Search Results (421)

This study aims to evaluate the level of awareness and practical adoption of green wall systems in the Nigerian construction industry. It seeks to examine the current state of green wall implementation and recommend strategies to enhance their integration into construction practices among Nigerian construction professionals. A thorough review of the existing literature was conducted to identify different types of green wall systems. Insights from this review informed the design of a structured questionnaire, which was distributed to construction professionals based in Lagos State. The data collected were analyzed using statistical tests. The study reveals that while there is generally high awareness of green wall systems among Nigerian construction professionals, the practical use remains low, with just 8 out of the 18 systems being actively implemented, eclipsing the mean value of 3.0. The findings underscore the need for targeted education, industry incentives, and increased advocacy to encourage the use of green wall systems in the Nigerian construction sector. The results have significant implications for the Nigerian construction industry. The limited awareness and adoption of green wall systems highlight the need for strategic actions from policymakers, industry leaders and educational institutions. Promoting the use of green walls could drive more sustainable building practices, improve environmental outcomes and support the broader goals of decarbonization and circularity in construction. This research adds to the body of knowledge on sustainable construction by offering a detailed evaluation of green wall awareness and adoption within the Nigerian context. While green wall systems have been studied globally, this research provides a regional perspective, which in this case focuses on Lagos State. The study’s recognition of the gap between awareness and implementation highlights an important area for future research and industry development. Full article

The sustainable development of teaching expertise in research-intensive universities remains a critical global challenge. This study investigates the distinctive characteristics of expert teachers—exemplary faculty in research universities—addressing their developmental trajectories and motivational mechanisms within prevailing incentive systems that prioritize research productivity over pedagogical excellence. Employing grounded theory methodology, we conducted iterative coding of 20,000-word interview transcripts from 13 teaching-awarded professors at Chinese “Double First-Class” universities. Key findings reveal the following: (1) Compared to the original K-12 expert teacher model, university-level teaching experts exhibit distinctive disciplinary mastery—characterized by systematic knowledge structuring and cross-disciplinary integration capabilities. (2) Their developmental trajectory transcends linear expertise acquisition, instead manifesting as a problem-solving continuum across four nonlinear phases: career initiation, dilemma adaptation, theoretical consciousness, and leadership expansion. (3) Sustainable teaching excellence relies fundamentally on teachers’ professional passion, sustained through a virtuous cycle of high-quality instructional engagement and external validation (including positive student feedback, institutional recognition, and peer collaboration). Universities must establish comprehensive support systems—including (a) fostering a supportive and flexible learning atmosphere, (b) reforming evaluation mechanisms, and (c) facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration through teaching development communities—to institutionalize this developmental ecosystem. Full article

Strengthening climate resilience constitutes a foundational approach through which cities adapt to climate change and mitigate associated environmental risks. However, research on the influence of economic policy environments on climate resilience remains limited. Guided by institutional theory and dynamic capability theory, this study employs a panel dataset comprising 272 Chinese cities at the prefecture level and above, covering the period from 2009 to 2023. It constructs a composite index framework for evaluating the green business environment (GBE) and urban climate resilience (UCR) using the entropy weight method. Employing a two-way fixed-effect regression model, it examined the impact of GBE optimization on UCR empirically and also explored the underlying mechanisms. The results show that improvements in the GBE significantly enhance UCR, with green innovation (GI) in technology functioning as an intermediary mechanism within this relationship. Moreover, climate policy uncertainty (CPU) exerts a moderating effect along this transmission pathway: on the one hand, it amplifies the beneficial effect of the GBE on GI; on the other hand, it hampers the transformation of GI into improved GBEs. The former effect dominates, indicating that optimizing the GBE becomes particularly critical for enhancing UCR under high CPU. To eliminate potential endogenous issues, this paper adopts a two-stage regression model based on the instrumental variable method (2SLS). The above conclusion still holds after undergoing a series of robustness tests. This study reveals the mechanism by which a GBE enhances its growth through GI. By incorporating CPU as a heterogeneous factor, the findings suggest that governments should balance policy incentives with environmental regulations in climate resilience governance. Furthermore, maintaining awareness of the risks stemming from climate policy volatility is of critical importance. By providing a stable and supportive institutional environment, governments can foster steady progress in green innovation and comprehensively improve urban adaptive capacity to climate change. Full article

