Elements for the description of fitness landscapes associated with local operators for layered drawings of directed graphs

Minimizing arc crossings for drawing acyclic digraphs is a well-known NP-Complete problem for which several local-search approaches based onlocal transformations (switching, median ,...) have been proposed. Their adaptations have been recently included in different metaheuristics.As an attempt to better understand the dynamic of the search processes, we study the fitness landscapes associated with these transformations. We first resort to a set of multi-start descents to sample the search space for three hundred medium-sized graphs. Then, we investigate complete fitness landscapes for a set of 1875 smaller graphs, this aims at showing some instance characteristics that influence search strategies. The underlying idea is to consider a fitness landscape as a graph whose vertices are drawings and arcs representing a transformation of a drawing into another. We confirm that the properties of basins of attraction closely depend on the instances. Also, we show that the probability of being stuck on a local optimum is linked to the specific shapes of the basins of attraction of global optima which may be very different from the regular image of the continuous case generally used as a reference

Fostering Digital Growth in SMEs: Organizational Competence for Digital Transformation

Part 7: Digital TransformationInternational audienceDigital transformation has become a necessity for SMEs if they want to compete in an increasingly globalized market. The proposed maturity models are not really useful for moving forward, as they have been developed for large companies and are not adapted to the particularities of SMEs. We propose an alternative approach based on individual and organizational skills and capabilities. SMEs have digital transformation capabilities that could become a digital transformation competence. The paper aims to discuss these issues

Medicalized Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: Contentious Practices and Persistent Debates

Purpose of Review: Female genital cutting/mutilation (FGM/C) performed by health care professionals (medicalization) and reduced severity of cutting have been advanced as strategies for minimizing health risks, sparking acrimonious ongoing debates. This study summarizes key debates and critically assesses supporting evidence. Recent Findings: While medicalization is concentrated in Africa, health professionals worldwide have faced requests to perform FGM/C. Whether medicalization is hindering the decline of FGM/C is unclear. Factors motivating medicalization include, but are not limited to, safety concerns. Involvement of health professionals in advocacy to end FGM/C can address both the supply and demand side of medicalization, but raises ethical concerns regarding dual loyalty. Ongoing debates need to address competing rights claims. Summary: Polarizing debates have brought little resolution. We call for a focus on common goals of protecting the health and welfare of girls living in communities where FGM/C is upheld and encourage more informed and open dialog