bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Model-driven engineering ofCutaneotrichosporon oleaginosusATCC 20509 for improved microbial oil production
Authors: Duman-Özdamar Zeynep Efsun , Julsing Mattijs K. , Verbokkem Janine A.C. , Wolbert Emil , dos Santos Vitor A.P. Martins , Hugenholtz Jeroen , Suarez-Diez Maria 
Published: March 2024

AbstractConsumption of plant-based oils, especially palm oil, is increasing at an alarming rate. This boosted demand for palm oil has drastic effects on the ecosystem as its production is not sustainable.C. oleaginosusis an oleaginous yeast with great potential as a source for microbial-based oil production which is a sustainable alternative to palm oil. However, microbial processes are not yet economically feasible to replace palm oil, unto a large extent due to limited lipid accumulation in the microbe, which limits titers and productivity. Therefore, obtaining enhanced lipid accumulation is essential to render this process commercially viable. Herein we deployed a systematic, iterative Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) approach to establishC. oleaginosusas an efficient fatty acid production platform. In the design step, we identified genes and medium supplements that improved lipid content. To this end, we compared its transcriptional landscape in conditions with high and low amounts of lipid production. A metabolic map was reconstructed and integrated with the expression data. Finally, the genome-scale metabolic model ofC. oleaginosuswas used to explore metabolism under maximal growth and maximal production conditions. The combination of these four analyses led to the selection of four overexpression targets (ATP-citrate lyase (ACL1), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), threonine synthase (TS), and hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA synthase (HMGS)) and five media supplements (biotin, thiamine, threonine, serine, and aspartate). We established an electroporation-based co-transformation method to implement selected genetic interventions. These findings were experimentally validated in the build and test steps of the DBTL approach by adding supplements into the medium and overexpressing the identified genes. Characterization of ACL, ACC, and TS at various C/N ratios, and the addition of medium supplements provided up to 56% (w/w) lipid content, and a 2.5-fold increase in total lipid in the glycerol and urea-based defined medium. In the learn step, quadratic models identified the optimum C/N ratios shifted towards around C/N240. These results firmly confirmC. oleaginousas a sustainable alternative to replace palm as an oil source.HighlightsTranscriptional profile and metabolic model analyzed, predicting genetic targets and medium supplements.Genetic targets and medium supplements for improved oil production.The genetic toolbox forC. oleaginosuswas expanded (co-transformation method, promoters, genes, and terminators).Experimental validations showed that biotin, and threonine increased lipid content.Overexpression ofACL1, ACC,andTSinC. oleaginosusprovided higher oil content.Graphical Abstract
The origin and evolution of cultivated rice and genomic signatures of heterosis for yield traits in super-hybrid rice
Authors: Liu Daliang , Yin Hao , Li Tao , Wang Liang , Lu Song , Yu Houlin , Sun Xinhao , Zhang Taikui , Zhao Quanzhi , Zhao Yiyong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUnraveling evolutionary history and genomic basis of heterosis is fundamental for advancing rice productivity. We developed a genome-scale phylogeny ofOryzeaeby coalescing 39,984 gene trees. Our analysis supports parallel, independent origins and nearly synchronous evolutionary trajectories leading to the subsequent domestication ofindicaandjaponica, evidenced by molecular dating and synonymous substitution rates for syntenic and domestication-associated genes. Our survey of 1,383 gene duplications in ancestor ofO. sativauncovers their roles in vital biological processes, highlighting the significance in environmental adaptability. Additionally, we confirm the lack of hybridization event among subspecies ancestors through gene tree topology and D-statistical analyses. We generated 71.67 GB whole-genome sequencing data for five super-hybrid rice varieties and their progenitors, revealing differential positive selection and genetic exchanges between subspecies, essential for heterosis formation. Crucially, our study underscores the role of non-additive gene expression in heterosis, particularly in genes associated with DNA repair and recombination, which may confer resistance traits. Furthermore, eQTL and de novo mutation analyses identify key developmental and stress response genes, offering targets for enhancing heterosis in rice. Overall, our research reveals crucial insights into the genetics of rice domestication and heterosis, offering a genomic resource to improve rice’s agricultural productivity.
Characteristics of school effectiveness at the level of colleges of education in Ghana
Authors: Alagbela Alaric Awingura , Bayuo Jonas 
Published: March 2024

