bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rebuilding Existing Environmentally Related Taxes And Transport Budget Structure In Japan
Authors: Toudou Fumiaki 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Through its automobile-related tax system, Japan has an environmentally related tax system. Unfortunately, the system fails to promote environmental conservation or efficient public investment. The reasons for this are clear; the tax system’s revenues (including fuel and vehicle taxes) are mostly earmarked and used to build and improve roads. This is known as the Special Purpose Taxes for Road Improvement (SPTRI), and it inadvertently promotes automobile usage and fuel consumption, thereby contributing to air pollution and other environ- mental and social problems. Indeed, the massive road constructions funded by SPTRI led to urban sprawl everywhere except for mega-cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Dissipated development and increased automobile usage are a direct result of road constructions and this has resulted in (a) developmental inefficiency; (b) environmental degradation; and (c) right-to-transport-related humanitarian problems.
The Uk Construction Industry And Climate Change Initiatives
Authors: Hansford Ann , Marsh Sara , Woodward Thérèse 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The construction industry is one of the United Kingdom’s leading industries, and it is thought to be in a position to lead the way in considering sustainable development. It has been noted that there are significant opportunities for improved energy efficiency in all parts of the construction sector and a recent survey concluded that it is ahead of other sectors in terms of anticipated changes and the way in which the environment and climate change feeds into business strategy. The UK government has signalled its intention to significantly reduce energy use in buildings as an important element in its Climate Change Strategy.7 This chapter considers the fast moving, dynamic environment of the UK construction industry and it reviews and assesses the current approaches.
The Impacts Of Carbon Pricing On Indigenous Communities: A Comparison Of New Zealand And Australia
Authors: Bubna-Litic Karen 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
There has been much research on the value of economic instruments to protect ecosystem services. Examples can be seen in relation to forestry, pollution, and water management. The latest environmental problem to attract the use of economic instruments is climate change. Putting a price on carbon has been seen as a necessary step to mitigate the effects of climate change. But in this process, little attention has been paid to the effect that these instruments may have on indigenous communities. New Zealand has introduced legislation for an emissions trading scheme (ETS) and Australia is in the process of doing so.
Understanding The Evolution Of Sulphur Dioxide Pollution Control Policy In China: The Role And Efficacy Of Market-Based Instruments In Chinese Environmental Protection
Authors: Chai Chunyan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
China‘s efforts since 1978 to transform itself into a market economy have generated spectacular economic growth and lifted millions of people out of poverty. However, this soaring economic expansion has taken extraordinary tolls on the environment. For instance, two drivers of the economic development—energy production and energy consumption—have significantly contributed to severe local air pollution, massive regional acid deposition and global climate change. These detrimental air-pollution problems have resulted in substantial economic loss and the damage to human health. The worsening conditions of China‘s environment pose economic and political challenges to the governance of the Chinese Communist Party.
Consumer Perceptions, Practices, Willingness To Pay, And Analysis Of Existing Laws For Safe Drinking Water In Pakistan
Authors: Mustafa Usman , Haq Mirajul , Iftikhar Ahmad 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Water is a basic necessity of life and accessibility to safe drinking water is the fundamental right of every human being. It is not only an essential component of primary health care but it also plays a vital role in poverty alleviation and national economic growth. There is a positive correlation between increased national income and the proportion of population with access to improved water supply.
Does a rebound effect exist in solid-waste management?
Authors: Usui Takehiro 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The rebound effect comprises certain composite effects, in particular the over- compression of garbage bags when people dispose of waste, and the effect that arises when the city administration advertises a significant reduction in waste emission in the first year of the introduction of the pricing-by-the-bag policy. However, this effect appears to be decreasing every year. Moreover, previous works have not clarified this tentative theory; since these works employed cross- sectional data, it was difficult to detect the rebound effect. On the other hand, the rebound effect of pricing is relative to the time-series effect. However, a time-series analysis may not be useful in detecting the rebound effect because of the differences in the waste policies of various cities. The use of panel-data analysis is most appropriate in detecting the rebound effect because this estimation method combines both cross-sectional and time-series analyses. Linderhof et al employed the panel-data analysis, but they did not clarify the number of years that had passed since the introduction of the pricing policy.
