Collaborative Alliance Research Articles

Reflecting on Cultural Training Outside of Cultural Place

The purpose of this reflective paper is to explore ways to provide quality cultural training to the faculty of a small Christian college in the area of blending Indigenous and Western ways of knowing. Although we are using various methods, including a one-week immersion in an Alaskan Native village, it seems that progress towards indigenizing the curriculum and methodologies is agonizingly slow. How can we bring effective change in a Westernized setting with limited opportunities for rich, Indigenous crosscultural experiences for faculty and staff? After researching immersion training, vicarious learning, and simulations, these authors came to the realization that we were missing the forest for the trees. It is the students who hold the power to impact the faculty and the classroom environment. All they need is a collaborative alliance with the faculty to demonstrate their knowledge, culture, and ways of knowing.

Sino -Indian Political Relations: An Overview

While discussing the political systems as well as the political leadership of both countries, an effort was made to understand the political and strategic relations between both neighbors e.g. India and China. This paper examined the historical peaceful coexistence between the both, which has undergone a decline since the Chinese Communists won the Chinese Civil War and the annexation of Tibet. This has led to border disputes and economic nationalism. Both countries worked hard to re-establish their cultural, social, and economic ties, and eventually, China became India's most important trading partner. Currently, the two nations have established a strategic and collaborative alliance aimed at promoting peace and prosperity. This partnership is characterized by a significant level of involvement and enhanced comprehension in the areas of political, cultural, economic, and military cooperation. The foundation of their enhanced relationship is predicated upon a mutual comprehension of their respective concerns.

Talent Readiness of PT KAI to Face the Era of Change

PT KAI is the only rail-based transportation company in Indonesia managed by SOEs. The main services offered by PT KAI are transportation for passengers and products, while its non-core business is real estate, and its subsidiaries include six companies offering a wide range of services. PT KAI is currently undergoing changes that can be seen with the change in partnership PT KAI is moving towards Global Partnership. This can be seen by the cooperation carried out by PT KAI with other countries in carrying out the Indonesian Fast Train project. One of PT KAI’s missions is to become digital-based railway transportation. This mission is a business response to changes moving into the digital era. This research was conducted using quantitative methods. Data collection was carried out by researchers by visiting PT KAI Head Office located on Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan No.1, Babakan Ciamis, Kec. Sumur Bandung, Bandung City, West Java, and PT KAI Training Center located in two locations, namely Jl. Kacapiring, Batununggal District, Bandung City, West Java, Indonesia, and Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No.215, Dago, Coblong District, Bandung City, West Java, Indonesian. The respondents of this study were active employees of PT KAI totaling 168 respondents. The method of data collection is carried out by du event, namely Quick Count or Pooling Priority, and also through Questionnaires. The data processed then was from 140 respondents. The data reduction was carried out because it was found that there were outliers of 28 respondents or 16.67% obtained through examination with the SPSS 26 tool with the Casewise Diagnostic method. Researchers also provide solutions to change issues so that PT KAI is better prepared to face the era of change in the future, consist of PT KAI Goes International through English Habits, and Work Abroad Opportunities for PT KAI’s Top Talent, Transforming Service Quality and Security by maximizing the use of AI and Renewable Technology in all Business processes, Creating Synergies (Including SOEs) through harmonious and collaborative strategic alliances with other state-owned companies, Global Partnership as the best transportation ecosystem solution for Indonesia by opening up to the existence of a Global partnership business scheme.

Effects of Science and Technology Finance on Green Total Factor Productivity in China: Insights from an Empirical Spatial Durbin Model

Undoubtedly, science and technology (sci-tech) finance plays a vital role in promoting innovation and industrial structure. Sci-tech finance may also affect green total factor productivity (GTFP). However, the research that integrates sci-tech finance and GTFP in the same environmental policy framework is still scant. In this context, the spatial spillover effect and mechanism of the impact of sci-tech finance on GTFP were empirically analyzed using the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2010 to 2020. The slacks-based measure (SBM) model of non-expected output and the GML index were used to measure the GTFP, and the entropy weight method was used to measure the development level of sci-tech finance in each province. The results unveil that sci-tech finance and GTFP in China have significant spatial autocorrelation and spatial disequilibrium; the positive driving effect of sci-tech finance on GTFP has a significant spatial spillover effect. The mechanism test finds that sci-tech finance enhances local GTFP by expanding R&D expenditures and optimizing industrial structure, and the spatial spillover effect of sci-tech finance on GTFP in neighboring regions is realized by expanding R&D expenditures in neighboring regions. The heterogeneity test found that sci-tech finance has a significant positive effect on GTFP in the eastern region, an insignificant positive effect on the central regions, and a significant negative effect on the western and northeastern regions. Therefore, regional collaboration alliances should be established to fully play the spatial effect of sci-tech finance and enhance GTFP.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between intense pulsed light therapy using two different filters in meibomian gland dysfunction: prospective randomized study