PurposeSchool effectiveness has attracted some currency in educational research globally since the 1960s though such studies mostly point to the efforts of principal leadership as the basis for promoting effective schools. However, in the case of Ghana, there is a lack of research conducted in the area, and due to that, this study sought to explore internal public perspectives of what constitutes school effectiveness in the Colleges of Education in the Upper East Region of Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed the convergent parallel mixed-method design otherwise called concurrent mixed-method design. The population for the study comprised second and third-year students, tutors and leadership of the colleges. In total, 308 respondents constituted the sample size. The breakdown is 257 students in all, 41 tutors and 10 leaders of the colleges. Two instruments, namely, an in-depth interview guide and a questionnaire were used to elicit responses to address the object of this study.FindingsThe study revealed that the characteristics of effective schools include the high academic performance of students and a good show of disciplined behavior by both students and staff in the colleges among others.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, during the search for studies conducted on school effectiveness, there is no scientific study done in Ghana highlighting the attributes of effective educational institutions. Most of the studies conducted in the area of educational studies only focused on principal leadership, educational access, participation and equity at the level of pre-tertiary institutions.
Artificial intelligence applications implication for ESG performance: can digital transformation of enterprises promote sustainable development?
Authors: Chen Rongxin , Zhang Tianxing 
Published: March 2024

PurposeIn the global context, artificial intelligence (AI) technology and environmental, social and governance (ESG) have emerged as central drivers facilitating corporate transformation and the business model revolution. This paper aims to investigate whether and how the application of AI enhances the ESG performance of enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses panel data from Chinese A-share listed companies spanning the period from 2012 to 2022. Through a multivariate regression analysis, it examines the impact of AI on the ESG performance of enterprises.FindingsThe findings suggest that the application of AI in enterprises has a positive impact on ESG performance. Internal control systems within the organization and external information environments act as mediators in the relationship between AI and corporate ESG performance. Furthermore, corporate compliance plays a moderating role in the connection between AI and corporate ESG performance.Originality/valueThis paper underscores the pivotal role played by AI in enhancing corporate ESG performance. It explores the pathways to improving corporate ESG behavior from the perspectives of internal control and information environments. This discussion holds significant implications for advancing the application of AI in enterprises and enhancing their sustainable governance capabilities.
Digital market and its adequacy of merger assessment in Indonesian business competition law
Authors: Sukarmi Sukarmi , Tejomurti Kukuh , Silalahi Udin 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
This study aims to analyze the development of digital market characteristics particularly focusing on how the strategic choices of platforms are not fully reflected in pricing. In addition, the implications for the development of theories of harm are investigated to explore the necessity of a relevant market definition in assessing infringement and evaluating the adequacy of Indonesian competition law.

Design/methodology/approach
This study is a legal analysis that uses statutory approaches, cases, comparative law and the development of theories of harm in digital mergers. The case approach is conducted by analyzing three cases decided by the Indonesia Business Competition Supervisory Commission. This approach provides insight into the response of Komisi Pengawas Persaingan Usaha concerning the merger and acquisition cases in the digital era as well as the provision of different analyses in conventional markets. However, competition can be potentially damaged in digital markets and a comparative law approach is taken by analyzing digital merger cases decided by authorities in other countries.

Findings
Results reveal that the digital market has created a “relevant market” that is challenging and blurred due to multi-sided network effects and consumer data usage characteristics. Platform-based enterprises’ prices fluctuate due to the digital market’s network effect and consumer data statistics. Smartphone prices depend on the number of apps and consumer data. Neoclassical theory focusing on product markets and location applied in Indonesia must be revised to establish a relevant digital economy market. To evaluate digital mergers, new harm theories are needed. The merger should also protect consumer data. Law Number 27 of 2022 on Personal Data Protection and Government Regulation on the Implementation of Electronic Systems and Transactions protects online consumers, a basic step in due diligence for digital mergers. The Indonesian Government should promptly strengthen the notion of “relevant markets” in the digital economy, which could lead to fair business competition violations like big data control. Notify partners or digital merger participants of the accessibility of sensitive data like transaction history and user location.

Originality/value
The development of digital market characteristics has implications for developing theories of harm in digital markets. Indonesian competition law needs to develop such theories of harm to analyze the potential for anticompetitive digital mergers in the digital economy era.
Six sigma project generation and selection: an action research study
Authors: Condé Giovanni Cláudio Pinto , Toledo José Carlos , Martens Mauro Luiz 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to test and develop a method for generation and selection of six sigma projects. This is done by testing the use of the generation and selection method for six sigma projects (GSM_SSP) in a Brazilian manufacturing industry with the participation of managers, aiming to gather the user’s perspective and improvement opportunities for the approach itself.