The Efficacy Of Environmental Taxation As A Mechanism For Pollution Control In Kampala City
Authors: Mabasi Thadeus 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The need to cope with pollution issues requires the development of new and effective policies in which economic instruments have an important role to play. Both the Rio Declaration and Agenda 21 underscore the importance of economic instruments in pollution control. The Rio Declaration requires national authorities to promote the internalization of environmental costs and the use of economic instruments, taking into account the approach that the polluter should, in principle, bear the cost of pollution, with due regard to the public interest and without distorting international trade and investment. While acknowledging that environmental law and regulation are important, Agenda 21 states by way of admonishment that such law and regulation cannot alone be expected to deal with the problems of environment and development and that governments should improve and/or reorient policies and create an inventory of effective uses of economic instruments and market mechanisms and increase understanding of their role.3 Similarly, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) which assessed the consequences of ecosystem change for human wellbeing from 2001 to 2005 established that of the 24 ecosystems examined, 60 percent were mismanaged and degraded. It recommended economic instruments as one of the approaches for reversing environmental degradation.
To cap or to tax? An economic and legal argument in favour of carbon taxes over a cap on trade to combat climate change
Authors: Maker Abhinav 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
As European policymakers discuss proposals to enact more stringent norms in cutting down greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the year 2020, protests from Europe’s industries are becoming louder. European industrialists feel that if Europe was to fight the battle against global warming alone, its industries would be wiped out of the continent. Many businesses have started looking at the possibility of shifting to emerging countries like India, China, and Brazil. Conversely, policymakers feel that there are compelling reasons to pursue the policy of aggressively cutting down GHG emissions.
Greening Taxation System In China
Authors: Wang Xi , Zhou Yanfang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Even in November 2008, there is no independent environmental tax in China. There are, however, tax incentives for environment-friendly activities. At the same time, China has been levying pollutant-emission fees since 1982. Environment-related fees also involve water resources, mineral resources and other natural resources. According to the European Environmental Agency (EEA), environmental tax includes cost-recovering fees, incentive-providing taxes, and fiscal environmental tax. The first category includes ‘user pays’ fees and fees for designated usage, both of which exist in China. The second category refers to taxes designed to change behaviour rather than to increase fiscal income. This category accounts for most of China’s greened taxes. The third category refers to taxes aimed at increasing fiscal income as well as at changing behaviour. This includes solid-waste tax, waste-water tax, pesticide tax, fertilizer tax, sulphur tax, etc. China still lacks taxes in this category.
Hedging Against Wider Collapse: Lessons From The ‘Meltdowns’
Authors: Robinson Nicholas A 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The year 2007 witnessed the beginning of the worst economic recession in 80 years. Exploring how government management of the economy slipped into economic hard times offer lessons for how governments can evaluate choices among the economic instruments available to address ecological threats, such as the gathering crisis of climate change. The urgency to scrub the atmosphere of greenhouse gases (GHGs) is evident in reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and other scientific investigations. Irreversible environmental changes to the biosphere of the Earth include the melt down of the cryosphere, already well advanced. Glaciers are disappearing and the polar ice caps shrink. Sea levels rise, threatening small island nations with extinction in our lifetimes. Concurrently, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment has reported that 80 per cent of the ecosystems that sustain the human economy on Earth are impaired, and climate disruption will affect their capacity to continue to be of service to human society.
Privacy Rights
