Carrying Capacity and Coupling Coordination of Water and Land Resources Systems in Arid and Semi-arid Areas: A Case Study of Yulin City, China

Quantitatively assessing the carrying capacity of water and land resources systems in arid and semi-arid areas is crucial for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.In this work,taking Yulin City in China as a case study and employing the Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation(CRITIC)method,a modified model of coupling degree was developed to evaluate the car-rying capacity of water and land resources systems endowment and utilization,as well as their coupling coordination degree from 2013 to 2020.Our findings indicate that the water and land resources of Yulin are diminishing due to declines in agriculture,higher industrial water use,and wetland shrinkage.However,reallocating domestic water for ecological sustainability and reducing sloping farmland can mitigate this trend of decline.Temporally,as the coupling coordination between water and land resources system endowment in Yulin continuously improved,the coupling coordination between water and land resources system utilization first decreased and then in-creased with 2016 as the turning point.Spatially,the carrying capacity of water and land resources systems,the coupling coordination degree between water and land resources system endowment,and the coupling coordination degree between water and land resources system utilization in Yulin exhibited the same pattern of being higher in the six northern counties than in the six southern counties.Improving the water resources endowment is vital for the highly efficient use of water and land resources.

Analysis and Modeling of Mobile Phone Activity Data Using Interactive Cyber-Physical Social System

Mobile networks possess significant information and thus are considered a gold mine for the researcher’s community.The call detail records(CDR)of a mobile network are used to identify the network’s efficacy and the mobile user’s behavior.It is evident from the recent literature that cyber-physical systems(CPS)were used in the analytics and modeling of telecom data.In addition,CPS is used to provide valuable services in smart cities.In general,a typical telecom company hasmillions of subscribers and thus generatesmassive amounts of data.From this aspect,data storage,analysis,and processing are the key concerns.To solve these issues,herein we propose a multilevel cyber-physical social system(CPSS)for the analysis and modeling of large internet data.Our proposed multilevel system has three levels and each level has a specific functionality.Initially,raw Call Detail Data(CDR)was collected at the first level.Herein,the data preprocessing,cleaning,and error removal operations were performed.In the second level,data processing,cleaning,reduction,integration,processing,and storage were performed.Herein,suggested internet activity record measures were applied.Our proposed system initially constructs a graph and then performs network analysis.Thus proposed CPSS system accurately identifies different areas of internet peak usage in a city(Milan city).Our research is helpful for the network operators to plan effective network configuration,management,and optimization of resources.

Patterns of Interactions of the Complex City System:Emotional Urban Objects as Triggering Agents-A Secondary Publication

This article presents an analysis of the patterns of interactions resulting from the positive and negative emotional events that occur in cities,considering them as complex systems.It explores,from the imaginaries,how certain urban objects can act as emotional agents and how these events affect the urban system as a whole.An adaptive complex systems perspective is used to analyze these patterns.The results show patterns in the processes and dynamics that occur in cities based on the objects that affect the emotions of the people who live there.These patterns depend on the characteristics of the emotional charge of urban objects,but they can be generalized in the following process:(1)immediate reaction by some individuals;(2)emotions are generated at the individual level which begins to generalize,permuting to a collective emotion;(3)a process of reflection is detonated in some individuals from the reading of collective emotions;(4)integration/significance in the community both at the individual and collective level,on the concepts,roles and/or functions that give rise to the process in the system.Therefore,it is clear that emotions play a significant role in the development of cities and these aspects should be considered in the design strategies of all kinds of projects for the city.Future extensions of this work could include a deeper analysis of specific emotional events in urban environments,as well as possible implications for urban policy and decision making.

