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The integrated energy system facilitates the synergistic and efficient utilization of diverse energy. Establishing interconnected regional energy internets by linking multiple integrated energy systems enables the realization of cross-sector, cross-temporal, and cross-subject energy coupling, consequently enhancing economic benefits, driving profound decarbonization, and bolstering energy resilience. This study develops a multi-agent planning model grounded in an electricity-heat-hydrogen sharing framework, collaboratively optimizing capacity configurations and energy scheduling strategies across various integrated energy systems containing emerging technologies. Furthermore, this study integrates the trading volume and prices of various energy sources to distinguish the energy sharing contribution of each participant, then combines with the Nash bargaining game, forming a fair cooperative benefit allocation incentive mechanism. The proposed model is adeptly solved using the alternating directions method of multipliers, ensuring the protection of participants' private information. To reflect seasonal characteristics of energy supply and demand, this study uses the daily data of three integrated energy systems across four seasons to simulate. The research results reveal an annual cost saving of 233.73 thousand RMB and a reduction of 290.85 tCO 2. Additionally, the impact of variations in electricity operation modes, uncertainties, and emerging technical advances are evaluated to further validate the sustainability of the multi-energy trading mechanism. • Build an electricity-heat-hydrogen sharing framework for integrated energy systems. • Develop a planning model considering economic, environmental, and seasonal factors. • Allocate profits based on trading volume and importance of various energy sources. • Analyze the impacts of development trend and uncertainties on multi-energy sharing. • The superiority of the energy internet is more prominent in future power systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the pooled incidence, risk factors, and clinical prognosis of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) deterioration after implantation of a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED). The study was designed as a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Patients with indications for CIEDs were selected as participants and CIED implantation was the intervention. PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and China Science and Technology Journal Database were searched systematically to identify studies. Thirty-seven studies with 8,144 patients were included. The pooled incidence of TR deterioration of at least one grade was 25.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.9-29.3; Z = 11.60; p < 0. 01; I2 = 94.8%, p < 0. 01). Compared with TR incidence after permanent pacemaker implantation, that after implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation did not significantly increase (22.68% v 29.18%; odds ratio [OR], 0.615; 95% CI, 0.271-1.339; Z =1.16; p = 0. 246). The pooled incidence of TR deterioration of at least two grades was 9.4% (95% CI, 6.6-12.1; Z = 6.72; p < 0. 01; I2 = 86.0%, p < 0. 01). Lead interference (OR, 8.704; 95% CI,4.450-17.028; Z= 6.32; p < 0. 001) and pacemaker implantation time (OR, 1.153; 95% CI, 1.082-1.229; Z = 4.37; p < 0.001) were risk factors for worsening TR. Baseline atrial fibrillation, age, baseline mild TR, and left ventricular ejection fraction were not associated with TR. All-cause mortality (>one year after pacemaker implantation) was higher in patients with TR deterioration (hazard ratio, 1.598; 95% CI, 1.275-2.002; Z = 4.07; p < 0. 01; I2 = 0%). TR is a common complication after CIED implantation. Lead interference and pacemaker implantation time were risk factors for TR worsening. Compared with patients without TR deterioration after pacemaker implantation, patients with TR deterioration had a poorer prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stabilization by noise for parabolic equations in perforated domains, i.e. domains with small holes, is investigated. We show that when the holes are small enough, one can stabilize the unstable equations using suitable multiplicative Itô noise. The results are quantitative, in the sense that we can explicitly estimate the size of the holes and diffusion coefficients for which stabilization by noise takes place. This is done by using the asymptotic behaviour of the first eigenvalue of the Laplacian as the hole shrinks to a point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low-carbon transition of power industry plays a vital role in China's energy system revolution. Both policy support and cost reductions have greatly driven the development of renewable energy technologies, especially wind and solar power generation technologies. Considering the cost uncertainty of renewables, we developed a National Energy Technology-Power model to assess the possible low-carbon transition pathways for six regional power industries using four renewable energy cost change scenarios. Resource endowments and technology developments trends were also considered to achieve an effective and coordinated utilization of various resources. The results show that declining renewable energy costs have a great impact on the spatial and temporal development of power generation technologies, and on the interregional clean power transmission. If the investment costs of renewable energy technologies continue to decline at a high speed and the renewables could be dramatically developed, the CO 2 emissions of China's power industry is expected to peak at 3.12 GtCO 2 in 2026. Accordingly, the capacity share of renewable energy technologies in regional power industries would exceed 50% except in East China, and the total installed coal-fired technology capacity would fall to 760.2 GW in 2050. In addition, to promote the optimal allocation of resources, the total amounts of interregional clean power transmission are suggested to be 416 TWh in 2035 and 587 TWh in 2050, i.e., 4.9% and 5.5% of the total amount of power generation, respectively. 