Effect Factors Research Articles

Novel MOF(Zr)–on-MOF(Ce/La) adsorbent for efficient fluoride and phosphate removal

A one-pot method with formic acid regulation was adopted to fabricate a novel MOF(Zr)–on-MOF(Ce/La) adsorbent for fluoride and phosphate removal. Compared to traditional adsorbents, MOF(Zr)–on-MOF(Ce/La) boasted abundant active sites and a wide application range, with adsorption capacities of 173.2 and 92.85 mg g−1 for fluoride and phosphate, respectively. Comprehensive characterization techniques like SEM-EDS, BET, XRD, FTIR, and TGA were employed to analyze the material’s properties. Adsorption experiments investigated multiple effect factors. BET analysis disclosed a specific surface area of 332 m2 g−1, mainly composed of micropores and mesopores. The adsorbent showed rapid adsorption rates for both ions, with low reliance on adsorption time. The adsorption process was exothermic and spontaneous, favored by higher temperatures. Kinetic and thermodynamic studies favored the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir models, suggesting monolayer chemical adsorption. Through combined analyses including XPS, XRD, and studies on kinetics and thermodynamics, the fluoride removal mechanism involved electrostatic interaction and ion exchange, while phosphate removal encompassed ion exchange, electrostatic interactions, and complexation. Field wastewater experiments met Chinese standards, and recycling experiments revealed sustained removal efficiencies of 90.20 % for fluoride and 87.27 % for phosphate after two regeneration cycles, highlighting the significant potential of this approach in alleviating fluoride and phosphorus pollution.

Analysis of clinical characteristics and curative effects of 169 patients with bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics, curative effect related factors and follow-up situation of bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss (BSSHL). Methods: The clinical data of 169 patients(338 ears) with BSSHL were retrospectively summarized, and the demographic characteristics, predisposing factors, concomitant symptoms and diseases, and audiological characteristics were statistically described. Additionally, influencing factors of curative effect and prognosis were statistically analyzed. Results: Among the 169 patients, 50.9% (86/169) of patients had at least one incentive, with cold and fatigue being the most common incentives(both 23/169). There were high rates of accompanying symptoms including tinnitus (150/169, 88.8%) and dizziness (100/169, 59.2%). Hypertension(49/169, 29.0%)and diabetes(23/169, 13.6%)were the most common concomitant diseases observed. Most cases exhibited all frequencies involvement, with flat type and total deafness type accounting for 83.1%(281/338 ears). The most common degree of hearing loss was total deafness(86/338 ears), with approximately 60.1%(203/338 ears) of the cases being severe or worse. The total effective rate of treatment was only 29.0%, but it increased to 39.5% for patients with course of disease≤14 days, however, when course of disease>30 days, the effective rate decreased sharply to 3.6%, showing a significant difference between these two groups(χ2=13.776,<0.01). Different types of hearing curves showed statistically significant difference in efficiency(χ2=14.782, P<0.01). Comparing the hearing improvements of 28 BSSHL patients from admission to discharge and from discharge to follow-up, it was found that the hearing improvement of the two groups showed statistically significant difference at the frequencies of L-250 Hz, L-500 Hz, R-125 Hz, R-250 Hz and R-500 Hz(Z value was -2.495, -3.083, -3.970, -3.388 and -3.264 respectively, all P<0.05). The proportion of patients with elevated serum IgE was much higher than that of the normal population. Conclusion: BSSHL patients suffer from serious hearing loss, and many also experience tinnitus and vertigo symptoms. Due to the poor efficiency of treatment, it is better for patients to be treated within 30 days of onset. For patients of hearing loss in the low frequency range, hearing improvement is more significant during hospitalization. And the occurrence of BSSHL may involve an immune mechanism.

