Absorptive capacity and R&D strategy of labor-managed firms

Taking absorptive capacity effects on research spillovers into consideration, this paper focuses on the R＆D investment decisions and the output decisions of labor-managed firms. Based on the general model of the cost-reducing R＆D, the strategic interactions of output and R＆D investment between labor-managed firms in a duopoly are analyzed. Moreover, the impact of absorptive capacity effects on optimal output in the production stage is discussed. In the R＆D stage, the impacts of absorptive capacity effects on the equilibrium R＆D investment in cooperative and non-cooperative R＆D are analyzed. Finally, the R＆D strategy of labor-managed firms is compared with the behavior of profit-maximizing firms. The results show that equilibrium R＆D investment is always higher than that in the exogenous spillover rate, which is similar to the behavior of the profit-maximizing firms. However, unlike the profit-maximizing firms, the impact of the absorptive capacity that affects the relationship between the optimal output and its own（rival＇ s）R＆D is shown to be dependent upon a return-to-scale of the production.

Effect of LaCl_3 on Resistance and Absorptive Capacity to Formaldehyde of Indoor Ornamental Plants under Formaldehyde Stress

[Objective] This study aimed to determine the effect of rare earth biological regulator LaCl3 on the absorptive capacity to formaldehyde of four indoor ornamental plants, and to screen out the plant whose absorptive capacity to formaldehyde can be increased most greatly by LaCl3. [Method] Effect of LaCl3 on absorptive capacity to formaldehyde of four indoor ornamental plants was studied through fumigating in laboratory. Simultaneously, the indoor ornamental plant, which could significantly en- hance the degradation capacity of formaldehyde, was screened out to study the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of formaldehyde resistance. [Result] The ability to absorb formaldehyde of four indoor ornamental plants was enhanced by dif- ferent ranges after spraying with LaCl3 at suitable concentrations. The ability to ab- sorb formaldehyde of Hedera nepalensis var. sinensis, Chlorophytum comosum, Scindapsus aureun and Sansevieria trifasciata increased by 15.16%, 4.72%, 19.75% and 7.68%, respectively. In the four indoor ornamental plants, the capacity of S. au- reun to absorb formaldehyde was greatly improved by spraying LaCl3. When S. au- reun was stressed by formaldehyde, its chlorophyll content decreased by 39.87%, membrane permeability, MDA accumulation and POD activity increased by 8.17%, 56.92%, and 11.32%, respectively. However, compared the pre-spraying group with the no-spraying group under formaldehyde stress, chlorophyll content of S. aureun reduced less, membrane permeability and MDA cumulative both increased less, but POD activity increased more. [Conclusion] The formaldehyde absorption capacity of S. aureun was mostly improved after LaCl3 was sprayed.

Study on Absorptive Capacity to Formaldehyde and Physiological and Biochemical Changes of Scindapsus aureus Based on the Regulation of LaCl_3

[Objective] This study was to analyze LaCl3 sprayed onto Scindapsus au- reus on Chlorophyll content and plasmamembrane permeability of leaves of Scindap- sus aureus, in order to determinate a suitable dosage of LaCl3. [Method] With Scindapsus aureus as the test subject, 110 households of 20 communities in the New District of Nantong were selected to investigate formaldehyde concentration in indoor air; and effect of LaCl3 on absorptive capacity to formaldehyde of Scindapsus aureus was studied through fumigating in laboratory. Simultaneously, its physiological and biochemical mechanism of formaldehyde resistance was studied. [Result] The re- sults showed that formaldehyde pollution of indoor air was serious in the New District of Nantong, and the degree of pollution was related to the time after decoration. The suitable concentration of LaCl3 for Scindapsus aureus was 20 mg/L. The ability to ab- sorb formaldehyde of Scindapsus aureus, which was calculated by per unit leaf area, was enhanced after spraying the suitable concentration of LaCl3 by 19.75%. When Scindapsus aureus was stressed by formaldehyde, chlorophyll content decreased by 39.87%, membrane permeability and cumulative MDA amount increased by 8.17% and 56.92%, respectively, and POD activity increased by 11.32%. However, by com- paring the group pre-sprayed with LaCl3 and the group not sprayed with LaCl3 under formaldehyde stress, chlorophyll content of Scindapsus aureus reduced lessly, mem- brane permeability and MDA both increased lessly, while POD activity increased more. [Conclusion] This study provides a new thinking direction for broadening of rare earth application and control measures of indoor air pollution.

