Upgradation of Heavy Crude Oil Via Hydrodynamic Cavitation Through Variations in Asphaltenes

In this work,Saudi heavy crude oil(SHCO)was upgraded by the hydrodynamic cavitation technique.The collapse of cavitation bubbles instantly produces extreme conditions such as high temperature,pressure,and jet flow and strong shear forces,which can play a significant role in the upgradation process.The results revealed that the viscosity and Conradson carbon residue of SHCO decreased from 13.61 to 7.22 mm^(2)/s and from 7.16%to 6.48%,respectively.True boiling point distillation findings showed that the vacuum residue(VR)decreased by 1%.Atmospheric-pressure photoionization Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry,X-ray diffraction,dynamic light scattering,Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy,and scanning electron microscopy were employed to characterize the molecular composition,crystalline structure,asphaltene aggregate particle size distribution,functional groups,and morphology,respectively,to understand the effects of hydrodynamic cavitation on asphaltenes.The obtained results demonstrate that hydrodynamic cavitation upgradation reduced the interaction forces between the asphaltene molecules,weakening the crystalline structure of the asphaltene aggregates,reducing the degree of association of the aromatic compounds in SHCO and asphaltenes,and decreasing the average particle size.The delayed coking properties of the VR were further investigated,and the cavitation treatment was found to decrease the coke yield by 1.85%and increase the liquid and gas yields by 1.52%and 0.33%,respectively.Hence,hydrodynamic cavitation can effectively enhance the processing performance of crude oil by improving the properties and structural characteristics of asphaltenes.

Upgradation of bauxite by molecular hydrogen and hydrogen plasma

An approach was developed to upgrade the bauxite ore by molecular hydrogen and hydrogen plasma. A gibbsite-type bauxite sample was obtained from National Aluminium Company（NALCO）, Odisha, India. The obtained sample was crushed and sieved（to 100 μm） prior to the chemical analysis and grain-size distribution study. The bauxite sample was calcined in the temperature range from 500 to 700°C for different time intervals to optimize the conditions for maximum moisture removal. This process was followed by the reduction of the calcined ore by molecular hydrogen and hydrogen plasma. Extraction of alumina from the reduced ore was carried out via acid leaching in chloride media for 2 h at 60°C. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry in conjunction with differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to determine the physicochemical characteristics of the material before and after extraction. Alumina extracted from the reduced ore at the optimum calcination temperature of 700°C and the optimum calcination time of 4 h is found to be 90% pure.

Hydrothermal hydrogenation/deoxygenation of palmitic acid to alkanes over Ni/activated carbon catalyst

To produce paraffin from hydrogenation/deoxygenation of palmitic acid,model compound of bio-oil obtained by hydrothermal liquefaction(HTL)of microalgae has been an attractive focus in recent years.In order to avoid energy-intensive separation process of water and bio-oil,it is of importance that deoxygenation upgrading of fatty acids under hydrothermal conditions similar to HTL process.Herein,it is the first time to explore the application of activated carbon(AC)-supported non-noble-metal catalysts,such as Ni,Co,and Mo,and so on,in the hydrothermal hydrogenation/deoxygenation of long-chain fatty acids,and the obtained Ni/AC-H(the Ni/AC was further H_(2)pre-reduced)is one of the best catalysts.In addition,it is found that the catalytic activity can be further improved by H_(2)pre-reduction of catalyst.Characterization results that are more low valences of nickel and oxygen vacancy can be obtained after H_(2)pre-reduction,thus significant promoting the deoxygenation especially the decarbonylation pathway of fatty acids.The total alkanes yield can reaches 95.9%at optimal conditions(280℃,360 min).This work confirmed that the low-priced AC-supported non-noble-metal catalysts have great potential compared with the noble-metal catalyst,in hydrothermal upgrading of bio-oil.