Silicalite‐1 encapsulated Cu‐based catalyst for selective hydrogenation of maleic anhydride to γ‐Butyrolactone

γ‐Butyrolactone (GBL) is an important product of the hydrogenation reaction of maleic anhydride (MA). In this study, Cu@Silicalite‐1 (Cu@S1) catalyst with 20% Cu loading was synthesized using a combination of impregnation &amp; solid‐phase synthesis. The effect of Cu and Silicalite‐1 zeolite binding methods on the MA hydrogenation was investigated methodically. MA conversion reached 96.2% and GBL selectivity reached 27.6% at 240 °C, with maintained catalytic activity after propionic acid corrosion for 150 h on the Cu@S1 catalyst. S1 zeolite as a critical factor for significant effect on MA selective hydrogenation raction over Cu‐based catalysts, it was conducive to improving GBL selectivity and reducing the generation of propionic acid (PA) by‐products. The encapsulation of Cu particles by S1 zeolite promoted metal dispersion, increased the hydrogenation activity and promoted the adsorption of reactants, which provided a reference for improving the acid and water resistance of the catalysts

Asymptomatic infection and disappearance of clinical symptoms of COVID-19 infectors in China 2022–2023: a cross-sectional study

To explore the clinical characteristics of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 nationwide, especially the effect factors of asymptomatic infection and disappearance of clinical symptoms. A total of 66,448 COVID-19 patients in China who have been diagnosed by nucleic acid test or rapid antigen test were surveyed online (December 24, 2022 to January 16, 2023). Our cross-sectional study used descriptive analyses and binary Logistics regression model to assess the correlation between the clinical characteristics and relative factors, including age, gender, pre-existing conditions, reinfection, vaccination and treatment. A total of 64,515 valid questionnaires were collected. Among included participants, 5969 of which were asymptomatic. The symptoms were mainly upper respiratory symptoms, including dry and itchy throat (64.16%), sore throat (59.95%), hoarseness (57.90%), nasal congestion (53.39%). In binary Logistics regression model, we found that male, no pre-existing conditions, reinfection and vaccination have positive correlations with the appearance of asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. In Cox proportional-hazards regression model, considering all clinical symptoms disappeared in 14 days as outcome, we found that ≤ 60 years old, male, no pre-existing conditions, vaccination and adopted treatment have positive correlations with rapid amelioration of clinical symptoms in COVID-19 patients. The clinical symptoms of the participants were mainly upper respiratory symptoms which were according with the infection of Omicron variant. Factors including age, gender, pre-existing conditions and reinfection could influence the clinical characteristics and prognosis of COVID-19 patients. Importantly, vaccination has positive significance for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Lastly, the use of Chinese medicine maybe beneficial to COVID-19 patients, however, reasonable guidance is necessary.

Analysis of dynamic evolution characteristics and driving factors of regional synergistic effect of reducing carbon and saving water: the case of Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomerations, China.

Carbon emissions and water consumption are both important factors affecting sustainable development. Therefore, it is necessary to put them in the same research framework and investigate the synergy. In this study, the dynamic evolution characteristics of the synergistic effect of reducing carbon and saving water (RCSW) were analyzed. Then, taking the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomerations (YRDUA) as the research object, the influencing factors and specific paths of the synergistic effect were clarified. The results showed that the low-carbon emission efficiency (LCEE) had a stable synergy with the intensive utilization efficiency of water resources (IUEWR) in the YRDUA. Government financial expenditure, actual use of foreign capital, and population density were the most significant driving forces for the synergistic effect of RCSW, with q values of 0.561, 0.363, and 0.240, respectively. In addition, most of the interactions of the driving factors were nonlinear enhancement and double-factor enhancement.

The efficacy and safety of computed tomography-guided percutaneous cryoablation for malignant liver tumors at high-risk sites

