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In the context of urbanisation and the decline of the countryside, reverse entrepreneurship cannot be separated from integration, referring to a process of mutual trust and cooperation between reverse (returnee or immigrant from urban areas) entrepreneur, host community and external stakeholders for sustainable livelihoods. With a geographic focus on poor areas of China, this paper aims to reveal key factors behind successful initiatives of reverse entrepreneurship to address challenges facing local communities, and pathways for mobilising and effectively using various resources, both internally and externally. These objectives are addressed through multiple cases of tourism development in Ganzi, a Tibetan Minority Prefecture of Sichuan. This paper contributes to the literature on entrepreneurial integration to debates on reverse entrepreneurship in three aspects. Firstly, entrepreneurial integration starts from social embeddedness, interconnecting and interacting between reverse entrepreneur(s) and the host community to understand local challenges and share a new vision for sustainable livelihoods. Secondly, entrepreneurial integration is essentially an innovation platform to develop or enhance social capital (both bonding and bridging) for mobilising and effective use of critical resources. Finally, the study outlines five pathways of tourism entrepreneurship, which reflects variations in livelihood strategy, critical capitals, business models, innovation diffusion and application potential. • Rural development calls for mutual trust and cooperation between reverse entrepreneurs, host communities, external stakeholders. • Successful entrepreneurial integration depends upon a platform building to develop social capital (both bonding and bridging). • Five pathways reflect variation in strategy, critical capitals, business models, innovation diffusion,application potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper contributes to the literature on rural gentrification by incorporating empirical evidence from amenity-poor rural areas in the developing world. While current literature on rural gentrification has largely focused on the gentrification process in amenity-rich rural areas, the present study examines rural gentrification process in a historically polluted county in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. The gentrification process features a holistic transformation of farmland into an artificial landscape, thereby segregating gentrifiers from both polluted rural space and unwelcoming urban space. The paper attributes the rise of holistic gentrification to state-initiated farmland concentration, and to the gentrifier developers' practices of redefining rurality as immersive resort experiences. The paper concludes that the holistic gentrification was conducive to job losses in both the recreation and agricultural sectors, consequently reducing peasant households to a state of passivity and dependency, while collective actions against gentrifier developers were ineffective owing to highly skewed power dynamics. • Holistic gentrification transforms large-scale farmland into scenic rural resorts in amenity-poor rural areas in China. • Holistic gentrification is caused by national peasant relocation programs. • Gentrifier developers redefine rurality as immersive resort experience. • Holistic gentrification is conducive to local job losses in recreation and agricultural sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improvement of protected areas (PAs) is a global challenge for society. In 2017, China implemented the ambitious "Ecological Conservation Redline" (ECR) program, with the aim of increasing its PA estate and improving human welfare. Since its implementation, the ECR has attracted much attention from both researchers and managers. However, the understanding of the ECR by some researchers is still unclear, resulting in debates about its practicality and effectiveness. We therefore provide a clear description of the ECR in this paper. The ECR was proposed as a conservation theory in China in 2011 and was transformed into nationwide practice in 2017. Compared with existing PAs, the ECR expanded the conservation network by considering hotspots of ecological function and fragility beyond biodiversity, which was highlighted by the example of Sichuan Province, China. To balance the demands of conservation and development, a list of "positive" human activities is presented following negotiations between government and stakeholders. In addition, a remote sensing platform and an ecological compensation system have been applied to provide technological and economic support to the ECR. Finally, we make recommendations for improving the redline identification method, evaluating the effects of its implementation, broadening the funding sources for ecological compensation, and strengthening legal safeguarding. The advancement of the ECR provides a new model for environmental planning leading to a sustainable future. • China's Ecological Conservation Redline program aims to improve the protected area network. • The redline concept considers hotspots of ecological function and fragility beyond biodiversity. • This paper clarifies the program and its core principles. • Recommendations are made to enhance the redline identification method and its evaluation. • Ecological compensation funding and strengthening legal safeguarding are also necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the influence of COVID-19, the global economic and social development is facing great challenges. With the increase of government financial pressure and the decrease of debt paying ability, the problem of debt risk of local governments in China is attracting wide attention. In order to measure the level of China's local government debt risk under the influence of COVID-19, this paper takes China's Sichuan Province as an example, collects the core indicators data of measuring local government debt risk in 2017-2020 years, and uses AHP-TOPSIS method to make a comprehensive analysis of the local government debt risk situation in different periods before and after COVID-19. It is found that the local government debt risk in Sichuan Province is generally controllable. However, influenced by COVID-19, in 2020, the overall level of local government debt risk in Sichuan province expanded by 22.1% compared with 2019, this is mainly due to the further expansion of debt scale and slower economic growth. This paper suggests that the Chinese government should speed up the construction of comprehensive early warning and supervision system of local government debt risk, and prevent and resolve the debt risk of local government in advance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural hydraulic connections between cascade hydropower may make hydraulic and electric connections mismatch after the market clears. Aiming at relieving the contradiction between water surplus and water shortage after market clearing, this paper proposes a new market clearing method considering the coupling relationship between water and electricity. And the method is verified by the simulation of a virtual spot market consisting of eight stations in Sichuan Province, China. The main contributions of this paper lay on three aspects: firstly, a new index called water-electricity coupling degree (WCD) and its calculation method are proposed to measure the overall situation of water shortage and water abandonment in the clearing results. Secondly, a multi-objective clearing model for cascade hydropower stations is established with the goal of minimizing power purchase cost and maximizing WCD. Thirdly, a solution method combined with the characteristics of the clearing model is developed. The case results demonstrate that the built model increases the WCD value by 1.57 % and reduces the insufficient output and surplus water by 45.18 % without increasing the power purchase cost of the power grid; The proposed solution strategy lowers the complexity of the model and improves the solution efficiency, where the search space reduction and time period merging strategies can reduce the calculation time by about 3 % and 8 % respectively. The new clearing method provides a new idea for solving the uncoupling problem of water-electricity-price in the cascade hydropower spot market. • Propose a new index called water-electricity coupling degree (WCD). • Establish a multi-objective clearing model for cascade hydropower market. • Develop a model dimensionality reduction strategy for model solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urgent need to address climate change, driven by the increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases, has made it imperative for the world to focus on enhancing carbon emission mitigation and carbon utilization. Consequently, carbon-negative technologies have garnered significant attention, such as Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). In order to achieve the circular utilization of carbon and improve the economic viability of conventional carbon-negative technologies, this paper proposes the innovative concept of Carbon Capture, Circular Utilization, and Sequestration (CCCUS). This multifunctional carbon-negative technology couples underground biomethanation of carbon dioxide and hydrogen-rich industrial by-product gases with geothermal energy production. CCCUS also offers several additional functions, such as renewable natural gas storage, natural gas displacement, and carbon dioxide geological sequestration. Furthermore, a preliminary assessment of the techno-economic feasibility of CCCUS is undertaken. A numerical case study, conducted using the XGS gas storage in the Sichuan Basin, China, unveiled that over a 425-day period, the conversion ratio of carbon dioxide to methane in the working gas can achieve 98.9%. Moreover, the net present value (NPV) of CCCUS over a 30-year period is estimated to be approximately 4.67 × 108 CNY under the base scenario. These findings, along with field monitoring and laboratory experiments, preliminarily present evidence supporting the potential techno-economic feasibility of CCCUS. This paper offers a fresh perspective on the development of the circular carbon economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is facing the challenge of high building energy consumption, especially for rural housing, because of the backward construction technology. This issue could be solved by net-zero energy rural housing. Therefore, the passive energy-saving procedures and energy-efficient building service systems of rural housing are needed to be studied apart from renewable energy adoption. Older people with unique thermal acceptability and adaptability become the primary residents in Chinese rural buildings, which calls for the redefinition of the indoor environment. This paper firstly conducted an overall questionnaire about the indoor environment sensation and expectations of the rural elderly in Sichuan province. Field surveys and measurements were carried out in a typical self-built rural house to investigate the thermal comfort of the local order people and the indoor thermal environment variations. Furthermore, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process was used to propose a three-layer assessment model for the rural elderly living environment to find retrofit strategies. Results showed that: (1) the thermal environment of rural buildings could not meet the thermal comfort range of older people in summer. (2) The adaptive coefficient (λ) in the adaptive Predicted Mean Vote model was 0.065 for the rural elderly, which was lower than the value of 0.21 in the Chinese standard, indicating their poor thermal adaptability. (3) The summer living environment evaluation was "A little bad", and the most effective optimization method was to decrease the indoor temperature. (4) Based on the thermal comfort of older people, architectural and construction optimizations were proposed, which could achieve an energy-saving of 52.15 %, contributing to net-zero energy rural housing. • Environment improvement and energy saving of rural housing were studied. • The age-based metabolic rate of the elderly was proposed in aPMV. • The adaptive coefficient for the rural elderly was 0.065. • The evaluation model of rural living environment satisfaction was built by FAHP. • Passive retrofit procedures were proposed to achieve NZERH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a two-stage hybrid robust programming model that integrates multiple blood products scheduling and multiple casualty types evacuation under facility disruptions risk and casualty number uncertainty. The model seeks to maximize the rescue efficiency and minimize the total operations cost. Under a set of disruption scenarios, we adopt a scenario-based robust method to address disruption risks at temporary medical centres