scholarly journals Comparative Profiling and Discovery of Novel Glycosylated Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids in Two Strains of the Cyanobacterium Scytonema cf. crispum

2016 ◽  
Vol 82 (19) ◽  
pp. 5951-5959 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul M. D'Agostino ◽  
Vivek S. Javalkote ◽  
Rabia Mazmouz ◽  
Russell Pickford ◽  
Pravin R. Puranik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Uv Radiation ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Parent Compound ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chromatography Analysis ◽  
Paralytic Shellfish Toxins ◽  
Cell Extracts

ABSTRACTThe mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are a group of small molecules with a diverse ecological distribution among microorganisms. MAAs have a range of physiological functions, including protection against UV radiation, making them important from a biotechnological perspective. In the present study, we identified a putative MAA (mys) gene cluster in two New Zealand isolates ofScytonemacf.crispum(UCFS10 and UCFS15). Homology to “Anabaena-type”mysclusters suggested that this cluster was likely to be involved in shinorine biosynthesis. Surprisingly, high-performance liquid chromatography analysis ofS. cf.crispumcell extracts revealed a complex MAA profile, including shinorine, palythine-serine, and their hexose-bound variants. It was hypothesized that a short-chain dehydrogenase (UCFS15_00405) encoded by a gene adjacent to theS. cf.crispummyscluster was responsible for the conversion of shinorine to palythine-serine. Heterologous expression of MysABCE and UCFS15_00405 inEscherichia coliresulted in the exclusive production of the parent compound shinorine. Taken together, these results suggest that shinorine biosynthesis inS. cf.crispumproceeds via anAnabaena-type mechanism and that the genes responsible for the production of other MAA analogues, including palythine-serine and glycosylated analogues, may be located elsewhere in the genome.IMPORTANCERecently, New Zealand isolates ofS. cf.crispumwere linked to the production of paralytic shellfish toxins for the first time, but no other natural products from this species have been reported. Thus, the species was screened for important natural product biosynthesis. The mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are among the strongest absorbers of UV radiation produced in nature. The identification of novel MAAs is important from a biotechnology perspective, as these molecules are able to be utilized as sunscreens. This study has identified two novel MAAs that have provided several new avenues of future research related to MAA genetics and biosynthesis. Further, we have revealed that the genetic basis of MAA biosynthesis may not be clustered on the genome. The identification of the genes responsible for MAA biosynthesis is vital for future genetic engineering.

New Zealand study shows both gender and national culture influence impact of high-performance work systems (HPWS)

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Job Performance ◽  
National Culture ◽  
Attribution Theory ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
External Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The authors based their study on the findings of attribution theory, which suggests some people attribute experiences at work to external factors, and others to internal factors. Their theory was that women and men made different attributions and this affected the impact of HPWS. Design/methodology/approach The authors sent out a questionnaire that tested whether ability was the main factor for male performance. And it tested if the main predictor of job performance for female employees was opportunity. The authors also considered the influence of national culture. The authors collected data from a purposive sample of service sector organizations in New Zealand. Findings All four of their hypotheses were supported showing that ability was the main predictor for males and external factors were the main predictor for women. In addition, the study found a mediating role existed for ability for males and opportunity for females in the HPWS-job performance relationship. Originality/value The authors said the main contribution of the research was to show the relevance of context in studies of employees. They said the research could contribute to understanding why motivation, as an AMO element, does not feature much in studies. In addition, highlighting the role of national culture helped to explain the formation of gendered behaviour. The authors felt it was reasonable to speculate that the results were impacted by New Zealand’s national culture.

Value co-creation features: an empirical case study of B2B collaboration and interactions in New Zealand

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-229
Author(s):  
Yasir Rashid ◽  
Anisha Tanveer ◽  
Zeeshan Shaukat ◽  
Imran Sadiq
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Creation Process ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Integration Project ◽  
Empirical Material

Purpose This paper aims to highlight four features of value co-creation among actors in a business-to-business environment. Service-dominant (S-D) logic of marketing is used as a theoretical lens to view at the process of value co-creation. Design/methodology/approach Using an interpretive methodological approach, the authors collected empirical material from a single case based in New Zealand. The case was based on the collaboration, interaction and relationship between vendor and client during an information and communication technology (ICT) systems integration project. The unit of analysis was “points of value creation.” Empirical material came from observation, in-depth interviews and documents such as meeting notes and email logs. Interpretation highlighted four features of the value co-creation process: motivators, outcomes, disadvantages and management. Moreover, personal and network aspects of value co-creation process emerged. Findings The findings of this study capture benefits, as well as conflicts and frustrations, in a value co-creation process. Furthermore, it provides future research motivations for researchers currently working to develop S-D logic of marketing. Originality/value It is suggested that there is relatively little direction on how value co-creation process should be undertaken in different contexts such as retail, education, health care and ICT. There is a need to understand the dynamics and specification of value co-creation process, as the literature is scarce in this field.

