The potential of several endophytic Trichoderma isolates, isolated from healthy oil palm roots was assessed against Ganoderma boninense (PER71), the causal agent of Basal Stem Rot (BSR) disease through in vitro screen...The potential of several endophytic Trichoderma isolates, isolated from healthy oil palm roots was assessed against Ganoderma boninense (PER71), the causal agent of Basal Stem Rot (BSR) disease through in vitro screening. In the dual culture assay, all endophytic Trichoderma isolates were found to be capable of inhibiting the growth of PER71 mycelium, by causing more than 70% inhibition of the pathogen’s radial growth (PIRG). Trichoderma asperellum M103 has caused the highest inhibition at 93.14%. The volatile compound produced by M103 also suppressed 65% of the pathogen’s radial growth. On the other hand, T. harzianum, M108 was found to have the ability to produce non-volatile compounds that is toxic and it has effectively inhibited 98.18% of the growth of PER71. Collectively, T. asperellum M103 and T. harzianum M108 have the potential to inhibit the growth of G. boninense PER71. These isolates were shown to be viable options for the future management of G. boninense in the oil palm field.展开更多
Urban food systems need remedies due to the global rise of food insecurity. Aquaponics has emerged as a circular agricultural mode to shape edible cities and features multiple food-water-energy (FWE) nexus. Here we pr...Urban food systems need remedies due to the global rise of food insecurity. Aquaponics has emerged as a circular agricultural mode to shape edible cities and features multiple food-water-energy (FWE) nexus. Here we provide a generalizable methodology and framework to capture the FWE nexus flows of aquaponics systems within city jurisdiction. To test the framework in Beijing, China, we offer an evidence-based tradeoff analysis of urban rooftop aquaponics (RA) and ground aquaponics (GA) from a FWE nexus perspective. The results show that urban aquaponics performs well in terms of water effi-ciency, which saves 42%-44% of water consumption than traditional greenhouses (TG) during the on-farm stage, but generates 2.3-3.0 times higher energy consumption and 1.1-2.1 times more carbon emis-sions. “From farm to table” aquaponics helps decrease 14%-44% of the energy, water, and carbon impacts during the off-farm stage. With diversely optimized strategies for renewable electricity, fish food, infras-tructure materials, and recycling actions, urban aquaponics can hopefully reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions by 80%-85% in the on-farm stage. In addition to greenhouse agriculture, utilizing a total of 155 km2 of RA and GA potential areas could increase urban vegetable self-sufficiency by 15%, and avoid 82% of the energy, water, and carbon footprints during upstream food supply chains beyond cities. Our findings could provide policy insights for urban stakeholders to create edible landscapes by integrating RA and GA, and thus direct resilient and sustainable agricultural transformation.展开更多
Presently,financial portfolio managers lack a solid basis for building a reliable risk management strategy for green debt instrument investments due to the lack of compelling growth and resilience data.Therefore,this ...Presently,financial portfolio managers lack a solid basis for building a reliable risk management strategy for green debt instrument investments due to the lack of compelling growth and resilience data.Therefore,this study assesses the role of green bonds in financial markets by assessing and correlating their complex scaling behaviors across multiple periods with those of key benchmark assets(e.g.,conventional bonds,high-yield bonds,Euro-Dollar exchange,Dow Jones Industrial Index,Bitcoin,and Gold).Specifically,we explore linear and nonlinear correlation patterns using crosscorrelation tests and the dynamic conditional correlation model,focusing on bond interactions under various degrees of freedom.Our analysis reveals that although most assets exhibit nonlinear correlations,Bitcoin uniquely aligns linearly with U.S.bonds under certain conditions.Green bonds,however,display nonlinear correlations with Bitcoin and stand out for their distinct upward financial persistence.We find also that green bonds are primary drivers in the financial domain,highlighted by their pronounced interactions and the consistent cross-correlation with the Euro-Dollar exchange rate.Moreover,green bonds have the lowest multifractality,showing persistent upward trends and antipersistent downward trends,rendering them quite resilient during periods of high volatility.These results imply that green bonds may be advantageous to portfolio risk management strategies,especially during crises when diversification and hedging tactics are needed.展开更多
