scholarly journals What Type of Industrial Agglomeration Is Beneficial to the Eco-Efficiency of Northwest China?

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 163
Author(s):  
Lei Gao ◽  
Taowu Pei ◽  
Tielong Wang ◽  
Yue Hao ◽  
Chao Li ◽  
...  

The contradiction between industrial economic development and the ecological environment in Northwest China is prominent, so the green transformation of industrial economy in this region is imperative. From the perspective of industrial ecology, this study uses economic and environmental statistics from Northwest China from 2006 to 2018 as well as the Krugman specialization index and entropy index methods to calculate the degree of different types of industrial agglomeration in Northwest China. The eco-efficiency of Northwest China is calculated by the global SBM-DDF model. On this basis, the stochastic effect panel tobit regression model is used to analyze the influence and mechanism of different types of industrial agglomeration on eco-efficiency in Northwest China. The results show that the concentration of specialization has a significantly negative effect on the eco-efficiency of Northwest China at the level of 1%. Excepting Ningxia, the eco-efficiency of other provinces has been improved with the decrease of industrial specialization. The influence of the related diversification agglomeration on the eco-efficiency in Northwest China shows a U curve. The degree of industrial correlation diversification in Qinghai and Ningxia is less than the critical value 1.45, whereas Shaanxi, Gansu, and Xinjiang have crossed the inflection point. The unrelated diversification agglomeration has a negative effect on the eco-efficiency of Northwest China at the level of 1%, and the degree of industrial independent diversification in Shaanxi Province has decreased slightly, which is beneficial to the improvement of eco-efficiency. By contrast, other provinces have increased considerably. The conclusion can provide a theoretical basis for industrial green transformation path selection and related policy formulation in Northwest China.

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1301
Author(s):  
Lei Gao ◽  
Fang Li ◽  
Jingran Zhang ◽  
Xu Wang ◽  
Yue Hao ◽  
...  

Southwest China is a fragile terrestrial ecosystem restricted by its geological background, which leads to a contradiction between its industrial economic development and the ecological environment. In this study, to explore the influence and mechanisms of the three industrial agglomeration modes, namely, specialization, related diversification, and unrelated diversification, on the eco-efficiency of the region, linear and nonlinear regression models were applied to the data of five Southwest provinces from 2006 to 2018. Specialization agglomeration had a significant negative impact on the eco-efficiency of four provinces outside Tibet in Southwest China. With the decrease of industrial specialization, their eco-efficiency improved. The effects of related diversification agglomeration on the ecological efficiency of four provinces outside Tibet in Southwest China showed a “U” curve. The degree of industrial diversification in these provinces exceeded the critical value of 1.46, and the effect on eco-efficiency was shown. The unrelated diversification agglomeration had a negative effect on the ecological efficiency of the four provinces outside Tibet in Southwest China. The degree of industrial-unrelated diversification in Guizhou Province increased slightly, which was not conducive to the improvement of local eco-efficiency. Additionally, it decreased significantly in other provinces, which caused the improvement of local eco-efficiency. The conclusion provides a theoretical basis for industrial green transformation path selection and related policy formulation in Southwest China.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1106-1106
Author(s):  
Gao Xiangyu ◽  
Mi Baibing ◽  
Dang Shaonong ◽  
Yan Hong

Abstract Objectives To investigate the association of calcium supplementation during the pregnancy with the birth weight of single-born neonates. Methods The survey employed a multistage, stratified and random sampling to investigate 15–49 aged pregnant women in 2010 to 2013 in Shaanxi province. A self - designed questionnaire was utilized. Birth weight between the 10(th) and 90(th) percentile was classified as appropriate for gestational age(AGA) infants. Chi-square test and logistic regression models were conducted to evaluate the association of calcium supplementation with single-born neonatal birth weight. Results A total of 28,490 women was enrolled in this study, 17 349 (60.9%) of participants had calcium supplementation during pregnancy. The incidence rates of small and large gestational age infants were 13.5% and 8.3%, respectively. The study conducted that calcium supplementation had a statistically significant difference in SGA (birth weight percentile <10) (P < 0.01). After adjusting the regression models by confounding factors, we found that calcium supplementation was still protective towards SGA birth, the difference was statistically significant (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.82–0.96, P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the birth to LGA (birth weight percentile <10). Conclusions Calcium supplementation during pregnancy reduced the risk of SGA, but was not associated with the birth of LGA. Funding Sources


Author(s):  
Yinli Bi ◽  
Linlin Xie ◽  
Zhigang Wang ◽  
Kun Wang ◽  
Wenwen Liu ◽  
...  

AbstractArbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can successfully enhance photosynthesis (Pn) and plants growth in agricultural or grassland ecosystems. However, how the symbionts affect species restoration in sunlight-intensive areas remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study’s objective was to assess the effect of AM fungi on apricot seedling physiology, within a specific time period, in northwest China. In 2010, an experimental field was established in Shaanxi Province, northwest China. The experimental treatments included two AM fungi inoculation levels (0 or 100 g of AM fungal inoculum per seedling), three shade levels (1900, 1100, and 550 µmol m−2 s−1), and three ages (1, 3, and 5 years) of transplantation. We examined growth, Pn, and morphological indicators of apricot (Prunus sibirica L.) seedling performances in 2011, 2013, and 2015. The colonization rate in mycorrhizal seedlings with similar amounts of shade is higher than the corresponding controls. The mycorrhizal seedling biomass is significantly higher than the corresponding non-mycorrhizal seedling biomass. Generally, Pn, stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), and water use efficiency are also significantly higher in the mycorrhizal seedlings. Moreover, mycorrhizal seedlings with light shade (LS) have the highest Pn. WUE is increased in non-mycorrhizal seedlings because of the reduction in Tr, while Tr is increased in mycorrhizal seedlings with shade. There is a significant increase in the N, P, and K fractions detected in roots compared with shoots. This means that LS had apparent benefits for mycorrhizal seedlings. Our results also indicate that AM fungi, combined with LS, exert a positive effect on apricot behavior.


Author(s):  
Frowin Fasold ◽  
Benjamin Noël ◽  
André Nicklas ◽  
Fabian Lukac ◽  
Stefanie Klatt

Throwing a ball is a primary skill in team-handball and can be directly influenced by the properties of different types of balls. Therefore, the use of different balls (i.e., methodic ball) recommended by the handball federations (e.g., IHF) and the education guidelines, are important in teaching throwing. Previous studies have shown that movement patterns and throwing velocity can be influenced by different ball types and sizes. However, the influence of these factors on throwing accuracy has not been investigated in detail yet. This study aims to replicate the findings of previous studies on increasing throwing velocity in children by comparing the use of a soft methodic ball with a size 0 handball. Furthermore, this study investigates the influence of these balls on throwing accuracy. In an experimental study, participants (10-years of age) threw a soft methodic ball and a size 0 ball at target areas in a handball goal. For all the throws, throwing velocity and accuracy were measured. Commensurate with previous research, throwing velocity was higher for the soft methodic ball compared to a size 0 ball. No difference was found in accuracy, although, it is worth mentioning that the participants were only experienced in throwing using the size 0 ball. Moreover, only one-third of the children favored throwing with a size 0 ball, which is what they are used to in training and competition. The results of our study, therefore, confirm that using soft methodic balls additionally, positively influences the throwing velocity and has no negative effect on the accuracy in throwing among young handball beginners.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruixue Zhang ◽  
Rong Qiang ◽  
Chengrong Song ◽  
Xiaoping Ma ◽  
Yan Zhang ◽  
...  

AbstractExpanded newborn screening facilitates early identification and intervention of patients with inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs), There is a lack of disease spectrum data for many areas in China. To determine the disease spectrum and genetic characteristics of IEMs in Xi'an city of Shaanxi province in northwest China, 146152 newborns were screening by MSMS from January 2014 to December 2019 and 61 patients were referred to genetic analysis by next generation sequencing (NGS) and validated by Sanger sequencing. Seventy-five newborns and two mothers were diagnosed with IEMs, with an overall incidence of 1:1898 (1:1949 without mothers). There were 35 newborns with amino acidemias (45.45%, 1:4176), 28 newborns with organic acidurias (36.36%, 1:5220), and 12 newborns and two mothers with FAO disorders (18.18%; 1:10439 or 1:12179 without mothers). Phenylketonuria and methylmalonic acidemia were the two most common disorders, accounting for 65.33% (49/75) of all confirmed newborn. Some hotspot mutations were observed for several IEMs, including PAH gene c.728G>A for phenylketonuria; MMACHC gene c.609G>A and c.567dupT, MMUT gene c.323G>A for methylmalonic acidemia and SLC25A13 gene c.852_855del for citrin deficiency. Our study provides effective clinical guidance for the popularization and application of expanded newborn screening, genetic screening, and genetic counseling of IEMs in this region.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e028843 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danmeng Liu ◽  
Yue Cheng ◽  
Shaonong Dang ◽  
Duolao Wang ◽  
Yaling Zhao ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo report the situation of maternal micronutrient supplementation before and during pregnancy in Northwest China and to examine the rates of and factors related to the adherence to micronutrient supplementation among pregnant women in this region, where dietary micronutrient intake is commonly insufficient.DesignA large-scale population-based cross-sectional survey.SettingTwenty counties and ten districts of Shaanxi Province.ParticipantsA sample of 30 027 women were selected using a stratified multistage random sampling method. A total of 28 678 women were chosen for the final analysis after excluding those who did not provide clear information about nutritional supplementation before and during pregnancy.Main outcome measuresMaternal adherence to micronutrient supplementation (high and low) were the outcomes. They were determined by the start time and duration of use according to Chinese guidelines (for folic acid (FA) supplements) and WHO recommendations (for iron, calcium and multiple-micronutrient (MMN) supplements).ResultsIn total, 83.9% of women took at least one kind of micronutrient supplement before or during pregnancy. FA (67.6%) and calcium (57.5%) were the primarily used micronutrient supplements; few participants used MMN (14.0%) or iron (5.4%). Adherence to supplementation of all micronutrients was low (7.4% for FA, 0.6% for iron, 11.7% for calcium and 2.7% for MMN). Higher educational levels, higher income levels, urban residence and better antenatal care (including pregnancy consultation and a higher frequency of antenatal visits) were associated with high adherence to micronutrient supplementation.ConclusionMaternal micronutrient supplementation before and during pregnancy in Northwest China was way below standards recommended by the Chinese guidelines or WHO. Targeted health education and future nutritional guidelines are suggested to improve this situation, especially in pregnant women with disadvantaged sociodemographic conditions.


