Regions Of China Research Articles

Quantifying the water use efficiency of karst ecosystems and response to environmental factors

Study regionThe study area is located in Guizhou province, the centre of the karst region in southwest China. Study focusAs a typical karst region, Guizhou has long faced challenges with water scarcity. Quantifying water use efficiency (WUE) is crucial for the efficient use of water resources and sustainable management. This study examined the spatio-temporal evolution patterns and its driving factors on WUE in Guizhou using Theil-Sen's slope, partial correlation methods, and the geographic detector model. New hydrological insights for the region(1) The multi-annual mean WUE of non-karst region (NKR, 2.75 gC kg-1 H2O yr-1) is higher than that of karst region (KR, 2.10 gC kg-1 H2O yr-1) during 2001–2020. (2) The rate of increase of WUE was three times higher in KR than in NKR. (3) Precipitation and temperature were identified as the key factors influencing WUE. Interactions between each environmental factors were observed to have both bi-variate and non-linear enhancement effects. Notably, in the NKR, soil moisture, vegetation type and leaf area index were the dominant factors influencing WUE, with interactions between environmental factors had both enhanced and weakened effect on WUE. (4) The synergistic effects of these interactions exceeded the individual or cumulative effects of the two environmental factors. These findings contribute to our understanding of the environmental factors driving changes in WUE in the KR.

Application of improved glomerular filtration rate estimation by a neural network model in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Previous studies have indicated that creatinine (Cr)-based glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimating equations - including the new Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology creatinine (CKD-EPIcr) equation without race and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equation developed for the Chinese population - displayed suboptimal performance in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD), which limited their clinical application for detecting changes in GFR levels in all cohorts. To develop a neural network model based on multilayer perceptron (MLP) for evaluating GFR in Chinese NLUTD patients, and compare the diagnostic performance with Cr-based multiple linear regression equations for Chinese and the CKD-EPIcr equation without race. Single-center, cross-sectional study of GFR estimation from serum Cr, demographic data, and clinical characteristics in Chinese patients with NLUTD. A total of 204 NLUTD patients, from 27 different geographic regions of China, were selected. A random sample of 141 of these subjects was included in the training sample set, and the remaining 63 patients were included in the testing sample set. The reference GFR (rGFR) was assessed by the technetium-99m-labeled diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) double plasma sample method. A neural network model based on MLP was developed to evaluate GFR in the training sample set, which was then validated in the testing sample set and compared with Cr-based GFR equations. The MLP-based model showed significant performance improvement in evaluating the difference, absolute difference, precision, and accuracy of GFR estimation compared with the Cr-based GFR equations. Additionally, compared with the rGFR, we found that the MLP-based model provided an acceptable level of accuracy (greater than 85%, which was within a 30% deviation from the rGFR). The MLP-based model offered significant advantages in estimating GFR in Chinese NLUTD patients, and its application could be suggested in clinical practice.

Analyzing greenhouse gas emissions and influencing factors of 247 actual wastewater treatment plants in China using emission factor and operational data integrated methods (ODIM).

In response to China's policies on pollution control and carbon emission (CE) reductions, more stringent regulations have been implemented to evaluate CE in wastewater treatment facilities. In this study, we have analyzed CE from China's wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and influencing factor. Emission factor (EF) and operational data integrated methods (ODIM) were utilized to measure emissions, using data collected from 247 WWTPs over a 1-year period across seven regions in China. The average CE intensity was 0.45 kgCO2-eq/m3, affected by region, season, influent water quality, treatment processes, effluent discharge standards, and facilities. The scale effect was obvious only in the range of 2 × 105 m3/day. Underground WWTPs exhibited significantly higher CE compared to aboveground WWTPs. In summary, the assessment of CE in 247 actual WWTPs not only identifies emission reduction potential but also provides a scientific basis for formulating targeted emission reduction measures.

Contrasting water use strategies to climate warming in white birch and larch in a boreal permafrost region.