Residual fluoride self-activated effect enabling upgraded utilization of recycled graphite anode

Recycling graphite anode from spent lithium-ion batteries(SLIBs)is regarded as a crucial approach to promoting sustainable energy storage industry.However,the recycled graphite(RG)generally presents degraded structure and performance.Herein,the residual fluoride self-activated effect is proposed for the upgraded utilization of RG.Simple and low-energy water immersion treatment not only widens the interlayer spacing,but also retains appropriate fluoride on the surface of RG.Theoretical analysis and experiments demonstrate that the residual fluoride can optimize Li~+migration and deposition kinetics,resulting in better Li~+intercalation/deintercalation in the interlayer and more stable Li metal plating/stripping on the surface of RG,As a result,the designed LFP||RG full cells achieve ultrahigh reversibility(~100%Coulombic efficiency),high capacity retention(67%after 200 cycles,0.85 N/P ratio),and commendable adaptability(stable cycling without short-circuiting,0.15 N/P ratio).The energy density is improved from 334 Wh kg^(-1)of 1.1 N/P ratio to 367 Wh kg^(-1)of 0.85 N/P ratio(total mass based on cathode and anode).The exploration of RG by residual fluoride self-activated effect achieves upgraded utilization beyond fresh commercial graphite and highlights a new strategy for efficient reuse of SLIBs.

Can Industrial Structure Upgrading Restrain Industrial Land Expansion?Evidence from China

China has made great achievements in industrial development and is transforming into a powerful manufacturing country.Meanwhile,the industrial land scale is also expanding.However,whether industrial structure upgrading achieves the purpose of restraining industrial land expansion remains unanswered.By calculating the industrial land structure index(ILSI)and industrial land expansion scale(ILES),this study analyzed their temporal and spatial distribution characteristics at both regional and city levels from 2007to 2020 in China.Results show that industrial land expansion presents a different trend in the four regions,the ILES in the eastern region is the largest,and the speed of industrial land expansion has declined since 2013,but it has gradually increased since 2016.The ILSI of the eastern and central regions is higher than that of the western and northeastern regions.Furthermore,a spatial Durbin model(SDM)has been established to estimate the spatial effect of industrial structure upgrading on industrial land expansion from 2007 to2020.Notably,industrial structure upgrading has not slowed industrial land expansion.The eastern and western regions require a greater amount of industrial land while upgrading the industrial structure.The improvement of the infrastructure level and international trade level has promoted industrial land expansion.

Strategic Contracting for Software Upgrade Outsourcing in Industry 4.0

The advent of Industry 4.0 has compelled businesses to adopt digital approaches that combine software toenhance production efficiency. In this rapidly evolving market, software development is an ongoing process thatmust be tailored to meet the dynamic needs of enterprises. However, internal research and development can beprohibitively expensive, driving many enterprises to outsource software development and upgrades to externalservice providers. This paper presents a software upgrade outsourcing model for enterprises and service providersthat accounts for the impact of market fluctuations on software adaptability. To mitigate the risk of adverseselection due to asymmetric information about the service provider’s cost and asymmetric information aboutthe enterprise’s revenues, we propose pay-per-time and revenue-sharing contracts in two distinct informationasymmetry scenarios. These two contracts specify the time and transfer payments for software upgrades. Througha comparative analysis of the optimal solutions under the two contracts and centralized decision-making withfull-information, we examine the characteristics of the solutions under two information asymmetry scenarios andanalyze the incentive effects of the two contracts on the various stakeholders. Overall, our study offers valuableinsights for firms seeking to optimize their outsourcing strategies and maximize their returns on investment insoftware upgrades.

Effect of Property Tax on Optimization and Upgrading of Industrial Structure

China's economic growth and economic development has entered a new stage,and the optimization and upgrading of industrial structure is the core driving force for China to achieve high-quality economic development during the"14 th Five-Year Plan"period.Property tax has a conductive effect on the upgrading of industrial structure.Therefore,from the perspective of property tax and industrial structure adjustment and the relationship between them,this study summarizes the relevant research of domestic and foreign scholars.On the basis of the research,the paper puts forward some relevant policy suggestions on improving China's property tax and promoting the optimization and upgrading of China's industrial structure.

