” (Fulton & Blau, 2005, p. 4). Senior leaders must have a toolbox filled with expertise to be effective fundraisers.

Is classical mechanics a prerequisite for learning physics of the 20th century

Abstract: Physics of the 20th century has contributed significantly to modern technology, and yet many physics students are never availed the opportunity to study it as part of the curriculum. One of the possible reasons why it is not taught in high school and introductory physics courses could be because curriculum designers believe that students need a solid background in classical mechanics and calculus in order to study physics of the 20th century such as the photoelectric effect, special and general relativity, the uncertainty principle, etc. This presumption may not be justifiable or valid. The authors of this paper contend that teaching physics of the 20th century aids students in relating physics to modern technology and the real world, making studying physics exciting. In this study, the authors correlated scores for matched questions in the Mechanics Baseline Test and a physics of the 20th century test in order to examine the trend of the scores. The participants included undergraduate students attending an introductory algebra-based physics course with no intention of taking physics at a higher level. The analysis of the scores showed no significant correlation for any of the matched pairs of questions. The purpose of this article is to recommend that even without a solid background in classical mechanics, teachers can introduce physics of the 20th century to their students for increased interest.

The Role of Corporate and Foundation Relations Development Officers (CFRs)

Abstract: Corporate and foundation relations development officers (CFRs) play a vital role in philanthropy and resource development within higher education. Specifically, these leaders focus time building relationships with individuals who represent corporations and foundations that are able contribute to the needs and programs of an academic institution (Clevenger, 2014; Hunt, 2012; Sanzone, 2000; Saul, 2011; Walton & Gasman, 2008). CFRs must be intimately familiar with their own institution, organizational priorities, and key leaders to be able to create and orchestrate touch-points, engagement and volunteer opportunities, and mutually beneficial inter-organizational partnerships. CFRs manage a complex intersection of internal constituents’ programs and interests while simultaneously trying to meet aggressive signature philanthropic platforms for companies or foundation programmatic initiatives. Morgan R. Clevenger Wilkes University, USA Cynthia J. MacGregor Missouri State University, USA The Role of Corporate and Foundation Relations Development Officers (CFRs)

The Role of Organosulfur Compounds Derived From Allium Vegetables in Cancer Prevention and Therapy

Abstract: Organosulfur compounds (OSCs) are a group of small molecules commonly present in Allium vegetables, such as garlic, onions chives, and shallots that have garnered scientific interest for their noted health benefits. OSCs have been evaluated for their potential to prevent or treat major diseases including cancer. Epidemiological evidence of inverse association between increased intake of Allium vegetables and cancer risk is now substantiated by animal studies wherein true causal relationships between OSCs and cancer prevention have been found. This chapter summarizes the chemistry, metabolism, and bioavailability of commonly studied OSCs and the latest developments regarding their anticarcinogenic effects in cell culture and animal models. Data pertinent to clinical trials assessing safety and anticancer efficacy of OSCs are also discussed.

Deciding to discover entrepreneurial opportunities: a multi-level investigation based on informational economics and resource dependence theory

Abstract: Under what circumstance do entrepreneurs decide to discover entrepreneurial opportunities to start new businesses? Informational economics suggests when entrepreneurs possess prior specific knowledge, they decide to discover opportunities. This paper contributes to informational economics perspective by taking resource dependence theory into consideration. Utilizing a conjoint experiment and a multilevel analysis of 66 student entrepreneurs, we found that students’ prior specific knowledge significantly influences students’ decision to discover opportunities. Further, we found that power imbalance moderates the relationship between prior specific knowledge and students’ decisions to discover opportunities. Our paper has theoretical implications and practical implications for entrepreneurs, educators and policy makers.

Replacement in the U.S. House: An outlier-chasing model

Abstract: We know that most House seats remain within the same party over the course of a redistricting decade. For example, over 75% did so in the last decade. This gives rise to the question: “Why do some ...