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous cryoablation in treating malignant liver tumors located explicitly at high-risk sites. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from patients with malignant liver tumors undergoing percutaneous cryoablation at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital between January 2018 and December 2021. In all, 46 patients with malignant liver tumors at non-high-risk sites were matched 1∶1 according to the maximum tumor diameter. Technical success rate, complete ablation rate, and complications at 12 and 24 months post-surgery were evaluated. A statistical analysis of the ablation effect difference between the high-risk site and non-high-risk site groups was conducted. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors. Results: Both groups demonstrated a 100% intraoperative technical success rate, and no major complications related to cryoablation were observed. The complete ablation rate was 82.6% (38/46) and 71.7% (33/46) in the high-risk group and 84.8% (39/46) and 73.9% (34/46) in the non-high-risk group at 12 and 24 months, respectively. There was no significant difference in complete ablation rates between the two groups (P>0.05). Multivariate analysis identified the distance between the tumor edge and high-risk site ≤5 mm and preoperative trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment as independent risk factors for cryoablation effect. Conclusion: CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation is a safe and effective approach for patients with malignant liver tumor at high-risk sites. Our results emphasize the importance of proper preoperative planning and intraoperative manipulation.

Analysis of the difference of therapeutic effect and predictive factors between postural and non-postural OSA after modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

Objective:To analyze the factors influencing the outcome of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in positional obstructive sleep apnea（POSA） and non-positional OSA（NPOSA） patients, and to explore the differences between the two groups. Methods:The data of 101 patients with obstructive sleep apnea who received treatment from November 2020 to November 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 45 positional patients（POSA group） and 56 non-positional patients（NPOSA group）, who underwent overnight polysomnography were included. The upper airway（UA） anatomy was evaluated by three-dimensional computer tomography（3D-CT）. All patients received revised uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with uvula preservation and were followed using polysomnography for at least three months postoperatively. Results:The overall effective rate was 55.45%. The surgical success rate in POSA undergoing UPPP was higher than NPOSA（POSA 30/45, 66.7% versus NPOSA 26/56, 46.4%, P=0.042）. The H-UPPP effect of POSA was negatively correlated with the minimum lateral airway of the Velopharyngeal airway（r=-0.505, P<0.001）, the minimum lateral airway of the glossopharyngeal airway（r=-0.474, P=0.001） and the minimum cross-sectional area（r=-0.394, P=0.007）. Logistic analysis showed that minimal lateral airway of the glossopharynxgeum（mLAT）（OR 0.873; 95%CI 0.798-0.955, P=0.003） was a significant predictor for surgical outcomes among POSA patients. In NPOSA, age（OR 0.936; 95%CI 0.879-0.998, P=0.042） was a significant predictor for surgical outcomes. Conclusion:The effect of H-UPPP was higher in POSA than in NPOSA. The width of glossopharyngeal mLAT was an important predictor of POSA efficacy. Age was a predictor of NPOSA efficacy.

Clinical effect and prognosis of transoral or endoscope-assisted transoral release for irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe clinical applications of endoscope-assisted transoral release for irreducible atlantoaxial dislocations are limited. This study aimed to investigate the clinical effect and prognostic factors of traditional and endoscope-assisted transoral release, as well as posterior reduction and fixation, in treating irreducible atlantoaxial dislocations. Materials and methodsWe conducted a retrospective study on 59 patients with irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation who underwent either traditional or endoscope-assisted transoral release, posterior fixation, and fusion between January 2018 and January 2023. Various data, including surgical time, blood loss, drainage volume, oral intake, hospital stay, complications, and neurological status (assessed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association [JOA] score and Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]), were recorded. Imaging parameters such as the atlantodontoid interval (ADI), space available for the cord (SAC), and cervicomedullary angle (CMA) were analyzed and compared. In addition, the correlation between ODI, JOA and patient age, course of disease, preoperative ADI, SAC and CMA were analyzed. ResultsNo significant differences were observed in age, sex, BMI, preoperative ADI, preoperative SAC, or preoperative CMA. All patients achieved excellent reduction with no significant differences between the two groups. Patients in the endoscopic group experienced significantly reduced blood loss, earlier oral intake, and shorter hospital stays compared to those in the open group (P < 0.05). The ODI and JOA scores improved significantly in both groups at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively (P < 0.05). Postoperative ADI, SAC, and CMA values in both groups were significantly better than preoperative values (P < 0.001). The patient age, course of disease and the preoperative ADI were negatively correlated with the postoperative ODI and the JOA improvement ratio (P < 0.01), and the preoperative SAC and preoperative CMA had positive correlations with the postoperative ODI and the JOA improvement ratio (P < 0.01) at 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. ConclusionPatient age, course of disease, preoperative ADI, SAC and CMA are correlated with the operative prognosis of irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation. The endoscope-assisted transoral approach, compared to the traditional transoral approach, is minimally invasive, resulting in less operative blood loss, earlier oral intake and a shorter length of hospital stay, which could be offered as an alternative for irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation.

