Chinese Regions Research Articles

Skill capabilities behind the scenes: the role of occupational portfolio in regional industrial evolution

ABSTRACT An increasing number of studies confirm that regional diversification is path dependent, with new industries building on pre-existing ones. However, these studies typically overlook the role of skill capabilities and the interactions between skills and industries. In this research, based on the concept of industry–occupation cross-relatedness, the influence of skill capabilities on industrial diversification across Chinese regions was investigated. The findings indicate that regions can diversify into skill-related activities following a skill path-dependent process. Furthermore, a theoretical framework integrating industry–occupation cross-relatedness and economic complexity was introduced that enabled the adoption of various diversification strategies based on regional skill capabilities.

Spatiotemporal dynamic assessment and obstacle analysis of economic resilience in China's marine fisheries.

With global climate change and increased overfishing, the sustainable development of marine fisheries economies faces many challenges. This study evaluates the resilience of the marine fishery system in China's coastal areas in a systematic, scientific, and comprehensive manner by establishing the ANP-EWM-TOPSIS comprehensive evaluation system, analyzing the temporal and spatial changes in the economic resilience of marine fisheries, and exploring the main obstacles affecting resilience. The results show that the fishery system in Chinese marine regions demonstrates significant resilience both temporally and spatially. From the analysis of temporal and spatial variations, the economic resilience of marine fisheries in Fujian and Shandong provinces is relatively high and shows a clear upward trend, while the changes in economic resilience of marine fisheries in Tianjin and Shanghai are not significant. Regarding obstacle factors, the dimensions of resistance and innovation exhibit relatively high levels of obstacles. The findings of this study are of great significance for enhancing the economic resilience of marine fisheries in coastal regions worldwide.

Nexus of digital progress and green performance among Chinese regions

Nexus of digital progress and green performance among Chinese regions

Penile circumference in the Chinese population measured by Rigiscan

Background: This study aimed to assess the penile circumference in its flaccid and erect states using a Rigiscan monitoring device and Audiovisual Sexual Stimulation (AVSS) within a large Chinese male cohort to establish an objective standard. Methods: 1,134 men participated between January 2019 and June 2021. 803 men, achieving a hardness of 80% or more, were included. Circumferences of the penis’ base and tip in its flaccid and erect states were documented, and averages were compared across age groups and Chinese regions. Age-related correlations were explored. Results: Flaccid penile base and tip averaged 7.25 ± 0.60 cm and 7.20 ± 0.71 cm. At 80% erection, they were 9.70 ± 0.65 cm and 9.65 ± 0.75 cm. The increase in circumference from flaccid to 80% erect for the base and tip was approximately 25.31% and 25.47%, respectively. Correlations between flaccid and erect states were significant (tip: R = 0.807, base: R = 0.828, both p < 0.01). No significant age or regional variations in penile circumference were found. Conclusion: Our data on 803 subjects measured with Rigiscan showed that penile circumferences in flaccid and erect states show a strong correlation, in Chinese population. Penile size does not seem significantly influenced by age or region.

Energy transition policy and rural revitalization of Chinese ethnic regions

This study addresses socio-economic disparities and environmental challenges in China's ethnic regions by examining the impact of energy transition policies on rural revitalization, with a particular focus on the mediating effects of population quality, economic growth, and industrial upgrading. Using data from 46 Chinese ethnic regions spanning 2003 to 2022, the analysis reveals that industrial upgrading significantly enhances the effectiveness of these policies, while educational attainment, as a measure of population quality, further amplifies their benefits. Although economic growth also contributes positively to rural revitalization, its mediating role is less pronounced. These findings highlight the need for a comprehensive strategy that integrates energy transition with socio-economic development to promote sustainable rural progress. The study underscores the critical role of incorporating energy transition into broader development policies, particularly through industrial and educational improvements, to achieve sustainable development in China's ethnic regions, and offers valuable policy recommendations.

