bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Collective protection against the type VI secretion system in bacteria
Authors: Granato Elisa T. , Smith William P. J. , Foster Kevin R. 
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACTBacteria commonly face attacks from other strains using the type VI secretion system (T6SS), a molecular speargun that stabs and intoxicates competitors. Here we show how bacteria can work together to collectively defend themselves against these attacks. This project began with an outreach activity: while developing an online computer game of bacterial warfare, we noticed that one strategist (‘Slimy’) that made extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) was able to resist attacks from another strategist that employed the T6SS (‘Stabby’). This observation motivated us to model this scenario more formally, using dedicated agent-based simulations. The model predicts that EPS production can serve as a collective defence mechanism, which protects both producing cells and neighbouring cells that do not make EPS. We then tested our model with a synthetic community that contains a T6SS-wielding attacker (Acinetobacter baylyi), and two T6SS-sensitive target strains (Escherichia coli) that either secrete EPS, or not. As predicted by our modelling, we find that the production of EPS leads to collective protection against T6SS attacks, where EPS producers protect each other and nearby non-producers. We identify two processes that explain this protection: EPS sharing between cells and a second general mechanism whereby groups of resistant cells shield susceptible cells (‘flank protection’). Our work shows how EPS-producing bacteria can work together to defend themselves from the type VI secretion system.
Decoding of the ubiquitin code for clearance of colliding ribosomes by the RQT complex
Authors: Matsuo Yoshitaka , Uchihashi Takayuki , Inada Toshifumi 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe collision sensor Hel2 specifically recognizes colliding ribosomes and ubiquitinates the ribosomal protein uS10, leading to noncanonical subunit dissociation by the ribosome-associated quality control trigger (RQT) complex. Although uS10 ubiquitination is essential for rescuing stalled ribosomes, its function and recognition steps are not fully understood. Here, we showed that the RQT complex components Cue3 and Rqt4 interacted with the K63-linked ubiquitin chain and accelerated the recruitment of the RQT complex to the ubiquitinated colliding ribosome. The CUE domain of Cue3 and the N-terminal domain of Rqt4 bound independently to the K63-linked ubiquitin chain. Their deletion abolished ribosomal dissociation mediated by the RQT complex. High-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) reveals that the intrinsically disordered regions of Rqt4 enabled the expansion of the searchable area for interaction with the ubiquitin chain. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the decoding of the ubiquitin code for clearance of colliding ribosomes by the RQT complex.
Residual audit fee and real income smoothing: evidence from quoted non-financial firms in Nigeria
Authors: Egbunike Chinedu Francis , Igbinovia Ikponmwosa Michael , Okafor Kenebechukwu Jane , Mmadubuobi Lucy Cecilia 
Published: September 2022

PurposeThe study investigated the relationship between residual audit fee and real income smoothening, proxied as real operating cash flow and production expenditure smoothing of non-financial firms in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe study relied on secondary data from annual financial statements of 75 firms in the non-financial sector from 2010 to 2019. The study estimated the residual audit fee using a modified model from several contexts to suit the Nigerian environment. The hypotheses were tested using the dynamic panel GMM estimation procedure.FindingsThe results showed a significant negative effect of residual audit fee on (real) operating cash flow smoothing and production expenditure smoothing of non-financial firms. The control variables showed mixed effects for the industry-related (firm size and profitability), auditor attribute (audit quality and audit report lag) and the board related (board size and board independence).Research limitations/implicationsThe firms included in the analysis were selected based on data availability from MachameRatios® and the occurrence of missing values for some of the variables used in the various estimation models may bias results.Practical implicationsThe study identifies the nexus between RAF and real earnings management practices of non-financial firms; and shows the implication of fee payment to the overall conduct of the audit. More so, the mixed findings from the CVs suggest that in the context of developing economies, shareholders and capital markets regulators should be watchful of residual audit fees and utilise it as a gauge for audit quality and also an indicator of opportunism and weak internal control in the firm in the future assessments.Social implicationsThe implication of the study stems from its relevance to the capital market stability and the potential negative disastrous effect of corporate failure from earnings management practices.Originality/valueThe study develops a newly residual audit fee model to explore the effect of RAF on real income smoothing rather than the widely used models from prior literature; secondly, the focus on real activities manipulation may present additional evidence that applies to developing countries rather the widely used accrual measurement technique from an economic bonding perspective.
Trends in research: carbon footprint reduction in universities as a way to achieve a green campus
Authors: da Silva Liziane Araújo , Dutra Ana Regina de Aguiar , Soares Thiago Coelho , Birch Robert Samuel , Guerra José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório de Andrade 
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Reducing our carbon footprint (CF) or decarbonizing is a sustainable development goal. Although there has been an increase in research on this topic, little is known about the status of CF research within universities. The purpose of this paper is to identify the initiatives implemented in universities aimed at reducing CF in their efforts toward creating a Green Campus.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a bibliometric method, the status of this field of research was examined for the purpose of identifying the main publications and the most central researchers in terms of productivity and citations. Also, by using an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), the regions of the world with the most active research, as well as the direction of research, were identified.