Audit Quality, Legal Systems, Investment Opportunity Set and Ownership Structure： Evidence From United States, France and Germany

This paper investigates the determinants of audit quality of three countries especially the United States, France and Germany belonging to three different legal systems. These determinants concern the legal system of country, investment opportunity set and ownership structure which have influence of audit quality.Empirical results show, initially, that specificities of legal system are positively associated with audit quality appreciated by size of audit firm. Then, the results reveal that investment opportunity set influences partially size of audit firm. Finally, ownership structure influences negatively the search for a high audit quality

Detection and Identification of Microplastics from Locally Sold Fishes in Borongan City, Samar Island, Philippines

Microplastics, a prevailing modern contaminant, were detected on fish caught in Brgy. Mayangdan and Brgy. Tabunan, Borongan City, Eastern Samar. Fish samples were collected from markets and barangays, with 1 representative species per species, irrespective of location. The digestive channel, including the gills, was utilized as an anatomy of concern in fishes as the digestive systems are used in the feeding process while gills are primarily exposed to the water around them. Results found a few microplastics, mostly micro fragments that are irregularly shaped and colored either red or transparent/white. This concludes the presence of microplastics in the area of the two barangays in Borongan City. Therefore, it is highly recommended that the presence of microplastics in the water and mangrove areas of the said barangay be assessed to lessen the contamination of water systems with different plastic garbage.

Smart City Development in China: One City One Policy

China is in a process of urbanization and is aiming at a type of people-centered urbanization. The main purpose of developing a ＂smart city＂ is to help this type urbanization and to serve the people of the city. From 2012 to 2015, China has chosen more than 300 cities or towns to be national pilot ＂smart cities.＂ These pilot smart cities are located in more than 30 provinces around China, which differ greatly in thousands ways. So we advocated ＂One City One Policy＂. In 2012, MOHURD announced 90 cities as first batch of pilot smart cities. After three years, some pilot cities achieved great progress. This paper introduces five example cities （including town, district） as five different models of China＇ s smart city development. They are- Guilin city; Yunlong demonstration zone; Panyu District; Yangling Agricultural Hi-tech Industries Demonstration Zone; Lecong town. This paper also introduces our standardization work on smart city field at present.

System Planning of Green Landscapes from the Perspective of Regulatory Planning—A Case Study of Regulatory Detailed Planning of Wenfeng District in Nanchong City,Sichuan Province of China

By taking the regulatory detailed planning of Wenfeng District in Nanchong City for example,public green spaces,protective green spaces and ecological green spaces are planned systematically on the basis of "protective,needs-oriented,systematic and characteristic" principles.Landscape system structure of "one belt,one surface,four axes,five districts and multiple points" was analyzed,concrete designs of landscape infiltration surface,landscape axis and style division elaborated.The way of integrating landscape system planning and current situation was discussed in the image construction of new urban district to co-construct characteristic urban images,realize the coordination of city,environment and culture,optimization of urban eco-environment benefits,orderly and sustainable development of urban ecological conditions.

Study on the Planning of Urban Green Space System in the Precinct Area of Dali City

This paper elaborated natural conditions of Dali City,jurisdictions which included 2 offices,2 towns,89 village offices and 429 natural villages,and planning scope which contained the precinct area of Dali City and covers a total area of 1 815 km2.In accordance with the urban development space and functional layout of "one lake,two lines and two slices"("one lake" refers to Erhai Lake;"two lines" stands for the area in the east and west of Erhai Lake;"two slices" indicates the area in the north and south of Erhai Lake),based on the construction of provincial and national garden city and of large landscape city,green spatial network system with the combination of "spot","line" and "surface" was put forward,so as to manifest "largeness","wideness","harmony" and "linkage".And finally,the planning structure of green space system of "two circles,two slices,four belts,seven spots and eighteen waterfronts area"("two circles" refers to the area around the lake and the area around the mountain,"two slices" stands for the area in the north and south of Erhai Lake,"four belts" means four landscape belts of the garden city,"seven spots" indicates the seven green landscape spots in villages and towns,"eighteen waterfronts area" is colored green belt in eighteen stream's basin) was proposed.

