scholarly journals A Spodoptera exigua Cadherin Serves as a Putative Receptor for Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ca Toxin and Shows Differential Enhancement of Cry1Ca and Cry1Ac Toxicity

2013 ◽  
Vol 79 (18) ◽  
pp. 5576-5583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang-Liang Ren ◽  
Rui-Rui Chen ◽  
Ying Zhang ◽  
Yan Ma ◽  
Jin-Jie Cui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Thuringiensis ◽  
Spodoptera Exigua ◽  
Fat Body ◽  
Larval Survival ◽  
Malpighian Tubules ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Putative Toxin ◽  
Crystal Toxin

ABSTRACTCrystal toxin Cry1Ca fromBacillus thuringiensishas an insecticidal spectrum encompassing lepidopteran insects that are tolerant to current commercially usedB. thuringiensiscrops (Bt crops) expressing Cry1A toxins and may be useful as a potential bioinsecticide. The mode of action of Cry1A is fairly well understood. However, whether Cry1Ca interacts with the same receptor proteins as Cry1A remains unproven. In the present paper, we first cloned a cadherin-like gene,SeCad1b, fromSpodoptera exigua(relatively susceptible to Cry1Ca).SeCad1bwas highly expressed in the larval gut but scarcely detected in fat body, Malpighian tubules, and remaining carcass. Second, we bacterially expressed truncated cadherin rSeCad1bp and its interspecific homologue rHaBtRp fromHelicoverpa armigera(more sensitive to Cry1Ac) containing the putative toxin-binding regions. Competitive binding assays showed that both Cry1Ca and Cry1Ac could bind to rSeCad1bp and rHaBtRp, and they did not compete with each other. Third, Cry1Ca ingestion killed larvae and decreased the weight of surviving larvae. Dietary introduction ofSeCad1bdouble-stranded RNA (dsRNA) reduced approximately 80% of the target mRNA and partially alleviated the negative effect of Cry1Ca on larval survival and growth. Lastly, rSeCad1bp and rHaBtRp differentially enhanced the negative effects of Cry1Ca and Cry1Ac on the larval mortalities and growth ofS. exiguaandH. armigera. Thus, we provide the first lines of evidence to suggest that SeCad1b fromS. exiguais a functional receptor of Cry1Ca.

When signal swamps substance: the effects of multi-unit discount’s positive and negative cues on sales

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 750-758
Author(s):  
Devon DelVecchio ◽  
Timothy B. Heath ◽  
Max Chauvin
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Experiment ◽  
Single Unit ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Unit Price ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Volume Increase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perishable Goods ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Purchase Quantity

Purpose Multi-unit discounts (MUDs, e.g. “3 for $4”) typically increase sales relative to other discounting frames. This study demonstrates the value of MUDs by showing that positive multi-unit price/quantity signals are potent enough to match and even exceed the sales produced by larger discounts on single items. However, there is reason to believe that MUDs can produce neutral effects in some cases (e.g. among consumers interested in only single-unit purchases) and even negative effects in others. In addition, the study considers whether MUDs can, in some cases, reduce purchase quantities by signaling smaller-than-otherwise-planned purchase amounts and/or lower-quality products. Design/methodology/approach The effectiveness of MUDs is tested in both the field and lab. Study 1 models purchase quantities stemming from 2,374 purchases of discounted items at a mass retailer. Purchased products ranged in type from pantry items to apparel and electronics, and ranged in price from 44¢ to $99.99. There were 1,530 single-unit discounts, 596 two-unit discounts and 248 discounts, involving three or more units. Study 2 consists of a laboratory experiment that overcomes the shortcomings of Study 1 by accounting for non-purchasers, controlling for product classes and testing whether smaller MUDs can lead to lower purchase quantities for larger-purchase-quantity products. Findings The results of both the field study and the laboratory experiment indicate that MUDs’ monetary cue (savings) and purchase-quantity cue (volume) increase purchase quantities. Generally, purchase quantities increased monotonically with the number of units offered in the discount. In fact, the quantity cue is so effective that it can increase sales enough as to substitute for larger discounts. However, in some instances, MUDs can decrease intended purchase quantities. The negative effect of MUDs is the most pronounced for larger unit deals, offering deeper discounts on perishable goods. Originality/value This research is the first to demonstrate that the power of the signals provided by MUDs may be so positive as to lead them to be more effective than discounts of substantially larger value but also so negative as to render them less effective than single-units discounts. This negative outcome poses a threat beyond those typically associated with discounts, in that rather than consumers simply discounting a discount, in which case the discount remains positive even if their impact at the margin wanes, the MUD frame may actually reduce sales.

