Impact of BRICS Trade Facilitation on China's Exports Using Cross-Border E-Commerce

With the rapid growth of the global digital economy, cross-border e-commerce, as an emerging form of trade, has gradually become a powerful engine to promote the development of global trade. BRICS is an important force in the global economy, and the progress of the BRICS countries' trade facilitation level has an important impact on the global trade environment. This paper conducts an in-depth study of the dynamic changes in BRICS trade facilitation from 2013 to 2022, and uses an extended gravity model to analyze the specific impact of this change on China's exports using cross-border e-commerce. The results show that although the BRICS countries have made some progress in trade facilitation, the overall level still needs to be improved, and there are obvious differences among member countries. However, the improvement of trade facilitation among BRICS countries has undoubtedly brought significant positive effects to China's exports using cross-border e-commerce.

Trade-offs and synergies between ecosystem services in Yutian County along the Keriya River Basin,Northwest China

The Keriya River Basin is located in an extremely arid climate zone on the southern edge of the Tarim Basin of Northwest China,exhibiting typical mountain-oasis-desert distribution characteristics.In recent decades,climate change and human activities have exerted significant impacts on the service functions of watershed ecosystems.However,the trade-offs and synergies between ecosystem services(ESs)have not been thoroughly examined.This study aims to reveal the spatiotemporal changes in ESs within the Keriya River Basin from 1995 to 2020 as well as the trade-offs and synergies between ESs.Leveraging the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs(InVEST)and Revised Wind Erosion Equation(RWEQ)using land use/land cover(LULC),climate,vegetation,soil,and hydrological data,we quantified the spatiotemporal changes in the five principal ESs(carbon storage,water yield,food production,wind and sand prevention,and habitat quality)of the watershed from 1995 to 2020.Spearman correlation coefficients were used to analyze the trade-offs and synergies between ES pairs.The findings reveal that water yield,carbon storage,and habitat quality exhibited relatively high levels in the upstream,while food production and wind and sand prevention dominated the midstream and downstream,respectively.Furthermore,carbon storage,food production,wind and sand prevention,and habitat quality demonstrated an increase at the watershed scale while water yield exhibited a decline from 1995 to 2020.Specifically,carbon storage,wind and sand prevention,and habitat quality presented an upward trend in the upstream but downward trend in the midstream and downstream.Food production in the midstream showed a continuously increasing trend during the study period.Trade-off relationships were identified between water yield and wind and sand prevention,water yield and carbon storage,food production and water yield,and habitat quality and wind and sand prevention.Prominent temporal and spatial synergistic relationships were observed between different ESs,notably between carbon storage and habitat quality,carbon storage and food production,food production and wind and sand prevention,and food production and habitat quality.Water resources emerged as a decisive factor for the sustainable development of the basin,thus highlighting the intricate trade-offs and synergies between water yield and the other four services,particularly the relationship with food production,which warrants further attention.This research is of great significance for the protection and sustainable development of river basins in arid areas.

Iran-Turkmenistan Relations:Cross-Border Ethnic Groups and Comprehensive Governance Strategies

This study delves into the bilateral relations between Iran and Turkmenistan,focusing on the multidimensional impacts of cross-border ethnic groups,cultural diplomacy,and energy cooperation.The research reveals that despite challenges in security cooperation,such as regional political ideological differences and uneven power distribution,Iran has adopted diverse strategies to enhance cultural identity,social cohesion,and promote economic cooperation.Iran actively seeks to repair relations with Turkmenistan by emphasizing shared historical and cultural backgrounds,particularly the presence of cross-border Turkmen ethnic groups.Specific measures include developing cultural tourism,organizing cultural weeks,and establishing commemorative days.In the economic sphere,the two countries have signed significant natural gas supply agreements,strengthening energy cooperation.Iranian leaders often emphasize“blood ties”and deep cultural connections in diplomatic statements,combining cultural diplomacy with practical economic cooperation.The study’s findings indicate that Iran’s initiatives have led to the reorganization of national space and social reconstruction in border regions,promoting changes in public policy.By integrating cultural identity,historical connections,and economic interests,Iran has adopted a sophisticated diplomatic approach,laying the foundation for more stable and enduring bilateral relations while contributing to regional stability and sustainable development.

