Sex-specific facilitation and reproduction of the gynodioecious cushion plant Arenaria polytrichoides on the Himalaya-Hengduan mountains,SW China

When benefiting other beneficiaries,cushion plants may reciprocally receive feedback effects.The feedback effects on different sex morphs,however,remains unclear.In this study,taking the gynodioecious Arenaria polytrichiodes as a model species,we aimed to assess the sex-specific facilitation intensity of cushion plant by measuring the beneficiary cover ratio,and to assess the potential costs in cushion reproductive functions by measuring the flower and fruit cover ratios.The total beneficiary cover ratio was similar between females and hermaphrodites.Females produced much less flowers but more fruits than hermaphrodites.These results suggested that females and hermaphrodites possess similar facilitation intensity,and female cushion A.polytrichoides may allocate more resources saved from pollen production to seed production,while hermaphrodites possibly allocate more resources to pollen production hence reducing seed production.The surface areas covered by beneficiaries produced less flowers and fruits than areas without beneficiaries.In addition,strong negative correlations between beneficiary cover and flower cover were detected for both females and hermaphrodites,but the correlation strength were similar for these two sex morphs.However,the correlation between beneficiary cover and fruit cover was only significantly negative for females,suggesting that beneficiary plants negatively affect fruit reproduction of females while have neutral effects on hermaphrodites.All the results suggest that to facilitate other beneficiaries can induce reproductive costs on cushion A.polytrichoides,with females possibly suffering greater cost than hermaphrodites.Such differentiation in reproductive costs between sex morphs,in long-term perspective,may imply sex imbalance in population dynamics.

Encroachment drives facilitation at alpine shrublines

Ongoing encroachment is driving recent alpine shrubline dynamics globally,but the role of shrub-shrub interactions in shaping shrublines and their relationships with stem density changes remain poorly understood.Here,the size and age of shrubs from 26 Salix shrubline populations along a 900-km latitudinal gradient(30°-38°N)were measured and mapped across the eastern Tibetan Plateau.Point pattern analyses were used to quantify the spatial distribution patterns of juveniles and adults,and to assess spatial associations between them.Mean intensity of univariate and bivariate spatial patterns was related to biotic and abiotic variables.Bivariate mark correlation functions with a quantitative mark(shrub height,basal stem diameter,crown width)were also employed to investigate the spatial relationships between shrub traits of juveniles and adults.Structural equation models were used to explore the relationships among conspecific interactions,patterns,shrub traits and recruitment dynamics under climate change.Most shrublines showed clustered patterns,suggesting the existence of conspecific facilitation.Clustered patterns of juveniles and conspecific interactions(potentially facilitation)tended to intensify with increasing soil moisture stress.Summer warming before 2010 triggered positive effects on population interactions and spatial patterns via increased shrub recruitment.However,summer warming after2010 triggered negative effects on interactions through reduced shrub recruitment.Therefore,shrub recruitment shifts under rapid climate change could impact spatial patterns,alter conspecific interactions and modify the direction and degree of shrublines responses to climate.These changes would have profound implications for the stability of alpine woody ecosystems.

A conceptual analysis of facilitation to improve clinical outcomes in critical care units

Objectives:Effective facilitation is crucial to improve critical care outcomes in life-threatening conditions through improved teamwork,caring,decision-making,and problem-solving.The meaning of facilitation remains unprecise in a critical care context despite its frequent usage in nursing education and clinical practice.This study aimed to report a thorough concept analysis to clarify the meaning of facilitation in the critical care context by formulating attributes,antecedents,and consequences and providing model cases related to facilitation.Methods:This analysis was performed by searching online sources published from 1999 to 2023.EBSCOhost,CINAHL,PubMed,and Google Scholar databases were searched using online search engines.The analysis also included the manual search of books,thesaurus and dictionaries that showed relevance to facilitation.Walker and Avant’s eight-step approach was applied to explore and analyze the meaning of facilitation in critical care units.Results:A total of 68 articles were included in the analysis of this study.Eleven attributes,six antecedents,and seven consequences related to facilitation were formulated.The attributes included dynamic,interactive processes,creating a positive environment,mobilizing resources,assistance,studentcentered,shared goals,collaboration,engagement,participation,and feedback.Antecedents were facilitator qualities,motivation,a positive learning environment,student-facilitator relationship,time availability,and specified learning outcomes.The consequences of facilitation were identified as follows:change,professional development,competency,quality development,increased job satisfaction,staff retention,and self-confidence.Conclusions:The findings from the analysis indicated that effective facilitation results in nurses and critical care staff developing competency,caring,critical thinking,and independence.Therefore,clinical outcomes in critical care environments are improved through teamwork,decision-making,and problemsolving in life-threatening situations.

