Developing radically new meanings through the collaboration with radical circles: Slow Food as a platform for envisioning innovative meanings

Purpose The importance and complexity of proposing radically-new meanings are well established in the literature. However, a limited number of contributions have analyzed how they can be developed. In this work, we analyze the development of radically-new meanings at the basis of the Slow Food movement to contribute to the topic. Design approach In order to better understand how social movements can propose radically-new meanings and how companies can take inspiration and build a competitive advantage by leveraging the proposed meanings, we deeply analyzed the genealogy of Slow Food, interpreted as an inspiring case study; we adopt a narrative approach. Findings The analysis of how Slow Food emerged and evolved into an international movement reveals an alternative way to develop innovative meanings in collaboration with groups of radicals. We identify three main phases in the evolution of innovative meanings: generation, institutionalization and development. Practical implications In terms of managerial implications we contribute highlighting the importance of a new type of collaborative innovation: the collaboration with radical circles and social movements in their early stage. Social implications From a societal point of view, if we acknowledge the importance of social movements in contesting and actively changing institutions, we can see the importance for policy makers to create loci and opportunities for the emergence of radical circles and their experimentations. Originality We propose that new meanings are frequently the result of small groups of individuals gathering in radical circles. The core attribute of such circles is group validation. The group supports the Slow Food leader in refining the meaning and confronting the dominant paradigm

Genetic Algorithm for quick finding of diatomic molecule potential parameters

Application of Genetic Algorithm (GA) for determination of parameters of an analytical representation of diatomic molecule potential is presented. GA can be used for finding potential characteristics of an electronic energy state which can be described by analytical function. GA was tested on two artificially generated datasets which base on potentials with known characteristics and two LIF excitation spectra recorded using transitions in CdKr and CdAr molecules. Tests on generated datasets showed that GA can properly reproduce parameters of the potentials. Tests on experimental spectra indicated that changing the potential model from Morse, which is frequently used as a starting potential in IPA, to expanded Morse oscillator (EMO) leads to noticeable improvement of agreement between simulated and experimental data

Synthetic 3D Pap smear nucleus generation

Gómez Aguilar, S. (2010). Synthetic 3D Pap smear nucleus generation. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/10215.Archivo delegad

Virtuous Circles: New Expressions of Collective Philanthropy in Asia

This is the third paper of the Entrepeneurial Social Finance in Asia series, and it addresses the Giving Circles, its importance and their context in Asia." The theme of entrepreneurial philanthropy focused largely on the practices of venture philanthropy and impact investing organisations -- institutionalised funds that offer a blend of finance and advisory services to social entrepreneurs in support of their ambitions to strengthen their organisations and grow social impact. We were intrigued by a variant of venture philanthropy whereby individuals pooled their resources and together selected a small number of non-profit organisations to support with grants and advice.Our earlier study profiled several such giving circles in India, Hong Kong and Tokyo but we felt that such an innovation in collective philanthropy will grow in scale and importance in the coming decade to become a key part of the philanthropy landscape in Asia and thus warranted further study. In the next chapter we will look at how research evidence from North America supports a dual objective for the giving circle methodology -- to provide resources for non-profits; and to educate and motivate donors. Giving circles can provide a learning experience for people who want to better understand philanthropy, such as how to create social value by donating their money and skills in a socialised context.When philanthropy is described as a journey that individuals embark upon throughout life, it is not simply about giving more money over time. Giving should be made more intelligently and strategically; it can involve leveraging non-financial resources; and it understands and measures the impact created. Collaborating with others on the philanthropy journey holds the potential to make giving a more impactful and personally fulfilling experience. Giving circles make it easier for individuals to enter into larger scale and more sophisticated philanthropy and share the risks and rewards with others.