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Sex determination (SD) shows huge variation among fish and a high evolutionary rate, as illustrated by the Pleuronectiformes (flatfishes). This order is characterized by its adaptation to demersal life, compact genomes and diversity of SD mechanisms. Here, we assembled the Solea senegalensis genome, a flatfish of great commercial value, into 82 contigs (614 Mb) combining long- and short-read sequencing, which were next scaffolded using a highly dense genetic map (28,838 markers, 21 linkage groups), representing 98.9% of the assembly. Further, we established the correspondence between the assembly and the 21 chromosomes by using BAC-FISH. Whole genome resequencing of six males and six females enabled the identification of 41 single nucleotide polymorphism variants in the follicle stimulating hormone receptor (fshr) consistent with an XX/XY SD system. The observed sex association was validated in a broader independent sample, providing a novel molecular sexing tool. The fshr gene displayed differential expression between male and female gonads from 86 days post-fertilization, when the gonad is still an undifferentiated primordium, concomitant with the activation of amh and cyp19a1a, testis and ovary marker genes, respectively, in males and females. The Y-linked fshr allele, which included 24 nonsynonymous variants and showed a highly divergent 3D protein structure, was overexpressed in males compared to the X-linked allele at all stages of gonadal differentiation. We hypothesize a mechanism hampering the action of the follicle stimulating hormone driving the undifferentiated gonad toward testis

This article reviews acquisition strategy. Specifically it deals with classical acquisition strategies from the perspective of different academic disciplines and also highlights strategies existing in the real world, that have received little research attention to date. Acquisition strategies are also related to overall performance and risk in order to show that prevailing limited perceptions of acquisition strategies in the literature may also be partly responsible for the way in which performance outcomes are viewed. A number of international M&A examples are used to illustrate the main points.

This article reviews merger waves and comments on the drivers for deals taking place. It also comments on successes and failures in M&A and links this to the way in which these phenomena have been studied overtime; from a planning and positioning to process and practice perspectives.

This article observes that value is created or destroyed in the post-acquisition integration phase. It highlights four distinct post acquisition integration strategies which can enable acquirers to benefit from an acquisition. It also identifies the critical role of speed, leadership and communication during this process.

Turnaround strategy is about doing different things and attempting to change companies' fortunes by fundamental adjustments in strategy, such as acquisition and divestment. Operating turnarounds are about doing things differently in terms of processes such as manufacturing, so that the firm's efficiency can be improved. Three categories of turnarounds are proposed: traditional asset cost surgery, product-market pruning, and piecemeal strategies. The characteristics identified in successful turnaround strategies involve good management, which is seen to be critical to a sustained recovery. An appropriate organizational structure often means a much leaner one, with fewer layers in the hierarchy. Tightly controlled costs mean better controls, rather than cutting costs. Turnaround strategies typically go through three stages. In the first stage leadership and organizational culture face a restructuring. In the second stage costs are reduced, assets redeployed, and product and market strategies become more selective. As a result, the company moves to a third stage where it repositions itself in the market and industry.

So how are you to present your strategy? A big wordy document? A lengthy address? Slides full of bullet points? The best way to engage and involve people is through pictures. Strategy Builder shows you how to creatively combine the best of strategy frameworks to orient and animate strategy discussion and development in your team. This visual, interactive guide, with illustrations by Visory, uses real world examples and practical tips to help you; discover the five foundations every strategy should be built upon; draw compelling and unique pictures that capture your organisation's distinct strategies; develop your skills as a leader of strategy discussions; understand how to use strategy frameworks and interactive drawing to engage others and achieve 'buy-in'.

'A unique and innovative approach to developing knowledge and capabilities in strategic management that allows students to learn by doing' Michael A. Hitt, Texas A&M University