The Strategic Intent and Launching of a Knowledge Management Tool in a Complex Organisation, case Stora Enso Consumer Boards

Informaatiotulva ja organisaation monimutkaisuus luoneet tarpeen tietämyksen hallinnalle. Tämän tutkimuksen tavoitteena on tunnistaa muutostarpeet, jotka portaalin käyttöönotto tietämyksenhallintatyökaluna luo. Tutkimuksessa verrataan myös uusia työkaluja olemassa oleviin sekä arvioidaan organisaation kykyä siirtää tietämystä virtuaalisesti. Kirjallisuutta vastaavanlaisista projekteista ei ole ollut saatavilla, sillä käyttöönotettava teknologia on melko uutta. Samaa teknologiaa on käytössä hieman eri alueella, kuin tässä projektissa on tavoitteena. Tutkimus on tapaustutkimus, jonka pääasialliset lähteet ovat erilaisissa kokouksissa tuotettuja dokumentteja. Tutkija on osallistunut aktiivisesti projektityöhön, joten osa taustatiedoista perustuu tutkijan huomioihin sekä vielä keskusteluihin. Teoriaosassa käsitellään tietämyksen jakamista tietämyksen hallinnan ja virtuaalisuuden näkökulmasta. Muutoksen hallintaa on käsitelty lyhyesti tietämyksenhallintatyökalun käyttöönotossa. Tutkimus liittyy Stora Enso Consumer Boardsin tietämyksen hallintaprojektiin.

Controlling complexity: the clinical relevance of mouse complex genetics.

Experimental animal models are essential to obtain basic knowledge of the underlying biological mechanisms in human diseases. Here, we review major contributions to biomedical research and discoveries that were obtained in the mouse model by using forward genetics approaches and that provided key insights into the biology of human diseases and paved the way for the development of novel therapeutic approaches.

Meeting report of the European mouse complex genetics network SYSGENET.

The second scientific meeting of the European systems genetics network for the study of complex genetic human disease using genetic reference populations (SYSGENET) took place at the Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences in Bilbao, Spain, December 10-12, 2012. SYSGENET is funded by the European Cooperation in the Field of Scientific and Technological Research (COST) and represents a network of scientists in Europe that use mouse genetic reference populations (GRPs) to identify complex genetic factors influencing disease phenotypes (Schughart, Mamm Genome 21:331-336, 2010). About 50 researchers working in the field of systems genetics attended the meeting, which consisted of 27 oral presentations, a poster session, and a management committee meeting. Participants exchanged results, set up future collaborations, and shared phenotyping and data analysis methodologies. This meeting was particularly instrumental for conveying the current status of the US, Israeli, and Australian Collaborative Cross (CC) mouse GRP. The CC is an open source project initiated nearly a decade ago by members of the Complex Trait Consortium to aid the mapping of multigenetic traits (Threadgill, Mamm Genome 13:175-178, 2002). In addition, representatives of the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium were invited to exchange ongoing activities between the knockout and complex genetics communities and to discuss and explore potential fields for future interactions.

Systematics and phylogeography of the Dysdera erythrina species complex (Araneae, Dysderidae) in Sardinia

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean and, together with Corsica and nearby mainland areas, one of the top biodiversity hotspots in the region. The origin of Sardinia traces back to the opening of the western Mediterranean in the late Oligocene. This geological event and the subsequent Messinian Salinity Crisis and Pleistocene glacial cycles have had a major impact on local biodiversity. The Dysdera woodlouse hunter spiders are one of the most diverse ground-dweller groups in the Mediterranean. Here we describe the first two species of this genus endemic to Sardinia: Dysdera jana sp. n. and Dysdera shardana sp. n. The two species show contrasting allopatric distribution: D. jana sp. n. is a narrow endemic while D. shardana sp. n. is distributed throughout most of the island. A multi-gene DNA sequence phylogenetic analys based on mitochondrial and nuclear genes supports the close relationships of the new species to the type species of the genus Dysdera erythrina. Age estimates reject Oligocene origin of the new Dysdera species and identify the Messinian Salinity Crises as the most plausible period for the split between Sardinian endemics and their closest relatives. Phylogeographic analysis reveals deep genetic divergences and population structure in Dysdera shardana sp. n., suggesting that restriction to gene flow probably due to environmental factors could explain local speciation events. Taxonomy, phylogeny, DNA sequencing, Mediterranean biogeography, phylogeography

The Combined Pedicled Anterolateral Thigh and Vastus Lateralis Flap as Filler for Complex Perineal Defects.

