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Introduction: Distinguishing and categorizing the origin of garlic are highly significant, considering its widespread use as a flavoring agent. With billions of dollars annually in global trade, garlic is frequently susceptible to fraudulent practices. Methodology: Paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PS‐MS) was employed to quickly analyze garlic samples from distinct geographic origins: China and Brazil. The so‐generated PS‐MS data were treated with metabolomic multivariate approaches, and the garlic samples from these different geographic regions were easily discriminated. Results: Brazilian garlic was characterized to contain higher levels of amino acids, such as arginine, proline, and valine, and organosulfur compounds, such as allicin, alliin, and l‐γ‐glutamil‐S‐allyl‐l‐cysteine, compared to Chinese garlic. The PS‐MS data were treated employing multivariate approaches, typically used in the metabolomics field, and this protocol was promptly able to discern among both types of samples. Conclusion: Hence, this combined strategy holds promise not only as an effective tool for the authentication of the geographical origin of garlic but also as a powerful means for biomarker discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With growing internationalism, there is a shift in research patterns in developing countries, especially China and India, generating vital and contemporary research areas that are beginning to challenge the existing Western‐dominated research literature in social sciences. Yet, many of the new ideas within conceptual papers by the social sciences are not empirically validated, let alone operationalized. This is where the group concept mapping method can play a role in bridging the gap between phenomenal conceptualization and having an empirically valid model that can then be operationalized. The group concept mapping process involves five steps: create statements, sort statements, run multidimensional scaling (MDS) of sorted units, run cluster analysis, and label the clusters. This approach allows for the collective thoughts of a pre‐defined group to be collected and organized into a tangible output with academic rigor. This paper offers an overview of the group concept mapping methodology, discussing the processes of the method, how the method can be utilized fully within the business and broader social science context, and the strengths, weaknesses, and practical implications of group concept mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the connection between osteoclastic forkhead transcription factor O1 (FoxO1) and periodontitis and explore the underlying mechanism by which FoxO1 knockdown regulates osteoclast formation. Materials and Methods: A conventional ligature‐induced periodontitis model was constructed to reveal the alterations in the proportion of osteoclastic FoxO1 in periodontitis via immunofluorescence staining. Additionally, RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) was performed to explore the underlying mechanisms of FoxO1 knockdown‐mediated osteoclastogenesis, followed by western blotting, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results: FoxO1+ osteoclasts were enriched in the alveolar bone in experimental periodontitis. Moreover, FoxO1 knockdown led to impaired osteoclastogenesis with low expression of osteoclast differentiation‐related genes, accompanied by an insufficient osteoclast maturation phenotype. Mechanistically, RNA‐seq revealed that the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathways were inhibited in FoxO1‐knockdown osteoclasts. Consistent with this, MCC950, an effective inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome, substantially attenuated osteoclast formation. Conclusions: FoxO1 knockdown contributed to the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis by effectively suppressing NF‐κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This prospective study reveals the role of FoxO1 in mediating osteoclastogenesis and provides a viable therapeutic target for periodontitis treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This systematic review aimed to analyse the effect of early weight bearing versus late weight bearing on rehabilitation outcomes after ankle fractures, which primarily include ankle function scores, time to return to work/daily life and complication rates. Methods: The China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, China Science and Technology Journal, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched. The focus was on identifying randomised controlled trials centred on early weight‐bearing interventions for post‐operative ankle fracture rehabilitation. All databases were searched for eligible studies published within the period from database inception to 20 June 2023. The eligible studies were screened according to the inclusion criteria. Study quality was evaluated using the methodology recommended by the Cochrane Handbook for the Systematic Evaluation of Interventions. Two authors independently performed the literature search and data extraction. Eligible studies were subjected to meta‐analyses using Review Manager 5.3. Based on the time points at which post‐operative ankle function was reported in the studies included in this paper, we decided to perform a meta‐analysis of ankle function scores at 6 weeks post‐operatively, 12 weeks post‐operatively, 24–26 weeks post‐operatively and 1 year post‐operatively. Results: A total of 11 papers, comprising 862 patients, were included. Meta‐analysis indicated that patients receiving early weight‐bearing interventions, which referred to weight‐bearing for 6 weeks post‐operatively, experienced enhancements in ankle function scores (Olerud–Molander score, AOFAS score or Baird–Jackson score) at various post‐operative milestones: 6 weeks (SMD = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.49–0.88 and p < 0.01), 12 weeks (SMD = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.22–0.92 and p < 0.01) and the 24–26 weeks range (SMD = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.20–0.85 and p < 0.01). The results of subgroup analyses revealed that the effects of early weight‐bearing interventions were influenced by ankle range‐of‐motion exercises. Additionally, early weight bearing allows patients to return to daily life and work earlier, which was evaluated by time when they resumed their preinjury activities (MD = −2.74, 95% CI: −3.46 to −2.02 and p < 0.01), with no distinct elevation in the incidence of complications (RR = 1.49, 95% CI: 0.85–2.61 and p > 0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that early weight bearing is effective in improving ankle function among post‐operative ankle fracture patients and allows patients to return to daily life earlier. Significantly, the safety profile of early weight bearing remains favourable, with no higher risk of complications than late weight bearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's social safety net is still underdeveloped, hence family support in the form of intergenerational transfers often serves as a substitute for the public transfer system. Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, this paper finds that both upstream inter‐vivos transfers (from children to parents) and downstream inter‐vivos transfers (from parents to children) are prevalent in urban China. Moreover, the relative income status of the parent and children has an impact on inter‐vivos transfers. To investigate what economic factors generate the observed patterns of inter‐vivos transfers, this paper adopts a general equilibrium life‐cycle model in which overlapping generations are altruistically linked and calibrates the model to match data from urban China. Counterfactual experiments of removing one source of economic risk or modifying the social security replacement rate from the baseline model at a time reveal that intergenerational transfers mainly serve as informal insurance against the income risk of the children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to effectively utilize renewable energy and improve the economic efficiency of microgrid system and its ability to consume renewable energy has become one of the main problems facing China at present. In response to this challenge, this paper establishes a multiobjective capacity optimization model with the minimum levelized cost of energy, the maximum proportion of renewable energy consumption, and the minimum comprehensive system cost. Based on this model, a new improved beluga whale optimization algorithm is proposed to solve the multiobjective optimization problem in the capacity allocation process of wind–solar–storage microgrid system with the goal of ensuring that the microgrid can meet the maximum load demand at different moments throughout the year. In this paper, opposition‐based learning, artificial bee colony, dynamic opposite, and beluga whale optimization are combined to improve the population diversity and convergence accuracy, thereby enhancing the optimization performance of the algorithm. Finally, after finding the optimal Pareto front solution, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution is used to help decision‐makers select the optimal solution. Using real load data and meteorological data, the results of this paper show that the multiobjective capacity allocation optimization method of grid‐connected scenic storage microgrid system based on the improved beluga whale optimization algorithm can improve the economics of the wind–solar–storage microgrid system and promote the photovoltaic consumption simultaneously, providing a solution for the realization of low‐carbon power and regional economic development. The best‐found levelized cost of energy for the wind–solar–storage microgrid system is 0.192 yuan/kWh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophages play a crucial role in aiding all phases of the wound‐healing process and has garnered increasing attention recently. Although a substantial body of related studies has been published, there remains a lack of comprehensive bibliometric analysis. In this study, we collected 4296 papers from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Three tools including CiteSpace, VOSviewer and one online analytical platform were employed to conduct bibliometric analysis and data visualization. Our results