bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hexokinase and glucokinases are essential for fitness and virulence in the pathogenic yeastCandida albicans
Authors: Laurian Romain , Dementhon Karine , Doumèche Bastien , Soulard Alexandre , Noel Thierry , Lemaire Marc , Cotton Pascale 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMetabolic flexibility promotes infection and commensal colonization by the opportunistic pathogenCandida albicans.Yeast cell survival depends upon assimilation of fermentable and non-fermentable locally available carbon sources. Physiologically relevant sugars like glucose and fructose are present at low level in host niches. However, because glucose is the preferred substrate for energy and biosynthesis of structural components, its efficient metabolization is fundamental for the metabolic adaptation of the pathogen. We explored and characterized theC. albicanshexose kinase system composed of one hexokinase (CaHxk2) and two glucokinases (CaGlk1 and CaGlk4). Using a set of mutant strains, we found that hexose phosphorylation is mostly assured by CaHxk2, which sustains growth on hexoses. Our data on hexokinase and glucokinase expression point out an absence of cross regulation mechanisms at the transcription level and different regulatory pathways. In the presence of glucose, CaHxk2 migrates in the nucleus and contributes to the glucose repression signaling pathway. In addition, CaHxk2 participates to oxidative, osmotic and cell wall stress responses, while glucokinases are overexpressed under hypoxia. Hexose phosphorylation is a key step necessary for filamentation, that is affected in the hexokinase mutant. Virulence of this mutant is clearly impacted in theGalleria mellonellaand macrophage models. Filamentation, glucose phosphorylation and stress response defects of the hexokinase mutant prevent host killing byC. albicans.By contributing to metabolic flexibility, stress answer response and morphogenesis, hexose kinase enzymes play an essential role in the virulence ofC. albicans.Author summaryThe pathogenic yeastC. albicansis both a powerful commensal and pathogen of humans that can infect wide range of organs and body sites. To grow in its host and establish an infection, the pathogen must assimilate carbon from these heterogenous environments.C. albicansregulates central carbon metabolism in a niche-specific manner, activating alternatively gluconeogenesis, glyoxylate cycle and the glycolytic metabolism. For yeast and other microorganisms, glucose is the preferred carbon and energy source and its accurate detection and metabolism is essential. However, the glycolytic hexose kinase system has not been investigated yet inC. albicans.In this report, we showed that hexokinase and glucokinases contribute to the fitness and virulence ofC. albicans.We revealed the main metabolic role of the hexokinase CaHxk2 which impacts on growth, glucose signalling, morphological transition and virulence. However, glucokinases contribute to the anoxic response and their implication in regulation processes is suggested.
A coaxial alignment method for large aircraft component assembly using distributed monocular vision
Authors: Li Shuanggao , Deng Zhengping , Zeng Qi , Huang Xiang 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The assembly of large component in out-field is an important part for the usage and maintenance of aircrafts, which is mostly manually accomplished at present, as the commonly used large-volume measurement systems are usually inapplicable. This paper aims to propose a novel coaxial alignment method for large aircraft component assembly using distributed monocular vision.

Design/methodology/approach
For each of the mating holes on the components, a monocular vision module is applied to measure the poses of holes, which together shape a distributed monocular vision system. A new unconstrained hole pose optimization model is developed considering the complicated wearing on hole edges, and it is solved by a iterative reweighted particle swarm optimization (IR-PSO) method. Based on the obtained poses of holes, a Plücker line coordinates-based method is proposed for the relative posture evaluation between the components, and the analytical solution of posture parameters is derived. The required movements for coaxial alignment are finally calculated using the kinematics model of parallel mechanism.

Findings
The IR-PSO method derived more accurate hole pose arguments than the state-of-the-art method under complicated wearing situation of holes, and is much more efficient due to the elimination of constraints. The accuracy of the Plücker line coordinates-based relative posture evaluation (PRPE) method is competitive with the singular value decomposition (SVD) method, but it does not rely on the corresponding of point set; thus, it is more appropriate for coaxial alignment.

Practical implications
An automatic coaxial alignment system (ACAS) has been developed for the assembly of a large pilotless aircraft, and a coaxial error of 0.04 mm is realized.

