Search Results (27,364)

Green Total Factor Productivity (GTFP) serves as a pivotal indicator for balancing high-quality economic growth with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. However, empirical evidence regarding whether and how firm-level GTFP is associated with enhanced Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance in emerging markets remains limited. This study addresses this gap by examining the GTFP–ESG nexus within the macro-context of China’s “Dual-Carbon” goals (aiming for peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060). Utilizing an unbalanced panel dataset of Chinese A-share listed companies strictly covering the period from 2011 to 2022 (with 2010 data exclusively used for one-period lagged variables), we construct firm-level GTFP metrics using a non-radial SBM-DDF global Malmquist–Luenberger index—incorporating both desirable economic outputs and undesirable environmental emissions—and link them with Huazheng ESG ratings. To ensure robust empirical identification, we employ two-way fixed-effects models with lagged variables, propensity score matching (PSM), and an instrumental variable two-stage least squares (IV-2SLS) approach utilizing the leave-one-out provincial average GTFP as an instrument. The results indicate a significant positive association between GTFP and overall ESG performance, as well as its three sub-pillars. Specifically, a one-standard-deviation increase in GTFP corresponds to a 0.15-standard-deviation increase in the ESG score, a marginal effect of profound economic significance, providing robust associational insights via the IV estimates. Mechanism analyses reframe traditional mediation as descriptive associational pathways, revealing that digital transformation, green innovation, and information transparency serve as significant channels, theoretically demonstrating how resource efficiency translates into social legitimacy. Heterogeneity tests show that this association is more pronounced for non-state-owned enterprises, firms in eastern China, and those with lower financing constraints. These findings unpack the “black box” between technical efficiency and sustainability, providing empirical support for policymakers to align corporate productivity with international disclosure standards (such as the EU’s CSRD). Full article

Despite strong policy support for prefabricated interior decoration systems (PIDSs) in China, residential consumer uptake remains limited. Existing research has focused primarily on adoption drivers or industry-side promotion; in contrast, in this study, Innovation Resistance Theory (IRT) is employed to investigate the functional and psychological barriers to consumer acceptance in the Chinese residential market. Utilizing data from 476 Chinese consumers, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is applied to test a hierarchical mediation framework. The results demonstrate that functional obstacles, specifically risk and usage barriers, do not exhibit a direct association with resistance intention; rather, a significant indirect effect via perceived value and image is observed. Notably, the tradition barrier emerged as the most dominant predictor of resistance, reflecting a deep-seated cultural path dependency on traditional masonry methods and a perceived loss of construction rituals that disrupts system adoption. Furthermore, multi-group analysis (MGA) reveals a paradox of experience: while uninitiated users are resistant based on abstract stereotypes, those with traditional renovation experience are driven by status quo bias, and early adopters of PIDSs are resistant due to negative disconfirmation regarding usage friction and functional inflexibility. These findings suggest that, to achieve system equilibrium, the industry must transition from an industry-centric narrative to one focused on premium quality and user-centric design. Practical implications include the need to de-stigmatize prefabrication as precision manufacturing and to align policy and market interventions more closely with the concerns of individual end-consumers in order to improve residential market acceptance. Full article

This research employs the ITRF2014 framework to conduct an analysis of Eurasian GNSS data, thereby acquiring the recent velocity and strain rate fields in the Ningxia–Inner Mongolia border region, as well as in the Yinchuan and Lingwu regions of western China. It also provides in-depth insights into the relative movements, slip rates, and locking positions of active faults in these areas. Based on the elastic dislocation theory, a constraint model is constructed to perform numerical simulations of active faults. This enables the inversion of strike–slip, dip–slip, and slip deficit rates, along with the locking degree. Fault lockings are identified at the southern extremities of the northern and southern segments of the Niushoushan–Luoshan fault, the western ends of the Xiangshan–Tianjingshan fault zone, and the eastern segment of the Gancanling Fault. In Yinchuan, local locking is detected below 15 km along the southern part of the Helan Mountain eastern fault. The Bayannula Mountain Fault exhibits an uneven locking distribution, while the locking degree of the western margin fault of Zhuozi Mountain increases from the southwest to the northeast, with the fault being locked in the Etuoke Banner section. Full article

