Core Factor Research Articles

Interaction among negative mood, sleep, and diet habits in adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury: A cross-sectional network analysis

BackgroundNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a serious public health problem that can lead to adverse effects such as cognitive impairment, poor interpersonal relationships and violent crime. The progress of preventing and treating NSSI in adolescents depends on other changeable risk factors, such as negative mood, sleep, and diet habits. However, the risk factors for adolescent NSSI remain unclear. Therefore, this study explores the key factors influencing adolescents' NSSI behavior through the use of network analysis. MethodsThe study recruited 4040 middle school students aged 12–18 years old. From November 1st, 2023 to January 1st, 2024, paper questionnaires were utilized to investigate the participants' basic conditions, negative mood, NSSI, sleep conditions, and diet habits. Network analysis was used to explore the interrelationship among risk factors and discover the core factor. ResultsIn the network structure of adolescents with NSSI behavior, the most correlated nodes were negative emotions (CDI2) and low self-esteem (CDI3). Compared with adolescents without NSSI behavior, adolescents with NSSI behavior showed prominent anxiety symptoms related to injury avoidance (MASC1) and social anxiety (MASC2). Anhedonia (CDI1) was both the central node and the bridge node of the network. LimitationThe cross-sectional design of this study couldn't clarify the causal inference between independent variables and results. ConclusionAnhedonia is the key factor affecting adolescents' emotion regulation. Furthermore, we hypothesize that adolescent NSSI is an emotional disorder, and anhedonia plays an important role in preventing and intervening in adolescents' NSSI behavior.

Developing ultra-high performance concrete with different strength grade based on mix proportion sensitivity factor analysis

Abstract Owing to the excellent strength and durability, ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has been used for fabricating large-scale and important infrastructures. However, mix proportion of UHPC is still the core factor influencing its workability, strength, cost and energy resource consumption. Based on this, the amount of cementitious materials, water-binder ratio, and the content of steel fibers were matched to obtain UHPC with required workability and strength according to three-factor five-level orthogonal range analysis considering the interaction of these three parameters. Experimental results show that the water-binder ratio and steel fiber content is the primary factor to guarantee the fluidity/compressive and flexural strength of UHPC, respectively. For developing UHPC with compressive strength grade of 150 MPa and flexural strength higher than 50 MPa, the amount of cementitious materials (including cement, silica fume, cenosphere, and fly ash) and the content of steel fibers should be higher than 1000 kg m−3 and 2.5 vol.%, and the corresponding water-binder ratio is equal to 0.16. When the aim is to fabricate UHPC with compressive strength grade of 120 MPa and flexural strength higher than 40 MPa, the water-binder ratio can be increased but should be lower than 0.20 with the increasing amount of cementitious material, and the volume fraction of steel fibers should be higher than 1.5 vol.%. High steel fiber content and water-binder ratio all easily coarsens the microstructure and pore structure of UHPC, and this phenomenon cannot be compensated by using high amount of cementitious materials. It should be adjusting the matching degree of amount of cementitious materials and water-binder ratio to obtain a slurry with appropriate fluidity and cohesiveness, and then content of steel fibers can be selected to perform without adverse effects.

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and South China Sea Issue: Impacts and China’s Strategic Response

This paper examines the impact of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue on China’s concerns related to the South China Sea issue. The study first reviews the origin and development of the quadrilateral security dialogue mechanism, pointing out that its geopolitical color is obvious, especially in China as the core factor of strategic interaction. Subsequently, the article discusses the specific impact of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue on the South China Sea issue, including heating the issue, encouraging countries outside the region to intervene, aggravating tensions, and undermining stability in the South China Sea. Following that, the article puts forward China’s countermeasures and suggestions, emphasizing that China should analyze the interests of various countries, divide and disintegrate the United States alliance system, strengthen economic ties with ASEAN countries, consolidate friendly relations, maintain strategic focus, and strengthen national defense and military construction. Finally, the study concludes that to preserve regional peace and stability, China should fully utilize the advantageous aspects of the Asia-Pacific pattern and neutralize the dangerous components.

Endogenous neuronal DNA double-strand breaks are not sufficient to drive brain aging and neurodegeneration.