Originality/value
The IR-PSO method can be applied for pose optimization of other cylindrical object, and the analytical solution of Plücker line coordinates-based axes registration is derived for the first time.
Chinese perception and willingness to buy Taiwanese brands
Authors: Souiden Nizar , Ladhari Riadh , Chang Liu 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine ethnocentrism and animosity in a special context of two societies that share cultural, historical, ethnic and geographical characteristics. In particular, it first investigates the relationships between Chinese ethnocentrism and animosity toward Taiwan, and then it examines the impact of these two factors on the Chinese perception of Taiwanese brand quality and their purchase intent.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on a sample of 605 respondents from China, data were analyzed by structural equation modeling.

Findings
The results show that although Chinese animosity toward Taiwan is moderate, it is significantly driven by ethnocentrism, which has a significant and negative effect on willingness to buy, but not on the perception of Taiwanese brand quality. The Chinese animosity toward Taiwan, however, has negative and significant effects on their perception of Taiwanese brand quality and their intention of purchasing Taiwanese brands.

Research limitations/implications
The immense size of the country has impeded the representativeness of the authors’ sample and the generalizability of the results. Also, the study covers only one type of product.

Practical implications
Forming partnerships with local Chinese businesses and developing strong ties with local communities could be considered as a solution to minimize or circumvent the effect of animosity and might help foreign companies appear more “local.”

Originality/value
In contrast to past studies that investigated ethnocentrism and animosity in the context of countries presenting several differences (e.g. China vs USA), this study investigates the effect of ethnocentrism and animosity in the context of two countries (China and Taiwan) that share cultural, historical, ethnic and geographic characteristics. Despite the strong ties between the two countries, the Chinese have a certain animosity, though moderate, toward Taiwan and consequently are less inclined to buy Taiwanese brands. This implies that Chinese animosity toward a country may be toned down or pronounced, depending on whether they have strong or weak ties with that country.
Organic shoppers’ involvement in organic foods: self and identity
Authors: Kim Yun-Hee 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand how identities drive customer values, attitudes toward organic foods and satisfaction, all of which influence world or mouth (WOM).

Design/methodology/approach
Questionnaire surveys were administered to the purchasers of organic foods. In total, 512 completed responses were obtained for data analysis.

Findings
Strongly defined social identity and role identity are significant antecedents of consumers’ health consciousness and socially responsible consumer behavior (SRCB). This finding explains why organic shoppers value their health and the environment (i.e. self- and others-oriented values). Additionally, health consciousness and SRCB significantly influence attitudes toward organic foods. The study reveals that attitudes toward organic foods positively influence organic shoppers’ satisfaction, and their satisfaction increases positive WOM. Finally, the moderating effects of involvement and mass media are examined. When organic shoppers are strongly involved with organic foods, their health consciousness has a more positive effect on their attitudes toward organic foods. However, organic shoppers’ involvement did not moderate the effect of SRCB on attitudes toward organic foods. Likewise, the mass media did not moderate the effect of health consciousness and SRCB on attitudes toward organic foods.

Originality/value
This study incorporates critical factors such as the antecedents of the customer values to develop a comprehensive model for understanding of organic shoppers’ consumption of organic foods.
An analysis of the farmers contractual preferences in process innovation implementation
Authors: Martino Gaetano , Polinori Paolo 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to consider how farmers cope with the uncertainty-related broiler process innovation in long-term contractual relationships.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper conceptualizes the process innovation implementation in terms of governance structure adaptation. The focus of the study is on the property and decision rights combination in process innovation implementation. It is argued that this approach highlights a key aspect of the nexus between governance mode and innovation within inter-firms relationships.

Findings
The results first show that the allocation of the decision rights between the farmer and the processor explains the process innovation implementation and, second, that the farmer contractual preferences are caused by the expected costs of the adaptation. Third, estimates of transaction and production costs variations are proposed.

Research limitations/implications
This study considers only the uncertainty stemming from the process innovation, whereas further uncertainty sources may influence the contract negotiation. Second, the lack of sample representativeness requires further information to be gathered. Finally, the investigation could be developed by modeling the farmer-processor negotiation.

Practical implications
The results indicate that effective governance structures in poultry production should give room to the adaptation in order to facilitate process innovation.