Authors: Greenleaf Graham 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This chapter examines how jurisdictions in East and Southeast Asia protect various aspects of privacy through their constitutional regimes. It first surveys East Asian jurisdictions, starting with the jurisdictions that are most protective of privacy rights, then turns to Southeast Asia, again starting with the jurisdictions that are relatively more protective of privacy. Finally, this chapter identifies patterns and highlights from viewing constitutional privacy rights in East and Southeast Asian jurisdictions together as a region. Of the jurisdictions considered in this chapter, only Brunei and Laos do not provide any apparent constitutional protection of privacy, but constitutional protections are not justiciable in at least three others (China, North Korea, and Vietnam). Protections are of uncertain existence in Malaysia and Singapore, and untested in the courts in Timor Leste, Thailand, Cambodia, and Macau SAR. That leaves six East and Southeast Asian jurisdictions where constitutional privacy protections have been enforced by the courts (South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, and the Philippines). Asian courts with the most developed privacy jurisprudence frequently use similar language to protect privacy. Courts have found privacy to be an implied right based on protections of dignity and autonomy interests, such as personality development and informational self-determination. In defining valid restrictions on the constitutional right of privacy, the courts have adopted strikingly similar legal tests. Despite there being a wealth of privacy jurisprudence from some Asian courts, there are no instances of these courts citing each other’s decisions as valuable sources of arguments about privacy.
Citizenship, Nationality, and the Treatment of Aliens
Authors: Low Choo Chin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This chapter identifies several similarities in the ways that constitutional systems of East and Southeast Asia treat resident aliens. First, citizenship, rather than permanent residency, is required for political rights such as the rights to vote and hold public office. Political rights do not attach to residency except in Hong Kong, Macau, and South Korea. Second, Asian states maintain selective naturalization regimes with no access to citizenship for temporary migrant workers and with arbitrary access for marriage migrants. Third, most Asian countries prohibit dual citizenship for naturalized citizens, marriage migrants, and bi-national children. This chapter shows that in East and Southeast Asian jurisdictions, there is a substantial gap between territorial membership (living in a jurisdiction) and state membership (being a citizen of that jurisdiction). Asia thus differs from Western Europe, where countries have done more to close the gap between territorial membership and state membership.
Allele-dependent expression and functionality of lipid enzyme phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase affect diatom carbon storage and growth
Authors: Pan Yufang , Zhang Wanting , Wang Xiaofei , Jouhet Juliette , Maréchal Eric , Liu Jin , Xia Xiao-Qin , Hu Hanhua 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In the acyl-CoA-independent pathway of triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis unique to plants, fungi, and algae, TAG formation is catalyzed by the enzyme phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT). The unique PDAT gene of the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum strain CCMP2561 boasts 47 single nucleotide variants within protein coding regions of the alleles. To deepen our understanding of TAG synthesis, we observed the allele-specific expression of PDAT by the analysis of 87 published RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data and experimental validation. The transcription of one of the two PDAT alleles, Allele 2, could be specifically induced by decreasing nitrogen concentrations. Overexpression of Allele 2 in P. tricornutum substantially enhanced the accumulation of TAG by 44% to 74% under nutrient stress; however, overexpression of Allele 1 resulted in little increase of TAG accumulation. Interestingly, a more serious growth inhibition was observed in the PDAT Allele 1 overexpression strains compared with Allele 2 counterparts. Heterologous expression in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) showed that enzymes encoded by PDAT Allele 2 but not Allele 1 had TAG biosynthetic activity, and 7 N-terminal and 3 C-terminal amino acid variants between the 2 allele-encoded proteins substantially affected enzymatic activity. P. tricornutum PDAT, localized in the innermost chloroplast membrane, used monogalactosyldiacylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine as acyl donors as demonstrated by the increase of the 2 lipids in PDAT knockout lines, which indicated a common origin in evolution with green algal PDATs. Our study reveals unequal roles among allele-encoded PDATs in mediating carbon storage and growth in response to nitrogen stress and suggests an unsuspected strategy toward lipid and biomass improvement for biotechnological purposes.
Association between de novo variants of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial-related genes and undiagnosed developmental disorder and autism
Authors: Luo T , Pan J , Zhu Y , Wang X , Li K , Zhao G , Li B , Hu Z , Xia K , Li J 
Published: November 2023

