What Globalization and the Internet Give to Marketers

Marketing today is very different from what it used to be a few decades ago,mainly due to a rapidly changing world economy and the development of fast and virtually free knowledge distribution and exchange.Marketing faces many new challenges in the 21st century but none for important than the surge of globalization and information technology,both which impact current businesses more than any other factors.These two challenges can make or break a business and it requires the implementation of brand new strategies to cope with the rapidly evolving global market we have today.

Milking the Market

With climate change becoming direr and the WTO losing its teeth at 30,experts renew call for green collaboration among the world’s three largest economies.AS competition intensifies in the global dairy product market,many foreign dairy companies are focusing on China."China is the best market to debut breakthrough products,"said Bruno Chevot,food and beverage multinational Danone China’s president for North Asia and Oceania.

Analysis and construction of evaluation index system of inter-provincial electricity spot markets

Because of the contradiction between the scale of new energy installations and the continuous load growth in the central and eastern regions of China,the balance problems of the electricity market are becoming increasingly prominent,and it is urgent to solve such problems through inter-provincial electricity spot markets.First,the development history and construction status of the inter-provincial electricity spot market are summarized;second,the mechanism design of the inter-provincial electricity spot market is sorted out in terms of the market operation framework,transaction declaration,and clearing methods;subsequently,the evaluation index system of the inter-provincial electricity spot market is constructed,including four themes of electricity mutual aid and support,new energy consumption,economic benefits of market-based allocation,and social benefits of market-based allocation;finally,the operation of the inter-provincial electricity spot market is comprehensively analyzed by the algorithm based on the market operation data of 2022,which proves the feasibility and practicality of the proposed index system.

Innovations Not Enough—Yet—to Make Headset Market an Actual Reality

In January 2024,after decades of intermittent improvements in virtual reality(VR)and augmented reality(AR)devices failing to help the technology catch on with the public,tech behemoth Apple(Cupertino,CA,USA)launched its marketing of a headset with by far the highest resolution and sharpest contrast of any commercially available device to date[1].Yet sales of the Vision Pro(Fig.1),Apple’s much anticipated first entry in the VR/AR marketplace,have fallen far short of the company’s already low expectations[2].

抗肥胖症药物市场需求旺盛

In early September 2023,when its market cap jumped to 428 billion USD,a valuation topping the estimated 2022 gross domestic product of its Scandinavian home country,the drugmaker Novo Nordisk(Bagsværd,Denmark)briefly eclipsed the French luxury brand conglomerateLMVH(Paris,France)as Europe's most valuable company[1].The reason for the company's soaring worth?Its already best-selling weight loss drug Wegovy was being released to patients in the United Kingdom.

Livelihood Vulnerability and Adaptation for Households Engaged in Forestry in Ecological Restoration Areas of the Chinese Loess Plateau

Chinese Loess Plateau has achieved a win-win situation concerning ecological restoration and socio-economic development.However,synergistic development may not be realized at the local scale.In areas undergoing ecological restoration,livelihood vulner-ability may be more pronounced due to the inflexibility,policy protection,and susceptibility to climate and market changes in forestry production.Although this issue has attracted academic interest,empirical studies are relatively scarce.This study,centered on Jiaxian County,Shaanxi Province of China explored the households’livelihood vulnerability and coping strategies and group heterogeneity con-cerned with livelihood structures or forestry resources through field investigation,comprehensive index assessment,and nonparametric tests.Findings showed that:1)the percentage of households with high livelihood vulnerability indicator(LVI)(>0.491)reached 46.34%.2)Eight groups in livelihood structures formed by forestry,traditional agriculture,and non-farm activities were significantly different in LVI,land resources(LR),social networks(SN),livelihood strategies(LS),housing characteristics(HC),and socio-demo-graphic profile(SDP).3)The livelihood vulnerability of the groups with highly engaged/reliance on jujube(Ziziphus jujuba)forest demonstrated more prominent livelihood vulnerability due to the increased precipitation and cold market,where the low-engaged with reliance type were significantly more vulnerable in LVI,SDP,LR,and HC.4)The threshold of behavioral triggers widely varied,and farmers dependent on forestry livelihoods showed negative coping behavior.Specifically,the cutting behavior was strongly associated with lagged years and government subsidies,guidance,and high returns of crops.Finally,the findings can provide guidance on the dir-ection of livelihood vulnerability mitigation and adaptive government management in ecologically restored areas.The issue of farmers’livelihood sustainability in the context of ecological conservation calls for immediate attention,and eco-compensations or other forms of assistance in ecologically functional areas are expected to be enhanced and diversified.

