Internal Organization Research Articles

Challenges and solutions to banning the advertisement of unhealthy products: a qualitative study

Unhealthy products (food, alcohol, tobacco) are among the main risk factors of non-communicable diseases. To discourage the consumption of these products, Iran has passed a law banning the advertisement of unhealthy products in all media and for all age groups. The purpose of the present study was to identify the challenges of this approach and provide evidence to facilitate the enforcement process and the participation of stakeholders. In this qualitative study participants were selected from the policymakers and experts involved in the banning of advertisements on unhealthy products in Iran. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 specialists and experts. The participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Identified challenges and solutions were divided into three categories and nine themes: external (political, social, and economic); interorganizational (mission and communication); and internal (planning, organization, leadership, and control). Banning the advertisement of unhealthy products involves many challenges due to the existence of key players with different roles and missions. If these challenges are not managed effectively, they will hinder the enforcement and success of this law. Therefore, it is necessary for policymakers and health system managers to take the necessary measures to remove these obstacles.

3D Cryo-Electron Microscopy Reveals the Structure of a 3-Fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl Zipper Motif Ensuring the Self-Assembly of Tripeptide Nanofibers.

Short peptide-based supramolecular hydrogels appeared as highly interesting materials for applications in many fields. The optimization of their properties relies mainly on the design of a suitable hydrogelator through an empirical trial-and-error strategy based on the synthesis of various types of peptides. This approach is in part due to the lack of prior structural knowledge of the molecular architecture of the various families of nanofibers. The 3D structure of the nanofibers determines their ability to interact with entities present in their surrounding environment. Thus, it is important to resolve the internal structural organization of the material. Herein, using Fmoc-FFY tripeptide as a model amphiphilic hydrogelator and cryo-EM reconstruction approach, we succeeded to obtain a 3.8 Å resolution 3D structure of a self-assembled nanofiber with a diameter of approximately 4.1 nm and with apparently "infinite" length. The elucidation of the spatial organization of such nano-objects addresses fundamental questions about the way short amphiphilic N-Fmoc peptides lacking secondary structure can self-assemble and ensure the cohesion of such a lengthy nanostructure. This nanofiber is organized into a triple-stranded helix with an asymmetric unit composed of two Fmoc-FFY peptides per strand. The three identical amphiphilic strands are maintained together by strong lateral interactions coming from a 3-Fmoc zipper motif. This hydrophobic core of the nanofiber is surrounded by 12 phenyl groups from phenylalanine residues, nonplanar with the six Fmoc groups. Polar tyrosine residues at the C-term position constitute the hydrophilic shell and are exposed all around the external part of the assembly. This fiber has a highly hydrophobic central core with an internal diameter of only 2.4 Å. Molecular dynamics simulations highlight van der Waals and hydrogen bonds between peptides placed on top of each other. We demonstrate that the self-assembly of Fmoc-FFY, whether induced by annealing or by the action of a phosphatase on the phosphorylated precursor Fmoc-FFpY, results in two nanostructures with minor differences that we are unable to distinguish.

The slow pace of building and organizing for trust in internal collaboration within social services

ABSTRACT This study sets out to understand how trust-building is created in a municipal organization when the highest level of decision-makers decides to implement trust-based governance. The study focuses on the social services internal organization. The aim was to capture how the participants perception of trust-building during internal collaboration through time, and how the process unfolded over time. A qualitative longitudinal study was designed, and data was gathered comprising written reflection texts about internal collaboration and activities to promote collaboration, ratings of perceived emotions and trust, and meeting observations. The study uses abductive thematic analysis. The main finding illustrates that to social relations and trust between individuals was challenging, however there was perceived trust in the overall change process to become one unit and identify common work methods. This study reinforces the need for physical social relational ties to see beyond the focus on new internal collaborative working methods. It stresses the importance of acknowledging personal and social chemistry in transitioning to new roles, responsibilities and professional skills to build trust.