Summary

Background
Evidence suggests that mitochondrial abnormalities increase the risk of two neurodevelopmental disorders: undiagnosed developmental disorder (UDD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, which nuclear-encoded mitochondrial-related genes (NEMGs) were associated with UDD–ASD is unclear.

Aim
To explore the association between de novo variants (DNVs) of NEMGs and UDD–ASD.

Design
Comprehensive analysis based on DNVs of NEMGs identified in patients (31 058 UDD probands and 10 318 ASD probands) and 4262 controls.

Methods
By curating NEMGs and cataloging publicly published DNVs in NEMGs, we compared the frequency of DNVs in cases and controls. We also applied a TADA-denovo model to highlight disease-associated NEMGs and characterized them based on gene intolerance, functional networks and expression patterns.

Results
Compared with levels in 4262 controls, an excess of protein-truncating variants and deleterious missense variants in 1421 cataloged NEMGs from 41 376 patients (31 058 UDD and 10 318 ASD probands) was observed. Overall, 3.23% of de novo deleterious missense variants and 3.20% of de novo protein-truncating variants contributed to 1.1% and 0.39% of UDD–ASD cases, respectively. We prioritized 130 disease-associated NEMGs and showed distinct expression patterns in the developing human brain. Disease-associated NEMGs expression was enriched in both excitatory and inhibitory neuronal lineages from the developing human cortex.

Conclusions
Rare genetic alterations of disease-associated NEMGs may play a role in UDD–ASD development and lay the groundwork for a better understanding of the biology of UDD–ASD.
Micro-RNA content of circulating extracellular vesicles in early rheumatoid arthritis as biomarkers and mediators of methotrexate efficacy
Authors: Maunder Daniel , Brown Philip M , Barron-Millar Ben , Lendrem Dennis W , Naamane Najib , Macdonald Jamie , Wang Xiao N , Isaacs John D , Anderson Amy E , Morgan Ann W , Crossland Rachel E , Mackie Sarah L , Pratt Arthur G 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are abundant in body fluids, contributing to intercellular signalling by transferring cargo that includes microRNAs (miRs)—themselves implicated in pathobiology. For the first time we evaluated the potential of EV miRs to contribute diagnostic information in early RA, predict methotrexate (MTX) efficacy or shed light on the drug’s mechanism of action.

Methods
Seven hundred and ninety-eight miRs isolated from serum-derived EVs of 46 patients with untreated RA, 23 with untreated polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR; inflammatory disease control group) and 12 in whom significant inflammatory disease had been excluded (non-inflammatory controls; NICs) were profiled (NanoString); the same measurements were made for RA patients after 6 months’ MTX treatment. Analyses took multiple testing into account.

Results
Twenty-eight EV miRs were robustly differentially expressed between early RA (but not PMR) patients and NICs after correction for age and sex, suggesting discriminatory value. Cross-validated partial least squares-discriminant analysis also indicated the predictive potential of a distinct baseline EV miR signature with respect to MTX-induced remission at 6 months. The change in expression of 13 miRs over the course of MTX treatment differed significantly between responders and non-responders, and four of those exhibiting increased relative abundance amongst responders have known roles in regulating the pathogenic potential of synovial fibroblasts, namely miR-212-3p, miR-338-5p, miR-410-3p and miR-537.

Conclusion
Our data highlight the potential of serum EV miRs as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers, highlighting a novel potential mechanism by which MTX may exert its therapeutic effect in early RA that warrants further investigation.
Implementing treat-to-target urate-lowering therapy during hospitalizations for gout flares
Authors: Russell Mark D , Ameyaw-Kyeremeh Louise , Dell’Accio Flora , Lapham Heather , Head Natalie , Stovin Christopher , Patel Vishit , Clarke Benjamin D , Nagra Deepak , Alveyn Edward , Adas Maryam A , Bechman Katie , de la Puente María A , Ellis Benjamin , Byrne Corrine , Patel Rina , Rutherford Andrew I , Cantle Fleur , Norton Sam , Roddy Edward , Hudson Joanna , Cope Andrew P , Galloway James B 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate a strategy designed to optimize care and increase uptake of urate-lowering therapy (ULT) during hospitalizations for gout flares.