Extensive defects of the pelvis and genitoperineal region are a reconstructive challenge. We discuss a consecutive series of 25 reconstructions with the pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap including muscle part of the vastus lateralis (VL) in 23 patients from October 1999 to September 2012.Only surface defects larger than 100 cm and reconstructions by composite ALT + VL were included in this retrospective analysis. Of the 23 patients, 19 underwent oncologic resection, whereas 4 cases presented Fournier gangrene. Three patients did not reach 6 months of follow-up and were excluded from further data analysis. Among the remaining 20 patients (22 reconstructions), average follow-up period was 14 months (range, 10-18 months). Patient's average age was 60 years. Average size of the defect was 182 cm.Postoperative complications included 1 (4.5%) flap necrosis out of 22 raised flaps, 1 partial flap necrosis after venous congestion, and 2 cases where a complementary reconstructive procedure was performed due to remaining defect or partial flap failure. In 6 cases, peripheral wound dehiscence (27%) was treated by debridement followed by split-thickness skin graft or advancement local flaps. Defect size was significantly related to postoperative complications and increased hospital stay, especially in those patients who underwent preoperative radiotherapy. At the end of the follow-up period, a long-term and satisfactory coverage was obtained in all patients without functional deficits.This consecutive series of composite ALT + VL flap shows that, in case of extended defects, the flap provides an excellent and adjustable muscle mass, is reliable with minimal donor-site morbidity, and can even be designed as a sensate flap.

An outcome and cost analysis of anal fistula plug insertion vs endorectal advancement flap for complex anal fistulae.

AIM: The study aimed to compare the rate of success and cost of anal fistula plug (AFP) insertion and endorectal advancement flap (ERAF) for anal fistula. METHOD: Patients receiving an AFP or ERAF for a complex single fistula tract, defined as involving more than a third of the longitudinal length of of the anal sphincter, were registered in a prospective database. A regression analysis was performed of factors predicting recurrence and contributing to cost. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients (AFP 31, ERAF 40) were analysed. Twelve (39%) recurrences occurred in the AFP and 17 (43%) in the ERAF group (P = 1.00). The median length of stay was 1.23 and 2.0 days (P < 0.001), respectively, and the mean cost of treatment was euro5439 ± euro2629 and euro7957 ± euro5905 (P = 0.021), respectively. On multivariable analysis, postoperative complications, underlying inflammatory bowel disease and fistula recurring after previous treatment were independent predictors of de novo recurrence. It also showed that length of hospital stay ≤ 1 day to be the most significant independent contributor to lower cost (P = 0.023). CONCLUSION: Anal fistula plug and ERAF were equally effective in treating fistula-in-ano, but AFP has a mean cost saving of euro2518 per procedure compared with ERAF. The higher cost for ERAF is due to a longer median length of stay.

Analysis of SKI-1/S1P prodomain provides insight on maturation and activation of SKI-1/S1P zymogen

