Changes In External Environment Research Articles

Digital platforms and SMEs’ performance: the moderating effect of intellectual capital and environmental dynamism

PurposeThis research aims to shed light on the linkage between digital platforms and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) performance and consider the moderating effect of intellectual capital and environmental dynamism.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies a quantitative approach using a sample of primary data from 508 managers and directors of Vietnamese SMEs, using structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsThe utilization of digital platforms by managers and directors has a positive impact on enhancing intellectual capital. However, under the influence of external environment changes, this trend may shift towards a negative direction. The ability to utilize digital platforms, whether directly or through information communication, positively affects the performance of businesses. Research has shown that the positive promotion of digital platform capability for intellectual capital factors such as human capital, organizational capital, and relational capital decreases when the external environment changes in the context of uncertain globalization.Originality/valueThis research focuses on SMEs operating in the technology and e-commerce sectors and it evidences that digital platforms are an effective baseline driver for promoting high-performing SMEs. By examining the connection between digital platform’s capability and IC and the significance of intellectual capital for SMEs’ performance, this study adds to the body of literature already available on the destructive regulatory potential of environmental dynamism. This study broadens the dynamic capabilities theory’s outcome audience and adds a new dimension to the impact of the digital platform’s capability (resource utilization) on the performance of SMEs.

An adaptive PID controller for path following of autonomous underwater vehicle based on Soft Actor–Critic

In recent years, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) have witnessed rapid development, and its motion control has garnered increasing attention. Meanwhile, in industries, PID controllers are still wildly employed by most AUVs due to their simplicity, ease of deployment, and a certain level of robustness. However, they are facing significant challenges in parameter tuning, especially when dealing with various control missions and changing external environments. Deep reinforcement learning, as a data-driven approach, has gradually made its impact in AUV control. However, its lack of interpretability has hindered its deployment in relevant experiments. To address these issues, this paper proposed an adaptive PID controller for path following of AUVs based on the Soft Actor–Critic (SAC). This controller combines the interpretability of PID with the intelligence of reinforcement learning. A simulation platform was established and compared with other typical control methods, demonstrating the superiority of the proposed controller. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed SAC-PID controller was validated by lake trials. The results showed that the SAC-PID controller significantly outperformed the PID and Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) PID controllers in multiple dimensions, such as control precision and convergence speed.

Estimation of the soybean varieties of the world collection according to the trait ‘seed weight per plant’ in the conditions of the central Non-blackearth region

The purpose of the current study was to estimate the potential of soybean varieties of various ecological and geographical groups according to the trait ‘seed weight per plant’ and to identify varieties with high adaptability to the conditions of the Ryazan region. The objects of research were 33 soybean samples from the world collection, which differed in morphological and biological characteristics. The soybean variety ‘Sibiriada’ (Russia), zoned for the Central region, was taken as the standard variety. Field trials were carried out on dark gray forest soil at the Institute of Seed production and Agrotechnologies, branch of the Federal Budgetary Scientific Institution “FRAEC VIM”, located in the Ryazan region in 2021–2023. In order to characterize the adaptability parameters, there have been used such indicators as homeostatic index (Hom), coefficient of variation (CV), stability factor (SF); range of the indicator ‘seed weight per plant’ (d), standard deviation (σ); adaptability coefficient (AC); stability level indicator (SLI) and stress resistance (Ymin–Ymax), calculated using appropriate methods. There has been established that according to the trait ‘seed weight per plant’ the varieties ‘Georgiya’, ‘Snezhana’ and ‘Chera 1’ (Russia) had the lowest value of variation with Cv,%≤20.0. It was found that the varieties ‘Georgiya’ and ‘Snezhana’ (Russia) were the most stable to external environmental changes. This was evidenced by the lowest values of the coefficient of variation (Cv = 12.9 and Cv = 14.0 %, respectively) and high homeostaticity (Hom = 31.3 and Hom =28.9). The greatest variability and low homeostaticity were found in the soybean varieties ‘Vereteyka’ (Hom = 1.69, Cv = 58.4 %) and ‘Elena’ (Hom = 2.17, Cv = 50.3 %), which characterized the low adaptability of these varieties to the conditions of the Ryazan region. As a result of the estimation of the genotypes studied in the trial according to the triat ‘seed weight per plant’, it was established that the varieties ‘Georgia’ (Russia), ‘Snezhana’ (Russia), ‘Chera 1’ (Russia), ‘Garmoniya’ (Russia) were of great breeding value for improving adaptability and stability in the forest-steppe agroclimatic zone of the Ryazan region.

