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The negative effect of a currency appreciation on a country's exports may be attenuated as its export basket becomes more sophisticated. This paper investigates whether exchange rate changes affect China's exports differently depending on their sophistication levels, as measured by the Product Complexity Index (PCI). We estimate exchange rate elasticities for 1242 export categories disaggregated at the HS‐4‐digit level from 1995 to 2018 using bilateral trade data between China and 190 partner economies. Results indicate that exchange rate fluctuations have negative effects on China's export values, and exchange rate effects are less for more sophisticated exports. This decreasing of exchange rate elasticities for more sophisticated exports holds even when controlling for tariffs. The evidence also shows that, as China has upgraded its export basket over time, the impact of exchange rates on exports has become smaller and less significant. Moreover, the effect of exchange rate related policies on export values via the exchange rate is smaller and less significant for China's more sophisticated exports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the zonal geochemistry and elasticity characteristics of gallium- and lithium-rich No. 6 coalbed in the Haerwusu mine and discusses interpretation methodologies of coal-hosted gallium and lithium resources using lab-measured samples and field-measured wireline logs. The results demonstrate that both coal-composition-based and elastic-parameter-based classifications yield similar results, categorizing the coalbed into subzones related to coal quality. Material compositions, elastic properties, critical metals, and host minerals exhibit zonal distribution characteristics within the ultrathick No. 6 coalbed. Three-class classifications significantly enhance correlations among host minerals, elastic parameters, and critical metals, albeit with differing trends among classes. In classes II and III (ultralow- and low-ash-yield coals), boehmite and kaolinite primarily host gallium and lithium, respectively. In class I (medium-ash-yield coal), gallium is associated with kaolinite, while lithium lacks specific mineral associations. Constrained by wireline logs, a rock physics modeling strategy is proposed to link mesoscale coal compositions to macroscale elastic responses. Moreover, explicit correlations between host minerals and critical metals are established, connecting macroscale elastic responses to microscale gallium and lithium enrichments and exploring interpretation methods of coal-hosted critical metals. Preferred lithium interpretation methods include compositional ternary plots and elastic parameter cross plots, while preferred gallium interpretation methods involve boehmite-gallium and elastic parameter-gallium fitting. These findings may contribute to understanding the enrichment mechanisms and interpretation technologies of coal-hosted critical metals in ultrathick low-rank coalbeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy is one of the critical factors for economic growth, and carbon emissions are by-products of energy use that degrade environmental quality. This research thus establishes an index of eco-output elasticity of energy consumption to find an eco-friendly production stage in which not only output increases, but also energy consumption degrades. Our observation subject is China, which employs its own energy intensity index to monitor the nexus of economy, energy, and environment. While its energy intensity index is unable to point out the eco-friendly production stage, the index of eco-output elasticity of energy consumption herein does. This paper offers three main empirical findings on China: (i) it presents an eco-friendly production stage from 2012 to 2013; (ii) it has better improvement on energy savings than CO2 reduction; and (iii) in general, its status quo is still high energy consumption, but this phenomenon is improving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: China's labor share has declined since late 1990s. Using the methodology developed by Oberfield and Raval, this paper estimates China's aggregate capital‐labor elasticity of substitution, leveraging the estimated micro‐level elasticities. The findings indicate that China's aggregate capital‐labor elasticity falls within the range of 0.9 to 1. Utilizing this estimated aggregate elasticity for labor share decomposition, we find that the bias of technical change emerges as the predominant factor driving the decline in labor share. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seismic petrophysics is an important link between seismic elastic properties and reservoir physical properties. Based on the petrological and microstructure characteristics of shale in the Qingshankou formation of Sanzhao sag in the north of Songliao Basin, this paper presents an anisotropy petrophysical model with complex pore structure suitable for organic shale constructed with the use of the Voigt-Reuss-Hill average model, an anisotropy self-consistent approximation+differential effective medium model, and the layering of clay and kerogen is simulated by using the Voigt-Reuss-Hill average and bond transform to achieve the simulation of shale anisotropy. Based on the proposed model, the effects of the organic volume fraction, porosity, and pore aspect ratio on rock elastic properties are discussed. The result shows that with the increase of matrix porosity, all elastic parameters show a decreasing trend; with the increase of the organic volume fraction, except shear modulus, other elastic parameters show an increasing trend. Through comparative analysis, the elastic parameters (Lamé impedance and Shear impedance) sensitive to the organic volume fraction and porosity are optimized; the seismic petrophysical cross-plot template with core calibration is constructed. The application shows that the predicted S-wave velocity based on the proposed model is in good agreement with the S-wave velocity derived from dipole source logging. Combined with the high-precision prestack elastic parameter inversion, the "sweet spot" characteristics can be well described, and the research could contribute to a better "sweet spot" description and provide a better support for shale exploration in Sanzhao sag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The induced traffic model is an essential component of travel demand analysis, which has been primarily researched with elasticity models in the United States and U.K. This paper aims tofind the most suitable elasticity model based on the set of panel data regarding annual observations of 30 cities and provinces across China (except Chongqing city) for the years 1990 to 2010. To derive the ideal elasticity model, several basic elasticity models are included; among them are the elasticity-based model, distributed lag model, growth model, and fixed-effect model. Advanced elasticity models, such as the three stages of least squares (3SLS) are also discussed. According to relative researches and data collection, any increase of passenger kilometers of transport (PKT) with the growth of lane kilometers is considered induced traffic and is routinely used as such in this paper. Lane kilometers in China are found to have a statistically significant relationship with PKT measurements of approximately 0.026-0.274 in the short term and 0.367-0.773 in the long term. Population and gross regional product (GRP) numbers are also considered in basic elasticity models. Based on the detailed analysis of empirical results, the 3SLS is judged as the best suitable model for China. It can reflect the time effect, consider endogenous variables (including congestion and vehicle stock), and eliminate the simultaneity bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mediate-low maturity continental shale oil reservoir in the 7th member of the Triassic Yanchang Formation