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The purpose of this paper is to draw lessons from the development experiences of Pearl River Delta and deduce the possible path for future development.

Based on the framework of Advantages Integration, the paper proposes policy suggestions about how Pearl River Delta could avoid “Comparative Advantage Trap”, and how it should promote development by exploring, operating, integrating and accumulating internal and external advantages.

In summary, according to regional development characteristics, the following five Advantages Integration actions must be done. First, integration of advanced industrial resources. Second, integration of the best technology resources. Third, integration of the best international resources – resources from overseas should be integrated and an internationalization strategy implemented. Fourth, integration of the best optimal environment conserving resources. Fifth, integration of the best culture resources.

The paper suggests that there is a requirement to implement the view of Scientific Development, government report and PRD reform and development plan and build a world‐class metropolitan region in order to inject new vitality and power to PRD's development.

This chapter introduces the concept of cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, ether, or litecoin. The chapter describes the history of cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and the quest for secure digital money, followed by a discussion of cryptocurrency as a phenomenon. Next, it discusses individual cryptocurrencies, including an overview of bitcoin and relevant subgroups, such as so-called forks or privacy coins. It also explains developments such as stablecoins or central bank digital currencies, which are potentially much more in line with bitcoin’s original idea of digital cash. Overall, the chapter provides a basic understanding of cryptocurrencies, their defining characteristics, challenges, and markets.

This paper aims to explore the adsorption kinetics of syringin from Syringa oblata Lindl. leaves on macroporous resin and develop an efficient, simple and recyclable technology for the separation and purification of syringin.

Static adsorption and desorption properties of six resins were tested to select a suitable resin for the purification of syringin. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used to estimate the adsorption behavior of syringin on AB-8 resin. Breakthrough point and eluent volume were determined by dynamic adsorption and desorption tests. High-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry was applied to identify the syringin in the purified product [syringin product (SP)]. Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of SP in vitro were evaluated by free radical scavenging ability and biofilm formation inhibitory tests.

AB-8 exhibited the most suitable adsorption and desorption capacity. Adsorption isotherm parameters indicated favorable adsorption between AB-8 and syringin. The optimal results were as follows: for adsorption, the sample concentration was 1.85 mg/mL, the sample volume was 3.5 bed volume (BV), the flow rate was 0.5 mL/min; for desorption, the ethanol concentration was 70%, the elution volume was 2.5 BV, the elution velocity was 1.0 mL/min. SP with 80.28% syringin displayed the potent antioxidant activities and inhibitory effects on biofilm formation of Streptococcus suis.

To the best of authors’ knowledge, there are no reports on purifying syringin from Syringa oblata Lindl. leaves using macroporous resins. This paper may also provide a theoretical reference for the purification of other phenylpropanoid glucosides.

To develop electrode materials for supercapacitor with superior electrochemical performance and simple preparation process, the purpose of this study is to prepare flexible CC/NiS/a-NiS electrodes with self-supporting structure by loading hydrothermally synthesized a-NiS particles along with nano-NiS on carbon cloth by electroplating method.

The effects of current densities, temperatures and pH values on the loading amount and uniformity of the active substances during the plating process were investigated on the basis of optimization of surface morphology, crystalline structure and electrochemical evaluation as the cyclic voltammetry curves, constant current charge–discharge curves and AC impedance.

The a-NiS particles on CC/NiS/a-NiS were mostly covered by the plated nano-NiS, which behaved as a bulge and provided a larger specific surface area. The CC/NiS/a-NiS electrode prepared with the optimized parameter exhibited a specific capacitance of 115.13 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g and a Coulomb efficiency of 84% at 5 A/g, which is superior to that of CC/NiS electrode prepared by electroplating at a current density of 10 mA/cm², a temperature of 55°C and a pH of 4, demonstrating its fast charge response of the electrode and potential application in wearable electronics.

This study provides an integrated solution for the development of specifically structured NiS-based electrode for supercapacitor with simple process, low cost and high electrochemical charge/discharge performance, and the simple and easy-to-use method is also applicable to other electrochemically active composites.

This study aims to dye silk with natural pigments extract of Coreopsis tinctoria, by treating the fabrics with appropriate mordant under suitable dyeing conditions, to achieve good dyeing depth, fastness and ultraviolet (UV) protection.