Research on decision-making behavior of multi-agent alliance in cross-border electricity market environment: an evolutionary game

Constructing a cross-border power energy system with multiagent power energy as an alliance is important for studying cross-border power-trading markets.This study considers multiple neighboring countries in the form of alliances,introduces neighboring countries’exchange rates into the cross-border multi-agent power-trading market and proposes a method to study each agent’s dynamic decision-making behavior based on evolutionary game theory.To this end,this study uses three national agents as examples,constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model,and analyzes the evolution process of the decision-making behavior of each agent member state under the initial willingness value,cost of payment,and additional revenue of the alliance.This research helps realize cross-border energy operations so that the transaction agent can achieve greater trade profits and provides a theoretical basis for cooperation and stability between multiple agents.

A Special Issue:“Electricity Market Technologies for Renewable Energy Development”for Global Energy Interconnection

Electricity market technology plays a crucial role in promoting the development of renewable energy.Accelerating the construction of a unified national power market system improves the adaptability of the power market to a high proportion of renewable energy sources.This will help optimize resource allocation,improve the flexibility and reliability of the power system,and support the consumption and utilization of renewable energy.Electricity market technology has provided strong support and promotion for the development of renewable energy through a number of aspects,such as market-oriented reform,fair participation,pricing mechanism,international cooperation,publicity and guidance,construction of the electricity market system,green power trading,technological progress and policy support.

Can whole steps of grain production be outsourced? Empirical analysis based on the three provinces of Jiangsu,Jilin,and Sichuan in China

Certain outsourcing services for agricultural management in China,such as pest control in grain production,have experienced prolonged sluggishness,contrasting with the relatively high level of outsourcing services observed in harvesting,land preparation,and sowing.This study examines the feasibility of implementing whole-step outsourcing in grain production by conducting a case study of rice and maize production in Jiangsu,Jilin,and Sichuan provinces in China.The provision of outsourcing services hinges on two essential conditions:technological advancements fostering specialized production and economies of scale,coupled with a market size sufficient to realize the aforementioned potential economies of scale.The results showed that outsourcing pest control or harvesting services had varying economies of scale.The outsourcing services in pest control were less common than in harvesting services,and their marginal growth space of the economies of scale with technological change was also smaller.Determined by the operational characteristics of pest control itself,the market scale of its professional services is small.Therefore,achieving the whole-step outsourcing of grain production necessitates not only technological innovation but also effective policy interventions to overcome the constraints of market scale.Such interventions include(1)optimizing crop layouts between planning regions and reducing land fragmentation and(2)supplying timely and effective inter-regional agricultural information for service providers aided by information technology.

Exploring the impacts of major events on the systemic risk of the international energy market

This study examines the systemic risk caused by major events in the international energy market(IEM)and proposes a management strategy to mitigate it. Using the tail-event driven network(TENET)method, this study constructed a tail-risk spillover network(TRSN) of IEM and simulated the dynamic spillover tail-risk process through the cascading failure mechanism. The study found that renewable energy markets contributed more to systemic risk during the Paris Agreement and the COVID-19pandemic, while fossil energy markets played a larger role during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This study identifies systemically important markets(SM) and critical tail-risk spillover paths as potential sources of systemic risk. The research confirms that cutting off the IEM risk spillover path can greatly reduce systemic risk and the influence of SM. This study offers insights into the management of systemic risk in IEM and provides policy recommendations to reduce the impact of shock events.

Dynamic optimal allocation of energy storage systems integrated within photovoltaic based on a dual timescale dynamics model

Energy storage systems(ESSs)operate as independent market participants and collaborate with photovoltaic(PV)generation units to enhance the flexible power supply capabilities of PV units.However,the dynamic variations in the profitability of ESSs in the electricity market are yet to be fully understood.This study introduces a dual-timescale dynamics model that integrates a spot market clearing(SMC)model into a system dynamics(SD)model to investigate the profit-aware capacity growth of ESSs and compares the profitability of independent energy storage systems(IESSs)with that of an ESS integrated within a PV(PV-ESS).Furthermore,this study aims to ascertain the optimal allocation of the PV-ESS.First,SD and SMC models were set up.Second,the SMC model simulated on an hourly timescale was incorporated into the SD model as a subsystem,a dual-timescale model was constructed.Finally,a development simulation and profitability analysis was conducted from 2022 to 2040 to reveal the dynamic optimal range of PV-ESS allocation.Additionally,negative electricity prices were considered during clearing processes.The simulation results revealed differences in profitability and capacity growth between IESS and PV-ESS,helping grid investors and policymakers to determine the boundaries of ESSs and dynamic optimal allocation of PV-ESSs.