and two robust uncertainty sets to deal with uncertain casualty numbers. We propose a proximal bundle algorithm to solve large-scale instances of the proposed hybrid robust model approximately. Extensive numerical experiments show that: (i) the trade-off between model robustness and solution robustness can help the decision-makers determine an appropriate risk-aversion weight; (ii) compared with the corresponding stochastic and scenario-based robust models, the hybrid robust model can obtain more robust solutions with a slight increase in cost; (iii) the proximal bundle algorithm can produce near-optimal solutions within reasonable computational times; (iv) some model parameters have significant impact on the total cost, which can help decision-makers set the appropriate parameters to achieve the desired outcome. Finally, we also use the real data of the 2008 Wenchuan County Earthquake in Sichuan Province, China, to illustrate the application of the model. • An HRM is developed for jointly plan blood logistics and casualty evacuation. • The model considers facility disruptions risk and casualty number uncertainty. • A PB algorithm based on Lagrangian relaxation is proposed. • Experiment results show that HRM outperforms the SM and SRM. • Real data are used to illustrate the application of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parameters of fractures, such as fracture geometries, placement, and conductivity, are critical for the production of horizontal wells in tight gas reservoirs. Current studies on fracture parameter optimization, especially those using the optimization algorithms, are often based on the assumptions that the fractures are uniformly placed with equal length and conductivity. However, non-uniform designs of fracture spacing have been proved to be effective in reducing fracture interference as well as increasing the well production, especially with strong rock heterogeneity. In addition, most of the current literature focuses on identifying optimal hydraulic fracture geometries without considering the fracture propagation process, which may oversimplify the evaluation of completion cost and result in fracture geometries that cannot be realized in practice. In this paper, an automatic optimization process, which could efficiently couple the fracture propagation, is proposed to optimize the fracture parameters. The genetic algorithm (GA) with penalty function method is used to optimize the constraint and non-linear problem. A modified PKN fracture propagation model is established to quickly predict the hydraulic fracture geometries. Fracture locations and fluid injection volume are sequentially optimized with consideration of heterogeneous rock properties. Model parameters are taken from typical tight gas horizontal wells in Jinqiu gas field in Sichuan Province, China. The results show the importance of permeability on both fracture length and production in tight gas well. The lower the permeability, the more significant the production increase after fracture location optimization. More fractures tend to be placed in area with small permeability and fewer fractures are required in highly permeable regions. With an increase in rock heterogeneity, the distribution of fractures becomes more uneven. Conversely, increasing the number of fractures can lead to a more even distribution of fractures. More fluid should be injected in low-permeability regions according to the optimization results. The optimization method is applied to a practical tight gas well in Sichuan Basin and the cumulative gas production can be increased by 6.5% to 8% when compared with the initial uniform designs. • A modified PKN model is proposed for quick prediction of fracture propagation, validated against numerical simulations. • GA is used to optimize fracture locations by considering rock heterogeneity's impact on fracture propagation and production. • Sequential optimization of fracture placement and injection volume is conducted with its reliability verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A spatial random forest-based downscaling and merging method (SRF-DM) is proposed. • SRF-DM performs better than the original satellite-based precipitation products. • SRF-DM is more accurate than the classical machine learning-based methods. • Spatial autocorrelation is the most important variable. • SRF-DM has a good performance even when the gauge density is low. Publicly available satellite precipitation products (SPPs) are essential inputs for hydrological models. However, the existing SPPs suffer from coarse resolutions and large uncertainties, which greatly hinder their widespread applications. Thus, to fully utilize the unique characteristics of each individual SPP, a spatial random forest (SRF)-based downscaling and merging (SRF-DM) method is proposed to fuse multiple SPPs and gauge observations in this paper. The proposed method incorporates spatial autocorrelation information between precipitation observations through a covariate. This covariate is estimated using ordinary kriging interpolation on spatial neighbors that have a high correlation with the target location. The proposed method was used to generate 1-km daily precipitation data using the datasets from five satellite precipitation products (IMERG, GSMaP, CHIRPS, MORPH, and PERSIANN) and gauge observations in the period from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019 over Sichuan province, China. The performance of SRF-DM was compared with the original SPPs, XGBoost-based downscaling and merging (XGB-DM), two double-layer machine learning (ML) methods, namely RF-RF and RF-artificial neural network (RF-ANN), and three single ML methods, namely RF, ANN, and RF-based Merging Procedure (RF-MEP). The experimental results demonstrate the following findings: (i) SRF-DM is more accurate than the original SPPs across different temporal scales (i.e., daily, monthly, and seasonal) in terms of statistical and categorical accuracy measures, (ii) SRF-DM outperforms the six ML-based methods in estimating high precipitation and capturing spatial precipitation patterns, (iii) the spatial autocorrelation between neighboring precipitation data is the most significant factor in both downscaling and merging, and (iv) the performance of SRF-DM is influenced by gauge density, but it still yields good results even with a limited number of gauges. On the whole, SRF-DM is considered an effective tool for generating daily precipitation products with high accuracy and resolution, which is primarily attributed to its satisfactory performance in regions with diverse precipitation patterns and topography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the completion of the poverty alleviation task in China, the Chinese economy has made great breakthroughs. Meanwhile, the implementation of Chinese "dual carbon" goal has entered an important window period of both strategic opportunities and difficulties. The emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) leads to the greenhouse effect, which affects the sustainable development of society. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with Slacks-based measure integrating data envelopment analysis (SBMDEA) (AHP-SBMDEA) based efficiency evaluation model for different provincial-level administrative regions in China, which is used to analyze and optimize the Chinese energy structure of different provincial-level administrative regions. With coal, gasoline, petroleum, fuel oil, diesel, crude oil and natural gas as inputs, the per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the desired output and the CO2 as the undesired output, after linear weighted calculation of the results of the AHP-SP model and the SBMDEA model, the energy efficiency evaluation model of different provincial administrative regions in China is established. The results show that there is a large difference in efficiency between Chinese northern and southern regions, and the overall efficiency of southern regions is higher than that of northern regions. In addition, it is easier to find out the optimal energy efficiency benchmark, which can provide suggestions and help to guide the energy consumption input structure improvement of other inefficient provincial-level administrative regions. Furthermore, the energy structure can also be adjusted through the redundant variable calculated by the SBMDEA model. For example, Sichuan Province can reduce the consumption of the coal, the gasoline, the diesel, the fuel oil, the crude oil and the natural gas by 5269.95 × 10000 tons (WT), 513.01 WT, 59.05 WT, 34.37 WT, 4,73.33 WT and 130.37 billion cubic meters (BCM), respectively. Its CO2 emissions can be reduced by 1925.4 WT, and raise the efficiency of energy utilization in the province. [Display omitted] • Novel economy and CO 2 emissions evolution model based on a AHP-SBMDEA is proposed. • The proposed model can identify the optimal energy efficiency benchmark. • GDP per capita can be increased and CO 2 emissions can be decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The paper quantitatively summarizes the distribution and development of pumping distress using various field and laboratory methods. • The paper adopts GPR techniques to assess the structure of asphalt pavements. • The paper identifies potential causes of the pumping phenomenon. • The paper quantifies the extent and severity of the pumping distress. Pumping distress refers to the phenomenon of dynamic water entering a pavement, soaking the cement concrete layer to form slurry, and being pumped out of the pavement void under the action of traffic loading. Pumping distress is frequently reported in high temperature and rainy regions, such as Sichuan province in China. Various factors contribute to pumping distress on bridge decks, but most of these factors have merely been subjected to qualitative assessment. The aim of the study is to conduct a comprehensive quantitative analysis through three years of field investigations and laboratory experiments. The field investigations include ground penetrating radar (GPR), pavement permeability tests, skid resistance tests, and drainage facilities surveys. The quantitative analysis of the field and laboratory inspections revealed that the formation reason, deterioration rate, and damage degree of pumping distress were different between the truck and emergency lanes. The occurrence of pumping distresses was significantly related to the uneven construction of the bridge deck leveling layer, compaction segregation, and poor drainage. Additionally, the influence of pavement thickness uniformity on pumping distress was evaluated by incorporating GPR techniques. Failure in the waterproof adhesion layer resulted in the barrier between the cement concrete deck and the asphalt mixture breaking, which allowed alkaline sources to move and transfer to the pavement layer easily. The outcomes of this study can help bridge authorities and construction contractors choose appropriate design and construction measures to prevent pumping distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The academia has paid much attention to the ecological protection and poverty alleviation functions of carbon sink afforestation project (CSAP), an important means to realize forestry carbon sink. However, whether CSAP can promote county industrial structural upgrading (ISU) and propel high-quality economic development remains unanswered. Based on the panel data of counties in Sichuan Province, China in 2000–2016, this paper estimates the impacts of CSAP on ISU through difference-in-differences with variation in treatment timing (VTT-DID) and synthetic control method. The results show that: CSAP can improve the advanced level of county industrial structure. This finding remains valid after a series of robustness tests. Government guidance dominates the impacts of CSAP on ISU, while market regulation plays a limited role in the impact mechanism due to the presence of elite capture. Government guidance and market regulation have a positive synergistic effect. The ISU impacts of CSAP are affected by resource endowment, level of economic development, and culture difference of ethnic monitories at the county level. Mechanism analysis shows that CSAP mainly acts on county ISU by increasing capital accumulation. The research results provide a reference path for China to transform its concept of economic development, and the key evidence for the fact that CSAP is an important way to realize high-quality economic development and environment protection at the county level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Pianyanzi area in western Sichuan hosts a rare sellaite-bearing orogenic gold deposit. • Gold is mostly present as visible native gold formed in two stages. • Gold precipitation was forced by interaction between auriferous fluids and wall rocks. • Metasomatized mantle lithosphere served a potential source of ore fluids. The