Role of renewable and non-renewable energy consumption in environmental quality and their subsequent effects on average temperature: an assessment of sustainable development goals in South Korea

Environmental quality is a global concern, and an accurate assessment of environmental progress has emerged as a key element in achieving sustainable development goals. The study offers a two-pronged contribution by analyzing the interplay between renewable energy consumption, traditional energy consumption, and urbanization on environmental quality while simultaneously testing the impact of environmental quality on average temperature. Distinguishing itself from prior research, the study employs both carbon emissions and ecological footprint to ensure an intricate and reliable analysis. Current study analyzes data from 1970 to 2022 from South Korea to indicate that energy-environment association is influenced by energy consumption, urbanization, and economic growth, while renewable energy consumption is key in long-term environmental sustainability. Our extensive econometric analysis allows us to suggest that South Korea need to prioritize renewable energy, and green growth is prioritized so that economic growth and green agenda are synchronized to overcome environmental challenges. Addictingly, there is need to devise long-term environmental policies to strengthen the role of environmental innovation in energy productivity and boost renewable energy consumption.

Correlation between environmental pollution indicators and COVID-19 pandemic: A brief study in Californian context

In December 2019, the novel coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak was first detected in Wuhan Hubei province, China. The April 24, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) has confirmed more than 39,000 cases, including >1800 deaths. California's Governor Gavin Newsom ordered mandatory stay at home after World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic in early March. We have evaluated the correlation between environmental pollution determinants and the COVID-19 outbreak in California by using the secondary published data from the Centers for Disease Control and the Environmental Pollution Agency (EPA). We employed Spearman and Kendall correlation tests to analyze the association of PM 2.5, PM 10, SO₂, NO₂, Pb, VOC, and CO with COVID-19 cases in California. Our findings indicate that environmental pollutants such as PM10, PM2.5, SO₂, NO_2, and CO have a significant correlation with the COVID-19 epidemic in California. Overall, our study is a useful supplement to encourage regulatory bodies to promote changes in environmental policies as pollution source control can reduce the harmful effects of environmental pollutants.

Spatial distribution of carbon dynamics and nutrient enrichment capacity in different layers and tree tissues of Castanopsis eyeri natural forest ecosystem

Forest ecosystem carbon (C) storage primarily includes vegetation layers C storage, litter C storage, and soil C storage. The precise assessment of forest ecosystem C storage is a major concern that has drawn widespread attention in global climate change worldwide. This study explored the C storage of different layers of the forest ecosystem and the nutrient enrichment capacity of the vegetation layer to the soil in the Castanopsis eyeri natural forest ecosystem (CEF) present in the northeastern Hunan province, central China. The direct field measurements were used for the estimations. Results illustrate that trunk biomass distribution was 48.42% and 62.32% in younger and over-mature trees, respectively. The combined biomass of the understory shrub, herb, and litter layers was 10.46 t·hm^-2, accounting for only 2.72% of the total forest biomass. On average, C content increased with the tree age increment. The C content of tree, shrub, and herb layers was 45.68%, 43.08%, and 35.76%, respectively. Litter C content was higher in the undecomposed litter (44.07 %). Soil C content continually decreased as the soil depth increased, and almost half of soil C was stored in the upper soil layer. Total C stored in CEF was 329.70 t·hm^-2 and it follows the order: tree layer > soil layer > litter layer > shrub layer > herb layer, with C storage distribution of 51.07%, 47.80%, 0.78%, 0.25%, and 0.10%, respectively. Macronutrient enrichment capacity from vegetation layers to soil was highest in the herb layer and lowest in the tree layer, whereas no consistent patterns were observed for trace elements. This study will help understand the production mechanism and ecological process of the C. eyeri natural forest ecosystem and provide the basics for future research on climate mitigation, nutrient cycling, and energy exchange in developing and utilizing sub-tropical vegetation.

Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of Plasmid- Encoded Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases Produced by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp from Lahore, Pakistan

Purpose: To investigate the distribution of plasmid-encoded extended spectrum beta-lacatamases (ESBLs) in Lahore, Pakistan using different phenotypic and molecular methods.Methods: Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp were obtained over a period of nineteen months (June 2007 to December 2008). Both were tested by the double disk synergy test, combined disk test and  Epsiometer-test (E-test) to evaluate their ability to detect ESBLs. The genotypes of ESBLs were analyzed by monoplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), multiplex PCR, DNA sequencing and isoelectric focusing.Results: 662 E. coli and 153 Klebsiella spp were analyzed. Among these isolates, 39.3 % E. coli and 26.1 % Klebsiella spp were positive for extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs).71.9 % E. coli and 79.6 % Klebsiella spp showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the range > 32/0.064 = 500 μl/mL for cetatzidime/cetatzidime + clavulanic acid, while 66.5 % E. coli and 69.1 % Klebsiella spp revealed MIC in the range of > 16/0.016 = 1000 μl/mL for cefotaxime/cefotaxime + clavulanic acid. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that imipemem, meropenem and tazocine were the most effective in the management of such infections. The most frequent genotype of ESBL was OXA (19.2 %) for E. coli and SHV (92.5 %) for Klebsiella spp. The highest genotypic combination found was the combination of TEM/OXA (44.2 %) for E. coli.Conclusion: The resistance of E. coli and Klebsiella spp-producing ESBLs in Pakistan is a serious issue, and TEM, OXA and SHV type ESBL were the most common genotypes. Some isolates produced two or three genotypes at a time. Multiplex PCR of ESBL may help in early detection as well as phenotypic antibiotic therapy of these infections.Keywords: Beta-lactamases, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, Antibiotic susceptibility,  Plasmidencoded, Structural genes, Imipemem, Meropenem, Tazocine

Evaluating the roles of energy innovation, fossil fuel costs and environmental compliance towards energy transition in advanced industrial economies

Given the dire state of climate change, investigating key elements that impact the energy transition process and help monitor progress in greenhouse gas emissions to achieve environmental sustainability is of critical importance. The current study explores the association between energy transition, compliance with environmental agreements, fossil fuels costs, environmental technologies, economic growth, and environmental degradation in G20 economies from 1995 to 2019. Our findings from extensive econometric analysis reveal that economic growth, environmental innovation, renewable energy, and environmental compliance facilitate while fossil fuels and environmental degradation hinder the energy transition process. Our findings conclude that developed countries must focus on alternate energy resources to overcome environmental challenges and subsidize renewable energy and environmental technologies to replace fossil fuels with green energy resources methodologically. Further, policy measures have been discussed in detail in the study.

Evaluation of One Belt One Road publications: a bibliometric and literature review analysis

AbstractThe aim of the "One Belt and One Road" (OBOR) project proposed by China is to encourage extension of global value chains, facilitate regional integration and increase efficient resource allocation. In recent times, scientific literature has examined the investment decisions of the OBOR investment and how it will affect the governmental policies, environmental initiatives, and bilateral flow of economic resources. Current study, based on Web of Science database, uses bibliometric methodology to map the research trends in OBOR publications. We contribute in the economic literature in the associated fields of OBOR publications in the following ways: (1) identify the most influential researchers, articles, and academic institutions, (2) mapping the interdisciplinary character of OBOR investments and its bibliometric similarity to adjacent fields, (3) visualize nature and trends of the research field, and (4) synthesizing future research areas. Although OBOR initiative has received considerable traction, but to this date, there is no bibliometric study on this topic. The findings of current study will help policymakers and academics to navigate the OBOR literature, provide a systematic basis for developing the field, and suggest promising future research avenues.

Correlation between climate indicators and COVID-19 pandemic in New York, USA

This study analyzed the association between COVID-19 and climate indicators in New York City, USA. We used secondary published data from New York city health services and National weather service, USA. The climate indicators included in the study are average temperature, minimum temperature, maximum temperature, rainfall, average humidity, wind speed, and air quality. Kendall and Spearman rank correlation tests were chosen for data analysis. We find that average temperature, minimum temperature, and air quality were significantly associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study will help World Health Organization and health regulators such as Center for Disease Control (CDC) to combat COVID-19 in New York and the rest of the world.

