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Thirty-five surface sediment samples collected from three mangroves in Shantou coastal zone, China in 2007 were analyzed for a suite of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Two mathematical models were used to determine the profiles and relative contributions of PAH sources to the mangroves. The two models are principal component analyses (PCA) with multiple linear regression analysis (MLR) and positive matrix factorization (PMF). Both models identified five factors and gave excellent correlation coefficients between predicted and measured levels of 16 PAH compounds, but the results had some differences. The PAH contribution rate attributed to vehicular emission sources identified by PCA-MLR was 37.20%, but the rate identified by PMF was only 12.37%. The main sources identified by PCA-MLR were combination of biomass/coal combustion and vehicular emissions, whereas the main source identified by PMF was only biomass/coal combustion. The PMF analysis was the preferred model for the paper data set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to information asymmetry between banks and MSE and large banks' requirements on scale effects, difficult financing of MSE has not been solved thoroughly. A mathematical model is proposed in this paper to offer theoretical foundation for the interindependent financing mode of MSE in the non-governmental organizations in China. In accordance with the research results, the inter-independent financial mode can improve asymmetry of the bank-corporate information and make the soft corporate information internalized, and continue to maintain imperfect and concealing financial information of MSE to benefit survival and development of MSE. Besides, this mode can increase mortgage capital of MSE to satisfy large banks' requirements on scale effect and promote credit transactions between the MSE and large banks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Eddy current separation (ECS) is an efficient method for separating aluminum from plastic in crushed waste toner cartridge (TCs). However, in China, ECS quality of aluminum from plastic is rather low in production practice. Repeating separation even manual sorting is required in the production. Improving separation quality of aluminum has been the pressing problem in the recovery of waste TCs. Furthermore, improving ECS quality can reduce the secondary-pollution (furan and dioxin) brought by plastic in later smelting process for the purification of recovered aluminum. Thus, a new model of repulsive force containing impact factors (machine: B r , k, R, S m , B m ; material: S p , V, γ; and operation: ω m , , δ) of the separation process was constructed for guiding the ECS process of waste TCs recovering in this paper. For testing whether the model of repulsive force was suitable to guide the ECS, calculation and experiment of detachment angle of aluminum flake were studied. The calculation results of the detachment angles were agreed with the testing experiment. It indicates that the model is suitable for guiding the ECS of waste TCs recovering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Payment default is a common complaint from contractors in the construction industry. Many regulative measures have been adopted in different jurisdictions to address such payment problems. Current research primarily takes an interpretative approach for conducting semantic analysis of these measures, reporting their applications, and comparing their implementation outcomes. This paper presents a comprehensive theoretical understanding of these issues, their sources/roots, and related measurements, and addresses them through gametric models. Working elements of regulative measures are demarcated as punishment of opportunistic payers, remedies for unpaid payees, and costs to parties in referring to remedies and realizing justice. Empirical evidence from an international literature review of protection measures and experiences of addressing payment arrears and from a survey in mainland China is provided to support the models. This framework is useful to researchers and professionals in complementing the current descriptive approach in investigating and understanding regulative measures that address payment problems. This understanding is also useful for lawmakers to accompany the current path-dependent approach in introducing and amending payment protection legislation, i.e., referring to similar measures in other jurisdictions where a mutual legislative origin is shared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Southeast coastal region is the most developed and populated area in China, and also is one of the regions most seriously impacted by typhoons in the world. In this paper, typhoon wind hazard analysis for 11 major cities, Shanghai, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Taipei, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Zhanjiang, and Haikou, in the southeast China coastal regions, is conducted for the first time. The historical typhoon data from the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) and the State Oceanic Administration is carefully processed and the probabilistic distributions of the key typhoon parameters for the 11 cities are established. The correlations between the key typhoon parameters are carefully evaluated. The wind field model given by Thompson and Cardone is introduced, and the radial pressure profile is properly addressed with validation of the model by six cyclones. Monte Carlo random sampling method is employed to generate virtual typhoons and 1000years of typhoons are simulated for the 11 cities. Extreme wind speeds of different return periods are then predicted. There is a reasonable agreement between the predictions of wind speed in the code of Hong Kong and available literature, suggesting that the approach is effective in determining the design wind speeds for critical structures in the southeast China coastal regions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the results of a set of numerical models focussing on structural controls on hydrothermal mineralization. We first give an overview of natural phenomena of structurally-controlled ore formation and the background theory and mechanisms for such controls. We then provide the results of a group of simple 2D numerical models validated through comparison with Cu-vein structure observed near the Shilu Copper deposit (Yangchun, Guangdong Province, China) and finally a case study of 3D numerical modelling applied to the Hodgkinson Province in North Queensland (Australia). Two modelling approaches, discrete deformation modelling and continuum coupled deformation and fluid flow modelling, are involved. The 2D model-derived patterns are remarkably consistent with the Cu-vein structure from the Shilu Copper deposit, and show that both modelling approaches can realistically simulate the mechanical behaviours of shear and dilatant fractures. The continuum coupled deformation and fluid flow model indicates that pattern of the Cu-veins near the Shilu deposit is the result of shear strain localization, development of dilation and fluid focussing into the dilatant fracture segments. The 3D case-study models (with deformation and fluid flow coupling) on the Hodgkinson Province generated a number