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Freeride skiing is the fastest-growing sector of the skiing industry, but there are no studies analyzing its nature and values. First, we provide descriptions of freeride skiing and competitive freeride skiing, trying to analyzing the nature of these activities in comparison and contrast with conceptions of traditional sport and nature sport. Whilst freeride skiing must be seen in some sense as a nature sport, competitive freeride skiing is best seen within the category of traditional sport. However, these 'new' sports raise questions about the adequacy of our current categories, leading us to our second task, which was to identify and discuss the values of freeride skiing. We identify freedom and creativity as primary values, which lead to a greater rapport with nature, and a greater attention to risk, danger and safety, as concomitant values. Finally, we briefly indicate further values of the activity, such as responsibility, community and preservation of the practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participation in competitive, integrated employment contexts is chronically low for adults with extensive support needs (ESN). Prior research indicates that adults with ESN face pervasive hardships in accessing employment opportunities that promote meaning, well-being, and dignity in their career trajectories. Experiencing dignity is a fundamental part of feeling included and valued in the workplace. This article provides recommendations for vocational practitioners and educators for how to advance dignity for people with ESN when working in or preparing to work in inclusive employment settings. These recommendations are aligned with the Elements of Dignity and voiced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have lived experiences in competitive, integrated employment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of education plays an important role in determining educational outcomes, as competent and dedicated educators are able to provide effective teaching, motivate students, and help them reach their full potential. However, in many countries, including Indonesia, there are still challenges in attracting and retaining quality educators. Therefore, it is important for educational institutions to formulate a reward system that is not only financially competitive, but also includes non-financial aspects that can improve the satisfaction and motivation of educators. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach. Data collection was conducted through a literature review, focusing on relevant written sources such as books, journal articles, research reports, theses, and dissertations. Data analysis was conducted using triangulation to compare and confirm information from various sources, providing a more comprehensive and reliable understanding of the topic being studied. The results show that the development of a competitive reward system is critical to attracting quality educators, who are key to improving the quality of educational education. Education institutions can create an atmosphere that supports the improvement of teaching quality and education as a whole by implementing a balanced reward system and considering feedback from educators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental changes require resources that are able to adapt. This condition requires a special strategy to remain competitive. This can be realized from real resources and employee skills that match market needs (Dubey et al., 2019). Therefore, continuous training is the “way” to face business scenarios (Santana-Domínguez et al., 2022). So, employee training is the best solution to maintain company sustainability. This study aims to explore the importance of training to maintain the stability of the company’s future. This research is qualitative research with in-depth interviews as the main data collection method. The analytical method uses Foucault’s (1980) power-knowledge with three main focuses as a tool for data reduction, namely sharing, generating and using knowledge. The results of the study show that training is important to be carried out by companies due to three main reasons, namely training as a place to transfer knowledge, training to produce employee/company performance, and training as an inseparable part of the company’s sustainability process. In addition, the results show that continuous learning is a necessity that must be carried out to deal with environmental change. It is important to know that everything will change except the change itself. The next research approach is to examine the training section with a quantitative approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A deep understanding of the dynamics between performance pressures and ethical leadership becomes crucial in an era of stressful economic recovery. This research explores the complex relationship between organizational performance pressures and ethical leadership, focusing on how these pressures impact ethical decision-making and the challenges of maintaining ethical integrity in demanding environments. Employing a convenience sampling method and the rank-type Delphi method, the study engaged 40 experts from both academic and practical fields to identify and rank key performance pressures that compromise ethical leadership. Significant pressures identified include the imperative to generate positive financial reports, achieve greater efficiency, withstand competitive pressures, and pursue aggressive growth strategies, all eroding ethical leadership. These pressures lead to unethical practices, such as falsifying financial reports, exploiting working conditions, unfair competition, and aggressive merger and acquisition tactics. The findings underscore the critical need for leaders to recognize and manage these pressures effectively to foster an environment conducive to ethical leadership. This study contributes valuable insights into the mechanisms by which performance pressures undermine ethical leadership and highlights the importance of cultivating a culture that promotes normative behavior and addresses ethical challenges, thereby enriching the existing body of knowledge on organizational ethics and leadership.