The research seeks to contribute to Bitcoin pricing analysis based on the dynamics between variables of attractiveness and the value of the digital currency.Using the error correction model,the relationship between th...The research seeks to contribute to Bitcoin pricing analysis based on the dynamics between variables of attractiveness and the value of the digital currency.Using the error correction model,the relationship between the price of the virtual currency,Bitcoin,and the number of Google searches that used the terms bitcoin,bitcoin crash and crisis between December 2012 and February 2018 is analyzed.The study also applied the same analysis to prices of Bitcoin denominated in different sovereign currencies traded during the same period.The Johansen(J Econ Dyn Control 12:231-254,1988)test demonstrates that the price and number of searches on Google for the first two terms are cointegrated.This research indicates that there are strong short-term and long-term dynamics among attractiveness factors,suggesting that an increase in worldwide interest in Bitcoin is usually preceded by a price increase.In contrast,an increase in market mistrust over a collapse of the currency,as measured by the term bitcoin crash,is followed by a fall in price.Intense world economic crisis events appear to have a strong impact on interest in the virtual currency.This study demonstrates that during a worldwide crisis Bitcoin becomes an alternative investment,increasing its price.Based on it,bitcoin may be used as a safe haven by the financial market and its intrinsic characteristics might help the investors and governments to find new mechanisms to deal with monetary transactions.展开更多
The purpose of this paper is to discuss recent findings in neuroscience that can be useful to architecture.Knowing the working patterns of the brain and how space affects cerebral functions can help architects design ...The purpose of this paper is to discuss recent findings in neuroscience that can be useful to architecture.Knowing the working patterns of the brain and how space affects cerebral functions can help architects design buildings that improve the user’s behavior,performance and well-being.The built environment has a direct impact on the human brain.Social relations,focus,cognition,creativity,memory and well-being can be influenced by the surrounding physical space.Although it is not possible to create the perfect room,the space can be used in a strategic way,depending on the task that individuals are supposed to do there and depending on the people(age,gender,culture)who will make use of the space.Schools can be designed in a way to improve cognition,learning and memorization;hospital buildings can help improving recovery;workspaces can improve performance,creativity and collaboration.Above all,all spaces of long occupation should be designed in a way to improve well-being.How can architecture change automatic behaviors and nudge people to behave in a healthier way?Can architects create buildings and cities that improve socialization and happiness?Can criminality levels drop due to changes on the way the environments are designed?These are some of the questions that will be discussed in this paper.展开更多
Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is liquid waste produced from palm oil extraction process. Discharging it to the river without treatment is violation according to Malaysia Environment of Quality Act (EQA) 1974. In Malay...Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is liquid waste produced from palm oil extraction process. Discharging it to the river without treatment is violation according to Malaysia Environment of Quality Act (EQA) 1974. In Malaysia, ponding system is a conventional treatment method for POME due to its economical and simple process. The treatment process mainly involves two main treatment phases;anaerobic and aerobic degradation. Anaerobic degradation has a proven track record in reducing pollutant properties in POME up to 85%. The real challenge is to increase the efficiency of aerobic process as the biological oxygen demand (BOD) discharge limit has been further reduced from 100 mg·L<sup>-1</sup> to less than 20 mg·L<sup>-1</sup>. One of economical and feasible approach to increase the efficiency of aerobic phase is via bioremediation. This paper describes the limitation of aerobic degradation in ponding system, besides discussed on the important aspects that need to be optimized for a success implementation of bioremediation and its challenges.展开更多
The development of microbial-based products requires certain criteria for them to be successfully commercialized. The product must meet the following desirable criteria: effectiveness, contamination free, stability, c...The development of microbial-based products requires certain criteria for them to be successfully commercialized. The product must meet the following desirable criteria: effectiveness, contamination free, stability, cost-effectiveness, and a prolonged shelf life. Controlling the drying process is crucial for ensuring the stability and durability of the product. The traditional approach, which involved mechanical and natural drying, led to decreased productivity and quality. The objective of this research endeavour was to achieve a dry process enhancement while preserving the microbial quality of Trichoderma asperellum (M103). The temperature and relative humidity during the drying period were monitored under two conditions: with and without a dehumidifier. The results demonstrate that the dehumidifier increases drying period efficiency by up to 63%.展开更多