revealed that the annual number of publications related to macrophage and wound healing has increased exponentially with the year. The United States and China stand as the primary driving forces within this field, collectively constituting 58.2% of the total publication output. The application of biomaterials was one of the most concerned research areas in this field. According to references analysis, the current research focus has shifted to diabetic wound healing and regulating macrophage polarization. Based on the keywords analysis, we identified the following research frontiers in the future: exosomes and other extracellular vesicles; bio‐derived materials and drug delivery methods such as nanoparticles, scaffolds and hydrogels; immunomodulation and macrophage polarization in the M2‐state; chronic wounds, particularly those associated with diabetes; antimicrobial peptides; and antioxidant. Additionally, TNF, IL‐6, IL‐10, TGF‐β1 and VEGF ranked as the five genes that have garnered the most research attention in the intersection of macrophage and wound healing. All in all, our findings offered researchers a holistic view of the ongoing progress in the field of macrophages and wound healing, serving as a valuable reference for scholars and policymakers in this domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, China's advanced light sources have entered a period of rapid construction and development. As modern X-ray detectors and data acquisition technologies advance, these facilities are expected to generate massive volumes of data annually, presenting significant challenges in data management and utilization. These challenges encompass data storage, metadata handling, data transfer and user data access. In response, the Data Organization Management Access Software (DOMAS) has been designed as a framework to address these issues. DOMAS encapsulates four fundamental modules of data management software, including metadata catalogue, metadata acquisition, data transfer and data service. For light source facilities, building a data management system only requires parameter configuration and minimal code development within DOMAS. This paper firstly discusses the development of advanced light sources in China and the associated demands and challenges in data management, prompting a reconsideration of data management software framework design. It then outlines the architecture of the framework, detailing its components and functions. Lastly, it highlights the application progress and effectiveness of DOMAS when deployed for the High Energy Photon Source (HEPS) and Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility (BSRF). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite infrared detectors cannot penetrate clouds, especially precipitating clouds. Improving precipitation estimation accuracy based on infrared brightness temperature has always been important but challenging. In this paper, based on the infrared brightness temperature of the Advanced Geosynchronous Radiation Imager (AGRI) onboard China's Feng‐Yun 4A satellite, we develop and evaluate a new precipitation estimation method. First, using static data, physical characteristics of clouds, cloud image texture features, temporal motion features, and AGRI infrared channel brightness temperature, we construct features for a machine learning model. Then, we develop precipitation estimation methods. Precipitation is estimated in two steps: classification and regression. We employ a random forest classification model to identify whether there is precipitation in a given field of view. If there is precipitation, a multi‐model ensemble regression learning method is used to estimate the areas with this precipitation. The ensemble learning method uses convex optimization to integrate prediction results based on the optimization of hyperparameters of five basic models (i.e., those of random forest, XGBoost, LightGBM, decision tree, and extra tree models). Furthermore, two regression stacking ensemble models—the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (herein referred to as Stacking1‐LASSO) and K‐nearest neighbor (herein referred to as Stacking2‐KNN)—are used to predict the results of the aforementioned basic models. The results of basic models are used as inputs of these two stacking models. Finally, based on the Integrated Multi‐satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) precipitation product and rain gauge precipitation data, we conduct precipitation estimation experiments and evaluate our methods. The results show that ensemble learning models have greater accuracy in estimating precipitation than the basic models. When using IMERG precipitation as the target precipitation, ensemble learning models can estimate the central area of heavy precipitation during typhoons Ampil and Maria. The ensemble learning estimation effect is better than that of Stacking2‐KNN. Moreover, when rain gauge data is used as the target precipitation, ensemble learning can also estimate the center of heavy precipitation and with good consistency with recorded satellite brightness temperature data. Key Points: A convex optimization weighted and stacked ensemble learning method for satellite data estimation of precipitation is developedNear real‐time precipitation estimates can be obtained throughout the day using only geographic information and Advanced Geosynchronous Radiation Imager infrared brightness temperature dataThe proposed ensemble learning method can estimate the central areas of typhoons and short‐term heavy rainfall [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), they experience many challenges in dietary decision‐making. Thus, this study examined the perspective and experiences of adults with IBD in dietary decision‐making. Objective: This study aimed to explore the perception and consideration of people with IBD in their daily dietary decisions through monitoring, interpretation and action during the decision‐making process. Design: A qualitative study of individuals affected by IBD was conducted through semistructured interviews. Results: Twenty patients were recruited from four tertiary hospitals in Nanjing, China, and each participant completed a semistructured interview. The majority of participants reported on the process and experience of dietary decision‐making. Key themes were categorised into three stages: (1) assessing needs, preferences and food cues (monitor); (2) moving from experience to expertise (interpret) and (3) balancing expectations amidst limitations (act). The majority of participants reported that their decisions were shaped by assessing current disease status and food cues. Those interviewed with IBD were willing to make tradeoffs for bowel stability, but their decisions were also influenced by past dietary experiences and traditional Chinese beliefs. The lack of awareness of dietary guidelines was a significant barrier to healthy eating decisions. Positive or negative feelings accompanied dietary decisions. Conclusion: Although most people with IBD change their diet after diagnosis, the changes made are often inconsistent with existing dietary recommendations. Several factors can influence the dietary decision‐making process. This study will help assess the experiences of people with IBD in dietary decision‐making to encourage the formation of targeted dietary health and well‐being interventions. Knowledge of nutrition and diet should be provided in education and training programmes for IBD management. Patient or Public Contribution: The first three authors of this paper were the lead researchers in this study's design. These authors were mentored by patient researchers who also contributed to the manuscript, and the research process was co‐lead and directed by other patient participants and consultants. The results of this paper were directly obtained from patient participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Painting is the foundational expression across all art forms and is one of the key creative practices for fostering students' aesthetic ability and creativity within fine arts courses. Collaborative painting in the form of socially shared regulation of learning (SSRL) can be recognized as an effective strategy for enhancing creativity in both individual and group work. However, the absence of contextual experiences and collaborative spaces poses challenges for students in cultivating their creativity in painting. Objectives: The present study explores students' creativity, socially shared regulation (SSR) and positive painting behaviours using an SSRL‐based collaborative painting approach in the metaverse (Meta‐CP). Methods: Via a quasi‐experimental design, a total of 40 Chinese students in fifth grade were recruited and were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 20 students utilizing the Meta‐CP approach, while the remaining 20 students followed the conventional SSRL‐based paper‐and‐brush collaborative painting (C‐CP) approach. The Meta‐CP approach not only offers an authentic painting context and a collaborative space but also facilitates the collaborative process through the SSRL framework. The data collection included students' creative tendency, painting works and painting process. Results and Conclusions: The Meta‐CP approach effectively enhances students' creativity concerning adventure, curiosity and imagination, as well as results in the creation of more distinctive and logical artistic works. Furthermore, the approach significantly improved the quality of students' SSR. Additionally, students utilizing the Meta‐CP approach displayed more positive painting behaviours compared with those employing the C‐CP approach. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic:Collaborative painting is an effective strategy for enhancing creativity.Socially shared regulation of learning (SSRL) fosters collaborative learning.Students in collaborative painting may lack a contextual and synchronized painting space.The metaverse benefits in terms of contextual experiences and collaborative spaces. What this paper adds:Using an SSRL‐based collaborative painting approach in the metaverse (Meta‐CP) is effective in improving students' creativity.The Meta‐CP approach has the potential to improve students' quality of socially shared regulation (SSR), and positive painting behaviours. Implications for practice and/or policy:The metaverse provides an immersive synchronized painting space for art education to stimulate students' creative potential.The metaverse with proper learning strategies (e.g., SSRL) provides an effective collaborative learning environment for creation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How does India navigate contested regional multilateral frameworks in the Asia‐Pacific? This question has important implications for India's multilateral foreign policy and diplomacy that seeks to emerge from regional to global power. The authors argue that India's foreign policy involves seeking institutional balancing and avoiding rising power dilemmas. Based on the conceptual framework of institutional balancing and rising power dilemma, the paper examines how seeking institutional balancing helps India advance its diplomatic prowess vis‐à‐vis rising China while simultaneously leveraging its multi‐alignment strategy against the United States. Furthermore, the paper discusses India's key priorities for avoiding the rising power dilemma, thus exhibiting its reluctance to conform to the US hegemony and addressing its internal and external dilemma concerning China. The evaluation suggests that India's foreign policy rationality navigates between obtaining comprehensive security and economic gains in dealing with contested regional multilateralism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of rural e‐commerce in China has caught the attention of economists around the world. Through incorporating rural e‐commerce platform into the general equilibrium model, this paper theoretically analyzes the impacts of rural e‐commerce platform on industrial structure and the potential mechanisms. Then, taking the exogenous policy of Comprehensive Demonstration of National E‐commerce into Rural Areas in China as a quasi‐experiment, this paper constructs a staggered difference‐in‐differences model to empirically examine how rural e‐commerce platforms affect the output proportion of nonagricultural sector with samples of 2305 counties in China from 2009 to 2019. The findings indicate that the construction of rural e‐commerce platform promotes the transformation of industrial structure through technological advances and reduction of transaction costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese humanitarian actors have worked frequently with the Chinese diaspora in disaster‐affected areas, but little, if any, research has been conducted into the important role of the diaspora in disaster response and humanitarian assistance. This paper investigates what local knowledge the Chinese diaspora has offered to humanitarian actors from the People's Republic of China (PRC), and how this has contributed to their effectiveness. Based on a case study of the semi‐autonomous Indonesian province of Aceh in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, this paper argues that the diaspora can serve as a linchpin in local and international humanitarian action. It can do so by strengthening networks and bringing together local ethnic communities, local governments, and the PRC's humanitarian actors, while also offering local knowledge in the form of contextual memory. Such local knowledge may have to be fully utilised to address any underlying ethnic tensions in disaster‐affected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The source of oil and gas in the Tarim Basin's platform has always been controversial. The Lower Cambrian Yurtusi Formation and the Xidashan Formation–Xishanbulak Formation argillaceous source rocks are an important set of oil source series in the basin. Based on the principle of conservation of matter, this paper calculates the hydrocarbon expulsion amount of the source rock. Using a phase state hydrocarbon expulsion amount characterization model, the paper reconstructs the evolution process of the hydrocarbon expulsion phase state of the source rock. According to the characterization model of hydrocarbon expulsion dynamics, the relative contribution of each force to hydrocarbon expulsion is evaluated. The hydrocarbon expulsion geologic model of argillaceous source rocks in the Lower Cambrian in the Tarim Basin is established. The results show that this set of source rocks can serve the main source rocks in the basin. The hydrocarbon expulsion of the Lower Cambrian argillaceous source rocks in the Tarim Basin can be divided into three stages. In the first stage, the hydrocarbon expulsion phase is dominated by the water‐soluble and diffusion phases. The conversion of clay minerals into dehydration and diffusion forces is the main driving force for the hydrocarbon expulsion. In the second stage, the oil and gas expulsion present the characteristics of multiphase and multidynamic coexistence. In the third stage, the phase state of oil and gas expulsion is mainly free phase. The capillary force difference and the thermal expansion force of the fluid rock are the main driving forces for oil and gas expulsion. The research results of this paper can deepen the understanding of the hydrocarbon expulsion mechanism of the set of source rocks, and then guide oil and gas exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Training parents to implement language and communication intervention strategies is an effective approach to promote language development for children with language delay. Aims: This study introduces an online parent training program conducted in Hubei province, China, which was designed to help parents of language‐delayed children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental language disorder (DLD) or global developmental delay (GDD) apply language intervention strategies into daily interactions and promote their children's language development at home. Methods & Procedures: The Bethel Hearing and Speaking Training Center Family Training for Early Communication & Language Development (Bethel Family Training Program, BFT) (Bethel HSTC, 2020) was designed to improve the language and communication skills for children with language delay in a naturalistic way. The caregivers (including parents, grandparents and other main caregivers) participated in an 8‐h online program, including lectures on milestones in child language development, common misunderstandings of child language development, and three basic family language intervention strategies ('Looking together, playing together, and talking together') incorporating active learning through video analysis and discussion. Tongji Hospital in Hubei then continued with 3 months of online home intervention monitoring to all the caregivers via weekly online Q&As led by BFT certified speech therapists' team. The Gesell Developmental Schedules (GDS) was carried out before the online parent training program and after the 3‐month online home intervention monitoring. Outcomes & Results: 146 families whose children aged 12–68 months with language delay participated in the online training program. The results of the GDS assessments conducted before and after the program showed that not only did the developmental quotient (DQ) of language improve, but so did the DQ of social behaviour and adaptive behaviour (p < 0.001). There is no between‐group difference in the application of three strategies between the ASD group and the DLD or GDD group (p > 0.05). Furthermore, both caregivers' ability to apply 'looking together, playing together, talking together' strategies and the effective interaction time played important roles in improving the child's language abilities. Conclusion & Implications: The online parent training focusing on improving daily interaction with children through speech–language stimulation strategies promoted the development of language skills. It is an economic and practical approach for children with language delay who have limited access to local language intervention programs. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Parent‐implemented language intervention is an effective approach at improving children's language development. Telepractice is an appropriate model of service delivery for audiologists and speech–language therapists and may be the primary mode of service delivery or may supplement in‐person services. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge: This paper explores the effectiveness of an online parent training program and provides new evidence that online training on language support strategies (looking together, playing together, talking together) followed by home intervention monitoring works for Mandarin‐speaking children and it is equally effective for children with ASD and non‐ASD diagnosis. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Developmental behavioural paediatricians and speech–language therapists in countries and areas that lack sufficient training resource for every child will have the option to deliver parent training and home intervention monitoring online, which will save time and cost considerably while offering convenience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the lack of consensus in the existing studies about the impact of political resources on corporate social responsibility (CSR), we delve into this relationship and analyze the underlying mechanisms. To address the endogenous problems associated with political connection, this paper explores the consequence of de‐politicization and adopts an exogenous event in China. Results indicate that de‐politicization significantly enhances the CSR performance of firms. Specifically, de‐politicization can lead to a 1.474 increase in CSR scores. This finding is further supported by various robustness tests. Additionally, this paper probes into the reasons for the positive influence focusing on prerequisite and driving forces. For one thing, de‐politicization reduces the rent‐seeking expenses of politically connected firms, thereby granting these firms enough financial resources to improve their CSR performance. For another thing, CSR practices can convey positive information, improve financial performance, and enhance competitiveness, which motivates firms to actively participate in CSR issues to alleviate the adverse influence of losing political connection. This paper enriches the existing research on political connections and provides theoretical guidance and policy recommendations for improving CSR in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing concern of the society on environmental issues has driven research