Design/methodology/approach
The work adopts the action research (AR) approach once the researchers were busily involved in the training, implementation and use of the GSM_SSP. The intervention was performed in on a series of 15 workshops, with a group of managers, during six months.

Findings
The application of the eight steps of the GSM_SSP approach assisted the company’s management team to generate nine project candidates and also to select three six sigma projects. This study also finds and discusses barriers and lessons learned used to improve the GSM_SSP.

Research limitations/implications
This study presents an example of how six sigma project generation and selection has been applied to a manufacturing industry by adapting AR to the process using the eight steps of GSM_SSP, demonstrating how the management team was involved. This study should be replicated in different companies because AR is limited in its generalization.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study represents the first use of AR methodology in six sigma project selection. This study contributes a method that can generate and select six sigma projects. In doing so, the research offers a simple approach that can be used by managers. In addition, the steps of the approach before selection were explored.
Are women satisfied with childbirth services provided in public health facilities? Evidence from two districts in Bihar, India
Authors: Youkta Kumari , Paramanik Rajendra Narayan 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis study aims to measure the level of satisfaction among women with childbirth services provided at public health facilities. Further, to analyse the impact of their socio-economic and obstetric characteristics on their level of satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachTo accomplish these objectives a cross-sectional survey was conducted in two districts of an Indian state, Bihar. Structured questionnaire was developed based on the scale proposed by Okumu and Oyugi (2018) both for vaginal and caesarean birth patients. For empirical analysis multiple linear regression model was employed.FindingsResults suggest that majority of mothers are satisfied with the care they received during childbirth, regardless of whether they chose a caesarean (55%) or vaginal delivery (53%). Women report the lowest levels of satisfaction with postpartum care and the privacy that was preserved by healthcare personnel at health facility. Further the study also confirms the association between patient’s socio-economic characteristics and their satisfaction level.Originality/valueThis is the first study of its kind to highlight the situation of public healthcare system in Bihar, which is the third most populated state in India with poor social and health indicators.
Self-organization, networks and sustainable innovations in microfinance institutions: Does organizational resilience matter?
Authors: Wakibi Aziz , Ntayi Joseph , Nkote Isaac , Tumwine Sulait , Nsereko Isa , Ngoma Muhammad 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the interplay among self-organization, networks and sustainable innovations within microfinance institutions (MFIs) and to examine the extent to which organizational resilience plays a significant role in shaping these dynamics as a mediator.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopted a cross-sectional research design combined with analytical and descriptive approach to collect the data. Smart partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to construct the measurement model and structural equation model to test the mediating effect under this study.FindingsThe results revealed that organizational resilience is a significant mediator in the relationship between self-organization, networks and sustainable innovations among microfinance institutions in Uganda.Research limitations/implicationsThe data for this study were collected only from microfinance institutions in Uganda. Future studies may collect data from other formal financial institutions like commercial banks and credit institutions to test the mediating effect of organizational resilience. More still, the study adopted only a single approach of using a questionnaire. However, future research through interviews may be desirable. Likewise this study was cross-sectional in nature. Therefore, a longitudinal study may be useful in future while investigating the mediating role of organizational resilience traversing over a long time frame.Practical implicationsA possible implication is that microfinance institutions which desire to have sustainable innovative solutions for their business operations in disruptive circumstances may need to scrutinize their capacity to be resilient and self-organize.Social implicationsMicrofinance institutions play a great role to the underserved clients. Thus, for each to re-organize to be able to provide services that meet users’ needs, without physical products so as to ensure long-term financial and social welfare combined with the ability to bounce back and adapt in times of economic downturn to avoid mission adrift.Originality/valueWhile most studies have been carried out on organizational resilience, this paper takes center stage and is the first to test the mediating role of organizational resilience in the relationship between self-organization, networks and sustainable innovations, especially in microfinance institutions in Uganda. This paper generates strong evidence and contributes to the powerful influence of organizational resilience in enhancing the level of sustainable innovations based on self-organization and networks.
PDMSC: privacy-preserving decentralized multi-skill spatial crowdsourcing
Authors: Meng Zhaobin , Lu Yueheng , Duan Hongyue 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the following two issues regarding blockchain crowdsourcing. First, to design smart contracts with lower consumption to meet the needs of blockchain crowdsourcing services and also need to design better interaction modes to further reduce the cost of blockchain crowdsourcing services. Second, to design an effective privacy protection mechanism to protect user privacy while still providing high-quality crowdsourcing services for location-sensitive multiskilled mobile space crowdsourcing scenarios and blockchain exposure issues.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper proposes a blockchain-based privacy-preserving crowdsourcing model for multiskill mobile spaces. The model in this paper uses the zero-knowledge proof method to make the requester believe that the user is within a certain location without the user providing specific location information, thereby protecting the user’s location information and other privacy. In addition, through off-chain calculation and on-chain verification methods, gas consumption is also optimized.