Loss of genomic information due to the accumulation of somatic DNA damage has been implicated in aging and neurodegeneration 1-3 . Somatic mutations in human neurons increase with age 4 , but it is unclear whether this is a cause or a consequence of brain aging. Here, we clarify the role of endogenous, neuronal DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in brain aging and neurodegeneration by generating mice with post-developmental inactivation of the classical non-homologous end-joining (C-NHEJ) core factor Xrcc4 in forebrain neurons. Xrcc4 is critical for the ligation step of C-NHEJ and has no known function outside of DSB repair 5,6 . We find that, unlike their wild-type counterparts, C-NHEJ-deficient neurons accumulate high levels of DSB foci with age, indicating that neurons undergo frequent DSBs that are typically efficiently repaired by C-NHEJ across their lifespan. Genome-wide mapping reveals that endogenous neuronal DSBs preferentially occur in promoter regions and other genic features. Analysis of 3-D genome organization shows intra-chromosomal clustering and loop extrusion of neuronal DSB regions. Strikingly, however, DSB accumulation caused by loss of C-NHEJ induces only minor epigenetic alterations and does not significantly affect gene expression, 3-D genome organization, or mutational outcomes at neuronal DSBs. Despite extensive aging-associated accumulation of neuronal DSBs, mice with neuronal Xrcc4 inactivation do not show neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, reduced lifespan, or impaired memory and learning behavior. We conclude that the formation of spontaneous neuronal DSBs caused by normal cellular processes is insufficient to cause brain aging and neurodegeneration, even in the absence of C-NHEJ, the principal neuronal DSB repair pathway.

Assessment and forecasting of water ecological security and obstacle factor diagnosis in the Hexi Corridor of Northwest China

The water ecological security pattern is a core factor. A scientific, accurate, and practical evaluation of water ecological security provides a theoretical basis for regional water ecological management. Using water resource data from five cities in the Hexi Corridor of Gansu Province (Jiuquan (JQ), Jiayuguan (JYG), Zhangye (ZY), Jinchang (JC), and Wuwei (WW)) from 2006 to 2021, a water ecological security evaluation index system based on the PSR (pressure-state-response) framework was constructed, covering 27 factors related to water resources, socio-economics, and the ecological environment. The main obstacle factors of water ecological security were identified using the obstacle degree model, and the grey GM(1,1) model was employed to predict water ecological security. Results indicated that the comprehensive assessment index of water ecology in the Hexi Corridor increased from 2006 to 2021, showing a transition from relatively unsafe (0.319) to basic safety and then to relatively safe (0.672). The pressure and response systems were the main limiting factors affecting water ecological security in the Hexi Corridor. After a slight decline in 2008, the overall spatial distribution continued to rise, with WW City and ZY City leading since 2016. ZY had a higher safety grade proportion (25%) compared to other areas in the Hexi region. The pressure system was the most significant obstacle to water ecological security after 2006. Prediction results indicated that the comprehensive evaluation index of water ecological security would continue to rise annually from 2022 to 2031, reaching a very safe level by 2025. The evaluation results provide a scientific basis for ecological security and risk decision-making in the study area.

Establishment of closed 35S ribosomal RNA gene chromatin in stationary Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells.

As a first step in eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis RNA polymerase (Pol) I synthesizes a large ribosomal RNA (rRNA) precursor from multicopy rRNA gene loci. This process is essential for cellular growth and regulated in response to the cell's physiological state. rRNA gene transcription is downregulated upon growth to stationary phase in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This reduction correlates with characteristic changes in rRNA gene chromatin structure from a transcriptionally active 'open' state to a non-transcribed 'closed' state. The conserved lysine deacetylase Rpd3 was shown to be required for this chromatin transition. We found that Rpd3 is needed for tight repression of Pol I transcription upon growth to stationary phase as a prerequisite for the establishment of the closed chromatin state. We provide evidence that Rpd3 regulates Pol I transcription by adjusting cellular levels of the Pol I preinitiation complex component core factor (CF). Importantly, our study identifies CF as the complex limiting the number of open rRNA genes in exponentially growing and stationary cells.

