Organizational Forms Research Articles

Membrane association of active genes organizes the chloroplast nucleoid structure

DNA is organized into chromatin-like structures that support the maintenance and regulation of genomes. A unique and poorly understood form of DNA organization exists in chloroplasts, which are organelles of endosymbiotic origin responsible for photosynthesis. Chloroplast genomes, together with associated proteins, form membrane-less structures known as nucleoids. The internal arrangement of the nucleoid, molecular mechanisms of DNA organization, and connections between nucleoid structure and gene expression remain mostly unknown. We show that Arabidopsis thaliana chloroplast nucleoids have a unique sequence-specific organization driven by DNA binding to the thylakoid membranes. DNA associated with the membranes has high protein occupancy, has reduced DNA accessibility, and is highly transcribed. In contrast, genes with low levels of transcription are further away from the membranes, have lower protein occupancy, and have higher DNA accessibility. Membrane association of active genes relies on the pattern of transcription and proper chloroplast development. We propose a speculative model that transcription organizes the chloroplast nucleoid into a transcriptionally active membrane-associated core and a less active periphery.

From De-Tribalisation to Re-tribalisation: Conflict and Organisation Models in Discussing the Structural Transformation of Kurdish Tribes

The concept of tribe has a long history in Kurdish society, signifying a common origin through blood and place ties, corresponding to a strong collective identity and having socio-political implications. This form of social organisation, which emphasises tradition, locality and hierarchy, was expected to disappear with the modernisation movements. However, neither political actors nor modernity have been able to achieve de-tribalisation. On the contrary, the tribe has managed to reproduce itself in all processes, structures and formations. So what are the basic dynamics that make this adaptation possible? This article argues that the main dynamics that have sustained the tribal structure, and thus prevented de-tribalisation, are tribal-specific organisational models and inter-tribal conflicts, especially in accordance with the segmentary lineage system. Elections, capitalist relations, non-governmental organisations, etc. are considered in this article as intermediaries that keep these dynamics alive. Drawing on the theoretical knowledge and perspectives of anthropology and political science, the article concludes that micro-political issues such as conflict and conflict resolution strengthen the spirit of togetherness, ensure unity of action and thus make re-tribalisation possible.

Platforms and trust as two columns of sharing economy

In the past two decades, economic models based on platform-based sharing, driven by the IT revolution, have caused a fundamental shift in traditional business practice, global capitalism, and societal values. The platform, along with all its features, has taken over the role of the organizational form since they have brought together strangers with under-utilized capacities and belongings, with those who need them without looking for ownership. The entire economic ecosystem - marketing techniques, business practices, supply chains, and consumption habits - has undergone a significant transformation. Consumer behavior is changing rapidly, and consumers are looking for appropriate and efficient access to goods and services through the Internet, without the financial, emotional, and logistical burdens of ownership. The radius of trust which was initially confined to family, friends, and local communities; now encompasses strangers who do not speak a common language and who are in different countries. Trust driven by Digital Identity (DI) and Trust and Reputation Information (TRI) have enabled what was considered unbelievable or even impossible some years ago. Further expansion and deepening of trust, based on new technologies combined with the international legal framework, has the potential to rewrite modern capitalism and societal values. This paper introduces the role of platforms in the evolution of the sharing economy, the role of trust in promoting such platforms, and the role of well-designed platforms in fostering and nurturing trust which is essential for promoting and sustaining sharing economy models.

Governing public sector use of external management consultancy—beyond client procurement and consultant professionalization

IMPACT Efforts to improve the governance of external management consulting have a mixed record. Attention has focused on either procurement (and insourcing) and/or raising standards through professionalization. The persistence of critiques and public scandals suggests that more is needed from the industry, policy-makers, clients/purchasers and other stakeholders. In this article, the authors highlight how systemic problems with consulting arise from the nature of its reward and value systems and the resulting lack of openness of consultants and their clients—none of which have been adequately addressed through traditional governance mechanisms. The authors explain why these neglected areas need attention. This can be done, in part, by drawing on new trends and classic dilemmas. Is the rise of purpose-led or alternative organizational forms, as well as moves to facilitate transparency and the speaking of ‘truth to power’, improving the governance and outcomes of external management consultancy?

