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In the wake of the unprecedented global scientific output boom, are top-tier journals such as the FT50 journals following suit? If these prestigious journals consistently increase their publication volumes, will their impact factors be affected? Drawing on the Mann-Kendall trend test method, this study analysed time series trends of the FT50 journals' annual publication volumes and impact factor ratios (IFR) over a 15 year period. The results indicate that half of the FT50 journals have consistently increased their publication volumes over the years. Although to increase publication volumes is riskier than to stay put, it has a significantly higher probability of increasing the IFR, and therefore keeping pace with other top journals. However, the expanding of publication volumes must be carried out cautiously, as the study also finds that growing too fast may lead to opposite effects.

The burgeoning trend of globalization gives rise to the formation of the manufacturing ecosystem. This study aims to identify the critical factors of sustainable manufacturing for countries and regions across the globe finding their unique ecological niches. From the perspective of the ecological niche, we develop an evaluation system of the manufacturing niche. By using the fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method, the critical factors, and its causal relationships of the manufacturing niche can be quantified and visualized. The results indicate that: (1) the evaluation system of the manufacturing niche is characterized by complexity and interactivity; (2) technical factors have the strongest impact on the evaluation system, among which R&D investment intensity and the input-output ratio of new products are key indicators; and (3) technical and policy factors are decisive for the system and actively influence economic and ecological factors. Theoretically, it is beneficial to augment the niche theory and industrial economics. Practically, it helps to create a win-win situation to facilitate governments to enact suitable industrial strategies and assist the manufacturing toward a more sustainable trajectory.

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