Our study compared treatment efficacy between cut-off and notch filters in intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) through a prospective, randomized paired-eye trial. Additionally, the efficacy of IPL treatment alone was investigated by restricting other conventional treatments. One eye was randomly selected for an acne filter and the other for a 590-nm filter. Identical four regimens of IPL treatments were administered. The tear break-up time (TBUT), Oxford scale, Sjögren’s International Clinical Collaborative Alliance (SICCA) staining score, tear matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression, tear osmolarity, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaires were evaluated before and after IPL. Meibomian gland (MG) parameters were measured. When combining the results from both filters, the TBUT, SICCA staining score, OSDI score, and upper and lower lid meibum expressibility were improved after IPL. No significant differences were found between the two filters in the TBUT, Oxford scale, SICCA staining score, MMP-9 expression, tear osmolarity, and MG parameters. Although not significant, the acne filter showed better treatment efficacy than that in the 590-nm filter. IPL alone is efficacious in terms of ocular surface parameters, MG function, and subjective symptoms. Regarding filter selection, both acne and 590-nm filters are promising options for MGD treatment.

Deperipheralisation of people and states in the algorithmic assemblage: court cases and a proposal for a new social contract

ABSTRACT The article investigates what happens in the platform economy from the point of view of the algorithm-mediated relations established between corporations, governments, and users. From an assemblage approach, the article argues that a new order is emerging whose most salient feature is the collaborative alliances between governments and users versus the large corporations behind the platforms. A direct consequence of this is increasing regulation of platforms’ economic activities. Based on the survey of four legal cases, the article applies a mapping method to identify the capacities exercised by the components of this algorithmic assemblage and observe that, while big tech corporations continue to occupy a central position, users and governments are pushing for the assemblage’s reterritorialisation and, hence, their Deperipheralisation. Considering this novel trend, the article concludes that the most politically relevant pillar of the new identity of the algorithmic assemblage is a new social contract centred on data rights, literacy, and sovereignty.

Production Scheduling of Regional Industrial Clusters Based on Customization Oriented Smart Garment Ecosystem

This paper presents the Smart Garment Ecosystem (SG-ECO) and enriches the garment customization production scheduling model theory. On the basis of SG-ECO, the author designs a regional collaborative production alliance (RCPA) based on the idea of collaborative production management and then establishes a flexible production scheduling model (FPSM) that is oriented to the RCPA model under multiple constraints and aims to maximize weighted cost savings. The RCPA model and research on FPSM can enrich the theoretical system of production scheduling research to a certain extent and provide new ideas for the latter's research on customized production scheduling. Although the calculation example proves that the genetic algorithm based on double-layer integer coding (DIC-GA) can effectively solve the FPSM problem, the feasible solution space of the algorithm increases when the order size increases, and the number of iterations and search time required gradually increase. An improved genetic algorithm with double-layer integer coding for processes and workshops is designed, which can not only ensure that each chromosome is a legal individual but also reduce the complexity of the algorithm. The crossover operation and compilation operation are designed based on the coding method to ensure that the genetic operations in the algorithm can produce feasible solutions.

Collaborative multidepot electric vehicle routing problem with time windows and shared charging stations

Logistics distribution using electric vehicles (EVs) is gradually becoming popular in urban logistics networks with the promise of carbon peak and carbon neutrality. A collaborative mechanism among multiple depots can effectively increase the efficiency and sustainability of a logistics network. Sharing charging stations (CSs) is presented as a critical strategy to improve the efficiency of logistics networks and facilitate collaboration further. Solving a collaborative multidepot EV routing problem with time windows and shared charging stations (CMEVRPTW-SCS) involves centralized transportation services among multiple depots, coordinated delivery services among multiple depots and the charging needs of EVs. A bi-objective nonlinear programming model for CMEVRPTW-SCS is formulated to minimize the total operating cost and number of EVs, wherein the operating cost contains transportation costs among depots and vehicle routing costs in each depot. Gaussian mixture clustering algorithm is developed to cluster customers and assign them to depots probabilistically to reduce the computational complexity, and an improved multi-objective genetic algorithm with tabu search (IMOGA-TS) is designed to optimize the EV routes and charging locations in CMEVRPTW-SCS. With the combination of local and global searches and the improvement of solutions at each iteration by TS, the proposed hybrid algorithm can significantly accelerate the efficient exploration of optimal solutions. The comparative results of the IMOGA-TS with multi-objective genetic algorithm, non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II and multi-objective harmony search algorithm show the superiority of the proposed algorithm in solving CMEVRPTW-SCS. Then, a Shapley value model based on game theoretical methods is proposed to find the best profit allocation scheme. A real-world case study of CMEVRPTW-SCS in Chongqing City, China is conducted, and three scenarios of various collaborative alliances and 11 schemes with and without shared CSs are further discussed. The experimental results show that the proposed methods are of practical significance in reducing operating costs, improving transportation efficiency, and achieving sustainable operation in EV-based logistics distribution networks.

