Prevalence of vegetation browning in China’s drylands under climate change

Vegetation greening has long been acknowledged,but recent studies have pointed out that vegetation greening is possibly stalled or even reversed.However,detailed analyses about greening reversal or increased browning of vegetation remain scarce.In this study,we utilized the normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI)as an indicator of vegetation to investigate the trends of vegetation greening and browning(monotonic,interruption,and reversal)through the breaks for the additive season and trend(BFAST)method across China’s drylands from 1982 to 2022.It also reveals the impacts of ecological restoration programs(ERPs)and climate change on these vegetation trends.We find that the vegetation displays an obvious pattern of east-greening and west-browning in China’s drylands.Greening trends mainly exhibits monotonic greening(29.8%)and greening with setback(36.8%),whereas browning shows a greening to browning reversal(19.2%).The increase rate of greening to browning reversal is 0.0342/yr,which is apparently greater than that of greening with setback,0.0078/yr.This research highlights that,under the background of widespread vegetation greening,vegetation browning is pro-gressively increasing due to the effects of climate change.Furthermore,the ERPs have significantly increased vegetation coverage,with the increase rate in 2000-2022 being twice as much as that of 1982-1999 in reveg-etation regions.Vegetation browning in southwestern Qingzang Plateau is primarily driven by adverse climatic factors and anthropogenic disturbances,which offset the efforts of ERPs.

Changes of China’s Status in the Global System and Its Influencing Factors:A Multiple Contact Networks Perspective

Clarifying China’s position in the global system is an important logical basis for developing national diplomacy.Although much research has been done on China’s development status,most studies have been based on country comparisons or institutional en-vironment.In today’s networked era in which the global economy,trade,personnel,and information are closely connected,studies on China’s global position and its status changes and influencing factors in multiple contact networks are still insufficient.In this study,from the perspective of diverse global contact networks,we constructed economic,cultural,and political influence indices to explore the changes and influencing factors on China’s status in the global system from 2005 to 2018.The results show that during the study period,China’s global influence in the fields of economic ties,cultural exchanges,and political contacts increased significantly,but its influ-ence in the fields of cultural exchanges and political contacts lagged far economic ties.The pattern of China’s economic influence on various economies around the world has shown a transformation from an‘upright pyramid’to an‘inverted pyramid’structure.The proportion of these economies in low-influence zones has decreased from more than 60%in 2005 to less than 20%in 2018.China’s cultural and political influence on various economies around the world has increased significantly;however,for the former,the percentage of high-influence areas is still less than 20%,whereas for the latter the percentage of these economies in medium-and high-influence areas is still less than 50%.Analyses such as a scatter plot matrix show that geographical proximity,economic globalization,close cooperation with developing countries,and a proactive and peaceful foreign policy are important factors in improving China’s status in the diverse global network system.

Understanding the Global Identification with China’s Stories: A Cross-Cultural Perspective

Cross-cultural storytelling is a primary way for humankind to seek mutual recognition of value orientations between cultures,which facilitates the ability to jointly address the problems of human existence in the context of globalization.In this study,we conducted an interview survey of 6,130 respondents who were college students or graduates from 107 countries.The results show that there were a number of cross-cultural values embodied in China’s stories seen by the respondents as part of a common vision for the future of humankind and widely identified guidance on collaborative responses to global challenges.These cross-cultural values are common prosperity,ecological harmony,individual-collective integration,the urgency of global peace,as well as respect for multicultural and indigenous development paths.

Spatio-temporal Variation Characteristics of Extreme Climate Events and Their Teleconnections to Large-scale Ocean-atmospheric Circulation Patterns in Huaihe River Basin,China During 1959–2019

Huaihe River Basin(HRB) is located in China’s north-south climatic transition zone,which is very sensitive to global climate change.Based on the daily maximum temperature,minimum temperature,and precipitation data of 40 meteorological stations and nine monthly large-scale ocean-atmospheric circulation indices data during 1959–2019,we present an assessment of the spatial and temporal variations of extreme temperature and precipitation events in the HRB using nine extreme climate indices,and analyze the teleconnection relationship between extreme climate indices and large-scale ocean-atmospheric circulation indices.The results show that warm extreme indices show a significant(P < 0.05) increasing trend,while cold extreme indices(except for cold spell duration) and diurnal temperature range(DTR) show a significant decreasing trend.Furthermore,all extreme temperature indices show significant mutations during 1959-2019.Spatially,a stronger warming trend occurs in eastern HRB than western HRB,while maximum 5-d precipitation(Rx5day) and rainstorm days(R25) show an increasing trend in the southern,central,and northwestern regions of HRB.Arctic oscillation(AO),Atlantic multidecadal oscillation(AMO),and East Atlantic/Western Russia(EA/WR) have a stronger correlation with extreme climate indices compared to other circulation indices.AO and AMO(EA/WR) exhibit a significant(P < 0.05) negative(positive)correlation with frost days and diurnal temperature range.Extreme warm events are strongly correlated with the variability of AMO and EA/WR in most parts of HRB,while extreme cold events are closely related to the variability of AO and AMO in eastern HRB.In contrast,AMO,AO,and EA/WR show limited impacts on extreme precipitation events in most parts of HRB.