SKI-l/SlP protease is a member of the proprotein convertase family, with several functions in cellular metabolism and homeostasis. It is responsible for the processing of several cellular substrates, including ATF6, SREBPs, and GlcNAc-1- phosphotranspherase. Furthermore, SKI-1/SlP is also responsible for maturation of arenavirus surface glycoprotein into GP1 and GP2 subunits. This processing is a strict requirement in order to achieve fully mature and fusion-competent virions. Furthermore, SKI-1/SlP itself is synthesized as an inactive zymogen, requiring sequential autocatalytic processing at several sites (B'/B and C) in its prodomain in order to mature and become fully active. Our project focused on the analysis of SKI- 1/S1P prodomain in the biogenesis of the active enzyme. In this context we have additionally developed and characterized a novel cell-based sensor for assessment of cellular activity of the enzyme, with a potential application in screening for novel SKI- 1/S1P inhibitors. In a first aim we have analysed the relevance of cleavage motifs found in the enzyme prodomain. Using molecular and biochemistry tools we have identified and characterized a novel C' maturation site. Furthermore, we found that SKI-1/SlP autoprocessing results in intermediates whose catalytic domain remains associated with prodomain fragments of different lengths. Contrasting with other proprotein convertases, incompletely matured intermediates of SKI-1/SlP exhibit full catalytic activity toward selected substrates. In a second aim, we turned our attention to the structural basis of SKI-1/SlP N- terminus assisted folding. Studying the folding and activity of prodomain-truncated forms of the enzyme we found that a minimal folding unit is contained in the AB region. Deletion of the BC sequence affected auto-maturation but not folding, and partial activity was retained. However, the BC region seemed required for complete and full activity. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the AB sequence is highly conserved, while the BC fragment is variable in sequence and length. Specifically, replacement of the human prodomain with that of Drosophila, resulted in a fully mature and active chimeric enzyme, suggesting an evolution process of SKI-1/SlP prodomain towards a more complex arrangement and steps of activation. Overall, the additional data we have produced might provide fundamental knowledge crucial for the development of novel SKI-1/SlP inhibitors while also providing new SKI- 1/S1P variants with potential use in crystallization purpose. -- SKI-l/SlP est une protéase membre de la famille des proprotéines convertases (PCs), avec plusieurs fonctions dans le métabolisme cellulaire et de l'homéostasie. Il est responsable pour la maturation de plusieurs substrats cellulaires, y compris ATF6, SREBPs et GlcNAc-1-phosphotranspherase. SKI-l/SlP est également responsable pour la maturation de la glycoprotéine des arénavirus, une exigence stricte pour atteindre des virions infectieuse. Synthétisé comme un zymogène inactif, SKI-l/SlP nécessite d'un traitement autocatalytique séquentiel sur plusieurs sites (B'/B et C) de son prodomaine afin de devenir pleinement active. Notre projet était axé sur l'analyse de SKI-l/SlP prodomaine dans la biogenèse de l'enzyme. Dans ce contexte, nous avons développé un nouveau senseur-cellulaire pour l'évaluation de l'activité de l'enzyme. Ce dernier pourrait avoir une potentielle application dans l'identification de nouveaux inhibiteurs de SKI-l/SlP. Premièrement, nous avons analysé la pertinence des motifs de clivage trouvés dans le prodomaine de l'enzyme. En utilisant des outils moléculaires et biochimiques, nous avons identifié et caractérisé un nouveau site de maturation (C'). Aussi, nous avons constaté que la maturation de SKI-l/SlP a des intermédiaires dont le domaine catalytique reste associé à des fragments du prodomaine de différentes longueurs. Contrastant avec d'autres PCs, les intermédiaires partiellement matures de SKI-1 / SIP présentent une activité catalytique complète envers des substrats spécifiques. Dans un deuxième but nous avons tourné notre attention sur la base structurelle du pliage de SKI-l/SlP assisté par son N-terminus: En étudiant l'activité et pliage des formes tronquées dans le prodomaine de l'enzyme, nous avons constaté qu'une unité de pliage minimale est contenue dans la région de l'AB. La suppression de la séquence d'auto-BC affecte la maturation mais pas le pliage, et l'activité partielle est maintenue. Cependant, la région BC semble nécessaire pour une activité complète. Les analyses phylogénétiques ont montré que la séquence AB est fortement conservée, tandis que le fragment de BC est variable en longueur et en séquence. En particulier, le remplacement du prodomaine humain avec celui de la drosophile, a donné lieu à une enzyme chimérique complètement mature et active. Suggérant un processus d'évolution du prodomaine vers un arrangement et des mesures d'activation plus complexe. Globalement, ces donnees supplémentaires augment les connaissances fondamentales cruciales pour le développement de nouveaux inhibiteurs de SKI-1/ SIP, tout en offrant de nouvelles variantes SKI-1 / SIP dans le but d'obtenir la structure cristallographique de l'enzyme.

Developmental expression of the oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein in the mouse telencephalon

The oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein expressed by neurons and oligodendrocytes in the CNS. Attempts have been made to identify the functions of the myelin-associated inhibitory proteins (MAIPs) after axonal lesion or in neurodegeneration. However, the developmental roles of some of these proteins and their receptors remain elusive. Recent studies indicate that NgR1 and the recently discovered receptor PirB restrict cortical synaptic plasticity. However, the putative factors that trigger these effects are unknown. Since Nogo-A is mostly associated with the endoplasmic reticulum and MAG appears late during development, the putative participation of OMgp should be considered. Here we examine the pattern of development of OMgp immunoreactive elements during mouse telencephalic development. OMgp immunoreactivity in the developing cortex follows the establishment of the thalamo-cortical barrel-field. At cellular level, we located OMgp neuronal membranes in dendrites and axons as well as in brain synaptosome fractions and axon varicosities. Lastly, the analysis of the barrel-field in OMgp-deficient mice revealed that although thalamo-cortical connections were formed, their targeting in layer IV was altered and numerous axons ectopically invaded layer II-III. Our data support the idea that early-expressed MAIPs play an active role during development and point to OMgp participating in thalamo-cortical connections.

Innovation process management of complex consumer products and services in new innovation paradigm – case location based business

Innovation is the word of this decade. According to innovation definitions, without positive sales impact and meaningful market share the company’s product or service has not been an innovation. Research problem of this master thesis is to find out what is the innovation process of complex new consumer products and services in new innovation paradigm. The objective is to get answers to two research questions: 1) What are the critical success factors what company should do when it is implementing the paradigm change in mass markets consumer business with complex products and services? 2) What is the process or framework one firm could follow? The research problem is looked from one company’s innovation creation process, networking and organization change management challenges point of views. Special focus is to look the research problem from an existing company perspective which is entering new business area. Innovation process management framework of complex new consumer products and services in new innovation paradigm has been created with support of several existing innovation theories. The new process framework includes the critical innovation process elements companies should take into consideration in their daily activities when they are in their new business innovation implementing process. Case company location based business implementation activities are studied via the new innovation process framework. This case study showed how important it is to manage the process, look how the target market and the competition in it is developing during company’s own innovation process, make decisions at right time and from beginning plan and implement the organization change management as one activity in the innovation process. In the end this master thesis showed that all companies need to create their own innovation process master plan with milestones and activities. One plan does not fit all, but all companies can start their planning from the new innovation process what was introduced in this master thesis.

