Can the low-carbon city pilot policy promote the upgrading of high-carbon emitting enterprises? Evidence from China

As a crucial environmental reform system to realize“carbon peaking”and“carbon neutrality”,the pilot policy of low-carbon cities(LCCs)puts pressure and challenges on high-carbon emitting enterprises(HCEEs)while providing opportunities for these firms to take the path of independent transformation.Employing the data of Chinese listed enterprises from 2006 to 2016 and adopting a difference-in-differences(DID)model,we evaluated the impact of LCC construction on the upgrading of HCEEs and its mechanisms.The results indicate that LCC construction enhances the upgrading of HCEEs in the pilot cities.The conclusions remain stable after a series of robustness tests.The mechanism analysis reveals that LCC construction triggers the upgrading of HCEEs by promoting resource allocation efficiency,R&D investment,and green technology innovation.The heterogeneity results indicate that this positive effect is more pronounced for HCEEs in regions with more stringent environmental law enforcement.This study also observes that the upgrading impact is more promi‐nent for state-owned enterprises,enterprises with higher bargaining power,and enterprises whose managers have a long-term vision.The above results provide directions for upgrading HCEEs and replicable evidence for cities in developing economies to fulfill the win-win target of environmental protection and economic transfor‐mation.

Exploring the effect of a low-carbon city pilot policies on carbon dioxide emission intensity:Based on the PSM-DID method

In 2010,the National Development and Reform Commission launched the low-carbon city(LCC)pilot pro‐gram.The scope of the pilot program was then gradually expanded to address the dilemma concerning eco‐nomic development and low-carbon transition.Selecting the second batch of LCCs in China,this study uses a combination of propensity score matching and difference-in-differences models to determine the effect of LCC pilot policies on CO_(2) emission intensity.We also used the mediation effect model to further investigate its in‐ternal mechanism.The findings of the study are as follows.First,the LCC pilot policy plays an important role in reducing carbon emissions.Second,LCC pilots policies reduce CO_(2) emissions through intermediary paths of output adjustment and technological innovation.Third,our heterogeneity analysis reveals that cities with higher levels of economic growth and better levels of human capital have superior carbon emission reduction effects;lastly,non-resource-based cities have better carbon emission reduction effects.

Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Following Cryotherapy, Thermal Ablation and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Treatment: A Pilot Study among Zambian Women

Background: Cervical Intraepithelial neoplasia treatments have become essential interventions to manage cervical lesions. Majority of the recipients of these treatments are women within the reproductive age group, who according to literature may be at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This pilot study is part of a study investigating adverse pregnancy outcomes among women who received Cryotherapy, Thermal ablation and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure compared to the untreated women in Zambia. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study analyzed records of 886 (n = 443 treated and n = 443 untreated) women aged 15 - 49 years. The women were either screened with Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid or treated for Cervical Intraepithelial neoplasia at the Adult Infectious Disease Centre between January 2010 and December 2020. Women meeting the criteria were identified using the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid screening records and telephone interviews to obtain the adverse pregnancy outcome experienced. Data were analysed using STATA version 16 to determine the prevalence and obtain frequency distribution of outcomes of interest. Univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression estimated odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes across the three treatments. Results: The respondents were aged 15 to 49 years. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were observed to be more prevalent in the treatment group (18.5%) compared to the untreated group (5.4%). Normal pregnancy outcomes were lower in the treated (46.3%;n = 443) than the untreated (53.7%;n = 443). The treated group accounted for the majority of abortions (85.2%), prolonged labour (85.7%) and low birth weight (80%), whereas, the untreated accounted for the majority of still births (72.7%). Women treated with cryotherapy (aOR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.32 - 4.49, p = 0.004), thermal ablation (aOR = 6.37, 95% CI = 0.99 - 41.2, p = 0.052) and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (aOR = 9.67, 95% CI = 2.17 - 43.1, p = 0.003) had two-, six- and ten-times higher odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes respectively, relative to women who required no treatment. Conclusion: Adverse pregnancy outcomes are prevalent among women who have received treatment in Zambia. The findings indicate that treating Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia has been linked to higher chances of experiencing abortion, delivering low birth weight babies and enduring prolonged labor that may result in a caesarean section delivery. Cervical neoplasia treatments, particularly Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure, are associated with significantly increased odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes. It is essential to include information about prior Cervical Intraepithelial neoplasia treatment outcomes in obstetric care.