Spatial Differentiation,Typological Structure,and Influencing Factors of A-grade Scenic Spots in China

Tourism scenic spots serve as direct attractions for tourists and crucial drivers for the transformation and upgrading of the tourism industry,so they play an irreplaceable role in the development of the tourism sector.The quantity and grades of A-grade scenic spots are the mainstay of competition in various tourism markets,and their spatial layout is very important for the development of regional tourism.Using 11970 A-grade scenic spots in China as the research sample,and methods such as the Nearest Neighbor Index Method,Kernel Density Estimation Method,and Grid Dimension Method,the spatial distribution,typological structure,and influencing factors of A-grade tourist attractions were analyzed to identify the main natural,economic,and social factors influencing the spatiotemporal pattern of A-grade scenic spots.The results indicated that China’s A-grade scenic spots exhibit clustering characteristics in their spatial distribution.The kernel density center shows a spatial pattern of“multiple cores,with secondary cores surrounding,and a gradual decrease”.The spatial structure is fractal and complex,with significant regional differences and a notable scale-free range.The types of tourist destinations and products exhibit distinct regional features,with a higher concentration of scenic spots in the regions in South China and East China,which are characterized by favorable natural and economic conditions and convenient transportation.A-grade scenic spots are densely distributed around the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the eastern regions such as Shanghai,Zhejiang,and Jiangsu provinces.Analyzing the spatial distribution characteristics of A-grade scenic spots in China contributes to our understanding of the complexity of scenic spot layout and spatial connections,which provides a basis for optimizing the layout of tourism development within regions,the rational allocation of resources,enhancing the quality and efficiency of the tourism industry,and promoting sustained and healthy regional economic development.It is conducive to the strategic work of tourism development and rural revitalization in China,and serves as a reference for decision-making.

Evolution and Governance of the Structure of Marine Economic Networks in China’s Coastal Areas: Based on Sea-related A-share Listed Companies

Data on discrete,isolated attributes of the marine economy are often used in traditional marine economic research.However,as the focus of urban research shifts from internal static attributes to external dynamic linkages,the importance of marine economic net-work research is beginning to emerge.The construction of the marine economic network in China’s coastal areas is necessary to change the flow of land and sea resources and optimize regional marine economic development.Employing data from headquarters and branches of sea-related A-share listed enterprises to construct the marine economic network in China,we use social network analysis(SNA)to discuss the characteristics of its evolution as of 2010,2015,and 2020 and its governance.The following results were obtained.1)In terms of topological characteristics,the scale of the marine economic network in China’s coastal areas has accelerated and expan-ded,and the connections have become increasingly close;thus,this development has complex network characteristics.2)In terms of spatial structure,the intensity of the connection fluctuates and does not form stable development support;the group structure gradually becomes clear,but the overall pattern is fragmented;there are spatial differences in marine economic agglomeration radiation;the radi-ation effect of the eastern marine economic circle is obvious;and the polarization effect of northern and southern marine economic circles is significant.On this basis,we construct a framework for the governance of a marine economic network with the market,the government,and industry as the three governing bodies.By clarifying the driving factors and building objectives of marine economic network construction,this study aims to foster the high-quality development of China’s marine economy.

