Simon McKirdy

This study provides an in‐depth analysis of Chinaʼs film trade policies following its accession to the World Trade Organisation in 2001. It examines the factors behind the limited international success of Chinese films. Through a corpus‐based critical discourse analysis of nine national policy documents (2001–2020), the research investigates how the Chinese government has aimed to develop its domestic film industry while maintaining strict control over cultural trade. It finds a strategic shift toward a state‐regulated socialist cultural market, employing mechanisms such as censorship, licensing, import quotas, and state monopolisation to mitigate the influence of global trade liberalisation. The study also highlights the governmentʼs use of film festivals and exhibitions as tools for political propaganda, aligning them with foreign policy objectives and promoting official ideology. These practices underscore the tension between Chinaʼs aspirations for cultural soft power and its reliance on state control, which may hinder the global appeal of Chinese films.

Ethyl formate (EF) is an environmentally friendly fumigant with strong potential as a methyl bromide (MB) alternative for pre-export quarantine disinfestation of agricultural produce. This study evaluated the synergistic effect of EF combined with 10 % carbon dioxide (CO₂) to enhance penetration and toxicity against Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi in pineapple. Insect mortality was significantly influenced by EF concentration, treatment temperature, and developmental stage. At 25 °C, fumigation with 60 mg L−1 EF + 10 % CO₂ for 3 h achieved 99.9968 % mortality of the most tolerant stage. Comparable efficacy was obtained at 20 °C and 15 °C with 90 mg L−1 and 110 mg L−1 EF, respectively, representing an approximate 30 % reduction in EF concentration compared to EF alone. Large-scale confirmatory trials validated complete control of over 100,000 individuals at each temperature. Post-fumigation assessments showed no significant differences in fruit firmness, weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), or titratable acidity (TA) during cold storage. EF-alone treatments, however, led to elevated respiration rates and greater color variation (ΔE) during shelf-life, while EF + CO₂ mitigated these effects. The combined treatment effectively stabilized physiological and visual quality. These findings indicate that EF + 10 % CO₂ is a highly effective phytosanitary treatment for P. jackbeardsleyi in pineapple, ensuring both quarantine security and postharvest quality. This strategy enables rapid and shelf-life-preserving pest control for fresh produce, supporting safer and more sustainable export practices.

Background
Effective quarantine fumigation of raw logs remains a critical phytosanitary measure under international regulations such as ISPM 39. Methyl bromide (MB) and sulfuryl fluoride (SF) are widely used fumigants, yet their comparative behavior in high-moisture, tightly structured coniferous logs is poorly characterized. This study evaluated the sorption, penetration, and desorption dynamics of MB and SF in Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica logs to inform fumigant selection and optimize treatment protocols.

Results
Methyl bromide exhibited higher sorptive affinity than SF, as reflected by sustained declines in C/C₀ values over a 48 h exposure period. Concentration gradients showed MB was retained primarily in bark and phloem, with limited penetration beyond 2 cm. SF diffused more uniformly across depths up to 6 cm but remained at lower concentrations. Desorption patterns differed significantly. MB was rapidly released, particularly from surface tissues, whereas SF desorbed slowly with negligible release from xylem. Exponential model fitting revealed higher initial desorption rates and steeper decay for MB.

Conclusion
The two fumigants displayed distinct sorption–desorption–penetration profiles in P. sylvestris var. mongolica. MB demonstrated superior surface affinity and rapid desorption, making it suitable for targeting pests near the bark–cambium interface. SF achieved deeper diffusion but lower tissue concentrations, suggesting limited efficacy for short-duration treatments. These results highlight the importance of matching fumigant characteristics to pest location and substrate structure and provide a mechanistic basis for refining wood fumigation protocols in line with international phytosanitary standards.

Background
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) (BSMB) is a biosecurity threat globally. Its most likely avenue of entry is via shipping transport of a multitude of commodities. Currently employed biosecurity treatments (methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride) pose several concerns including climate change, environmental and occupational health and safety. Ethyl formate with dilution in carbon dioxide has been shown to be an effective biosecurity treatment for controlling BMSB. Carbon dioxide is a known synergist in fumigation and is a greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.

Results
Laboratory and commercial-scale bioassays were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of ethyl formate in controlling diapausing and non-diapausing BMSB. In both trials and all treatment conditions, ethyl formate concentrations >12 mg L−1 without dilution in carbon dioxide for 3-h exposure periods were effective in achieving insect control. These results were consistent with existing literature and showed the rapid action of the fumigant in achieving a desirable level of insect mortality. The results demonstrate that even without the synergist carbon dioxide, ethyl formate can achieve complete mortality of both non-diapausing and diapausing BSMBs at a dose rate lower than the currently registered 90 mg L−1.