Findings
The survey identified the region that published the most on the subject in the past 10 years, as well as the most relevant authors in the publications. Through this factor analysis, it was possible to identify, among the 105 publications analyzed, four distinct factors (clusters) with different thematic strands that appear to define a difference between the related studies on this topic. These factors were identified as campus management: supply and consumption operations; greenhouse gases emissions assessment: CF calculation; university air travel; sustainable food systems. The changes in people’s attitudes and in the use of university spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to the CF was also noted as a point that can be investigated in future research. As well as the reflection of the reduction in academic air travel and the “forced” occurrence of online events during the same period.

Originality/value
The paper aims to innovate by applying the multidimensional scaling method and EFA to scientific articles on the topic of decarbonizing campuses and identifying the clusters that constitute this field of study. The research seeks to contribute to current metric knowledge on the topic and to the creation of a specific research agenda.
Classical paradigms versus complexity thinking in engineering education: an essential discussion in the education for sustainable development
Authors: Sigahi Tiago F.A.C. , Rampasso Izabela Simon , Anholon Rosley , Sznelwar Laerte Idal 
Published: September 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to discuss how the theory of complex thinking can be considered an interesting element in engineering education, especially in the context in which challenges toward sustainable development are multidisciplinary.

Design/methodology/approach
This viewpoint synthesizes the main reflections and discussions generated during a process of debate, research and creation of a proposal for an undergraduate engineering course at a higher education institution in Brazil. The literature on engineering education, sustainability and complexity was considered in an integrated way. Debates were conducted considering the authors’ knowledge and experience as professors of engineering courses and researchers in the field of sustainability. A qualitative and reflexive approach was used to organize the main discussions.

Findings
The prevailing classical engineering paradigm trains professionals to think from a Cartesian, reductionist perspective, appropriate for solving well-structured problems with known solution paths and convergent answers. However, addressing sustainability challenges requires a different kind of thinking capable of dealing with situations characterized by uncertainty, emergence and incompleteness of knowledge. Complexity thinking can be useful for this purpose as it provides a broad system approach to deal with ill-defined, ill-structured and unpredictable problems. This study can be understood as a call to researchers and professionals to consider the value and importance of complexity thinking to advance engineering education for sustainability.

Originality/value
The need to overcome the limits of the classical engineering paradigm is emphasized in the context of sustainability. Complex thinking is considered as a path toward a paradigm shift in engineering education for sustainability. It can contribute to the training of professionals to face pressing challenges now and in the future. This viewpoint provides some insights to enhance debates on education engineering.
The effects of social media addiction on reading practice: a survey of undergraduate students in China
Authors: Liu Ziming , Hu Rui , Bi Xiaojun 
Published: September 2022

PurposeThe prevalence of digital reading and the widespread use of social media among young people demands systematic exploration of the effects of social media addiction on students' reading practice. This paper aims to explore the effects of social media addiction on reading preferences, in-depth reading and sustained attention.Design/methodology/approachSurvey and analysis methods are employed.FindingsFor many, social media provides an ideal platform of connection and expression; however, prolonged social media use holds the danger of becoming a behavioral addiction that threatens to undermine one's reading practice. Social media use tends to have a more significant impact on leisure reading than on academic reading. Obsessive engagement with social media hurts reading concentration and in-depth reading. While a majority (70.4%) of those surveyed believed that chronic social media use carries more harm than good on their learning, only half (50.1%) agreed or strongly agreed that today's students are too indulged in social media and need forceful control of it.Originality/valueImplications of the effects of social media on reading practice are discussed, and directions for future research are suggested. It is likely that social media will continue to be seductive, attracting new generations of young people. Future research should explore prevention strategies.
Determinants and consequences of integrated reporting disclosures of non-financial listed firms in an emerging economy
Authors: Senani K.G.P. , Ajward Roshan , Kumari J.S. 
Published: September 2022