Absorptive Capacity and Knowledge Flows for Large International Finns： A Survey

The main objective of this paper is that of surveying both theoretic and econometric models exploring the existence of knowledge spillovers and quantifying firm＇s ability to identify, assimilate, and exploit existing information （absorptive capacity）. In so doing, we explore different methodologies through which we may analyze the knowledge transmission： both the production function approach and the knowledge function approach. In order to construct the spillover stocks, different dimensions are considered： geographic and technological.

Characterization of Flame Retardancy and Oil-Water Separation Capacity of Superhydrophobic Silylated Melamine Sponges

A silylated melamine sponge(SMS)was prepared by two simple steps,namely,immersion and dehydration of a melamine sponge coated with methyltrichlorosilane.The silylated structure of SMS was characterized by FT-IR(Fourier-transform infrared)spectroscopy,SEM(Scanning electron microscopy)and in terms of water contact angles.Its oil-water absorption and separation capacities were measured by FT-IR and UV-visible spectrophoto-metry.The experimental results have shown that oligomeric silanol covalently bonds by Si-N onto the surface of melamine sponge skeletons.SMS has shown superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle exceeding 150°±1°,a better separation efficiency with regard to diesel oil(by 99.31%(wt/wt%)in oil-water mixture and even up to 99.99%(wt/wt%)for diesel oil in its saturated aqueous solution.Moreover,SMS inherited the intrinsicflame retardancy of the melamine sponge.In general,SMS has shown superhydrophobicity,high porosity,excellent selectivity,remarkable recyclability,and better absorption capacity for various oils and organic solvents,and a high separation efficiency for oil in saturated aqueous solutions.

Absorptive Capacity of Information Technology and Its Conceptual Model

In order to examine the problem of how to improve the use of information technology （IT） in enterprises, this paper makes an exploration from the perspective of organizational absorptive capacity. We propose the concept of IT absorptive capacity from an organizational level. A dynamic process model is developed to further analyze IT absorption. IT absorptive capacity of this process is embodied as six forms： identification, adoption, adaptation, acceptance, infusion, and knowledge management. By means of questionnaire surveys of 76 Chinese enterprises, the main factors that favor or disable the capacity of each stage are discovered. Using the method of system dynamics, a conceptual model of IT absorptive capacity is developed to analyze the action mechanism of the factors in detail. The model indicates that the critical factors are embodied in the aspect of management. Furthermore, it demonstrates that IT absorption is a spiral process, during which IT absorptive capacity evolves dynamically and, consequently, promotes IT use.

Fabrication of cellulose aerogel from wheat straw with strong absorptive capacity

An effectively mild solvent solution containing NaOH/PEG was employed to dissolve the cellulose extracted from the wheat straw.With further combined regeneration process and freeze-drying,the cellulose aerogel was successfully obtained.Scanning electron microscope,X-ray diffraction technique,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller were used to characterize this cellulose aerogel of low density(about 40 mg·cm^(–3))and three-dimensional network with large specific surface area(about 101 m2·g^(–1)).Additionally,with a hydrophobic modification by trimethylchlorosilane,the cellulose aerogel showed a strong absorptive capacity for oil and dye solutions.

Study on the hydrogen absorption properties of a YGdTbDyHo rare-earth high-entropy alloy

This study investigated the microstructure and hydrogen absorption properties of a rare-earth high-entropy alloy(HEA),YGdTbDyHo.Results indicated that the YGdTbDyHo alloy had a microstructure of equiaxed grains,with the alloy elements distributed homogeneously.Upon hydrogen absorption,the phase structure of the HEA changed from a solid solution with an hexagonal-close-packed(HCP)structure to a high-entropy hydride with an faced-centered-cubic(FCC)structure without any secondary phase precipitated.The alloy demonstrated a maximum hydrogen storage capacity of 2.33 H/M(hydrogen atom/metal atom)at 723 K,with an enthalpy change(ΔH)of-141.09 kJ·mol^(-1)and an entropy change(ΔS)of-119.14 J·mol^(-1)·K^(-1).The kinetic mechanism of hydrogen absorption was hydride nucleation and growth,with an apparent activation energy(E_(a))of 20.90 kJ·mol^(-1).Without any activation,the YGdTbDyHo alloy could absorb hydrogen quickly(180 s at 923 K)with nearly no incubation period observed.The reason for the obtained value of 2.33 H/M was that the hydrogen atoms occupied both tetrahedral and octahedral interstices.These results demonstrate the potential application of HEAs as a high-capacity hydrogen storage material with a large H/M ratio,which can be used in the deuterium storage field.