How does external debt and governance quality impact renewable energy consumption: novel policy insights from BRICS countries

Amidst global environmental reforms, the role of energy systems is under scrutiny to promote ecological welfare through low-carbon alternatives. Amongst the solutions, the role of renewable energy as a clean source has become popular to mitigate climate change. However, the impact of debt on renewable energy consumption remains limited in the economic literature. The debt initiatives provide funding for environmental initiatives primarily, while it is also credited as a barrier to limiting the growth of clean energy programs. Within such discussion, the current study extended the dialogue by examining how external debt impacts energy transition in Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) economies in the presence of institutional quality, education expenditures, and banking development. Using the novel CS-ARDL, AMG, and CCEMG tests, the study results showed that external debt decreases renewable energy consumption, while institutional quality, educational expenditures, banking developments, and economic growth are essential elements of green energy developments. Based on these conclusions, this study provides novel policy guidelines to align BRICS energy and economic agendas.

Geopolitical risk, financial development, and renewable energy consumption: empirical evidence from selected industrial economies

The rapid rise in climate and ecological challenges have allowed policymakers to introduce stringent environmental policies. In addition, financial limitations may pose challenges for countries looking to green energy investments as energy transition is associated with geopolitical risks that could create uncertainty and dissuade green energy investments. The current study uses PTR and PSTR as econometric strategy to investigate how geopolitical risks and financial development indicators influence energy transition in selected industrial economies. Our findings indicate a non-linear DCPB-RE relationship with a threshold equal to 39.361 in PTR model and 35.605 and 122.35 in PSTR model. Additionally, when the threshold was estimated above, financial development indicators and geopolitical risk positively impacts renewable energy. This confirms that these economies operate within a geopolitical context, with the objective of investing more in clean energy. We report novel policy suggestion to encourage policymakers promoting energy transition and advance the sustainable financing development and ecological sustainability.

Economic complexity, greenfield investments, and energy innovation: policy implications for sustainable development goals in newly industrialised economies

The crucial role of environmental assessment quality has been recognised by environmental and sustainable development goals in addressing climate change challenges. By focusing on the key identifier of environmental assessment, progress can be made towards overcoming climate change issues effectively. The current study considers environmental commitments under COP28 to study the role of economic complexity, greenfield investments, and energy innovation in environmental degradation in newly industrialised economies from 1995 to 2021. We employ novel panel estimations from CS-ARDL, CS-DL, AMG, and CCEMG to confirm that economic growth and greenfield investments degrade environmental quality. On the other hand, energy innovation and urbanisation improve environmental sustainability. Lastly, we confirm the EKC hypothesis for economic complexity as well. Given the reported empirical findings, the study suggests policymakers must focus on economic complexity to transform industrial sectors' economic potential. Furthermore, foreign investment projects must be linked with environmental goals to increase renewable energy capacity.

Environmental taxes, energy transition and sustainable environmental technologies: A comparative OECD region climate change analysis

The integrated economic reforms in recent years have transformed human life, however, the subsequent rise in environmental challenges necessitates sustainable development goals to ensure net-zero transformation. Within the context of modern energy, economic, and environmental transformation, we deliberate how environmental taxes, energy transition, and sustainable environmental innovation impact climate change in 38 OECD economies. Our robust empirical investigation allows us to report that environmental taxation, sustainable environmental technology, and energy transition lower but GDP and trade openness exacerbate ecological challenges. We also divide the dataset in G7 and the rest of the OECD groups to document the varying impact of environmental policies within OECD economies. Our econometric analysis helps us report novel policy frameworks to solve climate challenges under the UN SDG agenda.

Cord Blood Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Values in Healthy Term Babies delivered at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi, Northeastern Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Congenital hypothyroidism is one of the most common preventable causes of mental retardation and clinical manifestations are often subtle or absent at birth and hence the need for screening. Implementation of newborn screening requires local normative values.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the normative values of cord Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) among term babies in Bauchi, Northeast Nigeria and compare it with that from other centers in Nigeria.

