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Found 6342 publications
Nexus Between Life Expectancy, Education, Governance, and Carbon Emissions: Contextual Evidence from Carbon Neutrality Dream of the USA
Publication Name: Journal of the Knowledge Economy
Publication Date: 2024-12-01
Volume: 15
Issue: 4
Page Range: 18987-19018
Description:
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between energy use, life expectancy, and governance related factors on the environmental quality of the USA. In this regard, the authors discuss the carbon neutrality target and sustainable development goals of the USA. For empirical analysis, the authors employ the US data for the period of 1996 to 2019. Using the Zivot-Andrews structural break unit root test, linear ARDL, and dynamic simulated ARDL, this study obtained the empirical results for diagnostic examination and long-run coefficients. The empirical findings explained how the education, life expectancy, and energy use induce the carbon emissions. Whereas, the instruments of governance have heterogenous impact on the environmental quality of the country. Based on the detailed empirical findings, the study draws the conclusions about the affirmative contributions to carbon emissions. The current research eventually suggests some energy related findings and implications to further reduce the environmental issues and to achieve neutrality targets of the USA.
Open Access: Yes
Technology adaptation in sugarcane supply chain based on a novel p, q Quasirung Orthopair Fuzzy decision making framework
Publication Name: Scientific Reports
Publication Date: 2024-12-01
Volume: 14
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The present paper contributes to the literature in two ways. First, it develops a novel p, q Quasirung Orthopair Fuzzy (p, q QOF) based group decision making framework to modify a recently developed multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) model such as Comparisons between Ranked Criteria (COBRAC). Second, the paper ruminates on the Strength-Weakness-Opportunity-Threat (SWOT) of the sugarcane supply chain (SSC) in India vis-à-vis adaptation of the advanced technologies featuring Industry 4.0. To set the sub-factors of various dimensions of SWOT, the theoretical ground of Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework has been used. The sub-factors of SWOT have been derived through an informal in-depth discussion with the experts of the sugar industry. Then using a Likert five-point linguistic scale the experts rated the sub-factors based on their relative importance. To determine the weights the modified COBRAC method has been applied. In subsequent stages the reliability of the model has been tested and sensitivity analysis has been carried out to check the stability of the result. The analysis reveals that while experience, by-product utilization and high demand provides strength and create opportunities for SSC, the areas of concern are lack of variety, fragmented nature of supply chains, shortage of next-gen talent and inadequate infrastructure. However, there are enough promises for SSC. The paper shall provide impetus to strategic decision makers for the sugar industry and puts forth a new decision-making framework for the analysts.
Open Access: Yes
Assessment of Advanced Machine and Deep Learning Approaches for Predicting CO2 Emissions from Agricultural Lands: Insights Across Diverse Agroclimatic Zones
Publication Name: Earth Systems and Environment
Publication Date: 2024-12-01
Volume: 8
Issue: 4
Page Range: 1109-1125
Description:
Prediction of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emissions from agricultural soil is vital for efficient and strategic mitigating practices and achieving climate smart agriculture. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of two machine learning algorithms [gradient boosting regression (GBR), support vector regression (SVR)], and two deep learning algorithms [feedforward neural network (FNN) and convolutional neural network (CNN)] in predicting CO2 emissions from Maize fields in two agroclimatic regions i.e., continental (Debrecen-Hungary), and semi-arid (Karaj-Iran). This research developed three scenarios for predicting CO2 . Each scenario is developed by a combination between input variables [i.e., soil temperature (Δ), soil moisture (θ), date of measurement (SD), soil management (SM)] [i.e., SC1: (SM + Δ + θ), SC2: (SM + Δ), SC3: (SM + θ)]. Results showed that the average CO2 emission from Debrecen was 138.78 ± 72.04 ppm (n = 36), while the average from Karaj was 478.98 ± 174.22 ppm (n = 36). Performance evaluation results of train set revealed that high prediction accuracy is achieved by GBR in SC1 with the highest R2 = 0.8778, and lowest root mean squared error (RMSE) = 72.05, followed by GBR in SC3. Overall, the performance MDLM is ranked as GBR > FNN > CNN > SVR. In testing phase, the highest prediction accuracy was achieved by FNN in SC1 with R2 = 0.918, and RMSE = 67.75, followed by FNN in SC3, and GBR in SC1 (R2 = 0.887, RMSE = 79.881). The performance of MDLM ranked as FNN > GRB > CNN > SVR. The findings of the research provide insights into agricultural management strategies, enabling stakeholders to work towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient future in agriculture.
