Traditional rural residential household heating in winter in northern China has caused great burden to green development due to overdependence on scattered coal and other non-renewable energies that ...are major contributors of environmental pollution. Clean heating policy has been constantly altering this situation ever since its implementation in 2017, but there are some worries about the overdependence on fiscal subsidy to complete the transformation. The present study was based on a survey carried out in 2018 in one of the pilot cities for the policy in order to explore whether perceptual factors instead of actual subsidy shape public acceptance of clean heating indicated by satisfaction and willingness to pay (WTP). The results revealed that perceived fiscal subsidy turns out to be the only perceptual factor that has positive significant association with satisfaction when controlling for household annual income and education, and that adoption of electric heating causes more satisfaction compared with other types of clean heating. Meanwhile, perceived fiscal subsidy is also positively associated with WTP. Based on our findings, we provide insights at the group and the individual level for the governments to better adjust and conduct clean heating policy as well as future sustainable programs in rural areas.
•Rural residents in one pilot city of clean heating policy were surveyed.•Residents generally evaluated the performance of clean heating positively.•Higher perceived fiscal subsidy improves satisfaction with clean heating.•Overall willingness to pay for clean heating is low.•Higher perceived fiscal subsidy improves willingness to pay for clean heating.
Recently, Kovalenko and co‐workers and Li and co‐workers developed CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) inorganic perovskite quantum dots (IPQDs), which exhibited ultrahigh photoluminescence (PL) quantum yields ...(QYs), low‐threshold lasing, and multicolor electroluminescence. However, the usual synthesis needs high temperature, inert gas protection, and localized injection operation, which are severely against applications. Moreover, the so unexpectedly high QYs are very confusing. Here, for the first time, the IPQDs' room‐temperature (RT) synthesis, superior PL, underlying origins and potentials in lighting and displays are reported. The synthesis is designed according to supersaturated recrystallization (SR), which is operated at RT, within few seconds, free from inert gas and injection operation. Although formed at RT, IPQDs' PLs have QYs of 80%, 95%, 70%, and FWHMs of 35, 20, and 18 nm for red, green, and blue emissions. As to the origins, the observed 40 meV exciton binding energy, halogen self‐passivation effect, and CsPbX3@X quantum‐well band alignment are proposed to guarantee the excitons generation and high‐rate radiative recombination at RT. Moreover, such superior optical merits endow them with promising potentials in lighting and displays, which are primarily demonstrated by the white light‐emitting diodes with tunable color temperature and wide color gamut.
A room‐temperature supersaturated recrystallization method is developed to rapidly synthesize all‐inorganic halide perovskite QDs with blue, green, and red luminescent quantum yields of 70%–95% and line‐widths less than 35 nm. The origins of the optical superiority are proposed to be the observed 40 meV exciton binding energy, surface self‐passivation effect, and quantum‐well band alignment. Such superior optical merits endow them with promising potentials in healthy lighting and wide‐color‐gamut displays, which are primarily demonstrated by the color‐temperature‐tunable white light‐emitting diodes.
Although the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) has been studied intensely for decades, its precise functions have remained elusive. We recently hypothesized that the OFC contains a “cognitive map” of task ...space in which the current state of the task is represented, and this representation is especially critical for behavior when states are unobservable from sensory input. To test this idea, we apply pattern-classification techniques to neuroimaging data from humans performing a decision-making task with 16 states. We show that unobservable task states can be decoded from activity in OFC, and decoding accuracy is related to task performance and the occurrence of individual behavioral errors. Moreover, similarity between the neural representations of consecutive states correlates with behavioral accuracy in corresponding state transitions. These results support the idea that OFC represents a cognitive map of task space and establish the feasibility of decoding state representations in humans using non-invasive neuroimaging.