Entrepreneurial Spirit for China in the New Era and Strategies for Cultivation

What type of entrepreneurial spirit is needed for China’s new era,and how can we unlock its innovation potential?Answers to these questions will unleash vital forces to drive China’s high-quality economic development.After reviewing the theories,dimensions,features,and limitations of the entrepreneurial spirit in the Western context,we concluded that the entrepreneurial spirit in China’s new era,which is characterized by patriotism,innovation,trustworthiness,adherence to the law,fulfillment of social responsibilities,and a global horizon,has overcome the limitations that come with self-interested entrepreneurship in the context of Western economics.This is a major step forward in the development of theories on entrepreneurial spirit.In the development context of the new era,this paper argues that the entrepreneurial spirit should become an important force at the individual level to implement the new development concept,foster the new development paradigm,and promote high-quality development in the new stage.This paper provides answers to the question of what type of entrepreneurial spirit China’s new era requires.Finally,this paper presents basic strategies for cultivating entrepreneurial spirit in the context of China’s new era,emphasizing the importance to promote the healthy growth of young entrepreneurs,ensure their business autonomy,develop a multi-tiered capital market,implement the factor market reforms,improve the business climate,and accelerate the digital transition.

GDI and GSI: China’s New Propositions for Global Governance

In the post-pandemic era,the global economic and security landscapes are fraught with complexities and uncertainties.Among them,four risk flashpoints merit attention:Certain countries are raising interest rates to subdue inflation,despite their already high levels of debt;the bulk commodities market is experiencing volatility,leading to global turbulence and change;trade protectionism is at the forefront of major-power rivalry in political and economic spheres;and regional security crises are compounding international tensions.Behind those flashpoints are contradictions that obstruct world peace and progress,including development imbalances,governance gaps,and structural tensions in global security.In the face of uncertainties,it is crucial for China to seize strategic opportunities and transform crises into favorable situations.China has launched the Global Development Initiative(GDI)and the Global Security Initiative(GSI)to contribute to global prosperity and security.The two initiatives demonstrate China’s commitment to addressing global deficits in peace,development,security,and governance.

Historical review and reflections on the participation of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of epidemics in the People’s Republic of China (from 1950 until now)

Since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, both the Communist Party and the government have placed great emphasis on the advancement of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture and moxibustion have been actively involved in combating major epidemics such as malaria, schistosomiasis, and COVID-19. This article conducts a historical review of these three significant cases to elucidate how the acupuncture community has effectively utilized its unique advantages and characteristics through theoretical discussions, clinical practices, experimental research, as well as receiving administrative leadership and political support from the Communist Party of China and government. We provide an objective evaluation of their effectiveness while summarizing historical experiences to serve as a reference for future utilization of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in epidemic relief efforts. Additionally, propose four suggestions: strengthening Party leadership and enhancing political support;timely summarization of experiences to establish programs and systems;deepening scientific research by integrating experimental findings with clinical practice;focusing on public awareness campaigns and education to solidify grassroots foundations.

Impact of Different Rates of Nitrogen Supplementation on Soil PhysicochemicalProperties and Microbial Diversity in Goji Berry

Goji berry(Lycium barbarum L.)is substantially dependent on nitrogen fertilizer application,which can signifi-cantly enhance fruit yield and Goji berry industrial development in Ningxia,China.This study aimed to analyze the functions of differential nitrogen application rates including low(N1),medium(N2),and high(N3)levels in soil microbial community structure(bacterial and fungal)at 2 diverse soil depths(0-20,20-40 cm)through high-throughput sequencing technology by targeting 16S RNA gene and ITS1&ITS2 regions.All the observed physicochemical parameters exhibited significant improvement(p<0.05)with increased levels of nitrogen and the highest values for most parameters were observed at N2.However,pH decreased(p<0.05)gradually.The alpha and beta diversity analyses for bacterial and fungal communities’metagenome displayed more similarities than differences among all groups.The top bacterial and fungal phyla and genera suggested no obvious(p>0.05)differences among three group treatments(N1,N2,and N3).Furthermore,the functional enrichment analysis demonstrated significant(p<0.05)enrichment of quorum sensing,cysteine and methionine metabolism,and transcriptional machinery for bacterial communities,while various saprotrophic functional roles for fungal communities.Conclusively,moderately reducing the use of N-supplemented fertilizers is conducive to increasing soil nitrogen utilization rate,which can contribute to sustainable agriculture practices through improved soil quality,and microbial community structure and functions.

Transitivity Analysis of the Energy in China’s New Era

At present,with the steady development of the global economy,more and more countries begin to pay attention to the impact of ecological environment on economic development and human society,so the ecological environment has become a global issue that cannot be ignored in today’s era.Therefore,from the perspective of the ecological philosophy of Diversity&Harmony as well as Interaction&Co-existence,this paper will conduct ecological discourse analysis on the Energy in China’s New Era based on the transitivity system of systemic-functional grammar,and use the Corpus analysis software UAM Corpus Tool 3.3x to label and make statistics on the transitivity system,aiming to explore the distribution characteristics of the transitivity system in this white paper.Through the transitivity analysis of the white paper,this study helps readers to have a deeper understanding of the positive significance contained in the white paper.To a certain extent,it enables readers at home and abroad to understand China’s stance on energy issues and the positive image of China in energy ecology.It also awaken readers’awareness of environmental protection and acquire good habits of resource conservation to be in harmony between human and nature for sustainable development.