on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Among the existing academic studies on the influencing factors of ESG disclosure, few scholars have investigated the contagion effect of ESG disclosure, that is, whether the ESG disclosure behavior of peer firms affect the ESG disclosure of individual firms. Therefore, based on dynamic competition theory and social learning theory, this paper examines the contagion effect of ESG information disclosure from the perspective of peer relationship networks, using a sample of A‐share listed firms in China from 2009 to 2021. The study finds that there is a contagion effect in the level of firms' ESG disclosure, that is, when other firms in the same industry have a higher average ESG disclosure level, individual firm also tend to have a higher ESG disclosure level; and at the same time, this contagion effect is more pronounced among firms with state‐owned nature, a high degree of marketization, financing constraints and environmental uncertainty. By exploring the mechanism of its effect, we find that the contagion effect of ESG disclosure mainly originates from the competitive imitation mechanism and the information acquisition imitation mechanism. This paper theoretically enriches the research on the factors influencing the level of ESG disclosure and the contagion effect of inter‐firm behavior, and practically provides a reference for regulators to effectively supervise and improve firms' level of ESG disclosure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of punitive awards varies across different common law jurisdictions. In recent years, China, as a civil law jurisdiction, has progressively introduced a comprehensive punitive damages system in Intellectual Property (IP) law in recent years. To investigate how this common law product functions in the civil law system, this paper scrutinizes the evolution and functions of punitive damages and depicts the map of punitive damages in Chinese IP law. Then this paper reports and analyses 657 IP judgments involving the application of punitive damages that were tried and decided in all parts of mainland China by all levels of courts from June 1, 2021, to May 31, 2022. Our empirical data shows that punitive damages are frequently sought by claimants, yet courts are reluctant to award them due to the complexities in determining the basis for calculation and judges' reluctance towards detailed legal reasoning. Furthermore, a critical analysis of the application of punitive damages in IP trials is provided, critiquing the court's preference for statutory damages, the complexity in determining the basis and multipliers for calculation, and the strict standard of proof, which accounted for the small portion of punitive damages awarded in judicial practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reservoir drawdown areas (DAs) can be both important nitrogen (N) sources to river networks and hot spots for N removal from freshwater ecosystems. The net effect of DAs on the N availability in reservoirs within a full hydrological cycle remains unclear. In this paper, the N dynamics in the DA of the Three Gorges Reservoir, Yangtze River, China, are investigated through a combination of discrete and continuous in situ observations and sampling over a span of 2 years, complemented by numerical modeling. We show that the DA is a net source of N to the water column, and that about 30% of the total annual N load released from the DA is mitigated by the sediment through denitrification and capture. The annual net load of the total N from the DA to the reservoir is ca. 0.59 kg per meter along the river, which is on the same order of magnitude as the input load from the density current of the Yangtze River to its tributaries, generally considered to be the primary driver of eutrophication in tributaries. N release in the DA mainly occurs during the drying period, whereas denitrification in the sediment mostly takes place during the flooding period when the oxido‐reducing potential is low. Our findings quantify and therefore clarify the N source/sink dynamics from the DA to the reservoir, offering a new perspective on the importance of DA nutrient loading in decision‐making related to integrated management of inundated lands to alleviate reservoir eutrophication by river damming. Plain Language Summary: Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient element, but it can be harmful to water quality in excess amounts. Drawdown areas (DAs) are regions at the edges of reservoirs that are alternately flooded and dried as water levels rise and fall. In some conditions, DAs can cause N pollution by adding N to the reservoirs, while in other conditions, DAs can alleviate pollution by removing N from the reservoir by turning it into a gas through the process of denitrification. The annual balance for these pollution‐driving versus pollution‐alleviating processes across the entire year remains unclear. Based on 2 years of continuous field observations and modeling of N cycling in the DA of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China, this paper finds that annually sediment denitrification and retention in the DA eliminates 30% of the N load released from the sediment itself. N release in the DA mainly occurs when reservoir water level falls as the weather warms up. Denitrification, which turns nitrate into a gas that can leave the reservoir and enter the atmosphere, in sediment under high water levels is the main mechanism that removes N from the DAs. We find that the amount of N released to the reservoir from the DAs is similar in size to the N load received from the upstream river, and thus needs to be considered in reservoir water quality management decisions. Key Points: The drawdown area (DA) is a net source of nitrogen (N) to the Three Gorges Reservoir water column within a full hydrological cycleAbout 30% of the total N load to the water column from the reservoir DA is mitigated by the sediment through denitrification and captureN release from the reservoir DA mainly occurs during the drying period, whereas N removal from the water column mainly occurs during flooding [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a sample of Chinese A‐share listed firms over the period 2010–2017, this paper investigates the impact of local donation culture on corporate tax avoidance. We find that firms located in areas with a strong local donation culture are less engaged in tax avoidance. The results remain robust under a variety of robustness tests. Furthermore, we find that this relationship is driven by enhancing the moral identity of managers. In further analysis, we also explore the role of media attention, chief executive officer's (CEO's) childhood famine experience, and CEO duality in the relationship between local donation culture and corporate tax avoidance. This study enriches the existing literature on culture and firms' behaviors, and the conclusion of this paper has significant policy implications for governing corporate tax avoidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green supply chain of agricultural products (GSCAP) is a key link for rural revitalization and sustainable development in China. However, it faces various risks from internal and external environments that threaten its performance and stability. This paper proposes a novel framework and system for identifying and evaluating the main risks in the GSCAP from the perspective of agricultural enterprises. The framework combines social network analysis (SNA) and an improved technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) method. SNA is used to analyze the correlations and influences among different types of risks, while the improved TOPSIS method is used to rank the risks of different GSCAPs and identify the key risks in each supply chain. The framework and system are verified by a case study of CDYBIT, a leading platform of food safety big data service in China. The results show that the supermarket supply chain has the highest risk, followed by the group catering supply chain, and the five‐star hotel supply chain has the lowest risk. The main risk factors for each supply chain are also discussed, and some suggestions for risk management are provided. This paper contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive and systematic risk assessment framework and system for the GSCAP, which can help agricultural enterprises improve their risk awareness and response capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emergency management bears the important responsibility of preventing and resolving security risks and responding to disasters and accidents in time. At the same time, it shoulders the important mission of protecting people's lives and property and maintaining social stability. However, there is little research on the forecast of the huge gap and demand for talent. To strengthen the emergency management ability and modernization, improve the ability of emergency management personnel training and solve the shortage of emergency management personnel at this stage, this paper studied the positioning of emergency management personnel in China and the demand for various emergency management personnel. By means of field interviews, questionnaire surveys, participatory research and expert meetings, this research analyzed the characteristics of emergency management talents in China, defined its classification and forecasted its demand. The results showed that emergency management talents in China could be divided into four categories: administrative management talents, practical talents, expert talents and support talents. According to the data calculation results of five representative provinces, Guangdong Province (area with relatively developed economy), Beijing (administrative centre and economically developed area), Sichuan Province (natural disaster‐prone area), Shanxi Province (developed area of energy industry such as coal) and Jiangsu Province (industrially developed areas), it is concluded that the total demand for emergency management talents in China at this stage is about 794,900, and the gap is about 411,200. At present, China's emergency management talents are in short supply. The research results of this paper can provide sufficient data support for the training of emergency management talents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whilst China's aid and development model has been traditionally