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The construction models of smart cities and low-carbon cities are crucial for advancing global urbanization, enhancing urban governance, and addressing major urban challenges. Despite significant advancements in smart and low-carbon city research, a consensus on their coupling coordination remains elusive. This study employs mixed-method research, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses, to investigate the coupling coordination between urban smart performance (SCP) and low-carbon level (LCL) across 52 typical smart and low-carbon pilot cities in China. Independent evaluation models for SCP and LCL qualitatively assess the current state of smart and low-carbon city construction. Additionally, an Entropy–TOPSIS–Pearson correlation–Coupling coordination degree (ETPC) analysis model quantitatively examines their relationship. The results reveal that smart city initiatives in China significantly outperform low-carbon city development, with notable disparities in SCP and LCL between eastern, non-resource-based, and central cities versus western, resource-dependent, and peripheral cities. A strong positive correlation exists between urban SCP and overall LCL, with significant correlations in management, society, and economy, and moderate to weak correlations in environmental quality and culture. As SCP levels improve, the coupling coordination degree between the urban SCP and LCL systems also increases, driven primarily by economic, management, and societal factors. Conversely, the subsystems of low-carbon culture and environmental quality show poorer integration. Based on these findings, this study proposes an evaluation system for smart and low-carbon coupling coordination development, outlining pathways for future development from the perspective of urban complex systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordinating the development of the economy and environment has always been a tough challenge. The digital village construction in China offers unprecedented historical opportunities for rural areas to propel coordinated development and catch up with their urban counterparts. This paper used a coupling coordination degree model, exploratory spatial data analysis, and an obstacle degree model to investigate the coupling coordination of digital village construction, economic growth, and the environmental protection system (DEES) in rural China from 2015 to 2021. The results indicate: (1) The coupling coordination degree of DEES increases annually, yet a significant spatial imbalance among regions persists. (2) There is a positive spatial correlation in the coupling coordination of DEES, with the clustering trend gradually strengthening and subsequently weakening. (3) The most consistent obstacles are economic growth and per capita income, while obstacle factors vary among provinces. The results suggest that governments should increase investment in rural digital infrastructure, promote the synergistic efforts of the digital economy and green development, and drive the digitization of rural areas. Meanwhile, each province should use its own resources effectively, to make up for any shortcomings, thereby promoting coupling coordinated development in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coupling coordination of digitalization and green development has become an inevitable requirement for building a new development pattern and achieving high-quality development of China's economy. Based on the panel data of 284 Chinese cities from 2011 to 2021, this study uses the coupling coordination degree model, Dagum Gini coefficient, spatial convergence, Markov transfer probability matrix, and panel Tobit model to quantitatively analyze the spatial–temporal evolution characteristics and influencing factors of the coupling coordination degree of digitization and green development. The study results show that the coupling coordination degree (CCD) of digitalization and green development has an overall increasing trend during the study period, and the eastern region is higher than other regions which showing spatial non-equilibrium characteristics. The spatial difference of the CCD continues to downward, and inter-regional differences are the main source of the CCD. In the long run, there is a "catch-up effect" between cities with low CCD and those with high CCD, and the CCD of digitalization and green development will tend to a steady state. The transfer type of the CCD has the characteristics of "club convergence", the probability of maintaining the original state is high, and the overall CCD shows a good development trend in the future. Factors such as environmental regulation, green innovation, industrial structure upgrading and financial efficiency can significantly contribute to the CCD of digitalization and green development. The above findings provide empirical evidence of the CCD of digitalization and green development to achieve high-quality economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The campus is an important place for recreational activities among surrounding residents, which can alleviate the shortage of urban public green space (PGS). However, evidence is lacking on how much campus green space is complementary to the supply and demand of PGS. For this purpose, we chose Yangling, a university town in western China, as the study area. We compared perceived accessibility and the coupling coordination degree (CCD) of the supply and demand of PGSs for residents with different purposes before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, when the campuses were closed or reopened. After the campus reopened, the number of blocks that were able to reach their most frequently visited green spaces within 5 min had increased from zero to one (walking) and two to four (by bicycle). The proportion of blocks with a high level of CCD had increased from 28.6% to 42.9%. The reopening of campuses can significantly increase the perceived accessibility of PGSs within 5 min and 15 min by walking and bicycle, respectively, in central urban communities, but it was not significant in suburban communities. It also effectively improved the PGS supply of the block where it is located. For residents who aim to exercise, walk, go sightseeing, and communicate, its role was similar overall. For residents who aim to play with children, the campus green spaces could not bring significant improvements. In order to enhance the complementary role of green space on campus, it is important to improve its accessibility for adjacent blocks, increase inside footpath density, and add child-friendly facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a typical arid region in China, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is severely constrained by the resource and environmental conditions it faces. In order to promote the balance between regional resource supply and demand and environmental sustainability, this study uses the drive-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) model to establish its water-energy-food-land (WEFL) evaluation indicator system. The coupling coordination relationship of WEFL is analyzed quantitatively using the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model. Comparative analysis is carried out on the impact of land on the coupled coordination of water-energy-food (WEF) systems from the perspective of coupled and coordinated time-series development as well as land-use changes. Finally, the future coupling coordination of the composite system is predicted using a PSO-BP (Particle Swarm Optimization–Back propagation) model. The results show the following: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the composite evaluation index (CEI) of the WEFL system has been increasing, the coupling levels are all high-quality coupling, and the coupling coordination grades goes through three stages: low coordination, moderate coordination and well coordination. (2) The inclusion of the land subsystem is good for improving the coupling coordination of the whole WEF system. (3) An increase in the areas of cropland, forest land and built-up land improves the dysfunctional decline of the WEF system. An increase in the area of grassland has a negative effect on the development of the WEF system coupling coordination. (4) Forecasts indicate that the Xinjiang WEFL system coupling coordination will maintain a well level of coordinated development in 2021–2025. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uneven distribution, scarcity, and pollution of water resources can significantly hinder socioeconomic development. A conceptual framework of Water Resources Endowment-Efficiency-Pressure-Response-Structure-Cycle (2EPRSC) was proposed, and 16 indicators were selected to establish the evaluation index system. Taking the five economic zones in the Sichuan Province of China as the research area, the genetic algorithm optimized entropy weighting method-cloud model was applied to determine the water security grades. Subsequently, the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model was established based on water security system (WSS)-SES to analyze the CCD. The results showed that (1) temperature and investment were the two indicators with more significant impacts on water security in Sichuan Province. (2) From 2012 to 2022, water security in Sichuan Province as a whole presented a decreasing and then increasing trend. (3) From 2012 to 2022, CCDs of the WSS-SES in Sichuan Province's economic zones were mostly at moderate imbalance, with the Chengdu Plain economic zone showing the highest CCD. Overall, the CCD scores across the economic zones were on an ascending trajectory. The study, grounded in the state of water security and CCD in Sichuan, can forge a scientific foundation for the sustainable development of WSS-SES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of carbon peak and carbon neutralization, the Energy Impossible Tri‐ angle may be the key variable that restricts the high-quality energy development in China. Tak‐ ing 30 provinces in China as the research object, this paper established an evaluation index sys‐ tem of energy security and reliability, economic feasibility, green and low-carbon (hereinafter re‐ ferred to as "Security-Economy-Green"). By using the entropy method, coupling coordination degree model and kernel density estimation method, this paper comprehensively studied the de‐ velopment level of energy "Security-Economy-Green" in China from 2005 to 2019, as well as the temporal