Crowding in or crowding out? The effect of imported environmentally sound technologies on indigenous green innovation.

International trade is considered an important conduit for disseminating environmentally sound technologies (ESTs), but there is limited evidence of how trade in ESTs affects domestic firms' green innovation, particularly for importers. To close this knowledge gap, we first develop a basic model to conceptually examine how imported ESTs impact enterprises' performance in green innovation. Then, by creating a distinct combined database of firm-level trade and patent data from 2000 to 2016, we give empirical evidence. Our empirical results demonstrate a significant crowding-out effect of imported ESTs on green innovation, whereas technological proximity, learning capacity, and government subsidies can help to lessen this adverse effect. Furthermore, imported ESTs of peer firms in the same industry or imported ESTs of downstream industries have beneficial spillover effects on a focal firm's green innovation. Our study offers fresh perspectives on the current status and potential future of liberalizing trade in ESTs, as well as on the sources of green innovation.

Beyond disasters: Long-run effect of earthquakes on energy poverty in China.

While earthquakes are considered one of the most prevalent natural disasters in China, there is limited empirical evidence regarding the long-term effects of earthquakes on energy poverty. Using data from China Family Panel Studies and China's historical earthquake catalog, this study investigates the long-term effects of earthquake intensity on energy poverty among households in China, and analyzes the long-term effects over different time spans. Our findings indicate that, higher earthquake intensities have an overall worsening long-term impact on energy poverty. When segmented into different time spans, households in regions with higher earthquake intensities are less likely to fall into energy poverty over the past 20 years and the past 20 to 50 years, whereas more likely to be energy poor over the longer time span. Moreover, we uncover that public infrastructure, government assistance, and mental well-being serve as channels through which earthquakes affect household energy poverty, with divergent effects over different time spans. In addition, we observe nonlinear evidence of earthquake intensity's long-term impact on energy poverty, and the long-term impacts are heterogeneous across different regions, as well as households with different registration statuses and household fuel types. These insights can inform policy interventions aimed at alleviating long-term energy poverty in areas affected by natural disasters.

Highly efficient catalytic Fenton-Like reactions of bimetallic Fe/Cu chelated on radiation functionalized nonwoven fabric for pollutant control.

A remarkably efficient and affordable Fe/Cu bimetallic catalyst featuring a substantial light energy utilization and compatibility with a sizable substrate was developed for Fenton-like reactions aimed at pollutant control. Specifically, a novel strategy was employed to synthesize high-density metal sites (Fe:Cu ≈ 3:1) robustly embedded on polyethylene/polyethylene terephthalate nonwoven fabric (PE/PET NWF) via radiation-induced graft polymerization (RIGP) and subsequent chemical modification, labeled as Fe/Cu-PPAO. Its high effectiveness was demonstrated by degrading 50 mg/L of tetracycline hydrochloride within 30 min in the presence of H2O2 under simulate sunlight irradiation. It was investigated that amidoxime groups regulated the optical gaps and HOMO-LUMO gaps of metal ions to enable the absorption of a broader spectrum light while the Cu2+ facilitated the transfer of electrons between the bimetal ions to achieve an improved reaction path. Furthermore, X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations further revealed its special complex state and delicate electronic structure between bimetal ions and amidoxime groups. Our study offers a new strategy to synthesize high-density bimetallic sites catalyst for environmental remediation and pushes forward insight into understanding the catalytic mechanism of bimetallic Fenton-like catalysts.

Application of magnetic enhanced bio-effect on nitrification: a comparative study of magnetic and non-magnetic carriers.

A novel magnetic carrier with surface magnetic field of 4 mT was developed for studying the magnetic enhanced bio-effect on nitrification. The bio-effect on nitrificaton induced by the magnetic carrier was studied by comparing the performance of sequencing batch biofilm reactors filled with magnetic (MC) and non-magnetic (NMC) carriers. The result showed that the bioreactor with MC had better performance for nitrification than bioreactor with NMC. During the biofilm culturing period, the time required for nitrification formation in biofilm of the MC reactor was 25% less than that for the NMC reactor. The results also showed that the ammonium oxidation rate of the MC reactor was 1.6-fold faster than that in the NMC reactor at high influent NH4-N concentration, while nitrite oxidation rate was always accelerated regardless of influent NH4-N concentration. The specific oxygen uptake rate analysis revealed that ammonia and nitrite oxidation activities in biofilm of the MC reactor were 1.65 and 1.98 times greater than those of the NMC reactor, respectively.

The end-use quality of wheat can be enhanced by optimal water management without incurring yield loss.