Impact of the carbon market on investment benefits of power-grid enterprises in China: a system dynamics analysis

The power grid,as the hub connecting the power supply and consumption sides,plays an important role in achieving carbon neutrality in China.In emerging carbon markets,assessing the investment benefits of power-grid enterprises is essential.Thus,studying the impact of the carbon market on the investment and operation of powergrid enterprises is key to ensuring their efficient operation.Notably,few studies have examined the interaction between the carbon and electricity markets using system dynamics models,highlighting a research gap in this area.This study investigates the impact of the carbon market on the investment of power-grid enterprises using a novel evaluation system based on a system dynamics model that considers carbon-emissions from an established carbon-emission accounting model.First,an index system for benefit evaluation was constructed from six aspects:financing ability,economic benefit,reliability,social responsibility,user satisfaction,and carbon-emissions.A system dynamics model was then developed to reflect the causal feedback relationship between the impact of the carbon market on the investment and operation of power-grid enterprises.The simulation results of a provincial power-grid enterprise analyze comprehensive investment evaluation benefits over a 10-year period and the impact of carbon emissions on the investment and operation of power-grid enterprises.This study provides guidelines for the benign development of power-grid enterprises within the context of the carbon market.

Renewable Polymers in Biomedical Applications:From the Bench to the Market

Polymers from renewable resources have been used for a long time in biomedical applications and found an irreplaceable role in some of them.Their uses have been increasing because of their attractive properties,contributing to the improvement of life quality,mainly in drug release systems and in regenerative medicine.Formulations using natural polymer,nano and microscale particles preparation,composites,blends and chemical modification strategies have been used to improve their properties for clinical application.Although many studies have been carried out with these natural polymers,the way to reach the market is long and only very few of them become commercially available.Vegetable cellulose,bacterial cellulose,chitosan,poly(lactic acid)and starch can be found among the most studied polymers for biological applications,some with several derivatives already established in the market,and others with potential for such.In this scenario this work aims to describe the properties and potential of these renewable polymers for biomedical applications,the routes from the bench to the market,and the perspectives for future developments.

Impact of correlated private signals on continuous-time insider trading

A model of continuous-time insider trading in which a risk-neutral in-sider possesses two imperfect correlated signals of a risky asset is studied.By conditional expectation theory and filtering theory,we first establish three lemmas:normal corre-lation,equivalent pricing and equivalent profit,which can guarantee to turn our model into a model with insider knowing full information.Then we investigate the impact of the two correlated signals on the market equilibrium consisting of optimal insider trading strategy and semi-strong pricing rule.It shows that in the equilibrium,(1)the market depth is constant over time;(2)if the two noisy signals are not linerly correlated,then all private information of the insider is incorporated into prices in the end while the whole information on the asset value can not incorporated into prices in the end;(3)if the two noisy signals are linear correlated such that the insider can infer the whole information of the asset value,then our model turns into a model with insider knowing full information;(4)if the two noisy signals are the same then the total ex ant profit of the insider is increasing with the noise decreasing,while down to O as the noise going up to infinity;(5)if the two noisy signals are not linear correlated then with one noisy signal fixed,the total ex ante profit of the insider is single-peaked with a unique minimum with respect to the other noisy signal value,and furthermore as the noisy value going to O it gets its maximum,the profit in the case that the real value is observed.

Fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making method-based operational assessment of Chinese electricity markets

The evaluation of the electricity market is crucial for fostering market construction and development.An accurate assessment of the electricity market reveals developmental trends,identifies operational issues,and contributes to stable and healthy market growth.This study investigated the characteristics of electricity markets in different provinces and synthesized a comprehensive set of evaluation indicators to assess market effectiveness.The evaluation framework,comprising nine indicators organized into two tiers,was constructed based on three aspects:market design,market efficiency,and developmental coordination.Furthermore,a novel fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making evaluation model for electricity market performance was developed based on the Fuzzy-BWM and fuzzy COPRAS methodologies.This model aimed to ensure both accuracy and comprehensiveness in market operation assessment.Subsequently,empirical analyses were conducted on four typical provincial-level electricity markets in China.The results indicate that Guangdong’s electricity market performed best because of its effective balance of stakeholder interests and adherence to contractual integrity principles.Zhejiang and Shandong ranked second and third,respectively,whereas Sichuan exhibited the poorest market performance.Sichuan’s electricity market must be improved in terms of market design,such that market players can obtain a fairly competitive environment.The sensitivity analysis of the constructed indicators verified the effectiveness of the evaluation model proposed in this study.Finally,policy recommendations were proposed to facilitate the sustainable development of China’s electricity markets with the objective of transforming them into efficient and secure markets adaptable to the evolution of novel power systems.