understood as divergent from the dominant post‐1945 liberal development model, scholars are also increasingly exploring convergence between features of the two development models. Recently, scholars from a range of disciplines including development studies, development geography and international (business, environment and legal) studies have explored a process whereby China's Belt and Road Initiative and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals converge ('BRI‐SDG integration'). This paper brings these multidisciplinary strands of scholarship together and places them in dialogue with social sciences convergence theory to understand how BRI‐SDG integration aligns with or challenges previous conceptualisations of Chinese‐dominant development convergence. The paper first demonstrates that BRI‐SDG integration proposes a novel and deliberate convergence process ‐ which the paper names 'complementary convergence'. However, BRI‐SDG integration also underscores the need for more multidirectional frameworks that reject Eurocentricity for evaluating the contemporary Chinese‐dominant relationship, and an enhanced focus on how China is influencing dominant development institutions. Finally, BRI‐SDG integration reiterates the methodological difficulties of delineating between 'development models' in an increasingly interrelated global governance of development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the huge impact of the digital information age on many technical and industrial fields, a periodic fast search genetic algorithm is proposed. Based on the reconnaissance mission, this paper introduces the common allocation strategy into mission planning, and constructs the mathematical model of multi unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) cooperative reconnaissance mission planning decision‐making. The proposed periodic fast search genetic algorithm is used to solve the problem of multi UAV cooperative reconnaissance mission planning. In 2020, the industry growth rate of global UAV technology expenditure was as high as 30.6%, and the compound growth rate of UAV in China reached 63.5%, which is enough to see the great prospect of the integrated development of UAV technology and different industries. The experiment evaluates the log verification module of UAV by comparing the two data structures of Merkle tree and linear, and the time and memory overhead of storing and verifying logs, which shows the effectiveness of the log verification scheme in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate rainfall measurement with a precise spatial and temporal resolution is essential for making informed decisions during disasters and conducting scientific studies, particularly in regions characterized by intricate terrain and limited coverage of automated weather stations. Retrieval of precipitation with satellite is currently the most effective means to obtain precipitation over large‐scale areas. The key to enhancing the accuracy of precipitation estimation and forecasting in regions with complex terrain lies in effectively integrating satellite data with topographic information. This paper introduces a deep learning approach called AttUnet_R_SFT that utilizes high temporal, spatial, and spectral resolution data obtained from the Fengyun 4A satellite, and incorporates the Deep Spatial Feature Transform (SFT) layer to incorporate geographical data for estimating half‐hourly precipitation in northeastern China. We assess it by compared to operational near‐real‐time satellite precipitation products demonstrated to be successful in estimating precipitation and baseline deep learning models. According to the experimental findings, the AttUnet_R_SFT model outperforms practical precipitation products and baseline deep learning models in both identifying and estimating precipitation. The main enhancement of the model performance is shown in the windward slope of the Greater Khingan Mountains as a result of the successful incorporation of geographical data. Hence, the suggested framework holds the capability to function as a superior and dependable satellite‐derived precipitation estimation solution in regions characterized by intricate terrain and infrequent rainfall. The findings of this study indicate that the utilization of deep learning algorithms for satellite precipitation estimation shows potential as a fruitful avenue for further research. Plain Language Summary: A deep learning model named AttUnet_R_SFT is proposed, which use high temporal, spatial and spectral resolution data from the Fengyun 4A satellite, and combines with the Deep Spatial Feature Transform (SFT) layer to input geographic information for half‐hourly precipitation estimation in the complex terrain region represented by northeast China. The model can provide a reference for improving the performance of precipitation estimation in areas with complex topography. Key Points: A deep‐learning model is proposed to effectively fuse satellite multispectral data of the Fengyun 4A satellite, with topographic informationHalf‐hourly precipitation is estimated with higher temporal resolution, which is closer to the operational needs of weather forecastingAs precipitation in the study area is a non‐high‐frequency event, data enhancement is attempted to use and obtain effective results [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This paper has two objectives. First, it assesses whether the existing informal care provided by adult children has an impact on older people's propensity to demand community care services. Second, it compares the different statuses of sons and daughters in the formal/informal support trade‐off. Methods: The paper is based on an analysis of data from the 2018 wave of the China Longitudinal Ageing Social Survey, within the framework of a revised version of Andersen's model, and applies multilevel models to analyse the effects of adult children's gender, numbers and the quality of their support, on older people's willingness to purchase community care services. Results: Older people who had sons as well as daughters demanded fewer services, while the number of sons increased service demand. Regarding sons, community care services compensated for economic support, daily life care and spiritual consolation, but did so only in respect of daily life care from daughters. Conclusions: Many families have only one son or one daughter as a result of the one‐child policy and therefore often require support from formal care services. Moreover, there is a distinct gender division and an influential filial culture governing the impact of services on the support provided by adult children. Because ageing in place depends on both informal family support and formal services, this key policy goal is at risk if the latter provides insufficient support to the former. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australian exports of important goods have been hit by sanctions imposed by the Chinese Government in recent years. This paper seeks to estimate the losses to Australian exports from these sanctions. Commodities affected include coal, copper ores and concentrates, frozen beef, wine, cotton, barley, rough wood, rock lobster and hay. Based on declines in Australia's share of the import market for the sanctioned commodities, the paper finds that gross export losses to Australia in the China market rose from AU $3 billion in 2020 to AU $31 billion in 2022 at current prices. This differs appreciably from previous estimates. Net losses, which take into account the diversion of sanctioned trade to third country markets, are estimated, very approximately, at AU $11 billion in 2022 and at AU $20 billion over 2020–2022, at 2019 prices. Future losses in the China market will depend heavily on whether the recent improvement in relations between the Australian and Chinese Governments can be maintained. It will also depend on the intensity of US–China tensions since they will tend to shape Australian responses to issues of interest to China. Business commitments to new customers in third country markets, and assessments of the risk that the Chinese market will close again are likely to be among other factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pseudomoans plecoglossicida has been identified as a fish pathogen since 2000 and has caused serious infections in cultured Large Yellow Croakers Larimiththys crocea in coastal eastern China during recent years. Methods: Published literatures of this pathogen have been reviewed. Result: Several strains with high genomic similarity have been isolated and identified; the bacteria induce natural infection at lower water temperatures (12.0–25.5°C) and induce numerous granulomas and nodules in the visceral organs of croakers. Researchers have investigated the epidemiology of P. plecoglossicida infection, identified major virulence factors, searched for pathogenic genes, analyzed host‐pathogen interactions, and endeavored to develop efficient vaccines. Conclusion: This paper provides an overview of these research advances to elucidate the virulence mechanisms of the pathogen and to promote vaccine development against infection. Impact statementPseudomonas plecoglossicida has been identified as an important fish pathogen in recent years, causing severe economic loss in aquaculture with no efficient preventive and control measures available. This paper provides an overview of the research advances of this pathogen and may throw some light on developing new methods to control the infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digitalization and greening are key themes in global development, the manufacturing industry, as a major sector of energy consumption and carbon emissions, is in urgent need of transformation to realize energy conservation and emission reduction, digital transformation provides an opportunity for its green development. However, whether digital transformation can restrain the carbon emission intensity (CEI) of enterprises is still controversial. Based on the data of China's A‐share manufacturing listed companies from 2013 to 2020, this paper uses fixed effect model and intermediary effect model to explore the relationship between digital transformation and enterprise CEI and the influence path. the results show that: (1) Digital transformation has significantly reduced the CEI of manufacturing enterprises. (2) Mechanism analysis indicates that green