The Rise of Pass-Throughs: an Empirical Investigation

Abstract Almost half of all private employment in the United States is within businesses that do not pay corporate income tax. Instead, business income passes through to the owners’ individual income taxes. This pass-through share of employment has more than tripled since the early 1980s. Using comprehensive, confidential administrative data, this paper highlights five core findings underlying this growth: (1) the rise in pass-throughs is pervasive across industries and states; (2) the pass-through share converges unconditionally across both; (3) entrants’ organisational choices drive 60% of the rise; (4) shifts in firm and organisational dynamics following the 1986 Tax Reform Act show continued effects through the 2000s; (5) organisational forms exhibit high persistence with little lifecycle variation. Our study implies that tax or regulatory policy changes might take decades to manifest fully.

The implementation of Public-Private Partnership in China: A sustainable pathway?

The organizational forms of infrastructure in China are divided into two categories, the traditional Public Procurement Model (PUB) model and Public-Private Partnership(PPP) model. The main difference is the separation or binding of the construction and operation phases. A systematic understanding is needed of how Chinese local governments choose between these two models. In this paper, we take public capital congestion and local government objectives as the entry point to study the effects of both on PPP choice. Firstly, by constructing an endogenous economic growth model under the PPP model, and comparing it with the model under the PUB model, this paper initially explains how the rise in public capital congestion affects the choice of the PPP by growth-oriented local governments. Then the data from prefecture-level cities from 2009-2018 are utilized to conduct empirical tests. We find that urban economic growth pressures have a positive effect on the choice of PPP when the congestion of public capital increases. Furthermore, the implementation of PPP is indeed conducive to economic performance, and its core mechanism is to provide more infrastructure (like roads) rather than tax competition. The PPP model is more sustainable. We are the first to employ both modeling approach and the empirical research to address the implementation of Public-Private Partnership in China. And we have systematically analyzed the conditions and results of PPP selection by local governments. It formulates the Chinese PPP theory.

ТРАДИЦИОННАЯ ЭСТЕТИКА И ФИЛОСОФИЯ «НОВОЙ МУЗЫКИ» КИТАЯ

The present study analyses the correlation between traditional aesthetics and the philosophy of China's "new music". The author provides a brief characterisation of national ideas of philosophy and aesthetics, special attention among which is paid to the concepts of "philosophy", "wisdom", "knowledge", "heaven", "earth", "man" and "unity". Their manifestation was found in the compositions, musical techniques, and performances of Tian Jianping, Zhou Wenzhong, and Qiu Xiaosong, who drew not only on philosophical and aesthetic national ideas but also on the contents of the Book of Changes. As a result, it is found that philosophical and aesthetic thinking has a broad influence on national composers, as many of them are now adhering to the principle of "returning to the roots". These outstanding composers have demonstrated the contemporary transformation of national philosophy and aesthetics through their unique musical language and creative methods. Their works are not only a tribute to tradition, but also a glimpse into the future, reflecting the ways of modernising and internationalising folk music by absorbing the essence of world music through the heart. In doing so, the manifestation of certain themes of Chinese aesthetics is presented in an organisational form based on their relationship with central philosophical concepts. We must realise that these themes are not only a means of artistic expression, but also a bridge between past and future, East and West. In today's multicultural world, Chinese "new music" not only carries the mission of inheriting the cultural heritage of the millennium, but also meets the challenge of innovation and development in the new era. By analysing the relationship between traditional aesthetics and philosophy of Chinese "new music", this study reveals an important fact: folk music innovation is not a rootless tree, but rooted in deep cultural soil, drawing on the nourishing environment of history and philosophy.

