Aiming at the problem of incompatibility of biomass models of forest organs, taking Chinese fir in Fujian Jiangle State-owned Forest Farm as the research object, based on selecting the optimal independent model of each organ, the biomass compatibility model of Chinese fir was established with a three-level joint control scheme. The results show that the compatibility equation system based on the whole plant biomass can effectively solve the problem of incompatibility in the whole plant biomass, each sub-biomass and between sub-biomass. Besides, except for the leaf biomass model, all other biomass models have good fitting effect, which is of great significance to the guidance of the analysis of local Chinese fir biomass.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum has the characteristics of fast-detection, high-sensitivity and low-requirements for sample pretreatment. It plays a more and more important role in the detection of organic pollutants. In this study, MIL-101 and Au nanoparticles were prepared by hydrothermal method and aqueous solution reduction method respectively, and MIL-101/Au composite nanoparticles were prepared by electrostatic interaction. The SERS properties of the composite substrate were optimized by adjusting the size of Au nanoparticles and the surface distribution density of MIL-101 nanoparticles. The detection limit of Rhodamine 6G (R6G) for the composite substrate with the optimal ratio was investigated, which was as low as 10^–11 M. It is proved that MIL-101/Au composite nanoparticles have high sensitivity to probe molecules. When they are applied to the detection of persistent organic pollutants, the detection limit for fluoranthene can reach 10^–9 M and for 3,3’,4,4’-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB-77) can reach 10^–5 M.

Nanoporous nickel has been prepared by electrodeposition using non-ionic surfactant based liquid crystalline template under optimized processing conditions. Physicochemical properties of nanoporous nickel are systematically characterized through XRD, SEM and AFM analyses. Comparison of electrocatalytic activity of nanoporous nickel with smooth nickel was interrogated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analyses. Distinctly enhanced electrocatalytic activity with improved surface poisoning resistance related to nanoporous nickel electrode towards methanol oxidation stems from unique nanoporous morphology. This nanoporous morphology with high surface to volume ratio is highly beneficial to promote active catalytic centers to offer readily accessible Pt catalytic sites for MOR, through facilitating mass and electron transports.

This paper argues for a novel approach to financing infrastructure needs in Arab countries. It first describes the context of rising public debt in the region, contrasting it with the vast infrastructure needs. It then discusses the challenges in meeting these needs with traditional financing. The paper then makes the case for maximizing finance for development by using public-private partnerships and presents a few successful examples in Arab countries. Finally, the paper explores the way forward and concludes on the need for strong state capacity and integrity to promote the “maximizing finance for development” approach.