Potential Partners Research Articles

Disgust in the mating context – choosing the best and the least bad self-presentation option in a date simulation game

In order to achieve interpersonal goals, people manipulate their self-image: they manifest their most favourable traits and avoid exhibiting the most aversive ones. Disgust is one of the most powerful turn-offs in a mating context. Here, we explored which disgust domain −pathogen, sexual, or moral − is considered the most damaging for self-image. We also revisited the importance of various positive traits in a potential partner. The participants (N = 1,017) played a date-simulation game. They chose which one of five positive characteristics, and which one of three disgust norm transgressions they want to manifest. We analysed the influence of one’s biological sex, sexual orientation, and culture on self-presentation during a date.Women more often manifested morally disgusting behaviours and artistic abilities than men, while men more often manifested pathogenically disgusting behaviours and kindness. Homosexual orientation predicted lower frequency of admitting to moral disgust transgressions, and higher frequency of exhibiting artistic abilities.

What affects parent companies’ innovation more in joint venture relationships?

Forming joint ventures with potential partners in acquiring the needed resources and technology provides benefits and creates competitive advantage and innovation for multinational enterprises. While cooperative partners can provide JVs with various resources and technologies, allocation of the position of organizational resources remains unclear and needs to be further addressed. The main purpose of the current paper is to emphasize organizational slack resources (e.g., available slack and potential slack) to illuminate the settings that facilitate the effects of investment attractiveness and employee involvement on JV innovation performance. To demonstrate the real industry of JVs and examine the research purpose, we used various databases, including the National Bureau of Economic Research U.S. patent data file, Harvard DVN patent database, Compustat database and SDC global joint ventures databank to examine the hypotheses. The results show the positive and significant direct effects of investment attractiveness and employee involvement on JV innovation performance. Additionally, the findings demonstrated that the above direct effects are more pronounced when there is higher available slack and potential slack. The current study contributes by offering new viewpoints on JV, offering new understandings of organizational slack and developing an uncharted bridge between the types of slack and JV innovation studies.

Influence of News Media Contents on Policy Makers

The research explores the influence of news media content on policymakers, using Indexing Theory and the Cascade Model to provide an empirical basis. Policymakers were interviewed, and the resulting data was analyzed through thematic analysis. The study found that media content has a significant, multifaceted impact on policy-making, particularly during the agenda-setting phase. Policymakers noted an increasing trend of media interactions affecting their decisions. While media attention can shape policy priorities, there is also a concern about the sensationalism prevalent in Pakistani media. Policymakers believe that if this sensationalism can be regulated and brought under control, the media could become a more credible and valuable source of information. This would enhance its role in contributing to sustainable governance. The study highlights the dual role of media as both an influencer and a potential partner in governance. Further research is recommended to delve deeper into these dynamics and to develop strategies for leveraging media influence constructively. The findings underscore the importance of understanding media's impact on policy-making and the need for a balanced approach to media consumption and regulation to support informed and effective governance.

Innovation, Capabilities and Networking: An Approach to SMEs Marketing Performance

This research describes innovation capabilities, networking and marketing performance in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Lamongan district. The research was conducted on food and beverage SMEs in Lamongan Regency because one of the development priorities in the 2005-2025 Regional long-term development plan (RPJPD) of Lamongan Regency is to develop and increase the competitiveness of SMEs as drivers of the local economic life of Lamongan Regency residents. This research is survey research using structured questions, and then all answers are obtained, recorded, processed and analyzed. The research population was 182 SMEs food and beverage actors in Lamongan Regency in 27 sub-districts. Meanwhile, the sample for this research was 182 SMEs. The research results show that the ability of SMEs to innovate is determined by product, process, and marketing innovation. The most significant contribution from SMEs is in product innovation, with the resulting products being attractive, with unique packaging and safety. Relationship expertise, relationship skills, network characteristics, and network orientation determine the networking of SME actors. The most significant contribution of SME players is in the formation of networking with network characteristics, such as SMEs supporting each other's success with partners and carrying out initial evaluations of potential partners to build profitable relationships. Furthermore, the marketing performance of SMEs is determined by sales growth, customer growth, and market share growth. It creates marketing performance by selling products that align with sales targets so that sales growth increases yearly. The contribution of this research can provide input for the Lamongan Regency Cooperatives and Micro Enterprises department as a consideration for making strategies to improve performance marketing and input for me about the importance of improving marketing performance through innovation and networking capabilities.

Protein Kinase A Regulates Platelet Phosphodiesterase 3A through an A-Kinase Anchoring Protein Dependent Manner.