Международные тренды цифровизации валютно-финансовых отношений: от глобализации к децентрализации

The need for the use of new, digital forms of organization of monetary and financial settlements with foreign partners, as well as the formation of a national system of secure payments. The article presents the result of analysis of motivations of introduction of digital currencies of central banks (positive and negative moments of the considered process). The article gives an overview of existing international payment systems, including the Russian one, and identifies advantages and disadvantages. The main tendencies of the cryptocurrency market as a possible mechanism of formation of decentralized finance are considered.

FURTHER LIGHT on LANCASTER’S LATER EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

This article builds on the foundations provided by the History of Parliament Trust, utilising previously unconsidered documents from the papers of the Dukes of Hamilton to chart and analyse the conduct of parliamentary elections in later eighteenth-century Lancaster. It shows that these elections were more contentious than previously thought; the full range of political issues at play in these elections, and the engagement of the freemen electorate with these; and forms of electoral management and organisation in use that were not known in the borough until now. It places these new insights in the context of Lancaster’s electoral politics through the long eighteenth-century, and draws out developments in this period that played an important role in the borough’s nineteenth-century elections.

Analysis of staffing of the regional health system by dental surgeons in 2019–2021

BACKGROUND: Providing qualified personnel to medical organizations is one of the priorities of the development of the health system. Improvement of staffing of dentists is relevant, as it enables increased availability and quality of dental care. Accessibility and quality of medical care involves the availability of the required number of medical personnel and level of their qualifications, achieved through the licensing of medical activities and certification and accreditation of medical personnel. AIM: To analyze the staffing of dental surgeons in medical organizations subordinate to the Ministry of Health of the Krasnodar Territory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included dental surgeons of state medical organizations of the Krasnodar Territory in 2019–2021. The present study uses statistical data of reporting forms of medical organizations of Krasnodar Krai «Information about medical organization» (N 30) for the studied period. Statistical processing of the material was performed using the Microsoft Office software package applying analytical, logical, and statistical methods of research. RESULTS: Analysis of the staffing of dental surgeons in medical organizations of the Krasnodar Territory for 2019–2021 showed an increase in established posts in general for organizations and providing medical assistance in ambulatory conditions, a decrease in established posts in the hospital and occupied posts in general by organizations, as in outpatient conditions, and in stationary. Moreover, a decrease was noted in the number of individuals employed as primary workers in general positions in the medical organizations of the province and in outpatient and inpatient medical care and in the number of individuals employed as primary employees, having the highest category and simultaneously increasing with the first and second categories. Further, the study found a decrease in the number of persons in the main occupations with professional certification, an increase in the number of persons with accreditation certificates, and a decrease in the number of physical persons and of employed dental surgeons in medical organizations of the Krasnodar Territory, owing to the reduction in both outpatient and inpatient conditions. CONCLUSION: Analysis of staffing of the regional healthcare system by dental surgeons for 2019–2021 was conducted.

Recognizing, evaluating, and selecting new ideas: the problematic journey of novelty

ABSTRACT The journey of novelty – from the moment it arises to the time it takes hold – is often a difficult one. Life outside the mainstream is harsh, and social objects (e.g. ideas, products, technologies, or organisational forms) that lie off the beaten path tend to be overlooked. In this special issue, we bring together research which deepens our understanding of how novelty and new ideas get recognised, evaluated, and selected. The different articles and essays in this special issue not only shed fresh light on the underlying mechanisms that govern how the new surfaces, takes root, and propagates but also push our scholarly thinking in new and exciting research directions.

Rural–Urban Features of Social Innovation: An Exploratory Study of Work Integration Social Enterprises in Ireland

Geography is a significant element of social innovation. This paper focuses on exploring differences and similarities in the characteristics and contributions towards impact of Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs), a form of social innovation which provides otherwise unmet services and opportunities to people at risk of social and economic exclusion and distant from the labour market, in rural and urban areas of Ireland. To do so, we use data from 336 surveys from urban (213) and rural (123) WISEs and conduct an exploratory and spatially sensitive analysis to compare the characteristics, in terms of organisational age, legal and governance form, multiplicity of activities, revenue diversification; and contributions towards impact, in terms of geographical focus/reach, employment, volunteers, and income generation. Our analysis shows that WISEs in urban and rural areas present rather similar organisational characteristics and ways of functioning (legal structure, multiactivity, multiple sources of funding), but their contributions to socioeconomic impact differ according to their spatial location, with urban WISEs generating significantly more employment and income than their rural counterparts. Our study illustrates that socially innovative organisations are spatially sensitive, and that context influences their capacity to create sustainable employment opportunities and contribute to the local economy.