The effects of rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations (Ca) with climate warming on intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE) and radial growth in boreal forests are still poorly understood. We measured tree-ring cellulose δ13C, δ18O, and tree-ring width in Larix dahurica (larch) and Betula platyphylla (white birch), and analyzed their relationships with climate variables in a boreal permafrost region of northeast China over past 68years covering a pre-warming period (1951-1984; base period) and a warm period (1985-2018; warm period). We found that white birch but not larch significantly increased their radial growth over the warm period. The increased iWUE in both species was mainly driven by elevated Ca but not climate warming. White birch but not larch showed significantly positive correlations between tree-ring δ13C, δ18O and summer maximum temperature as well as vapor pressure deficit in the warm period, suggesting a strong stomatal response in the broad-leaved birch to temperature changes. The climate warming-induced radial growth enhancement in white birch is primarily associated with a conservative water use strategy. In contrast, larch exhibits a profligate water use strategy. It implies an advantage for white birch over larch in the warming permafrost regions.

Variants of SLC39A4 cause acrodermatitis enteropathica in Tibetan, Yi, and Han families in Sichuan region of southwestern China: a case report series

Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE, OMIM 201100) is a rare autosomal recessive dermatosis characterized by periorificial dermatitis, diarrhea, alopecia, and hypozincaemia due to pathogenic variants of SLC39A4. Herein, we present a case series describing four unrelated patients with AE from Han, Yi, and Tibetan ethnicities in Sichuan region of southwestern China, speculate the hotspot variants of SLC39A4 causing AE in Sichuan region and highlight physicians should be alerted to unusual presentations of AE, such as the absence of hypozincaemia and the presence of acne-like lesions. Serum alkaline phosphatase and genetic testing should be considered to accurately evaluate the zinc deficiency in human body and help make the correct diagnosis.

Revealing the Hidden Consequences of Increased Soil Moisture Storage in Greening Drylands

Vegetation primarily draws water from soil moisture (SM), with restoration in drylands often reducing SM storage (SMS). However, anomalies have been detected in the Beijing–Tianjin Sand Source Region (BTSSR) of China via the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). This study quantified the sources of increased SMS in drylands to elucidate the effects of vegetation restoration on SMS. The results indicated the following: (1) In vegetated drylands, 46.2% experienced a significant increase in SMS while 53.8% remained stable; both were positively correlated with the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI). (2) The increase in SMS was accompanied by a decrease in groundwater storage (GWS), as indicated by the significant correlation coefficients of −0.710 and −0.569 for SMS and GWS, respectively. Furthermore, GWS served as the primary source of water for vegetation. (3) The results of the redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that the initial vegetation, the driver of the observed trend of increased SMS and decreased GWS, accounted for 50.3% of the variability in water storage. Therefore, to sustain dryland ecosystems, we recommend that future vegetation restoration projects give due consideration to the water balance while concurrently strengthening the dynamic monitoring of SMS and GWS.

Forage yield, competition, and economic indices of oat and common vetch intercrops in a semi-arid region

Intercropping of annual favorable legumes with grains to produce forage is utilized extensively worldwide to improve resource use efficiency. To identify the best intercropping system for a semi-arid region of China, intercrops of oat (Avena sativa L.) and common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) at five planting proportions and oat and common vetch monocrops were produced over the 2011 and 2012 growing seasons in Xifeng, northwest China. Several indices were used to evaluate yields, competitive interrelationships between the two crops, and economic returns. The oat mono-crop had the highest dry matter yield (6.51 t ha−1), while the oat–common vetch intercrop, with an 80: 20 planting ratio, produced the highest crude protein production (696 kg ha−1). The land equivalent ratio (1.167), relative crowding coefficient (2.445), and actual yield loss (0.750) were more favorable for the oat–common vetch intercrop at a seeding ratio of 20: 80. The oat–common vetch intercrop at a seeding ratio of 20: 80 showed the highest values for monetary advantage index (35.51). Overall, the autumn-sown 20: 80 oat–common vetch intercrop was more productive from resource utilization and economic perspectives.