of potential gold mineralization targets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Various natural objects follow a number-size relationship in the fractal domain. In such relationship, the accumulative number of the objects beyond a given size shows a power-law relationship with the size. Yet in most cases, we also need to know the relationship between the accumulative number of the objects and their average size. A generalized number-size model and a number-average size model are constructed in this paper. In the number-average size model, the accumulative number shows a power-law relationship with the average size when the given size is much less than the maximum size of the objects. When the fractal dimension Ds of the number-size model is smaller than 1, the fractal dimension Dm of the number-average size model is almost equal to 1 ; and when Ds > 1, the Dm is approximately equal to Ds. In mineral deposits, according to the number-average size model, the ore tonnage may show a fractal relationship with the grade, as the cutoff changes for a single ore deposit. This is demonstrated by a study of the relationship between tonnage and grade in the Reshuitang epithermal hotspring gold deposit, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces a novel model that studies the major factors jeopardizing tuberculosis (TB) control programme in China. A previously developed two-strain TB model is augmented with a class of individuals not registered under the TB control programme. The paper investigates the basic reproduction number and proves the global stability of the disease-free equilibrium. The presence of three endemic equilibria is established in the model. With the help of numerical simulations, a comparative study has been performed to test the validity of the model presented here to the real data available from the Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China. Sensitivity and elasticity analysis give the key parameters that would govern successful TB control in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zhanli Dong Ethnic Minority Village (Zhanli village) is well known as the First Village of Family Planning in China. In this paper, the Zhanli village's population is forecasted by GM(1, 1) model with high accuracy above 98%. The forecasting values show that the population of Zhanli village is likely to increase in the following years due to some external factors' intervention. The Zhanli village's population controlling experience enlightens us to solve the population problem all over the world especially in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Based on gray error GM (1,1) model, the paper proposed an improved error GM (1,1) model, and used this model to predict cultivated land in Yiyang. The results show that the improved error GM (1,1) model has high prediction accuracy, and better simulation results. And the results conform to the cultivated quantity change rule of Yiyang City, that is, the land area of Yiyang City, will appear in the next few years, modest growth trend, but the per capita arable land is still in the alert level of the United Nations. Therefore, protection of cultivated resources, rational utilization and protection of arable land are urgent tasks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In view of the uncertainty and intermittency of wind power, this paper proposes an optimal economical dispatch (ED) model and develops a method to estimate risk and manage hybrid power systems (traditional + wind~power~systems) for the short-term (24 h) operations. The model and the method have taken into account the large wind power penetration and the wind variability. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) refid="ref1"/ algorithm with constraints is applied to solve the ED problem. Value at risk (VaR) refid="ref2"/ and integrated risk management (IRM) refid="ref3"/ are used separately to assess the risk, so that an optimal tradeoff between the profit and risk is made for the system operations. The model and the method are tested on the standard IEEE 30-bus power system and network in Shanghai. The validity of the model and the method has been approved. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: This paper explores the emergence of biotechnology centers in Shanghai and Bangalore by comparing their development to best practices in the literature for biotechnology cluster growth and development. Interviews with over fifty biotech companies and related institutions in China and India indicate that these regions are developing alternate models of low cost manufacturing and services that build on the current local base of knowledge and expertise. The ability to convert research into successful commercial activity was identified in both regions. The strong research capacity, private sector funding, and entrepreneurial environment deemed critical best practices were limited. New growth theory is used to explain these alternate approaches to technological and social change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Since the establishment of the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SHSE) in 1990 and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) in 1991, China's stock markets have expanded rapidly. Although this rapid growth has attracted considerable academic interest, few studies have examined the ability of conventional financial models to predict the share price movements of Chinese stock. This gap in the literature is significant, given the volatility of the Chinese stock markets and the added risk that arises from the Chinese legal and regulatory environment. In this paper we address this research gap by examining the predictive ability of several well-established forecasting models, including dynamic versions of a single-factor CAPM-based model and Fama and French's three-factor model. In addition, we compare the forecasting ability of each of these models with that of an artificial neural network (ANN) model that contains the same predictor variables but relaxes the assumption of model linearity. Surprisingly, we find no statistical differences in the forecasting accuracy of the CAPM and three-factor model, a result that may reflect the emerging nature of the Chinese stock markets. We also find that each ANN model outperforms the corresponding linear model, indicating that neural networks may be a useful tool for stock price prediction in emerging markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional methods used to predict the ground-wave field strength at low frequency are not applicable for terrains with serious irregularities because of the analytical approximations. In this paper, the two dimensional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm is applied to calculate the field strength of the low frequency (LF) ground wave propagating over irregular terrains. The propagation characteristics are studied as functions of the mountain's gradient, height, and width, respectively. We also focus on studying the cases with multiple mountains in the path. Moreover, the error of the traditional integral equation method is analyzed by comparisons. The results show that when the mountain's gradient and height are high, additional oscillations in the field strength will appear in front of and in the mountain region due to