bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microplastics promote the invasiveness of invasive alien species under fluctuating water regime
Authors: Zhang Rui‐Feng , Guo Yu‐Jian , Lai Ya‐Wen , Zhao Ting‐Ting , Li Guan‐Lin , Yan Zhao‐Gui , Wang Yong‐Jian , Rillig Matthias C. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Microplastic (MP) pollution and alien plant invasions are two important threats to terrestrial ecosystems. Microplastics alter the physical and chemical characteristics of soil, potentially affecting the performance of alien plants. However, previous studies have overlooked the impact of weather on invasive plants in areas polluted by MPs. With the global increase in extreme rainfall events, it is imperative to redefine the correlation between MPs and invasive plants.

Here, we conducted an experiment in a climate chamber to examine the effects of MPs on the growth and development of both native and invasive alien plants under constant and fluctuating water regime (FWR). The FWR simulated extreme water pulses during the 2016–2020 growing seasons in Wuhan, China.

Our results indicated that biomass accumulation and root development were influenced by water conditions and MP pollution in both invasive and native species. The extent of the effects varied between the two groups of plant species. FWR promoted plant growth and fine root development in invasive plants but reduced the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) indices of native plants. Moreover, FWR attenuated the negative effects of polybutylene succinate (PBS, degradable MPs) on biomass and root characteristics (length, surface area and tips). FWR compensated the negative impacts of MPs on the total and below‐ground biomass of the invasive species Paspalum dilatatum and Sphagneticola trilobata, but not on the native species. Consequently, invasive species showed better performance than native species in the fine root development of biomass growth and chlorophyll fluorescence under the combined effects of MPs and FWR.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings suggest that MP pollution enhances the competitiveness of invasive alien species over the native species when exposed to pronounced dry–wet water cycle conditions, potentially affecting the composition and biodiversity of the ecosystems. Thus, controlling MP pollution should be a part of the management strategy to conserve biodiversity and ecosystems.
Impact of subsidy on the new type of forestry operating entity's input: Moderating effect of the rising labor cost
Authors: Xiao Hui , Liu Can , Hou Fangmiao , Liu Hao 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn an era marked by escalating social aging and labor costs, the forestry sector faces a critical juncture for sustainable development. Amidst these challenges, an opportunity arises to enhance forestry practices by examining the moderating impact of rising labor costs on emerging forestry entities. Employing instrumental variable Tobit models, this study rigorously analyzes the influence of subsidy levels on input factors within these enterprises. Drawing on a comprehensive data set of 485 survey responses from 15 counties and 6 provinces, this investigation reveals significant insights into the dynamics of forestry subsidies, input levels, and labor costs. It identifies a substantial positive correlation between forestry subsidies and both capital and labor inputs within these entities. However, it is the burgeoning labor costs that emerge as a pivotal driver, prompting a strategic reallocation of labor inputs toward capital factors. This strategic shift is driven by a nuanced interplay between labor‐saving capital and labor, resulting in a dynamic substitution effect that concurrently augments employed labor inputs. These findings underscore the imperative for tailored strategies to address the challenges posed by escalating labor costs and social aging within the forestry sector. In response, this study advocates for proactive approaches to forestry subsidy standards, emphasizing dynamic implementation to facilitate increased inputs. Additionally, broader allocation of forestry subsidies and an accelerated drive toward forestry transformation are identified as essential pathways toward fostering sustainable development and resilience amidst evolving socio‐economic landscapes.
Comprehensive analysis of predominant pathogenic bacteria and viruses in seafood products
Authors: Roy Pantu Kumar , Roy Anamika , Jeon Eun Bi , DeWitt Christina A. Mireles , Park Jae W. , Park Shin Young 
Published: July 2024

AbstractGiven the growing global demand for seafood, it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive study on the prevalence and persistence patterns of pathogenic bacteria and viruses associated with specific seafood varieties. This assessment thoroughly examines the safety of seafood products, considering the diverse processing methods employed in the industry. The importance of understanding the behavior of foodborne pathogens, such as Salmonella typhimurium, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Clostridium botulinum, Listeria monocytogenes, human norovirus, and hepatitis A virus, is emphasized by recent cases of gastroenteritis outbreaks linked to contaminated seafood. This analysis examines outbreaks linked to seafood in the United States and globally, with a particular emphasis on the health concerns posed by pathogenic bacteria and viruses to consumers. Ensuring the safety of seafood is crucial since it directly relates to consumer preferences on sustainability, food safety, provenance, and availability. The review focuses on assessing the frequency, growth, and durability of infections that arise during the processing of seafood. It utilizes next‐generation sequencing to identify the bacteria responsible for these illnesses. Additionally, it analyzes methods for preventing and intervening of infections while also considering the forthcoming challenges in ensuring the microbiological safety of seafood products. This evaluation emphasizes the significance of the seafood processing industry in promptly responding to evolving consumer preferences by offering current information on seafood hazards and future consumption patterns. To ensure the continuous safety and sustainable future of seafood products, it is crucial to identify and address possible threats.