Dynamic properties, probability density, and estimation of an SIRIS epidemic model with an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process★ ★This research is supported by the Research Innovation Program for Postgraduates of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region under Grant (No. XJ2023G017), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 12061070) and the Natural Science Foundation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China (No. 2021D01E13).

Considering the relapse and temporary immunity of some diseases, a stochastic SIRIS epidemic model with saturation incidence is developed in this paper, in which the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process is introduced to describe the randomness of the model. The existence and uniqueness of the global solution are first proved to investigate the dynamic properties of the SIRIS model. By constructing a series of Lyapunov functions, the thresholds R0E and R0S are further derived to determine the extinction and persistence of the disease. Subsequently, we prove that the solution of the model admits a stationary distribution. The probability density function is obtained by the algebraic method. In addition, the unknown parameters of the density function are estimated by using the maximum likelihood estimation. Finally, numerical simulations verify the results of the above properties.

Physicochemical Properties and Fine Structure of Starch in Jinong Xiangruan 1 and DGR1 Soft Rice Varieties Cultivated in Different Regions of China

Rice, a staple food for billions around the globe, is cultivated in numerous forms. Among them, soft rice is well known, which is characterized by its tender, creamy consistency and desirable texture. In this study, we examined the physicochemical properties and fine structure of starch from two soft rice varieties, Jinong Xiangruan 1 and DGR1, cultivated in different regions in China (Baodi District, Tianjin City; Liaoning Province; and Fengyang City, Anhui Province). The aim was to understand how amylopectin content (AC) influences rice quality. This research aims to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the role of amylopectin in determining rice’s adhesive consistency and viscosity. Significant regional differences were observed in yield components such as the number of grains per panicle, seed setting rates and 1000-grain weight, with Liaoning generally showing higher performance metrics compared to other regions. Physicochemical analysis highlighted that though glue consistency and taste values showed little regional variation, AC significantly influenced rice hardness and viscosity. Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) profile analysis further demonstrated distinct differences in viscosity characteristics, underscoring the regional impacts on starch behavior. Additionally, molecular weight distribution and amylopectin chain length analysis, conducted via SEC-MALLS-RI and ICS ion chromatography, revealed notable differences in starch composition across varieties and locations. The findings suggest that environmental conditions play a crucial role in defining starch characteristics and, consequently, the eating quality of rice. This provides valuable insights for breeding high-quality japonica rice with broad adaptability.

Progress in Digital Climate Governance in China: Statistical Measurement, Regional Differences, and Dynamic Evolution

The capacity for climate governance is crucial for sustainable advancement, with data elements being a pivotal production factor in contemporary governance. This study examines the trajectory and strategy of digital transformation in climate governance, creating a three-dimensional dataset encapsulating 11 primary and 36 secondary indicators to facilitate the assessment of digital climate governance. Employing spatiotemporal analysis and coupling coordination models, this study evaluates the digitalization levels in climate governance across 30 regions in China, examining how to progress digital integration from governmental and market perspectives. Findings reveal a consistent improvement in China’s regional digital climate governance, bolstering economic and social progress. Nonetheless, regional disparities and developmental lags persist, with convergence analysis indicating a divergence trend in provincial climate governance capabilities. Moreover, kernel density and Markov chain analyses suggest an ongoing evolution in regional digital climate governance efforts, aiming at achieving a higher development plateau. The study emphasizes the dual role of government and market dynamics in boosting digital governance levels, deducing from two-stage regression that effective government-market interplay is vital for elevating governance quality and fostering new productive forces, recommending an integrated governance mechanism for optimal synergy.

