Search Results (1,032)

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) severely hinders the development of the livestock industry and impacts economic efficiency. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the epigenetic regulation of animal growth and development. Using IUGR pigs as a model, this study analyzed transcriptomic data from IUGR piglets to investigate the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in their testes. Compared with NBW pigs, IUGR pigs exhibited reduced testicular volume, decreased weight, and abnormal testicular development. A total of 4945 differentially expressed mRNAs and 53 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in IUGR testicular tissues, including 1748 downregulated and 3197 upregulated mRNAs, as well as 41 upregulated and 12 downregulated miRNAs. The integrated analysis of differentially expressed genes, miRNA target genes, and the miRNA-mRNA network revealed that IUGR may impair testicular development by disrupting cell cycle progression and apoptotic pathways, thereby hindering normal testicular cell growth. Furthermore, analysis of the miRNA-mRNA network indicated that miRNAs such as ssc-miR-23a, ssc-miR-29c, ssc-miR-193a-3p, and ssc-miR-574-3p could serve as potential marker miRNAs for IUGR testes, while YWHAZ, YWHAB, and PPP2CA may function as core target genes within this regulatory network. In conclusion, this study enhances our understanding of male reproduction in IUGR pigs and provides a theoretical foundation for preventing and treating IUGR-induced male reproductive disorders. Full article

Context: It has been claimed that recently, in England, the places with the greatest amount of housing built were the places that least needed them. This is an accusation that has echoes in a number of countries around the globe. The lack of construction leads to greater unaffordability and a lower level of economic activity than could have been achieved if labour, particularly those with high human capital, was not so constrained as to where they could afford to live. The recent National Planning Policy Framework for England imposes mandatory targets on housing planning authorities. As such, the following question is raised: will the targets result in additional residential homes being located in places of greater need than the prevailing pattern? Research Questions: The paper sets out to consider the spatial mismatch between housing additions and national benefit in terms of unaffordability and productivity. Specifically, do the concentrations of high and/or low rates of the prevailing rates of additional dwellings and the target rates of adding dwellings correspond with the clusters of high and/or low unaffordability and productivity? A further question considered is: does the spatial distribution of additional dwellings match the clusters of population growth? Method: The values of the variables are transformed at the first stage into Anselin’s LISA categories. LISA maps can reveal unusually high spatial concentrations of values, or clusters. The second stage entails comparing sets of the transformed data for agreement of the classifications. An agreement coefficient is provided by Fleiss’s kappa. Data: The data used is of additional dwellings, the total number of dwellings, population estimates, gross value added per hour worked (productivity data), and house price–earnings ratios. The period of study covers the eight years prior to 2020 and the two years after, omitting 2020 itself due to the unusual impact on economic activity. All the data is at local authority district level. Findings: The hot and cold spots of additional dwellings do not correspond those of house price–earnings ratios or productivity. However, population growth hot spots show moderate agreement with those of where additional dwellings are concentrated. This is in line with findings from elsewhere, suggesting that population follows housing supply. Concentrations of districts with relatively high targets per unit of existing stocks are found correspond (agree strongly) with clusters of house price–earnings ratios. Links between productivity and housing are much weaker. Conclusions: The strong link between targets and affordability suggests that if the targets are met, the claim that the places that build the most housing are the places that least need them can be challenged. That said, house-price–earnings ratios present a view of unaffordability that will favour greater building in the countryside rather than cities outside of London, which runs against concentrating new housing in urban areas consistent with fostering clusters/agglomerations implicit in the new modern industrial strategy. Full article