Exploring the Element Integration of Urban and Rural“Space of Flows”in the Context of Consumption Upgrading:A Case Study of Changsi Village in Anhui Province

The mobility and interaction between urban and rural areas are becoming more and more intensive,and their links and exchanges are increasingly closer due to constant flow of factors such as information,capital,personnel and technology.In this context,the element integration of urban and rural“space of flows”can promote the integrated development of urban and rural areas,improve the consumption environment and experience,and promote the industrial upgrading and technological progress.To realize the element integration of urban and rural“space of flows”,it is necessary to explore and innovate in infrastructure construction,information technology application,industrial cooperation and cultural exchanges.Government departments,enterprises and social organizations also need to work together to give play to their respective advantages and jointly promote the process of element integration of urban and rural“space of flows”.

Adjustment of Administrative Divisions and Upgrading of Industrial Structure in Hefei Metropolitan Area:Taking"Partitions of Chaohu"as a Quasi-natural Experiment

Administrative regions are an important environment for the operation of China's market economy.The relevant economic subjects cannot predict the policy of adjustment of administrative divisions and carry out conscious migration behavior,adjustment of administrative divisions can be regarded as a quasi-natural experiment.The three cities of Hefei,Wuhu,and Ma'anshan,which are directly related to the adjustment of the administrative division of Chaohu,are taken as the treatment group,and the seven adjacent cities of Lu'an,Huainan,Chuzhou,Bengbu,Anqing,Chizhou,and Tongling are taken as the control group.Differences-in-Differences method and relevant control variables affecting the upgrading of industrial structure are used to test.The test results show that"Partitions of Chaohu"has a significant industrial structure upgrading effect by promoting the optimization of spatial layout,the cross-regional flow of production factors and the effective management of Chaohu Lake Basin.At the same time,the increase of total retail sales of consumer goods,urban fixed assets investment,public utility expenses in science,education,culture and health,and population plays a significant positive role in promoting the upgrading of industrial structure,while foreign direct investment plays a certain inhibition role in the upgrading of industrial structure.In order to meet the ever-developing space demands and enhance the impact on surrounding areas,the Hefei metropolitan area should be driven by technological innovation,strengthen the integration of industrial chains,improve the business environment and transportation network,and continuously promote the upgrading of industrial structure and the formation and development of new productive forces.

Small City,Hi-Tech Growth

A formerly resource-intensive city is pursuing high-quality development by upgrading its manufacturing sector.THE city of Zaozhuang in east China’s Shandong Province,with its abundant mineral resources especially coal reserves,once made significant contribution to the national economic growth and social development.

Parks for All Seasons

Industrial parks are important drivers of national and regional economic development and shoulder important responsibilities in terms of industrial transformation and upgrading.They are particularly effective at cultivating emerging industries and fostering the elements of innovation.In recent years,the Lancang-Mekong region has developed multiple types of industrial parks,which have gradually evolved into park clusters capable of enhancing social and economic development in the region.

ON CHINESE MEDIA

Since 2012,China has made historic achievements in pursuing high-quality economic development.It has accelerated industrial transformation and upgrading by advancing the integrated development of industrialization and informatization,and of manufacturing and service industries,so as to gather strength through new drivers.It has adhered to the innovation-driven development in strategic emerging industries,while also cultivating future industries,and expanding new fields and tracks for further development.