Финансовые аспекты моделирования устойчивого роста в проектах развития энергетических компаний

The goal of this study is to elaborate the recommendations of managing the energy companies’ financial results for maintaining their sustainable growth. According to determined criteria various models of sustainable growth were chosen and tested. Some of them which showed the best prediction power were taken for the further study. Financial analysis of companies’ reports was done and the evidence about the existence of a pattern in forming their financial results was given. The factor analysis was carried out in order to find the impact of changes in external environment on the net income. The main factors that influence the amount of net profit and the sustainable growth ratio and the quantitative extent of their impact are determined. Final recommendations are the set of financial tools, using ones will increase the effectiveness of business of energy companies.

The Influence of Organizational Resilience on SME Firm Performance: A Conceptual Model

SMEs’ performance has been affected due to the pandemic situation, and managers should pay attention to the changing external environment and adjust their business strategies. For long-term business sustainability, organizational resilience is nevertheless an important factor that enables SME businesses to mitigate the disruption caused by the innate uncertainty presented in the environment. This paper extends the research on the development of organizational resilience in the field of business management by doing a complete literature review and proposing a link between organizational resilience and firm performance. The findings of this study indicate that there is a considerable association between organizational resilience and firm performance. The proposed conceptual framework will make significant contributions to future studies.

Higher adaptive tolerance with higher risk for sparrows living in airport environments

Adjustments in flight initiation distance (FID) indicate how birds adapt to external environmental changes, including semi-natural ecosystems such as airports with regular disturbances. This study focused on sparrows (Passer montanus) as the research subject, because it is a dominant species with a high risk of bird strike events at airports. We investigated the FID and its influencing factors both inside and outside an airport compound to determine sparrows' vigilance and their adaptive adjustments to the airport environment. The FID of sparrows showed no significant variation between inside and outside the airport compound. However, a significant reduction of FID was exhibited during the breeding season. Group size showed a significant positive impact on the FID, somewhat supporting the many-eyes hypothesis, in which larger groups with more individuals may detect predators earlier. Additionally, the stimulus type and location influenced the effect of group size on FID, with most birds showing greater tolerance to vehicles than to humans, and being slightly bolder inside the airport than outside it. Overall, sparrows showed a higher tolerance to disturbance inside the airport compound and less vigilance to vehicles than to humans. Nevertheless, these adaptations may inadvertently form an ecological trap for bird populations around airports, exposing them to the dual threats of higher levels of raptor predation and the hazards of bird strikes. Thus multifaceted bird-scaring strategies and measures should be formulated to ensure flight safety and enhance avian survival during airport management.

Mechanism of the Pulvinus-Driven Leaf Movement: An Overview.

Leaf movement is a manifestation of plant response to the changing internal and external environment, aiming to optimize plant growth and development. Leaf movement is usually driven by a specialized motor organ, the pulvinus, and this movement is associated with different changes in volume and expansion on the two sides of the pulvinus. Blue light, auxin, GA, H+-ATPase, K+, Cl-, Ca2+, actin, and aquaporin collectively influence the changes in water flux in the tissue of the extensor and flexor of the pulvinus to establish a turgor pressure difference, thereby controlling leaf movement. However, how these factors regulate the multicellular motility of the pulvinus tissues in a species remains obscure. In addition, model plants such as Medicago truncatula, Mimosa pudica, and Samanea saman have been used to study pulvinus-driven leaf movement, showing a similarity in their pulvinus movement mechanisms. In this review, we summarize past research findings from the three model plants, and using Medicago truncatula as an example, suggest that genes regulating pulvinus movement are also involved in regulating plant growth and development. We also propose a model in which the variation of ion flux and water flux are critical steps to pulvinus movement and highlight questions for future research.

