Assessment Of China Research Articles

An assessment of China’s methane mitigation potential and costs and uncertainties through 2060

China, the world’s largest methane emitter, is increasingly focused on methane mitigation in support of its climate goals, but gaps exist in the understanding of key methane sources, as well as mitigation opportunities and their associated uncertainties. We use a bottom-up modeling approach with updated methane emission projections and abatement cost analysis to account for additional sources, uncertainties, and mitigation measures in China’s energy and agricultural sectors. Here we show the significant cost-effective potential for reducing methane emissions in China by 2030, with 660 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent possible with average negative abatement costs of US$6.40 per tonne CO2e. Most of this potential exists in the energy sector, particularly coal mining, but the greater potential will shift towards agriculture by 2060. Aquaculture and biochar applications in rice cultivation have net economic benefits but need greater support for deployment, while new mitigation measures will be needed for remaining emissions from enteric fermentation, rice cultivation, and wastewater.

Correlations between nutritional indicators and cognitive function in patients with stable schizophrenia in a hospital setting.

Cognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia, and it is now clear that there is a link between nutritional indicators and cognitive functioning. This study aimed to investigate correlations between three nutritional indicators (prognostic nutritional index [PNI], geriatric nutritional risk index [GNRI], and controlling nutritional status score [CONUT]) and cognitive function in hospitalized patients with stable schizophrenia. A total of 235 patients who were hospitalized with stable schizophrenia were included. Patient demographic information was collected through self-reports or electronic medical records, and cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in China (MoCA-C). Information on serum albumin and total cholesterol levels, lymphocyte counts, and body mass index during the stable stage of schizophrenia was collected to calculate the PNI, GNRI, and CONUT scores, according to their respective calculation criteria. Covariate-adjusted linear regression model and ordered logistic regression model were constructed to determine the relationship between nutritional indicators and cognitive function. Overall, 90.2% of the patients were under the age of 60 years, and males comprised 60% of all patients. The median scores for MoCA-C, PNI, GNRI, and CONUT in hospitalized patients with stable schizophrenia were 18 (12,23), 52.85 (50.25,55.90), 110.85 (105.80,116.21), and 3 (3,3), respectively. The results of the correlation analysis showed that only PNI was associated with MoCA-C scores (r = 0.15, P = 0.021). This relationship was further confirmed by covariate-adjusted linear regression modeling (β = 0.147, 95%CI:0.049-0.351, p = 0.01) and ordered logistic regression modeling (OR = 0.054, 95%CI:0.001-0.106, p = 0.046). The findings revealed a significant correlation between PNI scores and MoCA-C scores in hospitalized patients with stable schizophrenia.

Incorporating embodied carbon transfer and sequestration service flows into regional carbon neutrality assessment in China

Reliable and effective carbon neutrality assessments are crucial prerequisites for implementing various low-carbon policies and achieving carbon neutrality goals. Although the impact of embodied carbon transfer and carbon sequestration service flows on regional carbon neutrality is becoming increasingly significant, these factors are not effectively incorporated into current carbon neutrality assessments. Based on a thorough review of the literature and theoretical analysis, this study attempts to construct a regional carbon neutrality assessment framework that incorporates embodied carbon transfer and carbon sequestration service flows. This framework is then applied to assess carbon neutrality and its influencing factors in China's provinces. Our findings reveal that carbon emissions and sequestration capacities have increased across Chinese provinces, with the highest emissions in North and East China, and the highest sequestration in Southwest China. Economically developed provinces like Beijing, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu transfer substantial embodied carbon to provinces such as Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, and Hebei, while Guangxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Qinghai are major providers of carbon sequestration services. Carbon neutrality levels in Chinese provinces show a ring-shaped distribution, increasing from the inner to outer rings. Higher levels are found in Southwest and Northwest provinces (e.g., Yunnan, Qinghai, Guangxi), and lower levels in North and East provinces (e.g., Shanxi, Beijing, Zhejiang). Factors like urbanization rate, population density, per capita GDP, and energy consumption structure negatively impact carbon neutrality levels, whereas ecological land area and annual precipitation have positive impacts. In summary, incorporating embodied carbon transfer and carbon sequestration service flows into the regional carbon neutrality assessment framework facilitates a more comprehensive analysis of regional carbon neutrality levels and their influencing factors. This approach broadens the theoretical and methodological scope of regional carbon neutrality assessments and provides scientific references for the implementation of low-carbon policies and the advancement of carbon neutrality goals.