Fracture Propagation of Multi-Stage Radial Wellbore Fracturing in Tight Sandstone Reservoir

Radial wellbore fracturing is a promising technology for stimulating tight sandstone reservoirs. However, simultaneous fracturing of multiple radial wellbores often leads to unsuccessful treatments. This paper proposes a novel technology called multi-stage radial wellbore fracturing (MRWF) to address this challenge. A numerical model based on the finite element/meshfree method is established to investigate the effects of various parameters on the fracture propagation of MRWF, including the azimuth of the radial wellbore, the horizontal stress difference, and the rock matrix permeability. The results show that previously created fractures have an attraction for subsequently created fractures, significantly influencing fracture propagation. A conceptual model is proposed to explain the variations in the fracture propagation of MRWF, highlighting three critical effect factors: the attraction effect, the orientation effect of the radial wellbore, and the deflection effect of the maximum horizontal principal stress. Fracture geometry is quantitatively assessed through the deviation distance, which indicates the radial wellbore’s ability to guide fracture propagation along its axis. As the azimuth increases, the deviation distances can either increase or decrease, depending on the specific radial wellbore layouts. Decreasing the horizontal stress difference and increasing the rock matrix permeability both increase the deviation distance.

An integrative review of the decoy effect on choice behavior

AbstractSince 1982, the decoy effect has been one of consumer behavior literature's most discussed and documented phenomena. It has several managerial implications in gaining strategic advantages, such as product management and profit maximization. Numerous attempts have been made to explain the decoy effect. However, there is no clear consensus in the literature regarding the underlying mechanism of the decoy effect. This paper presents a systematic literature review to integrate the four decades of decoy effect research. We analyze the contribution of literature, establish linkages between them, and provide a holistic view of understanding the decoy effect that is beneficial for academicians and practitioners. We discuss and differentiate four types of decoy alternatives that produce three types of decoy effects: attraction effect, compromise effect, and phantom decoy effect. We provide a comprehensive list of moderating factors of the decoy effect. Further, we critically review and integrate various explanatory models to better understand the underlying mechanism of the decoy effect. Finally, we discuss several promising avenues for future research.

Effect of power supply parameters on discharge characteristics and sterilization efficiency of magnetically driven rotating gliding arc

Plasma sterilization is a new generation of high-tech sterilization method that is fast, safe, and pollution free. It is widely used in medical, food, and environmental protection fields. Home air sterilization is an emerging field of plasma application, which puts higher requirements on the miniaturization, operational stability, and operating cost of plasma device. In this study, a novel magnetically driven rotating gliding arc (MDRGA) discharge device was used to sterilize Lactobacillus fermentation. Compared with the traditional gas-driven gliding arc, this device has a simple structure and a more stable gliding arc. Simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics showed that adding permanent magnets can form a stable magnetic field, which is conducive to the formation of gliding arcs. Experiments on the discharge performance, ozone concentration, and sterilization effect were conducted using different power supply parameters. The results revealed that the MDRGA process can be divided into three stages: starting, gliding, and extinguishing. Appropriate voltage was the key factor for stable arc gliding, and both high and low voltages were not conducive to stable arc gliding and ozone production. In this experimental setup, the sterilization effect was the best at 6.6 kV. A high modulation duty ratio was beneficial for achieving stable arc gliding. However, when the duty ratio exceeded a certain value, the improvement in the sterilization effect was slow. Therefore, considering the sterilization effect and energy factors comprehensively, we chose 80% as the optimal modulation duty ratio for this experimental device.