Spatiotemporal variations in ecosystem services and their trade-offs and synergies against the background of the gully control and land consolidation project on the Loess Plateau,China

Studying the spatiotemporal variations in ecosystem services and their interrelationships on the Loess Plateau against the background of the gully control and land consolidation(GCLC)project has significant implications for ecological protection and quality development of the Yellow River Basin.Therefore,in this study,we took Yan'an City,Shaanxi Province of China,as the study area,selected four typical ecosystem services,including soil conservation service,water yield service,carbon storage service,and habitat quality service,and quantitatively evaluated the spatiotemporal variation characteristics and trade-offs and synergies of ecosystem services from 2010 to 2018 using the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs(InVEST)model.We also analysed the relationship between the GCLC project and regional ecosystem service changes in various regions(including 1 city,2 districts,and 10 counties)of Yan'an City and proposed a coordinated development strategy between the GCLC project and the ecological environment.The results showed that,from 2010 to 2018,soil conservation service decreased by 7.76%,while the other three ecosystem services changed relatively little,with water yield service increasing by 0.56% and carbon storage service and habitat quality service decreasing by 0.16% and 0.14%,respectively.The ecological environment of Yan'an City developed in a balanced way between 2010 and 2018,and the four ecosystem services showed synergistic relationships,among which the synergistic relationships between soil conservation service and water yield service and between carbon storage service and habitat quality service were significant.The GCLC project had a negative impact on the ecosystem services of Yan'an City,and the impact on carbon storage service was more significant.This study provides a theoretical basis for the scientific evaluation of the ecological benefits of the GCLC project and the realization of a win-win situation between food security and ecological security.

Micro,Small,and Medium Enterprises’Cross-Border Business Strategies

This paper explores the operational strategies of cross-border micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Against the backdrop of globalization and digitalization, cross-border trade has become one of the important pathways for many MSMEs to achieve growth and competitive advantage. Firstly, the paper outlines the concept and characteristics of cross-border MSMEs, as well as the analysis of their operational environment in the context of globalization, including political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors. Secondly, the paper proposes operational strategies for cross-border MSMEs, including international market selection and positioning, cross-border marketing strategies, supply chain management, cross-border financial management, and cross-border risk management. Finally, the paper summarizes the importance of effectively implementing these strategies for cross-border MSMEs to seize international market opportunities, reduce operational risks, and enhance competitiveness and profitability.

Trade-offs and Synergies of Ecosystem Services in Karst Area of China Driven by Grain-for-Green Program

As an important means regulating the relationship between human and natural ecosystem,ecological restoration program plays a key role in restoring ecosystem functions.The Grain-for-Green Program(GFGP,One of the world’s most ambitious ecosystem conservation set-aside programs aims to transfer farmland on steep slopes to forestland or grassland to increase vegetation coverage)has been widely implemented from 1999 to 2015 and exerted significant influence on land use and ecosystem services(ESs).In this study,three ecological models(In VEST,RUSLE,and CASA)were used to accurately calculate the three key types of ESs,water yield(WY),soil conservation(SC),and net primary production(NPP)in Karst area of southwestern China from 1982 to 2015.The impact of GFGP on ESs and trade-offs was analyzed.It provides practical guidance in carrying out ecological regulation in Karst area of China under global climate change.Results showed that ESs and trade-offs had changed dramatically driven by GFGP.In detail,temporally,SC and NPP exhibited an increasing trend,while WY exhibited a decreasing trend.Spatially,SC basically decreased from west to east;NPP basically increased from north to south;WY basically increased from west to east;NPP and SC,SC and WY developed in the direction of trade-offs driven by the GFGP,while NPP and WY developed in the direction of synergy.Therefore,future ecosystem management and restoration policy-making should consider trade-offs of ESs so as to achieve sustainable provision of ESs.