Platelet activation is critical for haemostasis, but if unregulated can lead to pathological thrombosis. Endogenous platelet inhibitory mechanisms are mediated by prostacyclin (PGI2)-stimulated cAMP signalling, which is regulated by phosphodiesterase 3A (PDE3A). However, spatiotemporal regulation of PDE3A activity in platelets is unknown. Here, we report that platelets possess multiple PDE3A isoforms with seemingly identical molecular weights (100 kDa). One isoform contained a unique N-terminal sequence that corresponded to PDE3A1 in nucleated cells but with negligible contribution to overall PDE3A activity. The predominant cytosolic PDE3A isoform did not possess the unique N-terminal sequence and accounted for >99% of basal PDE3A activity. PGI2 treatment induced a dose and time-dependent increase in PDE3A phosphorylation which was PKA-dependent and associated with an increase in phosphodiesterase enzymatic activity. The effects of PGI2 on PDE3A were modulated by A-kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) disruptor peptides, suggesting an AKAP-mediated PDE3A signalosome. We identified AKAP7, AKAP9, AKAP12, AKAP13, and moesin expressed in platelets but focussed on AKAP7 as a potential PDE3A binding partner. Using a combination of immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation techniques, and activity assays, we identified a novel PDE3A/PKA RII/AKAP7 signalosome in platelets that integrates propagation and termination of cAMP signalling through coupling of PKA and PDE3A.

Conditional essentiality of the 11-subunit complex I-like enzyme in strict anaerobes: the case of Desulfitobacterium hafniense strain DCB-2.

In oxidative phosphorylation, respiratory complex I serves as an entry point in the electron transport chain for electrons generated in catabolic processes in the form of NADH. An ancestral version of the complex, lacking the NADH-oxidising module, is encoded in a significant number of bacterial genomes. Amongst them is Desulfitobacterium hafniense, a strict anaerobe capable of conserving energy via organohalide respiration. This study investigates the role of the complex I-like enzyme in D. hafniense energy metabolism using rotenone as a specific complex I inhibitor under different growth conditions. The investigation revealed that the complex I-like enzyme was essential for growth with lactate and pyruvate but not in conditions involving H2 as an electron donor. In addition, a previously published proteomic dataset of strain DCB-2 was analysed to reveal the predominance of the complex under different growth conditions and to identify potential redox partners. This approach revealed seven candidates with expression patterns similar to Nuo homologues, suggesting the use of diverse electron sources. Based on these results, we propose a model where the complex I-like enzyme serves as an electron entry point into the respiratory chain for substrates delivering electrons within the cytoplasm, such as lactate or pyruvate, with ferredoxins shuttling electrons to the complex.

Home Education: Needs, Challenges, and the Role of Higher Education Institutions

Home education has garnered significant attention from governments worldwide. This educational approach prompts inquiries about quality, social-emotional development, potential child abuse, curriculum, academic outcomes, and parental involvement. Despite its historical presence in the United States since the 1900s, homeschooling has experienced gradual growth, influenced by regulatory efforts and family dynamics. The emergence of COVID-19 further accelerated this trend, with the number of homeschooling families in the US rising from 1,690,000 in 2016 to 2.6 million in 2020 and reaching 3 million by 2021 Globally, over 300 million families have embraced this educational model. This research employs a mixed, non-experimental, descriptive methodology and focuses on Puerto Rico. It examines demographic data, needs, and obstacles encountered by homeschooling families, categorizing them by groups, regions, teaching methods, and religious affiliations. Additionally, the study explores the role of universities as potential partners in supporting and serving homeschooling families. Furthermore, we present international research findings on academic achievement and socialization among homeschooled students, drawing from several studies and university entrance scores.

APPLICATION OF IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN BUSINESS: THEORY, METHODOLOGY AND PRACTICE

The article examines and analyzes the peculiarities of the application of immersive technologies in business to increase the effectiveness of marketing communication with the consumer and achieve a higher level of competitiveness and establish relations with potential partners. Businesses can benefit more by introducing new technologies into their operations. However, such technologies require investment. For Ukrainian enterprises, this can become a problem due to the lack of stable profits. The role of immersive technologies in the form of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) is determined, which will be a significant incentive for Ukrainian companies in the context of post-war revival, as they can be used to form a new market for the company. The factors that inhibit the use of immersive technologies in marketing are analyzed: high cost, limited access for the audience, the need for training and education, physiological limitations, technical problems, limited parameters for some products, competition with other visual media. Emphasis is placed on the fact that in marketing and sales, efforts should be focused on the use of the following tools: augmented reality in advertising, virtual product fitting, AR assistant in the store, virtual rooms in the store, AR product presentations, VR virtual events and demonstrations. Immersive technologies can help establish communication between the brand and the consumer, as well as establish a partnership. Keywords: business, marketing, immersive technologies, consumers, loyalty, innovation, virtual reality, augmented reality.

