Exploring well-being disparities between urban and rural areas:A case study in the Stavropol Territory,Russia

Rural areas are crucial for a country’s sustainable economy.New strategies are needed to develop rural areas to improve the well-being of rural population and generate new job opportunities.This is especially important in countries where agricultural production accounts for a significant share of the gross product,such as Russia.In this study,we identified the key indicators of satisfaction and differences between rural and urban citizens based on their social,economic,and environmental backgrounds,and determined whether there are well-being disparities between rural and urban areas in the Stavropol Territory,Russia.We collected primary data through a survey based on the European Social Survey framework to investigate the potential differences between rural and urban areas.By computing the regional well-being index using principal component analysis,we found that there was no statistically significant difference in well-being between rural and urban areas.Results of key indicators showed that rural residents felt psychologically more comfortable and safer,assessed their family relationships better,and adhered more to traditions and customs.However,urban residents showed better economic and social conditions(e.g.,infrastructures,medical care,education,and Internet access).The results of this study imply that we can better understand the local needs,advantages,and unique qualities,thereby gaining insight into the effectiveness of government programs.Policy-makers and local authorities can consider targeted interventions based on the findings of this study and strive to enhance the well-being of both urban and rural residents.

The pain of inequality:Income gap and carbon intensity of well-being

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations sets out 17 sustainable development goals(SDGs)that call for global action to end poverty,protect the planet,and improve the lives and futures of all people,including reducing inequality and taking climate action.The academic and policy issues corresponding to these two goals are income distribution and low-carbon development respectively.This paper makes a connection between the two and examines the impact of income gap on carbon intensity of well-being(CIWB)based on panel data of 40 countries around the world,which has important theoretical significance and empirical reference value.The main conclusions are as follows:(1)During the sample period,the carbon intensity of well-being of 36 in the 40 countries showed a downward trend,indicating that the pressure brought by the increase of unit well-being level on carbon emission space was gradually decreasing.The biggest drop in carbon intensity of well-being is in Estonia.(2)According to the average value of the past years,the income gaps are large in Colombia,Costa Rica,Paraguay,Ecuador and Peru,and the five countries with the smallest income gap are Ukraine,Slovenia,Belarus,the Czech Republic and Kyrgyzstan Republic.(3)The regression results of the econometric model with carbon intensity of well-being as the dependent variable,income gap as the independent variable,and urbanization rate,energy consumption structure and export trade as the control variables show that the increase of income gap will increase carbon intensity of well-being,and the increase of urbanization rate,renewable energy consumption and export dependence will reduce carbon intensity of well-being.Finally,according to the research conclusions,the policy implications for China's future high-quality development are extracted.

Lessons learned from the past serving as a guide for the future---On a state harmonious development from Naipaurs novel A bend in the river

Naipaul＇s novel A bend in the river illustrates the social confusion and people＇s destitution and wasting time in African countries after their national independence. An important reason is the president＇s self-publicity, tyrannical hess and destructiveness. Whereas the author＇s subjective suspicion is visible in democratic development of African countries. Indeed, in a country development, it is quite necessary to depend on its citizen, observing public feelings; controlling a state with science; benefiting citizen; utilizing resources; constructing homestead, intending creation with a harmonious and stable way.

Exploring harmonious development between urbanization and eco-environment based on climate analysis—A study in Changsha, China

The process of urbanization affects the urban warming.The change of urban warming was investigated by several urbanization factors in Changsha,China.The data of surface temperature(minimum,maximum and mean) of Changsha were analyzed to understand the possible effects of urbanization on the climate of this region owing to the population growth,built-up area expansion and energy consumption increases.The weights of these three factors were calculated by the analytical hierarchy process(AHP).Then,three weights were simulated with nonlinear method to obtain the urbanization development rate which was utilized to reveal the influence of the urbanization factors on the surface temperature.The result shows that there is a significant upward trend in the urban temperatures of Changsha.The temperature increase seems to be closely related to the rate of urbanization between 1993 and 2008,and there is an evidential increase trend of the influence on urban temperature by urbanization during 16 years.It is a quantifiable approach measuring the relationship between urbanization and urban eco-environment,and can be applied for the urban sustainability.

