Exclusive Distribution Research Articles

Semicircular canal drug delivery safely targets the inner ear perilymphatic space.

Effective, reproducible, and safe delivery of therapeutics into the inner ear is required for the prevention and treatment of hearing loss. A commonly used delivery method is via the posterior semicircular canal (PSCC); however, its specific targeting within the cochlea remains unclear, impacting precision and reproducibility. To assess safety and target specificity, we conducted in vivo recordings of the pharmacological manipulations delivered through the PSCC. Measurements of auditory brainstem response (ABR), vibrometry, and vestibular behavioral and sensory-evoked potential (VsEP) revealed preserved hearing and vestibular functions after artificial perilymph injections. Injection of curare, a mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) channel blocker that affects hearing when in the endolymph, had no effect on ABR or VsEP thresholds. Conversely, injection of CNQX, an AMPA receptor blocker, or lidocaine, a Na+ channel blocker, which affects hearing when in the perilymph, significantly increased both thresholds, indicating that PSCC injections selectively target the perilymphatic space. In vivo tracking of gold nanoparticles confirmed their exclusive distribution in the perilymph during PSCC injection, supporting the pharmacological finding. Together, PSCC injection is a safe method for inner ear delivery, specifically targeting the perilymphatic space. Our findings will allow for precise delivery of therapeutics within the inner ear for therapeutic and research purposes.

Different life strategies of closely related louse species in sympatry: specialist and “generalist“ lineages of Polyplax serrata

The origin and significance of host specificity are intriguing questions in parasitology. In the case of single-host versus multiple-host parasites, this topic integrates with the concept of the specialist/generalist trade-off. We use the model of sucking lice Polyplax serrata and rodent hosts Apodemus, to address these concepts. Polyplax serrata was shown to form a complex genetic structure, with a strictly specific S lineage living on Apodemus flavicollis, and a less specific N lineage on A. flavicollis and Apodemus sylvaticus. Moreover, the S lineage formed two mitochondrial clades with geographically exclusive distributions and a narrow hybrid zone, providing an opportunity to test the hypothesis that hybrids suffer a decrease in fitness. We sampled 451 individual lice from two host species at 103 localities. We used prevalences and intensities as proxies of fitness, which the parasites realize on their host. The S lineage, strictly specific to Apodemus flavicollis, reached significantly higher prevalences and intensities on its host compared with the N lineage. Conversely, the N lineage occurred with high prevalence and intensity on A. sylvaticus but tended to use also A. flavicollis when the louse populations became too dense. We discuss possible mechanisms behind this difference (particularly interspecific competition as a typical phenomenon in the specialist/generalist systems). We conclude that a parasite’s “choice”, not accessibility of the host or interspecific competition, is the main factor affecting the louse prevalences. We suggest that historical differences in geographic distribution of both lice and mice may provide a possible explanation for the observed life strategy differences. In contrast to the convincing picture in S and N lineage prevalences, we did not detect an expected drop in fitness in hybrids. We consider instability of the hybrid zone, or decline in abundance of the respective hosts, as possible explanations for this result.

Nonarbitrability and Mandatory Rules: Brothers, Not Twins

Notwithstanding the lack of clear legislative intent, Belgian judges have unilaterally prohibited the arbitration of exclusive distribution disputes, unless a specific Belgian pro-distributor statute was applied or unless similar substantive foreign rules were applied. However, in 2023, the Court of Cassation finally reversed its jurisprudence. Yet, the syllogism underlying this longawaited reversal remains unsatisfactory. It mistakenly equates a conflict-of-laws issue concerning mandatory rules with questions of nonarbitrability under international arbitration law. Such an overly simplistic assimilation is inappropriate in many respects. It dilutes the tailored legal standard applicable to international arbitration into a lesser question of applicable rules. It unduly prevents a subject matter from entering ratione materiae into the arbitration field. Upon closer examination, it conflates two substantively different gateways to arbitration: the nonarbitrability doctrine (Article V(2)(a) of the New York Convention) and the public policy exception (Article V(2)(b) thereof). In so doing, it needlessly erodes confidence in the arbitral process, which is based on parties’ autonomy, and violates the principles of judicial non-interference in international arbitral proceedings and of competence-competence. In essence, regardless of the pro-arbitration outcome in the case at hand, this flawed syllogism violates the New York Convention’s straightforward language and pro-arbitration ethos by potentially generating unnecessary, unforeseeable, and improper exceptions to arbitration.