technological innovation and resource allocation efficiency play a chain mediating role in this relationship. (3) Heterogeneity analysis shows that the carbon emission reduction effect of digital transformation is more significant when enterprises belong to an energy‐intensive manufacturing industry or face strong environmental regulations and industry competition. The analysis of this paper not only deepens enterprises' understanding of digital transformation and green development but also provides a policy basis for China to advocate the coordinated development of the digital economy and green economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although existing studies have shown that both repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and music therapy have advantages in the treatment of non‐fluent aphasia, the efficacy of the combination of these two methods remains to be investigated. Aims: To investigate the clinical efficacy of low‐frequency rTMS combined with music therapy on language function and depression in patients with non‐fluent aphasia after stroke. Methods & Procedures: A single‐blind parallel randomised controlled trial was conducted. Sixty patients (mean duration = 93.78 days) with non‐fluent aphasia after stroke were randomly divided into a traditional therapy group (n = 20), a music therapy group (n = 20) and a combined therapy group (n = 20, 1 Hz). The language function and depression were evaluated before and 3 weeks after treatment with the Chinese version of the Western Aphasia Battery scale, Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination scale and Stroke Aphasic Depression Questionnaire Hospital Version scale. Outcomes & Results: The combined therapy group was significantly better in all outcomes than the traditional therapy group and was significantly better in depression than the music therapy group. The music therapy group was significantly better in repetition and depression than the traditional therapy group. Language improvement was positively correlated with depression improvement. For adverse events, only two patients in the combined therapy group showed slight dizziness during rTMS treatment and their symptoms improved after rest. Conclusions & Implications: Our preliminary randomised controlled study indicates that low‐frequency rTMS combined with music therapy is feasible and safe in improving language function and depression in non‐fluent aphasia patients after stroke. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and music therapy respectively have advantages in the treatment of non‐fluent aphasia after stroke, but whether the combination of the two methods is more effective is still unknown. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge: This is one of the first randomised control trials to investigate whether the clinical efficacy of low‐frequency rTMS combined music therapy for non‐fluent aphasia is better. The findings show that low‐frequency rTMS combined music therapy is superior to traditional therapy in spontaneous speech, auditory comprehension, repetition, naming, aphasia quotient, functional language level and depression, and superior to music therapy in depression, while music therapy is superior to traditional therapy in repetition and depression. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Low‐frequency rTMS combined music therapy may be a better method for treatment of non‐fluent aphasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil and water conservation and protection are of great importance to China, as the source of the Pearl and Xiang Rivers, and the main rare earth mining area, the ecology of Dongjiang River Basin, is very fragile. In this paper, the Chinese soil loss equation and the Geodetector method are used to analyze the spatial and temporal patterns and the impact factors of soil erosion in this area from 2016 to 2020. The results show that (1) Soil erosion intensity in the Dongjiang River Basin from 2016 to 2020 is mainly mild, with the soil erosion intensity in the Dongjiang River Basin in 2016 being the largest in five years. (2) The erosion modulus shows an increasing trend with the increase of slope. In terms of vegetation, when the vegetation cover is <30%, the soil erosion modulus is the largest, which is easy to induce soil erosion. When the vegetation cover is >60%, the soil erosion modulus is the smallest, which effectively slows down the occurrence of soil erosion. Rainfall is proportional to the soil erosion modulus and soil erosion. (3) The results of Geodetector indicate that the single factor sizes are land use > vegetation > slope > precipitation, and interaction factors all show a nonlinear enhancement. (4) The proper allocation of land use types, the prohibition of steep slopes for cultivation, and the restoration of forestry can effectively prevent and control soil erosion in the area. Core Ideas: Chinese soil loss equation enabled us to quantify soil erosion patterns.Geodetector unravels the underlying mechanisms responsible for spatial heterogeneity.The investigation highlighted the significant impact of intense rainfall events on steep slopes.Our analysis illustrates the shifting landscape of soil erosion within the Dongjiang River Basin.Our research sheds light on the key drivers behind this phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an imputation of a global input‐output matrix, where China is broken up into 332 prefecture‐type regions in three years of data, 2007, 2012, and 2017. Using the resulting global input‐output matrix, the paper documents that sizable spillover effects exist with regard to economic volatility. In particular, such volatility spillovers are important for prices and somewhat less so for quantity shocks. We demonstrate that individual Chinese prefectures are large recipients and donors of such shocks. All Chinese prefectures together have a very large impact on the world economy in terms of the considered volatility shocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All provinces of China respond to the central government, predict future carbon dioxide emissions, and formulate action plans detailing how the province intends to fulfill its target of carbon emission peaking before 2030. Based on the bottom‐up energy consumption prediction and top‐down goal verification, this paper constructs a set of regional carbon dioxide emission prediction methods. Compared to the traditional bottom‐up prediction method, this method could simplify the parameters while improving the prediction accuracy. This model is used to predict and analyze the process of carbon dioxide emission peaking in Zhejiang. The results show that the mean absolute percentage error of the retrospective prediction value is only 1.56%. Zhejiang will reach carbon dioxide emission peaking around 2029–2030, and the peak value will be 569.7 million tons. Different factors have different effects on the process of carbon dioxide emission peaking. There is a strong correlation between the peak time of carbon dioxide emission and the production time of major energy‐consuming projects in Zhejiang. Meanwhile, if the 16 nuclear reactors are not put into operation, Zhejiang will not be able to achieve the goal of carbon dioxide emission peaking. Besides, the basic data used in this model is mainly from the local statistical departments of the region. Thus, it can be applied to other provinces and regions conveniently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The survival of zombie firms severely crowds out healthy corporate investment and employment growth, eventually undermining economic growth potential. Hence, how to properly address the problem of corporate zombification is an essential part of achieving high‐quality economic development in China. In recent years, the phenomenon of common institutional ownership has become increasingly widespread in the capital markets and has a significant impact on the strategic decisions of companies. There are currently two views on the corporate governance role of common institutional ownership: the synergistic governance effect and the collusive fraud effect. Using data from Chinese‐listed firms from 2009 to 2021, this paper finds that common institutional ownership can significantly inhibit the formation of zombie firms. The higher the degree of their linkage and the greater the shareholding, the more pronounced the synergistic effect. The findings remained valid after considering the endogeneity issue and conducting robustness tests. Furthermore, the mechanism test suggests that common institutional ownership inhibits the formation of zombie firms by improving internal control quality and reducing agency costs. This paper contributes to the study of how to inhibit the formation of zombie firms by identifying common institutional ownership from the perspective of external governance mechanisms. In addition, this paper enriches the research on the economic consequences of common institutional ownership. Finally, various practical implications for policymakers may be realised, which may help curb the trend of corporate zombification through equity‐based instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the chemical flooding process, the premature breakthrough of chemical agents in production wells results in a large waste of chemical agents and increases the volume and processing difficulty of the produced fluids. The early warning method of chemical agent channeling can predict the strength of agent channeling in advance. The practice of chemical flooding shows that the production performance can be used for early warning of chemical agent channeling. In this paper, we analyze the relationship between cumulative oil production and cumulative polymer production of production wells in polymer–surfactant flooding. Three types of curves according to the enhanced oil production characteristics of chemical flooding, including convex type, S‐type, and concave type. We use the drop speed of the water–oil ratio and the rapid‐decline speed of water cut as early warning indicators to predict the channeling coefficient. A Latin hypercube experimental design method is used to design a polymer–surfactant flooding scheme with the main control factors of the channeling coefficient and early warning indicators. Numerical simulation is used to calculate samples of the channeling coefficient and early warning indicators under various