Space and the US–Japan alliance: reflections on Japan's geopolitical and geoeconomic strategy

AbstractJapan, and its alliance with the USA, is central to the unfolding politics of the new space race. This essay draws attention to the ways the Japanese state has positioned its geopolitical and geoeconomic interests related to space in the context of the US–Japan alliance. It probes the material and ideational elements that are driving the Japanese state to closer alignment with its formal ally in the military, civilian, and commercial space domains. But while all these realities bode well for alliance collaboration, there are reasons to be cautious. While the Japanese state has proactively aligned its space policy and postures with the USA, it is not forever caught in the US orbit. Given the uncertain fate of US domestic politics that bears on great power competition, Japan is also prudently positioning for how the status of its ally may evolve. This is what complicates straightforward projections about alliance cooperation and balance of power politics in the unfolding international space order.

Analysis of collaborative urban public crisis governance in complex system: A multi-agent stochastic evolutionary game approach

As the world economy is leaping forward, countries have been exposed to the constant threat of public crises. Accelerated urbanization has currently led to a proliferation of urban public crisis events. Conventional governance methods become ineffective under the effect of the highly uncertain and dynamic nature of urban public crisis events. Accordingly, this study primarily aims to facilitate the construction of a collaborative multi-agent alliance in urban public crisis governance. Thus, evolutionary game theory is combined with system dynamics, Gaussian white noise stochastic disturbance terms are introduced to model the complex characteristics of urban public crisis events, and evolutionary game models and stochastic evolutionary game models are built for three types of groups (i.e., local governments, enterprises, and the public) to study the evolutionary process of group strategy choice behavior with or without central government supervision. The result of this study suggests that under the effect of the complexity factor, the central government's dynamic reward and punishment mechanism plays a role of in reaching a facilitative and stable alliance for collaborative urban public crisis governance. Furthermore, contributions, unresolved issues and vital challenges are identified. In this study, a solid basis is laid for future research and widespread use of collaborative urban public crisis governance, which provides a reference for stakeholders in the field of urban public crisis governance.

Prerequisites for the formation of collaborative alliances in the implementation of distributed generation

Introduction. One of the key vectors of the further development of the domestic electric power industry is the implementation of the smart grid system particularly the development of distributed generation. At the same time, this process requires solving the complex problem of establishing interaction and organizing cooperation between its participants. Purpose. The purpose of the article is to determine the participants of collaborative alliances within the framework of the development of the distributed generation system. Method (methodology). The methods of generalization and grouping used in the research process with the aim of forming relevance and outlining development paths in the electric power industry, for the formation of the structure of collaborative alliances – methods of analysis and synthesis, as well as a method of logical analysis to form conclusions. Results. Prerequisites for the organization of cooperation through the creation of associations and partnerships based on the theory of collaborative alliances are determined, primarily due to the insufficient amount of resources of individual economic entities. Considered the concept of collaborative alliances, grouped the main general advantages of their creation and functioning. Researched the main issues in electric power, which can be solve by the implementation of smart grids, also, as a result, a complex of potential positive changes. Defined the basic functions of a smart network as: production, transmission, distribution and consumption of electric energy and their constituent elements. Particular attention paid to the development of distributed generation in the paradigm of one of the key elements of the smart grids development. Researched concepts and advantages of implementation of distributed generation and their essence. Emphasized the urgency of organizing the cooperation of distributed generation entities by forming collaborative alliances. Proposed the basic structure of such collaborative alliances in the system of distributed generation and the relationships of their participants.