Pendampingan Optimalisasi Peran Sumberdaya Manusia Perusahaan Kontraktor di Banjarmasin dan Palangkaraya untuk Peningkatan Kinerja Organisasi

More than in the previous era, after the COVID-19 pandemic, companies must build effective human resource management (HRM) to improve employee performance and work culture. This condition requires an organizational form and HRM system relevant to performance needs and demands. PT Gagah Putera Satria needs to transform employees' systems, processes, and work culture to increase their performance as a company engaged in the service sector. Improving and enhancing the performance of the human resource organization is the key to the company's success in achieving the expected performance. That is why the company developed a comprehensive HRM as a major project along with the change in the form of the company, which was initially a heavy equipment rental company, shifted to heavy equipment contractors in the mining industry in Kalimantan. This assistance aims to help the company improve HRM performance. The activities include mapping the actual conditions of the problems experienced related to the company's HRM, restructuring the human resource organization, and disseminating recommendations for HRM performance improvement programs to principals and employees of the head office and project office at the site. The results of the assistance are the formation of an integrated structure of the HRM system, the operation of the human resource management process with a streamlined structure and a more effective process, and the increased managerial skills of the HRM personnel of the company.

Physical constraints during Snowball Earth drive the evolution of multicellularity.

Molecular and fossil evidence suggests that complex eukaryotic multicellularity evolved during the late Neoproterozoic era, coincident with Snowball Earth glaciations, where ice sheets covered most of the globe. During this period, environmental conditions-such as seawater temperature and the availability of photosynthetically active light in the oceans-likely changed dramatically. Such changes would have had significant effects on both resource availability and optimal phenotypes. Here, we construct and apply mechanistic models to explore (i) how environmental changes during Snowball Earth and biophysical constraints generated selective pressures, and (ii) how these pressures may have had differential effects on organisms with different forms of biological organization. By testing a series of alternative-and commonly debated-hypotheses, we demonstrate how multicellularity was likely acquired differently in eukaryotes and prokaryotes owing to selective differences on their size due to the biophysical and metabolic regimes they inhabit: decreasing temperatures and resource availability instigated by the onset of glaciations generated selective pressures towards smaller sizes in organisms in the diffusive regime and towards larger sizes in motile heterotrophs. These results suggest that changing environmental conditions during Snowball Earth glaciations gave multicellular eukaryotes an evolutionary advantage, paving the way for the complex multicellular lineages that followed.

Capitalism and Governance – a Macroeconomic Overview of “Everyone’s Interest”

Abstract The macroeconomic mode of economic growth, the backward-pyramidal evolution from the capitalist structure, the emergence of the free enterprise, and the corporate form of business organizations in our system of free markets are all examined in this research. This study aims to provide insight into the particularities of the many aspects of the governance process. This study focuses on privately held businesses that are publicly held by shareholders or social part owners. It also examines the state-corporate relationship and its effects on geo-social, political, and economic spheres.

Overlapping modernity and tradition: rethinking the danwei as a basic urban unit in modern China

ABSTRACT The danwei was the basic unit of social organization and urban form in China during the period of the planned economy, and this role, which encompasses various dimensions such as administration, production, and welfare, is a unique feature of China's modernization process. This study attempts to explain how the danwei actively influenced the development of socialist China from both modern and traditional perspectives. From a modern perspective, the danwei relates to the modern concept of urban planning, and its efficient spatial organization brings a new way of life in the industrial age. From a traditional perspective, the enclosed nature, social control, and patriarchal management style of the danwei maintained the characteristics of ancient society rooted in traditional culture, making it accepted by the public and facilitating the process of industrialization in a short period. This article aims to show that the danwei, as a pragmatic method blending modernity with tradition, played an indispensable role in China's transition from an agricultural to a modern society and continues to influence social life and urban form in contemporary China.