The Influence of Transformative Learning, Affective Commitment, Digital Transformation, Capability Dynamic, Ambidexterity, and Education Policy Toward Educational Leadership: A Case from Indonesia

Purpose: The implications of external environment changes and the presence of a new generation of students in the school to the school leadership are often overlooked. Very few studies elaborate on the need to shape educational leadership concepts and practices to deal with the changes. The study intention is to identify the influences of transformative learning, affective commitment, digital transformation, capability dynamic, and the ambidexterity to educational leadership, and to craft the educational leadership based on Indonesia context. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study is using Covariance Based Structural Equation Modelling (CB-SEM), the data is collected through a Likert based questionnaire from 271 respondents and it is processed by SPSS and AMOS. Findings: Transformative Ethics Agile (TEA) Leadership as educational leadership is influenced by Ambidexterity, transformative learning, affective commitment, and educational policy. Digital transformation and capability dynamic have insignificant influences, however ambidexterity mediating the influence of dynamic capability to TEA Leadership. Research Implications: The research contributes to renewing educational leadership concepts by putting emphasis on transformative, ethics, and agile elements. The variables that must be put into attention for leading school during changing time, specifically ambidexterity, transformative learning, affective commitment, and educational policy. The research highlights the importance of context on educational leadership. Originality/Values: The research contributes to the identification of variables that influence the effectiveness of school leadership and by doing that able to facilitate the strategy of leadership development for school management. The values of the research are on the mapping of factors contribute to educational leadership and lead the practical aspects of managing school in the changing time.

Feasibility exploration and comparative analysis of interspecific hybridization between Crassostrea hongkongensis and Crassostrea dianbaiensis

Interspecific hybridization plays a significant role in the genetic improvement of oysters in aquaculture, with the main objective being to obtain progeny that inherit the desirable traits of both parents and establish a stable inheritance pattern. Crassostrea hongkongensis is well-known for its large size and excellent meat quality. However, it exhibits poor resistance to external environmental changes and a high mortality rate. To address these shortcomings, this study conducted a 2 × 2 interspecific hybridization between Crassostrea dianbaiensis and C. hongkongensis. D larvae from C. hongkongensis ♀ × C. dianbaiensis ♂ (HD) and C. dianbaiensis ♀ × C. hongkongensis ♂ (DH) crosses were successfully hatched. However, the hatching index of both groups was lower than that of C. hongkongensis ♀ × C. hongkongensis ♂ (HH) and C. dianbaiensis ♀ × C. dianbaiensis ♂ (DD) groups. The average shell height of DH on the 15th day was only 111.50 ± 6.31 μm, and all individuals were dead by the 18th day. Despite experiments being repeated many times, no attached DH larvae were obtained. Compared with intraspecific hybridization, HD grew slower in the larval stage and had a lower survival rate, but the shell height of HD was slightly higher than that of HH on the 450th day (P > 0.05). The cumulative survival rate of HD throughout the growth period was higher than that of HH and DD, demonstrating a clear hybrid advantage in terms of relative yield and survival rate, especially higher than that of C. hongkongensis. Moreover, the gonads of HD can develop normally and produce gametes, and the color of the inner shell and body is between that of C. hongkongensis and C. dianbaiensis. These results indicate that HD effectively improved the survival rate of C. hongkongensis, demonstrating its great application potential and promising prospects in aquaculture.

Responsive Supramolecular Polymers for Diagnosis and Treatment.

Stimuli-responsive supramolecular polymers are ordered nanosized materials that are held together by non-covalent interactions (hydrogen-bonding, metal-ligand coordination, π-stacking and, host-guest interactions) and can reversibly undergo self-assembly. Their non-covalent nature endows supramolecular polymers with the ability to respond to external stimuli (temperature, light, ultrasound, electric/magnetic field) or environmental changes (temperature, pH, redox potential, enzyme activity), making them attractive candidates for a variety of biomedical applications. To date, supramolecular research has largely evolved in the development of smart water-soluble self-assemblies with the aim of mimicking the biological function of natural supramolecular systems. Indeed, there is a wide variety of synthetic biomaterials formulated with responsiveness to control and trigger, or not to trigger, aqueous self-assembly. The design of responsive supramolecular polymers ranges from the use of hydrophobic cores (i.e., benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide) to the introduction of macrocyclic hosts (i.e., cyclodextrins). In this review, we summarize the most relevant advances achieved in the design of stimuli-responsive supramolecular systems used to control transport and release of both diagnosis agents and therapeutic drugs in order to prevent, diagnose, and treat human diseases.