The Influence of Gratering, Fermentation and Variety on the Physio-Chemical Quality of Cassava Starch

The study was conducted to determine the influence of gratering and fermentation parameters on the physicochemical quality of starch obtained from two cassava varieties in Sierra Leone (i.e., SLICASS 11 and SLICASS 6). Fresh cassava roots harvested from the Department of Agricultural Engineering were peeled, washed and grated before fermentation and starch extraction. Fermentation was carried out under separate aerobic and anaerobic conditions for a period of Seven days. Physicochemical analyses were conducted at the Postharvest Food and Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory of the Department of Agricultural and Bio-System Engineering, Njala University to determine the solubility, water absorption capacity and swelling power of starch extracts obtained from various experimental treatments. Fermentation method and duration had significant effects on the solubility, water absorption capacity (WAC) and swelling power (SP) of starch extracts. Maximum solubility and WAC were recorded on the fifth day, for both cassava varieties tested, with apparent significant difference resulting from the two gratering bands (i.e., with 1.5-inch nail hole and 4-inch nail hole sizes, respectively). While swelling power increased consistently with temperature for starch obtained from SLICASS-11 variety, an irregular pattern was observed for SLICASS-6 variety. A multiple correlation analysis proposes a significant and weak correlation between temperature, WAC (+0.150) and swelling power (+0.048). Also multiple correlation analyses suggest a significant correlation between fermentation period, the functional properties of starch extracts obtained from both fermentation methods and cassava varieties (i.e., solubility (−0.226), water absorption capacity (+0.301) and swelling power (+0.329)).

Comparison of Absorption Capacity of Different Flue-cured Tobacco Cultivars for Six Kinds of Heavy Metals

[Objective] This study aimed to analyze the differences in absorption capacity of different flue-cured tobacco cultivars for chromium （Cr）, arsenic （As）, cadmium （Cd）, lead （Pb）, mercury （Hg） and copper （Cu）. [Method] With 4 flue-cured tobacco cultivars as the experimental materials, their absorption capacity for 6 kinds of heavy metals was compared by pot experiment. [Result] There were great differences in absorption capacity of different flue-cured tobacco cultivars for the six kinds of heavy metals. According to the absorption capacity of different flue-cured tobacco cultivars for the heavy metals, the six heavy metals could be classified into three categories. The first category included only Cd with average enrichment coefficient of 8.564; the second category included Hg with average enrichment coefficient of 0.753; and the third category included Cr, As, Pb and Cu with average enrichment coefficients below or equivalent to 0.114. [Conclusion] The absorption capacity of different flue-cured tobacco cultivars for heavy metals was grasped by this study, thereby providing reference data for screening of high-yielding and high-quality flue-cured tobacco cultivars.

Absorptive Capacities for Sustainability Technologies:Perspectives from the BRICS and China

For the development process in the rapidly growing economies, knowledge transfer and technology cooperation are becoming important issues. Research and technological competences are key indicators for the absorptive capacity of sustainability technologies and for the ability to export them. These issues are analyzed empirically for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS). Sustainability related research in BRICS is mostly carried out within broader, more sector oriented programmes. Specialization patterns of international patents and in foreign trade indicate various strengths and weaknesses of the BRICS countries. The differences within the countries imply that the analysis must proceed at a technology specific level. China has considerable capabilities in technologies such as photovoltaics, solar thermal or buildings. There is a strong need for strategic positioning of the countries and for coordination of the various policy fields involved.

The Research of Affecting Factors of absorption capacity in ERP implementation

a firm＇ s absorption capacity is a key factor to affect the knowledge transfer in ERP implementation, which influences the implementation of ERP By involving the subject - the ERP implementation of enterprise, ERP implementation is mainly the knowledge absorption of enterprise from the implementation service provider. It analyzes the factors that influence the absorption capacity in the implementation of Deluding the characteristics of the internal and external and knowledge itself, which promote the successful implementation of ERP.

Efficient SO_(2)removal using aqueous ionic liquid at low partial pressure

The development of novel absorbents is essential for SO_(2)removal.In this study,a novel ionic liquid(IL,[BHEP][HSO_(4)])was prepared,and water was selected as the co-solvent.The density and viscosity of aqueous[BHEP][HSO_(4)]were measured and the SO_(2)absorption performance was systematically investigated.Furthermore,the thermodynamic properties of SO_(2)in aqueous[BHEP][HSO_(4)]were calculated.Additionally,the mechanism of SO_(2)absorption in aqueous[BHEP][HSO_(4)]was confirmed using Fouriertransform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.It showed that[BHEP][HSO_(4)]absorbed0.302 g·g^(-1)(g SO_(2)/g IL)at an SO_(2)partial pressure of 2000μl·L^(-1)at 303.2 K,and the SO_(2)desorption enthalpy was-39.63 k J·mol^(-1).The mechanistic study confirmed the chemical absorption of SO_(2)in aqueous[BHEP][HSO_(4)].

