Execution Plan Research Articles

Image-based robotic (ROSA® knee system) total knee arthroplasty with inverse kinematic alignment compared to conventional total knee arthroplasty

IntroductionIn 2020, 368 million people globally were affected by knee osteoarthritis, and prevalence is projected to increase with 74% by 2050. Relatively high rates of dissatisfactory results after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), as reported by approximately 20% of patients, may be caused by sub-optimal knee alignment and balancing. While mechanical alignment has traditionally been the goal, patient-specific alignment strategies are gaining interest. Robotic assistance could potentially facilitate implementation of these alignment strategies through data-based surgical planning, accurate execution of the surgical plan and validation. The clinical value of surgical assistance in diverging from mechanical alignment remains to be investigated. In the present study, robotic-assisted TKA will be performed to pursue inverse kinematic alignment (iKA) within predefined boundaries, focusing on restoring native tibia joint line.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial evaluates clinical effectiveness of robotic-assisted TKA (ROSA® Knee System, Zimmer Biomet, Montreal, Quebec, Canada) aiming for iKA compared to conventional TKA aiming for mechanical alignment. A total of 150 participants will be randomized (1:1) to either treatment to provide an 80% power for a 4.8-point clinically important difference in the primary outcome measure, the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) 12 months after surgery. Allocation was achieved using computer-based randomization. Outcomes will be analyzed using linear mixed models with time and group as main factors and interaction-term. Secondary outcomes include clinical metrics (leg alignment, implant and patient survival), surgical parameters (adverse events, surgery duration, blood loss, hospital stay length, medication use), patient-reported outcomes (symptoms, quality of life, pain), mobility and physical activity measurements, metabolic syndrome, cost-efficacy, and gait and continuous glucose monitoring.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Medical Ethical Committee Zuyd and Zuyderland Medical Centre (NL79161.096.21/METCZ20220006), September 2022.Trial registration numberNCT05685693 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Functional alignment is a feasible alignment strategy in robotic assisted total knee arthroplasty for knee osteoarthritis with extra-articular deformity - A case series.

Extraarticular deformity (EAD) with knee arthritis is a complex condition involving tri-planar bone deformity with pathological malalignment and chronic soft tissue contracture or laxity in the knee joint. Intraarticular correction by TKA, which was previously performed with conventional manual jig by mechanical alignment technique, had its limits and difficulties especially extensive soft tissue release and risk of jeopardizing the collateral ligaments. Robotic technology allows for reproducible and precise execution of surgical plan and allows adjustment to various new personalised alignment philosophy including functional alignment (FA). FA technique involves the adjustment of components positioning that least compromise the soft tissue envelope while restoring the limb alignment and joint obliquity to create a balanced knee. The aim is to study the outcome of intra-articular correction by robotic assisted TKA using Functional Alignment (FA) technique. This is a single surgeon series of 8 patients with extraarticular deformity who underwent robotic assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with FA technique. Soft tissue release was gradually released and followed by adjustments of implant positioning in order to achieve a balanced medio-lateral gap. Postoperatively, the lower limb alignment of all patients were restored within 6° (mean 4.54°) based on functional alignment boundaries. Knee phenotype and joint line obliquity (JLO) were restored in comparison to contralateral lower limb. There were 6 varus and 2 valgus malalignment. 7 patients were implanted with posterior stabilized implants while 1 was implanted with cruciate retaining implant. Arc of knee flexion and extension improved (P=0.002). There was a large postoperative improvement in the Knee Society Score (KSS) (P<0.001). Intraarticular correction by TKA for EAD with knee arthritis is technically reliable with robotic technology. It allows intraoperative adjustment following functional alignment philosophy, thereby, restoring pre-arthritic alignment, knee phenotype and joint line obliquity.

