Energy poverty in developing countries is a critical issue characterized by the lack of access to modern energy services,such as electricity and clean cooking facilities,as marked in SDG 7.This study explores the corr...Energy poverty in developing countries is a critical issue characterized by the lack of access to modern energy services,such as electricity and clean cooking facilities,as marked in SDG 7.This study explores the correlations between energy poverty,energy intensity,resource abundance,and income inequality,as these factors have been theorized to play important roles in influencing energy poverty in developing countries.By observing that the dataset is heterogeneous across the countries and over the time frame,we use the Method of Moments Quantile Regression(MMQR)to analyze our developing countries’data from 2000 to 2019.Our findings indicate that energy intensity is a significant factor influencing energy poverty,suggesting that higher energy consumption relative to the sample countries can exacerbate this issue.Additionally,we observe that income inequality within the sample countries is a critical determinant of energy poverty levels,highlighting the dynamics between economic disparity and access to energy resources.Interestingly,our study reveals that resource abundance acts as a blessing rather than a curse in terms of energy poverty,implying that countries rich in natural resources may have better opportunities to combat energy deprivation.Finally,we emphasize the vital role of financial markets in addressing energy poverty on a global scale,suggesting that robust financial systems can facilitate investments and innovations aimed at improving energy access for vulnerable populations.The results from the robustness analysis support the empirical results obtained from the main estimation.The empirical findings of the present study advance important comprehensions for policymakers to adopt energy policies that address the complex challenges of energy poverty and promote inclusive energy access.展开更多
Foreign-funded overseas industrial parks(OIPs)are crucial for attracting foreign investment and promoting globalization in developing countries.However,large-scale land acquisition for these parks generates conflicts ...Foreign-funded overseas industrial parks(OIPs)are crucial for attracting foreign investment and promoting globalization in developing countries.However,large-scale land acquisition for these parks generates conflicts between developers and local stakeholders,increasing development costs.A qualitative multicase study was conducted in this study to analyze the land transaction trajectories of China's OIPs.Four OIPs were selected to reveal the underlying mechanisms from the perspectives of institutional arrangements,governance mechanisms,and enterprise heterogeneity.The findings indicate that in host countries with insufficient institutional development,local governments are more inclined to directly engage in OIP land acquisition.High-level intergovernmental mechanisms facilitate land acquisition processes,although their efficacy depends largely on administrative power allocation across parks in host countries.The results also indicate that enterprise characteristics significantly influence land acquisition,where microscale private enterprises lacking political connections often employ low-cost,bottom-up strategies by leveraging international experience.In summary,policy-makers in developing countries should prioritize enhancing OIP governance to mitigate transaction costs,promote diversified land supply,and optimize land allocation.By depicting China's OIP land acquisition processes,this study deepens the academic understanding of OIP governance in developing countries and related international land transactions,offering practical OIP management insights for governments in both host and parent countries.展开更多
We do so much to prepare our children for the future,but are we doing enough to prepare the future for our children?To do so we must seek sustainability.Sustainability is a new way of thinking about an age-old concern...We do so much to prepare our children for the future,but are we doing enough to prepare the future for our children?To do so we must seek sustainability.Sustainability is a new way of thinking about an age-old concern:ensuring that our children and grandchildren inherit a tomorrow that is at least as good as today,preferably better.We want to make sure that the way we live our lives is sustainable that can continue and keep improving for long time.And since buildings produce half of all greenhouse gases and account for one-sixth of the world's freshwater withdrawals,one-quarter of its wood harvest and two fifths of its material and energy flows.By several estimates,we will double the size of the built environment over the next twenty to forty years.Therefore,there is a critical and immediate need to shift thinking on how the built environment is designed.To reduce environmental impact,protect public health and improve environmental equity and justice,we must change principles for building practice.Designers in general and architects in particular should play a high-profile leadership role in this transformation.展开更多
Building Information Modelling(BIM)technology can solve construction issues from multiple perspectives,including technical and managerial.While existing research has primarily focused on BIM’s benefits and framework ...Building Information Modelling(BIM)technology can solve construction issues from multiple perspectives,including technical and managerial.While existing research has primarily focused on BIM’s benefits and framework development,few studies discussed whether BIM can be successfully applied in developing countries.This paper examines the current status and key obstacles hindering BIM adoption in developing countries,analyzing their underlying causes.Notably,the study reveals that high BIM awareness does not directly lead to high BIM usage.The findings aim to provide theoretical support for enhancing the BIM environment and increasing implementation feasibility in developing countries.Additionally,the research identifies critical barriers for governments to address in promoting BIM adoption,offering a foundation for policy formulation.展开更多
The oxytocin receptor(OXTR)has garnered increasing attention for its role in regulating both mature behaviors and brain development.It has been established that OXTR mediates a range of effects that are regionspecifc ...The oxytocin receptor(OXTR)has garnered increasing attention for its role in regulating both mature behaviors and brain development.It has been established that OXTR mediates a range of effects that are regionspecifc or period-specifc.However,the current studies of OXTR expression patterns in mice only provide limited help due to limitations in resolution.Therefore,our objective was to generate a comprehensive,high-resolution spatiotemporal expression map of Oxtr mRNA across the entire developing mouse brain.We applied RNAscope in situ hybridization to investigate the spatiotemporal expression pattern of Oxtr in the brains of male mice at six distinct postnatal developmental stages(P7,P14,P21,P28,P42,P56).We provide detailed descriptions of Oxtr expression patterns in key brain regions,including the cortex,basal forebrain,hippocampus,and amygdaloid complex,with a focus on the precise localization of Oxtr+cells and the variance of expression between diferent neurons.Furthermore,we identifed some neuronal populations with high Oxtr expression levels that have been little studied,including glutamatergic neurons in the ventral dentate gyrus,Vgat+Oxtr+cells in the basal forebrain,and GABAergic neurons in layers 4/5 of the cortex.Our study provides a novel perspective for understanding the distribution of Oxtr and encourages further investigations into its functions.展开更多
