Global merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions exceeded $4.7 trillion in 2015, yet more than 70% of M&As fail to meet postmerger performance expectations with unsuccessful organizational integration cited as the primary source of failure. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore organizational integration strategies some business leaders use to achieve anticipated postmerger performance and growth expectations. The study population consisted of 10 executive and midlevel business leaders in 2 privately held companies, domiciled in Arizona and Iowa, who have contributed to successful organizational integration in M&A transactions in the last 5 years. The tenets of organizational change management composed the conceptual framework for the study. Data were collected by semistructured interviews, reviews of internal documents, and publicly available information. Data were analyzed using inductive analysis to identify patterns and themes. The themes identified were organizational planning, communications, performance and growth, culture, and leadership and management. The study findings can assist business leaders in understanding the importance of organizational integration planning in the earliest phases of M&A transactions to improve M&A successes. The study findings contribute to positive social change by enhancing business leaders' knowledge to improve M&A postmerger performance, which can stabilize current employment, create new employment opportunities, and generate positive economic improvements for the broader stakeholder group.

L’utilisation non raisonnée d’insecticides a des conséquences sur l’environnement et la santé humaine mais aussi sur le développement de résistances chez les insectes nuisibles. Dans ce contexte, ce travail de thèse porte sur le développement d'une technique de nanoencapsulation d'un agent synergisant chimique, la deltaméthrine (pyréthrinoide), associé un pro-insecticide l’indoxacarbe (oxadiazine). Sur la base d’études in vitro sur cellules neurosecrétrices de blattes (Periplaneta americana), une action synergique entre la deltaméthrine et le DCJW (métabolite actif de l’indoxacarbe) a été démontrée via un mécanisme intracellulaire original dépendant du calcium. Des études toxicologiques in vivo sur des blattes adultes ont permis de confirmer l’effet synergique entre la deltaméthrine et l’indoxacarbe. Pour optimiser la formulation de l’association de ces composés, des nanocapsules lipidiques contenant la deltaméthrine utilisée comme agent synergisant ont été produites. Les études de toxicité sur blattes ont permis de déterminer les doses effectives les plus faibles de l’association deltaméthrine nanoencapsulée/indoxacarbe et d’obtenir une optimisation de l’effet synergique avec la deltaméthrine nanoencapsulée. Cet effet synergique est plus important que celui du piperonyl butoxyde, composé utilisé dans les formulations d'insecticides classiques. Les résultats indiquent que la deltaméthrine, protégée des estérases par la nanoencapsulation, permet d’optimiser l’efficacité du traitement tout en réduisant les doses d’indoxacarbe. Cette nouvelle stratégie est une première étape dans le développement d'une formulation phytosanitaire efficace contre les insectes nuisibles. / The over-use of pesticides has represented a concern not only for its consequences against the environment but also for the increase in resistance mechanisms in pest insects. In this context, our research project is focused on the development of a nanoencapsulation technique of a deltamethrin (pyrethroid), used as synergistic agent, combined with a pro-insecticide indoxacarb (oxadiazine). Based on in vitro studies performed on cockroach (Periplaneta americana) neurosecretory cells, synergistic effect between deltamethrin and DCJW (active metabolite of indoxacarb) has been characterized, occurring through an original calcium-dependent intracellular mechanism. In vivo toxicological studies on adult cockroaches have confirmed these previous results. To optimize the formulation including the synergistic agent and indoxacarb, lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) containing deltamethrin have been developed. It has been possible to determine the lower effective doses of LNC-deltamethrin/indoxacarb mixture producing the synergistic effect in whole insects. The synergism obtained is more important than that of obtained with piperonil butoxide (PBO), the well-known synergist used in classical insecticide formulations. The results also indicate that LNC-deltamethrin, protected from esterase-induced detoxification enhances the toxicity of indoxacarb while reducing doses. This novel strategy is a first step for the development of a novel formulation more efficient against pest insects.

In this study we investigate the synergistic effect of low frequency ultrasonication (14, 22, and 47 kHz) on antimicrobial activity of Cecropin P1 against Escherichia coli. The hypothesis was tested by comparing three different treatments (1) ultrasonication only (2) Cecropin P1 only (3) combination of both. The results showed that the combined treatment deactivate E. coli more efficiently by six order of magnitude. The mechanism of membrane permeabilization due to Cecropin P1 is also investigated using dye leakage experiment. The result indicated pore formation and carpet mechanism. Finally, a mathematical modeling is proposed to explain the synergistic effect, allowing us to make better prediction for cell deactivation.