Pianyanzi gold deposit is situated at the western margin of the Yangtze Craton, and represents a rare sellaite-bearing orogenic gold deposit. This deposit belongs to the Dauduhe gold belt of southwestern China and remains poorly documented. In this paper we present first petrographic and in-situ geochemistrical and sulfur isotope data from pyrite as well as results of multielement mapping. The deposit is dominated by native gold (average gold fineness = 980.8) filling fractures in minerals (e.g., pyrite, quartz, sellaite and hematite) or also emplaced along the contact interface between mineral grains. Pyrite is the most abundant sulfide mineral of this deposit. We identified five generations of pyrite: Py1, Py2a, Py2b, Py3, and Py4. Gold occurs in sellaite- and hematite-bearing mineral assemblages formed simultaneous with the formation of Py2a&b and Py4, respectively. Py1 formed in the Au-poor ore stage, while Py3 formed during the late galena-dominated sulfide stage. All generations of pyrite exhibit low concentrations of gold with an average value of less than 2 ppm. Py2a&b possess distinctive textures and chemical zonation, with trace elements displaying greater variations compared to Py1, Py3 and Py4. The δ34S values vary from −0.52 ‰ to 7.08 ‰, which is consistent with those of orogenic deposits of the Daduhe gold belt. The deep metasomatized mantle lithosphere acted as a potential source of ore fluids. We conclude that the co-precipitation of native gold and sellaite was triggered by the interaction between auriferous fluids and dolomite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropower resources have been developed to the cold regions in the west of China recently, wherein the dam will be subjected to high frequency of repeated freeze-thaw action during the construction process in winter, and thus will cause safety and stability problems of these projects. According to the actual construction situations of Lianghekou hydropower station located in Sichuan Province, one-side freezing and two-side thawing tests of unsaturated core-wall soil samples in a closed system are carried out, and the evolution of temperature, water and displacement as well as their interaction are tested and analyzed. The results show that with the increasing of freeze-thaw cycles, water migration results in a decrease of water content in the unfrozen zone and an increase in the frozen zone, and the water concentration area is formed in the soil column. Simultaneously, a deeper freezing depth accompanied with a shorter thawing duration after 10 freeze-thaw cycles is observed through the temperature field results, whereas a steady fluctuation of the deformation field is showed after the 7th freeze-thaw cycle. Moreover, based on the test results and exiting researches, a thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling model for unsaturated soils subjected to cyclic freeze-thaw action is proposed, in which both the permeability and compressibility are inextricably related to the void ratio, and vary in different calculated areas. Additionally, the effects of number of cycles on initial conditions and model parameters are also considered. Comparisons with the experimental data demonstrate the validity and adaptability of the proposed model in describing the freeze-thaw process of unsaturated soil. Through the combination of experiments and numerical simulation, the freeze-thaw process can be more clearly understood, and related engineering problems can be predicted with the help of the mathematical model in this paper. • One-side freezing and two-side thawing tests of unsaturated soil are carried out. • A thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling model in freeze-thaw process is proposed. • The thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling mechanism is revealed by simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onsite Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) applications require robust predictive models that can relate the early part of the recorded seismic waves to seismicity and/or ground shaking characteristics, the latter representing the variables used to make decisions about raising or not an alarm. The use of limited information to establish these models within a real-time estimation setting, typically corresponding to the first few seconds after the identification of the seismic wave arrival, introduces significant uncertainty (variability) in the predictions. To increase the number of historical observations available for the model calibration, data from multiple seismic stations within the same geographic region are utilized for the latter task. Unfortunately, this introduces additional sources of variability in the predictive model development, originating from local geographical effects and site conditions that affect differently the underlying physics at each station. This paper introduces a hierarchical Bayesian model updating framework to address this challenge. To better focus the research effort, the calibration of earthquake magnitude nonlinear regression models based on the seismic maximum predominant period is investigated, though underlying principles can be extended to other type of decision variables and intensity measures used in EEW applications. Within the hierarchical updating framework, the predictive models for each station are separately calibrated (first level), while sharing information across the stations by selecting common calibration hyper-parameters (second level). This facilitates a reduction of the variability of the estimates originating from regional wave propagation effects while simultaneously providing sufficient amount of data for calibrating the predictive models even for stations with scarce available records. To support computational efficiency in the hierarchical calibration, conjugate priors are utilized, while for accommodating nonlinear regression relationships samples from the posterior distribution, representing the model calibration, are obtained using Metropolis-within-Gibbs sampling. As illustrative case study, the application to the Sichuan region of Southwestern China is examined, with extensive comparisons performed for the accuracy and robustness of the resultant probabilistic predictive models. • Moment magnitude nonlinear models for onsite early warning applications are calibrated. • The predictive models for each station are separately calibrated. • Information sharing across the stations is established within a hierarchical Bayesian updating scheme. • This allows reduction of the variability of the estimates originating from regional wave propagation effects. • Computational efficient implementation relies on conjugate priors and Metropolis-within-Gibbs sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wide Field of view Cherenkov Telescope Array (WFCTA) of the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO), located in Haizishan National Natural Reserve, Sichuan Province, China, is designed to perform nearly calorimetric measurements of extensive air showers induced by cosmic rays with energies between 10 13 eV –10 18 eV. The end-to-end calibration method will be employed in the WFCTA and nitrogen lasers have been proven to work properly in our application at the altitude of 4410 m a.s.l. for the first time. Due to extremely harsh environment, especially outdoor temperature as low as about −30 ° C during operation of WFCTA, a high-stability thermotank for lasers was designed to stabilize temperature and humidity, with a thermal stability of 1 ° C. In order to precisely control the beam pointing, a high-precision 3D Lifting Rotating Platform (HiRoP) with a home-made standard zero monitoring system is developed. To eliminate the error of the beam pointing by manual controls, an automatic scanning program was adopted to control the beam pointing when scanning the full field-of-view (FOV) of WFCTA. Both the on-site and remote controls are applied for the nitrogen laser systems and ∼ 13 million laser shots have been recorded by WFCTA from Sept. 2020 to May 2022. In this paper, the design, properties, operation and the on-site performance of the nitrogen laser systems at LHAASO are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To secure effective and sustainable climate change policies, it is of the utmost importance to create synergies between socioeconomic and environmental development goals. Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) programs are being promoted as a suitable mechanism furthering, among others, carbon offsetting and poverty reduction in ecologically fragile areas of developing countries. Rural households are compensated for the loss of property and business income through income transfers and potential job opportunities connected to environmental programs. While the potential pro-poor effects of such policies are well recognized, the impact of PES on extremely poor households has not been systematically reviewed. Drawing on a pooled cross-sectional dataset of 5225 households in the Province of Sichuan, this paper analyzes the income and distributional effects among poor households in rural China participating in a forest carbon sink (FCS) program. To be able to make causal inferences, we employ an Instrumental Variable (IV) approach to control for potential endogeneity and self-selection. Our results indicate a strong need to adjust the PES program: While moderately poor rural households benefit from program participation, extremely poor rural households, in fact, suffer net losses. The main reason is that income reduction resulting from limited access to forest resources is compensated mainly via wage income from participating in forest tending work. Extremely poor households with low labor ability cannot make use of these job opportunities, and thus they'll not only fail to benefit but even incur losses from a PES program. While PES programs can be a viable tool for poverty reduction in underdeveloped regions due to their overall pro-poorness, they need to be accompanied by additional benefits for extremely poor rural households to avoid net losses among marginalized population groups especially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the considerable contribution of hydropower for meeting electricity demand and meanwhile achieving free carbon emission, the rationality of hydropower exploitation needs to be reassessed in the context of hydropower curtailment being severe in some hydro-dominant areas. In this paper, a two-stage fuzzy-stochastic chance-constrained interval (TFCI) regional energy system optimization model under multiple complexities is developed for systematically assessing the rationality of existing hydropower exploitation plan, and reflecting the tradeoff between system cost and reliability for Sichuan territory where the exploitable hydropower resources rank first in China. Results showed that the degree of hydropower overcapacity would become far more severe under the real existing energy structure planning. Instead of continuously boosting hydropower exploitation, proper limitation on hydropower installed capacity expansion to make other renewable energy obtain deserved promotion can effectively reduce system cost and improve the utilization efficiency of all the renewable technologies. The highest utilization efficiency of hydropower, wind power and solar power could achieve [90%, 100%], [100%, 100%], and [100%, 100%], respectively. The obtained results also indicated that greater uncertainty about system cost may have to be faced if policymakers aim to lower risk and enhance system reliability. Suggestions are provided for eliminating the irrationality of hydropower in Sichuan and other similar hydro-dominant regions based on above mentioned conclusions. • Developing a TFCI model for the rationality of renewable energy development. • Evaluating Sichuan's hydropower exploitation from a comprehensive view. • Investigating far more severe hydropower curtailment under existing energy policy. • Suggesting proper limitation on hydropower exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Geological disasters in hilly areas are related to Land-Use and Land-Cover Changes. • The number of geological disasters in the cultivated land area is the largest. • The point density of geological disasters and vegetation coverage is limited. • Geological disasters are more likely to occur in the period of heavy rainfall. • The closer geological disaster to river, the greater probability/scale of occurrence. Sichuan hilly area is located in southwest China, which have many hilly area, is a densely populated, economically active, frequent geological disasters area. In this paper, Neijiang City in the region is taken as the test sample. This article, which analyzes Land-Use and Land-Cover Changes (LUCC), meteorological and hydrological data from 2015 to 2020, takes Neijiang City in this region as the research object. We explored the