Consumer preferences for pork are increasingly prioritizing quality traits such as flavor and tenderness, which are often superior in Chinese indigenous pig breeds. The primary objective of this study was to explore the molecular basis of flavor traits using Rongchang (RR), Yorkshire (YY), and RR × YY (YR) breeds. The investigation focused on meat quality traits, along with untargeted metabolomics, lipidomics, and volatile flavor compound (VOC) profiling of the longissimus dorsi muscle. The results indicated that RR pork exhibited higher pH levels and overall acceptability. Analyses using electronic nose and tongue demonstrated that RR pork elicited stronger responses for W2S, W1S, and W1C sensors, as well as for umami and sourness. A total of 15 VOCs were identified as differing among the breeds. RR pork contained higher levels of benzothiazole and dimethyl sulfoxide, but lower levels of nonane, 2-methylheptane, and 2,4-dimethylheptane. Metabolomic analysis revealed 45 distinct metabolites, with a greater abundance of flavor precursors such as α-ketoglutaric acid in RR pork. Lipidomic analysis identified 22 different lipids, with triglycerides being more enriched in RR pork. Phospholipids, such as phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), varied by breed, with PC (e) being lowest and cardiolipin highest in RR pork. Correlation network analysis revealed that nonane, 2-methylheptane was the most connected flavor compound, positively correlating with certain lipids and metabolites, such as PC (18:1_18:1), PE (18:2e_22:6), PC (36:4) and 2-phenylglycine, and negatively correlating with PC (32:0e), SM (d41:1), N-hydroxy-2-acetamidofluorene, and histamine. This multi-omics approach provides a comprehensive view of the molecular signatures associated with pork preference, identifying potential biomarkers for meat quality that can be leveraged for future breeding strategies. Full article

This study proposes a data-driven evaluation framework to quantify the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on industrial process performance and enterprise value creation. The framework integrates enterprise value assessment based on the Feltham–Ohlson model with a multi-level performance evaluation framework that incorporates a hybrid Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Entropy Weight Method (EWM) for indicator weighting, together with Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE) for multi-dimensional aggregation. This integrated approach enables systematic analysis of AI-driven effects from the perspectives of intelligent investment input, operational governance environment, and process output performance. Using panel data from 3515 Chinese A-share listed firms (20,076 firm-year observations) during 2014–2022, a Process Performance Index (PI) is constructed to measure AI-enabled operational capability across resource allocation efficiency, coordination effectiveness, and production performance dimensions. Empirical results indicate that PI is positively associated with abnormal earnings and firm profitability, demonstrating that AI-enabled process capability contributes to sustained enterprise value growth. The findings further show increased digital technology investment intensity, knowledge-based human capital accumulation, and improved data governance conditions, accompanied by enhanced production and service performance. By explicitly integrating AHP–EWM weighting and FCE aggregation within the Feltham–Ohlson valuation structure, the proposed framework provides an interpretable quantitative mechanism linking AI adoption, operational capability development, and enterprise value creation. The results offer practical insights for evaluating intelligent transformation strategies in the context of Industry 5.0 and data-driven industrial development. Full article

Tourism development has, in the past decades, brought new opportunities and challenges to residents’ livability in urban destinations, due to mobility, landscape and environmental quality effects. Quality of life may comprise, inter alia, a clean environment, historic atmosphere, cultural identity or a relaxed inner city. In recent years, uncontrolled tourism has led to ‘overcrowding’ and has prompted ‘mixed feelings’ on tourism among residents, despite clear economic benefits. Clearly, tourism takes place in a conflicting domain with different local actors. There is a rising fear in many historic cities that the long-run effects of mass tourism may be detrimental to the locals. This study seeks to examine local tensions among different interest groups in the tourism sector as a result of negative externalities such as decay of local livability, traffic congestion, or quality decline in the supply of tourism attractions. In this paper a novel supply-oriented concept, Local Leisure Resources, is put forward to uncover the externality effects of tourism and tourism mobility on urban livability, as well as the moderating effect of intra-city destination mobility of visitors. This concept will be tested for sustainability challenges in urban areas in China. Our empirical modeling analysis, based on data from 247 Chinese tourist places over the years 2008–2018, shows that local leisure resources have a clear mediating effect on the relationship between tourist visits and quality of life in urban destinations. The internal mobility appears to have a positive moderating effect on the role of diverse local leisure resources in supporting place-based livability of various local groups of actors involved. This research highlights the complex mechanism of tourism development on urban livability and environmental landscapes from the new concept of local leisure resources. It provides a solid basis and reference for sustainable development strategies for local policy actors regarding local destination livability. Full article