3D reconstruction and morphological characterisation of single wheat grains by X‐ray μCT

SummaryThe intricate task of achieving three‐dimensional (3D) visual reconstruction of wheat kernels represents a notable challenge within the domain of digital grain analysis, playing a pivotal role in the realms of grain storage, processing, and breeding. However, existing investigations focused on individual kernels predominantly encompass dimensions such as length, width, height, and epidermal texture features, with a tendency to be invasive to the internal organisational structure of the kernel. Non‐local mean filtering algorithm is proposed to segment various tissues, and the 2D grey scale images are extracted from X‐ray micro‐computed tomography (μCT) to reconstruct a meticulous 3D visualisation model of individual wheat grains. Furthermore, building upon this foundation, an exhaustive assessment of morphological and structural parameters pertaining to each facet of the internal organisation of the wheat seed grain is conducted. Notably, these calculated parameters align with data generated by prior researchers，with 80% of the volume of the endosperm, 12% of the pericarp, about 2% of the endosperm and scutellum, and 4% of the pores. The established parameters and resultant 3D visual models serve as foundational components for subsequent in‐depth examinations into various physicochemical properties, including quality characteristics, heat, and mass transfer attributes, as well as variations in its morphological structure during breeding, which are pertinent to individual grains. This research contributes valuable insights and methodologies that can propel the advancement of studies in wheat kernel analysis.

The Role of Constitutional Review to Determine the Emergency Operation of Parliaments: the Most Recent Lessons to be Learned

Abstract Based on a recently published English-language global database on constitutional case law linked to the global pandemic, my contribution aims at analysing the currently underestimated link between constitutional review and the emergency operation of parliaments. Although the fact, that huge research endeavors have been devoted to the evaluation of parliamentary solutions adapting to the Covid-19 pandemic, the role of constitutional review has not been understood more deeply in this process until now. However, several constitutional constitutional courts have heard significant matters of parliamentary law during and shortly after the public health emergency, and despite the mostly deferential character of constitutional/supreme courts, the relevant rulings from around the world provided meaningful orientations how to describe rliamentary margin of movement to regulate internal structure and organisation during such extraordinary periods. This contribution will enumerate such constitutional/supreme court decisions and will assess their added value to maintain effective parliamentary work under the shadow of unprecedented challenges.

Sweetening the Deal: The Political Economy of Land Redistribution in South Africa’s Sugar Sector

Under what conditions do land transfers occur under land reform? Theories of land redistribution focus on demand-side explanations for land transfers where the state allocates land in exchange for support from voters or rural elites. In this article, I argue that land transfers under market land redistribution are driven by supply-side characteristics of landholders. Using the case of South Africa’s sugar sector, I show that landholders chose to sell their land via redistribution when they had the economic incentive to preserve existing state-support frameworks and had collective capacity from centralized institutions. To understand when and why land redistribution occurs, one must pay attention to the landholders’ relationship to the state and their internal sectoral organization. In some cases, landholders may have an incentive to redistribute their land.

Breksi Cliff Tourism Rising From the Impact of the Pandemic

The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the impact of Covid-19 on Breksi Cliff Tourism. Breksi Cliff Tourism is managed by a Village-Owned Enterprise ( BUMDes) in Sambirejo Village, Prambanan District and Breksi Cliff Manager Lowo Ijo is a work unit of BUMDes. This study uses the perspective of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC), namely from a financial perspective, customer perspective, internal business process perspective, learning and growth perspective. to see the impact of Breksi Cliff Tourism. The impact on the internal organization itself as well as the economic impact on the surrounding community which has become a source of income. This study uses qualitative research methods in order to dig up more information from sources about the impact of Covid-19. The informants in this study are Breksi Cliff Tourism Managers, employees of Breksi Cliff Tourism Managers, non-employee workers and the community around Breksi Cliff Tourism. It is hoped that this research will produce a solution for Tebing Breksi Tourism Managers in dealing with the crisis caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic and can recover quickly.

Corruption prevention in organizational clustering in Indonesia: through the role of the HU-model in detecting corruption

PurposeThis paper aims to test the effectiveness of the Haryono Umar (HU)-model used in corruption prevention strategies through corruption detection as a tool for detecting corruption because the mode of corruption is increasingly dynamic and complex by focusing on the causes of corruption: pressure, opportunity, rationalization, capability and lack of integrity.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses multiple regression methods, classification and regression trees and the HU-model application system developed by researchers. The research sample uses secondary data from financial reports on the Indonesia stock exchange according to organizational clustering (such as red, grey and green areas).FindingsThe research result showed that of the 470 sample companies, there were 445 companies, or 98.9%, in the red cluster (indicated corruption), 19 companies, or 4.04, in the green clusters or not indicated corruption and six companies, or 1.28%, were included in the grey cluster or potential corruption. By knowing the cluster of an organization, efforts to prevent corruption can be made effective and efficient. Implementing the HU-model proves that the amount of pressure, the abundance of opportunities, the ease of rationalization and the high level of position and authority strengthen the drive for corruption if there is a lack of integrity.Research limitations/implicationsEach internal organization can use this model independently and find conditions related to corruption so that they can immediately take action to prevent it.Originality/valueThe application of the HU-model is a discovery in preventing corruption by focusing on the possibility of corruption occurring in each organization through organizational clustering.