Impact of BRICS Trade Facilitation on China's Exports Using Cross-Border E-Commerce

With the rapid growth of the global digital economy, cross-border e-commerce, as an emerging form of trade, has gradually become a powerful engine to promote the development of global trade. BRICS is an important force in the global economy, and the progress of the BRICS countries' trade facilitation level has an important impact on the global trade environment. This paper conducts an in-depth study of the dynamic changes in BRICS trade facilitation from 2013 to 2022, and uses an extended gravity model to analyze the specific impact of this change on China's exports using cross-border e-commerce. The results show that although the BRICS countries have made some progress in trade facilitation, the overall level still needs to be improved, and there are obvious differences among member countries. However, the improvement of trade facilitation among BRICS countries has undoubtedly brought significant positive effects to China's exports using cross-border e-commerce.

The Influence of the Implementation of Trade Facilitation Systems on the Time Required for Creating Delivery Orders: A Case Study of Tema Port

This study evaluated the impact of Ghana’s Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), implemented within the National Single Window initiative, on the efficiency of issuing Delivery Orders (DO) at Tema Port. Filling a gap in the existing literature, the research employed a quantitative approach to assess a specific time-related aspect of the cargo clearance process. Employing an Independent t-test on a dataset spanning 2026 Delivery Orders (924 pre-ICUMS and 1102 post-ICUMS) from July 2020 to July 2023, the study investigated ICUMS’s effectiveness in reducing DO issuance time. Results indicate a noteworthy decrease in average DO issuance time, from 11 days pre-implementation to approximately 9 days post-implementation, a reduction validated by statistical analysis through the independent t-test. In light of these findings, the study recommends ongoing refinement of the implementation, reinforcement of trade facilitation measures, and the adoption of best practices from successful global ports. Continuous stakeholder training and regular assessments of ICUMS performance are also endorsed. The study’s implications support the theoretical framework for Single Window systems and carry significant policy implications, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to streamline trade facilitation processes driven by Information Technology. Practically, the results serve as a management tool for stakeholders, highlighting areas for targeted interventions to reduce DO issuance times. Methodologically, this research contributes by applying robust statistical analysis to a specific component within the Time Release Study framework, offering a nuanced understanding of trade facilitation systems’ effectiveness in improving cargo clearance processes.

Interaction of major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A with the blood-brain barrier

The functional and structural integrity of the blood-brain barrier is crucial in maintaining homeostasis in the brain microenvironment;however,the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation and function of the blood-brain barrier remain poorly understood.The major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A has been identified as a key regulator of blood-brain barrier function.It plays a critical role in promoting and maintaining the formation and functional stability of the blood-brain barrier,in addition to the transport of lipids,such as docosahexaenoic acid,across the blood-brain barrier.Furthermore,an increasing number of studies have suggested that major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A is involved in the molecular mechanisms of blood-brain barrier dysfunction in a variety of neurological diseases;however,little is known regarding the mechanisms by which major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A affects the blood-brain barrier.This paper provides a comprehensive and systematic review of the close relationship between major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A proteins and the blood-brain barrier,including their basic structures and functions,cross-linking between major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A and the blood-brain barrier,and the in-depth studies on lipid transport and the regulation of blood-brain barrier permeability.This comprehensive systematic review contributes to an in-depth understanding of the important role of major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A proteins in maintaining the structure and function of the blood-brain barrier and the research progress to date.This will not only help to elucidate the pathogenesis of neurological diseases,improve the accuracy of laboratory diagnosis,and optimize clinical treatment strategies,but it may also play an important role in prognostic monitoring.In addition,the effects of major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A on blood-brain barrier leakage in various diseases and the research progress on cross-blood-brain barrier drug delivery are summarized.This review may contribute to the development of new approaches for the treatment of neurological diseases.