Endophyte-Mediated Populus trichocarpa Water Use Efficiency Is Dependent on Time of Day and Plant Water Status

Endophytes are potential partners for improving the resource use efficiency of bioenergy feedstock systems such as short rotation coppice Populus species. Endophytes isolated from members of the Salicaceae family have broad host compatibility and can improve water use efficiency (WUE) through decreases in stomatal conductance. However, the literature is inconsistent with regard to the environmental conditions and temporal patterns of these benefits. This study investigated how endophyte-mediated changes in Populus trichocarpa ‘Nisqually-1’ stomatal conductance and WUE shift with time and scale in response to water deficit stress. Leaf gas exchange and aboveground productivity were used to evaluate the carbon and water balance of greenhouse-grown plants in response to endophyte inoculation and water deficit. Differences in stomatal conductance between control and inoculated plants were more pronounced (39.7% decrease, Welch two-sample t [14.34 adjusted degrees of freedom] = –2.358, P = 0.033) under water deficit conditions in the late morning during a period of higher light intensity. The decrease in stomatal conductance accompanied a substantial increase in intrinsic WUE (iWUE) for water deficit inoculated plants. However, increases in iWUE did not result in improvements in aboveground productivity or shoot biomass WUE for water deficit inoculated plants. This decoupling between iWUE and aboveground productivity may be an indicator of assimilate allocation to microbial metabolism as an additional carbon sink or a shift in carbon allocation toward belowground biomass. Future work should take a whole plant approach that accounts for diurnal patterns in incident irradiance to evaluate the impact of endophyte inoculation on host WUE and stress tolerance.

Mathematical modeling methods in assessing the prospects of export development in the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation

In the conditions of instability of the Russian economy, Russian regions have faced the problem of finding new directions of foreign economic development. Mathematical modeling methods, considering the distance between partner regions and their economies volumes, can be effective tools for solving the problem. The article touches upon the modeling foreign trade relations issues in the Republic of Tatarstan on the gravity models’ basis. The purpose of the study is to identify potential trade partners and assess the prospects for the export relations development in the Republic of Tatarstan. The structure, dynamics, and main directions of exports of the constituent entity have been analyzed. Potential trade partners of the Republic of Tatarstan among the Commonwealth of Independent States countries have been identified using the classical gravity model based on assessing the internal regional product and the distance among the regions. The prospects of foreign trade relations with Belarus and the Republic of Uzbekistan have been assessed. Based on J. Tinbergen’s gravity model models of interaction among the regions have been built and forecast values of export volumes for the short term calculated. It was revealed that the Republic of Azerbaijan can become a potential partner for the Republic of Tatarstan. The analysis of the forecast data on the domestic regional product of the Republic of Tatarstan and the gross domestic product of Azerbaijan in 2023 suggests that the exports volume between these entities is expectedly high.

SUN5 interacts with nuclear membrane LaminB1 and cytoskeletal GTPase Septin12 mediating the sperm head-and-tail junction.

Acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS) is a severe teratospermia with decaudated, decapitated, and malformed sperm, resulting in male infertility. Nuclear envelope protein SUN5 localizes to the junction between the sperm head and tail. Mutations in the SUN5 gene have been identified most frequently (33-47%) in ASS cases, and its molecular mechanism of action is yet to be explored. In the present study, we generated Sun5 knockout mice, which presented the phenotype of ASS. Nuclear membrane protein LaminB1 and cytoskeletal GTPases Septin12 and Septin2 were identified as potential partners for interacting with SUN5 by immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry in mouse testis. Further studies demonstrated that SUN5 connected the nucleus by interacting with LaminB1 and connected the proximal centriole by interacting with Septin12. The binding between SUN5 and Septin12 promoted their aggregation together in the sperm neck. The disruption of the LaminB1/SUN5/Septin12 complex by Sun5 deficiency caused separation of the Septin12-proximal centriole from the nucleus, leading to the breakage of the head-to-tail junction. Collectively, these data provide new insights into the pathogenesis of ASS caused by SUN5 deficiency.

