The purpose of this paper is to introduce a methodology-Backcasting for policy makers in renewable energy development, with expect to enable the development of an alternative strategy and the facilitation of a more flexible and responsible policy agenda. Take biomass energy domain as a case to explain the application of this methodology, and multiple factors should be taken into account. The study indicates that China’s renewable energy is still in the transition period from research and development to industrial production, and the effective, scientific and timely decision-making from government policy makers is utmost crucial to the healthy development of renewable energy industry in China because it regulates the development path of this innovative industry. It is an innovation to link biomass industry development with urbanization strategy in China rural area in the long run.

The maple poison moth (MPM), Lymantria nebulosa (Wileman), is a Lepidopteran defoliator and one of the most important pests of Liquidambar formosana Hance. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of temperature on the population growth and reproduction of this species. MPM were raised in artificial climate chambers in a laboratory at 21 ± 1°C, 24 ± 1°C, 27 ± 1°C, 30 ± 1°C, 33 ± 1°C and 36 ± 1°C, under a relative humidity (RH) of 70% ± 10% and a 14 L:10D photoperiod, and age-stage, two-sex life tables complied for insects at each temperature. The developmental duration, adult preoviposition period and overall preoviposition period decreased with temperature in a time-dependent manner. The growth curves of the different temperature groups overlapped considerably. The highest larval survival rate (80%) was recorded at 30 ± 1°C. At 36°C only a few eggs hatched and the first instar could not complete the first molt. We consequently regard 36°C as the lethal temperature threshold for this species. Life expectancy decreased with age under all six temperatures. The endogenous growth rate was significantly lower at 21 ± 1°C than at the other temperatures, and was highest in 30 ± 1°C group. The net growth rate of the 30 ± 1°C group was also significantly higher than others. Reproductive parameters were highest at 27 ± 1°C and 30 ± 1°C. Although environmental factors absent from the laboratory environment may limit the generality of our results, they nonetheless provide a theoretical basis for developing integrated control methods for MPM in the wild.

Gas tungsten arc (GTA) surface modification process was used to deposit SiC particles and aluminum alloy powders on the surface of magnesium alloy AZ31. This method is an effective technique in producing a high performance composite layer. This process result notable grain refinement in the GTA surface modified composite layer. The hardness and wear resistance of the GTA surface modified composite layer are superior to that of as-received magnesium alloy AZ31. The hardness values and wear resistance of GTA surface modified composite layer depend on the GTA process parameters and the SiC particles powder concentration and distribution. The optimum processing parameters for the formation of a homogeneous crack/defect-free and grain refinement microstructure were established.

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