A major facilitator superfamily transporter PlMFS1 contributes to growth,oosporogenesis,and pathogenesis of Peronophythora litchii

Major facilitator superfamily(MFS)transporters are secondary active membrane transporters that play an important role in solute interchange and energy metabolism.Peronophythora litchii causes the most destructive disease on lichi,litchi downy blight.PlM90 was reported as a key oosporogenesis regulator.Here,we identified an MFS transporter gene PlMFS1,which is up-regulated during oospore formation at the late infection stage,while down-regulated in the PlM90 mutant.To investigate PlMFS1 function,we generated PlMFS1knockout mutants using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing technology.Compared with the wild-type strain SHS3,PlMFS1 deletion impaired mycelium growth,zoospore release,oospore production and pathogenicity.Furthermore,PlMFS1 deletion significantly affected P.litchii utilization of fructose,lactose and maltose,and may be the PlMFS1 mechanism involved in mycelial growth.PlMFS1 gene deletion also led to deceased laccase activity,laccase-encoding gene downregulation and impaired P.litchii pathogenicity.To our knowledge,this is the first report of an MFS transporter involved in sugar utilization,sexual reproduction,asexual reproduction and pathogenesis in oomycetes.

Therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture combined with neuromuscular joint facilitation in treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain

BACKGROUND Stroke is a type of cerebrovascular disease with high prevalence,mortality,and onset of disability.As a neurodevelopmental therapy,neuromuscular joint facilitation(NJF)is widely used in the treatment of orthopedic and neurological disorders in the clinical practice.It is mainly used for central nervous system diseases or orthopedic diseases,movement disorders,and pain rehabilitation.According to related studies,NJF can also be used as a rehabilitation treatment in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain(HSP).AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with NJF in patients with HSP.METHODS Forty patients with HSP were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group.The treatment group was treated with acupuncture combined with NJF and the control group was treated with acupuncture alone.All patients were assessed by using the visual analogue scale(VAS),Fugl-Meyer assessment(FMA),Barthel index(BI),and passive range of motion(PROM)before and after the training.All the clinical data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 statistical software.RESULTS There was no statistical difference in the general characteristics between the two groups.In the terms of duration of treatment,age,and pre-treatment indicators,the two groups were comparable(P>0.05).After the treatment,VAS,PROM,BI,and FMA scores were significantly improved in the two groups of patients(P<0.05).The VAS,PROM and FMA scores were significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group(P<0.05).However,there was no significant difference in BI scores between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Both acupuncture alone and acupuncture combined with NJF in the treatment of HSP are effective,and can improve the clinical symptoms of patients.Acupuncture combined with NJF can improve the upper limb motor function,relieve pain,and increase joint mobility in patients with HSP.The combination therapy is better than acupuncture alone.However,there is no significant difference in improving the score of patients’self-care ability.

Response of root traits of Reaumuria soongorica and Salsola passerina to facilitation

