bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Capsule-mediated O-antigen masking protects hypervirulentKlebsiella pneumoniaefrom neutrophil killing
Authors: Santoni Karin , Wong Joshua L.C , Poincloux Renaud , Meunier Etienne , Frankel Gad 
Published: February 2025

AbstractKlebsiella pneumoniaeis listed as a critical priority pathogen by the WHO due to prevalent extended-spectrum β-lactamase and carbapenem resistance and high mortality rates HypervirulentK. pneumoniae(hvKp) causes life-threatening infections in immunocompetent individuals, while classicalK. pneumoniae(cKp) causes nosocomial infections in immunosuppressed patients. The convergence of hypervirulence with antibiotic resistance is now a major global health threat. Using a murine pulmonary infection model, we show that hvKp resisted clearance despite significant neutrophil recruitment. Using clinical hvKp and cKp isolates, bone marrow derived neutrophils, cell biology, pharmacology and imaging (both light and electron microscopy) in ex vivo assays revealed that the hvKp hypermucoviscous capsule prevents bacterial recognition and neutrophil activation, blocking ROS production, degranulation, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation. In the absence of capsule (ΔwcaJ) or hypermucoid capsule determinants (ΔrmpADC), hvKp activates neutrophils, leading to degranulation, NET formation and bacterial killing. While superimposing the absence of O-antigen (Δrfb) on the ΔwcaJ abrogates degranulation, neutrophils still elaborate NETs that eliminate the ΔwcaJ/Δrfbmutant at high efficiency. This suggests that O-antigen is a double-edged sword, functioning as a PAMP triggering neutrophil degranulation yet assisting the pathogen to evade NET-mediated destruction. These findings shed light on the mechanism underpinning immune evasion by the hypervirulent capsule in hvKp.
The female intimate microbiome space
Authors: Vander Donck Leonore , Gehrmann Thies , Ahannach Sarah , Van den Bosch Sarah , Hiel Margo , Delanghe Lize , Allonsius Camille Nina , Cauwenberghs Eline , Spacova Irina , Oerlemans Eline , Wittouck Stijn , De Boeck Ilke , Donders Gilbert , Verhoeven Veronique , Lebeer Sarah 
Published: February 2025

AbstractDespite its importance in health, the female skin microbiome remains understudied. In this study we explored microbial dispersal across intimate body sites, including the vagina, groins, breast and mouth. Microbial similarity correlated with physical proximity, suggesting dispersal influenced by hygiene or sexual activity. Notably, lactobacilli were unexpectedly abundant on breast skin. These findings highlight the need for research into microbiome dynamics and their implications for women’s health.
Activation of KCC2 during development alleviates cognitive, behavioral, and neural excitability in adult CDKL5-deficient mice
Authors: Arshad Muhammad Nauman , Bope Christopher , Dengler Jacob S , Ng Shu Fun Josephine , Smalley Joshua , Nishi Toshiya , Zhong Zhong , Moss Stephen J , Davies Paul A 
Published: February 2025

AbstractCyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) characterized by severe drug-resistant epileptic disorders beginning in early childhood, along with cognitive and social impairments in later childhood and adulthood. Existing pharmacological therapies for CDD primarily focus on anti-seizure medications, which often have associated sedative side effects. In addition, there are currently no effective treatments for cognitive or behavioral impairments associated with this disorder. Postnatal development expression of CDKL5 has a similar timeline as the developmental activity of the potassium chloride co-transporter (KCC2), the maturation of which is a prerequisite for the developmental switch to fast synaptic hyperpolarizing inhibition mediated by g-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAAR). This developmental GABA switch is determined by changes in the phosphorylation of multiple residues in KCC2. During this initial postnatal period, dramatic changes occur as major neuronal circuits are formed, laying down the initial pathways important for memory consolidation and behavioral processing. Currently, a knowledge gap exists in understanding KCC2 dysfunction in CDD.In adultCdkl5KO mice we found aberrant KCC2 phosphorylation and expression, such that KCC2 phosphorylation profile appeared immature. We examined the developmental changes in KCC2 and observed significant alterations in the phosphorylation of key residues and decreased KCC2 expression from p14 to p21. Because KCC2 loss-of-function has been strongly correlated with excessive neuronal excitation, cognitive and behavioral impairments, we examined seizure susceptibility, spatial memory, and social interaction in adultCdkl5KO mice following once daily administration of the KCC2 activator (OV350), or vehicle, to infantCdkl5KO mice. We found that adultCdkl5KO mice are more susceptible to kainate-induced seizures, show poor sociability and deficits in spatial learning and memory compared to WT mice. Twelve days of OV350 treatment as infants (p10 to p21) prevented the development of benzodiazepine-resistant seizures and alleviated cognitive and behavioral deficits in adultCdkl5KO mice. In contrast, 12 days of OV350 treatment in adultCdkl5KO mice had limited ability to alleviate cognitive and behavioral deficits. In summary, this study demonstrates that enhancing KCC2 function may be a potential therapeutic target for CDD and other DEEs. However, early intervention during critical developmental windows is crucial for optimal outcomes.
Sediments from a seasonally euxinic coastal ecosystem show high nitrogen cycling potential
Authors: Rigutto Isabel M. L. , Sburlan Ştefania C. , de Bont Lars W. P. , Berben Tom , de Graaf Rob M. , Slomp Caroline P. , Jetten Mike S. M. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractCoastal ecosystems are susceptible to eutrophication and deoxygenation, which may alter their nitrogen cycle dynamics. Here, we investigated the microbial nitrogen cycling potential in the sediment of a seasonally euxinic coastal ecosystem (Lake Grevelingen, NL), in winter and summer. Porewater profiles showed ammonium (NH4+) concentrations exceeding 10 mM and rapid depletion of electron acceptors with depth. Activity tests revealed NH4+oxidation potential up to 53 µmol g−1day−1, even in anoxic sediment layers. A nitrifying microbial community was present in both oxic and anoxic sediment sections (up to 1.4% relative abundance). NO₃⁻, nitrite (NO2−) and nitrous oxide (N2O) reduction potential were prominent across all sediment sections, with the highest rates (167 µmol NO3−g−1day−1) in the surface sediment in summer. Denitrification (79.3-98.4%) and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA; 1.6-20.7%) were the major NO3−removal pathways, as supported by the detection of thenarG/napA, nirK/nirS, norB, nosZandnrfA/otrgenes in all sediment sections. The DNRA contribution increased with depth and with the addition of electron donors, such as monomethylamine. Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) was not detected in these eutrophic sediments. Combined, our results show that there is high potential for nitrogen removal in eutrophic coastal ecosystems which may help further restoration measures.
How social context and gender influence the sense of responsibility for serving healthy meals: a study involving parents
Authors: Maldoy Katrien , Poels Karolien , De Backer Charlotte 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThis research tests how the social context of meals influences the sense of responsibility for serving healthy meals and food choices, taking into account the role of gender.Design/methodology/approachAn online between-subject scenario experiment was conducted with parents of young children (under 12 years old) in Flanders, Belgium (N = 288, 67.4% women). Participants envisioned serving and consuming food in three social contexts: alone, with core family members, or with peers.FindingsThe social context in which meals take place significantly influences participants’ sense of responsibility for serving healthy meals, which influences their food choices. Moreover, the influence of the social context varies by gender. Women feel more responsible for serving healthy meals than men when eating alone or among core family members. Men feel more responsible for serving healthy meals when eating with others, irrespective of whether these others are core family members or peers, than when eating alone.Practical implicationsOne’s sense of responsibility serves as a significant positive determinant in making healthy food choices. However, this sense is context dependent. In a family context, and irrespective of gender, sense of responsibility correlates only weakly to moderately with the perceived healthfulness of food choices. Consequently, the question arises as to whether emphasizing responsibility is the most effective strategy for promoting healthy food choices.Originality/valueThis paper provides new insights into how the social context shapes parents’ sense of responsibility for serving healthy meals and how this, in turn, affects food choices.
Managerial power and corporate productivity in the digital context: considering digital assets as new input types
Authors: Feng Yuan , Zhang Jing , Han Wei , Luo Yongtao 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
As China is on an inevitable march into the digital era, firms have accumulated abundant digital assets, such as algorithms and data. Facing the possibility of using digital assets as a new type input, besides traditional inputs such as capital and labor, would powerful managers perform better? Would managerial power help managers increase the efficiency of how a firm combines traditional and digital inputs and converts them into outputs? Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether powerful managers promotes corporate productivity by using digital assets as a new input.

Design/methodology/approach
Using data from listed Chinese firms between 2008 and 2020, the authors constructed panel regressions with three-way fixed effects to examine whether and how managerial power influences corporate productivity in the current digital context, particularly under market uncertainty.

