bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physiological networks governing salinity tolerance potentials inGossypium hirsutumgermplasm
Authors: Cushman Kevin R. , Pabuayon Isaiah C. M. , Hinze Lori L. , Sweeney Megan E. , de los Reyes Benildo G. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTToxic ions begin to accumulate in tissues of salt-stressed plants after the initial osmotic shock. In glycophytes, the ability to mobilize or sequester excess ions define tolerance mechanisms. Mobilization and sequestration of excess Na+involves three transport mechanisms facilitated by the plasma membrane H+/Na+antiporter (SOS1), vacuolar H+/Na+antiporter (NHX1), and Na+/K+transporter in vascular tissues (HKT1). While the cultivatedGossypium hirsutum(upland cotton) is significantly more tolerant to salinity relative to other crops, the critical factors contributing to the observed variation for tolerance potential across the germplasm has not been fully scrutinized. In this study, the spatio-temporal patterns of Na+accumulation at different severities of salt stress were investigated across a minimal comparative panel representing the spectrum of genetic diversity across the improved cotton germplasm. The goal was to define the importance of integrative or network effects relative to the direct effects of Na+homeostasis mechanisms mediated byGhHKT1, GhSOS1,andGhNHX1.Multi-dimensional physio-morphometric attributes were investigated in univariate and multivariate statistical contexts, as well as the relationship between variables using structural equation modeling. Results showed that mobilized or sequestered Na+may contribute to the baseline salinity tolerance, but the observed variance in overall tolerance potential across a meaningful subset of the germplasm were more significantly associated to antioxidant capacity, maintenance of stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, and divalent cations, and other physiological interactions occurring through complex networks.One-Sentence SummaryVariation in salinity tolerance potential across the tetraploid cultivatedGossypiumgermplasm is better explained by complex physiological networks rather than just cellular Na+homeostasis.
Effects of Endophytic Fungus MF23 onDendrobium nobileLindl. in an artificial primary environment
Authors: Xu Xiaolin , Li Qing , Ding Gang , Li Biao , Guo Shunxing 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe quality ofDendrobium nobileLindl. is related to the endophytic fungus. It had reported that the mycorrhizal fungus MF23 helps to increase the content of dendrobine, but few studies had explained the mechanism of the phenomenon. In previous study, we verified the symbiotic mechanism of the mycorrhizal fungus MF23 withD. nobileon the agar medium. In this study, the research carried on the bark medium, nearly like the natural environment, which had special meaning because of its benefits for the widely application. As a result, it showed a significant effect especially in the later period of the cultivation, suggesting that mycorrhizal fungus MF23 had a promotion forD. nobilein the natural environment, which enabled the application of the technique in the experimental field. It also implied that post-modification enzyme genes might play an important role in stimulating biosynthesis of dendrobine.
The secretory fate of flavivirus NS1 in mosquito cells is influenced by the caveolin binding domain
Authors: Ramirez Romel Rosales , Ludert Juan E. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTFlaviviruses of major medical importance worldwide such as dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), and yellow fever (YFV) viruses are transmitted by mosquitoesAedes sp. The non-structural protein 1 (NS1) of these flaviviruses is secreted from the infected cells using different secretion routes depending on the cell and virus nature. The NS1 of DENV and ZIKV contain in the hydrophobic region a conserved caveolin binding domain (CBD) (ΦXXΦXXXXΦ), which is not conserved in YFV NS1. To ascertain the role of the CBD in the secretory route followed by flavivirus NS1, expression vectors for the NS1 of DENV2, ZIKV and YFV were constructed. Using site-directed mutagenesis, substitutions were made in the aromatic residues within CBD; in addition, the full domain was replaced by those of other flaviviruses, creating chimeras in the CBD of NS1. Substitutions of the aromatic residues to Ala or Thr, or CBD chimeras, results in increased sensitivity of NS1 secretion to brefeldin A treatment, indicating a change to a classical secretion pathway. Likewise, the insertion of the DENV/ZIKV CBD into the recombinantGaussia-Luciferase results in a loss of sensitivity to BFA treatment, in luciferase secretion. These results suggest that the CBD sequence is a molecular determinant for the unconventional secretory route followed by DENV and ZIKV NS1 in mosquito cells. However, the cellular components that recognize the CBD in the NS1 of DENV and ZIKV and redirect them to an unconventional route and if this secretion route confers unique functions to NS1 within the vector mosquito are aspects currently unknown.ImportanceFlaviviruses are an important cause of mosquito borne diseases to humans. We have previously demonstrated that the non-structural protein 1 from dengue and zika virus are secreted efficiently from mosquito cells using an unconventional route, that depends on caveolin and molecular chaperones. In this work, we show evidence indicating that a caveolin binding domain, well conserved and exposed in dengue and Zika virus NS1, but absent in other flaviviruses such as yellow fever virus or West Nile virus, is important in determining the unconventional secretion pathway followed by dengue and zika virus NS1 in mosquito cells. The unique secretory pathway followed by NS1 in mosquito cells may result in distinctive viral-cellular protein associations required to facilitate viral infection in the mosquito vector. To identify viral and cellular elements that could disturb the traffic of dengue and Zika virus NS1 may be important to design of strategies for vector control.
Accounting for Napoleonic imperialism in Tuscany and the Kingdom of Naples
Authors: Di Cimbrini Tiziana , Funnell Warwick , Bigoni Michele , Migliori Stefania , Consorti Augusta 
Published: December 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of accounting in the enactment of the Napoleonic imperial project in Tuscany and the Kingdom of Naples in the early nineteenth century.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts the Foucauldian theoretical framework of governmentality and a comparative approach to highlight similarities and differences between the two regions.FindingsThe presence of different cultural understandings and structures of power meant that in Tuscany accounting mirrored and reinforced the existing power structure, whereas in the Kingdom of Naples accounting practices were constitutive of power relations and acted as a compensatory mechanism. In the Kingdom of Naples, where local elites had been traditionally involved in ruling municipalities, control of accounting information and the use of resources “re-adjusted” the balance of power in favour of the French whilst letting local population believe that Napoleon was respectful of local customs.Research limitations/implicationsThe ability of accounting technologies to act as compensatory mechanisms within governmentality systems paves the way to further investigations about the relationships between accounting and other governmentality technologies as well as the adjustment mechanisms leading to accounting resilience in different contexts.Social implicationsBy identifying accounting as an adaptive instrument supporting less obvious practices of domination the study helps unmask a hidden mechanism underlying attempts to know, govern and control populations which still characterises modern forms of imperialism.Originality/valueThe comparative perspective leads to a new specification of the multifaceted roles that accounting plays in different cultural and political contexts in the achievement of the same set of imperial goals and enhances understanding of the translation of politics, rhetoric and power into a set of administrative tasks and calculative practices.
The microfoundations of innovation processes in Latin American firms
Authors: Barrera Jose Ignacio , Torres Juan Pablo , Valdés Gonzalo 
Published: December 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the microfoundations of innovation-enabling dynamic capabilities in Latin American firms and, in particular, their processes to: sense and shape opportunities; seize opportunities; and maintain competitiveness through reconfiguring assets.Design/methodology/approachThe authors carried out a confirmatory factor analysis of survey data obtained from a sample of 721 firms located in Latin America, and employed a hierarchical analysis of linear regressions with robust standard errors to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe authors found that when firms manage their innovation processes based on sensing opportunities and reconfiguring their tangible and intangible assets, they are more likely to improve on four innovation-related outcomes: development of new products and services; profitability; market share; and diversification.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are limited to the specific context of Latin American countries. In particular, the authors took a random sample of firms from a business directory built by prestigious Latin American business schools, but that may not be representative. Therefore, the generalizability of the results is limited beyond the type of companies that are represented in that sampling frame.Originality/valueContributions are twofold. First, the authors test the applicability of an orchestration model of dynamic capabilities to the Latin American context. And, second, the authors relate specific microfoundations of dynamic capabilities to the ability of firms to innovate successfully.
Environmental sustainability of off-site manufacturing: a literature review
Authors: Hu Xin , Chong Heap-Yih 
Published: December 2019

