bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Critical functions and key interactions mediated by the RNase E scaffolding domain inPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Geslain Sandra Amandine Marie , Hausmann Stéphane , Geiser Johan , Allen George Edward , Gonzalez Diego , Valentini Martina 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe RNA degradosome is a bacterial multi-protein complex mediating mRNA processing and degradation. In Pseudomonadota, this complex assembles on the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNase E through short linear motifs (SLiMs) that determine its composition and functionality. In the human pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosa, the RNase E CTD exhibits limited similarity to that of model organisms, impeding our understanding of RNA metabolic processes in this bacterium. Our study systematically maps the interactions mediated by theP. aeruginosaRNase E CTD and highlights its critical role in transcript regulation and cellular functions. We identified the SLiMs crucial for membrane attachment, RNA binding and complex clustering, as well as for direct binding to the core components PNPase and RhlB. Transcriptome analyses of RNase E CTD mutants revealed altered expression of genes involved in quorum sensing, type III secretion, and amino acid metabolism. Additionally, we show that the mutants are impaired in cold adaptation, pH response, and virulence in an infection model. Overall, this work establishes the essential role of the RNA degradosome in driving bacterial adaptability and pathogenicity.Author summaryBacteria must rapidly adapt to changing environments, whether facing temperature shifts, nutrient scarcity, or antibiotic exposure. A key mechanism enabling this adaptability is the regulation of mRNA levels—the molecular blueprints for protein production. This process is governed by the RNA degradosome, a multi-protein complex that processes and degrades RNA to control gene expression. Although the RNA degradosome core function is conserved across bacteria, its composition and organization differ significantly between species, reflecting diverse lifestyles and environmental challenges each bacterium encounter.In this study, we investigated the RNA degradosome inPseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterial pathogen causing difficult-to-treat infections in humans. We identified its components and mapped regions within the complex essential for RNA binding, membrane attachment, and spatial organization. Disrupting these regions compromisedP. aeruginosaability to survive in cold conditions, respond to stress, and establish an infection. Through this work, we uncovered unique features of theP. aeruginosaRNA degradosome that distinguish it from those of other species, emphasizing the RNA degradosome critical role in bacterial adaptability and highlight it as a promising target for therapies againstP. aeruginosainfections.
Isolation of Plastic Digesting Microbes from the Gastrointestinal Tract ofTenebrio Molitor
Authors: Reish Hannah McKinnon , Witty Rebecca F. , Quade Adam H. , Dallas Jason W. , Kirschman Lucas J. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTPlastics, particularly polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE), are pervasive in ecosystems and degrade slowly, leading to the formation of microplastics and nanoplastics, which pose environmental and health risks. The gut microbiota ofTenebrio molitorlarvae (mealworms) can degrade plastics, making them a potential model for studying microbial plastic digestion. This study investigated how rearingT. molitoron PS-or PE-supplemented diets over three generations affected gut microbiota composition and plastic degradation. Larvae were reared on wheat bran (control), PS, or PE diets, and microbial communities from their guts were cultured to assess plastic metabolism. Results showed that the PE-supplemented diet enhanced bacterial plastic degradation, while the PS-supplemented diet did not lead to similar improvements. Microbes from PE-fed larvae exhibited increased plastic metabolic activity compared to controls, and several bacterial strains with plastic-degrading capabilities were identified. However, microbial digestion of PS was less efficient, and potential dysbiosis due to the presence ofDickeyaphage in PS-fed larvae may have influenced the results. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms driving microbial plastic digestion and to determine the applicability of these findings to environmental plastic remediation, particularly for micro– and nanoplastics.
Critical issues found in “Dissecting cell identity via network inference and in silico gene perturbation”
Authors: Nourisa Jalil , Passemiers Antoine , Tomforde Sven 
Published: October 2024