Under the tenet of framing and regulatory theory, this study undertakes a comprehensive examination of the impacts of task-oriented and self-oriented teacher developmental feedback on learning outcomes, considering the moderation roles of timeliness and regulatory focus, and compares the effects between competitive and the noncompetitive environments. Two between-subjects experiments under the online learning setting are conducted to validate the impacts. ANCOVA and Ordinary Least Square regression are employed to examine the differences and effects experimentally and empirically. The first experiment is situated in a competitive environment, and the second experiment adds a noncompetitive environment. The results demonstrate the prominent influence of task-oriented feedback and the lack of effect of self-oriented feedback, the remarkableness of a competitive environment, and the significant moderation roles of timeliness and regulatory focus in both prevention focus and promotion focus. The findings show that prevention-focused individuals care more about task-oriented feedback, whereas promotion-focused individuals care more about self-oriented feedback. This research provides insights into both the theoretical and practical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite average‐sized U.S. families having more than one child, coparenting in families with two children is understudied. Objective: The main aim of this exploratory study was to provide the first steps toward investigating the construct of divide‐and‐conquer coparenting, a coparenting strategy that emerges in families consisting of two parents and two children in which each parent focuses their attention on one child at a time. Specifically, the aim of the study was to provide preliminary evidence for the validity of a new observational rating scale to assess divide‐and‐conquer coparenting and to examine its relation to coparenting quality. Method: Observations of whole‐family interactions (N = 52 families) were coded for overall use of divide‐and‐conquer coparenting, each parents' involvement with each child, and quality of coparenting (i.e., cooperative and competitive). Parents were also asked to write responses to an open‐ended question concerning how their coparenting had changed since having a second child. Results: Divide‐and‐conquer coparenting was positively associated with parent involvement patterns in which each parent mainly focuses on one child at a time, with parents' endorsement of use of divide‐and‐conquer coparenting in the open‐ended question, and with cooperative coparenting. It was negatively associated with competitive coparenting. Conclusions: Results provide support for the existence of a divide‐and‐conquer coparenting strategy in families with two young children and preliminary validation of our divide‐and‐conquer coparenting rating scale, as well as suggesting that this strategy is related to high‐quality coparenting. Implications: Implications for family intervention and future empirical work in this area are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the role of intangible resources in fostering and sustaining competitive advantages within firms. The study surveyed 284 managers and CEOs from a diverse array of companies, collecting data via a structured questionnaire. The collected data were then analyzed using multiple linear regression techniques implemented through SPSS software. The findings underscore the pivotal role of intangible resources in creating and maintaining a competitive edge. These resources were found to be critical in value creation processes that drive long-term strategic advantages. The study's conclusions emphasize that firms focusing on the development and strategic management of intangible assets can achieve and sustain superior performance in their respective markets. This research adds to the growing body of literature by empirically validating the significance of intangible resources in competitive strategy and offers practical implications for managers aiming to leverage these assets for sustained competitive success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping of annual favorable legumes with grains to produce forage is utilized extensively worldwide to improve resource use efficiency. To identify the best intercropping system for a semi-arid region of China, intercrops of oat (Avena sativa L.) and common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) at five planting proportions and oat and common vetch monocrops were produced over the 2011 and 2012 growing seasons in Xifeng, northwest China. Several indices were used to evaluate yields, competitive interrelationships between the two crops, and economic returns. The oat mono-crop had the highest dry matter yield (6.51 t ha-1), while the oat-common vetch intercrop, with an 80: 20 planting ratio, produced the highest crude protein production (696 kg ha-1). The land equivalent ratio (1.167), relative crowding coefficient (2.445), and actual yield loss (0.750) were more favorable for the oat-common vetch intercrop at a seeding ratio of 20: 80. The oat-common vetch intercrop at a seeding ratio of 20: 80 showed the highest values for monetary advantage index (35.51). Overall, the autumn-sown 20: 80 oat-common vetch intercrop was more productive from resource utilization and economic perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In real-world applications, feature selection is crucial for enhancing the performance of data science and machine learning models. Typically, feature selection is a complex combinatorial optimization problem and a multi-objective optimization problem. Its primary goals are to reduce the dimensionality of the dataset and enhance the performance of machine learning algorithms. The selection of features in high-dimensional datasets is challenging due to the intricate relationships between features, which pose significant challenges to the performance and computational efficiency of algorithms. This paper introduces a Knowledge-Guided Competitive Co-Evolutionary Algorithm (KCCEA) for feature selection, especially for high-dimensional features. In the proposed algorithm, we make improvements to the foundational dominance-based multi-objective evolutionary algorithm in two aspects. First, the use of feature correlation as knowledge to guide evolution enhances the search speed and quality of traditional multi-objective evolutionary algorithm solutions. Second, a dynamically allocated competitive–cooperative evolutionary mechanism is proposed, integrating the improved knowledge-guided evolution with traditional evolutionary algorithms, further enhancing the search efficiency and diversity of solutions. Through rigorous empirical testing on various datasets, the KCCEA demonstrates superior performance compared to basic multi-objective evolutionary algorithms, providing effective solutions to multi-objective feature selection problems while enhancing the interpretability and effectiveness of prediction models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research aims: This paper investigates two control mechanisms that firms can use to avoid negotiation conflicts in negotiated transfer pricing decisions. Design/Methodology/Approach: This experimental research used a 2x2 factorial design between subjects. This study involved 77 undergraduate economics and business students as participants. Research findings: This result revealed that divisions evaluated with systems that value high ethical leadership and competitive performance evaluation schemes would set transfer prices close to equal profit transfer prices. These results suggest that companies with individual performance evaluations in a decentralized corporate structure can use informal controls such as ethical leadership to manage negotiation conflicts. Theoretical contribution/ Originality: This study provides further knowledge to the ethical leadership literature by examining the influence of ethical leadership and performance evaluation schemes on transfer pricing. Previous research on leadership and transfer pricing prediction is limited and primarily focuses on tone leadership. This research, therefore, develops previous research by focusing on another leadership style, namely ethical leadership, with an experimental design. Practitioner/Policy implication: This research provides an easy and low-cost alternative control mechanism to reduce conflicts that can occur in the transfer price negotiation process. Research limitation/Implication: This research is limited to ethical leadership styles and limited transfer pricing mechanisms. Future research, thus, can use other leadership styles and other transfer pricing mechanisms, such as two-step pricing. Different mechanisms used can produce different decisions as well.