PurposeOff-site manufacturing (OSM) is a modern method of construction that brings various environmental sustainability benefits for stakeholders. The increasing take-up of OSM in practice has attracted much research interest in its environmental sustainability. However, a holistic understanding of these previous research studies is still lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to critically review the existing body of knowledge regarding the environmental sustainability of OSM.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative content analysis was adopted to systematically and objectively review 55 related historical studies.FindingsThree research themes were identified, including environmental sustainability assessment and performance, environmental sustainability strategies and critical environmental sustainability factors. A detailed discussion of the three themes was conducted to depict a whole picture of the current explorations in the research field. Additionally, a research framework was developed to articulate the interrelationship between the research themes and their specific research topics. Scientific research gaps were identified together with the future research directions in terms of sustainability strategies, performance impacting factors, sustainability indicators and drawbacks resulted from OSM application.Originality/valueThe literature review promotes construction stakeholders’ in-depth understanding about the environmental sustainability of OSM, which offers valuable implications for green industry practice. Additionally, it highlights the future research trends, which facilitates further explorations in the research area.
Employability of fresh engineering graduates in India
Authors: Sinha Saitab , Ghosh Piyali , Mishra Ashutosh 
Published: December 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine whether satisfaction of employers with skill competencies of fresh engineering graduates (EGs) in India is impacted by their expectations and perceptions. Applying Expectation Confirmation Theory (ECT), the authors have also proposed and tested whether such effects on employers’ satisfaction are mediated by (dis)confirmation.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through a survey of employers’ representatives using a structured questionnaire. The proposed mediation model has been tested on a sample of 284 with Confirmatory Factor Analysis by applying structural equation modelling in AMOS.