Modeling the stability of air flows in inclined workings in case of fire

Purpose. Development of a mathematical model and study of the processes occurring during conveyor belt fires in inclined mines to determine the mechanism of air flow distribution under appropriate conditions. Methods. Practical measurements of the distribution of air flows in an inclined conveyor operated at the mining and processing plant of PJSC ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih were carried out. Based on the obtained data, a mathematical model was crea-ted, which was then used to perform Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling of gas flows in the mine under normal conditions and in the event of a fire with a thermal capacity of 9 MW. Findings. The study reveals the peculiarities of gas flows during the combustion of a conveyor belt in inclined workings, as well as the influence of turbulence on the flow, changes in the density of gases during heating, and the impact of gravity on the distribution of gases in the cross-section and along the length of the workings. A fire centre with a heat output of 9 MW has a significant impact on the distribution of air flows. The phenomenon of thermal expansion results in a 59.2% increase in the volume of gases behind the fire. The thermal expansion of gases and their low density have a significant impact on the formation of gas flows in inclined workings. As the jet moves away from the centre of the fire, the velocity of the jet gradually increases, reaching a value of 12.4 m/s. This results in a notable alteration in the distribution of total pressure across adjacent workings, accompanied by an increase in flow turbulence. Consequently, the mass of air exiting the right branch is observed to have a five-fold increase in comparison to the pre-fire state. The overturning of the jet from the left branch of the workings gives rise to the exclusive distribution of combustion products along the right branch. Originality. The study helps to understand the mechanism of jet overturning and the peculiarities of the distribution of combustion products in case of fire in inclined conveyor workings. Practical implications. The results of the research allow us to predict the probability of fire, identify the most dangerous areas for fire, and plan the most rational actions for firefighting in specific unique conditions.

Detection of reproductive interference between closely related Salvia species with small-scale separated distributions by multifaceted pollination and molecular analyses

Reproductive interference, an interspecific interaction in reproductive process that exerts an adverse effect, has gained attention as a contributing factor in promoting exclusive distributions between closely related species. However, detailed studies on the possibility of reproductive interference between native plants are still lacking, presumably because strong reproductive interference can rapidly realize exclusive distributions, leaving the two species apparently independent. Salvia japonica and S. lutescens are found in separate localities at a small scale, although their distributions overlap at a large scale. We investigated the possibility of reproductive interference between them through field surveys, hand-pollination experiments, evaluation of hybrid fertility, cpDNA and nrDNA genotyping, and genome-wide DNA analysis. The field survey results did not reveal apparent negative interaction in competition for pollinator services. Mixed pollination with conspecific pollen and counterpart pollen reduced seed set in S. japonica, and hybrid progeny produced by mixed pollination were less than 20% as fertile compared to the pure species. The DNA genotyping results suggested the possibility of hybridization where their distributions overlap, and the genome-wide DNA analysis results showed clear genetic differentiation between the two species as well as the existence of hybrids. These results suggest that bi-directional reproductive interference between S. japonica and S. lutescens may have led to their present separated distributions at a small scale.

A synopsis of the Early Miocene St Bathans Fauna of New Zealand

The St Bathans Fauna, from sites near the village of St Bathans, Central Otago, South Island, is the first substantive pre-Quaternary terrestrial vertebrate fossil fauna discovered in New Zealand. This fauna derives from 33 sites or discrete sedimentary beds located in the lower 50 m of the lacustrine Bannockburn Formation, Manuherikia Group, and is generally accepted as local stage Altonian (19–15.9 Ma; Burdigalian, Early Miocene) in age. Investigations since 2001 have revealed an abundant and diverse fauna from over 9000 catalogued lots that is herein reviewed. Invertebrates notably include eight genera and species of terrestrial molluscs. Among vertebrates, freshwater fish remains dominate with 17 species evidenced by 16,500 analysed otoliths (genera Neochanna, Galaxias, Prototroctes, and Mataichthys) and many thousands of bones. Birds (minimally 45 species, several thousand bones) are the most common non-fish vertebrates, among which waterfowls dominate all assemblages (10 species). Co-occurring with these was a diverse herpetofauna, including undetermined crocodylians and a terrestrial turtle, both absent in Recent faunas. Significantly, the St Bathans Fauna evidences that Zealandia already had all of New Zealand’s ‘old’ endemic Recent taxa (sphenodontids, leiopelmatids, dinornithiforms, apterygids, aptornithids, strigopoid parrots, acanthisittids, and mystacinids) during the Early Miocene. Furthermore, it includes Australasia’s oldest ardeids, two flightless rallids, a novel higher landbird family, a greater diversity of bats, and terrestrial mammals. All sites reflect a single fauna, except that the ducks Manuherikia lacustrina (stratigraphically lower in section) and M. primadividua (higher) have a mutually exclusive distribution that is not yet correlated with any other biotic distribution differences.

