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Gauging the Effect of Buyer vs. Seller Initiation of Customer Value Creation on Buyer Loyalty in Large B2B Sales Relationships
Get PDFThis study addresses two central questions: Is it important to determine whether the salesperson or the buyer initiates value creation in large business-to-business (B2B) selling environments? Furthermore, does the mode of initiation – buyer or seller – later influence customer attitudes toward the sales interaction? Value creation is necessary for large B2B sales situations because customized solutions often are required to meet customer needs. This empirical study compares buyer and seller initiators of value creation in B2B dealings and analyzes which actor most positively affects customer perceptions. In a study of 142 senior-level managers at buyer organizations
who participated in large-sale deals, we quantitatively analyzed the relationship to identify who initiates value creation, based on the initial Net Promoter Score (NPS). Buyer managers rated seller-initiated value creation higher than buyer-initiated value creation, and seller-initiated value creation had a net positive effect on buyer attitudes and loyalty. The study concludes by offering sales managers practical strategies for enhancing buyer satisfaction, creating positive customer word-of-mouth, and engendering customer loyalty
Scalable Production of Peptides for Enhanced Struvite Formation via Expression on the Surface of Genetically Engineered Microbes
Get PDFA promising method for recycling phosphate from wastewater is through precipitation of struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O), a slow-release fertilizer. Peptides have been shown to increase the yield of struvite formation, but producing peptides via solid phase synthesis is cost prohibitive. This work investigates the effects of peptide-expressing bacteria on struvite precipitation to provide a sustainable and cost-efficient means to enhance struvite precipitation. A peptide known for increased struvite yield was expressed on a membrane protein in Escherichia coli(E. coli), and then 5 mL precipitation reactions were performed in 50 mL culture tubes for at least 15 min. The yield of struvite crystals was examined, with the presence of peptide-expressing E. coli inducing significantly higher yields than nonpeptide-expressing E. coli when normalized to the amount of bacteria. The precipitate was identified as struvite through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy, while the morphology and size of the crystals were analyzed through optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Crystals were found to have a larger area when precipitated with the peptide-expressing bacteria. Additionally, bacteria–struvite samples were thermogravimetrically analyzed to quantify their purity and determine their thermal decomposition behavior. Overall, this study presents the benefits of a novel, microbe-driven method of struvite precipitation, offering a means for scalable implementation
Central Pattern Generator and Control of Breathing (Ośrodkowy generator wzorca i kontrola oddychania)
Get PDFFifty years ago, Clark and Euler published a model of the neural control of respiration that stimulated modern studies on the central generator of the rate and depth of breathing. These studies led to new discoveries concerning both anatomical localization and functional characteristics of respiratory central pattern generator (CPG), and as a result our knowledge has greatly changed. This article describes the history of respiratory CPG research and, more specifically, explains how studies concerning the regulation of breathing parameters affect the creation of new hypotheses and theoretical models of the neural control of respiration. Comparing studies on the generators of cyclic movements of respiration and locomotion helps us to show their significance for clinical research, especially in the field of spinal injury. After partial or total paralysis of muscles, techniques of muscle work assistance are especially important. Therefore, different techniques of assisted locomotion and breathing are presented here and an explanation of how locomotion and breathing can influence each other is offered. The ability to reactivate the spinal neuronal network using either pharmacological or electrical stimulation methods is discussed. Research performed with the application of biologically steered servo-respirators allow for a better understanding of respiratory CPG and show the limits of assisted ventilation in clinical practice. This article presents the role of activity-dependent plasticity in the rehabilitation of locomotor and respiratory muscles after spinal injury
Fear of Missing Organisms (FOMO): The Discordance Among Broad-Spectrum Empiric Antibiotic Therapy, Microbiologic Results, and Definitive Antibiotic Therapy for Diabetic Foot Infections and Lower Extremity Osteomyelitis
