bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A PIF- and GUN1-regulated switch in cell axis growth drives cotyledon expansion through tissue-specific cell expansion and division
Authors: Veciana Nil , Martín Guiomar , Monte Elena 
Published: January 2025

SUMMARYDespite its crucial role during seedling deetiolation, cotyledon expansion has been largely overlooked, with hypocotyl elongation favored as the primary phenotypic readout in light signaling research. Here, we investigate how cotyledon expansion is regulated during seedling establishment, and reveal that light-induced cotyledon expansion involves a rapid switch in growth direction - from longitudinal in darkness to transversal upon initial light exposure. Using PIFq- and phyA/phyB-deficient Arabidopsis mutants, we demonstrate that this switch is repressed by PIFs in the dark and promoted by phytochromes under red light. Notably, expansion is antagonistically regulated in the light by GUN1-mediated plastid retrograde signaling. Cotyledon expansion involves rapid epidermis cell expansion, transitioning from rectangular in darkness to characteristic lobed cells in light. Importantly, our findings show that mesophyll extension is driven not only by cell enlargement but also by palisade cell division, consistent with an enrichment of cell cycle-related genes that are antagonistically regulated by the PIF/phy system and retrograde signaling in the cotyledon. Finally, using mutant lines expressing PIF1 and phyB specifically in the epidermis, we establish that epidermal expansion can drive palisade cell growth, while mesophyll cell division is predominantly regulated by light at the tissue-specific level. This study provides a novel framework for investigating cotyledon expansion during seedling deetiolation, incorporating tissue-level regulation. We propose that cotyledons serve as an excellent model for studying morphogenesis and organ geometry, which in plants is governed by directional cell growth.SIGNIFICANT STATEMENTDespite their critical role in the successful establishment of green photoautotrophic organisms, the mechanisms governing cotyledon expansion during seedling deetiolation remain largely unknown. Our study reveals that the phy/PIF system drives a light-induced shift in the cotyledon growth axis to promote cotyledon growth through tissue-specific cell expansion and division, while GUN1-mediated plastid signals counteract this process when chloroplast biogenesis is impaired.
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) visualizes internalization and biological impact of nanoplastics in live intestinal organoids
Authors: Okkelman Irina A. , Zhou Hang , Borisov Sergey M. , Debruyne Angela C. , Lefebvre Austin E. Y. T. , Zoccoler Marcelo Leomil , Chen Linglong , Devriendt Bert , Dmitriev Ruslan I. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe increasing micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) pollution poses significant risks to human and animal health, yet the mechanisms of their accumulation and effects on absorptive tissues such as the gastrointestinal tract remain poorly understood. Addressing these knowledge gaps requires tractable models coupled to dynamic live cell imaging methods, to enable multi-parameter analysis at single cell resolution. Here we report a new method combining adult stem cell-derived small intestinal organoid cultures with multi-parameter live Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) to study MNP interactions with gut epithelium. To facilitate this, we optimized live imaging of porcine and mouse small intestinal organoids with an ‘apical-out’ topology. Subsequently, we produced a set of pristine MNPs based on PMMA and PS (<200 nm, doped with deep-red fluorescent dye) exhibiting different surface charges, and evaluated their interaction with organoids displaying controlled epithelial polarity. We found that nanoparticles differently interacted with apical and basal membranes of the organoids and even showed a species-specific pattern of cellular uptake. Using a phasor-FLIM approach, we demonstrate better sensitivity of FLIM over conventional intensity-based microscopy. The ‘fluorescence lifetime barcoding’ enabled distinguishing different types of MNP and their interaction sites within organoids. Finally, we studied short (1 day)- and long (3 days)-term exposure effects of PMMA and PS-based MNPs on mitochondrial function, total energy budget and epithelial inflammation and found that even pristine MNPs could disrupt chemokine production and mitochondrial membrane potential in intestinal epithelial cells. The presented FLIM approach will advance the study of MNP toxicity, their biological impacts on gastrointestinal tissue and help tracing other types of fluorescent nanoparticles in live organoid and 3Dex vivosystems.