In this paper, the effects of 4 wt.% of silicon on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AM50 magnesium alloys fabricated by the casting method are presented. New AM50/Si material and the base AM50 alloy were gravity cast into a metal mould under the same conditions for comparison. Analyses of the alloys’ microstructures were carried out by light microscopy (with differential interface contrast), scanning electron microscopy (with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer), as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD). In as-cast conditions, both materials were composed of α-Mg solid solution, α + γ eutectic (where γ is Al₁₂Mg₁₇), Al₈Mn₅ intermetallic phases and discontinuous γ precipitates. The AM50/Si material also consisted of the Mg₂Si phase. This structural constituent appeared in the form of primary crystals with regular polygonal morphology and an α + Mg₂Si eutectic in the form of “Chinese script”. In the microstructure of the AM50/Si material, the Mn₃SiAl₉ ternary phase was also identified. The detailed analyses presented in this paper revealed that the new ternary Mn₃SiAl₉ structural compound caused a reduction in the volume fraction of the Al₈Mn₅ phase but did not completely replace it. These two phases formed competitively. The fabricated material exhibited higher tensile and compression strength as well as yield strength in comparison with the AM50 alloy. Additionally, analyses of the fracture surfaces of the AM50/Si material carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were presented. Full article

Non-heading Chinese cabbage (NHCC) is a highly economically valuable leafy vegetable widely grown in Asian regions. However, it undergoes rapid leaf yellowing and wilting during postharvest storage, which subsequently cause rapid quality decline and loss of nutritional components. Abscisic acid (ABA) promotes postharvest leaf senescence, while hydrogen-rich water (HRW) is widely used in postharvest preservation due to its excellent antioxidant properties; yet, the mechanism through which they interact to regulate postharvest senescence in NHCC remains unclear. Herein we found that exogenous HRW effectively delayed dark- and ABA-induced postharvest leaf senescence in NHCC, significantly maintained chlorophyll content, inhibited oxidative damage, and preserve nutritional components such as soluble sugars and vitamin C. The underlying mechanism was HRW inhibiting chlorophyll degradation by repressing the expression of chlorophyll catabolic genes like NYC1, NYE1, and PPH1. Meanwhile, HRW effectively lowered the accumulation of MDA and H₂O₂, elevated both the enzymatic activities and transcript abundance of SOD and CAT, and downregulated the transcript levels of RbohB, RbohC, RbohD, and RbohE, thereby maintaining reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. In addition, HRW negatively regulated ABA biosynthesis by inhibiting the transcript levels of ABA1, ABA2 and ABA3, while promoting the transcription of CYP707A1, CYP707A2 and CYP707A3. It also dampened the transcript abundance of ABA signaling components including PYL5, ABI1, and ABF3, thus blocking ABA signal transduction and alleviating its senescence-promoting effect. Collectively, this study confirms that HRW mitigates leaf senescence induced under dark and ABA conditions in NHCC via multiple synergistic pathways. Full article

Modern cattle comprise two major evolutionary lineages: intensively selected commercial breeds and locally adapted native populations. To investigate their genomic divergence, we performed a comparative population genomic analysis by integrating whole-genome resequencing (WGS) data from multiple representative native breeds and major European commercial breeds. Population genetic analyses showed clear phylogenetic separation between the two groups, with distinct patterns of genetic diversity. Chinese native cattle exhibited generally higher nucleotide diversity (π), lower inbreeding levels, and geographically structured admixed ancestry. Comparative analyses of selection signatures identified 886 candidate selected genes in European commercial breeds, which were primarily enriched in pathways related to production traits, including protein turnover, reproductive regulation, lipid metabolism, and neuro-regulation. In contrast, 50 candidate selected genes in Chinese native cattle were significantly enriched in nervous system functions, particularly ligand-gated ion channel activity and chloride transport (e.g., GRID2, GLRA2/4, GABRD), suggesting neural/ionic regulation may contribute to local adaptation alongside other polygenic mechanisms. Additionally, the two groups also differed in patterns of deleterious mutation load. These findings indicate partially distinct evolutionary trajectories between “production-optimized” and “environment-adapted” cattle and highlight the value of conserving the genetic diversity and adaptive alleles of Chinese native cattle. Full article