Engagement-oriented design: a study of New Zealand public cultural heritage institutions crowdsourcing platforms

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 887-912
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Johnson ◽  
Chern Li Liew
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
User Interest ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Design Recommendations ◽  
Starting Point

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to propose a set of design recommendations for crowdsourcing platforms with a focus on user engagement. A sample of New Zealand (NZ) cultural heritage institutions (CHIs) crowdsourcing platforms were assessed, with the aim of offering insights into how they have been designed to encourage dialogue and engagement and to sustain participation.Design/methodology/approachThe design recommendations were derived from a review of related works. Following this, 12 crowdsourcing projects overseen by libraries, museums and an archive in NZ were assessed against the recommendations through content analysis.FindingsThe recommendations were classified into four main categories. These were promote ease of use, attract and sustain user interest, foster a community of users and show users that their work is contributing to the institution and society. The findings indicated that the sample of crowdsourcing projects assessed were generally successful at displaying the credibility and significance of their projects, and promoting their crowdsourced collections. Many of the projects could nevertheless benefit from providing further support to promoting dialogues and engagement with their users and contributors and sustaining offline community interaction.Research limitations/implicationsThe content analysis conducted was focused on the functionality of design elements of the crowdsourcing platforms. The design recommendations derived from the analysis were intended as a starting point for discussion and they would need to be validated in further studies. Other relevant project information such as funding and staffing, promotion and outreach efforts were not solicited in this study. Such information could provide important contextualisation. Future research could take the form of in-depth case studies, including surveying those involved in the projects and stakeholders to investigate such contextual aspects of crowdsourcing projects.Originality/valuePrevious research on crowdsourcing in NZ CHIs consisted of single case studies. This study provides a wider snapshot and insights into digital crowdsourcing platforms from public NZ CHIs. The study findings have practical implications for project managers and Web designers involved in crowdsourcing projects, particularly those in the cultural heritage sector.

Perceptions of entrepreneurs about their zero employee web enabled businesses

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. McQueen ◽  
Zhaowen Yin
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Capital Requirements ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Thematic Analysis ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose – This research aims to examine zero employee web-enabled businesses (ZEWEs) in a New Zealand context. A definition of ZEWEs is conceived and presented, synthesized from gaps in previous SME, micro business and web-based business literature. ZEWEs are an emerging and important new subcategory of web-enabled SMEs that have previously been not well covered by published research. Enablers and barriers to the successful establishment of a ZEWE are identified and compared to previous SME research. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 20 entrepreneurs in New Zealand were interviewed about their perceptions of enablers and barriers to a successful ZEWE, and the components of business strategies that would help them achieve success in the web-based market. Qualitative thematic analysis methods were used to extract factors. Findings – It was found that competitive advantage of products, adopting electronic commerce websites, motivation to become a business owner, and having a good reputation of both entrepreneurs and their businesses are significant enablers of success, while online competition, commercial disputes, capital requirements, deficits in management and technical capabilities, and taxation issues are barriers for the development and future success of ZEWEs. Research limitations/implications – This is exploratory research. The data was gathered in a New Zealand context of entrepreneurs using auction websites to found and operate their ZEWE businesses, and the findings may be useful in understanding other geographic and cultural environments. Originality/value – A new category of zero employee web-enabled enterprises (ZEWE) has been investigated, and found to exist. Enabling factors and barriers particular to this class have been uncovered and compared to previous SME research. This new enterprise category may become important in future research about internet-based small enterprises and the entrepreneurs that start them.

The disposition of TCNU (tauromustine) in human malignant glioma: pharmacokinetic studies and clinical implications

1990 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 721-725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian R. Whittle ◽  
Janet S. MacPherson ◽  
J. Douglas Miller ◽  
John F. Smyth
Keyword(s):  
Malignant Glioma ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Peak Plasma ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Tissue Level ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Studies ◽  
Tissue Concentrations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chromatography Analysis

✓ Tauromustine (TCNU), 130 mg/sq m, was administered intraoperatively by nasogastric tube to 10 patients with malignant glioma (seven glioblastomas and three anaplastic astrocytomas). High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of 32 tumor specimens for TCNU revealed that tissue concentrations ranged from 0 to 554 ng/gm; TCNU was not detected in necrotic regions of the tumor. Levels of TCNU in brain adjacent to tumor were similar to those recorded within the gliomas (range 0 to 635 ng/gm). The variability in the tissue level of TCNU was partly attributable to variable absorption of the drug, since peak plasma TCNU levels ranged from 164 to 3333 ng/ml. There were close quantitative and temporal relationships between the times of peak plasma levels (median 456 ng/ml at 45 minutes after administration), peak tumor levels (median 250 ng/gm tissue at 55 minutes), and brain adjacent to tumor levels (median 256 ng/gm tissue at 50 minutes). Linear regression analysis of the ratio between tissue and plasma TCNU levels at particular times after drug administration suggest that plasma concentrations can be used to estimate tissue concentrations. This study demonstrates that TCNU enters malignant glioma. In view of the activity of TCNU against a range of tumors, a full clinical evaluation of this new nitrosourea in malignant glioma seems justified.

