Provinces In Eastern China Research Articles

Comprehensive evaluation of rural courtyard utilization efficiency: A case study in Shandong Province, Eastern China

China is implementing the strategy of Rural Revitalization. Revitalizing idle and inefficient utilization courtyards is an important measure for rural revitalization. The evaluation of courtyard utilization efficiency is the basis of determining the idle and inefficient utilization courtyards in order to revitalizing it. This study provided a reference for the optimal use of rural courtyard utilization and revitalization through the quantitative comprehensive evaluation of courtyard utilization efficiency and the classification of courtyard utilization types. Taking Shandong Province in Eastern China as study area, we selected eight surveyed villages by stratified sampling method. According to the scale of the villages, full survey and sample survey were used, while middle-aged men who familiar with the courtyards were selected as the respondents. Through a household questionnaire survey and face-to-face interviews from 2017 to 2018, 578 questionnaires of rural courtyards in eight villages were obtained. Then based on the functions of rural courtyard and land resource conditions, 16 comprehensive factors were formulated, involving land conditions, construction conditions and economic benefits, to build the comprehensive evaluation index system of rural courtyard utilization efficiency. Next the index weight was determined by analytic hierarchy process, and the linear weighted regression model was used to evaluate the utilization efficiency of rural courtyard. Finally, the K-means clustering analysis was used to classify the utilization efficiency of courtyards. The results showed that among the eight villages, the average utilization efficiency of courtyards was moderate (one village was low, five were moderate, and two were high). The proportions of both idle and inefficiently utilized courtyards were high. There were three vital factors leading to the idle and low efficiency of rural courtyards. They were declining rural industries, limited arable land per capita, and more farmer workers. In this case, the utilization efficiency of courtyards should be improved by transferring rural land, developing secondary and tertiary industries, evaluating the development potential of villages, classifying and optimizing courtyard utilization, so as to make full use of idle and inefficient courtyards, increase the income of farmers and collectives and promote the revitalization of rural areas.

Evaluation and countermeasures of sustainable development for urban energy‐economy‐environment system: A case study of Jinan in China

AbstractThe coordinated development of urban energy–economy–environment (3E) systems is an inherent requirement for high‐quality and sustainable development of cities. Circulation degree and sustainable development degree (SDD) are combined to the previous 3E system evaluation system to construct the integrated sustainable development evaluation model. This model realizes the accurate evaluation of different dimensions of 3E system. Jinan, the capital city of Shandong Province in eastern China, is selected for empirical analysis. Findings show that development degree, circulation degree, and SDD of the 3E system in Jinan are increasing basically, and temporal trend of development degree and SDD of 3E system is synchronized. This shows that 3E system in Jinan has been improved gradually during this period, and the development of 3E system is a key factor affecting its sustainability. In 2015–2017, circulation degree and SDD were superimposed and developed in parallel, indicating that Jinan has entered the primary stage of high‐quality development. The obstacle degree model is introduced to explore the main factors that impede the sustainable development of 3E system in Jinan. This study revealed that the energy consumption structure, the proportion of new energy utilization, the development of tertiary industry, and water resources protection are the key issues that should be addressed in the sustainable development of 3E system in Jinan. The top‐level design concerning these issues should be highlighted in the forthcoming 14th five‐year plan period.

Composition and environmental interpretation of the communities of Sassafras tzumu, a protected species, at Zhejiang province in eastern China

Studying the community composition and environmental characterization is an urgent need for species conservation and forest restoration. Sassafras tzumu (Hemsl.) Hemsl is a protected plant species in southern China. We aimed to assess the relationship between S. tzumu and environmental variables using data from the Noncommercial Forest Ecological Monitoring Plots (NCFEMPs) system in Zhejiang Province. Among the investigated NCFEMPs, we found 96 plots (20 × 20 m) containing S. tzumu species. The species composition and associated environmental data from 96 plots were analyzed using two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). The TWINSPAN results showed there were eight types of S. tzumu associations. Each association had its own composition and environmental characteristics. The CCA results showed that the elevation and slope aspect were the major variables that determined the spatial patterns of S. tzumu communities. Our results will be of great theoretical and practical significance for protected species management and conservation.

