bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impacts of foreign direct investment on total factor productivity: an empirical study of agricultural enterprises
Authors: Han Yan , Smith Rodney B.W. , Wu Laping 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impact of six possible foreign direct investment (FDI) spillover channels on the total factor productivity (TFP) of Chinese agricultural enterprises and investigate the moderating role of absorptive capacity (technological acumen) on TFP spillover effects.Design/methodology/approachBased on data from 118 agricultural and related Chinese industries, the authors employ a multithreshold regression model to empirically analyze the impact of FDI on the TFP of agricultural enterprises and the threshold effect of absorptive capacity. To overcome potential endogeneity problems, the authors select the FDI stock of corresponding USA industries and the industrial access policy index as instrumental variables and re-estimate the model.FindingsThe results suggest foreign-invested agricultural enterprises are more likely to benefit from FDI, while the “aggregate” FDI spillover effect is negative for domestic agricultural enterprises. However, once threshold effects are introduced, the authors find firms “close to” (“far from”) the technological frontier experience statistically significant positive (negative) spillover effects. Similar results are obtained for virtually all FDI spillover channels for firms in both upstream and downstream industries. FDI spillovers, when they occur, can be a two-edged sword – benefiting some firms at the expense of others.Originality/valueThe authors introduce six FDI spillover channels to examine the impact of FDI on the productivity of foreign-invested and domestic agricultural enterprises. Moreover, the authors analyze the threshold effect of firms' absorptive capacity. These findings can help formulate foreign investment introduction policies based on the characteristics of agricultural enterprises with different ownership structures. These results are also beneficial for agricultural enterprises to better exploit FDI spillover effects and improve their productivity.
Pricing-to-market of Brazilian exports: a case of vehicle currency invoicing
Authors: Kannebley Júnior Sérgio , Prince Diogo de , Silva Daniel Quinaud Pedron da 
Published: November 2023

PurposeBrazil uses the dollar as a vehicle currency to invoice its exports. This fact produces a tendency toward equalizing the prices of products in dollars in the international market and reducing the ability of firms to practice pricing-to-market (PTM). This study aims to evaluate the hypothesis by estimating error correction models in panel data, obtaining estimates of PTM for 25 manufacturing products exported by Brazil between 2010 and 2020.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses the correlated common effect estimator proposed by Pesaran (2006) and Chudik and Pesaran (2015b) to estimate the PTM coefficients.FindingsResults of this study indicate that exporters practice local-currency pricing stability for dollar prices. This study obtains that Brazilian exporters tend to stabilize their dollar price for exports, reducing heterogeneity between destination markets. The results are in agreement with the hypothesis of the prevalence of the coalescing effect of Goldberg and Tille (2008) and lower sensitivity of the markup adjustment to the specific market, as pointed out by Corsetti et al. (2018). The pricing of Brazilian exports in dollars reflects a profit maximization strategy that considers an international price system based on global demand for products.Originality/valueIn addition to analyzing the dollar role in the pricing of Brazilian exports through the triangular decomposition, this study also shows the importance of examining the cross-section dependence of errors, considering the heterogeneous cointegration in export pricing models and producing PTM estimates for short-term and long-term.
Climate change and adaptation strategies in rural Ghana: a study on smallholder farmers in the Mamprugu-Moaduri district
Authors: Yahaya Mumuni , Mensah Caleb , Addaney Michael , Damoah-Afari Peter , Kumi Naomi 
Published: November 2023

Purpose
This study aims to analyze the perceptions of smallholder farmers on climate change and events and further explores climate change adaptation strategies and associated challenges. The findings provide useful information for enhancing the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers to adjust to climate-related hazards and improve their resilience and disaster preparedness in northern Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a multistage sampling procedure and sample size of 150 farmers, the Binary Probit Model (BPM), to identify and examine the determinants of climate change adaptation strategies adopted by smallholder farmers. Also, the constraints of adaptation were analyzed using Kendall’s coefficient of concordance.