A Gaussian interval type-2 fuzzy characterization method based on heterogeneous big data and its application in forest ecological assessment

The under-forest economy is a new agricultural and forestry production mode. It can improve the utilization efficiency of forest land and make full use of forest resources, forest space, and forest ecological environment through different forms of industries such as understory planting and breeding. The under-forest economy has important ecological and economic benefits, significant to rural revitalization and industrial structure adjustment. It has been widely discussed by people in recent years. The forest ecological security level is a core factor to be considered in selecting sites for the under-forest economy. In practice, some forest ecological security evaluation indexes usually show heterogeneous forms. To comprehensively evaluate the level of forest ecological security, this study constructs a new multi-indicator fuzzy evaluation method based on heterogeneous big data. Firstly, a new linguistic scale function is defined to realize the consistent conversion of multi-granularity linguistic information. A Gaussian interval type-2 fuzzy aggregation formula for heterogeneous large-scale data is proposed. This formula is used to describe the differences in evaluation information between individuals caused by different knowledge backgrounds of evaluators. Then, the Gaussian interval type-2 fuzzy cross-entropy is defined, and it is verified to satisfy the excellent properties. This cross-entropy is applied to determine the objective weights of evaluation indexes. Considering the risk-averse psychology of experts and combining the prospect theory, the MULTIMOORA method in the Gaussian interval type-2 fuzzy environment is proposed. Finally, the applicability of the constructed Gaussian interval type-2 fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method (GIT2FCE) is verified through a case study conducted on the site selection of the under-forest economic industry.

The NAC activator, MdNAC77L, regulates anthocyanin accumulation in red flesh apple

Anthocyanin is widely acknowledged as a crucial component contributing to apple fruit quality. However, research on the influence of NAC transcription factors on anthocyanin accumulation in red flesh apple is limited. In this study, a NAC transcription factor MdNAC77L was identified as highly related to the change of anthocyanin content, based on a combined anthocyanin metabolome and transcriptome analysis. Overexpression of MdNAC77L significantly increased the accumulation of anthocyanin in both apple and strawberry fruits, along with the expression of several anthocyanin-related enzymes. Molecular-level analyses demonstrated that MdNAC77L was directly combined with the promoters of three pivotal enzymes (dihydroflavonol 4-reductase, anthocyanin synthase, and UDP-flavonoid glucosyltransferase) of anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway. We found that ABA strongly induced the expression of MdNAC77L, which activated the expression of three downstream target genes. In addition, MdNAC77L showed higher transcript accumulation in flesh with lower anthocyanin content than that in red peel. We revealed the new core factor, MdNAC77L, involved in anthocyanin accumulation in apple red flesh. This research provides a fresh perspective on the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing anthocyanin biosynthesis in red-fleshed apples.

Compensation Algorithm for Wind Turbine Main Shaft Loads Based on LSTM

Abstract For wind turbine development, load size is the core and critical factor. Currently, most companies employ Bladed software for load calculations, which enjoys widespread use in engineering applications due to its efficiency and ease of use. However, constrained by the limitations of blade element theory and momentum theory, there still exist discrepancies between the simulation results and actual conditions. This paper aims to combine simulation algorithms with the application of an LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) neural network to develop a compensation algorithm for the main shaft loads of wind turbines. By doing so, it endeavors to realize real-time monitoring of the main shaft loads, thereby providing a foundation for achieving high-precision control in wind turbine systems.

Exploring Public, Practitioner and Policymaker Perspectives of Unhealthy Lifestyle Factors in the Context of Socioeconomic Deprivation: A Qualitative Study.

Unhealthy lifestyle factors, such as smoking, high alcohol intake, poor diet and physical inactivity, are key risk factors for premature mortality. How unhealthy lifestyle factors are viewed in the wider context of socioeconomic deprivation is rarely considered. Understanding key stakeholder views on lifestyle factors in the context of deprivation is critical to intervention development and reducing harm in more deprived populations. The aim of this study was to explore public, healthcare professional and policymaker views around unhealthy lifestyle factors in the context of deprivation. The aim was broad to facilitate iterative development of ideas, as the views of this wide range of stakeholders are rarely captured. Twenty-five adult members of the public in Scotland took part in four focus groups between August 2022 and June 2023. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals: 12 primary-care practitioners and 6 public-health practitioners and policymakers. Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken. Four main themes were developed: (1) Evolving complexity of lifestyle factors - the number of lifestyle factors that adversely impact health has grown, with increasingly complex interactions, (2) Social determinants of lifestyle - numerous links were made between socioeconomic conditions and unhealthy lifestyle factors by all participants, (3) Poverty as a fundamental social determinant - poverty was identified as a core factor for unhealthy lifestyle factors, and (4) Agency versus structure in relation to lifestyle - individual agency to address lifestyle factors was limited by structural constraints. Among professionals, understanding the challenging social determinants of unhealthy lifestyle factors was countered by a desire to support healthy change in those affected by deprivation. Public and professional views around lifestyle highlight an evolving understanding of the new and growing number of lifestyle factors as well as the increasingly complex interplay between lifestyle factors. Views of the social determinants of lifestyle and structural limits to agency strengthen arguments for reduced emphasis on individual-level responsibility for unhealthy lifestyle factors and for deeper integration of social determinants into lifestyle interventions. In addition to addressing poverty and socioeconomic inequalities directly, innovative policy, planning and legislation that incorporate wider approaches could tackle upstream determinants of numerous unhealthy lifestyle factors simultaneously. Members of the public who participated in this study have made contributions by sharing their views and perspectives. The National Health Service Research Scotland Primary Care Patient and Public Involvement (NRS PPI) Group contributed to the development of this work. The NRS PPI Group was consulted as part of the preparatory work for H. M. E. F.'s doctoral thesis funding application. The findings of the qualitative work were presented to them, and they informed the interpretation of those findings and related work presented at conferences and public engagement events.

