Showing papers in "Frontiers in Environmental Science in 2022"

Load Capacity Factor and Financial Globalization in Brazil: The Role of Renewable Energy and Urbanization

Abstract: To mitigate environmental challenges and fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals, a broader and holistic ecological assessment is required. As a result, this research utilizes the load capacity factor, which is a distinct proxy of environmental deterioration that offers a detailed environmental evaluation measurement by comparing biocapacity and ecological footprint simultaneously. Moreover, the load capacity factor provides the combined attributes of the demand and supply-side of environmental quality. Therefore, this research scrutinized the effect of financial globalization, urbanization, economic growth, and renewable and nonrenewable energy usage on load capacity factor for the period stretching between 1970 and 2017 in Brazil. The bounds testing procedure for cointegration in combination with the critical approximation p-values of Kripfganz and Schneider (2018) disclosed a cointegrating association between load capacity and its regressors. The outcome of the ARDL method uncovered that economic growth, non-renewable and renewable energy reduce the load capacity factor, whereas urbanization has no impact on load capacity factor in Brazil. However, financial globalization has a positive effect on load capacity factor in Brazil. Finally, the study uses the spectral causality test to assess the causality interaction between the observed parameters. The policymakers should take advantage of the opportunity by developing policies that encourage the openness of the economy to foreign investors.

Effects of Water Pollution on Human Health and Disease Heterogeneity: A Review

Abstract: Background: More than 80% of sewage generated by human activities is discharged into rivers and oceans without any treatment, which results in environmental pollution and more than 50 diseases. 80% of diseases and 50% of child deaths worldwide are related to poor water quality. Methods: This paper selected 85 relevant papers finally based on the keywords of water pollution, water quality, health, cancer, and so on. Results: The impact of water pollution on human health is significant, although there may be regional, age, gender, and other differences in degree. The most common disease caused by water pollution is diarrhea, which is mainly transmitted by enteroviruses in the aquatic environment. Discussion: Governments should strengthen water intervention management and carry out intervention measures to improve water quality and reduce water pollution’s impact on human health.

The Sustainable Environment in Uruguay: The Roles of Financial Development, Natural Resources, and Trade Globalization

Abstract: As the world continues to be a globalized society, there have been variations in environmental quality, but studies including trade globalization into the environmental policy framework remain inconclusive. Therefore, employing the time series dataset of Uruguay over the period between 1980 and 2018, the main objective of this current study is to investigate the effect of trade globalization, natural resources rents, economic growth, and financial development on carbon emissions. By employing the bounds testing procedures in combination with the critical approximation p-values of Kripfganz and Schneider (2018), the Autoregressive Distributed Lag estimator, and spectral causality test to achieve the goal of this research. The outcomes of the bounds test confirm a long-run connection between carbon emissions and these determinants. Moreover, from the outcome of the Autoregressive Distributed Lag estimator, we observed that trade liberalization is found to exert CO2 emissions in the long and short run. The economic expansion in Uruguay imposes significant pressure on the quality of the environment in the long and short run. The abundance of natural resources significantly increases environmental deterioration in the long and short run. Furthermore, we uncover that financial development does not impact environmental deterioration in Uruguay. Finally, the outcome of the spectral causality test detected that trade globalization, economic growth, and natural resources forecast carbon emissions with the exclusion of financial development. Based on the outcome, this study suggests that policies should be tailored towards international trade must be reassessed, and the restrictions placed on the exportation of polluting-intensive commodities must be reinforced.

Effects of Microplastics on Fish and in Human Health

Abstract: Microplastics (MPs) are regarded as a global issue due to their toxicity effects on fish and humans. Fish is a vital origin of human protein, which is necessary for body growth. Contamination of fish by MPs is a major hazard that requires special focus. After exposure to MPs alone or in combination with other pollutants, fish may experience a variety of health issues. MPs can cause tissue damage, oxidative stress, and changes in immune-related gene expression as well as antioxidant status in fish. After being exposed to MPs, fish suffer from neurotoxicity, growth retardation, and behavioral abnormalities. The consequences of MPs on human health are poorly understood. Due to the abundance of MPs in environment, exposure may occur via consumption, inhalation, and skin contact. Humans may experience oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, neurotoxicity, immune system disruption, and transfer of MPs to other tissues after being exposed to them. The toxic effects of MPs in both fish and human are still unknown. This detailed review has the potential to add to existing knowledge about the ecotoxicity effects of MPs in both fish and humans, which will be useful for the forthcoming study.