Findings
The results from the BPM and statistics of Kendall’s coefficient revealed that the farm risk level, ability to adapt, farmer’s income, age, farming experience, climate change awareness and extension visits were factors that significantly influenced the adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers (in order of importance). The majority (60%) of the farmers ranked farm risk level as the major constraint to adopting climate change strategies.

Originality/value
The findings of this study enhance understanding on access to relevant and timely climate change adaptation information such as an early warning to farmers during the start of the farming/rainy season to support their adaptive responses to climate change.
News from the National Association for Professional Development Schools
Authors: Garin Eva 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThis piece is a message from the NAPDS/NASUP president to the current and prospective members of the organization.Design/methodology/approachDue to the subject of the piece, no research methods were necessary.FindingsDue to the subject of the piece, there are no findings.Originality/valueThis piece highlights the organization's new name.
Higher vascular plant abundance associated with decreased ecosystem respiration after 20 years of warming in the forest–tundra ecotone
Authors: Myrsky Eero , Mikola Juha , Kaarlejärvi Elina , Olofsson Johan , Sjögersten Sofie , Tupek Boris , Männistö Minna K. , Stark Sari 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The on‐going climate warming is promoting shrub abundance in high latitudes, but the effect of this phenomenon on ecosystem functioning is expected to depend on whether deciduous or evergreen species increase in response to warming.

To explore effects of long‐term warming on shrubs and further on ecosystem functioning, we analysed vegetation and ecosystem CO2 exchange after 20 years of warming in the forest–tundra ecotone in subarctic Sweden. A previous study conducted 9 years earlier had found increased evergreen Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum in the forest and increased deciduous Betula nana in the tundra.

Following current understanding, we expected continued increase in shrub abundance that would be stronger in tundra than in forest. We expected warming to increase ecosystem respiration (Re) and gross primary productivity (GPP), with a greater increase in Re in tundra due to increased deciduous shrub abundance, leading to a less negative net ecosystem exchange and reduced ecosystem C sink strength.

As predicted, vascular plant abundances were higher in the warmed plots with a stronger response in tundra than in forest. However, whereas B. nana had increased in abundance since the last survey, E. hermaphroditum abundance had declined due to several moth and rodent outbreaks during the past decade. In contrast to predictions, Re was significantly lower in the warmed plots irrespective of habitat, and GPP increased marginally only in the forest. The lower Re and a higher GPP under warming in the forest together led to increased net C sink. Re was negatively associated with the total vascular plant abundance.

Our results highlight the importance of disturbance regimes for vegetation responses to warming. Climate warming may promote species with both a high capacity to grow under warmer conditions and a resilience towards herbivore outbreaks. Negative correlation between Re and total vascular plant abundance further indicate that the indirect impacts of increased plants on soil microclimate may become increasingly important for ecosystem CO2 exchange in the long run, which adds to the different mechanisms that link warming and CO2 fluxes in northern ecosystems.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Ecology explains anhydrobiotic performance across tardigrades, but the shared evolutionary history matters more
Authors: Vecchi M. , Stec D. , Rebecchi L. , Michalczyk Ł. , Calhim S. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Desiccation stress is lethal to most animals. However, some microinvertebrate groups have evolved coping strategies, such as the ability to undergo anhydrobiosis (i.e. survival despite the loss of almost all body water). Tardigrades are one such group, where the molecular mechanisms of anhydrobiosis have been more thoroughly studied. Despite the ecological, evolutionary and biotechnological importance of anhydrobiosis, little is known about its inter‐ and intra‐specific variability nor its relationship with natural habitat conditions or phylogenetic history.

We developed a new index—anhydrobiotic recovery index (ARI)—to evaluate the anhydrobiotic performance of tardigrade populations from the family Macrobiotidae. Moreover, we compared the explanatory role of habitat humidity and phylogenetic history on this trait using a variance partitioning approach.