Open Access: Yes
The Impact of Rebalancing Strategies on ETF Portfolio Performance
Publication Name: Journal of Risk and Financial Management
Publication Date: 2024-12-01
Volume: 17
Issue: 12
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This research explores the efficacy of rebalancing strategies in a diversified portfolio constructed exclusively with exchange-traded funds (ETFs). We selected five ETF types: short-term U.S. Treasury bonds, U.S. equities, global commodities, U.S. real estate investment trusts (REITs), and a multi-strategy hedge fund. Using a 10-year historical period, we applied a unique simulation model to generate random portfolios with varying asset weights and rebalancing tolerance bands, assessing the impact of rebalancing premiums on portfolio performance. Our study reveals a significant positive correlation (r = 0.6492, p < 0.001) between rebalancing-weighted returns and the Sharpe ratio, indicating that effective rebalancing enhances risk-adjusted returns. Support vector regression (SVR) analysis shows that rebalancing premiums have diverse effects. Specifically, equities and commodities benefit from rebalancing with improved risk-adjusted returns, while bonds and REITs demonstrate a negative relationship, suggesting that rebalancing might be less effective or even detrimental for these assets. Our findings also indicate that negative portfolio rebalancing returns combined with positive rebalancing-weighted returns yield the highest average Sharpe ratio of 0.4328, highlighting a distinct and reciprocal relationship between rebalancing effects at the asset and portfolio levels. This research highlights that while rebalancing can enhance portfolio performance, its effectiveness varies by asset class and market conditions.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/jrfm17120533
Reinforcement of RC Two-Way Slabs with CFRP Laminates: Plastic Limit Method for Carbon Emissions and Deformation Control
Publication Name: Buildings
Publication Date: 2024-12-01
Volume: 14
Issue: 12
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates have gained attention for their potential to reduce carbon emissions in construction. The impact of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP Laminate) on carbon emissions and the influence of elasto-plastic analysis on this technique were studied in this research. This study focuses on how CFRP can affect the environmental footprint of reinforced concrete structures and how elasto-plastic analysis contributes to optimizing this strengthening method. Four flat RC slabs were created to evaluate this technique in strengthening. One slab was used as a reference without strengthening, while the other three were externally strengthened with CFRP. The slabs, which were identical in terms of their overall (length, width, and thickness) as well as their flexural steel reinforcement, were subjected to concentrated patch load until they failed. The strength of two-way RC slabs was analyzed using a concrete plastic damage constitutive model (CDP). Additionally, CFRP strips were applied to the tension surface of existing RC slabs to improve their strength. The load–deflection curves obtained from the simulations closely match the experimental data, demonstrating the validity and accuracy of the model. Strengthening concrete slabs with CFRP sheets reduced central deflection by 17.68% and crack width by 40%, while increasing the cracking load by 97.73% and the ultimate load capacity by 134.02%. However, it also led to a 15.47% increase in CO2 emissions. Also, the numerical results show that increasing the strengthening ratio significantly impacts shear strength and damage percentage.
Open Access: Yes
Study on Adult Chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) Preferences for Cages of Different Sizes
Publication Name: Animals
Publication Date: 2024-12-01
Volume: 14
Issue: 23
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The study aimed to investigate adult chinchillas’ preferences when choosing between cages with different floor areas, heights, or both. The size of the cages with a larger floor area was double that of the standard-sized cages in the farms (0.25 and 0.50 m2), while their height was 2.4 times that of the standard-sized cages (0.4 and 1 m). The chinchillas (10–14 in each cohort) were housed in blocks of cages where they could move freely between the smaller and larger cages. The chinchillas’ location preferences were monitored continuously over five days using infrared video recording. The chinchillas were observed in the cages with smaller floor areas 1.9 and 2.7 times more frequently than in the larger ones (p < 0.001) during the dark (active) and light (resting) periods of the day, respectively. When the cage height was 0.4 m, they chose it 3.4 and 6.7 times more frequently, respectively, than the cage that was 1 m high (p < 0.001). When both the floor size and the height were increased, the chinchillas still favored the smaller and lower cages (p < 0.001). The study findings suggest that adult chinchillas show a preference for smaller and shorter cages when the small and large cages are not environment enrichment barren, especially during the rest period of the day, even when the floor area, height, or both are increased. In the future, it would be important to investigate different forms of cage enrichment.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/ani14233368
A morpho-phylogenetic update on ixodid ticks infesting cattle and buffalos in Vietnam, with three new species to the fauna and a checklist of all species indigenous to the country
Publication Name: Parasites and Vectors
Publication Date: 2024-12-01
Volume: 17