This study aims to understand the behavior of the Bugis community in developing vernacular house models in the coastal areas of South Sulawesi Province,along with the factors influencing this behavior,such as knowledg...This study aims to understand the behavior of the Bugis community in developing vernacular house models in the coastal areas of South Sulawesi Province,along with the factors influencing this behavior,such as knowledge,motivation,attitude,locus of control,commitment,concern,and income level.Bugis vernacular houses reflect local wisdom that is adapted to environmental,socio-cultural conditions,and the challenges of modernization.This correlational research was conducted in the regencies of Pangkajene and Kepulauan,Barru,and Bone,with a sample of 300 household heads.The variables analyzed include knowledge,motivation,attitude,locus of control,commitment,concern,and income level.Data were collected through knowledge tests and questionnaires and were analyzed using simple and multiple regression tech-niques.The results show that the Bugis community’s behavior in developing vernacular houses is moderate.Individually,motivation,locus of control,commitment,and concern significantly influence behavior,while knowledge,attitude,and income do not have a significant impact.However,collectively,all independent variables(knowledge,motivation,attitude,locus of control,commitment,concern,and income)affect the behavior of the Bugis community in developing vernacular houses in coastal areas.This study provides valuable insights into the environmental and social adaptations of the Bugis coastal community,as well as efforts to preserve culture through the sustainable development of vernacular houses.展开更多
River ethics,a significant advancement inspired by Chinese President XI Jinping's ecological civilization thought,embodies the philosophical essence of river governance and represents a legacy of innovation by gen...River ethics,a significant advancement inspired by Chinese President XI Jinping's ecological civilization thought,embodies the philosophical essence of river governance and represents a legacy of innovation by generations of water resources professionals.Rooted in river ecology,it offers a framework for advancing modern water governance systems and capabilities.This paper examines eight dimensions of river ethics to provide actionable recommendations:enhancing knowledge systems on water,rivers,and lakes;addressing critical challenges in water governance to strengthen the foundational role of water authorities in ensuring water security,resource management,ecological sustainability and environmental protection;optimizing water project planning to mitigate ecological impacts;ensuring high standards in the lifecycle management of water projects;refining water diversion strategies for precise scheduling;utilizing ecosystem complexity for river and lake restoration;implementing tiered management of water-related disasters;and driving reforms to modernize water governance systems and mechanisms.展开更多
Objectives:Electronic health records(EHRs)offer valuable real-world data(RWD)for Chinese medicine research.However,significant methodological challenges remain in developing integrative Chinese-Western medicine(ICWM)d...Objectives:Electronic health records(EHRs)offer valuable real-world data(RWD)for Chinese medicine research.However,significant methodological challenges remain in developing integrative Chinese-Western medicine(ICWM)databases.This study aims to establish a best-practice methodological framework,referred to as BRIDGE,to guide the construction of ICWM databases using EHRs.Methods:We developed the methodological framework through a comprehensive process,including systematic literature review,synthesis of empirical experiences,thematic expert discussions,and consultation with an external panel to reach consensus.Results:The BRIDGE framework outlines 6 core components for ICWM-EHR database development:Overall design,database architecture,data extraction and linkage,data governance,data verification,and data quality evaluation.Key data elements include variables related to study population,treatment or exposure,outcomes,and confounders.These databases support various research applications,particularly in evaluating the effectiveness and safety of integrative therapies.To demonstrate its practical value,we developed an ICWM-EHR database on women’s reproductive lifespan,encompassing 2,064,482 patients.This database captures women’s health conditions across the life course,from reproductive age to older adulthood.Conclusions:The BRIDGE methodological framework provides a standardized approach to building high-quality ICWM-EHR databases.It offers a unique opportunity to strengthen the methodological rigor and real-world relevance of Chinese medicine research in integrated healthcare settings.展开更多
With the first rays of dawn peeking through the rainforest at Shiti Village,Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture,Yunnan Province,Xu Xiaolong,a bird-watching guide from the Jingpo ethnic group,led a German bird-...With the first rays of dawn peeking through the rainforest at Shiti Village,Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture,Yunnan Province,Xu Xiaolong,a bird-watching guide from the Jingpo ethnic group,led a German bird-watching group into the jungle.His great-grandfather made a living by hunting“weird-looking birds”in the mountains.Today,the birds(Great Hornbill)are attracting tourist dollars from other parts of the world without dodging bullets.In Shiti Village,bird-watchers can enjoy the chirping of Great Hornbills and feel the rumbling in the air as the birds fly past.The village on the Chinese border with Myanmar was formerly poverty-stricken,with an average annual income of barely 2,000 yuan(US$305)per household 10 years ago.Today,the average annual income has grown to 150,000 yuan(US$23,075).It is a shining example of the successful practice of the notion that“lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.”展开更多
The Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Forum on Bridging the AI Divide and Opening Ceremony of AIM Global CoE were held on July 27 in Minhang district,Shanghai.The event was hosted by AIM Global CoE,and co-orga...The Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Forum on Bridging the AI Divide and Opening Ceremony of AIM Global CoE were held on July 27 in Minhang district,Shanghai.The event was hosted by AIM Global CoE,and co-organized by Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Research Institute(SAIRI),Shanghai Technology Innovation Center,Shanghai Grand Neobay Investment Development Group,and Organizing Committee of AI Journey Conference.Asian Association of Business Incubation(AABI)and SAIRI served as the international partners.展开更多
This paper examines the nutrition impacts of using non-solid cooking fuel on under-five children in developing countries.We draw on data from more than 1.12 million children in 62 developing countries from the Demogra...This paper examines the nutrition impacts of using non-solid cooking fuel on under-five children in developing countries.We draw on data from more than 1.12 million children in 62 developing countries from the Demographic and Health Surveys(DHS).Results from both fixed effects(FE)and instrumental variable(IV)estimates show that using non-solid cooking fuel significantly improves the nutrition outcomes of under-five children.Compared with their peers from households mainly using solid fuel,children from households mainly using non-solid fuel exhibit a lower probability of experiencing stunting(by 5.9 percentage points)and being underweight(by 1.2 percentage points).Our further investigation provides evidence for several underlying mechanisms,such as improved indoor air quality,induced reduction in children’s respiratory symptoms,benefits on maternal health,and reduction in maternal time spent on fuel collection or cooking.Heterogenous analyses suggest that the nutrition benefits of using non-solid cooking fuel are more prominent among boys,children above three years old,and those from households of lower socioeconomic status,rural areas,and Southeast Asia.展开更多