•We tested a novel theory of OFC function directly in humans with fMRI•Multivariate pattern analysis showed evidence for state encoding in OFC•Performance within and across participants was related to state encoding in OFC•The findings provide strong support for the state representation theory of OFC
Schuck et al. present evidence that orbitofrontal cortex contains an up-to-date representation of task-related information during decision making. This “state” representation might provide important input for efficient reinforcement learning and decision making elsewhere in the brain.
Perovskite quantum-dot-based light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) possess the features of wide gamut and real color expression, which have been considered as candidates for high-quality lightings and ...displays. However, massive defects are prone to be reproduced during the quantum dot (QD) film assembly, which would sorely affect carrier injection, transportation and recombination, and finally degrade QLED performances. Here, we propose a bilateral passivation strategy through passivating both top and bottom interfaces of QD film with organic molecules, which has drastically enhanced the efficiency and stability of perovskite QLEDs. Various molecules were applied, and comparison experiments were conducted to verify the necessity of passivation on both interfaces. Eventually, the passivated device achieves a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 18.7% and current efficiency of 75 cd A
. Moreover, the operational lifetime of QLEDs is enhanced by 20-fold, reaching 15.8 h. These findings highlight the importance of interface passivation for efficient and stable QD-based optoelectronic devices.
Plastics are extensively used in our daily life. However, a significant amount of plastic waste is discharged to the environment directly or via improper reuse or recycling. Degradation of plastic ...waste generates micro- or nano-sized plastic particles that are defined as micro- or nanoplastics (MNPs). Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles with a diameter less than 5 mm, while nanoplastics (NPs) range in diameter from 1 to 100 or 1000 nm. In the current review, we first briefly summarized the environmental contamination of MNPs and then discussed their health impacts based on existing MNP research. Our review indicates that MNPs can be detected in both marine and terrestrial ecosystems worldwide and be ingested and accumulated by animals along the food chain. Evidence has suggested the harmful health impacts of MNPs on marine and freshwater animals. Recent studies found MPs in human stool samples, suggesting that humans are exposed to MPs through food and/or drinking water. However, the effect of MNPs on human health is scarcely researched. In addition to the MNPs themselves, these tiny plastic particles can release plastic additives and/or adsorb other environmental chemicals, many of which have been shown to exhibit endocrine disrupting and other toxic effects. In summary, we conclude that more studies are necessary to provide a comprehensive understanding of MNP pollution hazards and also provide a basis for the subsequent pollution management and control.
Chronic stress affects the reproductive health of mammals; however, the impact of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) level elevation during chronic stress on the reproduction of weaned sows remains ...unclear. In this study, nine weaned sows with the same parturition date were randomly divided into control group (n = 4) and ACTH group (n = 5). Each group received intravenous administration of ACTH three times daily for 7 days. Blood samples were collected every 3 h after injection. A radioimmunoassay was used to measure the concentrations of cortisol, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17β (E2) in the blood. Estrus was determined according to changes in the vulva and the boar contact test. The mRNA expressions of glucocorticoid receptor, FSH receptor, LH receptor (LHR) in the corpus luteum (CL) were detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that ACTH administration substantially delayed the initiation of estrus and the pre-ovulatory LH peak. The sows of control group ovulated within 10 days and the ovulation rate was 100%, while it was 60% in the ACTH group. Two sows of ACTH group showed pseudo-estrus. The E2 concentrations significantly decreased in the ACTH group at 36 h, 42 h and 66 h of the experimental period. The P4 concentrations in the ACTH group significantly decreased at 132, 138, and 147 h of the experimental period. ACTH significantly reduced the LHR mRNA expression in CLs. In conclusion, long-term repeated ACTH administration affects the endocrinology, estrus onset, and ovarian function of weaned sows.
