Choosing Startups as Suppliers: A Supplier Selection Archetypes Typology

Recent research demonstrates the value of examining collaborations between established organizations and startups via the lens of the buyer–supplier relationship. However, enterprises must first find, analyze, and select potential startups as suppliers before they can exploit startups' resources and talents in a buyer–supplier relationship. Due to the fact that earlier research has focused exclusively on how purchasing firms select established firms as suppliers, it is unknown which processes, tools, or organizational approaches purchasing organizations employ when selecting startup firms as suppliers. These suppliers are qualitatively distinct in that they lack organizational structure, financial resources, and operational competencies, offering a substantial risk to purchasing organizations. This inductive, qualitative case study research elicits data from twenty established purchasing firms and examines how they choose startup suppliers. We begin by identifying five design motifs that differentiate purchasing firms' selection procedures. We create a typology of three supplier selection paradigms based on these themes. The findings suggest that enterprises who are ready and able to adjust their selection technique to startups should exhibit a higher level of selection performance, implying a greater likelihood of selecting acceptable startups as suppliers. The findings contribute to the literature on supplier selection and shed light on the burgeoning sector of new venture suppliers.

Reconstitution and Transmission of Gut Microbiomes and Their Genes between Generations

Microbiomes are transmitted between generations by a variety of different vertical and/or horizontal modes, including vegetative reproduction (vertical), via female germ cells (vertical), coprophagy and regurgitation (vertical and horizontal), physical contact starting at birth (vertical and horizontal), breast-feeding (vertical), and via the environment (horizontal). Analyses of vertical transmission can result in false negatives (failure to detect rare microbes) and false positives (strain variants). In humans, offspring receive most of their initial gut microbiota vertically from mothers during birth, via breast-feeding and close contact. Horizontal transmission is common in marine organisms and involves selectivity in determining which environmental microbes can colonize the organism’s microbiome. The following arguments are put forth concerning accurate microbial transmission: First, the transmission may be of functions, not necessarily of species; second, horizontal transmission may be as accurate as vertical transmission; third, detection techniques may fail to detect rare microbes; lastly, microbiomes develop and reach maturity with their hosts. In spite of the great variation in means of transmission discussed in this paper, microbiomes and their functions are transferred from one generation of holobionts to the next with fidelity. This provides a strong basis for each holobiont to be considered a unique biological entity and a level of selection in evolution, largely maintaining the uniqueness of the entity and conserving the species from one generation to the next.

Shifting the Level of Selection in Science

Criteria for recognizing and rewarding scientists typically focus on individual contributions. This creates a conflict between what is best for scientists’ careers and what is best for science. In this paper, we show how principles from the theory of multilevel selection provide a toolkit for modifying incentives to better align individual and collective interests. A core principle is the need to shift the level at which selection operates, from individuals to the groups in which individuals are embedded. This principle is used in several fields to improve collective outcomes, including animal husbandry, professional sports, and professional organizations. Shifting the level of selection has the potential to ameliorate several problems in contemporary science, including accounting for scientists’ indirect contributions, reducing individual-level competition, and promoting specialization. We discuss the difficulties associated with changing the level of selection and outline directions for future development in this domain.

Estimation of the economic efficiency of Lacaune sheep farms, based on theoretical bio-economic models

The aim of the present study was to develop theoretical bio-economic models of Lacaune sheep farms and establish their economic efficiency. Based on three main criteria, 15 options were considered and analyzed. Data were processed using the program EWSH2 as a part of ECOWEIGHT Package for calculating economic weights in livestock. Revenues from sales, variable costs, gross margin and profitability before and after subsidies and per ewe were calculated. It was found that raising sheep of the high productive Lacaune breed could generate profit and provide profitability for the studied models of farms, regardless of the level of selection, type of production system, flock size and even the amount of subsidies. Nucleus farms reported the largest gross margin, followed by the basic and commercial farms. Profitability without subsidies showed the highest values for the nucleus flocks of 1000 ewes – 24.24% when adopting semi-intensive production system and 23.14% for the intensive one. With the addition of subsidies, nucleus and basic farms of 1000 ewes were considered the most profitable with 40% and 37.37%, as for both options the semi-intensive conditions were preferable. A tendency for the values of the studied indicators to grow with the increase in the number of ewes in the flocks was observed, as only for the variable costs it was reversed. Due to the lack of studies on economic efficiency of Lacaune sheep farms in Bulgaria, an additional detailed research, based on real data, is advisable to be conducted.

