bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reservoir Computing with Bacteria
Authors: Faulon Jean-Loup , Ahavi Paul , Hoang Thi-Ngoc-An 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study explores the use of bacterial strains in reservoir computing (RC) to solve regression and classification tasks. We employ anEscherichia coliK-12 MG1655 strain as the physical reservoir, training it on M9 minimal media supplemented with 28 metabolites, and measuring growth rates across various media compositions. Our physical RC system, using anEscherichia colistrain, demonstrates superior performance compared to multi-linear regression or support-vector machine and comparable performance to multi-layer perceptron in various regression and classification tasks. Additionally, the performances of RC based on genome-scale metabolic models for several bacterial species correlate with the diversity and complexity of phenotypes they produce. These findings highlight the potential of bacterial RC systems for complex computational tasks typically reserved for digital systems and suggest future research directions, including optimizing feature-to-nutrient mappings and integrating with emerging technologies for enhanced computing capabilities.
An archaeal CBASS system eliminates viruses without killing the host cells
Authors: Choudhary Deepak Kumar , Singla Himani , Vassover Dana , Golan Noam , Reshef Leah , Shukrun Hadar , Gophna Uri 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMany cyclic-oligonucleotide-based antiphage signalling systems (CBASS) defend against viral infections using a TIR-SAVED domain protein that depletes cellular NAD+levels, eventually leading to cell dormancy or death. This abortive infection strategy is beneficial in stopping fast lytic infections, as cells die before spreading the virus to neighboring cells. However, many archaea are infected by chronic “temperate” viruses that coexist with their hosts for extended periods. In such situations, abortive infection could be detrimental, as the cost of immunity may outweigh that of infection. In this study, we examine an archaeal Type II-C CBASS system fromHaloferaxstrain Atlit 48N that was heterologously expressed in the model organismHaloferax volcaniiDS2. We demonstrate that this system protects against a chronically infecting virus, HFPV-1, and enables clearing of the virus after several passages without killing the host. Moreover, cells that have cleared the virus become substantially more resistant to future HFPV-1 infections, without acquiring CRISPR spacers from that virus. Cell death during viral infection only occurs after extensive incubation with HFPV-1. These findings suggest that CBASS could be beneficial even for archaea exposed to chronic infecting viruses, potentially explaining why such systems are relatively common in archaea.
Cave pools in Carlsbad Caverns National Park contain diverse bacteriophage communities and novel viral sequences
Authors: Ulbrich Joseph , Jobe Nathaniel E. , Jones Daniel S. , Kieft Thomas L. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractViruses are the most abundant biological entities on Earth, and they play a critical role in the environment and biosphere where they regulate microbial populations and contribute to nutrient cycling. Environmental viruses have been the most studied in the ocean, but viral investigations have now spread to other environments. Here, viral communities were characterized in four cave pools in Carlsbad Caverns National Park to test the hypotheses that (i) viral abundance is ten-fold higher than prokaryotic cell abundance in cavern pools, (ii) cavern pools contain novel viral sequences, and (iii) viral communities in pools from developed portions of the cave are distinct from those of pools in undeveloped parts of the same cave. The relationship between viral and microbial abundance was determined through direct epifluorescence microscopy counts. Viral metagenomes were constructed to examine viral diversity among pools, identify novel viruses, and characterize auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs). Bacterial communities were characterized by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Epifluorescence microscopy showed that the ratio of viral-like particles (VLPs) to microorganisms was approximately 22:1 across all sites. Viral communities from pools with higher tourist traffic were more similar to each other than to those from less visited pools, although surprisingly, viruses did not follow the same pattern as bacterial communities, which reflected pool geochemistry. Bacterial hosts predicted from viral sequences using iPHoP showed overlap with both rare and abundant genera and families in the 16S rRNA gene dataset. Gene-sharing network analysis revealed high viral diversity compared to a reference viral database as well as to other aquatic environments. AMG presence showed variation in metabolic potential among the four pools. Overall, Carlsbad Cavern harbors novel viruses with substantial diversity among pools within the same system, indicating that caves are likely an important repository for unexplored viromes.
Metagenomic analyses of single phages and phage cocktails show instances of contamination with temperate phages and bacterial DNA
Authors: Peng Xue , Smith Sophie Elizabeth , Huang Wanqi , Ru Jinlong , Mirzaei Mohammadali Khan , Deng Li 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIncreasing antibiotic resistance has led to renewed attention being paid to bacteriophage therapy. Commercial phage cocktails are available but often their contents of the phages are not well defined. Some metagenomic studies have been done to retrospectively characterise these cocktails, but little is known about the replication cycle of the included phages, or about the possible bacterial DNA contamination. In this study, published metagenomic sequences were reanalysed using recent advances in viromics tools. Signs of temperate phage contigs were found in all cocktail metagenomes, as well as host DNA, which could poses a risk as it may lead to horizontal gene transfer of virulence factors to commensals and pathogens. This suggests the need to implement further quality measures before using phage cocktails therapeutically.