Pioneering a New Realm of Human Rights Civilization in the Chinese Path to Modernization——An Overview of the Symposium on“The Chinese Path to Modernization and the Promotion of Free and Comprehensive Human Development”

On October 14,2023,a symposium themed“The Chinese Path to Modernization and the Promotion of Free and Comprehensive Human Development”was held in Changchun,Jilin Province,China.More than fifty experts,scholars,and researchers from national institutions and universities engaged in discussions and exchanges on human rights on the Chinese path to modernization,including the path,practice,knowledge systems,and civilization forms of human rights.This symposium played a significant role in advancing the construction of the disciplinary system,academic system,and discourse system of human rights in China.

Analysis of New Senior English for China Student’s Book 1

This article will firstly discuss the context overview of English teaching and learning in China. Under thiscircumstance, a problematic element will be examined of the New Senior English for China Student’s Book 1 and critical appraisal ofhow this element relates to other elements of curriculum development will be analyzed. The recommended changes and demonstrationmechanisms for evaluating the changes are put forward in the last two parts.

A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis of China’s Free Trade Zones:Status and Evolutionary Trends

The China free trade zone,crucial for advancing a new open economy,has gained significant attention lately.We analyzed 885 papers from Peking University Core and CSSCI journals(2012-2023)using CiteSpace for visualization.Our research results indicate that the literature on China’s free trade zone peaked with 171 articles in 2015,and gradually returned to an average of 45 articles per year.The main research focuses in this field include“institutional innovation”,“negative list”,“financial innovation”,“financial openness”,“opening up to the outside world”,and“economic growth”.In addition,cutting-edge analysis indicates that“dual circulation”and“blockchain”are future research trends.The main authors of the literature include Yang Bin,Zhu Xiaolin,Yuan Bo,Li Meng,Zhao Liang,and others.Their affiliated institutions,research institutes,and universities have not yet formed a clear core circle of authors;The top three research institutions with the highest number of publications are the International Trade and Economic Cooperation Research Institute of the Ministry of Commerce,Kaiyuan Law School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University,and the Comprehensive Research Institute of the Free Trade Zone of Sun Yatsen University.This article delves into the current hot topics and progress in the research of China’s free trade zones,providing important references and inspirations for future scholars in this field.

Mg/Ca,Ba/Ca,and S/Ca ratios as environmental and growth proxies for bivalve shells from the Haima cold seep,South China Sea

Bivalve shell fossils,cemented by authigenic carbonates,are widely spread in the Haima cold seep,Qiongdongnan Basin of the South China Sea(SCS).In this study,we examined an element profile of Gigantidas platifrons in the Haima cold seeps at a water depth of 1381 m.Based on the scanning electron microscope(SEM)analyses,the prismatic layer and nacreous layer were identified,which are characterized by prismatic structure and stratified structure,respectively.In addition,the profile can be subdivided into two parts:altered and unaltered zones.Laser inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(LA-ICP-MS)mapping shows that the element concentrations of the altered zones were influenced by the authigenic carbonate rocks,whereas the element concentrations of unaltered zones remain stable.In-situ X-ray diffraction(XRD)analyses show that the mineral constituent of the prismatic layer is mainly composed of aragonite.Along with the growth profile,Mg/Ca ratios of unaltered zones have minor variations,ranging 0.72-0.97 mmol/mol(mean=0.87 mmol/mol),with estimated temperatures of 3.8-4.1℃,indicating that the temperature of the surrounding seawater remains constant and agree with the measured data of 3.9℃which was conducted by a conductivity-temperature-depth system(CTD).The minor variations of Ba/Ca ratios(0.01-0.06 mmol/mol;mean=0.04 mmol/mol)indicate a relatively stabilized salinity of the surrounding seawater.S/Ca ratios show large variations of 0.04-4.15 mmol/mol(mean=1.37 mmol/mol).S/Ca ratios have regular variations which generally correspond to the variations of the Mg/Ca ratios,highlighting that the S/Ca ratios of bivalve shells show the potential to reflect the growth rate of the Gigantides.However,further studies should be carried out on the understanding of the links between the S/Ca ratios and seepage intensity of cold-seep fluids.