Collaborative alliance between schools and local sports organizations in school athletic club based on a framework of interorganizational relations

Collaborative alliance between schools and local sports organizations in school athletic club based on a framework of interorganizational relations

Evaluation of morphological activity of primary Sjogren’s syndrome on bioptates of minor salivary glands

The results of the morphological study of the minor salivary glands can be used to assess the activity of the primary Sjogren's syndrome and to decide on adequate therapy.The existing protocol of The Sjögren's International Clinical Collaborative Alliance (SICCA) prescribes the methodology for examining biopsy specimens for suspected Sjögren's disease, however, experts interpret data from the analysis of histological preparations differently. To identify morphological forms of sialadenitis, as well as to determine the focus score in Russian patients based on the retrospective analysis of minor salivary glands biopsies of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome. Biopsies of minor salivary glands were studied in 92 patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome and 42 patients without rheumatic disease. Focal lymphocytic sialadenitis was detected in 69 patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome. The focus score in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome was 7.32 (2.8-14.17). In patients without rheumatic diseases, this index was 0.48 (p<0.05). Patients with confluent lymphocytic foci need immunohistochemical examination and dynamic monitoring to exclude lymphoproliferative diseases. The index of morphological activity of sialadenitis in primary Sjogren's syndrome ranges from 2.8 to 14.17 and reflects the activity of the underlying disease.It should be taken into account in the diagnosis and prescription of adequate therapy. Further study of the correlations of morphological and clinical and laboratory parameters will lead to clarification of the criterion signs of the disease.

Foreign Policy: A Study on Post-2022 U.S. Midterm Elections and Implications for NATO and European Partners

This scholarly investigation critically examines the determinants leading to shifts in U.S. foreign policy post the 2022 midterm elections. The research encompasses a comprehensive analysis of domestic political influences, consequential legislative shifts, and disparate stances adopted by different political actors. Through a meticulous inspection, it seeks to explicate potential repercussions of such alterations for NATO and European affiliates. The evolving U.S. position, and its impacts on the strategic geopolitical landscape, defense prerogatives, and alliance collaboration mechanisms are evaluated. The study further aims to deepen the understanding of the interplay between domestic politics and foreign policy, accentuating the significant influence of political transitions on global alliances and strategic partnerships. Anticipated findings are projected to contribute to the academic literature on U.S. foreign policy dynamics and the subsequent implications for NATO and European counterparts. Additionally, valuable insights expected from this research may provide strategic guidance for policymakers, academics, and stakeholders vested in deciphering the complex relationships between domestic politics, midterm elections, and ensuing alterations in foreign policy. Ultimately, this study enriches the understanding of the evolving transatlantic scenario and the impact of political metamorphoses on international diplomacy and collaboration.

“Now I Understand why She Needs Our help”

Abstract Children’s right to be listened to and taken seriously according to Article 12 of the uncrc is an important objective of children’s services. This article is based on a qualitative case study with children to explore child participation in research and the understanding of collaborative alliances. Analysis of field notes from workshops with children as co-researchers in a co-creation project forms a picture of four key components to answer the research question of how collaborative alliance as a methodological approach to child participation can support their ability to express their views freely: (a) having a valuable role in the collaboration, (b) creating a safe framework, (c) inclusion through information, and (d) an open and exploratory approach to the task. In this methodological approach, there is a suggestion of a ‘task-oriented approach’ to meaningful participation, as well as a proposal for chronological order for these elements.

Experience of Linking with the Environment, Learning and Service as a Collaborative Alliance in Initial Teacher

El artículo presenta resultados de un proyecto de investigación cualitativa realizado por una carrera de Pedagogía, en una Universidad privada, en Santiago de Chile. Se desarrolla durante tres años, en el contexto de las actividades de vinculación con el medio, a través del modelo aprendizaje y servicio. Éste consiste en capacitaciones y modelamiento dirigido a profesores/as en ejercicio de establecimientos públicos vulnerables, con el propósito de mejorar el aprendizaje de niños y niñas desde Pre Kínder a Cuarto básico. La experiencia involucra la participación de académicos/as, profesores/as y estudiantes de pregrado, lo que constituye un aporte significativo y sinérgico en los saberes de quienes protagonizan esta experiencia. El resultado que este modelo ofrece es una oportunidad de mejora efectiva en la formación de futuros profesores y a la vez aporta al desarrollo profesional docente, considerándose un hallazgo el aprendizaje e intercambio intergeneracional que se produce con el aprendizaje experiencial en la formación inicial docente.