Inflammation perturbs hematopoiesis by remodeling specific compartments of the bone marrow niche
Authors: Swann James W. , Zhang Ruiyuan , Verovskaya Evgenia V. , Calero-Nieto Fernando J. , Wang Xiaonan , Proven Melissa A. , Shyu Peter T. , Guo X. Edward , Göttgens Berthold , Passegué Emmanuelle 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) are regulated by interactions with stromal cells in the bone marrow (BM) cavity, which can be segregated into two spatially defined central marrow (CM) and endosteal (Endo) compartments. However, the importance of this spatial compartmentalization for BM responses to inflammation and neoplasia remains largely unknown. Here, we extensively validate a combination of scRNA-seq profiling and matching flow cytometry isolation that reproducibly identifies 7 key CM and Endo populations across mouse strains and accurately surveys both niche locations. We demonstrate that different perturbations exert specific effects on different compartments, with type I interferon responses causing CM mesenchymal stromal cells to adopt an inflammatory phenotype associated with overproduction of chemokines modulating local monocyte dynamics in the surrounding microenvironment. Our results provide a comprehensive method for molecular and functional stromal characterization and highlight the importance of altered stomal cell activity in regulating hematopoietic responses to inflammatory challenges.
Tax incentives for jobs: bang for the buck or wasted resources?
Authors: Emiru Tilahun , Wajebo Temesgen Woldamanuel 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of tax incentives provided by the Ethiopian government in spurring private investment and job creation, using unique administrative and survey data.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a dataset covering large- and medium-scale manufacturing in Ethiopia from 2012 to 2018, combined with administrative data on actual tax payments and statutory obligations to gauge the impact of tax incentives. Regression analysis using the generalized method of moments (GMM) is used to examine the relationship between tax incentives and employment, taking into account variations in production, distribution and financial costs.FindingsThe study finds that tax incentives do not significantly affect employment at conventional significance levels. The incentive elasticity of employment appears to diminish as production, distribution and financial costs increase. Consequently, the incentives provided by the government have not had a substantial impact on employment generation within the manufacturing sector.Originality/valueThis study is unique for its comprehensive analysis of tax incentives in the Ethiopian manufacturing sector using both administrative and survey data. It highlights that increasing production and financial costs can offset the employment benefits of these incentives, emphasizing the need for a more favorable business environment for private investors.
An evaluation of the adaptive performance of architects in project teams in Ghana using fuzzy approach
Authors: Kwofie Titus Ebenezer , Addy Michael Nii , Marful Alexander Boakye , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Amos-Abanyie Samuel , Baffoe-Ashun Ayisha Ida 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThe adaptive performance of architects as a key professional in project delivery teams has become important for developing strategies, skills and cognitive behaviours for sustainability of working systems. However, the understanding and knowledge of adaptive performance of architects is lacking in the current literature. Thus, this study fills this gap by primarily assessing the adaptive performance of architects in project teams in project delivery.Design/methodology/approachBy adopting the widely used eight-dimension attributes of adaptive performance, a questionnaire survey was conducted among team participants and stakeholders who directly or indirectly work on projects with architects in the public and private sectors project delivery supply chain in Ghana. A total of 42 responses were subsequently used in a fuzzy set theory analysis being facilitated by a set of linguistic terms.FindingsFrom the assessment, the overall adaptive performance of architects from the eight-dimension attributes emerged to be fairly high. Additionally, the architects’ performance in the individual eight-dimensions showed varied results. High performance was registered in architects’ ability to handling work stress and cultural adaptability. Also, architects demonstrated a fairly high performance in dealing with uncertain or unpredictable work situations. However, in the cases of learning work tasks, technologies and procedures, interpersonal adaptability and handling crisis and emergency situations, architects were deemed to have low and fairly low adaptive performance among project teams.Originality/valueGiven the vagueness and complexities in understanding adaptability among teams and its assessment, through the use of fuzzy set theory based on a suitable set of linguistics terms, the study presents a novel understanding of the level of architects’ adaptive performance in project teams in project delivery. The findings are extremely useful in helping architects adapt and cope with changing competitive work environment by developing the right cognitive behaviours for task functions and organizational roles, disruptions and aiding their ability to self-regulate.
The impact of external debt stock on economic growth: ethical dilemmas and evidence from East African community bloc
Authors: Musse Osman Sayid Hassan , Sharofiddin Ashurov , Mohamed Mohamud Ahmed 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the effect of total external debt stock on economic growth of the East African Community (EAC) bloc.