The effect of corporate political advocacy on brand perception: an event study analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Klostermann ◽  
Chris Hydock ◽  
Reinhold Decker
Keyword(s):  
Event Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Political Advocacy ◽  
Moderating Effects ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Brand Perception

Purpose In recent years, brands have increasingly engaged in corporate political advocacy (CPA; also termed brand activism or corporate sociopolitical activity) by taking positions on polarizing sociopolitical issues. Recent experimental research suggests that consumers respond to CPA based on its alignment with their own values, and that it typically induces an overall negative response. This study aims to provide additional insights by exploring consumer brand perceptions following CPA. Design/methodology/approach An event study of 106 CPA events and weekly consumer brand perception data was conducted. A regression model was used to investigate the moderating effects of CPA effort, concurrence and the strength of the online protests evoked by the CPA. Findings The results show that CPA had a negative effect on consumers’ brand perceptions and that the effect was stronger for customers relative to non-customers. The negative effect was attenuated by CPA concurrence and amplified by effort. Additionally, online protests were driven by the CPA effort and had a strong negative effect on brand perception. Online protests were stronger in the past, and, in turn, the negative effects of CPA on brand perceptions have slightly weakened in recent years. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the role of online protests following CPA and distinguishing consumer and customer responses. This study also provides converging evidence of the moderating effects of effort and concurrence identified in previous studies.

How do followers infer the motives behind an influencer's advertising disclosures?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haejoo Han ◽  
Jisu Yi ◽  
Sunghee Jun ◽  
Sungsook Ahn
Keyword(s):  
Process Model ◽  
Purchase Intentions ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Anova Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Advertising Disclosure

PurposeIn the context of influencer marketing, this study examines the effects of explicit advertising disclosure on consumers' inference regarding influencers' sincere recommendation intent, and its consequences for consumers' purchase intentions.Design/methodology/approachIn Study 1, participants were randomly assigned to the conditions of explicit advertising disclosure (e.g. #AD, #Sponsored) and subtle advertising disclosure (e.g. #ThankYou), and indicated their inference regarding influencers' recommendation motives and their own purchase intentions. One-way ANOVA analysis reveals the effect of advertising disclosure on consumers' purchase intentions and the PROCESS model indicates the mediating role of consumers' inferences regarding influencers' sincere recommendation intent. In Study 2, we implemented a 2 (explicit vs. subtle advertising disclosure) × 2 (moderate vs. large size of followers) between-subjects design, using a two-way ANOVA analysis. We analyzed the moderated mediation effect via the PROCESS model.FindingsConsumers are less inclined to purchase products when influencers express explicit advertising disclosures, compared to when the advertising disclosures are subtle (Study 1). These negative effects of advertising disclosure can be caused by consumers' inferences regarding influencers' sincere recommendation intent in terms of posting content (Studies 1 and 2). Additionally, the negative effect is particularly prominent when an influencer has a large (vs. moderate) number of followers (Study 2).Originality/valueBy examining (1) the effects of explicit advertising disclosure on consumers' inference regarding influencers' persuasion motives and (2) the role of the influencer's number of followers, this research provides both theoretical and practical insights for understanding how best to implement influencer marketing.

