Previous Constructs Research Articles

Artificial intelligence‐based dynamic capabilities and circular supply chain: Analyzing the potential indirect effect of frugal innovation in retailing firms

AbstractAcademics and practitioners are increasingly interested in the role of the circular supply chains in maximizing resource use and improving sustainable performance. However, the shift from linear to circular supply chains is still at an early stage and still needs more research. The current study seeks to test the direct effects of artificial intelligence‐based dynamic capabilities on frugal innovation and circular supply chains in a group of retail firms operating in Jordan. The current paper also aims to test the potential indirect effect of frugal innovation. To achieve these objectives, a research framework was developed that explains hypothesized relationships between the previous constructs and was tested empirically through a sample of 212 respondents from the top administrative level in these firms. The casual and quantitative approach was employed to test the hypothetical relationships, and the partial least squares‐structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM) approach was employed as a tool to analyze the data. The empirical results reported through data analysis showed acceptance of all hypothesized relationships that were hypothesized in this study, as there was a positive effect of both artificial intelligence‐based dynamic capabilities and frugal innovation on circular supply chains. In addition, the mediation was statistically significant, as frugal innovation mediated the relationship between artificial intelligence‐based dynamic capabilities and circular supply chains. This study had a set of interesting contributions at the theoretical and the managerial contributions, as this paper is the first work in the body of the literature that explores these innovative relationships. The current paper also contributed to developing recommendations that would improve sustainable performance in the retail sector by enhancing its dynamic capabilities based on artificial intelligence tools, which leads to strengthening circular supply chains.

S2 alar-iliac screws are superior to traditional iliac screws for spinopelvic fixation in adult spinal deformity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Spinopelvic fixation (SPF) using traditional iliac screws has provided biomechanical advantages compared to previous constructs, but common complications include screw prominence and wound complications. The newer S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screw may provide a lower profile option with lower rates of complications and revisions for adult spinal deformity (ASD). The purpose of this study was to compare rates of complications and revision following SPF between S2AI and traditional iliac screws in patients with ASD. A PRISMA-compliant systematic literature review was conducted using Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed. Included studies reported primary data on adult patients undergoing S2AI screw fixation or traditional IS fixation for ASD. Primary outcomes of interest were rates of revision and complications, which included screw failure (fracture and loosening), symptomatic screw prominence, wound complications (dehiscence and infection), and L5-S1 pseudarthrosis. Fifteen retrospective studies with a total of 1502 patients (iliac screws: 889 [59.2%]; S2AI screws: 613 [40.8%]) were included. Pooled analysis indicated that iliac screws had significantly higher odds of revision (17.1% vs 9.1%, OR = 2.45 [1.25-4.77]), symptomatic screw prominence (9.9% vs 2.2%, OR = 6.26 [2.75-14.27]), and wound complications (20.1% vs 4.4%, OR = 5.94 [1.55-22.79]). S2AI screws also led to a larger preoperative to postoperative decrease in pain (SMD = -0.26, 95% CI = -0.50, -0.011). The findings from this review demonstrate higher rates of revision, symptomatic screw prominence, and wound complications with traditional iliac screws. Current data supports the use of S2AI screws specifically for ASD. CRD42022336515. III.

Hydrophobic CPP/HDO conjugates: a new frontier in oligonucleotide-warheaded PROTAC delivery.

Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as a potent strategy for inducing targeted degradation of proteins, offering promising therapeutic potential to treat diseases such as cancer. However, oligonucleotide-based PROTACs face significant delivery challenges because of their anionic nature and chemical instability. To address these issues, we developed a novel hydrophobic cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) and heteroduplex oligonucleotide (HDO)-conjugated PROTAC, CPP/HDO-PROTAC, to enhance intracellular delivery and degradation efficiency. CPP/HDO-PROTAC was designed to enter the cell through the activity of the conjugated hydrophobic CPP and release decoy oligonucleotide-based PROTACs by RNase H-mediated RNA strand breaks. Our findings demonstrated that CPP/HDO-PROTAC binds to the estrogen receptor α (ERα) with higher affinity than previous constructs, significantly degrades ERα in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and inhibits cell proliferation at 10 μM. This research highlights the potential of CPP/HDO-PROTAC as a viable method for delivering and activating decoy oligonucleotide-based PROTACs within cells, overcoming the limitations of traditional transfection methods and paving the way for their clinical application.