Greening the building envelope,facade greening and living wall systems

For greening the building envelope several concepts can be used, for example green roofs, fa?ades greened with climbing plants or living wall systems (modular pre-vegetated panels), etc. Greening the building envelope allows to obtain a relevant improvement of the its effi- ciency, ecological and environmental benefits as well as an increase of the biodiversity. Since the interest restoring the environmental integ- rity of urban areas continues to increase, new developments in construction practices with beneficial environmental characteristics take place, as vertical greening systems. Applying green fa?ades is not a new concept and can offer multiple benefits as a component of cur- rent urban design;considering the relation be- tween the environmental benefits, energy sav- ing for the building and the vertical greening systems (material used, maintenance, nutrients and water needed) the integration of vegetation could be a sustainable approach for the enve- lope of new and existing buildings.

Forest fire prevention management legal regime between China and the United States

Precautions against forest fires,a significant element in the prevention and reduction of natural disasters in China,are very important to the development of public emergency systems,as well as to the safety of forest resources,ecology,people’s lives and properties.The USA has extensive experience in forest fire management,which has been widely accepted and used by other countries.The precautions taken by China and the USA to prevent forest fires have been compared in a great number of previous studies.However,most of the studies have focused merely on fire extinguishing technologies and management methods;they have lacked a comparative study on the legal aspects of management.This paper will consider five distinct aspects related to forest fire management between China and the USA and will analyze the similarities and differences as well as study other features to facilitate work related to precautions against forest fires in China.

Green Space System Planning in Shuangcheng City and Creation of the City's Characteristics

Characteristic urban construction has already become a trend of modern social development,in this context,components of characteristic urban green spaces,and ways of demonstrating features of urban green space system were analyzed.Shuangcheng City in Heilongjiang Province was taken for example to analyze planning objectives and principles of characteristic urban green space system.Moreover,the green space layout of "A Hundred Years Old Castle,A Hundred of Enterprises and A Hundred of Gardens" was introduced.It was proposed that green space system planning suited to the development features and ecological conditions of the city should be developed from the perspective of greater regional environment,historical and cultural deposits,urban development pattern and lifestyle of the locals,so as to create urban green space system with regional features.

Comparative Study of Eco-city Indicator System in Tianjin-Tangshan Area: A Case Study of Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city and Caofeidian Eco-city

On the basis of previous researches on current eco-city indicator system in China, achievements of Caofeidian Eco-city and Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city in the establishment of indicator system were compared, and their differences in indicator construction framework, indicator component ratio and indicator valuation were summarized. It was found through studying the indicator systems that local indicators should stress characteristics of the city on the basis of national standards, and comply with urban construction conditions; and also that indicator system needed balance between macro and micro level, more reasonable value, and further improvement in the construction and management.

System dynamics model of Suzhou water resources carrying capacity and its application

A model of Suzhou water resources carrying capacity （WRCC） was set up using the method of system dynamics （SD）. In the model, three different water resources utilization programs were adopted： （1） continuity of existing water utilization, （2） water conservation/saving, and （3） water exploitation. The dynamic variation of the Suzhou WRCC was simulated with the supply-decided principle for the time period of 2001 to 2030, and the results were characterized based on socio-economic factors. The corresponding Suzhou WRCC values for several target years were calculated by the model. Based on these results, proper ways to improve the Suzhou WRCC are proposed. The model also produced an optimized plan, which can provide a scientific basis for the sustainable utilization of Suzhou water resources and for the coordinated development of the society, economy, and water resources.

Road User Charging for Urban Freight Vehicles: A Systems Approach

Road user charging (RUC) has a long history as a mechanism to recover infrastructure maintenance and capital costs. The present RUC systems are facing issues such as transparency, cross-subsidization, environmental concerns and reducing revenue due to the likes of lessening fuel tax as vehicles become more efficient. Therefore, this paper reviews the strengths and weaknesses of the present RUC mechanisms implemented in the world with respect to stakeholder problems and demands of the freight industry and to describe the need for a more appropriate, practical and sustainable approach that can be used in the future. Finally, a model is proposed that is transparent and considers usage-based charging addressing most of the weaknesses highlighted in the models reviewed. Further, it considers externalities produced by heavy vehicles into account. The model has the potential to provide answers to key stakeholder issues and will lead to a sustainable freight transport system in the future. Encouraging fuel-efficient modes, optimization of loading, routing and logistics systems, and long term land use planning are a few of them.

