Spiritually informed not-for-profit performance measurement

Performance measurement has far-reaching implications for not-for-profit organizations because it serves to legitimize, attract resources, and preserve expectations of stakeholders. However, the existing theory and practice of not-for-profit performance measurement have fallen short, due in part, to an overuse of profit-oriented philosophies. Therefore, we examine not-for-profit performance measurement by utilizing Marques’ (J Bus Ethics 92:211–225, 2010) “five spiritual practices of Buddhism.” Marques’ spiritual practices—a pro-scientific philosophy, greater personal responsibility, healthy detachment, collaboration, and embracing a wholesome view—are the foundation of our research design. Responses from senior not-for-profit practitioners (n = 63) support the linkages between spiritual practices and not-for-profit performance measurement. We identify three essential performance measurement principles and elaborate on their capacity to generate awareness, higher meaning, and connectedness within not-for-profits

Measuring the Integration of Social and Environmental Missions in Hybrid Organizations

The authors gratefully acknowledge the excellent suggestions of the Section Editor, Julia Roloff and the three anonymous reviewers. We also thank the many Certified B Corporations for their participation in this study. The first author acknowledges research support from the Initiative for Regulation and Applied Economic Analysis (IRAEA) at Montana State University.Peer reviewedPostprin

Impact measurement in an emerging social sector : four novel approaches

This paper explores the formalization of social impact measurement (SIM) in contexts where there are little or no expectations for it. Drawing on a combination of institutional and organizational-level theories, we assess the complex relationship between nine potential antecedents of SIM and its formalization, across 152 social entrepreneurs in Chile’s social sector. Using configurational comparative methods (fsQCA), we discover and map four novel approaches to social impact measurement, revealing a much more diverse and counterintuitive reality. We also find that factors assumed to be central to formalization in mature sectors, in emerging settings play a peripheral role at best. By offering a multi-level explanation of what matters and when for SIM in an emerging social sector, this paper offers empirical evidence on how to better capture and report SIM and expands the theoretical understanding of SIM as a governance and accountability mechanism in social entrepreneurship

Ground-Penetrating Radar Water Content Mapping of Golf Course Green Sand Layers

Information on the spatial distribution of water content across the sand layer component of a golf course green can be important to golf course superintendents for evaluating drainage effectiveness and scheduling irrigation. To estimate the bulk volumetric water content of the sand layer at point locations across the green, a technique was developed that combined (1) depth (or thickness) of the sand layer measured with a steel shaft tile probe, (2) radar signal two-way travel time from the base of the sand layer obtained using a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) system with 900 MHz antennas, and (3) an empirical equation relating porous media dielectric constant to water content. To test this technique, two GPR surveys were conducted on the Nursery Green at the Double Eagle Golf Club near Galena, Ohio, and two additional GPR surveys were carried out on the 9th Hole Green at the Delaware Golf Club near Delaware, Ohio. For comparison, time-domain reflectometry (TDR) water content values for the sand layer near the ground surface were obtained concurrent with each of the four GPR surveys. Results of the four golf course green GPR/TDR surveys carried out on September 8 and 9, 2014 (Double Eagle Golf Club -before and after irrigation, respectively), and April 21 and 29, 2015 (Delaware Golf Club) show that the sand layer water contents determined with GPR respectively averaged, 18.8%, 25.2%, 12.2%, and 11.3%, which were quite similar to the respective TDR sand layer water content averages of 20.3%, 25.7%, 11.0%, and 14.1%. The spatial correlation coefficients (r) between the GPR-based sand layer water content values versus the TDR sand layer water content values for these four GPR/TDR surveys were 0.76 (September 8, 2014), 0.73 (September 9, 2014), 0.55 (April 21, 2015), and 0.70 (April 29, 2015). Sand layer water content was found to have moderate inverse spatial correlation with ground surface elevation (r=-0.44 to -0.56) and elevation at the base of the sand layer (r-0.43 to -0.53). Consequently, the findings of this study clearly indicate that if sand layer depth values are available, then GPR can be utilized in a non-destructive manner to accurately map sand layer water content across a golf course green, and conversely, in cases where sand layer water content (hence, radar velocity) spatial patterns are already known, then this information can be employed to provide more accurate GPR-based sand layer depth values

Embryonic Development of A Parthenogenetic Vertebrate, The Mourning Gecko (\u3cem\u3eLepidodactylus lugubris\u3c/em\u3e)

Background One goal of evolutionary developmental biology is to understand the role of development in the origin of phenotypic novelty and convergent evolution. Geckos are an ideal system to study this topic, as they are species‐rich and exhibit a suite of diverse morphologies—many of which have independently evolved multiple times within geckos. Results We characterized and discretized the embryonic development of Lepidodactylus lugubris—an all‐female, parthenogenetic gecko species. We also used soft‐tissue μCT to characterize the development of the brain and central nervous system, which is difficult to visualize using traditional microscopy techniques. Additionally, we sequenced and assembled a de novo transcriptome for a late‐stage embryo as a resource for generating future developmental tools. Herein, we describe the derived and conserved patterns of L. lugubris development in the context of squamate evolution and development. Conclusions This embryonic staging series, μCT data, and transcriptome together serve as critical enabling resources to study morphological evolution and development, the evolution and development of parthenogenesis, and other questions concerning vertebrate evolution and development in an emerging gecko model