알츠하이머병 치매, 혈관성 치매 및 파킨슨병을 동반한 치매 환자의 인지기능 비교를 위한 SNSB-Ⅱ의 유용성

Objective : The purpose of this study was to compare the cognitive function of dementia patients with Alzheimer's disease dementia, vascular dementia and Parkinson's disease using SNSB-II and to investigate the performance differences of three types of dementia patients in five cognitive domains: attention, language, visual-spatial, memory, and frontal-executive function. Methods : The three groups consisted of 393 patients with Alzheimer's disease, 153 patients with vascular dementia, and 26 patients with Parkinson's disease. The differences in performance between the three groups were compared through ANOVA, and Bonferroni adjustment was conducted when significant differences were found. Results : As a result of the analysis, there was no difference in the five cognitive domains of the three groups, but some individual subtests showed differences in the performance variables reflecting the cognitive characteristics of each group: The score of verbal memory recognition was lower in the Alzheimer's disease dementia group than in the Parkinson's disease dementia group, and executive function, planning and control ability, which are frontal lobe functions, were higher in the vascular dementia group and the Parkinson's disease dementia group than in the Alzheimer's disease dementia group. Conclusion : The differences among neuropsychological performance variables of three types of dementia patients, the usefulness of SNSB-II as an assessment tool for dementia, limitations of the study, and points to be considered in follow-up studies were discussed.

A Novel Approach to Self-tuning Database Systems Using Reinforcement Learning Techniques

The rapid evolution of data-intensive applications has intensified the need for efficient and adaptive database systems. Traditional database tuning methods, relying on manual interventions and rule-based optimizations, often fall short in handling dynamic workloads and complex parameter interdependencies. This paper introduces a novel approach to self-tuning database systems using reinforcement learning (RL) techniques, enabling databases to autonomously optimize configurations such as indexing strategies, memory allocation, and query execution plans. The proposed framework significantly enhances performance, scalability, and resource utilization by leveraging RL’s ability to learn from interactions and adapt to changing environments. Experimental evaluations demonstrate up to a 45% improvement in query execution times and superior adaptability to workload variations compared to traditional methods. This study highlights RL's potential to transform database management, setting the stage for next-generation intelligent and autonomous data systems. Modern database systems face increasing complexity due to the diverse workloads and dynamic environments they operate in. Traditional database tuning methods often require significant manual intervention and expertise, making them inefficient for large-scale systems. This paper presents a novel approach to self-tuning database systems using reinforcement learning (RL) techniques. By leveraging RL, databases can autonomously learn and adapt to changing conditions, optimizing configurations such as indexing, query execution plans, and memory allocation. We outline a framework for implementing RL-based self-tuning, discuss key challenges, and evaluate the approach against traditional methods. Results indicate significant improvements in performance, adaptability, and resource utilization, demonstrating the potential of RL for next-generation database systems.

Strategic Pathways to Cloud Migration: Insights from Genesys Cloud Transformations

Cloud migration represents a transformative shift in contact center operations, yet its success hinges on strategic planning and precise execution. This article synthesizes insights from real-world implementations and empirical research to explore critical factors for successful migration to Genesys Cloud. Key success drivers include robust pre-migration evaluation, architectural strategies, security frameworks, and operational governance. Using case studies and industry data, the study demonstrates how phased migration strategies, strong governance structures, and a focus on compliance enable organizations to achieve optimal outcomes. Emphasizing potential risks and mitigation techniques, this article offers actionable guidance for businesses embarking on digital transformation journeys, providing both theoretical models and practical advice to navigate the complexities of cloud migration.

An Evaluation Of The Effect Of Corporate Governance And Macroeconomic Variables On Financial Performance Of Pension Schemes In Kenya

The study investigated the impact of corporate governance (CG) and macroeconomic variables on the financial performance of pension schemes in Kenya thereby addressing the key research question: What is the effect of CG and macroeconomic variables on the financial performance of pension funds in Kenya? Qualitative, quantitative and correlational research designs were used to assess the effect of these factors on financial performance of pension funds. Quantitative data on annual return of pension funds and macroeconomic variables from 2012 to 2020 as well as qualitative data on CG indicators were used in the study. Return on investments proxied pension fund performance. Primary data was collected using survey questionnaires from the pension schemes from the CG indicators to develop the CG index. The findings show that effect of CG indicators on pension performance was positive and significant. The moderating effect of macroeconomic variables was significant whereas the joint effect of CG indicators and macroeconomic factors on pension funds performance was significant. The individual contribution of both factors was nevertheless varied. The main conclusion of the study is that pension fund financial performance is influenced by both CG and macroeconomic factors implying that there is need to take into account the impact of these factors in the execution of investment plans of pension funds to ensure generation of adequate funds for retirement benefits.