In China, water-saving irrigation is playing important roles in ensuring food security, and improving wheat quality. A barrel experiment was conducted with three winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes and two irrigation pattens to examine the effects of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) on wheat grain yield, water-use efficiency (WUE), and grain quality. In order to accurately control the soil water content, wheat was planted in the iron barrels set under a rainproof shelter, and the soil water content in the iron barrel was controlled by gravity method. The mechanisms whereby water management influences the end-use functional properties of wheat grain were also investigated. The results revealed that RDI improved the end-use functional properties of wheat and WUE, without significant yield loss (less than 3%). Moderate water deficit (60% to 65% field capacity) before jointing and during the late grain-filling stage combined with a slight water deficit (65% to 70% field capacity) from jointing to booting increased grain quality and WUE. The observed non-significant reduction in wheat yield associated with RDI may be attributed to higher rate of photosynthesis during the early stage of grain development and higher rate of transfer of carbohydrates from vegetative organs to grains during the later stage. By triggering an earlier rapid transfer of nitrogen deposited in vegetative organs, RDI enhances grain nitrogen content, which in turn could enhance dough elasticity, given the positive correlation between grain nitrogen content and dough midline peak value. Our results also indicate that the effects of RDI on grain quality are genotype dependent. Therefore, the grain end-use quality of some specific wheat genotypes may be enhanced without incurring yield loss by an optimal water management.

Modification of Electrospun CeO2 Nanofibers with CuCrO2 Particles Applied to Hydrogen Harvest from Steam Reforming of Methanol.

Hydrogen is the alternative renewable energy source for addressing the energy crisis, global warming, and climate change. Hydrogen is mostly obtained in the industrial process by steam reforming of natural gas. In the present work, CuCrO2 particles were attached to the surfaces of electrospun CeO2 nanofibers to form CeO2-CuCrO2 nanofibers. However, the CuCrO2 particles did not readily adhere to the surfaces of the CeO2 nanofibers, so a trace amount of SiO2 was added to the surfaces to make them hydrophilic. After the SiO2 modification, the CeO2 nanofibers were immersed in Cu-Cr-O precursor and annealed in a vacuum atmosphere to form CeO2-CuCrO2 nanofibers. The CuCrO2, CeO2, and CeO2-CuCrO2 nanofibers were examined by X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscope, thermogravimetric analysis, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller studies (BET). The BET surface area of the CeO2-CuCrO2 nanofibers was 15.06 m2/g. The CeO2-CuCrO2 nanofibers exhibited hydrogen generation rates of up to 1335.16 mL min-1 g-cat-1 at 773 K. Furthermore, the CeO2-CuCrO2 nanofibers produced more hydrogen at lower temperatures. The hydrogen generation performance of these CeO2-CuCrO2 nanofibers could be of great importance in industry and have an economic impact.

Identification and characterization of FaSOC1, a homolog of SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS1 from strawberry.

A MADS-box gene SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS1 (SOC1) integrates multiple flowering signals to regulate floral transition in Arabidopsis. Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) is an economically important fruit crop, but its molecular control of flowering is largely unknown. In this study, a SOC1-like gene, FaSOC1, was isolated and characterized from strawberry. The open reading frame of FaSOC1 was 648bp, encoding a protein of 215 amino acids. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis showed that the FaSOC1 protein contained a highly conserved MADS domain and a SOC1 motif, and that it was a member of the SOC1-like genes of dicots. The FaSOC1 protein mainly localized in the cytoplasm of onion epidermal cells and Arabidopsis protoplasts, and showed no transcriptional activation activity in yeast cells. Under the floral induction conditions, the expression of FaSOC1 increased during the first 2weeks of short-day treatment, but declined dramatically during three to 4weeks. FaSOC1 was highly expressed in reproductive organs, including shoot apices, floral buds, flowers, stamens and sepals. Overexpression of FaSOC1 in wild-type Arabidopsis caused early flowering and upregulated the expression of flowering time genes LFY and AP1. In addition, the yeast two-hybrid and BiFC assays confirmed that FaSOC1 could interact with AGL24. In conclusion, these results suggest that FaSOC1 is a flowering promoter in strawberry.

[Effect of ultrasonic energy on the characteristics of waste activated sludge].

Seven ultrasonic energy levels ranging from 0 to 26 000 kJ x kg(-1) were used to disintegrate excess sludge to investigate the changes in physical characteristics. The results indicated that the ultrasonication process destroys floc structure, facilitates the transfer of matter into the aqueous phase, and breaks up cell walls, which facilitated the improvement of settleability and biodegradability. Low ultrasonic energies could improve the settleability and supernatant turbidity. When the energy of 1 000 kJ x kg(-1) was applied into the sludge, the maximal settling velocity of sludge at 45 min was increased by 18.58% and the supernatant turbidity at 24 h was decreased by 43.52%, compared to the control. However, high ultrasonic energies deteriorated the characteristics. The maximal settling velocity was reduced by 37.03% and the supernatant turbidity was increased by 10 times in comparison to the control when the energy dose of 26 000 kJ x kg(-1) was applied. With the increases in ultrasonic energies, the particle size was significantly decreased, the soluble solids increased and the floc clusters dispersed. These changes in sludge characteristics were directly dependent upon the amount of ultrasonic energy applied. Furthermore, these characteristics correlated significantly to the ultrasonic energy. 1000 kJ x kg(-1) was the optimal energy that improved the settleability and the supernatant turbidity, and that destructed the floc structure of sludge. On the other hand, particle size was an important factor affecting sludge settleability and supernatant turbidity. The optimal values led to best settleability and turbidity.

