Radically Open Strategizing: How the Premium Cola Collective Takes Open Strategy to the Extreme

Whereas prior research has investigated cases of partially open strategizing, this article explores the practices and outcomes of radically open strategizing. We draw on a case study of the German Premium Cola collective to explore how it translates its principles of radically open agenda setting, participation, and governance into strategizing practices. Our analysis reveals that this collective performs radically open strategizing practices of distributed agenda setting, substantial participation, and consensual decision-making, but also performs counterbalancing practices of centralized agenda setting, selective participation, and authoritative decision-making in order to cope with practical barriers posed by information and power asymmetries between members as well as information overload. We find that these practices enable the collective to legitimize its strategic decisions, develop a collective identity, and maintain member motivation over time. Based on these findings, we conclude that radically open strategizing is a feasible practice, with limitations arising from participants making selective use of open strategizing opportunities, rather than being excluded from them

Concettualizzazione e contestualizzazione dei beni culturali archeologici

This report describes the observations made while developing a new methodology for historic surveys used for the re-contextualisation of archaeological finds. This particular methodology avails itself of both traditional historic surveys as well as the representation of knowledge through ontology. The methodology described here was developed in reference to specific cases of re-contextualisation of archaeological artefacts from Pompeii which are now in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples

The efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor-specific antibodies against glioma xenografts is influenced by receptor levels, activation status, and heterodimerization

Purpose: Factors affecting the efficacy of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAb) directed to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) remain relatively unknown, especially in glioma. Experimental Design: We examined the efficacy of two EGFR-specific mAbs (mAbs 806 and 528) against U87MG-derived glioma xenografts expressing EGFR variants. Using this approach allowed us to change the form of the EGFR while keeping the genetic background constant. These variants included the de2-7 EGFR (or EGFRvIII), a constitutively active mutation of the EGFR expressed in glioma. Results: The efficacy of the mAbs correlated with EGFR number; however, the most important factor was receptor activation. Whereas U87MG xenografts expressing the de2-7 EGFR responded to therapy, those exhibiting a dead kinase de2-7 EGFR were refractory. A modified de2-7 EGFR that was kinase active but autophosphorylation deficient also responded, suggesting that these mAbs function in de2-7 EGFR–expressing xenografts by blocking transphosphorylation. Because de2-7 EGFR–expressing U87MG xenografts coexpress the wild-type EGFR, efficacy of the mAbs was also tested against NR6 xenografts that expressed the de2-7 EGFR in isolation. Whereas mAb 806 displayed antitumor activity against NR6 xenografts, mAb 528 therapy was ineffective, suggesting that mAb 528 mediates its antitumor activity by disrupting interactions between the de2-7 and wild-type EGFR. Finally, genetic disruption of Src in U87MG xenografts expressing the de2-7 EGFR dramatically enhanced mAb 806 efficacy. Conclusions: The effective use of EGFR-specific antibodies in glioma will depend on identifying tumors with activated EGFR. The combination of EGFR and Src inhibitors may be an effective strategy for the treatment of glioma

Therapeutic targeting of epidermal growth factor receptor in human cancer: successes and limitations.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the most commonly altered genes in human cancer by way of over-expression, amplification, and mutation. Targeted inhibition of EGFR activity suppresses signal transduction pathways which control tumor cell growth, proliferation, and resistance to apoptosis. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies are among the most common EGFR-targeting agents and have been used clinically for treating various malignancies. This review discusses the successes and challenges of targeting EGFR in human cancer. The genetic alterations of EGFR tend to occur more often in some solid tumors than others, as do the mechanisms of resistance to targeted inhibition. The clinical and basic science experiences with these agents thus far have important implications for the future of therapeutic targeting of EGFR

Seeing the whole: Configurational cognition and new venture resource mobilization