Climate Change Prediction

The method of anticipating future climate patterns includes analyzing verifiable climate information and applying machine learning calculations and complex computational models. The objective of this inquire about is to make strides the accuracy of climate expectations by combining information from different sources, such as temperature, precipitation, and nursery gas outflows. These models can offer critical bits of knowledge into conceivable impacts on environments, climate designs, and human action by spotting patterns and peculiarities. The ultimate objective is to help within the execution of proficient climate adjustment and relief plans, subsequently supporting worldwide endeavors to handle climate alter

Virgin unmarried scientist Elnaz Ghaffari is a volunteer to give birth in space on her space mission design: Ensuring safety during space missions

The title "Virgin, Unmarried Scientist Elnaz Ghaffari is a Volunteer to Give Birth in Space on Her Space Mission Design: Ensuring Safety During Space Missions" compellingly captures the groundbreaking nature of this mission and highlights Elnaz Ghaffari's unique commitment to advancing space science. It not only underscores the scientific and exploratory aspects but also brings a personal touch by mentioning her volunteerism and detailed design for safety. This title is clear, informative, and intriguing—sure to grab attention and spark curiosity about the mission, making it a great choice for communicating the innovative and inspirational goals of the project. The resuscitation and care of a mother-astronaut during space missions present unique challenges that necessitate meticulous planning and precise execution. This article outlines a comprehensive plan for managing maternal cardiopulmonary arrest, addressing critical steps such as high-quality CPR, advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), airway management, and preparation for potential cesarean sections. Additionally, it discusses the importance of fitness, nutrition, and fetal weight control for the mother-astronaut. The presence of a Crew Medical Officer (CMO), who is a trained astronaut with medical expertise, significantly enhances the safety and success of the mission. The article concludes with a detailed overview of the space mission program, emphasizing pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight activities to ensure the safe return of both mother and neonate to Earth.

Neonatal resuscitation, management of maternal complications, and care during space missions

Neonatal resuscitation and maternal care in space present unique challenges that necessitate meticulous planning and precise execution. This article provides a comprehensive plan for neonatal resuscitation, addressing critical steps such as immediate care, evaluation, and potential complications. It also covers the management of maternal complications, including infection control and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage. The procedures discussed include immediate drying, suctioning secretions, evaluating vital signs, providing positive pressure ventilation (PPV), and administering medications as needed. Additionally, the article discusses the management of neonatal and maternal complications and post-resuscitation care, emphasizing the importance of hygiene and infection prevention in the space environment.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions: An Ethnographic Study of Researcher Discretion in Practice

This paper is a study of the decisions that researchers take during the execution of a research plan: their researcher discretion. Flexible research methods are generally seen as undesirable, and many methodologists urge to eliminate these so-called ‘researcher degrees of freedom’ from the research practice. However, what this looks like in practice is unclear. Based on twelve months of ethnographic fieldwork in two end-of-life research groups in which we observed research practice, conducted interviews, and collected documents, we explore when researchers are required to make decisions, and what these decisions entail.An abductive analysis of this data showed that researchers are constantly required to further interpret research plans, indicating that there is no clear division between planning and plan execution. This discretion emerges either when a research protocol is underdetermined or overdetermined, in which case they need to operationalise or adapt the plans respectively. In addition, we found that many of these instances of researcher discretion are exercised implicitly. Within the research groups it was occasionally not clear which topic merited an active decision, or which action could retroactively be categorised as one.Our ethnographic study of research practice suggests that researcher discretion is an integral and inevitable aspect of research practice, as many elements of a research protocol will either need to be further operationalised or adapted during its execution. Moreover, it may be difficult for researchers to identify their own discretion, limiting their effectivity in transparency.

Achieving Healthcare Value through Care Plan Accountability

U.S. medical costs continue to outpace the GDP despite the introduction of multiple accountable care efforts established to reduce unnecessary expenditures. These increasing costs have a negative impact on patients who are experiencing increased out-of-pocket expenses as well as employers who must shoulder a large part of the healthcare cost burden. While there are multiple societal factors contributing to the rising medical costs, our healthcare system can play a more effective role in addressing this problem. This role begins with fundamental changes to our reimbursement systems placing an emphasis on individual plans of care and adding greater accountability through free market controls. A comprehensive plan of care lays out the roles of care plan participants across medical, social, and behavioral services with a corresponding budget covering all the services provided as well as the expected outcomes from each service. An initial free market control is patient authority to accept or reject the plan of care with a corresponding financial responsibility for compliance in care plan execution. The elements of provider accountability include a public provider performance reporting system across quality, costs and patient satisfaction factors as well as a reimbursement system that incentivizes effective care planning and execution. This shift in focus from incremental care to care planning and execution combined with the institution of pro-competitive and financial accountability measures is expected to bring greater value to healthcare by improving patient outcomes while reducing medical costs.