Investigation dry reforming of methane over nickel using a one‐dimensional model

AbstractIn the field of catalysis, dry reforming, that is, methane reforming with , is in the focus due to growing environmental concerns about oil depletion and global warming with a desire to produce synthesis gas. However, this process can lead to the formation of carbon, which can cause catalyst deactivation, especially at industrial conditions. Nevertheless, the key to develop a more coke‐resistant catalyst is a better comprehension of the reforming process at a molecular level. Regardless of all the investigations available in literature, the detailed path for the conversion of methane to syngas and carbon remains a controversial issue. Another problem in setting up a reaction mechanism is the difficulty to define the thermodynamic data for intermediate surface species and this leads to the development of thermodynamic consistent surface reaction mechanisms in literature where the thermodynamic data are not used to calculate the rate coefficients of the reverse reactions. Rather the Arrhenius parameters for the forward as well as backward reactions are explicitly given in the reaction mechanism to establish thermodynamic equilibrium. In this investigation, a kinetically consistent detailed surface reaction mechanism is developed which consists of 26 reversible reactions with the help of a one‐dimensional model, LOGEcat. Our previous work constructs the basis of the present investigation. Further, a detailed sensitivity analysis of reversible reactions and reaction pathways is performed to understand the mechanism better. The mechanism is validated for dry reforming of methane over nickel catalyst, however, it can also be used for other processes, such as, steam reforming and partial oxidation. The mechanism is tested by comparing the simulation results with the literature experiments and simulations in a wide range of temperature. The new developed kinetically consistent surface reaction mechanism is able to accurately express the dry reforming of methane over the nickel catalyst for complete range of temperature and also provide a useful insight into the key rate determining steps.

Adaptive Hierarchical Collocation Method for Solving Fractional Population Diffusion Model

The fractional population diffusion model is crucial for pest prevention. This paper presents an adaptive hierarchical collocation method for solving this model, enhancing the efficiency of algorithms based on Low-Complexity Shannon-Cosine wavelet derived from combinatorial identity theory. This function, an improvement over previous constructs, mitigates the need for iterative computation of parameters and boasts advantages like interpolation, symmetry, and compact support. The method’s extension to other time-fractional partial differential equations (PDEs) is also possible. The algorithm’s complexity analysis illustrates the concise function’s efficiency advantage over the original expression when solving time-fractional PDEs. Comparatively, the method exhibits superior numerical performance to alternative wavelet spectral methods like the Shannon–Gabor wavelet.

Novel MECP2 gene therapy is effective in a multicenter study using two mouse models of Rett syndrome and is safe in non-human primates

The AAV9 gene therapy vector presented in this study is safe in mice and non-human primates and highly efficacious without causing overexpression toxicity, a major challenge for clinical translation of Rett syndrome gene therapy vectors to date. Our team designed a new truncated methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) promoter allowing widespread expression of MECP2 in mice and non-human primates after a single injection into the cerebrospinal fluid without causing overexpression symptoms up to 18months after injection. Additionally, this new vector is highly efficacious at lower doses compared with previous constructs as demonstrated in extensive efficacy studies performed by two independent laboratories in two different Rett syndrome mouse models carrying either a knockout or one of the most frequent human mutations of Mecp2. Overall, data from this multicenter study highlight the efficacy and safety of this gene therapy construct, making it a promising candidate for first-in-human studies to treat Rett syndrome.