Firstly, single factor experiments were used to determine the basic dyeing conditions of Coreopsis tinctoria. The optimal process conditions for direct dyeing were determined through orthogonal experiments. After that, the dyeing with mordant was used. Based on the previously determined optimal process conditions, silk fabrics were dyed with different mordanting methods, with different mordants and mordant dosages. The dyeing results were compared, in terms of the K/S values of the dyed fabrics, to determine the most appropriate dyeing conditions with mordant.

The extract of Coreopsis tinctoria can dye silk fabrics satisfactorily. Good dyeing depth and fastness can be obtained by using suitable dyeing methods and dyeing conditions, especially when using the natural mordant pomegranate rind and the rare earth mordant neodymium oxide. The silk fabrics dyed with Coreopsis tinctoria have good UV resistance, which allows a desirable finishing effect to be achieved while dyeing, using a safe and environmentally friendly method.

The composition of Coreopsis tinctoria is complex, and the specific composition of colouring the silk fibre has not been determined. There are many factors that affect the dyeing experiment, which have an impact on the experimental results.

The results of this study may help expand the application of Coreopsis tinctoria beyond medicine.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first report on dyeing silk with the extract of Coreopsis tinctoria achieving good dyeing results. Its depth of staining and staining fastness were satisfactory. Optimum dyeing method and dyeing conditions have been identified. The fabric dyed with Coreopsis tinctoria has good UV protection effect, which is conducive to improving the application value of the dyeing fabric. The findings help offer a new direction for the application of medicinal plants in the eco-friendly dyeing of silk.

This paper aims to study a new halogen-free fame-retardant curing agent 1-aminoethylidenediphosphonate (AAEDP).

The AAEDP was synthesized by phosphoric acid, acetonitrile and ammonia. The chemical structures of AAEDP were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) would study the thermal properties and the char residues of AAEDP/EP. The thermal stability, mechanical and flame properties and morphology for the char layer of composite materials were separately investigated using TGA, tensile and charpy impact tests, limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94 HB flammability standard (UL-94) and SEM.

The results showed that the AAEDP had been prepared successfully. When the intumescent flame retardant was added into the EP, the LOI of composite material was improved.

The AAEDP can be prepared successfully and can improve the flame resistance of composite material.

The AAEDP has excellent flame-retardant properties and produce no toxic fumes when burnt in case of fire.

The results showed that the phosphorus content of AAEDP was 2.958 Wt.%; the impact and tensile strength of the composite material were 6.417 kJ m⁻² and 38.0 MPa, respectively; and the LOI and UL-94 were 29.7% and V-0 ranking, respectively. The TGA results indicated that the carbon residue ratio can be increased by 1000°C in air. The denser and more uniform structure of residual carbon prevents heat transfer and diffusion, restricts the production of combustible gas and reduces the rate of heat release.

This study aims to produce a superhydrophobic fabric surface with a layered rough structure and which are resistant to droplet adhesion. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) systems doped with stearic acid modified titanium dioxide (SA-TiO₂) nanoparticles was sprayed onto the surface of cotton fabric.

This experiment therefore uses a simple method to prepare superhydrophobic textiles by spraying SA-TiO₂ particles mixed with PDMS onto the surface of cotton fabrics. The effects of the ratio of stearic acid to TiO₂, spraying times and tension on the apparent morphological structure and hydrophobic properties of the cotton fabric were investigated.

The results showed that the stearic acid-modified TiO₂ nanoparticles were hydrophobic and more uniformly dispersed in the PDMS solution. When the modification ratio of stearic acid to TiO₂ was 3:5, the water contact angle of cotton fabric was 155.48° and sliding angle was 6.67° under the applied tension for three times of spraying, showing superhydrophobicity. The fabric shows super hydrophobic and anti-adhesive properties to a wide range of liquids such as cola, dyeing liquids, tea, milk and simulated blood. The surface tension of the liquid shows a negative correlation with its adhesion to the fabric.

The SA-TiO₂ and PDMS were applied to the fabric surface by spraying, which not only gave the fabric superhydrophobic properties, but also created anti-adhesion to a wide range of droplets.

The superhydrophobic cotton fabrics prepared by this method showed good anti-adhesive behavior to common stains and simulated blood and can be used in the development of medical protective textiles.

Modification of TiO₂ with stearic acid to prepare SA-TiO₂ with excellent hydrophobic properties, which was mixed with PDMS to make suspensions. Fluorine-free superhydrophobic fabrics were prepared by spraying method. It also exhibited excellent anti-adhesive properties against blood, providing a reference for the preparation of self-cleaning and anti-adhesive surgical gowns.