Against the backdrop of deepening coordinated policy governance, the systemic synergy between digitalization and green transformation policies and their impact on corporate ESG performance has become a key issue requiring urgent exploration. Unlike existing studies that focus on the effects of individual policies, this paper adopts a policy system synergy framework to systematically investigate the impact of the coordinated implementation of big data administrative reform and low-carbon city pilot policies on corporate ESG performance. Using a sample of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2022, this study applies a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) method for empirical analysis. The findings show that the systemic synergy between digital and green policies significantly enhances corporate ESG performance, with this promoting effect substantially stronger than that of single pilot policies. Further causal re-identification using a double machine learning (DML) approach verifies the robustness of the baseline conclusion. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the synergistic effect of digital and green policies is more pronounced in firms with higher levels of digital transformation, greater patient capital, and heavier tax burdens. Mechanism tests reveal that digital–green policy synergy improves ESG performance by enhancing external supervision from government, society, and the market, increasing green government subsidies, and incentivizing firms to engage in green innovation. At the same time, policy system synergy also reduces firms’ perceived uncertainty regarding economic policies and stabilizes their expectations, further enhancing ESG performance. This paper extends the research on the determinants of corporate ESG performance from the perspective of system synergy governance, providing new empirical evidence for understanding the interaction mechanisms between digital governance and green transformation policies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) is a progressive chronic kidney disease that can ultimately advance to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Zhuangyang Bushen Pill (ZYBSW) is a traditional Chinese herbal formulation derived from the Yi ethnic medicine of Yunnan Province, and it has been widely employed in folk practice for the amelioration of chronic nephritis and renal dysfunction. This study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of ZYBSW against CGN and to provide preliminary insights into its underlying mechanisms of action. Methods: The nephropathy model was induced in mice by tail vein injection of ADR (10 mg/kg). Renal function was evaluated by measuring relevant biochemical parameters, and renal histopathological alterations were examined using HE staining. Chemical constituents of ZYBSW were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Its mechanisms of action were investigated using network pharmacology, WGCNA, molecular docking, multiplex immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. Results: ZYBSW significantly reduced ACR by 88.9%, SCr by 56.4%, and BUN by 30.4%, increased ALB by 32.4%, and alleviated renal histopathological damage (all p < 0.01). LC-MS/MS analysis identified 419 chemical constituents in ZYBSW. Network pharmacology, WGCNA, and molecular docking experiments identified EGFR and DUSP1 as potential targets, and indicated the MAPK pathway as a key pathway. Mechanistic studies revealed that ZYBSW significantly inhibited EGFR expression in renal tissue, enhanced DUSP1 expression, and reduced the phosphorylation levels of ERK, JNK, and p38. Conclusions: This study reveals ZYBSW can effectively alleviate CGN, with EGFR and DUSP1 as likely therapeutic targets, and its mechanism of action primarily involves regulating the MAPK signaling pathway. Full article

The green innovation bubble refers to the phenomenon of a “decoupling between patent quantity and quality” that may arise as firms respond to climate risks, posing a potential threat to the effectiveness of green innovation and sustainable development. Based on data from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2015 to 2023, this study examines the impact of climate risk on corporate green innovation bubbles, as well as the underlying transmission mechanisms and boundary conditions, from the perspective of strategic response. The findings indicate that there is a significant positive association between climate risk and the corporate green innovation bubble. Mechanism tests reveal that this effect operates primarily through three mediating channels: increased attention from green investors, amplified ESG rating divergence, and greater analyst coverage. These factors collectively incentivize firms to engage in “strategic green innovation” in response to external pressures. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the effect of climate risk on the green innovation bubble is more pronounced among small and medium-sized enterprises, firms with relatively optimistic investor sentiment, and firms with stronger ESG performance. Moderation analysis further demonstrates that robust internal controls can effectively mitigate the aggravating effect of climate risk on the green innovation bubble. This study uncovers the formation mechanism underlying the coexistence of “quantity expansion” and “quality lag” in corporate green innovation under climate risk. It provides both theoretical and empirical evidence for identifying and addressing innovation bubbles during the green transition, offering policy insights for improving green innovation incentive mechanisms and reducing greenwashing risks. Full article