At present, electric lighting accounts for ~15% of global power consumption and thus the adoption of efficient, low-cost lighting technologies is important. Halide perovskites have been shown to be ...good emitters of pure red, green and blue light, but an efficient source of broadband white electroluminescence suitable for lighting applications is desirable. Here, we report a white light-emitting diode (LED) strategy based on solution-processed heterophase halide perovskites that, unlike GaN white LEDs, feature only one broadband emissive layer and no phosphor. Our LEDs operate with a peak luminance of 12,200 cd m−2 at a bias of 6.6 V and a maximum external quantum efficiency of 6.5% at a current density of 8.3 mA cm−2. Systematic in situ and ex situ characterizations reveal that the mechanism of efficient electroluminescence is charge injection into the α phase of CsPbI3, α to δ charge transfer and α–δ balanced radiative recombination. Future advances in fabrication technology and mechanistic understanding should lead to further improvements in device efficiency and luminance.Heterophase CsPbI3 perovskite gives rise to bright white phosphor-free LEDs.
Solution‐processed CsPbBr3 quantum‐dot light‐emitting diodes with a 50‐fold external quantum efficiency improvement (up to 6.27%) are achieved through balancing surface passivation and carrier ...injection via ligand density control (treating with hexane/ethyl acetate mixed solvent), which induces the coexistence of high levels of ink stability, photoluminescence quantum yields, thin‐film uniformity, and carrier‐injection efficiency.
At present, two Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments on board the NASA Terra and Aqua Spacecraft platforms are operational for global remote sensing of the land, ocean, ...and atmosphere. In this paper, we describe an algorithm for water vapor derivations using several MODIS near‐IR channels. The derivations are made over areas that have reflective surfaces in the near‐IR, such as clear land areas, clouds, and oceanic areas with Sun glint. The algorithm relies on observations of water vapor attenuation of near‐IR solar radiation reflected by surfaces and clouds. Techniques employing ratios of water vapor absorbing channels centered near 0.905, 0.936, and 0.940 μm with atmospheric window channels at 0.865 and 1.24 μm are used. The ratios partially remove the effects of variation of surface reflectance with wavelengths and result in the atmospheric water vapor transmittances. The column water vapor amounts are derived from the transmittances based on theoretical calculations and using lookup table procedures. Typical errors in the derived water vapor values are in the range between 5% and 10%. The daily “pixel‐based” near‐IR water vapor product, which is a standard MODIS level 2 data product, at the 1‐km spatial resolution of the MODIS instrument, and the daily, 8‐day, and monthly near‐IR water vapor products, which are standard MODIS level 3 products, at a 1° by 1° latitude‐longitude grid globally are now routinely produced at a NASA computing facility. We present samples of water vapor images and comparisons to ground‐based measurements by microwave radiometers.
Since graphene has been successfully exfoliated, two-dimensional (2D) materials constitute a vibrant research field and open vast perspectives in high-performance applications. Among them, bismuthene ...and 2D bismuth (Bi) are unique with superior properties to fabricate state-of-the-art energy saving, storage and conversion devices. The largest experimentally determined bulk gap, even larger than those of stanene and antimonene, allows 2D Bi to be the most promising candidate to construct room-temperature topological insulators. Moreover, 2D Bi exhibits cyclability for high-performance sodium-ion batteries, and the enlarged surface together with the good electrochemical activity renders it an efficient electrocatalyst for energy conversion. Also, the air-stability of 2D Bi is better than that of silicene, germanene, phosphorene and arsenene, which could enable more practical applications. This review aims to thoroughly explore the fundamentals of 2D Bi and its improved fabrication methods, in order to further bridge gaps between theoretical predictions and experimental achievements in its energy-related applications. We begin with an introduction of the status of 2D Bi in the 2D-material family, which is followed by descriptions of its intrinsic properties along with various fabrication methods. The vast implications of 2D Bi for high-performance devices can be envisioned to add a new pillar in energy sciences. In addition, in the context of recent pioneering studies on moiré superlattices of other 2D materials, we hope that the improved manipulation techniques of bismuthene, along with its unique properties, might even enable 2D Bi to play an important role in future energy-related twistronics.
This review explores the fundamentals of 2D bismuth, its improved fabrication methods, and its theoretical-experimental achievements in energy-related applications.
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