Organic agriculture is a production system based on environmentally friendly practices that promote the conservation of natural resources, biodiversity, and the production of high-quality food. Its tenets are linked to the concept of sustainable development, which integrates environmental, social, and economic goals. In the face of global competition and changes in food systems, studying their competitiveness of organic agriculture is essential. It is key to assessing its potential for long-term development and competition with conventional agriculture. The purpose of this study is to identify and assess the spatial differentiation in the competitiveness of organic agriculture in EU countries. This study assessed the level of input and output competitiveness of organic agriculture in selected EU countries using the author’s synthetic taxonomic indicators consisting of several sub-variables. The competitiveness of organic farming in twenty-three countries (Cyprus, Latvia, Portugal, and Finland were not included due to a lack of statistical data) was analysed using one of the linear ordering methods, i.e., a non-pattern method with a system of fixed weights. The research has shown significant spatial differentiation in both the input competitiveness and the outcome competitiveness of organic agriculture in EU countries. In 2023, Estonia had the highest level of input competitiveness, followed by Austria, the Czech Republic, and Sweden. In 2023, Estonia had the highest synthetic indicator of outcome competitiveness, followed by The Netherlands and Denmark. In addition, an assessment was made of changes in EU organic agriculture in 2014–2023 by analysing the direction and dynamics of changes in selected measures of the development potential of organic agriculture in all member states (27 countries). This sector is characterised by high growth dynamics, including both the area under cultivation and the number of producers and processors of organic food. This study identified several important measures to support the development of organic farming (especially in countries where this type of activity is relatively less competitive) through targeted support mechanisms, such as policy and regulatory measures, financing, agricultural training and advisory services, scientific research, encouraging cooperation, and stimulating demand for organic products. Full article

Energy security has emerged as a critical concern amid intensifying climate risks and surging energy demand driven by economic growth. This study examines the impact of climate risk on energy security by constructing a panel dataset covering 30 Chinese provinces from 2006 to 2022. Using the instrumental variable generalized method of moments (IV-GMM) model, we estimate the marginal impact of climate risk on energy security and further investigate its asymmetric, direct, and indirect relationships via panel quantile regression and mediation analysis. Our key findings are as follows: (1) Climate risk exerts a significant negative impact on energy security, indicating an inverse relationship. (2) The effect of climate risk is asymmetric, with a stronger adverse impact in regions with lower levels of energy security. (3) Climate risk undermines energy security by reducing energy accessibility, affordability, sustainability, and technological efficiency. (4) Energy transition and energy efficiency serve as critical mediators in the relationship between climate risk and energy security, offering insights into potential mitigation pathways. Unlike previous studies that primarily examine energy security in isolation or focus on single dimensions, this research integrates a multidimensional indicator system and advanced econometric techniques to uncover both direct and mediated pathways, thereby filling a key gap in understanding the climate–energy nexus at the provincial level in China. Based on these findings, we propose targeted policy recommendations to enhance energy security by improving climate resilience, accelerating the deployment of renewable energy, and optimizing energy infrastructure investments. Full article

Paralipsa gularis (Zeller) has become an increasingly destructive pest in both storage and field ecosystems, particularly affecting maize crops across China. As chemical control methods face limitations due to resistance development and environmental concerns, biological control presents a promising alternative. In this study, we isolated and identified a novel strain of Metarhizium sp. from naturally infected P. gularis larvae collected in Yunnan Province, China. Morphological characterization, along with ITS-rDNA and EF-1α-rDNA sequencing, confirmed the fungus as Metarhizium rileyi. The optimal growth medium for this strain was SMAY, and the optimal conditions were 25 °C under continuous light (L:D = 24:0). Laboratory bioassays showed that the strain exhibited high virulence against P. gularis larvae, with cumulative mortality reaching 82% following infestation with 5 × 10⁸ conidia/mL. Biochemical analyses revealed that fungal infection significantly inhibited the activity of the key antioxidant enzyme SOD in the host, while activities of POD, CAT, and detoxification enzymes (P450, CarE, AChE, and GSTs) were significantly increased. These results indicate that immune responses were triggered, and systemic colonization of the host was achieved. Overall, this native M. rileyi strain demonstrates strong potential as an effective biological control agent. Its ability to overcome insect defenses and induce high mortality supports its integration into pest management programs targeting P. gularis. This work advances the understanding of fungal–insect interactions and contributes to sustainable, environmentally safe strategies for managing a pest of economic importance in agricultural ecosystems. Full article

