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Copyright of Environmental Science & Technology (10036504) is the property of Editorial Board of Environmental Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Data factors have become one of the five essential production factors, but their role in economic growth has always been ambiguous. Starting from AI technologies, this paper establishes an endogenous growth model of data factors affecting economic growth, constructs the generation path and value path of data factors, and estimates the value of new data factors at the provincial level in China from 1999 to 2018 accordingly. Based on theoretical analyses and empirical tests, it clarifies that data factors have a "two-dimensional driving effect" on China's economic growth, that is, data factors can drive growth both directly through its own economic growth effect and indirectly by promoting technological progress. Furthermore, this paper makes three extended discussions, aiming to make a trial study on the impacts of local government big data transaction platforms on data factors and their growth effects, discuss whether it is possible to reduce the uncertainties of local economic policy based on the nature of data factors, and make a preliminary survey of the output elasticity of data factors between 1999 and 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】Cunninghamia lanceolata is an important timber species in southern China, and the application effect and dose effect of foliar spraying paclobutrazol on different clones of C. lanceolata were explored, aiming to provide reference for early growth regulation of C. lanceolata mother plants.【Method】The young plants from excellent clones of C. lanceolata (T-c04, T-c08 and T-cF1) were used as materials. The effects of paclobutrazol treament with active component concentrations of 0.12, 0.24 and 0.48 g/L on clonal plant height, ground diameter, number of rhizome germination, partial crown, relative chlorophyll content (SPAD) of needles, needle thickness and biomass were determined.【Result】Foliar spraying paclobutrazol had the most significant inhibitory effect on plant height of T-c04 clone (P

In the context of the COVID-19, it is very significant to explore the dynamic fluctuation of China's export growth to the international market and examine the causes of this fluctuation in a multi-dimensional way. The dynamic fluctuation level is measured in the short and medium-long cycle respectively based on monthly data. Factor decomposition of the dynamic fluctuation is made from the growth effect, the structure effect and the competitiveness effect by the improved CMS model, which results show that the growth effect has decreased first and then increased; The structure effects include market structure effects and commodity structure effects, and the former effect basically fluctuates around the X-axis while there is a negative commodity structure effect; There are different specific competitiveness effects on 21 categories of goods. China should rely on the RCEP agreement to strengthen and stabilize trade cooperation other countries, and strengthen its core position in the industry chain and value chain in the Asia Pacific region. The current paper creatively introduce the trade expansion margin including the ternary margin and product structure into the CMS model, explaining the internal relationship between the trade expansion margin analysis at the product- market level and the CMS analysis at the overall level; meanwhile, this paper analyses the dynamic fluctuation structure of China's export growth to Japan and South Korea through a CMS factor decomposition from the perspective of technological structure and factor ladder, and studies the source and dynamic distribution evolution of this growth pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit and vegetable products, integral to human nutrition, play a vital role in dietary patterns. Moreover, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) region, a critical market for Chinese fruit and vegetable exports, has observed the growing presence of these Chinese produce groups. The ratification of the RCEP bolsters the liberalization of fruit and vegetable commerce in the region, consequently fostering opportunities for its development. Nonetheless, existing studies have insufficiently addressed fruit and vegetable commerce in the region and its consequent effect on trade expansion. In this context, it is crucial to analyze the trade pattern associated with the swift export growth of fruit and vegetables. This study employs binary marginal analysis and the stochastic frontier gravity model. This study's findings reveal that, with respect to the growth effect, the expansion of China's fruit and vegetable exports to RCEP countries in recent years primarily stems from the contribution of the extensive margin. Considering the factors influencing trade, metrics like free trade agreements (FTAs), the extent of trade liberalization, political expenditure levels, government transparency, and liner transport connectivity significantly impact China's fruit and vegetable exports. Regarding trade efficiency, the current efficiency value of China's fruit and vegetable exports to RCEP countries is relatively low, characterized by substantial country-specific variations and immense future trade potential. The