Interdependent relation between earned media and TV ratings

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giwoong Bae ◽  
Hye-Jin Kim
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
News Media ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Traditional Media ◽  
Market Outcomes ◽  
Displacement Effect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Tv Ratings

PurposeSocial media (e.g., e-WOM) and traditional media (e.g., media coverage) serve different roles in a firm's marketing activities and also interact with each other, which in turn affect the market outcome. In addition, how market outcome affects the two types of media in turn has not been examined, which brings the need for a holistic framework. The rare study that examines this relation mostly relies on the volume of media rather than the valence. This study examines the interdependent relation between the volume and valence of social media, the volume of traditional media and TV ratings.Design/methodology/approachForty-one South Korean TV drama shows from October 2014 to March 2016 were analyzed using the 3SLS estimation to examine the interdependent relation between the variables.FindingsFirst, the volume of traditional media has a negative effect on the volume of social media. Second, ratings negatively affect the valence of social media. Third, the volume of traditional media is found to have a negative effect on ratings. This is explained by the displacement effect.Originality/valueThis study is one of the very few studies that examine the interdependent relation between various earned media and market outcomes in one framework. In addition, it has originality in that it considers the valence of social media, which is an important dimension in analyzing earned media. Our results show negative effects of news media on TV ratings and e-WOM, which diverge from common intuition.

scholarly journals Rap-Phr Systems from Plasmids pAW63 and pHT8-1 Act Together To Regulate Sporulation in the Bacillus thuringiensis Serovar kurstaki HD73 Strain

2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Priscilla Cardoso ◽  
Fernanda Fazion ◽  
Stéphane Perchat ◽  
Christophe Buisson ◽  
Gislayne Vilas-Bôas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Thuringiensis ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Insect Larvae ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sensing Systems ◽  
Insecticidal Toxins ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Plasmid Genes

ABSTRACT Bacillus thuringiensis is a Gram-positive spore-forming bacterium pathogenic to various insect species. This property is due to the Cry toxins encoded by plasmid genes and mostly produced during sporulation. B. thuringiensis contains a remarkable number of extrachromosomal DNA molecules and a great number of plasmid rap-phr genes. Rap-Phr quorum-sensing systems regulate different bacterial processes, notably the commitment to sporulation in Bacillus species. Rap proteins are quorum sensors acting as phosphatases on Spo0F, an intermediate of the sporulation phosphorelay, and are inhibited by Phr peptides that function as signaling molecules. In this study, we characterize the Rap63-Phr63 system encoded by the pAW63 plasmid from the B. thuringiensis serovar kurstaki HD73 strain. Rap63 has moderate activity on sporulation and is inhibited by the Phr63 peptide. The rap63-phr63 genes are cotranscribed, and the phr63 gene is also transcribed from a σH-specific promoter. We show that Rap63-Phr63 regulates sporulation together with the Rap8-Phr8 system harbored by plasmid pHT8_1 of the HD73 strain. Interestingly, the deletion of both phr63 and phr8 genes in the same strain has a greater negative effect on sporulation than the sum of the loss of each phr gene. Despite the similarities in the Phr8 and Phr63 sequences, there is no cross talk between the two systems. Our results suggest a synergism of these two Rap-Phr systems in the regulation of the sporulation of B. thuringiensis at the end of the infectious cycle in insects, thus pointing out the roles of the plasmids in the fitness of the bacterium. IMPORTANCE The life cycle of Bacillus thuringiensis in insect larvae is regulated by quorum-sensing systems of the RNPP family. After the toxemia caused by Cry insecticidal toxins, the sequential activation of these systems allows the bacterium to trigger first a state of virulence (regulated by PlcR-PapR) and then a necrotrophic lifestyle (regulated by NprR-NprX); ultimately, sporulation is controlled by the Rap-Phr systems. Our study describes a new rap-phr operon carried by a B. thuringiensis plasmid and shows that the Rap protein has a moderate effect on sporulation. However, this system, in combination with another plasmidic rap-phr operon, provides effective control of sporulation when the bacteria develop in the cadavers of infected insect larvae. Overall, this study highlights the important adaptive role of the plasmid Rap-Phr systems in the developmental fate of B. thuringiensis and its survival within its ecological niche.