In this study, we examine the impact of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) on firm environmental performance, aiming to address the gap in research and guide firms, investors, and policymakers toward more environmentally conscious decision-making in M&A. Using panel data from Chinese A-share listed firms (2008–2022), we estimate a two-way fixed effect model. The Propensity Score Matching and the instrumental variable method address potential endogeneity concerns, and robustness checks validate the findings. We found that M&As have a significantly positive effect on firm environmental performance, with heterogeneous impacts across regions, industries, and M&A types. The environmental benefits are most pronounced in heavily polluting industries and hybrid M&A deals. Eastern China shows more modest improvements. The results of mechanism tests revealed that M&As enhance environmental performance primarily by boosting total factor productivity and fostering innovation. This study offers a novel perspective by linking M&A activities to environmental sustainability, enriching the literature on both M&As and corporate environmental performance. We show that even conventional M&A deals (not sustainability-focused) can improve environmental performance through operational synergies. Expanding beyond polluting industries, we reveal how sector characteristics shape M&A’s environmental impacts. We identify practical mechanisms through which standard M&A activities can advance sustainability goals, helping firms balance economic and environmental objectives. It provides empirical evidence from China, an emerging market with distinct institutional and regulatory contexts. The findings offer guidance for firms engaging in M&A to strategically improve sustainability performance. Policymakers can leverage these insights to design incentives for M&A in pollution-intensive industries, aligning economic growth with environmental goals. By demonstrating that M&As can enhance environmental outcomes, this study supports the potential for market-driven mechanisms to contribute to broader societal sustainability objectives, such as reduced industrial pollution and greener production practices. Full article

As climate change intensified water scarcity in Southern Europe, tourism-dependent regions such as Portugal’s Algarve faced growing pressure to adapt their water management systems. This study investigated how hotel groups in the Algarve have adopted and communicated water reuse technologies—specifically desalination and greywater recycling—under environmental, institutional, and reputational constraints. A comparative qualitative case study was conducted involving three hotel groups—Vila Vita Parc, Pestana Group, and Vila Galé—selected through purposive sampling based on organizational capacity and technology adoption stage. The analysis was supported by a supplementary mini-case from Mallorca, Spain. Publicly accessible documents, including sustainability reports, media coverage, and policy frameworks, were thematically coded using organizational environmental behavior theory and the OECD Principles on Water Governance. The results demonstrated that (1) higher organizational capacity was associated with greater maturity in water reuse implementation; (2) communication transparency increased alongside technological advancement; and (3) early-stage adopters encountered stronger financial, regulatory, and operational barriers. These findings culminated in the development of the Maturity–Communication–Governance (MCG) Framework, which elucidates how internal resources, stakeholder signaling, and institutional alignment influence sustainable infrastructure uptake. This research offered policy recommendations to scale water reuse in tourism through financial incentives, regulatory simplification, and public–private partnerships. The study contributed to the literature on sustainable tourism and decentralized climate adaptation, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals 6.4, 12.6, and 13. Full article

China’s internal control framework follows the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) framework, emphasizing enterprise risk management and encompassing financial reporting, operations, compliance, and strategies. The authors review research that uses the COSO-based Internal Control Index to assess internal control quality among all publicly listed firms in China. Unlike the binary classification of internal control weaknesses under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 404, this continuous index captures more nuanced variations in internal control effectiveness and provides two key advantages over traditional assessment of internal control over financial reporting (ICFR). First, while financial reporting can enhance a firm’s monitoring and decision-support systems, the underlying information is determined by operations. Thus, internal control over operations has a greater impact on a firm’s performance than ICFR. While U.S.-based research argues that the effects of ICFR extend to operations, the COSO-based index includes operational controls, allowing for a more direct study of internal control effects. Second, many U.S. corporations fail to report internal control weaknesses, particularly during misstatement years. In contrast, the COSO-based index, compiled by independent scholars, avoids managerial incentives to withhold negative internal control information. Covering institutional background and research evidence from China, the authors survey a wide range of internal control studies related to various aspects of enterprise risk management, such as earnings quality, crash risk, stock liquidity, resource extraction, cash holdings, mergers and acquisitions, corporate innovation, receivable management, operational efficiency, tax avoidance, and diversification strategy. Full article

This article investigates the institutional and informational foundations of water governance in Southern Europe amid escalating climate stress. Focusing on Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece, it develops a multi-level analytical framework to explore how information asymmetries and governance fragmentation undermine coordinated responses to water scarcity. Integrating theories of information economics, polycentric governance, and critical institutionalism, this study applies a stylized economic model and comparative institutional analysis to assess how agents—such as farmers, utilities, regulators, and civil society—respond to varying incentives, data access, and coordination structures. Using secondary data, normalized indicators, and scenario-based simulations, the model identifies three key structural parameters—institutional friction (θ_i), information cost (β_i), and incentive strength (α_i)—as levers for governance reform. The simulations are stylized and not empirically calibrated, serving as heuristic tools rather than predictive forecasts. The results show that isolated interventions yield limited improvements, while combined reforms significantly enhance both equity and effectiveness. Climate stress simulations further reveal stark differences in institutional resilience, with Greece and Italy showing systemic fragility and Portugal emerging as comparatively robust. This study contributes a flexible, policy-relevant tool for diagnosing governance capacity and informing reform strategies while also underscoring the need for integrated, equity-oriented approaches to adaptive water governance. Full article