relationship between geological disasters such as collapse and landslides that often occur in the natural ecological environment with LUCC and meteorological and hydrological factors, using GIS spatial analysis and statistical analysis methods. The research results indicate that geological disasters mainly occur in farmland areas. The density of geological disaster points is highest within urban areas, making them the most prone to geological disasters. Geological disasters are more densely distributed in the area within 600 to 800 m from the river. There is a strong correlation between the average rainfall amount and the probability of geological disasters occurring. This study provides a scientific basis for the geological disaster risk assessment, prevention and control in this region. It has certain reference significance for the ecological environment governance, land resources planning and management in other similar regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The factors that affecting urban carbon emissions efficiency (CEE) are explored. • The carbon emissions of 282 cities are estimated with the aid of nighttime light data. • Urban CEE has significant and positive spatial spillover effects. • Industrial agglomeration and collaboration are key to green production efficiency. This paper explores the factors that improve the efficiency of urban carbon emissions. Based on nighttime light data, the carbon emissions of 282 cities in China from 2004 to 2018 are estimated, and the carbon emission efficiency (CEE) is measured. The spatial autocorrelation results show that CEE in Chinese cities has significant and positive spatial spillover effects. The LISA low-low type cluster area of CEE presents an evolutionary trend of westward migration, and eventually formed two low-efficiency centers in the Central Plains city group and the Sichuan-Chongqing city group. The empirical results of the spatial Durbin error model show that urban population expansion, economic growth and R&D investment have effectively improved CEE, but industrial scale and agglomeration adversely affect CEE. In addition, human capital investment and foreign investment have not exerted their due green growth effects. Manufacturing agglomeration had a negative impact on local CEE, but had a warning effect on neighboring regions. Different from the manufacturing industry, the agglomeration of producer services industry can bring significant improvement to CEE, accompanied by a demonstration effect which can promote the CEE in adjacent regions. Further, this paper finds that developing the synergy between manufacturing and producer services industries can significantly restrain the negative effects of industry on CEE. This paper enriches the performance evaluation framework of low-carbon city development in theory, and varies the situations that previous researches only concerned about carbon emissions while ignoring emissions efficiency. This paper is a beneficial policy practice of the coordinated development of economic growth and ecological environmental protection in the regional coordinated development mechanism, which indicates that strengthening industrial collaboration can effectively improve the efficiency of green production in cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordinating the relationship between the national pipeline network company and the provincial natural gas company is the most crucial contradiction in China's natural gas market reform. This paper innovatively incorporates the comprehensive evaluation method, modified spatial gravity model, and social network analysis method to investigate the regional natural gas market to solve this dilemma. The result of the case study is as follows. (1) The development of the natural gas market in China's provinces is uneven, among which resourceful provinces and eastern provinces are relatively strong. (2) The densely connected areas of the natural gas market are mainly concentrated in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze-River-Delta region, and the Sichuan-Chongqing region. (3) Our work can clarify the node attributes and different efficacy of provinces. The core provinces all belong to the net spillover block, and they are located at key positions and roles in the obtained spatial correlation network. (4) Market participants, commodity diversification and openness are the prominent factors influencing the proposed spatial correlation network. This paper's major achievement is the reasonable division of five regional natural gas markets. The conclusion can help policymakers clarify the overall natural gas market spatial pattern and provinces' market potential and functions. • This article analyzes the construction plan of regional natural gas market in China. • We builded a comprehensive quality evaluation system for the natural gas market. • We used the modified spatial gravity model to calculate the interprovincial natural gas spatial influence. • We used centrality and structural holes to analyse individual network attributes. • We applied edge-core structure and block model to analyse the overall network structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binding material is a key component of painted cultural relics, and research on binding agents ("binders") is of great significance for the study of the history and preservation of cultural artefacts. In this work, our team collected 129 painted samples from 28 ancient cultural relics located in 9 provinces of China. We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as well as immunofluorescence microscopy (IFM) to identify proteinous binders in these samples. Our results show that 51 painted samples were found to contain animal glue, 13 samples were found to contain egg ovalbumin, and 2 samples were found to contain casein. Two mural painting samples prepared in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (14–20 century AD) from the Jiazaerjia Mountain Grottoes in Sichuan province were found to contain casein, and this is the first time that casein binders were found in Chinese painted cultural relics. On top of our detection results, this paper also reports statistics on the chronology, geographical distribution, and artwork types in which organic binders are found, and provides evidence of the use of proteinous binders in Chinese painted cultural relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating reservoir storage and percolation capacities, which are closely associated with pore morphology and connectivity, is significant for the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas fields. However, ultradeep carbonate gas reservoirs have extremely high heterogeneity and complexity compared to other relatively shallow reservoirs. Therefore, investigations into all aspects of ultradeep carbonate face enormous challenges. To the best of our knowledge, no systematic study on the pore structure characteristics of ultradeep carbonate gas reservoirs has been conducted to date. In this paper, the pore structure characteristics and their effects on the gas storage and percolation capacities of the Deng IV Member gas reservoir were investigated using conventional petrophysical measurements, casting thin section analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high pressure mercury intrusion (HPMI) tests, and multiscale CT scanning analysis. The results show that the lithology of the Deng IV Member reservoir is dominated by algal clotted dolomite, algal stromatolite dolomite and algal doloarenite. The conventional petrophysical measurements indicate that the average porosity and permeability are 3.91% and 1.02 mD, respectively. However, the high porosity (8-4%) and high permeability (10–10,000 mD) intervals are developed locally. The casting thin sections, SEM and two-dimensional CT analyses identify six main types of reservoir spaces in the Deng IV Member: interparticle dissolution pores, intercrystal dissolution pores, fenestriform cavities, dissolution cavities, structural fractures and dissolution fractures. Furthermore, three types of throats, that is, necking, tubular and lamellar, were also detected. Four types of reservoirs, namely, matrix type, pore type, cavity type and fracture-cavity type, were classified according to the comprehensive analysis of HPMI data and curves. Three-dimensional pore throat network topologies were reconstructed for four types of representative core samples based on the multiscale CT scanning data and "maximum-ball" method. The distribution characteristics of pore throat radii, volumes and coordination numbers reveal the following: the reservoir space of fracture-cavity type is dominated by cavities and multiscale pore throats with the best pore-throat connectivity; the reservoir space of cavity type is primarily controlled by cavities and large-scale pore throats with moderate connectivity; the reservoir space of pore type comprises multiscale pore throats with moderate connectivity; and most areas of matrix type reservoir are occupied by rock matrix, and the pore-throat connectivity is the worst. In conclusion, the development of fractures and bedding cavities considerably improves the reservoir percolation capacity, and the development of cavities is an important supplement to the reservoir storage capacity. The reasonable combination of cavities and fractures is the basis for the efficient development of ultradeep carbonate gas reservoirs. • A variety of techniques and methods were used to characterize pore structures of a ultradeep carbonate gas reservoir. • Storage and percolation capacities of a ultradeep carbonate gas reservoir were comprehensively analyzed. • Four types of reservoirs were classified and evaluated according to the results of HPMI and multiscale CT scanning. • Reasonable combination of cavities and fractures is the key to the efficient development of ultradeep carbonate reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main target for hydrocarbon exploration of terrestrial strata in Sichuan Basin is the tight gas sandstone reservoir of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation. Xujiahe Formation in YB area is a major discovery of hydrocarbon exploration in recent years, which is characterized as tight with ultralow porosity, ultralow permeability, and intensive heterogeneity. The tectonic fractures have important influence on accumulation and productivity of gas in the area. In the paper, analysis data of outcrop, core, imaging logging and other experiments were used to determine the characteristics, formation periods and genetic mechanisms of tectonic fractures. There are mainly high-angle and low-angle shear fractures in the area, which caused by tectonic stress. The length of the fractures is mainly 0–4 m from the outcrop and 10–20 cm from the cores and fracture frequencies (number per meter) is mostly 2-7 m−1, 2-4 m−1 respectively. The fracture fillings are mainly calcite, argillaceous and carbonaceous, about 60% of the fractures is unfilled or incompletely filled. Without considering the diagenetic fractures, there are three periods of the fractures: the middle-late Yanshanian tectonic movement, the early-middle Himalaya tectonic movement and the late Himalaya tectonic movement. The first period of the fractures are mainly filled with fine calcite, homogenization temperature of inclusion is 75–85 °C and the maximum effective principal stress of paleostress is 71.64 Mpa. The second period of the fractures are half-filled (or unfilled) with coarse calcite, homogenization temperature of inclusion is 150–175 °C and the maximum effective principal stress of paleostress is 74.91 Mpa. The third period of the fractures are low filling degree and cuts formed fractures clearly, the maximum effective principal stress of paleostress is 86.52 Mpa. For these tectonic movement, there are four sets of the plane "X" shear fractures in the area: NE strike fractures, NW strike fractures, NEE strike fractures, S N strike fractures. There are one set of the profile shear fractures of NWW strike. Finally, the complex fault system of nearly N S, NW and NE strike are formed in YB area. • A new method for comprehensive study of the fracture formation period is provided. • The main fracture formation dating of Xujiahe Formation in YB area as follows: 36–176 Ma and 0.2–36.4 Ma. • There are 3 periods tectonic fractures of Xujiahe Formation and formation period of different fracture types is identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Resource-Richness Analogy Approach used in less explored reservoirs is proposed. • Genesis-Statistics Assessment Approach for heterogeneous tight oil is proposed. • The parameter criteria of lacustrine tight oil resource assessment are established. • In-place tight oil resources in China's major basins are estimated of 12.6 × 109 t. • 15 most favorable plays are outlined with in-place resources of 5.3 × 109 t. Large-scale commercial development of shale gas and tight oil resources in North American and continuous discoveries of tight oil in China lead to the recognition of the importance of assessment on tight oil resources. Based on the characteristics of China's tight oil reservoirs and exploration status, this paper discusses a workflow focusing on in-place resource evaluation. In the workflow, a Resource-Richness Analogy Approach (RR-AA) is proposed for assessment of tight oil resources in less explored areas, a Genesis-Statistics Assessment Approach (GS-AA) for lacustrine tight oil resources with strong heterogeneity and regions where more delicate assessment is required, and an EUR Analogy Approach (EUR-AA) for assessment on recoverable tight oil by fully using available EUR data of production wells. After analyzing the geological characteristics of the formation of tight oil in the Ordos, Bohai Bay, Songliao, Junggar, Sichuan and other major Basins, the distributions of essential parameters such as reservoir thickness, area and porosity have been defined, and the parameter evaluation criteria have been established. Finally, the tight oil resource potentials in the major basins in China have been evaluated using one of the three methods and the prospective areas of high resource abundance are outlined in each of basins. The results from this study show that China's tight oil resources have a large potential and good exploration future. The estimated in-place tight oil resources are 12.580 × 109 tons, mainly distributed in the Ordos, Songliao, Bohai Bay and Junggar Basins. 