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Engineered Natural Killer Cells for Cancer Therapy

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  Meaning Engineered Natural Killer (NK) cells refer to genetically modified immune cells designed to enhance their ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. NK cells are a type of lymphocyte and an essential component of the innate immune system. Unlike T-cells, NK cells can identify and eliminate abnormal cells without prior sensitization. By engineering these cells—often using chimeric antigen receptors (CARs)—scientists improve their specificity, persistence, and anti-tumor activity in cancer treatment. Introduction Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, particularly with the success of CAR-T cell therapy. However, CAR-T therapy is associated with serious side effects such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity. To overcome these limitations, researchers have turned to engineered NK cells as a safer and potentially more versatile alternative. NK cells can be derived from multiple sources including peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood, induce...

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL): Sustainability Mindset in Accounting Education

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  1. Meaning Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is a pedagogical approach that connects students and faculty from institutions in different countries through structured online collaboration. Instead of physical mobility, COIL integrates internationalization directly into the curriculum using digital platforms. In accounting education , COIL can be used to develop a sustainability mindset —a way of thinking that integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into financial decision-making, reporting, auditing, and corporate accountability. 2. Introduction The accounting profession is evolving rapidly due to globalization, digitalization, and increasing emphasis on sustainability reporting frameworks such as those promoted by organizations like the International Sustainability Standards Board and the Global Reporting Initiative . Traditional accounting education focused mainly on financial reporting and compliance. However, modern account...

Application of multi-criteria analysis for selecting the most sustainable industrial wastewater treatment technology

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  Meaning Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) is a structured decision-making approach used to evaluate multiple alternatives based on several criteria simultaneously. In the context of industrial wastewater treatment, MCA helps identify the most sustainable technology by considering environmental, economic, technical, and social factors together rather than focusing on a single parameter such as cost or efficiency. It supports systematic comparison of technologies like biological treatment, membrane filtration, advanced oxidation, electrochemical processes, and hybrid systems. Introduction Industrial wastewater contains pollutants such as heavy metals, organic compounds, nutrients, oils, and toxic chemicals. Selecting an appropriate treatment technology is complex because industries must balance treatment efficiency, cost, environmental impact, regulatory compliance, and operational feasibility. Traditional selection methods often prioritize financial considerations, ignoring long-te...

Climate change and China's food security

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  Meaning Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation patterns, and the frequency of extreme weather events caused largely by greenhouse gas emissions. Food security means ensuring that all people have consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for an active and healthy life. In the context of China , climate change and food security are closely linked because the country must feed nearly one-fifth of the world’s population with limited arable land and water resources. Introduction China’s food system is one of the largest and most complex in the world. As a major producer of rice, wheat, corn, and pork, the country plays a critical role in global food markets. However, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods, droughts, and soil degradation increasingly threaten agricultural productivity. Regions such as the North China Plain and the Yangtze River Basin are experiencing climate variability that directly affects crop yields and fa...

The home food environment for children in Northern China

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Meaning The home food environment refers to the physical, social, cultural, and economic conditions within a household that influence children’s eating behaviors, food choices, nutrition intake, and long-term health outcomes. It includes food availability, parental feeding practices, meal patterns, cooking traditions, socioeconomic status, and cultural norms. In Northern China, the home food environment is shaped by regional climate, agricultural patterns, traditional cuisine, urbanization, and rapid economic transformation. The colder climate, wheat-based dietary traditions, preserved foods , and evolving lifestyles significantly influence what children eat and how families structure meals. Introduction Northern China, including provinces such as Beijing , Hebei , Shandong , Shanxi , Liaoning , and Inner Mongolia , has distinctive dietary traditions compared to Southern China. The region’s colder winters historically encouraged consumption of high-calorie, wheat-based foods such ...

Urban governance and policy optimize China’s e-waste management strategies.

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  Introduction and Meaning Urban environmental governance refers to the policies, institutional frameworks, and administrative mechanisms through which cities manage environmental challenges. In the context of electronic waste (e-waste), it involves regulatory control, public–private collaboration, technological systems, and community participation to ensure safe collection, recycling, and disposal. In China, rapid urbanization, technological advancement, and high consumption rates have made e-waste management a critical governance issue. Government intervention plays a central role in shaping optimal strategies to balance economic growth, environmental sustainability, and public health protection. Advantages Environmental Protection – Effective governance reduces soil, air, and water contamination caused by hazardous components such as lead, mercury, and cadmium found in electronic devices. Resource Recovery – E-waste contains valuable materials like gold, copper, and ra...

How Green Are Jobs for the Energy Transition?

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  1. Meaning / Introduction The energy transition refers to the global shift from fossil-fuel–based energy systems (like coal, oil, and natural gas) to renewable, low-carbon sources (like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal). This shift is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. Green jobs are employment opportunities that contribute to environmental protection, sustainable use of natural resources, and climate mitigation or adaptation. In the context of the energy transition, green jobs are roles that support renewable energy generation, energy efficiency, decarbonisation of industries, and sustainable infrastructure. Examples of green jobs include: Solar panel installers Wind turbine technicians Energy efficiency auditors Electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure workers Grid modernization engineers Green jobs often aim to combine environmental sustainability with economic growth and social inclusion. 2. Advantages of Green ...