Philadelphia Chinatown’s cultural image construction since the 1960s

Philadelphia Chinatown, an immigration hub with diverse cultures, is a vibrant ethnic enclave in Pennsylvania. It has a long history of being secluded due to national sentiments as well as persecution and fighting against urban construction projects. Through the analysis of Philadelphia Chinatown’s social structure and iconic features, this paper analyzes the Chinatown society’s cultural image construction since the 1960s, and further discusses its changing cultural patterns in the American society. It is argued in this paper that: Philadelphia Chinatown, mainly comprised of poor peasants and wealthy merchants in an early stage, is based on commerce; its cultural image was constructed by Orientalism, stemming from both the internal organizations of the community and external society, and took roots on its commercial basis; the Chinese traditions in the Chinatown society are comparatively static, while, on the other hand, the community’s culture is infiltrated by American cultures, making connections with indigenous societies.

Экспертиза результатов подрядных работ, произведённых для нужд системы МВД России: проблемы правовой регламентации

The article considers the existing gaps in the legal regulation of expert examination of the results of contractual work performed under the state contract. In this regard, the author substantiates and proposes a unified legal mechanism for the implementation of expert examination of the results of contractual work performed for the needs of the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. The basis of this mechanism should be a departmental normative legal act regulating the order of delivery and acceptance of contract works; procedure for examination and selection of external and internal experts, third-party expert organizations; cases of internal and external expert examination; establishing qualification requirements for internal experts, independent experts and expert organizations; standard forms of internal expert report and act of delivery and acceptance of the results of contract works.

Temperature Dependence and the Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on the Ultrastructure and Photosynthetic Activity of Carpospores in Sub-Antarctic Red Alga Iridaea cordata (Turner) Bory 1826.

The short-term effects of UV radiation and low temperature on ultrastructure, photosynthetic activity (measured as the maximal photochemical quantum yield of photosystem II: Fv/Fm), chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) contents, and UV-absorbing compounds on the carpospores of Iridaea cordata from a sub-Antarctic population were investigated. Exposure to both photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and PAR + UV for 4 h caused ultrastructural modifications in all treatments. Under PAR + UV at 2 °C, a disruption of the chloroplast's internal organization was observed. Plastoglobuli were often found in carpospores exposed to 2 °C. 'Electron dense particles', resembling physodes of brown algae, were detected for the first time in cells exposed to PAR and PAR + UV at 8 °C. Fv/Fm decreased following 4 h exposure at 2 °C under PAR + UV (64%) and PAR (25%). At 8 °C, Fv/Fm declined by 21% only under PAR + UV. The photosynthesis of carpospores previously treated with UV partially recovered after a 4 h exposure under dim light. UV-absorbing compounds were degraded in all radiation and temperature treatments without recovery after a 4 h dim light period. Chl-a did not change, whereas total carotenoids increased under PAR at 8 °C The study indicates that although carpospores of I. cordata exhibit photoprotective mechanisms, UV radiation strongly damages their ultrastructure and physiology, which were exacerbated under low temperatures.

Internal organization structure and cooperation with external organizations in Kagai throughout Japan

Internal organization structure and cooperation with external organizations in Kagai throughout Japan

NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS IN THE SPATIAL CONSTRUCTION OF COLOR MODELS IN STUDENTS WITH AND WITHOUT LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

The effectiveness of the spatial construction of models is directly related to the degree of internal spatio-temporal structuring and organization which, in turn, depends on the degree of the functional optimization of the subjects of the action. The objective of this study is to detect neuropsychological differences in executive functions, between students with and without learning difficulties, in terms of attempts and time spent performing spatial construction tasks. The research hypothesis states that there are differences in the number of attempts and time spent when performing spatial tasks, with greater expressiveness in students with learning difficulties. In methodology, the resource focused on the neuropsychological instrument of spatial construction used colored models based on the manipulation of four Kohs cubes; as well as neuropsychological observation and psychological interview. The results show that at most ages the tendency is for students with learning difficulties to make a greater number of attempts and spend more time performing tasks related to spatial construction tests, compared to students without learning difficulties. In conclusion, it is inferred that students with learning difficulties tend to present internal spatio-temporal structuring and organization deficits, which result from deficits in the operability of executive functions.