is one of the main zones for shale oil exploration and development in Ordos Basin, China, but the seismic response mechanism of the reservoir remains unclear. Therefore, developing a new method for "sweet spot" seismic prediction combined with rock physics is necessary. To determine the petrophysical characteristics of continental shale in the 7th member of the Yanchang Formation in the study area, a series of tests, such as a systematic acoustic test on shale oil samples in the target segment, X-ray diffraction analyses, analysis of thin optical sections, and scanning electron microscopy, were conducted to summarize the patterns of seismic elastic property changes. Results show that the shale oil samples of the 7th member of the Yanchang Formation are primarily composed of lithic feldspar sandstone with feldspar dissolution and intergranular pores, widespread micron pores, and throats. Such composition indicates a positive correlation between porosity and permeability. The velocities of the samples are affected by their porosity and mineral composition. Velocity increases with the increase of the calcium content and decreases with the increase of the clay content, indicating a negative correlation with the porosity and total organic carbon (TOC) content on the condition of the same rock structure (quartz skeleton or clay skeleton). The elastic properties of the rock are horizontally isotropic (T1 medium), and the velocity is vertically anisotropic. In addition, the directional arrangement of clay controls the anisotropy of rock velocity. TOC is mainly distributed in the primary intergranular pores, and it has no contribution to the anisotropy of rock velocity. The results of this paper can provide a reference for the seismic prediction of continental shale oil reservoirs in the 7th member of the Yanchang Formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migrant workers in China are experiencing social isolation caused by institutional and non-institutional barriers. This paper explores the relationship between social isolation and migrants' smoking behavior as well as gender differences in smoking. Migrants' social isolation is systematically measured from the structural and qualitative perspective. Using the survey data of 2,188 rural-to-urban migrants in China in 2016, the prevalence of smoking among migrants is 38.21%, with 51.70% for males and 4.06% for females. Migrants with social isolation, such as migration instability, lack of ties with family and fellow migrants, and life dissatisfaction in migrant cities, are more likely to smoke and the impacts vary by gender. The income and price elasticities of cigarette demand show that male migrant smokers are more sensitive to income and price changes than female migrant smokers. Boosting rural migrants' integration into the local community will reduce smoking prevalence, improving the overall health of the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although medical savings accounts (MSAs) have drawn intensive attention across the world for their potential in cost control, there is limited evidence of their impact on the demand for health care. This paper is intended to fill that gap. First, we built up a dynamic model of a consumer's problem of utility maximization in the presence of a nonlinear price schedule embedded in an MSA. Second, the model was implemented using data from a 2-year MSA pilot program in China. The estimated price elasticity under MSAs was between -0.42 and -0.58, i.e., higher than that reported in the literature. The relatively high price elasticity suggests that MSAs as an insurance feature may help control costs. However, the long-term effect of MSAs on health costs is subject to further analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of energy demand, the lagging growth of energy production and rising pollution problems have raised concerns in several policy areas, including the availability and cost of energy supply and the possibility of further adverse impacts on the environment. This paper begins with an overview of recent developments in energy demand and supply in China. Using a traditional demand elasticity approach, it analyzes the elasticity of each of four major energy end uses and the potential for adjustments in their relationships. The paper concludes with suggestions for public policy to meet the challenge of growing energy demand and implications for the private sector, including both private and foreign investments. (Edited by Zhinan Zhang) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat consumption elasticity coefficient can reflect the processing traces of living standard. This paper analyzes these coefficients of urban and rural residents in China with the AIDS (Almost Ideal Demand System Model). Meat consumption structure of residents has begun to show signs of adjustment following their respective trajectories, which has been discussing in academic but lacks theoretical proof for decade years. Based on elastic theory, we have provided favorable evidence for this fact, and we found: (1) Elasticity coefficients show both urban and rural residents have been all sensitive to price, especially the city dwellers. The Urban residents is more sensitive to poultry than others. Rural residents have long been more interested in pork, though the mutton has been the trustiest. (2) Income and meat price are two main causes affect meat consumption, but there is no significant positive correlation between meat consumption and disposable income in Urban, different from Rural. With the income increasing, the kinds and quality of meat in basket of different residents are changing. (3) Furthermore, meat consumptions between urban and rural residents are not synchronized, and even sometimes the trends show the opposite directions because of income, habits, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine Chinese-US trade flows over the 1994-2012 period, and find that, in line with the conventional wisdom, the value of China's exports to the US responds negatively to real renminbi (RMB) appreciation, while import responds positively. Further, the combined empirical price effects on exports and imports imply an increase in the real value of the RMB will reduce China's trade balance. The use of alternative exchange rate measures and data on different trade classifications yields additional insights. Firms more subject to market forces exhibit greater price sensitivity. The price elasticity is larger for ordinary exports than for processing exports. Finally, accounting for endogeneity and measurement error matters. Hence, the purging the real exchange rate of the portion responding to policy, or using the deviation of the real exchange rate from the equilibrium level yields a stronger measured effect than when using the unadjusted bilateral exchange rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this paper, we examine the price elasticity of China's aggregate imports and then provide further details on this elasticity in partner countries according to their participation in two alternative trading arrangements (TPP vs RCEP) and their level of development. By using different types of data and appropriate methodologies to conduct our analysis at both global and bilateral levels, we observe that the price elasticity of China's imports is negative, which is consistent with the most recent studies and challenges the conventional wisdom. One hypothesis that might explain this result is the suppliers' patterns of trade. Since export diversification by trading partners can affect the sensitivity of Chinese imports to relative price movements, we endogenise the import price elasticity accordingly. We find that negative elasticities are more prominent when China's trading partners are developing countries, and when we consider their diversification in export markets. On the whole, the more partner countries are diversified in their export destinations, the lower the import price elasticity is in absolute terms. We conclude that export diversification by partner countries allows China to increase her 'resilience' to movements in its exchange rate. The same tests are performed in the case of the US for comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zhang, C.; Chen, X., and Lu, J., 2019. Empirical analysis of spatial–temporal differentiation and influencing factors of China's marine economic elasticity. In: Li, L.; Wan, X.; and Huang, X. (eds.), Recent Developments in Practices and Research on Coastal Regions: Transportation, Environment and Economy. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 98, pp. 191–194. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Our government has been exploring the flexible system of China's marine economy, which is compatible with China's national conditions and should be coordinated by the cities in the marine economic concentration areas in the support of all people. However, with the rapid development of China's marine economic elasticity (CMEE) undertaking, important issues, such as the fair distribution of cities in marine economic concentrated areas and the origin of such inequality, have been neglected. This paper uses CMEE to make an empirical study of the current situation of spatial–temporal differentiation and macroeconomic development in China and then makes a correlation analysis between the projection of the production frontier, the temporal–spatial differentiation, and the dynamic changes of macroeconomic statistical data structure. The study finds that, from the results of spatial–temporal differentiation and the structural changes of macroeconomic statistical data, we can see that technological changes show and are complete. The change of factor productivity shows obvious homotropy, which indicates that the low level of science and technology and the factor of economic scale have become the main factors restricting the spatial and temporal differentiation and the development of macroeconomic zones. On the basis of empirical analysis, this paper puts forward measures to promote spatial and temporal differentiation and macroeconomic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of capital abundance and income in the trade openness and environmental quality debate has long been a concern among academic researchers. The researchers of this paper empirically analyze the effects of trade and other core factors on emissions of four pollutants (SO2, SM, VOC, and NHX), using panel data from 31 provinces in China from 2000 to 2015. Then the scale, composition, technique, and trade elasticities are calculated, based on lower and higher levels of capital abundance and relative income. Furthermore, the researchers calculate the province-specific trade elasticities and analyze the relationship between the province-specific trade elasticities and capital abundance and relative income, respectively. They find a negative effect of trade openness on pollutant emissions in China. The analysis of the elasticities in terms of China's pollutant emissions shows that the scale and composition elasticities are positive, while technique and trade elasticities are negative. Moreover, provinces with lower capital abundance tend to have more negative trade elasticities, while provinces with higher relative income tend to have more negative trade elasticities. The result implies that both pollution haven effect and factor abundance effect may be at work in Chinese provinces, but the dominance of one effect over the other depends on a province's level of capital abundance and income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate Chinese farmers' adaptation behavior in the context of the rising cost of labor in agriculture. As the cost of labor increases, farmers will either reallocate their budget to different inputs or change the structure of agricultural production to maximize profit. Design/methodology/approach: The Rural Fixed Point Observation data set between 2004 and 2010 is employed in the empirical analysis of this study. Both the compensated and uncompensated demand elasticities with respect to wages are estimated by adopting the translog cost function and the profit function. Findings: The results show that labor input will drop down significantly as a response to rising wages. Land, fertilizer and intermediate inputs are net complements of labor, whereas machinery appears to be net substitute for labor. In addition, the authors also separate the expansion effect from the substitution effect and find that farmers will shift to grain production with intensive use of fertilizer and from wheat and corn to rice as a response to the rising cost of labor. Originality/value: This study adopts the classical household model to incorporate various adaptation behaviors of farmers into one framework and decomposes the total effect of the rising cost of labor on input demand into an expansion effect and a substitution effect, which provides a better understanding of farmers' adaptation behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the metropolitan city in Western China, Chengdu has been suffered from serious traffic congestion. The strategy of urban public transport priority was put into agenda to relieve traffic congestion. But the public transport sharing rate is only 27% in Chengdu which is much lower than the developed country. Consequently, it is of great importance to study the measures to improve the service, and provide technical support to the policy-makers. This paper selected the traffic corridor between Southwest Jiaotong University district and downtown as the experiment subject. The orthogonal design was used to generate stated preference questionnaires in order to achieve the reliable parameter estimates. Some variables were used to define the utility of the three alternatives and construct the Logit model. Then, the relationships between the cost, time variable and the choice probability of the public transport were analyzed. According to the results, we found that the orthogonal design does improve the goodness-of-fit. The workability of Multinomial Logit Model was better than Nest Logit model. We also put forward some effective measures to improve the service level of public transit, including reducing the access time to Metro, limiting parking supply to control the car use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improvement of traffic location conditions is an important driving force for the development of regional urbanization. Establishing a quantitative correlation model between them is the basic premise for finding out the evolution rules of regional development patterns. Taking China’s Chongqing Municipality as an example, through Regional Traffic Dominance (RTD) modelling, this paper quantitatively analyzed the time-series response relationship between the evolution of RTD and urbanization in the past 10 years. The results show that there is a strong positive correlation between RTD and urbanization. Meanwhile, the temporal-elasticity is following a certain pattern determined by the grade of transport network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 diabetes exposes the body to a state of high blood sugar for a long time and causes varying degrees of hardening of the arteries, making it more prone to cardiovascular emergencies. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the risk factors of early arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 316 T2DM patients without macroangiopathy in The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao. Early arterial stiffness was evaluated by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Results: Ninety patients (28.5%) had baPWV≥1800cm/s. baPWV showed positive correlation with systolic blood pressure (r=0.456, p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (r=0.133, p=0.018), urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) (r=0.232, p<0.001), neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (r=0.185, p=0.001), and visceral fat area (r=0.139, p=0.014). In multiple linear regression analysis, systolic blood pressure (β=6.240, p<0.001), UACR (β=3.805, p=0.019), NLR (β=43.722, p=0.013), and visceral fat area (β=0.778, p=0.030) were significant independent predictors for baPWV. Conclusion: The decline of arterial elasticity was common in T2DM patients without macroangiopathy. Elevated blood pressure, microangiopathy, chronic inflammation, and visceral fat accumulation were the risk factors of early arterial stiffness in patients with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with measurements of the elastic modulus and the flexural strength of sea ice collected at nine sites in the Bohai Sea in the two consecutive winters of 2008-2010. Experimental results show that both elastic modulus and flexural strength increase with a decrease of brine volume and have an exponential relationship with brine volume. The elastic modulus is independent of stress rate, but the flexural strength increases linearly with the increase of stress rate. This paper presents a single-parameter (i.e., brine volume) exponential equation for the elastic modulus and a two-parameter (i.e., brine volume and stress rate) exponential equation for the flexural strength, respectively. Finally, the relationship between the elastic modulus and the flexural strength is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, poverty reduction has been recognised as the main objective of development policy. To reduce poverty, economic growth is very crucial. The responsiveness of growth towards poverty reduction is measured by the ‘growth elasticity of poverty’. The present study attempts to calculate growth elasticities of poverty in nine selected Asian countries for the period 1986-2015 by using three different methodologies. The study finds that calculated elasticities have considerable variations by using different methodologies. It is suggested that the calculation of elasticity using the formula is most appropriate because it directly calculates the elasticity by using the data of poverty rate and per capita GDP. The study also finds that China has the highest growth elasticity of poverty considering the poverty line of USD 1.90 and USD 3.20 a day. It was also found that the responsiveness of growth to poverty reduction has increased during the period of 2001-2015 in comparison to the period of 1986-2000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide nationwide causal estimates of air pollution's effect on short-run productivity for China's manufacturing sector from 1998 to 2007. Using thermal inversions as an instrument, a 1 µg/m3 decrease in PM2.5 increases productivity by 0.82% (elasticity of −0.44). Increased hiring attenuates the elasticity to −0.17. Differential effects of a trade shock on coastal versus inner regions imply a pollution elasticity of output of 1.43. Simulating a dynamic general-equilibrium model yields an output elasticity of −0.28 with respect to PM2.5. An exogenous 1% decrease in PM2.5 nationwide increases gross domestic product by 0.039%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the mechanism of soft ground tunnel defect generation and functional degradation. The subway mileage has increased dramatically worldwide, especially in China, in the past decades and will be continuously increasing in the next decades driven by the demands on underground space usage and the advancement of tunneling technique. Subway tunnels are vulnerable to a variety of defects which, individually or interactively, deteriorate the tunnel function for providing passengers with a safe and comfortable transportation means. Understanding the mechanism of tunnel defect generation and functional degradation and providing effective maintenance measures can slowdown the tunnel defect generation and prevent the tunnel defects from developing into catastrophic structural failure. This paper summarizes typical tunnel defects and major contributing factors to the defect generation based on the findings from an inspection program of 130 km of soft ground tunnels in east China. A detailed example of the tunnel inspection and rehabilitation is presented. A framework is developed for analyzing the tunnel defects. The mechanism of tunnel functional degradation is explored associated with five critical links: environment, structure, components, joints, and materials, within a tunnel operation system. The five links individually deteriorate with time and interactively degrade the tunnel function. The research findings from this paper lay a foundation for developing practice guidance for tunnel maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective migration system of coalbed methane (CBM) reservoir, which was controlled by development degree and opening-closing degree of fractures, determines the permeability of coal reservoir and can be characterized by the pore-fracture system in the extrinsic form. In this paper, based on coal matrix elastic self-regulating effect theory and coal reservoir combined elastic energy theory, the fracture opening-closing degree parameter Δ and the fracture development degree parameter ξ are suggested for the quantitative study of the effective migration system of CBM reservoir in southern Qinshui Basin. Further, the control functions of ξ and Δ to CBM enrichment and high production are discussed. The results show that in present stage the area with high ξ value is located in Anze and Qinyuan, and then Zhengzhuang and Fangzhuang, where fracture development degree is high. The area with high Δ value is located in Zhengzhuang and Fanzhuang, and then Anze and Qinyuan, indicating where coal matrix elastic self-regulating positive effect dominates and fractures tend to be open. Through the comprehensive analysis on ξ and Δ, it can be found that their best match area is located in Zhengzhuang and Fanzhuang, with high values for fracture development degree and opening-closing degree probably bringing about high fluid pressure and good permeability of reservoirs, which are advantageous to an abundant CBM production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to elucidate the profound implications of industrial transformation and upgrading in mitigating dependence on fossil fuels, which holds paramount significance in shaping energy transition strategies—an aspect that is currently missing in existing studies. Leveraging data spanning from 2000 to 2020, encompassing fossil energy consumption and economic development, this paper developed a second-order classification model as a new measure of energy elasticity. Comparing regional variations in fossil energy resilience, an in-depth analysis was conducted on four representative provinces to understand the evolution of their fossil energy consumption structures over time. Correlation analysis was employed to reveal the impact of industrial structures on the reduction of fossil energy dependence. The results indicate distinct spatial variations in the energy transition effect, with the southwest inland region retaining a pronounced reliance on fossil energy sources. However, approximately 80% of the provinces have made substantial progress in reducing fossil energy dependence from 2000 to 2020. Notably, the financial sector and the accommodation and catering industry contribute positively to mitigating fossil energy dependence, while the industrial sector exhibits the opposite effect. Urban agglomeration planning attributes the uneven regional energy transition to the delineation of urban industrial functions. Suggestions for narrowing the energy transition gap include measuring the sustainability of the industrial chain from a life-cycle perspective, avoiding the singular functional division of cities, and developing systematic policies. In the catering industry, adopting alternative cooking energy and implementing