OPERATIONALIZATION OF MARKETING CAPABILITIES IN THE CONTEXT OF ANALYTICS TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION

<p>The advent of analytics has been considered as a revolution in how firms treat data. However, the implementation of this technology is still an issue for researchers and practitioners. Many business leaders still reluctant to adopt this technology since it is still unclear how analytics adds value on firms. There are limited studies that incorporate analytics and capabilities, particularly in marketing. Moreover, there is also lack of empirical studies that cover the adaptive side of marketing capabilities. This study aims to close the gap by constructing a sound and holistic measurement of firms’ marketing capabilities (MCs) to measure the impact of analytics-related adoption. Integrative literature review was carried out to synthesize previous MCs constructs. Then, analysis was conducted to develop a new construct of MCs measurement. The result of this study proposes a more detailed and comprehensive framework in understanding the impact of marketing analytics (MA) adoption on all dimensions of MCs, including adaptive side of MCs.</p>

Teaching Sustainable Employability: Examining the Factor Structure of the Perception of Career Development Inventory for Chinese College Students

The universalization of higher education and the uncertainty of the labor market in China has rendered the career development of college students increasingly important. However, previous constructs of career development and their measurements were mainly developed for psychological interventions based on Western culture, rather than educational practices in China. To investigate the career development of Chinese college students, this study examined a four-factor model of the Perception of Career Development Inventory for Chinese College Students. The four factors are self-seeking, competence enhancements, context exploration, and role matching. The present study confirmed the four-factor structure and provided evidence of satisfactory psychometric properties using a sample of Chinese college students (N = 739). Further validation and the investigation of educational effects need to be extended.

A Quantitative Study on A Relationship between Job Motivators and Organizational Commitment

The study aims to investigate the job motivators (JMs) that support organizational commitment (OC) for Vietnamese banking service personnel. There are six motivators: Work-itself; Working Physical Environment; Opportunities for promotion; Wages; Subsidies and Fringe Benefits; Relationships with Coworkers and Higher-ups. This study’s theoretical methodology is to analyze JMs among banking service employees. Additionally, to enhance these theories regarding research variables, the previous constructs were utilized. The Likert scale is the quantitative data collection tool. Finally, a research framework is developed along with a fresh questionnaire.In the study, an integrated model was hypothesized, and six motivators directly impacted OC. Further, this research also investigated the relationship between associations between OC and several personal and professional traits (e.g., Age, Sex, Marital status, Education, Job position, Knowledge about labor law, Tenure in a job, Job role, Monthly income, and Type of bank). This research evaluated Vietnamese banking service employees’ attitudes and perceptions regarding OC. The 521 paper questionnaires are distributed to all Vietnamese banking service personnel. After reviewed, 96% of them responded the questionnaires. Frequencies, percentages and corresponding statistics are calculated for all socio-demographic variables. To assess the job correlation index’s motivators, Cronbach’s alpha was calculated. Each factor’s mean and standard deviation were recorded. For each variable in the quantitative model, Pearman’s correlation was computed. In order to identify the predictors of both overall satisfaction and OC, multiple regression analysis was utilized.

Carbon fiber lumbopelvic reconstruction following sacral giant cell tumor resection: illustrative case.

The use of carbon fiber or polyetheretherketone spine constructs has proven to be a safe and effective alternative to standard metal alloy. The mechanical properties of carbon fiber while unique provide a construct that is comparable in strength to previous titanium-based constructs and have additionally shown greater fatigue resistance. These constructs have been especially useful for the mechanical stabilization of the spine following tumor resection. The subsequent interference seen when imaging a patient with a traditional metallic construct is reduced and allows for improved tumor surveillance after the procedure, and a more accurate delivery of radiotherapy when indicated. This case report details the treatment of a 25-year-old female diagnosed with a sacral giant cell tumor. The authors discuss the use of a carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone for lumbopelvic reconstruction. Carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone with its radiolucency and rigidity is a reliable option for complex spinal reconstruction after tumor resection.