Localised multiple channel distribution strategies of luxury fashion retailers – evidence from China

PurposeThis empirical study aims to examine luxury fashion retailers' localised multiple channel distribution strategies in China.Design/methodology/approachThrough case studies of 15 participating retailers, qualitative data were collected from 33 semi-structured interviews.FindingsStrong impacts of internationalisation strategies, distribution strategies and channel length towards multiple channel retailing are revealed. Multi-channel retailing is widely employed by firms who have entered China and further developed their businesses through local partnerships and adopted a selective distribution strategy via relatively longer channels. Omni-channel retailing is only suitable for the few retailers using an exclusive distribution strategy through direct marketing and wholly owned customer relationship management. As a dynamic transformation from multi- to omni-channel retailing, cross-channel retailing is adopted by those who are withdrawing from local partnerships and shifting to wholly owned expansions and operations in host markets.Research limitations/implicationsThe results are potentially challenged by relatively small sample size.Practical implicationsPractitioners are suggested to adapt multiple channel retailing to their international expansion strategies, distribution strategies and channel length in the host markets.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature in both multiple channel retailing and international retailing by offering insights into the motives, development patterns and suitability of multiple channel retailing in the international retail marketing context.

Additional information regarding the ground beetle species of the Asia-Pacific genus Mimocolliuris Liebke, 1933 (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Lebiinae)

Ground beetles of the Genus Mimocolliuris Liebke, 1933 (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Lebiinae) are represented by 17 species globally within the three subgenera (Essora Liebke 1933, Paramimocolliuris Habu 1979, and Mimocolliuris s.str) with an exclusive distribution in the Asia-Pacific region (India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, China, Taiwan, and Japan). This study provides additional information regarding the Asia-Pacific genus Mimocolliuris by offering a supplementary note for the genus and a revised identification key to the species of the genus Mimocolliuris by including subgenera Essora Liebke, 1933, and Paramimocolliuris Habu, 1979. Additionally, this study provides the first report of the species Mimocolliuris bicoloripes Baehr, 2016 from the Oriental region (India) and also presents a modified description of the species Mimocolliuris pilifera (Nietner, 1858).

Integrating resource memory and cue-based territoriality to simulate movement dynamics: a process-explicit and pattern-oriented approach

Animal movement is central to ecology and of paramount importance to understand processes underlying the emergence of empirical space-use patterns. In this study, we investigated how integrating two well-established movement processes in the field of theoretical movement ecology, (i) memory-based resource use; and (ii) cue- or scent-based territoriality, affects emergent space-use patterns. We integrated the two mechanisms of space-use into a single individual-based modelling framework, and then quantified how varying degrees of each process affects emergent space-use patterns. Both mechanisms together led to the formation of exclusive, resource- and population density-dependent utilisation distributions, which were responsive to perturbations in the conspecific environment (i.e., removing individuals). Utilisation distribution patterns (area and overlap) were primarily influenced by memory and scent decay rate parameters, controlling an animal's inherent exploratory tendency and its desire to avoid conspecifics respectively. Model application to a population of feral cats demonstrated that general space-use measures (e.g., median UD area, resident and transient dynamics) could be approximated through simulation, though replication of finer-scale space use patterns (e.g., cumulative UD area) was poorly matched. Though application of mechanistic movement models remains both challenging and limited, the potential of such endeavours to ultimately predict population response cannot be overstated.

The effect of exclusive distribution on the sales of ready-made meals in online retail

This study examines the impact of exclusive distribution on sales for online retailers and the moderating effects of product assortment (width and depth) and within-category competitive intensity on this relationship. This study used panel data for 3285 ready-made meal products which are newly introduced from August 2018 to August 2021 at a leading online grocery retailer in Korea. The random-effects panel regression was applied to test the proposed model. The results show that exclusive distribution increases sales, and this effect is intensified with greater product depth and greater within-category competitive intensity. These findings provide useful implications for retailers to increase their likelihood of success when adopting an exclusive distribution strategy. This study also contributes to expanding the scope of the literature on the effect of exclusive distribution on sales in the context of online retail.