the conversion and recycling of catering waste can help prevent risks. This study underscores the positive role of the accommodation and catering industry in the energy transition, along with its potential risks. The study also makes efforts toward advancing the application of the widely used energy elasticity assessment method. [Display omitted] • A second-order classification model is developed as a widely used energy elasticity assessment method. • 80% of China's provinces have successfully reduced their reliance on fossil fuels. • The financial sector and the accommodation and catering sector play pivotal roles in diminishing reliance on fossil fuels. • In the forthcoming years, the catering industry has the potential to engender a reliance on fossil fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the rigid centralized land quota system in China, local governments actively adopt various strategies to achieve economic growth. This paper describes and evaluates a new local decentralized strategy in China called the flexible quota system, which is used to satisfy the land use requirements of key and uncertain projects. Using Zhejiang Province as an example, we find that the innovative aspect of this flexible quota system is that the upper-level government reserves a share of quotas for overall decision-making, and sub-level governments competitively apply for quotas based on project importance. Through the above mechanism, the flexible quota system smoothly guarantees unforeseeable land use arrangements in key projects and improves the overall land quota allocation performance. Furthermore, data from scenario simulations show that compared with the original system, this flexible quota system has a greater net benefit in land development and is almost twice as successful in dealing with land use for uncertain key projects. The paper may provide new knowledge for local innovation in land planning under the traditional centralized system. • From the perspective of central-local relations, the black box of the land quota system in contemporary China is opened. • By initiative adaptation, local governments develop an elastic strategy to cope with the centralized quota system. • We identify a decentralized governance of flexible quota system in dealing with land use for uncertain key projects. • Through scenario simulation, we demonstrate the performance improvement provided by the flexible quota strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the China National Aquatics Center, this paper reports an investigation into the effects of temperature change on modal parameters. Both analytical and field monitoring approaches were involved. Temperature-induced variations of structural member modulus of elasticity, internal forces and changes to boundary conditions were regarded as the essential factors influencing modal parameters. The contribution of these three effects on modal parameters for both uniform and non-uniform temperature distributions over the structure was investigated. It is concluded that temperature-induced internal forces affect the modal parameter values to greater extent than temperature-induced modulus of elasticity. The relationships between temperature and variation of modal parameters are different in the case of uniform and non-uniform temperature distributions. The analytical results were validated by using the acceleration and temperature measurements supplied by the China National Aquatics Center field monitoring system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Using the trans -log cost function and elasticity model, this paper pioneered the analysis of the elasticity and characteristics of the substitution between energy consumption and capital in China's manufacturing industry between 1995 and 2014. Firstly, the research revealed significant differences in the magnitude and direction of the substitution between coal, electricity, petroleum, and capital, thus demonstrating heterogeneity in the substitution. Secondly, the analysis, based on the Morishima Elasticity of Substitution (MES) model showed that: 1) depending on what triggers changes in factor prices, the manufacturing sector shows a reverse asymmetry whereby capital substituted energy and energy complemented capital 2) a significant asymmetry exists in the direction and magnitude of substitution in capital- and labor-intensive sectors. This asymmetric effect indicates that China can attain overall energy conservation and apply energy-saving technologies in the manufacturing industry by implementing the substitution of capital for energy. However, the differences with regards to the forms of energy consumption among sectors, as well as the heterogeneity and asymmetry in capital–energy substitution should be considered in research on energy policies for the manufacturing industry. This should also involve the integration of energy sources to ensure that such policies are targeted and effective. Highlights • It evaluates the substitution between energy and capital in China's manufacturing industry. • MES model and translog cost function are used to investigate the heterogeneity and asymmetry of substitution. • It shows a reverse asymmetry whereby capital substitutes energy and energy complements capital. • It demonstrates the heterogeneity of substitution result from the difference of energy use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper analyzes the difference between an earthquake inertial force-based absolute acceleration spectrum and a structure hysteretic restoring force-based pseudo-acceleration spectrum and discusses the variability of the attenuation of the long-period seismic pseudo-acceleration spectrum and the spectrum of its damping reduction factor (DRF). An elastic spectrum analysis was used to study the characteristic period of the pseudo-acceleration dynamic amplification factor as well as the attenuation index and damping adjustment factors of two declining segments. The results show that the hysteretic restoring force should be used to calibrate the bearing capacity-based seismic design spectrum. Long-period ranges with a high damping ratio have faster pseudo-acceleration spectrum attenuation rates. It is reasonable for a standard design spectrum to use simple T −1 and T −2 attenuation rules for the first and second declining segments. Correction of the attenuation index is not necessary to obtain a pseudo-acceleration-based high damping ratio design spectrum. The amplification factor of the long-period response spectrum is affected by site characteristics, and the long-period component of the ground motion significantly affects the structural DRF. Highlights • Pseudo-acceleration spectra and absolute acceleration spectra have different attenuation behaviors. • Correction of the attenuation index is not necessary to obtain a high damping ratio seismic design spectrum. • The pseudo-acceleration spectrum-based DRF and the absolute acceleration spectrum based-DRF are significantly different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper documents the export performance of multifiber agreement fibers mainly of conons exported from Mainland China and Hong Kong to the United States during 1989 2005. The authors used the cointegration and error correction approach to investigate whether long-running relationships among variables exist. The empirical results suggest that a unique long-run relationship exists among import price and quantity, real income per capita, and trade liberalization. The short-run dynamics of export demand functions were estimated using an error correction model in which the error correction term was found correctly signed. The empirical results provide insights into private and government agencies that are actively engaged in the business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's sectoral trade composition, product quality mix, and the import content of processing exports have all changed substantially