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ABSTRACT We examine the contribution to economic growth of entrepreneurial marketplace information within a regional endogenous growth framework. Entrepreneurs are posited to provide an input to economic growth through the information revealed by their successes and failures. We empirically identify this information source with the regional variation in establishment births and deaths. To account for the potential endogeneity caused by forward-looking entrepreneurs, we utilize instruments based on historic mining activity. We find that the information spillover component of local establishment birth and death rates have significant positive effects on subsequent entrepreneurship and employment growth for U.S. counties and metropolitan areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the possible negative effect of employer-sponsored health insurance on labor mobility (job lock) has spawned substantial research, little research has considered differences in job lock between rural and urban areas. Job lock might differ in rural areas because of specific features of rural economies, in particular, the thinness of rural labor markets. This paper estimates measures of job lock for rural and urban areas. Parameter estimates suggest that it is larger in rural areas. The results also indicate that nonwage benefits such as retirement plans, paid vacation, and sick pay are more important factors in married rural workers decisions to change jobs while wages are a more important factor in the transition decisions of single urban workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research is presented concerning the attraction of public support and private investor interest to business ventures in regional areas where good information systems have been made available.

Research is presented concerning the effect a lack of information can have on economic prosperity and development at a local level. The benefits which university researchers can bring to local communities are discussed.

The aim of the study was to identify factors that predict impairment in daily life for patients of working age with knee complaints 6 months after receiving physiotherapy. A prospective, multicentre observational study was conducted in private physiotherapy practices. Patients ( n = 237) aged 18-65 years with a physiotherapy referral because of knee complaints were studied. Treatment was documented on a standardized form by the physiotherapists and was not influenced by the investigators. The 16-item version of the Musculoskeletal Function Assessment Questionnaire was used as primary outcome measure. Baseline scores for impairment in daily life, symptom characteristics, socio-demographic and psychosocial factors, physical activity, nicotine consumption and comorbidities were investigated as possible predictors of recovery. Predictors identified by multiple linear regression were: self-prognosis on work ability, mental resources, obesity, diagnostic subgroup anterior knee pain and the comorbidities rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. An active primary therapy approach enhanced recovery. Variables explained 38% of variance (adjusted R2). The knowledge of the identified factors supports the setting of therapy goals together with the patient. Therefore, only a short questionnaire is necessary. Moreover, the results underpin the importance of an active therapy plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We first review Andy’s lessons to us on the potential contributions of storytelling in regional science. We then review Andy’s lessons on how measurement and definitions affect regional science research by focusing on Andy’s and our own work. We see this research through the lens of measurement and offer our suggestions for what is next. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Discusses measures of entrepreneurial breadth and depth of the U.S. regions which can be used to gauge their entrepreneurial activity. Role of income and revenue in measuring the entrepreneurial breadth and depth; Comparison of entrepreneurial breadth and depth between rural and urban areas; Factors that contribute to the entrepreneurial differences between rural and metropolitan regions.

Older industrial districts, often rich with history and architecture, are paradoxically central yet decaying features of the modern US urban landscape. However, several such areas are experiencing major renaissances through individual sparks of private business investment. Lower Downtown (LoDo) Denver is a well-known example of this phenomenon; less recognised is the influential role of craft breweries in its rebirth. This paper first explores a game-theoretical framework for understanding the private strategies in such pioneer enterprises, along with the potential market failures and externalities involved. A case study of the LoDo experience is then presented to highlight both the theoretical and policy perspectives of the research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including the economic developments in major populations, rural economy and agricultural economy.

Aim: Sleep disturbances induce proinflammatory immune responses, which might increase cardiovascular disease risk. So far the effects of acute sleep deprivation and chronic sleep illnesses on the immune system have been investigated. The particular impact of shift work induced chronic circadian disruption on specific immune responses has not been addressed so far., Methods: Pittsburgh-Sleep-Quality-Index (PSQI) questionnaire and blood sampling was performed by 225 shift workers and 137 daytime workers. As possible markers the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-alpha and lymphocyte cell count were investigated. A medical examination was performed and biometrical data including age, gender, height, weight, waist and hip circumference and smoking habits were collected by a structured interview., Results: Shift workers had a significantly higher mean PSQI score than day workers (6.73 vs. 4.66; p < 0.001). Day workers and shift workers had similar serum levels of IL-6 (2.30 vs. 2.67 resp.; p = 0.276), TNF-alpha (5.58 vs. 5.68, resp.; p = 0.841) or lymphocytes count (33.68 vs. 32.99, resp.; p = 0.404). Furthermore there were no differences in cytokine levels (IL-6 p = 0.761; TNF-alpha p = 0.759) or lymphocyte count (p = 0.593) comparing the sleep quality within the cohorts. When this calculation of sleep quality was stratified by shift and day workers irrespective of their sleep quality day workers and shift workers had similar serum levels of IL-6, TNF-alpha or lymphocytes count. Multiple linear regression analysis showed a significant correlation of lymphocytes count and smoking habits., Conclusion: Shift work induces chronic sleep debt. Our data reveals that chronic sleep debt might not always lead to an activation of the immune system, as we did not observe differences in lymphocyte count or level of IL-6 or TNF-alpha serum concentration between shift workers and day workers. Therefore chronic sleep restriction might be eased by a long-term compensating immune regulation which (in healthy) protects against an overstimulation of proinflammatory immune mechanisms and moderates metabolic changes, as they are known from short-term sleep deprivation or sleep related breathing disorders.