A Compressed Collagen Construct for Studying Endothelial-Smooth Muscle Cell Interaction Under High Shear Stress.

The coculture of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) on collagen gels containing smooth muscle cells (SMCs) has been carried out to investigate cellular interactions associated with blood vessel pathophysiology under wall shear stress (WSS) conditions. However, due to a lack of gel stiffness, the previous collagen gel coculture constructs are difficult to use for pathologic higher WSS conditions. Here, we newly constructed a coculture model with centrifugally compressed cell-collagen combined construct (C6), which withstands higher WSS conditions. The elastic modulus of C6 was approximately 6 times higher than that of the uncompressed collagen construct. The level of α-smooth muscle actin, a contractile SMC phenotype marker observed in healthy arteries, was elevated in C6 compared with that of the uncompressed construct, and further increased by exposure to a physiological level WSS of 2 Pa, but not by a pathological level of 20 Pa. WSS conditions of 2 and 20 Pa also induced different expression ratios of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in the C6 coculture model but did not in monocultured ECs and SMCs. The C6 coculture model will be a powerful tool to investigate interactions between ECs and SMCs under pathologically high WSS conditions.

Tri-op redactable blockchains with block modification, removal, and insertion

In distributed computations and cryptography, it is desirable to record events on a public ledger, such that later alterations are computationally infeasible. An implementation of this idea is called blockchain, which is a distributed protocol that allows the creation of an immutable ledger. While such an idea is very appealing, the ledger may be contaminated with incorrect, illegal, or even dangerous data, and everyone running the blockchain protocol has no option but to store and propagate the unwanted data. The ledger is bloated over time, and it is not possible to remove redundant information. Finally, missing data cannot be inserted later. Redactable blockchains were invented to allow the ledger to be mutated in a controlled manner. To date, redactable blockchains support at most two types of redactions: block modification and removal. The next logical step is to support block insertions. However, we show that this seemingly innocuous enhancement renders all previous constructs insecure. We put forward a model for blockchains supporting all three redaction operations and construct a blockchain that is provably secure under this formal definition.

Treatment of Pathologic Peritrochanteric Fractures Using Sliding Hip Screws Augmented with Cerclage Reconstruction Plates

We proposed a new method to augment the traditional sliding hip screw (SHS) with cerclage reconstruction plates to treat pathologically impending and actual peritrochanteric fractures as well as to revise open reductions and internal fixations to increase the construct strength against the shearing force, thus reducing the implant failure rate. In this retrospective study, patients with peritrochanteric pathology with at least two years of follow-up who underwent augmentation with cerclage reconstruction plates (modified SHS) and conventional SHS between 1 May 2015 and 31 May 2017 were divided into groups A (n = 12) and B (n = 28), respectively. Demographic data, surgery duration, blood loss, complications, and local radiotherapy were analyzed. The average surgery duration was significantly longer in group A (p = 0.013). The estimated intraoperative and perioperative blood losses were not significantly different between the groups. The implant survival rates were not significantly different under competing risk analysis. The success rate of a revision surgery with modified SHS was excellent, and implant survival time was >2 years, as observed with the previous SHS constructs. Subtrochanteric region involvement and a postoperative visual analog scale ≥4 could be risk factors of implant failure and revision surgery. This technique can be an alternative treatment for difficult pathologic peritrochanteric fractures, especially those with previous plating failure.

Mediating Effect of Management Control Systems in The Interaction Between Ambidexterity and Organizational Learning in Brazilian NPO

This paper investigates the mediating effect of management control systems in the interaction between ambidexterity and organizational learning in Brazilian non-profit organizations. Organizational learning is addressed in the literature as an antecedent of ambidexterity, whereas the use of management control systems finds dichotomous evidence in the literature as to its effect concerning those previous constructs. This descriptive research with a quantitative approach was carried out through a survey. The research sample comprised 227 valid responses collected from the presidents of the organizations. This work reveals the positive relationship between organizational learning and ambidexterity, as well as observing that the use of management control systems tends to inhibit innovation through a mediating effect. The approach of these constructs in nonprofit environments contributes to the need for sustainability of these organizations. Findings highlight the innovative panorama of these organizations between exploitation and exploration strategies and the achievement of ambidextrous skills, also pointing out the use of management control systems, as well as the evidence of organizational learning.

