A toy model of polymer stretching

We present an extremely simplified model of multiple-domains polymer stretching in an atomic force microscopy experiment. We portray each module as a binary set of contacts and decompose the system energy into a harmonic term (the cantilever) and long-range interactions terms inside each domain. Exact equilibrium computations and Monte Carlo simulations qualitatively reproduce the experimental saw-tooth pattern of force-extension profiles, corresponding (in our model) to first-order phase transitions. We study the influence of the coupling induced by the cantilever and the pulling speed on the relative heights of the force peaks. The results suggest that the increasing height of the critical force for subsequent unfolding events is an out-of-equilibrium effect due to a finite pulling speed. The dependence of the average unfolding force on the pulling speed is shown to reproduce the experimental logarithmic law.Comment: New revised versio

The Theory of Fuzzy Logic and its Application to Real Estate Valuation

Fuzzy logic is based on the central idea that in fuzzy sets each element in the set can assume a value from 0 to 1, not just 0 or 1, as in classic set theory. Thus, qualitative characteristics and numerically scaled measures can exhibit gradations in the extent to which they belong to the relevant sets for evaluation. This degree of membership of each element is a measure of the element’s "belonging" to the set, and thus of the precision with which it explains the phenomenon being evaluated. Fuzzy sets can be combined to produce meaningful conclusions, and inferences can be made, given a specified fuzzy input function. The article demonstrates the application of fuzzy logic to an income-producing property, with a resulting fuzzy set output.

ALIGNING KNOWLEDGE STRATEGY AND COMPETITIVE STRATEGY IN SMALL FIRMS

Despite the claim of more and more scholars that there is a need to align knowledge strategies with competitive strategies, little research allows for more precise conceptualizations concerning this problem of inter-level strategic fit, and few have attempted an empirical investigation. This is especially true in the specific context of small firms (SFs), despite the fact, that their knowledge-based resources are more important than their property-based resources. This study aims to investigate, through a quali-quantitative analysis carried out on a sample of SFs in northeast Italy, the alignment between knowledge strategies and competitive strategies. We have identified two types of competitive strategies pursued by SFs, i.e. human resource-based (HR-based) and product and customer service quality-based (PCSQ-based). We have also identified two types of internal knowledge strategy, i.e. exploitation strategy of internal knowledge, and exploration strategy of internal knowledge, as well as two types of external knowledge strategy, i.e. exploitation strategy of external knowledge, and exploration strategy of external knowledge. Our findings reveal that SFs pursuing HR-based competitive strategies tend to adopt exploitation strategies of both internal and external knowledge, while firms pursuing PCSQ-based competitive strategies tend to adopt exploration strategies of both internal and external knowledge

Il livello di disclosure volontaria del modello di business all'interno del prospetto informativo di quotazione

This paper aims to identify the level of business model voluntary disclosure adopted by three manufacturing companies within Initial Public Offering (IPO) prospectus in order to investigate whether any differences in the level of disclosure may depend on differences among their business models (due, primarily, to the type of innovation used). A series of interviews conducted with the top management allowed to deeply understand the business model of each company. Furthermore, two different content analysis (qualitative and quali-quantitative) has been developed to point out the strategic themes contained in the IPO prospectus and their relevance. Focusing the analysis on business model concepts makes it possible to recognize a set of themes common to the companies and others that are exclusives to each company. The exclusives features have been used to determine the business model disclosure level adopted by each selected company in its IPO prospectus. Finally, the study shows how companies with a business model based on design-driven and technology-push innovation have a lower propensity to disclose their distinctive resources.disclosure; modello di business; prospetto informativo; innovazione

The dynamics behind the alignment between strategy and knowledge in small firms

Using four case studies carried out on a sample of 60 north-eastern Italian small firms, this paper examines how knowledge exploration and exploitation might be differently implicated in the creation of competitive advantages for small firms. A pilot quantitative study on the whole sample demonstrated the existence of an alignment between competitive strategies and knowledge management strategies. The present study tries to address this alignment as an ongoing process, drawing attention to the multiple ways through which this alignment takes form in practical activity

