Holistic Life-cycle Cost-benefit Analysis of Green Buildings: A China Case Study

Xiaojuan Li,Mingchao Lin,Wanjun Xie,Chi Yung Jim,Jiyu Lai,Liping Cheng 대한토목학회 2023 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.27 No.11

Green buildings, compared with conventional ones, can mitigate the rapid growth of China's carbon emissions. They offer many advantages, such as saving resources and reducing negative environmental impacts. However, few studies have assessed their incremental costs and social benefits. This study comprehensively analyzed the incremental costs and benefits of green buildings in China through the life cycle stages of preparation, design, construction, and operation-management. The Analytic Hierarchy Process and Matter Element Analysis were jointly applied to establish a comprehensive green-building cost-benefit evaluation system. Based on expert judgment, an embracive two-level index scheme and a three-step grading strategy were developed. A residential case study tested the applicability of the model. It yielded the largest share of incremental cost in the construction phase at 90.5%. The economic benefits accounted for the largest proportion of incremental benefits at 72.22%, meeting the green building criteria and achieving the highest 3-star rating. The study has developed a full life-cycle costing methodology for green building design and quantified the benefits at each stage. The findings offer the theoretical and practical basis to refine the assessment of green building projects and improve green building performance to meet sustainable development goals.

Moxibustion for medical personnel with negative emotion and insomnia during COVID-19 pandemic: A randomized, controlled trial

Li Xiying,Li Xiaojuan,Wang Xian,Yin Xuan,Li Shanshan,Wu Junyi,Ren Xiumei,Zhang Wei,Mi Yiqun,Xu Shifen 한국한의학연구원 2023 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.12 No.3

Background: We conducted this randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion at Sanyinjiao (SP6) acupoint for treatment of negative mood and sleep quality in healthcare workers during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Methods: A total of 180 participants were divided in a 1:1 ratio into two groups, the treatment group (for moxibustion) and the control group (for no treatment). The treatment group had a 30-minute moxibustion therapy once a day for two weeks, followed by a two-week follow-up. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) was used to assess the degree of the participants' anxiety, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was utilized to examine their depressed condition. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS) was used to measure the level of burnout among healthcare workers. To determine the severity of insomnia, the Sleep Dysfunction Rating Scale (SDRS) was utilized. At baseline, week 2, and week 4, all scales were evaluated. Results: Compared to the control group, The treatment group improved more significantly in the HAMA at week 2 (MD = -19.01, 95% CI: -21.89 to -16.14; P<0.001) and at week 4 follow-up visits (MD = -8.96, 95% CI: -11.19 to -6.73; P<0.001). A subgroup study of HAMA scores revealed that position and education had significant impact on treatment effectiveness. During the 2-week intervention period, the treatment group showed more significant improvements in depressive symptoms measured by PHQ-9 (13.00±2.41 vs. 15.60±3.65; P<0.001), work burnout symptoms measured by MBI-GS (MD = -11.88, 95% CI, -15.73 to -8.03; P<0.001), and insomnia symptoms measured by SDRS (MD = -2.45, 95% CI, -4.24 to -0.66; P<0.01). There were no significant adverse effects reported. Conclusion: Moxibustion at SP6 may be an effective treatment to improve anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and quality of life for healthcare workers during COVID-19.

A Performance Evaluation System for PPP Sewage Treatment Plants at the Operation-maintenance Stage

Xiaojuan Li,Yishu Liu,Mengmeng Li,Chi Yung Jim 대한토목학회 2023 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.27 No.4

Sewage treatment plants are essential in improving the quality of receiving water bodies, contributing to healthy and sustainable urban development. The increasingly common public-private partnership (PPP) model of sewage treatment facilities may not yield the expected benefits, often compromised by inadequacies in the complex operation-maintenance stage. Holistic criteria and methods to define and judge a plant’s performance are lacking. To fill the knowledge gap, this study established a performance evaluation system applicable to the critical operation-maintenance stage of China's PPP sewage-treatment industry. First, the range of quantitative and qualitative indicators was surveyed by literature review, and an appropriate subset was selected according to expert judgment. Second, the multilevel extension principle of matter-element analysis was combined with the analytic hierarchy process to determine the performance level and establish a comprehensive, efficient and practical evaluation system. The proposed method was tested on two PPP plants to confirm its applicability and reliability in assessing operation-maintenance functions. The study identified the diagnostic criteria to refine the design, operation and maintenance parameters to optimize plant performance. The findings provided an assured and comprehensive quality control scheme and a practical tool for governments and other parties to assess the service delivery quality of PPP plants.

Uniqueness and Value-sharing of Entire Functions

Li, Xiaojuan,Meng, Chao Department of Mathematics 2009 Kyungpook mathematical journal Vol.49 No.4

In this paper, we study the uniqueness problems on entire functions sharing one value. We improve and generalize some previous results of Zhang and Lin [11]. On the one hand, we consider the case for some more general differential polynomials $[f^nP(f)]^{(k)}$ where $P({\omega})$ is a polynomial; on the other hand, we relax the nature of sharing value from CM to IM.