The aim of the study was to evaluate the digital business transformation across EU countries and its relationship with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The Digital Business Transformation Index, developed from eleven digital technology indicators related to e-business and e-commerce, is constructed using Principal Component Analysis to provide a comprehensive framework for assessing digitalization at the enterprise level. The results reveal substantial disparities among member states, with northern and western countries leading, while southern and eastern countries are lagging behind. Regression analyses show a strong positive relationship between digital business transformation and SDG 9 and a negative association with SDG 13. Cluster analysis identifies six groups of countries with varying levels of digital and sustainability performance and emphasizes the need for tailored policy responses. Evidence confirms a digital–green trade-off in many EU countries; however, strategic policy integration can mitigate this challenge. The findings underline the importance of targeted investments in R&D, digital infrastructure, and ICT training, particularly in underperforming regions. Tailored measures are essential to ensure that digital business transformation aligns with inclusive and sustainable development across the EU. Full article

This study investigates the contributions of five key sectors—insurance, materials, utilities, real estate, and transport—to the financial markets of six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries from 2004 to 2023. Grounded in the Sectoral Linkage Theory and Endogenous Growth Theory, the study employs a Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (Panel ARDL) model to examine both short-term and long-term sectoral impacts on financial market resilience. The findings reveal that the insurance and transport sectors offer short-term market stimulation, but lack persistent effects. Conversely, the materials, utilities, and real estate sectors exhibit strong, long-run contributions to financial stability and economic diversification. These results highlight the asymmetric impact of sectoral dynamics on market performance in resource-rich contexts. This research contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on sectoral interdependence in oil-dependent economies and highlights the importance of structural diversification for sustainable financial resilience. The study provides actionable insights for policymakers and investors seeking to enhance market resilience and reduce reliance on hydrocarbon revenues through targeted sectoral development. Full article

Respirable crystalline silica is a well-established occupational hazard in construction work. Despite increased awareness, consistent exposure control remains a challenge, particularly in dynamic and resource-constrained environments. Respirable crystalline silica exposure in construction environments challenges the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Respirable crystalline silica particles cause severe health complications, including silicosis, lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders, representing a significant barrier to achieving SDG 3.9’s target of reducing deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemical exposures by 2030. This systematic review evaluates two decades of advancements (2004–2024) in respirable crystalline silica identification, characterisation, and mitigation within construction, synthesising evidence from 143 studies to assess progress toward sustainable occupational health management. This review documents a paradigmatic shift from traditional exposure assessment toward sophisticated monitoring approaches incorporating real-time detection systems, virtual reality–Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations, and wearable sensor technologies. Engineering controls, including local exhaust ventilation, wet suppression methods, and modified tool designs, have achieved exposure reductions exceeding 90%, directly supporting SDG 8.8’s commitment to safe working environments for all workers, including migrants and those in precarious employment. However, substantial barriers persist, including prohibitive costs, inadequate infrastructure, and regional regulatory disparities that particularly disadvantage lower-resourced countries, contradicting the Sustainable Development Goals’ principles of leaving no one behind. The findings advocate holistic approaches integrating technological innovation with context-specific regulations, enhanced international cooperation, and culturally adapted worker education to achieve equitable occupational health protection supporting multiple Sustainable Development Goals’ objectives by 2030 and also highlighting potential areas for future research. Full article

Foreign direct investment (FDI) plays a vital role in fostering sustainable economic development, particularly in emerging and post-conflict economies. Yet, the benefits of FDI inflows depend not only on the size of investment but also on how evenly it is distributed across regions. In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), FDI inflows have grown considerably over the past two decades, remaining heavily concentrated, with 93% of total investment absorbed by the capital city, Erbil, and only 7% distributed across the remaining governorates. This study investigates the determinants of geographic imbalances in FDI inflows within the KRI. Drawing on a unique firm-level dataset from 2007 to 2021 and employing a negative binomial logit model, the results reveal that superior infrastructure, greater market accessibility, proximity to international borders, airport connectivity, and digital network penetration are significant drivers of FDI concentration. We suggest that such spatial inequality poses significant risks to inclusive and sustainable growth, threatening to entrench regional disparities and reduce resilience to economic and local political disruptions in the long term. To mitigate these issues, we recommend a regionally differentiated policy framework that includes targeted investment incentives tailored to local comparative advantages, strategic infrastructure upgrades in underdeveloped areas, strengthened investor protections, streamlined regulatory processes, and the establishment of investment promotion agencies (IPAs) to enhance investor engagement and aftercare. By diagnosing the causes of FDI concentration and offering actionable strategies, this study provides evidence-based insights for fostering balanced, inclusive, and sustainable economic development in the KRI and other post-conflict regions confronting similar challenges. Full article

