Insights into plant interactions and the biogeochemical role of the globally widespread Acidobacteriota phylum

The prevalence and abundance of Acidobacteriota raise concerns about their ecological function and metabolic activity in the environment. Studies have reported the potential of some members of Acidobacteriota to interact with plants and play a significant role in biogeochemical cycles. However, their role in this context has not been extensively studied. Here, we performed a comprehensive genomic analysis of 758 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). Our analysis revealed a high frequency of plant growth-promoting traits (PGPTs) genes in the Acidobacteriaceae, Bryobacteraceae, Koribacteraceae, and Pyrinomonadaceae families. The colonization and competitive exclusion classes of PGPTs were found to be present in numerous Acidobacteriota members. In addition, these PGPTs also include genes involved in nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, exopolysaccharide production, siderophore production, and plant growth hormone production. Expression of such genes was found to be transcriptionally active in different environments. In addition, we identified numerous carbohydrate-active enzymes and peptidases involved in plant polymer degradation. By applying an in-depth insight into the diversity of the phylum, we expand the understanding of the role played by Acidobacteriota in the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and trace metals. Together, this study underscores the distinct potential ecological roles of each of these taxonomic groups, providing valuable insights for future research.</p

Financial journalism, conflicts of interest and ethics: a case study of Hong Kong

This article explores the practice, ethics, and regulation of financial and business journalism in Hong Kong and examines business journalists' understanding of their “social responsibility.” The research is based on an analysis of the legal framework and codes of conduct plus interviews with professional journalists, editors, and other experts. The focus is on the interrelated issues of conflicts of interest, disclosure of interest, investment by journalists, and market manipulation. While some journalists are aware of key ethical dilemmas and the professional standards, there remains confusion among many journalists regarding appropriate standards. The Chinese language business media in Hong Kong operate with a more relaxed approach to conflicts of interest than the English language media and global business news providers. The assumptions behind these different approaches are compared and contrasted

Us and Them: Identity and Genocide

Genocide is commonly deemed to be either inexplicable or the result of special hatreds. I argue instead that genocide is an extreme result of normal identity processes. Four overlapping phases are proposed. (1) Dichotomization elevates one dimension of identity over others and, within that dimension, sharply distinguishes two categories: us and them. This may lead to (2) dehumanization, in which “they” come to be seen not just as different from “us” but as outside the human universe of moral obligation. (3) Destruction may result, accompanied and followed by processes of (4) denial that enable the perpetrators to maintain their moral self-conceptions. These phases are illustrated with examples from the Holocaust, the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, the Latin American dirty wars of the 1970s and 1980s, and the European conquest of the Americas