Decoupling carbon dioxide emissions from economic growth across multiregional supply chains within China

Decoupling carbon dioxide emissions from economic growth is crucial for China’s dual carbon targets and sustainable development. Amidst the backdrop of a new development paradigm emphasizing domestic circulation, the decoupling analysis of embodied carbon emissions and embodied value added among Chinese regions is vital for green multiregional supply chain management to reduce carbon emissions while keeping economic growth. This study first comprehensively explores the decoupling status of carbon emissions and economic growth at the provincial level. Moreover, we focus on the embodied carbon emissions and value added across multiregional supply chains within China during 2012-2017 from both demand and supply perspectives. Results illustrate that the decoupling status of 22 provinces (e.g., Beijing, Shandong, and Xinjiang) displays diversity across different perspectives. Furthermore, the different multi-perspective decoupling statuses of critical sectors (e.g., the production and distribution of electric power and heat power sector) underscore the necessity for multi-side measures to reconcile carbon emission reduction with economic growth. Notably, this study identifies the decoupling status of most interregional pairs (i.e., two regions with carbon emissions and value added flows) are undesirable. It highlights the importance of interregional cooperation for decoupling embodied carbon emissions from value added growth along multiregional supply chains. Our findings can provide valuable insights for policymakers in advancing carbon emissions decoupling from economic expansion to achieve national sustainable development.

Lithium‑sulfur batteries for next-generation automotive power batteries carbon emission assessment and sustainability study in China

The rise of electric vehicles has ushered in a revolution in the automotive industry, propelling the global automotive sector towards sustainable development. However, considerable controversy persists regarding the comprehensive performance of electric vehicle batteries and their environmental impact. The development of next-generation power batteries, aimed at enhancing energy storage performance while mitigating environmental consequences, has become a focal point of research in this field. Lithium‑sulfur batteries (LSBs), with their innovative structural design and environmentally friendly materials, not only enhance energy storage performance but also harbor significant environmental potential. When coupled with an all-solid-state battery structure, the all-solid-state lithium‑sulfur battery (A-LSB) demonstrates even more superior performance. This combination represents an ideal next-generation power battery for automotive applications, offering heightened efficiency and environmental sustainability. This study conducts a prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) to examine the environmental performance, particularly carbon emissions, during the production processes of LSBs and A-LSBs in the Chinese region. The primary objective is to uncover the potential for sustainable development in the future of lithium‑sulfur battery technologies. During the research process, we conducted comparative validation by comparing with traditional ternary lithium-ion batteries (NCM) and lithium iron phosphate batteries (LFP). Experimental setups were designed to simulate both laboratory and industrial production scenarios, with a primary focus on analyzing the sustainable performance of LSB and A-LSB. The results indicate that, compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, both LSB and A-LSB exhibit lower carbon emissions and superior environmental performance, with A-LSB showing particular promise. However, A-LSB demonstrates higher sensitivity to environmental impacts, displaying significant variations before and after industrial production. Additionally, it exhibits a greater dependency on regional resources and energy structures. In contrast, LSB displays better regional adaptability.

Digital trade, trade openness, FDI, and green total factor productivity

The rapid digitalization of global trade has introduced a transformative element to urban sustainability, but its specific impact on green total factor productivity (GTFP) remains understudied, particularly in the context of China's urban development. Although studies have explored digital trade's economic benefits, the interplay between digital trade, trade openness, and foreign direct investment (FDI) in shaping urban GTFP has not been thoroughly investigated. This study fills that gap by investigating the relation between digital trade and GTFP in China, utilizing a comprehensive provincial panel dataset from 2005 to 2021. Employing a fixed-effects model with various control variables, we find that digital trade significantly increases GTFP. The findings also reveal that both trade openness and FDI positively moderate this relation, amplifying digital trade's impact on urban green transformation. The heterogeneity analysis across Chinese regions provides nuanced insights, demonstrating that the effect is most pronounced in the developed eastern region, followed by the middle region, and has a less significant impact in the western region. These findings contribute to the growing discourse on digital trade and sustainable urban development, with important implications for policymakers seeking to use digital technologies to promote environmental sustainability and economic growth. Our findings highlight the importance of fostering digital trade, increasing trade openness, and attracting green FDI as effective strategies to drive urban green transformation and improve GTFP, while emphasizing the need to address regional disparities and potential challenges associated with digital trade implementation.

Research on assessing and enhancing indoor thermal and air conditions within typical elementary school classrooms in southern China

The thermal design of buildings in hot summer and cold winter regions must meet the requirements of thermal insulation in summer and heat preservation in winter. As a vital component of national compulsory education, primary schools must create a good indoor thermal environment for classrooms, which is particularly important for students. Due to the lack of construction standards and limited research on Chinese regions with hot summers and cold winters, policymakers have no comprehensive and efficient approach to creating optimal indoor thermal conditions in primary school classrooms. Therefore, based on the climate conditions of hot summer and cold winter areas, this study conducted field surveys in primary and secondary schools in hot summer and cold winter areas, summarized and analyzed the current situation of the surveyed classrooms and users' subjective evaluation of the indoor thermal environment of classrooms, and summarized the current hot summer and cold winter conditions. Problems in classrooms in primary and secondary schools in the region are clarified, and the research direction of construction strategies is clarified. The study found that most of the school hours in summer and winter were in a poor indoor thermal environment without refrigeration equipment. This study adjusted the school leaving time to 17:20 in summer and 17:00 in winter by adjusting the school leaving time to reduce the time of adverse thermal environment.