Establishing a straightforward I‐SceI‐mediated recombination one‐plasmid system for efficient genome editing in P. putidaKT2440
Authors: Meng Hao , Köbbing Sebastian , Blank Lars M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPseudomonas putida has become an increasingly important chassis for producing valuable bioproducts. This development is not least due to the ever‐improving genetic toolbox, including gene and genome editing techniques. Here, we present a novel, one‐plasmid design of a critical genetic tool, the pEMG/pSW system, guaranteeing one engineering cycle to be finalized in 3 days. The pEMG/pSW system proved in the last decade to be valuable for targeted genome engineering in Pseudomonas, as it enables the deletion of large regions of the genome, the integration of heterologous gene clusters or the targeted generation of point mutations. Here, to expedite genetic engineering, two alternative plasmids were constructed: (1) The sacB gene from Bacillus subtilis was integrated into the I‐SceI expressing plasmid pSW‐2 as a counterselection marker to accelerated plasmid curing; (2) double‐strand break introducing gene I‐sceI and sacB counterselection marker were integrated into the backbone of the original pEMG vector, named pEMG‐RIS. The single plasmid of pEMG‐RIS allows rapid genome editing despite the low transcriptional activity of a single copy of the I‐SceI encoding gene. Here, the usability of the pEMG‐RIS is shown in P. putida KT2440 by integrating an expression cassette including an msfGFP gene in 3 days. In addition, a large fragment of 12.1 kb was also integrated. In summary, we present an updated pEMG/pSW genome editing system that allows efficient and rapid genome editing in P. putida. All plasmids designed in this study will be available via the Addgene platform.
The association of nutritional and inflammatory biomarkers with overall survival in patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Horstman I. M. , Vinke P. C. , Suazo‐Zepeda E. , Hiltermann T. J. N. , Heuvelmans M. A. , Corpeleijn E. , de Bock G. H. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectivesPretreatment biomarkers are needed to identify patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) likely to have worse survival. This ensures that only patients with a real chance of benefit receive immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment. In this study, we examined the associations of baseline nutritional and inflammatory biomarkers with overall survival in a real‐world cohort of NSCLC patients who received ICIs.Materials and MethodsWe used prospectively collected data from the OncoLifeS data biobank. The cohort included 500 advanced‐stage NSCLC patients treated with ICIs from May 2015 to June 2021. Biomarkers were evaluated within 2 weeks before ICI treatment: neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, C‐reactive protein (CRP), Glasgow prognostic score, CRP/albumin ratio (CAR), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and advanced lung cancer inflammation index. For each biomarker, low‐ and high‐risk groups were defined using literature‐based cut‐offs. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using adjusted survival analysis.ResultsMost patients were male (60.8%), the mean baseline age was 65 ± 9 years, and 88% had stage IV disease. For each biomarker, low‐risk patients had better overall survival (all, p < 0.001), with CAR and PNI showing the strongest associations. In multivariable analyses a combined CAR/PNI risk score had a stronger association with overall survival (aHR 3.09, 95% CI 2.36–4.06) than CAR alone (aHR 2.22, 95% CI 1.79–2.76) or PNI alone (aHR 2.09, 95% CI 1.66–2.61).ConclusionThese results highlight the potential value of nutritional and inflammatory biomarkers, in particular CAR and PNI, in identifying NSCLC patients with highest mortality risk before starting ICI treatment.
Prevalence and socioeconomic factors associated with non‐utilization of dental care in Lebanon: A nationwide cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Daou Dany , Saliba Christiane , Josseran Loic 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of non‐utilization of dental care in Lebanon and associated socioeconomic factors and self‐care behaviours.MethodsA nationwide, quantitative, survey‐based study was conducted by trained interviewers with Lebanese residents aged ≥18 years between July and September 2019. Univariate analyses were performed using Pearson Chi Square test or the Fisher's exact test followed by a binary logistic regression using the SPSS Version 25.ResultsOf the 1070 participants, 247 (23.1%) did not utilise any type of healthcare and 144/247 (58.3%) did not utilise dental care. The prevalence of non‐utilization of dental care was estimated at 13.5%. Only 4.7% of the respondents consulted their dentist in the past year, among which 53% cited pain/emergencies as the reason for their consultation. Socioeconomic factors associated with the non‐utilization of dental care were lack of social medical insurance (OR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.31 to 0.79]) and long waiting time/patient time restriction (OR, 2.05 [95% CI, 1.26 to 3.35]). On the other hand, facilitators for utilization of dental care included ethical standards/personal qualities of the dentist (OR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.32 to 0.88]) and convenient cost with respect to the individual's economic status (OR, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.18 to 0.43]).ConclusionThis study suggests that dental care practices in Lebanon, including the non‐utilization of dental care, are suboptimal. Measures such as reducing sugar and tobacco consumption, providing information on oral hygiene, and using fluoride products are inexpensive; however, implementing these measures may take substantial time and input by multiple stakeholders.