Cultural ancient roads,known in Chinese as gudao,serve as heritage trails that carry historical exchanges across various regions in China.Due to their extensive preservation,wide geographical distribution,diverse them...Cultural ancient roads,known in Chinese as gudao,serve as heritage trails that carry historical exchanges across various regions in China.Due to their extensive preservation,wide geographical distribution,diverse thematic variations,and considerable tourist appeal,these paths have emerged as representative heritage trails,increasingly transforming into a novel tourism product experience that is highly favored by tourists and recognized by government authorities.However,research on ancient roads for tourism in China currently lacks a systematic theoretical framework,as well as relevant policies,regulations,and standards to guide their practical development.Therefore,there is a pressing need to draw upon international best practices and conduct foundational research to develop an experience element system that aligns with the perceptions,behaviors,and consumption characteristics of Chinese tourists,thereby advancing theoretical exploration in this field.This study focuses on the representative Ancient Shu Road as a case study and employs a mixed-method approach that integrates qualitative and quantitative research.It aims to construct a tourist-centric scale for the experience elements of ancient road tourism while analyzing the interactive relationship between these experience elements and tourist needs.This study addresses a significant gap in the development of indicator systems for domestic studies of ancient road tourism experiences.Ultimately,the study establishes a comprehensive scale that encompasses three core categories—trail resources and environment,facilities and services,and modes of tourism activities—along with eight primary dimensions:core resources,surrounding cultural environment,surrounding natural environment,tourism reception facilities and services,infrastructure and support services,information facilities and information services,and outdoor and recreational activities.This scale consists of thirty-two specific items,providing a robust reference for future research endeavors.Additionally,the study proposes specific development strategies related to key mechanisms,spatial configuration,and facility construction to enhance the overall development of ancient road tourism.展开更多
Since 1976, eradicating hunger has become one of the priority objectives of the United Nations, which is included in the Charter of Human Rights;the right to get adequate food. The qualification of food security in ti...Since 1976, eradicating hunger has become one of the priority objectives of the United Nations, which is included in the Charter of Human Rights;the right to get adequate food. The qualification of food security in time and space must analyze not only the three components it covers but also the relationships that these three components maintain. Climate change contributes to food insecurity, but it is not the only factor. To address food insecurity in various forms, greater food security must be combined with improved sustainable agricultural practices with minimal strain on the environment. This review of literature insists on the principles of food security, which in particular allows a better understanding of food insecurity in developing countries and favors a greater contribution of agriculture and food systems in general to nutritional progress.展开更多
Human brain development is a complex process,and animal models often have significant limitations.To address this,researchers have developed pluripotent stem cell-derived three-dimensional structures,known as brain-li...Human brain development is a complex process,and animal models often have significant limitations.To address this,researchers have developed pluripotent stem cell-derived three-dimensional structures,known as brain-like organoids,to more accurately model early human brain development and disease.To enable more consistent and intuitive reproduction of early brain development,in this study,we incorporated forebrain organoid culture technology into the traditional unguided method of brain organoid culture.This involved embedding organoids in matrigel for only 7 days during the rapid expansion phase of the neural epithelium and then removing them from the matrigel for further cultivation,resulting in a new type of human brain organoid system.This cerebral organoid system replicated the temporospatial characteristics of early human brain development,including neuroepithelium derivation,neural progenitor cell production and maintenance,neuron differentiation and migration,and cortical layer patterning and formation,providing more consistent and reproducible organoids for developmental modeling and toxicology testing.As a proof of concept,we applied the heavy metal cadmium to this newly improved organoid system to test whether it could be used to evaluate the neurotoxicity of environmental toxins.Brain organoids exposed to cadmium for 7 or 14 days manifested severe damage and abnormalities in their neurodevelopmental patterns,including bursts of cortical cell death and premature differentiation.Cadmium exposure caused progressive depletion of neural progenitor cells and loss of organoid integrity,accompanied by compensatory cell proliferation at ectopic locations.The convenience,flexibility,and controllability of this newly developed organoid platform make it a powerful and affordable alternative to animal models for use in neurodevelopmental,neurological,and neurotoxicological studies.展开更多
Despite a growing body of literature on smart specialization,the role of public authorities and innovation intermediaries,particularly in developing regions,remains understudied.This research examines one of the first...Despite a growing body of literature on smart specialization,the role of public authorities and innovation intermediaries,particularly in developing regions,remains understudied.This research examines one of the first attempts to apply the smart specialization framework to the development of an innovation strategy outside Europe,specifically in the Pernambuco State,Brazil.We focus on two priority areas(clothing and high-tech automotive components)identified by the state government as key targets for pilot policy experimentation and use different methods,such as social network analysis and content analysis,to interview strategic innovation actors for studying the promotion of innovation and regional development in Pernambuco.Findings highlight how regional governance,collaboration,and trust are shaped by public authorities and innovation intermediaries.The study identifies three key challenges in implementing smart specialization strategy in developing regions:i.e.,achieving effective decentralization,cultivating an innovation culture,and establishing participatory governance mechanisms.The public sector actors act as crucial knowledge brokers and policy intermediaries,facilitating the linkages and partnerships necessary to overcome these challenges.展开更多