A control policy can be adapted to task demands during both motor execution and motor planning.

Movement planning consists of several processes related to the preparation of a movement such as decision making, target selection, application of task demands, action selection and specification of movement kinematics. These numerous processes are reflected in the reaction time, which is the time that it takes to start executing the movement. However, not all the processes that lead to motor planning increase reaction time. In this paper, we wanted to test whether tuning the control policy to task demands contributes to reaction time. Taking into account that the tuning of the control policy differs for narrow and wide targets, we used a timed response paradigm in order to track the amount of time needed to tune the control policy appropriately to task demands. We discovered that it does not take any time during motor planning and even that it can occur indistinguishably during motor planning or during motor execution. That is, the tuning the control policy was equally good when the narrow or wide target was displayed before than when it was displayed after the start of the movement. These results suggest that the frontier between motor planning and execution is not as clear cut as it is often depicted.

A Single Acoustic Quantity Index as Part of an Early-Stage Digitalized Procedure for the Restoration of Baroque Theatres to Be Used as Multipurpose Spaces

Historic theatres with a horseshoe shape, the so-called baroque theatres, constitute an architectural heritage and are of enormous importance. For these reasons, this paper aimed to identify a single acoustic quantity index as part of an early-stage digitalized procedure to improve the management of the complexity of their restoration process, both better preserving the original room acoustic field and making it variable for new different uses of the theatre space. The procedure introduces technical policies and design tools in a BIM execution plan (BEP) and is supported by a digitalization that inserts the restoration of theatres into industry 4.0. This choice was taken according to the new design goals and the new Procurement Code Directives, which underlie the use of digital technologies in this context. The described acoustic single number quantity, called a “multipurpose index”, summarizes the main room acoustic goals for when a baroque theatre is used as a multipurpose space after renovation, specifying and better controlling the requested room acoustic quality for people other than acoustics specialists, such as theater directors, and more generally for the management. As an example of this possible transition, the case study of “Teatro Ristori” is presented.

Multi-Sensor Fusion and Deep Learning: A New Frontier in Stabilization Algorithm Optimization

The rapid development of automation technology has highlighted the importance of stabilization algorithms in ensuring the stability and functionality of smart devices. These algorithms are critical for maintaining balance and precision, especially in applications such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), handheld devices, and autonomous systems. This research focuses on the application of stabilization algorithms across various domains, analyzing their principles, advantages, limitations, and potential optimization strategies. The study employs a literature review to investigate the integration of multi-sensor fusion and deep learning techniques to improve system stability. It shows that multi-sensor fusion significantly enhances system robustness by mitigating external disturbances, while deep learning improves autonomous decision-making in dynamic environments, particularly in UAV path planning and task execution. The findings confirm the crucial role of stabilization algorithms in modern systems and provide insights into future optimization directions. By combining deep learning with sensor fusion, future systems are expected to achieve greater stability and autonomy, contributing to the advancement of UAVs and other intelligent systems.

SENNA: Unified Hardware/Software Space Exploration for Parametrizable Neural Network Accelerators

Parametrizable neural network accelerators enable the deployment of targeted hardware for specialized environments. Finding the best architecture configuration for a given specification, however, is challenging. A large number of hardware configurations have to be considered, and for each hardware instance, an efficient software execution plan needs to be found, leading to a vast search space. Prior work has tackled this problem by dividing the search into subproblems for individual layers of a network. There is no guarantee, however, that the overall best hardware configuration that delivers the desired end-to-end performance across the entire network is among the best individual layer configurations. This work presents SENNA, a unified hardware/software space exploration framework for parametrizable neural network accelerators. To guide the exploration towards the overall best configuration, SENNA employs a multi-objective genetic algorithm with a novel design space representation that encodes the configuration of hardware and software parameters in a single chromosome. Using the Parallel Island Model (PIM), each layer is represented by one or more individual islands each containing a separate population to simultaneously search for the best configuration across the entire network. A tailored gene migration technique enables the exchange of genes between the populations of different islands. SENNA is evaluated with three parametrizable architectures and four neural networks. The evaluation result demonstrates that SENNA achieves upto 1.92x EDP improvement compared to the State-of-the-Art. With equivalent evaluation budgets, SENNA shows 2.5x-9.3x speedup compared to an Oracle scheme and the State-of-the-Art.