AI-powered health assistants offer promising opportunities to enhance health management among older adults. However, real-world uptake remains limited, not only due to individual hesitation, but also because of complex interactions among users, platforms, and public policies. This study investigates the dynamic behavioral mechanisms behind adoption in aging populations using a tripartite evolutionary game model. Based on replicator dynamics, the model simulates the strategic behaviors of older adults, platforms, and government. It identifies evolutionarily stable strategies, examines convergence patterns, and evaluates parameter sensitivity through a Jacobian matrix analysis. Results show that when adoption costs are high, platform trust is low, and government support is limited, the system tends to converge to a low-adoption equilibrium with poor service quality. In contrast, sufficient policy incentives, platform investment, and user trust can shift the system toward a high-adoption state. Trust coefficients and incentive intensity are especially influential in shaping system dynamics. This study proposes a novel framework for understanding the co-evolution of trust, service optimization, and institutional support. It emphasizes the importance of coordinated trust-building strategies and layered policy incentives to promote sustainable engagement with AI health technologies in aging societies. Full article

Adaptive learning tailors learning to the specific needs and preferences of the learner. Although studies focusing on adaptive learning systems became popular decades ago, there is still a need for empirical evidence on the usability of adaptive learning in various educational environments. This study uses LMS log data to elucidate an adaptive course design explicitly developed for formal educational environments in higher education institutions. The framework utilizes learning analytics and machine learning techniques. Based on learners’ online engagement and tutors’ assessment of course activities, adaptive learning paths are presented to learners. To determine whether our system can increase learner engagement and prevent failures, learner success and engagement are measured during the learning process. The results show that the proposed adaptive course framework can increase course engagement and success. However, this potential depends on several factors, such as course organization, feedback, time constraints for activities, and the use of incentives. Full article

This study analyzes the evolution of Pakistan’s energy policies from 1990 to 2024, documenting their transition from a singular focus on generation capacity to an integrated approach prioritizing renewable energy and efficiency. Through a systematic literature review of 110 initially screened studies, with 50 meeting the inclusion criteria and 22 selected for in-depth analysis, we evaluated policy effectiveness and identified implementation barriers. Our methodology employed predefined criteria focusing on energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and climate impact, utilizing the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Early policies like the National Energy Conservation Policy (1992) and the Energy Policy (1994) emphasized energy security through generation capacity expansion while largely neglecting renewable sources and efficiency improvements. The policy landscape evolved in the 2000s with the introduction of renewable energy incentives and efficiency initiatives. However, persistent challenges include short-term planning, inconsistent implementation, and fossil fuels dependence. Recent framework like the Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy (2019) and the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan (2020–2025) demonstrate progress toward sustainable energy practices. However, institutional, financial, and regulatory barriers continue to constrain effectiveness. We recommend that Pakistan’s energy strategy prioritize the following: (1) long-term planning horizon; (2) enhanced fiscal incentives; and (3) strengthened institutional support to meet global energy security and climate resilience standards. These measures would advance Pakistan’s sustainable energy transition while supporting both energy security and environmental objectives. Full article

This article investigates the political cost of poverty in democracies marked by deep social divisions. We develop a probabilistic voting model that incorporates clientelism as a strategic tool employed by elite political parties to secure electoral support from non-elite voters. Unlike models based on ideological proximity, our framework conceptualizes party competition as structured by the socioeconomic composition of their constituencies. We demonstrate that in contexts of high inequality and widespread poverty, elite parties face structural incentives to deploy clientelistic strategies rather than universalistic policy agendas. Our model predicts that clientelistic expenditures by elite parties increase proportionally with both inequality (GINI index) and poverty levels, rendering clientelism a rational and cost-effective mechanism of political control. Empirical evidence from a cross-national panel (2013–2019) confirms the theoretical predictions: an increase of the 1 percent in the GINI index increase a 1.3 percent in the clientelism, even after accounting for endogeneity and dynamic effects. These findings suggest that in divided democracies, poverty is not merely a condition to be alleviated, but a political resource that elites strategically exploit. Consequently, clientelism persists not as a cultural residue or institutional failure, but as a rational response to inequality-driven constraints within democratic competition. Full article