Purpose
This study aims to examine the determinants and consequences of integrated reporting (IR) disclosures of listed non-financial firms in an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses data from 39 listed non-financial firms that had adopted IR disclosure framework in Sri Lanka for the period from 2011 to 2018. Firm size, growth opportunity, profitability and firm age are considered significant determinants of IR disclosure, while their consequences are measured in terms of share price, Tobin’s Q, return on assets and return on equity. The authors used the results of the correlation and panel regression analyses to draw this study’s conclusions.

Findings
This study finds that firm size and age are the significant determinants of IR disclosure, which is consistent with this study’s expectations. Considering the consequences of IR disclosure, only share price and Tobin’s Q show significant results as per the panel regression analyses.

Practical implications
The findings of this study would be useful in the decision-making processes of existing and prospective investors, regulators, policymakers and society at large. Further, the findings of this study communicate the benefits of this new reporting paradigm in shaping their disclosures in the annual corporate reporting process.

Originality/value
Although existing studies attempted to examine the determinants of IR disclosure and its consequences as isolated studies, this study provides new insights by merging these two aspects into a single study and consider several determinants and consequences as well.
The effect of optimal port operations on global maritime transportation: a study of selected ports in Nigeria
Authors: Edih University Ovuokeroye , Igemohia Fidelia , Faghawari Nyanayon 
Published: September 2022

PurposeThe study examined the effect of optimal port operations on global maritime transportation among selected ports in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachIt considered research questions such as are the ports in Nigeria functional, are the ports functioning to optimal capacity and are there challenges affecting smooth operations in the Nigerian ports? The study tested the null hypothesis which states that there is no positive and significant relationship between a functional port system and maritime transportation in Nigeria. The nonparametric statistics, chi-square, were used to analyze data. Data were gathered through a questionnaire administered to three major ports in Nigeria, namely Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Port Harcourt Old port and Warri Port.FindingsFrom the analysis, findings showed that there exists a positive and significant relationship between operations in the ports and maritime transportation in Nigeria. Practical implications: The study showed that the moribund state of some ports and terminals will result in loss of jobs and huge revenue, therefore, compounding the menace of unemployment with its associated vices.Originality/valueThe study concludes that the operations of a functional port affect the economic growth of maritime nations. Thus, it is recommended that government and the private sector should collaborate to raise adequate capital for port development and improve the super structures (infrastructures) for optimal port operations in the country among others.
Microbial enzymes will offer limited solutions to the global plastic pollution crisis
Authors: Chow Jennifer , Perez‐Garcia Pablo , Dierkes Robert , Streit Wolfgang R. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractGlobal economies depend on the use of fossil‐fuel‐based polymers with 360–400 million metric tons of synthetic polymers being produced per year. Unfortunately, an estimated 60% of the global production is disposed into the environment. Within this framework, microbiologists have tried to identify plastic‐active enzymes over the past decade. Until now, this research has largely failed to deliver functional biocatalysts acting on the commodity polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), ether‐based polyurethane (PUR), polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS) and synthetic rubber (SR). However, few enzymes are known to act on low‐density and low‐crystalline (amorphous) polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and ester‐based PUR. These above‐mentioned polymers represent >95% of all synthetic plastics produced. Therefore, the main challenge microbiologists are currently facing is in finding polymer‐active enzymes targeting the majority of fossil‐fuel‐based plastics. However, identifying plastic‐active enzymes either to implement them in biotechnological processes or to understand their potential role in nature is an emerging research field. The application of these enzymes is still in its infancy. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on microbial plastic‐active enzymes, their global distribution and potential impact on plastic degradation in industrial processes and nature. We further outline major challenges in finding novel plastic‐active enzymes, optimizing known ones by synthetic approaches and problems arising through falsely annotated and unfiltered use of database entries. Finally, we highlight potential biotechnological applications and possible re‐ and upcycling concepts using microorganisms.
Windfarm collisions in medium‐sized raptors: even increasing populations can suffer strong demographic impacts
Authors: Duriez O. , Pilard P. , Saulnier N. , Boudarel P. , Besnard A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe impact of bird mortality by collision on windfarms has often been evaluated at the individual level, but rarely at the population level. The Lesser kestrel Falco naumanni is an endangered short‐lived migratory raptor, susceptible to collision with wind turbines. We evaluated the impacts of windfarm turbine collisions on the demography of the largest lesser kestrel population in France. Using data from local monitoring of reproduction and windfarm mortality surveys, combined with capture‐recapture ringing data at a nearby population, we quantified vital parameters of fecundity and survival in order to parameterize a matrix population model to study the viability of this population. The breeding success was high and varied in synchrony with survival probabilities. Between 2013 and 2020, 43 carcasses were found below wind turbines, and when accounting for carcass detection and persistence rates, the true mortality should approach 154 individuals in that period, i.e. 3% of the studied population was affected by collisions each year. The matrix model showed that the population growth observed was only possible if there was a constant recruitment of 26 immigrant individuals each year into the population. Without the excess mortality by the windfarm, we predict that this population would have 22% more breeding pairs than what was observed in 2020. Simulations over 30 years showed that, under the current immigration rate, the population should decline if the excess mortality exceeds 11%. If immigration ceases, the population would decline above 5% excess mortality per year. It is urgent to monitor and reduce the excess mortality by windfarm collisions that threatens this lesser kestrel population. More generally, we advocate the use of population matrix demographic models in impact assessment studies to avoid placing new windfarms close to rare species that could not sustain additional mortality by collisions.
When work–family guilt becomes a women's issue: Internalized gender stereotypes predict high guilt in working mothers but low guilt in working fathers
Authors: Aarntzen Lianne , Derks Belle , van Steenbergen Elianne , van der Lippe Tanja 
Published: September 2022