The article focuses on sources of Brazilian sports journalism and demonstrates the role of organized soccer fan groups in Rio de Janeiro between the 1940s and 1980s, this is achieved through reports provided by the Br...The article focuses on sources of Brazilian sports journalism and demonstrates the role of organized soccer fan groups in Rio de Janeiro between the 1940s and 1980s, this is achieved through reports provided by the Brazilian newspaper Jornal dos Sports. From the beginning, there are biographical notes made about the most well-known fan leaders in Rio, such as Jaime de Carvalho, who founded the Charanga (1942). The emergence of dissent among the fans, in the late 1960s, is then covered, which establishes itself within the organized fans in Rio with these individuals beginning to question the authority of the old fan group leaders. This is against the principle of giving unconditional support to the club and it is postulated that the fans have the right to criticize and protest against the club's management, even if this means using forceful tactics. Along with the journalistic narrative, there is a break-off by the "Young Fans" and a process of emancipation begins which occurs over the 1970s, this happens by means of the use of fan coaches and the invention of a lifestyle that is associated with soccer. Finally, the 1980s is marked by the constructive and destructive potential that is linked to fan groups. On the one hand, creating an Association of fans--Astorj--is pointed to in order to reach a mutual understanding, but it should be noted, on the other, that there are feuds, in a scenario of spiraling violence, in which fights, beatings, and even murders begin to be commonplace.展开更多
CONCLUDING a very productive ministerial meeting held in Brasilia in August 2019,the BRICS Ministers for Communications have released an important joint declaration highlighting the strategic interest of BRICS partner...CONCLUDING a very productive ministerial meeting held in Brasilia in August 2019,the BRICS Ministers for Communications have released an important joint declaration highlighting the strategic interest of BRICS partnerships on new digital infrastructures,5G technologies,the Internet of Things(IoT)and cybersecurity.展开更多
THE end of BRICS’s first decade takes place in a different international context from that of its early years.At its inception,BRICS countries maintained high growth rates and enjoyed greater political and social sta...THE end of BRICS’s first decade takes place in a different international context from that of its early years.At its inception,BRICS countries maintained high growth rates and enjoyed greater political and social stability.The economic crisis of 2008,which had the United States as its epicenter,gave rise to the need for greater participation of emerging economies in the process of defining the global economy’s direction.展开更多
BRICS has entered its second decade of existence and the outcomes of the first decade were positive.The group highlighted South-South cooperation as“an important element of international efforts in the field of devel...BRICS has entered its second decade of existence and the outcomes of the first decade were positive.The group highlighted South-South cooperation as“an important element of international efforts in the field of development”(Joint Communiqué,2008),reiterated the“central role”of the G20 for global governance(Joint Statement,2009)and advocated reform of international institutions– especially the IMF,the World Bank,and the UN– in order to reflect the new reality of the international system and increase the participation of emerging economies in international decision-making processes in a way compatible with the relevance of the economies.展开更多
Among the topics on the table for the next BRICS Summit in South Africa,we could highlight those related to the use of national currencies for intra-BRICS trade relations and the expansion of the grouping.A third topi...Among the topics on the table for the next BRICS Summit in South Africa,we could highlight those related to the use of national currencies for intra-BRICS trade relations and the expansion of the grouping.A third topic deserves greater attention:cooperation in digital infrastructure for developing a digital economy and governance.While the proposal to have a common BRICS currency is currently out of the question,the one that aims to expand agreements to finance bilateral trade in the national currency has gained strength among the five countries.The risks to economic sovereignty arising from excessive dependence on the US currency and the need to reduce transaction costs in intra-BRICS trade relations make this agenda item a priority.展开更多
