Data-driven Culture: A Transformational Framework

In the context of digital transformation, having a data-driven organizational culture has been recognized as an important factor for data analytics capabilities, innovativeness and competitive advantage of firms. However, the current literature on data-driven culture (DDC) is fragmented, lacking both a synthesis of findings and a theoretical foundation. Therefore, the aim of this work has been to develop a comprehensive framework for understanding DDC and the mechanisms that can be used to embed such a culture in organizations as well as structuring prior dispersed findings on the topic. Based on the foundation of organizational culture theory, we employed a Design Science Research (DSR) approach using a systematic literature review and expert interviews to build and evaluate a transformation-oriented framework. This research contributes to knowledge by synthesizing previously dispersed knowledge in a holistic framework, as well as, by providing a conceptual framework to guide the transformation towards a DDC

Practical Implementation of a Graphics Turing Test

We present a practical implementation of a variation of the Turing Test for realistic computer graphics. The test determines whether virtual representations of objects appear as real as genuine objects. Two experiments were conducted wherein a real object and a similar virtual object is presented to test subjects under specific restrictions. A criterion for passing the test is presented based on the probability for the subjects to be unable to recognise a computer generated object as virtual. The experiments show that the specific setup can be used to determine the quality of virtual reality graphics. Based on the results from these experiments, future versions of the Graphics Turing Test could ease the restrictions currently necessary in order to test object telepresence under more general conditions. Furthermore, the test could be used to determine the minimum requirements to achieve object telepresence.</p

Sulindac metabolites inhibit epidermal growth factor receptor activation and expression

BACKGROUND: Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with a decreased mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC). NSAIDs induce apoptotic cell death in colon cancer cells in vitro and inhibit growth of neoplastic colonic mucosa in vivo however, the biochemical mechanisms required for these growth inhibitory effects are not well defined. We previously reported that metabolites of the NSAID sulindac downregulate extracellular-signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling and that this effect is both necessary and sufficient for the apoptotic effects of these drugs. The goal of this project was to specifically test the hypothesis that sulindac metabolites block activation and/or expression of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR). METHODS: HT29 human colon cancer cells were treated with EGF, alone, or in the presence of sulindac sulfide or sulindac sulfone. Cells lysates were assayed by immunoblotting for phosphorylated EGFR (pEGFR, pY1068), total EGFR, phosphorylated ERK1/2 (pERK1/2), total ERK1/2, activated caspase-3, and α-tubulin. RESULTS: EGF treatment rapidly induced phosphorylation of both EGFR and ERK1/2 in HT29 colon cancer cells. Pretreatment with sulindac metabolites for 24 h blocked EGF-induced phosphorylation of both EGFR and ERK1/2 and decreased total EGFR protein expression. Under basal conditions, downregulation of pEGFR and total EGFR was detected as early as 12 h following sulindac sulfide treatment and persisted through at least 48 h. Sulindac sulfone induced downregulation of pEGFR and total EGFR was detected as early as 1 h and 24 h, respectively, following drug treatment, and persisted through at least 72 h. EGFR downregulation by sulindac metabolites was observed in three different CRC cell lines, occurred prior to the observed downregulation of pERK1/2 and induction of apoptosis by these drugs, and was not dependent of caspase activation. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that downregulation of EGFR signaling by sulindac metabolites may occur, at least in part, by inhibiting activation and expression of EGFR. Inhibition of EGFR signaling may account for part of the growth inhibitory and chemopreventive effects of these compounds

Using a Graphics Turing Test to Evaluate the Effect of Frame Rate and Motion Blur on Telepresence of Animated Objects

A limited Graphics Turing Test is used to determine the frame rate that is required to achieve telepresence of an animated object. For low object velocities of 2.25 and 4.5 degrees of visual angle per second at 60 frames per second a rotating object with no added motion blur is able to pass the test. The results of the experiments confirm previous results in psychophysics and show that the Graphics Turing Test is a useful tool in computer graphics. Even with simulated motion blur, our Graphics Turing Test could not be passed with frame rates of 30 and 20 frames per second. Our results suggest that 60 frames per second (instead of 30 frames per second) should be considered the minimum frame rate to achieve object telepresence and that motion blur provides only limited benefits.</p

Xe⋯OCS: Relatively straightforward?