The"4+4"Medical Doctor(MD)Pilot Program at PUMC:Implementation,Performance,and Prospects

Peking Union Medical College(PUMC)launched the"4+4"Medical Doctor(MD)pilot program in 2018,admitting students with non-medical backgrounds from top universities,aligning with national medical talent training policies to foster diverse and eager learners in medicine.On the occasion of the graduation of the first class of the"4+4"MD pilot class at PUMC in 2023,we reviewed the teaching reform in the pilot program and carried out a systematic survey and interviews with students,faculties,and management staff of the pilot class.This article reports on the measures taken by the pilot class at PUMC in enrollment and curriculum setting,and demonstrates the achievements of the pilot class in terms of student academic background structure,knowledge acquisition and skill learning,scientific research ability,and course evaluation.The results indicated that the pilot class had met the national demand for the"Medicine+X"talent training model.More specifically,with a diverse academic backgrounds,the pilot class graduates had academic levels comparable to the eight-year medical education graduates,and their scientific research abilities were satisfactory.The pilot program at PUMC will optimize the curriculum setting,strengthen the construction of faculty,learning resources,and teaching facilities,and reform the academic evaluation methods,thus deepening the reform of medical education and improving the"4+4"MD program as a novel medical education model.

Exploration of Operation and Maintenance Management Mode and Innovation Mechanism of Pilot Base of Chemical Park

Based on the current situation of the operation and maintenance management of the pilot base in many chemical parks in China,this paper conducts an in-depth exploration of the operation and maintenance management and innovation mode of the pilot base from the aspects of the evaluation of the pilot project entering the park,safety and environmental protection supervision,pilot mode,and industrialization mode of the pilot test results,so as to provide solutions for accelerating the process and industrialization of the pilot project and realizing the innovation value of the pilot base.

Properties and Characterization of Two Clays Raw Material from Mountain District (West of Côte d’Ivoire) for Use in Low-Carbon Cements

This work was devoted to the study of the physico-chemical properties of two clay minerals from the Mountain District (West Côte d'Ivoire) referenced ME1 and ME2. These samples were characterized by the experimental techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Infrared spectroscopy (IR), Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES), Differential Thermal Analysis and Thermogravimetry (DTA-TG), Brunauer, Emett and Teller method (BET), laser particle size analysis and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The main results of these analyses reveal that the two clay samples mainly contain quartz (52.91% for ME1 and 51.72% for ME2), kaolinite (36.60% for ME1 and 41.6% for ME2) and associated phases, namely goethite and hematite (13.47% for ME1 and 11.00% for ME2). The specific surface values obtained for samples ME1 and ME2 are 34.78 m2/g and 29.18 m2/g respectively. The results obtained show that the samples studied belong to the kaolinite family. After calcination, they could have good pozzolanic activity and therefore be used in the manufacture of low-carbon cements.

Optimization of Enzymatic Extraction Process of Polysaccharides from Pseudostellaria heterophylla Fibrous Roots by Response Surface Methodology and Its Pilot Application

[Objectives]To study and optimize the process conditions of enzymatic hydrolysis technology for extracting polysaccharides from Pseudostellaria heterophylla fibrous roots and its application in workshop pilot tests.[Methods]P.heterophylla fibrous roots were taken as the matrix material,and Box Behnken design was used to analyze the extraction time,composite enzyme addition amount,and liquid-solid ratio for response surface optimization experiments,and then applied to the pilot extraction of P.heterophylla fibrous roots.[Results]Response surface analysis showed that all factors had a significant impact on the experimental indicators.The optimal extraction process conditions for polysaccharides from P.heterophylla fibrous roots were extraction time of 2.7 h,compound enzyme addition of 2.5%,and liquid-solid ratio of 32.The yield of polysaccharides from P.heterophylla fibrous roots was 4.83%.The water extraction process of P.heterophylla fibrous roots extraction pilot was used as the control group for response surface optimization of the pilot experiment.The optimization results showed that the extraction time was 3 h,the amount of composite enzyme added was 2.5%,and the liquid-solid ratio was 28.The polysaccharide yield was 4.75%,an increase of 4.63%compared to the control group.[Conclusions]This paper could provide feasibility for the innovation of enzy-matic hydrolysis technology for P.heterophylla fibrous roots and its workshop pilot practice application,as well as a reference for the industrial application of its medicinal resources.