Identification of putative olfactory genes in newly hatched larvae of a Coleopteran ectoparasitoid Dastarcus helophoroides (Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae) by transcriptome analysis

Li Xiaojuan,Dong Guangping,Fang Jianmin,Liu Hongjian,Guo Wanlin,Yin Huayang 한국곤충학회 2020 Entomological Research Vol.50 No.7

Dastarcus helophoroides (Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae) is an effective ectoparasitoid of pine sawyer beetle Monochamus alternatus Hope (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) which is the major median insect for transmission of pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner et Buhrer) Nickle (Aphelenchida: Parasitaphelenchidae). A sensitive and acute olfactory system is extremely essential for newly hatched larva of D. helophoroides to forage for a host. Therefore, we established the transcriptome of newly hatched D. helophoroides larvae and characterized the expression profiles of olfactory genes. We identified 20 transcripts encoding putative odorant binding proteins (OBPs), 11 putative chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 9 putative odorant receptors (ORs), 11 putative ionotropic receptors (IRs), 7 putative gustatory receptors (GRs) and 4 putative sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) olfactory genes from the transcriptome of newly hatched D. helophoroides larvae. According to the phylogenetic analysis, 3 OBPs (DhelOBP6, DhelOBP14 and DhelOBP19), 1 CSP (DhelCSP11), 1 OR (DhelOrco1), 3 IRs (DhelIR3, DhelIR6 and DhelIR8), 3 GRs (DhelGR2, DhelGR4 and DhelGR5) and 2 SNMPs (DhelSNMP1 and DhelSNMP3) had high similarities with reported Coleopteran species. The highest expressed olfactory gene was DhelCSP3, followed by DhelOBP8 and DhelCSP2. The expression levels of the majority of OR, IR, GR and SNMP genes were low. These results indicate that CSPs and OBPs may play important roles in the olfactory recognition process in newly hatched D. helophoroides larvae. The findings from the present study are helpful in unraveling the profound mystery between D. helophoroides and M. alternatus, as well as improving the parasitism efficiency of D. helophoroides larvae.

Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a P38-Like Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase from Echinococcus granulosus

Guodong Lu,Jing Li,Chuanshan Zhang,Liang Li,Xiaojuan Bi,Chaowang Li,Jinliang Fan,Xiaomei Lu,Dominique A. Vuitton,Hao Wen,Renyong Lin 대한기생충학열대의학회 2016 The Korean Journal of Parasitology Vol.54 No.6

Pretreatment of Switchgrass with Electrolyzed Water and a Two-stage Method for Bioethanol Production

Xiaojuan Wang,Hao Feng,Zhiyi Li 한국생물공학회 2012 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.17 No.3

In this study, switchgrass, which is a promising energy crop, was treated with two new pretreatment methods for the production of bioethanol. Acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) and alkaline electrolyzed water (ALEW) were first used as pretreatment catalysts at three temperatures (170,185, and 200oC) and 3 treatment times (5, 15, and 25 min). In the two-stage pretreatment, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0% H2O2solutions were used to partially remove hemicellulose and lignin during the 1st stage at 50oC for 16, 24, or 32 h at a solid concentration of 5%. The supernatant of the 1st stage was used for hemicellulose precipitation. The remaining solids were subjected to a 2nd stage treatment with hot water at 121oC for 30 min in an autoclave at a solid concentration of 12.5%. In the electrolyzed water pretreatment,the highest glucose yield was achieved by pretreatment with ALEW at 200oC and 25 min, which resulted in the release of 23.8 g glucose from 100 g dry switchgrass. The hydrolyzate obtained from switchgrass pretreated with 3% H2O2 for 16 h followed by enzymatic hydrolysis was fermented using S. cerevisiae at 30oC for 96h without any concentration or detoxification steps. The final ethanol concentration was 11.8 g/L and the productive yield was 74% of the theoretical yield. A mass balance for the two-stage process showed that 12 g of ethanol was produced from 100 g dry switchgrass. In this study, switchgrass, which is a promising energy crop, was treated with two new pretreatment methods for the production of bioethanol. Acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) and alkaline electrolyzed water (ALEW) were first used as pretreatment catalysts at three temperatures (170,185, and 200oC) and 3 treatment times (5, 15, and 25 min). In the two-stage pretreatment, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0% H2O2solutions were used to partially remove hemicellulose and lignin during the 1st stage at 50oC for 16, 24, or 32 h at a solid concentration of 5%. The supernatant of the 1st stage was used for hemicellulose precipitation. The remaining solids were subjected to a 2nd stage treatment with hot water at 121oC for 30 min in an autoclave at a solid concentration of 12.5%. In the electrolyzed water pretreatment,the highest glucose yield was achieved by pretreatment with ALEW at 200oC and 25 min, which resulted in the release of 23.8 g glucose from 100 g dry switchgrass. The hydrolyzate obtained from switchgrass pretreated with 3% H2O2 for 16 h followed by enzymatic hydrolysis was fermented using S. cerevisiae at 30oC for 96h without any concentration or detoxification steps. The final ethanol concentration was 11.8 g/L and the productive yield was 74% of the theoretical yield. A mass balance for the two-stage process showed that 12 g of ethanol was produced from 100 g dry switchgrass.

