bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural and functional investigation of the human snRNP assembly factor AAR2 in complex with the RNase H-like domain of PRPF8
Authors: Preussner Marco , Santos Karine F. , Alles Jonathan , Heroven Christina , Heyd Florian , Wahl Markus C. , Weber Gert 
Published: October 2022

Small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complexes (snRNPs) represent the main subunits of the spliceosome. While the assembly of the snRNP core particles has been well characterized, comparably little is known of the incorporation of snRNP-specific proteins and the mechanisms of snRNP recycling. U5 snRNP assembly in yeast requires binding of the the Aar2 protein to Prp8p as a placeholder to preclude premature assembly of the SNRNP200 helicase, but the role of the human AAR2 homolog has not yet been investigated in detail. Here, a crystal structure of human AAR2 in complex with the RNase H-like domain of the U5-specific PRPF8 (PRP8F RH) is reported, revealing a significantly different interaction between the two proteins compared with that in yeast. Based on the structure of the AAR2–PRPF8 RH complex, the importance of the interacting regions and residues was probed and AAR2 variants were designed that failed to stably bind PRPF8 in vitro. Protein-interaction studies of AAR2 with U5 proteins using size-exclusion chromatography reveal similarities and marked differences in the interaction patterns compared with yeast Aar2p and imply phosphorylation-dependent regulation of AAR2 reminiscent of that in yeast. It is found that in vitro AAR2 seems to lock PRPF8 RH in a conformation that is only compatible with the first transesterification step of the splicing reaction and blocks a conformational switch to the step 2-like, Mg2+-coordinated conformation that is likely during U5 snRNP biogenesis. These findings extend the picture of AAR2 PRP8 interaction from yeast to humans and indicate a function for AAR2 in the spliceosomal assembly process beyond its role as an SNRNP200 placeholder in yeast.
The antibacterial activity and biochemical composition of Adansonia Digitata edible parts
Authors: El Yahyaoui Ouafae , Bouabid Bahia , Ait Ouaaziz Nabil , El Bakkali Mohamed , El Harche Hanae , Lrhorfi Lalla Aicha , Nakari Kamal , Bengueddour Rachid 
Published: October 2022

PurposeWithin the framework of the valorization of natural resources, a characterization of the biochemical composition of the edible parts of Adansonia Digitata is applied. The antibacterial effect against bacteria is also realized and compared to some synthetic antibiotics.Design/methodology/approachThe biochemical characterization is carried out according to the norms of the French Association of Normalization, methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC International) and gas chromatography (GC). The antibacterial activity is tested by disk diffusion on a solid medium. Parametric tests are used to compare the differences between groups and heat maps to show the expression of the mean inhibitions according to the studied parameters. Multivariate logistic modeling is applied to study the effect of extracts and antibiotics on bacteria.FindingsBiochemical characterization showed a variable importance of proteins, fibers and total sugars, with the presence of highly desired fatty acids such as palmitic, oleic, stearic, linoleic and a-linolenic acids. This gives the tested parts important energy values, especially in the seeds very rich in fatty acids. Methanol proved to be a better extraction solvent than dichloromethane. Antibacterial activity showed that pulp and leaves extracted with methanol had quite similar inhibitory activities against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC29212 and that this effect was better than some antibiotics. Multivariate analysis showed that the leaves had a similar effect to antibiotics, and a significant effect against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC29213.Originality/valueThis important activity and the attractive nutritional value of this plant could justify its extensive use in the traditional pharmacopoeia.
The impact of corporate governance and firm-specific characteristics on dividend policy: an emerging market case
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Al-Jabri Qadri , Khan Muhammad Tahir , Ali Ansari Muhamamad Akbar , Tariq Rehan Bin 
Published: October 2022

PurposeThe present study aims to investigate the impact of corporate governance proxies by ownership structure and firm-specific characteristics, i.e. firm size, leverage, growth opportunities, previous year dividend, firm risk, profitability, and liquidity on dividend behavior of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) listed firms.Design/methodology/approachFinal sample of the study consists of 140 PSX-listed firms. The study covers a period of six years, starting from 2015 to 2020. Dividend payout dummy, dividend payout ratio, and dividend yield were used to assess the dividend behavior of the sample firms. The appropriate regression procedures (logistic, probit, ordinary least square (OLS), and fixed effect regression) are used to test the study hypothesis. To check the robustness of the result, a system GMM estimation technique is also used in the present study.FindingsThe study reveals that institutional ownership, foreign ownership, and individual ownership have a significant positive whereas managerial ownership has a significant negative impact on the dividend decision of sample firms. Among firm-specific characteristics, it was found that liquidity, profitability, and the previous year's dividend were significantly positive, while growth opportunities were significantly inversely associated with dividend payout decisions of PSX-listed firms.Practical implicationsThis study sheds light on the relationship between dividend policy, ownership structure, and firm-specific factors in the context of an emerging market like Pakistan. The study's findings have important implications for managers, minority shareholders, lawmakers, and investors looking for guidance on the dividend policy of publicly-traded non-financial firms.Originality/valueThe literature lacks studies that together analyze the ownership characteristics and firm-specific variables on dividend decisions, particularly in the context of developing economies. The current study aims to fill this gap.
The corporate risk-taking and performance of politically connected firms: evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Chin Alice , Lye Ooi Chin , Najaf Khakan 
Published: October 2022