Abstract A simple and rapid electrochemical sensing method with high sensitivity and specificity of aptamers was developed for the detection of methylamphetamine (MAMP). A short anti-MAMP thiolated aptamer (Apt) with a methylene blue (MB) probe at 3ʹ-end was immobilized on the surface of a gold electrode (MB-Apt-S/GE). The electrochemical signal appeared when MAMP presenting in the sample solution competed with cDNA for binding with MB-Apt-S. Under optimized conditions, the liner range of this signal-on electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of MAMP achieved from 1.0 to 10.0 nmol/L and 10.0–400 nmol/L. LOD 0.88 nmol/L were obtained. Satisfactory spiked recoveries of saliva and urine were also obtained. In this method, only 5 min were needed to incubate before the square wave voltammetry (SWV) analysis, which was much more rapid than other electrochemical sensors, leading to a bright and broad prospect for the detection of MAMP in biological sample. This method can be used for on-site rapid detection on special occasions, such as drug driving scenes, entertainment venues suspected of drug use, etc.

A simple and rapid electrochemical sensing method with high sensitivity and specificity of aptamers was developed for the detection of methylamphetamine (MAMP). A short anti-MAMP thiolated aptamer (Apt) with a methylene blue (MB) probe at 3ʹ-end was immobilized on the surface of a gold electrode (MB-Apt-S/GE). The electrochemical signal appeared when MAMP presenting in the sample solution competed with cDNA for binding with MB-Apt-S. Under optimized conditions, the liner range of this signal-on electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of MAMP achieved from 1.0 to 10.0 nmol/L and 10.0–400 nmol/L. LOD 0.88 nmol/L were obtained. Satisfactory spiked recoveries of saliva and urine were also obtained. In this method, only 5 min were needed to incubate before the square wave voltammetry (SWV) analysis, which was much more rapid than other electrochemical sensors, leading to a bright and broad prospect for the detection of MAMP in biological sample. This method can be used for on-site rapid detection on special occasions, such as drug driving scenes, entertainment venues suspected of drug use, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modern business world consists of employees and managers with different personal and cultural characteristics and different perceptions. It is suggested that personality types of managers affect their negotiation styles. The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between the personality types of managers in public health organizations and the negotiation process. The study is conducted using observation and in-depth interviews, which are qualitative research methods. The data are collected from 19 administrators working in public health institutions in the provinces of Konya and Karaman in the Western Anatolia Konya sub-statistical region. They are selected by convenience sampling. As part of the research, 334 minutes of voice recording data are obtained with the consent of the participants. The audio recordings are transferred to a word processor and a 9,123-word interview text is produced. The data are obtained qualitatively. They are analyzed thematically using MAXQUDA software with an exploratory approach. In the analysis, participants' personality traits and negotiation orientations are coded using two case models. Participants report that they do not receive any education in management, protocol rules or negotiation. Managers are found to have a harmonized personality type, with perfectionist melancholic and powerful chloric personality types prominent. They are also observed to use competitive/cooperative negotiation methods together. Notably, organizational dynamics outweigh personality traits in negotiations. During negotiations, it is found that individuals exhibiting perfectionistic melancholics and powerful chloric are more likely to adopt a competitive negotiating style, while peaceful phlegmatic and popular optimists are more likely to adopt a cooperative negotiating style. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-dimensional (2D) packings of binary mixtures of disks with diameter d and discorectangles with aspect ratio ɛ (length-to-width ratio ε = l / d ) were studied numerically. The competitive random sequential adsorption (RSA) with simultaneous deposition of particles was considered. The aspect ratio was changed within the range ε = 1 − 10 . In the competitive model, the particle was selected with probability pd (disks) and p ε = 1 − p d (discorectangles), and then they were placed sequentially on a solid surface without overlapping with previously placed particles. Behavior of the total coverage in jamming state ϕ T at different values of pd and ɛ was analyzed. For core–shell structure of the particles the percolation connectivity of films was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today's challenges demand a transformation focusing on cost and productivity by delivering the same results faster and more efficient methods. Companies must focus on developing future capabilities in the digital era to ensure long-term success and adjust competencies to company conditions, global trends, phenomena, and organizational urgency to remain afloat and competitive. These challenges are reviewed through the stages of problem identification to recommendations. This study aims to address contemporary challenges faced by companies, emphasizing the need for transformation towards costeffectiveness and productivity. Through a review of secondary data from consulting firms such as Astra Leadership Competencies (ALC), the research seeks to identify essential competencies for the future workforce. The methodology involves a comprehensive examination of problem identification, recommendations, and the synthesis of data to delineate crucial competencies. The secondary data is related to future competencies in several consulting companies, including Astra Leadership Competencies (ALC). Based on the research that has been done, 10 competencies and standard elements must be owned by workers in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Social