New OTC Derivative Instrument for BRI Grand Strategy Integration: Case of ‘China, Mongolia and Russia’

The Belt and Road Initiative is an economic integration plan. But at regional level, the financial capabilities of route countries do not allow the implementation of the Belt and Road. This is the need for and creation of a new financial form. This study aims to theoretically justify a new financial form for economic integration—new type of over-the-counter derivative financial instrument. This adaptation addresses the case of the transport corridor ‘China–Mongolia–Russia’ and ‘resident status’ of the Joint Economic Zone that will serve as a guarantee for the financial assets of the Belt and Road companies and increase their financial sustainability and investment revival in regions. In general, this has a positive effect on the development of the accounting system and increases the financial and investment interests of business participants, which can lead to new forms of entrepreneurial activity and become a catalyst for improving the welfare of regions of China–Mongolia–Russia transport corridor, and it is in line with the goals and investment initiatives of the Belt and Road project.

The Impact of the Digital Economy on Population Dividends in China: Based on the Dual Perspective of Quantity and Quality

The demographic dividend plays an important role in promoting sustainable development in China. Here, we ask the question of how to use the digital economy to coordinate the “one body and two sides” of the demographic dividend. This study empirically examines the impact of digital economic development on the demographic dividend in a multidimensional way based on the panel data from 30 provincial-level administrative regions in China from 2011 to 2020. The study results show that (1) the digital economy significantly promotes the demographic quality dividend but exhibits a suppressive effect on the demographic quantity dividend; (2) the digital economy can indirectly influence the demographic quality and quantity dividends through urbanization; (3) when examining the threshold effects, the study uncovers noteworthy dynamics, whereby the urbanization levels serve as significant thresholds, showcasing “diminishing marginal effects” in the digital economy’s influence on both population quantity and quality dividends; (4) digital economic development has a positive spillover effect on the demographic quantity dividend in adjacent areas. By clarifying these dynamics, the research results provide valuable insights into China’s sustainable use of the digital economy to create a demographic dividend.

Spatial Analysis on Resource Utilization, Environmental Consequences and Sustainability of Rice–Crayfish Rotation System in Jianghan Plain, China

The rice–crayfish rotation system (RCR), originating in the Jianghan Plain, is developing rapidly in various regions of China and has been characterized by unbalanced regional development, which has also led to widespread concerns and discussion on its environmental impacts and sustainability. This study selects representative RCR production areas in the Jianghan Plain, including Jianli, Qianjiang, Shishou, Shayang, Gong’an and Honghu, to analyze resource inputs, resource utilization efficiency, environmental impacts and sustainability by employing the emergy analysis method. Our analysis of Jianli, Honghu, Qianjiang, Gong’an, Shishou and Shayang reports total emergy inputs ranging from 6.46 × 1016 to 8.25 × 1016, with renewable rates between 78.38% and 84.34%. Shishou leads in the unit emergy value (5.58 × 10−1) and the emergy yield ratio (5.30). The sustainability evaluation finds that the environmental loading ratio is from 0.19 to 0.28 and the emergy index for sustainable development varies between 1.27 and 3.00. This analysis indicates that the southern regions have higher inputs and efficiency, with southeastern areas showing lower environmental impact and higher sustainability. We also underscore the impact of non-renewable resources on environmental outcomes and sustainability, suggesting tailored development strategies for the rice–crayfish rotation system’s optimization and sustainable growth.

Research on the influencing factors of Chinese agricultural brand competitiveness based on DEMATEL-ISM

Agricultural products are pivotal to the national economy, and a comprehensive analysis of brand competitiveness significantly contributes to the support of agricultural structural adjustment and modernization. Focusing on the Yangtze River Delta region of China, this study develops an evaluation index system encompassing four dimensions: core brand competitiveness, brand management, market competitiveness, and innovation in branding. Utilizing a DEMATEL-ISM model, this research elucidates the intrinsic relationships among factors that influence brand competitiveness, resulting in a four-tier hierarchical model. The analysis delineates key factors at superficial, intermediate, and profound levels that influence brand competitiveness. Notably, regional production bases, along with innovations in brand technology and systems, emerge as profound influencers. Drawing on these findings, the study recommends strategies to enhance production foundations, accurately define development trajectories, spearhead technological innovation to foster collective reform efforts, and advocate for institutional advancements to bolster healthy brand growth.