Translocation of Oocytic HES1 into Surrounding Cumulus Cells in Bovine: Mechanism of Cellular Interaction during IVM?

HES1 (hairy and enhancer of split-1, effector of the NOTCH pathway) plays a role in oocyte maturation and has been detected so far mainly in somatic follicular cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether HES1 is present in both compartments of bovine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) and whether in vitro maturation itself has an effect on its distribution. We investigated the abundance of HES1 mRNA and protein in bovine COCs characterized by Brilliant-Cresyl-Blue (BCB) stainability by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence before and after in vitro maturation (IVM). To study the interaction of the compartments and the possible translocation of HES1, we injected GFP-HES1 mRNA into oocytes before maturation and analyzed fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). The results showed that HES1 mRNA was detectable in oocytes but not in cumulus cells. The number of transcripts increased with maturation, especially in BCB-positive oocytes. In contrast, the protein was mainly visible in cumulus cells both before and after maturation. After GFP-HES1-mRNA injection into oocytes, a signal could be detected not only in the oocytes but also in cumulus cells. Our result shows a nearly exclusive distribution of HES1 mRNA and protein in oocytes and cumulus cells, respectively, that might be explained by the transfer of the protein from the oocyte into cumulus cells.

ESTIMATING THE EFFECTOF EXCLUSIVITY ON MULTI-SIDED MARKETS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF VIDEO GAME MARKET

At present many markets may be viewed as multisided with platforms where different groups of agents interact. However, many aspects of these markets are still not thoroughly studied, including the competition between platforms with the goal to increase user base. As noted in many theoretical works, due to the phenomenon of zero prices, non-price factors of competition play a leading role on such markets. Among others the importance of exclusive contracts is highlighted in scientific literature, but empirically their effect on the user base has not been fully estimated. In this study we examine video game market since its importance in global economy has increased in the recent decades. The effect of exclusivity on the total video game platforms’ sales and on the sales volumes of individual video games is empirically estimated. As an additional control variable, the age rating of video games is included, which was not considered in prior works. Drawing on the results of estimating econometric model, the author concludes that for platforms on the video game market it is advantageous to increase the share of exclusive contracts, but this relationship is characterized by diminishing returns to scale. On the other hand, for video game developers exclusive distribution on a particular platform results in lower overall sales. Based on these results it can be concluded that platforms can compete for exclusive contracts and in the process of negotiating for exclusivity a compensation from the platform should be provided to video game developers

Chromosomal alterations in sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma and correlation with outcome.

Somatic copy number alterations (SCNA) involving either a whole chromosome or just one of the arms, or even smaller parts, have been described in about 88% of human tumors. This study investigated the SCNA profile in 40 well-characterized sporadic medullary thyroid carcinomas by comparative genomic hybridization array. We found that 26/40 (65%) cases had at least one SCNA. The prevalence of SCNA, and in particular of chromosome 3 and 10, was significantly higher in cases with a RET somatic mutation. Similarly, SCNA of chromosomes 3, 9, 10 and 16 were more frequent in cases with a worse outcome and an advanced disease. By the pathway enrichment analysis, we found a mutually exclusive distribution of biological pathways in metastatic, biochemically persistent and cured patients. In particular, we found gain of regions involved in the intracellular signaling and loss of regions involved in DNA repair and TP53 pathways in the group of metastatic patients. Gain of regions involved in the cell cycle and senescence were observed in patients with biochemical disease. Finally, gain of regions associated with the immune system and loss of regions involved in the apoptosis pathway were observed in cured patients suggesting a role of specific SCNA and corresponding altered pathways in the outcome of sporadic MTC.

Power and public authority

AbstractPublic authority addresses how actors, ranging from officials to gang leaders, and cultural innovators, interact via cooperation, competition and conflict to generate shifting degrees of social order within territories. This paper summarises four key components that directly relate to power. First, power underlies public authority. Second, public authority entails and engenders institutional bricolage. Third, public authorities utilise functions, structures, ideas and symbols of statehood. Fourth, public authorities seek legitimacy. A systematic exposition of power informs analysing public authority—notably the degree to which it facilitates inclusive or exclusive participation and distribution of benefits. This paper outlines a conceptual framework, with attention to basic elements of power, using a triadic approach that incorporates seven basic formats (or strategic templates) for exercising such power. This framework can inform subsequent inquiry and policy analysis.

