Explore the vast range of titles available.

The body-schema concept is revisited in the context of embodied cognition, further developing the theory formulated by Marc Jeannerod that the motor system is part of a simulation network related to action, whose function is not only to shape the motor system for preparing an action (either overt or covert) but also to provide the self with information on the feasibility and the meaning of potential actions. The proposed computational formulation is based on a dynamical system approach, which is linked to an extension of the equilibrium-point hypothesis, called Passive Motor Paradigm: this dynamical system generates goal-oriented, spatio-temporal, sensorimotor patterns, integrating a direct and inverse internal model in a multi-referential framework. The purpose of such computational model is to operate at the same time as a general synergy formation machinery for planning whole-body actions in humanoid robots and/or for predicting coordinated sensory-motor patterns in human movements. In order to illustrate the computational approach, the integration of simultaneous, even partially conflicting tasks will be analyzed in some detail with regard to postural-focal dynamics, which can be defined as the fusion of a focal task, namely reaching a target with the whole-body, and a postural task, namely maintaining overall stability.

IN THE LAST YEARS, OPTIMAL CONTROL THEORY (OCT) HAS EMERGED AS THE LEADING APPROACH FOR INVESTIGATING NEURAL CONTROL OF MOVEMENT AND MOTOR COGNITION FOR TWO COMPLEMENTARY RESEARCH LINES: behavioral neuroscience and humanoid robotics. In both cases, there are general problems that need to be addressed, such as the \"degrees of freedom (DoFs) problem,\" the common core of production, observation, reasoning, and learning of \"actions.\" OCT, directly derived from engineering design techniques of control systems quantifies task goals as \"cost functions\" and uses the sophisticated formal tools of optimal control to obtain desired behavior (and predictions). We propose an alternative \"softer\" approach passive motion paradigm (PMP) that we believe is closer to the biomechanics and cybernetics of action. The basic idea is that actions (overt as well as covert) are the consequences of an internal simulation process that \"animates\" the body schema with the attractor dynamics of force fields induced by the goal and task-specific constraints. This internal simulation offers the brain a way to dynamically link motor redundancy with task-oriented constraints \"at runtime,\" hence solving the \"DoFs problem\" without explicit kinematic inversion and cost function computation. We argue that the function of such computational machinery is not only restricted to shaping motor output during action execution but also to provide the self with information on the feasibility, consequence, understanding and meaning of \"potential actions.\" In this sense, taking into account recent developments in neuroscience (motor imagery, simulation theory of covert actions, mirror neuron system) and in embodied robotics, PMP offers a novel framework for understanding motor cognition that goes beyond the engineering control paradigm provided by OCT. Therefore, the paper is at the same time a review of the PMP rationale, as a computational theory, and a perspective presentation of how to develop it for designing better cognitive architectures.

The present study proposes a computational model for the formation of whole body reaching synergy, i.e., coordinated movements of lower and upper limbs, characterized by a focal component (the hand must reach a target) and a postural component (the center of mass must remain inside the support base). The model is based on an extension of the equilibrium point hypothesis that has been called Passive Motion Paradigm (PMP), modified in order to achieve terminal attractor features and allow the integration of multiple constraints. The model is a network with terminal attractor dynamics. By simulating it in various conditions it was possible to show that it exhibits many of the spatio-temporal features found in experimental data. In particular, the motion of the center of mass appears to be synchronized with the motion of the hand and with proportional amplitude. Moreover, the joint rotation patterns can be accounted for by a single functional degree of freedom, as shown by principal component analysis. It is also suggested that recent findings in motor imagery support the idea that the PMP network may represent the motor cognitive part of synergy formation, uncontaminated by the effect of execution.