This paper presents a novel literature survey on leveraging electrolysis for grid frequency stabilization in power systems with high penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs), uniquely integrating global research findings with specific insights into the Polish energy context—a region facing acute grid challenges due to rapid RES growth and infrastructure limitations. The intermittent nature of wind and solar power exacerbates frequency fluctuations, necessitating dynamic demand-side management solutions like hydrogen production via electrolysis. By synthesizing over 30 studies, the survey reveals key results: electrolysis systems, particularly PEM and alkaline electrolyzers, can reduce frequency deviations by up to 50% through fast frequency response (FFR) and primary reserve provision, as demonstrated in simulations and real-world pilots (e.g., in France and the Netherlands); however, economic viability requires enhanced compensation schemes, with current models showing unprofitability without subsidies. Technological advancements, such as transistor-based rectifiers, improve efficiency under partial loads, while integration with RES farms mitigates overproduction issues, as evidenced by Polish cases where 44 GWh of solar energy was curtailed in March 2024. The survey contributes actionable insights for policymakers and engineers, including recommendations for deploying electrolyzers to enhance grid resilience, support hydrogen-based transportation, and facilitate Poland’s target of 50.1% RESs by 2030, thereby advancing the green energy transition amid rising instability risks like blackouts in RES-heavy systems. Full article

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are vital to economic growth, innovation, and job creation across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Women entrepreneurs are key contributors to this sector, yet they face persistent barriers to accessing finance, which constrain their business growth and broader economic participation. This study investigates the role of financial institutions in closing the financing gap for women-owned SMEs and assesses the effectiveness of various financing mechanisms, including traditional banking, micro-finance, fintech innovations, and government-backed credit schemes. Adopting a quantitative approach, this study utilises structured surveys with women SME owners across multiple SSA countries. Supplementary secondary data from sources such as the World Bank and national financial statistics provide additional context. Econometric modelling and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) are employed to identify key factors influencing loan accessibility, such as collateral requirements, interest rates, financial literacy, and the regulatory environment. Findings reveal that high collateral demands and interest rates remain major obstacles, particularly for smaller or informal women-led enterprises. Financial literacy emerges as a critical enabler of access to credit. While fintech solutions and digital lending platforms show promise in improving access, issues around infrastructure, regulation, and trust persist. Government-backed schemes also contribute positively but are hindered by implementation inefficiencies. This study offers practical recommendations, including the need for harmonised regional credit reporting systems, gender-responsive policy frameworks, and targeted financial education. Strengthening digital infrastructure and regulatory support across SSA is essential to build inclusive, sustainable financial ecosystems that empower women entrepreneurs and drive regional development. Full article

This study examines the relationship between energy use, economic growth, and stock market performance in the COMESA region. It utilizes yearly data from 1990 to 2022, sourced from the World Bank. It applies the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR), a statistical technique that captures how relationships vary across different levels of stock market development. The analysis examines how fossil fuels, renewable energy, and energy imports impact stock market size (market capitalization) at varying levels of performance. The results indicate that both the use of fossil fuels and renewable energy have a significant impact on stock markets, although the effects vary. Renewable energy has the most important positive effect in countries with smaller or weaker markets, suggesting it can help strengthen financial systems in developing economies. However, its impact becomes weaker in stronger markets, possibly due to the costs and challenges of switching to clean energy. On the other hand, economic growth does not always lead to stock market growth, likely due to structural problems in the region that prevent economic progress from boosting financial markets. This study shows how energy policy, economic growth, and market performance are closely linked. It calls for targeted policies to support the shift to renewable energy, manage short-term challenges, and build strong infrastructure to support long-term growth and financial stability. This research helps explain how energy and economic factors shape stock market outcomes in COMESA, offering helpful guidance for investors, researchers, and policymakers aiming for sustainable development. Full article