Cognitive Capacities as Functional Natural Kinds.

In this paper, we articulate a functional approach to cognitive capacities. It is a restricted functionalism for various reasons, but especially because it does not claim that all cognitive (and/or mental) entities and processes are functional in the sense of a systemic capacities approach. One of the central aims of a cognitive theory consists in providing explanations of behavioral phenomena of (human and non-human) animals, and of the phenomena that are involved in those explanations. We accept that part of what lies at the heart of these explanations are certain functional entities -we call them "cognitive functional systems" -which in our view stand for most of the cognitive capacities of an organism; that is, systems that are individuated primarily by the main cognitive functions they undertake. Additionally, in the paper, we go into further detail concerning these functional systems, their internal organization, the nature of their causal interactions, etc. We also argue that some of these classes of cognitive functional systems (i.e., cognitive capacities) can be construed as "natural kinds" whenever their kinds of functional organizations are understood as kinds of hierarchically ordered classes of information processing events that are related among each other in regular (often complex) ways.

Synergy of the mirror neuron system and the mentalizing system in a single brain and between brains during joint actions

Cooperative action involves the simulation of actions and their co-representation by two or more people. This requires the involvement of two complex brain systems: the mirror neuron system (MNS) and the mentalizing system (MENT), both of critical importance for successful social interaction. However, their internal organization and the potential synergy of both systems during joint actions (JA) are yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to examine the role and interaction of these two fundamental systems—MENT and MNS—during continuous interaction. To this hand, we conducted a multiple-brain connectivity analysis in the source domain during a motor cooperation task using high-density EEG dual-recordings providing relevant insights into the roles of MNS and MENT at the intra- and interbrain levels.In particular, the intra-brain analysis demonstrated the essential function of both systems during JA, as well as the crucial role played by single brain regions of both neural mechanisms during cooperative activities. Specifically, our intra-brain analysis revealed that both neural mechanisms are essential during Joint Action (JA), showing a solid connection between MNS and MENT and a central role of the single brain regions of both mechanisms during cooperative actions. Additionally, our inter-brain study revealed increased inter-subject connections involving the motor system, MENT and MNS. Thus, our findings show a mutual influence between two interacting agents, based on synchronization of MNS and MENT systems. Our results actually encourage more research into the still-largely unknown realm of inter-brain dynamics and contribute to expand the body of knowledge in social neuroscience.

Generative models struggle with kirigami metamaterials

Generative machine learning models have shown notable success in identifying architectures for metamaterials—materials whose behavior is determined primarily by their internal organization—that match specific target properties. By examining kirigami metamaterials, in which dependencies between cuts yield complex design restrictions, we demonstrate that this perceived success in the employment of generative models for metamaterials might be akin to survivorship bias. We assess the performance of the four most popular generative models—the Variational Autoencoder (VAE), the Generative Adversarial Network (GAN), the Wasserstein GAN (WGAN), and the Denoising Diffusion Probabilistic Model (DDPM)—in generating kirigami structures. Prohibiting cut intersections can prevent the identification of an appropriate similarity measure for kirigami metamaterials, significantly impacting the effectiveness of VAE and WGAN, which rely on the Euclidean distance—a metric shown to be unsuitable for considered geometries. This imposes significant limitations on employing modern generative models for the creation of diverse metamaterials.