Developing deep fragmented soft coalbed methane(CBM)can significantly enhance domestic natural gas supplies,reduce reliance on imported energy,and bolster national energy security.This manuscript provides a comprehens...Developing deep fragmented soft coalbed methane(CBM)can significantly enhance domestic natural gas supplies,reduce reliance on imported energy,and bolster national energy security.This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of commonly employed coalbed methane extraction technologies.It then delves into several critical issues in the current stage of CBM exploration and development in China,including the compatibility of existing technologies with CBM reservoirs,the characteristics and occurrence states of CBM reservoirs,critical desorption pressure,and gas generation mechanisms.Our research indicates that current CBM exploration and development technologies in China have reached an internationally advanced level,yet the industry is facing unprecedented challenges.Despite progress in low-permeability,high-value coal seams,significant breakthroughs have not been achieved in exploring other types of coal seams.For different coal reservoirs,integrated extraction technologies have been developed,such as surface pre-depressurisation and segmented hydraulic fracturing of coal seam roof strata.Additionally,techniques like large-scale volume fracturing in horizontal wells have been established,significantly enhancing reservoir stimulation effects and coalbed methane recovery rates.However,all of these technologies are fundamentally based on permeation.These technologies lack direct methods aimed at enhancing the diffusion rate of CBM,thereby failing to fully reflect the unique characteristics of CBM.Current CBM exploration and development theories and technologies are not universally applicable to all coal seams.They do not adequately account for the predominantly adsorbed state of CBM,and the complex and variable gas generation mechanisms further constrain CBM development in China.Finally,continuous exploration of new deep CBM exploration technologies is necessary.Integrating more effective reservoir stimulation technologies is essential to enhance technical adaptability concerning CBM reservoir characteristics,gas occurrence states,and gas generation mechanisms,ultimately achieving efficient CBM development.We conclude that while China possesses a substantial foundation of deep fractured CBM resources,industry development is constrained and requires continuous exploration of new CBM exploration and development technologies to utilize these resources effectively.展开更多
The organotypic retinal explant culture has been established for more than a decade and offers a range of unique advantages compared with in vivo experiments and cell cultures.However,the lack of systematic and contin...The organotypic retinal explant culture has been established for more than a decade and offers a range of unique advantages compared with in vivo experiments and cell cultures.However,the lack of systematic and continuous comparison between in vivo retinal development and the organotypic retinal explant culture makes this model controversial in postnatal retinal development studies.Thus,we aimed to verify the feasibility of using this model for postnatal retinal development studies by comparing it with the in vivo retina.In this study,we showed that postnatal retinal explants undergo normal development,and exhibit a consistent structure and timeline with retinas in vivo.Initially,we used SOX2 and PAX6 immunostaining to identify retinal progenitor cells.We then examined cell proliferation and migration by immunostaining with Ki-67 and doublecortin,respectively.Ki-67-and doublecortin-positive cells decreased in both in vivo and explants during postnatal retinogenesis,and exhibited a high degree of similarity in abundance and distribution between groups.Additionally,we used Ceh-10 homeodomain-containing homolog,glutamate-ammonia ligase(glutamine synthetase),neuronal nuclei,and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 immunostaining to examine the emergence of bipolar cells,Müller glia,mature neurons,and microglia,respectively.The timing and spatial patterns of the emergence of these cell types were remarkably consistent between in vivo and explant retinas.Our study showed that the organotypic retinal explant culture model had a high degree of consistency with the progression of in vivo early postnatal retina development.The findings confirm the accuracy and credibility of this model and support its use for long-term,systematic,and continuous observation.展开更多
Kidney transplantation(KT)is the optimal form of renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal diseases.However,this health service is not available to all patients,especially in developing countries.The...Kidney transplantation(KT)is the optimal form of renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal diseases.However,this health service is not available to all patients,especially in developing countries.The deceased donor KT programs are mostly absent,and the living donor KT centers are scarce.Single-center studies presenting experiences from developing countries usually report a variety of challenges.This review addresses these challenges and the opposing strategies by reviewing the single-center experiences of developing countries.The financial challenges hamper the infrastructural and material availability,coverage of transplant costs,and qualification of medical personnel.The sociocultural challenges influence organ donation,equity of beneficence,and regular follow-up work.Low interests and motives for transplantation may result from high medicolegal responsibilities in KT practice,intense potential psychosocial burdens,complex qualification protocols,and low productivity or compensation for KT practice.Low medical literacy about KT advantages is prevalent among clinicians,patients,and the public.The inefficient organizational and regulatory oversight is translated into inefficient healthcare systems,absent national KT programs and registries,uncoordinated job descriptions and qualification protocols,uncoordinated on-site investigations with regulatory constraints,and the prevalence of commercial KT practices.These challenges resulted in noticeable differences between KT services in developed and developing countries.The coping strategies can be summarized in two main mechanisms:The first mechanism is maximizing the available resources by increasing the rates of living kidney donation,promoting the expertise of medical personnel,reducing material consumption,and supporting the establishment and maintenance of KT programs.The latter warrants the expansion of the public sector and the elimination of non-ethical KT practices.The second mechanism is recruiting external resources,including financial,experience,and training agreements.展开更多
While a plethora of studies has been conducted to explore demotivation and its impact on mental health in second language(L2)education,scanty research focuses on demotivation in L2 speaking learning.Particularly,littl...While a plethora of studies has been conducted to explore demotivation and its impact on mental health in second language(L2)education,scanty research focuses on demotivation in L2 speaking learning.Particularly,little research explores the measures to quantify L2 speaking demotivation.The present two-phase study attempts to develop and validate an English Speaking Demotivation Scale(ESDS).To this end,an independent sample of 207 Chinese tertiary learners of English as a Foreign Language(EFL)participated in the development phase,and another group of 188 Chinese EFL learners was recruited for the validation of the scale.Exploratory Factor Analysis(EFA)and Confirmatory Factor Analysis(CFA)were employed to determine the factor structure of the scale.The EFA results revealed a six-factor solution with Teacher-related Factors in Learning Spoken English(TFLSE),Interest and Valence in Learning Spoken English(IVLSE),Self-efficacy in Learning Spoken English(SELSE),Negative Peer Influence in Learning Spoken English(NPILSE),Undesirable Environment for Learning Spoken English(UELSE),and Negative Influence of Assessment and Learning Materials in speaking class(NIALM).In the validation phase,Confirmatory Factor Analysis(CFA)was performed to validate the internal structure of the scale.The CFA results showed that the model fits the data well.Overall,the ESDS is a robust and trustworthy psychometric tool that could be utilized to examine L2 speaking demotivation.Implications for diminishing EFL learners’demotivation,lessening their aversive emotions and promoting their mental health are also discussed.展开更多