evolution, spatial differentiation and convergence characteristics of the coupling co‐ ordination degree. The results show that: ① In the aspect of the temporal evolution, from 2005 to 2019, the coupling coordination degree of energy "Security-Economy-Green" has been steadi‐ ly increasing, gradually rising from the mild imbalance level to the near imbalance level, and the polarization phenomenon has gradually weakened, but most of the periods are in the state of "mild imbalance". ② In terms of spatial differentiation, our country energy "Security-Economy)Green" coupling coordination degree shows certain spatial heterogeneity, presenting the spatial differentiation pattern of "high in eastern and western regions, low in central and northeast re‐ gions". No significant rank transition occurred in each region and energy spatial pattern has cer‐ tain locking characteristics or path dependence. ③ As for the space convergence, the nation and four regions have absolute β convergence and conditional β convergence characteristics, and en‐ ergy "Security-Economy-Green" coupling coordination degree will eventually converge to the same steady state level over time. The region with a low coupling coordination degree grows faster compared to the high, and the regional gap is narrowing. Taken together, there is indeed a certain Energy Impossible Triangle problem in our country at present, but according to the trend, this problem is being gradually alleviated. Finally, from the perspective of dialectics and coun‐ termeasures, we put forward some thoughts on the Energy Impossible Triangle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of high-quality development, scientifically and objectively assessing regional ecosystem health (EH) is important for ecological civilization. However, the commonly used EH assessment framework typically neglects intrinsic connections, mutual adaptability, and coordination among interrelated indicators. The coupling coordination model was utilized to improve the classic pressure–state–response assessment (PSR) model. The carbon footprint, water footprint, landscape pattern, and response status of the Manas River Basin were used to construct a medium-scale regional EH assessment framework linking natural ecosystems with human socioeconomic elements. A quantitative assessment was conducted on the EH conditions of the Manas River Basin from 2000 to 2020. Over the past 21 years, the EH conditions of the Manas River Basin have fluctuated upward. The ecosystem health index (EHI) increased from 0.18 to 0.37. Compared with the conventional PSR model, the coupling coordination pressure–state–response model (CC–PSR) better reflected the fluctuations in EH conditions caused by "pressure", "state", and "response" level changes. In the early stage (2000–2006), increasing human activity strongly pressured the regional ecosystem, limiting EH improvements. The increase in "pressure" was reflected in the increasing trends of the water footprint, carbon footprint, and ecological footprint. During the middle to late period (2009–2020), as the "response" level improved, the regional EH condition continued to increase, and the EHI stabilized between 0.29 and 0.38. Ecosystem resilience improvements and human afforestation projects enhanced the "response" level, but their impacts were noticeably delayed. Over the past 21 years, regional landscape diversity, landscape connectance, and landscape contagion have remained high. The well-maintained landscape pattern has laid the foundation for consolidating and improving the regional EH. The EHI is increasing; its fluctuations stem from periodic fluctuations in the regional water yield and carbon sequestration capacity, which are constrained by the basin climate and vegetation coverage. This study provides a scientific model for basin EH assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst the transition from agriculture to tourism, ethnic villages are facing issues of "misalignment" and "disequilibrium" between economic growth and cultural heritage conservation. Previous research has often isolated the effects of cultural heritage conservation or socio-economic development, neglecting their reciprocal influences within the coupling coordination. This study addresses this gap by assessing 43 villages in Leishan County, quantifying the preservation status of the cultural landscape (PSCL) and socio-economic level (SEL) using a comprehensive evaluation model and revealing the coupling coordination relationship between PSCL and SEL in each village with the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model. Spatial autocorrelation and the geographical detector model reveal the spatial agglomeration characteristics and influential factors of the CCD. The results highlight three findings. (1) The majority of villages (93%) are in a moderate imbalance stage or a serious imbalance stage, underscoring an urgent need for targeted policies. (2) Spatial autocorrelation analysis exposes significant clustering, with the northwest corner exhibiting the most pronounced high-value aggregation, which contrasts with the southern region's low-value clustering. A 'low–high' clustering pattern is observed in the northern region, while the southwestern corner presents a 'high–low' distribution. (3) Key determinants affecting the CCD include the tourism revenue, tourist volume, resident participation in tourism, village hollowing level, and number of historical buildings. The interactions between driving factors show non-linear and two-factor enhancement effects. This study concludes with policy recommendations advocating for context-specific strategies to enhance the CCD, emphasizing the importance of aligning cultural preservation with economic progress in ethnic villages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the main grain-producing areas worldwide that balance multi-tasks of grain production, ecological protection, and economic development, quantitatively revealing the correlation between human activity intensity (HAI) and ecosystem service value (ESV) is conducive to formulating adapted ecological protection policies and promoting the coordinated development of the regional economy, society, and ecosystem. In this paper, we took the Songnen Plain of China as an example, employed a modified Equivalent Factor Method (integrating socio-economic data, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and land use data), and the HAI Assessment Model (based on the data of land use, night-time light, and population spatial distribution) to measure the ESV and HAI in the Songnen Plain of China for the years 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. We further applied the standard deviational ellipse method, the coupled coordination degree model, and the bivariate spatial autocorrelation models to reveal the spatiotemporal dynamics and correlation characteristics of ESV and HAI. The results showed the following: (1) Temporally, the ESV declined from 950.96 billion yuan in 1990 to 836.31 billion yuan in 2015, and then increased to 864.60 billion yuan in 2020, with the total loss attributed to the significant decline in the ESV of the natural ecosystem. Spatially, the ESV in the western and northeastern regions was relatively high, with a significant increase in the northeast. (2) HAI showed an upward trend from 1990 to 2020, while the high HAI levels gradually shrank after reaching the peak in 2000. Low HAI levels were mainly distributed in the northeast and southwest, aligning with the ecological space, while high HAI levels were distributed in the middle and southeast. (3) The interaction between ESV and HAI was marked by a negative correlation, transitioning from conflict to coordination. The spatial pattern of HAI and ESV showed H (HAI)-L (ESV) and L-H clustering, with H-H and L-L scattered distributions. This study contributes to providing a framework, methods, and suggestions for the sustainable planning and utilization of land and ecological protection in order to offer scientific references for the Songnen Plain, other major grain-producing areas, and related studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of economy and society, decision-makers need a deep understanding of the role of sustainable ecosystem management in practical application, which is crucial to the sustainable development of ecosystems. Understanding the relationship between ecosystem supply and social demand is key in overcoming the contradiction between humans and the ecosystem, as well as achieving successful ecological restoration and healthy regional development. However, there is still a lack of multi-scale and multi-method research on the supply–demand relationship of ecosystem services for key ecological-restoration zone. In this study, a typical ecological barrier (i.e., Ganzhou City of southern China) was selected as the research area, and five ecosystem services (ESs) including water yield (WY), carbon sequestration (CS), crop production (CP), soil retention (SR) and recreation service (RE) were investigated at the pixel, township and county scale in 2020. The balance and coordination analysis of ESs supply and the quantitative analysis of the supply–demand relationship (using the coupling coordination degree (CD), matching degree (MD), and supply–demand ratio (SDR)) were executed under multiple scales. Finally, based on the MD at the township scale, Ganzhou City was divided into four areas: high-demand, low-demand, low-supply and high-supply areas. The results reveal a trade-off relationship between CP and CS at the pixel scale, with no trade-off relationships observed among the ESs at the other scales. The supply–demand relationships of different districts and counties in Ganzhou City are highly uncoordinated, with distinct spatial mismatching. Areas with high CD values are located in Chongyi County and Longnan County, while the low/value SDR area is located in Zhanggong District, with a relatively high population and GDP. The results of MD division based on township level in Ganzhou City show 17 townships are classified as high-demand areas (mainly in urban areas) and 23 townships are classified as low-demand areas (mainly in the suburbs); 77 townships are classified as low-supply areas and 167 townships are classified as high-supply areas, which are mainly distributed in forest areas. This study provides guide for regional ecological space planning, enhances the understanding of ESs management, and provides a more objective reference for decision makers to plan future ecological restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In the process of human social development, the coupling and coordinated development of ecological function (EF), production function (PF), and living function (LF) are of great significance for sustainable development. In this study, an improved coupling coordination degree model (CCDM) is used to discover the coordination conflict between EF and a human settlement environment. The main work performed in this study is as follows: (1) A more objective weight value that can avoid analysis errors caused by a subjective judgment weight value is obtained. (2) A constitutive model of EF, PF, and LF is constructed, and then resilience indicators that reflect the burden of human activities in EF are proposed. (3) We find that, during the urbanization of Ya'an city from 2014 to 2018, the degree of coupling (DOC) between EF, PF, and LF is high, but the coupling coordination degree (CCD) between the three values is low; specifically, the DOC between EF and the other two values shows the biggest decline. (4) Finally, the resilience of EF is used to explain the decrease in coordination between EF, PF, and LF, while also explaining the obvious problem of a decrease in CCD between EF and the other two values. In this study, the method for calculating the DOC and COD is optimized, and then, a theoretical model for analyzing the ecological functions bearing the pressure of human activities from qualitative and quantitative perspectives is proposed. The research results can provide an analytical framework, path, and method for the coordinated development of "PF–LF–EF" in other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alteration of land use and cover (LULC) and the landscape ecological risk index (LERI) significantly impact carbon storage. Examining the carbon storage services in ecologically significant places is crucial for achieving a harmonious relationship between economic development in the region, conservation of terrestrial ecosystems, and mitigation of carbon sink depletion. This study aims to provide a complete framework that integrates the PLUS, Fragstats, and InVEST models. This framework will be utilized to optimize LULC and LERI, specifically maximizing carbon storage. The analysis will be carried out over an extended duration and from various viewpoints. The results indicate that the MJRB ecosystem experienced three clearly defined phases: enhancement (1985–1995), degradation (1995–2010), and subsequent enhancement (2010–2020). The LERI of high-level and carbon storage patterns showed similar trends. The degradation of local terrestrial ecosystems can primarily be due to the widespread use of ecological land caused by socio-economic development. The Ecological Preservation Scenario is projected to increase 41.97 Tg and 115.18 Tg in carbon storage. In contrast, the urban development scenario showed a substantial decrease in carbon storage rates, namely 0.89% and 1.34%, primarily evident in the Chengdu urban zone. An analysis of coupling coordination revealed a negative relationship between carbon storage and high LERI, while a positive connection was observed with low LERI. This study established a framework for rapidly assessing and forecasting the trajectory of carbon storage. It aids in optimizing land use patterns, conserving areas with high carbon sequestration, and ensuring the establishment of high-quality ecosystems. This study serves as a guide for achieving regional "dual carbon" objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the Dynamic Coupling between Land Use Economic Efficiency (LUEE) and Urban Ecological Resilience (UER) in the Yellow River Basin (YRB). This exploration is pivotal for elucidating the interaction mechanisms between economic growth and ecological governance. Furthermore, understanding this relationship is essential for fostering high-quality, sustainable urban development in the YRB. Utilizing panel data from 56 cities spanning 2003 to 2020, this study employed the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model, spatial correlation analysis, Kernel density estimation, convergence model, and Geodetector to systematically analyze the spatio-temporal distribution, dynamic trend, and determinants of the CCD between LUEE and UER in the YRB. The findings indicate that: (1) A general upward trend in both LUEE and UER, accompanied by a steady improvement in their CCD. (2) Significant spatial disparities in their CCD, with higher levels in the lower reaches. (3) Marked positive spatial autocorrelation, predominantly characterized by clusters where high (low) values are surrounded by high (low) values. (4) Regarding the impact of individual factors, government fiscal budget expenditure demonstrates the most robust explanatory power for the CCD within the YRB. Concerning the effects of two-factor interactions, the interplay between industrial structure upgrading and government fiscal budget expenditure emerges as the most significant determinant in influencing the CCD between LUEE and UER. This study enhances our comprehensive understanding of the interplay between economic and ecological systems. It offers scientific insights and strategic direction for harmonizing ecological governance with urban economic growth at both the regional and global scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensified human activities have been seriously threatening the structure and ecological processes of ecosystems, resulting in habitat degradation. Therefore, coordinating the coupling between human activities and habitat quality (HQ) is crucial for high‐quality sustainable regional development and human well‐being. This study evaluated the human activities and HQ in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) urban agglomeration in China from 2000 to 2020 using the human footprint index (HFI) and the integrated valuation of ecosystem services and tradeoffs model. Then, we employed bivariate spatial autocorrelation and a coupling coordination degree (CCD) model to explore the synergistic relationship between human activities and HQ. The results show that spatial changes in HQ were predominantly driven by human activities. The gradual outward urban expansion resulted in significant HQ degradation. Slight HQ improvement by ecological restoration in urban outskirts cannot offset HQ losses caused by urbanization. During the study period, high‐HQ low‐HFI clusters decreased by 1.02%, while low‐HQ high‐HFI clusters increased by 4.67%, the two main clustering types in the PRD. Despite the CCD between HFI and HQ increased after 2010, the continuous changes of CCD characteristics from the HFI significantly lagged type to the HQ lagged. HFI showed an inverted U‐shaped relationship with CCD. The CCD peaks during 2000–2020 corresponded to HFI decreasing from 0.711 to 0.566. This indicates that the risk of decoupling between human activities and HQ gradually increased. Furthermore, CCD levels and characteristics in different bivariate clusters exhibited varying changes over time. These results reveal that the spatiotemporal dislocation between urbanization and ecological restoration induced the spatial nonstationarity of the coupling relationship between human activities and HQ. Urbanization exacerbates the imbalance between human development and biodiversity conservation. Therefore, we suggest reasonably delimiting urban boundaries, controlling the scale of urban sprawl, and strengthening biodiversity protection in areas undergoing rapid urbanization. In addition, we advocate for the division of ecological barrier zones, urban development buffer zones, and urban built‐up areas, each with tailored management and protection measures. Our findings can provide an important reference for the ecological restoration of urban agglomerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green transformation of industry and sustainable economic development both require considerable investment. In this regard, green finance that is compatible with economic development can help cope with the massive demand for capital. Taken China's Yangtze River Delta (YRD) as an example, this study is to measure the coordination degree between green finance and economic development. First, the concept, content and scope of green finance is defined based on the new financial regulation mechanism. Second, a green finance measurement index is built to calculate the green finance index for 30 Chinese provinces by the CFA test. Third, based on the economic structure index, an economic development index is built. Testing the rationality of green financial index and the economic development index, this paper finally measures the degree of coordination between green finance and economic development in the YRD. The results reveal that, first, green finance is a financial instrument that integrates financial industry development, environmental improvement, and economic growth. The measurement of the green financial development index includes the sum of regional green credit, green investment, green securities, and green insurance. Second, after years' development, the comprehensive score of YRD's coupling coordination degree exceeds 0.8 in 2020, which shows a high level of coordinated development between green finance and economic construction. However, there is a 2-year timing effect between the economic development and green finance index increase, which reveals that green finance development in the YRD requires further policy guidance and support. This study's findings can provide a theoretical reference and case support for the further development of green finance and related policies in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By exploring the coupling and coordination relationship between high-quality agricultural development and ecological environment in the Yellow River Basin, and providing scientific reference for ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Ba- sin, this paper took nine provinces in the Yellow River Basin as the research object, and based on the panel data from 2012 to 2020, adopted the entropy value method, coupling coordination degree, spatial autocorrelation and spatial econometric model to study the coupling and coordination characteristics of high-quality agricultural development and ecological environment, and analyzed the spatial and temporal pattern evolution and driving factors of the coupling and coordination degree between them. The results show that the high-quality development level of agriculture and the ecological environment level in the