15 most favorable zones are proposed having in-place resources of 5.296 × 109 tons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleic acid constituents are the main functional ingredients in edible fungi, therefore understanding the nucleic acid constituents of edible fungi often eaten on the table by the Chinese people is of significant value. In this study, Sichuan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention collected 147 samples of edible fungi (including certain species that the Chinese often eat) from different parts of the Sichuan Basin. A new UPLC-QqQ/MS method has been developed to determine the 17 nucleic acid constituents in these 147 samples, including guanosine, adenosine, uridine, cytidine, inosine, thymidine, xanthosine dehydrate, 2′-deoxyguanosine, 2′-deoxyadenosine, 2′-deoxyuridine, 2′-deoxycytidine, 2′-deoxyinosine, guanosine 5′-monophosphate, adenosine 5′-monophosphate, uridine 5′-monophosphate, cytidine 5′-monophosphate, and inosine 5′-monophosphate. Finally, similarity assessment of the main edible fungus was performed using vectorial angle cosine method, and hierarchical cluster analysis was used to classify all the 147 samples. The results showed that some edible fungi have high similarities, especially in Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler, the monogenic nucleotides content of which (55.84 ± 8.4 mg/100 g) is far greater than any other edible fungus, which is directly related to its taste. For quality control, this paper proposed to use the reference values of total nucleic acid compounds in edible fungi computed by percentile threshold method. This is the first time a comprehensive evaluation of nucleic acid constituents of different edible fungi of daily consumption was conducted for a large region, and the results is conducive to the quality evaluation and quality control of edible fungus. Unlabelled Image • Developed a new UPLC-/MS method for the determination of 17 nucleic acid constituents • The similarity was assessed by vectorial angle cosine and hierarchical cluster analysis. • The reference values of total nucleic acids in each species computed by percentile threshold method. • Can be applied for quality evaluation and quality control of edible fungus [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Microstructures of the outcrop/core kerogen were systematically characterized. • Differences in chemical structure between the outcrop/core kerogen were identified. • Realistic 2D/3D molecular models of the outcrop/core kerogen were constructed. • Validity of the proposed molecular models was verified by gravimetric adsorption. • Effect of the kerogen microstructure on CH 4 adsorption behavior was investigated. It has been known that adsorbed gas, mainly CH 4 , serves as the dominant source of shale gas yield in the middle and later stages of reservoir exploitation. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the microstructure of kerogen (organic matter rich in shale) and its effect on CH 4 adsorption characteristics. In this paper, for the first time, a comparative study was conducted to experimentally characterize the microstructure of both outcrop and core kerogen samples from Longmaxi Shale, Sichuan Basin, SW China, using 13C NMR, FTIR, and XPS. Great differences in the chemical structure such as carbon skeleton (e.g. , aromaticity, aliphatic branch) and heteroatoms (e.g. , distribution and proportion of various types of functional groups) between the two kerogen samples have been identified. Molecular models of the outcrop and core kerogen samples were constructed based on the experimental data, that is, C 237 H 219 O 21 N 5 S 4 for the former and C 239 H 175 O 27 N 5 S 4 for the latter. CH 4 adsorption isotherms obtained from gravimetric adsorption test and molecular simulation using proposed kerogen molecular models are in reasonable agreement with each other, especially at low-pressure range. Interestingly, the adsorption capacity of CH 4 in the core sample is found higher than that in the outcrop sample under the same condition, indicating the effect of kerogen microstructure on CH 4 adsorption behavior. As a result, to precisely evaluate the adsorbed gas content in shale gas reservoirs, it is strongly recommended to use a core sample rather than an outcrop sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The assessment of land use change (LUC) proposals aimed at improving environmental conditions requires information regarding the relationship between actions and outcomes. Yet such information is often limited in detail, especially in developing country contexts. This paper demonstrates an approach to the estimation of farm level biophysical relationships between proposed LUC activities and their impacts on soil erosion, air quality and biodiversity in the context of a payment for environmental services (PES) auction in Sichuan Province, China. Because data at the farm level are unavailable, the models are based on divergences of each farm''s biophysical conditions from well-established regional averages. This paper focuses on the estimation of the farm-to-region divergence factors and the development of environmental outcome predictions that reflect the relative ecological significance of alternative LUC proposals. The strengths and weaknesses of the biophysical models are also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract Multiphase (adsorbed and free) liquid water that is accumulated in shale matrix pores (i.e., pore water) substantially affects the storage and transport of gas in shale. Traditionally used macroscopic parameters (e.g., initial, irreducible, mobile and clay bound water saturations) are not sufficient to describe the microdistribution characteristics and mobility of pore water in the complex porous shale matrix. In this paper, a new classification was proposed in which the pore water is composed of adsorbed and free parts, of which the latter is subdivided into capillary bound and mobile water. The components of pore water have the following features: during the centrifugation process, (a) adsorbed water is essentially immobile, while free water is potentially mobile; (b) capillary bound water is gradually transformed into mobile water with increased centrifugal pressure difference; and (c) the maximum mobile water amount is numerically equal to the free water amount. Based on the classification, an effective technique, which integrates centrifugation, water imbibition and low temperature nitrogen adsorption methods with the modified Li's adsorption ratio equation (2018), was established to quantitatively evaluate the microdistribution characteristics (adsorbed and free amounts and their ratios) and the mobility (mobile amount, potential and capacity) of pore water in marine shales from the southern Sichuan basin in China. Furthermore, the mechanism of controlling the microdistribution and mobility of pore water is analyzed with respect to the microscopic pore structure characteristics and material compositions of shales. The primary results demonstrate that (1) adsorbed and free water amounts obtained by centrifugation tests range from 5.145 to 31.282 mg/g (adsorbed) and from 7.880 to 49.751 mg/g (free); the weight ratio of adsorbed water is 0.268–0.629. (2) The mobile potential and mobile capacity of pore water are represented by the free water amount and mid-value pressure difference, respectively. A positive relationship between these two parameters occurs in the studied shales. (3) Pore microstructure characteristics of shale mainly impact the microdistribution and mobility of pore water in the shale matrix. The adsorbed water amount is closely associated with the specific surface area of pores, while the free and mobile water amounts are controlled by the pore volume. The ratios of adsorbed and free water depend on the size and morphology of pores for certain state parameters. The mobile ratio is impacted by pore complexity, which indicates that as the complexity increases, the mobile ratio decreases. The study provides significant insight into the microdistribution and mobility of pore water in gas shale matrix. Highlights • A new classification was proposed for the components of pore water. • A technique was established to evaluate the microdistribution characteristics and the mobility of pore water in shales. • Mechanism of controlling the microdistribution and mobility of pore water was analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the genesis of dolomite in Longwangmiao Formation is analysed through field investigation and geochemical methods, and dolomization model is established, which is very important for the next reservoir prediction in Longwangmiao Formation. According to the crystal size, the Longwangmiao Formation dolomite can be divided into two types: microcrystalline dolomite (MID) and macrocrystalline dolomite (MAD). Both types of dolomite have higher Al content than lime mudstone, indicating that during the deposition process of the Longwangmiao Formation, terrigenous materials are continuously mixed into the sediment, which significantly affects the geochemical characteristics of the Longwangmiao Formation. The rare earth element (REE) composition of the two types of dolomite is consistent with that of lime mudstone (LM), with an obvious δCe positive anomaly and no δEu anomaly, which is a typical distribution pattern of marine carbonate sediments. The microcrystalline dolomite has a higher Na element content, lower δ13C value, and higher δ18O value, suggesting that it is formed in a highly saline evaporation environment. Most of the macrocrystalline dolomite has a residual grain texture. The elements, as well as the isotopic geochemical characteristics of the dolomite, are consistent with those of lime mudstone, indicating that macrocrystalline dolomite is formed early and inherits the geochemical characteristics of the precursor limestone. We believe that the dolomitization model of the Longwangmiao Formation is an evaporative concentration + reflux seepage model. In the late sedimentary period of the Longwangmiao Formation, the sea level declined and a large area of lagoon appeared in the restricted and semi-restricted platform. As the evaporation and concentration continued, precursor minerals such as high-magnesium calcite and aragonite mud experienced chemical precipitation. In this process, a large amount of Ca2+ was consumed, resulting in an increase in the Mg2+/Ca2+ ratio. Then, the precursor minerals underwent dolomitization, and microcrystalline dolomite began to form. At the same time, owing to the difference in density between the high-salinity concentrated seawater and the pore water existing in the early limestone, the concentrated seawater flowed back and penetrated downward, causing the dolomitization of the underlying strata, and then the formation of macrocrystalline dolomite. The degree of dolomitization was mainly affected by the development degree of the granule beach and the thickness of the strata. • The highlights of this article are as follows: • This paper provides a case study of terrigenous clastic dolomite. • This paper analyses the genesis of the dolomites of Longwangmiao Formation and establishes a dolomitization model. • We analysed a large number of samples and provided basic geochemical data for Longwangmiao Formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Based on the conception and theory of Integrated Ecosystem Management, this paper worked out a set of spatial function planning methods for Giant Panda Habitat in Qionglai Mountains in Sichuan. In this paper, According to the regional ecological sensitivity, the relationship between ecosystem functions and services, Giant Panda Habitat in Baoxing County, one of key areas of Giant Panda Habitat in Qionglai Mountains, was divided into 4 types of main function regions: the optimized development, the major development, the restricted development and the prohibition development, and each of these four types of planning regions could be as some criteria for evaluating effectiveness of management performance of local government. The research show that the spatial function planning of IEM works out a new for harmonious development between human and nature in the Giant Panda habitat. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Rural renewable energy construction is entry point and foothold for implementing the rural revitalization strategy. • While promoting rural energy development, we should solve the problem of rural dirty and messy. • Build a comprehensive rural space integrating leisure agriculture. At present, rural areas in China have problems such as poor living environment, shortage of facilities, and industrial disappointment. They still use the concept and strategy of urban planning and design to manage the rural areas, which leads to the rural planning results become empty shells, which is time-consuming and laborious, but does not bring practical use to the improvement of rural life. The purpose of this paper is to better implement the rural revitalization strategy, more scientifically guide the beautiful rural construction, and more effectively restore the rural vitality. Based on the strategy of beautiful village planning under the background of rural revitalization strategy, this paper takes Shuanglongqiao Village, Fengming Town, Xichong County, Sichuan Province as the empirical research object, and comprehensively applies research methods such as literature inquiry, on-site investigation and comparative analysis. Firstly, the paper puts forward the background of rural revitalization strategy and the concept of beautiful rural planning. Based on the theory and practice of beautiful rural planning at home and abroad, it analyzes the guiding significance and enlightenment of these theories and practices on beautiful rural planning. And further reflect on the concept and strategy of planning and construction of beautiful villages; then, in combination with national policies, profoundly analyze the scientific connotation of rural revitalization strategy, on this basis, comprehensively analyze the requirements of rural revitalization strategy for beautiful rural construction, and then combine with rural planning The characteristics of the compilation system of urban planning, and the basic strategies of beautiful rural planning under the background of rural revitalization strategy. Finally, combined with the characteristics of the village and the construction needs, the paper summarizes the planning strategies suitable for the development needs and village characteristics of Shuanglongqiao Village under the background of rural revitalization strategy. On the basis of previous studies, this paper comprehensively interprets the scientific connotation of rural revitalization strategy, and conducts summative research on beautiful rural planning. It hopes to refine some beautiful rural planning concepts and strategies, and other similar Shuanglongqiao villages under the background of rural revitalization strategy. The beautiful village planning provides a new perspective and also provides some experience in building practices in other villages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clumped isotope thermometry is an effective tool which allows to understand the post-depositional alteration, including recrystallization and solid-state reordering, of carbonate rocks. However, as both processes are controlled by elevated temperatures, it is frequently a challenge to distinguish between the relative importance of these two processes in deeply buried carbonate successions (depth > 5000 m or formation temperature > 150°C). In this paper, we have established a clumped isotopic framework of paired dolomite and calcite in order to decipher the relative influence of solid-state reordering versus recrystallization and consequently offer an improved understanding of the mechanisms involved. The material studied was derived from two deeply buried successions (Jurassic-Ediacaran) drilled in the central Sichuan Basin of South China. The calcite and dolomite minerals from these cores were separated using buffered acetic acid, and based on a two-component mixing model, the carbon, oxygen and clumped isotopic (Δ 47) compositions of the two endmembers were determined. Based on an evaluation of solid-state reordering models, we conclude that micritic carbonates (dolomite and calcite) from the Jurassic to the Cambrian have been altered during burial by the geothermal gradient as determined by vitrinite reflectance. The Ediacaran micritic dolomite records a hydrothermal event in the transition between the Ediacaran and Cambrian. In contrast, the clumped isotopic temperature of Ediacaran saddle dolomites reflects subsequent hydrothermal activity during the Silurian and Devonian and shows compositional variations controlled by cooling rates. This study highlights the utility of the theoretical framework based on paired dolomite and calcite records to untangle overprinted signals of clumped isotopes in ancient carbonate rocks and gives insight to better understand the complexity of alteration processes in deeply burial carbonate successions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caprock sealing ability is one of the key geological factors to ensure the stable and safe operation of the underground gas storage (UGS). Gypsum salt rock is the high-quality caprock for oil and gas reservoirs, however, the effect of cyclic stress on its sealing capacity is still unclear, which restricts the construction progress of this kind of UGS. Therefore, taking the H UGS in the Sichuan Basin in China as an example, this paper analyzes the initial sealing capacity of gypsum salt caprock using cast thin section, conventional physical property test, nuclear magnetic resonance and breakthrough pressure tests. On this basis, study the variation characteristics of physical and mechanical parameters of gypsum salt caprock under cyclic stress using cyclic stress loading and unloading experiment, and then analyze the evolution law of its sealing capacity. The results show that gypsum salt caprocks of H UGS can be used as a good tight caprock with the porosity less than 1.0%, permeability less than 0.005 mD, breakthrough pressure greater than 6.0 MPa and triaxial compressive strength greater than 210 MPa. In addition, the physical properties of gypsum salt caprock become worse and the sealing capacity increases under cyclic stress, and physical and mechanical changes of gypsum salt caprock mainly occur in the first 30 cycles accounting for about 75%. Moreover, with the increase of cycles, the Poisson's ratio increases by 88% while the change range of elastic modulus is only 6.4%, indicating that gypsum salt caprocks mainly expands laterally and still maintain good elasticity. However, when the cycle times reach a certain threshold of 1002, the cumulative plastic strain of gypsum salt rock will become larger and larger until fracture. And the gypsum salt caprocks can be effective cover in the 184 cycles of loading and unloading with the maximum pressure threshold of 18 MPa and minimum pressure threshold of 1 MPa. This research results can provide theoretical guidance for cap rock stability analysis and operation parameter design of gas reservoir. • The variation characteristics of physical and mechanical parameters of gypsum salt caprock under cyclic stress were analyzed • The gypsum salt caprock is dominant by the compaction of pores and microcracks and mainly occur in the first 30 cycles. • The damage variables are defined from the perspective of energy, and the fatigue life of gypsum rock is 1002 times. • The sealing capacity of the gypsum salt caprock gradually increases with the process of cyclic loading and unloading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an institutional innovation in the market-oriented reform of China's energy sector, the policy effect of energy consumption license transaction (ECPT) is still lack of research. The pilot provinces of energy market-oriented reform are relatively scattered. Therefore, this paper aims to evaluate the spillover effect and regional differences of ECPT, so as to make up for the lack of research on China's market-oriented energy reform. Results show that ECPT has inhibitory effects on energy consumption and energy intensity. In addition, ECPT can reduce energy consumption and energy intensity in neighboring areas. The policy effect of ECPT shows the characteristics of strengthening with the evolution of time. Foreign trade, industrial structure and technological progress are the paths for ECPT policies to promote energy transformation. The implementation effect of ECPT shows significant regional differences, which has a significant role in promoting the energy transformation of Henan and Sichuan. Therefore, the central government must ensure the continuity of energy market-oriented reforms to release long-term policy dividends. Pilot provinces should not only play the role of domestic regional energy-saving cooperation, but also strengthen foreign trade and technological innovation to promote energy transformation. • ECPT has an obvious inhibitory effect on energy consumption and energy intensity. • ECPT has the spillover effect of energy saving on neighboring provinces. • The long-term effects of ECPT are stronger than the short-term effects. • Foreign trade, industrial upgrading and technological progress are the mechanisms. • The effect of ECPT shows significant heterogeneity in different pilot provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the Guideline of Strengthen Preservation and Development of Traditional Village enacted, the traditional villages gradually gain academic concern and many achievements are acquired. But the study about outdoor wind environment is still insufficient. In this paper, the outdoor wind environment of Liyuanba Village in Bazhong City of Sichuan Province – a typical traditional village in the northeastern Sichuan Basin, is simulated by CFD methods. According to the simulation result, the outdoor wind environment in winter is comfortable for people in general, but there are still eddies and corner flows in some areas. To improve the outdoor wind environment, the suggestions such as changing the direction of courtyard and building are put forward. Furthermore, the optimization is also simulated and these two simulation results are compared in the end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An optimization of eco-industrial structure considering economy-society-ecology. • A multi-objective optimization model meeting three dimensional objectives is built. • The hybrid ACO-PSO algorithm is applied to solve the model. • Optimized scenarios realize overall development of economic-social-ecological benefits. • The optimized scenarios with different tendencies promote different benefits. The establishment of ecological economic system has become the key to realize the transformation of China's economy from high-speed development to high-quality development. This paper considers the multiple goals of economic, social, and ecological benefits to achieve sustainable development. Firstly, it establishes an indicator system affecting economic, social, and ecological benefits to guide the construction of the subsequent model. Secondly, this study constructs a multi-objective optimization model for ecological industrial structure. According to the different emphasis of objectives, a hybrid approach based on ant colony optimization and particle swarm optimization (ACO-PSO) is implemented to solve the optimal solution set of feasible schemes. Finally, Sichuan Province is selected as the case study area, and three scenarios including economic oriented scenario, employment protection scenario and environment-friendly scenario are screened and analyzed. The results show that: (1) After reasonable optimization and adjustment of the industrial structure, it realizes the overall development of economic benefits, social benefits, and ecological benefits. The comprehensive benefits of sustainable development have been significantly improved. (2) The optimized scenarios with different tendencies promote different benefits. Decision makers can make better choices based on the diverse needs of the different development stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The