the wave reflection and scattering. At last, measurements of the Loran-C signals are taken along a real path between Pucheng and Tongchuan in Shaanxi province, China. It is found that most of the measured and FDTD results have good agreements while some still have big errors owing to the model approximation. The FDTD method gets better precision than the integral equation method in the irregular terrain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper develops a mathematical model to quantify the market share of a given port. A Monte Carlo simulation based algorithm is proposed to estimate the port market share. A study is subsequently conducted to explore the characteristics of the landbridge system in China and Southeast Asia, and the impact of the landbridge system on the market shares of Asian ports is evaluated using the proposed approach for three scenarios. The competitiveness of the Malacca and Singapore Straits is also illustrated by analyzing the changes in the market share of Singapore port with respect to value of time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Uncertainty modeling now engages the attention of researchers in spatial temporal change analysis in remote sensing. Some studies proposed to use random sets for modeling the spatial uncertainty of image objects with uncertain boundaries, but none have considered the parameter determination problem for large datasets. In this paper we refined the random set models for monitoring monthly changes in wetland vegetation areas from series of images. Twelve cloud-free HJ-1A/1B images from April 2009 to March 2010 were used for monitoring spatial-temporal changes of Poyang Lake wetlands. We applied random sets to represent spatial uncertainty of wetland vegetation that were extracted from normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) maps. Time series of random sets reflect the seasonal differences of location and extents of the wetlands, whereas degree of uncertainties indicated by SD and CV indices reflect the gradual change of the wetland vegetation in space. Results show that the uncertain extents of wetland vegetation change through the year, achieving the largest range and uncertainty degree in autumn. This coincides with the highly heterogeneous vegetation status in autumn, since the wetland recovers gradually after flooding and young vegetation emerges at gradually changing densities, thus providing forage in different ecological zones for different types of migratory birds. We conclude that the random set model enriches spatial-temporal modeling of phenomena which are uncertain in space and dynamic in time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of International Journal of Strategic Property Management is the property of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction Theoretical frameworks for preventing work disability have evolved over the last decade and various experimental models have been tested in occupational rehabilitation settings. The successful application and uptake of the most recent research evidence in rehabilitation practices depend on a complex interplay of the decisions of multi-stakeholders, including their perceptions of the evidence, a proper regulatory framework for injury prevention, compensation and disability management; as well as the cultural and socioeconomic factors unique to each country (social context). This paper summarizes the scope of the work disability prevention field and describes the contextual barriers and support mechanisms for implementing evidence-based practices for disability prevention in China's national rehabilitation system. Methods Expert opinions and relevant publications in the field were reasoned around key constructs of a translational model used to identify potential barriers and support platforms for research uptake in China. Results A crucial component of experimental models for disability prevention is to promote well-coordinated return to work actions centred in the workplace. Potential barriers and support mechanisms for implementing this and other evidence-based recommendations in China are described. Conclusions The complexity of implementing a system-wide disability prevention model in a country as large and diverse as China is well-recognized. Improved efforts are thus required for international knowledge-sharing that can empower greater research utilization of effective disability prevention methods in China. The development of well-connected communities of practice might be a helpful strategy for enhancing stakeholders' perceptions, attitudes and collaborative efforts towards locally relevant and cultural sensitive solutions to work disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enterprise bankruptcy forecasting is vital to manage credit risk, which can be solved through classifying method. There are three typical classifying methods to forecast enterprise bankruptcy: the statistics method, the Artificial Neural Network method and the kernel-based learning method. The paper introduces the first two methods briefly, and then introduces Support Vector Machine (SVM) of the kernel-based learning method, and lastly compares the bankruptcy forecasting accuracies of the three methods by building the corresponding models with the data of China's stock exchange data. From the positive analysis, we can draw a conclusion that the SVM method has a higher adaptability and precision to forecast enterprise bankruptcy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research and design of a C-band (5712 MHz) high-gradient traveling-wave accelerating structure is being carried out at Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The structure consists of 53 regular disk-loaded cells and two waveguide couplers, and its length is about 1 m. This paper presents a design method for the accelerating structure, an experimental model and the preliminary results of an RF cold test of the model structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel mathematical model with multidrug-resistant (MDR) and undetected TB cases. The theoretical analysis indicates that the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable if R0 < 1; otherwise, the system may exist a locally asymptotically stable endemic equilibrium. The model is also used to simulate and predict TB epidemic in Guangdong. The results imply that our model is in agreement with actual data and the undetected rate plays vital role in the TB trend. Our model also implies that TB cannot be eradicated from population if it continues to implement current TB control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Techniques for modelling urban microclimates and urban block surfaces temperatures are desired by urban planners and architects for strategic urban designs at the early design stages. This paper introduces a simplified mathematical model for urban simulations (UMsim) including urban surfaces temperatures and microclimates. The nodal network model has been developed by integrating coupled thermal and airflow model. Direct solar radiation, diffuse radiation, reflected radiation, long-wave radiation, heat convection in air and heat transfer in the exterior walls and ground within the complex have been taken into account. The relevant equations have been solved using the finite difference method under the