Assessing Factors Influencing Technology Adoption for Online Purchasing Amid COVID-19 in Qatar: Moderating Role of Word of Mouth

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic developed new challenges for global consumers. In response to this disaster, digital technology users have faced the necessity to adopt and use specific technology apps for online shopping. This article examines how contingencies disrupt existing theoretical models and their implications for the post-COVID-19 era for online purchases. Customers prefer apps to use on the websites for search and purchase amid the COVID-19 crisis. The websites offer competitive advantages to apps for branding and CRM prospects. This motive keeps customers happy and satisfied with the website offers. This study focuses on consumer electronics and observes the comparative influence of fundamental elements (i.e., hedonic motivation, habits, perceived risk, technological trust, and technological awareness) on purchasing customer satisfaction. The study further examines the impact of customer satisfaction with online purchases with website continuance intention (WCI). Notably, this study explores the moderating effect of word-of-mouth (WOM) on the relationship between customer satisfaction with online purchases and website continuance intention. This study designed a web-based survey and recruited frequent visitors including international and citizens of Qatar for data collection. The study employed a purposive sampling technique and used three standardized psychological tools to obtain the data set needed to measure customer satisfaction with online purchases. The survey used a web link, distributed 600 questionnaires via email and social media, and received only 468 responses. After screening, only 455 were valid responses. The study showed a response rate of 75.83%. The study results showed that hedonic motivation, habits, perceived risk, and technological awareness were positively related to customer satisfaction with online purchasing. Besides, customer satisfaction with subsequent online purchases is also positively associated with website continuance intention (WCI). The results revealed that this relationship remained stronger when word-of-mouth (WOM) was higher. Hence, this shows that online shopping is seen as a vital and interesting activity in the Qatari context. The findings provide useful insights for future studies to explore the effects of COVID-19 on online purchase intentions.

Nexus Between Energy Poverty and Technological Innovations: A Pathway for Addressing Energy Sustainability

Abstract: Pakistan has experienced energy poverty, as most of the people live in rural areas. Poor people are stereotyped as collecting the firewood and using the unclean energy sources to meet their residential energy needs. As a result, respondents in the provinces with the highest rates of energy poverty set a high priority on this research. Structured interviews were used to conduct the research in rural parts of Punjab and Sindh provinces. Due to the apparent country’s large population and rapid industrialization, conventional energy sources cannot meet the country’s present energy needs. Results revealed that energy poverty in rural areas had exposed the residents to security problems such as health dangers, fire accidents, time poverty, financial poverty, illiteracy, and other issues at various levels of severity. As a result, alternative energy sources must be explored. This research aims to determine the best renewable energy choice for Pakistan’s rural areas. In terms of pricing, life duration, operation, and maintenance costs, the results show that solar energy is the best renewable energy source for Pakistan. The key barriers that continue to promote energy poverty have been identified. Finally, the study suggests policy recommendation for public and private sectors to overcome energy related barriers to alleviate energy poverty in rural areas by utilizing maximum solar energy.

Financial Inclusion, Technological Innovations, and Environmental Quality: Analyzing the Role of Green Openness

Abstract: Undoubtedly, financial inclusion (FIN) contributes to economic development by enabling individuals and businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, to access financial services. Financial inclusion may also have environmental implications; however, limited studies have looked into the nexus between financial inclusion and environmental quality. Also, the possible impacts of technological innovation and green openness remain unexplored in this nexus. In this context, this article probes the relationship between financial inclusion, technological innovation, green openness, and CO2 emissions in BRICS countries while controlling for economic growth and energy consumption. Using the panel times series data from 2004 to 2018, this study uses advanced econometric techniques for empirical analysis robust to cross-sectional dependency and slope heterogeneity. The empirical results unveiled that FIN contributes to environmental degradation in BRICS countries. In contrast, technological innovation and green openness pose mitigating effects on emissions, thus promoting environmental sustainability. Environmental degradation is evidenced to enhance due to rising economic growth and energy utilization. Financial inclusion, technological innovation, and green openness Granger cause CO2 emissions, but not the other way around. Further, technological innovation, green openness, and financial inclusion Granger cause each other. Based on the empirical results, this study recommends that BRICS countries should promote technological innovation, green openness, and at the same time, integrate financial inclusion with environmental policies to achieve climate-related goals.

Survival in Pandemic Times: Managing Energy Efficiency, Food Diversity, and Sustainable Practices of Nutrient Intake Amid COVID-19 Crisis

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic led to an economic crisis and health emergency, threatening energy efficiency consumption, sustainable food diversity, and households’ nutrition security. The literature documented that environmental threats can divert attention from renewable energy and food security challenges that affect humans’ environmental behaviors. The COVID-19 crisis has consistently influenced environmental behaviors, as it primarily decreased income and disrupted food systems worldwide. This study investigated the COVID-19 consequences on household income, sustainable food diversity, sustainable energy consumption, and nutritional security challenges. The study used a self-structured online survey due to non-pharmaceutical restrictions and collected data from 728 households. The investigators applied t-test and logit regression to analyze the data for drawing results. Descriptive statistics show that COVID-19 has adversely affected the income of more than two-thirds (67%) of households. The pandemic has influenced households’ food consumption, energy, and dietary patterns to safeguard their income. The t-test analysis indicated that households’ food diversity and energy consumption significantly declined during the pandemic, and households consumed low-diversified food to meet their dietary needs more than twofold compared to pre-pandemic levels. The results showed that all nutrient consumption remained considerably lower in the COVID-19. Cereals are the primary source of daily dietary needs, accounting for over two-thirds of total energy and half of the nutrient consumption amid COVID-19. The share of vegetables and fruits in household energy consumption dropped by 40 and 30%. Results exhibited that increasing monthly income was inversely associated with worsening food diversity and intake with energy efficiency. Compared with farmers and salaried employment, wage earners were 0.15 and 0.28 times more likely to experience a decline in consuming food diversity. Medium and large households were 1.95 times and 2.64 times more likely than small, to experience decreased food diversity consumption. Launching a nutrition-sensitive program will help minimize the COVID-19 impacts on energy consumption, food diversity, and nutritional security for low-income individuals. This survey relied on the recall ability of the households for the consumed quantities of food commodities, which may lack accuracy. Longitudinal studies employing probability sampling with larger samples can verify this study’s insightful results.