Work Studies is the property of Helwan University, Faculty of Social Work and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes metabolize neurotransmitter amines in the peripheral and central tissues, and inhibitors of these enzymes find application in the treatment of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Based on reports that the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole, inhibits the MAO-B isoform, the present study investigated the MAO inhibition potencies of a synthetic series of fifteen C5- and C6-substituted indazole derivatives. While only one derivative (5c) was a submicromolar inhibitor of human MAO-A (IC50 = 0.745 µM), all compounds inhibited human MAO-B with submicromolar IC50 values. Substitution on C5 of indazole yielded particularly potent MAO-B inhibition with IC50 values that ranged from 0.0025–0.024 µM. Further investigation of a selected indazole derivative showed a competitive mode of MAO inhibition. To further explore the pharmacological properties of the indazole derivatives, they were also evaluated as potential inhibitors of porcine D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO). None of the synthetic compounds were noteworthy DAAO inhibitors, however, 1H-indazol-5-ol, a synthetic precursor, was found to be a good potency inhibitor with an IC50 value of 2.03 µM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Al Bashaer Economic Journal is the property of Al Bashaer Economic Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The complexity of space environment will lead to a series of health problems, especially the bone loss caused by weightlessness is one of the key medical problems limiting long-term manned space flight. However, the size and energy constraints of the aircraft make conventional bone loss detection methods impractical. Hence, it is necessary to establish on-orbit bone loss detection methods to ensure the health of astronauts. As one of NASA's recommended methods, the lateral flow assay (LFA) would be an ideal tool to solve this problem. Herein, a surface-enhanced Raman based molecular probe was designed and integrated with LFA to detect carboxy-terminal cross-linked telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX I) with high sensitivity and specificity, and the limit of detection was 232 pg/mL. This method was not interference by the serum matrix or other targets, and the storage life of LFA was up to 6 months at 4 °C. Compared with the method previously reported, SERS-based LFA was an ideal detection method with simple operation, convenient and time saving. It is also expected to be chosen as a potential analytical tool to detect bone loss for long-term on-orbit, and guarantee the health of astronauts. [Display omitted] • A new CTX I detection method using a surface-enhanced Raman scattering lateral flow assay was developed. • Rapid and sensitive quantification of CTX I at 480 pg/mL was achieved within 15 min. • SERS-based LFA is also expected to be chosen as a potential analytical tool to detect bone loss for long-term on-orbit, and guarantee the health of astronauts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BI which is actually technology-based has provided tools and software that can be utilized by every company and MSME to increase competitiveness and business success. However, there are still many MSME players who have not utilized this technology. The purpose of this study is to analyze the stages of competitive intelligence strategies that can increase the competitiveness and success of MSME businesses. Analyze business intelligence implementation strategies in improving the competitiveness and success of MSME businesses. This research uses qualitative methods with a case study approach with SWOT analysis and Porter Theory. The focus of research will be carried out on MSMEs that have superior products in Palembang City, namely Songket and Pempek. The techniques used to collect data are: interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis in this study was carried out in 6 stages. The results of this study show that every MSME needs the right strategy that can include market development, or even strategic partnerships to overcome various threats and take advantage of opportunities in the Palembang MSME market by modernizing their business activities. The competitive strategy of MSME development intelligence to increase its competitiveness and business success includes local resources and expanding strong business networks, expanding marketing reach so that products will be better known by consumers, innovation in MSME business models, better decision making through knowledge and understanding of intelligence on data and information can provide excellence, and optimal MSME management such as data collection of all business activities which is more organized and planned. Obstacles and challenges from the implementation of competitive intelligence strategies in increasing the competitiveness and success of MSME businesses in the region, lack of technological knowledge and inability to compete in data utilization are threats that need to be overcome. So that with support from the local government or assistance programs for MSMEs through training, they can overcome these obstacles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microtubule (MT)-associated protein 7 (MAP7) is a required cofactor for kinesin-1-driven transport of intracellular cargoes. Using cryo-electron microscopy and single-molecule imaging, we investigated how MAP7 binds MTs and facilitates kinesin-1 motility. The MT-binding domain (MTBD) of MAP7 bound MTs as an extended α helix between the protofilament ridge and the site of lateral contact. Unexpectedly, the MTBD partially overlapped with the binding site of kinesin-1 and inhibited its motility. However, by tethering kinesin-1 to the MT, the projection domain of MAP7 prevented dissociation of the motor and facilitated its binding to available neighboring sites. The inhibitory effect of the MTBD dominated as MTs became saturated with MAP7. Our results reveal biphasic regulation of kinesin-1 by MAP7 in the context of their competitive binding to MTs.