insights gleaned from this research can offer decision-making support for the collaboration on fruit and vegetable trade between China and the RCEP region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Porter hypothesis is not very statistically significant, especially in developing countries. This is likely because it overlooks environmental-policy-related bribes, and reducing the regulatory cost burden through bribes can encourage innovation. Moreover, the more competitive are the international markets, the more likely is it for firms to bribe officials in making export decisions. This study identifies a theoretical mechanism for this hypothesis by analyzing the effects of trade environmental policies and bribes associated with tax evasion on pollution, growth, and productivity in an R&D-based growth model considering exporting firms that engage in environmental tax evasion. The analysis yields a weak Porter hypothesis wherein an increase in environmental tax for exporting firms leads to economic growth and pollution reduction. Then, the greasing-the-wheel-of-trade and sanding-the-wheel-of-trade hypotheses are compatible. The different results of trade and environmental policies' effects on each developing country's green innovation are likely due to the political institutions' maturity. • Growth, reduced pollution, and worsen productivity via higher taxes on exporters. • Tax on exporters and bribes per expenditure have an inverse U-shaped relationship. • Decreased growth, increased pollution, and improved productivity via tax evasion. • Reduced pollution and improved productivity via taxes on local firms in free trade. • Expanded pollution and worsened productivity via taxes on local firms in autarky. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】Cunninghamia lanceolata is an important timber species in southern China, and the application effect and dose effect of foliar spraying paclobutrazol on different clones of C. lanceolata were explored, aiming to provide reference for early growth regulation of C. lanceolata mother plants.【Method】The young plants from excellent clones of C. lanceolata (T-c04, T-c08 and T-cF1) were used as materials. The effects of paclobutrazol treament with active component concentrations of 0.12, 0.24 and 0.48 g/L on clonal plant height, ground diameter, number of rhizome germination, partial crown, relative chlorophyll content (SPAD) of needles, needle thickness and biomass were determined.【Result】 Foliar spraying paclobutrazol had the most significant inhibitory effect on plant height of T-c04 clone (P<0.05), and the increase in plant height was only 24.59%~36.06% of the control (Spraying distilled water as control, CK). However, the increase in plant height of T-c08 and T-cF1 clones was 42.68%~52.68% and 39.97%~46.88% of the control. The application of paclobutrazol had a certain effect on the growth of young clonal plants and the occurrence of rhizome germination. In terms of diameter growth, the application of 0.48 g/L paclobutrazol had the best effect, and the effect on T-cF1 was especially obvious (41.0% higher than the control). In terms of the number of rhizome germination, the application effect of paclobutrazol on T-c04 clones was the most significant (P<0.05), and the treatment with paclobutrazol 0.24 g/L had the best. In addition, paclobutrazol induced partial crown phenomenon of young C. lanceolata. Both paclobutrazol 0.12 and 0.24 g/L treatments caused serious partial crown in young clones T-c04 and T-cF1. The effects of paclobutrazol onrhizome germination (SPAD) and needle thickness of young C. lanceolata clones were different. The aboveground growth and total biomass accumulation of C. lanceolata were inhibited by paclobutrazol, but the seedling strength index of each clonal plant was improved effectively. 【Conclusion】 Foliar spraying of paclobutrazol had different effects on different clones of C. lanceolata, and there was a certain dose effect. But in general, the application of paclobutrazol inhibited the plant height and aboveground biomass, and promoted the diameter growth, number of rhizome germination, the occurrence of partial crown, and the increase of seedling strength index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earnings Management is purposeful attempt to conceal a company's true performance in order to deceive the stakeholders or to obtain some contractual advantages. When a company feels pressured to manipulate earnings in order to match a predetermined target, it uses earnings management. This research investigates the impact of various financial and governance factors on Real Earnings Management (REM) within non-financial companies listed on the BSE 500. The study focuses on a sample of 197 companies over the period from 2015 to 2022. Specifically, it examines the influence of Debt Equity Ratio, Earnings Change, Board Size, Return on Assets, Liquidity Effect, Growth Effect, and Size Effect on REM practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerium oxide engineered nanoparticles (nCeO2) are widely used in various applications and are, also, increasingly being detected in different environmental matrixes. However, their impacts on the aquatic environment remain poorly quantified. Hence, there is a need to investigate their effects on non-target aquatic organisms. Here, we evaluated