A New Tri‐channel Decomposition of External Adjustment: Model and Application
Authors: Hu Wangyin , Xia Guangtao , Li Yingting 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this study, we expanded upon the current benchmark model of external adjustment and dissected the concept of international financial adjustment into two distinct components: valuation effect and investment income. Our enhanced model, which we refer to as “tri‐channel model,” incorporates three key elements: trade balance, valuation effect, and investment income. Using a consolidated quarterly dataset that encompassed China's balance of payments and international investment positions from 1998 to 2020, we estimated the relative importance of the three newly introduced adjustment channels to China's cyclical external imbalance. We found that the trade balance channel played a major role, accounting for approximately 76 percent of cyclical external adjustment. The contribution of the investment income channel to cyclical external adjustment (21 percent) was much greater than that of the valuation effect channel (3 percent). These findings imply that policy responses to the cyclical external imbalance in China should focus more on the trade balance and investment incomes channels rather than exploiting the valuation effects.
Incidence and progression of diabetic retinopathy in patients treated with glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists versus sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Lin Donna Shu‐Han , Lo Hao‐Yun , Huang Kuan‐Chih , Lin Ting‐Tse , Lee Jen‐Kuang , Lin Lian‐Yu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimGlucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1RA) and sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are both recommended for patients with diabetes, yet their effects on the development or progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) are largely unknown.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, data were collected from a nationwide database. Patients with diabetes who initiated treatment with a GLP1RA or SGLT2i between 1 May 2016 and 31 December 2017, were identified. Patients were divided into those with or without a previous diagnosis of DR and then categorized into the GLP1RA and the SGLT2i groups according to drug use. The primary outcome of interest in the DR group was the composite of new‐onset proliferative DR, vitreous haemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment (RD). In the non‐DR group, the primary outcome was the composite of newly diagnosed DR of any severity, vitreous haemorrhage and RD.ResultsIn total, 97 413 patients were identified. After matching, 1517 patients were treated with a GLP1RA and 3034 with an SGLT2i in the DR cohort. In the non‐DR cohort, 9549 initiated a GLP1RA and 19 098 initiated an SGLT2i. In patients with pre‐existing DR, the incidence of any DR progression event was significantly higher in the GLP1RA group than the SGLT2i group (subdistribution hazard ratio 1.50, 95% confidence interval 1.01‐2.23), primarily because of the increased risk of tractional RD. In patients without DR at baseline, the risks of all ocular outcomes were similar between the GLP1RA and SGLT2i groups.ConclusionsIn patients with diabetes mellitus and established DR, GLP1RA treatment was associated with increased risks of DR progression compared with SGLT2i use.
Microfinance and economic and social empowerment of people with disabilities: Lessons from Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Debashis , Khan M. Adil 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMotivationPeople with disabilities are among the most disadvantaged and dispossessed people on earth, especially in the global South, where they have limited or no access to basic amenities of life and income‐earning opportunities. Moreover, in developing societies where poverty is widespread and disability is often regarded as a liability and, at times, stigmatized, people with disabilities often live in starkly inadequate conditions.This article is based on doctoral research which, among other things, investigated the pilot experiment by non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) in Bangladesh. This developing, tradition‐bound country is looking to share theoretical understanding of aspects that contribute to dispossessions and the quagmire of deprivations into which people with disabilities are trapped, and alongside this present the potential or otherwise of microfinance in economic and social empowerment of people with disabilities who are “economically active.”PurposeThe article, which is based on qualitative research and depicts in an objective manner the lived experiences of people with disabilities in a developing country setting, offers useful lessons in social and economic empowerment of people with disabilities in such societies.Methods and ApproachUnderpinned by the theory of intersectionality, this research used an innovative and customized qualitative case study method that is crucial in reaching out, interacting with, and gathering information and articulating issues that are relevant for policy development.FindingsThere are two important findings. First, that reaching out to and gathering information from and articulating the lived experiences and empowerment imperatives of people with disabilities, as well as the innovation and customization of existing tools and techniques of qualitative research, are key; and second, while microfinance did help a few people with disabilities who are in poverty and have been deemed “economically active,” the empowerment of people with disabilities requires a more holistic approach.Policy ImplicationsThe findings of this research indicate the importance of qualitative research to understand the lived experiences of people with disabilities in their own environment and formulate policies and initiate programmes that address the needs of people with disabilities in a practical and empowering manner, especially in the global South.