Yellow River Basin are both on the rise, the regional pattern of the former is mainly "high in the upper and lower reaches and low in the middle reaches". The regional pattern of the latter is mainly "high in the middle and lower reaches and low in the upper reaches". The degree of coupling coordination between high-quality agricultural development and ecological environment is at a relatively low level, higher coupling coordination in the downstream than that of the middle and upper stream, there is a significant spatial agglomeration effect. Scientific and technological innovation and agricultural products trade play a significant role in the coupling and coordination level of high-quality agricultural development and ecological environment in the province (autonomous region), environmental regulation, scientific and technological innovation and agricultural trade have a significant positive space spillover effect, however, the spatial influence degree of each factor is different. In order to promote the improvement of coupling and coordination degree, the following suggestions are put forward; formulating development strategies in accordance with local conditions, strengthening interregional coordination and cooperation, and correctly playing the role of government and market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancing agricultural carbon emission efficiency and farmers' income simultaneously is crucial for the sustainable progress of agriculture. Our study centered on 31 provinces and cities in China and investigated regional variances and the dynamic evolution aspects of coordinated development in farmers' income and agricultural carbon emission efficiency, utilising panel data from 2005 to 2021. The analysis revealed the following trends: Firstly, China's overall agricultural carbon emission efficiency was steadily increasing, mainly because of technological advancements. Secondly, the correlation between farmers' income and agricultural carbon emission efficiency in China had notably improved from 0.318 to 0.775. Throughout the observation period, disparities in the levels of coordinated development were observed in various provinces with a diminishing fluctuation, indicating regional disparities as the primary instigator. Thirdly, the level of coordinated development highlighted positive clustering attributes, demonstrating an 'east high, west low' pattern; the evolution of coordinated development levels exhibited stability in maintaining the current status. This study holds significant value for developing countries in enhancing farmers' income and agricultural carbon emission efficiency in a coordinated manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore the coupling coordination relationship and obstacle factors of land use functions and poverty alleviation effect in the poverty-stricken counties of Guangdong Province from 2014 to 2020. Based on the coupling coordination mechanism between land use functions and poverty alleviation effect, the evaluation index system was constructed. The entropy weight method, the coupling coordination degree model, as well as the obstacle degree model were used to measure the coupling coordination relationship and the obstacle factors. The research results indicated that the land use functions and poverty alleviation effect levels were showing a generally equivalent increasing trend. Among them, the average comprehensive evaluation index of land use functions increased from 0.239 7 to 0.268 1, with an increase of 11.85%, presenting a “core-edge” distribution pattern, and the average comprehensive evaluation index of poverty alleviation effect increased from 0.356 7 to 0.398 7, with an increase of 11.77%, which had shifted from uniform distribution to central agglomeration growth on spatial differentiation. The degree of coupling coordination increased from 0.529 0 to 0.559 8, with an increase of 5.82%, and primary coordination being the main focus. In terms of the spatial differentiation, there was a shift from overall uniform dispersion to local high-level improvement. The type of the coupling coordination was dominated by the lag type of land use functions, which was relatively evenly distributed throughout the entire region. The main obstacle factors (with obstacle degree greater than 5%) that restricted the coupling coordination of the two were relatively stable, which concentrated on cultural and social indicators. However, the obstacle degree showed a trend of increasing or decreasing in different amplitude. In conclusion, the land use functions and poverty alleviation effect in the poverty-stricken counties of Guangdong Province were still at the primary coordination level. To promote the coupling coordination of the two, the control and management of obstacle factors should be strengthened, and the policy implementation should be classified according to different coupling coordination types, such as promoting the comprehensive land consolidation across the entire region orderly, linking the poverty alleviation achievements with rural revitalization effectively, and supporting the synchronous coordination and linkage mechanism vigorously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization is rapidly occupying green spaces, making it crucial to understand implicit conflicts between urbanization and greenness. This study proposes an ecological greenness index (EGI) and a comprehensive urbanization index (CUI) and selects Nanjing, a megacity in China, as the study area to research the spatial and temporal evolutionary trends of the EGI and CUI in the context of land use/land cover (LULC) changes from 2000 to 2020. Meanwhile, the conflicts and complex interaction characteristics of the EGI and CUI are discussed from both static and dynamic perspectives, and their driving mechanisms are investigated by combining specific indicators. The results demonstrate that over the past 20 years, LULC in Nanjing was dominated by cultivated land, forest land, and artificial surfaces. The encroachment of artificial surfaces on green space was strengthened, resulting in a decrease in the proportion of cultivated land from 70.09% in 2000 to 58.00% in 2020. The CUI increased at a change rate of 0.6%/year, while the EGI showed significant browning (change rate: −0.23%/year), mainly concentrated within the main urban boundaries. The relationship between the CUI and EGI made the leap from "primary coordination" to "moderate coordination", but there remains a risk of further deterioration of the decoupling relationship between the CUI and ecological pressures. The multi-year average contribution of the CUI to the EGI was 49.45%. Urbanization activities that dominate changes in greenness have changed over time, reflecting the timing of urban conflict management. The results provide important insights for urban ecological health monitoring and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the relationship and driving forces between supply–demand of ecosystem services (ESs) and urbanization can help solve the environmental problems and promote regional sustainable development. This study analyzed the spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of supply–demand of ESs and comprehensive urbanization level (CUL) in Shaanxi Province from 2010 to 2019 and assessed the coupling relationship between ecosystem service supply–demand ratio (ESSDR) and CUL using the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model. Random forests and geographically weighted regression methods were utilized to characterize the contribution and spatial distribution of the drivers of CCD. The results showed that: (1) except for habitat quality, the ESSDR of the other three types of services as well as the comprehensive services showed a decreasing trend, CUL exhibited increasing trend; (2) Although CCD was generally increasing, a significant portion (78.51%) of regions still remained uncoordinated, with relatively better coordination shown around the Guanzhong urban agglomeration, which has a higher urbanization level; (3) The CCD in Shaanxi Province was primarily influenced by local financial income, the secondary industry, and temperature forces. In regions with high and increasing CCD, the tertiary industry was the decisive force. In other areas, there were significant spatial variations in the driving forces. These findings provide a coupled and coordinated perspective for urban ecological management, which can provide scientific reference and practical guidance for cities with different development modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In promoting China's comprehensive modernization in pursuit of the grand revitalization of the Chinese nation, the relationship between industry and cities has become increasingly interconnected. National central cities, as the country's economic, cultural, and financial centers, play a pivotal role in driving the development of their surrounding regions. Therefore, this paper focuses on nine national central cities in China and constructs an assessment index framework for urban–rural integration and modernization. This index system covers two aspects: industrial modernization (with a focus on the modernization of the service sector and industry) and urban modernization (with a focus on the harmonious development of people and nature). Using data from 2021, we determine the weights of individual indicators through the entropy weight method. Moreover, the coupling coordination model is utilized to compute the coupling coordination degree for each city, assessing the level of urban–rural integration and modernization. Using Hubei Province as an illustration, we incorporate the measured coupling coordination degree into the analysis of urban–rural integration effects. Spatial autocorrelation using Global Moran's I is applied to explore the spatial radiation effects of the national central city, Wuhan, on its surrounding cities. Simultaneously, 13 prefecture level cities in Hubei Province were selected as radiation areas, and relevant data from 2017 to 2021 were collected. The Durbin, robust regression, and panel model were employed to analyze the economic radiation impact, learning effect, and transportation accessibility effect of Wuhan as a national central city on surrounding cities. Our findings unequivocally demonstrate the paramount role of the service sector in shaping urban–rural integration, as evidenced by Shanghai emerging with the highest level of such integration and modernization, while Zhengzhou lags with the least progress. Moreover, the