Conclusion
The results of this research show the commercial viability of ethyl formate, without dilution with carbon dioxide, as a biosecurity treatment for the control of BMSB, both non-diapausing and diapausing. These results will also assist in progressing the registration of the fumigant with relevant National Plant Protection Organisations. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Surface-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are regarded as efficient and promising nanocarriers in novel pesticide delivery. In this study, MSNs were synthesized and functionalized with low molecular weight polyethyleneimine (PEI), after which methoprene was loaded by adsorption. Detailed investigations showed that MSNs-PEI exhibited excellent encapsulation efficiency (53.33 %) and loading efficiency (21.03 %) for methoprene. The release behaviors of methoprene from Met@MSNs-PEI showed an initial rapid release stage followed by a sustained release stage. Methoprene was released faster in alkaline solutions compared with in acidic and neutral media. The kinetic study revealed that the release data fit best with the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Additionally, Met@MSNs-PEI exhibited negligible toxicity towards S2 cells and low acute toxicity to zebrafish. Bioassay results showed that Met@MSNs-PEI exhibited significantly better insecticidal activity against Tribolium castaneum larvae than methoprene alone under the same doses of active ingredient applied, which obviously enhanced the utilization efficiency. Moreover, fluorescence microscope observations confirmed the successful internalization and distribution patterns of FITC-labeled MSNs-PEI in T. castaneum larvae, indicating that MSNs-PEI could serve as nanocarriers to deliver insecticides. RNA-seq analysis and qRT-PCR validation showed that MSNs-PEI-loaded methoprene resulted in the downregulation of genes related to detoxification, hormone synthesis, and cuticle biosynthesis, which inhibited insect growth and development. Therefore, MSNs-PEI nanoparticles provided an effective delivery system for methoprene.

Annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT) has caused significant economic damage in Australia. This syndrome occurs when Rathayibacter toxicus is carried by a seed gall nematode into the developing seeds of forage grasses, where it produces a tunicamycin toxin. Grazing animals feeding on infected plants die when they consume sufficient toxin. Consequently, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the US Department of Agriculture listed R. toxicus as a plant pathogen select agent in the United States. The seed gall nematodes Anguina agrostis, Anguina funesta, Anguina paludicola, and Anguinatritici are regulated or quarantine pests in several countries. A. funesta and A. paludicola are of particular concern because they are the primary vectors of R. toxicus. Several new Rathayibacter species and nematode associations have been described, and we have gained a better understanding of toxin production in R. toxicus and other Rathayibacter species. This review focuses on R. toxicus and other Rathayibacter species; discusses their nematode vectors, distribution, diagnostics, and genomics; and provides suggestions for pathogen risk assessment, surveillance, and management of ARGT.

Irradiation combined with Modified Atmosphere (MA) Packaging (MAP) is increasingly applied to disinfest fresh harvested produce while maintaining quality. However, anoxia and hypoxic conditions created by MA can reduce the effectiveness of ionizing radiation by inducing radioprotective effects in insects. This study investigated the relationship between oxygen levels and radiation efficacy in late third-instar larvae of Zeugodacus cucurbitae. Larvae were sealed in MAP bags filled with various low-oxygen atmospheres (0% to 5%, nitrogen balance) or ambient air (21%) and irradiated with X-rays at doses from 16 to 88 Gy. Mortality was assessed based on adult emergence. Results showed that mortality significantly decreased as oxygen level increased from 0% to 3%, and statistic data-analysis including probit analysis showed a critical oxygen threshold at 4% O2. At oxygen levels below this threshold, significantly higher radiation doses were required to achieve 99.9968% mortality at a 95% confidence level (probit-9 level). The additional dose needed under 0% O2 was estimated at 13–18 Gy compared to ambient air. These findings further demonstrate that phytosanitary irradiation under MA conditions can effectively control tephritid insects while preserving product quality. Identifying 4% O2 as the radioprotective threshold may have implications for understanding dose–response mechanisms under MA conditions.

Background
The human bioaccumulation of micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) is increasingly being recognised in the aetiology and pathophysiology of human disease.

Objective
This systematic scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive investigation of studies examining the impacts of MNPs on the human cardiovascular system.

Methods
Five databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Web of Science and EMBASE) were systematically searched.

Results
Forty-six articles were identified, 13 of which investigated the presence of MNPs within the human cardiovascular system, including atherosclerotic plaques, saphenous vein tissue, thrombi and venous blood. The effect of MNPs on cell lines suggest MNPs are cytotoxic, immunotoxic, and genotoxic.

Significance
The findings of this review, when evaluated together with additional studies utilising animal models, suggest MNPs may contribute to global cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In particular, the ability of MNPs to induce endothelial damage, oxy-LDL formation, foam cell development and apoptosis, as well as to alter the clotting cascade, has potential implications for vascular diseases. In addition, MNPs may play a role in the aetiology and progression of congenital heart abnormalities, infective pathologies and cardiomyopathies. Despite an increasing awareness of the ability for MNPs to result in cardiovascular disease and dysfunction, a limited amount of research has been conducted to date characterising the presence of MNPs in the human cardiovascular system. Reseach is required to understand the extent of this rapidly emerging issue and to develop strategies that will support clinicians to appropriately manage and educate their patients in the future.