Backbone resonance assignment of the cAMP-binding domains of the protein kinase A regulatory subunit Iα.

Protein kinase A (PKA) is the main receptor for the universal cAMP second messenger. PKA is a tetramer with two catalytic (C) and two regulatory (R) subunits, each including two tandem cAMP-binding domains, i.e. CBD-A and -B. Activation of the complex occurs with cAMP binding first to CBD-B, followed by a second molecule of cAMP binding to CBD-A, which causes the release of the active C-subunit. Unlike previous constructs for eukaryotic cAMP-binding domains (CBDs), the 29.5kDa construct analyzed here [i.e. RIα (119-379)] spans the CBDs in full and provides insight into inter-domain communication. In this note we report the 1H, 13C, and 15N backbone assignments of cAMP-bound RIα (119-379) CBDs (BMRB No. 50920).

Toward a resilient complex adaptive system view of business models

This paper employs the theory of resilient complex adaptive systems (RCAS) to offer a versatile and universal foundation for the concept of a business model that facilitates connections between prior works while enabling future exploration with a common language. The proposed business model construct is developed by first exploring the field of systems to highlight how the concept of an RCAS can be employed to provide a more robust conceptualization of a business model than previous constructs. A thematic analysis of the literature is then conducted to translate the fundamental requirements of an RCAS into the business model context. This system view is inherently abstraction tolerant and provides a foundation for both academic research and practical applications. Specifically, it addresses two key gaps in the business model literature. First, the comprehensive nature of the system model naturally calls out important aspects of business models that have been largely ignored in the literature. Second, the construct provides a comprehensive means to connect the work of business model scholars and practitioners outlined in more than 150 studied articles, highlighting how each earlier research effort has employed a construct that is actually part of a grander whole.

Rethinking Social Interaction: Empirical Model Development.

BackgroundSocial media is an integral part of human social life. More than 90% of young people use social media daily. Current theories, models, and measures are primarily based on face-to-face conceptions, leaving research out of sync with current social trends. This may lead to imprecise diagnoses and predictions.ObjectiveTo develop a theoretically based empirical model of current social interfaces to inform relevant measures.MethodsA three-stage, qualitative, data-collection approach included anonymous individual Post-it notes, three full-class discussions, and 10 focus groups to explore 82 adolescents’ relational practices. Data analysis followed a meaning-condensation procedure and a field-correspondence technique.ResultsWe developed an empirical model that categorizes adolescents’ social interactions into five experiential positions. Four positions result from trajectories relating to social media and face-to-face social interaction. Positions are described by match or mismatch dynamics between preferred and actual social platforms used. In matched positions, individuals prefer and use both face-to-face and social media platforms (position 1), prefer and use face-to-face platforms (position 2), or prefer and use social media platforms (position 3). In mismatched positions, individuals prefer face-to-face interactions but use social media platforms (position 4) or prefer social media but use face-to-face platforms (position 5). We propose that matched positions indicate good social functioning while mismatched positions indicate serious social challenges.ConclusionsWe propose a model that will expand previous unidimensional social interaction constructs, and we hypothesize that the described match and mismatch analyses provide conceptual clarity for research and practical application. We discuss prediction value, implications, and model validation procedures.