Current social management practices contribute to reproductive failure in zoo-housed guenons

Recent emphasis on reflecting natural behaviour and wild group composition in zoo-housed social animals has resulted in substantial improvement in captive breeding and welfare. We investigated studbook data for four guenon species housed in European zoos to assess the role of zoo management practices in the reproductive success of social species. We hypothesized that group dynamics reflecting wild living, including early social experience, would be associated with greater reproductive success. Our findings are presented in a standardized qualitative risk assessment with an additional certainty measure in the form of literature evidence. We found that greater reproductive success was associated with more potential breeding partners in L’Hoest’s, Roloway and Diana monkeys and with larger group sizes in all species studied here, providing support that mimicking wild group size, composition, and dynamics under captive conditions can improve reproductive success. Unexpectedly, greater reproductive success was associated with earlier first inter-facility transfers in female L’Hoest’s and Diana monkeys, and with more frequent inter-facility transfers in male L’Hoest’s and Diana monkeys. Furthermore, for male Diana monkeys and female and male L’Hoest’s monkeys, mothers with less reproductive and rearing experience tended to produce offspring that in turn had greater reproductive success, hinting at more complex and sex-differentiated mechanisms underlying sub-optimal reproduction in zoo guenons. Our findings highlight the importance of carrying out species-specific studies, and demonstrate that zoo management and husbandry practices can inadvertently impact reproductive success. We recommend that zoos holding guenons consider reducing the number of guenon species they hold in favour of increasing group size to improve reproductive success.

Mismatches in finding a romantic partner: Education and gender values in the Spanish marriage market

The last decades the ‘romantic partner market’ has been changing drastically. Well-known changes in the structure of this market have been found in the discrepancies in educational level of potential spouses due to the educational expansion for women. If there is no potential spouse with similar resources or characteristics available (in a certain population), there is no possibility to partner homogamous, for many being the preference. Research from the Centre d’Estudis Demogràfics (CED) at the Autònoma University of Barcelona (UAB) examines for the first time the aspect of gender role values to mismatches between potential spouses. The importance of the (second) half of the gender revolution cannot be overlooked. We might expect that, as feminism becomes more widespread, the role of men in household tasks increases in importance, and women would therefore more and more look for a potential partner that values such an egalitarian view. Using the only, most recient available, Encuesta de Fecundidad (2018) for young Spanish men and women, the combined education-values gender gap in Spain is examined.

Optimizing the production process of biscuit industry as an approach to strengthening the local agricultural sector which reduce vulnerability of the global food crisis case study: analysis of waste in coconut biscuit industry with the DMAIC method

Abstract The local biscuit industry as a potential partner in the agricultural sector continues to grow rapidly. The development of local industries, including the coconut biscuit industry, must be continuouslyoptimized as an approach to empowering local agricultural sector that indirectly play a role in reduce vulnerability of the global food crisis. This makes the industry continue to try to find and adopt efficient and effective ways to increase product value and expand market share, one of the ways is the application of lean manufacturing. In this article, a case study is used in the coconut biscuit industry using the DMAIC analysis method and several tools such as VALSAT, fishbone diagrams and FMEA. Based on the analysis conducted, it is known that in the coconut industry there are several wastes such as unnecessary motion, defects and rework, and waiting with non-value added (NVA) activities for 784s. Therefore, further analysis is carried out regarding the proposed improvements that might be implemented. Some of the suggestions for improvement that can be given are the preparation of a buffer tank that is integrated with aload cell and transfer using a piping system, determine standardization of temperature and treatment of ovens as well as stipulation of work instructions and briefings during the initial process of the production line, analysis and evaluation of capacity, line layout, and lifetime on sugar water silo pumps and adjustments size and maintenance of dough tubs so as to reduce waste and NVA in the production process area.

Applications of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) to the Study of Diverse Protein-Ligand Interactions.

Functional characterization of enzymes/proteins requires determination of the binding affinity of small molecules or other biomolecules with the target proteins. Several available techniques, such as proteomics and drug discovery strategies, require a precise and high-throughput assay for rapid and reliable screening of potential candidates for further testing. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR), a well-established label-free technique, directly measures biomolecular affinities. SPR assays require immobilization of one interacting component (ligand) on a conductive metal (mostly gold or silver) and a continuous flow of solution containing potential binding partner (analyte) across the surface. The SPR phenomenon occurs when polarized light excites the electrons at the interface of the metal and the dielectric medium to generate electromagnetic waves that propagate parallel to the surface. Changes in the refractive index due to interaction between the ligand and analyte are measured by detecting the reflected light, providing real-time data on kinetics and specificity. A prominent use of SPR is identifying compounds in crude plant extracts that bind to specific molecules. Procedures that utilize SPR are becoming increasingly applicable outside the laboratory setting, and SPR imaging and localized SPR (LSPR) are cheaper and more portable alternative for in situ detection of plant or mammalian pathogens and drug discovery studies. LSPR, in particular, has the advantage of direct attachment to test tissues in live-plant studies. Here, we describe three protocols utilizing SPR-based assays for precise analysis of protein-ligand interactions. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: SPR comparison of binding affinities of viral reverse transcriptase polymorphisms Basic Protocol 2: SPR screening of crude plant extract for protein-binding agents Basic Protocol 3: Localized SPR-based antigen detection using antibody-conjugated gold nanoparticles.

