Search Results (584)

Environmental innovation represents a pivotal pathway toward achieving energy efficiency improvements, carbon footprint reduction, and ecological sustainability enhancement. The research investigates Chinese manufacturing enterprises listed on domestic stock exchanges throughout 2011–2023. The analytical framework utilizes count-based regression methodologies to explore how R&D investment intensity influences eco-innovation capabilities. Results demonstrate curvilinear associations linking R&D expenditure levels with both substantive and strategic environmental innovation achievements across industrial firms. This outcome successfully passed the turning-point test. Environmental oversight and financial incentives produce divergent moderating influences on innovation trajectories. Regulatory frameworks generate restrictive impacts through narrowing optimal investment ranges and dampening peak innovation outputs, whereas fiscal support mechanisms foster expansive effects via broadening resource availability and amplifying achievement levels. Cross-sectional examination uncovers substantial variations among ownership categories and geographical locations. State-owned enterprises demonstrate significantly lower optimal R&D intensity thresholds. Private firms require substantially elevated thresholds for optimal performance. Inland territories manifest unbalanced innovation dynamics. Coastal areas exhibit symmetric innovation patterns. The research enriches empirical knowledge in eco-innovation studies while offering context-specific strategic insights. The findings establish theoretical foundations and practical guidance for policy architects designing integrated environmental management systems that enhance innovation capabilities. Full article

This research evaluates the financial sustainability of a basic income (BI) model funded through carbon taxation in Türkiye. Unlike classical BI models that provide unconditional transfers to everyone, this study proposes an income support scheme targeted only at those below the poverty line. The model seeks to balance limited resources with the goal of social equity. In this scenario, sectoral carbon taxation evolves progressively. The tax starts with the energy sector, which has the highest emissions, and subsequently shifts to industry and other sectors. Emissions will be reduced by 1% each year, while a carbon tax that starts at USD 12 per ton will be dynamically converted to TL based on the increasing exchange rate year by year. The simulation looks at 2023–2050 and computes annual revenue and expenditure forecasts for the period. The findings indicate that the revenues from carbon taxation are not only sufficient to cover the prioritized expenditure in the targeted basic income (TBI) scheme but also will lead to fiscal surplus in the long run. The research proposes for the first time a framework which integrates social protection and the environmental taxation of carbon, synergizing policies aimed at alleviating income disparity and climate change within Türkiye’s context. Full article

The biological production of hydrogen offers a renewable and potentially sustainable alternative for clean energy generation. In Northeast Brazil, depleted oil reservoirs (DORs) present a unique opportunity to integrate biotechnology with existing fossil fuel infrastructure. These subsurface formations, rich in residual hydrocarbons (RH) and native H₂ producing microbiota, can be repurposed as bioreactors for hydrogen production. This process, often referred to as “Gold Hydrogen”, involves the in situ microbial conversion of RH into H₂, typically via dark fermentation, and is distinct from green, blue, or grey hydrogen due to its reliance on indigenous subsurface biota and RH. Strategies include nutrient modulation and chemical additives to stimulate native hydrogenogenic genera (Clostridium, Petrotoga, Thermotoga) or the injection of improved inocula. While this approach has potential environmental benefits, such as integrated CO₂ sequestration and minimized surface disturbance, it also presents risks, namely the production of CO₂ and H₂S, and fracturing, which require strict monitoring and mitigation. Although infrastructure reuse reduces capital expenditures, achieving economic viability depends on overcoming significant technical, operational, and biotechnological challenges. If widely applied, this model could help decarbonize the energy sector, repurpose legacy infrastructure, and support the global transition toward low-carbon technologies. Full article