STOCHASTIC MODELING OF HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL DYNAMICS
Authors: Alfaro-Quinde Carlos , Krstanovic Katerina E. , Vásquez Paula A. , Kathrein Katie L. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe study of hematopoietic stem cell (HSCs) maintenance and differentiation to supply the hematopoietic system presents unique challenges, given the complex regulation of the process and the difficulty in observing cellular interactions in the stem cell niche. Quantitative methods and tools have emerged as valuable mechanisms to address this issue; however, the stochasticity of HSCs presents significant challenges for mathematical modeling, especially when bridging the gap between theoretical models and experimental validation. In this work, we have built a flexible and user-friendly stochastic dynamical and spatial model for long-term HSCs (LT-HSCs) and short-term HSCs (ST-HSCs) that captures experimentally observed cellular variability and heterogeneity. Our model implements the behavior of LT-HSCs and ST-HSCs and predicts their homeostatic dynamics. Furthermore, our model can be modified to explore various biological scenarios, such as stress-induced perturbations mediated by apoptosis, and successfully implement these conditions. Finally, the model incorporates spatial dynamics, simulating cell behavior in a 2D environment by combining Brownian motion with spatially graded parameters.*Summary StatementThis study addresses the challenge of characterizing hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) dynamics by developing a flexible, user-friendly stochastic spatial model of long-term and short-term HSCs. The model captures observed cellular variability and heterogeneity, predicts homeostatic dynamics, can be adapted to simulate stress-induced perturbations like apoptosis, and incorporates a spatial component to analyze HSC movement within a bone marrow niche.
Bacteriophage-driven DNA inversions shape bacterial functionality and long-term co-existence inBacteroides fragilis
Authors: Carasso Shaqed , Keshet-David Roni , Zhang Jia , Hajjo Haitham , Kadosh-Kariti Dana , Gefen Tal , Geva-Zatorsky Naama 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBacterial genomic DNA inversions, which govern molecular phase-variations, provide the bacteria with functional plasticity and phenotypic diversity. These targeted rearrangements enable bacteria to respond to environmental challenges, such as bacteriophage predation, evading immune detection or gut colonization.This study investigated the short- and long-term effects of the lytic phage Barc2635 on the functional plasticity ofBacteroides fragilis, a gut commensal. Germ-free mice were colonized withB. fragilisand exposed to Barc2635 to identify genomic alterations driving phenotypic changes.Phage exposure triggered dynamic and prolonged bacterial responses, including significant shifts in phase-variable regions (PVRs), particularly in promoter orientations of polysaccharide biosynthesis loci. These shifts coincided with increased entropy in PVR inversion ratios, reflecting heightened genomic variability. In contrast,B. fragilisin control mice exhibited stable genomic configurations after gut adaptation. The phase-variable Type 1 restriction-modification system, which affects broad gene expression patterns, showed variability in both groups. However, phage-exposed bacteria displayed more restrained variability, suggesting phage-derived selection pressures. Our findings reveal thatB. fragilisemploys DNA inversions to adapt rapidly to phage exposure and colonization, leveraging genomic variability for resilience. This study emphasizes gut bacterial genomic and phenotypic plasticity upon exposure to the mammalian host and to bacteriophages.
Why do rural and urban users adopt phygital payments differently? A UTAUT3-based comparative study of mobile wallets and plastic money
Authors: Pal Abhimanyu , Rani Priyanka , Singh Upendra Pratap , Rani Radha , Kumar Ashish 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This paper aims to identify the factors affecting the adoption of plastic money and mobile wallets by comparing rural and urban perspectives. For this, the study uses a unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT3) model with additional variables, perceived value and perceived risk, to predict use behavior.