106 TWh of wind power is expected to be exported from Northwest to Center and East regions in 2050; and 112 TWh of solar power is suggested to be exported from North to Center, East and South regions. The Northwest region is the largest exporter of clean power while the East region is the main importer. These conclusions could support the regional plan of power transmission network. • Explore the impacts of cost uncertainty of renewables on China's power industry. • Develop a NET-Power model to combine power supply and transmission optimization. • Propose technological pathways for regional power industries with endowments. • The CO 2 emissions of China's power industry are likely to peak at 2026. • The cost decline of renewables will affect interregional clean power transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The convergence to equilibrium of renormalized solutions to reaction–cross-diffusion systems in a bounded domain under no-flux boundary conditions is studied. The reactions model complex balanced chemical reaction networks coming from mass-action kinetics and thus do not obey any growth condition, while the diffusion matrix is of cross-diffusion type and hence nondiagonal and neither symmetric nor positive semi-definite, but the system admits a formal gradient-flow or entropy structure. The diffusion term generalizes the population model of Shigesada, Kawasaki and Teramoto to an arbitrary number of species. By showing that any renormalized solution satisfies the conservation of masses and a weak entropy–entropyproduction inequality, it can be proved under the assumption of no boundary equilibria that all renormalized solutions converge exponentially to the complex balanced equilibrium with a rate which is explicit up to a finite dimensional inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • A novel antifungal compound of ATB was isolated from L. enzymogenes OH11 culture. • The genes involved in ATB biosynthesis were identified. • A strain producing ATB with minimal production of HSAF was successfully constructed. • Arginine served as an efficient precursor of ATB. • A high ATB production of 893.32 ± 15.57 mg/L was acquired. Abstract Lysobacter enzymogenes OH11 is currently considered to be a novel biocontrol agent for various plant fungi diseases. At present, only heat-stable antifungal factor (HSAF) has been isolated and identified in culture, although other active compounds also showed antifungal activity. In the present study, a novel active compound, alteramide B (ATB), which exhibits broad-spectrum antagonistic activity against phytopathogenic fungi and oomycetes, was isolated. The genes responsible for ATB biosynthesis were also determined. In addition, a strain producing ATB with minimal HSAF production was successfully generated by redirecting metabolic flux, namely L. enzymogenes OH57. Furthermore, ATB production increased to 893.32 ± 15.57 mg/L through medium optimization and precursor supply strategy, which was 24.36-fold higher than that of 10% tryptic soy broth (36.67 ± 1.63 mg/L). Taken together, this study indicates ATB has great development value as a biopesticide because of its bioactivity and high production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Prices versus quantities analysis for best welfare on carbon reduction are introduced. • Supplementary research on carbon reduction policy decision with prices versus quantities are summarized for the first time. • The evolution of hybrid carbon reduction policies is presented. • Further improvements of prices versus quantities for carbon reduction are proposed. Abstract Weitzman's price-quantity analysis framework has been widely used, and in the field of climate economy it is applied to choose proper emissions reduction instruments for best welfare under uncertainty. This article summarizes the principle and method of selecting carbon emission reduction instruments by price versus quantities decision criterion. The probability of uncontrollable outcomes under uncertainty is reduced by comparing marginal abatement costs with marginal abatement benefits. On this basis, the following outreach research are summarized on some key issues such as dynamic analysis, assumptions improvements, elements expansion and hybrid policies. This topic drives a lot of research but no review has been conducted. We sum up the time-correlated cost and multi-period policy research to extend the static framework to dynamic analysis. There are also many studies that relax the strong assumptions of original framework including correlated uncertainty between cost and benefit, stock effect of carbon, nonlinear marginal cost and benefit, distributional inefficiency and extension of partial equilibrium. In addition, more elements around emissions control have been included and specified such as uncertainty, incomplete enforcement, technology innovation and multiple pollutants. We also summarize the researches of hybrid policy which combines quantity and price control to be a new regulation method and dual regulation which suggest applying both quantity and price control in different departments. It is found that early researches favor carbon tax while quantity regulation has gradually become popular. Finally, this article puts forward some research directions worth more exploring at both theory and application level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

National Development and Reform Commission and National Energy Administration have launched a series of policies on closing down small coal-power units, in order to reduce energy consumption and pollutant emissions. However, it is hard to change current situation in the short term since coal is still the domain source of power generation in China. Aiming at efficiently closing down the small power units, to create a power generation planning model with minimized costs needs to take both economic and technical aspects into account. In this paper, eight types of coal-fired generators are classified into three categories: Inefficient units; Efficient units; and Low-carbon units. This paper has developed a power generation planning model under multiple constraint conditions such as coal-power demand, total installed capacity, and carbon capture etc. Also, the model involves variable costs of CCS technology and contingency payments at the same time. This paper has applied the power generation planning model into China’s coal-fired power industry research during the period from 2016 to 2030. The results show that because the coal-power demand ends up with a drop following a rise, the total costs thereby shows a same trend. During the planning