文摘Energy poverty in developing countries is a critical issue characterized by the lack of access to modern energy services,such as electricity and clean cooking facilities,as marked in SDG 7.This study explores the correlations between energy poverty,energy intensity,resource abundance,and income inequality,as these factors have been theorized to play important roles in influencing energy poverty in developing countries.By observing that the dataset is heterogeneous across the countries and over the time frame,we use the Method of Moments Quantile Regression(MMQR)to analyze our developing countries’data from 2000 to 2019.Our findings indicate that energy intensity is a significant factor influencing energy poverty,suggesting that higher energy consumption relative to the sample countries can exacerbate this issue.Additionally,we observe that income inequality within the sample countries is a critical determinant of energy poverty levels,highlighting the dynamics between economic disparity and access to energy resources.Interestingly,our study reveals that resource abundance acts as a blessing rather than a curse in terms of energy poverty,implying that countries rich in natural resources may have better opportunities to combat energy deprivation.Finally,we emphasize the vital role of financial markets in addressing energy poverty on a global scale,suggesting that robust financial systems can facilitate investments and innovations aimed at improving energy access for vulnerable populations.The results from the robustness analysis support the empirical results obtained from the main estimation.The empirical findings of the present study advance important comprehensions for policymakers to adopt energy policies that address the complex challenges of energy poverty and promote inclusive energy access.
基金Philosophy and Social Science Planning Projects in Yunnan Province,No.QN202428China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No.2024M752918。
文摘Foreign-funded overseas industrial parks(OIPs)are crucial for attracting foreign investment and promoting globalization in developing countries.However,large-scale land acquisition for these parks generates conflicts between developers and local stakeholders,increasing development costs.A qualitative multicase study was conducted in this study to analyze the land transaction trajectories of China's OIPs.Four OIPs were selected to reveal the underlying mechanisms from the perspectives of institutional arrangements,governance mechanisms,and enterprise heterogeneity.The findings indicate that in host countries with insufficient institutional development,local governments are more inclined to directly engage in OIP land acquisition.High-level intergovernmental mechanisms facilitate land acquisition processes,although their efficacy depends largely on administrative power allocation across parks in host countries.The results also indicate that enterprise characteristics significantly influence land acquisition,where microscale private enterprises lacking political connections often employ low-cost,bottom-up strategies by leveraging international experience.In summary,policy-makers in developing countries should prioritize enhancing OIP governance to mitigate transaction costs,promote diversified land supply,and optimize land allocation.By depicting China's OIP land acquisition processes,this study deepens the academic understanding of OIP governance in developing countries and related international land transactions,offering practical OIP management insights for governments in both host and parent countries.
文摘We do so much to prepare our children for the future,but are we doing enough to prepare the future for our children?To do so we must seek sustainability.Sustainability is a new way of thinking about an age-old concern:ensuring that our children and grandchildren inherit a tomorrow that is at least as good as today,preferably better.We want to make sure that the way we live our lives is sustainable that can continue and keep improving for long time.And since buildings produce half of all greenhouse gases and account for one-sixth of the world's freshwater withdrawals,one-quarter of its wood harvest and two fifths of its material and energy flows.By several estimates,we will double the size of the built environment over the next twenty to forty years.Therefore,there is a critical and immediate need to shift thinking on how the built environment is designed.To reduce environmental impact,protect public health and improve environmental equity and justice,we must change principles for building practice.Designers in general and architects in particular should play a high-profile leadership role in this transformation.
文摘Building Information Modelling(BIM)technology can solve construction issues from multiple perspectives,including technical and managerial.While existing research has primarily focused on BIM’s benefits and framework development,few studies discussed whether BIM can be successfully applied in developing countries.This paper examines the current status and key obstacles hindering BIM adoption in developing countries,analyzing their underlying causes.Notably,the study reveals that high BIM awareness does not directly lead to high BIM usage.The findings aim to provide theoretical support for enhancing the BIM environment and increasing implementation feasibility in developing countries.Additionally,the research identifies critical barriers for governments to address in promoting BIM adoption,offering a foundation for policy formulation.
基金supported by the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars(32325025)the STI2030-Major Projects(2021ZD0202500)+2 种基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFA1101801)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32171148,and 31770929)the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission(Z181100001518001 and Z161100000216154).
文摘The oxytocin receptor(OXTR)has garnered increasing attention for its role in regulating both mature behaviors and brain development.It has been established that OXTR mediates a range of effects that are regionspecifc or period-specifc.However,the current studies of OXTR expression patterns in mice only provide limited help due to limitations in resolution.Therefore,our objective was to generate a comprehensive,high-resolution spatiotemporal expression map of Oxtr mRNA across the entire developing mouse brain.We applied RNAscope in situ hybridization to investigate the spatiotemporal expression pattern of Oxtr in the brains of male mice at six distinct postnatal developmental stages(P7,P14,P21,P28,P42,P56).We provide detailed descriptions of Oxtr expression patterns in key brain regions,including the cortex,basal forebrain,hippocampus,and amygdaloid complex,with a focus on the precise localization of Oxtr+cells and the variance of expression between diferent neurons.Furthermore,we identifed some neuronal populations with high Oxtr expression levels that have been little studied,including glutamatergic neurons in the ventral dentate gyrus,Vgat+Oxtr+cells in the basal forebrain,and GABAergic neurons in layers 4/5 of the cortex.Our study provides a novel perspective for understanding the distribution of Oxtr and encourages further investigations into its functions.