AbstractIn Kenya, like in many developing countries, the food consumption patterns among the elites and middle classes are shifting towards the consumption of convenient processed foods. This has led research and development initiatives in Kenya to innovate the-shelf bean products to meet the changing consumer needs. However, there is limited information on how the various processed bean processors and distributors are performing. This study explores the structure and performance of the processed common bean market to advise the would-be contenders in the same business. To achieve this, the study applied the structure, conduct, and performance framework to analyze data that was collected from 19 bean processors and 90 distributors. Study findings show that the market structure of firms processing common beans exhibited oligopolistic tendencies with 4 firms controlling 89% of the entire market, while its distribution proved to be more competitive with 4 firms controlling 16% of the market. Initial investment and limited product market are the primary barriers that make bean processing an undesirable venture for many new entrants. To gain momentum, compete with already established brands, and break the oligopoly tendencies in the market, medium-scale processors should be facilitated with tax exemptions. Products produced by home companies should be widely advertised. There is also a need for distribution strategies that can easily get the processed common beans market to consumers to maintain competition and low stock turnover for the products at the distribution level.

AbstractThe services sector continues to play a major role in the transformation of economies. For instance, the tourism sub-sector, which is a key segment of the service sector has become one of the major contributors to economic transformation in developing economies. Given this prospect, stern competition has been created among tourism firms across the globe. However, the tourism sectors in most developing countries continue to grapple with competitive pressure challenging their competitive sustainability. Drawing on the theory of change, the purpose of this paper is to investigate factors that drive the competitive sustainability of small and medium enterprises in the tourism sector in Ghana. Data was collected from 310 SMEs in the tourism sector through the administration of a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling. The results show that price sensitivity, site maintenance, and entrepreneurial competency have a positive and significant effect on the competitive sustainability of small and medium enterprises in the tourism sector. By implications, the paper provides managers of tourism facilities with an encompassing mechanism aimed at improving tourism sites, enhancing the entrepreneurial competencies of staff, and adopting pricing strategies to enhance the competitive sustainability of the tourism sector from a developing country’s perspective. The study advances theories on tourism competitive sustainability.

An operatorial model of a system made by N agents interacting each other with mechanisms that can be thought of as cooperative or competitive is presented. We associate to each agent an annihilation, creation and number fermionic operator, and interpret the mean values of the number operators over an initial condition as measures of the agents’ wealth status. The dynamics of the system is assumed to be ruled by a Hermitian Hamiltonian operator H , and the classical Heisenberg view is used. The dynamical outcome is then enriched by using the recently introduced variant of (H , ρ) –induced dynamics, where ρ denotes a rule that periodically modifies some of the parameters involved in H . The agents are partitioned in three subgroups, one interacting each other only with a competitive mechanism, one interacting each other only with a cooperative mechanism, and one opportunist subgroup able to compete and cooperate. Some numerical simulations show that the (H , ρ) –induced dynamics approach makes, in all the cases, the cooperative subgroup definitely to be more efficient in improving its wealth status than the other subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the existence and asymptotic behavior of solutions having positive and sign-changing components to the singularly perturbed system of elliptic equations − 2 Δ u i + u i = μ i | u i | p − 2 u i + ∑ j = 1 j ≠ i ℓ λ i j β i j | u j | α i j | u i | β i j − 2 u i , u i ∈ H 0 1 (ø) , u i ≠ 0 , i = 1 , ... , ℓ in a bounded domain ø in ℝ N , with N ≥ 4 , > 0 , μ i > 0 , λ i j = λ j i < 0 , α i j , β i j > 1 , α i j = β j i , α i j + β i j = p ∈ (2 , 2 *) and 2 * : = 2 N N − 2 . If ø is the unit ball we obtain solutions with a prescribed combination of positive and nonradial sign-changing components exhibiting two different types of asymptotic behavior as → 0 : solutions whose limit profile is a rescaling of a solution with positive and nonradial sign-changing components of the limit system − Δ u i + u i = μ i | u i | p − 2 u i + ∑ j = 1 j ≠ i ℓ λ i j β i j | u j | α i j | u i | β i j − 2 u i , u i ∈ H 1 (ℝ N) , u i ≠ 0 , i = 1 , ... , ℓ and solutions whose limit profile is a solution of the uncoupled system, i.e. after rescaling and translation, the limit profile of the i th component is a positive or a nonradial sign-changing solution to the equation − Δ u + u = μ i | u | p − 2 u , u ∈ H 1 (ℝ N) , u ≠ 0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to explore the potential of human capital, competitive advantages, and women entrepreneurship innovation in Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur, as well as to provide academic policies to the government by establishing a cluster of human resources (HR) expertise and enhancing the development of women entrepreneurship, resulting in regulations to improve human capital and women entrepreneurship. 