desorption mechanism of oil from the nano-micro pores was studied. • The oil is desorbed when the particle self-rotation speed is faster than the critical speed. • When the inlet flow rate increased, the particle self-rotation speed increased, which could strengthen the desorption process. To realize the harmless treatment and resource recycling of oily shale cuttings, the most important step is to desorb the oil phase from the pores of the cuttings. The desorption treatment must overcome the capillary force and viscous resistance inside the pores. This paper discusses a cyclone oil desorption technology. The particles of the oily shale cuttings in the swirl field generated by the cyclone will have high-speed self-rotation, thus providing sufficient centrifugal forces that separate the phase oil from the pores. The critical speed of such self-rotation for the desorption of oil phase in pores of particles was analyzed using mechanical formula, and the distribution of particle self-rotation speed in the cyclone was calculated and simulated. We collected shale cutting samples from the Sichuan shale gas field in China. Experiments were conducted to observe the changes in the porosity and oil content of the cuttings before and after cyclone desorption treatment. The results show that the particle self-rotation in the cyclone can effectively achieve the oil phase desorption from the particle pores. For the shale cuttings in the experiments, when the particle self-rotation speed is faster than the critical self-rotation speed of 507 rad/s, the oil phase in the particle pores can be desorbed. When the inlet flow rate is between 55 m3/h − 95 m3/h, the particle self-rotation speed is faster than the required critical self-rotation speed. As the inlet flow rate increases, the particle self-rotation speed in the cyclone also increases, which generates better desorption effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nb-Ta-Zr-Hf-REY-Ga mineralization in the Late Permian coals in southwestern China has been well investigated by several studies and has generally been attributed to alkaline pyroclastics coupled with input from hydrothermal fluids. The Late Triassic is one of the important coal-forming periods but the critical element mineralization in coals of this geological age has not been well documented. In this paper, the mechanism of Nb-Ta-Zr-Hf-REE-Ga-Th-U mineralization in the K5 coal seam of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation from the Gaosheng Mine, Sichuan Basin, southwestern China, was investigated. The K5 coal is a high-ash, low-sulfur, and low-volatile bituminous coal. The minerals in this coal include illite, kaolinite, quartz, and, to a lesser extent, anatase, calcite, chamosite, bassanite, and pyrite, along with traces of ankerite, rutile, and zircon. Compared with the averages of common world hard coals, the studied coals are enriched in critical elements including Zr (247 ppm), Hf (5.56 ppm), Nb (23 ppm), Ta (1.55 ppm), rare earth elements and yttrium (REY, 168 ppm), Ga (18.3 ppm), Th (14.1 ppm), and U (6.18 ppm) (all on a whole coal basis). The Al 2 O 3 /TiO 2 ratios, Eu anomalies, and the relationships of Al 2 O 3 /TiO 2 vs. Zr/TiO 2 and Nb/Yb suggest that the sediment-source rocks of the Gaosheng coals were Neoproterozoic and Early-Middle Triassic felsic-intermediate igneous rocks from the southeastern Qinling and Longmenshan Orogens, along with the Hannan and Micangshan-Dabashan Uplifts. Other probable sources are contemporaneous felsic-intermediate pyroclastics from the Late Triassic volcanic areas around the Sichuan Basin (i.e., East Kunlun Orogen, West Qinling Orogen, and East Tibetan Plateau). The relationships of Al 2 O 3 /TiO 2 vs. Zr/Al 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 /TiO 2 vs. Nb/Al 2 O 3 , Ga/Al 2 O 3 , and Al 2 O 3 /TiO 2 vs. LREY/Al 2 O 3 further indicate that the elevated concentrations of Nb(Ta)-Zr(Hf)-REY-Ga in the Gaosheng coal are probably sourced from both the erosion of sediment-source regions and contemporaneous pyroclastics. The illite-kaolinite aggregates with a vermicular texture and authigenic illite, quartz, anatase, pyrite, calcite, ankerite, barite, and REE-rich minerals, REY distribution patterns, as well as elemental variation trends of the coal seam, collectively indicate that the studied coals were likely influenced by multiple-stage infiltration of various solutions. These solutions leached the fresh pyroclastics and products of erosion derived from granites in the sediment-source regions, leading to redistribution of the critical elements (e.g., Zr, Nb, and HREY) between the roof, floor, and parting mudstones and the coal benches. The concentrations of (Nb,Ta) 2 O 5 , (Zr,Hf) 2 O 5 , and Ga in the coals are 107, 1093, and 57.6 ppm, respectively, close to or higher than the marginal grade of conventional ore deposits for these elements, and thus the Gaosheng coals have potential as raw materials for the recovery of the critical metals Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, and Ga. [Display omitted] • The coal contains elevated concentrations of Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, REE, Ga, Th, and U. • The sediment-source region of the coals was felsic-intermediate igneous rocks. • Elevated concentrations of critical elements in coal due to products of erosion and pyroclastics. • The coals are likely influenced by the multiple-stage infiltration of acid solutions. • The acid solutions leached the fresh pyroclastic and terrigenous materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Discovery of women's leadership roles as rescuers, decision makers and breadwinners. • Empowering women's leadership will reduce vulnerability and advance resiliency. • Supporting gender equality engagement for communities affected by disasters. • Examination of women's leadership at three post-disaster stages of their lifespans. Community engagement in disaster risk reduction activities assists women to discover and build their capacity for leadership before, during, and after disaster. In the study of the entire process after an extreme event, previous research has been scarce in the examination of women of different ages' capacities of engagement, leadership, and resilience. Developed during 10 years of ongoing research after the Wenchuan earthquake, this paper employs qualitative research methodology that scrutinizes women's leadership at different stages of their lifespans during all the post-disaster stages (emergency rescue, short-term reconstruction, and long-term recovery and mitigation) that took place after the Wenchuan earthquake, in the rural areas of Sichuan Province, China. This paper discovers that (1) during the emergency rescue stage, women became rescuers augmenting and supporting the urgent response; (2) during the short-term reconstruction stage, women served as decision makers guiding the reconstruction of housing and communities; and (3) during the long-term recovery and mitigation stage, many women took on the role of breadwinner, managing the family livelihood and long-term development. From the perspective of built environment, this paper argues that women's leadership in managing existing and obtaining new resources (internal and external), in parallel effort alongside the official missions, not only strengthened the men's dominant aftermath efforts, but also promoted gender equity engagement in post-disaster reconstruction and recovery as well as powerfully advanced resilience capacity at individual, family, and community levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The casing deformation problems during hydraulic fracturing process in shale gas wells seriously affect multi-stage hydraulic fracturing treatment and cause significant impact on efficient exploitation of shale gas in Sichuan, China. But by now, the mechanism of these casing deformation problems has not been completely understood. The tests of the casing deformation show that the shear failure is the main type of casing deformation. Combined with the detected seismic data, the fault slip caused by hydraulic fracturing is identified as the main reason for casing deformation in shale gas wells. A deep understanding of fault reactivation and slip is significant important. Hence, a semi-analytical model for calculating induced stress along the fault caused by hydraulic fracture is established in this paper. Based on the induced stress along the fault, semi-analytical models for calculating two types of fault slip are established, including the reactivated zone located at one fault tip and the reactivated zone located away from fault tips. Additionally, the effects of fluid pressure, dip angle of fault, scale of fluid stimulated area and the friction coefficient on fault slippage are discussed. At last, the method for calculating fault slippage proposed in this paper is applied in field and the calculated result is consistent with the field data. The semi-analytical model proposed in this paper provides a reasonable way for identifying casing deformation in shale gas wells or other wells which need hydraulic fracturing treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The shale gas resource potential of the Longmaxi Formation was evaluated by using mud gas isotope logging technology. • The reservoir properties of shale were evaluated based on gas isotope fractionation effects. • The shale gas in the Changning area belongs to late kerogen cracking gas. • The lower part of the Longmaxi Formation has a better shale gas exploration potential. The Longmaxi Formation in the Sichuan Basin is one of the most important shale gas producing formations in China. Previous studies of shale gas were mostly carried out on based on laboratory analyses and did not provide effective guidelines for shale gas exploration. In this paper, we present a large amount of carbon isotopic data from mud gas isotope logging and rock-cutting headspace gas in wellsites. The δ13C 1 values showed a significant decrease at the bottom of the Longmaxi Formation. The δ13C 1 and δ13C 2 values in the Changning area were observed to be heavier than those in the Weiyuan and Jiaoshiba areas. The second half of the N216H27-3 horizontal well had obvious outgassing and carbon isotope fractionation effects. This indicates that the bottom of the Longmaxi Formation has better shale gas exploration potential. The shale gas of the Longmaxi Formation in the Changning area belongs to late kerogen cracking gas, where exploration prospects are poorer than those in the Weiyuan and Jiaoshiba areas. There were more oil cracking gas resources and better reservoir conditions at the end of the N216H27-3 horizontal well; therefore, drilling should be continued at this site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We address a less studied topic: states' cultural response to disasters. • We propose a perspective based on the cultural sociology of the state and cultural theories of trauma, theodicy, and performance. • States' cultural response is " performance ": states project their definitions of situation of disasters and construct their positive self-images when interacting with the publics. • The efficacy of their performance depends on how effectively states' address the key components of the " nomos " or " meaning structure " about catastrophes and suffering and how this performance is influenced by their political structures. • Our theoretical perspective is illustrated in a comparative study of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake in China and the 2005 Hurricane Katrina in the US. • The findings also speak to an enduring debate over whether democratic or authoritarian regimes perform better in disaster responses. The sociology of disaster has paid scant attention to states' cultural response—states' effort to use meaningful narratives and symbolic actions to address issues about citizens' suffering and death to enhance their legitimacy and secure citizens' support. Our paper starts to address this gap by asking: How do states culturally respond to massive disasters? How effective are their responses? What can explain the efficacy of their cultural responses? We propose a perspective based on the cultural sociology of the state and cultural theories of trauma, theodicy, and performance. We illustrate this perspective in a comparative study of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake in China and the 2005 Hurricane Katrina in the United States. We argue that the efficacy of their cultural responses depended on whether and how effectively they addressed the key components of the meaning structure of disasters through compassionate reaction to citizens' suffering and death, convincing accounts of states' accountability, and cogent narratives about the long-term consequences of disasters on citizens. Both states struggled to address these issues at various points in their respective disasters, and