基金The cost of this research comes from a grant from the government of the Republic of Indonesia,through the Ministry of Education and Culture,Research and Technology with contract number:1225/UN36.11/LP2M/2024。
文摘This study aims to understand the behavior of the Bugis community in developing vernacular house models in the coastal areas of South Sulawesi Province,along with the factors influencing this behavior,such as knowledge,motivation,attitude,locus of control,commitment,concern,and income level.Bugis vernacular houses reflect local wisdom that is adapted to environmental,socio-cultural conditions,and the challenges of modernization.This correlational research was conducted in the regencies of Pangkajene and Kepulauan,Barru,and Bone,with a sample of 300 household heads.The variables analyzed include knowledge,motivation,attitude,locus of control,commitment,concern,and income level.Data were collected through knowledge tests and questionnaires and were analyzed using simple and multiple regression tech-niques.The results show that the Bugis community’s behavior in developing vernacular houses is moderate.Individually,motivation,locus of control,commitment,and concern significantly influence behavior,while knowledge,attitude,and income do not have a significant impact.However,collectively,all independent variables(knowledge,motivation,attitude,locus of control,commitment,concern,and income)affect the behavior of the Bugis community in developing vernacular houses in coastal areas.This study provides valuable insights into the environmental and social adaptations of the Bugis coastal community,as well as efforts to preserve culture through the sustainable development of vernacular houses.
基金Three Gorges Follow-up Work Fund,Grant/Award Number:WE0161A042024National Key Research Program of China,Grant/Award Number:2024YFC3210900。
文摘River ethics,a significant advancement inspired by Chinese President XI Jinping's ecological civilization thought,embodies the philosophical essence of river governance and represents a legacy of innovation by generations of water resources professionals.Rooted in river ecology,it offers a framework for advancing modern water governance systems and capabilities.This paper examines eight dimensions of river ethics to provide actionable recommendations:enhancing knowledge systems on water,rivers,and lakes;addressing critical challenges in water governance to strengthen the foundational role of water authorities in ensuring water security,resource management,ecological sustainability and environmental protection;optimizing water project planning to mitigate ecological impacts;ensuring high standards in the lifecycle management of water projects;refining water diversion strategies for precise scheduling;utilizing ecosystem complexity for river and lake restoration;implementing tiered management of water-related disasters;and driving reforms to modernize water governance systems and mechanisms.
基金supported by the National Key Research&Development Program of China(No.2024YFC3505800)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.82474334,82474335 and 72174132)+3 种基金National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars(No.82225049)the Key Research&Development Projects of Sichuan Provincial Department of Science and Technology(Nos.2024YFFK0174 and 2024YFFK0152)1.3.5 Project for Disciplines of Excellence,West China Hospital,Sichuan University(Nos.ZYYC24010 and ZYGD23004)the Special Fund for Traditional Chinese Medicine of Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine(No.2024zd023).
文摘Objectives:Electronic health records(EHRs)offer valuable real-world data(RWD)for Chinese medicine research.However,significant methodological challenges remain in developing integrative Chinese-Western medicine(ICWM)databases.This study aims to establish a best-practice methodological framework,referred to as BRIDGE,to guide the construction of ICWM databases using EHRs.Methods:We developed the methodological framework through a comprehensive process,including systematic literature review,synthesis of empirical experiences,thematic expert discussions,and consultation with an external panel to reach consensus.Results:The BRIDGE framework outlines 6 core components for ICWM-EHR database development:Overall design,database architecture,data extraction and linkage,data governance,data verification,and data quality evaluation.Key data elements include variables related to study population,treatment or exposure,outcomes,and confounders.These databases support various research applications,particularly in evaluating the effectiveness and safety of integrative therapies.To demonstrate its practical value,we developed an ICWM-EHR database on women’s reproductive lifespan,encompassing 2,064,482 patients.This database captures women’s health conditions across the life course,from reproductive age to older adulthood.Conclusions:The BRIDGE methodological framework provides a standardized approach to building high-quality ICWM-EHR databases.It offers a unique opportunity to strengthen the methodological rigor and real-world relevance of Chinese medicine research in integrated healthcare settings.
文摘With the first rays of dawn peeking through the rainforest at Shiti Village,Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture,Yunnan Province,Xu Xiaolong,a bird-watching guide from the Jingpo ethnic group,led a German bird-watching group into the jungle.His great-grandfather made a living by hunting“weird-looking birds”in the mountains.Today,the birds(Great Hornbill)are attracting tourist dollars from other parts of the world without dodging bullets.In Shiti Village,bird-watchers can enjoy the chirping of Great Hornbills and feel the rumbling in the air as the birds fly past.The village on the Chinese border with Myanmar was formerly poverty-stricken,with an average annual income of barely 2,000 yuan(US$305)per household 10 years ago.Today,the average annual income has grown to 150,000 yuan(US$23,075).It is a shining example of the successful practice of the notion that“lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.”
文摘The Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Forum on Bridging the AI Divide and Opening Ceremony of AIM Global CoE were held on July 27 in Minhang district,Shanghai.The event was hosted by AIM Global CoE,and co-organized by Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Research Institute(SAIRI),Shanghai Technology Innovation Center,Shanghai Grand Neobay Investment Development Group,and Organizing Committee of AI Journey Conference.Asian Association of Business Incubation(AABI)and SAIRI served as the international partners.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(71861147003 and 71925009).
文摘This paper examines the nutrition impacts of using non-solid cooking fuel on under-five children in developing countries.We draw on data from more than 1.12 million children in 62 developing countries from the Demographic and Health Surveys(DHS).Results from both fixed effects(FE)and instrumental variable(IV)estimates show that using non-solid cooking fuel significantly improves the nutrition outcomes of under-five children.Compared with their peers from households mainly using solid fuel,children from households mainly using non-solid fuel exhibit a lower probability of experiencing stunting(by 5.9 percentage points)and being underweight(by 1.2 percentage points).Our further investigation provides evidence for several underlying mechanisms,such as improved indoor air quality,induced reduction in children’s respiratory symptoms,benefits on maternal health,and reduction in maternal time spent on fuel collection or cooking.Heterogenous analyses suggest that the nutrition benefits of using non-solid cooking fuel are more prominent among boys,children above three years old,and those from households of lower socioeconomic status,rural areas,and Southeast Asia.