1SummaryIn the 2023 Nature publication “Dissecting cell identity via network inference and in silico gene perturbation” [1], the authors introduced CellOracle (CO), a novel method leveraging mRNA-seq and ATAC-seq data to construct gene regulatory networks (GRNs), which are subsequently used for gene perturbation. They designed CO to account for the role of distal cis-regulatory elements, e.g. enhancers, as well as proximal promoters in the gene regulation system. For this purpose, they employed Cicero to determine the co-accessibility scores between peaks, provided by ATAC-seq data. These scores are then used to identify the interaction of distal regions with the target gene. Using CO, they have conducted multiple perturbation studies on different organisms and identified novel phenotypes resulting from transcriptional factor (TF) perturbation. In addition, they benchmarked CO’s performance using ChIP-seq data as ground truth against other state-of-the-art GRN methods across multiple mouse tissue samples. However, our evaluation reveals critical limitations in the implementation of their methodology, both in terms of ATAC-seq data integration as well as benchmarking. In this report, we first explain the limitations in their approach of integrating ATAC-seq data. We show that the proposed algorithm fails to account for distal regulatory interactions. After, we present the issues associated with their benchmarking algorithm and the data used for benchmarking. We show that their findings regarding the comparative performance of CO against other GRN inference methods is invalid and requires further evaluation. In conclusion, we detect multiple inaccuracies in this paper which undermine the validity of their published protocol and the results. The materials supporting our findings are accessible on GitHub1.
Mitotic spindle orientation and dynamics are fine-tuned by anisotropic tissue stretch via NuMA localisation
Authors: Tarannum Nawseen , Hargreaves Dionn , Ilieva Dessislava , Goddard Georgina K. , Jensen Oliver E. , Woolner Sarah 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCell division orientation, which is key to cell fate and shaping tissues, is influenced by mechanical forces. For example, in uniaxially stretched tissue most divisions orient along the stretch axis. This mechanosensitive division orientation can be achieved by distinct mechanisms involving a direct response to force or an indirect response to force via cell shape changes. Cells also generally align divisions along their long axis of interphase shape. Since stretching a tissue elongates cells, uncoupling whether divisions orient in response to force or to cell shape remains challenging. Here, we utilised theXenopus laevisembryonic animal cap tissue and applied a reproducible external stretch to understand mechanosensitive division orientation. We focused on nuclear mitotic apparatus protein (NuMA), which is key to spindle orientation. We show that NuMA is dynamically localised to the cell cortex earlier during mitosis in uniaxially stretched tissues. This temporal cortical recruitment of NuMA coincides with the onset and subsequent stretch-induced amplification of spindle oscillations. Additionally, we show that knockdown of NuMA reduces spindle oscillations and disrupts division orientation according to stretch and cell shape. We also show that divisions dynamically align with cell shape under tissue stretch and this involves a direct response to force via NuMA localisation, rather than an indirect response to force via cell shape changes. Overall, using live tissue imaging, mathematical modelling, and tissue mechanics our results indicate that NuMA fine tunes spindle dynamics and ensures the accurate alignment of divisions with cell shape and anisotropic tension.
Efforts to prevent peatland fires through implementing local community education
Authors: Syahza Almasdi , Astuti Sri , Suarman Suarman , Asmit Brilliant 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis research was conducted to develop a public education model in an effort to prevent peatland fires in Indonesia.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses qualitative and quantitative data obtained through a participatory rural appraisal approach. The approach taken is group-oriented to collect information from local communities. Field surveys were carried out by selecting locations in areas prone to peatland fires, making observations and discussing with informants at the research location.FindingsThe occurrence of fires in peatlands is caused by intentional and unintentional factors. Intentional factors come from traditional agricultural practices, the low cost of burning peat land, land ownership conflicts and increasing demand for agricultural land. Unintentional factors caused by lack of discipline in the people around the peatlands include throwing cigarette butts carelessly, making campfires and uncontrolled burning of rubbish.Research limitations/implicationsThe community played a crucial role in fire prevention through the establishment of the Fire Care Community (Masyarakat Peduli Api or MPA) group. This group adopted a community-based disaster management approach. The community education model consisted of individual and mass approaches. The individual approach comprised direct and indirect communication, technical guidance and face-to-face services to the community. The mass approach included socialization and campaigns, discussion forums, social media content related to fire prevention, restoration actions and incorporating peatland fire mitigation into the local disaster curriculum.Originality/valueThe results of this research provide input for policymakers in efforts to prevent peatland fires in Indonesia. These findings are a model for increasing local community participation through training and guidance.
Influence of HRM practices on innovation in software engineering: the mediating role of developer experience
Authors: Choi Youngkeun 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis study examines the influence of developer experience between human resource management (HRM) practices and innovation in software (S/W) engineering. This study uses motivation theory and investigates how HRM practices influence the innovative behaviors of S/W developers by using a mediator of affective developer experience.Design/methodology/approachFor this, this study used a survey of S/W developers working in Korea. Out of 431 responses collected from 35 companies, 352 responses from 34 companies were usable for analysis and takes structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results show that developmental appraisal, externally or internally equitable reward and comprehensive training increase their affective developer experience affecting innovative behaviors positively in turn. However, selective staffing has no effect.Originality/valueThe results show that S/W developers pursue individual growth rather than success in their organizations. The findings show the context of S/W engineering in Korea and provide universalistic perspective when top managers motivate their S/W engineers by HRM system.
Identification of profiles in educational organizations as a result of the implementation of a quality management system
Authors: Rodríguez-Mantilla Jesús Miguel , Martínez-Zarzuelo Angélica , León-Carrascosa Víctor 
Published: October 2024

