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

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

抗肥胖症药物市场需求旺盛

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Impact of correlated private signals on continuous-time insider trading

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

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

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

Microbial Fertilizer: A Sustainable Strategy for Medicinal Plants Production

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

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

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

Impact of Sharing Marketing on Marketing Willingness of Employees in Internet Decoration Industry

With the development of information technology,sharing marketing,as an innovative marketing method,plays an important role in promoting the marketing willingness and enthusiasm of employees in the Internet decoration industry.Based on the data obtained from the ques-tionnaire survey,this paper makes an empirical analysis of the impact of the economic value,social value,perceived ease of use,perceived convenience,enabling conditions and subjective norms of sharing marketing on the marketing willingness of employees in the Internet decoration industry.The results showed that the questionnaire had good internal consistency and construct validity.Through empirical analysis,it can be found that the economic value,social value,perceived ease of use,perceived convenience,enabling conditions and subjective norms of sharing marketing have a significant positive impact on employees'marketing willingness.

Energy Storage Operation Modes in Typical Electricity Market and Their Implications for China

As the Chinese government proposes ambitious plans to promote low-carbon transition,energy storage will play a pivotal role in China’s future power system.However,due to the lack of a mature electricity market environment and corresponding mechanisms,current energy storage in China faces problems such as unclear operational models,insufficient cost recovery mechanisms,and a single investment entity,making it difficult to support the rapid development of the energy storage industry.In contrast,European and American countries have already embarked on certain practices in energy storage operation models.Through exploration of key issues such as investment entities,market participation forms,and cost recovery channels in both front and back markets,a wealth of mature experiences has been accumulated.Therefore,this paper first summarizes the existing practices of energy storage operation models in North America,Europe,and Australia’s electricity markets separately from front and back markets,finding that perfect market mechanisms and reasonable subsidy policies are among the main drivers for promoting the rapid development of energy storage markets.Subsequently,combined with the actual development of China’s electricity market,it explores three key issues affecting the construction of costsharing mechanisms for energy storage under market conditions:Market participation forms,investment and operation modes,and cost recovery mechanisms.Finally,in line with the development expectations of China’s future electricitymarket,suggestions are proposed fromfour aspects:Market environment construction,electricity price formation mechanism,cost sharing path,and policy subsidy mechanism,to promote the healthy and rapid development of China’s energy storage industry.

Optimal Operation Strategy of Electricity-Hydrogen Regional Energy System under Carbon-Electricity Market Trading

Given the“double carbon”objective and the drive toward low-carbon power,investigating the integration and interaction within the carbon-electricity market can enhance renewable energy utilization and facilitate energy conservation and emission reduction endeavors.However,further research is necessary to explore operational optimization methods for establishing a regional energy system using Power-to-Hydrogen(P2H)technology,focusing on participating in combined carbon-electricity market transactions.This study introduces an innovative Electro-Hydrogen Regional Energy System(EHRES)in this context.This system integrates renewable energy sources,a P2H system,cogeneration units,and energy storage devices.The core purpose of this integration is to optimize renewable energy utilization and minimize carbon emissions.This study aims to formulate an optimal operational strategy for EHRES,enabling its dynamic engagement in carbon-electricity market transactions.The initial phase entails establishing the technological framework of the electricity-hydrogen coupling system integrated with P2H.Subsequently,an analysis is conducted to examine the operational mode of EHRES as it participates in carbon-electricity market transactions.Additionally,the system scheduling model includes a stepped carbon trading price mechanism,considering the combined heat and power generation characteristics of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell(HFC).This facilitates the establishment of an optimal operational model for EHRES,aiming to minimize the overall operating cost.The simulation example illustrates that the coordinated operation of EHRES in carbon-electricity market transactions holds the potential to improve renewable energy utilization and reduce the overall system cost.This result carries significant implications for attaining advantages in both low-carbon and economic aspects.

How Does E-Commerce Policy Affect Consumption Disparities of Rural Households?-Evidence from China

In the context of China’s ongoing efforts to promote countryside revitalization and facilitate domestic economic circulation,it is of great significance to reduce the consumption disparity among rural households and unleash the consumption potential in the countryside.Based on data from China Family Panel Studies,this paper adopts a staggered difference-in-differences method to assess the impact of the e-commerce to enter rural areas on the consumption disparity among rural households.Findings:the comprehensive demonstration work of promoting e-commerce to enter rural areas has reduced the consumption disparity among rural households through the following mechanisms.Firstly,this policy initiative has mitigated the consumption-inhibiting effect on rural household consumption due to the local market size and external market accessibility by promoting the distribution of consumer goods to villages.Secondly,this policy initiative has also increased the agricultural income of rural households and reduced their consumption disparity by distributing farm produce to cities and enhancing the agricultural income of rural households.Moreover,the work is characterized by inclusive growth and is not susceptible to the“elite capture”phenomenon.

Future Directions of Quinoa Research and Innovation

Quinoa research aims to deeply understand its nutritional value,develop planting techniques,and explore food applications to promote quinoa industry development and improve human health.Future research directions include further exploring nutritional functions,adaptive breeding,cultivation techniques and food processing of quinoa,so as to promote innovation and development in the quinoa industry.Expected outcomes include increased production,improved quality,expanded markets,diversified food sources,reduced environmental impact,and biodiversity protection.There are still challenges such as fluctuating market demand,resource constraints,insufficient nutritional knowledge,and fierce competition.Solutions may include education and publicity,diversified product lines,health certification and brand building,partnerships,new variety cultivation and sustainable farming,and resource sharing.Future research and practice will further promote innovation and development in the quinoa industry,making it one of the most important food and functional ingredients globally.

中华人民共和国国家标准公告 (2023年第12号)

State Administration for Market Regulation and Standardization Administration of China have approved the following 17 mandatory national standards.

With Growth in Birth Population,Maternity and Children's Market Picks Up

In recent years,China's birth population has continued to decline,causing concern from all walks of life.However,data for the first half of2024 show a slight recovery in the number of births in some regions,a phenomenon that has brought new vitality to the maternity and children's market.Although this rise may be a short-term"spring",it has injected hope into related industries.

The "Black Myth" Marks a New Milestone for China-Made Games in Overseas Market

Since its first launch on August 20th,the game"Black Myth:Wukong"has broken many previous records for domestic single-player games,and also provides a chance for global game players to see Chinese games as among the world's best games.The number of online users on the entire platform exceeded3 million at its most,and more than10 million copies of the games were sold within the first four days after the launch.It has received more than 270thousand reviews in total and 96%positive reviews on the Steam platform,providing a chance for global game players to enjoy the best of Chinese games。