Analyzing the Wind-Dominant Electricity Market under Coexistence of Regulated and Deregulated Power Trading

Currently,both regulated and deregulated power trading exist in China’s power system,which has caused imbalanced funds in the electricity market.In this paper,a simulation analysis of the electricity market with wind energy resources is conducted,and the calculation methods of unbalanced funds are investigated systematically.In detail,the calculation formulas of unbalanced funds are illustrated based on their definition,and a two-track electricity market clearing model is established.Firstly,the concept of the dual-track system is explained,and the specific calculation formulas of various types of unbalanced funds are provided.Next,considering the renewable energy consumption,the market clearing model based on DC power flow is constructed and solved;by combining fitting methods of mid-and long-term curves,the unbalanced funds are calculated based on clearing results and formulas.

Microbial Fertilizer: A Sustainable Strategy for Medicinal Plants Production

Medicinal plants have aroused considerable interest as an alternative to chemical drugs due to the beneficial effects of their active secondary metabolites.However,the extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in pursuit of yield has caused serious pollution to the environment,which is not conducive to sustainable devel-opment in thefield of medicinal plants.Microbial fertilizers are a type of“green fertilizer”containing specific microorganisms that can improve the soil microbial structure,enhance plant resistance to biological and abiotic stresses,and increase the yield of medicinal plants.The root exudates of medicinal plants attract different micro-organisms to the rhizosphere,which then migrate further to the plant tissues.These microbes can increase the levels of soil nutrients,and improve the physical and chemical properties of soil through nitrogenfixation,and phosphorus and potassium solubilization.In addition,soil microbes can promote the synthesis of hormones that increase plant growth and the accumulation of active compounds,eventually improving the quality of med-icinal plants.In 2022,the total value of the global microbial fertilizer market was$4.6 billion and is estimated to reach$10.36 billion by 2030.In this review,we have summarized the types of microbial fertilizers,the coloniza-tion and migration of microorganisms to plant tissues,and the beneficial effects of microbial fertilizers.In addi-tion,the prospects of developing microbial fertilizers and their application for medicinal plants have also been discussed.It aims to provide a reference for the rational application of microbial fertilizers in thefield of med-icinal plants and the green and sustainable development of medicinal plant resources.

Market Operation of Energy Storage System in Smart Grid:A Review

As a flexible resource,energy storage plays an increasingly significant role in stabilizing and supporting the power system,while providing auxiliary services.Still,the current high demand for energy storage contrasts with the fuzzy lack of market-oriented mechanisms for energy storage,the principle of market-oriented operation has not been embodied,and there is no unified and systematic analytical framework for the business model.However,the dispatch management model of energy storage in actual power system operation is not clear.Still,the specific scheduling process and energy storage strategy on the source-load-network side could be more specific,and there needs to be a greater understanding of the collaborative scheduling process of the multilevel scheduling center.On this basis,this paper reviews the energy storage operation model and market-based incentive mechanism,For different functional types and installation locations of energy storage within the power system,the operational models and existing policies for energy storage participation in the market that are adapted to multiple operating states are summarized.From the point of view of the actual scheduling and operation management of energy storage in China,an energy storage regulation and operation management model based on“national,provincial,and local”multilevel coordination is proposed,as well as key technologies in the interactive scenarios of source-load,network and storage.

Regulatory Impact Assessment of the EU Digital Market Surveillance and Chinese Response Plan

As a data protection legislation with the dual objectives of market regulation and government supervision,the EU General Data Protection Regulation(GDPR)is designed to promote the cultivation of a market for data ele⁃ments and to regulate the data processing subjects'behaviour.The civil legal norms to participate in the data market regulation are introduced,and a right-protected mode with the obligation norms of data controllers as the core is started by GDPR.However,from the perspective of GDPR's global enforcement effectiveness,as an export-orientated global standard and protection framework,the power regulation model of the EU's single digital market is facing the in⁃novative incentives of data market expansion and the tension of human rights protection.A more modest and moderate data governance regulation model has been opened by a new round of the EU digital market regulation.The legal sce⁃narios transition and digital platforms regulation more fit the regulatory demand and development goals of global digital economy development.The EU's determination to enhance the global digital market share and competitiveness is dem⁃onstrated.For China,the impact and security risks of the new round should be evaluated carefully,drawing on the ex⁃perience of the technical standpoint and institutional framework and regulatory rules of the EU digital market regula⁃tion,providing the regulatory models and Chinese solutions to respond to the EU digital market regulation,and enhanc⁃ing Chinese institutional discourse and rule-making leadership in the global digital economy.