innovative prowess inherent in Wuhan, which functions as a national central city, exerts a positive influence on the innovation capacity witnessed in its radiating vicinity. Concurrently, the transportation accessibility quotient between peripheral cities and the central city manifests a positive correlation with the economic development level within the radiation zone. These results furnish invaluable insights into strategies aimed at elevating the echelon of urban–rural integration and modernization within national central cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of habitat quality, human footprint, and coupling coordination between two systems in continuous cycles and on national scales is of great significance to maintaining biodiversity and sustainable development. This study took China as an example, based on land-use data from 2000 to 2020, using the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs—Habitat Quality (InVEST-HQ) model and the human footprint framework, coupling trend analysis methods such as Theil–Sen Median Analysis, Mann–Kendall Test, and Grid Transition Matrix (GTM) Method and combining the four-quadrant model and the coupling coordination degree model (CCDM) to reveal the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of habitat quality, human footprint, and CCDM in China for 21 consecutive years and the response relationship between the two systems of habitat quality and human footprint. The results show that the land cover change area from 2000 to 2020 accounted for 4.2% of the total area. Both habitat quality and human footprints exhibit apparent spatial heterogeneity along the "Hu Line" and generally fall into two evolutionary stages: "degradation–improvement". The proportions of degradation and improvement were 14.37% and 8.36%, respectively, and the mutation point was in the year 2013; the average human footprint increased by 16.75%, and the increased and decreased area proportions were 63.40% and 21.53%, respectively. The mutation occurred in 2014. The right side of the "Hu Line" primarily hosts areas with high values of the coordinated coupling index of human footprints and habitat quality systems. The four quadrants generally have the following characteristics: "quadrant IV on the right is dominant, quadrants II and III on the left are dominant, and quadrant I is located in the transition zone of the 'Hu Line'". The coupling coordination degree (CCD) and human footprints have a weak, nonlinear "inverted U-shaped" relationship. This study provides compelling evidence for the spatiotemporal evolution and coupling relationship between habitat quality and human footprint in China, provides scientific decision-making support for biodiversity protection and sustainable economic development, and maintains the bottom line of ecological security for a beautiful China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For high-quality growth to occur, new-type urbanization and environmental preservation must coexist and advance at the same time. The focus has shifted to maintain a balance between ecological quality and urbanization growth. This study focuses on the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) in China, utilizing panel data from 41 cities in the YRD spanning from 2009 to 2021 to construct evaluation index systems for new (type of) urbanization and ecological environment. To analyze spatial-temporal evolutionary aspects and determine the causes of the degree of coupling coordination between new-type urbanization and the ecological environment, methodologies such as the entropy weight method, coupled coordination degree model, and Tobit regression approach were used. The results show that (1) economic urbanization has experienced the most growth in the level of new-type urbanization in the YRD, which has been steadily increasing. Moreover, the ecological environment evaluation score increased from 0.581 in 2009 to 0.701 in 2021, revealing a cyclical pattern of increase and decrease in its evolutionary trajectory. (2) Within the scope of the study, the overall coupling coordination degree between new-type urbanization and ecological environment has increased, with the average value rising from 0.512 in 2009 to 0.540 in 2021. In comparison to Lishui, Huaibei, Huainan, Ningbo, Chuzhou, and Bozhou saw a greater increase in coupling and coordination degree, with pronounced variations and clustering patterns visible in their spatial distribution. (3) According to the Tobit regression analysis, the level of economic development, technological progress, industrial concentration, global openness, and educational investment had significant positive effects on the degree of coupled coordination between new-type urbanization and the ecological environment in the YRD, whereas the level of information technology did not reach the significance threshold. The findings of the study are crucial for establishing a regional framework for green and sustainable development, as well as for facilitating the coordinated growth of new-type urbanization and ecological environment. These findings hold great potential for driving positive change in both urban development and environmental conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The construction models of smart cities and low-carbon cities are crucial for advancing global urbanization, enhancing urban governance, and addressing major urban challenges. Despite significant advancements in smart and low-carbon city research, a consensus on their coupling coordination remains elusive. This study employs mixed-method research, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses, to investigate the coupling coordination between urban smart performance (SCP) and low-carbon level (LCL) across 52 typical smart and low-carbon pilot cities in China. Independent evaluation models for SCP and LCL qualitatively assess the current state of smart and low-carbon city construction. Additionally, an Entropy–TOPSIS–Pearson correlation–Coupling coordination degree (ETPC) analysis model quantitatively examines their relationship. The results reveal that smart city initiatives in China significantly outperform low-carbon city development, with notable disparities in SCP and LCL between eastern, non-resource-based, and central cities versus western, resource-dependent, and peripheral cities. A strong positive correlation exists between urban SCP and overall LCL, with significant correlations in management, society, and economy, and moderate to weak correlations in environmental quality and culture. As SCP levels improve, the coupling coordination degree between the urban SCP and LCL systems also increases, driven primarily by economic, management, and societal factors. Conversely, the subsystems of low-carbon culture and environmental quality show poorer integration. Based on these findings, this study proposes an evaluation system for smart and low-carbon coupling coordination development, outlining pathways for future development from the perspective of urban complex systems.

Abstract The coupling coordination of digitalization and green development has become an inevitable requirement for building a new development pattern and achieving high-quality development of China’s economy. Based on the panel data of 284 Chinese cities from 2011 to 2021, this study uses the coupling coordination degree model, Dagum Gini coefficient, spatial convergence, Markov transfer probability matrix, and panel Tobit model to quantitatively analyze the spatial–temporal evolution characteristics and influencing factors of the coupling coordination degree of digitization and green development. The study results show that the coupling coordination degree (CCD) of digitalization and green development has an overall increasing trend during the study period, and the eastern region is higher than other regions which showing spatial non-equilibrium characteristics. The spatial difference of the CCD continues to downward, and inter-regional differences are the main source of the CCD. In the long run, there is a “catch-up effect” between cities with low CCD and those with high CCD, and the CCD of digitalization and green development will tend to a steady state. The transfer type of the CCD has the characteristics of “club convergence”, the probability of maintaining the original state is high, and the overall CCD shows a good development trend in the future. Factors such as environmental regulation, green innovation, industrial structure upgrading and financial efficiency can significantly contribute to the CCD of digitalization and green development. The above findings provide empirical evidence of the CCD of digitalization and green development to achieve high-quality economic development.

Abstract This study investigates the Dynamic Coupling between Land Use Economic Efficiency (LUEE) and Urban Ecological Resilience (UER) in the Yellow River Basin (YRB). This exploration is pivotal for elucidating the interaction mechanisms between economic growth and ecological governance. Furthermore, understanding this relationship is essential for fostering high-quality, sustainable urban development in the YRB. Utilizing panel data from 56 cities spanning 2003 to 2020, this study employed the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model, spatial correlation analysis, Kernel density estimation, convergence model, and Geodetector to systematically analyze the spatio-temporal distribution, dynamic trend, and determinants of the CCD between LUEE and UER in the YRB. The findings indicate that: (1) A general upward trend in both LUEE and UER, accompanied by a steady improvement in their CCD. (2) Significant spatial disparities in their CCD, with higher levels in the lower reaches. (3) Marked positive spatial autocorrelation, predominantly characterized by clusters where high (low) values are surrounded by high (low) values. (4) Regarding the impact of individual factors, government fiscal budget expenditure demonstrates the most robust explanatory power for the CCD within the YRB. Concerning the effects of two-factor interactions, the interplay between industrial structure upgrading and government fiscal budget expenditure emerges as the most significant determinant in influencing the CCD between LUEE and UER. This study enhances our comprehensive understanding of the interplay between economic and ecological systems. It offers scientific insights and strategic direction for harmonizing ecological governance with urban economic growth at both the regional and global scales.

