Regions Of China Research Articles

An Empirical Study on the Digital Economy, Fiscal Policy, and Regional Sustainable Development—Based on Data from Less Developed Regions in China

Reducing inequality within and between countries and enhancing social welfare are important components of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Based on the experience of developed countries or regions, the digital economy and fiscal policy are effective ways of promoting inclusive regional economic growth. Fully considering the completeness and availability of the data, we select the data of China’s less developed regions from 2001 to 2011 for empirical testing. This study empirically examined the effect of the digital economy on regional sustainable development and the underlying mechanism, taking an analysis of the regulatory effect of fiscal policy into account. The results show the following: (1) The digital economy and regional sustainable development exhibit an inverted “U” curve relationship. In the early stage of development, relying on its own economies of scale, the digital economy releases the “digital dividend”, positively affecting the sustainable development of the regional economy; in the later stage, the “digital divide” has a positive impact on the development of the regional economy. The inhibitory effect of the “digital divide” is greater than the enhancement effect of the “digital dividend”, negatively affecting the sustainable development of regional economies. (2) There is regional heterogeneity in the mechanism of the effect of the digital economy on regional sustainable development. The digital economy affects the level of regional sustainable development through the two paths of “comprehensive prosperity” and “holistic well-being”. For the samples in the eastern and western regions, the digital economy plays the role of promoting and then inhibiting, while for the samples in the central region, it plays the role of inhibiting and then promoting. (3) Fiscal policy negatively regulates the effect of the digital economy on regional sustainable development, but the regulatory effect is not significant.

Study on the Spatial–Temporal Variation of Groundwater Depth and Its Impact on Vegetation Coverage in Ejina Oasis

Ejina, a representative inland river basin situated in the arid region of northwest China, exhibits a delicate ecological environment and its vegetation coverage is intrinsically linked to regional ecological security. Based on MOD13Q1-NDVI data from 2018 to 2023 and groundwater depth monitoring data during the same period, this study analyzed the spatial–temporal variation characteristics of vegetation coverage and its relationship with groundwater depth in Ejina. It is found that the vegetation coverage in Ejina is generally low and mainly distributed along the riverbanks in the form of strips. During the study period, the overall trend of vegetation coverage showed a fluctuating pattern of first increasing and then decreasing, revealing the fragility of the regional ecology. The groundwater depth shows the characteristic of being higher in the east river than the west, and the trend of groundwater depth along the river flow is first increasing and then decreasing. The spatial groundwater depth indicates that the east river is higher than that of the west river, and the groundwater depth along the river flow first increases and then decreases. In terms of inter-annual changes, the groundwater depth experiences a process of first decreasing and then stabilizing. Further analysis indicates that vegetation growth and coverage in Ejina are significantly affected by water conditions, and areas with high Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values are mainly distributed along the riverbanks. In addition, there is a certain degree of correlation between groundwater depth and NDVI. When the depth of groundwater is too deep or too shallow, the positive correlation between NDVI and groundwater depth increases slightly and the negative correlation decreases slightly. The findings of this study are of great significance for understanding and predicting the response of vegetation coverage to groundwater changes in arid areas, and provide a scientific basis for water resources management and ecological protection in Ejina.

Modeling of the modern climatic range of <i>Cydalima perspectalis</i> (Lepidoptera, Crambidae) in Eurasia

Modeling of the modern climatic range of a dangerous plant pest of the genus Buxus L. box tree moth Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) is carried out in order to determine possible territories of its further expansion in Eurasia. Information on the loci of actual C. perspectalis detection both in native (East and South Asia) and invasive (Europe and West Asia) parts of the range was collected from various sources (species distribution databases and publications). Six bioclimatic (three temperature and three humidity) parameters are used as distribution predictors. Original methods for determining the number of pseudo-absence points and their selective generation are developed and applied. The final classification and partitioning of the space of bioclimatic factors is carried out using gradient boosting. The modern Eurasian climatic range of the box tree moth is calculated and mapped. It is shown that the invasion has not yet reached its limits and there are a number of territories in Eurasia where climatic conditions are favorable for the emergence of C. perspectalis populations both in the native part of the range (certain southern and eastern regions of China, the DPRK, the southern foothills of the Himalayas) and in its invasive part (Northern and Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Turkey). A comparative assessment of the importance of different climatic factors in determining the box tree moth distribution area is given. It has been found out that the sum of the driest month precipitation is of greatest importance for constructing a model of the C. perspectalis climatic range (47.6%). A significant difference in climatic conditions between the native and invasive parts of the range is revealed and assumptions about the possible causes of its occurrence are made.