Characteristics of HIV-1 genotype and drug resistance among men who have sex with men in Kunming, 2018

Objective: To understand the characteristics of HIV-1 genotypes and drug resistance among men who have sex with men in Kunming in 2018. Methods: A total of 193 plasma samples were collected from the newly reported HIV-1 infected MSM in Kunming from January to December 2018. Viral RNA was extracted, and the gag, pol, env gene segments were amplified by nested PCR. HIV-1 genotypes and drug resistance were also analyzed. Subsequently, the evolutionary characteristics of CRF55_01B and CRF68_01B among MSM in Kunming were analyzed by Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo method. Results: Multiple HIV-1 genotypes were identified among these 193 samples, including CRF07_BC (39.4%, 76/193), CRF01_AE (34.2%, 66/193), unique recombinant forms (URFs) (20.2%, 39/193), CRF08_BC (3.1%, 6/193), CRF55_01B (1.6%, 3/193), subtype B (1.0%, 2/193) and CRF68_01B (0.5%, 1/193). Results from the Bayesian evolutionary analysis showed that CRF55_01B started to spread locally after being imported from other provinces, while CRF68_01B was likely to have been brought in from the eastern provinces of China. Prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistant strains was 2.6%(5/190) before antiviral treatment, with mutation rates resistant to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors being the highest (2.1%, 4/190) among MSM in Kunming, 2018. Conclusion: The diversity of HIV-1 was increasing among MSM in Kunming. Although the resistance rate on pretreatment drug was relatively low, the emergence of multiple resistant strains to first-line antiviral drugs posed a challenge to antiretroviral therapy, in Kunming.

Genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of feline astrovirus from Anhui province in eastern China

This study aimed to explore the phylogenetic and molecular characteristics of feline astrovirus. A total of 33 fecal samples of domestic cats with or without diarrhea were collected from the Anhui province, and two positive samples were detected. The complete genome and ORF2 of the two strains were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. AH-1-2020 and AH-2-2020 displayed 83.4% homology, and their homologies with other reference strains were 75.3%-83.4% and 83.4%-95.0%, respectively. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that all strains could be classified into three different clusters; therefore, the mean amino acid genetic distances (p-dist) among the three clusters were estimated. The results suggested that the two strains and other FeAstV strains were grouped into three genotypes, with AH-1-2020 belonging to a novel genotype. High similarity was observed (65.9%-66.5% nucleotide identity and 63.8%-64.8% amino acid identity) in ORF2 between porcine astrovirus type 1 and AH-1-2020. Furthermore, inter-specific recombination between porcine astrovirus type 1 and FeAstV was observed. We, therefore, inferred that inter-specific transmission may exist between pigs and cats; however, further studies are required to verify this. This is the first report on the genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of FeAstVs in the Anhui province and would further the current understanding of the genetic diversity and epidemiology of FeAstVs.

An analysis of the domestic resumption of social production and life under the COVID-19 epidemic.