the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of <25 nm uncoated-nCeO2 on algae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. Apical (growth and chlorophyll a (Chl a) content) and genotoxic effects were investigated at 62.5–1000 µg/L after 72 and 168 h. Results demonstrated that nCeO2 induced significant growth inhibition after 72 h and promotion post 96–168 h. Conversely, nCeO2 induced enhanced Chl a content post 72 h, but no significant changes were observed between nCeO2–exposed and control samples after 168 h. Hence, the results indicate P. subcapitata photosynthetic system recovery ability to nCeO2 effects under chronic-exposure conditions. RAPD-PCR profiles showed the appearance and/or disappearance of normal bands relative to controls; indicative of DNA damage and/or DNA mutation. Unlike cell recovery observed post 96 h, DNA damage persisted over 168 h. Thus, sub-lethal nCeO2-induced toxicological effects may pose a more serious threat to algae than at present anticipated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic growth is considered to be the most important factor for achieving a lower level of poverty, but burgeoning inequality could affect poverty reduction adversely. This article decomposes the change in both rural and urban poverty into what can be termed as 'growth effect' and 'distribution effect' for twenty major Indian states during India's highest growth episode (2004–2011). It further examines the pro-poorness of the growth in these states. One of our key findings is that while income growth plays a key role in rural poverty reduction, rising inequality appears to be a major hindrance with respect to urban poverty. Our investigation also suggests that higher growth is not necessarily pro-poor. If the growth process itself is iniquitous, it might reduce the poverty elasticity of income and, in turn, result in slower poverty reduction despite high growth. This being specifically relevant for urban India and with urban poverty increasingly becoming a serious concern, economic policymakers should adopt a policy paradigm ensuring a more inclusive urban growth instead of considering growth as a panacea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit and vegetable products, integral to human nutrition, play a vital role in dietary patterns. Moreover, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) region, a critical market for Chinese fruit and vegetable exports, has observed the growing presence of these Chinese produce groups. The ratification of the RCEP bolsters the liberalization of fruit and vegetable commerce in the region, consequently fostering opportunities for its development. Nonetheless, existing studies have insufficiently addressed fruit and vegetable commerce in the region and its consequent effect on trade expansion. In this context, it is crucial to analyze the trade pattern associated with the swift export growth of fruit and vegetables. This study employs binary marginal analysis and the stochastic frontier gravity model. This study’s findings reveal that, with respect to the growth effect, the expansion of China’s fruit and vegetable exports to RCEP countries in recent years primarily stems from the contribution of the extensive margin. Considering the factors influencing trade, metrics like free trade agreements (FTAs), the extent of trade liberalization, political expenditure levels, government transparency, and liner transport connectivity significantly impact China’s fruit and vegetable exports. Regarding trade efficiency, the current efficiency value of China’s fruit and vegetable exports to RCEP countries is relatively low, characterized by substantial country-specific variations and immense future trade potential. The insights gleaned from this research can offer decision-making support for the collaboration on fruit and vegetable trade between China and the RCEP region.

Otolith microstructure analysis has played an essential role in understanding the recruitment mechanisms of fish. Despite the fundamental assumption of a close correlation between otolith size and somatic size in growth back-calculations, numerous studies have shown that somatic growth and temperature have negative and positive effects on otolith size at the same somatic size, respectively. However, few studies have investigated the effects of somatic growth and temperature on otolith and somatic size relationships at intra- and inter-cohort levels in the same study framework. The present study investigated the effects of somatic growth and temperature on the seasonal variability in the otolith and somatic size relationship in Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus larvae collected from multiple seasonal cohorts throughout the year in the Kii Channel, Japan. The otolith and somatic size relationships were strong within each seasonal cohort sample (R 2 = 0.771–0.949), but the relationship became weaker when all the seasonal data were pooled (R 2 = 0.571). Relative otolith size at a given somatic size (ROS) was negatively related to somatic growth rates within each seasonal cohort sample (i.e., at the intra-cohort level), but the relationship became weak when all the data were pooled. On the contrary, sea temperature had positive effects on ROS, which would explain the seasonal variability in the otolith and somatic size relationship. The multiple regression analysis showed