THE ninth BRICS Summit to be held in Xiamen,China,will take place in a different international and domestic context than that of earlier years,when BRICS nations maintained high growth rates.Currently,only China and I...THE ninth BRICS Summit to be held in Xiamen,China,will take place in a different international and domestic context than that of earlier years,when BRICS nations maintained high growth rates.Currently,only China and India still maintain high growth rates.However,according to an IMF report,there will be a small decrease in India’s economic growth,with its GDP forecast to reach 7.2 percent in 2017.展开更多
THE 19th CPC National Congress will usher in a new political cycle that will be marked by the celebration of the Party's 100th anniversary,in 2021.Along with this festive and historic date comes the promise of rea...THE 19th CPC National Congress will usher in a new political cycle that will be marked by the celebration of the Party's 100th anniversary,in 2021.Along with this festive and historic date comes the promise of reaching the first centennial goal established by the Xi Jinping government:To make China a"moderately pros-perous society"that guarantees the basic needs of all citizens-both those living in cities and in rural areas.展开更多
THE WTO is an international organization whose primary purpose is to open trade for the beneft of all.It seeks to fulfll this objective through an institutional and legal framework that favors the seeking of negotiate...THE WTO is an international organization whose primary purpose is to open trade for the beneft of all.It seeks to fulfll this objective through an institutional and legal framework that favors the seeking of negotiated solutions to serve diverse com-mercial interests of its member countries and,in case of non-compliance with WTO rules,provides a dispute settlement mechanism that is the central pillar of the multilateral trading system.Te assumption is that the multilateral trading system of the WTO favors the eco-nomic development of its member countries.展开更多
THE“two sessions”was imbued with particular significance this year as it was the last session of the 12th National People’s Congress(NPC)and the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultati...THE“two sessions”was imbued with particular significance this year as it was the last session of the 12th National People’s Congress(NPC)and the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference(CPPCC).For this reason,it provided a prime opportunity to analyze President Xi’s first term in office.展开更多
文摘The potential of several endophytic Trichoderma isolates, isolated from healthy oil palm roots was assessed against Ganoderma boninense (PER71), the causal agent of Basal Stem Rot (BSR) disease through in vitro screening. In the dual culture assay, all endophytic Trichoderma isolates were found to be capable of inhibiting the growth of PER71 mycelium, by causing more than 70% inhibition of the pathogen’s radial growth (PIRG). Trichoderma asperellum M103 has caused the highest inhibition at 93.14%. The volatile compound produced by M103 also suppressed 65% of the pathogen’s radial growth. On the other hand, T. harzianum, M108 was found to have the ability to produce non-volatile compounds that is toxic and it has effectively inhibited 98.18% of the growth of PER71. Collectively, T. asperellum M103 and T. harzianum M108 have the potential to inhibit the growth of G. boninense PER71. These isolates were shown to be viable options for the future management of G. boninense in the oil palm field.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foun-dation of China(72174028 and 52225902)the Strategic Research and Consulting Project of Chinese Academy of Engineer-ing(2024-XZ-47).
文摘Urban food systems need remedies due to the global rise of food insecurity. Aquaponics has emerged as a circular agricultural mode to shape edible cities and features multiple food-water-energy (FWE) nexus. Here we provide a generalizable methodology and framework to capture the FWE nexus flows of aquaponics systems within city jurisdiction. To test the framework in Beijing, China, we offer an evidence-based tradeoff analysis of urban rooftop aquaponics (RA) and ground aquaponics (GA) from a FWE nexus perspective. The results show that urban aquaponics performs well in terms of water effi-ciency, which saves 42%-44% of water consumption than traditional greenhouses (TG) during the on-farm stage, but generates 2.3-3.0 times higher energy consumption and 1.1-2.1 times more carbon emis-sions. “From farm to table” aquaponics helps decrease 14%-44% of the energy, water, and carbon impacts during the off-farm stage. With diversely optimized strategies for renewable electricity, fish food, infras-tructure materials, and recycling actions, urban aquaponics can hopefully reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions by 80%-85% in the on-farm stage. In addition to greenhouse agriculture, utilizing a total of 155 km2 of RA and GA potential areas could increase urban vegetable self-sufficiency by 15%, and avoid 82% of the energy, water, and carbon footprints during upstream food supply chains beyond cities. Our findings could provide policy insights for urban stakeholders to create edible landscapes by integrating RA and GA, and thus direct resilient and sustainable agricultural transformation.