EFFICIENCY BASED ON MARKER ASSISTED SELECTION FOR F2 POPULATION WITH ONE LOCUS MODEL: A SIMULATION STUDY

Simulation study was done to evaluate QTL mapping and selection efficiency of molecular markers utilisation in the F2 population. The simulation study started with formulating genetic configuration which consists of chromosome maps and genetic models. Genetic model for diploid individuals is a model which consists two alleles for each locus. Genetic model that used is a mathematical model consists additive, dominance, and interactions with different effects at each locus, with maximum interaction occurs between two loci (digenic). QTL mapping was constructed by using single locus model, two loci model and multiple loci model. the effect of sample size, heritability, and marker density was observed. Three model was used to analyse QTL position, i.e. marker regression, interval mapping (IM) and composite interval mapping (CIM). Several parameters were specified in this study: genetic variability coefficient (GVC=15%), population mean (μ=10), epistasis and genetic variance ratio (f=0.1), dominance and additive variance ratio (r=0.25), the ratio of AA:AD:DD is 3:2:1 with additive and dominance gene action, and its interaction. The first and last marker were located at each edge of 150 cM chromosome for each chromosome. The interval distance between markers were equal. Haldane’s map function was used in this simulation. The simulation was performed by using the QTL Package on “R” software. With a heritability 0.2, the required sample size to indicate the interval markers associated with QTL were 50 for single locus model. The level of selection efficiency using molecular markers was higher than the phenotypic screening on. Efficiency level of selection based on molecular markers (Em) is a function of the distance between the markers to QTL (d) which follows “reciprocal quadratic” function. Efficiency level of selection based on phenotype (Ef) is a function of heritability favourable traits which follows “reciprocal quadratic” function.Keywords: efficiency, markers, QTL, simulation

DETERMINATION OF SUSTAINABLE LEVELS OF DESIGN ALTERNATIVES SELECTION IN THE WORKFLOW CAP SYSTEM

The development of the mechanical treatment workflow CAP system is aimed at the solution of a crucial task of reduction of terms and the improvement of quality of multiproduct machining manufactures work preparation, as the existing workflow CAP systems have not got the possibility of fast response to changes in a production situation often arising within the multiproduct manufacture. The authors of this paper developed the workflow CAP system, which contains the requirements of the design activity full automation, design solution multivariance, and the feedback with the engineering process implementation subsystem. The paper deals with the development of a mathematical model and the technique of searching for sustainable levels of selecting design alternatives depending on the production situation for the whole design procedures of the workflow CAP system. The authors prove the application of a mathematical tool of genetic algorithms; describe the mathematical model using its terms. As a gene, the level of selection in a separate project procedure is specified. A chromosome is a set of genes according to the project procedures. The objective function determines the minimum total time of processing of the specified nomenclature of parts based on the ranges of gene aggregates resulting from crossing and mutation operations. The result of the work is the mathematical model and the technique for identifying the sustainable levels of selection in each project procedure ensuring the possibility of self-adjustment of the workflow CAP system depending on the production situation.

Analisis Faktor-Faktor yang Menarik Minat Wisatawan Terhadap Keputusan Pemilihan Rumah Makan di Sumatera Selatan

As one of the provinces that widely in culinary diversity, South Sumatera is start to be one of tourism destination. This research was conducted in South Sumatera and selected by purposive sampling. The population in this study is tourists visiting South Sumatera. Analysis of the data used is descriptive statistics and parametric inferential statistics for hypothesis testing using Multiple Linear Regression through a SPSS 22 computer program. Based on the t test results obtained smaller t value t table (-4,811 <1,985), this shows that the price variable food (X1) does not significantly influence the level of selection (Y) of Restaurants in South Sumatra. Based on the t test results obtained by t count greater t table (3.570> 1.985), this shows that the service quality variable (X2) has a significant effect on purchase decision (Y) of Restaurants in South Sumatra. Based on the t test results obtained t value is smaller than t table (3,464 <1,985), this shows that the accessibility variable (X3) has a significant effect on the level of selection (Y) of Restaurants in South Sumatra. Based on the t test results obtained by t count greater t table (6.766> 1.985), this shows that the food quality variable (X4) has a significant effect on purchase decision (Y) of Restaurants in South Sumatra.