Human Rights in China:Exploration and Development of Whole-process People’s Democracy

Whole-process people’s democracy represents a new exploration of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era as well as a novel and important method for protecting the human rights of the Chinese people.It is conducive to solving a multitude of problems hindering the protection of civil rights and political rights.The greatest highlight of whole-process people’s democracy is that the people are the masters of their own country and exercise the power to govern the state through“extensive participation and consultation.”China’s experience and approaches in advancing whole-process people’s democracy provide a reference for other countries.

Resolving the“Matteo Ricci Puzzle”:Top-Level Design of the Grand Canal of China Based on the Ternary Leadership Theory

Guided by the ternary leadership theory from the perspective of social psychology,this paper explores the impacts of authoritarian,benevolent,and moral leadership on the top design of the Grand Canal of China in terms of its water management practice,while providing reference for resolving the“Matteo Ricci Puzzle”.The research findings are threefold:first,authoritarian as it is,the central government of China formulates relevant laws and regulations to provide legal system insurance for the construction of the Grand Canal Cultural Belt,thus providing the blueprint for constructing the“bright cultural belt,green ecological belt and colorful tourism belt of the Grand Canal”.Second,led by the Central Government,sticking to benevolent and moral leadership,China advocates scientific water management concepts and methods,and gives long-term and comprehensive care to the well-being of the people along the banks of the Grand Canal.Finally,the top-level design of the Grand Canal of China is based on the ternary leadership theory rooted in social psychology and has formulated a set of properly-scheduled,reasonably-coordinated,and flexibly-operated management system for the fundamental interests of the people and long-term goals of the country.

Constructing China’s Human Rights Science:Cause,Cognition,and Paradigm

“China’s Human Rights Science”is undoubtedly a brand-new concept.Just as China has its own philosophy,literature,history,law,political science,and sociology,it should also have its own human rights science.China’s Human Rights Science refers to the cognitive science of human rights in China.Developing its disciplinary system,academic system,and discourse system,and constructing an independent Chinese human rights knowledge system,are essential requirements for promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization and creating a new form of human civilization.China’s Human Rights Science originated in China,grew in China,and deepened through China’s human rights practices.China’s Human Rights Science adhere to the universality of human rights principles and possess distinctive characteristics.It works as the knowledge-based organization,academic refinement,and theoretical expression of the path of human rights development that conforms to the trend of the times and suits China’s national conditions,as pursued by the Communist Party of China in leading the people.China’s Human Rights Science can enrich and develop the theory of human rights civilization,and should become a global public product of human rights.

Morphological and genetic comparison of two strains of a Prorocentrum species isolated from Zhejiang coastal water of China and Masan Bay of Korea

In this paper, we examined the detailed morphology of two strains of Prorocentrum isolated from the coastal waters of Zhejiang (Wenling area), China, and Masan Bay of Korea. A taxonomic comparison was made among strains on the basis of morphological and molecular data. The cellular dimensions of the Chinese Wenling strain (LAMB090508) and Korean strain (PDKS0206) were similar and the cells of both strains were of asymmetric and elongated shape. The posterior end of most cells was rounded. Megacytic zones of aged cells were broader with dense tiny knobs. The roundish nucleus was located in the posterior part of the cell. A few irregular shaped chloroplasts were distributed within the cell. The nucleotide similarity of the two strains, determined from the 5.8S rDNA-ITS sequences, was 99.83%. The comparative results of morphology and molecular analysis suggest that both strains isolated from China and Korea were the identical species, Prorocentrum donghaiense Lu.

The Dilemma and Way Out of China’s Participation in the Development of Marine Genetic Resources in ABNJ from the Perspective of BBNJ

The fifth intergovernmental negotiations on marine BBNJ(Biodiversity beyond Areas of National Jurisdiction)concluded in August 2022,in which there are still major differences regarding access to marine genetic resources,management,and technology transfer.China’s participation in the development of marine genetic resources in ABNJ(areas beyond national jurisdiction)has many dilemmas,which are linked to the difficulties faced in advancing the BBNJ negotiations.The following countermeasures are proposed at the institutional and practical levels respectively:clarifying the legal attributes and applicability of the principles of marine genetic resources;establishing mechanisms for access,management,environmental impact assessment and benefit sharing of marine genetic resources;and using the“Blue Partnership”to build a governance mechanism for marine genetic resources to achieve mutual benefits.