Agglomeration externalities or network externalities? Explaining productivity in Chinese urban regions

ABSTRACT This paper explores the relative importance of agglomeration externalities and network externalities in explaining regional productivity through the lens of a polycentric development framework specific to China. Using enterprise investment data, a spatial econometric model and an instrumental variables strategy, we find that both externalities are important in explaining regional productivity. There are no interaction effects between agglomeration and network externalities, with the latter being more prominent in urban regions with higher levels of polycentricity. Compared to agglomeration externalities, which are geographically confined, network externalities can generate spatial spillovers.

The Spatial Impact of Innovative Human Capital on Green Total Factor Productivity in Chinese Regions Based on Quantity and Quality Dimensions

Green total factor productivity (GTFP) is a key driver of China’s green development, and innovative human capital (IHC) plays a pivotal role in enhancing GTFP. This study examines the impact of the quantity and quality dimensions of IHC on regional GTFP in China. Using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces from 2004 to 2018, this study constructs a spatial Durbin model (SDM) to empirically analyze the role of IHC in regional GTFP. Three main conclusions are obtained: (1) both the quantity and quality of IHC can significantly and directly improve regional GTFP, yet regional heterogeneity exists. In the eastern region, both IHCA and IHCQ have a significant impact, while in the middle-western region, only IHCA has a significant effect on GTFP; (2) IHC can boost the enhancement of regional GTFP through technological progress; and (3) the quantity of IHC (IHCA) produces a spatial spillover effect on regional GTFP, whereas the quality of IHC (IHCQ) does not exhibit this effect. Based on these conclusions, strategies for the green development of China and the coordinated development of the eastern and middle-western regions are proposed. The Chinese government should integrate IHC development into its environmental policies to improve environmental awareness and optimize the efficiency of human capital, taking regional differences into account.

Research on filling missing GNSS precipitable water vapor time series data using the PSORF model combined with reanalysis datasets

Abstract The inversion of precipitable water vapor (PWV) using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) has advantages such as all-weather observation, high precision, low cost, and high temporal resolution. Currently, long-term GNSS-PWV data has become an important data source for studying climate change. However, due to factors such as equipment failures, observation technology limitations, and estimation model errors, missing data and outliers often occur in real-time or post-processed PWV time series data. Furthermore, the main sources of GNSS-PWV errors are influenced by the atmospheric weighted mean temperature (Tm) and surface meteorological data (pressure and temperature). The results indicate that the European Centre for Medium⁃Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis v5 (ERA5) dataset exhibits high accuracy in the Chinese region, making it suitable for GNSS-PWV inversion. By utilizing ERA5 meteorological data to calculate hourly GNSS-PWV and conducting accuracy assessments, it is demonstrated that the PWV inverted based on GNSS and ERA5 meteorological parameters possesses high precision. Based on this, this study selects GNSS stations from the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC) where the proportion of missing measured data is less than 8%. By combining ERA5, random forest (RF), and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms, a new model called PSORF is proposed to fill in missing values in GNSS-PWV time series data. The research findings reveal that the R2 and RMSE of PSORF-PWV are 0.98 and 2.16 mm, respectively. Additionally, GNSS stations with more than 8% missing measured data are utilized to validate the accuracy of the PSORF model. A comparative analysis is conducted between the results obtained through the PSORF model and the ERA5-PWV acquired via traditional interpolation methods. The MAE and RMSE of PSORF-PWV are reduced by 21% and 17%, respectively, indicating that the PSORF model excels in filling missing data and effectively enhances the accuracy and reliability of PWV time series analysis. This study not only presents an effective approach for processing missing PWV data but also evaluates the applicability and accuracy of the ERA5 dataset in PWV inversion. This provides crucial technical support and data security for climate change research, short-term humidity field forecasting, and studies in related fields.