The objective of this study was to optimize in vitro tissue culture conditions for Crocus sativus L. (saffron) by evaluating various concentrations of NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid), BAP (benzylaminopurine), and SA (salicylic acid) on callus induction, shoot regeneration, rooting, and microcorm production. The highest callus induction rate (46.53%) was obtained using 0.5 mg/L NAA, 1 mg/L BAP, and 15 mg/L SA. Increasing BAP to 1.5 or 2 mg/L significantly ( P  < 0.05) reduced callus formation, likely due to its inhibitory effects on differentiation and cell division. The application of 15 mg/L SA reduced tissue browning and moderately enhanced callus development across multiple treatments, indicating a protective effect against oxidative stress. The combination of 1 mg/L BAP and 1 mg/L NAA yielded the highest shoot regeneration rate (34.90%) and rooting rate (15.46%). Microcorm formation was most effectively induced using 0.5 mg/L NAA and 2 mg/L BAP in the presence of all tested SA concentrations. Overall, the findings suggest that an appropriate balance of plant growth regulators particularly the synergistic use of auxin, cytokinin, and SA can enhance the efficiency of saffron tissue culture, providing valuable implications for its propagation and improvement.

The increase of multiple drug resistance bacteria significantly diminishes the effectiveness of antibiotic armory and subsequently exaggerates the level of therapeutic failure. Phytoconstituents are exceptional substitutes for resistance-modifying vehicles. The plants appear to be a deep well for the discovery of novel antibacterial compounds. This is owing to the numerous enticing characteristics of plants, they are easily accessible and inexpensive, extracts or chemicals derived from plants typically have significant levels of action against infections, and they rarely cause serious adverse effects. The enormous selection of phytochemicals offers very distinct chemical structures that may provide both novel mechanisms of antimicrobial activity and deliver us with different targets in the interior of the bacterial cell. They can directly affect bacteria or act together with the crucial events of pathogenicity, in this manner decreasing the aptitude of bacteria to create resistance. Abundant phytoconstituents demonstrate various mechanisms of action toward multi drug resistance bacteria. Overall, this comprehensive review will provide insights into the potential of phytoconstituents as alternative treatments for bacterial infections, particularly those caused by multi drug resistance strains. By examining the current state of research in this area, the review will shed light on potential future directions for the development of new antimicrobial therapies.

At the corporate level, green innovation is essential for environment protection and sustainable development. Green supply chain management (GSCM) and green information system (GIS) are two important pillars of green innovation. This study investigates the possible alignment between them in terms of the synergistic effect on corporate sustainability. Based on the task-technology fit model, GSCM and GIS can be viewed as the task- and technology-side endeavors. The extant conceptualization of the fit between a task and a technology assumes their interdependence, but efficiency-oriented GSCM and technology-driven GIS are relatively independent from each other as they can be carried out separately. Formed on the basis of spontaneous employee participation in both, their alignment is rather informal than formal. Unlike the regular task-technology fit from a top-down arrangement, such a bottom-up alignment is not the necessary condition for GSCM and GIS to take effects, but adds to their direct impacts on green innovation outcome in a one-plus-one-greater-than-two manner. Survey observations gathered from over 300 organizations in China confirm that the informal alignment between GSCM and GIS enhances economic, operational, environmental and social performances on top of their primary contributions. The findings regarding the synergy between GSCM and GIS on corporate sustainability provide researchers and practitioners helpful insights on how to optimize green innovation effectiveness.

The substantial interest and investment in health partnerships in the United States is based on the assumption that collaboration is more effective in achieving health and health system goals than efforts carried out by single agents. A clear conceptualization of the mechanism that accounts for the collaborative advantage, and a way to measure it are needed to test this assumption and to strengthen the capacity of partnerships to realize the full potential of collaboration. The mechanism that gives collaboration its unique advantage is synergy. A framework for operationalizing and assessing partnership synergy, and for identifying its likely determinants, can be used to address critical policy, evaluation, and management issues related to collaboration.

