Electrochemical sensors for detecting micromolecule organics are desirable for improving the perception of environmental quality and human health. However, currently, the electrochemical sensors... Show moreElectrochemical sensors for detecting micromolecule organics are desirable for improving the perception of environmental quality and human health. However, currently, the electrochemical sensors for formaldehyde are substantially limited on the market due to the long-term unsolved problems of the low electrooxidation efficiency and CO poisoning issue of commercial Pd catalysts. Here, a 2D Cr-doped Pd metallene (Cr-Pdene) with few atomic layers is shown as an advanced catalyst for ultrasensitive and selective sensing of formaldehyde via a highly efficient formaldehyde electrooxidation. It is found that the doping of Cr into Pd metallene can efficiently optimize the electronic structure of Pd and weaken the interaction between Pd and CO, providing an anti-poisoning means to favor CO2 production and suppress CO adsorption. The Cr-Pdene-based electrochemical sensor exhibits one order of magnitude higher detection range and, especially, much higher anti-interference for formaldehyde than that of the conventional sensors. Most importantly, it is demonstrated that the Cr-Pdene can be integrated into commercializable wireless sensor networks or handheld instruments for promising applications relating to the environment, health, and food. Show less
This dissertation investigated what the legal framework for recognition of foreign bank resolution actions should be. It aims to fulfil the current gap in legislative actions and scholarly research... Show moreThis dissertation investigated what the legal framework for recognition of foreign bank resolution actions should be. It aims to fulfil the current gap in legislative actions and scholarly research on the issue of cross-border bank resolution and attempts to formulate rules that would facilitate resolution actions effective across borders so as to achieve the ultimate goal of a global orderly resolution for banks. This dissertation conducts both normative and positive analysis and compares three jurisdictions, namely, the European Union, the United States and China. Building on the traditional legal doctrines of private international law, financial law and insolvency law, this dissertation proposes ten principles that should apply in recognition of foreign bank resolution actions. Show less
The rapidly growing construction industry has accelerated water and energy scarcity in China, threatening its sustainable development. This study integrates multi-regional input-output (MRIO) and... Show moreThe rapidly growing construction industry has accelerated water and energy scarcity in China, threatening its sustainable development. This study integrates multi-regional input-output (MRIO) and data envelopment analysis (DEA) to investigate the water-energy nexus in the construction industry at the provincial level through the entire industrial supply chain. Results show that the construction industry accounts for 8.97% and 27.20% of virtual water and embodied energy in China, respectively. The western area experiences the most energy- and water-intensive construction processes given its backward economy and outdated technological development. The northern area faces great challenges with regard to energy intensity improvements, whereas the central regions suffer from large pressure relating to inefficient water use. The manufacture of non-metallic mineral products, smelting, and the pressing of metals are the largest suppliers of virtual water and embodied energy. The efficiency assessment results demonstrate that Jiangsu and Zhejiang are two DEA-effective regions. China has achieved a relatively high level of scale efficiency but suffers from backward technology. Show less
The ICJ Statute stipulates that judges shall exercise their powers impartially. But in reality, can this expectation be achieved? In our recent paper an empirical study was conducted to answer this... Show moreThe ICJ Statute stipulates that judges shall exercise their powers impartially. But in reality, can this expectation be achieved? In our recent paper an empirical study was conducted to answer this question. Show less
The Statute of the International Court of Justice stipulates that judges shall exercise their powers impartially. We question the practicability of this statement and examine whether the voting... Show moreThe Statute of the International Court of Justice stipulates that judges shall exercise their powers impartially. We question the practicability of this statement and examine whether the voting pattern of the judges are biased. In this light, empirical research is conducted on cases adjudicated from 2005 to 2016. We find strong evidence that (1) judges favour their home States or appointing States; and (2) judges favour States that speak same majority language with their home States. Show less