Findings
This study deployed the model on Ethereum for testing. This study found that the privacy protection is feasible and the gas optimization is obvious.

Originality/value
This study designed a mobile space crowdsourcing based on a zero-knowledge proof privacy protection mechanism and optimized gas consumption.
Innovative applications of whey protein for sustainable dairy industry: Environmental and technological perspectives—A comprehensive review
Authors: El‐Aidie Safaa A. M. , Khalifa Gamal S. A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIndustrial waste management is critical to maintaining environmental sustainability. The dairy industry (DI), as one of the major consumers of freshwater, generates substantial whey dairy effluent, which is notably rich in organic matter and thus a significant pollutant. The effluent represents environmental risks due to its high biological and chemical oxygen demands. Today, stringent government regulations, environmental laws, and heightened consumer health awareness are compelling industries to responsibly manage and reuse whey waste. Therefore, this study investigates sustainable solutions for efficiently utilizing DI waste. Employing a systematic review approach, the research reveals that innovative technologies enable the creation of renewable, high‐quality, value‐added food products from dairy byproducts. These innovations offer promising sustainable waste management strategies for the dairy sector, aligning with economic interests. The main objectives of the study deal with, (a) assessing the environmental impact of dairy sector waste, (b) exploring the multifaceted nutritional and health benefits inherent in cheese whey, and (c) investigating diverse biotechnological approaches to fashion value‐added, eco‐friendly dairy whey‐based products for potential integration into various food products, and thus fostering economic sustainability. Finally, the implications of this work span theoretical considerations, practical applications, and outline future research pathways crucial for advancing the sustainable management of dairy waste.
Ablation of secreted phosphoprotein‐1 in hepatocytes increases fatty acid oxidation and ameliorates alcohol‐associated liver disease
Authors: Das Sukanta , Subramaniyam Nithyananthan , Alén Rosa , Komakula Sai Santosh Babu , Song Zhuolun , Ge Xiaodong , Han Hui , Desert Romain , Athavale Dipti , Magdaleno Fernando , Chen Wei , Barahona Ines , Lantvit Daniel , Guzman Grace , Nieto Natalia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundPreviously, we demonstrated that Spp1−/− mice exhibit a greater susceptibility to alcohol‐induced liver injury than wild‐type (WT) mice. Notably, alcohol triggers the expression of osteopontin (encoded by SPP1) in hepatocytes. However, the specific role of hepatocyte‐derived SPP1 in either mitigating or exacerbating alcohol‐associated liver disease (AALD) has yet to be elucidated. We hypothesized that hepatocyte‐derived SPP1 plays a role in AALD by modulating the regulation of steatosis.MethodsWe analyzed hepatic SPP1 expression using four publicly available datasets from patients with alcoholic hepatitis (AH). Additionally, we examined SPP1 expression in the livers of WT mice subjected to either a control or ethanol Lieber‐DeCarli (LDC) diet for 6 weeks. We compared the relationship between SPP1 expression and significantly dysregulated genes in AH with controls using correlation and enrichment analyses. To investigate the specific impact of hepatocyte‐derived SPP1, we generated hepatocyte‐specific Spp1 knock‐out (Spp1ΔHep) mice and subjected them to either a control or ethanol Lieber‐DeCarli diet for 6 weeks.ResultsAlcohol induced hepatic SPP1 expression in both humans and mice. Our analysis, focusing on genes correlated with SPP1, revealed an enrichment of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in three datasets, and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor signaling in one dataset. Notably, FAO genes correlating with SPP1 were downregulated in patients with AH. Ethanol‐fed WT mice exhibited higher serum‐free fatty acids (FFAs), adipose tissue lipolysis, and hepatic fatty acid (FA) transporters. In contrast, ethanol‐fed Spp1ΔHep mice displayed lower liver triglycerides, FFAs, and serum alanine transaminase and greater FAO gene expression than WT mice, indicating a protective effect against AALD. Primary hepatocytes from Spp1∆Hep mice exhibited heightened expression of genes encoding proteins involved in FAO.ConclusionsAlcohol induces the expression of SPP1 in hepatocytes, leading to impaired FAO and contributing to the development of AALD.