conditions. The drop speed of the water–oil ratio reference value model and the rapid‐decline speed of the water cut reference value model are determined with a multiple regression method. A prediction model for the chemical agent channeling coefficient is established using the deviation coefficient of an early warning index. The method is applied in the Ng54‐61 polymer–surfactant flooding pilot area in the west of the Gudong Seventh District, Shengli Oilfield, China, and the error between the predicted result and the actual value is less than 10%. This research is helpful in taking effective antichanneling measures and improving the oil recovery degree of chemical flooding reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the Reform and Opening up, China's rapid but regionally uneven economic growth has continuously attracted a large number of migrant workers from rural areas to cities, from the central and western regions to the eastern regions. At the same time, the migration structure of migrant workers has gradually changed from individual migration to family migration. Under the linked lives principle in life course framework, this paper makes an in‐depth analysis of the relationship between family structure and the long‐term settlement intention of migrant workers based on a nationwide survey in 2020 by using the binomial logistic models. This paper found that, migrant workers who migrate in couple or with their whole family (spouse and children) have higher intention to live in local areas for longer time than migrant workers who migrate individually. More importantly, this paper argues that that spouses and children have more positive influence on migrant workers' local residence intention in medium and long‐distance cross city or inter‐provincial migration than in short distance within city migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses the midsummer precipitation prediction over eastern China by the dynamic downscaling method. Based on the Climate Forecast System version 2 of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction and the Weather Research and Forecasting Model, the prediction performance of global and regional models on the July precipitation over eastern China is further analyzed by hindcast experiments from 1982 to 2010 and prediction experiments from 2011 to 2021. The results suggest that the regional model forced by the global model can noticeably improve the prediction skill for precipitation in eastern China, especially in the region from the South of North China to the Yangtze River Basin, referred as the northern China in this paper. In addition, we perform a diagnostic analysis of the reason for the improvement of the model prediction skill. The results indicate that the high resolution of the regional model and the refinement of physical process parameterizations contribute to improving the simulation ability for the East Asian atmospheric circulation pattern, heat flux, especially for the meridional teleconnection pattern in East Asia and the sensible heat flux in the northern China, thus further improving precipitation prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerted effort to reduce ecological damages requires that the role of enterprises should be extended to incorporate environmental issues into their core business objectives. Despite huge developments in sustainable entrepreneurship research, outcomes of sustainable entrepreneurship uptake remain largely unclear. Drawing on data of Chinese firms, and utilizing fixed effects regression, our paper evaluates the conditions under which compliance with environmental regulation may enable or constrain corporate performance. We find that environmental compliance lowers corporate market performance and improves financial performance at the same time. We also find that the decline in market performance is reversed for large and privately owned enterprises, highlighting the role of firm size and ownership in corporate performance. When distinguishing between market‐ and financial performance, our evidence shows that environmental compliance will most likely improve market performance when enterprise carbon intensity level is low and improve financial performance when enterprise carbon intensity level is high. As we have discussed in our paper, these results have several implications from the point of view of managers, firm stakeholders, and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the effect of an industrial policy in China named the VAT export tax on product upgrading. In particular, we use Chinese transaction data during 2003–2010 to isolate the causal impact of the exogenous variation of VAT refund and within the city‐product quality change in HS6 exported products. Our identification strategy entails the utilization of duality of the Chinese trade system to isolate the impact of the rebate by comparing a group of trade flows exempt from the refund and another that remains eligible. Our results suggest an increase in product upgrading in response to an increase in VAT refund. In this study, we also introduce the credit constraint to understand the change in quality. The industries that are confronted with tighter credit constraints impel firms to settle for low‐quality products. The model demonstrates that VAT refund provided a counterbalance force to credit constraints, thereby prompting firms to adjust quality. By increasing the refund granted to ordinary traders, firms leverage this excess cash flow to invest (in a fixed asset or innovative project) and improve the quality of products. This effect is reinforced for products exported to developed countries, heterogeneous products, or from larger industries. The Chinese policymakers formally introduced environmental objectives under the 10th and 11th FYP, respectively. The Party leaders put substantial weight on promoting products embedded with high‐added value or technological content. At the same time, they underscored the willingness to downscale the export share of energy‐intensive or polluting industries. We evaluate whether environmental and economic concern impacts product upgrading. According to the results of this study, the VAT refund is effective only for products produced in "cleaner" industries, for products necessitating technical skills, a range of know‐how in manufacturing, and high‐level technology or engaging in research and development activities. Our paper introduces a new and unexplored variable in the trade literature. We use the stock of non‐trade barriers to explicate the change in product quality. In the import market, Chinese exporters comply with the change in regulation by making upward adjustments in the quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a mathematical model and empirical test, this paper explores the incentive of income for aspirations and its channels, forging links between theory and data. Results present evidence that income significantly inspires one's aspirations, and all conclusions still hold after overcoming the interference of potential endogenous issues. In terms of channels, the "aspirations window" (a set of similar perceivable individuals) and "bandwidth load" (the mental space to think, process problems, and come up with solutions) play the mediating role in the stimulation of money; that is, low incomes will make aspirations window narrower and bandwidth load heavier, which is a momentous force behind one's aspirations failure. This paper also enlightens income distribution and the construction of internal motivation mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper qualitatively and quantitatively examines the development of the sovereign debt market in Prewar China under different governments. During the Beijing Era (1912–26), accompanied by the establishment of necessary financial institutions, the sovereign debt market emerged to meet fiscal needs. Surprisingly, the Nationalist government, in power from 1927, successfully cultivated a robust market characterized by its expanding size and liquidity. Setting itself apart from its predecessors, the government established credibility as a borrower in two key ways. Firstly, it demonstrated unwavering commitment to debt service by settling previous debts and offering well‐structured new ones, even during challenging times. Furthermore, the government escrowed fiscal revenue, pledged for debt repayments, to a semi‐independent committee of private bankers on behalf of debtholders, enhancing public confidence. Secondly, the government showcased its ability to secure tax revenues for debt repayments. However, starting from 1931/2, the debt market experienced a decline due to the government's compromised ability to pay resulting from external wars and shifting political priorities that weakened its commitment to debt repayments. Empirical evidence confirms the market's responsiveness to regime shifts and policy changes. This paper sheds light on how a nascent autocratic government can successfully borrow from the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines how latecomer firms manage to achieve industrial upgrading through strategic coupling with global lead firms in automotive production networks. Drawing upon the example of the Guangzhou Automotive Corporation in southern China, this paper theorizes 'cross‐scalar tension' as a key factor to explain why the four cases of strategic coupling between lead firms, the same domestic firm and state ended in different results, from decoupling to a sustainable coupling with local upgrading. This paper contributes to the pertinent literature by demonstrating that cross‐scalar tension is inherent to the nature of global production networks, and unreconciled tension concerning different corporate strategies on technological transfer, localization and product development could lead to decoupling. Importantly, good coordination and matching on corporate strategies between lead and domestic firms could relieve cross‐scalar tensions, thus fostering local industrial upgrading and sustainable strategic coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This paper is a report of an ICSH review of policies and practices for internal quality control (IQC) policy for haematology cell counters among regulatory bodies, cell counter manufacturers and diagnostic laboratories. It includes a discussion of the study findings and links to separate ICSH guidance for such policies and