Refinement method of equivalent source power level determination for traffic noise in urban noise mapping

For traffic noise prediction, the predictive models of source power level determination commonly in use are the Technical Guidelines for Noise Impact Assessment in China or the Calculation of Road Traffic Noise model in the United Kingdom, which incorporate traffic flow and car speeds. However, the accuracy of these models is often compromised due to urban traffic's complexity, vehicle diversity, and unforeseen events. This study investigates a refinement method based on noise on-site measurement and aforementioned approaches for equivalent source power level determination for traffic noise in urban noise mapping. In the study, onsite measurements are conducted to collect noise and traffic data, and source power level calculated by refinement method is validated using measurement data. Different prediction methods are employed for measurement sites calculations. By comparisons between predictions with noise on-site measurement data, the refinement method proposed in the study demonstrates a significant accuracy enhancement in traffic noise prediction over previous models for determining equivalent source power level. This enhancement highlights the efficacy of adopting noise measurement-based methods for setting traffic noise source power levels, leading to more precise traffic noise predictions in complex urban settings, particularly in areas surrounding urban arterial roads.

The role of economics and the quality of antitrust case assessment in China: an empirical investigation

This article empirically measures indicators capturing the role of economics in the antitrust decisions of the Competition Authorities of China from 2010 – 2021. The methodology allows that identification of the legal standards (LSs) adopted in assessing different conduct types and their evolution. The LSs are compared to their theoretically optimal level in order to deduce quality of enforcement. Comparative analysis is undertaken with published results on the role of economics for EC’s DGCOMP, UK’s CMA and Russia’s FAS. The Chinese Authorities’ enforcement record lags behind in quality that of DGCOMP and CMA in abuse of dominance cases though it is already well ahead of countries in which their modern Competition Law enforcement started at about the same time (2008), like Russia.

Indigenized Characterization Factors for Health Damage Due to Ambient PM2.5 in Life Cycle Impact Assessment in China.

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a broadly used method for quantifying environmental impacts, and life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) is an important step as well as a major source of uncertainties in LCA. Characterization factors (CFs) are pivotal elements in LCIA models. In China, the health loss due to ambient PM2.5 is an important aspect of LCIA results, which, however, is generally assessed by adopting CFs developed by global models and there remains a need to integrate localized considerations and the latest information for more precise applications in China. In this study, we developed indigenized CFs for LCIA of health damage due to ambient PM2.5 in China by coupling the atmospheric chemical transport model GEOS-Chem, exposure-response model GEMM containing Chinese cohort studies, and the latest local data. Results show that CFs of four major PM2.5 precursors all exhibit significant interregional variation and monthly differences in China. Our results were generally an order of magnitude higher and show disparate spatial distribution compared to CFs currently in use, suggesting that the health damage due to ambient PM2.5 was underestimated in LCIA in China, and indigenized CFs need to be adopted for more accurate results in LCIA and LCA studies.

Reconstructing the biological invasion of noxious invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus and invasion risk assessment in China.