基金Benjamin M.Tabak(Grant no.305485/2022-9)gratefully acknowledges financial support from the CNPq foundation and CAPES Foundation。
文摘Presently,financial portfolio managers lack a solid basis for building a reliable risk management strategy for green debt instrument investments due to the lack of compelling growth and resilience data.Therefore,this study assesses the role of green bonds in financial markets by assessing and correlating their complex scaling behaviors across multiple periods with those of key benchmark assets(e.g.,conventional bonds,high-yield bonds,Euro-Dollar exchange,Dow Jones Industrial Index,Bitcoin,and Gold).Specifically,we explore linear and nonlinear correlation patterns using crosscorrelation tests and the dynamic conditional correlation model,focusing on bond interactions under various degrees of freedom.Our analysis reveals that although most assets exhibit nonlinear correlations,Bitcoin uniquely aligns linearly with U.S.bonds under certain conditions.Green bonds,however,display nonlinear correlations with Bitcoin and stand out for their distinct upward financial persistence.We find also that green bonds are primary drivers in the financial domain,highlighted by their pronounced interactions and the consistent cross-correlation with the Euro-Dollar exchange rate.Moreover,green bonds have the lowest multifractality,showing persistent upward trends and antipersistent downward trends,rendering them quite resilient during periods of high volatility.These results imply that green bonds may be advantageous to portfolio risk management strategies,especially during crises when diversification and hedging tactics are needed.
文摘The research seeks to contribute to Bitcoin pricing analysis based on the dynamics between variables of attractiveness and the value of the digital currency.Using the error correction model,the relationship between the price of the virtual currency,Bitcoin,and the number of Google searches that used the terms bitcoin,bitcoin crash and crisis between December 2012 and February 2018 is analyzed.The study also applied the same analysis to prices of Bitcoin denominated in different sovereign currencies traded during the same period.The Johansen(J Econ Dyn Control 12:231-254,1988)test demonstrates that the price and number of searches on Google for the first two terms are cointegrated.This research indicates that there are strong short-term and long-term dynamics among attractiveness factors,suggesting that an increase in worldwide interest in Bitcoin is usually preceded by a price increase.In contrast,an increase in market mistrust over a collapse of the currency,as measured by the term bitcoin crash,is followed by a fall in price.Intense world economic crisis events appear to have a strong impact on interest in the virtual currency.This study demonstrates that during a worldwide crisis Bitcoin becomes an alternative investment,increasing its price.Based on it,bitcoin may be used as a safe haven by the financial market and its intrinsic characteristics might help the investors and governments to find new mechanisms to deal with monetary transactions.
文摘The purpose of this paper is to discuss recent findings in neuroscience that can be useful to architecture.Knowing the working patterns of the brain and how space affects cerebral functions can help architects design buildings that improve the user’s behavior,performance and well-being.The built environment has a direct impact on the human brain.Social relations,focus,cognition,creativity,memory and well-being can be influenced by the surrounding physical space.Although it is not possible to create the perfect room,the space can be used in a strategic way,depending on the task that individuals are supposed to do there and depending on the people(age,gender,culture)who will make use of the space.Schools can be designed in a way to improve cognition,learning and memorization;hospital buildings can help improving recovery;workspaces can improve performance,creativity and collaboration.Above all,all spaces of long occupation should be designed in a way to improve well-being.How can architecture change automatic behaviors and nudge people to behave in a healthier way?Can architects create buildings and cities that improve socialization and happiness?Can criminality levels drop due to changes on the way the environments are designed?These are some of the questions that will be discussed in this paper.
文摘Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is liquid waste produced from palm oil extraction process. Discharging it to the river without treatment is violation according to Malaysia Environment of Quality Act (EQA) 1974. In Malaysia, ponding system is a conventional treatment method for POME due to its economical and simple process. The treatment process mainly involves two main treatment phases;anaerobic and aerobic degradation. Anaerobic degradation has a proven track record in reducing pollutant properties in POME up to 85%. The real challenge is to increase the efficiency of aerobic process as the biological oxygen demand (BOD) discharge limit has been further reduced from 100 mg·L<sup>-1</sup> to less than 20 mg·L<sup>-1</sup>. One of economical and feasible approach to increase the efficiency of aerobic phase is via bioremediation. This paper describes the limitation of aerobic degradation in ponding system, besides discussed on the important aspects that need to be optimized for a success implementation of bioremediation and its challenges.
文摘The development of microbial-based products requires certain criteria for them to be successfully commercialized. The product must meet the following desirable criteria: effectiveness, contamination free, stability, cost-effectiveness, and a prolonged shelf life. Controlling the drying process is crucial for ensuring the stability and durability of the product. The traditional approach, which involved mechanical and natural drying, led to decreased productivity and quality. The objective of this research endeavour was to achieve a dry process enhancement while preserving the microbial quality of Trichoderma asperellum (M103). The temperature and relative humidity during the drying period were monitored under two conditions: with and without a dehumidifier. The results demonstrate that the dehumidifier increases drying period efficiency by up to 63%.