The impact of fintech on the efficiency of urban commercial banks in China-based on super slacks-based measures with undesirable output

This study endeavours to elucidate the influence of financial technology (fintech) on the operational efficiency of urban commercial banks in China. By scrutinizing the integration of Internet-based fintech solutions, it seeks to illuminate their potential for streamlining banking processes, elevating customer experiences and augmenting the precision of credit assessments and lending decisions through sophisticated data analytics and risk management tools. This research evaluates the efficiency of Chinese urban commercial banks employing the Super Slacks-Based Measure (Super-SBM) which incorporates undesirable output. Furthermore, it leverages the System Generalized Method of Moments (System GMM) to investigate fintech’s specific impact on urban commercial bank efficiency across various Chinese regions. The findings underscore fintech’s pivotal role in catalyzing digital transformation within banks, thereby bolstering operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Moreover, this study highlights the critical importance of fintech in fortifying risk management capabilities within the banking sector. The insights gleaned from this research contribute to the banking industry’s sustainable growth and competitive resilience. Additionally, the findings furnish policymakers with empirical evidence to support the strategic integration of fintech and the optimization of banking service processes. Urban commercial banks can streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, refine credit assessments and ultimately attain higher efficiency and long-term sustainability levels in the rapidly evolving financial landscape by harnessing the transformative potential of fintech.

Transmitted drug resistance and molecular transmission network among treatment-naive HIV-1 patients in Wenzhou, China, 2020–2023

BackgroundTransmitted drug resistance (TDR) increases the risk of antiretroviral therapy (ART) failure in HIV-1 patients. This study investigated the molecular epidemiology of TDR and its transmission networks among newly diagnosed HIV-1 patients in Wenzhou, China.MethodsWe enrolled 1878 ART-naive HIV-1 patients from January 2020 to October 2023. TDR was evaluated using the Stanford University HIV Drug Resistance Database. We performed phylogenetic analysis, genotyping, transmission clustering, and population-based TDR-related factor analysis.ResultsAmong 1782 patients with successful genotyping, TDR prevalence was 5.7%. Multivariable analysis identified CRF08_BC subtype (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 18.59, 95% CI 3.79-336.18, p = 0.004), CD4 > 500 cells/mm³ (aOR 2.19, 95% CI 1.16–4.03, p = 0.013), and year 2023 (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.11–4.89, p = 0.039) as factors associated with higher TDR risk. The most prevalent NNRTI mutations were K103N, E138A, and V179E. Seven TDR transmission clusters were identified, notably one with V179D that expanded during 2020–2023.ConclusionsWhile TDR prevalence in Wenzhou remained lower than in other Chinese regions, an upward trend was observed. Most resistant individuals were in transmission clusters, predominantly middle-aged and elderly. NNRTI resistance was severe and concentrated in efavirenz, nevirapine, and rilpivirine. Enhanced HIV surveillance and wider free antiretroviral options are crucial to control drug-resistant HIV spread in Wenzhou.

Unrevealing the water-use strategies for typical ecological restoration plants and cash crops in the Eastern Chinese Loess Plateau region

Study regionFour geomorphic types in the eastern Loess Plateau (ECLP). Study focusquantitatively study the water-use strategies of typical plants (ecological restoration plants, food crops) based on stable isotope technology. New hydrological insights for the regionSignificant spatial-temporal heterogeneity appeared in regional soil water content and stable isotopes, with more significant fluctuations in soil water isotope values appearing in the rocky mountain region. Regional tree growth (including natural and plantation forests) was mainly influenced by precipitation (35±14 %) and surface layer (0–40 cm depth) soil water (25±11 %) during April and June, whereas deep soil water gradually became the main water source (> 20 %) in autumn and winter. A. Lavandulifolia mainly uses surface soil water (> 23 %), and the proportion of deep soil water utilization has increased after September. Surface soil water (0–40 cm) was the primary water source for T. aestivum during the overwintering (> 16 %) and reviving periods (> 26 %), and Z. mays utilized the largest proportion of soil water from 0 to 20 cm depth layer during the seeding (> 60 %) and maturation stages (> 35 %). Collectively, the results of this study have important implications for sustainable vegetation protection and the optimal allocation of water resources in the arid region.