scholarly journals Isolation and Characterization of Methanothermobacter crinale sp. nov., a Novel Hydrogenotrophic Methanogen from the Shengli Oil Field

2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (15) ◽  
pp. 5212-5219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Cheng ◽  
Lirong Dai ◽  
Xia Li ◽  
Hui Zhang ◽  
Yahai Lu
Keyword(s):  
Oil Sands ◽  
Type Strain ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Oil Field ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chromatography Analysis ◽  
Hydrogenotrophic Methanogenesis ◽  
Isolation And Characterization

ABSTRACTSyntrophic acetate oxidation coupled with hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis is an alternative methanogenic pathway in certain thermophilic anaerobic environments such as high-temperature oil reservoirs and thermophilic biogas reactors. In these environments, the dominant thermophilic methanogens were generally related to uncultured organisms of the genusMethanothermobacter. Here we isolated two representative strains, Tm2Tand HMD, from the oil sands and oil production water in the Shengli oil field in the People's Republic of China. The type strain, Tm2T, was nonmotile and stained Gram positive. The cells were straight to slightly curved rods (0.3 μm in width and 2.2 to 5.9 μm in length), but some of them possessed a coccal shape connecting with the rods at the ends. Strain Tm2Tgrew with H2-CO2, but acetate is required. Optimum growth of strain Tm2Toccurred in the presence of 0.025 g/liter NaCl at pH 6.9 and a temperature of 65°C. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 40.1 mol% ± 1.3 mol% (by the thermal denaturation method) or 41.1 mol% (by high-performance liquid chromatography). Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that Tm2Twas most closely related toMethanothermobacter thermautotrophicusΔHTandMethanothermobacter wolfeiiVKM B-1829T(both with a sequence similarity of 96.4%). Based on these phenotypic and phylogenic characteristics, a novel species was proposed and namedMethanothermobacter crinalesp. nov. The type strain is Tm2T(ACCC 00699T= JCM 17393T).

scholarly journals Antimicrobial Peptide P60.4Ac-Containing Creams and Gel for Eradication of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus from Cultured Skin and Airway Epithelial Surfaces

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (7) ◽  
pp. 4063-4072 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth M. Haisma ◽  
Anikó Göblyös ◽  
Bep Ravensbergen ◽  
Alwin E. Adriaans ◽  
Robert A. Cordfunke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose ◽  
Airway Epithelial ◽  
Cytotoxic Effects ◽  
Methicillin Resistant ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chromatography Analysis ◽  
Highly Effective ◽  
Mrsa Strains

ABSTRACTWe previously found the LL-37-derived peptide P60.4Ac to be effective against methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) on human epidermal models (EMs). The goal of this study was to identify the preferred carrier for this peptide for topical application on skin and mucosal surfaces. We prepared P60.4Ac in three formulations, i.e., a water-in-oil cream with lanolin (Softisan 649), an oil-in-water cream with polyethylene glycol hexadecyl ether (Cetomacrogol), and a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (hypromellose) 4000 gel. We tested the antimicrobial efficacy of the peptide in these formulations against mupirocin-resistant and -sensitive MRSA strains on EMs and bronchial epithelial models (BEMs). The cytotoxic effects of formulated P60.4Ac on these models were determined using histology and WST-1 and lactate dehydrogenase assays. Moreover, we assessed the stability of the peptide in these formulations with storage for up to 3 months. Killing of MRSA by P60.4Ac in the two creams was less effective than that by P60.4Ac in the hypromellose gel. In agreement with those findings, P60.4Ac in the hypromellose gel was highly effective in eradicating the two MRSA strains from EMs. We found that even 0.1% (wt/wt) P60.4Ac in the hypromellose gel killed >99% of the viable planktonic bacteria and >85% of the biofilm-associated bacteria on EMs. Hypromellose gels containing 0.1% and 0.5% (wt/wt) P60.4Ac effectively reduced the numbers of viable MRSA cells from BEMs by >90%. No cytotoxic effects of P60.4Ac in the hypromellose gel with up to 2% (wt/wt) P60.4Ac on keratinocytes in EMs and in the hypromellose gel with up to 0.5% (wt/wt) P60.4Ac on epithelial cells in BEMs were observed. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that P60.4Ac was stable in the Softisan cream and the hypromellose gel but not in the Cetomacrogol cream. We conclude that P60.4Ac formulated in hypromellose gel is both stable and highly effective in eradicating MRSA from colonized EMs and BEMs.