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Background: Southeast Asia is regarded as a hotspot for the diversity of ixodid ticks. In this geographical region, Vietnam extends through both temperate and tropical climate zones and therefore has a broad range of tick habitats. However, molecular-phylogenetic studies on ixodid tick species have not been reported from this country. Methods: In this study, 1788 ixodid ticks were collected from cattle, buffalos and a dog at 10 locations in three provinces of northern Vietnam. Tick species were identified morphologically, and representative specimens were molecularly analyzed based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) and 16S rRNA genes. Fifty-nine tick species that are indigenous in Vietnam were also reviewed in the context of their typical hosts in the region. Results: Most ticks removed from cattle and buffalos were identified as Rhipicephalus microplus, including all developmental stages. Larvae and nymphs were found between January and July but adults until December. Further species identified from cattle were Rhipicephalus linnaei, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Amblyomma integrum and Haemaphysalis cornigera. Interestingly, the latter three species were represented only by adults, collected in one province: Son La. The dog was infested with nymphs and adults of R. linnaei in July. Phylogenetically, R. microplus from Vietnam belonged to clade A of this species, and R. haemaphysaloides clustered separately from ticks identified under this name in China, Taiwan and Pakistan. Amblyomma integrum from Vietnam belonged to the phylogenetic group of haplotypes of an Amblyomma sp. reported from Myanmar. The separate clustering of H. cornigera from Haemaphysalis shimoga received moderate support. Conclusions: Three tick species (R. linnaei, A. integrum and H. cornigera) are reported here for the first time in Vietnam, thus increasing the number of indigenous tick species to 62. Clade A of R. microplus and at least R. linnaei from the group of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato occur in the country. There is multiple phylogenetic evidence that different species might exist among the ticks that are reported under the name R. haemaphysaloides in South and East Asia. This is the first report of A. integrum in Southeastern Asia. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.)
Open Access: Yes
Enhancing decision-making with linear diophantine multi-fuzzy set: application of novel information measures in medical and engineering fields
Publication Name: Scientific Reports
Publication Date: 2024-12-01
Volume: 14
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This study offers a comprehensive analysis of novel information for linear diophantine multi-fuzzy sets and illustrates its applications in practical scenarios. We introduce innovative similarity metrics tailored for linear diophantine multi-fuzzy sets, including Cosine similarity, Jaccard similarity, and Exponential similarity. Additionally, we propose Entropy, Inclusion, and Distance measures, providing a robust theoretical foundation supported by developed theorems that explain the interactions between these metrics. The practical implications of these theoretical advancements are demonstrated through various case studies. Specifically, we apply the similarity measures to predict preeclampsia, a severe condition affecting pregnant women, showcasing their potential in medical diagnostics. The entropy measure is used to identify the optimal materials manufacturing method for medical surgical robots, underscoring its importance in ensuring patient safety and the effectiveness of medical procedures. Furthermore, the inclusion measure is employed in pattern recognition tasks, highlighting its utility in complex data analysis. The comparative and superiority analysis shows the effectiveness of our research. The novel aspect of this study is the implementation of information metrics for LDMFS. These efforts aim to enhance the impact and practical applicability of linear diophantine multi-fuzzy sets, fostering innovation and improving outcomes across multiple fields.
Open Access: Yes
Do climate change policies, and environmental regulations affect the financial performance: policy-based analysis in context of green innovation
Publication Name: Environment Development and Sustainability
Publication Date: 2024-12-01
Volume: 26
Issue: 12
Page Range: 32137-32161
Description:
In these modern times, developed and developing economies use different means and strategies to attain economic growth and financial development. Still, environmental recovery instruments are not yet empirically explored in developed regions. The prime objective of this study is to unveil the nexus between electricity use, environmental policies, and financial development to report novel approaches through the lens of sustainable development. The present research examines the heterogeneous impacts of climate policies and ecological taxes on financial development. In doing so, the study has considered greener energy and institutional quality variables as policy factors for financial development. The authors employ the 29 OECD economies data from 1994 to 2020. This research gathered the data from authentic sources such as the OECD, the World Bank, and ICRG. The pre-estimation diagnostic (residual cross-section dependence, unit root, and cointegration) tests asserted cross-section dependence between countries, variables’ stationarity, and cointegration between the variables. Due to the asymmetrical behaviour of data shown by the Jarque and Bera (Int Stat Rev 55:163–172, 1987) test, this study uses non-parametric panel quantile regression. It asserts environmental policies and green electricity use have a substantial yet mixed influence on financial development. In contrast, trade openness and GDP are the significant factors of economic development in the region. Overall, Environmental taxes adversely affect financial development in developed countries across quantiles. This study suggests promoting and improving green investment, trade, and efficient environmental policies to encourage financial development in developed countries without affecting ecological quality.
Open Access: Yes
