The role of the regional milieu for the decision to start a new firm: Empirical evidence for Germany

Although comprehensive data from official statistics on new firm formation and entrepreneurs starting a new business are lacking in Germany, we know from empirical studies that entry rates differ between regions, and that the propensity to become an entrepreneur is influenced by socio-demographic variables like sex and age. The focus of our paper is on the link of these two stylised facts. Our econometric study is based on data for 10.000 persons from a recent representative survey of the population in ten German planning regions. We use a version of the probit model that takes care of the regional stratification of the data, and the results of the nonlinear models are carefully interpreted and illustrated. We show that the region matters for the decision to start a new business ceteris paribus, i.e. after controlling for sex, age, education etc.. In a second step we peek inside the black box of the regional effect by showing that the regional level of current start-up activity has a positive ceteris paribus effect on the propensity to become an entrepreneur, while the share of self-employed in the region does not matter. The consequences of these findings for regional policies to encourage new firm entry are discussed briefly in the concluding section.

FLOW EXPERIENCE ON THE WEB: MEASUREMENT VALIDATION AND MIXED METHOD SURVEY OF FLOW ACTIVITIES

Despite strong interest in various research disciplines over two decades, adapting the \u27flow\u27 theory of Csikszentmihalyi to understand user behavior in information systems, existing literature shows high inconsistencies on both the conceptual and the methodological side. This paper addresses these inconsistencies by considering flow from the perspective of the conceptual and methodological status quo of research in psychology. Based on qualitative and quantitative data of 216 respondents, a consistent conceptualization and measurement of flow via the Flow Short Scale (FSS), which is utilized for the first time in the context of the web, is demonstrated and validated in a nomological network regarding website usage continuance intentions. Building upon this, a cross-section of activities on the web, whereat flow is experienced (flow activities), is collected and categorized by means of qualitative content analysis. Furthermore, the intensity of different aspects of the flow experience and potential for their improvement are disclosed. Looking ahead to the explanation of user behavior and implications for web design, the study makes suggestions for relevant further research

DIFFERENCES IN BASIC ELEMENTS BETWEEN JUNIORS AND SENIORS AND BETWEEN WOMEN AND MEN IN GYMNASTICS

INTRODUCTION: This investigation focused on the results of biomechanics projects carried out by the Institute for Applied Training Science (IAT) during the World Championships 1989, 1994, 1997 and the 1993 European Championships in Geneva. The 1994 and 1997 investigations were also certified as ISBS projects. METHODS: Image measuring methods, dynamometrical measurements of apparatus reaction forces, special measuring systems and mathematical models were used to differentiate between gymnastics performances by juniors and seniors and between women and men. RESULTS: In performing backward somersaults, men reached flight heights of 2.7 m, women of 2.3 m (relating to CG). Male and female juniors had lower values. Using mathematical models, maximum joint moments of the ankle, knee and hip joints were estimated. Because of the greater strength capacities of men, it was possible to establish other technical characteristics of the flic-flac as well as of the backward somersault and its take-off. These characteristics of men appeared similar to those of top level sport acrobats who reach flight heights of more than 3 m when executing somersaults. Differences in giant swing technique, before difficult flight elements and dismounts on the horizontal bar, and the uneven bars were attributed to construction-related differences in the apparatuses used by men and women. In men, higher strength values (up to 6-7 times body weight) were measured than in women (4-5 times body weight). A long-term analysis over 10 years showed a similarity of the giant swing technique in men and women. In male and female juniors, lower apparatus reaction forces were measured. The elastic qualities of gymnastic apparatuses were used less effectively by the juniors. Differences in technique could also be shown in the horse vault. The running approach velocity of men was about 1 m/s higher than that of women. At the World Championships in Lausanne these results were significant. The first flight phase was shorter (in duration) during the period of investigations. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the investigation showed the necessity to develop special training programs aimed at the improvement of the endurance, strength, speed and as well as the coordination of young male and female gymnasts. Interestingly, the results of the 1994 and 1997 ISBS projects proved to be very helpful to the Technical Committees and Working groups of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). REFERENCES: Brüggemann, G.-P. (1994). Biomechanics of Gymnastic Techniques. Sport Science Review. 3, 79-120. Geiblinger, H., Morrison, W. E., McLaughlin, P. (1995). Coaching Points: World Gymnastics Championships. Brisbane. Krug, J., Noble, L. (1997). Application for Participation in the 1997-98 ISBS Gymnastics Project

Depletion of the non-coding regulatory 6S RNA in E. coli causes a surprising reduction in the expression of the translation machinery

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>6S RNA from <it>E. coli </it>is known to bind to RNA polymerase interfering with transcription initiation. Because 6S RNA concentrations are maximal at stationary phase and binding occurs preferentially to the holoenzyme associated with σ⁷⁰(Eσ⁷⁰) it is believed that 6S RNA supports adjustment to stationary phase transcription. Previous studies have also suggested that inhibition is specific for σ⁷⁰-dependent promoters characterized by a weak -35 recognition motif or extended -10 promoters. There are many exceptions to this precept, showing that other types of promoters, including stationary phase-specific (σ³⁸-dependent) promoters are inhibited.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>To solve this apparent ambiguity and to better understand the role of 6S RNA in stationary phase transition we have performed a genome-wide transcriptional analysis of wild-type and 6S RNA deficient cells growing to mid-log or early stationary phase. We found 245 genes at the exponential growth phase and 273 genes at the early stationary phase to be ≥ 1.5-fold differentially expressed. Up- and down-regulated genes include many transcriptional regulators, stress-related proteins, transporters and several enzymes involved in purine metabolism. As the most striking result during stationary phase, however, we obtained in the 6S RNA deficient strain a concerted expression reduction of genes constituting the translational apparatus. In accordance, primer extension analysis showed that transcription of ribosomal RNAs, representing the key molecules for ribosome biogenesis, is also significantly reduced under the same conditions. Consistent with this finding biochemical analysis of the 6S RNA deficient strain indicates that the lack of 6S RNA is apparently compensated by an increase of the basal ppGpp concentration, known to affect growth adaptation and ribosome biogenesis.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The analysis demonstrated that the effect of 6S RNA on transcription is not strictly confined to σ⁷⁰-dependent promoters. Moreover, the results indicate that 6S RNA is embedded in stationary phase adaptation, which is governed by the capacity of the translational machinery.</p