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The Untapped Potential: How Managerial Capabilities Drive Supply Chain Resilience
No full textThe file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link.Purpose – This study investigates how managerial dynamic capabilities, including entrepreneurial leadership and social capital, contribute to supply chain resilience through supply chain integration. We further explore whether supply chain flexibility moderates this relationship.
Design/ Methodology/Approach – This study applies the dynamic capabilities view and resource orchestration theory to analyze the antecedents of supply chain resilience. Using a time-lagged survey and structural equation modeling, we generate robust insights that enhance the field's understanding of how managerial capabilities influence the supply chain resilience.
Findings – This study examines how managerial dynamic capabilities, entrepreneurial leadership and managerial social capital, influence supply chain integration, which in turn mediates the relationship between these capabilities and supply chain resilience. We further find support for the moderating role of supply chain flexibility on the integration-resilience link.
Originality/Value – This paper advances the understanding of supply chain resilience by demonstrating the critical role of managerial dynamic capabilities as its microfoundation. We specifically illuminate how entrepreneurial leadership and social capital foster supply chain integration, a key mechanism for building resilience
The Death of Mother(s): The Disruption, Destruction and Renewal of Forest Life in Disney’s Bambi (1942)
No full textBambi (1942) was the fifth, and last, film in the first wave of animated features released by the Walt Disney Company from 1937 onwards. All five films are frequently mentioned in listings of the most terrifying childhood movie viewing experiences. It is usually said that in the case of Bambi the fright is caused by the scene in which the child protagonist’s mother is shot (off-screen). But there is another terrifying aspect of the film, mentioned less often. It is the climactic invasion of the forest by the (off-screen) hunters, indiscriminately killing animals and accidentally causing an all-encompassing forest fire. People often use the phrase ‘Mother Nature’ (or ‘Mother Earth’) to refer to the fact that our planet has provided conditions for life to emerge and flourish. A powerful instantiation of ‘Mother Nature’ is the forest which is fuller of life than other land environments. The terrifying impact of Bambi is therefore to do with the two-fold loss of mothers: Bambi’s mother and ‘Mother Nature’ in the shape of the burning forest. Bambi’s world is destroyed twice: first the person he most depends on is taken away from him, then it seems that everything he has ever known is being destroyed by fire.
This essay first discusses the 1923 novel by Austrian author Felix Salten on which the film is based, highlighting both Salten’s genuine interest in the lives of animals and the allegorical dimensions of his animal tales. It then outlines how the novel came to be adapted, with reference to Hollywood’s long-standing investment in (animated and live action) animal stories, and Disney’s expansion into feature film production in the 1930s. The essay also examines the circular structure of Disney’s Bambi, the way it maps the seasons and an individual’s life stages onto each other, thus promising eternal continuation through renewal/rebirth even in the face of death and comprehensive destruction. The essay concludes with some reflections on the fact that the film, unlike the novel, almost completely avoids the issue of non-anthropogenic animal suffering and deaths in the forest. This raises the question whether animal welfare, ecological and environmentalist discourses focus, like Disney’s Bambi, only on animal suffering caused by humans, and, if they do, whether there might be a problem with this
Synthesis and Characterisation of Bioactive Fluorescent FITC-Insulin Glulisine Conjugates for Potential Use in Insulin Delivery
No full textopen access articleBackground/Objectives: Drug development and delivery remain critical areas of research for addressing modern bioanalytical challenges. Understanding drug biodistribution, stability, and metabolism within biological systems is essential for optimising therapeutic efficacy. This study focuses on synthesising and characterising a novel fluorescent conjugate derived from commercially available rapid-acting insulin glulisine (Apidra®) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). The objective was to produce a mono-labelled FITC-insulin glulisine conjugate without employing complex protective group strategies or multi-step processes. Methods: The conjugation was optimised by varying molar ratios (1:1 to 3:1) and reaction times (18–24 h) at pH 7. Results: The desired B1 mono-labelled conjugate was successfully achieved at a 2:1 molar ratio, pH 7, and 18 h reaction time. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry confirmed the molecular weight and conjugation site, with fragmentation analysis identifying FITC attachment at phenylalanine (B1) on the β-chain (m/z = 537.11). Western blots performed on C2C12 skeletal cell lysates stimulated with the FITC–insulin glulisine conjugate showed Akt and IRS-1 activity similar to that of cells treated with native commercial insulin glulisine. Confocal imaging also demonstrated translocation of GLUT4 in FITC–insulin glulisine conjugate-treated C2C12 cells similar to that of commercial native insulin glulisine. Octanol-water partitioning studies assessed the physicochemical properties of the conjugate. Conclusions: This approach demonstrates an efficient method for fluorescent labelling of insulin analogues, enabling future applications in imaging, biodistribution studies, and pharmacokinetic profiling
Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation of Al–Si Alloys in Al₂O3 and SiO₂ Nanoparticle-Modified Electrolytes
No full textopen access articleThe study aims to strengthen cylindrical liners by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) and to determine the optimal processing parameters for forming wear-resistant coatings. The results of laboratory experiments were transferred to practical application for liner strengthening, followed by testing coatings formed directly on real components. PEO was applied to cylindrical sleeves made of eutectic aluminum–silicon alloy EN AC-48000 to form mechanically strong and wear-resistant oxide coatings. The coating had a two-layer structure: a dense inner barrier layer and a porous outer layer. The effect of SiO2 (~20 nm) and Al2O3 (~30 nm) nanoparticles in the electrolyte on the morphology, phase composition, microhardness and tribological characteristics of the coatings was evaluated. The optimal PEO parameters were determined as 325 V, duty cycle 25%, processing time 12 min, average current density 1.4 A·dm−2, and concentration of Al2O3 + SiO2 (5 + 5 g L−1). Under these conditions, the coating achieved a maximum microhardness of 259 HV, a low coefficient of friction of ~0.50 and a wear rate of 0.81 × 10−4 mm3·N−1·m−1. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of γ-Al2O3 without changing the silicon phase. The results provide quantitative data on the effects of nanoparticles and PEO parameters on coating properties, which is important for the development of long-life part surfaces. The increased microhardness and wear resistance are attributed to the formation of the ceramic γ-Al2O3 phase and the densification of the porous structure due to the incorporation of Al2O3 and SiO2 nanoparticles, which reduce defect density and limit the adhesive–abrasive wear mechanism
The Protective Stepping Response in Patients With Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction
No full textopen access article
Project conducted in collaboration with researchers from Imperial College LondonObjectives
Protective stepping after postural instability is a defense mechanism that prevents falls. Vestibular patients have increased risk of falling, but little is known about their stepping response. In this study, we investigate whether the protective stepping response is preserved in patients with bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH).
Methods
This cross-sectional study, conducted in a balance-research facility, evaluated body sway and protective stepping responses during a dynamic postural task (platform oscillations at different velocities). Patients diagnosed with BVH were recruited from neuro-otology clinics. Because stepping may be dictated by instability perception, objective sway and subjective instability were also analyzed for each participant.
Results
Twelve patients (4 men, age: 65.1, SD: 14.2 years) and 12 healthy age and sex-matched controls (age: 64.8, SD: 5.3) were recruited. Patients swayed more than controls (t: −2.153, p = 0.03, d = −0.39) and showed marginally steeper objective-subjective instability curves than controls (t: −2.082, p = 0.053, d = −0.85), meaning that they felt slightly more unstable than controls for the same amount of sway. However, stepping velocity thresholds (t:−1.013, p = 0.324, d = 0.45) and latencies (t: 0.062, p = 0.951, d = −0.02) were not different between patients and controls.
Discussion
These results indicate that the protective stepping response is preserved in patients with BVH and hence not critically dependent on vestibular input. Only chronic patients were included, which limits the generalization of the results to acute phases of the vestibular loss
A new real option methodology for the quality-by-design pharmaceutical research and development
No full textSDG3, SDG 8
We present novel methodology for managing pharmaceutical R&D projects.
Our real option analysis uses Lévy processes to capture multiple technical risks.
We integrate cost-efficacy reimbursement threshold of £30,000 per QALY as stipulated by the UK NICE into new pharmaceutical R&D project valuation and management.
We estimate efficacy-based costs and transition probabilities in R&D projects.
A case study shows advantages of our valuation method.