Findings
The findings reveal no consistent relationship between managerial power and corporate productivity. The results explain this from two contrasting effects: while managerial power promotes technological change it hinders technical efficiency – two components of total productivity. Moreover, this study identifies market uncertainty as a significant external contingency. In uncertain markets, strong managerial power positively impacts corporate productivity.

Originality/value
The results extend extant theoretical insights in the literature on how managerial power might influence corporate productivity.
GenAI for hiring: Solution or challenge?
Authors: Sharma Mitthi Jyoti 
Published: February 2025

Learning outcomes
Students will learn to:
1. Assess the hiring challenges of HR managers in emerging markets.
2. Illustrate the application of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools in the hiring process of new ventures.
3. Evaluate the effectiveness and challenges of technology-based hiring.

Case overview/synopsis
The case study centres on Hamada Tea Co. Ltd., exploring its hiring challenges in emerging markets. The protagonist, Hema, the company’s executive director, is grappling with whether to invest in GenAI-based hiring tools or continue with the manual scouting process. The case highlights her journey in recruiting a retail sales executive, providing a detailed look into the hiring difficulties unique to new ventures. Designed for students interested in understanding recruitment processes, this case aims to teach the complexities of hiring in new ventures with resource constraints. Through this case, students can examine how GenAI can potentially overcome these challenges and enhance the effectiveness of hiring processes.

Complexity academic level
This case can be used for undergraduate and postgraduate students to teach the hiring process and its challenges. It is suited for courses that cover introduction to human resource management, digital transformation in HR, entrepreneurship, talent management practices and GenAI in recruitment.

Supplementary material
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 6: Human Resource Management.
Linking gender role orientation and value orientation to predict commercial and social intention among entrepreneurs
Authors: Rinsdorf Louisa Sibell , Palmer Carolin , Kruse Philipp 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how gender role orientation (GRO) impacts commercial and social entrepreneurial intention and whether value orientation mediates these effects.Design/methodology/approachBased on a sample of N = 112 entrepreneurs, we tested our model using path analyses with standardized regression coefficients and bias-corrected bootstrapped confidence intervals. Sex was included as a control variable.FindingsThe results suggest that masculine GRO has a positive direct and indirect effect on commercial entrepreneurial intention, and feminine GRO has a positive indirect effect on social entrepreneurial intention. There is evidence that these effects are mediated by entrepreneurs’ value orientation. Biological sex showed no effect on both entrepreneurial intentions.Research limitations/implicationsOur findings highlight the importance of including GRO and further gender-related factors in entrepreneurship research. Researchers must continue to challenge stereotypes in commercial and social entrepreneurship, considering that characteristics such as value orientation are socially gendered.Practical implicationsOvercoming entrepreneurial stereotypes is a task for multiple stakeholders within society. We encourage entrepreneurs to reflect on their GRO and value orientation, while entrepreneurial educators should implement programs to facilitate this reflection and promote openness to change and self-transcendence value orientation. To blur gender roles, more feminine-oriented entrepreneurial role models are needed. We also urge policymakers to foster enabling environments for entrepreneurs, while recognizing gender stereotypes in entrepreneurship.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, our study is the first to link GRO and value orientation with commercial and social entrepreneurial intentions in one integrative research model. Thereby, the study contributes to entrepreneurship research by testing our model on a sample of real entrepreneurs and avoiding overly simplistic sex comparisons by focusing on GRO.
Fostering economic development and sustainability: insights into the role of regulatory quality and e-commerce legislation in future technologies
Authors: Qazi Abroon 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
This study aims to examine how specific regulatory indicators – such as regulatory quality, information and communications technology regulatory environment, regulation of emerging technologies, e-commerce legislation and privacy protection by law content – affect the economic outcomes, quality of life and sustainable development goals associated with future technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, big data analytics, cloud computing and app- and web-enabled markets.

Design/methodology/approach
Using Bayesian Belief Network models and Network Readiness Index 2023 data from 134 countries, this study explores the relationships between regulatory factors and various socioeconomic outcomes.

Findings
Regulatory quality and e-commerce legislation emerge as central determinants, directly or indirectly impacting economic development, societal well-being and sustainability objectives. Notably, regulatory quality is identified as a pivotal factor across all outcomes, emphasizing the critical role of effective regulatory frameworks in fostering positive outcomes.

Research limitations/implications
The study relies on cross-sectional data, which restricts causal inference, and focuses on national-level data, potentially overlooking subnational variations. In addition, the use of secondary data sources introduces possible measurement errors and biases. Despite these constraints, the study offers valuable insights into regulatory strategies and their role in advancing economic and social outcomes.