Different machine learning methods based on maxillary sinus in sex estimation for northwestern Chinese Han population.

Sex estimation is a critical aspect of forensic expertise. Some special anatomical structures, such as the maxillary sinus, can still maintain integrity in harsh environmental conditions and may be served as a basis for sex estimation. Due to the complex nature of sex estimation, several studies have been conducted using different machine learning algorithms to improve the accuracy of sex prediction from anatomical measurements. In this study, linear data of the maxillary sinus in the population of northwest China by using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) were collected and utilized to develop logistic, K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and random forest (RF) models for sex estimation with R 4.3.1. CBCT images from 477 samples of Han population (75 males and 81 females, aged 5-17 years; 162 males and 159 females, aged 18-72) were used to establish and verify the model. Length (MSL), width (MSW), height (MSH) of both the left and right maxillary sinuses and distance of lateral wall between two maxillary sinuses (distance) were measured. 80% of the data were randomly picked as the training set and others were testing set. Besides, these samples were grouped by age bracket and fitted models as an attempt. Overall, the accuracy of the sex estimation for individuals over 18 years old on the testing set was 77.78%, with a slightly higher accuracy rate for males at 78.12% compared to females at 77.42%. However, accuracy of sex estimation for individuals under 18 was challenging. In comparison to logistic, KNN and SVM, RF exhibited higher accuracy rates. Moreover, incorporating age as a variable improved the accuracy of sex estimation, particularly in the 18-27 age group, where the accuracy rate increased to 88.46%. Meanwhile, all variables showed a linear correlation with age. The linear measurements of the maxillary sinus could be a valuable tool for sex estimation in individuals aged 18 and over. A robust RF model has been developed for sex estimation within the Han population residing in the northwestern region of China. The accuracy of sex estimation could be higher when age is used as a predictive variable.

Analysis of the indoor thermal environment of traditional residents in the South Sichuan China region in summer and plum rainy seasons—taking Baiyang village in Yibin city as an example

ABSTRACT In hot summer and cold winter areas, the humid and sultry summer and rainy season problems have long affected the health of residents. Through a questionnaire survey and site measurements, the indoor thermal environment of typical southern Sichuan village houses was investigated. The average indoor humidity of the old traditional dwelling (85–95%) in the rainy season was much greater than that of the new rural house (70–80%), both of which are outside the standard thermal comfort range of the human body. In summer, the situation is slightly better but still uncomfortable. The APMV evaluation results reveal that in the rainy season, the new residential house is more comfortable than the traditional residential house, while in summer, the opposite situation occurs. The measurements show that the thermal inertia index of the old stone masonry house is large, which indicates that the house has a strong ability to resist temperature fluctuations. Therefore, we discussed different performance improvement strategies for these two types of rural residences. This study is conducive to improving the thermal environment of local residential buildings and provides a reference for the future design of rural ecological residential buildings.

How East Asian Culture Influences the Personality Traits of Its Residents: An Exploration of Cultural Characteristics and the Emphasis on Interdependence

East Asia, a region that includes China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, is home to a diverse mosaic of cultural practices, traditions, and philosophies that have developed over millennia. This paper examines the profound impact of East Asian culture on the personality traits of its inhabitants, concentrating on the region's emphasis on interdependence. The research investigates how ancient philosophies such as Confucianism and cultural norms anchored in collectivism influence individual behaviors, cognitive processes, and interpersonal interactions. The paper explores the contrast between East Asian interdependence and Western individualism in greater detail, emphasizing the nuances of high-context communication, holistic thinking, and adaptability prevalent in East Asian societies. Through a comprehensive analysis, the study highlights the significance of understanding cultural complexities in our increasingly globalized world, highlighting the central role East Asian cultural traits play in molding individual personalities and behaviors. This exploration provides valuable insights for academicians, policymakers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between culture and personality in East Asia.

Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in coal gasification slags and their leaching toxicity

ABSTRACT The coal gasification process produces a large amount of coal gasification slag (CGS), which accumulates heavy metals from the raw coal. The CGS not only occupies land resources during long-term storage but also poses potential ecological pollution risks. In this study, eight different CGS samples from various regions of China were analyzed to determine their chemical composition and evaluate their environmental risks. Two leaching methods recommended by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China were employed to conduct leaching experiments, aiming to assess the hazardous waste level of CGS. The results indicated that the risk index of YL-FS and XJ-CS reached 101.87 and 87.15, respectively, classifying them as medium-risk materials. The remaining samples were categorized as low-risk materials. CGS itself is not classified as hazardous solid waste. The leaching results revealed that the concentration of Be in the leaching solution of NMG-CS and XJ-CS exceeded 0.005 mg/L, placing them in Class II of general industrial solid waste. The remaining samples exhibited minimal leaching toxicity and were classified as Class I general industrial solid waste.

Elucidating transport dynamics and regional division of PM2.5 and O3 in China using an advanced network model

Air pollution exhibits significant spatial spillover effects, complicating and challenging regional governance models. This study innovatively applied and optimized a statistics-based complex network method in atmospheric environmental field. The methodology was enhanced through improvements in edge weighting and threshold calculations, leading to the development of an advanced pollutant transport network model. This model integrates pollution, meteorological, and geographical data, thereby comprehensively revealing the dynamic characteristics of PM2.5 and O3 transport among various cities in China. Research findings indicated that, throughout the year, the O3 transport network surpassed the PM2.5 network in edge count, average degree, and average weighted degree, showcasing a higher network density, broader city connections, and greater transmission strength. Particularly during the warm period, these characteristics of the O3 network were more pronounced, showcasing significant transport potential. Furthermore, the model successfully identified key influential cities in different periods; it also provided detailed descriptions of the interprovincial spillover flux and pathways of PM2.5 and O3 across various time scales. It pinpointed major pollution spillover and receiving provinces, with primary spillover pathways concentrated in crucial areas such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region and its surrounding areas, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Fen-Wei Plain. Building on this, the model divided the O3, PM2.5, and synergistic pollution transmission regions in China into 6, 7, and 8 zones, respectively, based on network weights and the Girvan Newman (GN) algorithm. Such division offers novel perspectives and strategies for regional joint prevention and control. The validity of the model was further corroborated by source analysis results from the WRF-CAMx model in the BTH area. Overall, this research provides valuable insights for local and regional atmospheric pollution control strategies. Additionally, it offers a robust analytical tool for research in the field of atmospheric pollution.

A Study on the Factors Influencing the Sustainable Development of Education in the Context of COVID-19: Tencent Conference Online Platform

The difficulties of offline education caused by the COVID-19 epidemic are attracting increasing public attention. Although international research on online education platforms is gradually deepening, the research on the influencing factors of Chinese users’ participation in these platforms shows different results due to regional differences. Therefore, this study adopts the technology acceptance model (TAM) as the basis to build the index system of influencing factors for the Tencent conference online education platform. The questionnaire design covered five dimensions, including external environment, platform satisfaction, and continuous use intention. An online questionnaire survey was conducted on participants in some regions of China, 320 questionnaires were distributed, and 297 valid questionnaires were collected. The data were analyzed by SPSS 26.0, and the results of Cronbach’s coefficient of 0.939 and a KMO value of 0.941 were obtained. The weight value, entropy value, and importance ranking of the factors were determined by combining hierarchical analysis and the entropy weighting method. First, the perceived ease of use is the most critical factor influencing the users’ use of online delivery platforms. Second, freedom from geographical time difference, the ease of operation, system perfection, and proficiency in use greatly influenced the participants’ use of the online lecture platform. Third, the study group suggested that the platform should be optimized in terms of convenience, stability, and freedom from geographical time difference, and provide reasonable references and lessons for future educational efforts.