Research on the Harmonious Development of New Rural Communities under the Perspective of Balancing Urban and Rural Areas

On the basis of offering a definition of New Rural Communities (NRCs), the paper analyzes the values of New Rural Communities and argues that the construction of NRCs is able to contribute to the enhancement of the comprehensive agricultural production capability as well as the development of social productivity. Meanwhile the incomes of the rural residents can be boosted, which denotes the realization of a harmonious society where the achievements of China's reform and development are shared by each citizen. Moreover, the construction of NRCs facilitates the economization of land use and thus improves the overall living standard of the residents, while helping to cut the administrative cost and promote democracy at the primary level. This paper also points out various problems arising during the construction of NRCS in China: blindly following suit in accordance with the modes of the urban communities; lack of funds, which leads to the absence of the supporting mechanisms of NRCs; vague positioning and the ensuing shortage of impetus for continued development. Finally, the paper raises the corresponding measures and suggestions: first, based on reality, make overall planning and scientific arrangement; second, the government should play the dominant role while respecting the principal position of the rural residents and introducing the market mechanism; third, increase science and technology input and attach equal importance to economic and social benefits; fourth, broaden fund-raising channels while completing the supervision mechanism.

Eco-compensation and Harmonious Regional Development in China

Harmonious regional development poses difficult problems, especially in so far as the harmonious regional development of ecological resources is concerned. China has explored several eco-compensation models, and in each province eco-compensation has different characteristics. These methods have had significant impacts. The aim of this paper is first to examine the meaning of ecocompensation and to present a framework for analyzing it. Next the development of eco-compensation in China is examined. Finally, four typical models of eco-compensation are compared: the government financial transfer payment compensation model; the ecological resource exploiters′ payment compensation model; the ecological destruction compensation model; and the ecological resource tax collection compensation model. Each model has its own unique feature and potential to contribute to harmonious regional development.

Empirical Analysis on Harmonious Development of Economy in Niyang River Basin under Environmental Constraint

[ Objective] The study aimed to analyze the harmonious development of economy in Niyang River basin under environmental constraint. [ Method] According to the principles of index definition like balance, diversity, comparability and so forth, we constructed the indicator system of harmonious development of economy in Niyang River basin firstly, then empirically analyzed the status quo of harmonious development of economy in the basin by using factor analysis method. Finally, some suggestions for promoting the harmonious development of economy in Niyang River ba- sin were put forward. [ Results] Three first-class indicators, containing nine secondary-class indicators, were included in the indicator system of har- monious development of economy in Niyang River basin, namely ecological economic, rural non-agricultural development and service economic indi- cator. To promote the harmonious development of economy in Niyang River basin lies in further improving and developing its ecological economy, rural non-agricultural development and service economy. [ Condusion] The research could provide scientific references for the harmonious develop- ment of economy and protection of ecological environment in Niyang River basin.

Strategic Analysis on the Harmonious Regional Development of the Chinese Population Health

Since the reform and opening-up policy was implemented in China, the development of China＇ s medical and health undertakings has been very significant along with the rapid development of economy, and the people＇ s health level is steadily improved and the life expectancy is on the top list in the developing world. However, there are remarkable health differences among urban and rural areas, different regions, and small, medium-sized and large cities. In this paper, on the basis of the healthy social economic decision theory, the characteristics and causes of the regional difference between China＇ s residents in the health level are systematically analyzed, and then the strategies for the harmonious regional development of the Chinese population health are deeply discussed.

Research on the Construction of Ecological Civilization Model under the Regional Harmonious Development Background

In this paper, we conduct research on the construction of the ecological civilization model under the regional harmonious development background. Our country has achieved by the planned economy to basic socialist market economy important historic transformation, regional management system after several changes, the government organization adjustment for many times, in both market and government forces to promote the regional cooperation mechanism is increasingly rich, mutual assistance and support mechanism gradually complete, a variety of the mechanisms as we pattern is emerging. The current regional harmonious development must be based on general regional interests coordination, strive to build a regional comparative advantage into full play, regional gap control in a reasonable scope, area equal basic public services, strengthen market integration, effective utilization of the resources and ecological environment protection and improve the dynamic combination of fi ve goals. Under this basis, we propose the new perspectives on the issues that are meaningful.