The Impact of Green Investment, Technological Innovation, and Globalization on CO2 Emissions: Evidence From MINT Countries

Abstract: The Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Turkey (MINT) countries have practiced significant levels of economic growth over the years. However, these countries have not managed to protect their environmental quality in tandem. Thus, the aggravation of environmental indicators traversing these countries radiates a shadow of uncertainty on their achievement of economic growth sustainability. In this regard, green investment and technological innovations are commonly considered as an effective aspect geared to minimize CO2 emissions, as these increase energy efficiency and involve cleaner production. Thus, this study investigates the effect of green investment, economic growth, technological innovation, non-renewable energy use, and globalization on the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in MINT countries from 2000 to 2020. After checking the stationary process, this study applied fully modified ordinary least square and dynamic ordinary least square methods to estimate the long-run elasticity of the mentioned regressors on CO2 emissions. The outcomes show that non-renewable energy and technological innovations significantly increase environmental degradation. In contrast, the globalization process and green investment significantly reduce it in the long run. Moreover, the interaction effect of green investment and globalization significantly overcomes the pressure on the environment. Similarly, the moderation effect of technological innovation and globalization significantly reduces the emission level in the region. Moreover, the U-shaped environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis was observed between economic growth and carbon emission across the MINT countries. Furthermore, the findings of the Dumitrescu and Hurlin’s panel causal test disclose that bidirectional causality exists between green investment, globalization, technological innovations, non-renewable energy, and CO2 emissions. This study also recommends some valuable policy suggestions to governments in general and to policymakers specifically which are aimed to endorse environmental sustainability in the MINT countries.

Renewable Energy Consumption and Economic Growth Nexus—A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract: An efficient use of energy is the pre-condition for economic development. But excessive use of fossil fuel harms the environment. As renewable energy emits no or low greenhouse gases, more countries are trying to increase the use of energies from renewable sources. At the same time, no matter developed or developing, nations have to maintain economic growth. By collecting SCI/SSCI indexed peer-reviewed journal articles, this article systematically reviews the consumption nexus of renewable energy and economic growth. A total of 46 articles have been reviewed following the PRISMA guidelines from 2010 to 2021. Our review research shows that renewable energy does not hinder economic growth for both developing and developed countries, whereas, there is little significance of consuming renewable energy (threshold level) on economic growth for developed countries.

Exploring the Effects of Economic Complexity and the Transition to a Clean Energy Pattern on Ecological Footprint From the Indian Perspective

Abstract: The study explores the association between economic complexity, globalization, renewable and non-renewable energy consumption on the ecological footprint in the case of India from 1990–2018. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) is applied to measure the long-run elasticity, while the vector error correction model (VECM) is applied to classify the causal path. The empirical findings demonstrate that economic complexity, globalization process, and renewable energy consumption play a dominant role in minimizing environmental degradation. In contrast, economic growth and non-renewable energy consumption are more responsible for increasing the pollution level in both the short and long run. Furthermore, the VECM outcomes disclose that there is long-run causality between ecological footprint and economic complexity. Moreover, the empirical outcomes are robust to various robustness checks performed for analysis to the consistency of our main results. The Indian government/policymakers should encourage a more environmentally friendly production process and eco-friendly technologies in exports to minimize environmental degradation.

Regional Sustainable Development and Spatial Effects From the Perspective of Renewable Energy

Abstract: Green development is crucial for promoting high-quality and sustainable economic and social development. In China, green development is key to achieving the national goals of building a beautiful China and rejuvenating the nation. In this study, we employed a slacks-based measure data envelopment analysis method to calculate the green development efficiency value of panel data from Anhui Province, China, from 2005 to 2020. Moreover, the Malmquist Index was used to dynamically analyze the green total-factor productivity and decomposition index of 16 cities in Anhui Province. Exploratory spatial data analysis was used to measure the spatial relationship of the green development efficiency value for each province in Anhui Province. Then, we established the spatial lag model according to the spatial correlation and perform a comprehensive analysis of the impact and spillover effects. The results show that: The overall green development efficiency of all urban areas in Anhui Province showed a fluctuating trend, but most cities exhibiting medium of higher green development efficiency.Various cities exhibited spatial aggregation, with high, high, and low values of green development efficiency.The industrial structure, digital economy development, and the urbanization level showed relatively significant positive correlations with the regional economic development level, whereas the energy structure and level of opening up showed a significant negative correlation.The influence of environment management and scientific and technological development was not significant.the industrial structure, and the urbanization rate showed positive effects on local green development but negative spillover effects on surrounding areas, whereas the energy structure, relative economic development, and level of opening up produced positive spillover effects.