9T10TThe research problem is how female entrepreneurs can transform 10T1THR expertise in their business10T1T. The survey sample of active female entrepreneurs in various cities were selected using a multi-stage random sampling method, totaling 47 female entrepreneurs, consisting of 39 respondents from Medan and Deli Serdang, 5 from West Sumatra, and 3 from Kelantan, Malaysia10T12T. 10T12TThe qualitative descriptive research and a comparative analysis were applied to this research. 10T13TThis research proves that female entrepreneurs who act as housewives must continue to 13T14Tdevelop 13T14Ttheir human resource potential, competitive advantages, and innovative abilities in entrepreneurship to produce superior products, be competitive, increase economic income, and improve the welfare of their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small molecule, isatin, is a well‐known reversible inhibitor of the monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes with IC50 values of 12.3 and 4.86 μM for MAO‐A and MAO‐B, respectively. While the interaction of isatin with MAO‐B has been characterized, only a few studies have explored structure–activity relationships (SARs) of MAO inhibition by isatin analogues. The current study therefore evaluated a series of 14 isatin analogues as in vitro inhibitors of human MAO‐A and MAO‐B. The results indicated good potency MAO inhibition for some isatin analogues with five compounds exhibiting IC50 < 1 μM. 4‐Chloroisatin (1b) and 5‐bromoisatin (1f) were the most potent inhibitors with IC50 values of 0.812 and 0.125 μM for MAO‐A and MAO‐B, respectively. These compounds were also found to be competitive inhibitors of MAO‐A and MAO‐B with Ki values of 0.311 and 0.033 μM, respectively. Among the SARs, it was interesting to note that C5‐substitution was particularly beneficial for MAO‐B inhibition. MAO inhibitors are established drugs for the treatment of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, while potential new roles in prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease are being investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the dynamics of non-autonomous competitive systems of difference equations with asymptotically constant coefficients. We are mainly interested in global attractivity results for such systems and the application of such results to the evolutionary population of competition models of two species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I asked whether Grime's triangle of competitive, stress tolerance and ruderal ecological strategies—which was originally developed for plants—applies to microbes.I conducted a synthesis of empirical studies that tested relationships among microbial traits presumed to define the competitive, stress tolerance and ruderal, and other ecological strategies.There was broad support for Grime's triangle. However, the ecological strategies were inconsistently linked to shifts in microbial communities under environmental changes like nitrogen and phosphorus addition, warming, drought, etc. We may be missing important ecological strategies that more closely influence microbial community composition under shifting environmental conditions.We may need to start by documenting changes in microbial communities in response to environmental conditions at fine spatiotemporal scales relevant for microbes. We can then develop empirically based ecological strategies, rather than modifying those based on plant ecology.Synthesis. Microbes appear to sort into similar ecological strategies as plants. However, these microbial ecological strategies do not consistently predict how community composition will shift under environmental change. By starting 'from the ground up', we may be able to delineate ecological strategies more relevant for microbes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a Dutch auction, an item is offered for sale at a set maximum price. The price is then gradually lowered over a fixed interval of time until a bid is made, securing the item for the bidder at the current price. Bidders must trade-off between certainty and price: bid early to secure the item and you pay a premium; bid later at a lower price but risk losing to another bidder. These properties of Dutch auctions provide new opportunities to study competitive decision-making in a group setting. We developed a novel computerised Dutch auction platform and conducted a set of experiments manipulating volatility (fixed vs varied number of items for sale) and price reduction interval rate (step-rate). Triplets of participants ([Formula: see text]) competed with hypothetical funds against each other. We report null effects of step-rate and volatility on bidding behaviour. We developed a novel adaptation of prospect theory to account for group bidding behaviour by balancing certainty and subjective expected utility. We show the model is sensitive to variation in auction starting price and can predict the associated changes in group bid prices that were observed in our data.