The Association of Drought with Different Precipitation Grades in the Inner Mongolia Region of Northern China

Drought has become an important factor affecting the environment and socio-economic sustainable development in northern China due to climate change. This study utilized the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) as a drought metric to investigate the correlation between drought characteristics and different grades of precipitation and rain days. The analysis was based on a long-term time series of precipitation data obtained from 116 meteorological stations located in Inner Mongolia, spanning 1960 to 2019. To achieve the objectives of the current research, the daily precipitation was categorized into four grades based on the “24-h Precipitation Classification Standard”, and the frequency of rain days for each grade was determined. Subsequently, the SPI was calculated for 1 and 12 months, enabling the identification of drought events. The results revealed pronounced spatiotemporal regional variations and complexities in the dry–wet climatic patterns of Inner Mongolia, with significant decreases in precipitation emerging as the primary driver of drought occurrences. Approximately 6% of the entire study period experienced short-term drought, while long-term drought periods ranged from 23% to 38%. Regarding multi-year trends, precipitation exhibited a weak increasing trend, while rain days exhibited a weak decreasing trend. Drought exhibited an alleviating trend, with 92% of stations displaying coefficients > 0 for SPI_Month and over 62% of stations displaying coefficients > 0 for SPI_Year. At the monthly scale, drought was most correlated with light rainfall trends and least correlated with moderate rainfall trends. At the annual scale, drought was relatively highly correlated with moderate and heavy rainfall distributions but poorly correlated with light rainfall. The results suggested that achieving the precise monitoring and mitigation of drought disasters in Inner Mongolia in the future will require a combined analysis of indicators, including agricultural drought, hydrological drought, and socio-economic drought. Such an approach will enable a comprehensive analysis of drought characteristics under different underlying surface conditions in Inner Mongolia.

Optimizing the Allocation of CO2 Emission Rights in the Yangtze River Delta City Agglomeration Region of China Based on Equity, Efficiency and Sustainability

Optimizing the Allocation of CO2 Emission Rights in the Yangtze River Delta City Agglomeration Region of China Based on Equity, Efficiency and Sustainability

Integrity and Size of Green Spaces Are Critical for the Functional Diversity of Birds: Evidence from the Eastern and Northwestern Regions of China

Integrity and Size of Green Spaces Are Critical for the Functional Diversity of Birds: Evidence from the Eastern and Northwestern Regions of China

Coupling Coordination Analysis Between Reclaimed Water Utilization Capacity and Effect in China

Reclaimed water utilization is one of the major strategies used to achieve sustainable development in China and for alleviating issues linked to insufficient water supply. This study leverages panel data encompassing 30 provinces in mainland China from 2011 to 2022 to establish a comprehensive evaluation index system for measuring the development level of reclaimed water utilization capacity and utilization effect. On the basis of this index, the development rule of coupling coordination between reclaimed water utilization capacity and utilization effect is explored using the coupling coordination degree model, Moran’s I index, and the grey GM (1,1) model. Experimental results show that the current utilization capacity and effect of reclaimed water in most provinces of China do not match. Moreover, China’s reclaimed water utilization capacity index was shown to gradually increase from 2011 to 2022. The reclaimed water utilization capacity index of the eastern region is significantly higher than the central region, which is lower than the national average, followed by the northeast region, and the western region obtains the lowest index. The calculation results of the coupling coordination model further demonstrate the coupling coordination degree between the reclaimed water utilization capacity; moreover, the effects of provinces and cities in China steadily increased, and there is a clear spatial clustering. The predicted results indicate that the abovementioned situation will likely continue until 2030. This study is anticipated to become a point of reference for relevant departments to optimize the coupling coordination degree of reclaimed water systems across different regions in China, implement differentiated measures, and promote a rational allocation of reclaimed water resources.