Originality/value
To conceptualize the process innovation implementation as an adaptation of the governance structure strengthens the knowledge of innovation in the sector context and contributes to the extent of the applied field of transaction cost economics.
Farmer behavior and perception regarding food waste and unsold food
Authors: Bonadonna Alessandro , Matozzo Andrea , Giachino Chiara , Peira Giovanni 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze farmer behavior, considering their attitude toward food waste with particular focus on their involvement in the last phase of the process, the retail phase. It assesses the different approaches applied to food waste management and its future.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 35 farmers in thePorta Palazzomarket, the biggest food market in the Turin Area (north-west Italy), was identified and a survey was carried out to determine the behavior and perception of farmers regarding food waste and the management of unsold food.FindingsResults show that there is a high level of interest on the ethical and charitable aspects of food waste and unsold food. However, awareness and knowledge of the initiatives organized by institutions are not sufficient.Practical implicationsIf policy makers and institutions have an understanding of farmer behavior, they can implementad hocinitiatives to reduce food waste and build on the work already done by farmers. Additionally, farmers can help customers to better understand the products.Originality/valueThis study analyzes the perception of the food waste phenomenon for one type of traditional operator in the food supply chain, the farmer. The originality of the paper lies in the fact that it has not only considered the perception of food waste but also the management of unsold food in a market area.
Age and size dependencies of firm failure processes: an analysis of bankrupted Estonian firms
Authors: Lukason Oliver 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThis study aims to find out whether firm failure processes are age- and size-dependent.Design/methodology/approachThe sample consists of 333 bankrupted Estonian firms. Failure processes are detected with consecutive factor and cluster analyses of six financial variables calculated for three pre-failure years. Multinomial logistic regression is applied to study the interconnections between failure processes (dependent variable) and firm size and age (independent variables). In addition, the contingency between detected failure processes and failure causes obtained from court judgements are studied.FindingsThree failure processes are detected, of which the predominant one accounting for 55 per cent of cases is a gradual failure process, indicating a step-by-step decline in the values of financial variables. The two minority processes are mixed, meaning that some financial variables are poor for many years before the bankruptcy and others decrease only shortly before bankruptcy declaration. With an increase in firm size, the gradual failure process becomes more common, but in turn, the presence of the gradual failure process is not age-dependent. Failure causes detected by trustees are not associated with failure processes.Originality/valueThis paper is the first one to specifically outline the age and size dependencies of firm failure processes. In addition, the interconnection of failure causes and firm failure processes detected with financial variables are rarely studied topics.
What makes up intentions to purchase the pioneer? A theory of reasoned action approach in India and the USA
Authors: Mady Tarek 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to extend the research paradigm focusing on behaviorally-based first-mover advantages (FMA) by applying the widely-accepted Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and offers insights into differences between a mature market (USA) and an emerging market (EM) (India) regarding how intentions to purchase the pioneer are formed.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing samples of 208 USA and 194 Indian consumers, hypotheses examining the underlying beliefs, attitudes, social norms and purchasing intentions regarding pioneer brands are developed and tested using structural equation modeling.FindingsInsights from the study suggest the TRA provides a means for assessing behaviorally-based FMAs across cultures, even as manifestations of purchase intentions differ significantly. According to the TRA and findings of this study, intentions are a function of overall attitudes and social norms. In the USA, individual attitudes were found to play a more significant role than social norms in formulating purchase intention. In India, social norms played a more dominant role in intention formation.Originality/valueThe study represents one of the first empirical attempts to shed light on the extent of behaviorally-based FMAs in an EM and how manifestations of intention to purchase the pioneer differ from mature markets. The study expands the behavioral paradigm of analysis to include one of the most sought-after EMs today (India) and provides one of the first empirical studies to utilize the TRA in addressing behaviorally-based FMAs.
Determinants of foreign direct and indirect investments from the institutional perspective
Authors: Wang Liu , Li Shaomin 
Published: October 2018