Designing cactus-like Fe-P doped CoNi-S arrays as highly efficient electrocatalyst for overall water splitting

Xiaojuan Feng,Yanlong Shi,Jingmei Liang,Wei Li,Xuyuan Gou 한국공업화학회 2023 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.118 No.-

Exploring high activity, stable and low-cost electrocatalysts are of great importance for high-efficienthydrogen production via water splitting. Herein, a cactus-like Fe, P co-doped CoNi-S arraywas constructedvia facile hydrothermal reaction and subsequently sulfuration and phosphorization process. Benefitingfrom the strong synergistic effects of different components, high conductivity of bimetallic sulfide, 3Dcactus-like architecture with rich channels for mass/charge transport, and Fe and P co-doping with electronstructure regulation, the as-prepared Fe, P-NiCo2S4/NF presents superior electrocatalytic activity withlow overpotentials of 139 and 290 mV to drive the current density of 10 and 40 mA cm2 for HER and OER,respectively. Meanwhile, it also manifests the distinguished durability for over 60 h in alkaline media. Notably, when integrating in a two-electrode electrolytic cell with Fe, P-CoNi-S, a reduced operation voltageof 1.55 V is required to reach 10 mA cm2, which is superior to precious metal-based Pt/C/NF//RuO2/NFcounterparts. Impressively, it can also be driven by sustainable solar and thermal energies motivatedStirling engine. This work offers a universal strategy for designing high-activity and durable electrocatalystsby dual doping heteroatoms and synergistic interface engineering.

Effect of Ligustilide Supplement on Physical Fitness of Athletes

Xiaojuan Gao,Shuai Yang,Meng Liu,Yawen Jiang,Li Wenyan,Rui Ma,Zijian Zhao,Xuelin Zhang 아시아건강운동학회 2020 Journal of Asian Society for Health & Exercise Vol.2 No.2

PURPOSE: In this study, high content ligustilide plant extract was supplemented to monitor the changes of physical fitness and physiological function of athletes, and to explore the effect of ligustilide plant extract on physical function and physical fitness of athletes. METHODS: Thirty five high-level basketball players from Zhengzhou University were selected and divided into two groups randomly: nutritional supplement group (S, n = 18) and control group (C, n=17). This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhengzhou University. Informed consent was obtained from each subject. The intervention period was 8 weeks, six days per week. The training method adopted the small cycle plate training scheme. We measured changes of the scores of rating of perceived exertion (RPE), physical fitness test (15m running, 30m running, 400m running) and routine blood test (mainly including red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration and average erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration, etc.) before and after training. RESULTS: In group S, the percentage of RPE (grade 6-11) and RPE (grade 12-18) before experiment was 37.5% and 62.5%. After 8 weeks of experiment, 62.5% of RPE (grade 6-11) and 37.5% of RPE (grade 12-18). In group C, 14% of RPE (grade 6-11), 86% of slight RPE (grade 12-18), and 100% of RPE (grade 12-18) after 8 weeks of experiment. It was found that after 8 weeks of training, the number of red blood cells, the concentration of hemoglobin and the average concentration of red blood cell hemoglobin in group S were significantly higher than those before the experiment (p <0.05). According to the comparison of the physical fitness test results of the athletes in group S, it was found that the performance of 400m after 4 weeks and 8 weeks was significantly higher compared with pre-experiment (p<0.05). The changes of 30m and 15m were not significant different (p>0.05). The 400-meter test performance of athletes in group C was significantly higher than that before the experiment only after 8 weeks of training (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ligustilide supplementation can increase the number of red blood cell and hemoglobin concentration of athletes and has a positive impact on the physical fitness of athletes and the recovery of fatigue.

Comprehensive analysis of the prognostic value and immune implications of the TTK gene in lung adenocarcinoma: a meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis

Bo Li,Xiaojuan Gu,Hanbing Zhang,Hao Xiong 한국통합생물학회 2022 Animal cells and systems Vol.26 No.3

Background: High expression levels of the TTK gene are closely related to tumor occurrence and poor prognosis, as confirmed by some studies. Our study explored the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients with different TTK levels and the possible pathological mechanism of TTK in LUAD. Methods: We extensively searched literature databases and high-throughput sequencing databases and included relevant literature or datasets in the meta-analysis according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) related to TTK expression were calculated, publication bias was assessed, and sensitivity tests were performed. We also compared the relationship between cancer immune infiltrating cells and tumor mutation burden (TMB) in patients with different TTK expression levels via bioinformatics analysis. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of some chemotherapeutic and targeted therapy drugs were calculated. The potential biological functions or pathways associated with different TTK expression levels were determined by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Results: The meta-analysis revealed that higher TTK expression level was significantly associated with poor prognosis in LUAD patients, both in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The expression level of TTK was significantly correlated with presence of some immune cells and TMB. Tumors with higher TTK expression levels were mostly enriched for the cell cycle, DNA replication and homologous recombination pathways. In addition, patients with different TTK expression levels were differently sensitive to some antitumor drugs. Conclusion: TTK may be a promising prognostic biomarker for LUAD and is worthy of further investigation.