[Objective] The aims of this study are to explore the coupling and coordinated relationship between the suitability of production-living-ecological space, to clarify the main contradictions and influencing factors of the development of territorial space, and to provide scientific basis for promoting the coordinated development of production-living-ecological space in Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan area. [Methods] Based on the development status of Changsha-Xiangtan area, the evaluation index system of spatial suitability of production-living-ecologyl space was constructed to evaluate the suitability of production, living and ecology space, respectively. The coupling coordination degree model was used to analyze the spatial distribution based on the three types of suitability to explore the relationship between the spatial suitability. [Results] The area of production space was first reduced and then increased, the area of living space increased rapidly, and the area of ecological space decreased rapidly. From 2000 to 2020, a large number of agricultural production space and forest land ecological space transformed into industrial production space and urban living space. The spatial suitability of production-living-ecology space presented the spatial pattern characteristics of of life- production-ecology circle layer, which spreaded from Changsha Zhuzhou-Xiangtan urban area. The suitability of production space was high in north and low in south, high inside and low outside. The suitability of the living space presented the characteristics of one piece, eight cores and multiple points'.. The suitability of ecological space was high in east and low in west, high in south and low in north. In the production-living-ecology space pattern based on suitability, production, living and ecology space accounted for 34.36%, 19.55% and 46.09% of the land area, respectively. It was obviously different from the spatial situation of production-living-ecology space, highlighting the key areas of ecological protection. The research area was at a relative coordination level. High coordination, basic coordination, critical imbalance and imbalance areas accounted for 56.29%, 36.65% 6.91% and 0.16% of the land area, respectively. The spatial differentiation of the spatial suitability of production-living-ecology space was obvious reflecting the different development contradictions of territorial space development, so targeted measures should be taken to promote the coordinated development of production-living-ecological space. [Conclusion] The spatial suitability of production-living-ecology space presented the characteristics of the disharmony between ecological space and production or living space, and the relative coordination between production and living space. The incompatibility between ecological space and production space and between ecological space and living space is the main contradictions in the development of territorial space in Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan area. Topography is the fundamental factor affecting the coupling and coordination of the spatial suitability of the production-living-ecological space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract New urbanization (NU) and ecological welfare performance (EWP) play pivotal roles in achieving sustainable urban development, with both emphasizing social equity and environmental management. Exploring the coordinated relationship between EWP and NU is invaluable for understanding the symbiotic interplay between humans and nature. We constructed a framework to elucidate the coupling mechanism of EWP and NU from the perspective of systems theory. We quantified the levels of NU and EWP utilizing the entropy weighting method and the super-efficient SBM method, respectively. Furthermore, we assessed the degree of coupling coordination between the two using the coupling coordination degree model (CCDM). Spatial and temporal evolution analysis was conducted, and factors influencing the degree of coupling coordination between EWP and NU were explored through a spatial–temporal geographically-weighted regression model (GTWR). The results indicate: (1) During the study period, the average annual increase in EWP in the study area was 2.59%, with a narrowing relative gap between cities. Conversely, the average annual increase in the level of NU was 7.6%, with demographic and economic dimensions carrying the highest weights. (2) The type of coupling coordination between EWP and NU transitions from basic coordination to moderate coordination, with the development of EWP lagging behind that of NU. (3) City size demonstrates a positive yet diminishing trend on the coupling coordination level, with economic development exerting the greatest influence and exhibiting a "V" trend, while the impact of green technology innovation diminishes negatively. Additionally, regional disparities are significant, with city size exhibiting a negative impact in areas of high population density and low economic levels, and green technology innovation showing notable polarization characteristics in core cities. These findings serve as a foundation for fostering coordinated ecological development amid the rapid urbanization process of the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle.

Abstract The coordinated development of land urbanization and population urbanization is crucial for the advancement of new urbanization. The study applied the entropy weight method and coupling coordination degree model, taking Shaanxi—a province in China characterized by a moderate pace of economic development and volume, along with distinct geographic and demographic features within its region—as the subject. It assessed the coordination conditions of these two types of urbanization from both macro and micro scales during the years 2010–2022. Utilizing the Analytic Network Process (ANP), the study ranked and analyzed the causes of issues stemming from uneven development, thus connecting a crucial link from theoretical analysis to decision-making implementation. The results showed that: (1) The province's land urbanization index was between 0.075 and 0.203, whereas the population urbanization index ranged from 0.221 to 0.408, with the development of the former significantly lagging behind the latter. (2) The coupling degree between land and population urbanization ranged from 0.835 to 0.854, with a coordination degree between 0.148 and 0.306. This indicated that a close connection had been formed between the two, yet a benign coupling relationship had not been established, displaying a spatial distribution characterized by "high in the middle, low in the north and south". (3) The limitation on further urban expansion was identified as the primary issue to be addressed (with a weight of 0.324), followed by insufficient infrastructure (with a weight of 0.261). The extent of ecological environmental damage was comparatively lower (with a weight of 0.225), and the degree of social injustice was the lowest (with a weight of 0.191). Therefore, to alleviate the problems associated with the imbalanced development between land urbanization and population urbanization, measures such as optimizing land spatial layout, enhancing urban ecological service functions, and strengthening the central cities' radiating effect should be implemented.

Changes in land use types in alpine meadow areas have significant impacts on the ecological environment in alpine areas. Exploring land use change is crucial for land use management and optimization in alpine regions. Thus, it is necessary to analyze land use evolution and its drivers in alpine meadow regions from a production–living–ecology space (PLES) perspective by using remote sensing data. We first constructed the PLES evaluation system for Gannan. Then, we analyzed the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics and coupling degree of PLES in the study area. Finally, the driving factors affecting PLES were explored with geodetector. The conclusions of the study reveal that the distribution of productive and ecological spaces is large and concentrated, while the distribution of living spaces is more decentralized. The PLES was mainly concentrated in the area above 2500 m but below 4000 m and with a slope of 40° or less. During the study period, the area of production space showed a decreasing trend, while the areas of living and ecological space both showed increasing trends, primarily occurring at the expense of production space. DEM and GDP were the main factors affecting the distribution of PLES. The coupling level and the degree of coupling coordination were relatively stable in general, showing a pattern of "high in the east and low in the west". The study provides technical support and a theoretical basis for the future planning of land space and ecological environment optimization in the alpine meadow regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New urbanization (NU) and ecological welfare performance (EWP) play pivotal roles in achieving sustainable urban development, with both emphasizing social equity and environmental management. Exploring the coordinated relationship between EWP and NU is invaluable for understanding the symbiotic interplay between humans and nature. We constructed a framework to elucidate the coupling mechanism of EWP and NU from the perspective of systems theory. We quantified the levels of NU and EWP utilizing the entropy weighting method and the super-efficient SBM method, respectively. Furthermore, we assessed the degree of coupling coordination between the two using the coupling coordination degree model (CCDM). Spatial and temporal evolution analysis was conducted, and factors influencing the degree of coupling coordination between EWP and NU were explored through a spatial–temporal geographically-weighted regression model (GTWR). The results indicate: (1) During the study period, the average annual increase in EWP in the study area was 2.59%, with a narrowing relative gap between cities. Conversely, the average annual increase in the level of NU was 7.6%, with demographic and economic dimensions carrying the highest weights. (2) The type of coupling coordination between EWP and NU transitions from basic coordination to moderate coordination, with the development of EWP lagging behind that of NU. (3) City size demonstrates a positive yet diminishing trend on the coupling coordination level, with economic development exerting the greatest influence and exhibiting a "V" trend, while the impact of green technology innovation diminishes negatively. Additionally, regional disparities are significant, with city size exhibiting a negative impact in areas of high population density and low economic levels, and green technology innovation showing notable polarization characteristics in core cities. These findings serve as a foundation for fostering coordinated ecological development amid the rapid urbanization process of the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Yellow River Basin is an important national energy base and ecological protection area, and it is of great significance to promote the coordinated development of high-quality development and eco-environmental carrying capacity in the region. Methods: Taking the 73 prefecture-level cities along the Yellow River as the study unit, this paper measures the changes of high-quality development level and eco-environmental carrying capacity of municipalities from 2005 to 2020, using the coupling coordination degree model and fuzzy logic algorithm. Results and discussion: 1) The capital city and its surrounding cities have a high level of high-quality development, with the lower and middle reaches of the Yellow River having higher levels than the upper reaches. From 2005 to 2020, the level of high-quality development showed an upward trend. 2) The eco-environmental carrying capacity of cities in the lower reaches is higher than that in the upper reaches. From 2005 to 2020, the eco-environmental carrying capacity of cities in the lower reaches of the Yellow River increased first and then decreased. 