In real-world applications, feature selection is crucial for enhancing the performance of data science and machine learning models. Typically, feature selection is a complex combinatorial optimization problem and a multi-objective optimization problem. Its primary goals are to reduce the dimensionality of the dataset and enhance the performance of machine learning algorithms. The selection of features in high-dimensional datasets is challenging due to the intricate relationships between features, which pose significant challenges to the performance and computational efficiency of algorithms. This paper introduces a Knowledge-Guided Competitive Co-Evolutionary Algorithm (KCCEA) for feature selection, especially for high-dimensional features. In the proposed algorithm, we make improvements to the foundational dominance-based multi-objective evolutionary algorithm in two aspects. First, the use of feature correlation as knowledge to guide evolution enhances the search speed and quality of traditional multi-objective evolutionary algorithm solutions. Second, a dynamically allocated competitive–cooperative evolutionary mechanism is proposed, integrating the improved knowledge-guided evolution with traditional evolutionary algorithms, further enhancing the search efficiency and diversity of solutions. Through rigorous empirical testing on various datasets, the KCCEA demonstrates superior performance compared to basic multi-objective evolutionary algorithms, providing effective solutions to multi-objective feature selection problems while enhancing the interpretability and effectiveness of prediction models.

Today, it is an accepted fact that the way for businesses to be competitive under the hard conditions they are in is possible through innovation. Thanks to innovation, it is possible to adapt to technological developments, to respond to the changes required by the age, and to make competition sustainable. This article aims to test whether there is a meaningful difference between the perception of competitive position and innovation level. To determine 225 businesses located in the İnegöl district of Bursa and members of the IMOS association constitute the research universe. The sample frame is 384 business owners and managers taking place in these businesses. Data were collected using a face-to-face survey technique. The data obtained because of the survey were tested with factor, reliability, frequency, correlation, T-Test and ANOVA analyses using SPSS. As a result of the analyzes made, the perceptions of the product, strategy, process and market innovation, which are the sub-dimensions of the innovation level variable, show significant differences according to the companies’ entry into the market as first movers and followers, their competitiveness and branding levels. It has been determined that there is a positive and significant relationship between the variables in the study and the sub-dimensions of the variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foresight studies conducted by the College of Social Work at Assiut University, Egypt, have enabled us to identify key variables that may enhance its strength by 2030. This study presents a conceptual framework based on the methodology and findings of implementing the Matrix of Cross Impacts Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC) method, aimed at determining significance through degrees of influence and dependence among one another. To attain the objective of this article, Delphi was employed to analyze 42 key variables, which were subsequently organized based on their respective significance. Among the 42 key variables, analysis has been conducted on 17, providing insights into enhancing the competitiveness and prospects of these colleges. The findings have highlighted the noteworthy influence of variables like technology infrastructure, applied projects, and international cooperation on the robust assessment of the competitive landscape of the College of Social Work. The variables ranked second in terms of their significance impact on enhancing the institutional capacity of this college, encompassing strategic orientation, mobility, teacher, educational programs, student, scientific research, and innovation. Finally, this study serves as the initial step toward developing future scenarios aimed at enhancing the institution's competitive position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ergoline d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is one of the most potent psychedelic drugs. 1-Acetyl-LSD (ALD-52), a derivative of LSD containing an acetyl group on the indole nitrogen, also produces psychedelic effects in humans and has about the same potency as LSD. Recently, several other 1-acyl-substitued LSD derivatives, including 1-propanoyl-LSD (1P-LSD) and 1-butanoyl-LSD (1B-LSD), have appeared as designer drugs. Although these compounds are assumed to act as prodrugs for LSD, studies have not specifically tested this prediction. The present investigation was conducted to address the gap of information about the pharmacological effects and mechanism-of-action of 1-acyl-substituted LSD derivatives. Competitive binding studies and calcium mobilization assays were performed to assess the interaction of ALD-52, 1P-LSD, and 1B-LSD with serotonin 5-HT2 receptor subtypes. A receptorome screening was performed with 1B-LSD to assess its binding to other potential targets. Head twitch response (HTR) studies were performed in C57BL/6J mice to assess in vivo activation of 5-HT2A (the receptor thought to be primarily responsible for hallucinogenesis). Finally, liquid chromatography/ion-trap mass spectrometry (LC/MS) was used to quantify plasma levels of LSD in Sprague-Dawley rats treated with ALD-52 and 1P-LSD. 1-Acyl-substitution reduced the affinity of LSD for most monoamine receptors, including 5-HT2A sites, by one to two orders of magnitude. Although LSD acts as an agonist at 5-HT2 subtypes, ALD-52, 1P-LSD and 1B-LSD have weak efficacy or act as antagonists in Ca2+-mobilization assays. Despite the detrimental effect of 1-acyl substitution on 5-HT2A affinity and efficacy, 1-acyl-substitued LSD derivatives induce head twitches in mice with relatively high potency. High levels of LSD were detected in the plasma of rats after subcutaneous administration of ALD-52 and 1P-LSD, demonstrating these compounds are rapidly and efficiently deacylated in vivo. These findings are consistent with the prediction that ALD-52, 1P-LSD and 1B-LSD serve as prodrugs for LSD. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'Serotonin Research: Crossing Scales and Boundaries'.