Heterogeneous Impact of Land-Use on Climate Change: Study From a Spatial Perspective

Abstract: Studies have shown that land and climate interact in complex ways through multiple biophysical and biogeochemical feedbacks. In this interaction mechanism, the carbon fixation effect among different land-use types and objective conditions among different regions have significant gaps, leading to the heterogeneous impact of land-use on climate change. This study takes temperature change as the observation index to reflect climate change, and analyzes the process of land use type adjustment affecting vegetation cover and climate change. Based on the data of 214 countries from 1990 to 2018, this paper uses the spatial Durbin model with temperature lag to verify the heterogeneous impact of land-use on climate change in two dimensions of land-use type (Agriculture, forestry and their subdivision structure) and region (latitude and land-sea difference). The following conclusions are drawn: 1) The impact of different land-use types on climate change is heterogeneous. The impact of agricultural land on climate change is not significant, but the increase of the forest land proportion will help to restrain the rise of national temperature. 2) The impact of land-use on climate change has regional heterogeneity. There is heterogeneity in the impact on climate change among sample countries of different latitudes. The geographical differences make the mechanism of land-use affecting climate change between island countries and mainland countries also have heterogeneity, mainly in that island countries are not affected by the land-use structure adjustment of neighboring countries. 3) A country’s climate change is affected by both its own land-use structure and the land-use structure of neighboring countries, and the latter is more critical. The conclusions in this study provide helpful supplementary evidence for the importance of international climate cooperation and provide a reference for proposing international initiatives to address climate change or establishing an international convention to address climate change.

Determining Farmers’ Awareness About Climate Change Mitigation and Wastewater Irrigation: A Pathway Toward Green and Sustainable Development

Abstract: The present study was conducted in one of the major agriculture areas to check farmers’ awareness of climate change, adaptation measurements, and use of wastewater for irrigation. A semi-structured questionnaire was adopted from the existing literature, it was divided into different parts such as demographic information, use of wastewater for irrigation, farmer’s livelihood assets, climate change deciding factors, and adaptation measures, and some statistical tools (correlation and regression) were used to analyze the data. The farmers with enough resources and assets regarded themselves as safer and have enough capacity to bear the negative impacts of climate change. Farmers’ assets (FA) with determinants of climate change (DCC) and adaption measures (AM) are highly significant with the correlation values of 0.440 and 0.466, respectively, and DCC with AM (0.269). The correlation values for other variables are: gender with cultivated land 0.202, wastewater use (WWU) 0.419, farmers’ assets (FA) 0.766, determinants of climate change (DCC) 0.381, and adaption measures (AM) 0.449. Floods and droughts variables have shown a significant relationship with adaption measures at p-value 0.000 and coefficient 0.176 and p-value 0.021 and coefficient 0.063, respectively. The study will aid in the implementation of effective monitoring and public policies to promote integrated and sustainable water development.

Digitalization, Financial Development, Trade, and Carbon Emissions; Implication of Pollution Haven Hypothesis During Globalization Mode

Abstract: In the modern era of globalization, information and telecommunication technologies (ICTs) have become an important factor influencing carbon dioxide (CO2) emission; however, the specific effect produced by ICTs is still not clear. Therefore, the study examines the nexus between ICTs, foreign direct investment, globalization, and CO2 emission in 77 developing countries. The novel attribute of this research is the ICTs with financial development and the international trade interaction term. The results of this study are based on the pooled regression and generalized method of moment (GMM) techniques from 1990 to 2016. The subsequent empirical findings are established as follows: first, the ICTs positively contribute to reducing CO2 emission. Second, globalization significantly increases the CO2 emission; third; the interaction between ICTs and financial development increases CO2 emissions, and the moderating effect of ICTs and international trade performs the similar role. Fourth, the empirical finding verifies the presence of the pollution haven hypothesis. Fifth, our robustness tests confirmed that our empirical results were consistent. We suggest that policymakers should be using ICTs as a policy tool to mitigate CO2 emission and should invite such investments in ICT sectors, which help maintain the environment quality.