3) The provincial capital cities have a high degree of coupling coordination, with cities in the lower reaches having a higher level than those in the middle and upper reaches. A high degree of coupling coordination reduces spatial differences, but dominated by primary coordination. 4) From 2005 to 2020, the eco-environmental carrying capacity tended to be coordinated with the high-quality development, close to a high level and system optimization. In the end, we conclude with policy recommendations to promote high-quality urban development and harmony between people and nature in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective]The aims of this study are to explore the coordinated development level of water resources carrying capacity and grain production resilience in the lower Yellow River, and to provide a new policy perspective for promoting the coordinated development of water resources protection and utilization and grain production, [Methods]Based on the evaluation index system of water resources carrying capacity and grain production toughness, the index of water resources carrying capacity and grain production toughness in the lower reaches of the Yellow River during 2010-2021 was estimated by entropy weight method, and the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of their coordinated development were analyzed by coupling coordination degree model and kernel density estimation, At the same time, the dominant factors and interaction factors affecting the coupling coordination degree of the two were explored by means of geographic detectors, [Results]In time dimension, the coupling coordination degree between water resources carrying capacity and grain production toughness increased from 0, 484 0 to 0, 747 6, and the coupling coordination type increased from near imbalance to intermediate coordination, In terms of spatial dimension, the highest value of the coupling coordination degree between the two was found in Jinan, Shandong Province, and the lowest value concentrated in Henan Province, Annual precipitation, residential water consumption, urban green area, cultivated land area and financial support to agriculture were the main driving factors on the coordinated development of the two, and the explanatory power of the interaction of the leading factors showed the characteristics of double factor enhancement or nonlinear enhancement, [Conclusion]The coupling coordination degree of water resources carrying capacity and grain production toughness in the lower reaches of the Yellow River increased year by year and gradually showed a spatial distribution of high level in the east and low level in the west, At the same time, the development of the two systems was increasingly close, and the interaction was gradually enhanced, [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the greatest challenges in the agroecosystem is to improve cropland intensification while preserving agroecosystem services. While many studies have investigated the effect of cropland intensification on agroecosystem service, the interactive coupling and coordination among these factors remain largely unexplored. In view of this, this study performed a case study of the Loess Plateau in Shaanxi Province, China and constructed comprehensive evaluation models to quantify the cropland intensification and agroecosystem service in this area. Balance analysis and the coupling coordination degree model were used to evaluate the interactive relationship between cropland intensification and agroecosystem service, and statistical analysis and spatial autocorrelation were used to analyze the spatial characteristics and potential mechanism of the coupling coordination. Results show that both the cropland intensification and agroecosystem service in the study area were relatively low yet gradually increased from 2000 to 2020. Agroecosystem service lag was identified as the dominant unbalanced development type. Improving the supply capacity of agroecosystem services plays a key role in the balanced development of cropland in the Loess Plateau. The coupling coordination degree between cropland intensification and agroecosystem service ranges from basic coordination to serious incoordination. Therefore, cropland intensification practices in the area should be optimized to enhance this coordination degree. An upward trend was also observed in the coupling coordination degree from 2000 to 2020. The withdrawal of marginal cropland in the Grain for Green program is one of the most important reasons for this trend, especially for the northern region. Around 83.6% of the high-high clusters are concentrated in the southern region of the Loess Plateau, whereas 70.5% of the low-low clusters are distributed in the northern region. These clustering characteristics are mainly attributed to the environmental suitability of these areas for agriculture and their degree of economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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With the continuous development of Internet technology, all areas of social economy have undergone profound changes. The circulation and application of data elements can significantly promote the construction of infrastructure such as big data centers and mobile base stations, and stimulate the market demand for digital consumption such as digital production, e-commerce and digital trade. Data mining technology will provide sustainable impetus for economic development. There is a clearer analysis of the role of data elements in the platform economy, but there is a lack of research in macroeconomics, especially in the coupling of finance and technology. This paper developed a coupling coordination and a coupling efficiency index system, using different methods to measure outcomes and outline the path to achieving high "quantity" and "quality" of finance-technology coupling development. Based on the data mining technology in e-commerce, the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis method is used to analyze the complex mechanisms and driving paths of data elements affecting the coordination degree and coupling efficiency of finance-technology coupling performance of China. We empirically document that data mining and data management are necessary to improve coupling coordination; in the absence of other conditions, data mining or data management can produce high coupling coordination, but not sufficient to improve coupling efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of coordinated cross-regional development led by scientific and technological innovation (STI) is vital in promoting high-quality development in China. However, there is limited research on the coordination status, driving mechanism, and key influencing factors of STI in China. This study has proposed the interrelationship between STI, socio-economic, ecological environment, and energy consumption (SEEE) with coupling coordination degree (CCD) model, conducted a spatio-temporal evolution heterogeneity analysis, and identified the key barriers to meet the needs of an increasingly complex and interacting social reality. The results show that: (1) The current CCD of the SEEE system shows a clear stepped state in time sequence with an unbalance development class among cross-regional; (2) The CCD of the SEEE system has a significant spatial positive correlation, which shows a geographical distribution trend of "high in the south and low in the north," "high in the east and low in the west," and " bulging in the middle and low in the ends." The regions with high CCD are clustered in the "coastal and riverine" areas, which can drive the neighboring provinces through spatial association. Central China has great potential to rise fast; (3) STI subsystem is the key obstacle affecting CCD development. Still, the energy consumption subsystem has an insignificant impact, of which the "transaction value in technical markets" indicator is the key obstacle factor. This paper puts forward policy implications based on the study results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective resolution of environmental pollution caused by carbon haze through coordinated progress in green technology and urban ecological resilience is a crucial approach towards promoting sustainable development in Chinese cities. In this study, panel data from 281 cities in China from 2007 to 2019 were analyzed using the entropy method and the coupling coordination degree model to determine the coupling coordination degree between green technology progress and urban ecological resilience. The coordinated influence model and threshold model were applied to investigate coupled coordination types and influencing factors. Results indicate that green technology progress levels have shown an upward trend with increasing volatility from east to west and decreasing volatility with urban scale expansion. Ecological resilience levels have also steadily increased, albeit at a reduced rate. The coupling coordination degree of green technology progress and urban ecological resilience has evolved overall from low to high levels; however, the coupling coordination type has regressed to some extent, with most regions exhibiting lagging green technological progress. Pressure resilience has a positive impact on the coupling coordination degree, while state resilience and response resilience have a negative impact. Green technology progress has a dual threshold effect on the coupling coordination degree. By exploring the coupling and coordination mechanism between green technology progress and urban ecological resilience, this study not only facilitates collaborative management of pollutants and greenhouse gases in cities but also provides a comprehensive reference for the construction of an institutional system for collaborative carbon and haze management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green and low-carbon urbanization (GLCU) is as a key objective within the realm of urban sustainable development. The extent of coordination between urbanization and low-carbon development determines the level of GLCU. However, the complex driving mechanism of GLCU has not garnered the required attention within the existing literature. In light of this, the present paper introduces a multi-dimensional comprehensive evaluation framework aimed at assessing the level of GLCU. Specifically, it delves into the spatial–temporal characteristics and driving forces that underpin GLCU. The results indicate that the level of GLCU in the YRD region increased rapidly from 2005 to 2020, evolving from low coordination to moderate coordination. Yet, the trade-off between urbanization and low-carbon development still exists. The surge in population density and economic prosperity emerged as the principal positive drivers of GLCU, while the carbon emissions intensity exerted a negative influence. Furthermore, the effect of industrial structure shifted from a positive driver to a negative one. The effects of these drivers upon GLCU varied at different urbanization stages and determined the patterns of urban development, indicating that policies for sustainable development should be tailored to cities at different urbanization stages. These findings can provide useful information for policy makers and urban planners in managing and promoting urban sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to provide data evidence and theoretical support for the high-quality construction of the modern Yellow River Basin, the development quality evaluation index system for the Yellow River Basin was established, which included two sub-systems (ecological protection and high-quality development) and seven dimensions (resources utilization, environmental governance, environmental quality, innovative development, coordinated development, open development and shared development). The anti-entropy weight method was used to calculate the weight of the index and the comprehensive index of each sub-system, the niche fitness model was used to evaluate the development quality of the Yellow River Basin from 2011 to 2020, the modified coupling coordination model and the relative development model were used to analyze the coupling coordination status between ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin, and the obstacle model was used to identify the main obstacles to the development