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This diploma thesis is focused on the combination of enantioselective organocatalysis and transition metal catalysis. In the experimental part of the work, the optimization of reaction conditions with respect to the reaction yields, enantioselectivity and diastereoselectivity was solved. The applicability of the reaction was verified on various substrates. The second part of the work is focused on the study of the mechanism of the reaction using the methods of quantum chemistry. The kinetics of the reaction were monitored by NMR spectroscopy and the mechanism of the reaction was investigated by quantum chemistry methods. Keywords: aminocatalysis, palladium, synergistic catalysis, reaction mechanism, DFT

The emergence of cultural industry is strongly supported by the Chinese government. Policy support andtechnology-driven considerations have stimulatedrapid mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in China’s cultural industry. The burgeoning scale of industrial M&As, however, has not necessarily improved the quality. In the case of impending market saturation, advancing M&Asin violation of market rules may lead to bubble accumulation in the capital market. In addition, dominated by intangible assets, the cultural industry features relatively unstable products and immature industries, which can lead to a deviation in the valuation of M&A assets from the real value. Once the M&A targetexperiences operational issues, it will suffer greater losses than those brought by M&Asin traditional industries. Therefore, the cultural industry is exposed toa high valuation risk. In addition, its structure differs greatly from other industries because it has a high degree of product line differentiation, which makesit difficult for value chain coupling after companies in the cultural industry merge with other industries. There is also much uncertainty about cross-industry M&A stimulating performance. These uncertainties may hinder the growth of China’s cultural industry. Therefore, mystudy focuses on the cultural industry. This study examines the M&A performance of listed companies in China’s cultural industry through empirical analysis and provides suggestions for its development.Thisstudy first discusses the main types, characteristics,and reasons for surge in M&Asin China’s cultural industry, and then empiricallyanalyzes the M&A performance of listed companies in the cultural industry from the perspectives of stock performance and financial returns. On the one hand, based on the event studymethod, this empirical study analyzes the impacts of M&Asin the cultural industry on the short-term and long-term abnormal stock return of theactiveacquirerthrough the CAPM modelandthe Fama–French 3-factormodel; on the other hand, an empirical analysis is made on the impacts of M&Asin cultural industry on the company’s future financial return using the propensity score matchingand difference-in-difference (DID)methods.This study finds that the short-term abnormal return after the M&Asin cultural industry is iiisignificant, but not the long-term cumulative abnormal stock returns. Therefore, it is concluded that the impact of M&Asof listed companies in cultural industry on short-term abnormal stock returns is only a result of market overreaction, and the market will be rational in the long run. This study also examines whether the M&A is cross-industry or whether the acquirer is a cultural enterprise has anysignificant impact on the long-term cumulative abnormal stock returns.Concurrently, the study examines the factors leading to abnormal returns from M&As, and finds from the analysis on factors leading to short-term abnormal returns that the size of market value, the extent of valuation,and whether the company is a state-owned company have a significant impact on the short-term abnormal market returns from M&As.On the other hand, this study finds that the financial returns of sample companies have not improved after M&Asin cultural industry, but have declined instead. This is likely because the two companies cannot coordinate andmerge well after M&A, which instead increases frictions and results in a decline in financial returns.Based on the features of M&Asin China’s cultural industry and the empirical results of the decline in financial returns of listed companies after M&Asin cultural industry, this study suggests plausibleimprovementsin M&A performance of listed companies in China’s cultural industryat the level of government, intermediary agent, industry guidance and enterprise.This study hasfour chapters: Chapter 1 is the introduction, which introduces the research background, methods, significance,and related literature review. Chapter 2 introduces the current situation of M&Asin China’s cultural industryand presents an analysis of the main types and characteristics of and reasons behind the new wave of M&Asin China’s cultural industry. Chapter 3 presents the empirical analysis. Based on various empirical research methods, this study analyzes the impacts of M&Asin cultural industry on the short-term and long-term abnormal stock returns and financial returns. Chapter 4 concludesand makes suggestions for policy makers. / Business Administration/Finance