PurposeIn the current education context, quality management has increasingly become a key element and more educational organizations are deciding to implement a Quality Management System. Because there are so few studies on the impact that implementation has on educational institutions, the main objective of this paper is to profile educational centers on the basis of their implementation of ISO 9001 quality standards.Design/methodology/approachSpecifically, this was done by taking a sample of 83 educational centers from four regions of Spain (Comunidad de Madrid, Castilla y León, Andalucía and the Comunidad Valenciana) and analyzing assessments made by teachers and members of the center Management Teams (2,132 subjects in total). The first step was to carry out a number of descriptive and differential studies globally, analyzing 8 broad dimensions: Communication System, Management, Support and Recognition, Learning Process, Quality, Climate, Satisfaction, and External Relations. A cluster analysis was then performed to identify center profiles in terms of the degree of impact from their having implemented ISO 9001 standards.FindingsThe results show that the impact of is greater in educational centers in Comunidad Valenciana and Andalucía with 9–11 years of implementation, with internal financial aid or funding, and at charter centers.Originality/valueThe cluster analysis reveals three clearly differentiated profiles (with high, medium, and low degrees of impact) in the different dimensions evaluated in the study.
Tax planning and earnings management: their impact on earnings persistence
Authors: Chen Yong , Niu Flora , Zeng Tao 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of tax planning, both independently and in conjunction with earnings management, on the persistence of earnings and its various components.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, tax planning refers to corporate strategies aimed at minimizing taxes, while earnings management involves manipulating reported earnings through accounting accruals. The analysis uses a dataset of US companies from 1989 to 2016 and includes a series of regression tests.FindingsThe study finds that firms implementing aggressive tax strategies exhibit lower persistence in cash flows from operations and earnings. Furthermore, companies using both aggressive tax planning and earnings management techniques show the lowest persistence in total accruals, cash flows from operations and reported earnings.Research limitations/implicationsOur sample of US firms limits generalizability. Future research could explore the international impacts of tax planning and earnings management on earnings quality and include post-2016 data for insights on the 2018 tax cuts and COVID-19. Investigating other earnings quality measures and their influence on investors and analysts could enhance performance assessment.Practical implicationsThis research identifies key factors influencing the interpretation of financial statements, offering valuable insights for regulators, auditors, tax authorities, financial analysts and other users with significant practical and social implications.Originality/valueThis study contributes to prior research by highlighting the need to investigate the real effects of tax avoidance and extends prior research by examining the impact of high levels of tax planning, along with aggressive earnings management, on earnings persistence.
A cross-cultural longitudinal analysis of the effect of corporate social performance on corporate financial performance: an Asian perspective
Authors: Almashayekhi Abdullah 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between Corporate Social Performance (CSP) and Corporate Financial Performance (CFP) across various cultural contexts in Asia and to explore the moderating effects of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a longitudinal dataset of 16,392 firm-year observations from 23 Asian countries over a span of 10 years, from 2013 to 2022, this research uses hierarchical linear modeling to assess the CSP–CFP relationship under different cultural influences.