quality of the Yellow River Basin. The results show that a) the overall development quality of the Yellow River Basin has steadily improved from 2011 to 2020, but it is still relatively low at the end of the research period, and there is still significant room for improvement; b) From the perspective of niche fitness in various dimensions of development quality in the Yellow River Basin, environmental governance and resources utilization reach moderate suitability, coordinated development and environmental quality are low suitability, shared development is low unsuitable, and innovative development and open development are moderately unsuitable; c) The coupling coordination level between ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin has risen from forced coordination to primary coordination, and they have always been in a state of leading ecological protection imbalance or serious imbalance; d) Among the seven dimensions of development quality, shared development occupies a core position. Open development, innovative development and coordinated development are the weaknesses of the high-quality development subsystem, while resources utilization and environmental quality are the weaknesses of the ecological protection subsystem. In the evaluation indicators, the main obstacles to the development quality of the Yellow River Basin are the proportion of technology market transaction volume to GDP, per capita import and export value, foreign investment openness, proportion of nature reserve area to total area, agricultural industry labor productivity, urban land conservation and utilization level, and comprehensive utilization rate of industrial solid waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the coupling and coordination relationship of high -quality development of tertiary public general hospitals in Guangxi, and to explore the path of high-quality development of tertiary public general hospitals, so as to provide a basis for related policy formulation. Methods The evaluation index system of high-quality development of tertiary public general hospitals in Guangxi was constructed from the four dimensions of medical quality, operational efficiency, sustainable development, and satisfaction evaluation. The coefficient of variation method and rank sum ratio method were used to comprehensively evaluate and classify the high-quality development level of the tertiary public general hospitals in 14 prefectures and cities in Guangxi in 2019, and the coupling coordination degree model was used to calculate the coupling and coordinated development level. Results Most of the sample hospitals were in the primary coordination stage, and the proportion of other coupling coordination types from high to low were intermediate coordination (22.73%), reluctant coordination (18.18%), on the verge of disorder (13.64%), and good coordination (4.55%). According to the principle of optimal classification, the tertiary public hospitals in Guangxi were divided into high, medium, and low grades. Most of the hospitals were in the middle level and there was much room for development and progress. Conclusion The coupling coordination degree of the tertiary public general hospitals in Guangxi is not high, and there are still some problems, such as uneven distribution of medical resources, large differences in medical quality, and lack of motivation for personnel training. It is necessary to improve the medical service system and improve the core competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

67 million hectares of high-standard farmland has been constructed in China by the end of 2022. The production quality and capacity of these farmland need to be upgraded after long-time utilization, low investment, and disaster damage. The next construction is required for the food security. However, there is seldom report so far. This study aims to optimize the projects and then upgrade the high-standard farmland using TOPSIS and coupling coordination degree. Taking the Laoling City, Shandong Province as the research area, 87.93% of field was built into the high-standard farmland from 2013 to 2022. The evaluation index system was constructed from three aspects: construction foundation, fertility quality and water resource utilization. 14 indicators were contained, such as farmland area, building time, cost input, road accessibility, field breakage degree, soil organic matter, soil P, soil K, salinity degree, soil texture, water quantity, pond density, ditch density and water system connectivity. Furthermore, 57 688.44 hm² high-standard farmland from 950 administrative villages were taken as the evaluation unit to realize the implicative construction. The AHP and TOPSIS analysis were chosen to evaluate the current situation as functional effectiveness of facilities, potential to arable land productivity and sustainable utilization of water resources. The production capacity of farmland was also evaluated to determine the coupling coordination degree for the cooperativity among three aspects. The upgrading project areas were delimited using the cooperativity index and spatial patterns. The results show that: 1) The construction foundation was relatively superior in the southwest and eastern regions, while the weak performance distributed mainly in the south and central regions. High fertility areas were accounted for a small proportion of 14.46% in the central, southern and northeast regions. Water resources presented a trend of high in the central region and low in the northern and southern regions. 2) The coupling coordination index of the three dimensions were ranged from 0.41 to 0.85. The high values were clustered in the southwest, east and northeast, whereas, the low values were in the south and northwest, and the median cross-distributed in the central and southern regions. 3) According to the coupling coordination degree index, the information and pertinency target, the evaluation units were broadly classified as near-term, midterm and long-term construction sequences, where the areas of each period were 8633.23, 11004.64 and 9102.62 hm², respectively. According to spatial pattern, three sequences were divided into 12 upgrading projects with the average stage of 4 projects. Different obstruction factors were optimized to improve the quality and efficiency of each project, in term of water source security, facilities, fund integration, land capacity and structural improvement. The construction quality and operation period of high-standard farmland were considered to balance the land use with productivity degradation. The optimal configuration was achieved under the constraint of water resources, following the principle of coordination and adaptation to local conditions. Thus the finding can also provide a strong reference to select the priority areas for the high-standard farmland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comprehensive evaluation and the coupling coordination degree model were used to measure the coupling coordination degree of the development level of digital inclusive finance and the construction industry in 31 provinces in China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) during the period of 2011-2019. Then, the driving factors of the coupling and coordinated development of the two were analyzed by using spatial exploratory analysis and panel regression model. The results show that the coupling coordination degree between digital inclusive finance and construction industry has an upward trend, and shows significant regional differences and agglomeration characteristics in spatial distribution. Factors such as economic foundation, human capital, government behavior and urban structure have a promoting effect on the coupling and coordinated development of digital inclusive finance and the construction industry, while production efficiency and technological innovation have a negative effect. The conclusions can provide a reference for Chinese provincial administrative regions to realize the positive interaction and coordinated development of digital inclusive finance and construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the data of Sichuan Province from 2007 to 2021, the extreme climate events in Sichuan Province was identified by statistical method, and the coupling coordination degree of water resources-climate system and separate water resource system was analyzed. Based on the difference of coupling coordination degree under these two systems, the influence mechanism of extreme climate factors on the water resource system is analyzed. The results show that the extreme climate types in Sichuan Province gradually transition from extreme drought to extreme precipitation and from extreme low temperature to extreme high temperature. When climate factors are not considered, the coupling coordination degree of the water resource system is generally improved and the distribution is more concentrated. Moreover, the influence of climate factors on the water resource system is not a simple linear relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coupling coordination development of rural revitalization and rural e-commerce is of great significance in promoting the economic growth of rural areas. Based on the observational data of 14 prefectural-level cities in Hunan Province from 2013 to 2021, this study analyzes the spatio-temporal evolution characteristics and driving factors of the coupling coordination development of rural revitalization and rural e-commerce in Hunan Province by adopting the methods of the coupling coordination model and spatial econometric model. The findings indicate that (1) the coupling coordination degree between rural revitalization and rural e-commerce has gradually increased, showing a transition path from dissonance to coordination; (2) there are regional differences in the coupling coordination degree between rural revitalization and rural e-commerce, with the overall difference showing a fluctuating narrowing trend, and the intra-regional difference is the principal cause for the overall difference; (3) the coupling coordination degree shows spatial clustering characteristics, with high–high clustering areas mainly concentrated in the eastern part of Hunan Province and low–low clustering areas concentrated in the western part of Hunan Province; and (4) there is a notable driving effect of infrastructure development, digitalization level, human capital, and regional consumption level on the coupling coordination of rural revitalization and rural e-commerce. Above all, this study provides effective recommendations for promoting the coordinated development of rural revitalization and rural e-commerce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Urbanization interacts with land use through resource consumption and space encroachment. Clarifying the spatial correlations of the interactive relationship between urbanization and land use, along with their spatiotemporal dynamics, is of vital importance for addressing the complex interplay between urban development and land resources and identifying regional differences. However, previous studies have not sufficiently explored these issues. Herein, we introduce a coupling coordination degree (CCD) model and present the results of exploratory spatiotemporal analyses involving in-depth investigation of the CCD between urbanization quality and land-use intensity in 290 Chinese cities. The results demonstrate that the CCD for most cities was at the transition-period or basic-coordination stage. The dynamics of the spatial correlation of the CCD was found to increase from the east to the central and western regions, but this was found to decline overall. The movement direction and spatial dependence of the local spatial structure of the CCD exerted a dominant synergistic effect. The transition of the spatial correlation was mainly Type I (stable local and neighboring morphology), showing strong transfer inertia, path dependence, and locking features. Dynamic transitions occurred more in central and eastern cities. The results suggest that more cross-city cooperation could contribute to moderate land-resource exploitation for high-quality urbanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]