The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link.We propose a novel compound real option quality-by-design decision methodology for multistage pharmaceutical R&D grounded in Lévy processes modelling. Our approach addresses the pressing R&D valuation and management challenges in the pharmaceutical industry - the integration of the cost-efficacy thresholds introduced in the public reimbursement of medicine across several European countries into model-informed R&D with multiple technical and commercial risks by accounting for the stochastic jump dynamics of product efficacy. Our methodological contribution is threefold. First, we introduce an efficacy-dependent compound real option valuation method based on a lattice Lévy model to provide an efficacy-driven product development roadmap of project risk profiles. Second, we develop a novel procedure for estimating conditional stage transition probabilities, enabling the calibration of underlying model parameters using historical stage transition frequencies at the industry or company level. Third, we present a new decision tool to balance expected value against sunk costs, with a focus on meeting efficacy thresholds
Meaning in Life Is Associated with Differing Motivations to Use Social Networking Sites
No full textopen access articleResearch often emphasises dysfunctional Social Networking Site (SNS) usage. In contrast, the current research examined a more positive element of human functioning, specifically how motivations to use SNSs may be associated with meaning in life, which can help give purpose and direction to people’s lives. A sample of 384 undergraduate students (aged 18 to 50; M = 20.95; SD = 4.95; 81.5% females) completed questionnaire-based measures of motivations to use SNSs, self-reported time spent on SNSs, and meaning in life (coherence, purpose, and mattering). Multiple regressions showed that models for coherence, purpose, and mattering explained 5.8–8.8% of the variance (R2 = 0.058–0.088). Self-expression was positively associated with coherence (β = 0.128), purpose (β = 0.16), and mattering (β = 0.137). Following/monitoring others predicted higher coherence (β = 0.158), and using SNSs to find information predicted higher purpose (β = 0.12). Academic purposes were positively related to mattering (β = 0.12). By contrast, using SNSs for new friendships predicted lower coherence (β = −0.197) and mattering (β = −0.154), entertainment predicted lower coherence (β = −0.178), and greater time on SNSs predicted lower purpose (β = −0.186). Overall, different motivations for using SNSs are associated with different facets of meaning in life
Intersectionality and probation practice
No full textOpen Government LicenceThis paper explores the concept of intersectionality and how an intersectional lens can support key aspects of probation practice, encompassing knowledge, skills and behaviours. Crucially, intersectionality provides a framework which encourages probation practitioners to comprehend the full complexity of the individuals they work with, seeing people as more than their offence or a single characteristic.
Most people on probation are unlikely to experience challenges in isolation, with factors interacting, and an intersectional lens promotes the tailoring of approaches to reflect the realities of each person’s lived experience. This includes adapting communication styles, displaying empathy, and being curious about how overlapping identities influence behaviour, risk, and access to support. Such tailoring helps to build positive relationships, supporting and enhancing engagement, fostering trust, and promoting meaningful change. Additionally, intersectionality invites practitioners to reflect on their own values, assumptions, and positionality. It promotes reflective and reflexive practice, emotional literacy, and cultural competence as essential tools for high-quality supervision, supported by an organisational commitment to the creation of psychologically safe environment
Beyond Efficiency: Public Value Maximisation and the Ethics of Digital Rehabilitation
No full textMembership publication. Free article accessThis article is a culmination of our scholarship and engagements that intersects with practitioners and policy makers from across the world. Our recent work with the United Nations’ Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) culminated in a report focusing on digital rehabilitation (UNICRI, 2024). We evaluated current practice and policy that focused on the intersection of rehabilitation and digital. Fundamental to this were important rights-focused and ethical principles to ensure digital creates no harm and is a key tool to adapt, enhance and transform rehabilitation and human flourishing. The goal of the report was to provide practical advice and guidance about the ethical principles that should guide the use of digital rehabilitation in prisons, and how to plan for the development, implementation, and continuing provision of digital resources to support rehabilitation.
The digitalization of justice-led rehabilitation has been incremental and has proceeded faster in some jurisdictions and in some rehabilitation domains than in others, but it is undeniable that digital technologies are becoming a viable core element in justice-led rehabilitation. What is being created here is a form of digital public infrastructure that is part of the wider process of the digitalization of government, sometimes referred to as the e-government (Homburg, 2018). In this article we want to reflect on some of the implications of this from a public value perspective, and propose a model to ensure digital reform maximises the public value in this sector
Reclaiming the 1934 Women's World Games: Athletic and Gender Performance
No full textThe file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link.The fourth Women’s World Games (WWG) began on 9 August 1934 at the White City Stadium in London. Despite extensive press coverage in 1934, London’s WWG have been neglected by historians, either assimilated into a narrow Olympic trajectory or considered an established and uncontroversial event on the independent women’s athletics calendar. In fact, they were an important moment in the history of sport and gender, both in Britain and internationally. In examining the geo-political and social significance of the 1934 WWG, a new perspective on the shifting understanding of gender performance and bio-medical knowledge about sex during the 1930s, and how these changing ideas were applied to women’s athletics, is revealed. More than just the fourth and final edition of a short-lived independent international women’s athletics movement, the 1934 London WWG and their media coverage were sites of contest, both physical and ideological
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