The need for integrated governance of water–energy–land–food (WELF) systems has become paramount in achieving sustainable low-carbon transitions, yet policy consistency across these interdependent sectors remains critically underexplored. This study presents the first systematic assessment of policy consistency and synergy within China’s WELF framework, employing an innovative mixed-methods approach that combines a modified Policy Modeling Consistency (PMC) Index with Content Analysis Methodology (CAM). Policy consistency follows a clear hierarchy: energy (PMC = 9.06, ‘Perfect’), water (8.26, ‘Good’), land (7.03, ‘Acceptable’), and food systems (6.91, ‘Acceptable’), with land–food policies exhibiting critical gaps in multifunctional design. Policy synergy metrics further reveal pronounced sectoral disparities: energy (PS = 0.89) and water (0.81) policies demonstrate strong alignment with central government objectives, whereas land (0.68) and food (0.64) systems exhibit constrained integration capacities due to uncoordinated policy architectures and competing sectoral priorities. Building on these findings, we propose three key interventions: (1) institutional restructuring through the establishment of an inter-ministerial coordination body with binding authority to align WELF sector priorities and enforce consistent and synergy targets, (2) the strategic rebalancing of policy instruments by reallocating fiscal incentives toward nexus-optimizing projects while developing innovative market-based mechanisms for cross-sectoral resource exchange, and (3) adaptive governance implementation through regional policy pilots, dynamic feedback systems, and capacity-building networks to enable context-sensitive WELF transitions while maintaining strategic consistency and synergy. These recommendations directly address the structural deficiencies in WELF governance fragmentation and incentive misalignment identified through our rigorous analysis, while simultaneously advancing theoretical discourse and offering implementable policy solutions for achieving integrated low-carbon transition. Full article

The adoption of agricultural technologies is paramount for enhancing global agricultural productivity and sustainability. However, widespread implementation faces significant challenges, particularly in developing regions. Using data from the China Land Economic Survey (CLES), this study examines how land certification reform affects farmers’ technology adoption behavior from an institutional perspective. Results demonstrate that land certification significantly increases agricultural technology adoption rates, with more pronounced effects observed among households possessing greater human and physical capital. A mechanistic analysis reveals that land certification facilitates technology adoption through three pathways: (1) improving credit accessibility, (2) strengthening long-term investment incentives, and (3) expanding the production and operational scale. These findings highlight land tenure security as a fundamental institutional driver of agricultural modernization, deepen the understanding of the interaction between institutions and innovation in agriculture, and offer actionable insights for integrating property rights reforms with technological advancements. Full article

In the context of China’s “dual carbon” goals and rising green trade barriers, green transformation is key to improving total factor productivity (TFP) and competitiveness in marine industries. This study uses panel data of Chinese listed marine enterprises (2014–2023) and a multidimensional fixed-effects model to examine how green innovation, export, and R&D investment jointly affect TFP. Results show that (1) green innovation has an inverted “S”-shaped nonlinear effect on TFP, with marginal returns rising, then accelerating, and finally declining; (2) positive synergies exist between green innovation and both exports and R&D, while the export–R&D interaction negatively affects TFP, indicating coordination challenges.; and (3) ownership heterogeneity matters, as state-owned enterprises benefit from stronger institutional support, mitigating negative effects, while private firms are more vulnerable due to weaker green technology mechanisms. This study emphasizes green innovation as a driver for sustainable productivity growth in marine enterprises and suggests policies that improve institutional frameworks, incentives, and resource allocation to support high-quality green innovation. Full article

Green finance is widely promoted as a tool for supporting low-carbon development, but its effects on innovation efficiency remain unclear. This study examines the impact of China’s Green Finance Reform and Innovation Pilot Zones (GFRIPZ) on green innovation efficiency at the city level. Using the GFRIPZ policy as a quasi-natural experiment, we employ a difference-in-differences approach to identify the causal effects of the policy and explore the underlying mechanisms and contextual moderators. The results indicate that the policy significantly reduces green innovation efficiency in pilot cities, with the negative impact being more pronounced in non-central cities, provincial capitals, and cities in western China. Mechanism analysis reveals two key pathways: increased environmental costs contribute to resource lock-in, and strategic shifts toward quantity-focused innovation reduce overall efficiency. Furthermore, we find that the institutional environment plays a critical role—market integration mitigates the policy’s adverse effects by improving resource allocation, while administrative environmental pressure intensifies distortions. These findings suggest that rigid green finance regulations may unintentionally suppress innovation performance. We propose that more flexible policy design, better cross-regional coordination, and refined local governance incentives are essential for aligning green finance tools with innovation-driven sustainability goals in emerging economies. Full article