Tradeoffs and synergies between ecosystem services : A comparison of the karst and non-karst area

Under the influence of various natural and human factors, the relationship between the ecosystem services provided for human beings by a karst ecosystem is becoming increasingly complex, profoundly limiting the effective and sustainable development of the social economy and ecosystem protection in karst areas. Taking Guizhou, China as an example, which includes both karst(including five different landforms) and non-karst area, the study explored and compared the tradeoff and synergy between ecosystem services in both terrain types. The results showed higher change rates of water yield and soil retention in karst areas than those in non-karst areas, with only small differences in the carbon storage and crop production change. The ecosystem service relationships in the karst area from 1995 to 2005 were consistent with the relationships in the non-karst area. However, differences were observed in most of these relationships from 2005 to 2015. The relationships between ecosystem services in different karst landforms from 1995 to 2005 remained the same, but there are differences found in the relationships of ecosystem services from 2005 to 2015. The trade-off and synergistic relationships between ecosystem services in the different landforms were closely related to the changes of climate and land use, particularly related to rainfall, rainfall erosivity, farmland, and forestland.

Trade-offs and Synergies of Ecosystem Services in the Taihu Lake Ba- sin of China

Understanding the spatial interactions among multiple ecosystem services is crucial for ecosystem services management. Ecosystem services, including crop production, freshwater supply, aquatic production, net primary production, soil conservation, water conservation, flood regulation, forest recreation, were measured at 1-km grid scale covering the Taihu Lake Basin(TLB) of China. Our objective is to get a comprehensive understanding of the spatial distributions, trade-offs, synergies of multiple ecosystem services across the TLB. Our results found that: 1) majority of ecosystem services were clustered in space and had a similar spatial distribution pattern with the geographical resource endowment. Most of the landscape contributed a high supply of no services, one or two, and a low supply of three to seven services. 2) There were high correlation between forest recreation and freshwater supply and regulating services. Aquatic production had low correlation with other services. 3) The changes of provisioning services led to trade-offs between regulating services and cultural services in the TLB, while synergies mainly occurred among the provisioning service. 4) The spatial relationships of multiple services are consistent at 1-km spatial scale, counties and provinces. This research could help integrate multiple ecosystem services across scales and serve as a reference for decision making.

Trade-offs/Synergies in Land-use Function Changes in Central China from 2000 to 2015

To solve the problems caused by irrational land-use, studying the functions of land-use, its changing characteristics, and the relationship between each land-use function will be beneficial for achieving sustainable land development. In this research, we constructed an evaluation framework of multiple land-use functions(LUFs) based on sustainable land-use theory. Specifically,, we classified the multiple LUFs into three types: agricultural production function(APF), living function(LVF), and ecological service function(ESF).We then spatialized the economic and social data, and implemented the InVEST(Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) model and RUSLE(Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) model to evaluate each sub-LUF(crop production, aquatic production, woodlands production, livestock production, living space, life quality, water supply, soil conservation, climate regulation, biological conservation) in central China in 2000 and again in 2015. Moreover, by analyzing the changes to LUFs and the relationships between each LUF change, we were able to discern patterns of LUF change in central China. The results show that: (1)42.12% of total territory in the study area increased their APF from 2000 to 2015, while 43.41% of the lands increased their ESF yet only 8.98% of the lands increased their LVF;(2) in Hubei and Hunan, there was more land with an increase of APF than in Anhui or Jiangxi. The APF in Jiangxi exhibited the greatest decline over time period, the LVF increased more in the provincial capital cities than in other regions, and the ESF expanded more in Jiangxi than in the other provinces;and (3) the changes in APF were significantly and positively correlated with changes in LVF. Additionally, changes in ESF were negatively but non-significantly correlated with changes in APF and LVF.

Business English Talent Cultivation Research under the Background of Cross-border E-commerce

The meteoric rise of cross-border e-commerce has become one of the pillars of our foreign trade, while the lack of quali-fied talents in the industry may restrict its benign development. This paper analyzes the major problems existing in the BusinessEnglish talents cultivation in university, and offers advice for the construction of training modal for Business English talents basedon the cross-border e-commerce.