Findings
The structural model has been constructed with six latent constructs in accordance with extant literature. Excluding some observed variables, the structural model was found to have a good model fit. The measurement model is in accordance with ECT. Three of the four independent variables (two related to employers’ expectations and one to employers’ perception) exert significant influence on employers’ satisfaction, with (dis)confirmation as a mediator.

Practical implications
Industry–academia partnerships need to be an integral feature of any curriculum to bridge the gap between course curricula on one hand and employers’ expectations and perceptions on the other.

Originality/value
Past research on employability of EGs has mostly explored a direct association between employers’ perception and satisfaction. The authors study contributes to literature by examining the role of employers’ expectations in addition to their perception as precursors of their satisfaction, using the framework of ECT. Outcomes reported are of relevance to multiple stakeholders in technical education.
External debt stock, foreign direct investment and financial development
Authors: Agyapong Daniel , Bedjabeng Kojo Asare 
Published: December 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role external debt and foreign direct investment play in influencing financial development in Africa.Design/methodology/approachAnnual data on external debt, foreign direct investment and financial development were extracted from the World Bank World Development Indicators from 2002 to 2015. The data employed were analysed within causal research design and the dynamic panel using generalized method of moment estimation approach.FindingsThe findings revealed that external debt and foreign direct investment have a significant positive relationship with financial development in African economies. Governments of the sampled economies should enact policies that would help attract high level of foreign direct investment as it contributes positively to financial development. Finally, governments of the sampled African economies should ensure foreign direct investment and external funds borrowed are channelled to productive sectors.Originality/valueThe paper analysed the relationship between external debt, FDI inflows and financial sector development. The paper is the first in terms of such analysis within the framework of the dual-gap framework, which is the first time in these kinds of studies. Previous studies have concentrated on the effect of financial sector on FDI and not the other way around.
Promoting collaboration in a competitive context: school improvement networks in Chile
Authors: Pino-Yancovic Mauricio , Gonzalez Parrao Constanza , Ahumada Luis , Gonzalez Alvaro 
Published: December 2019

PurposeChile has developed the school improvement networks (SINs) strategy to support the work of school leaders. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the functioning and effect of the SINs strategy as perceived by principals and curriculum coordinators across the country.Design/methodology/approachAn adapted version of the Educational Collaborative Network Questionnaire was applied to a sample of 1,723 participants from 1,375 schools distributed in 398 networks. Descriptive, factor and sub-group statistical analyses by school performance categories and by different roles within these schools and networks are presented.FindingsResults indicate that school leaders perceive SINs as an opportunity to work effectively in shared projects that can later be implemented in their own schools. Participants indicate that they can share knowledge in their networks and use it to solve problems in their own schools, which is especially relevant for secondary school leaders who work in difficult circumstances. Results suggest that it is important to facilitate greater autonomy for school leaders in their networks, especially regarding decision making about network goals and activities that are more significant to their contexts.Originality/valueThis is a national study of a recent school improvement strategy, which provides evidence, from the perspective of school leaders, of its strengths and improvement areas. This study shows that despite being in a competitive context, principals and curriculum coordinators value the opportunities to learn from and with others. These results can be of value for other contexts attempting to promote school networks as a means for school and system improvement.
Medical tourism trends in the United Kingdom 2000-2016
Authors: Pagán Ricardo , Horsfall Daniel 
Published: December 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the inbound and outbound medical tourism in the UK to determine if the UK can be considered as a net exporter of health services as well as the impact of the 2007 global economic crisis, diaspora populations and the number of UK expats on medical tourism figures.