during the past decade. This has rendered trade elasticities estimated using aggregate data highly unstable, with more recent data pointing to significantly higher demand and price elasticities. Sectoral differences in these parameters are also very wide. All this suggests greater caution should be exercised when using historical data to simulate the response of China's economy to external shocks and exchange rate changes. Analyses based on models with estimated coefficients largely representative of China in the 1980s and 1990s are likely to turn out to be wrong, perhaps even dramatically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shale reservoirs play essential roles in numerous geoengineering applications, including storing CO 2 and radioactive waste and producing hydrocarbons. To fulfill these applications, the mechanical properties of shale are of great interest so that people can locate shales with preferred sealing or frackable characteristics. One can estimate the static stiffness related to the rock deformation from the dynamic stiffness derived from the wave velocity through some empirical correlations. However, a gap exists between dynamic and static stiffness in sedimentary rocks. Anisotropy further complicates the prediction of the static stiffness from the dynamic stiffness of shale. This paper investigates the link and contrast between the dynamic and static stiffness and the effects of anisotropy by performing triaxial tests on two shale samples cored in the vertical and horizontal directions from a shale oil reservoir in China. We analyze the effects of stress (strain) rate, stress (strain) amplitude, and the base level of deviatoric stress. The secant Young's modulus is found to decrease with the increasing stress rate or stress amplitude. By introducing the nonlinear elastic theory, Young's modulus can be expressed as a linear function of axial strain, where the slope is related to the stress sensitivity of the static stiffness, and the intercept is associated with the elastic property at the infinitesimal strain. The slopes and intercepts of linear functions are negatively correlated. Furthermore, six linear fittings from the two samples in the three tests are found to link with the strain amplitude, the base stress level, and anisotropy. This study provides insights into the prediction of static stiffness from dynamic one. With proper models of dynamic-static transition, seismic or wireline logging measurements can assist in solving engineering issues. People can better ensure the quality of the geomechanical model and reduce the cost of various engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comments on a study by Charles W.W. Ng, Douglas B. Rigby, Sean W.L. Ng and G.H. Lei which dealt with a well-instrumented barrette in Hong Kong, China. Description and behavior of weathered granite; Excavation for and concreting of the test barrette; Details on the values of Young's modulus of concrete Ec. INSET: Closure (Study of barette in Hong Kong), by Charles W.W. Ng et....

Riverine dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), when elevated by human activities (e.g., land-use change), can accelerate the nitrogen cycle and downstream dispersal. However, estimating DIN export coefficients for individual land-use types can be complex due to mosaic land-use patterns and interactions between fertilizers and hydrological processes. We propose a framework that integrates an empirical model, a moving-window method, and an elasticity method to quantify seasonal DIN export coefficients for each land use in the Shixi Creek catchment, southeast China. Our model showed good agreement with field observations according to root mean square error and a normalized objective function. The export coefficients of farmland and forest were the highest (9.16 mg L−1) and lowest (2.91 mg L−1) ones, resulting in annual DIN exports, respectively, for farmland and forests of 1951 kg km−2 yr−1 and 619 kg km−2 yr−1, respectively. Urbanization was a dominant factor influencing DIN export; the export coefficient of built-up areas showed the highest elasticity and highest uncertainty, with abrupt fluctuations from dry to wet years. Our framework revealed the complex role of built-up areas in nitrogen export. Our results can shed light on how to improve riverine N management in a catchment by considering the interactive effects of climate and land use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enormous losses caused by typhoon storm surges in coastal areas highlight the importance of assessing direct economic losses induced by typhoon storm surges. It is assumed that the trend of losses is mainly caused by the change in storm intensity resulting from climate change and the exposure and vulnerability of socioeconomic levels. This study constructed a hazard dataset of typhoon storm surges covering zero-loss events in mainland China from 1989 to 2019. Following the annual data trend analysis, the improved elasticity estimation model was used innovatively to assess and attribute the occurrence and the amount of typhoon storm surge-induced direct economic losses. The results show that the risks of typhoon storm surge are more sensitive to changes in climate-induced hazard intensity factors than socioeconomic factors. A 1% increase in minimum pressure decreases the hazard occurrence probability ratio by nearly 130% and disaster losses by approximately 47%, while a 1% increase in gross domestic product per capita increases the ratio by 1.4% and decreases losses by approximately 0.98%. A 1% increase in population density would increase the ratio by 0.97% and disaster losses by 0.63%. However, the rapid socioeconomic development of the typhoon storm surge-affected area is the main factor for the loss trend during the study interval. Wealth increments and population concentrations in coastal areas have contributed to the increasing possibility of loss occurrence. The growth in wealth has also contributed to the improvement of disaster risk management and the reduction of the loss amount. This study clarifies the quantitative relationship between typhoon storm surge risk (the occurrence and the amount of losses) and physical and socioeconomic drivers, and highlights how socioeconomic dimensions contribute to storm surge losses. The model can be used for risk predictions given the considerations for climate change and future socioeconomic development in coastal regions of China and can be further applied to risk management and disaster prevention and mitigation of storm surges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stochastic frontier approach (SFA) model of translog production function was constructed to analyze the growth effect of agricultural production factors on grain production in China. Under the condition of unchanged cultivated land, the agricultural labor, capital, and water were regarded as input elements of the agricultural production function. The maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method was used to analyze the technical efficiency, output elasticity, substitution elasticity, and relative variability of grain production in China from 2004 to 2018. The results showed that: (1) For the technical efficiency and output elasticity of the input factors of grain production, there were significant differences in different provinces. For example, the water resource was insufficient in Beijing and Shanghai, but the output elasticity of water was high. Heilongjiang was rich in water and had high technical efficiency. For Xinjiang, water was sufficient, but its output elasticity was deficient and the technical efficiency didn't increase. (2) The overall technical efficiency level was relatively low and was still declining year by year; the output elasticity of water was much greater than that of capital. There was still great potential for grain growth. (3) Optimizing resource allocation and controlling the appropriate