A new method for comprehensive division of mountainous area: taking Huaihua City as an example

This paper summarizes principles and measures of comprehensive division of mountainous areas, as well as clarifies meaning, structure, function and path established for the map and file information visibility system (MFIVS). And then, taking Huaihua City of Hunan Province as an example, and based on the MFIVS means, concrete attempts on regionalization are carried out. The result is relatively objective and accurate, which illuminates that the method is a comprehensive one with the characteristics of concision, applicability and effectiveness.

The retrospect and prospect on environmental legal system research of Xi'an City

Xi'an City is an important city of western region, facing the mission of constructing international metropolitan. There are many environmental issues in the city, which should be solved by legal construction. Based on the environmental status of the city, the construction content of environmental legal system was analyzed, focusing on conflict resolution, and the corresponding ways of research were proposed.

Construction of Ecological Green Space System in Yan'an City,China

Ecosystem of Yan'an City is being faced with serious problems such as increasing pressure of protecting ecological elements,and contradictions in utilization of ecological spaces.To enhance supervision over regional ecological resources,guide the orderly expansion of urban spaces,construct a stable eco-security pattern for sustainable development of the city,and create an urban environment favorable for living and working,this study follows the principles of "ecology on the priority,landscape continuity,diversity,optimization of layout,and sustainability".By analyzing distribution features of ecological resources in Yan'an City,considering rules of its urban space expansion,and studying the "ring-wedge-network" spatial pattern of its ecological green spaces,this study is to build an ecological network with a complete spatial system,definite ecological zoning and characteristic landscapes in which ecological elements are protected comprehensively,ecological conservation,restoration and construction promoted simultaneously.

Establishment of City Identity System of Changsha of China Based on Characteristic Landscape

Changsha urban landscape had been divided into four categories which were background landscape,contour landscape,architectural and humanity landscape,and garden and green landscape in this paper;and components and characteristics of each landscape had been analyzed in detail,which were used in establishment of city identity system of Changsha.Five subsystems had been taken as contexts and their components were analyzed specifically,which were mind indentify system,visual identity system,behavior identity system,audio identity system and environment identity system.Mind identity system would be disintegrated into characteristic landscape system with urban center as the core,surrounded by natural landscape belt and covering historical deposit.Visual identity system would be constituted through application of city flower,city tree,mascot and standard color.Behavior identity system would be disintegrated into capital of entertainment and behavioral custom of old city.Audio identity system would be decomposed into audio identity of urban streets,of natural landscape and of commercial landscape.Environment identity system would be established from the perspective of ecological environment.It was considered that establishment of city identity system of Changsha could directly promote economic development,and it needed further study on city identity system of Changsha.

The Dynamic Analysis of Agro-ecological Economic System on the Basis of Emergy: A Case Study of Wu'an City in Hebei Province

Using the method of emergy analysis, we analyze the input and output of agroecological economic system, and select five indicators (net emergy yield ratio, emergy investment ratio, environmental loading ratio, emergy sustainability index, and dominance of emergy yield system) for assessment. The results show that the emergy input-output in Wu'an City is in general on the rise; the emergy investment ratio rises constantly, but the net emergy yield ratio decreases, and the comparative advantage in the prices of agricultural products is gradually lost. At the same time, with increase in the non-renewable industrial support emergy, the environmental pressures are also mounting. In the future agricultural development, it is necessary to pay more attention to the coordination between agricultural development and ecological environment, achieving sustainable development of agriculture.

Research on the Model of General Landscape Planning of City Road System

This paper analyses the overall landscape framework of city road system in ancient and modern China, using the ideal state terrain model which was fi rst recorded by the construction system of the Zhou Dynasty, and summarizes the ideal model of overall landscape framework of city road system, based on Chinese psychological needs of landscape, and conducts the applied research taking Nanchong in Sichuan, China for example.