Titanite as an indicator of granite fertility and gold mineralization in the Xiaoqinling gold province, North China Craton

The Xiaoqinling gold province, located in the southern margin of the North China Craton (NCC), is the second largest gold-enriched region in China. In this region, the Mesozoic Huashan (HS) and Wenyu (WY) plutons are the major magmatic intrusions coeval with gold mineralization, although they show contrasting characteristics in the distribution of gold. In this study, we use geochemical features of titanite determined by LA-ICP-MS and EPMA analyses and elemental mapping to decipher the mechanisms that led to the difference in gold enrichment related to the two plutons. Titanite from the Wenyu granitic pluton exhibits significantly higher (La/Sm)N, (La/Yb)N, ΣLREE/ΣHREE ratios, and ΣREE concentration and slightly higher (Gd/Yb)N values than those of the Huashan Pluton, suggesting that the Wenyu pluton might have experienced more complex magmatic evolution, widespread hydrothermal alteration, and higher silica activity in the melt than the Huashan pluton. The titanite grains from the Huashan pluton show higher (Nb/Ta)N and (Lu/Hf)N values and significantly lower Zr concentration than those of the Wenyu pluton. The titanite grains from the Wenyu pluton show higher vanadium and gallium concentrations and Fe/Al ratio than those of the Huashan pluton, indicating comparatively higher fo2. Furthermore, the titanite grains from Wenyu pluton indicate higher water content in the magma. In addition, magma mingling and magmatic hydrothermal fluids derived from the crust/mantle are critical sources for ore-forming materials. These results suggest that the Wenyu pluton is more conducive to gold migration and enrichment than the Huashan pluton.

The 'Zero consumption' phenomenon of elderly people's sports and leisure in the Yangtze River delta region

This study investigates the current status of the "zero consumption" phenomenon in sports and leisure activities among elderly individuals in the Yangtze River Delta region, analyzing its characteristics and underlying causes. Data related to the consumption of sports and leisure activities among the elderly in this region were obtained through methods such as questionnaires and interviews. The results indicate that "zero consumption" in elderly sports and leisure activities is a common social phenomenon in the Yangtze River Delta region of China. It is not only a result of economic income constraints but also a consumption trend formed under the influence of various factors such as aging and declining physical fitness. While "zero consumption" does not significantly affect the elderly' s participation in sports and leisure activities, it may to some extent impact the diversification of these activities. Given the current participation status of elderly individuals in sports and leisure activities in China, it is still unable to play a crucial leading role in the development of the leisure industry as seen in developed countries.

Leontopodium nyingchiense (Asteraceae), a new species from Xizang (Tibet), China

Leontopodium nyingchiense, a new species of Asteraceae from the Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region of China, is described and illustrated here. Morphologically, it is most similar to L. lingianum but can be distinguished by the combination of monoecious and dioecious individuals, involucral bracts arranged in 3–5 series (with outer series herbaceous and middle to inner series membranous), fimbriate apices on female florets, rough-edged lobes on male florets, and achenes lacking costae. Phylogenetic analyses further support the separation of this new species from related taxa. Finally, we characterize this new species through both morphological comparisons and molecular analyses.