Business models for accelerators: A structured literature review

Purpose:This paper aims to provide a better understanding of accelerators’ phenomenon, developing a business model framework for these organizations. The proposed framework aims to offer helpful guidance for practitioners and policymakers, together with various research opportunities for scholars. Design/Methodology/Approach:The study employs a structured literature review methodology, which guarantees the repeatability of the research and the validity of the outcomes. Additionally, to further test the results of our analysis, we interviewed ten practitioners from some accelerators located in Italy and Slovenia. Findings:Findings show that the literature on accelerators is still fragmented and under-investigated. The presented framework for an accelerator business model provides insights about the activity and the role of such organizations. The study offers fruitful avenues for future research on accelerators’ business models. Research limitations/implications:Given the fragmented nature and the novelty of the literature on the topic, there may be relevant papers and reports missing in our analysis. Further research should investigate the role of accelerators in the ecosystem they operate in and provide a clear and shared definition in collaboration with all stakeholders. Practical implications:The presented framework provides practitioners with useful insights for understanding an accelerator activity and valuable recommendations for managing these organizations in the future. Social implications:Since we consider society among the key stakeholders of an accelerator’s business model, this study provides significant insights about the social impact of accelerators in the ecosystem they operate in. Relevant implications may be useful especially for policymakers. Originality/Value:The main contribution of this study is the extent analysis of a novel topic in the entrepreneurial literature, providing a clear and broad perspective of the phenomenon. Furthermore, this study provides relevant insights on the role of accelerators in academic research as well as for practitioners and policymakers

Ethically Driven Stakeholder Management: A Structured Literature Review and Future Research Agenda

The discipline of business ethics is moving fast to the forefront of stakeholder management research. On the one hand, scholars are studying management's behaviour and the promotion of ethical behaviour in stakeholders. On the other hand, a complex interplay exists among ethics, the maximization of shareholder value, and meeting stakeholder claims. The aim is to build on and update in a systematic fashion a previous literature review on stakeholder management theory (SMT) which did not bring ethics to the forefront. Following a strict protocol, this structured literature review examines 108 articles, covering 61 journals from 1989 to 2021. It highlights citation classics and their research impact through total citation and citation-per-year analysis. Content analysis focuses on the findings of quantitative, qualitative, and conceptual articles. Coder triangulation ensures the reliability of the findings, which analyse location and sector, stakeholder type, research methods, research question, conceptual lenses, and foci of articles under review. A specific section outlines directions for future research and provides suggestions for the development of a future research agenda on a topical issue

Business models beyond Covid-19. A paradoxes approach

The Covid-19 crisis has undermined and disrupted several business fields. Organizations are called to address the new challenges by rethinking their business models. Employing an EFTE approach, the paper highlights 50 paradoxes to be taken into consideration in the strategic transformation process

Quantification of noradrenergic-, dopaminergic-, and tectal-neurons during aging in the short-lived killifish Nothobranchius furzeri

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by phosphorylation and aggregation of the protein alpha-Synuclein and ensuing neuronal death progressing from the noradrenergic locus coeruleus to midbrain dopaminergic neurons. In 2019, Matsui and colleagues reported a spontaneous age-dependent degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and an even greater neurodegeneration of the noradrenergic neurons in the short-lived killifish Nothobranchius furzeri. Given the great possible relevance of a spontaneous model for PD, we assessed neurodegeneration of noradrenergic and dopaminergic neurons in two further laboratory strains of N. furzeri. We implemented, for the first time in N. furzeri, a whole-brain clarification technique and proceeded to entire 3D nuclei reconstruction to quantify total cell numbers in two different stains of N. furzeri. In both strains, we observed that age-dependent neurodegeneration is limited to the locus coeruleus and does not involve the posterior tuberculum. We also applied 3D counting to the optic tectum, an area of active adult neurogenesis, and detected an increase of neurons with age. Our results confirm age-dependent neurodegeneration of noradrenergic neurons, a condition reminiscent of the presymptomatic stage of PD indicating that N. furzeri could be used in the future to identify modifying factors for age-dependent neurodegeneration and open the intriguing possibility that natural genetic variation may influence the susceptibility of dopaminergic neurons