Matlab platform. Comparisons have been conducted between the data produced from the simulation and that from an urban experimental study carried out in a real architectural complex on the campus of Chongqing University, China in July 2005 and January 2006. The results show a satisfactory agreement between the two sets of data. The UMsim can be used to simulate the microclimates, in particular the surface temperatures of urban blocks, therefore it can be used to assess the impact of urban surfaces properties on urban microclimates. The UMsim will be able to produce robust data and images of urban environments for sustainable urban design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, several linear multiple regression models of aroma descriptors were built from potential active odorants in Cabernet Sauvignon red wines in Changli County. The modified frequency (MF%) of ten aroma description terms in sample wines were evaluated by 30 panelists trained using the aroma standards of “Le Nez du Vin”. Aroma compounds of sample wines were detected by Solid Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography-Mass (SPME-GC-MS), and 65 aroma compounds were identified and quantified. Those aroma compounds with odor active values (OAV)>0.5 were chosen to build regression models for the eight characteristic aroma terms. Finally, five models were developed for five typical sensory terms: Blackcurrant, Bilberry, Green pepper, Vanilla and Smoked. These models were related to 13 aroma compounds. These compounds included 3-ethoxy-1-propanol, phenethyl acetate, 4-terpinenol, 2-hexen-1-ol, di-tert-butyl-phenol, β-terpinenol, hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, ethyl myristate, ethyl 3-hydroxy butyrate, isobutyl alcohol and 4-methyl-5-butyl-2(3H)-furan. ANOVA statistical analysis indicated that all five models regressed at 95% significant levels. t detections of the models showed regression coefficients of 99% or 95% significant levels. Correlation coefficients between the measured and predicted Y ranged from 0.714 to 0.999. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper explores quantification of regulator’s preference factor (RPF) in electricity–environment coordinated regulation system. Based on social welfare economics, we articulately depict RPF’s qualitative concept and its economic meaning. Then, applying abstract functions (i.e., abstract social welfare function, abstract utility function, and abstract production function), we deduce the partial-social-welfare elasticity, and build the mathematics model of maximizing social welfare. We nest this elasticity into the model’s Kuhn–Tucker conditions, and obtain RPF’s definition formula. By solving the Kuhn–Tucker conditions, we get RPF’s quantitative formula, which solves the problem of hard to quantify regulator’s preference in electricity–environment coordinated regulation system. The result shows that RPF only has relationship to subsystems’ production function, and is independent of social welfare function and subsystems’ utility function. Finally, we provide an empirical research based on the western region of China from year 1995 to 2004. It reveals that regulator has relative stability preference to mitigating pollutants. And validity test confirms that the empirical result is fit well to the practice. The RPF is truly a more general and valid instrument to measure regulator’s preference in its regulated field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Over the past few years property management has become a prominent topic in Mainland China. The proprietors expect the property company to provide a broad range of services and deal with kinds of complaints. One of main duties of the property management is to provide a security patrol on the housing estate so that the security personnel can provide an immediate response to people in need and deal with complaints. The property managers are facing two big challenges: an increase in complaints and manpower shortage. The purpose of this study is to find a systematic method to improve the deployment of security guards in a large property company located in south China. We developed a mathematical model that fits the practical situation. A case study in which the proposed methodology is applied is given in this paper to show how the optimal allocation is determined. In comparison with the current empirical method of allocation the utilization of the optimal allocation obtains a 27.5% improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Details are given in present paper of the development of a sediment transport and morphological model to predict the bed evolution processes in tidal flows. The model is based on an existing hydrodynamic and sediment transport model (DIVASTSED), but with significant refinements being made. A single size sediment transport module is refined to include capability for simulating the transport of graded sediments under non-equilibrium conditions. Both cohesive sediment and non-cohesive sediment are taken into consideration in present study. The fall velocity of suspended sediment is modified in present model due to the high sediment concentration. A 3-layer approach is adopted to simulate the variations of sediment gradations of bed materials. The model is used to simulate the bed evolution in the Yellow River Delta from 1992 to 1995, the numerical results show how the morphology developed in the Yellow River Delta and agree well with the field data. The present model could provide an effective tool for the management of wetland in the Yellow River Delta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using firm-level data from a World Bank survey, this paper examines how legal development in China relates to various firm decisions. I find that a more active court system is associated with more investment, more adoption of technology, more innovation, and more complex transactions. Specifically, when a higher percentage of business disputes are resolved through the court system, firms tend to have higher investment rates, higher propensities to adopt new automated technology, and higher probabilities of developing new products. In addition, they tend to have more nonlocal sales. These findings are consistent with a sophisticated version of the rights hypothesis, in which the rule of law eventually replaces relation-based governance as a superior governance mechanism. I find two limitations of China's legal system. The court system does a better job facilitating the growth of state-owned enterprises than of private firms, and it protects local firms better than nonlocal firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Economic valuation of the amenities of urban open spaces will lend support to urban planning and development. In the absence of an explicit market for these amenities, the hedonic approach is often employed. Hitherto there have been a relatively limited number of studies on hedonic valuation of urban open spaces in China. This paper employs Geographic Field Model (GFM) to specify the externalities of urban open spaces with regard to their specific scale of influence, and builds a GFM-based spatial hedonic model to value the environmental amenities. The GFM quantification of open space variables overcomes the potential bias caused by traditional distance measures without