Population migration and urban traffic are two important aspects of the socioeconomic system. We analyze the trends of social production and resumption of life after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-influenced Spring Festival in 2020 with statistics on reported cases of COVID-19 from China’s National Health Commission and big data from Baidu Migration (a platform collecting population migration data). We find that (1) the distribution of COVID-19 cases throughout mainland China has a specific spatial pattern. Provinces in eastern China have more reported cases than those in western China, and provinces adjacent to Hubei have more confirmed COVID-19 cases than nonadjacent provinces. Densely populated regions with well-developed economies and transportation are more likely to have cluster infection incidents. (2) The COVID-19 epidemic severely impacts the return of the migrant population in the Spring Festival travel rush, as demonstrated by the significant reduction in the return scale, along with the extended timespan and uncertainty regarding the end of the travel rush. Among 33 provinces, special administrative regions, autonomous regions and municipalities, 23 of them (approximately 70%) have a return rate below 60%. Hubei, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia have the lowest return rates (below 5%), whereas the return rates in Hainan and Shandong, 272.72% and 97.35%, respectively, indicate the best trend of resumption. Due to government regulations, the population return in densely populated and well-developed regions shows a positive trend. (3) The resumption of urban traffic is slow and varies greatly in different regions. The urban traffic conditions in 22 provinces and municipalities have a more than 60% level of resumption. Guizhou and Yunnan have the highest level of resumption of urban traffic, whereas Xinjiang, Hubei, and Heilongjiang have the lowest (29.37%, 35.76%, and 37.90%, respectively). However, provinces and municipalities with well-developed intercity traffic have a lower level of resumption, mainly because of regulatory methods such as lockdowns and traffic restrictions. The increased public awareness of epidemic prevention and the decreased frequency of outdoor activities are also two positive factors slowing the spread of the epidemic. (4) Time will be necessary to fully resume social production and life throughout China. Xining and Jinan have the highest levels of resumption, 82.14% and 71.51%, respectively. Urumqi and Wuhan are the cities with the lowest levels of resumption, only 0.11% and 0.61%, respectively. Currently, 12 of 33 provinces and municipalities have levels of resumption of more than 80%; among them, Guizhou, Yunnan, and Gansu have with the highest levels of resumption and have nearly resumed the 2019 levels of work and life, whereas Xinjiang and Hubei have the lowest resumption rates, only 0.09% and 7.57%, respectively. Thus, relevant government departments should focus more on densely populated and well-developed provinces and cities when applying epidemic prevention and work resumption methods. We reveal the general conditions of the epidemic and the population return scale across China, along with urban traffic conditions and the resumption of social production and life under COVID-19, providing a scientific basis for local governments to make further decisions on work resumption.

Evaluation of favourable hot dry rock areas in the east of the Yishu fault zone in China

Hot dry rock (HDR) geothermal resources have great development potential and prospects, owing to their wide distribution and high thermal storage temperature. HDR resources are abundant in China, but their exploration and exploitation remain in the early stages. The Yishu fault zone in Shandong Province in eastern China is in a high-temperature geothermal zone of the Pacific Rim. Three craters and 15 hot springs are in this area, which possesses abundant geothermal resources and favourable conditions for the occurrence of HDR resources. Nevertheless, HDR resources in this area have not been studied in detail, and the index-evaluation system for HDR is still imperfect. In this paper, five index layers are selected, including: the gravity and magnetic fields, geothermal field, tectonic activity, reservoir and cover characteristics, and remotely sensed features. Thirteen index elements were also selected as evaluation factors. In combination, these index layers and index elements have established a favourable evaluation index system for HDR resources in this region, and the analytic hierarchy process has been used to determine the weight of each factor. Then, the GIS spatial analysis function is used to carry out spatial superposition analyses for each index element, and finally the distribution characteristics of HDR resources east of the Yishu fault zone were determined, with four favourable selection areas being delineated. The occurrence conditions of HDR resources are analysed in detail with evaluation indexes. It is believed that HDR resources are closely related to neotectonic movement, volcanism and rocks with high heat-generation rates. Searching for areas with geothermal anomalies is indispensable for the evaluation of HDR resources. This study provides a basis for the exploration and development of HDR resources in the region, and it can also provide a reference for similar work in other parts of the country. KEY POINTS A set of evaluation indexes to determine favourable areas for HDR resources, including gravity, geothermal field, geological structure and crustal stability, heat storage and heat cover and features on remotely sensed images, is established. East of Yishu fault zone, there is a great potential of HDR resources, with an area of 19 399 km2 of favourable and more favourable areas, accounting for approximately 38.8% of the total area. HDR resources are likely closely associated with neotectonics, igneous activity, geothermal anomalies and rocks with a high heat-generation rate such as granites.

Dynamic optimization of input production factors for urban industrial water supply and demand management

To help minimize urban industrial water consumption and realize the goal of a water-saving society, this paper develops a method for the dynamic optimization of the input production factors in an urban industrial water supply model. A negative exponential curve describes the urban industrial water consumption per Yuan of urban industrial value added, the latter being described by a Gompertz curve. The product of the two describes the urban industrial water demand. The production function of urban industrial water supply is expressed by the fixed substitution proportional production function. Taking investment and labor input as control variables, the system goal is to balance of industrial water supply and demand. The time-varying model can not only solve the stable state problem for infinite time horizon, but also the transient problem for finite time horizon. Taking Jiangsu province in eastern China as an example, the applicability of the method was investigated under different parameter combinations. The simulation results show its effectiveness in these cases. In the earlier period, meeting balance requirements is easier using the straight-line capital depreciation method. In the later period, the fixed rate on declining balance method allows to meet the requirements more easily. In general, it is easier to achieve the goal by choosing a smaller and feasible weight matrix coefficient of the control variables.