Evaluation of harmonious development for economy-environment system in coastal cities: a case study of Tianjin Municipality

With the aim of the harmonious development of economy-environment system in coastal cities in China. an index ,system used to evaluate the economy-environment system is built up in this paper, which includes four aspects： economy, environment, resources, and ocean industry. Based on the analysis on present condition and future trends of economic development in Tianjin and the quantification of various evaluation indices, the aathor applies integrated index valuation model to valuate the harmonious development af economy-environment of Tianjin. The results show that the coordinated degree of economy-environment would drop down in the future, from 0.95（superior level of harmonious development） in 2000 to 0.59（inferior level of harmonious development） in 2015. under the circumstance of the current economic development mode. The level of comprehensive development of Tianjin also presents to descend. Based on the analyzing of status and future trends of environment-economy coordinated development, the paper puts forward the countermeasures such as industry, structure adjustment, increasing the level of environmental protection investment, strengthening the enforcement of en vironmental policies to improve the coordinated development of environment-economy in Tianjin municipality.

Construction and harmonious development of urban-rural com-paring fi nancial systems based on comparative advantages theory

There exist diferences between urban-rural financial systems,Generally,the development of unban financial industry has absolute advanages compared with rural financial industry.According to the Matthew Effect,the financial resources will flow into cities for higher benefit ,so rural areas are unable to obtain absolute advantages However,relative advantage theory of the comparative advantage theory of the comparative advantage theory provides an lmportant way to observe res[ectove advamtage of both city and country.Therefore,there are comparative advantages for the development of financial industry in both urban and rural areas.The respective comparative advantages of urban-rural financial systems will supply greater efficiency than that in current dual puttern condition.Closely connected with China＇s financial development and reform and the fact of recreation of urban-rural financial system,this paper tries to explain the comparative advantage of the urban-rural financial systems.The anaalysis of the comparative advantage between urban and rural finance is the clue for the bonndary between urban-rural financial systems.This paper analyzes the current situration of urban-rural financial system.Then it proposes some views and suggestions on how to develop and maintain these two systemw as well as how to promote their coordinative development.

Students＇ Healthy Mental Development Is Promoted by a Harmonious Relationship between Teachers and Students

The harmony of a relationship between teachers and students is a powerful promotion to the students＇ mental health. A ＂shared＂ relationship between teachers and students is advocated now. In the construction of a harmonious relationship between teachers and students, the positions of the teachers and students in teaching should be first made clear, and then an effective mental communication between teachers and students is necessarily available.

Harmonious Development of Laomian Language under the Influence of Language Contact

As the development of the links between ethnic groups, especially with the Han group, the Laomian language has undergone many variations. This paper is based on the research on Laomian village regarding the harmonious development of Laomian language under the influence of language contact.

The Harmonious Development of Chinese-Latvian Bilateral Relations

The People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Latvia have brand new relations.Diplomatic ties between two countries were established for the first time on 12 September 1991 after Latvia regained its independence from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.For the last 25 years both countries have been seeking common

Is there regional convergence between Morocco and its OECD partner countries in terms of well-being?

Morocco wants its 12 regions to play the role as the main lever of its public policies to initiate harmonized spatial multidimensional development. In the context of this goal and Morocco’s openness over the past two decades to bilateral and multilateral cooperation in an effort toward regional integration, this article studies the convergence of 389 regions in 36 countries(Morocco and 35 of its partner member countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD)) between 2000 and 2019 in terms of well-being. To this end, we considered the territorial dimension of β-convergence models for well-being and its four domains(economic, social, environmental, and governance). Then, we adapted the absolute β-convergence model by taking into account the existence of spatial heterogeneity according to five specifications of spatial models. Thus, apart from environmental domain, we found that β-convergence of regions is significant for well-being and three of its domains(economic, social, and governance). These convergences are made by a spatially autocorrelated error model(SEM). However, the speed and period of convergence are relatively low for social domain, partly explaining the very exacerbated tensions at the territorial level. The fastest convergence was achieved in governance domain, followed by economic domain. This suggests that emerging countries must pay particular attention to national public action in favor of social cohesion at the territorial level. The lack of convergence in environmental domain calls for common actions for all countries at the supranational level to protect the commons at the territorial level.

Exploring Green Development From the Perspective of Sociology:Logical Basis,Constraints,and Optimization Paths

With the advancement of ecological conservation in China,the concept of green development has gained extensive acceptance and recognition.Exploring green development from the perspectives of environmental protection and sociology holds great theoretical value and practical significance in studying the issues related to green development.Firstly,this paper examines green development in light of the objective needs of the economic and social transformation in the international community and China,and deconstructed its underlying social logic.Secondly,it further investigates the social factors that restrict green development,encompassing social structures,social concepts,social systems,and social behaviors.Finally,within the framework of the“green”discipline system in environmental sociology,this paper proposes specific measures such as restructuring social systems and transforming production modes,lifestyles,and consumption patterns to promote green development.