Originality/value
The study highlights the importance of tailoring regulatory interventions to address specific needs and challenges faced by countries at different stages of development. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, regulatory authorities and stakeholders seeking to navigate the regulatory challenges and opportunities inherent in the era of rapid technological advancement. The study contributes to advancing the understanding of the complex interplay between regulation, technology and development outcomes in the contemporary global landscape.
Does economic uncertainty hinder or help business profit? Evidence from Indonesia’s commercial banking industry
Authors: Mawardi Imron , Risyad Mohammad Haidar , Al Mustofa Muhammad Ubaidillah 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
This study aims to explore the impact of instability on bank performance by examining how economic uncertainty interacts with the profitability of both Islamic and conventional banks (CBs) in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach
This study applies a quantitative methodology, applying dynamic linear analysis through autoregressive distributed lag estimation and leverages time-series data from Indonesia’s banks. Specifically, bank profitability is measured using income before taxes, whereas economic uncertainty is gauged by weighting macroeconomic factors through principal component analysis.

Findings
Economic uncertainty affects the profitability of both Islamic banks and CBs in Indonesia, with CBs being more negatively impacted than Islamic banks.

Research limitations/implications
Economic uncertainty has a notably different impact on banks’ profitability in Indonesia, highlighting the critical need for stabilization measures to reinforce the foundations of the financial institution management system and integration policy frameworks.

Practical implications
Strengthening the management of integration policies should be prioritized to enhance financial stability in larger banks during economic uncertainty. Policymakers should focus on the profitability of CBs during periods of economic uncertainty as it has a bigger impact than the Islamic banking industry.

Originality/value
This study underscores the importance of sustainable development strategies in enhancing banking performance during periods of uncertainty. At the same time, studies examining the relationship between economic uncertainty and bank profitability remain limited, particularly when comparing Islamic banks and CBs in Indonesia.
Self-reported sleep dysfunction among males deemed a “grave and immediate” risk to others: relationship with reported head injury, executive dysfunction and dynamic risk
Authors: Murphy David , Boniface Lauren , Walker Freya , Broyd Josephine 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
The link between sleep disturbance and aggression among forensic psychiatric patients is well established. However, the relationship between subjective experience of sleep quality and sleep hygiene, reported head injury, age, neuropsychological functioning and risk within these populations remains poorly understood. A study is described examining the relationships between these factors in a sample of individuals deemed a “grave and immediate” risk toothers. The aim of this study is to explore these relationships in more detail.

Design/methodology/approach
A service evaluation project examining the prevalence of self-reported sleep dysfunction, age and the relationship with neuropsychological functioning, reported head injury and dynamic risk appraisals of a UK high secure psychiatric patient sample is described (n = 84).

Findings
Self-reported poor sleep quality and poor sleep hygiene is present among 65% of patients, especially those in admission and high dependency wards. Whilst there are no differences between those with a self-reported head injury history in sleep quality, there is in sleep hygiene. Older patients also report more sleep hygiene problems. The combination of poor sleep quality, poor sleep hygiene and performance within selective aspects of executive functioning tasks has some relationship with dynamic risk.

Practical implications
The importance of sleep management and cognitive remediation is discussed, as is the need for more robust research and inclusion of an assessment of sleep within forensic neuropsychological and psychiatric evaluations.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the relationship of sleep disturbance, neuropsychological functioning and head injuries and risk within a high secure psychiatric patient sample.
Academia’s gig economy: visiting professors
Authors: Lewis Vance Johnson 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the growing trend of Visiting professorships in higher education, drawing parallels with the gig economy and exploring its implications for academia.

Design/methodology/approach
This perspective paper combines personal experience, literature review and analysis of current trends in higher education employment practices.

Findings
The increasing use of Visiting professors in academia mirrors the broader gig economy trends but poses unique challenges in the higher education context. These challenges include potential negative impacts on organizational culture, faculty motivation and long-term institutional goals.

Practical implications
This paper highlights the need for higher education administrators to reconsider the use of Visiting professorships and their potential long-term consequences on faculty development, institutional culture and educational quality.

Social implications
The trend toward more temporary faculty positions may have broader implications for the future of tenure, academic freedom and the overall structure of higher education institutions.

Originality/value
This paper provides a unique perspective on the intersection of the gig economy and academia, offering insights into the experiences of Visiting professors and the potential consequences of this employment trend for higher education institutions.