Brucella intermedia (formerly Ochrobactrum intermedium), a non-fermentative bacterium, has been isolated from animals and human clinical specimens. It is naturally resistant to polymyxins, including colistin (CO), and may cause opportunistic infections in humans. We isolated six Brucella intermedia strains from Senegalese monkey stool. In order to determine whether an efflux pump mechanism was involved in CO resistance in B. intermedia, we evaluated the effects of verapamil (VRP), reserpine (RSP), phe-arg β-naphthylamide dihydrochloride (PAβN) and carbonyl cyanide 3-chloro phenyl hydrazone (CCCP), four efflux pump inhibitors, on these colistin-resistant strains. Using the broth microdilution method, a CO and CCCP combination of 2 µg/mL and 10 µg/mL, respectively, significantly reduced the CO minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of B. intermedia, supporting an efflux pump mechanism. In contrast, VRP, PAβN and RSP did not restore CO susceptibility. A time kill assay showed a bactericidal effect of the CO–CCCP combination. Genomic analysis revealed a potential implication in the CO resistance mechanism of some conserved efflux pumps, such as YejABEF, NorM and EmrAB, as previously reported in other bacteria. An inhibitory effect of the CO–CCCP combination was observed on biofilm formation using the crystal violet method. These results suggest that the intrinsic CO resistance in Brucella intermedia is linked to an efflux pump mechanism and that the synergistic effect of CO–CCCP may open a new field to identify new treatments to restore antibiotic efficacy in humans.

This paper challenges the predominant view that legitimation is merely a specific phase in merger or acquisition processes. We argue that a better understanding of postmerger organizational dynamics calls for conceptualization of discursive legitimation as an inherent part of unfolding merger processes. In particular, we focus on the recursive relationship between legitimation and organizational action. We have two objectives: to outline a theoretical model that helps one to understand the dynamics of discursive legitimation and organizational action in postmerger organizations, and to examine a revealing case to distinguish the inherent risks and problems in discursive legitimation. Our case analysis focuses on the merger between the French pharmaceutical companies BioMérieux and Pierre Fabre. We adopt a critical multimethod approach and distinguish specific discursive dynamics and pathological tendencies in this case. The analysis highlights the unintended consequences of discursive legitimation, the central role of sensegiving and sensehiding in discursive legitimation, the inherently political nature of legitimation and the risks associated with politicization, the special problems associated with fashionable discourses and the role of the media, the use of specific discursive strategies for legitimation and delegitimation, and the crucial role of actual integration results. This analysis adds to the existing research on mergers and acquisitions by treating discursive legitimation as part of the merger dynamics. In particular, our case analysis provides a new explanation for merger failure. We also believe that the recursive model connecting discursive legitimation and delegitimation strategies to concrete organizational action makes a more general contribution to our understanding of organizational legitimation.

Enhancing heat transfer rates while concurrently reducing pressure drop will significantly enhance the energy efficiency of industrial heat exchangers, thereby contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment in the future. This study explores the fluid flow of a novel combination solution in a helical heat exchanger under a constant heat flux across various Reynolds numbers (5000–17000) aiming to uncover synergies that enhance heat transfer efficiency while reducing drag for the first time. Two key performance metrics, namely Drag Reduction (DR) and Heat Transfer Enhancement (HTE), along with the thermal effective index, are introduced to evaluate both hydrodynamic and thermal characteristics. Under turbulent conditions, an aqueous solution containing Anionic PAM (100–500 ppm) obtains a noteworthy 43% DR at 500 ppm. Simultaneously, a colloidal solution of nano-SiO 2 (500–3000 ppm) in deionized water demonstrates an impressive 47% HTE at 2000 ppm. Furthermore, this study introduces two novel terms, “heat transfer enhancement synergy” and “drag reduction synergy,” marking their debut in the literature. The investigation extends to exploring four Nano-SiO 2 _PAM combinations which is the novelty of the study, revealing an outstanding 93.3% synergy in HTE. Precisely, at Reynolds 14,000, the synergy between 100 ppm PAM and 2000 ppm SiO 2 (named comb.20 as the best combination) attains a remarkable 73.76% in DR, showcasing a noteworthy thermal effectiveness reaching approximately 200%. Even for comb.20, at Reynolds 5000, the synergy achieves a notable 133.33% in DR and 76.22% in HTE, which is quite significant. This result is attributed to a complex formation that elongates the polymer chain due to the presence of nanoparticles around the polymer chain, effectively damping eddies. Furthermore, a novel set of correlations is proposed for the prediction of the Nusselt number of the aforementioned solutions, demonstrating a remarkable agreement with experimental data with a maximum error of 24%. Graphical Abstract