We found that ARI is correlated with both microhabitat humidity and yearly rainfall, but it is mostly driven by phylogenetic niche conservatism (i.e. a high portion of ARI variation is explained by phylogeny alone). Finally, we showed that anhydrobiotic performance is highly variable, even between closely related species, and that their response to local ecological conditions is tightly linked to their phylogenetic history.

This study not only presents key insights into an emerging model system, but also provides a new methodological approach for wider scale studies of the ecological and evolutionary implications of anhydrobiosis.
Improved cardioprotective effect of 3‐nitro‐N‐methyl salicylamide solution after a prolonged preservation time of rat heart
Authors: Wang Shuo , Liu Wenjun , Liu Shan , Li Jiacong , Geng Yi , Zhao Yungang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIschemic reperfusion injury, caused by oxidative stress during reperfusion, is an inevitable outcome of organ transplantation, especially when the organ preservation time is prolonged. Prolonged ischaemic preservation is a valuable technique for improving the success of organ transplantation, but numerous challenges remain. 3‐nitro‐N‐methyl salicylamide (3‐NNMS), an inhibitor of mitochondrial electron transport chain complex III, can be used to reduce reactive oxygen species production during blood reperfusion by slowing the electron flow rate of the respiratory chain. Based on this property, a novel preservation solution was developed for the preservation of isolated rat heart and its cardioprotective effect was investigated during an 8‐h cold ischaemia preservation time for the first time. For comparison, 3‐NNMS was also included in the histidine‐tryptophan‐ketoglutarate (HTK) solution. Compared to HTK, HTK supplemented with 3‐NNMS significantly improved the heart rate of isolated rat hearts after 8 h of cold storage. Both 3‐NNMS solution and HTK supplemented with 3‐NNMS solution decreased cardiac troponin T and lactate dehydrogenase levels in perfusion fluid and reduced reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels in the myocardium. The 3‐NNMS also maintained the membrane potential of myocardial mitochondria and significantly increased superoxide dismutase levels. These results showed that the new 3‐NNMS solution can protect mitochondrial and cardiomyocyte function by increasing antioxidant capacity and reducing oxidative stress in cryopreserved rat hearts during a prolonged preservation time, resulting in less myocardial injury and better heart rate.
Renewable energy development efficiency: Spatial dynamic evolution and influencing factors
Authors: Su Huishui , Ali Farhan , Lyulyov Oleksii , Pimonenko Tetyana , Chen Yang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis paper aims to estimate the spatial dynamic evolution of renewable energy development efficiency and justify the dimensions that impact renewable energy development efficiency. The study applies the following methods: the ultraefficient slack‐based model (SBM) (to measure the efficiency of renewable energy development); the Dagum‐Gini coefficient decomposition process (to measure the interregional differences in the development of renewable energy efficiency); nuclear density estimation (to measure the dynamic distribution); the Markov model (to forecast renewable energy development efficiency); and the Tobit model (to justify the influencing factors of renewable energy development efficiency). The empirical findings confirm that the overall regional gaps in renewable energy development efficiency in China are widening year by year. The average value of renewable energy development efficiency increased from 0.932 in 2006 to 1.078 in 2020. The mean Gini coefficient increased gradually from 0.028 in 2006 to 0.174, with mean differences exceeding the average growth trend after 2011 and slowly decreasing post‐2016. There is polarization in the eastern region, while there is no polarization in the northeast. The overall level of renewable energy development efficiency in the middle and western areas is improving and showing a trend of absolute difference narrowing. In addition, economic development, green finance, technological progress, urbanization rate, and economic openness are conducive to renewable energy development efficiency, and renewable energy development efficiency is in a rapid development trend. Considering the findings, China should implement targeted regional development strategies, enhance green finance mechanisms, promote technological innovation, and align urbanization policies with renewable energy goals to reduce regional disparities and accelerate sustainable renewable energy development.