that temperature influenced ROS almost six times more than somatic growth. Overall, the present study demonstrated that an uncoupling in the otolith size–somatic size relationship was generated by the counter effects of somatic growth and temperature. The observed counter effects should be taken into account in estimating past larval growth for larvae obtained from different environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ESG investment and financing is a response to global warming and toxic carbon emissions. This is because market and financial development is expected to contribute to de-carbonisation in relevant firms. However, the opposite might occur with carbon-intensive industries. An option is to introduce a carbon tax or an emissions cap but this varies across countries. The impact of environmental policies and the development of financial markets are thus relevant factors to analyse in the debate regarding the best pathways to reduce pollution. This impact is not conclusive in extant studies. In order to meet this gap and to devise effective solutions to this problem, the mechanisms behind them need to be empirically clarified. To achieve this research objective, this study analyses the impact of these factors on welfare through pollution and growth. It examines the respective regulatory regimes of environmental taxes and emission quotas, using an R&D-based growth model with a monetary component. This is to identify the relationship between pollution emissions and financial markets. Results reveal that increasing environmental taxes and reducing nominal interest rates does in fact lead to pollution reduction and economic growth, as well as an increase in the quantity of money and credit through deflation. Reducing emission allowances has a similar effect. However, under emission quotas, it is found that a reduction in the nominal interest rate affects neither pollution emissions nor economic growth, although it does affect the quantity of money and credit. This is because the Fisher effect disappears when the emission quota caps output. A U-shaped relationship between emission allowances and the amount of credit then arises. Under an emissions trading system, the relationship between pollution emissions and financial development can be a win-win relationship or a trade-off relationship. This depends on the emission quota and nominal interest rate. These results suggest that, in addition to environmental policy instruments, financial market development can contribute to decarbonisation if there is the right environmental financial policy. A mix of environmental and financial policies is thus important in linking financial market development to decarbonisation. • Lower inflation, less pollution and economic growth by environmental tax increases. • Interest rate cuts lead to higher inflation, increased pollution and lower growth. • The tax and the interest rate have an inverse U-shaped relationship with welfare. • Under permits trading, interest rate cuts have no impact on pollution and growth. • Win-win relationship or trade-off between financial market and pollution reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerium oxide engineered nanoparticles (nCeO2) are widely used in various applications and are, also, increasingly being detected in different environmental matrixes. However, their impacts on the aquatic environment remain poorly quantified. Hence, there is a need to investigate their effects on non-target aquatic organisms. Here, we evaluated the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of 2 on algae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. Apical (growth and chlorophyll a (Chl a) content) and genotoxic effects were investigated at 62.5–1000 µg/L after 72 and 168 h. Results demonstrated that nCeO2 induced significant growth inhibition after 72 h and promotion post 96–168 h. Conversely, nCeO2 induced enhanced Chl a content post 72 h, but no significant changes were observed between nCeO2–exposed and control samples after 168 h. Hence, the results indicate P. subcapitata photosynthetic system recovery ability to nCeO2 effects under chronic-exposure conditions. RAPD-PCR profiles showed the appearance and/or disappearance of normal bands relative to controls; indicative of DNA damage and/or DNA mutation. Unlike cell recovery observed post 96 h, DNA damage persisted over 168 h. Thus, sub-lethal nCeO2-induced toxicological effects may pose a more serious threat to algae than at present anticipated.

The oxygen isotope ratio of carbonate in Tridacna shell (δ18Oshell) is assumed to be precipitated in isotopic equilibrium with surrounding seawater and thus reflects a combination of the Sea surface temperature (SST) and the δ18O of seawater (δ18OSW). Accordingly, Tridacna δ18Oshell has been widely used for high-resolution paleoclimate reconstructions. However, the influences of interspecific differences, spatial heterogeneity, as well as the "growth effect" on the δ18Oshell-SST relationship, have not been fully tested. Here, we present a monthly resolved δ18Oshell record of a Tridacna squamosa specimen from Yagong Island, South China sea (SCS). Our results suggested that the monthly resolved δ18Oshell from northern SCS was dominated by the seasonal SST variations, which was highly correlated with measured SST after excluding the influence of δ18OSW. Then, the SST = f(δ18Oshell-δ18OSW) equations of all published monthly δ18Oshell records of modern Tridacna from the Indo-Pacific were collected. The resulting investigation revealed that similar SST = f(δ18Oshell-δ18OSW) equations for each shell, indicating the minor influences of spatial heterogeneity and interspecific differences. The average equation for Tridacna (Tridacna gigas, Tridacna derasa, Tridacna squamosa, Tridacna maxima and Hippopus hippopus) was SST = − 3.56 ± 1.26 (δ18Oshell-δ18Osw) + 22.44 ± 2.77 (− 0.28 ± 0.08 ‰°C−1, VPDB) (2σ), which was close to the equations set up for other mollusks (without Tridacna) and inorganic aragonite. Finally, although the growth rates varied greatly among Tridacna specimens and within different growth stages of each specimen, we did not find a significant influence of the growth rates on SST = f(δ18Oshell − δ18OSW) equations, indicating that the "growth effect" might have at best a slight impact on the δ18Oshell of Tridacna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate mixed transformation models of Toona ciliata and other broad-leaved tree species suitable for bare soil in mountainous areas within the southern forests. A newly established pure forest of T. ciliata (CK) was used as a control, while four types of mixed forest of Michelia odora×T. ciliata (MoT), Michelia macclurei×T. ciliata (MmT), Mytilaria laosensis×T. ciliata (MlT), and Sapindus saponaria×T. ciliata (SsT) were tested. We investigated forest structure, forest soil conditions, and the growth status of T. ciliata in all the forests from 1 to 8 years, and analyzed and compared the growth change in T. ciliata and its growth differences under the mixed transformation models.The results showed that all the forests developed complex structures after mixed transformation. The forest soil quality showed different levels of improvement, and the order of degrees of improvement was MoT > MmT > MlT > CK > SsT. The T. ciliata pure forest and the mixed transformation forests at different ages (4-8 years) showed different degrees of growth. The indexes of diameter at breast height (DBH) and stand height growth showed a "fast-slow" trend, and also showed the priority of their high growth rhythms. These characteristics of T. ciliata in mixed forests of MoT and MmT were particularly obvious. Toona ciliata is early shade-tolerant and affects the stand density of forest after reaching 4 years of age in the mixed transformation models, which have formed a more balanced pattern of space and time, and is suitable for the cultivation of large-diameter wood. Compared with pure T. ciliate forest, there were three levels (promotion characteristics, possible inhibition, and late inhibition) of the growth effect of mixed forests on T. ciliata, which were consistent with the forest age. Both the MoT and MmT transformation forests were highly effective in promoting the growth of T. ciliata. Compared with the pure T. ciliata forest, the average DBH, average stand height, and volume per plant of 8-year-old T. ciliata in MoT and MmT transformation forests increased by 19.8%, 22.1%, and 71.8% and 25.7%, 20.2%, and 85.1%, respectively. The SsT transformation forest appeared to inhibit the growth of T. ciliata,It was that T. ciliata occupied the main canopy in the SsT transformation forest, but it was lower than the growth performanceof pure forest of T. ciliata.The average DBH, average tree height, and individual average volume of T. ciliata in SsT transformation forest were as low as 5.9%, 15.4%, and 24.8%, respectively. In MlT forest, at third level, T. ciliata maintained normal growth rate in the first 4 years after afforestation, but became the slowest of all models from 5 to 8 years, and the mixing effect was the lowest of all the forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The present paper develops an innovative methodology to analyze the distributional changes in the US in the last decades using ASEC-CPS data. • The paper documents how the distributional changes hollowed out the middle of the American household income distribution and increased the polarization. • We define the polarization as the combination of divergence from global and convergence on mean local incomes. The method used is the Relative distribution one (Handcock and Morris, 1998 , 1999). • The last 2 decades long decline of the American Middle Class is a trend that probably started during the Reagonomics period (1981–1989). • Decomposing the residual effect by covariates we assert that while the increasing number of non-white or female HHs increased the polarization, the opposite (i.e. a decrease in polarization) occurs in the case of increasing the degree of education of the HHs. With increasing income inequality in the US over the last few decades, what has happened to the middle class? The aggregate inequality indexes don't answer this question. We employ Relative Distribution tools and use the ASEC-CPS dataset in order to provide an analysis of the US income distribution and trace the impact of inequality on the middle class. We observe confirming the Pew study of 2016a typical polarization profile has emerged during 1998–2018 with a shift of many middle class families towards the lower end of income distribution. The hypothesis of the hollowing out of the middle class in the US starting with the age of Reaganomics is also confirmed. We also