The Tenth Anniversary of Free Trade Pilot Zones in China:Fundamental Experiences and Enhancement Strategies

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China,the country has established 21 Free Trade Pilot Zones(FTZs),achieving significant pioneering results in reform and opening up and creating a strong demonstrative effect nationwide.The basic experience from a decade of FTZs includes:adhering to the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee;combining top-level design with encouragement of grassroots innovation;leveraging the distinct characteristics and strengths of FTZs to form a differentiated development pattern;maintaining the integration of opening up with domestic reforms;using openness to drive reforms;and organically combining openness with national security assurance.Under the current and future new circumstances,China’s FTZs face new challenges and tasks.In accordance with the directives of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China,an enhancement strategy for the FTZs needs to be implemented.This involves the following:First,accurately understanding and responding to the changing situation to create strategic opportunities.Second,shifting paradigms to implement innovation-driven strategies,using the new development pattern concept to guide the reform experiments and construction of the FTZs.Third,granting more autonomy to FTZs for reforms,pursuing progress while maintaining stability,and solidly advancing the reform experiments in the FTZs.Fourth,orderly expanding the opening up of the service sector and cautiously advancing the internationalization of the renminbi.Fifth,promoting innovative development in trade to build a strong trade nation.Sixth,establishing synergy with bilateral FTZs,Belt and Road cooperation,and national diplomatic strategies to enhance the linkage effect.

Does China's digital economy contribute to low-carbon transition?

The digital economy,as a new emerging economic form,has become an important power for realizing Chinese-style modernization and promoting green development in China.This paper measures the digital economy and low-carbon transition index based on the data of 30 provinces in China from 2013 to 2020 and analyzes the mechanism and path of the digital economy affecting low-carbon transition using the fixed effect panel data model and the threshold effect model.It is found that,(1)The digital economy and low-carbon transition in China are various in different regions,with characteristics of being unbalanced and insufficient.(2)The digital economy significantly promotes low-carbon transition,with the greatest influence in the Central region,followed by the Eastern region and the Western region.Under different dimensions,the development of informatization and digital transactions promote low-carbon transition,but the development of the internet plays an inhibiting role.(3)The higher the degree of urbanization and environmental regulation,the greater the influence of the digital economy on low-carbon transition.

Effect of ZrC Modified Graphite on Structure and Properties of Low-carbon Al_(2)O_(3)-C Refractories

To address the issues of reduced performance and shortened lifespan during the low-carbonizating process of Al_(2)O_(3)-C refractories,nano-crystalline ZrC modified graphite was prepared using Zr powder and flake graphite as raw materials,with NaCl and NaF mixed salt serving as the medium.The flake graphite was gradually replaced by ZrC modified graphite in the preparation of Al_(2)O_(3)-C refractories,and its impact on the material’s structure and properties was investigated.The results indicate that,compared to samples with only flake graphite,the introduction of 1 mass%to 5 mass%nano-crystalline ZrC modified graphite can significantly enhance the mechanical performance of low-carbon Al_(2)O_(3)-C refractories.When 5 mass%ZrC modified graphite is added,the mechanical properties of the samples are optimal,with the cold modulus of rupture and elastic modulus reaching 22.5 MPa and 65.0 GPa,respectively.