Natural resources, economic globalization, and sustainable development: Can economic complexity and environmental regulations cure the resource curse?
Authors: Ahmad Mahmood , Ahmed Zahoor , Luo Chunyang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe abundance of natural resources (NRR) is often regarded as a double‐edged sword, with the potential to promote or hinder sustainable development. Nevertheless, it is imperative to effectively manage the resources to ensure their sustainability and minimize their detrimental economic and environmental effects. Environmental regulations of nations and a structural shift towards more advanced and knowledge‐intensive modes of production can substantially contribute to this objective. Using a holistic index of sustainable development, this study aims to explore the interplay between NRR, economic complexity (ECI), environmental regulations, economic globalization, and sustainable development in 25 European Union (EU) countries from 1995 to 2019. The empirical results from the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MM‐QR) reveal a negative relationship between NRR and sustainable development, supporting the hypothesis of the resource curse. Conversely, the study demonstrates that ECI and environmental regulations drive sustainable development. Furthermore, economic globalization is found to have a detrimental effect on sustainable development. Finally, panel causality results revealed causal links from NRR, ECI, and environmental regulations to sustainable development. Meanwhile, ECI and environmental regulations have a causal impact on NRR. Our key findings lead towards the manifestation and emphasis of the importance of appropriate policies for the sustainable utilization of NRR and, concurrently, underscore the significance of environmental regulations and ECI in the pursuit of sustainable development in EU countries.
Complex relationships between sustainable tourism development and its antecedents: A test of serial mediation model
Authors: Dündar Yusuf , Karacaer Serap Serin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDrawing on social exchange theory and reasoned action theory, this study aims to investigate the relationships among residents' perceptions, community participation, ecotourism development, and sustainable tourism development. The relationships were examined using the serial mediation model of Hayes (2013). Data were collected from the local people living in Hasan Mountain Culture and Tourism Conservation and Development Area (CTCDA) in Aksaray province of Türkiye (N = 568). The findings show that community participation and ecotourism development serially mediate the effects of residents' perceptions on sustainable tourism development. In the light of the findings, positive residents' perceptions establish the eligible conditions for the strong community participation. Enhanced community participation contributes to ecotourism development, and as a result, ecotourism development promotes sustainable tourism development. This study is the first study in the literature that reveals the relationships between residents' perceptions, community participation, ecotourism development, and sustainable tourism development through the serial mediation model. The current study contributes to the literature by addressing the direct and indirect effects of residents' perceptions on sustainable tourism development. We suggest planners in CTCDAs to pay attention to residents' perceptions and community participation as the weakest link during development processes.
Fair Chance Act failures? Employers’ hiring of people with criminal records
Authors: Oselin Sharon S. , Ross Justine G. M. , Wang Qingfang , Kang Wei 
Published: November 2023