Beyond the average: Emissions from electricity and the implications of decarbonization policies in Guangdong

Various policy interventions have been proposed to decarbonize the Chinese economy through the electricity sector. This study is the first to use generation-by-plant data to analyze the emissions from the electricity sector in a Chinese region and evaluate the environmental impacts of various policy interventions. Using regression techniques, the average emission factor, marginal emission factor, and marginal displacement factor, are estimated for different pollutants of Guangdong, the most affluent and populous province in China. Results reveal a decline in average emission factors over the sample period of 2017–2021, owing to the expansion of renewable energy. This study also finds a less pronounced disparity between marginal emission factors and average emission factors compared with that in developed countries, probably due to the prevalence of coal-burning plants and lower renewable energy penetration in Guangdong. Using the estimated emission factors, this study also examines the environmental effect of time-of-use tariffs, indirect emissions of electric vehicles, and carbon displacement effect of wind energy. The conclusions reveals that the time-of-use tariffs moderately reduced CO2 emissions, and the extensive adoption of electric vehicles and wind energy substantially reduces carbon emissions, indicating that decarbonizing the economy needs the coordination of various policies.

A step toward the modern and sustainable agriculture: Evaluating the impact of information and communication technology on cereal production in China

AbstractAchieving food security has become a critical concern for many nations. China has also made significant efforts to ensure domestic food security. In order to provide an adequate food supply in the future, this research explores the effects of information and communication technology (ICT) on grain production. Pool Mean Group (PMG) method is used to estimate a panel dataset for 31 Chinese province administrative regions from 2005 to 2021. To ensure that the panel dataset is suitable for use with the PMG model, cross‐sectional independence tests, unit root tests, and co‐integration tests are performed. The empirical analysis shows that ICT boosts cereal crops yields over time. In particular, a 1% increase in fixed broadband users and cell phones boosts cereal production by 0.03% and 0.06%, respectively, in the long run. As a result, in order to increase yields, China must expand its use of ICT in agricultural production.

Urban Area Changes and Housing Price Variations in Chinese rapid urbanization regions

Urban Area Changes and Housing Price Variations in Chinese rapid urbanization regions

Evaluating the performance of carbon dioxide and methane observations from carbon-monitoring satellite products over China

As the primary greenhouse gases contributing to climate change, carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH4) play a critical role in the Earth's radiative balance and temperature regulation. Continuous and accurate satellite monitoring of CO₂ and CH₄ is essential for developing effective policies and strategies to mitigate their impacts. This study utilizes ground-based Fourier-transform infrared measurements from the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) to evaluate the performance of current mainstream carbon-monitoring satellites over China, the world's largest carbon emitter. Our findings show that TanSat performs excellently for CO₂ observations at both Hefei and Xianghe sites, achieving a standard deviation (SD) of about 2 ppm and a maximum bias of 0.25 ppm, dropping to 0.02 ppm at Xianghe. In contrast, Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO)-3 and Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT)-2 CO2 measurements are slightly less reliable. For CH₄ monitoring, GOSAT outperforms GOSAT-2, with a SD of around 14 ppb and bias within 2 ppb, compared to GOSAT-2's 17.58 ppb SD and 2.15 ppb bias at Hefei. These results indicate that the latest carbon-monitoring satellites are less precise and accurate than their predecessors. Additionally, we provide detailed assessments of the data products based on different spatial matching criteria. We also discuss the variation in satellite accuracy over time, revealing periodic bias variations and the instability in satellite performance. Furthermore, while the spatial distribution trends of satellite acquisitions are generally consistent on an annual scale, we observe non-negligible differences in the annual averages across specific land surfaces. Our study presents a meticulous evaluation of the reliability of satellite-based carbon-monitoring products over the Chinese region and provides scientific evidence for analyzing uncertainty in carbon source-sink studies.

Analysis of twelve human milk oligosaccharides over fifteen months post-partum in human milk from Chinese mothers

Human milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) are a major component in human milk and recognized to play an important role in modulating gut microbiota, intestinal cell response, and the development of the brain and immune system. While HMOs levels from Chinese mothers across different regions of China have been reported, data from Hebei are lacking. Twelve HMOs were measured from a cross-section of Hebei Han mothers over a 15-month lactation period. The average total of the 12 measured HMOs was 4872 ± 1902 mg/L, similar to that reported for Han mothers from other Chinese regions. Hebei Han mothers had much lower LNnT (59.0 ± 53.1 mg/L), LNFP II (257.5 ± 211.0 mg/L) and LNFP III (149.9 ± 121.7 mg/L) levels and higher 3FL levels (1875.2 ± 1065.3 mg/L) compared to other regional Chinese mother cohorts. The distribution of secretor and Lewis status for this Hebei mother cohort was measured at 68.5 %, 21.9 %, 8.2 % and 1.4 % respectively for Se+Le+, Se-Le+, Se+Le- and Se-Le- respectively. The results from this study suggest that location has influence over the HMOs concentration.