period, the fuel costs and the operation and maintenance costs decrease most obviously. Given the installed capacity, compared with the increase in the number of efficient units, the number of inefficient units shows a gradual decrease. The number of low-carbon units displays a slight increase. Since low-carbon units can capture and store 90% of their carbon emissions, the total carbon emissions from coal-fired power industry have significantly been reduced in their operation year. Thus, it is imperative to develop high efficiency and low-carbon units as they will be the major contributors to the sustainable development of the coal-fired power industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The convergence to equilibrium of mass action reaction–diffusion systems arising from networks of chemical reactions is studied. The considered reaction networks are assumed to satisfy the detailed balance condition and have no boundary equilibria. We propose a general approach based on the so-called entropy method, which is able to quantify with explicitly computable rates the decay of an entropy functional in terms of an entropy entropy-dissipation inequality based on the totality of the conservation laws of the system. As a consequence follows convergence to the unique detailed balance equilibrium with explicitly computable convergence rates. The general approach is further detailed for two important example systems: a single reversible reaction involving an arbitrary number of chemical substances and a chain of two reversible reactions arising from enzyme reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The negative externalities apart from carbon emissions are often neglected in most power generation planning models, which will affect the human health, biodiversity, crop yield and land use greatly. To achieve a sustainable development of China’s power industry, this paper develops a deterministic linear programming model with consideration of the non-carbon externalities. This model has been applied for the case study of China for the period from 2015 to 2030, through which some interesting results have been drawn. Firstly, most of the new capacity additions are from the non-fossil fuel power plants in this planning horizon, which account for 84% of the total new capacity additions. Secondly, the power generation priority would better be given to the non-fossil fuel power plants in this horizon under the cost-effectiveness criteria. Thirdly, the minimum total cost of China’s power planning is 34.48 trillion yuan, which equals to 2% of China’s GDP during the planning horizon. Finally, neglecting of non-carbon externalities does have a significant influence on the power planning results, which will lead to a higher power generation share of technology with bigger negative externalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) by Bacillus subtilis NX-2 using a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) system was tested for the first time in this study. Polypropylene TL-2 was chosen as a suitable carrier, and γ-PGA concentration of 42.7 ± 0.86 g/L and productivity of 0.59 ± 0.06 g/(L h) were obtained in batch fermentation. After application of the strategy of dissolved oxygen (DO)-stat feeding, higher γ-PGA concentration and productivity were achieved than with glucose feedback feeding. Finally, the repeated fed-batch cultures implemented in the MBBR system showed high stability, and the maximal γ-PGA concentration and productivity of 74.2 g/L and 1.24 g/(L h) were achieved, respectively. In addition, the promotion of oxygen transfer by an MBBR carrier was well explained by a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. These results suggest that an MBBR system could be applied to large-scale γ-PGA production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coordinated development of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region has been included in the Chinese ‘12th Five Year Plan’ as a national strategy. Accordingly, the cooperation of energy saving and environmental protection is an important part. At the present stage, establishing carbon emission trading market in China is regarded as an effective measure to reduce and control carbon dioxide emission. Meanwhile, it is an important task for government to allocate carbon emission quotas among regions. In order to explore the cross-provincial carbon trading market mode of China, this paper aims to construct a comprehensive index and use the integrated weighting approach to simulate the carbon quota allocation of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. The results show that, firstly, the indicator of responsibility, which is about 0.56, is given relatively more weight among the three indicators. By comparison, the weights of capacity and potential are 0.13 and 0.30. Secondly, the provinces with strong economic ability and lower carbon reduction potential may get fewer proportions of carbon emission quotas, such as Beijing. Thirdly, since undertaking the function transfer and dispersal of Beijing and Tianjin, Hebei should have a relatively high carbon emission quotas in the future carbon trading market. These results may provide insightful support for decision makers to promote collaborative carbon reduction and allocate carbon quotas in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper (Bui and Reissig, 2015) we explained that it is reasonable to divide the study of global existence of small data solutions to semi-linear classical damped wave models with time-dependent speed of propagation, time-dependent dissipation and power nonlinearity into two cases. The super-exponential case was treated in Bui and Reissig (2015). The present paper is devoted to the sub-exponential case. Both cases arise from a different influence of the interplay of time-dependent coefficients on the critical exponent. Here we only sketch differences to the approach for the super-exponential case. These differences appear in handling the nonlinearity. The corresponding Matsumura type estimates for a family of linear Cauchy problems depending on a parameter coincide in both cases (see Bui and Reissig (2014, 2015)). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignocellulosic biomass has been identified as an economic and environmental feedstock for future biotechnological production. Here, for the first time, poly-(γ-glutamic acid) (PGA) production by Bacillus subtilis NX-2 using rice straw is investigated. Based on two-stage hydrolysis and characteristic consumption of xylose and glucose by B. subtilis NX-2, a co-fermentation strategy was designed to better accumulate PGA in a 7.5 L fermentor by two feeding methods. The maximum cumulative respective PGA production and PGA productivity were 73.0 ± 0.5 g L −1 and 0.81 g L −1 h −1 by the continuous feeding method, with carbon source cost was saved by 84.2% and 42.5% compared with glucose and cane molasse, respectively. These results suggest that rice straw, a type of abundant, low-cost, non-food lignocellulosic feedstock, may be feasibly and efficiently utilized for industrial-scale production of PGA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) production by Bacillus subtilis NX-2 was carried out through solid-state fermentation with dry mushroom residues (DMR) and monosodium glutamate production residues (MGPR; a substitute of glutamate) for the first time. Dry shiitake mushroom residue (DSMR) was found to be the most suitable solid substrate among these DMRs; the optimal DSMR-to-MGPR ratio was optimized as 12:8. To increase γ-PGA production, industrial waste glycerol was added as a carbon source supplement to the solid-state medium. As a result, γ-PGA production increased by 34.8%. The batch fermentation obtained an outcome of 115.6 g kg −1 γ-PGA and 39.5 × 10 8 colony forming units g −1 cells. Furthermore, a satisfactory yield of 107.7 g kg −1 γ-PGA was achieved by compost experiment on a scale of 50 kg in open air, indicating that economically large-scale γ-PGA production was feasible. Therefore, this study provided a novel method to produce γ-PGA from abundant and low-cost agroindustrial residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Develop an hourly-resolution, multi-region model with total system cost optimized. • Energy storage technology can meet 85.8%-by-2050 renewable energy penetration. • UHVDC transmission technology is the most economical way for RES integration. • Optimal combination of UHVDC grid and ES can achieve 74.2% renewables penetration. • The cost-optimal operation strategy varies among six regions in planning period. High renewable energy penetration is an effective way to decarbonize the power system. However, many studies focus on the economics of integrating renewables at the generation-side rather than system-wide. This paper aims to explore the cost-optimal operation strategies of a renewable-dominant power system. Considering both cost reduction potential of energy storage technology and regional investment cost variance of ultra-high voltage direct current grids, an hourly-resolution, multi-region model with total system costs minimized is proposed. Moreover, energy storage-based, ultra-high voltage direct current-based, and mixed scenarios are taken into consideration to investigate the economics of high renewables penetration. The results show that energy storage technology can achieve maximum penetration of renewable energy at 85.8% while the total system cost is 11.8% higher than that of ultra-high voltage direct current transmission technology. Although ultra-high voltage direct current grid is the most economical option to integrate renewables, the penetration is 13 percentage points lower than that of energy storage technology. The combination of energy storage technology and ultra-high voltage direct current grid can achieve 74.2% renewable energy penetration, saving 9.4% of total system costs compared to that of energy storage technology only. The cost-optimal option for East and South China is to promote both energy storage and ultra-high voltage direct current technologies. Energy storage technology is preferred among North, Northwest and Northeast China, while ultra-high voltage direct current grid is the optimal option for Center China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has been the world's largest producer and consumer of air conditioners, and more and more RACs 1 1 The RACs is short for room air conditioners. would be owned by China's households along with the rapid economic development. Air Conditioner is also considered as one of the largest potential contributors to energy reduction among home appliances because of the huge energy consumption. Therefore, the national energy efficiency standards were issued to promote the use and production of high-efficient RACs. According to China's energy efficiency standards, this paper investigated the electricity savings and CO 2 emission reductions from RACs over the period of 2005–2025. The results indicate that the rural RAC market which develops more slowly than the urban one still has great potential, and government has to revise subsidy policies to make the standards more effective, especially for rural areas. In 2025, the total electricity consumption of RACs is projected to be 598–674 TW h, while the amount without energy efficiency standards is 753 TW h. From 2005 to 2025, the energy efficiency standards for RACs can save 1430–2540 TW h electricity and reduce 908.3–1610. 1 Mt CO 2 emissions in different scenarios. Finally, we suggest that the standards should be revised every 4 or 5 years with higher revision pace of 8% to 10% [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is the main international carbon trading market, in which European Union CO2 allowances (EUAs) are traded with increasing intensity. In order to help the market participants mitigate the market price risk, one possible way is to analyze the time range of market efficiency and the price discovery mechanism of EUA futures market and spot market. For this purpose, the paper provides the unit root test and the cointegration test for the EUA futures market during 2009–2011. Our result shows that the EUA futures market is efficient within 1month. Furthermore, it illustrates that the impact of the price will continue for 3months, examined by a vector error correction model (VECM). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to review 5 years of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) procedures in which low-pressure bands were used. Methods: All LAGB cases at the authors'' center were retrospectively analyzed. A survey of these patients was conducted in 2008 and 2009. Results: Of 90 LAGB patients, 86 were surveyed. Follow-up averaged 17.5 months. Weight loss averaged 24.8 ± 19.4 kg. Weight loss averaged 2.7 kg/mo and did not significantly drop over the last 10.7 months (2.7 vs 1.5 kg/mo, P = .16). Excess body weight loss was 27.5%, 39.1%, and 67.2% in the first, second, and following years, respectively. Patients averaged 4.14 adjustments of their bands and vomited 2.13 times per week. The mortality rate was 0%. No band slippages or band erosion occurred. Resolution or improvement occurred in most obesity-related illness. Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms worsened in 25% of patients. Conclusions: These results replicate world LAGB literature. Low complication rates result either from the authors'' band or their techniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel method for determining an approximate solution to an integral equation with fixed singularity is presented. This integral equation is encountered in solving a cruciform crack. On the basis of Taylor’s series for the unknown function, the integral equation can be transformed to a system of linear equations for the unknown and its derivatives when neglecting a sufficiently small quantity. Moreover, the th-order approximation obtained is exact for a solution of a polynomial of degree less than or equal to . The proposed method is simple, fast, and can be performed by symbolic computation using any personal computer. A test example is given to indicate the efficiency of the method. This method is also applicable to a variety of integral equations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a new and efficient approach for determining the solution of Riccati differential equation. The Riccati equation is first converted to a second-order linear ordinary differential equation, and then to a Volterra integral equation. By solving the resulting Volterra equation by means of Taylor’s expansion, the approximate solution of Riccati differential equation is obtained, which can be achieved by symbolic computation. The accuracy of approximate solution can be further improved with the increase of the order of approximations. An error analysis is given. Test examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the method. A comparison between the present results with previous results is made, inferring that the suggested method is not only enough accurate but also quite stable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The widespread and repeated use of broad-spectrum bactericides has led to an increase in resistance. Developing novel broad-spectrum bactericides cannot solve the resistance problem, and may even aggravate it. The design of specific and selective bactericides has become urgent. A specific bactericidal design strategy was proposed by introducing exogenous metabolites in this study. This strategy was used to optimize two known antibacterial agents, luteolin (M) and Isoprothiolane (D), against Xoo. Based on the prodrug principles, target compound MB and DB were synthesized by combing M or D with exogenous metabolites, respectively. Bactericidal activity test results demonstrated that while the antibacterial ability of target compounds was significantly improved, their selectivity was also well enhanced by the introducing of exogenous metabolites. Comparing with the original compound, the antibacterial activity of target compound was significantly increased 92.0% and 74.5%, respectively. The optimized target compounds were more easily absorbed, and the drug application concentrations were much lower than those of the original agents, which would greatly reduce environmental pollution and relieve resistance risk. Our proposed strategy is of great significance for exploring the specific and selective bactericides against other pathogens. [Display omitted] • A specific bactericide design strategy was proposed based on exogenous metabolites. • Two high-efficiency and specific bactericides against Xoo were synthesized. • Antibacterial activity increased 92.0% by introducing exogenous metabolites. • While the antibacterial activity improved, the selectivity was also well enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The share of ground source heat pump needs to be raised 3% annually for 1.5 ℃ goal. • Demands for geothermal and solar need to increase by 138% and 72% in 2 ℃ scenario. • The cost reduction of key technologies can reduce total investment costs by 37%. • Achieving 1.5 ℃ target can obtain 137 trillion CNY net incomes until 2050. To achieve the long-term climate targets of limiting global warming to well below 2 ℃ and 1.5 ℃ relative to pre-industry levels, China's building sector must be deeply decarbonized considering its potential of substantial emissions increase. However, how to deploy the energy technologies and how much we need to pay for China's building sector for achieving the global warming targets remain unknown. Here, we develop a bottom-up national energy technology model for building sector (NET-Building) to explore the optimal energy technology pathways, energy demands as well as costs and benefits for decarbonizing China's building sector under 2 ℃ and 1.5 ℃ targets. The results show that to meet the 2 ℃ target, most of fossil fuel-fired end-use devices and all traditional biomass-fired end-use devices need to be significantly reduced for the whole building sector. To pursue a more aggressive 1.5 ℃ climate goal, both proportions of the ground source heat pump and solar thermal water heater need to be drastically boosted and reach 100% in commercial sector by 2050. The decarbonization of China's building sector under 2 ℃ and 1.5 ℃ targets can obtain 44 and 137 trillion CNY net incomes until 2050, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• NKA showed the highest adsorption and desorption capacities toward ATB. • The ATB content increased by 4.51-fold from 12.72 ± 1.21% to 57.35 ± 3.46%. • NKA exhibited excellent reusability of eight cycles. • The developed method was a simple, efficient, and economical process. Alteramide B (ATB) is an antifungal metabolite produced by Lysobacter enzymogenes. However, its separation method has not been explored. This study attempted to directly adsorb ATB from fermentation broth using macroporous adsorption resins (MARs) NKA resin exhibited better adsorption as well as desorption capacities. The static and dynamic adsorption characteristics were assessed to determine the following optimal separation conditions: initial fermentation broth with a pH of 12.0, 2 BV/h flow rate, 8 BV loading volume, and 