AbstractResearch summaryWe examine the efficacy of the California Fair Chance Act (CFCA) policy—legislative stipulations regarding employers’ hiring of individuals with criminal records—on practices and outcomes in two Southern California counties during 2021. We rely on survey and experiment data with 542 hiring decision makers to investigate employer and personal compliance with the CFCA, whether applicant appeals affect employers’ willingness to hire them, and heterogeneity in treatment effects across firms and industries. Close to 80% of hiring decision makers violate the CFCA by obtaining background information before they extend an offer, appeals have a minimal impact on hiring outcomes, and firm‐level characteristics continue to shape hiring practices to some extent.Policy implicationsAlthough certain firms comply with the relatively new CFCA, most employers violate it by seeking applicant criminal background information, a practice that has profound consequences for those with criminal records as well as other disadvantaged groups. This finding underscores the discrepancy between de jure and de facto policy practices. Better statewide enforcement of the CFCA coupled with increased employer educational training could help reform it and improve policy adherence. Given it is a young policy, future research should continue to assess the CFCA's efficacy over time.
Impact of germination on the techno‐functional properties, nutritional composition, and health‐promoting compounds of brown rice and its products: A review
Authors: Chinma Chiemela Enyinnaya , Adedeji Olajide Emmanuel , Jolayemi Olusola Samuel , Ezeocha Vanessa Chinelo , Ilowefah Muna Abdulsalam , Rosell Cristina M. , Adebo Janet Adeyinka , Wilkin Jonathan D , Adebo Oluwafemi Ayodeji 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRice is a popular grain and forms part of the daily diet of people throughout the world. However, the consumption of rice and its products is sometimes limited by its high glycemic index due to its high starch content, low protein content and quality, and low bioavailability of minerals due to the presence of anti‐nutritional factors. This has partly stimulated research interest in recent times toward the use of bioprocessing techniques such as germination as cheap and natural means to improve the nutritional quality, digestibility, and health properties of cereals, including rice, to partially achieve nutrition and food security in the developing regions of the world. This review highlights the impact of germination on the nutritional quality, health‐promoting properties, and techno‐functional characteristics of germinated brown rice grains and their products. The review demonstrated that germinated rice grains and their products have improved nutritional quality and digestibility, modified functional properties, and showed antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐diabetic, anti‐obesity, anti‐cancer, and anti‐cardiovascular activities. Germination appears to be a suitable bioprocessing method to improve the nutritional quality and bioactive constituents and modify the techno‐functional properties of rice grains for diverse food applications and improved global nutrition and food safety.
Comparison of diagnostic accuracy of ultra low‐dose computed tomography and X‐ray of the kidneys, ureters and bladder for urolithiasis in the follow‐up setting
Authors: Kandasamy Mayooran , Chan Michael , Xiang Hao , Chan Lewis , Ridley Lloyd 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionUrolithiasis is frequently followed up with a low‐dose computed tomography of the kidneys ureters and bladder (LD‐CTKUB) with doses typically less than 3 millisieverts. Although X‐ray is a lower dose (0.5–1.1 mSv) alternative for follow up, it has lower diagnostic accuracy and is limited to radiopaque calculi. This study aims to compare the diagnostic accuracy of sub‐millisievert ultra‐low dose CT (ULD‐CTKUB) against X‐ray KUB for the follow up of urolithiasis when both are compared against the standard of care of a low‐dose CT KUB (LD‐CTKUB).MethodsThis prospective study included patients with a known diagnosis of urolithiasis on prior CTKUB presenting for follow up. Each patient underwent a repeat reference LD‐CTKUB, ULD‐CTKUB and X‐ray KUB. All imaging studies were interpreted by three readers. The radiation dose and quantitative noise was calculated for each CT. Both CT and X‐ray were assessed for the presence, number and size of all calculi ≥2 mm.ResultsA total of 58 patients were included in this study. LD‐CTKUB identified 197 calculi. ULD‐CTKUB in our study had a mean effective dose of 0.5 mSv compared to X‐ray KUB where doses range in the literature from 0.5 to 1.1 mSv. Per‐patient pooled analysis for intrarenal calculi when comparing ULD‐CTKUB versus X‐ray KUB against a reference LD‐CTKUB found a sensitivity of 90% versus 67% (P < 0.01) and specificity of 93% versus 98% (P = 0.18) respectively. For ureteric calculi, the sensitivity was 67% versus 33% (P < 0.01) and specificity 94% versus 94% (P = 1.00) respectively. Per‐stone pooled analysis detection rate was 79% for ULD‐CTKUB versus 48% for X‐ray (P < 0.01) when each was compared to the reference LD‐CTKUB. Interobserver agreement was high for intrarenal calculi and moderate for ureteric calculi.ConclusionSub‐millisievert ULD‐CTKUB had lower doses and higher sensitivity than X‐ray in patients requiring follow up of known urolithiasis.