ratio of input factors to develop grain production could achieve the maximum benefits. Finally, according to the empirical results, this paper put forward some practical policy suggestions for optimizing the allocation of input factors, especially water and capital, which can ultimately improve agricultural productivity by improving technical efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few years, significant exploration breakthroughs have been made in the sandy conglomerates reservoir of the Triassic Baikouquan Formation in the Mahu Sag, Junggar Basin, China. However, the elasticity and pore characteristics of the tight sandy conglomerates reservoir in this area are still unclear. Through a systematic sonic testing program of the sandy conglomerates sample collected from the Mahu Sag, the regularity behind the variation of the elasticity and pore characteristics of the sample has been analyzed and captured. The Triassic Baikouquan Formation of the slope of Mahu Sag has been through complex burial and diagenetic history. The compaction, cementation, and dissolution are the three types of diagenesis that have the greatest impact on pore characteristics in the study area. In order to quantitatively describe the influence of this complex burial and diagenetic history, we present a rock-physics modeling approach to describe the elastic properties of sandy conglomerate sample. The overall strategy of the modeling is to combine the contact cement theory (CCT), differential effective medium (DEM) and the upper Hashin-Shtrikman bound. The CCT model can well describe the history of cementation, DEM model is suitable for the history of dissolution, and HS upper bound is used to describe the history of compaction. Then, the model is used to describe well log data from sandy conglomerates reservoirs in Mahu Sag and successfully explain the rock porosity, pore shape trends, and the elasticity in the sandy conglomerate reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of polymer gels in Enhance Oil Recovery has been developed for years. However, the methods of tracing and positioning them within the layers are lacking. The traditional tracers added into the treatment fluid would be affected by the size, potential, and viscosity differences with polymer gels. As a result, the monitoring results of the tracer and the actual movement of polymer gels are various. Therefore, by synthesizing fluorescent components with polymer gels, driving and tracking are integrated, which can play the role of a tracer while flooding. The stability of the fluorescent CQDs@PPG has been tested under reservoir conditions. The fluorescent peak value of CQDs@PPG would not be affected by swelling, salinity, pH, and temperature. Further, the CQDs@PPG has been used in a specific reservoir condition in east China to test its flooding and treatment ability. The plugging rate of the CQDs@PPG within 1000 mD porous media could reach 90% with a resistant factor Rf of 15 and a residual resistant factor Rff of 10. When applied CQDs@PPG into heterogeneous porous media, the Enhanced Oil Recovery achieved 25.33%. In addition, with the help of a fluorescence spectrophotometer, the concentration of CQDs@PPG in a different position is directly obtained. Finally, the plugging status of the CQDs@PPG has been studied, and the scanning electron microscope images show that it has elastic deformation properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is currently in a new phase of transition from high-speed growth to high-quality growth, and accurate estimation of element outputs is essential for the smooth progress of the transition. Using the back-fitting method, this study constructed a model of a spatiotemporal-varying elasticity production function to estimate the factor-output elasticity from 1993 to 2017 in 31 Chinese provinces. Nonparametric kernel density method was applied to describe the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of factor-output elasticity. The results show that the factor-output elasticity of different provinces shows a nonlinear change trend over time and between regions. Overall, the elasticity of labor output shows a decreasing trend, the elasticity of capital output shows an increasing tendency, the eastern region has the lowest level of labor-output elasticity, but the highest level of capital-output elasticity. The western region has the highest level of labor-output elasticity but the lowest level of capital-output elasticity. On the whole, regions with higher resilience in labor output gradually shift towards the West, while capital shifts towards the East. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantifying the effects of climate change and human activities on runoff changes is the focus of climate change and hydrological research. This paper presents an integrated method employing the Budyko-based Fu model, hydrological modeling, and climate elasticity approaches to separate the effects of the two driving factors on surface runoff in the Luan River basin, China. The Budyko-based Fu model and the double mass curve method are used to analyze runoff changes during the period 1958~2009. Then two types of hydrological models (the distributed Soil and Water Assessment Tool model and the lumped SIMHYD model) and seven climate elasticity methods (including a nonparametric method and six Budyko-based methods) are applied to estimate the contributions of climate change and human activities to runoff change. The results show that all quantification methods are effective, and the results obtained by the nine methods are generally consistent. During the study period, the effects of climate change on runoff change accounted for 28.3~46.8% while those of human activities contributed with 53.2~71.7%, indicating that both factors have significant effects on the runoff decline in the basin, and that the effects of human activities are relatively stronger than those of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the two-level Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) method and Tapio index, this paper constructed an expanded decomposition model for decoupling elasticity and effort index of industrial carbon emissions, and further quantitatively analyzed the delinking indicators on industry growth and environmental pressures in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) economic band from 1996 to 2010. The results indicate that: (1) together with the rapid economic growth, industrial energy-related carbon emissions in BTH region rose from 44477.43 × 10 4 t in 1996 to 105602.33 × 10 4 t in 2006 and then declined to 64426.71 × 10 4 t in 2010, with an average annual growth rate of 2.94%. Our results also show that carbon emissions in BTH region were dominated by the secondary industry, which accounted for about 80% of total carbon emissions. (2) “Weak decoupling” was the main characteristic during the 9th Five-Year Plan period (1996–2000) and 11th Five-Year Plan period (2006–2010), particularly “strong decoupling” in 2007; while “weak coupling” was the main characteristic during the 10th Five-Year Plan period (2001–2005). (3) The rapid economic growth was the main factor responsible for industrial decoupling blocking. The energy structure and energy intensity made significant contributions to the industrial decoupling progress. The industrial structure effect had varied considerably over the years without showing a clear trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative estimates of reservoir parameters and elastic anisotropy using seismic methods is essential for characterizing shale oil reservoirs. Rock physics models were established to quantify elastic anisotropy associated with clay properties, laminated microstructures, and bedding fractures at different scales in shale. The inversion schemes based on the built rock physics models were proposed to estimate reservoir parameters and elastic anisotropy using well log data. Based on the back propagation neural network framework, the obtained rock physical inversion results were used to establish the nonlinear models between elastic properties and reservoir parameters and elastic anisotropy of shale. The established correlations were applied for quantitative seismic interpretation, converting seismic inversion results to the reservoir parameters and elastic anisotropy to characterize the shale oil reservoir comprehensively. The predicted elastic anisotropy of the shale matrix reflects the lamination degree and the mechanical properties of the shale, which is critical for the effective implementation of hydraulic fracturing. The calculated elastic anisotropy of the shale provides more accurate models for seismic modeling and inversion. The obtained bedding fracture parameters provide insights into reservoir permeability. Therefore, the proposed method provides valuable information for identifying favorable oil zones in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the so-called 'association revolution', which had brought about an exponential development of NGOs in China, the rise of Social Enterprises (SE) seem to mark a new turn. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and interviews, the following article aims to understand whether the growing hybridisation of civil society involved in the development of SEs represents a global trend or a reaction to the Central State new policies. Research findings show that the elasticity of a SE identity can help organisations adapt to shifts in the macro-level political discourse of authoritarian regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: China is currently in the stage of industrialization and urbanization, which is characterized by rigid energy demand and rapid growth of energy consumption. China's transport industry is of high energy consumption and high pollution. Therefore, energy issues in the industry are particularly of concern to all parties. In this paper, a trans-log production function model for China's transport industry is established and input factors of capital, energy and labor are included. Output elasticity of each factor and substitution elasticity between the variables are analyzed. Results show that: during the period 1980–2010, there is a relatively high elasticity of substitution (the value is around 1.05–1.07) between energy factor and labor factor in China's transport sector; significant elasticity of substitution between capital factor and energy factor exists as well (the value is about 0.98–1.00). It suggests that the substitution between energy and labor could be achieved by continuously upgrading technology. Through allocating more capital into transport industry, relevant energy saving technology could be continuously promoted and the substitution between capital and energy will also be realized. The transition of Chinese transport industry from labor-intensive to capital-intensive is a significant trend. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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

Abstract: A laboratory study of the rheology of mudflows in Hangzhou Bay, China, is reported in this paper. Both the steady and oscillatory (dynamic) rheological properties are studied using RMS-605 rheometer. A Dual-Bingham model is proposed for analyzing flow curves and compared with Worrall-Tuliani model. It is found that Dual-Bingham plastic rheological model is easier to implement than Worrall-Tuliani model and can provide satisfactory representations of the steady mudflows in Hangzhou Bay and other published data. The dependence of the yield stress and viscosity on sediment concentration is discussed based on the data from Hangzhou Bay mud and other published data. For the dynamic rheological properties of Hangzhou Bay mud, empirical expressions for elastic modulus and dynamic viscosity are provided in the form of exponential functions of sediment volume concentration, and comparisons with other published data also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A fractal study method of the number of geological mass fractures is introduced in detail in this paper. Three main aspects of the problem were studied: (1) The random distribution of fractures in a geological mass was in good agreement with the fractal law. The size scale of the studied geological mass ranged from 2400m to 1mm for the length of each side, and the geological mass samples were taken from 13 coal areas in China. (2) The geological mass fractures were evidently directional and anisotropic, having originated from tectonic movement. Observation and statistics for the data from the Xuangang, Fenxi and Dongshan coal areas in Shanxi, China, demonstrated that the fracture distribution of each group, classified by the strike of the strata, still follow the fractal law, even though the fractal dimension varies to a certain extent with different strikes. (3) The sedimentary strata containing the coal seams, as a geological mass, underwent almost similar tectonic movements in their geological history. The mechanical experiments on geological mass samples from Fenxi and Jiexiu in Shanxi demonstrated that the fractal dimension of the number of fractures in the same strata is in good power function with the product of strength and elastic modulus. The larger the product of the strength of the elastic modulus is, the larger is the fractal dimension, and vice versa. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The elastic properties of argillaceous sandstones are significantly controlled, however, by the perplexing distribution of dispersed, cemented and matrix (including structural and layered) clay. The corresponding rock physics models are established to investigate the influence of different clay distribution on the elastic properties of sandstone. The rock physics modelling and laboratory experimental results exhibit that the higher the content of the matrix clay, the lower the elastic wave velocity. The dispersed and cemented clay increases the sandstone's velocity by reducing the porosity; the increase of dispersed clay only causes a slight increase in the elastic wave velocity in sandstone. In contrast, a small amount of cemented clay can significantly increase the velocity in sandstone. Based on these understandings, we construct a cross‐plot of P‐wave velocity and clay content as a template to diagnose clay distribution. Based on the rock physics model and empirical knowledge, we divide the template into four zones, namely, matrix, dispersed, cemented and mixed clay distribution zones. Then, we use the published experimental data and numerical modelling data to validate the template. Based on diagnosing the clay distribution, we introduce how to use the diagnostic results of the template to select a suitable rock physics model for argillaceous sandstone in Shengli Oil Field, East China. The selected rock physics model, guided by diagnosing the clay distribution, predicts P‐ and S‐wave velocity very well. The proposed rock physics template for diagnosing clay distribution also has potential application in well‐logging data interpretation, rock physics modelling and reservoir characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's export value dropped dramatically during the recession in 2008–2009. Surprisingly, its extensive margins increased. We extend the Melitz (2003) model by allowing exporters to rely on external finance to cover production costs. Our model shows that both intensive and extensive margins are more sensitive to demand shocks than to interest rate shocks, and products with smaller elasticity of substitution are more likely to experience an increase in extensive margin and a decrease in intensive margin during a recession when expansionary monetary policies counteract negative demand shocks. More general predictions are supported by Chinese export data in 2007–2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]