influence scale limitations and the discontinuousness of the dichotomous index indicating the proximity to open space. A GFM-based spatial hedonic analysis was conducted in Wuhan, a metropolis in central China with various open spaces. Proximity to the Changjiang River recreation space and the East Lake were found to exert remarkable and positive impacts on apartment price. But proximity to other lakes and rivers were not significant in the result. The study showed that city level parks have significant amenity values, but district level parks do not. The amenity values of these urban open spaces were demonstrated by measuring the value they added to apartment prices. Some unexpected findings, such as the positive effect of noise and the powerful impact of floor height on housing price, may be common rules in densely populated cities in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Air pollutant emission inventory is an important input parameter for chemical transport models (CTMs). Since great uncertainties exist in the emission inventory, further improvements and refinements are required. In this paper, genetic algorithm (GA), a global search and optimization method, was applied to optimize the emission inventory for the Models-3/Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. An emission optimizing system based on GA was developed and embedded to the CMAQ through the design of several core modules, which implemented the basic functions such as emission adjusting, GA population initializing, CMAQ results evaluating and GA operating. Hypothetical and real-data experiments were respectively performed to examine the validity of GA for emission calibrating. GA showed good performance in both experiments and was always able to find the global minimum. The emission optimizing system was then used to calibrate seasonal PM10 emission inventories of Beijing. Results revealed that PM10 emission in Beijing was underestimated in 2002, an average of 62.74% higher adjustment factor should be imposed on the original emission in target months of different seasons. With the calibrated emission inventories, CMAQ model errors were decreased by 6.46% on average in different seasons. It was concluded that GA was a promising search technique in calibrating emission inputs for CTMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Observing the structural transformation of China''s National Innovation System (NIS) since 1999 is useful for understanding the rapid economic growth experienced in China and for adjusting the development strategies of other late-industrializing countries. The following article uses the regional specialization coefficient (RSC) method to analyze the structural transformation of China''s NIS from the perspective of eight large economic regions (8LERs) from 1999 to 2006. The NIS has achieved its initial objectives and two of the three major characteristics of China''s NIS identified in Sun''s (2002) [1] paper have changed since 1999: the funding structure — from a government- to an enterprise-centered model; and the performing structure — from a double-centered model divided into enterprises and research institutions, to one solely led by enterprise. The regional structures of China''s innovation system conform to the macro structure on a national level, while regionally, a wide variety of changing models of RSC affect different locales. The Chinese central government remains the leading force in reforming its innovation system with “Chinese Characteristics”. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Following model evaluation in part I, this part II paper focuses on the process analysis and chemical regime analysis for the formation of ozone (O3) and particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10 μm (PM10) in China. The process analysis results show that horizontal transport is the main contributor to the accumulation of O3 in Jan., Apr., and Oct., and gas-phase chemistry and vertical transport contribute to the production and accumulation of O3 in Jul. Removal pathways of O3 include vertical and horizontal transport, gas-phase chemistry, and cloud processes, depending on locations and seasons. PM10 is mainly produced by primary emissions and aerosol processes and removed by horizontal transport. Cloud processes could either decrease or increase PM10 concentrations, depending on locations and seasons. Among all indicators examined, the ratio of provides the most robust indicator for O3 chemistry, indicating a VOC-limited O3 chemistry over most of the eastern China in Jan., NOx-limited in Jul., and either VOC- or NOx-limited in Apr. and Oct. O3 chemistry is NOx-limited in most central and western China and VOC-limited in major cities throughout the year. The adjusted gas ratio, AdjGR, indicates that PM formation in the eastern China is most sensitive to the emissions of SO2 and may be more sensitive to emission reductions in NOx than in NH3. These results are fairly consistent with the responses of O3 and PM2.5 to the reductions of their precursor emissions predicted from sensitivity simulations. A 50% reduction of NOx or AVOC emissions leads to a reduction of O3 over the eastern China. Unlike the reduction of emissions of SO2, NOx, and NH3 that leads to a decrease in PM10, a 50% reduction of AVOC emissions increases PM10 levels. Such results indicate the complexity of O3 and PM chemistry and a need for an integrated, region-specific emission control strategy with seasonal variations to effectively control both O3 and PM2.5 pollution in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Member enterprises have a vital effect on the stability and system efficiency of an eco-industrial park (EIP), and a selection and control for them is an important part. This paper proposes a new method which is an establishment of both an access indicator system and an extendable optimal degree evaluation model. The indicator system comprises seven primary indicators and twenty-seven secondary indicators. The first three primary indicators, matching the existing industrial chains or not, park capacity and park environmental performance improvement, are proposed from the perspective of an EIP. The others including eco-design, economic benefit, utilization of resources, and pollution control, are suggested from the point of view of enterprises. This new access indicator system provides a basis for evaluating candidate enterprises. The extendable optimal degree evaluation which was proposed by Prof. Caiwen is a method to assess the satisfactoriness of all the indicators and to assign an optimal degree order to each candidate enterprise accordingly. There are four steps to conduct the evaluation after establishing the access indicator system: (1) selecting correlation function; (2) calculating correlations; (3) assigning weights and current values of indicators; and (4) calculating the optimal degree of all the candidate enterprises. The enterprises can be ranked based on optimal degree results. The highest-ranked enterprise should have the highest priority of entering the EIP. This study provides the specifics of applying the method by examining the case of Yantai Economy Technology Development Zone EIP (YTEIP) in Shandong province. The method provides a practical tool for controling enterprise access to an EIP. However, the reasonability and validity of indicators and effectiveness of the established method of extendable optimal degree evaluation merit further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reports the investigation results on application of the solar assisted air source heat pump systems for hot water production in Hong Kong. A mathematical model of the system is developed to predict its operating performance under specified weather conditions. The optimum flow rate from the load water tank to the condenser is proposed considering both the appropriate outlet water temperature and system performance. The effect of various parameters, including circulation flow rate, solar collector area, tilt angle of solar collector array and initial water temperature in the preheating solar tank is investigated, and the results show that the system performance is governed strongly by the change of circulation flow rate, solar collector area and initial water temperature in the preheating solar tank. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As China’ largest oilfield, Daqing is of great importance to China, this paper analyzes the status of the Daqing oilfield and forecasts its ultimate recoverable reserves by use of the URR model. The forecast results are presented for three scenarios which show that the ultimate recoverable reserves in Daqing oilfield are 3574.0million tons in the optimistic scenario, 3169.3million in the base case scenario and 3033.3million in the pessimistic scenario, respectively. A system dynamics model is established and the quantitative relationships between variables in the model are determined. Total oil production, remaining recoverable reserves, annual newly discovered reserves, and the degree of reserves recovery before 2060 are simulated under the three scenarios by use of the system dynamics model. The forecast results show that the future oil production in Daqing oilfield will continue declining, under the base case scenario, from 41.6million tons in 2007 to 8.0million tons in 2060. For Chinese policy-makers, it is worth paying attention to the problem of whether oil production in new oilfields can effectively make up for the decline in production of the large, old oilfields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Zhejiang Province, as a major province of economic strength in China, has economically well-developed coastal areas, which are heavily damaged during landfall typhoons. In this paper, typhoons that could cause serious damages to Zhejiang Province will be labeled as “disastrous typhoons,” and the corresponding wind velocities will be labeled as “disastrous wind velocities.” It is suggested that typhoons exceeding certain threshold-values be selected as samples for calculation, and this method is called threshold-value sampling. According to the typhoon measurement data and by using the P-III distribution function, the disastrous wind velocity of certain recurrence interval in typhoon-resistant and engineering design projects was calculated. The calculation results show that the disastrous wind velocity of the largest landfall typhoon of coastal areas for the next 10 years is 41.8 m/s, the disastrous wind velocity in the next 50 years is 49.7 m/s, and 52.9 m/s in the next 100 years. It can be seen at the same time that the wind velocity calculated by the P-III distribution model is more similar to the actual conditions compared to the wind velocity calculated by the Weibull distribution model. This method is conceptually clear, easy to use, and generates ideal results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper examines the effects of nonlinear fare structures in taxi markets using an extended taxi model with an explicit consideration of perceived profitability. The expected profit, defined as the profit per unit time (inclusive of both occupied and vacant taxi times), that a taxi driver expects to receive from picking up a customer in a particular zone or location, has great impact on the taxi driver’s choice of location in the search for customers. The fare structure directly governs the profitability of taxi rides of different distances originating from different locations. With these explicit considerations, the extended model is intended to look into the market effects of adopting a nonlinear fare structure with declining incremental charges. The proposed nonlinear fare structure could help restore a level-playing field for taxi operators whose businesses have been affected by some taxi drivers who resort to practices such as offering fare discounts or accepting requests for discounted fares from passengers for long-haul trips. Analysis of sensitivity of social welfare and profit gain as well as taxi/customer wait/search times is conducted with respect to the parameters in the nonlinear fare structure for the Hong Kong taxi market, and Pareto-improving nonlinear fare amendments are identified that neither disadvantage any customer nor reduce the taxi operators’ profits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper investigates the role of direct real estate investment and securitised properties in a multi-asset portfolio with financial assets available in Hong Kong, in a variety of time horizons. Grounded on the mean-variance framework within the Modern Portfolio Theory, the study extends it by deploying the Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) technique to estimate the variance and covariance, which reduces estimation errors, owed to the lack of 'dynamic update' capabilities in the standard model. Additionally, a constraint on the allocation to direct real estate investment is imposed in the portfolio optimisation problem to examine how percentage changes in the allocation to real properties affect the return and risk of the optimal portfolio. The experimental results show that the private domestic plays a more important role than property stocks in an optimal multi-asset portfolio, in all time horizons, with allocation ranging from 23-27%. Also, for an optimal portfolio with shorter time horizons, lesser-value direct real estate (Class A/B) tends to be included, while luxury property investment is the main asset for portfolios with longer time horizons. This proffers some implications for fund managers in Hong Kong in the management of portfolio investment when real estate is involved, subject to various levels of returns, risks and longevity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper describes a study of local biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) emissions from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). An improved land cover and emission factor database was developed to estimate Hong Kong emissions using MEGAN, a BVOC emission model developed by . Field surveys of plant species composition and laboratory measurements of emission factors were combined with other data to improve existing land cover and emission factor data. The BVOC emissions from Hong Kong were calculated for 12 consecutive years from 1995 to 2006. For the year 2006, the total annual BVOC emissions were determined to be 12,400 metric tons or 9.82 × 109 g C (BVOC carbon). Isoprene emission accounts for 72%, monoterpene emissions account for 8%, and other VOCs emissions account for the remaining 20%. As expected, seasonal variation results in a higher emission in the