Pathogenesis in seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (herein called NMO) involves binding of IgG1 autoantibodies to aquaporin-4 (AQP4) on astrocytes in the central nervous system, which initiates complement and cellular injury. We previously developed an antibody blocking approach for potential therapy of NMO in which an engineered, monoclonal, anti-AQP4 antibody lacking cytotoxicity effector functions (called aquaporumab) blocked binding of NMO autoantibodies to astrocyte AQP4 (Tradtrantip et al. Ann. Neurol. 71, 314-322, 2012). Here, a high-affinity aquaporumab, which was generated by affinity maturation using saturation mutagenesis, was shown to block cellular injury caused by NMO patient sera. Anti-AQP4 antibody rAb-53, a fully human antibody with effector function neutralizing Fc mutations L234A/L235A and affinity-enhancing Fab mutations Y50R/S56R, called AQmabAM, bound to AQP4 in cell cultures with Kd ~ 18 ng/ml (~0.12 nM), ~8-fold greater affinity than the original antibody. AQmabAM, but without L234A/L235A Fc mutations, produced complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) with EC50 ~ 82 ng/ml. AQmabAM prevented CDC produced by sera from eight NMO patients with IC50 ranging from 40 to 80 ng/ml, and similarly prevented antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Mechanistic studies demonstrated that AQmabAM blocked binding of serum NMO autoantibodies to AQP4. AQmabAM offers a targeted, non-immunosuppressive approach for therapy of seropositive NMO. Autoantibody blocking may be a useful therapeutic strategy for other autoimmune diseases as well.

Estrogen contributes to females' strong antibody response to microbial vaccines and proneness to autoimmunity, particularly antibody-mediated systemic autoimmunity, in females. We have hypothesized that this is due to estrogen-mediated potentiation of class switch DNA recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation (SHM). As we have shown, estrogen boosts AID expression, which is critical for both CSR and SHM, through upregulation of HoxC4, which together with NF-κB critically mediates Aicda (AID gene) promoter activation. We contend here that additional regulation of Aicda expression by estrogen occurs through epigenetic mechanisms. As we have shown, histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDIs) short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) butyrate and propionate as well as the pharmacologic HDI valproic acid upregulate miRNAs that silence AID expression, thereby modulating specific antibody responses in C57BL/6 mice and autoantibody responses in lupus-prone MRL/Fas lpr/lpr mice. Here, using constitutive knockout Esr1 -/- mice and B cells as well as conditional knockout Aicda cre/cre Esr1 flox/flox mice and B cells, we showed that the HDI-mediated downregulation of Aicda expression as well as the maturation of antibody and autoantibody responses is reversed by estrogen and enhanced by deletion of ERα or E2 inhibition. Estrogen's reversion of HDI-mediated inhibition of Aicda and CSR in antibody and autoantibody responses occurred through downregulation of B cell miR-26a, which, as we showed, targets Aicda mRNA 3'UTR. miR-26a was significantly upregulated by HDIs. Accordingly, enforced expression of miR-26a reduced Aicda expression and CSR, while miR-26a-sponges (competitive inhibitors of miR-26a) increased Aicda expression and CSR. Thus, our findings show that estrogen reverses the HDI-mediated downregulation of AID expression and CSR through selective modulation of miR-26a. They also provide mechanistic insights into the immunomodulatory activity of this hormone and a proof-of-principle for using combined ER inhibitor-HDI as a potential therapeutic approach.

Intense competition and changes in the global market have also affected the markets, which are strategically being redirected to the sale of organic agricultural products and tourism using the traditional importance and position in the infrastructure of cities. The primary goal of the research is to create strategic guidelines for the development of markets in the Republic of Serbia, but based on the identification of globally competitive business examples and the views of management, sellers and buyers on the potential of domestic markets. The research methodology includes descriptive, quantitative and qualitative analysis that resulted in the presentation of effective business solutions on the global market and priorities for developing the potential of domestic markets. In addition, through a survey survey of the attitudes of the management of relevant market organizations, the motives and needs of reference sellers and buyers in the markets, the perception of key actors on the state and prospects of the domestic market business was ascertained. market of organic food and tourism, as well as the necessity of creating a national framework for the development of domestic markets. Therefore, the results of the conducted research can especially benefit the creators of local and national economic policy as an instrument in improving the business environment, and domestic market organizations and actors a better insight into the possibilities of using and developing potential.

The pandemic COVID-19 has caused severe losses in public health and economy. One of the most difficult problems in prevention of the disease spread is the emergence of new variants. In this paper, a mathematical model is formulated, which captures the main feature of COVID-19 spread with two viral strains. It is shown by analytical method that the model exhibits the competitive exclusion principle, where one viral strain with the larger basic reproduction number is dominant and the viral strain with the smaller reproduction number is excluded. The results are important for the deployment of prevention policy of COVID-19.