Methods
We conducted a prospective cohort study to evaluate a strategy that combined optimal in-hospital gout management with a nurse-led, follow-up appointment, followed by handover to primary care. Outcomes, including ULT initiation, urate target attainment and re-hospitalization rates, were compared between patients hospitalized for flares in the 12 months post-implementation and a retrospective cohort of hospitalized patients from 12 months pre-implementation.

Results
One hundred and nineteen and 108 patients, respectively, were hospitalized for gout flares in the 12 months pre- and post-implementation. For patients with 6-month follow-up data available (n = 94 and n = 97, respectively), the proportion newly initiated on ULT increased from 49.2% pre-implementation to 92.3% post-implementation (age/sex-adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 11.5; 95% CI 4.36, 30.5; P &lt; 0.001). After implementation, more patients achieved a serum urate ≤360 μmol/l within 6 months of discharge (10.6% pre-implementation vs 26.8% post-implementation; aOR 3.04; 95% CI 1.36, 6.78; P = 0.007). The proportion of patients re-hospitalized for flares was 14.9% pre-implementation vs 9.3% post-implementation (aOR 0.53; 95% CI 0.22, 1.32; P = 0.18).

Conclusion
Over 90% of patients were initiated on ULT after implementing a strategy to optimize hospital gout care. Despite increased initiation of ULT during flares, recurrent hospitalizations were not more frequent following implementation. Significant relative improvements in urate target attainment were observed post-implementation; however, for the majority of hospitalized gout patients to achieve urate targets, closer primary–secondary care integration is still needed.
Effect of antimalarials on clinical outcomes in lupus nephritis
Authors: Peña-Vizcarra Óscar R , Zavala-Miranda María Fernanda , Juárez-Cuevas Bernardo , Márquez-Macedo Sofía E , Hernández-Andrade Adriana , Nordmann-Gomes Alberto , Pérez-Arias Abril A , Morales-Buenrostro Luis E , Mejía-Vilet Juan M 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate the effect of antimalarial drugs in response to therapy, incidence of LN flares, and progression of kidney disease in a large LN cohort.

Methods
We retrospectively studied 424 biopsy-proven LN patients followed for &gt;3 years. We obtained demographic, clinical, laboratory, histopathological and treatment variables. Antimalarial use was approached as (i) users vs no users, (ii) according to prevalent vs incident use regarding the LN flare and (iii) according to the type of antimalarial. All outcomes were evaluated by time-to-event analyses. Adjusted hazard ratios were obtained by Cox regression.

Results
The cohort included 424 patients, median age of 29 years (IQR 23–37), 96% female, with a median eGFR of 81 ml/min/1.73 m2 (IQR 48–118) and proteinuria of 3.4 g/g (IQR 1.9–5.5). Antimalarial use was associated with higher complete response (aHR 1.57, 1.08–2.27), lower incidence of kidney flares (aHR 0.63, 0.43–0.92) and lower progression to kidney failure (aHR 0.37, 0.23–0.53). The effect of antimalarials on these outcomes was modified by the presentation eGFR, histological class and/or concomitant initial immunosuppressor. These protective effects were observed in patients with prevalent or incident use regarding the LN flare and patients using hydroxychloroquine. The incidence of toxic retinopathy was 1.7%, 5.7% and 8.8% by 3, 5 and 7 years of continued antimalarial use, respectively.

Conclusion
The use of antimalarial drugs is associated with increased response to therapy, lower incidence of kidney flares, and lower progression to kidney failure in LN patients. Conversely, this population is at high risk of toxic maculopathy, and yearly ophthalmologic examination is recommended.