The urgent need for sustainable food systems in Indonesia is hindered by urban planning policies that are disconnected from food security priorities. Smart city planning policies in Indonesia have been subject to numerous misconceptions compared to successful implementations in developed countries. This study examines the relationship between urban planning policies and architectural design in fostering sustainable food systems, employing a mixed-methods approach that combines multiple linear regression analysis with a sample of 75 smart cities, correlation analysis, and case studies from six representative cities that demonstrate best practices. Key findings reveal that food security is significantly undermined by the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), indicating distributional inequalities, high food expenditure, and a lack of clean water, while access to electricity improves resilience. Case study analysis showed that Semarang is the city with the highest readiness level (97%), followed by Makassar (91%), which employs a Holistic Benchmark approach, Jakarta (91%), which follows a Technological—fragmented approach, Samarinda (86%) and Medan (79%), which are in a Developing Transition phase, and Surabaya (66%), which utilizes a Community and Local Initiatives approach. Each city adopted a different approach, which means the national strategy for developing Smart Cities will also differ; however, they must prioritize equitable infrastructure and architectural innovation, such as urban farming integration and a water–energy–food nexus system. Smart cities extend beyond technological innovations, encompassing integrated urban planning policies and architectural practices that foster sustainable food systems through infrastructure management and environmental sustainability. Full article

A comprehensive life cycle cost (LCC) calculation model for engineering structures is proposed, in which economic, environmental, and social cost components are systematically integrated within a unified framework. Unlike traditional LCC approaches that primarily emphasize direct economic expenditures, the model is designed to incorporate pollutant emissions and social externalities, thereby enabling a more holistic evaluation of sustainability over the entire lifespan of the structure. The effectiveness of the model has been demonstrated through application to case studies, where long-term cost implications were captured and sustainable design and maintenance decisions were supported. This integrated framework represents an advancement over existing LCC methodologies by providing a more comprehensive and practical tool for the evaluation of engineering structures. Full article

In the context of the “Dual Carbon” goals and ecological civilization development, enhancing forestry ecological total factor productivity (FETFP) has become vital for advancing green development and environmental governance. Confronted with tightening resource constraints and pressure to transform traditional growth models, whether digital intelligence integration can effectively empower improvements in FETFP requires in-depth empirical validation. Based on publicly available panel data from 30 Chinese provinces spanning 2012 to 2022, this study constructs an index system for measuring digital intelligence integration and FETFP. Using the Double Machine Learning (DML) framework, the study empirically identifies the impact of digital intelligence development on FETFP and explores its internal mechanisms. The key results show that (1) digital intelligence integration significantly enhances FETFP. For every unit increase in digital and intelligent integration, FETFP rises by an average of 19.97%; (2) mechanism analysis reveals that digital intelligence improves FETFP by optimizing the forestry industrial structure, promoting green technological innovation, and amplifying the synergistic effects of fiscal support; (3) and heterogeneity analysis suggests that the positive impact of digital intelligence integration is more pronounced in regions with higher environmental expenditures and stronger green finance support. Accordingly, this study proposes several policy recommendations, including accelerating digital infrastructure development, strengthening foundational digital intelligence capabilities, enhancing support for green innovation, leveraging the ecological multiplier effects of digital transformation, tailoring digital strategies to local conditions, and improving the precision of regional environmental governance. The findings provide robust empirical evidence for improving FETFP in developing and developed economies. Full article