Adaptability evaluation of ORYZA (v3) for single‐cropped rice under different establishment techniques in eastern China

AbstractThe ORYZA (v3) rice model is the most exhaustive representation of the available knowledge on rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth and development and has become an integrated rice modelling tool suitable for different scenarios according to the demands of users. A 3‐yr field experiment was conducted under potential production conditions for single‐cropped rice during 2011–2013 in Jiangsu Province in eastern China. The simulation performance of ORYZA (v3) with respect to the growth and development of different rice varieties under different establishment methods was evaluated and validated. The adaptability and stability of the model and its effect on the production of the same or similar rice varieties in different districts and years were verified using calibrated parameters. The results revealed that ORYZA (v3) performed well in simulating the dynamics of crop biomass and leaf area index for both calibration and validation datasets in 2011–2013, as is reflected by the high adjusted linear correlation coefficient (r2), low normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) value, and lack of notable differences between simulated and observed data with 99% confidence. The NRMSE value of the final yield ranged from 4.30 to 8.99% for both Indica and Japonica rice throughout the growing seasons. The performance of transplanted Indica rice varieties was better than that of most Japonica rice varieties. Overall, our evaluation suggested the suitability of ORYZA (v3) for simulating rice growth and development of different single‐cropped varieties under different establishment techniques in eastern China.

Total gaseous mercury in a coastal city (Qingdao, China): Influence of sea-land breeze and regional transport

Abstract Atmospheric mercury cycling in coastal urban areas in East China is complex due to the combined influence of both intensive inland anthropogenic emission sources and marine air masses. In this study, continuous measurements of total gaseous mercury (TGM) concentrations were conducted from December 2017 to December 2018 at a coastal site, Shilaoren, in Qingdao, East China. Concentrations of TGM ranged from 0.59 ng m−3 to 24.46 ng m−3 with a mean value of 2.28 (±0.87) ng m−3. TGM exhibited a distinct diurnal cycle mostly with an early morning peak and an afternoon minimum. The daily minimum and mean TGM concentrations with the occurrence of sea-land breeze circulation were higher than those without. In addition, TGM concentrations exhibited a strong dependence on wind direction with an average value of 2.41 ng m−3 in air masses from inland, ~24% higher than that from the ocean. Correlation analysis suggested that mobile combustion was a major anthropogenic emission source to TGM at Shilaoren, and coal-fired power plants became a significant contributor in winter. Potential source contribution function analysis and episodic studies attributed high TGM concentrations (>90th percentile value = 3.28 ng m−3) to regional transport from anthropogenic emission sources in the neighboring cities or provinces in eastern China. Frequently occurring typhoons contributed to the high TGM episodes in summer. Prior to the arrival of a typhoon, TGM concentrations rose sharply due to transport from polluted regions in East Asia as well as downdrafts at the front and lateral edges of a typhoon, whereas dropped to a mean concentration of 1.57 ng m−3, comparable to the globally background value, as the typhoon arrived. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effects of meteorological processes including sea-land breeze and typhoons as well as regional transport on atmospheric mercury cycling in eastern China's coastal environments.

Changes in Measles Seroprevalence in China After the Launch of Two Provincial Supplementary Immunization Activities During 2009 to 2013.

Supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) have been demonstrated being effective in reducing measles incidence within a short period of time in China, but the effects are short-lived if there is no follow-up SIA with high routine immunization coverage. To assess the change in measles seroprevalence from 2009 to 2013 after the launch of 2 large-scale SIAs within the period. Three population-based cross-sectional serologic surveys of measles antibodies were conducted in 2009, 2011 and 2013 in Zhejiang, a province in eastern China, with serologic samples collected from 1541, 896 and 1474 subjects, respectively. The serum levels of immunoglobulin G antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found that the seropositivity rate among infants 0-7 months of age, a group having no vaccination benefit, was below 80% throughout the study period. In addition, the seropositivity rate among adults 30-49 years of age decreased significantly from 96.0% (95% confidence interval: 93.7%-98.3%) in 2011 to 88.5% (95% confidence interval: 84.3%-92.8%) in 2013. We showed that large-scale SIAs were effective, but their effects were not long lasting. Given the drop in seropositivity among adults, their susceptibility should be carefully monitored. While older individuals could benefit from the immunization activities, children who were too young to be vaccinated still have a weak seropositivity profile and the optimal age for the administration of the first dose of vaccine should be reconsidered.

The effects of pricing policy on the prices and supply of low-cost medicines in Shandong, China: evidence from an interrupted time series analysis

BackgroundIn China, some medicines had a supply problem. In 2015, to address this problem, the Chinese government issued a policy to raise the price cap for some shorted low-cost medicines (LCMs). The objective was to assess the effects on medicine prices and supply of medicines from a medicine pricing policy reform point of view.MethodsThis study was conducted in Shandong, an eastern province of China with a population of 99.4 million. We collected procurement data of all (n = 1494) LCM medicines available between April 2014 and February 2017 from the web-based Provincial Drug Centralized Bidding Procurement System. This study used the Drug Price index and the average price to reveal the price change of LCMs and used the interrupted time series to evaluate the effects of LCM policy on medicine supply by measuring the change of monthly procurement volume, the number of products, and the average delivery time of LCMs.ResultsAfter the policy implementation in October 2015, the quarterly average price of all LCM products, especially traditional Chinese medicines, showed a sudden growth trend. Then after two-quarter implementation of policy, the price recovered to the same trend before policy intervention, which is consistent with the trend of the Drug price index. There were 466 of LCM products available in October 2015. After the policy intervention, the number of products available increased by 109.87% (n = 978) in February 2017, at a growth rate of 6.44% per month (Value = 30.02, P < 0.001). Besides after the intervention in October 2015, the monthly procurement volumes of LCMs increased rapidly, on average, at a rate of 28.93% per month (Value = 474,000, P < 0.001) for all LCMs. The average delivery time of LCMs kept on decreasing from 33.37 days to 10.69 days at a reduced rate of 3.63% (Value = − 1.21, P < 0.001) per month before the policy, while no significant changes were noted. Also, average monthly delivery time was stable at 9 days after the intervention.ConclusionsThe policy promoted the supply of low-cost medicines, which is beneficial for the Universal Health Coverage. However, future policies should focus on monitoring price change and reducing the delivery time of generic medicines.

Panel-based targeted exome sequencing reveals novel candidate susceptibility loci for age-related cataracts in Chinese Cohort.

BackgroundAge‐related cataracts (ARC) is the most common blinding eye disease worldwide, and its incidence tend to become younger. However, the relationship between genetic factors and mechanisms is not fully understood. The aim of the study was to further clarify the relationship between ARC and genetic mechanisms in East Asian populations and to elucidate the pathogenesis.MethodsThe study collected 191 sporadic cataracts and 208 healthy people from the eastern provinces of China, with an average age of about 60 years. All participants were subjected to a comprehensive ophthalmic clinical examination and peripheral blood samples were collected and their genomic DNA was extracted. Mutations were screened among 792 candidate genes to enhance understanding of the disease through targeted capture and high‐throughput sequencing.ResultsWe identified novel candidate susceptibility gene, which may serve as a potential susceptibility factor leading to an increase in the incidence of age‐related cataracts. Three novel loci are associated with age‐related cataracts significant significance: rs129882 in DBH (p = 5.27E‐07, odds ratio = 3.9), rs1800280 in DMD (p = 2.85E‐06, odds ratio = 1.4) and rs2871776 in ATP13A2 (p = 4.18E‐05, odds ratio = 0.04). Gene–gene interaction analysis revealed that the most significant interactions between genes include the interaction between DBH and TUB (rs17847537 in TUB, rs129882 in DBH, p‐value = 2.12E‐14), and the interaction between DBH and DMD (rs1800280 in DMD, rs129882 in DBH, p‐value = 2.12E‐14). Pathway analysis shows that the most significant processes are concentrated in response to light stimulation (adjusted p‐Value = 5.56E‐03), response to radiation (adjusted P‐Value = 5.56E‐03), abiotic stimulus (adjusted p‐Value = 5.56E‐03). eQTL analysis shows that DBH rs129882 could regulate the expression of DBH mRNA in various tissues including retina.ConclusionOur study indicates rs129882 and rs1800280 loci are associated with age‐related cataracts, which enlarge the gene map of age‐related cataracts.