Diverse habitats shape the movement ecology of a top marine predator, the white shark Carcharodon carcharias

AbstractAn animal's movement is influenced by a plethora of internal and external factors, leading to individual‐ and habitat‐specific movement characteristics. This plasticity is thought to allow individuals to exploit diverse environments efficiently. We tested whether the movement characteristics of white sharks Carcharodon carcharias differ across ontogeny and among habitats along the coast of Central California. In doing so, we elucidate how changes in internal state (physiological changes coinciding with body size) and external environments (differing seascapes and/or diel phases) shape the movement of this globally distributed predator. Twenty‐one white sharks, from small juveniles to large adults, were equipped with motion‐sensitive biologging tags at four contrasting seascapes: two islands, a headland, and an inshore cove. From multisensor biologging data, 20 metrics characterizing movement (i.e., depth use, vertical velocities, activity, turning rates, and bursting events) were derived and subjected to multivariate analyses. Movement characteristics were most different across seascapes, followed by ontogeny and diel phase. Juvenile sharks, which were only encountered at the cove, displayed the most distinct movement characteristics. Sharks at this seascape remained close to the shore traveling over smaller areas, shallower depth ranges, and with lower levels of tail beat frequencies, when corrected for size, than sub‐adult and adult sharks tagged elsewhere. Distinct tortuous daytime versus linear nighttime horizontal movements were recorded from sharks at island seascapes but not from those at the headland or inshore cove. At the offshore islands, the linear nighttime swimming patterns coincided with repeated dives to and from deeper water. The availability of prey and access to deeper water are likely drivers of the differences in movement characteristics described, with varying demographics of pinniped prey found at the subadult and adult aggregation areas and juvenile sharks being piscivorous and their habitat neither adjacent to pinniped haul out areas nor deeper water. This study demonstrates plasticity in the movements of a top predator, which adapts its routine to suit the habitat it forages within.

Physics-informed data-driven model of dehydration reaction stage in the sintering process of ternary cathode materials

The sintering process is the main process that affects the performance of ternary cathode materials. Due to the closed, continuous, and long-term characteristics of the sintering process carried out in a roller kiln, the reaction state including reaction degree, particle size, and etc., of the raw materials cannot be directly obtained through sampling detection, resulting in ineffective temperature control. This article mainly focuses on modeling the dehydration reaction stage of the sintering process to obtain the reaction state of the raw materials. Firstly, a two-sphere model is established based on Newton’s second law and the particle volume conservation equation to describe the relationship between the particle radius and sintering temperature of lithium hydroxide and ternary precursor; Secondly, the chemical kinetic parameters of the dehydration reaction in the two-sphere model are obtained by combining the single heating rate scanning method with the multiple heating rate scanning method; Then, in order to improve the accuracy of the two-sphere model and reduce the impact of external environmental temperature changes, a physics-informed neural network model is constructed by combining the two-sphere model with the neural ordinary differential equation model. Finally, the effectiveness of the modeling method is verified through numerical simulation and empirical data.

ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING THE COMPETITIVE POTENTIAL OF AN ARCHITECTURAL AND CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Introduction. Adaptive strategy is a key in the modern business environment as it allows businesses to respond effectively to changes in market conditions and ensures their competitiveness. The adaptive strategy for managing the competitive potential of the architectural and construction company was not investigated at the level of a separate study. The purpose of the study is to determine the nature and characteristics of an adaptive strategy for managing the competitive potential of an architectural and construction company. The process of forming the competitive potential of the company as a comprehensive strategy of actions aimed at achieving competitive advantages over a certain period of time is considered. The strategies of growing, stabilising, surviving and adapting are analysed. The principles, functions and stages of operation of the adaptive management system are the subject of the article. According to the authors, an adaptive strategy for managing the competitive potential of architectural and construction companies is an approach aimed at continuously adapting the company’s management strategies to the changing internal and external environment in which it operates. This approach implies flexibility and readiness for rapid response to changes in market conditions, technologies, competition, legislation and other aspects of activity. It has established that a flexible organisational structure, staff competence and continuous improvement of products and services are the components of the adaptive strategy methodological triangle. Using such a methodological triangle allows architectural and construction organisations to be flexible and adaptable to changes in the competitive environment, to adapt quickly to new conditions and to maintain their competitiveness. According to the authors, the characteristics of the adaptive strategy for managing the competitive potential of architectural and construction companies include the following aspects: intellectual capital of companies in the field; ensuring the uniqueness of products in a particular market segment; pricing; ensuring the quality of products and services; availability of financial resources; information and innovation activities; introduction of resource-saving technologies in a construction company; use of innovative approaches to the design, construction and operation of buildings. The results of the study can be used in the process of formation and implementation of adaptive strategies for managing the competitive potential of the architectural and construction company.