AbstractGender stereotypes prescribe mothers, but not fathers, to prioritize their family over their work. Therefore, internalization of gender stereotypes may predict higher guilt among mothers than fathers in situations in which they prioritize their work over their family. Study 1 (135 mothers and 116 fathers) indeed revealed that the stronger fathers' implicit gender stereotypes (measured with a gender‐career implicit association task) the less guilt fathers reported in a fictitious work‐interfering‐with‐family situation. Although mothers on average reported higher guilt than fathers, this effect was not moderated by their implicit gender stereotypes. Study 2 (daily diary study among 105 mothers), however, did reveal evidence for the moderating effect of implicit gender stereotypes on working mothers' guilt. The stronger mothers' implicit gender stereotypes the more work–family conflict and guilt they reported on days that they worked long hours. These results show that implicit gender stereotypes shape how parents feel about their work–family choices.
Glabridin inhibits urothelial bladder carcinoma cell growth in vitro and in vivo by inducing cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest
Authors: Yang Zhao , Bi Ying , Xu Wenkai , Guo Rui , Hao Mingxuan , Liang Youfeng , Shen Zongyi , Yin Liqi , Yu Changyuan , Wang Shihui , Wang Jiansong , Li Jinmei , Zhang Jinku , Cheng Runfen , Zhai Qiongli , Wang Haifeng 
Published: September 2022

AbstractGlabridin (GLA) has a variety of biological activities and therapeutic effects in cancers. Whereas the effect of GLA on urothelial bladder carcinoma (UBC) cells and its underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The study revealed the effect of GLA on UBC and the potential mechanism of inducing cell apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. After treated with different concentrations of GLA, the cell activity decreased in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. The IC50 values of BIU‐87 and EJ cells at 48 h were 6.02 μg/ml (18.6 μm) and 4.36 μg/ml (13.4 μm), respectively. Additionally, GLA‐induced apoptosis and cycle arrest of BIU‐87 and EJ cells in G2 phase. Furthermore, wound healing experiments showed that GLA significantly reduced the migration activities of BIU‐87 and EJ cells. Mechanically, GLA obviously increased the expression of BIM, BAK1, and CYCS in both mRNA and protein levels, which led to the activation of the endogenous apoptotic pathway. Finally, GLA remarkably inhibited the growth of UBC tumors in vivo. In summary, GLA inhibited UBC cells growth in vitro and in vivo by inducing cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, highlighting that GLA could be utilized as a component to design a novel anti‐UBC drug.