Exploring evidence to develop a nomenclature for forensic accounting

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vida Botes ◽  
Ahmed Saadeh
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Forensic Accounting ◽  
Financial Scandals ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose Large-scale financial scandals in business have increased public awareness of fraud and the need for forensic accounting (FA) services. Despite a steadily growing body of knowledge of FA, Huber (2012) argued that the term FA is ill defined. This paper aims to support the development of a nomenclature for FA by gathering evidence on the prevalence of the term in the Southern Hemisphere. Hence the authors ask how, when, where and in which context the term FA appears. In analysing the evidence gathered, the authors also aim to identify changes to the use of the term. Finally, they intend to make suggestions for future development and research relating to the term to advance knowledge. The authors also aim to suggest a definition for the term FA. Design/methodology/approach To obtain evidence to support the development of an accepted definition for FA, a rigorous search of the literature is performed, using a structured review framework. Findings The findings of this paper demonstrate the prevalence of the term FA in publications in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, but that limited publications from SA create opportunities for researchers from emerging economies to publish in the FA field. This meta-analysis shows among others a strong focus on the role of FA in fraud prevention and increased reliance on websites (in contrast to reliance on academic literature) for information on FA. This research identifies changes to the use of the term and concludes that the narrow definition of FA prevails. Delivering on the third objective of this paper, the authors provide insights into future developments in FA and find that a need exists to explore FA in a much wider context. Research limitations/implications The research is limited to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Limitations exist in that the authors focused particularly on high-quality journals and excluded other journals from our search. As they were specifically searching for the use of the term “forensic accounting”, they excluded any other term, e.g. fraud auditing, from the research. Future research may well expand the search terminology. Practical implications Without an established definition of the commonly used term forensic accounting, the general public will be confused about the services that can be expected from forensic accountants. To date, FA definitions have been formulated mostly intuitively; however, if FA is to grow as a field, an accepted definition needs to be formulated. Social implications FA offers a new area of growth in the accounting field. Clarification of exactly what is meant by the term has implications for future careers in the field of accounting. Originality/value To date, no study of this nature has been undertaken anywhere in the world.

scholarly journals Unpacking the relationship between high-performance work systems and innovation performance in SMEs

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 977-1000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khuram Shahzad ◽  
Pia Arenius ◽  
Alan Muller ◽  
Muhammad Athar Rasheed ◽  
Sami Ullah Bajwa
Keyword(s):  
Research Design ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Employee Voice ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Work Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Performance Work Systems ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the black box between high-performance work systems (HPWS) and innovation performance in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through application of the ability, motivation and opportunity (AMO) framework, the study examines the mediating roles of innovation-specific ability, motivation and voice behaviors between HPWS and SMEs’ innovation performance. Design/methodology/approach The hypotheses are tested on data collected through a self-administered questionnaire from 237 SMEs in Pakistan. Findings Findings indicate that human capital, motivation and employee voice fully mediate the relationship between HPWS and innovation performance in SMEs. Research limitations/implications The cross-sectional research design and self-reported measures warrant caution for the interpretation of findings. Future research may consider a longitudinal research design and objective measures. Practical implications SMEs need to invest in the adoption and implementation of HPWS that will develop innovation-specific abilities, motivation and voice behaviors simultaneously among employees that will lead to higher innovation performance. Originality/value This is the first study of its kind utilizing an AMO framework to investigate the underlying mechanism through which HPWS affect innovation performance in SMEs.

Pandemic and the performing arts in New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suresh Ramachandra
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Performing Arts ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
Social Categories ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Grass Root ◽  
Future Research Directions

Purpose This paper aims to document the narratives that emerged in favour of and against the austerity measures proposed by the Auckland Council, with specific reference to performing arts organisations (PAOs) in the aftermath of the pandemic 2020. Design/methodology/approach Written submissions from stakeholders received in response to austerity measures were analysed to identify the arguments presented to support/oppose funding cuts to PAOs. These narratives were thematically grouped into accounting, political, artistic and social categories to deliberate on the tensions that exist between these when funding PAOs. Findings This study identifies the arguments presented by grass-root PAOs on the rationale of their existence from a Pacific perspective. The analysis suggests that accounting, hitherto considered as a “sword” can also be used as a “shield” if PAOs direct their research accordingly and offers future research directions. Originality/value Prior studies concerning funding difficulties of PAOs have relied on opinions obtained ex-post from selected stakeholders. There are no known studies, which factor the opinions of grass-root PAOs, captured “during” funding deliberations. This study bridges this gap in the New Zealand setting by providing an analysis of grass-root opinions from the Pacific perspective, conducted during a funding deliberation.

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