Get PDFObjective: Empiric broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy is commonly prescribed for patients hospitalized with diabetic foot infections (DFI) and lower extremity osteomyelitis (OM). The primary objective was to evaluate the concordance between empiric antibiotic therapy, microbiologic results, and definitive antibiotic therapy with a focus on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and resistant gram-negative organisms. The secondary objective was to evaluate the negative predictive values (NPV) of select risk factors for MRSA and resistant gram-negative organisms for microbiologic results with these organisms. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Safety-net health system in Ohio. Patients: Adults hospitalized and receiving antibiotic therapy for DFI or lower extremity OM in 2021. Results: For 259 unique patients, empiric therapies with activity against MRSA and resistant gram-negative organisms were administered to 224 (86.5%) and 217 (83.8%) patients, respectively. Definitive therapies with activity against MRSA and resistant gram-negative organisms were administered to 91 (35%) and 74 (28.6%) patients, respectively. Of 234 patients with microbiologic testing, 29 (12.4%) had positive cultures with MRSA and 41 (17.5%) with resistant gram-negative organisms. The NPVs of risk factors for MRSA and resistant gram-negative organisms for the absence of these organisms in culture were 91% and 85%, respectively. Conclusions: For patients hospitalized with DFI and lower extremity OM, our data suggest opportunities for substantial reductions in empiric therapies with activity against MRSA and resistant gram-negative organisms. The absence of risk factors for these organisms was reasonably good at predicting negative cultures with these organisms
Poor Seizure Control Among Children Attending a Tertiary Hospital in South Western Uganda – A Retrospective Study
No full textBackground: Seizure control among children with epilepsy (CWE) receiving anti-seizure medications (ASMs) remains a challenge in low-resource settings. Uncontrolled seizures are significantly associated with increased morbidity and mortality among CWE. This negatively impacts their quality of life and increases stigma. Aim: This study determined seizure control status and described the factors associated among CWE receiving ASMs at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). Methods: In a retrospective chart review study, socio-demographic and clinical data were obtained from 112 medical records. CWE receiving ASMs for at least six months and regularly attending the clinic were included in the study. Physical or telephone interviews were conducted with the immediate caregivers of the CWE to establish the current seizure control status of the participants. Results: A total of 112 participants were enrolled. Of these, three-quarters had generalized onset seizures, 23% had focal onset seizures, while 2% had unknown onset motor seizures. About 60.4% of the study participants had poor seizure control. Having a comorbidity (p-value 0.048, AOR 3.2 (95% CI 1.0–9.9)), history suggestive of birth asphyxia (p-value 0.014, AOR 17.8 (95% CI 1.8–176.8)), and being an adolescent (p-value 0.006, AOR 6.8 (95% CI 1.8–26.6)) were significantly associated with poor seizure control. Conclusion: Seizure control among CWE receiving ASMs at MRRH remains poor. Efforts geared to addressing seizure control and optimizing drugs are needed, especially among children with comorbidities, those with history of birth asphyxia, and adolescents
Tutorial: Using NEURON for Neuromechanical Simulations
No full textThe dynamical properties of the brain and the dynamics of the body strongly influence one another. Their interaction generates complex adaptive behavior. While a wide variety of simulation tools exist for neural dynamics or biomechanics separately, there are few options for integrated brain-body modeling. Here, we provide a tutorial to demonstrate how the widely-used NEURON simulation platform can support integrated neuromechanical modeling. As a first step toward incorporating biomechanics into a NEURON simulation, we provide a framework for integrating inputs from a “periphery” and outputs to that periphery. In other words, “body” dynamics are driven in part by “brain” variables, such as voltages or firing rates, and “brain” dynamics are influenced by “body” variables through sensory feedback. To couple the “brain” and “body” components, we use NEURON\u27s pointer construct to share information between “brain” and “body” modules. This approach allows separate specification of brain and body dynamics and code reuse. Though simple in concept, the use of pointers can be challenging due to a complicated syntax and several different programming options. In this paper, we present five different computational models, with increasing levels of complexity, to demonstrate the concepts of code modularity using pointers and the integration of neural and biomechanical modeling within NEURON. The models include: (1) a neuromuscular model of calcium dynamics and muscle force, (2) a neuromechanical, closed-loop model of a half-center oscillator coupled to a rudimentary motor system, (3) a closed-loop model of neural control for respiration, (4) a pedagogical model of a non-smooth “brain/body” system, and (5) a closed-loop model of feeding behavior in the sea hare Aplysia californica that incorporates biologically-motivated non-smooth dynamics. This tutorial illustrates how NEURON can be integrated with a broad range of neuromechanical models. Code available at: https://github.com/fietkiewicz/PointerBuilder
Modified Newtonian Dynamics as an Alternative to the Planet Nine Hypothesis