Findings
This study reveals a nuanced interplay between CSP, CFP and cultural dimensions, with individualism and uncertainty avoidance showing significant positive moderating effects, contrary to motivation and long-term orientation.

Research limitations/implications
The results underscore the importance of aligning CSR initiatives with the cultural values of the region in which a company operates. However, using Hofstede’s robust dimensions may oversimplify complex cultural dynamics.

Practical implications
The findings offer multinational corporations’ insights into tailoring CSR strategies to diverse cultural contexts, emphasizing the need for cultural sensitivity.

Originality/value
This research extends the corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature by incorporating cultural dimensions into the CSP–CFP analysis, providing a new perspective on CSR’s effectiveness in diverse cultural settings.
The evolution of an American MBA program for Germany-based students in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Krieger Kevin , Brode Melissa 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance to universities revisiting their international partnerships involving travel by relaying the experiences, which saw marked changes via the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper compares the mechanics, costs, preferences and performances of students in a Germany-based MBA program, partnered with the AACSB-accredited US institution, after increased reliance on a blended program model.

Findings
A preference emerged for less international travel by students and fewer face-to-face meetings with instructors’ traveling internationally. Student performance with the revised model of the program improved in regard to grade point average, but major field test performance remained similar. At the same time, students report a bit better satisfaction with the structure of the program while travel cost savings were realized.

Originality/value
This case study describes the specific experiences, which may suggest program development for other, similar partnerships.
Bank charter value and market discipline: evidence from emerging markets
Authors: Nguyen Dat T , Le Tu 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the interrelationships between charter value and market discipline in five Southeast Asian countries (ASEAN-5).

Design/methodology/approach
This research uses a simultaneous equations model with a three-stage least squares estimator for a sample of 79 listed banks from 2006 to 2019.

Findings
The findings show a negative two-way relationship between charter value and market discipline. More specifically, charter value can reduce market discipline. Meanwhile, a negative relationship between market discipline and charter value reemphasizes the significance of market discipline in the banking system to enhance bank charter value. Similar results still hold when using several robustness checks (e.g. subsamples, considering the global financial crisis, governance indicators and market structure).

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt to investigate the bidirectional relationship between bank risk and charter value in ASEAN-5. Therefore, this study would provide significant recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
Library instruction and information literacy 2023
Authors: Caffrey Carolyn , Perry Katie , Withorn Tessa , Lee Hannah , Philo Thomas , Clarke Maggie , Eslami Jillian , Galoozis Elizabeth , Kohn Katie Paris , Ospina Dana , Chesebro Kimberly , Clawson Hallie , Dowell Laura 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis paper aims to present recently published resources on library instruction and information literacy (IL). It provides an introductory overview and a selected annotated bibliography of publications organized thematically and detailing study populations, results and research contexts. The selected bibliography is useful to efficiently keep up with trends in library instruction for academic library practitioners, library science students and researchers wishing to learn about IL in other contexts.Design/methodology/approachThis paper annotates 374 English-language periodical articles, dissertations, theses and reports on library instruction and IL published in 2023. The sources were selected from the EBSCO platform for Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA), Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Elsevier SCOPUS and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Sources selected were published in 2023 and included the terms “information literacy,” “library instruction” or “information fluency” in the title, subject terms or author-supplied keywords. The sources were organized in Zotero. Annotations were made summarizing the source, focusing on the findings or implications. Each source was then thematically categorized and organized for academic librarians to be able to skim and use the annotated bibliography adeptly.FindingsThe paper provides a brief description of 374 sources from 159 unique publications and highlights publications that contain unique or significant scholarly contributions. Further analysis of the sources and authorship are provided such as country affiliation and institutional Carnegie classification.Originality/valueThe information is primarily of use to academic librarians, researchers and anyone interested as a convenient and comprehensive reference to literature on library instruction and IL published within 2023.