Infrared Nonlinear Optics

Contains a report on one research project.U.S. Air Force - Office of Scientific Research (Contract F49620-80-C-008

Archaeal Hel308 suppresses recombination through a catalytic switch that controls DNA annealing

Hel308 helicases promote genome stability in archaea and are conserved in metazoans, where they are known as HELQ. Their helicase mechanism is well characterised, but it is unclear how they specifically contribute to genome stability in archaea. We show here that a highly conserved motif of Hel308/HELQ helicases (motif IVa, F/YHHAGL) modulates both DNA unwinding and a newly identified strand annealing function of archaeal Hel308. A single amino acid substitution in motif IVa results in hyper-active DNA helicase and annealase activities of purified Hel308 in vitro. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations using Hel308 crystal structures provided a molecular basis for these differences between mutant and wild type Hel308. In archaeal cells, the same mutation results in 160000-fold increased recombination, exclusively as gene conversion (non-crossover) events. However, crossover recombination is unaffected by the motif IVa mutation, as is cell viability or DNA damage sensitivity. By contrast, cells lacking Hel308 show impaired growth, increased sensitivity to DNA cross-linking agents, and only moderately increased recombination. Our data reveal that archaeal Hel308 suppresses recombination and promotes DNA repair, and that motif IVa in the RecA2 domain acts as a catalytic switch to modulate the separable recombination and repair activities of Hel308

Effects of antiplatelet therapy on stroke risk by brain imaging features of intracerebral haemorrhage and cerebral small vessel diseases: subgroup analyses of the RESTART randomised, open-label trial

Background Findings from the RESTART trial suggest that starting antiplatelet therapy might reduce the risk of recurrent symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage compared with avoiding antiplatelet therapy. Brain imaging features of intracerebral haemorrhage and cerebral small vessel diseases (such as cerebral microbleeds) are associated with greater risks of recurrent intracerebral haemorrhage. We did subgroup analyses of the RESTART trial to explore whether these brain imaging features modify the effects of antiplatelet therapy

Developing an online, searchable database to systematically map and organise current literature on retention research (ORRCA2)

Background: Addressing recruitment and retention challenges in trials is a key priority for methods research, but navigating the literature is difficult and time-consuming. In 2016, ORRCA (www.orrca.org.uk) launched a free, searchable database of recruitment research that has been widely accessed and used to support the update of systematic reviews and the selection of recruitment strategies for clinical trials. ORRCA2 aims to create a similar database to map the growing volume and importance of retention research.  Methods: Searches of Medline (Ovid), CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection and the Cochrane Library, restricted to English language and publications up to the end of 2017. Hand searches of key systematic reviews were undertaken and randomised evaluations of recruitment interventions within the ORRCA database on 1 October 2020 were also reviewed for any secondary retention outcomes. Records were screened by title and abstract before obtaining the full text of potentially relevant articles. Studies reporting or evaluating strategies, methods and study designs to improve retention within healthcare research were eligible. Case reports describing retention challenges or successes and studies evaluating participant reported reasons for withdrawal or losses were also included. Studies assessing adherence to treatments, attendance at appointments outside of research and statistical analysis methods for missing data were excluded. Eligible articles were categorised into one of the following evidence types: randomised evaluations, non-randomised evaluations, application of retention strategies without evaluation and observations of factors affecting retention. Articles were also mapped against a retention domain framework. Additional data were extracted on research outcomes, methods and host study context.  Results: Of the 72,904 abstracts screened, 4,364 full texts were obtained, and 1,167 articles were eligible. Of these, 165 (14%) were randomised evaluations, 99 (8%) non-randomised evaluations, 319 (27%) strategies without evaluation and 584 (50%) observations of factors affecting retention. Eighty-four percent (n = 979) of studies assessed the numbers of participants retained, 27% (n = 317) assessed demographic differences between retained and lost participants, while only 4% (n = 44) assessed the cost of retention strategies. The most frequently reported domains within the 165 studies categorised as ‘randomised evaluations of retention strategies’ were participant monetary incentives (32%), participant reminders and prompts (30%), questionnaire design (30%) and data collection location and method (26%).  Conclusion: ORRCA2 builds on the success of ORRCA extending the database to organise the growing volume of retention research. Less than 15% of articles were randomised evaluations of retention strategies. Mapping of the literature highlights several areas for future research such as the role of research sites, clinical staff and study design in enhancing retention. Future studies should also include cost–benefit analysis of retention strategies

Software Development Standard Processes (SDSP)

A JPL-created set of standard processes is to be used throughout the lifecycle of software development. These SDSPs cover a range of activities, from management and engineering activities, to assurance and support activities. These processes must be applied to software tasks per a prescribed set of procedures. JPL s Software Quality Improvement Project is currently working at the behest of the JPL Software Process Owner to ensure that all applicable software tasks follow these procedures. The SDSPs are captured as a set of 22 standards in JPL s software process domain. They were developed in-house at JPL by a number of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) residing primarily within the Engineering and Science Directorate, but also from the Business Operations Directorate and Safety and Mission Success Directorate. These practices include not only currently performed best practices, but also JPL-desired future practices in key thrust areas like software architecting and software reuse analysis. Additionally, these SDSPs conform to many standards and requirements to which JPL projects are beholden