Get PDFA new class of Kuiper Belt objects (KBOs) that lie beyond Neptune with semimajor axes greater than 250 astronomical units show orbital anomalies that have been interpreted as evidence for an undiscovered ninth planet. We show that a modified gravity theory known as modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND) provides an alternative explanation for the anomalies using the well-established secular approximation. We predict that the major axes of the orbits will be aligned with the direction toward the Galactic center and that the orbits cluster in phase space, in agreement with observations of KBOs from the new class. Thus, MOND, which can explain galactic rotation without invoking dark matter, might also be observable in the outer solar system
Exploring Low-Income, Black Fathers\u27 Strengths and Barriers to Positive Change Using Qualitative Methods
Get PDFObjective: The goal was to explore low-income, Black fathers\u27 personal strengths and barriers to engaged fatherhood, healthy relationships, and economic stability. Background: Fatherhood programs often rely on case management and education to promote positive fathering, healthy relationships, and economic stability. However, methods should be tailored to fit the strengths and needs of participating fathers. Low-income, Black fathers face additional challenges related to systemic discrimination and structural violence that can hinder their success. To effectively serve this group, research is required to understand their relevant strengths and barriers. Methods: Semistructured focus groups explored fathers\u27 personal strengths and barriers specific to the three areas of interest with fatherhood program staff (n = 8) and enrolled fathers (n = 26). Thematic analysis was conducted then systematically vetted by community scholars (previously enrolled or graduated fathers). Results: Fathering strengths included empathy, listening skills, and active family participation. Barriers included limited custody or access, individual constraints, and unmet social needs. Participants contextualized these findings with structural issues related to coparenting and the legal system (e.g., biased court systems). Men\u27s relationship strengths included mutual respect and teamwork. Barriers included past trauma, lack of healthy relationship models, and relationship strain. Economic stability strengths included financial literacy and motivation to provide, whereas barriers included legal history, financial obligations, and limited resources. Conclusion: These findings highlight key individual-level strengths and barriers grounded in fathers\u27 intersectional identities as predominantly low-income, Black men. Implications: Programs serving low-income, Black fathers should consider tailoring their programming to the lived experiences of participants to navigate these critical barriers and amplify assets for success
Field Studies of PERC and Al-BSF PV Module Performance Loss using Power and I-V Timeseries
Get PDFWe have studied the degradation of both full-sized modules and minimodules with PERC and Al-BSF cell variations in fields while considering packaging strategies. We demonstrate the implementations of data-driven tools to analyze large numbers of modules and volumes of timeseries data to obtain the performance loss and degradation pathways. This data analysis pipeline enables quantitative comparison and ranking of module variations, as well as mapping and deeper understanding of degradation mechanisms. The best performing module is a half-cell PERC, which shows a performance loss rate (PLR) of −0.27 ± 0.12% per annum (%/a) after initial losses have stabilized. Minimodule studies showed inconsistent performance rankings due to significant power loss contributions via series resistance, however, recombination losses remained stable. Overall, PERC cell variations outperform or are not distinguishable from Al-BSF cell variations
Public-Private Partnership (P3) Success: Critical Success Factors for Local Government Services and Infrastructure Delivery
Get PDFThe Public-Private Partnership (P3) approach is a viable option to address the slow growth and burgeoning need to deliver infrastructure projects and services by state and local governments. This study focuses on identifying critical success factors (CSF) that influence the success of P3s for local government service and infrastructure delivery. A framework is presented for integrating relationship and project management CSFs identified from previous literature into P3s. In addition, public agency entrepreneurial orientation is introduced as a potential CSF – a focus that has been absent in previous P3 CSF literature. To empirically assess the influence of these CSFs on P3 success, we surveyed public administrators from municipalities and counties in Florida, asking about their perceptions of these success factors. The results show that the P3 relationship, project management, and public agency entrepreneurial orientation are critical to a project’s success. Moreover, government stakeholder influence significantly affects these factors. Private sector stakeholder influence also affects project management and public agency entrepreneurial orientation’s effect on P3 success. When applied in a managerial context, these findings can help public agencies to improve their P3 success rates and growth and help to solve the infrastructure and service delivery challenges facing local governments in the US today
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