Design/methodology/approach
The study applies balanced panel data for seven of the eight EAC member states, spanning the period from 2013 to 2022, and uses panel data models, i.e. pooled ordinary least squares, random and fixed effects models.

Findings
The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between total external debt stock and economic growth, supporting the economic theory that reasonable levels of borrowing can stimulate economic growth, particularly when funds are channeled into productive activities. However, the relationship between foreign direct investment and economic growth lacks statistical significance, indicating challenges in attracting sufficient investment for substantial growth within the EAC bloc. Trade openness shows a negative and statistically insignificant correlation with economic growth. Additionally, the study finds a positive and significant correlation between the unemployment rate and economic growth, while the inflation rate demonstrates a positive but statistically insignificant relationship with economic growth.

Practical implications
The study recommends improvements in debt management practices, enhancements in the business environment, infrastructure investments, a reassessment of trade policies and initiatives to stimulate job creation and SME development. More importantly, governments should focus on expanding the tax base in ways that stimulate growth, thereby reducing reliance on external debt.

Originality/value
This study is unique as it revisits the effect of external debt stock on economic growth following Somalia’s recent membership in EAC bloc.
Is it good to have a choice? The value of participatory order assignments in warehousing
Authors: De Lombaert Thomas , Braekers Kris , De Koster René , Ramaekers Katrien 
Published: September 2024

PurposeWarehouses are under pressure to operate as efficiently as possible. In pursuit of attaining high efficiency in the order picking process, the warehouse manager must take several planning decisions, typically supported by a central planning system. However, highly centralised work erodes the autonomy of warehouse workers, interfering with worker well-being and productivity. This study holistically explores the impact of a work system with more decision autonomy for order pickers.Design/methodology/approachWe conduct a unique field experiment in a real-world warehouse and use a within-subjects design to compare two work systems, one with worker autonomy and one without. 18 permanent employees participate in our study, in which we measure both psychosocial and physical well-being as well as productivity. Post-experimental interviews are conducted to delve deeper into the observed effects.FindingsOur study illustrates that involving order pickers in operational decisions can benefit their job satisfaction and motivation without compromising productivity. Although we fail to find significance at the conventional level (α = 0.05), we do find marginally significant effects of our treatment on physical well-being aspects. Furthermore, our intervention invoked a highly positive user experience.Practical implicationsWe show that slightly loosening tight process control results in organisational and individual benefits without endangering smooth operational flows. The warehouse in this paper acknowledged this and decided to permanently work according to this philosophy.Originality/valueThis study is the first to holistically explore the effects of a participatory work setting in a real-world warehouse.
Policing rape and serious sexual offences: officers’ insights on police specialism
Authors: Barbin Arianna , Gekoski Anna , Davies Kari , Horvath Miranda A.H. 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
Several studies have been conducted to understand why the conviction rate for rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO) remains so low. Increasing pressure and criticism have led to questioning why improvements in RASSO investigations are proving ineffective. The purpose of this study was to capture police officers’ perspective of police specialism while investigating RASSO.