PurposeAmid the rising concerns about the unbalanced globalization, there has been a renewed interest in examining the pattern of international trade and investment, especially between emerging and mature economies. In this study, the purpose of this paper is to examine the role of different institutional and market-related determinants in shaping the pattern and mode of foreign investments in emerging and developed markets.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical investigation is based on a balanced panel sample of 45 countries (28 developed countries and 17 emerging economies) over an 11-year period from 2002 to 2012. A series of multivariable regressions are conducted to evaluate both the trend and the mode of foreign investment with rigorous robustness checks.FindingsOverall, the authors find that market openness and capital market development are the main determinants of a country’s ability to attract foreign investment in developed countries, while the governance environment is the key consideration in emerging markets. Regarding the mode of foreign investment, the authors find that, in developed markets, foreign investors tend to choose direct investment in the countries with more open markets. In emerging markets, however, the choice between direct and indirect (portfolio) investments is mainly driven by arbitrage activities, where investors opt for portfolio investment when the stock market is undervalued.Practical implicationsFirst, the findings may aid foreign investors in their strategic choice between emerging vs mature markets based on the governance environment, market openness, capital market development and arbitrage opportunities. Second, the findings may be used to aid governments in prioritizing institutional improvement in market openness, stock market development and policies aimed at balancing different investment channels.Social implicationsThe study may enhance the social understanding on the current debate on the winners and losers of globalization. A main complaint from mature economies is that the emerging economies took their jobs away and, therefore, they should adopt protectionism (which implies closing their own markets) in order to preserve jobs. The study shows that such a reaction may not be in the best interests of the mature economies since they will be able to attract more foreign investment (which implies creating or at least keeping more jobs) if they make their markets more open.Originality/valueExisting studies on foreign investment have primarily focused on direct investment. The study examines both the direct and indirect investments and the way in which they affect the foreign investment markets in emerging and mature economies. From the institutional perspective, the authors show how the governance environment and market factors affect foreign investors’ strategic choice between direct and indirect investment, contingent upon the stage of a country’s economic and institutional development.
Health needs and risky behaviours among inmates in the largest prison of eastern Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Gambhir , Mulmi Rashmi , Yadav Deepak Kumar , Baral Dharanidhar , Yadav Birendra Kumar , Chakravartty Avaniendra , Pokharel Paras Kumar , Sapkota Nidesh 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the health status and risky behaviours of inmates in Nepal.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Jhumka Regional Prison, the largest male prison in eastern Nepal from September 2014 to August 2015. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews from 434 randomly selected incarcerated participants using semi-structured questionnaires.FindingsThe mean age of 434 participants was 35.7 years (SD 13.3). The majority (84 per cent) had at least one current health problem, of which the commonest were respiratory (50 per cent), skin (38 per cent) and digestive (26 per cent). Alcohol (73 per cent) and cigarettes (71 per cent) were the most commonly used substances prior to imprisonment. Approximately, 27 and 11 per cent reported illicit drug use and injectable drug use prior to incarceration, respectively. A total of 204 inmates reported having intercourse with sex workers. Of these, 49 per cent did not use a condom in their last intercourse with a sex worker.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper illustrates that a wide range of physical and mental health problems exist among incarcerated people in Nepal. The study may lack generalisability, however, as it was conducted in a single male prison.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests a need for medical, psychiatric and substance abuse care in correctional settings to improve the health status of the prison population. It is also important to develop screening policies for blood-borne viral and other infectious diseases in the prison.Originality/valueThis is the first study of its kind drawn from prisons in Nepal.
Can artificial neural networks predict lawyers’ performance rankings?
Authors: Lopes Susana Almeida , Duarte Maria Eduarda , Almeida Lopes João 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a predictive model that could replace lawyers’ annual performance rankings and inform talent management (TM) in law firms.Design/methodology/approachEight years of performance rankings of a sample of 140 lawyers from one law firm are used. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are used to model and simulate performance rankings over time. Multivariate regression analysis is used to compare with the non-linear networks.FindingsWith a lag of one year, performance ranking changes are predicted by the networks with an accuracy of 71 percent, over performing regression analysis by 15 percent. With a lag of two years, accuracy is reduced by 4 percent.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the literature of TM in law firms and to predictive research. Generalizability would require replication with broader samples.Practical implicationsNeural networks enable extended intervals for performance rankings. Reducing the time and effort spent benefits partners and lawyers alike, who can instead devote time to in-depth feedback. Strategic planning, early identification of the most talented and avenues for tailored careers become open.Originality/valueThis study pioneers the use of ANNs in law firm TM. The method surpasses traditional static study of performance through its use of non-linear simulation and prediction modeling.