find some preliminary evidence for intersectionality , i.e. race, class and gender working together in a vicious cycle for the disadvantaged. Policies to counteract these tendencies must be anti-polarization policies along with those of relatively more egalitarian growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Common sardine, Strangomera bentincki , support an important artisanal fishery along the Chilean coast; however, there is lack of knowledge of the early life history traits of this species. Using satellite-derived environmental conditions (sea surface temperature, SST, and chlorophyll- a), and otolith microstructure analysis of larval stages collected in coastal waters of central Chile, larval age, growth rates, and back-calculated yolk-sac absorption date patterns were analyzed for 2010–2013. SST varied from 11 to 20 °C and showed the highest values during austral summer 2013, whereas Chl- a varied between 0.2 and 66 mg m−3. The abundance of larval S. bentincki was similar during 2010 and 2011, decreased in 2012 but increased again in 2013 to similar densities of 2010 to 2011. Similarly, larvae collected during 2012 had the largest otoliths (radius, perimeter, area). Larval growth rates did not vary significantly among years and ranged between 0.32 and 0.42 mm day−1. From 2010 to 2011, a significant decrease occurred in the size-at-age of larval S. bentincki , and then, size-at-age was maintained until 2013. Back-calculated yolk-sac absorption dates differed among years and were delayed from winter to spring during 2012. The latter occurred in a period with significantly warmer waters. Additionally, SST and Chl- a concentration were not linearly related to the mean growth rates of larval S. bentincki. Highlights • Larval growth rates did not vary significantly among years • Larvae collected during 2012 had the largest otoliths (radius, perimeter, area) • From 2010 to 2011, a significant decrease occurred in the size-at-age of larvae • Yolk-sac absorption dates were delayed from winter to spring during 2012 • SST and Chl-a concentration were not linearly related to the mean growth rates [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of salinity and organism age on the chronic toxicity of waterborne lead (Pb) to Atherinops affinis and to compare the relative Pb sensitivity of A. affinis with other marine species. Chronic Pb exposure experiments were conducted in a water flow‐through testing system. Survival, standard length, dry weight, and tissue Pb concentration were measured and lethal concentrations (LCs), effect concentrations (ECs), and bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were calculated. In general, increasing salinity and organism age decreased Pb toxicity. The LC50s for larval fish at 14 and 28 ppt salinity were 15.1 and 79.8 μg/L dissolved Pb, respectively; whereas, the LC50 for juvenile fish was 167.6 μg/L dissolved Pb at 28 ppt salinity. Using standard length data, the EC10 values for larval fish were 16.4 and 82.4 μg/L dissolved Pb at 14 and 28 ppt salinity, respectively. The dry weight EC25s for low and high salinity were 15.6 and 61.84 μg/L dissolved Pb, respectively. The BCFs were higher with the lower salinity study (1703) in comparison to the higher salinity study (654). Results of Pb speciation calculation showed higher fraction of Pb2+ in water with lower salinity, explaining the higher observed toxicity of Pb in lower salinity water than higher salinity water. Atherinops affinis is more sensitive to Pb than several other marine species. Evidence of abnormal swimming and skeletal deformities were observed in Pb exposure treatments. Results of the present study are useful for marine biotic ligand modeling and support ecological risk assessment and deriving Pb environmental quality criteria for marine environments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2705–2713. © 2018 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Wuhan University Journal (Philosophy & Social Sciences) / Wuhan Daxue Xuebao (Zhexue Shehui Kexue Ban) is the property of Wuhan University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Today, the global economic environment can be described as "gracious". The macro-economic framework created by interest rates close to zero and global excess liquidity enables the financing of high sovereign debt positions under market conditions. On the other hand, reducing sovereign debt as soon as possible is a necessary and indispensable economic policy measure. The study looks at the role of fiscal consolidation in debt reduction. Debt rate can be reduced in two main ways: by increasing the primary balance or through economic growth. Due to the Keynesian mechanisms of action, fiscal correction requires growth sacrifice, which may decrease or completely eliminate the positive effects of corrective measures. Corrective measures focusing on the revenue or the expenditure side may have different effects on output and debt reduction, depending on their degree, duration and nature. Based on the review of scientific literature and statistical analyses, it can be stated that the growth effect plays a key role in reducing the debt rate. In addition, the criteria for success include favourable economic environment, a low fiscal multiplier, and also identifiable steady expenditure-side measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four