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To modify a conventional evacuated tube, an improved asymmetric U-type evacuated tube (AUET) is proposed. This study aims to investigate the thermal and hydrodynamic performances of a modified tube and determine the optimal structural form.

Based on the variation of fluid proprieties with temperature, the formulated numerical model was validated and then deployed to investigate the natural circulation in the evacuated tubes. A dimensionless number was proposed to quantify the stratification effect. The influence of the degree of asymmetry of U-type evacuated tubes on the flow patterns, mass flow rate, temperature distribution, thermal stratification and energy conversion efficiency was studied.

When the degree of asymmetry is large, a higher velocity and better thermal stratification are achieved, thereby avoiding stagnant water at the bottom of the tubes simultaneously. Compared with the conventional evacuated tube, the improved evacuated tube exhibited a higher thermal efficiency.

The originally proposed AUET was proven to have better performance in avoiding stagnant water, reducing fluid mixing and improving the heat transfer efficiency.

The purpose of this paper is to test the relationship between environmental regulations and green total factor productivity (GTFP) of China's logistics industry. The high-factor input, high-energy consumption, and high-pollution emissions model of the logistics industry developed within China faces challenges from severe resource and environmental constraints. It is generally believed that environmental regulations effectively restrain pollution emissions and help protect the environment.

The authors employ the undesirable slack-based Malmquist Luenberger model to calculate the GTFP across the provincial logistics industry and use the mediation effect model and threshold effect model to explore the effects and mechanics of environmental transmission regulations on the GTFP.

The main results show significant regional differences in the GTFP of logistics industry across China. In the transmission path of the impact of environmental regulations on the GTFP, regional innovation capabilities have mediation effects. Regional innovation capacities have a masking effect on the transmission path of environmental regulations on accumulated technical efficiency changes (AEC) and accumulated technical changes (ATC). The threshold effect test results show a dual-threshold effect between environmental regulations and the GTFP, with environmental regulations as threshold variable. Furthermore, the impact of regional innovation capability on the GTFP has a dual-threshold effect, with environmental regulation as threshold variable.

First, it is advisable to plan the environmental regulation policy system thoroughly and add supporting measures to ensure the efficiency and smooth implementation of the nation's environmental policies. Second, it is important to further understand the critical role of innovation capability in improving the GTFP. Third, there is an urgent need to standardize the operating behavior and market order of the leading players in the logistics market and to improve the operational efficiency of logistics enterprises.

So far, a systematical study researched on effect of environmental regulation on the GTFP in logistics industry was not published. This study can provide experience for the high-quality development of the logistics industry.

Based on the aerodynamic loads and dynamic performances of trains, this study aims to investigate the effect of crosswinds and raindrops on intercity trains operating on viaducts to ensure the safe operation of intercity railways in metropolitan areas.

An approach coupled with the Euler multiphase model as well as the standard k-ɛ turbulence model is used to investigate the coupled flow feature surrounding trains and viaducts, including airflow and raindrops, and the numerical results are validated with those of the wind tunnel test. Additionally, the train’s dynamic response and the operating safety region in different crosswind speeds and rainfall is investigated based on train’s aerodynamic loads and the train wheel–rail dynamics simulation.

The aerodynamic loads of trains at varying running speeds exhibit an increasing trend as the increase of wind speed and rainfall intensity. The motion of raindrop particles demonstrates a significant similarity with the airflow in wind and rain environments, as a result of the dominance of airflow and the supplementary impacts of droplets. As the train’s operating speed ranged between 120 and 200 km/h and within a rainfall range of 20–100 mm/h, the safe operating region of trains decreased by 0.56%–7.03%, compared with the no-rain condition (0 mm/h).

The impact of crosswind speeds and rainfall on the train’s aerodynamic safety is studied, including the flow feature of crosswind and different particle-sized raindrops around the train and viaduct, aerodynamic loads coefficients suffered by the intercity train as well as the operating safety region of intercity trains on the viaduct.

Synthesizing the unique Confucian cultural values and the common characteristics of emerging markets, the purpose of this paper is to examine how face drives consumers’ attitudes toward global consumer culture positioning (GCCP) as well as the moderating roles of social aggrandizement and susceptibility to normative influence (SNI).

The authors adopt the total effect moderation model to test the hypotheses using data collected from China.

The results show that face positively affects consumers’ attitudes toward GCCP through enhancing their pursuit for global myth. In addition, social aggrandizement positively moderates the influence of face on pursuit for global myth. SNI positively moderates the influence of pursuit for global myth on attitudes toward GCCP.

The findings of this study highlight the need to utilize local powers to promote brands globally and provide guidelines for “Think Globally, Act Locally” in Confucian societies.

This study represents an important step in the global branding literature regarding the advancement of culturally driven attitudes toward GCCP by taking root in the Confucian culture.

The purpose of this paper is to chart the sharp rise of informal employment in urban China in the last decade. It investigates the role of labour market regulations in shaping employment relations for those engaged in this form of employment and their employment outcome. It also examines various forms of organization and representation of these workers and the extent to which these mechanisms meet their needs.

This paper draws on secondary and first‐hand empirical data. The secondary data come mainly from media sources and academic publications in China. The empirical data from interviews that the author has conducted with the labour authorities, trade union officials, workers, senior managers and owner CEOs of private firms in several cities.

The paper concludes that the inadequacy of the function of employment agencies, the absence of a functioning social security system for workers in informal employment, and the lack of effective enforcement of employment‐related regulations mean that the majority of the growing force of workers in this category will continue to be under‐protected and disadvantaged.

This paper draws information from secondary data and a small number of interviews with key stakeholders in employment relations. Future research should conduct a larger study focusing on the views and experience of workers in the informal sector.

This study reveals some skills gaps and training needs for trade union officials. It also brings to the policy makers' attention some loopholes in the labour regulations and their implementation.

The paper argues that providing decent employment conditions and work environment remains a key challenge to all concerned but is crucial to the well‐being of workers and their families.

The paper examines the efficacy of labour regulations in protecting workers in the informal sector in China by investigating the roles of different institutional actors. It adopts a relational and institutional approach to study the issue.