summer and a lower emission in the winter, with emission predominantly in day time. A high emission of isoprene occurs for regions, such as Lowest Forest-NT North, dominated by broadleaf trees. The spatial variation of total BVOC is similar to the isoprene spatial variation due to its high contribution. The year to year variability in emissions due to weather was small over the twelve-year period (−1.4%, 2006 to 1995 trendline), but an increasing trend in the annual variation due to an increase in forest land cover can be observed (+7%, 2006 to 1995 trendline). The results of this study demonstrate the importance of accurate land cover inputs for biogenic emission models and indicate that land cover change should be considered for these models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a three-dimensional (3-D) numerical model to simulate morphological changes in alluvial channels due to bank erosion. A method for the simulation of bank erosion is established. This is incorporated into a 3-D mathematical model for turbulent flow and non-uniform, non-equilibrium sediment transport. This model is applied to simulate morphological changes in the Shishou bend of the middle Yangtze River in China, where serious bank erosions occurred during the last two decades. The double-layer sediment structure of the riverbank on the middle Yangtze River is taken into account in the bank erosion module. Both cohesive and non-cohesive bank material in the different layers are considered. The bank erosion module also includes other factors affecting the rate of bank erosion, such as the longitudinal length of failed bank, the thickness of each layer in the double-layer structure, and the erosion-resisting effect of cohesive material from the top layer of failed bank. A locally-adaptive grid system is proposed to efficiently simulate the lateral migration of alluvial channel due to bank erosion. The predictive capability of the 3-D model is examined by laboratory data. Simulated processes of bank erosion agree with field observations in the Shishou bend during the period of October 1996–October 1998, and the bank erosion module plays a significant role in simulating morphological changes of the study reach. In addition, the equivalent channel-forming discharge, which is defined as a constant discharge that can create the same amount of bank erosion in an alluvial channel as that created by natural runoff processes during the same period of time, is proposed to improve calculation efficiency for feasibility studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The benefits of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) are widely known but its recommendations remain thinly implemented. Designing wastewater treatment plants for reuse in irrigation is a particularly underutilized IWRM opportunity that could potentially increase agricultural yields, conserve surface water, offset chemical fertilizer demand, and reduce the costs of wastewater treatment by eliminating nutrient removal processes. This paper presents a novel planning model, consisting of a reuse-centric performance assessment and optimization model to help design wastewater treatment plants for reuse in agriculture. The performance assessment and optimization model are described, and their coupled application is demonstrated in the peri-urban district of Pixian, China. Based on the results of the performance assessment, two reuse scenarios are evaluated: wastewater to supplement business as usual (BAU) irrigation, and wastewater to replace BAU irrigation. The results indicate that wastewater supplementation could increase profits by $20 million (M) annually; alternatively, wastewater replacement could conserve 35Mm3 of water in local rivers each year. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The construction of hydropower projects, such as Xiluodu and Xiangjiaba Reservoirs, in the upper Yangtze River will lead to variations of the incoming water and sediment conditions and in turn changes in the deposition and erosion processes in the fluctuating backwater reach of the Three Gorges Project (TGP). In this paper, based on the water and sediment characteristics, a 2D mathematical model in the boundary-fitting orthogonal curvilinear coordinate system has been employed to predict the space-time changes of sedimentation in the Chongqing reach, part of the fluctuating backwater reach of TGP, in a period of 100 years with repetition of the 1961–1970 hydrological series with and without the construction of upstream reservoirs. The results show that in the case of natural hydrological series (NHS) without upstream reservoirs, severe deposition occurs in bays with concave bank lines, recirculation flow areas and wide-shallow reaches. In the case with the adjustment of upstream reservoirs, only a little deposition exists in bays with concave bank lines, and the amounts of deposition in the Yangtze River and Jialing River reaches are about 10–20% of those in the case of NHS. Therefore, this is helpful to maintain the effective capacity of the TGP Reservoir and utilize the bank lines of the Chongqing reach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In 1988, Dr. Kyoji Sassa proposed a geotechnical model [Sassa, K., 1988. Geotechnical model for the motion of landslides. In: Proceedings, 5th International Symposium on Landslides, vol. 1, pp. 37–56] to simulate landslide motion and to establish a theoretical framework for landslide simulation. In 2002, based on the experimental results of using a ring-shear apparatus for simulation of landslide motion, Wang and Sassa proposed a model for apparent friction coefficient change (which is a key parameter of landslide motion) that can be combined with Sassa’s original geotechnical model. As presented in the model for apparent friction coefficient change, a landslide is considered as a two-layer structure, i.e., a debris layer and a sliding zone. During landsliding, the thickness of the debris layer changes, while shear resistance changes in the sliding zone. In this paper, after a brief introduction of the two models, a parametric study is presented to show the differing importance of each parameter. Also included is a presentation of three case studies: The 1995 Fei Tsui Road landslide, and the 1995 Shum Wan landslide, both in Hong Kong, and the 1903 Frank slide in Alberta, Canada to show the advantage of combining the two models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Narrow bipolar events (NBEs) are a distinct class of intra-cloud lightning discharge. In this paper we present observations of 10 negative and 67 positive such events in East China. Positive NBEs occurred at 7–12km altitude above mean sea level (MSL) with a mean altitude of 9.5km, and negative NBEs occurred at 14–16km altitude. Electrical/channel characteristics of these events were derived from NBE pulse waveforms based on the transmission-line model. On average, the peak current moment and the charge moment change of a NBE event is 15kAkm, and 0.12Ckm, respectively. The mean time for the propagation of current front along the channel is 2.2μs. The upper limit on channel length for NBEs in this study is 510–1060m, the lower limit on discharge current amplitude is 12.5–43.2kA, and the minimum charge transfer is 0.1–0.3C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The