Inclusive Multiple Model Using Hybrid Artificial Neural Networks for Predicting Evaporation

Abstract: Predicting evaporation is essential for managing water resources in basins. Improvement of the prediction accuracy is essential to identify adequate inputs on evaporation. In this study, artificial neural network (ANN) is coupled with several evolutionary algorithms, i.e., capuchin search algorithm (CSA), firefly algorithm (FFA), sine cosine algorithm (SCA), and genetic algorithm (GA) for robust training to predict daily evaporation of seven synoptic stations with different climates. The inclusive multiple model (IMM) is then used to predict evaporation based on established hybrid ANN models. The adjusting model parameters of the current study is a major challenge. Also, another challenge is the selection of the best inputs to the models. The IMM model had significantly improved the root mean square error (RMSE) and Nash Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) values of all the proposed models. The results for all stations indicated that the IMM model and ANN-CSA could outperform other models. The RMSE of the IMM was 18, 21, 22, 30, and 43% lower than those of the ANN-CSA, ANN-SCA, ANN-FFA, ANN-GA, and ANN models in the Sharekord station. The MAE of the IMM was 0.112 mm/day, while it was 0.189 mm/day, 0.267 mm/day, 0.267 mm/day, 0.389 mm/day, 0.456 mm/day, and 0.512 mm/day for the ANN-CSA, ANN-SCA, and ANN-FFA, ANN-GA, and ANN models, respectively, in the Tehran station. The current study proved that the inclusive multiple models based on improved ANN models considering the fuzzy reasoning had the high ability to predict evaporation.

Business Ethics and Irrationality in SME During COVID-19: Does It Impact on Sustainable Business Resilience?

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has serious economic consequences, such as rising unemployment, and these consequences can be managed by sustaining economic activities by spurring the creation of new businesses. In this study, we examine the current state of business ethics in China, as well as the challenges, success factors, and obstacles in implementing such ethics in order to improve organizational development and business management in China. Cross-sectional data and quantitative survey were collected from 288 SMEs in China. According to structural equation modeling results, herd behavior and endowment effect have a strong relationship with business resilience. Additionally, this study found that altruism has an optimistic correlation with business resilience, and it has positively mediated China’s small business irrational behavior. The findings of this study suggest that business ethics and irrationality in SMEs can be promoted using this study’s model of SMEs, which may provide practical guidelines or implications for Chinese SMEs. Based on the findings from this study, it is recommended that business ethics can be incorporated into policies and practices of SME owners and entrepreneurs whose communities, stakeholders, and employees are committed to moral values such as decent governance and social corporate responsibilities.

Agricultural Communities’ Risk Assessment and the Effects of Climate Change: A Pathway Toward Green Productivity and Sustainable Development

Abstract: This study was carried out to assess agricultural communities’ understanding of climate change, the adaptation measures being undertaken against climate change, and industrial wastewater irrigation. It was considered important to check agricultural communities’ understanding of climate change, as the majority of the study area belongs to the farming and industry sector. This study was based on primary data collected through a survey in the study area. The results of present study showed that agricultural communities with sufficient resources and assets consider themselves to be safer and more capable of coping with the negative effects of climate change. Agricultural communities used different techniques to deal with the impacts of climate change in present study area. This study produced findings about agricultural households’ adaptation tactics that are unique and will aid policymakers in assisting agricultural communities in their day-to-day activities and farming practices, as well as in the implementation of proper monitoring and public policies to ensure integration and sustainability. This research is based on the sustainable livelihoods approach (SLA), which investigates how livelihood assets support agricultural communities by combining household adoption/adaptation strategies and livelihood outcomes.

Tax Avoidance Culture and Employees' Behavior Affect Sustainable Business Performance: The Moderating Role of Corporate Social Responsibility

Abstract: Employees' behavior and corporate social responsibility (CSR) can affect firms’ profitability and increase the corporate economic burden. This current research endeavors to explore how business firms navigate employees' technology-driven behavior and CSR sustainable practices for tax avoidance to affect firms’ performance. This study examines how CSR sustainable practices moderate the relationship between employees' behavior and tax avoidance to achieve sustainable business performance. The study incorporated the Maximum Likelihood Estimator (MLE) for the purpose of data analysis using the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique that is suitable for this sample size. The study’s target population is employees of small and medium enterprises located in Pakistan. The study has drawn a sample of employees and applied a convenience sampling technique. The findings show that tax avoidance, employee behavior, and corporate social responsibility positively affect business firms’ performance. The results further indicate that sustainable CSR practices significantly moderate tax avoidance’s effect on business firms’ performance. However, there is no condition to identify the relationship between employee behavior and firm performance. In theory, this research contributes to the corporate strategy literature by answering how corporate social responsibility sustainable practices mediate the relationship between tax avoidance, employees' behavior, and sustainable business performance. It shows that socially responsible organizations will engage less in tax avoidance behaviors. The results exhibit that the study provides a systematic, holistic framework to attain sustainable firms’ performance. The findings' generalizability offers future direction with helpful insights for business managers and policymakers.