Adapting to discontinuous technological change from the perspective of knowledge management: a case study from the lighting industry in Lin’an, China

Purpose This study aims to answer the question of how incumbent firms cultivate dynamic capabilities through knowledge management so that they can efficiently adapt to the changing external environment. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a case study approach and collects data through interviews and secondary public information on the lighting industry and two lighting firms in Lin'an, China. It qualitatively examines the challenges and strategic recommendations for incumbent firms in the context of discontinuous technological change from a knowledge management perspective. Findings Incumbent firms often face a variety of challenges when responding to discontinuous technological change. These challenges include identifying opportunities, overcoming path dependence and dealing with employee resistance to change. To overcome these difficulties, three strategies have been proposed to enhance the dynamic capabilities of incumbent firms through knowledge management: cross-border search helps firms improve their knowledge acquisition capabilities and better understand their environment to identify opportunities; building strategic leadership overcomes path dependence and improves knowledge integration capabilities; organizational learning deepens employees’ understanding of change and enhances organizational knowledge application capabilities. Research limitations/implications Previous research attributes a firm's ability to cope with discontinuous technological change solely to its general resources, which weakens the importance of knowledge management in this context. This study emphasizes the importance of knowledge as a crucial strategic resource in developing the essential dynamic capabilities for incumbent firms to cope with discontinuous technological change. Practical implications This study provides an in-depth analysis of incumbent firms' coping strategies in the new context of discontinuous technological change and further promotes cross-disciplinary research. Originality/value This study provides an in-depth analysis of coping strategies in the new context of discontinuous technological change, furthermore theoretically advancing the interdisciplinary research of firm transformation and knowledge management. Meanwhile, it is crucial to identify the preconditions for cultivating dynamic capabilities, especially from a knowledge-based view, which enhances the depth of knowledge management research.

Role of self-efficacy, knowledge sharing, mediated adaptability and external environment change as moderators of readiness for change

It is vital for higher education to improve its ability to anticipate and implement long-lasting change. Private higher education institutions are currently facing challenges in governance that hinder their ability to upgrade their accreditation grade to "excellent ". The involvement of institutional management is a key factor in enabling these institutions to compete on a national and international level. Research methodology uses confirmatory factor analysis to test the hypotheses developed while structural equation modeling is employed as the equation model. The sample population comprised 16 private tertiary institutions in South Sumatra, Indonesia. The study focused on the heads of study programs resulting in a total of 195 respondents. The results indicated that self-efficacy and knowledge sharing did not have a direct impact on readiness for change whereas adaptability exhibited a direct influence. The study demonstrated that adaptability acts as a mediator between self-efficacy and knowledge sharing towards readiness for change. The final model test results confirmed adaptability as a mediating variable. Additionally, the study revealed that external environmental change did not moderate the relationship between adaptability and readiness for change. Changes of a high calibre that promote a sustained digital education transformation are necessary due to the real-world effects on Indonesia's higher education system. The ability to adapt and embrace new technology is very important factors for higher education performance to face readiness for change in private higher education, especially in management units.

INNOVATIVE BUSINESS MODEL FOR FOOD INDUSTRY ENTERPRISES OPERATING IN CONDITIONS OF GLOBAL DESTRUCTIVE PROCESSES IN THE ECONOMY

This research presents the development of strategic management foundations and crisis management mechanisms within the entrepreneurial structures of the food industry, including methods for overcoming crisis phenomena and ways of adapting to changing market conditions. This involves examining the impact of economic crises on entrepreneurial activity and developing effective anti-crisis management strategies that contribute to the preservation and development of economic stability under new conditions, taking into account innovative approaches in the economy. The study aims to identify key elements that should be integrated into business models to enhance their resilience to external shocks and market environment changes. Special attention is given to analyzing the role of innovation, digital transformation, and social responsibility in forming sustainable and adaptive business strategies capable of withstanding the challenges of global economic instability. An important aspect is the examination of enterprise behavior in response to potential types of threats to its economic activity, the risk of which increases during economic crisis periods. The process of implementing effective crisis management methods for food industry enterprises, facilitating early detection and neutralization of potential risks, is considered as a key factor in maintaining operational flexibility and strategic adaptability. This provides enterprises with the necessary foundation for making timely decisions, preventing losses, and seizing new market opportunities, which in turn contributes to strengthening their competitive positions in the long-term perspective. The implementation of these methods forms the basis for constructing an innovative business model for the operation of food industry enterprises in conditions of global destructive processes in the economy, taking into account the identification of key elements that should be integrated into the business model to enhance the resilience of the economic activity of the aforementioned entities under these conditions.