Hazardous Attitude Factors Influence Risk Perception in General Aviation Pilots

This manuscript presents a research proposal to investigate how hazardous attitudes among general aviation pilots influence pilot performance in aviation accidents. General aviation pilots train to maintain safe flying conditions, but accidents still occur, and human factors figure prominently among the causes of aviation accidents. The levels of hazardous attitudes among pilots may influence the likelihood of engaging in risky flight behaviors that can lead to accidents. This quantitative study aims to determine whether dangerous attitudes impact risk perception in general aviation pilots. The study will focus on two specific hazardous attitudes, “Anti-Authority” and Macho” behaviors. Among the hazardous attitudes identified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the two attitudes often stand out in accident investigations and pilot narratives. While all hazardous attitudes have inherent dangers, these two attitudes tend to be more frequently cited in accident reports and investigations. Despite rigorous training in safe flying conditions, general aviation accidents still transpire due to human factors. This research hypothesizes that the five attitudes from the hazardous attitude model, particularly Anti-Authority and Macho, significantly shape pilots’ risk perception. The insights from this study would benefit stakeholders, like the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Air Safety Institute, and aviation training programs, in creating training modules tailored to reduce such attitudes.

Performance Evaluation of Low-Carbon and Clean Transformation of China’s Coal Economy

In China,the oversupply of coal occurred in 2009,and from that year onwards,China’s coal economy began a low-carbon and clean transformation.Evaluating transformation performance is the research goal of this paper.The data collection for this paper includes data on deep processing of Chinese coal products from 2009 to 2020,as well as data on asset structure evolution and financial performance of 34 listed companies in the Chinese coal mining.Entropy value method is used to calculate the entropy value of low-carbon transformation,and the regression analysis is used to study the performance of cleaner transformation,the conclusion is as follows:(1)From 2009 to 2020,in China’s total energy consumption,coal consumption accounted for 71.6%in 2009 and 56.8%in 2020,the goals set by the state have been achieved.(2)The national goal of reducing the proportion of coal consumption and reducing carbon emissions has forced the transformation of deep processing of coal products.The transformation of coal enterprises towards low-carbon and clean production has achieved remarkable results.(3)From 2009 to 2020,the non coal industry income of 34 listed companies in China’s coal mining industry increased by 8.21%annually.At the same time,the asset structure was adjusted,and nearly 80%of the asset structure evolution showed an orderly development trend.(4)The regression analysis results show that the entropy value of coal deep processing products and the entropy value of asset structure adjustment are significantly related to transformation performance.The paper proposes to summarize the successful experience of China’s coal energy economic transformation,lay a foundation for achieving the carbon peak and carbon neutral goals in the future,further increase the intensity of coal deep processing,increase the proportion of clean energy in total energy consumption,and strive to control asset operation towards the goal of increasing the proportion of non coal industry income.

A Mechanism for Digital Finance to Drive Green and Low-Carbon Development

Given the global focus on green and low-carbon development and the increasing prominence of digital finance,it is particularly important to explore how to leverage digital finance to achieve these environmental goals.This study,through mechanism analysis,deeply examines how China’s digital finance promotes green and low-carbon development and elucidates the positive interaction between digital finance and the green industry.The study found that digital finance,through more flexible and efficient financial functions,alters the cost structure of carbon emissions,and reduces the risks and costs of green investments,thereby creating a cooperative green mechanism benefiting all parties,and guiding social groups toward a green and low-carbon transformation.Additionally,the rapid development of digital finance has strengthened the implementation of environmental protection policies,effectively promoted the expansion of the environmental protection industry,and established the green ethos as a mainstream concept in financial development.This study aims to provide reference perspectives and suggestions,assist policymakers in promoting the green and lowcarbon development of digital finance,and offer insights into the integrated development of digital finance and the green environmental protection industry.

Approach and Strategy of Constructing Low-carbon Communities

The developing focus of low-carbon society is constructing low-carbon cities which are based on the construction of low-carbon communities.The main ways of constructing low-carbon communities conclude low carbonization of planning and designing,low carbonization of construction materials,low carbonization of community environment,low carbonization of energy system,low carbonization of energy use and low carbonization of life style.The basic strategies of constructing low-carbon communities contain enhancing propaganda and education,strengthening technical innovation,cultivating low-carbon culture,advocating public participation and consolidating leadership in organizations.