MatDEM-based study of disc cutter force model in open TBM tunnels: Incorporating installation radius and synergistic effects

The prediction of rock cutting force is critical for tunnel boring machine performance and cutterhead design. This paper presents a novel model for rock cutting force prediction based on the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) model, which incorporates the installation position of disc cutters by introducing installation radius and synergistic effect factors. Linear cutting tests in the laboratory and large-scale rotary cutting simulations in MatDEM software were conducted to examine the impact of these factors. Results indicate that the normal and rolling forces increase and stabilize as the installation radius increases. The synergistic effect produces three force modes in a cutting circle, with mode α having the largest cutting force, mode β having a smaller force, and mode γ having the smallest force. The impact of installation radius and synergistic effect varies with rock-cutter parameters. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the introduced factors. The proposed model was validated with rock strength and operation data from the Irtysh River conveyance project. The results demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms the CSM model in predicting cutting force in field conditions.

Analysis of Electric Breakup Characteristics of Emulsion Droplets Based on Dissipative Particle Dynamics Method

Crude oil desalination and dehydration are necessary for storage, transportation, and processing procedures. However, the behaviour of fine emulsion droplets under an electric field has always been questioned. This paper modified the dissipative particle dynamics method (DPD) to study the deformation process of fine emulsion droplets under a high-strength electric field. Compared with the literature data, the reliability of the DPD method is confirmed. The influence of the crude oil properties and the electric field characteristics on the behaviour of the emulsion droplet was analysed, and the effect factors included electric field intensity, electric field frequency, emulsion droplet size, centre distance ratio, conservative force intensity, dissipative strength, and crude oil density. The relationship between critical electric field intensity and emulsion droplet deformation was formulated based on the simulational dates.

Study on Spatial Effects of Influencing Factors and Zoning Strategies for PM2.5 and CO2 Synergistic Reduction.

China has identified the synergistic reduction of pollution and carbon emissions as a crit ical component of its environmental protection and climate mitigation efforts. An assessment of this synergy can provide clarity on the strategic management of both air pollution and carbon emissions. Due to the extensive regional differences in China, the spatial effects of influencing factors on this synergy exhibit variation across different provinces. In this study, the reduction indexes of PM2.5 and CO2 were calculated based on their reduction bases, reduction efforts, and reduction stabilities across provinces. Then, the synergistic reduction effect was assessed using an exponential function with the PM2.5 reduction index as the base and the CO2 reduction index as the exponent. Next, the MGWR model was applied in order to analyze the influencing factors of the synergistic reduction effect, considering natural settings, socioeconomic conditions, and external emission impacts. Finally, the k-means clustering method was utilized to classify provinces into different categories based on the degree of impact of each influencing factor. The results indicated that air circulation, vegetation, tertiary industry ratio, and emission reduction efficiency are major impact indicators that have a positive effect. The topography and emissions from neighboring provinces have a statistically significant negative impact. The spatial influences of different factors exhibit a distribution trend characterized by a high-high cluster and a low-low cluster. A total of 31 provinces are divided into three categories, and suggestions on the corresponding category are proposed, to provide a scientific reference to the synergistic reduction of PM2.5 and CO2.

Mathematical analysis of FLASH effect models based on theoretical hypotheses.

Clinical applications of FLASH radiotherapy require formulas to describe how the FLASH radiation features and other related factors determine the FLASH effect. Mathematical analysis of the models can connect the theoretical hypotheses with the radiobiological effect, which provides the foundation for establishing clinical application models. Moreover, experimental and clinical data can be used to explore the key factors through mathematical analysis. &#xD;Approach: We abstract the complex models of the oxygen depletion hypothesis and radical recombination-antioxidants hypothesis into concise mathematical equations. The equations are solved to analyze how the radiation features and other factors influence the FLASH effect. Then we propose methodologies for determining the parameters in the models and utilizing the models to predict the FLASH effect.&#xD;Main results: The formulas linking the physical, chemical and biological factors to the FLASH effect are obtained through mathematical derivation of the equation. The analysis indicates that the initial oxygen concentration, radiolytic oxygen consumption and oxygen recovery are key factors for the oxygen depletion hypothesis and that the level of antioxidants is the key factor for the radical recombination-antioxidants hypothesis. According to the model derivations and analysis, the methodologies for determining parameters and predicting the FLASH effect are proposed: the criteria for data filtration; the strategy of hybrid FLASH and conventional dose rate (CONV) irradiation to ensure the acquisition of effective experimental data across a wide dose range; pipelines of fitting parameters and predicting the FLASH effect.&#xD;Significance: This study establishes the quantitative relationship between the FLASH effect and key factors. The derived formulas can be used to calculate the FLASH effect in future clinical FLASH radiotherapy. The proposed methodologies guide to obtain sufficient high-quality datasets and utilize them to predict FLASH effect. Furthermore, this study indicates the key factors of FLASH effect and offers clues to further explore the FLASH mechanism.