Research Summary Research is scant on how multiple venture attributes combine as “whole packages” of signals (or cognitive configurations) in resource holders’ eyes, shaping a venture's ability to mobilize resources. Drawing on a qualitative comparative analysis of 1,395 crowdfunding campaigns, we identified different configurations of signals for high and low resource mobilization, theorizing abductively their underlying mechanisms through the analysis of case‐level qualitative data. Our results explain some past mixed findings, such as the contradictory effects of social value and entrepreneurial narratives, showing that these narratives can instead be successfully combined in the presence of signals of venture quality and community embeddedness. We show that there is no single best way to impress resource holders, but multiple recipes to holistically communicate a venture's value. Managerial Summary Analyzing Kickstarter crowdfunding campaigns, we examine how entrepreneurs combine four signals to raise money: 1) the venture's underlying quality; 2) social networks; 3) narratives; 4) embeddedness in the crowdfunding community. We identified four successful configurations of these signals (500% above the funding goal) and two failing configurations (4% of the funding goal). Narratives per se are not sufficient to mobilize resources, unless backed by signals of quality and community embeddedness. A simpler narrative is supported by cheaper quality signals (product images). More complex narratives (combining social value, entrepreneurial orientation, positive psychology) are supported by more costly signals (videos). Our results encourage entrepreneurs to look beyond “silver bullet” solutions and think holistically how to communicate their ventures as “whole packages”

Exploring the topology of the plausible: Fs/QCA counterfactual analysis and the plausible fit of unobserved organizational configurations

The main aim of this contribution is to expand the dominant rationale of organizational design research by including solutions and possibilities not observed in reality. We believe that the counterfactual approach to configurations responds to an open call in organization theory and strategy to move the modelling of fit towards a more robust and theory-based specification. With this new approach we propose to rediscover the roots of organization design as a distinct normative discipline that ‘should stand approximately in relation to the basic social sciences as engineering stands with respect to physical sciences or medicine to the biological’. At a more general level, our view implies an expansion of the dominant meaning of the concept of ‘relevance’ in management research. While we agree with Gulati (2007: 780) that we as scholars should probe ‘more deeply into the problems and other issues that managers care about’, we also believe that relevance does not necessarily mean that researchers have to use an ex-post rationality by studying only empirically frequent phenomena. In contrast, we think that any management esearcher should bring with her or himself a fragment of the spirit of the great Greek philosopher Anaximander (c. 610–c. 546 BC), who foresaw the concept of the infinite universe without the support of any empirical observation and against the predominant wisdom of the time. Not by chance, Karl Popper (1998) onsidered Anaximander’s intuitions among the most vivid demonstrations of the power of human thought and logic

Author Correction: Longitudinal assessment of tumor development using cancer avatars derived from genetically engineered pluripotent stem cells.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper

Retrospective multicenter study on ‘real life’ experience on the use of two different hexavalent vaccines in 5 local health authorities of the sicilian region from 2016 to 2019

Background and Objective: Hexavalent vaccination (HV) is a priority for protecting infants against six potentially deadly infectious diseases. In Italy, Europe and recently in the U.S. there are three commercially authorised vaccines. HV is currently used in a primary immunisation regimen with three doses (3-5-11 months). A retrospective clinical study was conducted in Sicily, Italys fourth-most populated region (10% of national population and 9% of all newborns), in order to evaluate real life data on HV during 2016-2019. Methods: Data on the completion of the administration of HV, on interchangeability between the two vaccines that alternated between 2016 and 2019 (Infarix Hexa ®- Vaxelis ®), on use above the established age and on co-administration with Rotavirus and Pneumococcus vaccines were investiganted in five Local Health Unit of the Sicilian Region. Scientific coordination was in charge to the Clinical Epidemiology Unit of the University Hospital (UH) of Palermo, through a questionnaire approved by the ethics committee of the same UH. Results: Data collected from the LHUs of Agrigento, Catania, Palermo, Ragusa and Trapani, constituting 72.5% of the Sicilian population, showed an average of 91.5% completion of the HV cycle at 24 months of age. The average age of administration gradually increased in children who switched between the two vaccines compared to those who completed the vaccination cycle with the same product. Interchangeability with one or two doses of hexavalent was documented in 17.8% (2018) and 16% (2019) of infants. Co-administration was 93% with the 13-valent conjugate anti-pneumococcal vaccine and 70% with the anti-rotavirus vaccine. Conclusions: This retrospective analysis could contribute to demonstrate safety and sustainability of the interchangeability between different types of the same HV, helping Public Health Authorities to manage potential disruptions due to missed routine immunization opportunities pandemic-related or change of vaccines due to National or Regional tender