Body weight (BW) is a critical economic trait closely linked to livestock meat production performance and producer profitability. In the present study, we measured individual BW of 1070 male Hu sheep at six growth stages (80, 100, 120, 140, 160, and 180 days of age) and conducted descriptive statistical analyses. Results showed that the coefficient of variation (CV) for BW at each stage was higher than 13%. Additionally, we investigated the expression patterns of the FGF9 gene and its associations with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and BW. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed FGF9 is significantly higher expressed in the hypophysis tissues that in the other tested tissues. Association analyses indicated that the SNP FGF9:c.382-1264C>T was significantly associated with BW across different measurement periods. Finally, we performed assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) and cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) techniques to identify the OCRs (open chromatin regions) and regulatory regions in the hypophysis tissues of Hu sheep, and we obtained an average of 221243, 52692, and 20957.5 peaks in the ATAC-seq, H3K27ac, and H3K4me3 data per sample. Simultaneously, by integrating the SNPs of FGF9 and hypophysis tissue’s epigenomic data, we found that the SNP FGF9:c.382-1264C>T was located in the adjacent OCR- and H3K27ac-modified peaks. Therefore, we propose that the SNP FGF9:c.382-1264C>T plays an important role in regulating body weight in sheep. Overall, this study generated a valuable epigenetic dataset (ATAC-seq, H3K27ac, and H3K4me3) in sheep hypophysis tissue and identified a novel functional regulatory variant for improving body weight in sheep. Full article

The synergistic advancement of “Digital China” and “Beautiful China” represents a pivotal national strategy for achieving high-quality economic development and a low-carbon transition. To illuminate the intrinsic mechanisms linking the digital economy (DE) to urban carbon emission performance (CEP), this study develops a novel two-sector theoretical framework. Leveraging panel data from 278 Chinese prefecture-level cities (2011–2023), we employ a comprehensive evaluation method to gauge DE development and utilize calibrated nighttime light data with downscaling inversion techniques to estimate city-level CEP. Our empirical analysis integrates static panel fixed effects, panel threshold, and moderating effects models. Key findings reveal that the digital economy demonstrably enhances urban carbon emission performance, although this positive effect exhibits a threshold characteristic linked to the maturity of digital infrastructure; beyond a specific developmental stage, the marginal benefits diminish. Crucially, this enhancement operates primarily through the twin engines of fostering technological innovation and driving industrial structure upgrading, with the former playing a dominant role. The impact of DE on CEP displays significant heterogeneity, proving stronger in northern cities, resource-dependent cities, and those characterized by higher levels of inclusive finance or lower fiscal expenditure intensities. Furthermore, the effectiveness of DE in reducing carbon emissions is dynamically moderated by policy environments: flexible economic growth targets amplify its carbon reduction efficacy, while environmental target constraints, particularly direct binding mandates, exert a more pronounced moderating influence. This research provides crucial theoretical insights and actionable policy pathways for harmonizing the “Dual Carbon” goals with the overarching Digital China strategy. Full article

This study examines the intersection of renewable energy and tourism by exploring why domestic tourists visit wind farm sites for recreation. Traditionally seen as industrial facilities, wind farms are now recognized as dual-purpose attractions that promote environmental awareness and local economic growth. Using the Value–Belief–Norm (VBN) theory, Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and New Environmental Paradigm (NEP) as theoretical lenses, we investigate the psychological, social, and cultural factors influencing wind farm tourism. The key determinants of tourist behavior include attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, personal norms, and environmental beliefs. Structural equation modeling (SEM) indicates that personal norms have the strongest direct impact on tourists’ intentions (underscoring the importance of internalized moral obligations in this context), with additional indirect effects through environmental citizenship factors. The findings highlight wind farms’ potential to foster sustainability, community engagement, and rural development. Managerial recommendations include providing visitor amenities, targeted marketing, and community involvement to enhance wind farms’ appeal as tourism destinations. This study contributes to tourism theory by expanding the definition of attractions to include renewable energy sites. Future research should examine the moderating role of past behavior and incorporate additional environmental citizenship variables to deepen insights into wind farm tourism. Full article