Invasive alien plants (IAPs) present a severe threat to native ecosystems and biodiversity. Comprehending the potential distribution patterns of these plant invaders and their responses to climate change is essential. Parthenium hysterophorus, native to the Americas, has become an aggressively invasive species since its introduction to China in the 1930s. This study aims to collect and reconstruct the historical occurrence and invasion of P. hysterophorus. Using the optimal MaxEnt model, the potential geographical distributions of P. hysterophorus were predicted based on screened species occurrences and environmental variables under the current and three future scenarios in the 2030s, 2050s, and 2070s (i.e., SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5), and the invasion risk of P. hysterophorus in Chinese cities, croplands, forests, and grasslands was assessed. The results show that: (1) The species initially invaded highly suitable areas and further spread to regions with non-analogous climate conditions. (2) Under the current climatic conditions, the overall potential distribution of P. hysterophorus is characterized by more in the southeast and less in the northwest. Climate variables, including mean annual temperature (bio1), precipitation in the wettest month (bio13), isothermality (bio3), and temperature seasonality (bio4), are the primary factors influencing its distribution. (3) The potential distribution of P. hysterophorus will expand further under future climate scenarios, particularly toward higher latitudes. (4) Forests and crop lands are the areas with the most serious potential invasion risk of P. hysterophorus. Therefore, we suggest that the government should strengthen the monitoring and management of P. hysterophorus to prevent its spread and protect agro-ecosystems and human habitats. Depending on the potential risk areas, measures such as quarantine, removal, and publicity should be taken to mitigate the threat of P. hysterophorus invasion and to raise awareness of P. hysterophorus invasion prevention.

A Narrative Review of the Use of Formative Assessment in China's University Education

Education is a key factor in the realization of self-worth and national progress. How to train and develop the young generation is the fundamental problem of education. Assessment is important to develop education, because it drives students learning. At present, terminal assessment has always been a key part of education system, which pays too much attention to the overall outcome but ignores the students subjectivity and initiative in the learning process. This kind of assessment suppresses students creativity. Therefore, it is necessary to explore a new assessment system more suitable for modern teaching. Formative assessment is an assessment conducted over a period of time. It means that students are evaluated during the learning process, not just after the learning process. It collects information on children with a view to using it from time to time to guide and shape their learning. Formative assessment, on the other hand, is an assessment method that involves using a variety of assessment tools to assess various components of learning, including not only thought processes but also behaviors, personality traits, and flexibility. Formative assessments are also conducted over time. This approach will be more comprehensive and representative of the learner as a whole. It begins with teachers and administrators making decisions about learners' year-end grades and promotions.

A Narrative Review of the Use of Formative Assessment in China's University Education

Education is a key factor in the realization of self-worth and national progress. How to train and develop the young generation is the fundamental problem of education. Assessment is important to develop education, because it drives students learning. At present, terminal assessment has always been a key part of education system, which pays too much attention to the overall outcome but ignores the students subjectivity and initiative in the learning process. This kind of assessment suppresses students creativity. Therefore, it is necessary to explore a new assessment system more suitable for modern teaching. Formative assessment is an assessment conducted over a period of time. It means that students are evaluated during the learning process, not just after the learning process. It collects information on children with a view to using it from time to time to guide and shape their learning. Formative assessment, on the other hand, is an assessment method that involves using a variety of assessment tools to assess various components of learning, including not only thought processes but also behaviors, personality traits, and flexibility. Formative assessments are also conducted over time. This approach will be more comprehensive and representative of the learner as a whole. It begins with teachers and administrators making decisions about learners' year-end grades and promotions.

National water use of coal-fired power generation: Hybrid life cycle assessment in China

Previous studies of water use for coal-fired power generation may have overlooked inter-sectoral impacts in the supply chain. Indeed, to devise effective water conservation strategies during the ongoing energy transition, it is of utmost importance to analyze the sectoral water use structures and flows in the supply chain and identify the sources of water scarcity. Therefore, based on the power sector-split environmentally extended input‒output (EEIO) model and the life cycle assessment (LCA) idea, we comprehensively analyze the nexus between coal-fired power generation and water use from a sectoral perspective. Our findings reveal a complex and diverse water use structure in coal-fired power generation. The technology of production inherently determines the high intensity of water withdrawal, and the close intersectoral linkages, particularly with agriculture, construction, and some industrial sectors, in the production process result in an intricate web of indirect water withdrawal and blue water footprint (WF). Moreover, the grey WF, primarily sourced from coal mining and indirectly tied to tertiary industries, underscores critical areas for attention in water pollution management. Finally, water use in the coal-fired power sector is projected to remain at elevated levels in the short to medium term under various transition strategies. Following an in-depth exploration of the coal-fired power‒water use nexus, the findings can offer new perspectives and specific entry points for sustainable energy development and water resource management.