Mechanical modeling of the petiole-lamina transition zone of peltate leaves

Plant leaves have to deal with various environmental influences. While the mechanical properties of petiole and lamina are generally well studied, only few studies focused on the properties of the transition zone joining petiole and lamina. Especially in peltate leaves, characterised by the attachment of the petiole to the abaxial side of the lamina, the 3D leaf architecture imposes specific mechanical stresses on the petiole and petiole-lamina transition zone. Several principles of internal anatomical organisation have been identified. Since the mechanical characterisation of the transition zone by direct measurements is difficult, we explored the mechanical properties and load-bearing mechanisms by finite-element simulations. We simulate the petiole-lamina transition zone with five different fibre models that were abstracted from CT data. For comparison, three different load cases were defined and tested in the simulation. In the proposed model, the fibres are represented in a smeared sense, where we considered transverse isotropic behavior in elements containing fibres. In a pre-processing step, we determined the fibre content, direction, and dispersion and fed them into our model. The simulations show that initially, matrix and fibres carry the load together. After relaxation of the stresses in the matrix, the fibres carry most of the load. Load dissipation and stiffness differ according to fibre arrangement and depend, among other things, on orientation and cross-linking of the fibres and fibre amount. Even though the presented method is a simplified approach, it is able to show the different load-bearing capacities of the presented fibre arrangements. Statement of significanceIn plant leaves, the petiole-lamina transition zone is an important structural element facilitating water and nutrient transport, as well as load dissipation from the lamina into the petiole. Especially in peltate leaves, the 3D leaf architecture imposes specific mechanical stresses on the petiole-lamina transition zone. This study aims at investigating its mechanical behavior using finite-element simulations. The proposed continuum mechanical anisotropic viscoelastic material model is able to simulate the transition zone under different loads while also considering different fibre arrangements. The simulations highlight the load-bearing mechanisms of different fibre organisations, show the mechanical significance of the petiole-lamina transition zone and can be used in the design of a future biomimetic junction in construction.

Reaching for a hybrid and networked university through lifelong learning initiatives

Working life is transforming, including an emerging digitalisation of its products and processes. Due to such transformation, competencies need to be developed in organisations that suit the emerging conditions for performing work. In the growth of these competencies, higher education is a key player. Its role is twofold, including preparing students for working life and being involved in professional development through continuous education and lifelong learning initiatives. This role as a key player has the potential to assist in the development of competencies at both an individual and organisational level. Another movement in society is the dissolution of boundaries between organisations, leading to the emergence of networked and hybrid organisations. Digitalisation is a driving force in this phenomenon. Even within universities, this trend has grown and impacted the relationship between the university and the surrounding society. In a hybrid and networked university, its operations are closely linked to the surrounding society, including the interplay of the needs of both parties; a balance of power; and weak boundaries between the university and organisations in the surrounding society. Another trend in the higher education sector is the emphasis on lifelong learning policies. Such policies link lifelong learning to global competition and social inclusion for all. The project reported in this paper builds on the ideas of lifelong learning from a university that aims to be hybrid and networked. The reported initiative builds on data from an early phase of a development project that aims at developing new forms of lifelong learning and professional development. Thematically analysed Post-it Notes from workshops supported the answering of the following research question: How do higher education staff perceive development of lifelong learning? The following four main categories were generated: (1) the hybrid and networked university, (2) pedagogical models, (3) internal organisation, and (4) quality. The conclusion includes staffs’ positive attitude towards lifelong learning initiatives. They emphasise the university as an open space and as a partner for agents in the surrounding society. Moreover, they stress lifelong learning initiatives for staff; further development of educational models; scientific legitimacy and high-quality deliverance; flexible internal organisation and structures; and finally, the importance of collaboration and networking. Further data collection is needed to validate the results and the potential for developing theoretical insights that could inform lifelong learning initiatives in emerging digitally infused societies.

Variable agreement and the structure of coordination

Modern formal approaches to syntax propose different underlying structures for coordinate constructions. At the same time, none of them describe the entire set of properties of coordination, including variable predicate agreement in number (and gender). The goal of the paper is to define the internal organization of coordinate phrases. As the study of examples from the Russian treebank demonstrates, in addition to the previously known factors, the choice of agreement strategy is also influenced by the linear length of conjuncts and the distance between them and the verbal head. Additionally, the strategy of matching the nearest (and not necessarily the first) conjunct is relevant for Russian. We present and analyze the corpus data and conclude that there is no hierarchical organization in coordination. This lets us elaborate on some general ideas about syntactic derivation put forward by Noam Chomsky.

Unpacking Polycentric Climate Governance: Tracing the Evolution of Transnational Municipal Networks over Time

Abstract All governance systems are polycentric to some extent in that they comprise multiple actors with varying degrees of autonomy. However, there has been limited theorization as to how we might measure polycentricity, even though this could help us unpack networks and understand governance arrangements better. We present three dimensions of governance to conceptualize degrees of polycentricity—governance of networks (internal organization and management at the network level), governance by networks (their impacts at the membership level), and governance with networks (collaboration with other actors at the system level). We then trace the evolution of three transnational municipal networks (the Climate Alliance, Covenant of Mayors, and 100 Resilient Cities/Resilient Cities Network), which are located at different positions along the polycentric–monocentric spectrum. We examine how these networks have become more or less polycentric over time and highlight trade-offs between different dimensions of polycentric governance, most notably governance of and governance by.