C3 plant Reaumuria soongorica and C4 plant Salsola passerina are super xerophytes and coexist in a mixed community in either isolated or associated growth, and interspecific facilitation occurs in associated growth. In the present study, the root traits including root distribution, root length（RL）, root surface area（RSA）, root weight（RW） and specific root length（SRL） of both species in two growth forms were investigated to clarify their response to facilitation in associated growth. Six isolated plants of each species, as well as six associated plants similar in size and development were selected during the plant growing season, and their roots were excavated at 0–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–40 and 40–50 cm soil depths at the end of the growing season. All the roots of each plant were separated into the two categories of fine roots（2 mm diameter） and coarse roots（≥2 mm diameter）. Root traits such as RL and RSA in the fine and coarse roots were obtained by the root analyzing system WinRHIZO. Most of the coarse roots in R. soongorica and S. passerina were distributed in the top 10 cm of the soil in both growth forms, whereas the fine roots of the two plant species were found mainly in the 10–20 and 20–30 cm soil depths in isolated growth, respectively. However, the fine roots of both species were mostly overlapped in 10–20 cm soil depth in associated growth. The root/canopy ratios of both species reduced, whereas the ratios of their fine roots to coarse roots in RL increased, and both species had an increased SRL in the fine roots in associated growth. In addition, there was the increase in RL of fine roots and content of root N for S. passerina in associated growth. Taken together, the root growth of S. passerina was facilitated for water and nutrient exploration under the interaction of the overlapped roots in both species in associated growth, and higher SRL allowed both species to more effectively adapt to the infertile soil in the desert ecosystem.

Facilitation of controllable excitation in Rydberg atomic ensembles

Strongly-interacting Rydberg atomic ensembles have shown intense collective excitation effects due to the inclusion of single Rydberg excitation shared by multiple atoms in the ensemble.In this paper we investigate a counter-intuitive Rydberg excitation facilitation with a strongly-interacting atomic ensemble in the strong probe-field regime,which is enabled by the role of a control atom nearby.Differing from the case of a single ensemble,we show that,the control atom's excitation adds to a second two-photon transition onto the doubly-excited Rydberg state,arising an excitation facilitation for the ensemble atoms.Our numerical studies depending on the method of quantum Monte Carlo wave function,exhibit the observation constraints of this excitation facilitation effect under practical experimental conditions.The results obtained can provide a flexible control for the excitation of Rydberg atomic ensembles and participate further uses in developing mesoscopic Rydberg gates for multiqubit quantum computation.

The Impact of Trade Facilitation on Economic Development： A Case of East African Community （EAC）

This study examined the impact of trade facilitation on economic development, particularly the impact of customs environment on trade flows over the period from 1995 to 2010. Five countries of the East African Community （EAC）, namely, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, are involved. The study employs a gravity model for estimating bilateral trade flows between the EAC partner states. The ordinary least square （OLS） technique is adopted and applied for the regression analysis by using the Stata 10.0 software. Results suggest that, the customs environment of the importer is significant and possesses a strongly positive impact on East African trade flows. Results also find that the customs environment of the exporter is insignificant, even though it shows a negative relationship with the East African trade flows, hence a negative determinant. East African countries have to improve their customs environment, especially when undertaking an importation, in order to boost the overall trade flow in the block. They should also improve other trade facilitation indicators, such as port efficiency, regulatory environment, and infrastructure. The aid for trade, in terms of technical and financial assistance, should also be enhanced for the development of infrastructure, including roads, railways, ports, bridges, and border posts.

Effectiveness in Group Facilitation Training in the Hospitality Industry: A Case Study

This paper aims at demonstrating that an acceptable level of performance as a group facilitator can be achieved byhospitality industry managers in a 35-hour course, to a maximum of fourteen trainees, experienced in groupleadership but not in small-group facilitation or large-group coordination. Based on a six-step model fororganizational intervention, the course was run in co-facilitation, using the effect of demonstration, modelling, andobservation to improve performance at individual level. The course represents a mix of organizational behaviourand human resources management that has proved to be effective in preparing managers to improve organizationalinnovation and accelerate change in companies. Each step produced outputs, namely three innovation projects.Participants rated the course in every item of an extensive questionnaire as Good and Very Good, except theintroduction (pre-consult), which was considered “too theoretical”. Therefore, the course model proved to beadequate for the preparation of managers as coaches for organizational innovation in the hospitality industry. As tofuture developments, they will have to do mostly with the functioning of a matrix structure in the hospitality industry,so that the whole approach may have a full impact on the company.