PurposeOne of the significant components of a firm's overall sustainability is establishing and nurturing governance. This study attempts to understand how politically connected firms maintain sustainability measures in terms of risk-taking strategies. This paper has two purposes. The first purpose is to provide empirical evidence on the politically connected (PC) firms' corporate risk-taking and performance. The second purpose is to investigate the moderating impact of PC firms' risk on corporate performance.Design/methodology/approachTo conduct the analysis to test our hypothesis efficiently, data has been collected from Bloomberg and annual reports of all Malaysian PC and non-PC companies. The final sample comprises 561 firms over the investigation period 2010–2019. The methodology entails Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regressions of the impact of the PC firms on corporate risk-taking and performance. The authors also conduct t-tests of the equality of means of corporate risk-taking and performance between PC and non-PC companies.FindingsThe authors’ results show that politically connected firms undertake significant less corporate risk and relish higher financial performance than their counterparts. It implicatively insinuates that the presence of a politician on the board enables the management to mitigate the risk-taking, which makes the firms more profitable. The authors’ results corroborate network theory, suggesting that political ties alleviate the agency issue and safeguard the shareholders' interest.Research limitations/implicationsThe study's results were important as they highlighted the sustainable development of PC and non-PC companies, offering insights to researchers, policymakers, regulators, financial report users, investors, environmental unions, employees, clients and society.Originality/valueThis paper is novel since it is unique in evaluating sustainable practice in PC and non-PC firms.
Data mining analytics investigation on TikTok users' behaviors: social media app development
Authors: Liao Shu-hsien , Widowati Retno , Lee Ching-Yu 
Published: October 2022

PurposeTikTok, a social media application (app), was originally positioned as a short music video community suitable for young users, and the app is user-generated content (UGC) short video of vertical music. Users can make their own creative videos. Following the rhythm of the music, users can shoot various video content, personal talents, life records, performances, dances, plot interpretations, etc. However, what are the profiles and preferences of TikTok users, whereby the social media app is mainly developed by UGC? What is the impact of TikTok on the development of social media? In addition, what is UGC's social media model for user interactions in social networks? The purpose of this paper is to address and study these proposed issues.Design/methodology/approachAll questionnaire items are designed as nominal and ordinal scales (not Likert scale). The obtained data from questionnaires are put into the relational database (N = 2,011). This empirical study takes Taiwan TikTok users as the research object, implements data mining analytics to generate user profiles through clustering analysis and further uses association rules’ analysis to analyze social media apps in social network interaction and social apps’ development by proposing two patterns and several meaningful rules.FindingsThis study finds that social media apps is a valuable practical research topic on online social media development. In addition, besides the TikTok, the authors eagerly await subsequent research to provide more valuable findings of social media apps in both theory and practice.Originality/valueThis study presents the research evidences that social media apps such as TikTok will be able to transcend the current development pattern of social media and make good use of the media and technology innovation of apps in social development and social informatics.
“One of these things is not like the others”: the role of authentic leadership in cross-cultural leadership development
Authors: Lewis Clif P. , Aldossari Maryam 
Published: October 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore a possible relationship between the presence of authentic organisational leadership and the leadership development experience.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a qualitative exploratory hybrid research design which draws on data from multiple sources. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews, document analysis and non-participant observations across two case study organisations in Saudi Arabia.FindingsThe authors' findings suggest that the presence of authentic leadership (AL) within an organisation is a significant factor in the leadership development experience. This study also highlights the key importance of advancing leadership development theory that is holistic and comprehensive.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted as case studies within a specific social context. Findings cannot be generalised but offer valuable direction for future research.Originality/valueThe research advances leadership development theory by highlighting the inadequacy of the person-focussed perspective and offering exploratory evidence for the role of social context, organisational leadership and organisational artefacts in the leadership development process.
Police stress: the role of occupational culture and officer characteristics
Authors: Paoline III Eugene A. , Gau Jacinta M. 
Published: October 2022