A Copious Void: Rhetoric as Artificial Intelligence 1.0

ABSTRACT Rhetoric is a trace retained in and by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This concept illuminates how rhetoric and AI have faced issues related to information abundance, entrenched social inequalities, discriminatory biases, and the reproduction of repressive ideologies. Drawing on their shared root terminology (stochastic/artifice), common logic (zero-agency), and similar forms of organization (trope+algorithm), this essay urges readers to consider the etymological, ontological, and formal dimensions of rhetoric as inherent features of contemporary AI.

Social Cooperatives – a Tool for a Prosperous National Economy

Abstract Cooperatives are gaining an increasingly important role in socio-economic development in both developed and developing countries. The article examines the specificity of these organizations. Their main characteristics, similarities and differences with other comparable organizational forms are studied as well. Special emphasis is placed on social cooperatives and their contribution to the social and economic environment. In the last decade, the role of social cooperatives has grown as an alternative solution to social problems of vulnerable groups which the state cannot address effectively due to lack of public resources. A brief comparative analysis of the activities of cooperatives in Bulgaria and Germany has been made, as both countries have long traditions in cooperative movement. The benefits to the national economy are discussed and a new focus for their activities relevant to contemporary economic realities is proposed.

A dynamic network model predicts the phenotypes of multicellular clusters from cellular properties

Cell division without cell separation produces multicellular clusters in budding yeast. Two fundamental characteristics of these clusters are their size (the number of cells per cluster) and cellular composition: the fractions of cells with different phenotypes. Using cells as nodes and links between mother and daughter cells as edges, we model cluster growth and breakage by varying three parameters: the cell division rate, the rate at which intercellular connections break, and the kissing number (the maximum number of connections to one cell). We find that the kissing number sets the maximum possible cluster size. Below this limit, the ratio of the cell division rate to the connection breaking rate determines the cluster size. If links have a constant probability of breaking per unit time, the probability that a link survives decreases exponentially with its age. Modeling this behavior recapitulates experimental data. We then use this framework to examine synthetic, differentiating clusters with two cell types, faster-growing germ cells and their somatic derivatives. The fraction of clusters that contain both cell types increases as either of two parameters increase: the kissing number and difference between the growth rate of germ and somatic cells. In a population of clusters, the variation in cellular composition is inversely correlated (r2= 0.87) with the average fraction of somatic cells in clusters. Our results show how a small number of cellular features can control the phenotypes of multicellular clusters that were potentially the ancestors of more complex forms of multicellular development, organization, and reproduction.

Echo of the Arab Spring in Asia: A Quantitative Analysis

There is no doubt that the Arab Spring triggered a global wave of social and political destabilization which significantly exceeded the scale of the Arab Spring itself and affected all the world-system zones, including Asian countries.2 The analysis suggests that in the Asian region there were two waves of destabilization caused by the Arab Spring. The first started in 2011 and included a series of mostly peaceful protests, which had some features similar to the Middle Eastern revolutions in their organizational forms and communication methods. The second wave, in turn, took place in 2012–2014, when protest movements in Asia began to follow their own path, adding local discontent to their agenda. It was also connected with a sharp increase in terrorist activity in the Middle East, due to the weakening of several authoritarian governments and the emergence of consolidated terrorist organizations. Some Islamist groups in some Muslim-majority Asian countries, in their turn, pledged allegiance to these organizations (first of all, to ISIS/Daesh). Terrorist activity spread from the Arab world to Asia through various channels: the internationalization of jihadist ideas by militarized groups; ISIS propaganda on the Internet; refugees and jihadists returning to the region from the battlefields of the Arab World.