Characterizing Long-term Astroclimate Parameters at the Muztagh-Ata Site in the Pamir Plateau with ERA5 and MERRA-2 Data

Abstract The Muztagh-Ata site, an excellent high-altitude ground-based astronomical observing site was discovered and monitored in the eastern part of the Pamir Plateau in the southwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. This site has been systematically monitored using various observational parameters since the spring of 2017. Yet, the site lacks long-term monitoring and statistical characterization of key variables such as: precipitable water vapour (PWV) and air temperature. These factors directly influence whether a site is suitable for hosting large ground-based telescopes across optical, infrared, submillimeter, and millimeter wavelengths in later stages. In this study, we utilized atmospheric reanalysis datasets from the Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2) and ERA5, the fifth edition of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). These datasets were combined with local observations from the weather station at the Muztagh-Ata site. Following the validation of ground-based and satellite data, we conducted a comparative analysis of PWV and temperature trends at the Muztagh-Ata site over a period of 24 years. The weighted annual mean nighttime temperature and PWV increase at rates of 0.18 ∼ 0.38 ○C decade−1 and 0.02 ∼ 0.15 mm decade−1, respectively. The nighttime PWV slightly decrease during the winter with rates of −0.01 ∼ −0.03 mm decade−1. This findings reveal that the PWV and temperature variation patterns at the Muztagh-Ata site are consistently stable, particularly in the results derived from the ERA5 dataset. The comprehensive conditions at this site are highly suitable and advantageous for hosting large optical, infrared, submillimeter, and millimeter wavelengths telescope installations.

How Digital Innovation Ecosystems Facilitate Low-Carbon Transformation of the Economy Based on a Dynamic Qualitative Comparative Analysis

The digital innovation ecosystem is an important driving force for building a modern economic development system. It is of great significance to explore the multiple configuration paths of digital innovation ecosystems affecting the development of the low-carbon transformation of the economy to facilitate the green and sustainable development of the economy. We have found through our research that the types of configuration that lead to the development of a high-level low-carbon economy are ‘subjects-resource-environment linkage’ and ‘subjects-environment driven’. The former is the key configuration path that leads to the development of a high-level low-carbon economy. In both models, a high-level digital environment is the core condition that facilitates the development of a high-level low-carbon economic transformation. Moreover, in the spatial dimension, there is a significant difference in the types of configuration that achieve low-carbon economic transformation in the eastern, central, and western regions of China. The findings of this study reveal how the three major subsystems of the digital innovation ecosystem synergistically affect the low-carbon transformation of the economy. It not only helps to improve the relevant theories, but also brings certain references for improving the ‘synergy’ between low-carbon development and economic growth.

Occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in wheat, maize, rice, and soybean from chinese major grain producing regions.

Dietary exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been a concern for many years. Previous studies demonstrated that foods such as meat, milk, fish, vegetables, and tuber crops could be potential sources of human exposure to PFAS. However, research on PFAS contamination in grains remains limited. Therefore, this study conducted a comprehensive investigation of PFAS contamination in raw grains from major grain-producing regions in China. Among all grain species, soybeans exhibited the highest Σ16PFAS level (1.01ng/g dw), followed by rice (0.570ng/g dw), wheat (0.542ng/g dw), and maize (0.245ng/g dw). Short-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) displayed higher detection frequencies compared to their long-chain homologues and perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs). Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were dominant in wheat, maize, and soybean samples, while sodium p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzenesulfonate (OBS) was predominant in rice. OBS contributed approximately 70% to Σ16PFAS concentrations in rice. The concentration difference of OBS was not significant between indica rice and japonica rice, however, a disparity was observed between early indica rice and mid-late indica rice, suggesting that the growing period potentially affects OBS level in rice grains. Compared to other regions, east China displayed relatively higher PFAS concentrations in grain samples. This finding is consistent with previous studies and may be attributed to the intensive industrial and human activities. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of Σ16PFAS in grains from this study ranged from 0.0829 to 3.32ng/kg bw/day. The dietary health risks associated with PFOA in wheat and OBS in rice warrant further attention.

Characteristics of urinary stone composition among patients with urolithiasis: a retrospective study in China

ObjectiveTo present the most recent data on urinary calculi characteristics in the southern region of China and explore the effects of sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics on stone composition to...