PurposeThe purpose of the current study was to augment the police culture and stress literature by empirically examining the impact of features of the internal and external work environment, as well as officer characteristics, on police officer stress.Design/methodology/approachThe current empirical inquiry utilized survey data collected from street-level officers in a mid-sized urban police department in a southern region of the United States (n = 349).FindingsThis study revealed that perceived danger, suspicion of citizens and cynicism toward the public increased police occupational stress, while support from supervisors mitigated it. In addition, Black and Latinx officers reported significantly less stress than their White counterparts.Research limitations/implicationsWhile this study demonstrates that patrol officers' perceptions of the external and internal work environments (and race/ethnicity) matter in terms of occupational stress, it is not without limitations. One limitation related to the generalizability of the findings, as results are gleaned from a single large agency serving a metropolitan jurisdiction in the Southeast. Second, this study focused on cultural attitudes and stress, although exact connections to behaviors are more speculative. Finally, the survey took place prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the killing of George Floyd (and others), which radically shook police–community relationships nationwide.Practical implicationsPolice administrators should be cognizant of the importance that views of them have for patrol officer stress levels. Moreover, police trainers and supervisors concerned with occupational stress of their subordinates should work toward altering assignments and socialization patterns so that officers are exposed to a variety of patrol areas, in avoiding prolonged assignments of high social distress.Originality/valueThe study augmented the police culture and stress literature by empirically uncovering the individual-level sources of patrol officers' job-related stress. This study builds off of Paoline and Gau's (2018) research using data collected some 15 years ago by examining a more contemporary, post–Ferguson, context.
Tone complexity and the cost of debt retrospective data from the USA
Authors: Bendriouch Fatimazahra , Jabbouri Imad , Satt Harit , Jariri Zineb , M'hamdi Mohamed 
Published: October 2022

PurposeThis paper explores the impact of tone complexity on the cost of debt in the USA.Design/methodology/approachA sampling from 692 publicly nonfinancial-traded companies in the USA is employed over the period between 2010 and 2018. Generalized methods of moments (GMM) model is implemented to examine the impact of tone complexity on the cost of debt and its implications upon creditors and users.FindingsThe findings show that high-tone complexity is associated with a greater cost of debt. The use of a more complex tone in a company's annual reports has been shown to influence creditors' perceptions of risk.Originality/valueThis research pursues innovation by examining how creditors can use the tone complexity of annual report to assess the level of information asymmetry and estimate the required rate of return accordingly.
Training value, employee internal states and training transfer: examining the web of relationships
Authors: Andoh Raphael Papa Kweku , Owusu Emmanuel Afreh , Annan-Prah Elizabeth Cornelia , Boampong Georgina Nyantakyiwaa 
Published: October 2022

Purpose
This study aims to examine the web of relationships among training value, employee internal states (psychological empowerment, employee engagement and motivation to transfer) and training transfer.

Design/methodology/approach
Data is obtained from different categories of employees a few months after attending different training programs organized by their organization. Structural equation modeling is used to analyze the data. Bias-corrected and accelerated (BCa) confidence intervals are used to determine the significance of the hypothesized paths.

Findings
This study finds that training value relates to motivation to transfer, psychological empowerment and employee engagement. Motivation to transfer also relates to training transfer and employee engagement. Again, psychological empowerment relates to motivation to transfer, employee engagement and training transfer. Concerning the mediated relationship, psychological empowerment and motivation to transfer fully mediate the relationship between training value and training transfer.

Practical implications
Internal states must be the focus of human resource department (HRD) scholars in their quest to discover training transfer improvement mechanisms. HRD practitioners and organizations generally should also prioritize the enhancement of the internal states of employees to aid training transfer.

Originality/value
In this study, training transfer facilitating factors particularly employee internal states are explored by examining the web of relationships comprising training value, motivation to transfer, psychological empowerment, employee engagement and training transfer in a pentagonal model using a homogeneous sample with a common understanding of training transfer due to the similarities in their training as well as job conditions.
Implication of the myo‐inositol pathway in behavioural alterations of infected threespine sticklebacks
Authors: Alves Verônica Angélica , Aubin‐Horth Nadia 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Threespine sticklebacks Gasterosteus aculeatus infected with the tapeworm Schistocephalus solidus display impairments in their anti‐predator responses. They also have increased expression of the gene encoding the IMPase 1 enzyme in their brains, which is part of a key step in myo‐inositol synthesis. IMPase 1 and myo‐inositol levels are the targets of lithium treatment in patients with bipolar disorder.

Although promising candidates, we do not know if IMPase 1 and myo‐inositol are directly implicated in the changes in risky behaviours measured in Schistocephalus‐infected fish. Understanding the molecular mechanisms directly or indirectly involved in these behavioural alterations is crucial to understand the evolution of host–parasite interactions.

Here, we increased myo‐inositol levels of uninfected fish and inhibited IMPase 1 activity in infected fish to test the prediction that it would decrease and increase their anti‐predator behaviour respectively.