We report a benchmark-quality equilibrium-like structure of the Xe⋯OCS complex, obtained from microwave spectroscopy. The experiments are supported by a wide array of highly accurate calculations, expanding the analysis to the complexes of He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, and Hg with OCS. We investigate the trends in the structures and binding energies of the complexes. The assumption that the structure of the monomers does not change significantly upon forming a weakly bound complex is also tested. An attempt at reproducing the r(2)m structure of the Xe⋯OCS complex with correlated wavefunction theory is made, highlighting the importance of relativistic effects, large basis sets, and inclusion of diffuse functions in extrapolation recipes

The Dipole Moments and Molar Refractions of Several Trans-Beta-Nitrostyrenes

The dipole moments and molar refractions are reported for p-nitrostyrene (4.24 D, 44.3 ml.), trans-betanitrostyrene (4.50 D, 45.7 ml.), the p-methoxy (5.45 D, 56.3 ml.), p-methyl (4.97 D, 52.0 ml.), p-fluoro (3-12 D, 45.5ml), p-chloro (2.90 D, 51.8 ml.), p-bromo (3.02 D, 54.4 ml.), p-iodo (3.26 D, 58.0 ml.), p-nitro (0.83 D, 52.0 ml.), and p-cyano 0.96 D, 47.9 ml.) derivatives of trans-beta-nitrostyrene. It is suggested that the large dipole moments obtained for the p-nitro and p-cyano-beta-nitrostyrenes may be due to unusually large atomic polarizations which would not be taken into consideration by the present method of measurement and calculation

Quantum Channels with Memory

We present a general model for quantum channels with memory, and show that it is sufficiently general to encompass all causal automata: any quantum process in which outputs up to some time t do not depend on inputs at times t' > t can be decomposed into a concatenated memory channel. We then examine and present different physical setups in which channels with memory may be operated for the transfer of (private) classical and quantum information. These include setups in which either the receiver or a malicious third party have control of the initializing memory. We introduce classical and quantum channel capacities for these settings, and give several examples to show that they may or may not coincide. Entropic upper bounds on the various channel capacities are given. For forgetful quantum channels, in which the effect of the initializing memory dies out as time increases, coding theorems are presented to show that these bounds may be saturated. Forgetful quantum channels are shown to be open and dense in the set of quantum memory channels.Comment: 21 pages with 5 EPS figures. V2: Presentation clarified, references adde

Investigating the association between occupational exposure to asbestos and ovarian carcinoma: results from a pilot study in Germany

Background The aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of a large-scale epidemiologic investigation elucidating the quantitative association between occupational exposure to asbestos and ovarian cancer in former German asbestos workers. Methods Between December 2017 and May 2018, a random sample of one thousand insured woman registered at the health service of a German trade association as formerly occupationally exposed to asbestos were invited to participate in a pilot study. Participation included a phone interview using a standardised questionnaire. The feasibility of the project was evaluated using a priori defined criteria. They included response, number of cases, eligibility of the questionnaire data for exact estimation of asbestos fibre-years, and availability of relevant medical documentation (imaging procedures, medical reports, and histologic materials). Results The response (17%) was clearly below the intended number of 60%. With six tumour suspects, of which two could be confirmed by medical documents, the number of cases was within the expected range of two to eleven cases. Exact asbestos fibre-year estimations could be performed for 29% of all interviewees, but only for one suspected case. Medical documentation could be collected for only few participants, while no histology reports could be obtained for all cases. Thus, only the feasibility criterion of the expected number of cases was fulfilled. Conclusion The results of the pilot study indicate that the planned project is feasible only to a very limited extent. For further planning of the study, measures to improve recruitment of participants are necessary

Safety of two-year caloric restriction in non-obese healthy individuals

BACKGROUND: The extent to which sustained caloric restriction (CR) in healthy non-obese adults is safe has not been previously investigated. OBJECTIVE: Assess the safety and tolerability of sustained two-year CR intervention in healthy, non-obese adults. DESIGN: A multi-center, randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized using a 2:1 allocation in favor of 25% CR vs. Ad-Libitum intake (AL). Adverse and serious adverse events (AE, SAE), safety laboratory tests, and other safety parameters were closely monitored. RESULTS: Three participants were withdrawn from the CR intervention because of the safety concerns. No deaths and one SAE was reported by participants in the CR group. Although the difference in AE between AL and CR groups was not significant, within the CR group, the incidence of nervous system (p = 0.02), musculoskeletal (p = 0.02) and reproductive system (p = 0.002) disorders was significantly higher in the normal-weight than in the overweight participants. At months 12 and 24, bone mineral densities at the lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck of participants in the CR group were significantly lower than in those in the AL group. CONCLUSIONS: Two-years of CR at levels achieved in CALERIE was safe and well tolerated. Close monitoring for excessive bone loss and anemia is important