División tripartita de los contenidos. Modelación en una propuesta didáctica de ciencias sociales


 
 
 El presente artículo es producto de una investigación documental realizada en diferentes fuentes de información escrita acerca de la división tripartita de los contenidos, cuyos hallazgos se enriquecieron con los aportes de distintos expertos en el área de investigación educativa, a fin de presentar al profesorado de Educación Secundaria fundamentos teóricos sólidos que pueda extrapolar a su práctica educativa. Posteriormente se procedió a la construcción o diseño de una unidad didáctica del contenido: Relación entre la oferta y la demanda en la asignatura Economía (cursada en 10mo grado de Educación Secundaria ), con el objetivo de modelar la aplicación práctica de la concepción tripartita de los contenidos, además, se pretende que esta estructura de planificación didáctica sirva de modelo para la implementación del enfoque por competencias, modelo educativo declarado en el documento curricular del Ministerio de Educación (MINED) de nuestro país. La propuesta didáctica está compuesta de ocho planes de clase y contiene los tres momentos del proceso de aprendizaje (exploración de los constructos previos, introducción de nuevos conocimientos o su reestructuración y la aplicación de nuevas ideas a la solución de problemas).
 
 

Biomechanical Analysis of Stand-alone Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Lumbar Adjacent Segment Disease.

Study designBiomechanical cadaveric study ObjectiveTo compare biomechanical properties of a single stand-alone interbody fusion and a single-level pedicle screw construct above a previous lumbar pedicle fusion.Summary of background dataAdjacent segment disease (ASD) is spondylosis of adjacent vertebral segments after previous spinal fusion. Despite the consensus that ASD is clinically significant, the surgical treatment of ASD is controversial.MethodsLateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) and posterior spinal fusion (PSF) with pedicle screws were analyzed within a validated cadaveric lumbar fusion model. L3-4 vertebral segment motion was analyzed within the following simulations: without implants (intact), L3-4 LLIF-only, L3-4 LLIF with previous L4-S1 PSF, L3-4 PSF with previous L4-S1 PSF, and L4-S1 PSF alone. L3-4 motion values were measured during flexion/extension with and without axial load, side bending, and axial rotation.ResultsL3-4 motion in the intact model was found to be 4.7 ± 1.2 degrees. L3-4 LLIF-only decreased motion to 1.9 ± 1.1 degrees. L3-4 LLIF with previous L4-S1 fusion demonstrated less motion in all planes with and without loading (p < 0.05) compared to an intact spine. However, L3-4 motion with flexion/extension and lateral bending was noted to be greater compared to the L3-S1 construct (p < 0.5). The L3-S1 PSF construct decreased motion to less than 1° in all planes of motion with or without loading (p < 0.05). The L3-4 PSF with previous L4-S1 PSF constructs decreased the flexion/extension motion by 92.4% compared to the intact spine, whereas the L3-4 LLIF with previous L4-S1 PSF constructs decreased motion by 61.2%.ConclusionsStand-alone LLIF above a previous posterolateral fusion significantly decreases motion at the adjacent segment, demonstrating its utility in treating ASD without necessitating revision. The stand-alone LLIF is a biomechanically sound option in the treatment of ASD and is advantageous in patient populations who may benefit from less invasive surgical options.

From Unidimensional to Multidimensional Measurement of Poverty in Trinidad and Tobago: The Latent Class Analysis of Poverty Measurement as an Alternative to the Financial Deprivation Model

Nonmonetary indicators of poverty are increasingly being used by themselves or in conjunction with monetary indicators to measure poverty levels as previous constructs based solely on monetary indicators are being deconstructed. This is predicated on the notion that low income by itself is insufficient to measure poverty. Despite this general move away from using financial indices as a sole measure of poverty, Trinidad and Tobago continues to use this approach to distinguish the poor from the non‐poor. The current effort examines the unidimensional measurement of poverty in Trinidad and Tobago and proposes an alternative measure, the latent class analysis (LCA) model, to measure poverty on the island. The authors propose the usage of a latent class model (a multidimensional construct) to analyze the nonmonetary indicators associated with two dimensions of poverty—the housing domain and the consumption domain.