China's onshore wind energy potential in the context of climate change

China has great potential for developing renewable energy to achieve its carbon neutrality goals. Orderly development of renewable energy is essential to enhance resource utilization efficiency and ensure safety during the energy system transition process. This study presents a thorough assessment of China's onshore wind power potential by considering the land suitability, the potential and temporal characteristics, and the impacts of climate change. The high-resolution maps combining wind resources with land conditions and climate scenarios are produced to provide insights into system planning, grid integration, and flexibility management. The results show that the capacity potential of onshore wind energy in China is 9.6 TW with an annual generation of 12.6 PWh, and 83 % of total capacity has a cost advantage with the levelized cost lower than the 60 $/MWh threshold. By comprehensively considering geographical, economic, and social criteria, around 8.1 % of the national territorial area is identified as the most suitable area for wind power development, primarily in Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang. The annual electricity generation from these areas can fulfill nearly 69 % of the nation's electricity demand. Future climate change projections indicate a remarkable generalized drop by 18 % in the north and a slight increase by 7 % in the south under the RCP 8.5 scenario. However, significant changes in wind resources are mostly within restricted areas, suggesting that future climate change would like to bring negative but limited impacts on wind power production in China.

Nationwide meta-analysis of microplastic distribution and risk assessment in China's aquatic ecosystems, soils, and sediments

Microplastic (MP) accumulation has recently become a pressing global environmental challenge. As a major producer and consumer of plastic products, China’s MP pollution has garnered significant attention from researchers. However, accurate and comprehensive investigations of national-level MP pollution are still lacking. In this study, we systematically collated a national MP pollution dataset consisting of 7766 water, soil, and sediment sampling sites from 544 publicly published studies, revealing the spatiotemporal distribution and potential risks of MP pollution in China. The results indicate that MP distribution is influenced by various regional factors, including economic development level, population distribution, and geographical environment, exhibiting considerable range and complexity. MP concentrations are generally higher in economically prosperous areas, but the degree of pollution varies significantly across different environmental media. Given the uncertainty and lack of standardized data in traditional microplastic risk assessment methods, this article highlights the urgency of developing a comprehensive big data and artificial intelligence (AI)-based regulatory framework. This work provides a substantial amount of accurate MP pollution data and offers a fresh perspective on leveraging AI for microplastic pollution regulation.

Marine Ecological Damage Assessment Model for Offshore Oil Extraction

<p>With the progress of society and the development of the economy, people’s awareness of environmental protection is also becoming stronger. Therefore, the damage caused by marine oil spills caused by offshore oil extraction to marine ecology is also receiving more and more attention from people. Marine ecological damage assessment involves various disciplines such as environmental chemistry, biology, toxicology, and hydrodynamics, and requires a large amount of data support, making it a challenge in the field of marine claims. To quantitatively evaluate marine oil spill accidents, the Spill Impact Model Application Package model is used as the system framework to build a marine ecological damage assessment model. The MIKE21 model is used for physical fate simulation, while the biological effects model is used for resource damage assessment of the ecological environment and aquatic organisms. The model is validated using the oil spill accident in Dongshan Bay as an example. The validation results show that the total loss of aquatic organisms under conditions 1 and 2 is 67.30 tons and 56.03 tons, respectively. Under condition 1, the ecological environment of coral and mangroves is affected by an area of 8.805km2 and 5.859km2, respectively, resulting in a loss of 19.5168 million yuan in ecological resources. Under condition 2, the ecological environment of coral and mangroves is affected by an area of 7.646 km2 and 13.515 km2, respectively, resulting in a loss of 26.322 million yuan in ecological resources. In summary, it can be seen that the research on marine ecological damage assessment models for offshore oil extraction provides certain reference value for the field of marine ecological damage assessment in China.</p>