Managerial ability and accounting comparability: Evidence from Chinese listed firms
Authors: Zhang Lu , Hao Boyang , Yang Dan , Wang Guojun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe explore the impact of management team ability on firm‐level accounting comparability. Through using a sample of Chinese listed firms from 2009 to 2022, the paper documents that accounting comparability has an inverse U‐shaped association with management team ability where a certain level of managerial ability leads to the highest levels of accounting comparability. Further analysis shows that high‐ability managers have different incentives on accounting comparability when compared to low‐ability managers, especially when they suffer financing constraints, possess more proprietary information, experience weak market environment, bear excessive price risk and risk premium and work in the politically connected firms.
Identifying greenwashing in corporate‐social responsibility reports using natural‐language processing
Authors: Gorovaia Nina , Makrominas Michalis 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA textual analysis of corporate‐social responsibility (CSR) reports reveals that companies engaged in environmental violations report differently from firms with a clean record. The violators issue longer, more positive and more frequent reports to relay environmental content that is more copious but less readable. The violator firms appear to modify their reporting practices right after committing a violation. The findings suggest that culpable firms exploit the current unregulated–unaudited state of CSR reporting as a means of greenwashing and call for institutional change. Our results are robust to a number of industry‐firm characteristics, including board composition, ownership dispersion and international presence.
The higher‐ranking local officials and local economic growth: Evidence from China
Authors: Li Yuan , Yu Chuanjiang , Luo Yue , He Xinju 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates the effect of administrative level on local economic growth from the perspective of officials' rank. We notice an interesting phenomenon that higher‐ranking local officials (HRO) serve in cities with lower administrative level, can effectively improve economic performance similar to the effect of promoting administrative level of local government. Based on prefecture‐level city data from 2001 to 2019, we find that HRO can significantly promote local economic growth, especially in cities with lower levels of development. The mechanism analysis shows that the HRO cities not only could receive upper‐level government's favoritism but also tend to shape good business environment to attract investment. Further, HRO is a softer and shorter way than a formal change of regional administrative level, with less negative impact on the surrounding regions. The results provide new evidence that raising administrative level promotes regional development.
Omalizumab for management of hypersensitivity reactions to anticancer drugs
Authors: Grover Piyush , Krummenacher Matthew , Loy Timothy , Nowak Anna K. , Lucas Michaela 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHypersensitivity reactions to anticancer drugs include treatment‐limiting toxicity. Standard drug desensitisation offers temporary tolerance and hence requires repetition. We used omalizumab, an anti‐immunoglobulin E antibody, to overcome immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions to various anticancer drugs. Seven of the eight patients in the current study successfully resumed the desired anticancer drug regimen without standard desensitisation. No safety issues from omalizumab were observed.
From properties of zirconium carbide to the reverse design of ultra‐high temperature CMCs
Authors: Zhou Yue 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe development and commercialization of aerospace vehicles have posed significant challenges to the performance requirements for the corresponding materials. To meet these challenges, ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) have been developed and are widely used in the aerospace industry. However, their stability under extreme environmental conditions still needs to be improved. In this review, some properties of zirconium carbide (ZrC), which are related to extreme environmental applications of CMC are discussed first. Then, the effect of ZrC on the properties of CMC is comprehensively reviewed. ZrC can be introduced into the matrix and coated on the surface to increase the ablation resistance. The protection mechanisms of ZrC addition to CMCs, and the improvement in ZrC ablation resistance are explained. In addition, some perspectives on future developments are given.
Effect of NiO and Al2O3 on the Curie temperature, microstructure, and dielectric properties of Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 ceramics
Authors: Zhang Xianxin , Gao Zengli , Xin Le , Zhang Mingwei , Ren Luchao , Geng Xin , Lyu Panpan , Li Cuncheng , Peng Hui , Zhai Jiwei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA series of new x(yNiO/zAl2O3)‐(1–x)Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 (x = 10, 30, and 50 wt.%, y = 1, 1.3, 1.5, z = 1, 1.3, and 1.5 mol) ceramics were prepared using the solid‐phase method. The effects of the spinel oxides on the microstructure, lattice vibrations, and dielectric properties of Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 were assessed. When NiO and Al2O3 were present in equal quantities, they reacted to form NiAl2O4. Under the recombination effect, the dielectric permittivity of Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 was effectively reduced, the Curie temperature (Tc) was increased, and tunability gradually increased. The Tc value was not significantly altered when NiO was in excess. Impurity phases were generated, and the Tc value decreased when Al2O3 was in excess. This study elucidated the unique role of the spinel structure. The 50 wt.%(NiO/Al2O3)‐50 wt.%Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 had excellent microwave dielectric properties, with dielectric permittivity, tunability, and Q values of 300, 18.7%, and 357, respectively.