Problems in Cross-border E-commerce Export Trade in China ＆ Countermeasure Analysis

As an emerging industry in China, cross-border e-commerce has enjoyed the leap-forward development, along with increasingly prominent problems. This paper aims at finding out the problems and related roots that hinder its development, through conducting an analysis on the export development of cross-border e-commerce, in order to look for solutions and countermeasures in favor of its sound development and to promote the liberalization development of foreign trade in China.

Synergies of carbon neutrality, air pollution control, and health improvement - a case study of China Energy Interconnection scenario

Climate change and air pollution are primarily caused by the combustion and utilization of fossil fuels.Both climate change and air pollution cause health problems.Based on the development of China,it is extremely important to explore the synergies of the energy transition,CO_(2) reduction,air pollution control,and health improvement under the target of carbon peaking before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060.This study introduces the policy evolution and research progress related to energy,climate change,and the environment in China and proposes a complete energy-climate-air-health mechanism framework.Based on the MESSAGE-GLOBIOM integrated assessment model,emission inventory and chemical transport model,and exposure-response function,a comprehensive assessment method of energy-climate-air-health synergies was established and applied to quantify the impacts of Chinese Energy Interconnection Carbon Neutrality(CEICN)scenario.The results demonstrate that,by 2060,the SO_(2),NO_(x) and PM_(2.5) emissions are estimated to be reduced by 91%,85%,and 90%respectively compared to the business-as-usual(BAU)scenario.The direct health impacts brought by achieving the goal of carbon neutrality will drive the proactive implementation of more emission reduction measures and bring greater benefits to human health.

Trade-offs and synergies of climate change adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa:A systematic review

Climate change adaptation strategies provide a cushion for smallholder farmers,especially in subSaharan Africa against the risks posed by climate hazards such as droughts and floods.However,the decision-making process in climate adaptation is complex.To better understand the dynamics of the process,we strive to answer this question:what are the potential trade-offs and synergies related to decision-making and implementation of climate adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa region?A systematic literature review methodology was used through the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis(PRISMA)statement with the four-stage inclusion/exclusion criteria to identify the literature from selected databases(Scopus and Google Scholar).The climate adaptation strategies are organized into five broad categories(crop management,risk management,soil/land management,water management,and livestock management strategies).Evidence suggests that potential trade-offs may arise concerning added costs,additional labor requirements,and competition among objectives or available resources.The synergies,on the other hand,arise from implementing two or more adaptation strategies concurrently in respect of increased productivity,resilience,yield stability,sustainability,and environmental protection.Trade-offs and synergies may also differ among the various adaptation strategies with minimum/zero tillage,comparatively,presenting more tradeoffs.The development and promotion of low-cost adaptation strategies and complementary climate adaptation options that minimize the trade-offs and maximize the synergies are suggested.Skills and knowledge on proper implementation of climate change adaptation strategies are encouraged,especially at the local farm level.

The determinant of performance of cross-border M＆As in China： A comparative study between overseas Sino and Anglo firms

This study examines the factors that affect the performance of foreign acquiring firms in Chinese M＆As （mergers and acquisitions） market. Comparing between overseas Sino-Group and Anglo-Group, this study found that familiarity and location were the most important factors influencing performance of M＆A transactions in China. It also found that unrelated M＆A deals should be merged with familiarity for gaining positive acquisition performance. The total sample used in this study was 3,442 cases from October 1980 to March 2005. Because this period included all deals of M＆As after the opening of Chinese market in China. The authors＇ finding provided a more universal explanation in the cross-border M＆As in China.