Design/methodology/approach
This research incorporates two cross-sectional surveys, Study R, which includes 417 rural respondents and Study U, which includes 431 urban respondents, regarding plastic money and mobile wallet adoption. This paper used the Statistical Package for Social Science and partial least squares-structural equation modeling for data analysis.

Findings
Both studies showed that performance expectancy, social influence and hedonic motivation substantially influence behavioral intention and use behavior. In contrast, effort expectancy has an insignificant influence in rural (Study R) and urban (Study U). In addition, personal innovativeness and perceived value positively influence, whereas perceived risk negatively influences behavioral intention and use behavior in both studies. However, facilitating conditions had a positive effect in Study U, but it had a negative effect on behavioral intention and use behavior in Study R.

Practical implications
This research lays a practical foundation for governments, policymakers and marketers to encourage a phygital payment service that explicitly addresses the rural and urban context. In addition, the findings of this paper also help regulatory authorities develop effective strategies and campaigns to encourage the sustainable development of countries.

Originality/value
This paper attempts to address the gap in the prevailing literature by investigating the role of geographical differences in the technology adoption system, especially in emerging nations like India, where these studies are missing. The adoption differences between rural and urban areas, along with the insightful findings by the authors, help to highlight the unique aspects of the context. As one of the pioneering studies, this research tests the UTAUT3 model, incorporating two additional constructs, to provide a comprehensive framework for using plastic money and mobile wallets – valuable for both researchers and practitioners.
Understanding streamers’ intention to live stream in the context of rural live streaming commerce: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Cheng Xusen , Xu Yue , Yang Bo , Liu Yu 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThe emergence of live streaming commerce has injected promising impetus into rural development and attracted many rural streamers. This study aims to explore the influencing factors of rural streamers’ engagement intentions to help promote the sustainable development of rural live streaming commerce.Design/methodology/approachGrounded in the extended valence framework, this research employs a mixed-methods approach encompassing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. In the qualitative phase, the authors conduct in-depth interviews with 15 rural streamers, employing data coding techniques to uncover underlying factors. Subsequently, in the quantitative phase, the authors analyze survey data from 282 rural streamers, subjecting hypotheses to validation through structural equation modeling.FindingsThe findings derived from the analysis of both interviews and questionnaires reveal that several platform qualities, including platform rural-aiding support, perceived effectiveness of dispute resolution, perceived interactivity and platform reputation, have a positive effect on trust in the platform and validate the extended valence framework in understanding rural streamers’ live streaming intention. In addition, ties with customers have a moderating effect. Specifically, the stronger the ties with customers, the stronger the positive effect of perceived benefits and the weaker the positive effect of trust in the platform on live streaming intention will be.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the rural live streaming commerce literature and trust research from the sellers’ perspective and provides practical implications for policymakers and live streaming platform managers on enhancing rural streamers’ participation.
Waste management, green initiatives, and financial distress in heavily regulated environmental contexts: evidence from the United Kingdom
Authors: Orazalin Nurlan , Ntim Collins , Narbaev Timur 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This paper aims to empirically examine the effects of waste management (WM) practices on financial distress (FD) in a heavily regulated environmental context and investigates the moderating role of green initiatives (GINVs) on the WM−FD relationship.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a sample of 1,667 firm years of UK-based companies from 2002 to 2021 and applies a panel regression analysis controlling for industry- and year-fixed effects. Data on WM, GINVs and governance are sourced from LSEG (formerly known as Refinitiv Asset4 ESG), whereas financial data are collected from WorldScope. The study also adopts alternative measures for FD and WM practices and uses a two-stage least squares analysis and the Heckman selection model as robustness checks.

Findings
The findings reveal that FD levels decrease significantly when waste generation declines and waste recycling increases, suggesting that firms with better WM practices have lower FD levels. The results further show the moderating effect of GINVs on the link between waste generation and FD and suggest that increased GINVs are effective in reducing FD by mitigating waste levels. However, waste recycling and GINVs are found to have a substitutive effect on FD. The findings remain robust to the use of alternative measures and endogeneity issues.

Originality/value
This work is among the first to investigate the WM-FD nexus and highlights the importance of effective WM practices in improving the financial sustainability of UK firms. The study also extends prior research by testing the moderating impact of GINVs and suggests that firms need to carefully balance their GINVs with waste recycling efforts to achieve optimal financial sustainability in a heavily regulated environmental context, such as the UK.
Management matters: what do we need to know about the motivation and job satisfaction of humanitarian logisticians?
Authors: Abikova Jana 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This study delineates the factors impacting the motivation and job satisfaction of humanitarian logisticians. This study aims to explore their motivations for entering the sector and the reasons for persisting despite the challenges.

Design/methodology/approach
Using an exploratory research design, data were gathered through online semi-structured questionnaires distributed to international and national non-governmental organisations (NGOs), UN agencies, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the logistics cluster and the Humanitarian Logistics Association.

Findings
This study reveals that humanitarian organisations, along with their policies, culture and practices, significantly influence staff well-being. Altruistic motives drive logisticians to support those in need, aligning with their moral standards. However, job satisfaction declines due to issues such as management practices, unfairness, bureaucracy and other factors affecting work-life balance.

Practical implications
These findings offer insights for humanitarian organisations to address the challenges faced by logisticians and enhance their well-being. Understanding the issues before, during and after deployment is crucial for organisational focus. Representatives from some NGOs expressed optimism about the usefulness of this data during the collection process.