How manufacturer brand erosion shapes consumer assortment perceptions

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 922-939 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunyu Li ◽  
Yongfu He ◽  
Ling Peng ◽  
Denghua Yuan
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Work ◽  
Store Brands ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Strategic Positioning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Manufacturer Brand ◽  
Private Brand ◽  
Subject Experiment ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Recently, the popularity of store brands has resulted in some manufacturer brands being removed from shelves. The current literature lacks empirical work on the effect of manufacturer brand erosion on consumer assortment perception and repatronage intention. Based on signalling theory, the purpose of this paper is to manufacturer brands play a signalling role and contend that manufacturer brand erosion has detrimental effects on the assortment perception due to reduced signalling efficacy. Design/methodology/approach A 3 (low manufacturer brand erosion vs high manufacturer brand erosion vs manufacturer brand dominance) ×2 (assortment size: small vs large) between-subject experiment was conducted. Findings Manufacturer brand erosion exerts a negative effect on assortment attractiveness and consumers’ repatronage intention; the greater the erosion, the larger the negative effect. These negative effects are mediated by reduced consumer perceptions of assortment quality and variety. A large (vs small) assortment size attenuates the negative effect of manufacturer brand erosion by improving perceived assortment quality. Practical implications To engage in strategic positioning through efficient assortment management, retailers should cooperate with brand manufacturers, instead of promoting their own private labels. Nevertheless, a large assortment dominated by store brands signals that the retailer has built a strong private brand, which in turn gains a differentiation advantage. Originality/value This paper is among the first to take the signalling perspective and explicitly investigate whether and how manufacturer brand erosion exerts a significant impact on assortment perception.

scholarly journals Fuel exports, aid and terrorism

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 239-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simplice Asongu ◽  
Jacinta Nwachukwu
Keyword(s):  
Policy Instrument ◽  
Quantile Regressions ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Transnational Terrorism ◽  
Bilateral Aid ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multilateral Aid ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
External Flows

Purpose This study aims to use interactive quantile regressions to assess the conditional role of foreign aid in reducing the potentially negative effect of terrorism on fuel exports in 78 developing countries for the period of 1984-2008. Design/methodology/approach Bilateral and multilateral aid indicators have been used, whereas terrorism includes domestic, transnational, unclear and total terrorism dynamics. Interactive quantile regressions have been used. Findings First, with the exception of unclear terrorism, bilateral aid can be used to mitigate the potentially negative effects of terrorism on fuel exports in bottom quantiles of the fuel export distribution. Second, multilateral aid can be used to reduce the negative effect of transnational terrorism on fuel exports exclusively in the highest (90th) quantile of fuel exports. The corresponding modifying thresholds are within policy ranges disclosed in the summary statistics. Practical implications While the policy instrument of bilateral aid is most relevant in countries with below-median fuel exports, the policy instrument of multilateral aid is effective with respect to transnational terrorism in countries with the highest levels of fuel exports. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on the role of external flows in reducing the negative externalities of terrorism on development outcomes.

Value cocreation at its peak: the asymmetric relationship between coproduction and loyalty

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 563-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola E. Stokburger-Sauer ◽  
Ursula Scholl-Grissemann ◽  
Karin Teichmann ◽  
Martin Wetzels
Keyword(s):  
Customer Loyalty ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Service Industries ◽  
Optimum Level ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Value Cocreation ◽  
Potential Benefits