连续Pilot体制CDMA高速移动台自适应信道估计器

提出了连续Ｐｉｌｏｔ 信号体制ＣＤＭＡ系统中，高速移动台自适应信道估计的方法，它包括信道变化速率的检测和信道估计积分长度的自适应调整两个部分．仿真结果显示，该信道估计器有效拓展了移动台正常工作的运动速度范围，提高了ＲＡＫＥ接收机的适应性．

Cultivation and Management of Low-carbon Scenic Spots——A case study of Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area in Henan Provicne of China

After analysis of connotation of low-carbon scenic spots,the paper considered that a perfect low-carbon scenic spot is a comprehensive integrity with satisfying tourists' lowest tourist experience effect as the premise and with low energy consumption,low pollution and low emission as the foundation.Low-carbon tourist scenic spots had been classified into three types which are ecological type,cultural type and coupling type of ecology and culture.Representatives of each type of tourist scenic spot were illustrated.It proposed that government should play the leading role in cultivation of low-carbon scenic spot;tourism industry should enhance self supervision;tourism development mode should be transformed and upgrading of tourist products should be realized.By taking Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area of Henan Province for example,based on low-carbon tourist resources,low-carbon development of management,following measures realizing low-carbon economy were put forward:① purifying air quality and beautifying environment of scenic area;② sifting laggard productivity and protecting ecological resources in the scenic area by many means;③ sticking to low-carbon environmental protection concept and completing infrastructure service;④ developing tourist native products and souvenirs based on local resources;⑤ applying electronic access control ticket system,intelligent monitor system and LED information and communication platform,so as to achieve low-carbon management.

Transitional Road of Resources-exhausted Cities to Low-carbon Economy:Tourism Resources Development——A Case Study of Gejiu City

Tourism is of vital practical significance to low-carbon economic transition of resources-exhausted cities.By taking Gejiu City of Yunnan Province for example,the paper discussed that Gejiu City as the resources-exhausted city should positively develop tourism,particularly industrial heritage tourism,treating tourism development as the breakthrough and motive power of low-carbon economic transition of resources-exhausted cities,so as to walk out a unique road of tourism promoting low-carbon economic development.

Low-carbon Living Environment Design

Based on the review of the influence of human activity on global environment,and recognition of current climate warming,it is considered that human activity is the primary reason and climate change has caused serious global environmental problems and threatened human's survival and development.After the introduction of low carbon and conclusion of the main contents and development of researches,it has emphasized that low-carbon urban living mode is an important component of low-carbon urban planning.In view of the situation of China,the main content of low-carbon urban living mode has been illustrated from the perspective of low-carbon life behavior,low-carbon life consumption and carbon budget life mode.On this basis,the purpose and significance of low-carbon living environment design,design principles and requirements,low-carbon life measures have been analyzed.

Low-carbon and Energy-saving Designs Preserving Primitive Ecological Conditions——With the Planning of Ancient Banyan Park in Mengshan County,Guangxi,China as a Case Study

It was proposed that park planning should be based on local economic development,should focus on the preservation of primitive ecological conditions and the application of low-carbon and energy-saving concepts.The planning of Ancient Banyan Park in Mengshan County by following the principles of respecting local history and culture,improving functions and supporting facilities,human-centered,overall planning and all-around consideration,respecting characteristics of the local area(the planning site),satisfying operation requirements of the park,applying low-carbon and energy-saving concepts,and avoiding over-engineering,aimed at protecting natural images of the park,primitive history,culture and characteristics of the local area and providing a space for local residents' various activities.Modern aesthetic forms were combined,cultural connotation of natural environment stressed to build a landscape space system of the Ancient Banyan Park that matches well with environment of the planning site.The park was designed into 4 functional areas:sport area,fitness plaza area,garden recreational area and ancient banyan cultural area.Different functions of these subareas were taken into consideration to create conservation-minded garden landscapes which were both independent and unified.

Overall Design of Low-carbon Campus Landscapes

In view of the global warming and the significant role of campus environment in a city, the traditional "high-carbon" urban development pattern has to be improved through exploring a low-carbon urban planning and sustainable development mode. This study focused on the overall design of low-carbon campus by elaborating the concept of overall campus design, campus planning, functional layout, landscape and architectural design, traffic organization, energy conservation and expansion of carbon sink.