Uncovering the Triple Synergy of New-Type Urbanization, Greening and Digitalization in China

The in-depth discussion and analysis of the synergistic effect of new-type urbanization, greening and digitalization (NUGD) is important for the achievement of sustainable social, ecological and economic development. Therefore, in this study, an evaluation index system composed of these three subsystems was constructed for Chinese cities from 2011 to 2021. The comprehensive and collaborative development levels of each subsystem were measured by means including the entropy weight method and the coupling coordination model, respectively. Then, methods such as ESDA and the Dagum Gini coefficient were applied to investigate the spatiotemporal evolution and spatial differences in the triple synergy effect of the NUGD system in Chinese cities. Finally, the constraining factors of the triple synergy effect were revealed using the obstacle degree model. The findings demonstrated the following: (1) Overall, the NUGD subsystems and their comprehensive levels were increasing, with moderate overall development levels. (2) The synergistic development of the NUGD system exhibited an upward trend. Spatially, the synergistic development level showed distinct differentiation, being higher in the east and lower in the west. The multidimensional dynamic variation characteristics obtained through kernel density estimation revealed that the triple synergy level exhibits high stability. (3) The differences within the east and between the eastern and western areas were the largest, with the intensity of transvariation as the main source. (4) The five criterion layers, including social and spatial urbanization variables, were the key constraints that affected the triple synergy of the NUGD in Chinese cities, and the restrictive role of factors such as the proportion of urban construction land and the per capita postal business volume should not be ignored. This study provides a valuable reference and decision-making guidance to promote China’s acceleration toward a new urbanization path supported by both digitalization and green transformation.

Prediction of Deformation in Expansive Soil Landslides Utilizing AMPSO-SVR

A non-periodic “step-like” variation in displacement is exhibited owing to the repeated instability of expansive soil landslides. The dynamic prediction of deformation for expansive soil landslides has become a challenge in actual engineering for disaster prevention and mitigation. Therefore, a support vector regression prediction (AMPSO-SVR) model based on adaptive mutation particle swarm optimization is proposed, which is suitable for small samples of data. The shallow displacement is decomposed into a trend component and fluctuating component by complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN), and the trend displacement is predicted by cubic polynomial fitting. In this paper, the multiple disaster-inducing factors of expansive landslides and the time hysteresis effect between displacement and its influencing factors are fully considered, and the crucial influencing factors which eliminate the time lag effect and state factors are input into the model to predict the fluctuation displacement. Monitoring data in the Ningming area of China are employed for the model validation. The predicted results are compared with those of the traditional model. The model performance is evaluated through indicators such as the goodness of fit R2 and root mean square error RMSE. The results show that the prediction RMSE of the new model for three monitoring stations can reach 2.6 mm, 6.6 mm, and 2.5 mm, respectively. Compared with the common Grid search support vector regression (GS-SVR), the Particle Swarm Optimization Support Vector Regression (PSO-SVR) and Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) models have average improvements of 58.4%, 38.1%, and 25.2% respectively. The goodness of fit R2 is superior to 0.99 in the new method. The proposed model can effectively be deployed for the displacement prediction of non-periodic stepped expansive soil landslides driven by multiple influencing factors, providing a reference idea for the deformation prediction of expansive soil landslides.