Horizontal Collaboration among SMEs through a Supply and Distribution Cooperative

Introduction: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development encourages the governments of low and middle-income countries to support specifically small and medium enterprises to reach sustainable economic conditions. Strategic collaborative alliances among small and medium enterprises help these companies to overcome difficulties confronted in supply chain processes, such as procurement and transportation. This study describes a horizontal collaboration among small and medium enterprises (i.e., customers) where the demands are satisfied by a supply and distribution cooperative in Turkey. The cooperative is responsible for making bulk purchases with a discounted price that is not attainable for individual customers and making product deliveries to the customers. The benefits of establishing a supply and distribution cooperative that involves horizontally collaborating customers are assessed through a proposed decision support model. Methods: The model comprises a dynamic programming-based heuristic to determine a distribution plan and simulation to calculate total cooperative profit and customer profit shares. The model incorporates a comprehensive energy estimation approach for conventional vehicles that allows decision-makers to better estimate fuel consumption and, therefore, transportation emissions. Results and Discussion: The results show that horizontal collaboration among customers does not always guarantee profit. The amount of financial gain is dependent on many factors, such as logistics network, monetary demands, or discount rate observed due to the bulk purchase of the cooperative. Furthermore, such strategic alliances could allow companies to improve the efficient use of resources to have sustainable logistics systems. Conclusion: The proposed model can be used (i) to provide a detailed evaluation of the related costs and revenues, (ii) to provide analyses of the effects of the discount rate and the sector demand rate changes on the total cooperative profit, and (iii) to analyse the effects of uncertainties in several parameters on the total cooperative profit and customer profit shares.

Using a Collective Impact framework to evaluate an Australian health alliance for improving health outcomes.

Complex social issues such as population health mean that no one person, organization or sector can resolve these problems alone and instead require a collaborative approach. This study applied the Collective Impact framework to evaluate the alliance responsible for delivering a large-scale health promotion initiative. Committee meeting minutes for a 4-year period and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders (N = 14) involved in the design and implementation of the initiative explored the factors that contributed to collaborative efforts and initiative outcomes. Major strengths of the Healthier Queensland Alliance (the Alliance) stemmed from identifying a common agenda and using frequent communication to develop trust among Alliance partners. These processes were important, particularly in improving key relationships to ensure inclusivity and equity. Reinforcing activities helped to support individual organizational efforts, while shared measurement systems promoted data-driven decision-making and learning, which contributed to continuous improvement and innovation. Current findings support the use of the Collective Impact framework as a scaffold to assist collaborative alliances in working effectively and efficiently when implementing large-scale initiatives aiming to create positive social impact. This study has identified the foundations of practice to establish a successful Collective Impact alliance.

Bioplastics innovation: commercialization strategies for polyethylene furanoate (PEF) and polyhydroxy alkanoates (PHA)

AbstractPlastics have become ubiquitous materials essential for modern life and sustaining the global economy. On the other hand, their dependence on dwindling fossil fuel sources and their durability has raised concerns about their sustainability. Biobased plastics, which include biodegradable plastics, appear to be an appealing solution, yet their uptake has been slow. This paper specifically looks at the commercialization challenges for two bioplastics: polyethylene furanoate (PEF) and polyhydroxy alkanoate (PHA), that have been claimed by the industry as potentially disruptive. The superior barrier, mechanical and thermal properties of PEF present a suitable competition to polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The versatility and marine biodegradability of PHAs have attracted interest from several potential adopters. However, the high production costs of both pose a serious commercialization challenge when considering the established production, supply chain and recycling infrastructure for fossil‐based plastics. This study illustrates how firms are mitigating technical and market uncertainties by strategies such as adding value to other products, utilizing existing industrial assets, balancing exploration of more efficient and sustainable production pathways with commercial exploitation, lowering transaction costs by utilizing existing knowledge base, by developing formulation capabilities and forward integrating into end consumer products, or by entering collaborative alliances. These strategies could inevitably overcome inertia posed by the current market structure for fossil‐based plastics. © 2022 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley &amp; Sons Ltd.

Guidelines for Upgrading One Tambon One Product to Create Competitive Opportunities in the Digital Economy

In organizations, the guidelines of upgrading One Tambon One Product (OTOP) can be applied by taking it on the action plan’s agenda in building steady and explicit operational targets, and to create a solid base in terms of creating competitive opportunities. A mixed method research design was adopted for this study. The quantitative data was collected by questionnaires from 500 small business entrepreneurs on four variables: resource preparation, alliance collaboration, product development, and competitive advantage. The qualitative research design used the In-depth interview technique to collect data from nine experts, identified through purposive sampling method, and divided into three groups of equal size comprising 3 members: a group of successful business entrepreneurs, a group of government leaders and related agencies and a group of academics The study found that the element of resource preparation created competitive opportunities in the digital economy through transparent leadership; alliance collaboration made a collaboration arrangement with other companies; product development expanded the idea to be concrete; and competitive advantage kept individuals with expertise and experience with the company. The study recommends improving the model by considering the Modification Indices obtained from the packaged program with theoretical academic principles and eliminating some improper observational variables.