On a class of solvable difference equations generalizing an iteration process for calculating reciprocals

The well-known first-order nonlinear difference equation $$ y_{n+1}=2y_{n}-xy_{n}^{2}, \quad n\in {\mathbb {N}}_{0}, $$ y n + 1 = 2 y n − x y n 2 , n ∈ N 0 , naturally appeared in the problem of computing the reciprocal value of a given nonzero real number x. One of the interesting features of the difference equation is that it is solvable in closed form. We show that there is a class of theoretically solvable higher-order nonlinear difference equations that include the equation. We also show that some of these equations are also practically solvable.

GenMap: ultra-fast computation of genome mappability

Motivation Computing the uniqueness of k-mers for each position of a genome while allowing for up to e mismatches is computationally challenging. However, it is crucial for many biological applications such as the design of guide RNA for CRISPR experiments. More formally, the uniqueness or (k, e)-mappability can be described for every position as the reciprocal value of how often this k-mer occurs approximately in the genome, i.e. with up to e mismatches. Results We present a fast method GenMap to compute the (k, e)-mappability. We extend the mappability algorithm, such that it can also be computed across multiple genomes where a k-mer occurrence is only counted once per genome. This allows for the computation of marker sequences or finding candidates for probe design by identifying approximate k-mers that are unique to a genome or that are present in all genomes. GenMap supports different formats such as binary output, wig and bed files as well as csv files to export the location of all approximate k-mers for each genomic position. Availability and implementation GenMap can be installed via bioconda. Binaries and C++ source code are available on https://github.com/cpockrandt/genmap.

Careerography: Application of Psychobiography to Career Development

The present article introduces the topic and research area of careerography, an adaptation of psychobiography to the field of career psychology. A brief historical overview of psychobiography is provided, and the reciprocal value of linking psychobiographical research methods to theory development in career psychology is emphasized. Best practices in psychobiography are highlighted, and a six-step sequential guide to conducting careerography is presented inclusive of (1) selecting one’s historical subject, (2) ethical considerations and bracketing bias, (3) identifying initial research questions, (4) choosing anchoring career theories, (5) engaging the iterative research process, and (6) writing the careerography report.

Autowave nature of plasticity. Scale invariance

The generality of localization of plastic deformation, which is observed at the stage of linear work hardening for HCP, BCC and FCC monoand polycrystals of pure metals and alloys, is considered. It was found previously that the motion rate of localized flow autowave is related to the reciprocal value of the work hardening coefficient by a linear law, which is universal in character. This is further substantiated by the results of the given study. The waves of plastic flow localization are found to have dispersion law. It has been established that in order to address the autowave of localized deformation, a quasi-particle may be introduced. The quasi-particle’s characteristics have been defined.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of antenatal umbilical cord coiling index (aUCI) in second trimester of gestation and pregnancy outcome

Background: To evaluate the role of antenatal umbilical cord coiling index (aUCI) obtained during routine second trimester ultrasound as a predictor of perinatal outcome.Methods: Fetal ultrasound of 100 pregnant women was done between 18-24 weeks of gestation. Antenatal UCI was calculated as a reciprocal value of the distance between a pair of coils. Patients were followed up till delivery for perinatal outcome. UCI was correlated with: (1) gestational age (2) mode of delivery, (3) presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid, (4) APGAR scores and (5) birth weight.Results: aUCI was categorized as hypocoiled, normocoiled or hypercoiled. Hypocoiled cord was associated with LBW (1%), preterm delivery (1%) while hypercoiled cord was associated with LBW (4%). No statistical difference was found for birth weight, gestational age, APGAR scores and MSAF between the groups with normal and abnormal aUCI.Conclusions: In present study, no association was found between abnormal aUCI with higher prevalence of interventional delivery, presence of MSAF, preterm and LBW. Therefore, more specific parameters need to be developed as promising prognostic marker for predicting adverse perinatal outcome and further studies are needed to test this hypothesis.

Developing a tool to measure the reciprocal benefits that accrue to health professionals involved in global health

Research to date on global health collaborations has typically focused on documenting improvements in the health outcomes of low/middle-income countries. Recent discourse has characterised these collaborations with the notion of ‘reciprocal value’, namely, that the benefits go beyond strengthening local health systems and that both partners have something to learn and gain from the relationship. We explored a method for assessing this reciprocal value by developing a robust framework for measuring changes in individual competencies resulting from participation in global health work. The validated survey and evidence-based framework were developed from a comprehensive review of the literature on global health competencies and reciprocal value. Statistical analysis including factor analysis, evaluation of internal consistency of domains and measurement of floor and ceiling effects were conducted to explore global health competencies among diverse health professionals at a tertiary paediatric health facility in Toronto, Canada. Factor analysis identified eight unique domains of competencies for health professionals and their institutions resulting from participation in global health work. Seven domains related to individual-level competencies and one emphasised institutional capacity strengthening. The resulting Global Health Competency Model and validated survey represent useful approaches to measuring the reciprocal value of global health work among diverse health professionals and settings. Insights gained through application of the model and survey may challenge the dominant belief that capacity strengthening for this work primarily benefits the recipient individuals and institutions in low/middle-income settings.

Library Impact on Student Retention is Often Not Well Documented or Communicated

A Review of: Murray, A. L., & Ireland, A. P. (2017). Communicating library impact on retention: A framework for developing reciprocal value propositions. Journal of Library Administration, 57(3), 311-326. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01930826.2016.1243425 Abstract Objective – Identification of trends in documenting and communicating library impact on student retention. Presentation of a framework of library stakeholders with examples of how libraries can communicate their value to each stakeholder group. Design – Survey and presentation of framework. Setting – Comprehensive universities in the USA. Subjects – 68 Academic library deans/directors. Methods – A survey on current methods of documenting and communicating library impact on student retention was sent to all 271 comprehensive universities with a Carnegie classification of Master’s level. The response rate was 25%. Emergent themes were identified using NVIVO for the qualitative data analysis. The six markets model was presented as a framework for identifying library stakeholder groups. Examples of reciprocal value propositions (RVP) for each stakeholder group were provided. Main Results – Analysis of the survey results identified a number of themes about documenting library impact on student retention: use of information literacy assessment, use of satisfaction or feedback instruments (eg: survey, focus group), library-use data, and lack of knowledge of methods. Several responses indicated the methods used for information literacy assessment were not a direct measure for documenting impact on retention. A few institutions piloted more direct methods by combining library use data and student success metrics. A number of institutions said they struggled with how to use library-use data to calculate library impact on retention. Methods for communicating library impact on retention included formal presentations, annual reports, annual assessment reports, informal communication, and none. Communication was often tied to documentation; if a library did not collect or document impact on retention, they were not able to communicate anything. The authors noted communication tended to be unidirectional rather than being a multidirectional discussion between the library and its stakeholders. Based on the six markets model, the authors identified six library stakeholder groups that would benefit from understanding library impact on student retention. The authors postulated that identifying these markets would allow the library to define value propositions for each market. The value propositions for each market would be reciprocal because value would be co-created when the library engages with each stakeholder group to fill a service need. The authors proposed that identifying and engaging with stakeholders, and defining reciprocal value propositions for each, would provide the library with an opportunity to advocate for itself.

Practical Application of Theory in Business

Theorists spend countless hours conducting research to explain phenomena that exist in the world and to increase the base of knowledge in their fields. Once this knowledge is discovered and codified, it should be used. However, scholars are divided on the relationship between theory and practical application and their reciprocal value. This paper explores the relationship between theory and practical application and displays a specific example of how one theory, the theory of service-dominant logic, can be practically applied in the field of business.