Analysis of Energy Input–Output of Farms and Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Case Study of Cotton Growers

Abstract: The concept of agricultural and environmental sustainability refers to minimizing the degradation of natural resources while increasing crop productions; assessment of inflow and outflow energy resources is helpful in highlighting the resilience of the system and maintaining its productivity. In this regard, the current study evaluated the amount of energy input–output of cotton productions and their environmental interventions. Data are randomly collected from 400 cotton farmers through face-to-face interview. Results suggested that the major energy is consumed by three culprits, i.e., chemical fertilizer, diesel fuel, and irrigation water (11,532.60, 11,121.54, and 4,531.97 MJ ha −1 , respectively). Total greenhouse gas (GHG) emission is 1,106.12 kg CO 2eq ha −1 with the main share coming from diesel fuel, machinery, and irrigation water. Stimulating data of energies, e.g., energy use efficiency (1.53), specific energy (7.69 MJ kg −1 ), energy productivity (0.13 kg MJ −1 ), and net energy gained (16,409.77 MJ ha −1 ). Further analysis using data envelopment analysis (DEA) showed that low technical efficiency, i.e., 69.02%, is the most probable cause of poor energy use efficiency. The impermanent trend in growth of energy efficiency has been witnessed with plausible potential of energy savings from 4,048.012 to 16,194.77 MJ ha −1 and a reduction of 148.96–595.96 kg CO 2eq ha −1 in GHG emission. Cobb–Douglas production function is further applied to discover the associations of energy input to output, which inferred that chemical fertilizer, diesel fuel, machinery, and biocides have significant effect on cotton yield. The marginal physical productivity (MPP) values obliged that the additional use in energy (1 MJ) from fuel (diesel), biocides, and machinery can enhance cotton yield at the rate of 0.35, 1.52, and 0.45 kg ha −1 , respectively. Energy saving best links with energy sharing data, i.e., 55.66% (direct), 44.34% (indirect), 21.05% (renewable), and 78.95% (nonrenewable), further unveiled the high usage of nonrenewable energy resources (fossil fuels) that ultimately contributes to high emissions of GHGs. We hope that these findings could help in the management of energy budget that we believe will reduce the high emissions of GHGs.

Analysing the Water-Energy-Food Nexus From a Polycentric Governance Perspective: Conceptual and Methodological Framework

Abstract: The Water-Energy-Food Nexus has emerged over the past decade as a useful concept to reduce trade-offs and increase synergies in promoting goals of water, energy and food securities. While WEF scholarship substantiates the biophysical interlinkages and calls for increased and effective coordination across sectors and levels, knowledge on conditions for effective coordination is still lacking. Analysing WEF nexus governance from a polycentricity perspective may contribute to better understanding coordination. In this paper, we propose a conceptual framework for analysing WEF nexus governance based on the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework and the concept of Networks of Adjacent Action Situations (NAAS). The interdependence among transactions for pursuing WEF securities by actors in different action situations generates the need for coordination for changing or sustaining institutions, policy goals and policy instruments that guide actions leading to sustainable outcomes. Coordination is attained through arrangements based on cooperation, coercion or competition. Coordination in complex social-ecological systems is unlikely to be achieved by a single governance mode but rather by synergistic combinations of governance modes. Particular coordination arrangements that emerge in a context depend on the distribution of authority, information and resources within and across interlinked decision-making centres. Further, integrating the political ecology based conceptualisations of power into the analytical framework extends the governance analysis to include the influence of power relations on coordination. Methodological innovation in delineating action situations and identifying the unit of analysis as well as integrating different sources and types of data is required to operationalise the conceptual framework.

Role of Eco-Friendly Products in the Revival of Developing Countries’ Economies and Achieving a Sustainable Green Economy

Abstract: Sustainable green economy is the need of time, and eco-friendly products can play a decisive role in this goal. Low consumption of eco-friendly products is a serious concern of researchers and policymakers. To address this issue, we have studied the phenomenon in a developing country and provided insights to researchers and policymakers about the factors that influence the consumers’ behaviour in developing behaviour. We have designed an integrated model based on UTAUT to study the developing countries’ behavioural intentions towards eco-friendly products. 805 useable sample is obtained to analyze by implying SEM-ANN dual-stage hybrid model. Results revealed that environmental knowledge is a significant predictor and a moderator, but consumers are less educated about ecological issues in developing countries. Results also revealed that male and female consumers’ preferences are differently influenced by factors studied to measure adoption intentions of eco-friendly products. Sensitivity analysis results revealed that social influence followed by effort expectance and perceived expectancy of eco-friendly products are more important for developing countries’ customers. The study also provides empirical evidence of methodological advancement using SEM-ANN and suggests a dual-stage hybrid model in studies involving human behaviour.

Retesting the Influences on CO2 Emissions in China: Evidence From Dynamic ARDL Approach

Abstract: This study aims to demonstrate the impact of economic growth and energy consumption on environmental degradation in China, the top country that produced the highest carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, by considering that environmental degradation is one of the extreme challenges that the world and China have been facing. Parallel to this aim, this study uses dynamic ARDL (DYNARDL) simulations to investigate the long-run and short-run cointegration amongst the selected parameters from 1979 to 2019. The results of the long-run and short-run simulations illustrate that 1) economic growth increases environmental degradation; 2) growth in energy consumption worsens the environmental degradation situation; 3) urbanization improves the environmental situation in the long run, whereas growth in urban population increases CO2 emissions in the short-run. The research argues that improved energy production and management should be included in economic policy planning and the government should invest more in renewable energy to prevent environmental degradation.