Conceptualizing “Assessment Being Learning”: A Systematic Review of Teacher-Student Collaborative Assessment in China

The interconnection between assessment and learning has long been established and remained evolving. To find a localized approach in EFL contexts, this systematic review investigates the existing research on teacher-student collaborative assessment (TSCA) in China, which proposes the integration of assessment, teaching and learning. 55 CNKI-indexed papers from 2016 to 2023 that were relevant to the topic were selected for the review process. This review study summarized the classifications of TSCA application in secondary, high school and tertiary education as well as propositions of teaching models and detected the key elements concerning teachers’ roles, students’ roles and the contextual factors that influence both assessment and learning. By elucidating these diverse components, this review study conceptualized “assessment being learning” aiming to improve the theoretical and practical understanding of TSCA.

Key Issues of Economic Evaluations for Health Technology Assessment in China: A Nationwide Expert Survey

ObjectivesHealth technology assessment (HTA) is increasingly crucial in medicine price negotiations in China, yet previous appraisals revealed national discrepancies on key economic evaluation issues: willingness-to-pay threshold, pricing models for multi-indication medicines, and comparator selection principles. This study aimed to collect expert opinions on these issues for future HTA evaluations. MethodsA nationwide anonymous web-based survey encompassing experts across academia, HTA, consultancy/contract research organization/industry, service provider, and payer. In 2023, a generic invitation containing a web link to the questionnaire was disseminated via WeChat using convenience and snowball sampling. Agreement rates for questionnaire views were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The relationship between participants’ responses and demographics was examined using appropriate logistic models. ResultsA total of 303 responses were received from experts in 34 cities. Key expert views include a suggested base willingness-to-pay threshold ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 times gross domestic product (52.1% agreement); elevated thresholds for childhood diseases, rare diseases, end-of-life diseases, and first-in-class medicines (>78.0% agreement); a single pricing model for multi-indication medicines (60.4% agreement); consideration of multiple medicines as comparators (79.9% agreement); and avoiding the use of centrally procured medicines as comparators for medicines with a time to market of less than 3 years (71.0% agreement). Participants who are service provider had lower odds of selecting higher thresholds (odds ratio 0.26; P < .01) than responders from consultancy/contract research organization/industry. ConclusionsExpert views indicate the need for substantial changes in China’s current HTA methods, highlighting the need for increased investment in HTA processes and expertise cultivation.

Assessment of China’s EIA Law for the prevention and control of water pollution in interregional Lake Taihu

Assessment of China’s EIA Law for the prevention and control of water pollution in interregional Lake Taihu

Core items selection and psychometric properties of the adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder self-report scale-chinese short version (ASRS-CSV)

ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop and validate the Chinese Short Version of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-CSV), addressing the need for culturally appropriate diagnostic tools for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the Chinese adult population. MethodsUtilizing a combination of intergroup difference analysis, factor analysis, and network analysis, we identified core ADHD symptoms pertinent to the Chinese cultural context. The study involved two samples: a vocational and technical school sample (N=1144) and an internet sample (N=1654), comprising adults aged 16–25 years. Reliability, validity, and diagnostic efficacy of the ASRS-CSV were assessed through psychometric testing. ResultsThe ASRS-CSV demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.9) and robust convergent validity (AVE > 0.7). The scale's diagnostic cutoff points were optimized, revealing high sensitivity and specificity for ADHD screening. Cross-cultural analysis highlighted differences in core ADHD symptoms between Chinese and Western populations, underscoring the scale's cultural sensitivity. ConclusionThe ASRS-CSV is a reliable, valid, and efficient tool for screening ADHD in Chinese adults, reflecting the socio-cultural nuances of ADHD symptomatology. Its development marks a significant advancement in the field of psychiatry, offering a tailored approach for ADHD assessment in China and contributing to the global discourse on cross-cultural psychiatric diagnosis.

