The effect of carbon regulation initiatives on corporate ESG performance in real estate sector: International evidence

This study contributes to the existing literature by examining how carbon regulation initiatives influence corporations' ESG actions in the real estate sector, with a special focus on Environmental (E) performance. Specifically, it investigates if stringent carbon regulations like emissions trading systems (ETS) enhance corporates' ESG performance by analyzing data of listed real estate across 37 countries rated by MSCI. Our findings indicate that implementing ETS leads to heightened environmental responsibility in the real estate sector. This supports North's (1990) institutional theory, highlighting the impact of regulations on organizational behavior and business strategies. Our channel analysis suggests that listed real estate leverages ETS-driven regulations to participate in green building initiatives. However, the study does not find comparable effects on carbon taxes. This research highlights the pivotal role of carbon regulations in shaping sustainable practices in the real estate sector

An implementation of synthetic generation of wind data series

Wind power fluctuation is a major concern of large scale wind power grid integration. To test methods proposed for wind power grid integration, a large amount of wind data with time series are necessary and will be helpful to improve the methods. Meanwhile, due to the short operation history of most wind farms as well as limitations of data collections, the data obtained from wind farms could not satisfy the needs of data analysis. Consequently, synthetic generation of wind data series could be one of the effective solutions for this issue. In this paper, a method is presented for generating wind data series using Markov chain. Due to the high order Markov chain, the possibility matrix designed for a wind farm could cost a lot of memory, which is a problem with current computer technologies. Dynamic list will be introduced in this paper to reduce the memory required. Communication errors are un-avoidable on long way signal transmission between the control centre and wind farms. Missing of data always happens in the historical wind data series. Using these data to generate wind data series may result in some mistakes when searching related elements in the probability matrix. An adaptive method will be applied in this paper to solve the problem. The proposed method will be verified using a set of one-year historical data. The results show that the method could generate wind data series in an effective way. © 2013 IEEE.published_or_final_versio

Isolation and characteristic of an aerobic denitrifier with high nitrogen removal efficiency

Paracoccus denitrificans DL-23, isolated from aerobic domesticated activated sludge, was demonstrated to have high ability of denitrification and heterotrophic nitrification under aerobic condition. After optimization (succinate, COD/N 10, 37°C, 160 rpm), DL-23 removed 420 and 860 mg/l NO3--N within 36 to 60 h of growth, respectively. DL-23 also removed 380 mg/l NH4+-N within 24 h with ammonia as nitrogen source. The maximum removal rate was 30.3 mg/l·h. Meanwhile, DL-23 exhibited aerobic nitrite reduction ability with 658 mg/l NO2--N within 48 h.Key words: Aerobic denitrification, heterotrophic nitrification, nitrogen removal, Paracoccus denitrificans

Computing the modular inverses is as simple as computing the GCDs

[[abstract]]In 1997, Calvez, Azou, and Vilbe proposed a variation on Euclidean algorithm, which can calculate the greatest common divisors (GCDs) and inverses for polynomials. Inspired by their work, we propose a variation on the Euclidean algorithm, which uses only simple modulo operators, to compute the modular inverses. This variant only modifies the initial values and the termination condition of the Euclidean algorithm. Therefore, computing the modular inverses is as simple as computing the GCDs. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Promoting contraceptive use among unmarried female migrants in one factory in Shanghai: a pilot workplace intervention

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In urban China, more single women are becoming pregnant and resorting to induced abortion, despite the wide availability of temporary methods of contraception. We developed and piloted a workplace-based intervention to promote contraceptive use in unmarried female migrants working in privately owned factories.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Quasi-experimental design. In consultation with clients, we developed a workplace based intervention to promote contraception use in unmarried female migrants in a privately owned factory. We then implemented this in one factory, using a controlled before-and-after design. The intervention included lectures, bespoke information leaflets, and support to the factory doctors in providing a contraceptive service.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>598 women participated: most were under 25, migrants to the city, with high school education. Twenty percent were lost when staff were made redundant, and implementation was logistically complicated. All women attended the initial lecture, and just over half the second lecture. Most reported reading the educational material provided (73%), but very few women reported using the free family planning services offered at the factory clinic (5%) or the Family Planning Institute (3%). At baseline, 90% (N = 539) stated that contraceptives were required if having sex before marriage; of those reporting sex in the last three months, the majority reporting using contraceptives (78%, 62/79) but condom use was low (44%, 35/79).</p> <p>Qualitative data showed that the reading material seemed to be popular and young women expressed a need for more specific reproductive health information, particularly on HIV/AIDS. Women wanted services with some privacy and anonymity, and views on the factory service were mixed.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Implementing a complex intervention with a hard to reach population through a factory in China, using a quasi-experimental design, is not easy. Further research should focus on the specific needs and service preferences of this population and these should be considered in any policy reform so that contraceptive use may be encouraged among young urban migrant workers.</p

Aharonov-Bohm interference in topological insulator nanoribbons

Topological insulators represent novel phases of quantum matter with an insulating bulk gap and gapless edges or surface states. The two-dimensional topological insulator phase was predicted in HgTe quantum wells and confirmed by transport measurements. Recently, Bi2Se3 and related materials have been proposed as three-dimensional topological insulators with a single Dirac cone on the surface and verified by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy experiments. Here, we show unambiguous transport evidence of topological surface states through periodic quantum interference effects in layered single-crystalline Bi2Se3 nanoribbons. Pronounced Aharonov-Bohm oscillations in the magnetoresistance clearly demonstrate the coverage of two-dimensional electrons on the entire surface, as expected from the topological nature of the surface states. The dominance of the primary h/e oscillation and its temperature dependence demonstrate the robustness of these electronic states. Our results suggest that topological insulator nanoribbons afford novel promising materials for future spintronic devices at room temperature.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, RevTex forma

Interactive Multi-Stage Robotic Positioner for Intra-Operative MRI-Guided Stereotactic Neurosurgery

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrates clear advantages over other imaging modalities in neurosurgery with its ability to delineate critical neurovascular structures and cancerous tissue in high-resolution 3D anatomical roadmaps. However, its application has been limited to interventions performed based on static pre/post-operative imaging, where errors accrue from stereotactic frame setup, image registration, and brain shift. To leverage the powerful intra-operative functions of MRI, e.g., instrument tracking, monitoring of physiological changes and tissue temperature in MRI-guided bilateral stereotactic neurosurgery, a multi-stage robotic positioner is proposed. The system positions cannula/needle instruments using a lightweight (203 g) and compact (Ø97 × 81 mm) skull-mounted structure that fits within most standard imaging head coils. With optimized design in soft robotics, the system operates in two stages: i) manual coarse adjustment performed interactively by the surgeon (workspace of ±30°), ii) automatic fine adjustment with precise (<0.2° orientation error), responsive (1.4 Hz bandwidth), and high-resolution (0.058°) soft robotic positioning. Orientation locking provides sufficient transmission stiffness (4.07 N/mm) for instrument advancement. The system's clinical workflow and accuracy is validated with lab-based (<0.8 mm) and MRI-based testing on skull phantoms (<1.7 mm) and a cadaver subject (<2.2 mm). Custom-made wireless omni-directional tracking markers facilitated robot registration under MRI