文摘Cultural ancient roads,known in Chinese as gudao,serve as heritage trails that carry historical exchanges across various regions in China.Due to their extensive preservation,wide geographical distribution,diverse thematic variations,and considerable tourist appeal,these paths have emerged as representative heritage trails,increasingly transforming into a novel tourism product experience that is highly favored by tourists and recognized by government authorities.However,research on ancient roads for tourism in China currently lacks a systematic theoretical framework,as well as relevant policies,regulations,and standards to guide their practical development.Therefore,there is a pressing need to draw upon international best practices and conduct foundational research to develop an experience element system that aligns with the perceptions,behaviors,and consumption characteristics of Chinese tourists,thereby advancing theoretical exploration in this field.This study focuses on the representative Ancient Shu Road as a case study and employs a mixed-method approach that integrates qualitative and quantitative research.It aims to construct a tourist-centric scale for the experience elements of ancient road tourism while analyzing the interactive relationship between these experience elements and tourist needs.This study addresses a significant gap in the development of indicator systems for domestic studies of ancient road tourism experiences.Ultimately,the study establishes a comprehensive scale that encompasses three core categories—trail resources and environment,facilities and services,and modes of tourism activities—along with eight primary dimensions:core resources,surrounding cultural environment,surrounding natural environment,tourism reception facilities and services,infrastructure and support services,information facilities and information services,and outdoor and recreational activities.This scale consists of thirty-two specific items,providing a robust reference for future research endeavors.Additionally,the study proposes specific development strategies related to key mechanisms,spatial configuration,and facility construction to enhance the overall development of ancient road tourism.
文摘Since 1976, eradicating hunger has become one of the priority objectives of the United Nations, which is included in the Charter of Human Rights;the right to get adequate food. The qualification of food security in time and space must analyze not only the three components it covers but also the relationships that these three components maintain. Climate change contributes to food insecurity, but it is not the only factor. To address food insecurity in various forms, greater food security must be combined with improved sustainable agricultural practices with minimal strain on the environment. This review of literature insists on the principles of food security, which in particular allows a better understanding of food insecurity in developing countries and favors a greater contribution of agriculture and food systems in general to nutritional progress.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China,No.2019YFA0110300(to ZG)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.81773302(to YF),32070862(to ZG).
文摘Human brain development is a complex process,and animal models often have significant limitations.To address this,researchers have developed pluripotent stem cell-derived three-dimensional structures,known as brain-like organoids,to more accurately model early human brain development and disease.To enable more consistent and intuitive reproduction of early brain development,in this study,we incorporated forebrain organoid culture technology into the traditional unguided method of brain organoid culture.This involved embedding organoids in matrigel for only 7 days during the rapid expansion phase of the neural epithelium and then removing them from the matrigel for further cultivation,resulting in a new type of human brain organoid system.This cerebral organoid system replicated the temporospatial characteristics of early human brain development,including neuroepithelium derivation,neural progenitor cell production and maintenance,neuron differentiation and migration,and cortical layer patterning and formation,providing more consistent and reproducible organoids for developmental modeling and toxicology testing.As a proof of concept,we applied the heavy metal cadmium to this newly improved organoid system to test whether it could be used to evaluate the neurotoxicity of environmental toxins.Brain organoids exposed to cadmium for 7 or 14 days manifested severe damage and abnormalities in their neurodevelopmental patterns,including bursts of cortical cell death and premature differentiation.Cadmium exposure caused progressive depletion of neural progenitor cells and loss of organoid integrity,accompanied by compensatory cell proliferation at ectopic locations.The convenience,flexibility,and controllability of this newly developed organoid platform make it a powerful and affordable alternative to animal models for use in neurodevelopmental,neurological,and neurotoxicological studies.
基金the project “Regional Innovation Systems in the State of Pernambuco – Brazil” (2016CE160AT045 EU-CELAC), which was funded by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional Policysupported by national funds of the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being and his individual research plan。
文摘Despite a growing body of literature on smart specialization,the role of public authorities and innovation intermediaries,particularly in developing regions,remains understudied.This research examines one of the first attempts to apply the smart specialization framework to the development of an innovation strategy outside Europe,specifically in the Pernambuco State,Brazil.We focus on two priority areas(clothing and high-tech automotive components)identified by the state government as key targets for pilot policy experimentation and use different methods,such as social network analysis and content analysis,to interview strategic innovation actors for studying the promotion of innovation and regional development in Pernambuco.Findings highlight how regional governance,collaboration,and trust are shaped by public authorities and innovation intermediaries.The study identifies three key challenges in implementing smart specialization strategy in developing regions:i.e.,achieving effective decentralization,cultivating an innovation culture,and establishing participatory governance mechanisms.The public sector actors act as crucial knowledge brokers and policy intermediaries,facilitating the linkages and partnerships necessary to overcome these challenges.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52074045,52274074)the Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of Chongqing(CSTB2022NSCQ-JQX0028).