Physicomechanical Properties of Sustainable Wood Plastic Composites of Tropical Sawdust and Thermoplastic Waste for Possible Utilization in the Wood Industry

This work investigated and quantified the physicomechanical properties of flat-pressed wood plastic composites produced with recycled polyethylene terephthalate, recycled polyethylene and sawdust derived from selected tropical timbers, namely, Nauclea diderrichii, Brachystegia eurycoma, Erythrophleum suaveolens and Prosopis africana, for possible utilization in the wood industry. The compounding of the polymer blends of the precursor plastics, namely recycled PET (rPET) and recycled PE (rPE) with the sawdust (SD) from the selected timbers to produce the desired wood rPET/rPE composites was carried out via the flat press method. The characterization of the physicomechanical properties of the wood plastic composites (WPCs) produced, such as the density, hardness, flexural strength, ultimate tensile strength, elongation %, thickness swelling and water absorption capacity was carried out using methods based mainly on the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) standards. The results of the investigation on the resultant composites indicated that changes in the SD content affected the density of flat-pressed WPCs in line with literature. Generally, it was observed that as wood dust increased and PET content decreased, the density of composites decreased with some deviations as expected probably due to the anisotropic nature of the wood fillers. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that there was a statistically significant variation in the wood composites of Nuclea diderichii based on the physicomechanical values as the p-value (0.020) obtained was less than the critical level of α = 0.05. It was also observed that the composite, Wood 1 Sample 5 (W1S5) which was composed of 40% rPE, 40% rPET and 20% SD (derived from Nuclea diderichii), had the highest percentage elongation (26.84%);the highest flexural strength (14.995 N/mm2) and possibly the least carbon footprint in the environment. These properties of W1S5 suggest that it could therefore be the best option for the production of building materials like ceiling boards or floor skirting in the wood plastic composite industry. The results of these investigations have therefore indicated that the fabrication of WPCs from sawdust and rPET/rPE was technically feasible and had prospects for large scale production in the wood industry.

An Evaluation of the Physicochemical, Structural and Morphological Properties of Selected Tropical Wood Species for Possible Utilization in the Wood Industry

This work investigated and quantified the physicochemical, structural and morphological properties of four (4) tropical timbers as precursor raw materials for possible utilization in the wood plastic industry. The physicochemical properties of the wood samples such as the bulk and tapped density, moisture content, water absorption capacity at 25°C, volatile content, fixed carbon, ash content, alpha cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and extractives contents were determined using standard methods like the European Committee for Standardization and (CEN/TS) and the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) standards. The structural and morphological properties of the samples were examined with Fourier Infrared Transform (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results indicated that the bulk density values of the timbers ranged from 0.34 g/cm3 in Brachystegia eurycoma (W3) to 0.47 g/cm3 in Erythrophleum suaveolens (W2), with the other timbers, Nuclea diderichii (W1) and Prosopis africana (W4) having the same bulk density of 0.40 g/cm3. With respect to their moisture content, W2 had the highest value (8.38%) while Nauclea diderrichii had the lowest value (6.52%). The water absorption capacities of the woods studied correlated with the cellulose composition of wood in the order of: W3 > W1 > W4 > W2. The FTIR results showed that W2 and W3 presented a slightly more prominent and broader band than the other woods at 1731 cm-1, in agreement with the higher holocellulose content of these species, while W2 and W4 presented the most prominent peaks indicating higher lignin content than W1 and W3. The SEM micrographs of the wood flour samples investigated indicated that the surfaces of the woods were rough and heterogeneous with irregular crystal and brick shaped particles. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) carried out with respect to the chemical composition of the wood samples indicated that there was no statistically significant variation in the wood chemical composition between species as the p-value (0.852) obtained was greater than the critical level of α = 0.05.

Experimental study on the simultaneous desulfurization and denitrification by duct injection

The highly active absorbent with oxidization based on fly ash, lime and additive was prepared. Experiments of simultaneous desulfurization and denitrification were carried out using fixture bed and duct injection. The influencial factors for the absorptive capacity of the absorbent were studied. The absorptive capacities of 120.7 mg for SO 2 and 43.7 mg for NOx were achieved at a Ca/(S+N) molar ratio 1.2, respectively, corresponding removal efficiencies of 87% and 76%, while spent absorbent appeared in the form of dry powder. The optimal temperature and humidity of flue gas treated with this process were shown to be approximately 50℃, and 5% respectively. The mechanism of removal for SO 2 and NOx was investigated. In comparison with traditional dry FGD, this process appears to have lower cost, less complicated configuration and simpler disposal of used absorbent. The valuable references can be provided for industrial application by this process. The foreground of application will be vast in China and in the world.