downward solar or shortwave radiation (SWD) and atmospheric longwave radiation (LWD) play essential roles in controlling alpine environment and ecosystem. Meanwhile, utilization of solar energy has a growing demand by local residents, due to high energy cost in high altitude regions. However, it is always costly for acquiring the radiation data and there are few studies on the radiation modeling in these regions. This paper presented the major characteristics of SWD and LWD over the Tibetan Plateau (TP), which were measured at 11 stations built in the region. The results showed that LWD received by TP is much lower than that of its surrounding areas and their monthly-mean differences can be up to 100Wm−2. On the contrary, SWD over TP is significantly higher than that over its surrounding areas, due to low extinction rate of airmass, water vapor, and aerosol occurred in TP. The recorded maximum value (∼0.9) of daily-mean transmittances much exceeds the upper bound (∼0.75) implied in most of the Angström–Prescott models; therefore, these models may under-estimate SWD over TP. One set of surface data-based estimate by a non-Angström–Prescott model and two sets of satellite estimates were also evaluated against the measurements. It is found that the surface data-based estimate, though not calibrated locally, shows a good agreement with the measurements and has an advantage of producing less root-mean-square errors and higher correlation coefficients than the satellite estimates. Under this condition, it is suggested to combine both the surface data-based estimate together with the satellite estimates in order to improve the accuracy of the SWD and LWD data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the research paper "Back Analysis of the Draining Process of Tangjiashan Barrier Lake," by Zuyu Chen and colleagues. Topics include the hyperbolic model for evaluating shear stress-associated erosion rate, erosion function apparatus (EFA), and uncertainties of dam breach analysis.

Through research on the gravity model, the paper studies the geometric characteristics of urban influence domain and the principles for the change of urban influence domain along with the evolution of distance decay index, calculates the distribution of the gravitational field by using ARCGIS, establishes a spatial cluster system for the megalopolis in china, delineates urban influence domains by dissolving spatial features, and compartmentalizes China into 13 economic regions based on the megalopolis clusters and urban influence domains combining with the physical and economic locations. Major conclusions are: the distribution of urban gravitational field is the manifestation of regional unbalanced development; the spatial structure and characteristic of urban system can be studied through the distribution situation of urban gravitational field; the urban influence domains in China have not formed the mosaic structure of a standard regular hexagon; the economic region with weak urban gravitational field may be compressed by the region with stronger urban gravitational field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A reliable supply of energy is essential to maintain and to improve human being''s living conditions. Compared to the conventional coal-fired approach, renewable energy (RE) helps to mitigate the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions to a large extent. As a newly developed sector with large resource potential and good commercial prospects, China''s wind power industry is exceeding expectations. By 2008, installed capacity of wind power in China totaled over 12GW, making China the fourth largest wind market in the world. However, China has to admit the gap with foreign leading countries, mainly in technical R&D for large-scale wind turbine generation units. This paper attempts to formulate an analytical model for studying and assessing factors that have significant impacts on the local industry. An improved dynamic Diamond Model is developed to help the international community to understand the status quo of the Chinese wind power industry. In order to build a stronger wind power industry, the elements identified in the model need to be strengthened. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper introduced a stochastic programming model to address the air freight hub location and flight routes planning under seasonal demand variations. Most existing approaches to airline network design problems are restricted to a deterministic environment. However, the demand in the air freight market usually varies seasonally. The model is separated into two decision stages. The first stage, which is the decision not affected by randomness, determines the number and the location of hubs. The second stage, which is the decision affected by randomness, determines the flight routes to transport flows from origins to destinations based upon the hub location and realized uncertain scenario. Finally, the real data based on the air freight market in Taiwan and China is used to test the proposed model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Previous studies have revealed that statistical methods can be used to analyze land-leasing parcel data. However, the conventional statistical methods used in land analysis have some limitations, especially in cases of limited observational data. In this paper, with the help of geographic information system (GIS) techniques, a partial least squares (PLS) path model is applied to study the relationship between residential land prices and various determinants through a case study of Beijing in China. From a preliminary analysis, four latent variables are selected: accessibility of the workplace center, livability, traffic, and environment facilities. The results show that the observation variables have a strong explanatory power for their corresponding latent variables, and the four latent variables have varying impacts on residential land prices. Of the latent variables, accessibility to the workplace center has the strongest impact on the residential land price. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective To give an overview of the recent history of publications on mathematical modelling of infectious diseases in the Chinese literature, and a more detailed review of the models on severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Method Literature review through the Chinese CAJ full-text database. Results The number of Chinese publications on mathematical modelling has at least quadrupled since the SARS epidemic in 2003. This increase not only included papers on SARS, but also on various other infectious diseases, indicating a substantial expansion of modelling experience in China. Typical problems of most studies were poor availability of data and lack of involvement of disease experts and decision-makers rendering the studies less useful for policies on control. Conclusions We expect that the recent experience on modelling and current better access to and exchange of epidemiological data have paved the way for a more substantial role of this discipline during possible future outbreaks of infectious diseases. By making Chinese modelling initiatives more visible to non-Chinese readers, we hope to attract more international collaborators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]