METHODOLOGY

Cord blood samples from 200 term babies were analyzed for TSH by Fluorescence Immunoassay technique in this descriptive cross-sectional study. A cut-off of >20 µIU/ml was used for recall. The mean and range were determined and compared with those of previous local studies using t-test. Impact of some maternal and infant factors on TSH was also assessed.

RESULTS

The overall mean (SD) cord TSH was 3.74 (±1.99) µIU/ ml and the range was 0.73 to 15.22 µIU/ml (2.5th to 97.5th centile) and none had TSH > 20 µIU/ml and hence our recall rate was 0%. The mean cord TSH was comparable to that reported by a lone local multicenter study (p = 0.120) but significantly different from that of 3 other local studies (p < 0.001). There was also no significant difference between the means of different gender, birth weight groups, mode of delivery, socio-economic classes, maternal age and parity.

CONCLUSION

The Cord blood TSH level of most term newborn in Bauchi, similar to other Nigerian studies, is < 10 µIU/ml with a few but significant percentage recording cord TSH level > 10 µIU/ml. Gender, birth weight, mode of delivery, socio-economic class, maternal age and parity were not significantly related to cord TSH level. The mean blood TSH values from different studies across the country tend to vary based on the assay technique. We recommend a nationwide multicenter study with a much larger sample size, lower cutoff value for recall and a unified sample processing laboratory if national normative values are to be developed.

Risk Factors Associated with Under Five Children Mortality in Northeast Nigeria; A Retrospective Analysis of National Demographic and Health Survey Data

BACKGROUND

Under-five children mortality rate (U5MR) remains a crucial indicator of a nation's child healthcare and socioeconomic development. This study aims to identify and quantify significant maternal, child, family, and environmental risk factors contributing to under-five mortalities in the Northeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of secondary data from the 2018 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) in six northeastern Nigerian states. Maternal factors (age, education, health-seeking behavior), child variables (weight, sex, vaccination status), family factors, and environmental factors (water source, residence, wealth index) were analyzed to determine their association with the under-five mortality rate (U5MR). Logistic regression models and population-attributable risk estimates were used to identify key contributors to U5MR in the region.

RESULTS

A total of 26,293 mothers were surveyed, of which the majority (93.6%) were married, employed (70.7%), and had no insurance (99%). Most of the mothers were above 35 years of age, uneducated and with first birth between ages 15-19. Adjusted odds ratios show unmarried mothers 1.67 (P=0.015), small birth size 1.37 (P=0.022), never breastfeeding 1.83 (P=0.000), short birth intervals 1.50 (0.005), higher parity 1.5 (P=0.005), lack of any family planning method 1.43(P=0.040), twin siblings 3.95 (P=0.000) and place of residence 1.21 (P=0.000) were associated with higher U5MR odds ratios. Maternal age 21-25 years showed a protective effect AOR 0.59 (95% CI: 0.36-0.98, P=0.040) and age > 31 years AOR 0.44 (95% CI: 0.24-0.81, P=0.009).

CONCLUSION

This study provides crucial insights into the multifaceted determinants of under-5 mortality in Northeast Nigeria. The findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions addressing maternal, child, and family factors to improve child health outcomes in the region.

Striving towards green total factor productivity: A bibliometric and systematic literature review for future research agenda

In response to escalating environmental challenges and the pressing need for sustainable energy solutions, policymakers are increasingly focusing on Green Total Factor Productivity (GTFP) as a vital metric for sustainable economic growth. The present study examines the role of GTFP in addressing both economic and environmental objectives by incorporating energy efficiency and pollution mitigation within productivity analysis. The study provides a comprehensive examination of GTFP, with emphasis on major determinants such as agglomeration, environmental regulation, industrial structure, and green finance. Our robust review approach allows us to report methodological and topical contributions through detailed documentation of research collaboration, co-citation analysis and thematic classifications. As environmental policymaking increasingly aim to integrate sustainable development goals, this study offers policymakers and researchers crucial insights into GTFP's capacity to harmonize productivity with environmental stewardship and underscores GTFP's essential role in fulfilling environmental commitments outlined in national and international sustainability frameworks.