Originality/value
This research pioneers an examination of the motivation and satisfaction of humanitarian logisticians, contributing to the existing body of knowledge on human resources in the non-profit sector.
Exploring barriers to complementary and alternative medicine adoption in India: an ISM-MICMAC analysis
Authors: Balasubramanian Nataraj , Palaniappan Umayal , Balaji M. , Nandakumar Nachiketas 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis research investigates the barriers for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) adoption among the patients in India. Despite the established role of CAM in the Indian healthcare system for several years, the WHO (WHO) reports limited adoption of these therapies among Indian patients. This study investigates the key barriers toward wider CAM use within the Indian context.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a combined interpretive structural modeling (ISM)-MICMAC approach to identify barriers to CAM usage. In the first phase, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to understand the barriers. Subsequently, experts in the Indian healthcare system were identified and interviewed to capture the contextual intricacies of these barriers within the Indian context.FindingsThe study identified ten key barriers to CAM adoption through ISM. A hierarchical model was developed to understand the relationships and interactions among these barriers, revealing their linkages. A MICMAC chart was created to determine the driving and dependent power of the barriers, categorizing them as dependent barriers, linkage barriers or independent barriers. The House of CAM framework was then derived from the ISM-MICMAC analysis, providing a structured, sequential approach for CAM adoption.Practical implicationsThe awareness of the potential benefits and usage of CAM is significantly low among Indian patients. There is a pressing need to investigate and systematically conceptualize the barriers to CAM adoption. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, insurers, practitioners of alternative and complementary medicine, multi-specialty hospitals offering CAM services and regulatory bodies. Understanding these barriers will enable these stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that effectively address these issues.Originality/valueThis research makes substantial contributions to the understanding of barriers to the adoption of CAM. Through a comprehensive investigation, the study introduces the House of CAM framework developed using ISM-MICMAC analysis, providing a strategic approach for targeted intervention against identified barriers.
Artificial intelligence in intelligent transportation systems
Authors: Zemmouchi-Ghomari Leila 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis article examines the contribution of artificial intelligence to augmenting Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to enhance traffic flow, safety, and sustainability.Design/methodology/approachThe research investigates using AI technologies in ITS, including machine learning, computer vision, and deep learning. It analyzes case studies on ITS projects in Poznan, Mysore, Austin, New York City, and Beijing to identify essential components, advantages, and obstacles.FindingsUsing AI in Intelligent Transportation Systems has considerable opportunities for enhancing traffic efficiency, minimizing accidents, and fostering sustainable urban growth. Nonetheless, issues like data quality, real-time processing, security, public acceptability, and privacy concerns need resolution.Originality/valueThis article thoroughly examines AI-driven ITS, emphasizing successful applications and pinpointing significant difficulties. It underscores the need for a sustainable economic strategy for extensive adoption and enduring success.
Strategic modelling for sustainable power grids: a comprehensive study on energy storage integration in India
Authors: Gupta Laxmi , Sarkar Bishal Dey , Shankar Ravi 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This study aims to address the critical need for innovation in the power grid sector, driven by global carbon reduction commitments. It highlights the pivotal role of critical success factors (CSFs) in enhancing system adaptability and environmental mitigation within India’s power industry.

Design/methodology/approach
This research is grounded on transition management theory to identify and validate the CSFs necessary to integrate energy storage systems (ESS). Here, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) are integrated to evaluate the model’s effectiveness in reducing CO2 emissions while ensuring grid stability and flexibility.

Findings
The research develops a seven-level hierarchical model illustrating the interaction of ESS components for a stable power grid, clean energy and a profitable electric industry. It emphasizes the strategic significance of managing key factors to reduce CO2 emissions and ensure grid stability. The study recommends continuous monitoring at tactical and operational levels to enhance overall performance.

Research limitations/implications
The study provides policymakers with strategic insights for the successful implementation of smart grid initiatives, facilitating effective decarbonization of the electricity industry. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive framework for minimizing the environmental impact associated with electricity generation, thereby enhancing overall operational sustainability and efficiency.

Originality/value
The originality of this study lies in its integration of EFA and TISM for robust model assessment and the application of transition management theory to identify and validate CSFs in the integration of ESS. This approach offers a novel perspective on enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of power grids.
Shelters from the storm: a daily investigation of customer sexual harassment and organizational resources as moderators
Authors: Liang Yijue , Kim Sohee , Park YoungAh , Kim Sooyeol 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis paper investigates gender disparities, daily repercussions, and organizational implications related to customer sexual harassment (CSH) of service workers.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed an experience sampling method across 10 days involving 71 call center employees in South Korea.FindingsWomen encountered significantly more instances of daily CSH, which eroded their daily job satisfaction and work engagement. Perceived organizational support and effective customer-service training mitigated the within-person relationship between CSH and job satisfaction, though not work engagement.Practical implicationsFemale service employees are more susceptible to daily CSH, likely due to gender-role spillover. They require more robust organizational support and effective customer-service training to buffer the detrimental impacts of CSH on their daily job satisfaction.Originality/valueIn an attempt to understand sexual harassment as a daily experience, this research highlights gender differences in exposure to sexual harassment in workplaces no longer dominated by men and emphasizes the role of organizational resources in alleviating the adverse effects of daily CSH on service employees' well-being.