MEDIA INTERAKTIF PENGENALAN BAHASA ISYARAT BISINDO

Sign language is the communication that used by the deaf people. Sign language is also a form of accessibility for deaf people to be able to socialize with people around them. Deaf socialization with normal people in the society is not optimal because most of the people does not yet know sign language. Based on these problems, this study aims to develop an interactive media introduction to BISINDO sign language based on augmented reality for the community in supporting a society that is more inclusive of the deaf. This study uses a Research and Development (R&D) approach. The sample in this study was deaf people who participated in the Gerkatin Padang community, and people from various professions in the city of Padang. The data collection technique was carried out using a questionnaire and a focused group discussion technique. Based on the results of the collection of 100 respondents' perceptions data from the public towards sign language obtained: 1) the level of getting to know the community towards sign language is still low at 57%, 2) the level of skills using sign language is still low at 83%, 3) the importance level of sign language according the community is 81%, 4) The level of community needs to learn Sign Language is obtained by 88%, and 5) The level of selection of the right media for learning Sign Language, 74% of respondents choose media in the form of a smartphone application. The validity of the interactive media prototype introduction BISINDO sign language developed in terms of substance that is the suitability of sign language in the application obtained a validator rating of 89.33%, then in terms of the media obtained a validator value of 89.67%. It can be concluded that the interactive media prototype in the form of a smartphone application that was developed very well in terms of substance and media so that it is very feasible or valid to be used in the introduction of BISINDO sign language.

Economic efficiency of Bulgarian dairy synthetic population and Assaf sheep breeds

The economic efficiency of ewes from the Bulgarian dairy synthetic population (BDSP) and Assaf sheep breeds, reared in three production systems, e.g. grazing on pasture, stall-pasture rearing and stall rearing was studied. The results from the study showed that BDSP ewes in the stall-pasture rearing system had a relatively low milk yield for a specialised dairy sheep breed – 80L for the lactation period. In this system, without the subsidy, the profit and cost efficiency were negative, while with subsidy, minimum positive results were achieved. For BDSP ewes reared in a stall-pasture rearing system with stall feeding during the grazing period and grazing on improved pastures, the obtained milk yield was by 33% higher. The subsidy resulted in satisfactory profit and cost efficiency, while without the subsidy, the farm ended in loss. BDSP and Assaf ewes reared in stalls, demonstrated substantially higher milk yield and productivity. They realised a profit and good cost efficiency. The milk yield of BSDP sheep reared in stalls was 200L per lactation, and fertility – 140%. The Assaf breed in which a high level of selection and regulated reproduction cycle was achieved, had 250L milk per lactation and 140% fertility. The profit with subsidy was 128.85 BGN (1Lev=0.975€) and without the subsidy: 48.85 BGN, with relatively high cost efficiency. An introduction of traits for higher milk yield, polyestrus and fertility from Assaf into BSDP sheep is necessary.

Splice-site Strength Estimation: A simple yet powerful approach to analyse RNA splicing

RNA splicing, and variations in this process referred to as alternative splicing, are critical aspects of gene regulation in eukaryotes. From environmental responses in plants to being a primary link between genetic variation and disease in humans, splicing differences confer extensive phenotypic changes across diverse organisms1–3. Current approaches for analysing splicing rely on quantifying variant transcripts (i.e., isoforms) or splicing events (i.e., intron retention, exon skipping etc)4, 5. However, regulation of splicing occurs at the level of selection of individual splice sites, which results in variation in the abundance of isoforms and/or splicing events. Here, we present a simple approach to quantify the strength of individual splice sites, which determines their selection in a splicing reaction. Splice-site strength, as a quantitative phenotype, allows us to analyse splicing precisely in unprecedented ways. We demonstrate the power of this approach in defining the genomic determinants of the strength of individual splice-sites through GWAS. Our pilot-GWAS with more than thousand splice sites hints that cis-sequence divergence and competition between splice-sites and are among the primary determinants of variation in splicing among natural accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana. This approach allows deciphering the principles of splicing, which in turn has implications that range from agriculture to medicine.