Reduced Vestibular Function is Associated with Cortical Surface Shape Changes in the Frontal Cortex.

Aging-associated decline in peripheral vestibular function is linked to deficits in executive ability, self-motion perception, and motor planning and execution. While these behaviors are known to rely on the sensorimotor and frontal cortices, the precise pathways involving the frontal and sensorimotor cortices in these vestibular-associated behaviors are unknown. To fill this knowledge gap, this cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between age-related variation in vestibular function and surface shape alterations of the frontal and sensorimotor cortices, considering age, intracranial volume, and sex. Data from 117 participants aged 60+ from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, who underwent end-organ-specific vestibular tests (cVEMP for the saccule, oVEMP for the utricle, and vHIT for the horizontal canal) and T1-weighted MRI scans on the same visit, were analyzed. We examined ten brain structures in the putative "vestibular cortex": the middle-superior part of the prefrontal cortex (SFG_PFC), frontal pole (SFG_pole), and posterior pars of the superior frontal gyrus (SFG), the dorsal prefrontal cortex and posterior pars of middle frontal gyrus (MFG_DPFC, MFG), the pars opercularis, pars triangularis, and pars orbitalis of the inferior frontal gyrus, as well as the precentral gyrus and postcentral gyrus (PoCG) of the sensori-motor cortex. For each region of interest (ROI), shape descriptors were estimated as local compressions and expansions of the population average ROI surface using surface LDDMM. Shape descriptors were linearly regressed onto standardized vestibular variables, age, intracranial volume, and sex. Lower utricular function was linked with surface compression in the left MFG and expansion in the bilateral SFG_pole and left SFG. Reduced canal function was associated with surface compression in the right SFG_PFC and SFG_pole and left SFG. Both reduced saccular and utricular function correlated with surface compression in the posterior medial part of the left MFG. Our findings illuminate the complexity of the relationship between vestibular function and the morphology of the frontal and sensorimotor cortices in aging. Improved understanding of these relationships could help in developing interventions to enhance quality of life in aging and populations with cognitive impairment.

A Study of the Impact of Equity Incentives on Pricing Efficiency in Capital Markets

Equity incentives are crucial for talent acquisition and fostering corporate innovation; yet, the current literature predominantly focuses on the business level, with less research on the correlation between equity incentives and the capital market. This study empirically investigates the influence of equity incentive schemes on capital market pricing efficiency, utilizing data from Chinese A-share listed businesses between 2010 and 2023, focusing on stock price synchronization and post-surplus announcement drift as analytical viewpoints. The findings indicate that the execution of corporate stock incentive plans can significantly enhance the price efficiency of capital markets. The mechanism test indicates that corporate stock incentive plans enhance the efficiency of capital market pricing. Regarding various incentive mechanisms, both stock options and restricted shares influence capital market pricing efficiency. However, when the share price approaches the exercise price (grant price), restricted shares adversely affect pricing efficiency, whereas stock options positively impact it. Subsequent research indicates that the beneficial impact of equity incentives on capital market pricing efficiency is more pronounced in enterprises with high stock price information content and in those where incentive recipients comprise key technical people. The study's results elucidate the theoretical debate over the practical effects of equity incentive schemes and offer recommendations on the appropriate types of equity incentives for various enterprises to enhance capital market pricing efficiency.

FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS OF INTERNATIONALIZATION OF STARTUPS USING A SYSTEMATIC FRAMEWORK

Internationalization is the process of commercial expansion of a business to other countries, increasing its visibility and sustainable growth. In order to analyze the viability of internationalizing a startup, this case study presents the use of a systematic framework, encompassing analysis of opportunities and partners, market research, planning through a flight plan, cost structuring, pricing definition, and takeoff for execution of the proposal. It is understood that, for startups, internationalization is not only a path to growth, but also a boost for innovation and competitiveness in the global business scenario. The results of the application of the framework highlight the potential for scalability and expansion of startups, and the need for careful planning that considers all the variables of this process. This article contributes to the field of international business management, presenting valuable information for entrepreneurs seeking effective expansion strategies.