Material Based Penalty-Cost Quantification Model for Construction Projects Influencing Waste Management

Abstract: The Construction and demolition (C and D) waste generation is a critical issue for the construction industry, which negatively affects the economy, environment, and society. This study estimates the penalty-cost based on the produced C&D wastes in steel and concrete skeleton projects. Field survey and the BOQ data were collected from five concrete and four steel skeleton projects. The difference of materials used and wastes generated between concrete and steel skeleton projects were evaluated statistically (ANOVA and Welch and Brown-Forsythe). A financial analysis was implemented for estimating the penalty cost. The study outcomes demonstrate that the amount of waste that construction managers estimated is significantly lower than the actual amount generated. Furthermore, 0.055% of the total project cost of a penalty was estimated based on the waste produced at construction sites. In the end, the estimated penalty was validated by comparing it with the six recent completed projects. The penalty calculated in this study could save the project cost and reduce the C&D waste. As a result, imposing the estimated cost as a penalty would force construction managers to think thoroughly about the generated C&D waste problems. This study also has a novelty and will add to the body of knowledge by using penalty-cost quantification model to save project-cost of construction material-based-waste, and it can be further explored by adopting more quality data and engaging different construction materials.

Financial Risk, Renewable Energy Technology Budgets, and Environmental Sustainability: Is Going Green Possible?

Abstract: Since the industrial revolution, countries have been facing the issue of climate change and environmental degradation. It is widely believed that the investment in research and development of renewable energy can play a pivotal role in fighting against climate change. However, the financial risk also increases, which can influence renewable energy technology R&D budgets and environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, the current literature is silent on the linkage between financial risk, renewable energy technology budgets, and environmental quality. Against this backdrop, this article attempts to explore the dynamic linkage between financial risk, renewable energy technology budgets, and ecological footprint under the Environment Kuznets Curve (EKC) framework in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. For this purpose, yearly data from 1984 to 2018 is employed using the advanced panel data estimation methods that address the slope heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence issues. The results indicate that improvement in the financial risk index significantly decreases footprints, and renewable energy technology budgets also promote environmental sustainability. Economic globalization poses a significant negative effect on the ecological footprint, while energy consumption adds to the footprint. Moreover, the findings validated the EKC hypothesis in OECD countries. In addition, a unidirectional causality is detected from financial risk to renewable technology energy budgets, while bidirectional causality exists between financial risk and ecological footprint, and between financial risk, and economic growth. Based on the empirical findings, policy suggestions are presented to promote environmental sustainability.

Coordination of the Industrial-Ecological Economy in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China

Abstract: The Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) is an important growth pole of China’s economy, but it is also one of the most environmentally polluted basins in China. Maintaining the vitality of economic development while at the same time realizing the coordinated development of industry and ecosystems, is an important issue that needs in-depth discussion and research. This paper analyzes the degree of coordination regarding the industrial-ecological economy in the YREB, identifies important influencing factors, and puts forward measures for improvement. First, an evaluation model of the industrial-ecological economy is constructed. Second, a model is constructed for the measurement of the coordination degree of the industrial economy and industrial ecology based on the Lotka-Volterra Model. Third, the relationship is assessed with respect to competition versus cooperation. Finally, the important factors affecting coordination are identified using a Neural Network Model. Four main conclusions can be drawn: 1) The comprehensive development of the industrial economy and industrial ecology in 11 provinces and cities in the YREB is generally trending upward. 2) The coordination level of the industrial-ecological economy in the midstream area is high. The provinces Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Sichuan, and Guizhou are in a coordinated state. 3) The midstream area has a more balanced industrial-ecological economy with significant symbiosis between the industrial economy and industrial ecology. Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Sichuan, and Guizhou Provinces show a symbiotic relationship; Shanghai City, Chongqing City, and Anhui Province show a partially symbiotic relationship; and Zhejiang, Hubei, Hunan, and Yunnan Provinces show a mutually inhibitory relationship. 4) The industrial ecosystem is the largest factor in the degree of coordination, and intensity of R&D investment, regional GDP per capita, and proportion of tertiary-industry added-value in GDP also have a great impact. Based on this analysis, this paper proposes measures for high-quality development of the industrial-ecological economy of the YREB with regard to balanced development of the industrial economy, transformation and upgrading of the surrounding environment, along with coordinated and integrated development.

High Confident Evaluation for Smart City Services

Abstract: This study aims to analyze massive data in cities through data vitalization, and quantitatively evaluate smart city services, so as to promote the construction and development of smart cities. Due to the great difference between cities, a single evaluation method cannot accurately describe the development of a city. In this study, we classify cities by multiple labels according to various bases to give cities comprehensive description. Then, a Multi-level Service Evaluation System (MSES) is introduced. It considers individual weights to cities with different characteristics and evaluates the smart city services from different aspects. In addition to putting forward the iterative development of smart city services, a Maturity Model-based Service Evaluation (MMSE) framework is proposed based on the evaluation results of the MSES. It constructs a standardized and high confident evaluation framework to analyze the current state of cities and make feedback to the government policies. Finally, we take 10 cities in China to demonstrate the effectiveness of MMSE during the development of smart city services.