We found that uninfected fish with increased myo‐inositol levels (by injecting exogenous myo‐inositol or by inducing endogenous production using an osmotic challenge) did not decrease their anti‐predator responses. However, infected fish treated with lithium chloride had some of their anti‐predator behaviours restored, but not all. They spent less time swimming close to the surface, showed lowered activity, had a higher latency to feed in a novel environment and spent more time frozen after a predator attack.

Our results suggest that the target of lithium treatment is implicated in the risky behaviours of infected fish and supports the idea that the parasite‐associated alteration in behaviour has a multifactorial nature.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Cyanobacterial‐ and moss‐forming biocrusts consistently decrease the temperature sensitivity of microbial respiration along a continental precipitation gradient
Authors: Huang Gang , Su Yan‐gui , Wu Guo‐peng , Huang Zheng‐yi , Lin Si‐nuo , Cheng Hao 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Biocrusts are prevalent and participate in many soil organic carbon (C) processes in drylands. The predicted increase in aridity will expand the biocrust cover and significantly impact soil organic C dynamics. However, how biocrusts change soil organic C decomposition and what factors drive the effect in response to climate warming remains largely unknown at a continental scale.

We measured microbial respiration and its temperature sensitivity (Q10) in bare soil lacking biocrusts and two universal biocrusted soils (cyanobacterial‐ and moss‐crusted soil) from 43 sites across a precipitation gradient from 39 to 443 mm to evaluate the relative effects of biocrusts on Q10 and the driving forces in northern China's dryland.

Microbial respiration increased and Q10 decreased with increasing precipitation in bare soil, cyanobacterial‐ and moss‐crusted soil. Biocrusts positively affected microbial respiration, with a more substantial magnitude by moss crusts than cyanobacterial crusts. Biocrusts negatively impacted Q10, and the magnitudes were similar between moss and cyanobacterial crusts. Most importantly, the relative effects of biocrusts on microbial respiration and Q10 increased with decreasing precipitation.

The positive effects of biocrusts on soil organic C content and microbial biomass carbon were positively correlated with the level of increased microbial respiration. Contrastingly, the magnitude of reduced Q10 was attributed to the biocrusts' positive effects on soil organic C quality and adverse effects on the ratio of fungal to bacterial PLFAs (F:B).

Our study provides strong evidence that biocrusts decrease the temperature sensitivity of microbial respiration in northern China's dryland. This result suggests that the predicted expanding biocrust cover is crucial for maintaining the soil organic C stability by buffering the positive impacts of climate warming on soil organic C decomposition in drylands.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Genetic and physiological insights into the diazotrophic activity of a non‐cyanobacterial marine diazotroph
Authors: Joublin‐Delavat Aurélie , Touahri Katia , Crétin Pauline , Morot Amandine , Rodrigues Sophie , Jesus Bruno , Trigodet Florian , Delavat François 
Published: October 2022

AbstractNitrogen (N2) fixation, or diazotrophy, supports a large part of primary production in oceans. Culture‐independent approaches highlighted the presence in abundance of marine non‐cyanobacterial diazotrophs (NCD), but their ecophysiology remains elusive, mostly because of the low number of isolated NCD and because of the lack of available genetic tools for these isolates. Here, a dual genetic and functional approach allowed unveiling the ecophysiology of a marine NCD affiliated to the species Vibrio diazotrophicus. Physiological characterization of the first marine NCD mutant obtained so far was performed using a soft‐gellan assay, demonstrating that a ΔnifH mutant is not able to grow in nitrogen‐free media. Furthermore, we demonstrated that V. diazotrophicus produces a thick biofilm under diazotrophic conditions, suggesting biofilm production as an adaptive response of this NCD to cope with the inhibition of nitrogen fixation by molecular oxygen. Finally, the genomic signature of V. diazotrophicus is essentially absent from metagenomic data of Tara Ocean expeditions, despite having been isolated from various marine environments. We think that the genetically tractable V. diazotrophicus strain used in this study may serve as an ideal model to study the ecophysiology of these overlooked procaryotic group.
Community Social Capital and Board Advising: Evidence from the Structure of Board Committees
Authors: Li Zhe , Wang Bo 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWe investigate how community social capital, captured by the strength of cooperative norms and social networks within a geographical community, affects the internal structure of corporate boards. We find that firms headquartered in high‐social‐capital US counties have a more advising‐intensive board structure, as they are more likely to set up specialized advisory committees and appoint more advisory directors. These findings are robust to endogeneity concerns and a battery of sensitivity tests. Our mediation analysis shows that the increased board advising intensity, induced by community social capital, reduces investment inefficiency. We further reveal that community social capital reduces board monitoring intensity and directors’ monitoring efforts. Overall, our results are consistent with the argument that community social capital serves as a societal monitoring mechanism to reduce firms’ need for board monitoring, and, hence, firms’ boards located in high‐social‐capital communities focus more on advising.