Research and Experience Reference on China’s Implementation of Low Carbon Strategy

Economic development has brought about global greenhouse gas emissions, which in turn has brought about global climate change. This research paper aims to compare the strengths and weaknesses that China has demonstrated in the implementation of its low-carbon city strategy and to summarise the valuable experience that China can provide to the world in the implementation of its low-carbon city strategy. This essay analyses in depth the advantages that China has shown in the areas of renewable energy use and government mechanisms, as well as the shortcomings that it has shown in the areas of eco-efficiency industrial structure and capacity upgrading. Then, the paper summarises the successful experiences of the Chinese government in the establishment of renewable energy use and governmental mechanisms, such as the local government’s ability to coordinate multiple sectors (industrial sector, energy sector, etc.) and the implementation of responsibilities. In comparison, the paper also further discusses that China’s implementation of a low-carbon strategy in the future may have more eco-efficiency, industrial structure and capacity upgrading.

Investigating the Influence of Digital Economy Growth on Industrial Structural Optimization and Upgrading

With the rapid development of the social economy,science and technology continue to upgrade and optimize,ushering in the digital era,which provides technical support for industrial innovation and development across all sectors.At this stage,vigorously developing the digital economy has gradually become the only means to optimize and upgrade the industrial structure.Therefore,local leaders and relevant departments need to enhance the importance of constructing the digital economy,enabling the local industrial structure to be optimized and upgraded under the impetus of the digital economy,ultimately promoting overall economic high-quality development.To this end,this paper,combined with existing research results,first elaborates on the positive impact of the digital economy on the optimization and upgrading of the industrial structure.It then analyzes the challenges hindering the process of industrial structure optimization and upgrading and proposes practical pathways to address them,benefiting relevant stakeholders.

Analysis of Roadbed Pavement Designs for Highway Reconstruction and Upgrading

This paper focuses on the route and roadbed pavement design in highway reconstruction and upgrading projects.It discusses the importance of project design for highway reconstruction and upgrading,highlighting key aspects of route design and roadbed pavement design.The analysis reveals that the main design considerations in these projects include controlling factors of route reconstruction,expansion,and upgrading,as well as route plan design and longitudinal section design combined with roadbed pavement.In roadbed pavement design,it is crucial for designers to thoroughly collect existing data and make reasonable use of the current roadbed and pavement to develop a comprehensive design scheme.This analysis aims to provide a reference for the reasonable design of such projects.

Diagnostic accuracy of cystoscopic biopsy for tumour grade in outpatients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder and the risk factors of upgrading

Objective:To assess the concordance of tumour grade in specimens obtained from diagnostic cystoscopic biopsy and transurethral resection of bladder tumour(TURBT)and explore the risk factors of upgrading.Methods:The medical records of 205 outpatients who underwent diagnostic cystoscopic biopsy before initial TURBT were retrospectively reviewed.Comparative analysis of the tumour grade of biopsy and operation specimens was performed.Tumour grade changing from low-grade to high-grade with or without variant histology was defined as upgrading.Logistic regression an-alyses were performed to identify the risk factors of upgrading.Results:For the 205 patients,the concordance of tumour grade between specimens obtained from biopsy and operation was 0.639.The concordance for patients who were preoperatively diagnosed with low-grade and high-grade was 0.504 and 0.912,respectively.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that older age,tumour multifocality,high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR),and low lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio(LMR)were significantly associated with upgrading(odds ratio ranging from 0.412 to 4.364).The area under the curve of the different multivariate models was improved from 0.752 to 0.821,and decision curve analysis demonstrated a high net benefit when NLR,LMR,and PLR were added.Conclusion:Diagnostic cystoscopic biopsy may not accurately represent the true grade of primary bladder cancer,especially for outpatients with low-grade bladder cancer.Moreover,older age,tumour multifocality,high NLR,PLR,and low LMR are risk factors of upgrading,and systemic inflammatory markers improve the predictive ability.