2016 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
pp. 1106-1115 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Mu ◽  
L. Fang ◽  
H. Wang ◽  
L. Chen ◽  
Y. Yang ◽  
...  

Worldwide, water scarcity threatens delivery of water to urban centers. Increasing water use efficiency (WUE) is often recommended to reduce water demand, especially in water-scarce areas. In this paper, agricultural water use efficiency (AWUE) is examined using the super-efficient data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach in Xi'an in Northwest China at a temporal and spatial level. The grey systems analysis technique was then adopted to identify the factors that influenced the efficiency differentials under the shortage of water resources. From the perspective of temporal scales, the AWUE increased year by year during 2004–2012, and the highest (2.05) was obtained in 2009. Additionally, the AWUE was the best in the urban area at the spatial scale. Moreover, the key influencing factors of the AWUE are the financial situations and agricultural water-saving technology. Finally, we identified several knowledge gaps and proposed water-saving strategies for increasing AWUE and reducing its water demand by: (1) improving irrigation practices (timing and amounts) based on compatible water-saving techniques; (2) maximizing regional WUE by managing water resources and allocation at regional scales as well as enhancing coordination among Chinese water governance institutes.


2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 332-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOHN HÖGSTRÖM

AbstractIt has been argued that economic development and democracy create new opportunities and resources for women to access political power, which should increase gender equality in politics. However, empirical evidence from previous research that supports this argument is mixed. The contribution of this study is to expand the research on gender equality in politics through an in-depth examination of the effect of development and democracy on gender equality in cabinets. This has been completed through separate analyses that include most of the countries in the world across three levels of development (least-developed, developing, and developed) and across different types of political regimes (democracies, royal dictatorships, military dictatorships, and civilian dictatorships). The results demonstrate that economic development and democracy only affect gender equality in cabinets positively in a few environments. Accordingly, the context is important and there seem to be thresholds before development and democracy have any effect. Development has a positive effect in developed countries and in democracies, but it has a negative effect in dictatorships, and the negative effect is strongest in military dictatorships. The level of democracy has a positive effect mainly in dictatorships, and the strongest effect is in civilian dictatorships. The article demonstrates the importance of dividing samples into subsets to increase understanding of what affects women's representation in cabinets in different environments, and I ask scholars to subset samples and run separate analyses more often in comparative studies.


2012 ◽  
Vol 57 (193) ◽  
pp. 7-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sok-Gee Chan ◽  
Mohd Karim

This paper analyses public spending efficiency and the effect of political and economic factors on public spending efficiency in East Asian countries for the period 2000-2007. In the first stage, the non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach is used to estimate public spending efficiency scores. In the second stage, the Tobit regression model is then used to determine the effect of political and economic factors on public spending efficiency. Results of the study show that China is relatively efficient in public spending on education, health, and maintaining economic performance and stability, Japan on infrastructure, and Singapore on promoting public services. In addition, countries in East Asia are relatively less efficient in public spending for promoting equal income distribution. The results also indicate that political stability and financial freedom have a positive effect on public spending efficiency. However, voice, accountability, and civil liberties have a negative effect on public spending efficiency.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Pfeiffer ◽  
Sebastian Meyer ◽  
Oliver Amft ◽  
Daisuke Anzai ◽  
Jianqin Wang ◽  
...  

Differences in contact impedance of the ECG measurement electrodes lead to asymmetries of the signal paths and thus result in reduced common-mode rejection and artifacts. Here, the imbalance of contact impedance is investigated for<br>different types of electrodes with capacitive coupling in terms of static imbalance as well as dynamic variation during body movement. Flexible and incompressible materials like conductive foam and fabric showed the best overall performance. The negative effect of rigidity can partly be compensated by adding conducting foam, while soft materials can profit from an increase of electrode area. <br>


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