Comparison of four upscaling methods to drive instantaneous evapotranspiration to daily values for maize in two climatic regions in China

Comparison of four upscaling methods to drive instantaneous evapotranspiration to daily values for maize in two climatic regions in China

Investigation of resistance mechanisms to flucarbazone-sodium in wild oat (Avena fatua L.) from China.

Wild oat (Avena fatua L.) is a self-pollinating, allohexaploid species in the family Gramineae (grasses), which is a malignant weed that mainly harms crops such as wheat. In recent years, a decline in the control efficiency of flucarbazone-sodium against wild oat has occurred in some regions of China. We identified an ALS-resistant A. fatua population (R population). Whole-plant response assays revealed that the R population exhibited a moderate level of resistance (5.9-fold) to flucarbazone-sodium. Pre-treatment with malathion significantly reduced flucarbazone-sodium resistance in the R population. The known mutation sites and ALS gene relative expression that confer resistance to ALS inhibitor herbicides were not found in R population. Following flucarbazone-sodium treatment, the expression of eight genes related to metabolic enzymes was investigated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). CYP92A6 and the Aldo/keto reductase family were highly expressed in the R population after the application of flucarbazone-sodium. The mechanism of flucarbazone-sodium resistance in A. fatua is mediated by NTSR, nor TSR. Two genes, CYP92A6 and the Aldo/keto reductase family, were discovered to be possibly related in the metabolism of NTSR in the A. fatua population, justifying more functional studies. The results will serve as a data resource for further studies on the molecular mechanisms of A. fatua to flucarbazone-sodium.

Characteristics and development of steepland gullies in the dry valleys of Southwest China

In semi-arid and arid areas, gully erosion is one of the most destructive forms of erosion and causes serious land degradation and resource destruction. Steepland gullies are widely distributed in the dry valleys of southwest China, and their formation is one of the main causes of soil erosion and the destruction of sloping farmland in the region. Previous research on the development of steepland gullies is limited, and further study is needed. In this study, 11 steepland gullies at various stages of development located in Guobu Village, Xide County, Liangshan, Sichuan Province, were selected for investigation using a digital elevation model (DEM) derived from unmanned aerial vehicle data as the primary data source. These data had a spatial resolution of 0.1 m. Fundamental parameters such as the gully length, width, depth, area, and volume were extracted from the remote sensing data. Other characteristic parameters, including the coefficient of main and tributary gullies, vertical gradient, gully elongation, and gully openness, were also investigated. The results indicate a significant linear positive correlation between the gully’s degree of openness and elongation as the gully’s length, width, and depth increase. Furthermore, the vertical gradient and coefficient of main and tributary gullies exhibit power-law relationships with these gully dimensions. The development of steepland gullies was divided into infancy, youth, maturity, and old age based on the use of the gully length as an ergodic indicator in space-for-time substitution. The morphological characteristics of these different stages were quantitatively analyzed, and a proposed mechanism for how the evolution of the gullies proceeds was developed. An empirical model of volume–length erosion was established to investigate the development process of steepland gullies in the dry valleys. It has been observed that the development law of steepland gullies is essentially consistent with the very active stage of typical gully formation, suggesting that steepland gully may represent the initial stage of gully development. The results show that these steepland gullies have their origin in high-intensity rainfall events that are accompanied by the formation of steps and drop water. The effects of gravity erosion and hydraulic erosion then cause the gullies to expand rapidly, forming gullies with a large head and a small tail before they gradually stabilize. The results of this study will help with the understanding of the formation and evolution of steepland gullies and will be of practical significance for the prevention of gully erosion and the protection of sloping farmland in the dry valley region of southwest China.