Purpose – Coproduction, as one component of cocreation of value, offers many benefits to customers and management, but also requires customers to invest a considerable amount of effort and time. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the coproduction paradox of benefits and costs. Design/methodology/approach – One experimental study and two cross-sectional field studies across three service industries test the nonlinear relationship between level of coproduction and customer loyalty. Findings – Results show not only the optimum level but also the negative effects of increasing levels of coproduction on customer loyalty and, in turn, monetary expenditures. The negative effect can be partially offset by perceived process enjoyment (PE), such that consumers who enjoy the process exhibit increased loyalty after the optimum coproduction point. Customer self-efficacy (SE), however, further strengthens the inverted u-shaped relationship. Research limitations/implications – Further research should try to replicate the findings in more complex and less hedonic service settings (e.g. financial investments) because both PE and SE might be even more powerful here. Practical implications – Service managers need to determine the optimal degree to which customers want to engage in the creation of services and avoid overburdening them. Management should further explore opportunities to elicit feelings of fun and enjoyment through coproduction. Originality/value – Research usually highlights the potential benefits of coproduction for customers and companies and suggests a positive linear relationship between coproduction and success outcomes. This article instead shows that after an optimum level, the marginal benefits of coproduction for customer loyalty turn negative.

A hidden deterioration in equal pay achievements?

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 423-444
Author(s):  
Eleanna Galanaki
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Gender Diversity ◽  
Economic Recession ◽  
Employee Benefits ◽  
Critical Element ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Employment Conditions ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Female Employees

Purpose Employee benefits, a critical element of total employee rewards, are important for both employers and employees. This study aims to explore the utility of employee benefits for male and female employees during the recent economic recession. In doing so, it intends to highlight an indirect deterioration of employment arrangements and equality in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on the findings of three repeated large-scale surveys during the Greek crisis (2012-2015, total N = 3,498). Findings Employees report that the availability of employee benefits has decreased during the recession and that women find more utility in them than men do. Additionally, women seem to be affected more than men by decreases in employee benefits allocation. Research limitations/implications The present findings support calls for contingent employee reward allocation. Practical implications Employers wishing to sustain their competitive advantage by fostering inclusion and diversity and/or employers with a high female employee ratio are encouraged to consider increasing their employee benefits portfolio. Social implications The recent economic crisis and the subsequent recession have brought about several potential negative effects, in terms of the employment conditions for women. Decreased employee benefits are a hidden negative effect of the recession for female employees and it presents multiple, potential and unforeseen consequences for gender diversity and inclusion. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to address non-monetary employee remuneration under the lens of gender pay differentials. It does so in a turbulent macro-economic setting.

The producer-consumer classification gap and its effects on music festival success

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 1726-1745 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bram Kuijken ◽  
Mark A.A.M. Leenders ◽  
Nachoem M. Wijnberg ◽  
Gerda Gemser
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Music Festival ◽  
Genre Classification ◽  
Production And Consumption ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Musical Genres

Purpose Producers and consumers – who represent opposing sides of the market – have different frames of reference, which may result in differences in classification of the same products. The authors aim to demonstrate that “classification gaps” have a negative effect on the performance of products and that these effects play a role in different stages of consumers’ decision process. Design/methodology/approach The data collection consisted of three comprehensive parts covering production and consumption in the music festival market in The Netherlands. The first part focused on festival organizers who were asked to classify their own music festival in terms of musical genres. In total, 70 festival organizers agreed to participate. The second part measured the genre classification of 540 consumers. In the third part, the authors interviewed 1,554 potential visitors of music festivals in The Netherlands about their awareness of the festival and if they considered visiting or actually visited the festival. Findings This paper provides empirical evidence that a classification gap between the production side and the consumption side of the market has negative effects on music festival performance. In addition, the authors found that this is in part because of lower activation of potential consumers in the marketplace. Practical implications An important practical implication of this study is that – in general – producers should be aware that classification gaps can occur – even if they are sure about the classification of their products – and that this can have serious consequences. The category membership of products is often seen as a given, whereas it cannot be assumed that the classification perceived by different economic groups is the same – as demonstrated in this paper. Originality/value This paper demonstrates that a fundamental – but understudied – disconnect between the two opposing sides of the market (i.e. producers and consumers) regarding the classification of the same products can have negative effects on performance of these products.

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