6 BV 80% aqueous ethanol for elution. After a single treatment, ATB content in the final product was higher by 4.51-fold (i.e, from 12.72 ± 1.21% to 57.35 ± 3.46%), resulting in a recovery yield of 86.20 ± 4.47%. In addition, NKA resin showed superior reusability within eight cycles of adsorption/desorption. The developed method is thus a simple, efficient, and economical process for ATB separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's carbon emission trading system (ETS) was officially launched at the end of 2017 to further promote carbon emissions mitigation. In the ETS, the carbon price is the key factor determining whether the emission reduction target can be achieved. The optimal carbon price is the smallest marginal abatement cost that can achieve the emission reduction target. This study simulates the marginal abatement cost curves of different sectors in China's ETS and calculate the optimal carbon price of sector coverage scenarios based on the criteria that involve eight sectors in turn. The results show that the marginal abatement cost decreases with increasing sector involvement. The optimal carbon price to achieve the two intensity targets at the same time is between 345 yuan/ton and 1140 yuan/ton. From the sectoral perspective, the power sector undertakes the largest emission reduction, while the transportation sector is responsible for smaller emission reduction. China's ETS will cause GDP losses from 1.63% to 2.27% compared with the BAU scenario, but it can achieve CO 2 reduction from 9.56% to 10.13%. • Simulate the sectoral marginal abatement cost curves in China. • The optima carbon price to achieve the two intensity goals is at least 345 yuan/ton. • MAC will decrease with increasing sector involvement in the ETS. • The power sector will undertake the largest emission reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The real options approach is used to assess CCS-EWR investment decisions. • The critical CER price for CCS-EWR is 7.15 CNY/ton higher than that for CCS. • EWR with exemption from water resource fees has a potential investment economy. • The investment feasibility is not optimistic. Carbon dioxide capture and storage combined with enhanced deep saline water recovery (CCS-EWR) is a potential approach to mitigate climate change. However, its investment has been a dilemma due to high costs and various uncertainties. In this study, a trinomial tree modelling-based real options approach is constructed to assess the investment in CCS-EWR retrofitting for direct coal liquefaction in China from the investor perspective. In this approach, the uncertainties in CO 2 prices, capital subsidies, water resource fees, the residual lifetime of direct coal liquefaction plants, electricity prices, CO 2 and freshwater transport distance, and the amount of certified emission reductions (CERs) are considered. The results show that the critical CER price for CCS-EWR retrofits is 7.15 Chinese yuan per ton (CNY/ton) higher than that (141.95 CNY/ton) for CCS retrofits. However, the exemption from water resource fees for freshwater recovered from saline water and a subsidy of 26% of the capital cost are sufficient to eliminate the negative impact of enhanced deep saline water recovery (EWR) on the investment economy of CCS-EWR. In addition, when the residual lifetime is less than 14 years, CCS-EWR projects are still unable to achieve profitability, even with flexible management and decision making; therefore, investors should abandon CCS-EWR investments. On the whole, the investment feasibility for CCS-EWR technology is not optimistic despite access to preferential policies from the government. It is necessary to establish a carbon market with a high and stable CER price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible and recyclable zinc-based batteries have been hot research topics due to their high discharge platform, safety, and low cost. However, most research on zinc-based batteries put their attention on metal oxides as the cathode, such as manganese dioxide (MnO 2), cobaltosic oxide (Co 3 O 4), nickel oxide (NiO), etc. Very few studies use metal sulfides as electrode materials and focus on its mechanism based on theoretical analysis. Hence, in this work, we firstly used cobaltosic sulfide (Co 3 S 4) nanosheets grown on Ni foam (CSNSs/NF) as an electrode material for zinc-based batteries. Both first-principles calculations and experimental results reveal that S plays a crucial role in the capacitive activity and electrical conductivity enhancement for Co-based materials. The Zn//CSNSs/NF battery provides a high specific capacity of 317 mA h g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1. Furthermore, it also displays an impressive energy density of 507 Wh kg−1 and a long cycling performance. Impressively, the Zn//CSNSs/NF battery has high flexibility and can work well under different deformations. This work not only provides a new member of cathode materials in zinc-based batteries, but also opens new opportunities for powering portable and wearable electronics. The Zn//CSNSs/NF battery displays an impressive energy density of 507 Wh kg-1 and a long cycling performance (no decay after 5000 cycles). Impressively, the Zn//CSNSs/NF battery has high flexibility and can still work while under different deformations. This work not only provides a new member as cathode material in zinc-based batteries, but also opens new opportunities for powering portable and wearable electronics. Image 1 • The Zn//CSNSs/NF battery provides a high specific capacity of 317 mA h g−1 at current density of 1 A g−1. • The device displays an impressive energy density of 507 Wh kg−1 and a maximum power density of 19.2 kW kg−1. • Impressively, the Zn//CSNSs/NF battery has high flexibility and can still work while under different deformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• New amphiphilic block copolymers were synthesized and characterized. • Surfactant-free emulsion polymerization was used to synthesize block copolymers. • Conductive polymer aqueous dispersions obtained with block copolymers as templates. • Conductivity of the film was enhanced as block copolymers were used as templates. The amphiphilic block copolymers of poly(sodium styrene sulfonate)- b -poly(butyl acrylate) (PSS- b -PBA) with different block molar ratios were synthesized via RAFT surfactant-free emulsion polymerization. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) aqueous dispersions (PEDOT:PSS- b -PBA) were prepared with PSS- b -PBA block copolymers as the templates. The composition and performance of PSS- b -PBA and PEDOT:PSS- b -PBA were investigated. Results showed that the amphiphilic PSS- b -PBA block copolymers were successfully synthesized via RAFT surfactant-free emulsion polymerization in a controlled way and the composition of the block copolymers were confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrum and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). PSS- b -PBA block copolymers formed micelles in aqueous matrix and the critical micelle concentrations (cmc) were found to be around 10−6 g mL−1, which were determined by fluorescence spectrometry method. The stable PEDOT aqueous dispersions were fabricated using the amphiphilic PSS- b -PBA block copolymers as the templates. The block molar ratio of the block copolymers had little effects on the polymerization kinetics of EDOT. But the conductivity of the PEDOT film was greatly enhanced when the block copolymers were used as the templates, which was supposed to be caused by the core-shell structure of the block copolymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A National Energy Technology model for transport sector is established. • China's intercity passenger transport demand and structure is projected up to 2050. • The impacts of low carbon policy on each intercity mode of transport is evaluated. • Intercity passenger transport could peak its CO 2 emissions at 448.7 MtCO 2 in 2030. • A sustainable development path for intercity passenger transport is proposed. The transportation sector is responsible for a major share of energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide. There is already great concern about the fast-growing energy demand and carbon emissions from China's transportation sector. This study focuses on intercity passenger transport and aims to simulate its future energy demand and carbon emissions pathway by optimizing its technology portfolio based on a developed C3IAM/NET-Transport model. The energy-saving and carbon emission-reduction potential of countermeasures, such as optimizing the transportation structure, improving energy efficiency and promoting alternative fuels were investigated thoroughly and a sustainable development pathway for vehicle technologies and fuels in China's intercity passenger transport was identified. The model results show that by taking joint countermeasures, intercity passenger transport could save 2515.5 Mtce energy consumption and lead to a cumulative reduction of 8447.4 MtCO 2 between 2015 and 2050. China's intercity passenger transport would peak at the total CO 2 emissions of 448.7 MtCO 2 in 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Soybean dregs were first processed by a γ-PGA producing bacteria through SSF. • A maximum γ-PGA production of 65.79 g/kg was detected in single batch SSF. • After SSF, trypsin inhibitor, phytic acid, and tannin were reduced significantly. • Fermented soybean dregs significantly increased the average weight gain of rats. Soybean dregs are restricted as feed additives because they contain anti-nutrient factors. Herein, soybean dreg was bio-transformed by solid-state fermentation (SSF) using a poly γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) producing stain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NX-2S. The maximum γ-PGA production of 65.79 g/kg was reached in a 5 L fermentation system while the conditions are 70% initial moisture of soybean dregs with addition of molasses meal, 12% inoculum size, 30 °C fermentation temperature, initial pH of 8, and 60 h fermentation time. Meanwhile, continuous batch fermentation was proved feasible. After SSF, the anti-nutritional factors such as trypsin inhibitor, phytic acid and tannin were reduced by 98.7%, 97.8%, and 63.2%, respectively. Compared with unfermented soybean dregs, adding fermented soybean dregs to feed increased the average weight gain of rats by 15.6% and reduced the ratio of feed to meat by 11.3%. Therefore, this study provided a feasible strategy for processing soybean dregs as feed additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We explored the clinical effect of one-stage posterior debridement and bone grafting with internal fixation for the treatment of monosegmental thoracolumbar tuberculosis (TB). Methods The data from 90 patients with thoracolumbar TB, who had undergone one-stage posterior debridement and bone grafting with internal fixation, were retrospectively reviewed. Data on the operative time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, improvement of neurological function, visual analog scale score, vertebral Cobb angle, bone healing, and complications were collected. Results A total of 88 patients were finally included in the present retrospective study, included 42 men and 46 women. The mean patient age was 45.4 ± 12.3 years (range, 27–70), and the mean duration of disease until treatment was 11 ± 4.5 months (range, 3–19). The mean operative time was 167.0 minutes (range, 130–210), and the mean blood loss was 767.4 mL (range, 500–1150). At the final follow-up examination, the correction in the Cobb angle was 19°, the visual analog scale score had decreased to 3 ± 1.72, the neurologic deficits using the Frankel grade had improved, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein level had returned to normal levels. Conclusion One-stage posterior debridement and bone grafting with internal fixation might be a better choice for treating patients with monosegment thoracolumbar TB. Highlights • The first study of one-stage posterior debridement and bone grafting with internal fixation for monosegmental thoracolumbar TB. • The data from 88 patients with thoracolumbar TB were retrospectively analyzed. • Significant differences were found between preoperative and final postoperative values. • The parameters measured included Cobb angle, neurologic deficits, ESR and CRP levels, VAS score. • One-stage posterior debridement, bone grafting, and internal fixation might be better for monosegment thoracolumbar TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On November 28, 2013, Beijing’s carbon emissions trading opened on Beijing’s Environmental Exchange. As one of the pilot cities, Beijing has been pursuing low-carbon development strategies under state intervention and market regulation. This