[Study on the electro-generation of H2O2 using an activated carbon fiber].

The comparative study on the electro-generation of H2O2 using an activated carbon fiber cathode and graphite cathode was investigated. The effect of the operating parameters on the H2O2 generation concentration and current efficiency, such as the initial pH, current density and electrolyte concentration, was also evaluated. The results revealed that the activated carbon fiber cathode was more effective compared to the graphite cathode. The maximum value of H2O2 concentration could be achieved with pH 3.00, current density 8.89 mA/cm2 and electrolyte concentration 0.05 mol/L. However, due to the formation of competitive electrode reactions, the current efficiency of this electrolysis system is lower than other electrolysis system. In addition, a new kinetic model was established to well describe the electro-generation of H2O2. The experimental data were fitted well using the kinetic model.

The application of the ultrasonic atomization surface anesthesia with lidocaine for an awake endotracheal intubation during autonomous position -display / 中国基层医药

Objective To explore the feasibility of the ultrasonic atomization surface anesthesia with lido-caine for awake fiberoptic endotracheal intubation in patientsˊautonomous position -display before general anesthesia and to evaluate its advantages.Methods 68 adult patients who needed prone position for elective surgery under general anesthesia were selected and randomly divided into two groups,the control group and the treatment group,each group in 34 cases.In control group patients were received surface anesthesia of cricothyroid membrane puncture.In treatment group,nebulized 2% lidocaine with ultrasonic nebulizer was used for topical anesthesia.Patients lied in the prone position according to their own comfort with the guide of the medical staff in the waking state after an awake fiberoptic endotracheal intubation.The statistics of mean arterial pressure (MAP)and heart rate (HR)were recorded respectively in the basal state(T0),in the time instantly after intubations(T1 ),in the 3 minute after intubations(T2 ) and in the time instantly after the body turning(T3 ).Choking cough response were recorded during endotracheal intubation.Patients were asked the efficacy of surface anesthesia and the tolerance for awake intubation after operation.Results Patients in both two groups completed the whole process smoothly.MAP and HR had no signifi-cant differences between the two groups in the same time point (all P >0.05).There were no statistical significance between the two groups in choking cough response,the time of surface anesthesia and intubation,neither (all P >0.05).Conclusion The surface anesthesia with lidocaine by continuous ultrasonic atomizing inhalation is a good and simple method deserving generalization with plenty merits and is practicable for patients to display position autonomously. This method have the advantages of small operation,it will and can replace cricothyroid membrane puncture.

The effect of a new prone position for general anesthesia / 中国基层医药

Objective To explore the effect of a new prone position for general anesthesia.Methods 50 patients in the group were made a retrospective study:All the 50 patients needed prone position surgeries under general anesthesia.After awake flexible fiberoptic intubation,with the anesthesia of thyrocricoid puncturing the intra-trachea surface,has been taken,patients lied in the prone position according to their own comfort with the guide of medical staff,which was followed by anesthesia induction and the operation.The SBP,DBP,HR and RPP were recor-ded at different point of time after patients entered the operation room.Results 33 cases of 50 patients completed the whole process successfully and the indexes at the time of the intubation had no significant difference with those at basic state(all P >0.05).17 operations suffered discomfort.The SBP,DBP,HR and RPP in these patients were (159.2 ±25.9)mmHg,(97.2 ±11.6)mmHg,(98.2 ±9)beats per minute and (16 028 ±6 725)respectively, which were higher than those at basic state(t =2.698,2.802,5.720,8.905,all P 0.05).Conclusion It is technically simple and easy to operate,the way that patients waiting for prone position surgeries lie in the prone position by themselves with awake flexible fiberoptic intubation lightens the workload of medical staff and reduces complications of the intubation,which is optional in clinical situations.

Production of a novel bioflocculant by Bacillus licheniformis X14 and its application to low temperature drinking water treatment.

A novel bioflocculant ZS-7 produced by Bacillus licheniformis X14 was investigated with regard to its synthesis and application to low temperature drinking water treatment. The effects of culture conditions including pH, carbon source, nitrogen source, temperature, inoculum size and shaking speed on ZS-7 production were studied. The purified bioflocculant was identified as a glycoprotein consisting of polysaccharide (91.5%, w/w) and protein (8.4%, w/w), with an approximate molecular weight of 6.89 x 10(4)Da. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) indicated the presence of amino, amide, carboxyl, methoxyl and hydroxyl groups. This bioflocculant showed good flocculating performance and industrial potential for treatment of low temperature drinking water, and the maximum removal efficiencies of COD(Mn) and turbidity were 61.2% and 95.6%, respectively, which were better than conventional chemical flocculants. Charge neutralization and bridging were proposed as the reasons for the enhanced performance based upon the experimental observations.