文摘The article focuses on sources of Brazilian sports journalism and demonstrates the role of organized soccer fan groups in Rio de Janeiro between the 1940s and 1980s, this is achieved through reports provided by the Brazilian newspaper Jornal dos Sports. From the beginning, there are biographical notes made about the most well-known fan leaders in Rio, such as Jaime de Carvalho, who founded the Charanga (1942). The emergence of dissent among the fans, in the late 1960s, is then covered, which establishes itself within the organized fans in Rio with these individuals beginning to question the authority of the old fan group leaders. This is against the principle of giving unconditional support to the club and it is postulated that the fans have the right to criticize and protest against the club's management, even if this means using forceful tactics. Along with the journalistic narrative, there is a break-off by the "Young Fans" and a process of emancipation begins which occurs over the 1970s, this happens by means of the use of fan coaches and the invention of a lifestyle that is associated with soccer. Finally, the 1980s is marked by the constructive and destructive potential that is linked to fan groups. On the one hand, creating an Association of fans--Astorj--is pointed to in order to reach a mutual understanding, but it should be noted, on the other, that there are feuds, in a scenario of spiraling violence, in which fights, beatings, and even murders begin to be commonplace.
文摘CONCLUDING a very productive ministerial meeting held in Brasilia in August 2019,the BRICS Ministers for Communications have released an important joint declaration highlighting the strategic interest of BRICS partnerships on new digital infrastructures,5G technologies,the Internet of Things(IoT)and cybersecurity.
文摘THE end of BRICS’s first decade takes place in a different international context from that of its early years.At its inception,BRICS countries maintained high growth rates and enjoyed greater political and social stability.The economic crisis of 2008,which had the United States as its epicenter,gave rise to the need for greater participation of emerging economies in the process of defining the global economy’s direction.
文摘BRICS has entered its second decade of existence and the outcomes of the first decade were positive.The group highlighted South-South cooperation as“an important element of international efforts in the field of development”(Joint Communiqué,2008),reiterated the“central role”of the G20 for global governance(Joint Statement,2009)and advocated reform of international institutions– especially the IMF,the World Bank,and the UN– in order to reflect the new reality of the international system and increase the participation of emerging economies in international decision-making processes in a way compatible with the relevance of the economies.
文摘Among the topics on the table for the next BRICS Summit in South Africa,we could highlight those related to the use of national currencies for intra-BRICS trade relations and the expansion of the grouping.A third topic deserves greater attention:cooperation in digital infrastructure for developing a digital economy and governance.While the proposal to have a common BRICS currency is currently out of the question,the one that aims to expand agreements to finance bilateral trade in the national currency has gained strength among the five countries.The risks to economic sovereignty arising from excessive dependence on the US currency and the need to reduce transaction costs in intra-BRICS trade relations make this agenda item a priority.
文摘THE ninth BRICS Summit to be held in Xiamen,China,will take place in a different international and domestic context than that of earlier years,when BRICS nations maintained high growth rates.Currently,only China and India still maintain high growth rates.However,according to an IMF report,there will be a small decrease in India’s economic growth,with its GDP forecast to reach 7.2 percent in 2017.
文摘THE 19th CPC National Congress will usher in a new political cycle that will be marked by the celebration of the Party's 100th anniversary,in 2021.Along with this festive and historic date comes the promise of reaching the first centennial goal established by the Xi Jinping government:To make China a"moderately pros-perous society"that guarantees the basic needs of all citizens-both those living in cities and in rural areas.
文摘THE WTO is an international organization whose primary purpose is to open trade for the beneft of all.It seeks to fulfll this objective through an institutional and legal framework that favors the seeking of negotiated solutions to serve diverse com-mercial interests of its member countries and,in case of non-compliance with WTO rules,provides a dispute settlement mechanism that is the central pillar of the multilateral trading system.Te assumption is that the multilateral trading system of the WTO favors the eco-nomic development of its member countries.
文摘THE“two sessions”was imbued with particular significance this year as it was the last session of the 12th National People’s Congress(NPC)and the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference(CPPCC).For this reason,it provided a prime opportunity to analyze President Xi’s first term in office.