paper chooses the carbon market, a medium through which Beijing manages emission reduction, as the object of study. Firstly, we compare the basic construction circumstances of Beijing with other pilot cities. Then we qualitatively analyze the development of Beijing’s carbon market from the perspective of transaction status, execution of the contract, and improvement of the policies and regulations. Finally, we use the TOPSIS model to develop a comprehensive evaluation system of Beijing’s carbon market. It is used to quantitatively evaluate the operational performance and maturity of the mechanism. The results show that: Beijing’s carbon market has good comprehensive capabilities, ranking second place among seven pilot markets; but the maturity of Beijing’s carbon market is relatively poor for insufficient market liquidity; its operations are well managed, but economic efficiency still need to be improved; the depth of transaction and the effect of reduction in emissions make it meaningful. Therefore, in order to improve the construction of Beijing’s carbon market, measures should be taken as follows:(1) strengthening the quota management, and increasing carbon trading activity to avoid poor market liquidity; (2) accelerating emission reduction actions and encouraging technology innovation, such as: carrying out several policies and measures supporting new energy and energy saving & emission reduction, and increasing investment and subsidy in research and development for the technology innovation of firms etc.; (3) improving regulatory mechanism and enhancing the disclosure of carbon trading, such as: drawing lessons from the EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) about measuring, reporting and verification system (MRV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution of non-metallic sector to global CO 2 emissions is increasing. However, there are very few studies on non-metallic sector CO 2 emissions from international comparative perspective. This paper proposes an integrated model employing LMDI (Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index) decomposition technique and TOPSIS (the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method to contribute to the existing literature by filling the gap that the drivers of aggregate and national level non-metallic sector CO2 emissions and its impacts on CO2 emissions reduction have not been estimated by relevant models. First, we analyze drivers of non-metallic sector CO 2 emissions in BRIC countries and G7 countries using LMDI decomposition method. Second, we evaluate the low-carbon development of non-metallic sector in the 11 major economies from a comprehensive viewpoint of main drivers using TOPSIS assessment model. Finally, based on the results of the model, this paper presents some implications for the non-metallic sector CO2 emissions reduction and low-carbon development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on databases of Science Citation Index Expanded (1981-present) and Social Sciences Citation Index (2002-present), this paper applies the bibliometric method to analyze the scientific publications of low-carbon energy technology investment. By characterizing the basic information of the publications, we found: the historical development process is clearly divided into two stages; the field of low-carbon energy technology investment has entered a stage of rapid development; the strength of developed countries is far greater than that of developing countries; the comprehensive strength of the United States ranks the first in the field, followed by UK and Denmark and only China and Turkey are developing countries among the top 15 countries; the auctorial collaboration degree in this field shows a clear upward trend, but institutional and national collaboration degrees are steady and relatively low. In addition, distributions of geography, journals and subjects, productive authors and institutions, frequently cited articles, etc. are obtained: articles in this area are mainly distributed in the USA, several countries in Europe and China; the most productive journal, author and institution are Energy Policy, Lund H from Denmark and National Technical University of Athens in Greece; Energy Fuel is the most popular subject among all the outcomes; the most frequently cited article is written by Demirbas published in Energy Policy in 2007. According to the frequency analysis of keywords, it reveals that: “renewable energy” is a kind of keyword used most frequently; “carbon capture and storage technology” is an emerging keyword which is increasingly concerned about; scholars pay widespread attention to electricity issues, especially the feed-in tariff; the policy mainly includes energy policy and climate policy; the real option theory is the most widely used theory; the existing uncertainty is summarized as the cost uncertainty and policy uncertainty. In the end, several suggestions for the future research are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there is no clear and unified understanding about the status quo of China's energy consumption in the building sector. In addition, a considerable underestimation of energy associated with buildings has impeded the effective implementation of measures to improve building energy efficiency of China. Thus, in this paper, we seek to identify the building sector's energy consumption of China by establishing an estimation model of building energy consumption from a life cycle perspective. On the basis of macro-level statistical data and relevant literature, we analyze the activities in each phase and calculate associated energy consumptions throughout buildings’ whole life cycle in China from 2001 to 2013. The results show that China's energy consumption associated with buildings has reached 1.66 billion tons coal equivalent in 2013, with a stable growth rate of 7% annually since 2001. Buildings’ life-cycle energy has approximately accounted for 43% of China's total energy consumption for recent three years (2011–2013). What's more, energy consumption in buildings’ operation phase has been salient, accounting for over 20% of China's total energy consumption. More focus should be drawn on energy efficiency in building material production phase and energy consumed in China's rural residential buildings as both have been significantly neglected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]