Spatiotemporal Aspects of Environmental Monitoring in the Complex Coastal Region of Southwest Finland

The management and conservation of coastal waters in the Baltic is challenged by a number of complex environmental problems, including eutrophication and habitat degradation. Demands for a more holistic, integrated and adaptive framework of ecosystem-based management emphasize the importance of appropriate information on the status and changes of the aquatic ecosystems. The thesis focuses on the spatiotemporal aspects of environmental monitoring in the extensive and geomorphologically complex coastal region of SW Finland, where the acquisition of spatially and temporally representative monitoring data is inherently challenging. Furthermore, the region is subject to multiple human interests and uses. A holistic geographical approach is emphasized, as it is ultimately the physical conditions that set the frame for any human activity. Characteristics of the coastal environment were examined using water quality data from the database of the Finnish environmental administration and Landsat TM/ETM+ images. A basic feature of the complex aquatic environment in the Archipelago Sea is its high spatial and temporal variability; this foregrounds the importance of geographical information as a basis of environmental assessments. While evidence of a consistent water turbidity pattern was observed, the coastal hydrodynamic realm is also characterized by high spatial and temporal variability. It is therefore also crucial to consider the spatial and temporal representativeness of field monitoring data. Remote sensing may facilitate evaluation of hydrodynamic conditions in the coastal region and the spatial extrapolation of in situ data despite their restrictions. Additionally, remotely sensed images can be used in the mapping of many of those coastal habitats that need to be considered in environmental management. With regard to surface water monitoring, only a small fraction of the currently available data stored in the Hertta-PIVET register can be used effectively in scientific studies and environmental assessments. Long-term consistent data collection from established sampling stations should be emphasized but research-type seasonal assessments producing abundant data should also be encouraged. Thus a more comprehensive coordination of field work efforts is called for. The integration of remote sensing and various field measurement techniques would be especially useful in the complex coastal waters. The integration and development of monitoring system in Finnish coastal areas also requires further scientific assesement of monitoring practices. A holistic approach to the gathering and management of environmental monitoring data could be a cost-effective way of serving a multitude of information needs, and would fit the holistic, ecosystem-based management regimes that are currently being strongly promoted in Europe.

Rice perception of symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi requires the karrikin receptor complex.

In terrestrial ecosystems, plants take up phosphate predominantly via association with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). We identified loss of responsiveness to AMF in the rice (Oryza sativa) mutant hebiba, reflected by the absence of physical contact and of characteristic transcriptional responses to fungal signals. Among the 26 genes deleted in hebiba, DWARF 14 LIKE is, the one responsible for loss of symbiosis . It encodes an alpha/beta-fold hydrolase, that is a component of an intracellular receptor complex involved in the detection of the smoke compound karrikin. Our finding reveals an unexpected plant recognition strategy for AMF and a previously unknown signaling link between symbiosis and plant development.

Multifactor Performance Study on Complex Systems for the Benefit of Management

The primary objective is to identify the critical factors that have a natural impact on the performance measurement system. It is important to make correct decisions related to measurement systems, which are based on the complex business environment. The performance measurement system is combined with a very complex non-linear factor. The Six Sigma methodology is seen as one potential approach at every organisational level. It will be linked to the performance and financial measurement as well as to the analytical thinking on which the viewpoint of management depends. The complex systems are connected to the customer relationship study. As the primary throughput can be seen in a new well-defined performance measurement structure that will also be facilitated as will an analytical multifactor system. These critical factors should also be seen as a business innovation opportunity at the same time. This master's thesis has been divided into two different theoretical parts. The empirical part consists of both action-oriented and constructive research approaches with an empirical case study. The secondary objective is to seek a competitive advantage factor with a new analytical tool and the Six Sigma thinking. Process and product capabilities will be linked to the contribution of complex system. These critical barriers will be identified by the performance measuring system. The secondary throughput can be recognised as the product and the process cost efficiencies which throughputs are achieved with an advantage of management. The performance measurement potential is related to the different productivity analysis. Productivity can be seen as one essential part of the competitive advantage factor.

La compilació del 1960: un procés prelegislatiu llarg i complex

La Llei 40/1960, de 21 de juliol, sobre la Compilació del dret civil especial de Catalunya, constitueix la fita més important de l'ordenament jurídic de Catalunya contemporani: sense Compilació no tindríem Codi civil.