The rapid conversion of cropland into construction land in China poses an increasing threat to national food security. Using high-resolution (30 m) land-use data from 2000 to 2020, obtained from the Resource and Environment Science and Data Center, along with spatial analytical methods such as land-use transition metrics and centroid-based migration models, this study identifies the spatio-temporal evolution and spatial migration patterns of construction land expansion and cropland loss. Combined with multi-source data, including socioeconomic, environmental, and topographic variables, this study employs a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model to explore the spatially heterogeneous driving mechanisms of two key indicators: the dependency of construction land expansion on cropland (DEP) and the contribution of cropland loss to construction land (CON). The results reveal that cropland has generally increased in the west and decreased in the east, reflecting expansion in underdeveloped areas and shrinkage in wealthier regions. In contrast, construction land expansion shows polycentric and stage-specific characteristics. Both DEP and CON remain high in major grain-producing areas like the North China Plain. Among the influencing factors, the non-grain production rate strongly inhibits DEP, while chemical fertilizer use significantly promotes CON. The urbanization rate shows a southwest-to-northeast increasing inhibitory effect on DEP and a northeast-to-southwest increasing promoting effect on CON. Local fiscal expenditure and land degradation demonstrate spatially heterogeneous effects. These differences highlight the conflict between low-cost land development priorities and cropland protection policies. 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 paper proposes a comprehensive mathematical optimization framework for techno-economic demand side management (DSM) in hybrid energy systems (HESs), with a focus on standalone configurations. The framework incorporates load growth projections and the probabilistic uncertainties of renewable energy sources to enhance planning robustness. To identify high-quality near-optimal solutions, several advanced metaheuristic algorithms were employed, including the Exponential Distribution Optimizer (EDO), Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO), Circle Search Algorithm (CSA), and Wild Horse Optimizer (WHO). The results highlight substantial economic and environmental improvements, with battery integration yielding a 69.7% reduction in total system cost and an 84.3% decrease in emissions. Additionally, this study evaluated the influence of future load growth on fuel expenditure, offering realistic insights into the techno-economic viability of HES deployment. Full article

This article examines the evolution of the most extensively researched subjects in e-mobility during the previous two decades. The objective of this analysis is to identify the lessons that the State of Kuwait, which is falling behind other nations in terms of e-mobility, can learn from in its efforts to adopt electric vehicles (EVs). To strengthen the body of knowledge and determine the most effective and efficient route to an “EV-ready” nation, the authors compiled data on the latest developments in the EV industry. A bibliometric analysis was performed on 3962 articles using VOSviewer software, which identified six noteworthy clusters that warranted further discussion. Additionally, we examined the sequential progression of these clusters as follows: (1) the environmental ramifications of electric mobility; (2) advancements in EV technology, including range extension and soundless engines, as well as the capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating expenditure (OPEX) of purchasing and operating EVs; (3) concerns regarding the effectiveness and durability of EV batteries; (4) the availability of EV charging stations and grid integration; (5) charging time; and, finally, (6) the origin and source of the energy used in the development of e-mobility. Delineating critical aspects in the development of e-mobility can help to equip policymakers and decision makers in Kuwait in formulating timely and economical choices pertaining to sustainable transportation. This study contributes by cross-walking six global bibliometric clusters to Kuwait’s ten EV adoption barriers and mapping each to actionable policy levers, linking evidence to deployment guidance for an emerging market grid. Unlike prior bibliometric overviews, our analysis is Kuwait-specific and heat-contextual, and it reports each cluster’s size and recency to show where the field is moving. Using Kuwait driving logs, we found that summer (avg 43.2 °C) reduced the effective full-charge range by 24% versus pre-winter (approximately 244 km vs. 321 km), underscoring the need for shaded PV-coupled hyper-hubs and active thermal management. Full article

Handwashing is one of the recommended measures during the COVID-19 period to limit the spread of the disease and also contributes to the prevention of WASH-related illnesses. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of using a handwashing device on household healthcare expenditures in Cameroon, particularly during the period of strict COVID-19 strict restrictions. The data used were collected in September 2021 from 604 Cameroonian households in the Centre and Littoral regions as part of a study funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). To account for unobserved heterogeneity affecting both the decision to use a handwashing device and household healthcare expenditures, an Endogenous Switching Regression (ESR) model was employed. The results highlight that the main determinants of a household’s decision to use handwashing devices include environmental factors such as the region, given its importance in the implementation of communication strategies, as well as specific characteristics of the household head. Furthermore, the use of this device leads to a reduction of approximately 52% in healthcare expenditures for households that used it, which corresponds to an average amount of 12,900 CFA francs. Full article

