38,889 research outputs found
Quantifying knowledge exchange in R&D networks: A data-driven model
We propose a model that reflects two important processes in R&D activities of
firms, the formation of R&D alliances and the exchange of knowledge as a result
of these collaborations. In a data-driven approach, we analyze two large-scale
data sets extracting unique information about 7500 R&D alliances and 5200
patent portfolios of firms. This data is used to calibrate the model parameters
for network formation and knowledge exchange. We obtain probabilities for
incumbent and newcomer firms to link to other incumbents or newcomers which are
able to reproduce the topology of the empirical R&D network. The position of
firms in a knowledge space is obtained from their patents using two different
classification schemes, IPC in 8 dimensions and ISI-OST-INPI in 35 dimensions.
Our dynamics of knowledge exchange assumes that collaborating firms approach
each other in knowledge space at a rate for an alliance duration .
Both parameters are obtained in two different ways, by comparing knowledge
distances from simulations and empirics and by analyzing the collaboration
efficiency . This is a new measure, that takes also in
account the effort of firms to maintain concurrent alliances, and is evaluated
via extensive computer simulations. We find that R&D alliances have a duration
of around two years and that the subsequent knowledge exchange occurs at a very
low rate. Hence, a firm's position in the knowledge space is rather a
determinant than a consequence of its R&D alliances. From our data-driven
approach we also find model configurations that can be both realistic and
optimized with respect to the collaboration efficiency .
Effective policies, as suggested by our model, would incentivize shorter R&D
alliances and higher knowledge exchange rates.Comment: 35 pages, 10 figure
Correcting for misclassification error in gross flows using double sampling: moment-based inference vs. likelihood-based inference
Gross flows are discrete longitudinal data that are defined as transition counts, between a finite number of states, from one point in time to another. We discuss the analysis of gross flows in the presence of misclassification error via double sampling methods. Traditionally, adjusted for misclassification error estimates are obtained using a moment-based estimator. We propose a likelihood-based approach that works by simultaneously modeling the true transition process and the misclassification error process within the context of a missing data problem. Monte-Carlo simulation results indicate that the maximumlikelihood estimator is more efficient than the moment-based estimator
Detection of pediatric upper extremity motor activity and deficits with accelerometry
Importance: Affordable, quantitative methods to screen children for developmental delays are needed. Motor milestones can be an indicator of developmental delay and may be used to track developmental progress. Accelerometry offers a way to gather real-world information about pediatric motor behavior.
Objective: To develop a referent cohort of pediatric accelerometry from bilateral upper extremities (UEs) and determine whether movement can accurately distinguish those with and without motor deficits.
Design, Setting, and Participants: Children aged 0 to 17 years participated in a prospective cohort from December 8, 2014, to December 29, 2017. Children were recruited from Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, Maryland Heights, Missouri, and Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri. Typically developing children were included as a referent cohort if they had no history of motor or neurological deficit; consecutive sampling and matching ensured equal representation of sex and age. Children with diagnosed asymmetric motor deficits were included in the motor impaired cohort.
Exposures: Bilateral UE motor activity was measured using wrist-worn accelerometers for a total of 100 hours in 25-hour increments.
Main Outcomes and Measures: To characterize bilateral UE motor activity in a referent cohort for the purpose of detecting irregularities in the future, total activity and the use ratio between UEs were used to describe typically developing children. Asymmetric impairment was classified using the mono-arm use index (MAUI) and bilateral-arm use index (BAUI) to quantify the acceleration of unilateral movements.
Results: A total of 216 children enrolled, and 185 children were included in analysis. Of these, 156 were typically developing, with mean (SD) age 9.1 (5.1) years and 81 boys (52.0%). There were 29 children in the motor impaired cohort, with mean (SD) age 7.4 (4.4) years and 16 boys (55.2%). The combined MAUI and BAUI (mean [SD], 0.86 [0.005] and use ratio (mean [SD], 0.90 [0.008]) had similar F1 values. The area under the curve was also similar between the combined MAUI and BAUI (mean [SD], 0.98 [0.004]) and the use ratio (mean [SD], 0.98 [0.004]).
Conclusions and Relevance: Bilateral UE movement as measured with accelerometry may provide a meaningful metric of real-world motor behavior across childhood. Screening in early childhood remains a challenge; MAUI may provide an effective method for clinicians to measure and visualize real-world motor behavior in children at risk for asymmetrical deficits
Quantifying the impact of weak, strong, and super ties in scientific careers
Scientists are frequently faced with the important decision to start or
terminate a creative partnership. This process can be influenced by strategic
motivations, as early career researchers are pursuers, whereas senior
researchers are typically attractors, of new collaborative opportunities.
Focusing on the longitudinal aspects of scientific collaboration, we analyzed
473 collaboration profiles using an ego-centric perspective which accounts for
researcher-specific characteristics and provides insight into a range of
topics, from career achievement and sustainability to team dynamics and
efficiency. From more than 166,000 collaboration records, we quantify the
frequency distributions of collaboration duration and tie-strength, showing
that collaboration networks are dominated by weak ties characterized by high
turnover rates. We use analytic extreme-value thresholds to identify a new
class of indispensable `super ties', the strongest of which commonly exhibit
>50% publication overlap with the central scientist. The prevalence of super
ties suggests that they arise from career strategies based upon cost, risk, and
reward sharing and complementary skill matching. We then use a combination of
descriptive and panel regression methods to compare the subset of publications
coauthored with a super tie to the subset without one, controlling for
pertinent features such as career age, prestige, team size, and prior group
experience. We find that super ties contribute to above-average productivity
and a 17% citation increase per publication, thus identifying these
partnerships - the analog of life partners - as a major factor in science
career development.Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures, 1 Tabl
- …