Ultra-deep Removal of Metal Ions from Coal Tar by Complexation:Experimental Studies and Density Functional Theory Simulations

As one of the important aspects of upgrading coal tar,the ultra-deep removal of metal ions via the complexation method was investigated by screening four complexing agents and performing density functional theory(DFT)simulations.Analysis of the compositions and contents of the metallic compounds in the coal tar revealed that the main components were iron and calcium naphthenates.Direct filtration reduced the mechanical impurity content from 0.24%to 0.0752%,indicating that most of the large particles could be easily removed.Among the four complexing agents,namely,acetic acid,oxalic acid,citric acid,and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid,oxalic acid exhibited the best demetallization performance.The DFT simulations suggested that the high performance of oxalic acid originated from its 1:1 coordination mode,rigid dicarboxyl structure,and greater binding energy.

Economic feasibility and efficiency enhancement approaches for in situ upgrading of low-maturity organic-rich shale from an energy consumption ratio perspective

The technical feasibility of in situ upgrading technology to develop the enormous oil and gas resource potential in low-maturity shale is widely acknowledged.However,because of the large quantities of energy required to heat shale,its economic feasibility is still a matter of debate and has yet to be convincingly demonstrated quantitatively.Based on the energy conservation law,the energy acquisition of oil and gas generation and the energy consumption of organic matter cracking,shale heat-absorption,and surrounding rock heat dissipation during in situ heating were evaluated in this study.The energy consumption ratios for different conditions were determined,and the factors that influence them were analyzed.The results show that the energy consumption ratio increases rapidly with increasing total organic carbon(TOC)content.For oil-prone shales,the TOC content corresponding to an energy consumption ratio of 3 is approximately 4.2%.This indicates that shale with a high TOC content can be expected to reduce the project cost through large-scale operation,making the energy consumption ratio after consideration of the project cost greater than 1.In situ heating and upgrading technology can achieve economic benefits.The main methods for improving the economic feasibility by analyzing factors that influence the energy consumption ratio include the following:(1)exploring technologies that efficiently heat shale but reduce the heat dissipation of surrounding rocks,(2)exploring technologies for efficient transformation of organic matter into oil and gas,i.e.,exploring technologies with catalytic effects,or the capability to reduce in situ heating time,and(3)establishing a horizontal well deployment technology that comprehensively considers the energy consumption ratio,time cost,and engineering cost.

Opportunities and Challenges of Digital Development in Circulation under the Background of Rural Revitalization

The rural revitalization strategy aims to prioritize the development of agriculture and rural areas and promote the modernization of agriculture and rural areas.With the continuous advancement of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and breakthroughs in technologies such as artificial intelligence,big data,and blockchain,the traditional circulation industry is undergoing intelligent and digital transformation and upgrade.The digital development of agricultural product circulation will be a significant boost for the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy in the future.However,taking full advantage of the productive capacity of digitalized agricultural product circulation is currently accompanied by both opportunities and challenges.This article first analyzes the current status of digital development in circulation in China,provides a detailed analysis of the advantages and opportunities of digital circulation in the context of rural revitalization,and examines the shortcomings and challenges that may be faced behind these opportunities.Finally,the article proposes relevant policy recommendations to address the existing issues and promote the development of digitalized rural circulation.

Can Digital Village Construction Help Upgrade Rural Household Consumption?An Empirical Examination Based on China’s Rural Household Survey Data

Digital village construction opens a new vista for fulfilling consumption capabilities and optimizing consumption patterns in rural areas.For this research,we used the microdata on rural households from the 2019 China Household Finance Survey(CHFS)to conduct an empirical examination of the impact of digital village construction on the upgrading of rural household consumption and its possible influence mechanisms in the endogenous switching regression(ESR)model.Our research findings can be summarized in three points.First,digital village construction has significantly contributed positive contributions to the improvements and upgrading of rural household consumption.Second,digital village construction can help upgrade rural household consumption by increasing their participation in online shopping and expanding online shopping channels.Third,digital village construction means different things to rural households at different levels of risk exposure,with its facilitation to consumption upgrades in proportion to income risks facing rural households.Our research findings,which came from an extensive,in-depth exploration of the factors influencing rural household consumption,are of practical significance and policy value to the stimulating and fulfilling of consumption potentials among rural households.