The Distribution Characteristics and Human Health Risks of High- Fluorine Groundwater in Coastal Plain: A Case Study in Southern Laizhou Bay, China

Abstract: High-F groundwater has caused serious human health problems worldwide. In this paper, a typical saline-fresh water mixing zone (SFMZ) in a coastal plain (south of Laizhou Bay, China) was chosen as an example to analyze and summarize the distribution characteristics and enrichment mechanism human health risks of high-fluorine groundwater. Thirty-two groundwater samples have F- concentrations that exceed the drinking water guideline value of the World Health Organization (WHO; 1.5 mg/L), Thirty-two groundwater samples exceeded the drinking water guideline value of the WHO (1.5 mg/L) and 43 groundwater samples exceeded the National Sanitary Standard for drinking water of China (1.0 mg/L), accounting for 68.1 and 91.5% of the total groundwater samples. The groundwater quality is relatively poor in this study area, and the water is unsuitable for human consumption. High-F groundwater is mainly found in the central and northern parts of the study area, and the concentrations increase in the direction of water flow. High-F groundwater is mainly found in the central and northern parts of the study area, and the concentrations increase in the direction of water flow. According to the analysis, the groundwater environment, saline water intrusion (SWI), evaporation and cation exchange are the main factors influencing the enrichment of F in the SFMZ. The neutral and weakly alkaline environment is conducive to the enrichment of F-. Cation exchange and evaporation are the most important factors in the enrichment of F. Human activity is not the main source of groundwater F. Na+ and HCO3 − are adequately abundant in the groundwater environment in the study area, creating conditions that are conducive to the dissolution of fluorite and the release of F into the groundwater. An increase in the Na+ concentration and a decrease in the Ca2+ concentration can promote further dissolution of fluorite and other F-containing minerals, thereby releasing F- into the groundwater. Fluorite dissolution is prevalent in the groundwater environment, which can lead to an increase in the F concentration. This study is helpful to the development of strategies for the integrated management of high-F groundwater in coastal plains. The health risk assessment shows that long-term exposure to high-F groundwater can pose a great threat to four age clusters, especially for children and infants. The HQ values for shallow groundwater range from 0.32 to 2.89, 0.39 to 3.61, 0.56 to 5.11, and 0.42 to 3.85 for adults, teenagers, children and infants, respectively. The groundwater in this study area is not for irrigation and animal husbandry, which may indirectly affect human health.

How Does Government Policy Improve Green Technology Innovation: An Empirical Study in China

Abstract: This paper divides government policy according to policy quantity, policy effectiveness and policy executive force so that the government policy can be quantified in more detail. Green patent data is used to represent green technological innovation, and the fixed effect model and panel data analysis from 2010 to 2019 are employed. The empirical results show that government policy has a significant direct promoting effect on green technology innovation. And the positive impact of policy quantity and policy effectiveness on green technology innovation is greater than that of policy executive force. In addition, the government policy will weaken the positive effect of enterprise innovation vitality on green technology innovation. Research conclusions also show that the direct and indirect effects of government policies on green technology innovation are heterogeneous. The government still needs appropriately policies adapted to the local situation, coordinated in policy quantity, policy effectiveness, and executive force, and accelerate the establishment of market-oriented green technology innovation environment. Different regions also should find the right green technology innovation policy scheme for their own regions.

LFRSNet: A robust light field semantic segmentation network combining contextual and geometric features

Abstract: Light field (LF) semantic segmentation is a newly arisen technology and is widely used in many smart city applications such as remote sensing, virtual reality and 3D photogrammetry. Compared with RGB images, LF images contain multi-layer contextual information and rich geometric information of real-world scenes, which are challenging to be fully exploited because of the complex and highly inter-twined structure of LF. In this paper, LF Contextual Feature (LFCF) and LF Geometric Feature (LFGF) are proposed respectively for occluded area perception and segmentation edge refinement. With exploitation of all the views in LF, LFCF provides glimpse of some occluded areas from other angular positions besides the superficial color information of the target view. The multi-layer information of the occluded area enhances the classification of partly occluded objects. Whereas LFGF is extracted from Ray Epipolar-Plane Images (RayEPIs) in eight directions for geometric information embedding. The solid geometric information refines object edges, especially for occlusion boundaries with similar colors. At last, Light Field Robust Segmentation Network (LFRSNet) is designed to integrate LFCF and LFGF. Multi-layer contextual information and geometric information are effectively incorporated through LFRSNet, which brings significant improvement for segmentation of the occluded objects and the object edges. Experimental results on both realworld and synthetic datasets proves the state-of-the-art performance of our method. Compared with other methods, LFRSNet produces more accurate segmentation under occlusion, especially in the edge regions.