Pear paste is a traditional Chinese product valued for its lung-moistening and antitussive effects. This study systematically evaluated the quality attributes and in vitro antioxidant profiles of pear pastes prepared in 2023 from 11 cultivars harvested in Henan Province, China. Multivariate analysis showed that genotype was the primary determinant of final product quality, with PC1 explaining 84.1% of the variance. Total phenolic content (TPC) ranged from 1052.8 to 1997.6 mg/kg, and total flavonoid content (TFC) from 478.1 to 1747.9 mg/kg across cultivars. Four cultivars displayed distinct advantages: ‘Akizuki’ (pronounced Maillard browning), ‘Wanxiu’ (highest free amino acids, 29.82 mg/g), ‘Hongzaosu’ (highest TPC, 1997.6 mg/kg; TFC, 1747.9 mg/kg; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, 88.9 μmol TE/g), and ‘Huangguan’ (highest sensory score, 83.33; clarity, 87.65%). Antioxidant capacity was governed by a synergistic network of native phenolics, flavonoids, and Maillard reaction products, with the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays recommended for consistent evaluation. These findings highlight the critical role of cultivar selection in tailoring the color, flavor, antioxidant activity, and overall quality of pear paste. Full article

Background: Cymbidium kanran ‘Zhushalan’ is a famous traditional Chinese orchid with high ornamental and economic value. As its market expands, there is a need to improve its key horticultural traits and stress resistance. Unfortunately, these traits are difficult to breed using traditional methods, and an optimal regeneration and genetic transformation system for C. kanran has yet to be established. Methods: This study evaluated the factors affecting Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation and regeneration of C. kanran ‘Zhushalan’ using rhizomes obtained from seedlings as receptor material. Results: The highest regeneration frequency was achieved after pre-cultivating the rhizomes in the dark on ½ MS medium for 10 days. The genetic transformation system was optimized as follows: Agrobacterium strain, EHA105; optimal concentration of Agrobacterium solution, OD₆₀₀ = 0.6; 100 mg·L⁻¹ acetosyringone; an infection time of no more than 40 min; and co-culturing for one to three days. Positive strains were screened using meropenem (15 mg·L⁻¹) and hygromycin (50 mg·L⁻¹) and confirmed through PCR and qRT-PCR. A transformation rate of 11.67% was achieved. Conclusions: An efficient regeneration and genetic transformation system for C. kanran ‘Zhushalan’ has been established for developing transgenic technologies. Our findings will stimulate research on functional genes and molecular breeding related to C. kanran. Full article

Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis), an economically important mariculture species in China, exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in growth, underscoring the importance of elucidating sex regulatory mechanisms for aquaculture development. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnrnpk) critically regulates mammalian reproductive development, yet its role in fish sex regulation remains elusive. Here, we systematically investigated the underlying function and mechanisms of hnrnpk in C. semilaevis through integrated molecular cloning, expression profiling, upstream regulatory analysis, functional assays, and transcriptome sequencing. We found that hnrnpk was highly expressed in the gonad and liver, with female-biased expression during gonadal development. Promoter activity assays revealed that sox2 and c-Jun enhanced hnrnpk transcription, whereas foxl2 and ar suppressed it. Additionally, hnrnpk was directly targeted by miR-460a-5p in C. semilaevis, revealing multi-level transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. Functional analyses showed that hnrnpk regulated cyp19a1a in a cell type-dependent and dose-sensitive manner: the expression of cyp19a1a was both upregulated in hnrnpk-knockdown ovarian cells and hnrnpk-overexpression testicular cells. Interestingly, foxl2 was upregulated in hnrnpk-knockdown ovarian cells but suppressed in hnrnpk-overexpression testicular cells, which showed the distinct regulation mechanisms in the different sexual programs. Transcriptomic analyses further revealed that several sex-related genes (sox9a with downregulation, etc.) were significantly regulated, and cell development and cycle pathways were dramatically enriched in functional enrichment analyses. This might indicate that hnrnpk overexpression drives C. semilaevis testis (CSTE) toward feminization reprogramming through sox9 switching and multi-pathway perturbations. Overall, our findings might reveal that hnrnpk, a female-biased gene regulated by miR-460a-5p and transcription factors, influences sex-related gene expression through sox9 switching. This study will offer new insights for C. semilaevis hnrnpk into sex determination and also provide a potential target for monosex breeding in aquaculture. Full article