Prestige in Partnership: A Case Study in Leveraging University Excellence to Elevate Brand Success

Abstract As global competition in research continues to grow, universities are becoming key centres of innovation and knowledge generation. One of the most important factors attracting research institutions to a university is its brand. This article examines how universities can collaboratively establish and achieve research goals with research institutes, using a case study of Coventry University's partnership with the Lukasiewicz Research Network – Institute for Sustainable Technologies (Lukasiewicz–ITEE). The analysis highlights the significance of a strong brand in fostering sustainable relationships with other academic, research, and industrial partners. The practical implementation of Coventry University's strategies, including promoting research achievements and investing in relationship development, is explored. The study demonstrates that a university's reputation significantly enhances its appeal to potential research partners, thereby facilitating joint research projects and the commercialization of research outcomes.

A characterization of stable mechanisms that minimize manipulation

Stability and reducing opportunities for strategic behavior are common goals in matching markets. In scenarios where agents can report a restricted number of potential partners as acceptable, we characterize the family of stable mechanisms that minimize the number of manipulative agents in each preference profile.

“What makes you think I’m African American?”: identity performance, code switching and the Strong Black Woman on Love Is Blind

ABSTRACT Reality TV show, Love is Blind, has captured the hearts, minds, and attention of audiences nationwide, igniting fervent and passionate discussions about romance. This show boasts that they provide a space for people to fall in love “not for their looks, their race, their background, or their income,” but through emotional connection. Despite this promise, all these factors, especially, for Black women contestants, race, dictate success in the show. This Article explores concepts surrounding identity performance, code switching, and the Strong Black Woman (SBW) schema, which demands that Black women exhibit independence, resilience, and strength. We explore the many ways black women continue to navigate the show's cultural and linguistic contexts to negotiate their identities and interpersonal interactions. Through a comparison of a select few of the cast members' interactions with different suitors, this article strives to make sense of the nuanced strategies employed by black women on screen to adapt their behaviors and communication styles with potential male partners. This paper emphasized the fine line between how effective identity performance and code switching can lead to favorable outcomes on the show, while also highlighting the physical and mental burdens associated with these demands.

The Predicting the Significance of Patented Technologies based on Innovation Potential Metrics

To ensure one of the key principles of the development of the state, namely, the achievement of technological sovereignty, it is necessary to build all spheres of life at a qualitatively new technological level, own their own innovative technologies. In modern sanctions realities, the development of enterprises in the Russian Federation cannot be carried out without coordination with partners from Russia, as well as from China, India and other friendly countries. The selection of potential partners can be carried out on the basis of the identified importance of their patented technological solutions. Further ranking of potential partners can be carried out on the basis of the identified importance of their patented technologies. At the same time, in this study it is proposed to use three criteria: the mass nature of the subject of the patented invention in the current period; the predicted mass nature of the subject (technology) in the future period; the popularity of the patent in the information field. The authors have developed a method for predicting the importance of patented technologies and its software implementation.

External and internal sources of cognitive group awareness information: Effects on perception and usage

Group selection or group formation is an important but difficult task in learning groups. Group awareness tools collect, transform, and present group awareness information to provide learners, but also teachers with relevant information e.g., about potential learning partners. For these educational tools, the value and usage of the provided information may depend on how it is gathered and where it ultimately comes from. In our study (N = 150), we thus investigate how information from different sources is perceived and ranked. In the study, information about the skills of an anonymous person in a profile was either provided by external sources (teacher assessment, knowledge test result) or internal sources (self-assessment). Results show that information from external sources is perceived as more credible and weighted higher than internal self-assessed information. No difference between information from external personal teacher assessments and external non-personal knowledge tests was found. Hence, it is worth exploring possible effects of other external ratings than teacher assessments to see if these insights are transferable to other contexts.