A fitness obligation or indispensable pastime? A capability-informed inquiry into the developmental impacts of tiyu(体育) on college students in multi-ethnic China

ABSTRACT While the developmental impacts of sport have been extensively researched, with significant attention given to sport-based interventional projects common in sport for development and peace (SDP), fewer studies have approached this focus by investigating ordinary sporting opportunities such as physical education and school sports (PESS). Grounded on an 18-month ethnographic fieldwork conducted in a border region of Southwestern China, this qualitative study targets a multi-ethnic college setting to examine the developmental impacts of regular sporting provisions on campus. Underpinned by relativist ontology and constructionist epistemology, qualitative data were collected from multiple sources through participant observation, online survey and in-depth focus group interviews. Drawing on ‘tiyu (体育)’ and the Capabilities Approach (CA) as conceptual and theoretical references, data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis whereby four themes with sub-themes were contextually and reflexively constructed. These themes include: (1) fundamental means and ends: tiyu is an essential functioning of health and education; (2) individual agency enables extra gains: tiyu for interpersonal affiliation, emotions and control over one’s environment; (3) from instrumental to elemental: tiyu is an indispensable capability of play; (4) developmental prospects are conditional: counter-stories of tiyu. By contextualizing tiyu’s impacts on capabilities and human development, we lastly discussed the malleable nature of tiyu (sport) and the prospects of improving ordinary sporting opportunities with explicit development concerns.

Light Drought Stress Positively Influenced Root Morphological and Endogenous Hormones in Pinus massoniana Seedlings Inoculated with Suillus luteus

Aims An ectomycorrhizal fungus (ECMF) may enhance plant drought resistance. However, there is limited information regarding the effects of ECMFs on drought resistance in Pinus massoniana Lamb., a native species representing an afforestation pioneer tree in subtropical regions of China. Methods In this study, a pot experiment was conducted to determine the effects of ECMF Suillus luteus inoculation on the root morphology and endogenous hormones of P. massoniana, including roots, leaves, and stems, under various water treatment conditions. Four water levels (regular, light, moderate, and severe drought) and three inoculations (inoculated Suillus luteus, numbered S12 and S13, and non-ECMF-inoculated) were compared using a factorial design. Results Under drought stress, P. massoniana seedlings inoculated with S12 and S13 had significantly increased root morphology development (p < 0.05). Light drought positively influenced root development, resulting in a more than twofold increase in root length and root surface area compared to non-inoculated seedlings. Concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA), zeatin riboside (ZR), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in roots, stems, and leaves of inoculated S12 and S13 plants were elevated, whereas abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations were significantly lower, compared to non-inoculated seedlings. The ABA concentrations in the roots of S12 and S13 inoculated seedlings under light drought stress were 1.5 times lower than those in non-inoculated controls. Moreover, root development was positively correlated with plant total GA, IAA, and ZR but negatively correlated with ABA. ConclusionsS. luteus can promote the root growth and development of P. massoniana seedlings, notably by regulating the balance in the concentration of endogenous hormones, thus improving the drought resistance of P. massoniana seedlings.

Role of warming trend in occurrence of record‐breaking high‐temperature events in China during the past 40 years

AbstractRecord high temperatures and heatwaves are increasingly being reported worldwide, sparking significant public concern. In a stable climate, occurrences of record‐breaking events (RBEs) should naturally decrease over time. Therefore, the increasing occurrence of record high temperatures signifies significant instability in the current climate change, potentially attributed to global warming. In this study, we aim to quantitatively investigate the impact of the warming trend on RBE occurrence by examining high‐temperature RBEs based on observations in China over the past 40 years. Additionally, we introduce statistical theory based on random processes to assess its applicability to real‐world scenarios. By comparing the frequency, intensity, and waiting time for RBEs derived from the original and detrended high‐temperature series‐, we find that approximately 10% of RBE frequency in Nanjing station over the past 40 years can be linked to the warming trend. Furthermore, the intensity of RBEs weakens and the occurrence time advances for the same reason. Especially, the increase in high‐temperature RBE frequency attributed to the upward temperature trend in the southwest region of China is estimated to be around 10%–20%, significantly surpassing that in other regions. Meanwhile, the observed RBE occurrence probability and intensity align with the theoretical results, while notable discrepancies exist in RBE prediction, highlighting the need for improvement in theory and skill for RBE forecasting given its complexity and uncertainty.