The worldwide invasion history of a pest ambrosia beetle inferred using population genomics.

Xylosandrus crassiusculus, a fungus-farming wood borer native to Southeastern Asia, is the most rapidly spreading invasive ambrosia species worldwide. Previous studies focusing on its genetic structure suggested the existence of cryptic genetic variation in this species. Yet, these studies used different genetic markers, focused on different geographical areas and did not include Europe. Our first goal was to determine the worldwide genetic structure of this species based on both mitochondrial and genomic markers. Our second goal was to study X. crassiusculus' invasion history on a global level and identify the origins of the invasion in Europe. We used a COI and RAD sequencing design to characterize 188 and 206 specimens worldwide, building the most comprehensive genetic data set for any ambrosia beetle to date. The results were largely consistent between markers. Two differentiated genetic clusters were invasive, albeit in different regions of the world. The markers were inconsistent only for a few specimens found exclusively in Japan. Mainland USA could have acted as a source for further expansion to Canada and Argentina through stepping stone expansion and bridgehead events. We showed that Europe was only colonized by Cluster II through a complex invasion history including several arrivals from multiple origins in the native area, and possibly including bridgehead from the United States. Our results also suggested that Spain was colonized directly from Italy through intracontinental dispersion. It is unclear whether the mutually exclusive allopatric distribution of the two clusters is due to neutral effects or due to different ecological requirements.

AUA ANNUAL MEETING PROGRAM ABSTRACTS 2023: ACCREDITATION, DISCLAIMER AND COPYRIGHT

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023AUA ANNUAL MEETING PROGRAM ABSTRACTS 2023: ACCREDITATION, DISCLAIMER AND COPYRIGHT View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/01.JU.0000925052.19920.80AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail ACCREDITATION STATEMENT: The American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. takes responsibility for the content, quality and scientific integrity of the CME Activity. DISCLAIMER The statements and opinions contained in the articles of The Journal of Urology® are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. (AUAER). The content of this publication may contain discussion of off-label uses of some of the agents mentioned. Please consult the prescribing information for full disclosure of approved uses. To the extent permissible under applicable laws, no responsibility is assumed by the AUAER for any injury and/ or damage to persons or property as a result of any actual or alleged libelous statements, infringement of intellectual property or privacy rights, or products liability, whether resulting from negligence or otherwise, or from any use of operation of any ideas, instructions, procedures, products or methods contained in the material therein. The abstracts are being reprinted without editorial review. COPYRIGHT AND PERMISSIONS:The Journal of Urology® including supplements is the Official Journal of the American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. and is published monthly by Wolters Kluwer Health Inc. The American Urological Association grants the Publisher full and exclusive publishing and distribution rights, worldwide, for both print and electronic media. Therefore no portions of the work(s) can be reproduced without written consent from the Publisher. Permissions and photocopying: For permission and/ or rights to use content for which the copyright holder is Wolters Kluwer or the society we have partnered with the Copyright Clearance Center to provide permissions for our products through their RightsLink service, please go to the journal's website and after clicking on the relevant article, click on the Get Content & Permissions link under the Article Tools box that appears on the right side of the page. For questions about the Rightslink service, e-mail [email protected]com or call 877-622-5543 (U.S. Only) or 978-777-9929. Permissions FAQs and information on authors permission requests are available at https://shop.lww.com/journal-permission. For additional permission inquiries, please contact [email protected]com. Copyright © 2023 by the American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Introducing a novel event generator for electron-nucleus and neutrino-nucleus scattering

We present a novel lepton-nucleus event generator: ACHILLES, A CHIcagoLand Lepton Event Simulator. The generator factorizes the primary interaction from the propagation of hadrons in the nucleus, which allows for a great deal of modularity, facilitating further improvements and interfaces with existing codes. We validate our generator against high quality electron-carbon scattering data in the quasielastic regime, including the recent CLAS/e4v reanalysis of existing data. We find good agreement in both inclusive and exclusive distributions. By varying the assumptions on the propagation of knocked out nucleons throughout the nucleus, we estimate a component of theoretical uncertainties. We also propose novel observables that will allow for further testing of lepton-nucleus scattering models. ACHILLES is readily extendable to generate neutrino-nucleus scattering events.