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) represent a growing global health threat, particularly for immunocompromised populations, with mortality exceeding 1.5 million deaths annually. Despite their clinical and economic burden—costing billions in healthcare expenditures—fungal infections remain underprioritized in public health agendas. This review examines the current landscape of antifungal therapy, focusing on advances, challenges, and future directions. Key drug classes (polyenes, azoles, echinocandins, and novel agents) are analyzed for their mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and clinical applications, alongside emerging resistance patterns in pathogens like Candida auris and azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus. The rise of resistance, driven by agricultural fungicide use and nosocomial transmission, underscores the need for innovative antifungals, rapid diagnostics, and stewardship programs. Promising developments include next-generation echinocandins (e.g., rezafungin), triterpenoids (ibrexafungerp), and orotomides (olorofim), which target resistant strains and offer improved safety profiles. The review also highlights the critical role of “One Health” strategies to mitigate environmental and clinical resistance. Future success hinges on multidisciplinary collaboration, enhanced surveillance, and accelerated drug development to address unmet needs in antifungal therapy. Full article

Drawing on a panel dataset of 27,972 firm-year observations from Chinese A-share listed companies spanning 2009 to 2022, this study employs fixed-effects models to examine the nonlinear relationship between firm-level climate policy uncertainty (FCPU) and corporate green governance expenditure (GGE). The results reveal a robust inverted U-shaped pattern: moderate levels of FCPU encourage firms to increase GGE, while excessive uncertainty discourages it. Financing constraints mediate this relationship; specifically, FCPU exhibits a U-shaped impact on financing constraints, initially easing and then tightening them. Older top management teams accelerate the GGE downturn, while government environmental expenditure delays it, acting as a buffer. Heterogeneity analyses reveal the inverted U-shaped effect is more pronounced for non-polluting firms and state-owned enterprises (SOEs). This study highlights the complex dynamics of FCPU on corporate green behavior, underscoring the importance of climate policy stability and transparency for advancing corporate environmental engagement in China. Full article

The maternal–fetal environment is influenced by multiple factors, including nutrition and environmental contaminants, which can impact long-term development. Perinatal exposure to organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) disrupts energy homeostasis and causes maladaptive behaviors in mice. Maternal obesity affects development by impairing blood–brain barrier (BBB) formation, influencing brain regions involved in energy regulation and behavior. This study examined the combined effects of maternal obesity and perinatal OPFR treatment on offspring development. Female mice were fed either a low-fat (LFD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks, mated, and treated with either sesame oil or an OPFR mixture (tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, and triphenyl phosphate, 1 mg/kg each) from gestational day 7 to postnatal day 14. Results showed that both maternal diet and OPFR treatment disrupted blood–brain barrier integrity, energy balance, and reproductive gene expression in the hypothalamus of neonates. The expression of hepatic genes related to lipid and xenobiotic metabolism was also altered. In adulthood, LFD OPFR-treated female offspring exhibited increased avoidance behavior, while HFD OPFR-treated females demonstrated memory impairments. Metabolic assessments revealed decreased energy expenditure and nighttime activity in LFD OPFR-treated females. These findings suggest that maternal diet and OPFR treatment alter hypothalamic and liver gene expression in neonates, potentially leading to long-term metabolic and behavioral changes. Full article

In order to fulfill the commitment to the “dual carbon goal” at an early date, China has implemented a series of carbon control policies. However, the actual impact of these policy combinations on green innovation in Chinese cities remains unknown. Taking the implementation of the low-carbon pilot policy (LCP) and the carbon emission trading pilot policy (CET) as the research opportunity, this paper uses panel data from 276 prefecture-level cities and a multiple-period difference-in-differences (DID) model to explore the impact of carbon control policy combination on green innovation in China and their mechanisms. The results indicate the following: A single LCP or CET can significantly boost green innovation. However, the impact of cross-tool carbon control policy combination on green innovation is notably greater than that of a single policy, with a trend of increasing effectiveness over time. Even after a series of robustness tests, this conclusion remains valid. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the promotion effect is more significant in the eastern region and high-level administrative cities. The policy combination incentivizes green innovation through fiscal technology expenditure and public environmental awareness, focusing more on fostering strategic green innovation. Consequently, the Chinese government should tailor policy combinations to specific contexts, expand their implementation judiciously, and consistently drive forward green innovation. Full article