Thesis (M.Sc. (Microbiology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2020 / The aim of the study was to isolate and characterise the antibacterial and antioxidant compounds from the leaf extracts of the two mistletoes (Viscum rotundifolium and Tapinanthus oleifolius) and to determine the synergistic effects of the plants with their hosts (Mystroxylon aethiopicum and Dichrostachys cinerea). The leaves of the selected plants were collected, dried and ground into fine powder. The powdered plant leaves were extracted using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol and water. The qualitative phytochemical analysis was done using standard chemical tests and thin layer chromatography. The total phenolic, tannin and flavonoid content were estimated using spectrophotometric methods. The qualitative antioxidant activity was determined using 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-pycrylhydryzyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay on thin layer chromatography and quantitative antioxidant activity was determined using colorimetric DPPH assay and ferric reducing power assay. The antibacterial activity of extracts was tested against S. aureus, E. faecalis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa using bioautography and serial broth micro-dilution assay. The cytotoxic effects of the plant extracts were determined using cell viability assay. The active compounds were extracted using serial exhaustive extraction and isolated using the bioassay-guided fractionation and then purified using thin layer chromatography and open column chromatography. The pure compound was identified using the NMR and mass spectroscopy. Methanol was the best extractant with the highest percentage yield. The distinct fluorescing compounds were observed on the CEF and EMW mobile phase. The non-fluorescing compounds detected with vanallin-sulphuric acid spray reagent showed that V. rotundifolium, T. oleifolius and D. cinerea have more polar compounds while M. aethiopicum have more non-polar compounds. All the plants revealed the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, phlobatannin, tannins steroids and cardiac-glycosides and the absence of alkaloids and saponins. The n-hexane extract of T. oleifolius was significantly high in flavonoid content (34.801±0.798 mgQE/g of extract) and tannin content (15.367±0.320 mgGAE/g of extract) whereas the ethyl acetate extract of M. aethiopicum was high in phenolic content (893.210±3.016 mgGAE/g of extract). The results indicate that the compounds that exhibit antioxidant activity are non-polar to polar, which was confirmed by quantitative tests. M. aethiopicum showed activity against all tested bacteria while V. rotundifolium only had activity against E. faecalis whereas T. oleifolius and D. cinerea did not have any activity. The quantitative antibacterial test confirmed the activity of the plant extracts where the MIC values ranged from 0.04-2.5 mg/mL. The combination of V. rotundifolium and M. aethiopicum (n-hexane, ethyl acetate and acetone extracts) and T. oleifolius and D. cinerea (n-hexane, acetone and methanol extracts) showed synergistic effects in inhibiting the growth of S. aureus whereas the methanol extract of T. oleifolius and D. cinerea showed antagonistic effects in inhibiting the growth of all tested bacteria. The cell viability assay indicated that acetone extracts of all plants were non-toxic on the human liver (C3A) cells. M. aethiopicum was selected for isolation and purification of bioactive compounds. The bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of oleanolic acid acetate. This study demonstrated that the selected plants have antibacterial potential that is ascribed to the phytochemicals present. Further studies including in vivo assays are needed in order to support their use in traditional medicine / National Research Foundation (NRF)

no / Background Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance is a major public health challenge in sub-Sahara Africa. Many people are now resorting to the use of herbs in managing malaria due to the increasing treatment failures with the conventional drugs. In this study the ethanolic extract of Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn) Thw. var. pendula, a variety fondly used in folklore medicine in Ghana was investigated for potential antimalarial drug development. Method The ethanolic extract of P. longifolia (Sonn) Thw. var. pendula stem bark was screened against the multidrug resistant, K1 strain of P. falciparum by the parasite lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) assay and a good antiplasmodial activity (IC50 22.04 ± 4.23 µg/ml) was observed which led to further chromatographic analysis in search for actives. Results Bioassay guided fractionation of the extract yielded; three clerodane diterpenes [16-hydroxycleroda-3,13-dien-16,15-olide (1), 16-oxocleroda-3,13E-dien-15-oic acid (2) and 3,16-dihydroxycleroda-4(18),13(14)Z-dien-15,16-olide (3)], a steroid [beta-stigmasterol (4)] and two alkaloids [darienine (5) and stepholidine (6)]. While compounds 4, 5 and 6 exhibited weak antiplasmodial activity (IC50 22–105 µg/ml), the clerodane diterpenes exhibited significantly potent (p<0.005) blood schizonticidal activity (IC50: 3–6 µg/ml). This is the first report of the antiplasmodial activity of compounds 2 and 3. In combination assay with chloroquine, compounds 1, 2, 3 and 5 antagonized the antiplasmodial activity of chloroquine while 4 and 6 demonstrated a synergistic action. Conclusion The potent antiplasmodial activity of the extract of P. longifolia (Sonn) Thw. var. pendula and compounds therein strongly suggests its usefulness as an antimalarial agent and supports its inclusion or exploitation in formulations of herbal remedies for malaria in Ghana.