Design/methodology/approach
Using microdata drawn from the International Passenger Survey (2000-2016), the authors estimate the flows, number of nights and expenditure of tourists looking for medical treatment who complete international visits of less than 12 months’ duration to and from the UK. The authors also analyse the main destinations of UK residents, the country of origin of overseas residents and the particular case of British expats.

Findings
The results show the upward trend of inbound and outbound patients, the strong seasonality in outbound patients, and the significant increase in the levels of expenditure of overseas residents since 2005. Poland, France, Hungary and India are the chosen countries by UK residents to be treated, whereas Irish Republic, Spain, France, Gibraltar and the United Arab Emirates are the main countries providing inbound health patients. However, the processes of migration explain full or partly the inbound and outbound flows found for some countries.

Originality/value
This study offers a critical insight into inbound and outbound medical flows, demonstrating both the scope for and limitations to market development in this area.
Research on optimization of index system design and its inspection method
Authors: Kedong Yin , Zhou Shiwei , Xu Tongtong 
Published: December 2019

Purpose
To construct a scientific and reasonable indicator system, it is necessary to design a set of standardized indicator primary selection and optimization inspection process. The purpose of this paper is to provide theoretical guidance and reference standards for the indicator system design process, laying a solid foundation for the application of the indicator system, by systematically exploring the expert evaluation method to optimize the index system to enhance its credibility and reliability, to improve its resolution and accuracy and reduce its objectivity and randomness.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on system theory and statistics, and it designs the main line of “relevant theoretical analysis – identification of indicators – expert assignment and quality inspection” to achieve the design and optimization of the indicator system. First, the theoretical basis analysis, relevant factor analysis and physical process description are used to clarify the comprehensive evaluation problem and the correlation mechanism. Second, the system structure analysis, hierarchical decomposition and indicator set identification are used to complete the initial establishment of the indicator system. Third, based on expert assignment method, such as Delphi assignments, statistical analysis, t-test and non-parametric test are used to complete the expert assignment quality diagnosis of a single index, the reliability and validity test is used to perform single-index assignment correction and consistency test is used for KENDALL coordination coefficient and F-test multi-indicator expert assignment quality diagnosis.

Findings
Compared with the traditional index system construction method, the optimization process used in the study standardizes the process of index establishment, reduces subjectivity and randomness, and enhances objectivity and scientificity.

Originality/value
The innovation point and value of the paper are embodied in three aspects. First, the system design process of the combined indicator system, the multi-dimensional index screening and system optimization are carried out to ensure that the index system is scientific, reasonable and comprehensive. Second, the experts’ background is comprehensively evaluated. The objectivity and reliability of experts’ assignment are analyzed and improved on the basis of traditional methods. Third, aim at the quality of expert assignment, conduct t-test, non-parametric test of single index, and multi-optimal test of coordination and importance of multiple indicators, enhance experts the practicality of assignment and ensures the quality of expert assignment.
Understanding high-quality development of marine economy in China: a literature review
Authors: Zhao Aiwu , Guan Hongjun , Sun Zhenzhen 
Published: December 2019

Purpose
High-quality development of marine economy is a new concept put forward in response to the current national strategy in China. The purpose of this paper is to thoroughly understand the connotation and significance of high-quality development of marine economy through literature review, and further analyze the prospects for further research.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors first use the information visualization technology of CiteSpace to present a systematic review of the published literature from 2010 to 2019. Then, the authors analyze the researches on high-quality development of marine economy in terms of connotation, evaluation dimension, development path and guarantee mechanism.

Findings
Analysis results show that there is still insufficient understanding of the differences and links between the high-quality development of marine economy and the construction of marine power, intelligent ocean and transparent ocean.

Originality/value
Based on a thorough understanding of the subject, this paper puts forward the direction of further research on evaluation index system, path design scheme and policy system construction for high-quality development of marine economy.