Inheritance genetics of the trait vector competence in Frankliniella occidentalis (Western flower thrips) in the transmission of Tomato spotted wilt virus

The complexity of tospovirus–vector–host plant interaction is linked to a range of factors influencing vector's efficacy in virus transmission, leading to high variability in the transmission efficiency within vector populations. Main shortcomings of most studies are the missing information on the intrinsic potential of individual insects to serve as efficient vectors, both at phenotypic and at genotypic levels. Moreover, detailed analysis of vector competence heredity and monitoring the splitting of both genotypes and phenotypes in filial generations has not been reported. In this study, using the model system Frankliniella occidentalis and Tomato spotted wilt virus, we evaluated the inheritance and stability of the trait vector competence in a population through basic crossings of individually characterized partners, as well as virgin reproduction. We hypothesized that the trait is heritable in F. occidentalis and is controlled by a recessive allele. From the results, 83% and 94% of competent and noncompetent males respectively, inherited their status from their mothers. The trait was only expressed when females were homozygous for the corresponding allele. Furthermore, the allele frequencies were different between males and females, and the competent allele had the highest frequency in the population. These suggest that the trait vector competence is inherited in single recessive gene in F. occidentalis, for which the phenotype is determined by the haplodiploid mechanism. These findings are fundamental for our understanding of the temporal and spatial variability within vector populations with respect to the trait vector competence and at the same time offer an essential basis for further molecular studies.DFG/207/37-

Factors controlling virus-vector-host plant interactions : the model system Frankliniella occidentalis and Tomato spotted wilt virus

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Navigating sustainability : an analysis of corporate sustainability reporting practices

Corporate sustainability reporting has become increasingly important in the context of global efforts to address environmental, social, economic and governance (ESG) challenges. Companies utilize sustainability reporting to track and communicate their environmental and social impacts. This communication by use of sustainability reports is done in an effort to foster transparency, reliability and improved relationships with stakeholders like investors, customers, regulators and society at large. However, sustainability reporting presents some challenges that impact their effectiveness in communicating sustainability efforts. The key challenges facing sustainability reporting include lack of standardization, inconsistent measurement methods, poor data quality, limited visibility into supply chains, and difficulties in the comparability of data reported. The study aims to explore how companies use sustainability reporting to communicate, as well as to establish and maintain legitimacy in the eyes of society. It does this by employing a mixed-method approach. This involves a combined analysis of empirical information from a document analysis of sustainability reports from three Swedish companies across diverse sectors together with interviews with industry experts. The paper uses legitimacy theory as the overarching framework in understanding how companies use the reports to demonstrate their sustainability initiatives but also in exploring the interacting challenges facing sustainability reporting. The findings of the study show that companies communicate their sustainability efforts by how they select and define their materiality topics. It highlights challenges in the reporting of the full environmental impact as well as the varying methodologies across the reports, which hinders comparability. The study identifies underreported aspects in sustainability reporting. These aspects are; complexities of sustainable product development, missing data on supply value chain disclosures and regulatory influence on produced reports. The introduction of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is discussed in the study as a regulatory response to growing societal expectations for full impact disclosure as well as enhanced credibility and accountability in ESG reporting. In analysing both current approaches and challenges, the paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on enhancing transparency, consistency, and the overall effectiveness of sustainability reporting. Opportunities for further research are also identified, emphasizing the need for continuous learning in this rapidly changing landscape

Application of lean startup methodology by legacy media organisations in new product development: a case of nation media group-Kenya

Ries (2011) and Blank (2013) documented various aspects of the Lean Startup Methodology and the principles thereof. The literature reviewed point to the need to bridge existing research gaps in the application of the principles, especially in the media industry. The main objective of this research was to establish if and how Nation Media Group - Kenya has applied the Lean Startup Methodology in product development and the effects on the company’s performance. The research was qualitative in nature, with data being collected through interviewing key informers, as well as document analysis. The study established that Nation Media Group preferred elaborate business plans to experimentation in their product development process. In cases where there was attempts at experimentation, they were not robust enough. Experimentation was mainly limited by the fear of failure. Nation Media Group undertakes validated learning for its products by testing the startups visions. However, validation wasn’t done for all aspects of the product visions which was a common occurrence. The company also failed to use innovation accounting for most of its products and instead relied heavily on traditional methods like return on investments and profits. The concept of Minimum Viable Product was also applied selectively and minimally by Nation Media Group. In conclusion, the study established that Nation Media Group applied the Lean Startup principles selectively in developing new products. For there to be maximum gains, the study recommends the application of all the principles of Lean Startup Methodology. In addition to this, the research also recommends establishment of post implementation product teams for there to be appropriate focus on new products once the initial project teams have retreated to their routine roles

Markets as dynamic social systems: The role of immigrant consumers in market development and their acculturation through consumer experiences

Doctoral thesis (PhD) - Nord University, 2025publishedVersio

Supplier Evaluation Management Practice and Supply Chain Performance of Kenyan Selected County Governments in Nyanza Region

Adequate supplier evaluations reduce the cost of projects. Therefore, inadequate supplier monitoring can lead to high costs, non-performance risks, and poor quality of the deliverables. The study examined the influence of supplier evaluation management practices on the supply chain performance of selected Kenyan county governments in Nyanza Region. The study used a number of methods, first utilising a descriptive and correlational research design. The study targeted 112 staff in the procurement department as well as nine lead prequalified suppliers. Data was collected using closed-ended questionnaires and an interview schedule. For data analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The study utilised both descriptive and inferential statistics. Supplier evaluation management practice had a positive and significant effect on supply chain performance (t = 5.789, p<0.05). The study recommends that devolved units in Kenya should evaluate suppliers to ensure that effectiveness, efficiency, customer satisfaction, and a shortened lead time are realized. This can be achieved through quality commitments, distributions, and delivery strategies and evaluating the cost, thus leading to improved performance of the supply chain of devolved units

Board Nationality and Educational Diversity and Organizational Performance: A Systematic Review of Literature

Board diversity is an important aspect of corporate governance. This paper reviewed research on board nationality and educational diversity and organizational performance in both developed and developing contexts. Further, the paper identified research gaps that may have restricted generalization of the results. The study adopted a qualitative research approach where data was obtained from peer reviewed articles published during the 2010-2022 period. Based on the review most studies revealed that Board nationality and educational diversity influenced firm performance. This study highlights the importance of nationality and educational board diversity. It also offers insights to policy makers so that they can develop, implement and even improve on policies and regulations on board nationality and educational diversity as a way of strengthening board effectiveness thus resulting to organizational performance. The recommendation for firms is to consider nationality and educational diversity when appointing board members

Immigration blues: understanding market dynamics through consumer acculturation

Several studies on market dynamics emphasize the role of consumers and other market actors in shaping the existing market logics. However, little attention has been paid to how immigrant consumer communities navigate among market actors and the mainstream institutional environment to alter markets in host societies. Through an acculturation lens, we set out to study the development of immigrant grocery shops in Norway. The findings reveal how the market formation is influenced by “immigration blues” through the challenges of acculturation, institutional constraints, and the role of the immigrant community as a network that is used to cope with the various challenges. We argue that many dynamics can be traced back to the confrontation between a neoliberal “everything can be negotiated” logic and the “statist individualistic” society within which the entrepreneurial activity takes place.publishedVersio