Barriers and Facilitators to Evidence-Based Practice among Physiotherapists Practicing in Sub-Saharan Africa

Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is vital for high-quality patient care, yet its implementation among physiotherapists in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces significant challenges. This scoping review explores the barriers and facilitators of EBP in this region. Objectives: To identify barriers and facilitators of EBP at individual, organisational, and extra organisational levels among physiotherapists in SSA. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Sabinet, BioMed Central, and Google Scholar. Seven studies from Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa met the inclusion criteria. Results: Key barriers at the practitioner level included lack of time, insufficient knowledge of EBP, limited access to information resources, and inadequate research skills. Facilitators comprised positive attitudes toward EBP and a desire for further knowledge. At the organisational level, resource unavailability emerged as a major barrier. Notably, no studies addressed extra organisational factors. Conclusion: This review highlights critical barriers and facilitators of EBP among SSA physiotherapists and emphasises the need for further research on extra organisational influences. Addressing systemic challenges is essential for enhancing physiotherapist engagement in EBP, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.

对《促进发展的投资便利化协定》的评价及中国的因应策略

经过世界贸易组织多年的努力,2024年2月,《促进发展的投资便利化协定》被宣布正式达成,这是世界贸易组织在多边投资谈判领域中的重大突破。该协定在促进资本跨境自由流动、推动全球经济可持续发展、改善全球治理、缓解“南北不平衡”等方面都有重要意义。随着该协定的逐步完善和落实,全球更多的经济体将会受益于它带来的红利。但是,该协定在执行过程中也面临着各种挑战,诸如协定执行成本巨大、国际投资保护主义抬头等。中国作为该协定的主要发起国,要加强投资便利化的制度建设和功能建设,积极履行国际承诺,为实现全球经济可持续发展做出重要贡献。

通关便利化如何促进双边贸易水平——基于光环效应视角

在贸易降税空间有限且贸易保护主义抬头、全球经济复苏形势错综复杂的背景下,通关便利化的贸易效应值得关注。基于中国AEO互认的准自然实验,本文运用渐进双重差分模型识别了通关便利化在光环效应视角下的贸易效应。结果表明:通关便利化显著提升了中国双边贸易水平,且这种促进效应在对外开放程度、港口效率和关税税率低的贸易伙伴间更为突出。本文的研究结论对我国加速推进通关便利化制度安排,特别是推广AEO互认协议制度提供了坚实的理论和实证依据,同时也为更好地推进高水平对外开放和贸易强国建设提供了创新性的政策思路。

理筋正骨手法结合本体感觉训练治疗脑卒中后偏瘫肩痛疗效观察

目的观察理筋正骨手法结合本体感觉训练治疗脑卒中后偏瘫肩痛(hemiplegic shoulder pain,HSP)的疗效。方法将60例HSP患者随机分为神经肌肉本体感觉促进(proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation,PNF)组(对照组)和理筋正骨手法结合PNF组(观察组),每组30例。比较两组患者治疗前后视觉模拟量表(visual analogue scale,VAS)评分、压痛程度评分、Fugl-Meyer评估表上肢板块(Fugl-Meyer assessment upper extremity,FMA-UE)评分、肩关节被动活动度及本体感觉。结果治疗后两组患者肩关节疼痛VAS评分、压痛程度、FMA-UE评分、肩关节被动活动度、本体感觉均较治疗前显著改善(P<0.05),且观察组上述各项指标改善程度均显著优于对照组(P<0.05)。结论理筋正骨手法联合本体感觉训练可有效缓解HSP患者肩关节疼痛,改善患者肩关节运动功能及被动关节活动度,提高本体感觉,其疗效优于本体感觉训练。