their cultural responses were shaped by their political structures. The findings also speak to an enduring debate over whether democratic or authoritarian regimes perform better in disaster responses. We eschew the exclusive focus of the debate on administrative responses and its simplistic correlation between regime type and responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total organic carbon (TOC) content is significant for "sweet spots" prediction and resource calculation. Traditional physical methods and machine learning methods, however, only use labeled samples (core TOC samples and well logging data) to predict TOC, resulting in a performance bottleneck. Meanwhile, many oilfields have considerable unlabeled data (well logging data). Therefore, this paper proposed a pretrain-and-finetune few-shot learning framework, called Contrastive Learning-Convolutional Neural Network (CL-CNN), to predict TOC using unlabeled data. CL has been a research hotspot in unsupervised learning in recent years, with the principle of reducing the distance between similar samples and increasing the distance between different samples in the feature space. CNN is distinguished by its strong generalization ability and high prediction accuracy, as well as its local connectivity and weight sharing. The CL-CNN model first uses CL to pretrain the initial parameters of the CNN model on a large number of unlabeled datasets and then finetunes the resultant CNN model using the labeled data. The framework combines the advantages of CL and CNN to further improve the prediction accuracy and generalization ability. The proposed method was applied to predict the TOC of shale gas in the Sichuan Basin, China, using 121 core samples and 1224 well logging data from the JY 10 well (121 logging data for supervised learning and 1103 logging data for unsupervised learning). Besides, JY 10–10 well data were used to validate the CL-CNN model. Experimental results demonstrated that the CL-CNN model outperformed many machine learning methods, including the support vector machine (SVM), Gaussian process regression (GPR), random forest (RF), and CNN models, indicating the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. Because of this, the CL-CNN model can also be used as a general prediction tool for reservoir parameters such as porosity and permeability. • Contrastive learning was used to learn the general attributes of the unlabeled data. • Contrastive learning-convolutional neural network (CL-CNN) was proposed to predict TOC content. • Unsupervised pretraining and supervised finetuning were used for few-shot TOC prediction. • CL-CNN obtained promising results for predicting TOC and outperformed many methods. • The plane distribution of TOC in the study area was predicted by CL-CNN accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Analysis of the techno-economic pathways to net-zero emission attainment in China. • Analysis of peak carbon emission and carbon neutrality by year 2030 and 2050. • Solar PV, biomass, hydro, and wind power are considered for 100 % decarbonization. • River hydro is constructed considering dry, normal, and wet years. • Carbon emission is reduced by 13.26% to 15.3% between 2030 and 2050. With the imminent acute problems and the harsh reality of climate change, many countries/groups of countries have developed policies to reduce their carbon emission. At the end of 2020, the Chinese government announced a revised policy that will see the country attain carbon neutrality by 2060 and peak emission by 2030. This study aims to determine the techno-economic requirements for net-zero emission attainment in China. The models created are used to explicate the 100% integration of renewable energy into the energy systems in a Province in China considering the years 2030 and 2050. This study is novel as it aggregates the detailed requirements of all the energy sectors and the government policies for the case study. While the approach presented in this paper is applied specifically to Sichuan Province, China, the application of this method is limitless as it is vast and viable for other countries. This study can also serve as a template for many high carbon-emitting countries with sizeable RE potential. The total energy demand in the case study is summarized under three sectors; electricity, industry, and transport. Following the government policies, renewable energy sources such as wind power, solar PV, river hydro, and biomass are considered for 100% decarbonization of the case study. River hydro being the predominant renewable energy source in this region is constructed considering three levels of hydro (dry, normal, and wet) years. The 2017 energy demand and supply data are first used to develop/validate the model on the EnergyPLAN simulation platform, then the 2030 proposed pathway to peak carbon emission by the government is analyzed. Three innovative pathways to net-zero emission attainment by 2050 are proposed in this study considering the additional use of biomass (BIO model), pumped hydro storage (EES model), and the import of clean electricity from neighboring provinces (IMP model). Based on the analyses in this study, the proposed pathway by the government cannot achieve net-zero emission by 2050, however, the three optimized strategies/models presented in this study show a clearer and faster path to decarbonization. Carbon emission will reduce by 13.26 %, 14.77%, and 15.3 % between 2030 and 2050 reference models for the dry, normal, and wet year scenarios respectively. From the three optimization models, the total cost of the import model was the lowest under different scenarios. Therefore, the economic feasibility of this approach proves the superiority of the import model in terms of economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon emissions in air travel have attracted widespread attention with the fast development of the aviation sector. Currently, biofuel usage has the potential to curb these emissions due to the bottleneck of other aircraft emission reduction technologies. This paper studies carbon tax policy-induced air travel carbon emission reduction and biofuel usage in China considering the interactive relationship between an authority and multiple airlines by a bi-level model and an interactive solution approach. Then a case study based on airlines from southern China's Sichuan Province is conducted to explore useful insights, with scenario analyses being performed. The computational results indicate that the policy could be useful for air travel carbon emission reduction and biofuel usage improvement in China. These results and analyses provide insights to the authority for the tradeoffs between policy equity and carbon emissions reduction effectiveness, and airlines for profitability. • Carbon tax policy-induced air travel carbon emission reduction in China is studied. • A bi-level model considering interaction of an authority and airlines is developed. • Trade-off between the effectiveness and equity of the carbon tax policy is analyzed. • A case study based on airlines in China is provided to explore useful insights. • The policy plays a vital role in carbon emission reduction and biofuel usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distinctive features of the Lower Devonian rocks of the Longmenshan area in southwestern China are brachiopod shell concentrations, especially in the Bailiuping, Ganxi and Xiejiawan Formations, where brachiopod shell concentrations occur widely throughout. Depending on the dominant skeletal elements, six types of shell concentrations can be distinguished: Protochonete , Acrospirifer , Howellella , Orientospirifer , polyspecific shell and polyspecific fragments concentrations. According to the shell features, taphonomic signature, host sediments and their relationships, four genetic models of the various shell concentrations are described in this paper. The genetic processes and distributions along an onshore–offshore area were clarified on the base of taphonomic analysis. Pavements of opportunistic species of Protochonetes are autochthonous assemblages living in quieter, deeper, more offshore waters near the maximum storm wave base. The pavements are the result of reduced sedimentation; the substrate was silty and water-saturated with variable turbidity soupy-mud. Transport by high-energy processes is interpreted as the final formation process of polyspecific fragments concentrations with most extensive scope from intertidal zone to the maximum storm wave base. The Acrospirifer , Howellella , and Orientospirifer concentrations have been stirred by storm wave action and quickly buried after short transport tempestite model. They are most easily preserved around the average storm wave-base. The polyspecific shell concentrations, which include large bivalves are autochthonous assemblages living in shallow and relatively quieter water near shore environments. Autochthonous assemblages of the opportunist Protochonetes bailiupingensis occurring in the Bailiuping Formation of the Longmenshan area not only record of storm events, but are also important features to identify and correlate the Bailiuping Formation in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fold-and-thrust belt in the eastern Sichuan basin is represented by a series of subparallel chevron anticlines. Under the orogenic tectonic setting within the South China Block in Meso-Cenozoic period and the influence of the multi-layer detachment fault, the deformation of the thrust belt exhibits remarkably layered and large-scale intracontinental thrusting structural characteristics. In this paper, we focus on the structural geometry and deformational mechanisms using the latest two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) seismic reflection data in combination with well and outcrop data. The multi-layer detachment faults, especially the upper gypsum-bearing detachment in the Middle Triassic Jialingjiang Formation and lower detachment with gypsum or shale in the Lower–Middle Cambrian system, directly control the deformational styles of the study area. Interpretation of seismic sections indicates that the fold-and-thrust belt has various deformational styles during folding, including fault-propagation fold, fault-bend fold, and detachment fold with box-fold or pop-up structural geometry. Regional location and structural boundaries play significant roles in controlling the deformational styles, and distinct differences exist among the different anticlines. The Huayingshan anticline located at the front of the thrust belt shows intense structural deformation with northwestward thrusting direction and a relatively weak opposite southeastward thrusting. In addition, the anticlines exhibit structural differences along strike and the fold-and-thrust belt in the northern segment is influenced by the North China Block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality reservoirs in the third member of Lower Triassic Feixianguan Formation in the Jiannan area are exclusively restricted to dolostone, which makes it essential to understand origin of porosity in dolostone. However, the studies on the porosity origin of the dolostone in the Jiannan area are rare, and its origin is still controversial. In the paper, the formation mechanisms of porosity in replacement dolostones ever proposed worldwide are summarized, and they can be divided into two main categories based on the formation time of porosity relative to the dolomitization process: syndolomitization and postdolomitization origin. Studies on well cores that have been dolomitized to varying degrees indicate that the porosity in dolostones in the Jiannan area is a syndolomitization origin which is intimately associated with the dolomitization process, depending mainly on the degrees of dolomitization. Four stages of porosity evolution, each with distinctive petrographic and petrophysical properties, were distinguished. In initial stage of dolomitization (stage I), dolomite was formed mainly by volume for volume replacement with porosity constant or slight decrease due to external carbonate source added. In the next stages of progressive dolomitization (stage II), only minor intercrystalline pores were developed and the porosity slightly increased. In more advanced stage (stage III), abundant intercrystalline, as well as some vuggy pores, were formed by selectively dissolution of residual microcrystalline calcites and micritized grains, and the porosity remarkably increased with increasing dolomite content. In the most advanced stage (stage IV), dolomite cements were precipitated in pre-exiting pores in dolostone, resulting in varying decrease in porosity and permeability. Carbonates that must proceed at least in the stage III have the high porosity, while the dolostones in the stage II-2 that display similar rock frameworks only have a minor increase in porosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]