Factors affecting Exclusive Breastfeeding At the Jambi City Health Center

Exclusive breastfeeding is the only good nutrition for the growth and development of babies aged 0-6 months. Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency, exclusive breastfeeding coverage in Jambi Province in 2021 was 71.37%. The achievement of exclusive breastfeeding at the Paal X Health Center in JCity in 2019 was 52.80%, so it is considered that it is still less than the target of the local government. This is due to several factors, namely limited knowledge, attitudes, education, duration of work and the age of the mother, greatly affecting exclusive breastfeeding. This research is a quantitative study with a cross-sectional design. The sample was selected by accidental sampling and obtained by 63 respondents. The data obtained from filling out the questionnaire and interviews were carried out univariate and bivariate analysis with chisquare or Fisher exact tests. The results of the statistical test obtained several variables related to the behavior of exclusive ASi distribution to babies at the Paal X health center in Jambi City are knowledge, attitudes, education, work with a p value of < 0.05. There is no relationship between the age of the mother and exclusive breastfeeding at the Paal x Health Center in Jambi City. Factors related to exclusive breastfeeding behavior at Puskesmas Paal X Jambi City are knowledge, attitudes, education, work. Meanwhile, the age factor is not associated with exclusive breastfeeding. 
 

Spatial association of bamboos with trees in a commercial tree plantation forest in Myanmar

Abstract Bamboos are mainly distributed in subtropical to tropical areas. Bamboos provide numerous ecosystem services, while the expansion of bamboo gives negative impacts on forest ecosystems. Despite big impacts of bamboos on a forest ecosystem, ecological characteristics of bamboo remain poorly understood. The spatial distributional patterns of three bamboo species, Cephalostachyum pergracile, Bambusa polymorpha, and Dinochloa maclellandii, were studied in a commercial tree plantation of native deciduous tree species in the Bago Mountains, Myanmar. A point process analysis revealed a clumped distribution for each bamboo species. The distributional overlapping of the species was analysed for every pair of two species. The distribution of C. pergracile was little overlapped with those of D. maclellandii and B. polymorpha. Cephalostachyum pergracile was significantly more abundant on gently sloping ridges, whereas D. maclellandii was more abundant on a steeply sloping site. Bambusa polymorpha did not show these patterns with topography. The exclusive distribution of C. pergracile and D. maclellandii may be, at least partly, explained by the opposite topographic preferences of the species. Cephalostachyum pergracile tended to be found far from large trees that cast shade, although B. polymorpha tended to be found with large trees, suggesting that B. polymorpha may be more shade tolerant than C. pergracile. The difference in shade tolerance may contribute to the exclusive distribution of the species. The habitat preference information obtained in this study will contribute to sound bamboo management practices in Myanmar and enable bamboo population sizes to be increased through creation of favourable habitats in forests.

No brand can easily claim to be ‘luxury’: A case study of Hugo Boss’ brand positioning (2006–2020)

Much confusion still prevails over the distinction between the terms luxury, premium and fashion. Both academics and professionals understand them very differently. This paper delves into the relationship between positioning and business model using the framework proposed by Kapferer [Kapferer, J. N., (2016), ‘The Challenges of Luxury Branding. The Routledge Companion to Contemporary Brand Management’, Routledge, London, p. 485], which highlights how different the business models from luxury, premium and fashion are. Another trading-up brand strategies framework is presented, and a new trading-up strategy model is then proposed. To illustrate these theoretical frameworks and related strategies, the German clothing icon Hugo Boss has been chosen as a case study for its self-proclaimed positioning’s shift, over fifteen years (2006–2020), from premium to luxury and back to premium. In terms of methodology, a longitudinal study has been favoured to observe Hugo Boss’ changes of positioning over time. This paper relies on secondary data, drawn from Hugo Boss’ annual reports of the aforementioned time period, its investors’ presentations, bank analyst’s reports and business newspapers’ articles. Along three self-elaborated drivers of a trading-up strategy from premium to luxury (ie develop exclusive distribution, increase product quality and fuel marketing engine), the findings about Hugo Boss have shown that the brand only partially developed its business model along these lines, resulting in a shift, in 2016, towards a trading-down strategy back to its original positioning in premium. However, in the years until 2020, these trading-up investments have had long-lasting and significant effects on the brand performance. Additionally, further results indicated that the shareholder structure, the choice of management, the brand’s communication and the macroeconomic environment were decisive factors as well.