Non-native species in marine protected areas: Global distribution patterns

Marine protected areas (MPAs) across various countries have contributed to safeguarding coastal and marine environments. Despite these efforts, marine non-native species (NNS) continue to threaten biodiversity and ecosystems, even within MPAs. Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on the inventories, distribution patterns, and effect factors of NNS within MPAs. Here we show a database containing over 15,000 occurrence records of 2714 marine NNS across 16,401 national or regional MPAs worldwide. To identify the primary mechanisms driving the occurrence of NNS, we utilize model selection with proxies representing colonization pressure, environmental variables, and MPA characteristics. Among the environmental predictors analyzed, sea surface temperature emerged as the sole factor strongly associated with NNS richness. Higher sea surface temperatures are linked to increased NNS richness, aligning with global marine biodiversity trends. Furthermore, human activities help species overcome geographical barriers and migration constraints. Consequently, this influences the distribution patterns of marine introduced species and associated environmental factors. As global climate change continues to alter sea temperatures, it is crucial to protect marine regions that are increasingly vulnerable to intense human activities and biological invasions.

Ecotoxicological effect factors for calculating USEtox ecotoxicity characterization factors

BackgroundThis study aims to tackle the lack of freshwater ecotoxicological effect factors (EFs) crucial for determining freshwater ecotoxicity characterization factors (CFs) using the widely accepted scientific consensus USEtox model for ecotoxicity impact characterization. The objectives are: (1) to offer a collection of experimental EFs to support USEtox ecotoxicity characterization factor computations and (2) to contrast ecotoxicity data produced by various quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models against experimental data.ResultsExperimental ecotoxicity data were gathered from the REACH database and CompTox Version 2.1.1, which includes toxicity information from ToxValDB v9.4. QSAR-driven ecotoxicity data were extracted from ECOSAR v1.11 and T.E.S.T. v5.1.2. The experimental and estimated data underwent a harmonization process to ensure consistency. Subsequently, aquatic ecotoxicological EFs were determined. The merged REACH and CompTox databases list EFs for 11,295 substances, each identified by a unique CAS number. Among these, the USEtox database already catalogs 2426 substances with freshwater ecotoxicological EFs. This study expanded on that by calculating EFs for an additional 8869 substances. Using estimated data, EFs were determined for 6029 chemicals based on ECOSAR data and 6762 chemicals using TEST data.ConclusionsThis study calculated EFs for an additional 8869 substances, thereby broadening their inclusion in LCA evaluations. When integrated with the USEtox EFs database, this research encompasses 11,368 chemicals. The high correlation observed between experimental EFs and those in the USEtox database lends significant confidence to the calculations for chemicals not listed in USEtox. Conversely, the low correlation between estimated EFs and those in USEtox suggests limited confidence in calculations based on estimated data. Furthermore, the disparity in correlations between EFs calculated using ECOSAR and TEST indicates that different QSARs can yield varied results. This discrepancy underscores the need for caution when relying on estimated data. Given that EFs are contingent on data availability, it is imperative to periodically update EFs as new data emerges.

Green production investment policy and financing format selection for a capital-constrained manufacturer

This paper discusses the financing strategy and green production investment decisions within a green supply chain consisting of a capital-constrained manufacturer and a retailer. The paper first develops a game model between the manufacturer and the retailer based on the manufacturer’s investment strategies and financing choices, including bank financing and retailer credit financing. Then, a comparative analysis is conducted on the optimal financing decisions of the manufacturer between the two choices. The results show that with sufficient initial capital, the manufacturer opts for green production. In scenarios with insufficient initial capital, the optimal financing-investment strategies are contingent upon financing rates, initial capital, and investing effects. When the manufacturer selects common products, the requirements for financing interest rates in bank financing are more relaxed. The requirements for financing interest rates of retailer credit financing are more relaxed when green products are selected. In addition, the manufacturer tends to select retailer credit financing when the difference in financing rates is small or when the initial capital is limited. Moreover, the choice of financing format for green products should also factor in the investment effect. Finally, the paper explores the manufacturer’s hybrid financing strategy and operational strategy when producing two types of products.