RE-ENGINEERING OF BUSINESS PROCESSES OF MACHINE-BUILDING ENTERPRISES: INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES

The main purpose of the article is a theoretical and methodological substantiation of the choice of the optimal form of re-engineering for machine-building enterprises in modern conditions of a changing external environment. The object of the study is the business processes, commercial activities and financial potential of machine-building enterprises. The scientific task is to present a modern methodological approach to choosing the form of re-engineering that is better for a mechanical engineering company in the context of its current state. For this purpose, methods of financial analysis, matrix analysis and ranking were used. In addition, such auxiliary methods as graphical and abstract-logical were used. As a result of the research and calculations, a ranking of key indicators of the financial potential of machine-building enterprises was determined and carried out. An approach to determining the level of efficiency of business processes is presented. The author's vision of the matrix for choosing the optimal form of re-engineering is proposed. The practical value of the results obtained is revealed in the possibility of applying the proposed approach in the activities of machine-building enterprises in Ukraine. The study is limited by taking into account the specifics of the activities of machine-building enterprises exclusively when selecting indicators and ranking them. Prospects for further research are considered through the prism of applying the developed methodological approach to other industrial enterprises in Ukraine.

Security aspects of digital transformation and intellectualization of business

Security aspects of digital transformation and intellectualization of business

Biological characteristics of mechanosensitive channels MscS and MscL in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae.

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is an important respiratory pathogen that can cause porcine contagious pleuropneumonia (PCP), resulting in significant economic losses in swine industry. Microorganisms are subjected to drastic changes in environmental osmolarity. In order to alleviate the drastic rise or fall of osmolarity, cells activate mechanosensitive channels MscL and MscS through tension changes. MscL not only regulates osmotic pressure but also has been reported to secrete protein and uptake aminoglycoside antibiotic. However, MscL and MscS, as the most common mechanosensitive channels, have not been characterized in A. pleuropneumoniae. In this study, the osmotic shock assay showed that MscL increased sodium adaptation by regulating cell length. The results of MIC showed that deletion of mscL decreased the sensitivity of A. pleuropneumoniae to multiple antibiotics, while deletion of mscS rendered A. pleuropneumoniae hypersensitive to penicillin. Biofilm assay demonstrated that MscL contributed the biofilm formation but MscS did not. The results of animal assay showed that MscL and MscS did not affect virulence in vivo. In conclusion, MscL is essential for sodium hyperosmotic tolerance, biofilm formation, and resistance to chloramphenicol, erythromycin, penicillin, and oxacillin. On the other hand, MscS is only involved in oxacillin resistance.IMPORTANCEBacterial resistance to the external environment is a critical function that ensures the normal growth of bacteria. MscL and MscS play crucial roles in responding to changes in both external and internal environments. However, the function of MscL and MscS in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae has not yet been reported. Our study shows that MscL plays a significant role in osmotic adaptation, antibiotic resistance, and biofilm formation of A. pleuropneumoniae, while MscS only plays a role in antibiotic resistance. Our findings provide new insights into the functional characteristics of MscL and MscS in A. pleuropneumoniae. MscL and MscS play a role in antibiotic resistance and contribute to the development of antibiotics for A. pleuropneumoniae.

A synthetic microbial Daisyworld: planetary regulation in the test tube.

The idea that the Earth system self-regulates in a habitable state was proposed in the 1970s by James Lovelock, who conjectured that life plays a self-regulatory role on a planetary-level scale. A formal approach to such hypothesis was presented afterwards under a toy model known as the Daisyworld. The model showed how such life-geosphere homeostasis was an emergent property of the system, where two species with different properties adjusted their populations to the changing external environment. So far, this ideal world exists only as a mathematical or computational construct, but it would be desirable to have a real, biological implementation of Lovelock's picture beyond our one biosphere. Inspired by the exploration of synthetic ecosystems using genetic engineering and recent cell factory designs, here we propose a possible implementation for a microbial Daisyworld. This includes: (i) an explicit proposal for an engineered design of a two-strain consortia, using pH as the external, abiotic control parameter and (ii) several theoretical and computational case studies including two, three and multiple species assemblies. The special alternative implementations and their implications in other synthetic biology scenarios, including ecosystem engineering, are outlined.