practices. The application of internal quality control (IQC) methods is an essential pre‐requisite for all clinical laboratory testing including the blood count (Full Blood Count, FBC, or Complete Blood Count, CBC). Methods: The ICSH has gathered information regarding the current state of practice through review of published guidance from regulatory bodies, a questionnaire to six major cell counter manufacturers (Abbott Diagnostics, Beckman Coulter, Horiba Medical Diagnostic Instruments & Systems, Mindray Medical International, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics and Sysmex Corporation) and a survey issued to 191 diagnostic laboratories in four countries (China, Republic of Ireland, Spain and the United Kingdom) on their IQC practice and approach to use of commercial IQC materials. Results: This has revealed diversity both in guidance and in practice around the world. There is diversity in guidance from regulatory organizations in regard to IQC methods each recommends, clinical levels to use and frequency to run commercial controls, and finally recommended sources of commercial controls. The diversity in practice among clinical laboratories spans the areas of IQC methods used, derivation of target values and action limits used with control materials, and frequency of running commercial controls materials. Conclusions: These findings and their implications for IQC Practice are discussed in this paper. They are used to inform a separate guidance document, which proposes a harmonized approach to address the issues faced by diagnostic laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines how Chinese transnational investments, as (re)framed in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), contribute to changes in urbanisation processes in Southeast Asia. On the ground, the BRI becomes contextualised and intersects with local and national development trajectories. The growing presence of Chinese actors in the region intensifies urban dynamics, especially in secondary cities and emerging urban sites, where the BRI is used as a lever for local internationalisation strategies. The heterogeneous nature of the links between the BRI and various large urban projects is demonstrated on the basis of case studies involving changing consortia of private and public Chinese and Southeast Asian actors. A regional approach allows us to identify connections and shared processes across Southeast Asian countries. It provides a historically grounded understanding of how the BRI incorporates long‐term interactions with China and more recent partnerships in Southeast Asian countries. The paper paves the way for a research agenda that contests the image of China as a monolithic actor implementing the BRI uniformly and consistently. Further analyses are needed to examine systems and networks of actors as well as the local urban politics that affect the BRI on the ground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the effects of zombie firms on Chinese manufacturing capacity utilization rate (CUR hereafter) from the perspectives of both the intra‐industry and supply chain propagation. The results show that zombie firms not only significantly reduce the CUR of healthy firms in the same industry, but also inhibit the increase of CUR through the supply chain propagation. Specifically, if the supply chain propagation effect is not considered, the inhibitory effect of intra‐industry zombie firms on the healthy firms' CUR would be overestimated on one hand, and the overall inhibitory effect of zombie firms on CUR would be underestimated on the other hand. The heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that the inhibitory effect of zombie firms on CUR is more pronounced for private firms, the firms in the industries with higher external financing dependence and the firms in the areas with a poorer institutional environment. In addition, this paper further studies the relationship among zombie firms, resource misallocation and the manufacturing aggregate CUR at the industry level, and finds that both intra‐industry and upstream (downstream) zombie firms have significant inhibitory effects on the growth of manufacturing aggregate CUR. However, there are differences in the ways of influence that, specifically, the upstream (downstream) zombie firms inhibit manufacturing aggregate CUR growth mainly through the within‐firm effect, while the intra‐industry zombie firms are more likely to restrain manufacturing aggregate CUR growth through resource misallocation. Our study contributes to a profound understanding of the causes of overcapacity in a large transition economy and also expands the research perspective of assessing the economic effects of zombie firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global economy has been adversely affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic, leading to setbacks in development progress. Against this backdrop, donor countries have increased their expenditure on medical aid as part of their foreign assistance. As an emerging donor from the developing world, China has also been actively involved in providing medical assistance to other countries since 2020. This paper intends to investigate and elucidate China's motivation to offer medical aid to other countries amid the COVID‐19 pandemic. To this end, it utilizes a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Specifically, the Tobit model is employed to conduct regression analyses on China's medical assistance during the pandemic. Additionally, two case studies, namely Chinese aid to Pakistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are examined to gain insights into the specific motivations driving China's medical aid. The results of this paper indicate that China's motivation for providing medical assistance during COVID‐19 is multifaceted, including self‐interested economic and political‐diplomatic factors rather than purely altruistic motives. Furthermore, the allocation of China's medical aid is significantly influenced by whether the recipient country is involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the historical and social origins of the bifurcation in the political institutions of China and Western Europe. An important factor, recognized in the literature, is that China centralized state institutions very early on, while Europe remained politically fragmented for much longer. These initial differences, however, were amplified by the different social organizations (clans in China, corporate structures in Europe) that spread in these two societies at the turn of the first millennium AD. State institutions interacted with these organizations, and were shaped and influenced by this interaction. The paper discusses the many ways in which corporate organizations contributed to the emergence of representative institutions and gave prominence to the Rule of Law in the early stages of state formation in Europe, and how specific features of lineage organizations contributed to the consolidation of the Imperial regime in China. This publication follows on from the Economica Phillips 2022 lecture presented by Professor Guido Tabellini on 01 December 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, China's automobile industry has undergone rapid development, creating new opportunities for the auto loan industry. Currently, auto financing companies are actively seeking to expand their cooperation with banks. Therefore, improving the approval rate and scale of joint loan business is of significant practical importance. In this paper, we propose a Stacking‐based financial institution risk approval model and select the optimal stacking model by comparing its performance with other models. Additionally, we construct a bank approval model using deep learning techniques on a biased data set, with feature extraction performed using convolution neural networks (CNN) and feature‐based counterfactual augmentation used for balanced sampling. Finally, we optimize the model of the prediction of auto finance companies by selecting the optimal coefficients of loss function based on the features and results of the bank approval model. The proposed approach leads to an approximately 6% increase in the joint loan approval rate on the actual data set, as demonstrated by experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to study the phased influencing factors of renminbi (RMB) exchange rate (CNY against USD) and investigate the predictability of the factors selected by multimodel. We first take the time points when China's main exchange reform policies are launched as the demarcation points and divide the entire sample from July 2005 to December 2020 into three periods. Then, we select the potential predictors using several sources, including all factors (without any selection), the factors selected by each of the five commonly used machine learning methods, the significantly correlated factors selected by traditional regression analysis method, and multimodel‐driven factors. Finally, we predict the exchange rate based on the above selected factors and compare the prediction results. The research results show that the main influencing factors are different in different periods, and the influence of phase events cannot be ignored. Even if their influence on the exchange rate has decreased as a result of the "811" exchange rate reform, the money supply and foreign exchange reserves continue to be the primary drivers of RMB exchange rates during the whole period of the sample. Additionally, RMB exchange rate forward is a robust influencing factor in all periods. By comparing the forecast errors, we find that the prediction accuracy of the factors selected based on multimodel is higher than that of the factors selected based on a single method or the tradition method. The findings of this paper provide the following insights for exchange rate managers: In exchange rate risk management, it is important to pay attention to the impact of macroeconomic factors such as foreign exchange reserves and the impact of staged events, and market expectations of exchange rates are equally important. At the technical level, it is recommended to improve the forecasting accuracy by forecasting exchange rates based on common factors selected by multiple better machine learning methods simultaneously rather than those selected by a single method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]