Conflicts and Countermeasures between Haba Snow Mountain Nature Reserve and Development of Peripheral Communities

Using research approaches such as questionnaire investigation, interview, and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PAR), the relationship between Haba Snow Mountain Nature Reserve and peripheral communities was studied. The results showed that there are lots of conflicts between Haba Snow Mountain Nature Reserve and peripheral communities. On the one hand, conservation of natural environment brings inconvenience to the development of peripheral communities, such as limiting the use of resources, constraining space of development, resulting in economic losses, reducing tourist income, and low compensation. On the other hand, peripheral communities' development threats conservation of the natural environment, for instance, illegal deforestation, illegal mining, over-harvesting, over-grazing and non-ecotourism. Therefore, effective suggestions were given as "scientific planning of functional areas, enhancing economic compensation, devoting more in ecotourism development, and realizing the cooperation of communities".

Revisiting Sustainable Development of Dry Valleys in Hengduan Mountains Region

Dry valleys are a striking geographic landscape in Hengduan Mountains Region and are characterized by low rainfall, desert type of vegetation and fragile environment. Past efforts and resources have been concentrated mainly on rehabilitation of degraded ecosystem and fragile environment, particularly reforestation, while socio-economic development has been largely overlooked. Despite successes in pocket areas, the overall trend of unsustainability and environmental deterioration are continuing. It is important to understand that uplift of the Tibetan Plateau is the root cause of development of dry valleys, and development and formation of dry valleys is a natural process. Human intervention has played a secondary role in development of dry valleys and degradation of dry valleys though human intervention in many cases has speeded up environmental degradation of the dry valleys. It is important to understand that dry valleys are climatic enclaves and an integrated approach that combines rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems and socio-economic development should be adopted if the overall goal of sustainable development of dry valleys is to be achieved. Promotion of niche-based cash crops, rural energy including hydropower, solar energy, biogas and fuelwood plantation is recommended as the priority activities.

Identifying interlinkages between urbanization and Sustainable Development Goals

Urbanization and Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)are important global issues in the current“Anthropocene”.Climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated global urban problems and hindered the ability to meet SDGs on time,while the broad interlinkages between urbanization and the SDGs remain poorly understood.This study shows that among the interlinkages of urbanization with 17 SDGs,synergies are observed with 151 targets(89%),among which 67(40%)have stronger synergies,and trade-offs are observed with 66 targets(39%),among which 31(18%)have stronger trade-offs.Furthermore,the synergies and trade-offs between urbanization and the achievement of SDGs are specifically analyzed based on four fundamental interaction fields:(a)public health and social welfare equality;(b)energy consumption and economic growth;(c)natural resource use and ecological/environmental impacts;and(d)international cooperation for development.Finally,based on these analyses,we propose four recommendations for sustainable urbanization,including(a)shared well-being and spatial justice for urban and rural residents;(b)guiding green and low-carbon urban development;(c)building resilient cities;and(d)promoting multilateral cooperation in cities,which can contribute to the achievement of SDGs by 2030.

Eco-geographic Environment and Regional Development in Xinjiang of China

The study on relationship between eco-geographic environment （EGE） and regional development （RD） is of theoretical and practical significance to promote the comprehensive study on nature and human factors and regional coordination development. Based on the evaluation index system and models of EGE and RD, Quadrant Analysis Method （QAM） and the Coordination Degree and Coordinated Development Degree Model （CDCDDM） were applied to studying the relationship between EGE and RD in Xinjiang in this paper. The results show that Xinjiang can be divided into four type regions according to the relationship between EGE and RD, namely high coordination region （HCR）, overloading development region （ODR）, low coordination region （LCR） and potential development region （PDR）. Most areas of Xinjiang belong to LCR which can not bear a larger population and support large-scale economic development. HCR, ODR and PDR, which are mainly distributed in piedmont oases and take basin as unit, should be focused on in the development of Xinjiang. The EGE has great influence on RE）, and there is serious contradiction between them. Relevant suggestions on development strategies were put forward according to the character of different type regions, and the key regions of macro-layout of RD in Xinjiang were pointed out.