Index system and methods for comprehensive assessment of cross-border power grid interconnection projects

With the global economy integration and progress in energy transformation,it has become a general trend to surpass national boundaries to achieve wider and optimal energy resource allocations.Consequently,there is a critical n eed to adopt scie ntific approaches in assessi ng cross-border power grid interconnection projects.First,con sidering the promotion of large-scale renewable energy resources and improvements in system adequacy,a comprehensive assessment index system,including costs,socio-economic benefits,environmental benefits,and technical benefits,is established in this study.Second,a synthetic assessment framework is proposed for cross-border power grid interconnection projects based on the index system comprising cost-benefit analysis,with market and network simulations,iterative methods for indicator weight evaluation,and technique for order preferenee by similarity to an ideal solution(TOPSIS)method for the project rankings.Fin ally,by assessi ng and comparing three cross-border projects betwee n Europe and Asia,the proposed index system and assessment framework have been proved to be effective and feasible;the results of this system can thus support investment decision-making related to such projects in the future.

Analysis on synergies and trade-offs in green building development:from the perspective of SDG 11

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a prospect for the future development of all countries in the world.Its core is to set up the Sustainable Development Goals for the year of 2030,and develop a series of institutional mechanisms around SDGs to promote its implementation.The SDGs include 17 goals,of which SDG 11 is to make cities and human settlements inclusive,safe,resilient and sustainable.Green building can play a positive role in the implementation of SDG 11.However,the entire process of green building development involves multiple stakeholders and various professional fields,which play different roles where may be positive synergies or negative trade-offs in the whole process.This paper uses the nexus approaches to clarify how multiple stakeholders and professions interact with each other in the green building development with the aim of promoting SDG 11.

China’s Cross-Border E-Commerce: Evolution Pattern and Influencing Factors

In recent years,while the traditional trade sectors have been shrinking,China’s cross-border e-commerce has undergone rapid development and has become a new driver of its international trade.Based on analysis of the evolution pattern of China’s cross-border e-commerce,this paper uses a revised gravity model to test empirically the driving factors and the resistance factors in the development of the country’s cross-border e-commerce.The results show that the total GDP,per capita disposable income of urban residents,total imports and exports,and the scale of the online shopping market have a positive relationship with cross-border e-commerce transactions,which are conducive to the development of cross-border e-commerce,while logistics costs inhibit the development of cross-border e-commerce.Accordingly,the paper puts forward several policy recommendations.

Cross-border E-commerce Upgrading Under Way

The emerging industry of crossborder e-commerce,which has been undergoing tremendous growth thanks to the loosening policies of consumption upgrading,is facing a large transformation.E-commerce is not as simple as opening an online store,but requires offline resources,offices,a training mechanism for workers,and professional photographing and model innovation services.The industry has experienced two development phases,with the 1.0

Development of a risk index for cross-border data movement

Cross-border data transmission in the biomedical area is on the rise,which brings potential risks and management challenges to data security,biosafety,and national security.Focusing on cross-border data security assessment and risk management,many countries have successively issued relevant laws,regulations,and assessment guidelines.This study aims to provide an index system model and management application reference for the risk assessment of the cross-border data movement.From the perspective of a single organization,the relevant risk assessment standards of several countries are integrated to guide the identification and determination of risk factors.Then,the risk assessment index system of cross-border data flow is constructed.A case study of risk assessment in 358 biomedical organizations is carried out,and the suggestions for data management are offered.This study is condusive to improving security monitoring and the early warning of the cross-border data flow,thereby realizing the safe and orderly global flow of biomedical data.

Conversion Synergies during Steam Co-Gasification of Ligno-Cellulosic Simulated Biomass with Coal

Lignin and cellulose chemicals were used as artificial biomass components to make-up a simulated biomass. Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metal (AAEM) as well as volatile matter contents in these chemicals were much different from each other. Co-gasification of coal with simulated biomass shows improved conversion characteristics in comparison to the average calculated from separate conversion of coal and simulated biomass. Two conversion synergetic peaks were observed whereby the first peak occurred around 400℃ while the second one occurred above 800℃. Although co-gasification of coal with lignin that has high AAEM content also shows two synergy peaks, the one at higher temperature is dominant. Co-gasification of coal with cellulose shows only a single synergy peak around 400℃ indicating that synergy at low temperature is related with interaction of volatiles. Investigation of morphology changes during gasification of lignin and coal, suggests that their low reactivity is associated with their solid shape maintained even at high temperature.