An Analysis on the Spatial Effect of Absorptive Capacity on Regional Innovation Ability Based on Empirical Research in China

Innovation is the primary driving force for development and the core of green, healthy, and sustainable economic development. This paper researches the spatial effect of absorptive capacity on regional innovation capacity from the perspective of knowledge spillover. We use the seven dimensions such as R &amp; D intensity to build an absorptive capacity index evaluation system. After statistical verification, we select the most suitable empirical model, the dynamic Spatial Durbin Model with two-way fixed effect. The empirical results show that: (1) The promotion effect of absorptive capacity on knowledge spillovers in one province has no obvious effect on innovation promotion in other provinces, especially provinces at similar economic levels. However, it tends to inhibit the innovation development of neighboring provinces. (2) The impact of absorptive capacity on promoting knowledge spillovers varies from region to region. The eastern provinces of China are not affected by the absorptive capacity of neighboring provinces. The regression results of the central and western regions are not substantially different from the full sample. This study puts forward some policy suggestions based on the empirical results. It shows that a higher absorptive capacity does not mean better performance. The Chinese government should thus promote innovation in different provinces according to the local conditions.

Development models matter to the mutual growth of ecosystem services and household incomes in developing rural neighborhoods

Abstract In the context of rapid urbanization, many rural communities are experiencing dramatic increases in the proportion of construction land, leading to the diminishment of ecosystem services. Conflicting development goals are a primary challenge to sustainable rural development. Increasing household income is a primary rural development concern and harmonizing the relationship between sustaining ecosystem services and increasing household incomes is critical for rural communities. To understand the factors which influence ecosystem services, household income and their mutual growth, an assessment of ecosystem services bound to land-use was carried out in 30 villages in the rapidly developing Shandong Province in eastern China. In this survey the impacts of different land use and development models on the mutual growth of ecosystem services and rural household incomes was analyzed. The results show significant variation in both ecosystem services and household incomes resulting from the implementation of four different development models. The sole ecotourism village in the survey was found to have the highest ecosystem services and household incomes, while ecological protection villages had higher ecosystem services but lower household incomes. Development models may influence ecosystem services by changing land use, and forest cover was the most important influencing factor. It was found that the Type A model, consisting of high forest cover and high marketization of ecosystem services, promoted the mutual growth of ecosystem services and household incomes. These findings suggest that appropriate development models can lead to the harmonious mutual growth of ecosystem services and rural household incomes. We argue that the methods used in this study can help improve rural management in China and elsewhere.

Movement in High School: Proportion of Chinese Adolescents Meeting 24-Hour Movement Guidelines.

The purposes of this study were (a) to examine the proportions of adolescents in China who partially or fully meet three 24-h movement guidelines on physical activity, screen-time, and sleep duration and (b) to examine whether there were gender differences in the proportion of boys and girls meeting these guidelines. The sample was made up of high school adolescents from an eastern province of China (N = 1338). The participants completed a self-reported survey on demographic variables and weekly health behaviors including physical activity, screen-time, and sleep duration. A frequency analysis was conducted to summarize the number of 24-h movement guidelines met of the total sample and by gender; chi-squared tests were used to examine the gender differences in the proportion of students meeting different guidelines, independently and jointly. A high proportion of adolescents did not meet physical activity (97.2%, 95% CI = 96.2–98.0%), or sleep (92.1%, 95% CI = 90.6–93.5%) guidelines, but met screen-time (93.6%, 95% CI = 92.4–94.7%) guidelines. Overall, only 0.3% (95%CI = 0.1–0.6%) of the sample met all three guidelines, 8.8% (95%CI = 7.5–10.2%) met two, 85.8%% (95%CI = 84.0–87.4%) met one, and 5.1% (95%CI = 4.0–6.4%) met none. There was no statistically significant percentage difference between female and male participants in meeting physical activity, screen-time viewing, or sleep duration guidelines, independently or jointly (p values > 0.05). These figures of participants meeting all three guidelines or physical activity and sleep independently are much lower than many estimates in prior research internationally. Considerations to improve adherence to physical activity and sleep guidelines are critical in this population.