Design/methodology/approach
A total of 82 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data collection spanned across two years, from October 2021 until May 2023, and included police officers from four police forces in England and Wales. Template analysis was used to identify recurrent patterns around police specialism for RASSO.

Findings
Most officers viewed specialism as a tool to improve how police forces prevent and tackle RASSO. In spite of this, the lack of prioritisation of specialist training, roles and units specifically for this crime type has hindered the development of evidence-based practice in policing. The impact on well-being, resources, organisational support and role identity has been explored.

Originality/value
This is the first qualitative study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to look at officers’ insights on police specialism for RASSO in England and Wales. Officers discussed day-to-day challenges associated with conducting RASSO investigations while reflecting on potential advantages related to dedicated specialist units and/or specialist roles.
Integrating and extending the SOR model, TAM and the UTAUT to assess M-commerce adoption during COVID times
Authors: Yaqub Muhammad Zafar , Badghish Saeed , Yaqub Rana Muhammad Shahid , Ali Imran , Ali Noor Sahar 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis study aims to integrate and extend leading contemporary underpinning frameworks such as the Stimulus Organism Response (S-O-R) model, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to assess the determinants of M-commerce usage during COVID-19 times. Besides direct effects, the study examines the mediating role of behavioral intention in affecting the relationship between a few external stimuli, internal states (of the organism) and M-commerce usage (the response). The study has also examined the moderating role of habitual behavior in the relationship between behavioral intention and M-commerce usage.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered from 312 customers through an online survey using a structured questionnaire. PLS-based SEM, using Smart PLS 4.0, was employed to calibrate the measurement and structural models.FindingsThe study found that stimuli like social influence, perceived ease of use and perceived value substantially affected M-commerce usage. Behavioral intention has been found to mediate these cause-and-effect relationships partially or fully among the subject constructs. Additionally, a significant negative but weak moderating impact of habit (or habitual behavior) on the relationship between behavioral intentions and M-commerce usage has been corroborated.Originality/valueSeveral studies have investigated the factors influencing the adoption and continued usage of M-commerce services while appealing to diverse theoretical frameworks. However, more research has yet to be expended to arrive at an integrated explanation grounded in these theoretical frameworks to examine the dynamics of M-commerce usage in tempestuous times like the COVID-19 outbreak. The most significant (counterintuitive) findings have been suppressing the effects of otherwise crucial elements like perceived security and habit in prompting M-commerce usage in the face of the socio-psychological pressures stemming from COVID-19 restrictions and consumers' lack of digital readiness. The study's outcomes offer several theoretical and practical implications for researchers, managers, practitioners, businesses and policymakers to develop effective strategies to mature M-commerce usage among the masses, especially during unusual times like COVID-19.
Social media, misinformation and fake news in the pandemic: the dominant gaps and future research avenues
Authors: Nutsugah Noel , Mensah Kobby , Odoom Raphael , Ayarnah Amin 
Published: September 2024

PurposeSocial networking sites have become breeding grounds for the spread of fake news and misinformation. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the spread of fake news intensified, causing complications for health communicators by drowning authentic information from verifiable official sources. Looking at the impact of this growing phenomenon on people’s attitudes and behaviour during the pandemic, research in the area must be populated to help governments, supranational organisations, non-governmental organisations as well as civil society organisations to formulate policies to curb the menace. This study was therefore undertaken to unravel current gaps and future research avenues to empower academia in achieving the desired scholarly impact.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted the systematic review approach, relying on 56 peer-reviewed articles on social media, fake news and misinformation in the Covid-19 pandemic.FindingsThe study found that the use of social media during the height of the pandemic led to unhelpful information creation and sharing behaviours such that people’s self-awareness reduced drastically, thereby impeding the fight against the pandemic. The study also established that Entertainment motives, Ignorance and Altruism motives were the dominant factors that influenced the spread of fake news. There was evidence of the marginalization of research on the subject matter from contexts such as Africa, South America and Oceania.Originality/valueThis study has established existing gaps in issues and evidence, methodology, theory and context and consequently discussed future research avenues for social media use and the spread of fake news. The study has also provided practical implications for both governmental and non-governmental organisations in curbing the phenomenon of fake news and misinformation.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-07-2022-0366.