Penerapan Metode Profile Matching untuk Keputusan Siswa Penerima Beasiswa Berbasis Web

The very rapid development of information technology over time has felt the benefits of most people in the fields of education, health, entertainment, information sources, the world of business and communication without limitations of place and time. The internet is one of the latest communication information technologies, the internet has almost unlimited reach and reaches almost all groups in Indonesian society. Information technology is a technology that is developing rapidly at present. The real proof of current technological developments is computers. Computers are designed to automatically receive and store data (Input), process and produce data (output) using programs stored in computer memory. The use of Information Technology is not only limited to companies or government agencies but can also be used in the world of education. Research results System results can collect alternative student assessment data as well as criteria and sub-criteria data. The system can make decisions by calculating the core factor and secondary factor values ​​for each alternative and sub-criteria so that the student's decision can be accepted.

Research on optimized path of labor skill structure based on fsQCA method

Under the background of globalization and rapid technological development, the optimization of labor skill structure has become the core factor to enhance national competitiveness and achieve sustainable economic development. In this paper, the advanced fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method is used to analyze the multi-dimensional influencing factors and the complex interaction mechanism of Chinese labor skill structure optimization. Through a detailed case analysis of 30 provinces in China, this study reveals the important role of key condition variables such as technological progress, trade openness, urbanization, and aging in the optimization of labor skill structure, and draws three paths for the optimization of labor skill structure.

Study on low concentration deltamethrin toxicity mediated by phospholipase D in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) ovary

This study evaluates the impact of environmentally relevant, low-concentration deltamethrin exposure to Eriocheir sinensis ovaries. Our findings revealed that even at a concentration of 0.05 µg/L, deltamethrin exposure can induce significant ovarian toxicity through a 5-day exposure, with gradual amplification detected with time, demonstrating the toxicity amplification effect. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining revealed that low-concentration deltamethrin exposure produces pathological damage consistent with acute toxicity—yolk granules were dissolved and oocyte membranes were ruptured. High-throughput RNA-sequencing data indicated that the acute and low-concentration exposure groups involved completely different pathways and molecular functions, suggesting distinct mechanisms for their toxic effects. Following the identification of phospholipase D (PLD) as a potential core factor regulating the toxicity amplification effect of low concentration deltamethrin, we delved into subsequent mechanism studies using quantitative real-time PCR, immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Through the GnRH signaling pathway, increased PLD indirectly stimulates augmented estradiol secretion, subsequently inducing apoptosis by upregulating Cathepsin D, which can activate the key executioners of apoptosis—caspases (CASP3 and CASP7). In conclusion, low-concentration deltamethrin exposures can induce significant ovarian damage through apoptosis mediated by the upregulation of PLD in the ovaries of Eriocheir sinensis at environmentally relevant concentrations, which lays the preliminary theoretical groundwork for further elucidating the mechanism of toxicity amplification effect of pesticide exposure at low concentrations.

Research of Bubble Breakup and Influencing Factors in Flotation Machine

As the core factor of flotation, bubbles have an important effect on flotation. The rotor speed, initial gas parameters and impeller structure of the flotation machine will affect the formation and movement of bubbles. It is very important to study the influence mechanism of operating parameters of flotation machine on the bubble breakup process for flotation machine design and structure optimization. This paper takes KYF-0.2m<sup>3</sup> flotation machine as the research object, establishes a single bubble analysis model, adopts the VOF (Volume of Fluid) method to analyze the influence of different initial positions of bubbles on the bubble breakup behavior, and studies the influence of impeller speed and initial position of bubbles on the bubble breakup. Result show that the breakup of bubbles mainly occurs near the stator region. With the increase of rotational speed of the impeller, the centrifugal force and the disturbance of the convection field will become greater, the time of the bubble breakup become shorter, more bubbles breakup and generate more smaller ones. With the bubble position is closer to the rotating axis of the impeller, the impact of reflow becomes stronger and the bubble breakup effect will be better, and if the bubble initial position closer to the impeller cover, the influence of impeller on the bubbles become greater and the distribution of bubbles will be more uniform.