Measurement and influencing factors of urban traffic ecological resilience in developing countries: A case study of 31 Chinese cities

An urban traffic ecosystem is a spatial structure composed of air,population,vehicles,roads,green spaces,and regions.Traffic ecological resilience is a critical issue in high-quality urban development.From the perspective of system optimization,it is important to study the level of urban traffic ecological resilience and analyze its influencing factors.In this study,we evaluated traffic ecological resilience,characterized its spatio-temporal differentiation,and explored its influencing factors by constructing a system of urban traffic ecological resilience and by analyzing the environmental protection and urban construction data in 31 Chinese cities during 2011-2018.By conducting Kernel density analysis,standard deviation ellipse,comprehensive weight determination,panel data regression analysis,andχ2test,we found that traffic ecological resilience was low on the whole and exhibited the temporal trend of“decreasing first and then increasing”and the spatial characteristic of“high in the east,second in the middle,and low in the west”.The cities with high traffic ecological resilience density values were located in Southeast China and tended to move from northwest to southeast.Governance capability,market activity,technological innovation capability,opening degree,and financial resources had significant effects on urban traffic ecological resilience.Finally,we gave some suggestions for improving the urban traffic ecological resilience in Chinese cities as well as other developing countries in the world.

Impacts of tourism development on the physical environment of Mussoorie,a hill station in the lower Himalayan range of India

Tourism in mountainous regions is a significant source of revenue generation. However, it has also been associated with many adverse environmental consequences. This study aims at assessing the negative impacts of the incessant upsurge in tourism development on the physical environment of Mussoorie, a well-known mountain tourist destination in India. The impact indicators for the region were identified and assessed by qualitative and quantitative analysis of field observations. The observations indicated the aggravation of traffic congestion, atmospheric pollution, undisposed solid waste, water scarcity and infrastructure unavailability as the prevalent issues, especially during the peak tourist months. The extent of the consequential damage to the environment was evaluated by conducting an assessment of tourism-induced human disturbance on the natural landscape of the town. Slope, slope aspect, vegetation cover, road network and drainage network were incorporated as thedetermining landscape attributes to prepare thematic maps of landscape quality(perceivable intrinsic properties) and landscape fragility(vulnerability to anthropogenic disturbances) using GIS technique. An absorption capacity map was finally prepared to characterize the study area into regions of different conservation needs. The results identified the need for planning appropriate preservation strategies for different tourist places in the town. The study can be used by the policy makers for implementing the regulatory measures against potential disturbances due to mass-tourism.

Dynamic Buffering Performance of the Honeycomb Paperboard Filled with Polyurethane

A new kind of composite buffering material was made by filling the voids of honeycomb paperboard with polyurethane. Drop tests were performed to evaluate the dynamic energy absorption capacity of the material. Based on the tests results, we analyzed the mechanical behaviors of the material under different conditions and obtained the inherent influencing laws of some factors on the material＇s dynamic buffering performance. It was shown that the dynamic buffering performance varied directly with impact velocity, and inversely with the void diameter, thickness and buffeting area of the composite material.

Plugging performance and mechanism of an oil-absorbing gel for lost circulation control while drilling in fractured formations

Lost circulation of drilling fluid is one of the most common engineering problems in the drilling process of fractured formations.In this study,an oil-absorbing polymer gel synthesized using compound monomers with rigid and flexible chains was applied to control the oil-based drilling fluid loss while drilling.The microstructure,oil-absorbing performance,and plugging performance the gel was investigated.A large number of dense pores on the surface of the gel were observed,which allowed the oil molecules to enter the internal space of the gel.The initial oil absorption capacity of the gel was fast,and it increased with the increase in the temperature and decrease in the particle size,reaching 20.93 g/g at140℃.At a high temperature of 140℃,the bearing pressure capacity of the gel formula containing particles of different particle sizes reached 7.6 MPa for a fracture of a width of 3 mm,showing that the oil-absorbing gel have excellent plugging performance at high temperature.Plugging mechanism of the gel was investigated through visualized fracture plugging experiments.Results show that the dynamic migratio n,particle-swelling,particle-bridging,particle-aggregation,deformation-filling,and compaction-plugging contribute to the whole lost circulation control process,reflecting that the plugging performance can be effectively enhanced by improving the aggregation and filling degrees of the gel with different particle sizes.