The work relative value estimation assessment in China: an empirical research for common surgical procedures.

China's National Health Service Items Standard (NHSIS) establishes a relative value system and plays an important role in pricing. However, there are few empirical evaluations of the objectivity of the NHSIS-estimated relative value. This paper presents a comparison between physician work relative value units (wRVUs) estimates for 70 common surgical procedures from NHSIS and those from the U.S. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). We defined the ratio of the wRVUs for sample procedures to the benchmark procedure (inguinal hernia repair) as a standardized relative value unit (SRVU), which was used to standardize the data for both schedules. We examined the variances in the ranking and quantification of SRVUs across specialties and procedures, as well as how SRVUs impact procedure reimbursement prices between the two schedules. There was no systematic difference between MHSIS-estimated SRVUs and MPFS-estimated, but the dispersion of MPFS-estimated SRVU was greater than that of MHSIS-estimated, and the discrepancies increased with surgical risk and technical complexity. The discrepancies of SRVUs were significant in cardiothoracic procedures. Additionally, whether SRVUs were based on MPFS or MHSIS, there was a positive association between them and payment prices. However, in terms of the impact of SRVUs on payment pricing, the NHSIS system was lower than the MPFS system. China has made incremental progress in estimating the relative value of healthcare services, but there are shortcomings in valuation methods and their impact on pricing. The modular assessment method should be considered as a component to optimize reform.

Transcritical CO2 system with two-stage throttling for supermarkets: Field tests, energy and emission performance assessment in China

Transcritical CO2 system is eco-friendly for the application of refrigeration and cooling in supermarket. To evaluate the applicability of transcritical CO2 supermarket refrigeration system in China with different climate regions, this study focuses on the field tests of a transcritical CO2 two-stage throttling system in a supermarket in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. Furthermore, based on the tested data, the system energy and emissions performance models of four system configurations are also developed and validated, including the system integrated with an internal heat exchanger, a parallel compression, and mechanically assisted subcooling. In order to improve the usability of the system in different climatic zones, 40 cities were selected for calculation in China. Five representative cities (Beijing, Harbin, Xiamen, Chongqing, and Kunming) located in different climate regions of China are selected, and the annual performance factor and life cycle climate performance (LCCP) are determined to evaluate the application potential of the CO2 refrigeration systems in different climate conditions. The tested results show the operation mode of transcritical and subcritical changes occurs at an ambient temperature of about 27 °C, at which the coefficient of performance (COP), compressor discharge pressure and discharge temperature change dramatically. The simulation results demonstrate that the mechanical subcooling system shows the best performance. The annual performance factor can be improved by 18.69 % when the mechanical subcooling is adopted. For the case of the system used in Xiamen by using mechanical subcooling, the carbon emissions can be reduced by 19.3 %.

The Role of China’s Standards of English Language Ability (CSE) Assessment Literacy in Promoting Teachers’ Language Assessment Literacy Profiles: Evidence from Chinese University EFL Teachers

AbstractReleased in 2018, China’s Standards of English Language Ability (CSE) set a benchmark for language education and assessment in China, integrating with international standards. This study investigates whether CSE assessment literacy (understanding and applying CSE standards in assessment practice) enhances Language Assessment Literacy (LAL) among 233 university EFL teachers in China. Using a self-designed questionnaire assessing current LAL and CSE assessment literacy, the findings indicate that the teachers’ self-assessed LAL, classified into high, moderate, and low LAL profiles, was generally unsatisfactory. Awareness of the principles was highest in teachers with a moderate LAL profile and was minimal in teachers with a low profile. Proficiency in “CSE Background,” “Competence Classification,” and “Table Scales” was closely linked to elevated LAL profiles. Specifically, “CSE Background” improved LAL across low and moderate profiles, while “Competence Classification” and “Table Scales” mainly benefited the moderate profile, informing effective LAL and CSE training strategies.