文摘Developing deep fragmented soft coalbed methane(CBM)can significantly enhance domestic natural gas supplies,reduce reliance on imported energy,and bolster national energy security.This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of commonly employed coalbed methane extraction technologies.It then delves into several critical issues in the current stage of CBM exploration and development in China,including the compatibility of existing technologies with CBM reservoirs,the characteristics and occurrence states of CBM reservoirs,critical desorption pressure,and gas generation mechanisms.Our research indicates that current CBM exploration and development technologies in China have reached an internationally advanced level,yet the industry is facing unprecedented challenges.Despite progress in low-permeability,high-value coal seams,significant breakthroughs have not been achieved in exploring other types of coal seams.For different coal reservoirs,integrated extraction technologies have been developed,such as surface pre-depressurisation and segmented hydraulic fracturing of coal seam roof strata.Additionally,techniques like large-scale volume fracturing in horizontal wells have been established,significantly enhancing reservoir stimulation effects and coalbed methane recovery rates.However,all of these technologies are fundamentally based on permeation.These technologies lack direct methods aimed at enhancing the diffusion rate of CBM,thereby failing to fully reflect the unique characteristics of CBM.Current CBM exploration and development theories and technologies are not universally applicable to all coal seams.They do not adequately account for the predominantly adsorbed state of CBM,and the complex and variable gas generation mechanisms further constrain CBM development in China.Finally,continuous exploration of new deep CBM exploration technologies is necessary.Integrating more effective reservoir stimulation technologies is essential to enhance technical adaptability concerning CBM reservoir characteristics,gas occurrence states,and gas generation mechanisms,ultimately achieving efficient CBM development.We conclude that while China possesses a substantial foundation of deep fractured CBM resources,industry development is constrained and requires continuous exploration of new CBM exploration and development technologies to utilize these resources effectively.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.81901156(to ZZ),82271200(to ZZ),82171308(to XC)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,No.xzy012022035(to ZZ)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province,Nos.2021JM-261(to QK),2023-YBSF-303(to ZZ)Traditional Chinese Medicine Project of Shaanxi Province,No.2019-ZZ-JC047(to QK)。
文摘The organotypic retinal explant culture has been established for more than a decade and offers a range of unique advantages compared with in vivo experiments and cell cultures.However,the lack of systematic and continuous comparison between in vivo retinal development and the organotypic retinal explant culture makes this model controversial in postnatal retinal development studies.Thus,we aimed to verify the feasibility of using this model for postnatal retinal development studies by comparing it with the in vivo retina.In this study,we showed that postnatal retinal explants undergo normal development,and exhibit a consistent structure and timeline with retinas in vivo.Initially,we used SOX2 and PAX6 immunostaining to identify retinal progenitor cells.We then examined cell proliferation and migration by immunostaining with Ki-67 and doublecortin,respectively.Ki-67-and doublecortin-positive cells decreased in both in vivo and explants during postnatal retinogenesis,and exhibited a high degree of similarity in abundance and distribution between groups.Additionally,we used Ceh-10 homeodomain-containing homolog,glutamate-ammonia ligase(glutamine synthetase),neuronal nuclei,and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 immunostaining to examine the emergence of bipolar cells,Müller glia,mature neurons,and microglia,respectively.The timing and spatial patterns of the emergence of these cell types were remarkably consistent between in vivo and explant retinas.Our study showed that the organotypic retinal explant culture model had a high degree of consistency with the progression of in vivo early postnatal retina development.The findings confirm the accuracy and credibility of this model and support its use for long-term,systematic,and continuous observation.
文摘Kidney transplantation(KT)is the optimal form of renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal diseases.However,this health service is not available to all patients,especially in developing countries.The deceased donor KT programs are mostly absent,and the living donor KT centers are scarce.Single-center studies presenting experiences from developing countries usually report a variety of challenges.This review addresses these challenges and the opposing strategies by reviewing the single-center experiences of developing countries.The financial challenges hamper the infrastructural and material availability,coverage of transplant costs,and qualification of medical personnel.The sociocultural challenges influence organ donation,equity of beneficence,and regular follow-up work.Low interests and motives for transplantation may result from high medicolegal responsibilities in KT practice,intense potential psychosocial burdens,complex qualification protocols,and low productivity or compensation for KT practice.Low medical literacy about KT advantages is prevalent among clinicians,patients,and the public.The inefficient organizational and regulatory oversight is translated into inefficient healthcare systems,absent national KT programs and registries,uncoordinated job descriptions and qualification protocols,uncoordinated on-site investigations with regulatory constraints,and the prevalence of commercial KT practices.These challenges resulted in noticeable differences between KT services in developed and developing countries.The coping strategies can be summarized in two main mechanisms:The first mechanism is maximizing the available resources by increasing the rates of living kidney donation,promoting the expertise of medical personnel,reducing material consumption,and supporting the establishment and maintenance of KT programs.The latter warrants the expansion of the public sector and the elimination of non-ethical KT practices.The second mechanism is recruiting external resources,including financial,experience,and training agreements.
基金the Humanities and Social Sciences Project,China’s Ministry of Education(Grant Number:22YJA740016)the Key Project of Hubei Provincial Department of Education Philosophy and Social Science Research Fund(No.21ZD051)the Teaching and Research Fund of Hubei University of Technology(No.Xiao2022018).
文摘While a plethora of studies has been conducted to explore demotivation and its impact on mental health in second language(L2)education,scanty research focuses on demotivation in L2 speaking learning.Particularly,little research explores the measures to quantify L2 speaking demotivation.The present two-phase study attempts to develop and validate an English Speaking Demotivation Scale(ESDS).To this end,an independent sample of 207 Chinese tertiary learners of English as a Foreign Language(EFL)participated in the development phase,and another group of 188 Chinese EFL learners was recruited for the validation of the scale.Exploratory Factor Analysis(EFA)and Confirmatory Factor Analysis(CFA)were employed to determine the factor structure of the scale.The EFA results revealed a six-factor solution with Teacher-related Factors in Learning Spoken English(TFLSE),Interest and Valence in Learning Spoken English(IVLSE),Self-efficacy in Learning Spoken English(SELSE),Negative Peer Influence in Learning Spoken English(NPILSE),Undesirable Environment for Learning Spoken English(UELSE),and Negative Influence of Assessment and Learning Materials in speaking class(NIALM).In the validation phase,Confirmatory Factor Analysis(CFA)was performed to validate the internal structure of the scale.The CFA results showed that the model fits the data well.Overall,the ESDS is a robust and trustworthy psychometric tool that could be utilized to examine L2 speaking demotivation.Implications for diminishing EFL learners’demotivation,lessening their aversive emotions and promoting their mental health are also discussed.