Pre-occurrence location-allocation-configuration of maritime emergency resources considering shipborne unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)

Demand for maritime transportation has constantly increased throughout recent years due to its high capacity, extensive coverage, high safety, and so on. However, the growth has also contributed to a rise in maritime accidents, highlighting the need for developing maritime emergency management strategies. In maritime emergency management, resource location-allocation-configuration is the most important and inseparable preparedness action before disasters, directly deciding the quality of emergency rescue operations. Traditional ship-only rescue is frequently both cost-intensive and time-consuming, seriously affecting rescue performance. This study introduces an innovative shipborne UAV operation system to address these limitations. Firstly, a multi-objective mixed-integer nonlinear programming model is established to minimize total rescue time and cost by considering the uncertain maritime environment, continuous docking placements of ships, UAV flight distance, rescue station capacity, etc. Secondly, to efficiently obtain an execution plan, a two-stage algorithm is proposed to facilitate our mission optimization model. Large-scale simulated instances and a real case study demonstrate that (i) the proposed algorithm can solve the model efficiently. (ii) the application of shipborne UAV operation system in maritime emergencies shows a significant improvement in time and cost compared to ship-only system. (iii) it is necessary to consider the uncertain maritime environment when solving emergency management problems. Moreover, extensive parameter sensitivity analysis provides managerial insights into the impact of various factors on the optimization outcomes. We also explore deeper insights that may benefit maritime administration's decision support.

The Lithuanian Soviet Nomenclature as an Object and Subject of Control

The topic of nomenclature in the context of research on the Soviet period is usually associated with the power and influence exerted by a single group in society. While assessing the evolution of the post-Stalin system, the role of a separate ruling stratum rather than that of an individual leader becomes more apparent. Many studies hesitate to call the post-Stalin system totalitarian and secretary-generals of the Communist Party as unilateral leaders. In individual studies, nomenclature, particularly top ranking, is clearly perceived as an acting and influencing subject, capable of subjecting system resources to its articulated aims. However, the discussion of the role of Lithuanian nomenclature as a certain peripheral elite and its relationship with the system shows that it is impossible to treat it only as an acting subject. The interests and management style of the central government determined greater or lesser control of the Soviet republics. So it is interesting to consider which situations would define the Lithuanian Soviet nomenclature itself as an object of control, and in which areas it could express its own interests and be activity. The Soviet institutional environment was saturated with control. Control measures were designed not only to control processes in society; they were also applied to the system of nomenclature itself by applying hierarchical control principles both to the governing political party and lower executive ranks. Information was collected about ideological compliance and participation in the execution of plans. Transgressions recognised to be ideological were assessed most strictly. The tools of control were diverse: in addition to control bodies (people’s control, GLAVLIT, KGB) Communist party structures and ministries had their own divisions responsible for control of the activities of a particular area and even the suitability of people. In addition to routine planned activity, individual influential officials carried out controlling functions and exposed ad hoc cases. It can be stated that the system was essentially saturated with control activities – the same area was controlled by at least 3-4 levels different levels of officials and this obviously stifled the dynamics of any activity. In the late Soviet period, locality as a factor of social environment can be clearly distinguished whereby local representatives of the nomenclature would often reduce the effect of control by replacing the object ‘what and how to control’ with the consensus of higher ranking officials of the nomenclature regarding the areas and leaders to be controlled and possible consequences of control (including penalties for members of the Communist Party). This model complemented institutional regulation and was applied not only to ensure control inside a republic but also in relation to the supervision carried out by the centre. The government of the republic frequently faced hostility from some leaders controlling the manufacturing industry, but except for one incident, it managed to ‘localise’ both local and arriving leaders, thereby creating a certain closed social network of members of the nomenclature of the republic and simultaneously opening more opportunities for higher ranking officials of Lithuanian nomenclature to express their personal interests, assess the situation subjectively, and act in the area of control as a subject rather than an object. The social network of members of the nomenclature of the republic rather actively and using various measures sought to isolate their own circle therefore ensuring not only the integrity of the circle, but also control of the space subordinate to it, while at the same time maintaining good relations with the centre. The top ranking officials of the republic were very keen to maintain the stability of this network and their primary goal was to preserve the routine of governing, given that this status quo was in line with Brezhnev’s governing style.