local submerged macrophytes of Hydrilla verticillata, Vallisneria natans, Ceratophyllum demersum and Najas minor were chosen to investigate the effects of ammonia-nitrogen(NH44+-N) on their growth by measuring their biomass, chlorophyll contents, soluble sugar contents and peroxidase(POD) activities. The results indicated that the maximum optimum concentrations(MOCs) of ammonia-nitrogen for Hydrilla verticillata, Vallisneria natans, Ceratophyllum demersum and Najas minor were 2, 2, 1 mg·L-1 and 0.5 mg·L-1 respectively, while the maximum tolerant concentrations(MTCs) were 6, 6, 4 mg·L-1 and 2 mg·L-1. The relative growth rate of different submerged macrophytes showed the trend of increasing first followed by decreasing with the elevated ammonia-nitrogen levels. The maximum relative growth rates of Hydrilla verticillata, Vallisneria natans, Ceratophyllum demersum and Najas minor occurred at the MOCs of NH4+-N, with the values of 1.21, 0.94, 0.52 and 0.28, respectively. Chlorophyll contents and soluble sugar contents in different submerged macrophytes had an increasing trend at the range of MOCs of NH4+-N, while there was no significant changes for POD activities. Meanwhile, chlorophyll contents and soluble sugar contents changed not significantly, and POD activities were significantly higher than CK, while aquatic ammonia-nitrogen concentration was between MOC and MTC. When aquatic NH4+-N was beyond MOT, chlorophyll conents and soluble sugar contents decreased, and POD activities reached the maximum values at 7~21 d and then decreased since then. It can be concluded as follows:aquatic NH4+-N is one of the limiting factors on affecting growth of submerged macrophytes and different types have their corresponding MOC and MTC; Low NH44+-N concentrations can promote growth of submerged macrophytes due to their resistance ability, while high levels may inhibite their growth and even leads to death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The study of Rhododendron moulmainense inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi was conducted to selecl the better strains, and to provide the reference for improving breeding efficiency, also to reveal the mechanism of improving plant resistance by mycorrhizal fungi. [ Meth oil]7 kinds ericoid mycorrhizal fungis, separated from wild Rhododendron moulmainense, were used to inoculate Rhododendron moulmainense tissue culture seedling. Growth situation was observed regularly, and height growth rate, biomass growth rate, mycorrhizal infection rate, disease index, PAL and LOX activity were determined. [Result] (i) Plants of control group were wizened after 2 weeks, but plants of mycorrhizal inoculation treatment were viable, (ii) Height growth rates and biomass growth rates of No. 7 treatment were the highest, 71.81 % and 83.62 % respectively, No. 17 and No. 14 treatment fllowed. Mycorrhizal infection rales of No. 16 treatment were the highest, No.1 treatment were the lowest. Disease indexes of No. 7 were the lowest, No. 5 and No. 3 were the highest. PAL and LOX activity of each mycorrhizal inoculation treatment all higher than control group. PAL and LOX activity of No. 16 treatment were the highest, 4. 82 and 0. 88 U/mg respectively, PAL activity of No. 1, No. 5, No. 17 were the lowest, 1.90 -2. 20 U/mg, LOX activity of No.1, No. 3 were the lowest, 0. 29 -0. 38 U/mg. The correlation analysis showed that, colonization intensity were positively correlated with PAL and LOX activity significantly, but disease index were negatively correlated with PAL and LOX activity. [Conclusion] Each of the 7 kinds ericoid mycorrhizal fungi could form mycorrhizal symbionts with Rhododendron moulmainense, but different fungis had different impact on growth of host plants, the result showed that, No.7 (Bionectria ochroleuca) was the optimal fungi, No. 14(Aspergillus sydowii)and No. 17(Paecilomyces javanicus) were the second choices. Higher mycorrhizal infection rate helped to improve PAL and LOX activity. It may have an impact on resistant and growth of plants, but resistant and growth of plants were more impacted by species of fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engraulis ringens, collected biweekly during the austral winter of 2014 in nearshore waters off Bay of Antofagasta (23°410W-70°300S), northern Chile. Through measuring standard length (SL) and sagitta microstructure analysis, it was estimated that the growth rate of E. ringens larvae decreased from June (0.85 mm day-1) to August (0.50 mm day-1). However, the water temperature was homogeneous during the sampling dates (14.6, 15.2, 14.4, and 14.6°C), suggesting that the decelerating larval growth was not linked to changes in sea temperature. Additionally, larvae with slow growth have larger otoliths compared with conspecifics with fast growth (growth effect). Larval mortality rates tended to decrease until the middle of July (0.18 per day) but increased to 0.25 per day in early August, which coincided with lower food availability (i.e., chlorophyll-a, 2.7-5.6 mg m-3) and a high occurrence of smaller larvae (1.58-11.5 mm). Partial least squares analysis indicates low covariance between the biological and oceanographic variables (PLS: 11.71%), suggesting that other factors, such as parental effects, may explain the abrupt decrease in the larval growth rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]