WTO《促进发展的投资便利化协定》透明度条款及我国实施方案

《促进发展的投资便利化协定》旨在提高国家投资政策透明度,简化外国投资审核程序,创造规范性、便利化和高透明度的投资环境。透明度措施是该协定最重要的措施之一,通过投资信息公布、单一窗口平台建设、投诉评论机制构建等措施着力提高国际投资透明度。我国不仅是该协定谈判的坚定引领者,也是该协定履行的积极行动者,加入该协定以来,采取一系列措施优化便利投资环境,提高透明度水平。然而,当前我国在国际投资透明度立法体例、国际投资透明度具体要求以及国际投资单一窗口平台建设方面均与该协定透明度要求存在差距,应当从修改立法体例、完善具体要求以及完善国际投资单一窗口等3个方面探究我国投资透明度措施与该协定条款的良好衔接方案,构建高度透明、高效便利的国际投资环境。

Impact of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership(RCEP)implementation on agricultural sector in regional countries:A global value chain perspective

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership(RCEP)has created favorable conditions for building deeply integrated agricultural value chains(AVC)in Asia-Pacific.Based on the RCEP agreement,this study employed the global trade analysis project(GTAP)model to evaluate the impact of RCEP on AVC of member countries in terms of time,tariff reduction,and reduction of non-tariff barriers(NTB).The results indicate that(1)the implementation of RCEP boosts the value-added to agricultural exports for most member countries,particularly in competitive industries;(2)the increase in domestic production and processing capacity,reflected in domestic value-added(DVA),is the primary factor driving the rise in the value-added of agricultural exports across various industries of member countries;(3)RCEP enhances the participation of most regional countries in AVC,with varying impacts on AVC positioning,thereby fostering regional AvC development;and(4)RCEP has a positive effect on AVC indicators both in the short and long term,with the effect becoming more pronounced over time.Additionally,reducing NTB enhances the positive effects of tariff reductions on AVC indicators.Based on the analyses,the following recommendations are proposed:(1)Leverage the development opportunities arising from RCEP implementation to enhance the agricultural DVA;(2)capitalize on cooperative opportunities created by RCEP to build cohesive regional AVC;and(3)prioritize the effective implementation of RCEP'shigh-qualityrules.

Effects of primary PCI and facilitated PCI on myocardial viability and ventricular systolic synchrony in acute myocardial infarction patients

Objective To evaluate short time effects of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) and rtPA thrombolysis+PCI (rtPA+PCI) on myocardial viability and ventricular systolic synchrony in AMI patients.Methods Eighty seven patients with first AMI were divided into two groups: group A ( n =42), pPCI group, the patients underwent PCI within 6h after onset of AMI; group B ( n =45), rtPA+PCI group, the patients underwent PCI after thrombolysis within 6h after onset of AMI; Myocardial viability was measured by 99m Tc MIBI SPECT. While, the parameters of cardiac function LVEF and ventricular systolic synchrony LVPS were measured by 99m Tc gated cardiac blood pool image on the first and the fourth weekend. Results (1) The peak CK MB was significantly lower in group A than that in group B( P <0.01 ). (2) Myocardial infarction area (MIA) was decreased and radioactivity counts in MIA was significantly increased in group A and B on the 4th weekend compared with that on the first weekend ( P <0.01 ), but there were no significant difference between group A and group B. (3) LVEF, LVPS were no significant difference between group A and group B.Conclusions (1)pPCI in acute myocardial infartion can limit infarct area, maintain ventricular systolic synchrony and improve ventricular function; (2) but, in those hospitals that there were no any condition for PCI, they should transfer the patients to central hospital for PCI after thrombolysis at the first time. It is beneficial to improve myocardial viability and ventricular systolic synchrony of AMI patients in short time.

贸易便利化对中国机电产品出口影响——基于东盟十国的实证分析

随着全球贸易自由化程度的不断加深,贸易便利化水平的提高对于国际贸易流量的影响日益凸显。本研究采用中国对东盟各成员国机电产品出口额面板数据研究贸易使得化问题。结果表明,贸易便利化对扩大中国机电产品出口额具有明显促进作用,同时国内生产总值、人口总量对该产品出口额也有显著正向效应。由此应进一步提升东盟各国贸易便利化水平,努力扩大中国机电产品出口规模。