The Impact of Non-Interest Business Development on the Performance of Chinese Rural Commercial Banks

ABSTRACT Since being restructured, Chinese rural commercial banks (RCBs) have had two goals: supporting the agricultural sector and sustainable development. This paper aims to analyze the effect of non-interest business development on the performance of RCBs. Our sample consists of 107 RCBs in eight provinces in eastern China. The results of the study demonstrated a U-shaped relationship between non-interest income and the performance of RCBs. The main reason is that at different stages of business development, non-interest business other than fees and commissions has achieved economies of scale. Further analysis found the existence of threshold effects on the performance of RCBs from the development non-interest business. When the cost ratio of non-interest business is higher than 0.2213, non-interest business development has a significant effect on the performance of RCBs.

Can Quantitative Easing Population Policy Rescue China's Sinking Fertility Rate? A Comparative Examination between Jiangsu and Zhejiang

China has a low level of fertility after many years of births control by government intervention. Challenged by an aging and low-fertility population, China’s one-child policy was abolished in 2013 and two Quantitative Easing Population Policies (QEPP) implemented in its stead. Based on a study of population evolutions in two eastern provinces in China, this paper analyzes the local factors affecting birthrate and shows that social development and certain other control variables significantly impact fertility rates. Thus, QEPP alone cannot reverse the sinking fertility rate; other public services relating to health and family planning should be considered as well.

Designing energy policy based on dynamic change in energy and carbon dioxide emission performance of China’s iron and steel industry

China’s iron and steel industry is the key industry for the state to conserve energy and control CO2 emissions. In this paper, we divide China’s administrative regions into three groups using cluster analysis. Then we use energy and carbon dioxide performance index to evaluate the static efficiency in iron and steel industry. After, meta-frontier non-radial Malmquist directional distance function is constructed to measure the dynamic energy and carbon dioxide emission performance. The dynamic indicator is decomposed into efficiency change, best practice gap change, and technology gap change. According to this study, the static energy and carbon dioxide efficiency in China’s iron and steel industry still lags behind from 2000 to 2016. Group 1 (mainly eastern provinces of China) has the highest efficiency, followed by group 2, and group 3 (mainly western provinces of China) has the lowest efficiency. The technical efficiency and technical progress are driving factors improving energy and carbon dioxide performance, while the technology gap change does not help to improve the performance. Finally, we propose specific policy recommendations to promote the healthy development of the industry.

Adaption to climate change risk in eastern China: Carbon emission characteristics and analysis of reduction path

To improve its ability to adapt to climate change, China has promised considerable carbon emission reduction and proposed the policy strategy of “energy revolution”. Considering the lowest carbon emission intensity and the greatest mitigation task in the Eastern Economic Zone of China, this paper analyses the change of carbon emission intensity in Eastern China from 2000 to 2015. First, to prove the significance of carbon emission intensity, this paper studies the cointegration relationship between carbon emissions and the GDP. Afterwards, from the spatiotemporal perspective, this paper decomposes and analyses the carbon emission intensity of the whole country, Eastern China and the provinces of Eastern China and quantifies the impact of different factors. This paper finds that the energy structure of China and the East was in a relatively stable state during this period. In the past, the decrease in carbon emission intensity mainly depended on the improvement of sectoral emission efficiency, and the influence of industrial structure is growing. Furthermore, changes in the eastern region are similar to those in the whole country. The eastern region needs to give full play to its economic advantage in the future. On the spatial scale, GDP per capita and the ratio of tertiary industry have a significant impact on the spatial heterogeneity of carbon emission intensity in East China, while the ratio of secondary industry has few effects. Replacing energy-intensive industry with the service industry will be the focus of emission reduction in the future.