Due to the limited number of approved antioxidants for food applications, several alternative strategies to improve antioxidant performance have been developed by focusing on synergistic antioxidant interactions. Susceptibility to lipid oxidation in food systems is the result of the summation of antioxidative and prooxidative mechanisms. Understanding the sometimes paradoxical behavior of antioxidants and prooxidants is a vital key to design synergistic antioxidant systems suitable for particular foods. This research focused on 3 main strategies to improve the performance of antioxidant activity in oil-in-water emulsions. The first part of this research has been focused on inhibition of lipid oxidation by a combination of the modification of liposomal surfaces by chitosan-coating techniques along with addition of rosmarinic acid esters of varying polarity. Repelling metal ions away from the interface of positively charged liposomes can inhibit lipid oxidation (induced by Fe2+), and also reduce antioxidant loss by Fe3+ reduction. As a result, lipid oxidation can be inhibited synergistically because of a reduction in the prooxidant activity of iron. Second, understanding non-linear antioxidant behavior (the cut-off effect) of antioxidant esters in oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions was also studied to determine how the distributions and locations of antioxidants impacted their antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity of rosmarinic acid was improved by esterification with alkyl chain lengths between 4 to 12 carbons due to increased ability to partitioning at the interface in oil-in-water emulsions. Surfactant micelles which could increase or decreased the concentration of the antioxidants at the emulsion droplet interface altered antioxidant activity. In the last part of this research, rosmarinic acid and its esters were found to be an excellent tool for studying how antioxidant location could impact its ability to interact with α-tocopherol in O/W emulsions. Synergistic, additive, and antagonistic effects were observed in the combinations between the rosmarinate esters with α-tocopherol. Increases in alkyl chain lengths of rosmarinic acid have influenced both the partitioning of the rosmarinate esters as well as their ability to they interact with α-tocopherol at the interface of oil-in-water emulsions. Fluorescence quenching and EPR studies showed that water soluble rosmarinic acid (R0) exhibited more interactions with á-tocopherol than any of the esters (R4-R20). Synergistic antioxidant interactions between rosmarinic acid and α-tocopherol could not be explained by electron transfer mechanisms, but formation of caffeic acid from rosmarinic acid. Due to the thermodynamic infeasibility and the fact that increases in α-tocopherol degradation rates, α-tocopherol could not be regenerated efficiently by rosmarinic acid. This formation of caffeic acid was proposed to be responsible of the synergistic activity of R0 and α-tocopherol since the formation of an additional antioxidant could further increase the oxidative stability of the emulsion.

Mining interspecies interactions remain a challenge due to the complex nature of microbial communities and the need for computational power to handle big data. Our meta-analysis indicates that genetic potential alone does not resolve all issues involving mining of microbial interactions. Nevertheless, it can be used as the starting point to infer synergistic interspecies interactions and to limit the search space (i.e., number of species and metabolic reactions) to a manageable size. A reduced search space decreases the number of additional experiments necessary to validate the inferred putative interactions. As validation experiments, we examine how multi-omics and state of the art imaging techniques may further improve our understanding of species interactions’ role in ecosystem processes. Finally, we analyze pros and cons from the current methods to infer microbial interactions from genetic potential and propose a new theoretical framework based on: (i) genomic information of key members of a community; (ii) information of ecosystem processes involved with a specific hypothesis or research question; (iii) the ability to identify putative species’ contributions to ecosystem processes of interest; and, (iv) validation of putative microbial interactions through integration of other data sources.