A comprehensive review of BMS fault analysis in pure electric vehicles

Pure electric vehicle technology faces numerous technical challenges during the process of independent research and development, with the safety and endurance of power batteries being particularly critical. The Battery Management System (BMS) is a core factor affecting the performance and safety of electric vehicles. The normal operation of the BMS is essential for ensuring the reliability of electric vehicles. However, in practical applications, the BMS may encounter faults that can lead to a decline in battery performance, a reduction in lifespan, and even trigger safety incidents. Therefore, the development of an efficient and accurate fault analysis and diagnostic system is particularly important. This paper systematically explores the fault issues of electric vehicle BMS, including the composition, working principles, and main functions of the BMS, as well as the classification, level definition, case analysis, and resolution measures of faults. The article also provides a detailed introduction to fault analysis methods, including qualitative and quantitative analyses. Finally, based on recent hot topics and the latest research progress, it is concluded that model-based fault diagnosis will become increasingly important. This paper aims to provide a reference for the development of the field of electric vehicle battery management fault diagnosis technology.

Maize splicing-mediated mRNA surveillance impeded by sugarcane mosaic virus-coded pathogenic protein NIa-Pro.

The eukaryotic mRNA surveillance pathway, a pivotal guardian of mRNA fidelity, stands at the nexus of diverse biological processes, including antiviral immunity. Despite the recognized function of splicing factors on mRNA fate, the intricate interplay shaping the mRNA surveillance pathway remains elusive. We illustrate that the conserved splicing factor U2 snRNP auxiliary factor large subunit B (U2AF65B) modulates splicing of mRNA surveillance complex, contributing to transcriptomic homeostasis in maize. The functionality of the mRNA surveillance pathway requires ZmU2AF65B-mediated normal splicing of upstream frameshift 3 (ZmUPF3) pre-mRNA, encoding a core factor in this pathway. Intriguingly, sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV)-coded nuclear inclusion protein a protease (NIa-Pro) hinders the splicing function of ZmU2AF65B. Furthermore, NIa-Pro disrupts ZmU2AF65B binding to ZmUPF3 pre-mRNA, leading to dysregulated splicing of ZmUPF3 transcripts and, consequently, impairing mRNA surveillance, thus facilitating viral infection. Together, this study establishes that splicing governs the mRNA surveillance pathway and identifies a pathogenic protein capable of disrupting this regulation to compromise RNA immunity.

Study on the ecological environment quality and its driving factors of the spatial transformation of production-living-ecological space in Baishan City

In order to strengthen the overall planning and coordination of urban construction and ecological space in Baishan City, we should formulate a scientific land type planning of Production-Living-Ecological Space (PLES). In this paper, land use dynamic attitude model, land use transfer matrix, land use function center of gravity transfer model, eco-environmental quality index(EEQI) and geographic detector model are used to discuss the spatio-temporal evolution of PLES in Baishan City from 2000 to 2020. Spatio-temporal evolution of EEQI and its influencing factors. The results show that: (1) During the study period, Baishan City showed the characteristics that the production space first increased and then decreased, the ecological space decreased, and the living space continued to increase. Among them, the ecological space is the dominant space of Baishan City, covering an area of more than 80%. From the perspective of the transformation of PLES, from 2000 to 2020, Baishan City is mainly characterized by the transformation of ecological space into production space and living space. In the second type of space, green ecological space, forestry ecological space and other ecological space have decreased, while other types of space have increased in varying degrees. (2) During the study period, the overall EEQI of Baishan City remained in good condition, and the ecological environment quality(EEQ) of the three periods were 0.6571, 0.6412 and 0.6562 respectively. The higher EEQI is distributed in Changbai County and Linjiang City, while the areas with lower EEQI are concentrated in the north-central part of Hunjiang City, the middle part of Jiangyuan District and the northwest of Fusong County. (3) According to the analysis of the influencing factors of EEQ, the influence of the factors of spatial differentiation of EEQI in Baishan City changed significantly from 2000 to 2020, and the average annual rainfall was the core factor affecting the spatial differentiation of EEQ in Baishan City, the second is the urbanization rate and the distance from the county government, and the interaction between the average annual rainfall and the distance from the county government has a strong influence on the spatial differentiation of EEQ in Baishan City. This study reveals the evolution of spatial types and EEQ of PLES in Baishan City, and provides a scientific reference for the effective management and utilization of land resources in Baishan City.

The impact of social isolation on smartphone addiction among college students: the multiple mediating effects of loneliness and COVID-19 anxiety.

The widespread use of smartphones has significantly increased smartphone addiction among college students, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, university campuses in mainland China have strictly followed the Chinese government's strict quarantine policy, including closed campus management, prohibitions against gatherings, and social distancing, increasing student loneliness and anxiety and thus increasing the risk of smartphone addiction. Extant Studies have revealed that social isolation is a prominent predictor of smartphone addiction but have failed to systematically explore the complex relationship between social isolation and smartphone addiction in the context of COVID-19; therefore, the underlying mechanisms of these factors in the post-pandemic era are unclear. This study is the first attempt to consider loneliness, COVID-19 anxiety and social isolation as a whole and to clarify the underlying mechanisms of social isolation and smartphone addiction by constructing a multiple mediating model. This study included students enrolled at eight higher education institutions in Conghua District (Guangzhou city). Quota proportional sampling was adopted, 900 self-report questionnaires were distributed through the WeChat groups of these universities from December 10 to December 15, 2022, and 868 valid questionnaires (620 females, 248 males) were ultimately obtained. The direct effect of social isolation on smartphone addiction was significant, and loneliness and COVID-19 anxiety mediated the association between social isolation and smartphone addiction in both parallel and sequential ways. Moreover, a reverse mediation model with COVID-19 anxiety as the first mediator and loneliness as the second mediator was found. College students who experience social isolation are at greater risk for smartphone addiction, and the core factor leading to their smartphone addiction is the subjective psychological state triggered by campus isolation and social distancing, such as loneliness and anxiety. These risky behaviors of people should receive extra attention, and psychological factors such as loneliness and COVID-19 anxiety should be considered in future therapies aimed at reducing addiction.

Meta-analysis reveals the combined effects of microplastics and heavy metal on plants

The combined pollution of microplastics and heavy metals is becoming increasingly serious, and its effects on toxicology and heavy metal accumulation of plants are closely related to crop yield and population health. Here, we collected 57 studies to investigate the effect of microplastics on heavy metal accumulation in plants and their combined toxicity. An assessment was conducted to discover the primary pollutant responsible for the toxicity of combined pollution on plants. The study examined the influence of microplastic characteristics, heavy metal characteristics, and experimental methods on this pollutant. The results showed that combined toxicity of plants was more similar to heavy metals, whereas microplastics interacted with heavy metals mainly by inducing oxidative stress damage. Culture environment, heavy metal type, experimental duration, microplastic concentration and microplastic size were the main factors affecting heavy metal accumulation in plants. There was a negative correlation between experimental duration, microplastic concentration and microplastic size with heavy metal accumulation in plants. The interactions among influencing factors were found, and microplastic biodegradation was the core factor of the strong interaction. These results provided comprehensive insights and guiding strategies for environmental and public health risks caused by the combined pollution of microplastics and heavy metals.

Mobile payment-banking efficiency nexus—A concise review of the evolution and empirical exploration of the Taiwan banking industry

This paper utilizes an advanced Network Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model to examine the impact of mobile payment on the efficiency of Taiwan banking industry. Inheriting the literature, we separate the banking operation process into two stages, namely profitability and marketability. Mobile payment is then considered as the core factor in the second stage. Our paper discovers network DEA model can effectively enhance the analysis of banking industry’s efficiency, and mobile payment has a notable impact on Taiwan banking industry. Regarding the profitability stage, there is only one efficient bank in 2019 and 2022, respectively. These banks also perform better in terms of “mobile payment production”. In the marketability stage, there is also only one bank in 2021 and one bank in 2022, that can reach to unique efficiency score. This indicates many banks attempt to increase earnings per share through investing in mobile payment services. However, the achievement still needs more wait. This leads to the fact that no bank can reach the ultimate overall efficiency. Within our sample, we also find that regarding promoting mobile payment services, Private Banks outperform Government Banks.