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With the strengthening of social environmental regulations, consumers' green products purchasing intention is also increasing significantly. Simultaneously, green marketing activities have developed into a vital factor affecting consumers' green products purchasing intention. The first research aim of this paper is to reveal the important relationship between environmental regulation and consumers' green products purchasing intention. Furthermore, another research aim is to reveal the role of green marketing in environmental regulation and consumers' green products purchasing intention. To achieve the above purpose, we primarily employ regression analysis, threshold effect analysis, spatial spillover effect analysis, and heterogeneity tests. We come up with some conclusions. First of all, environmental regulations could enhance consumers' green product purchasing intention. With the reinforcement of environmental regulations, consumers' green product purchasing intention could be effectively elevated. Secondly, green marketing is a positive mediator of the environmental regulations that affect the consumers' green product purchasing intention. By enhancing their green marketing capabilities, businesses could also strengthen consumers' green product purchasing intention. Lastly, in different regions of China, the impact of environmental regulations and green marketing on consumers' green product purchasing intention varies. In the Eastern region, the influence of environmental regulations on consumers' green product purchasing intention is most prominent. However, green marketing exerts the greatest impact on the consumers' green product purchasing intention in the Western region. In addition, this paper provides significant insights for the managers in making management decisions. This is beneficial for enhancing consumers' green product purchasing intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advancements in cryogenic etching, characterized by high aspect ratios and etching rates, address the growing demand for enhanced performance and reduced power consumption in electronics. To precisely maintain the temperature under high loads, the cascade mixed-refrigerant cycle (CMRC) is predominantly used. However, most refrigerants currently used in semiconductor cryogenic etching have high global warming potential (GWP). This study introduces a −100 °C chiller using a mixed refrigerant (MR) with a GWP of 150 or less, aiming to comply with stricter environmental standards and contribute to environmental preservation. The optimal configuration for the CMRC was determined based on a previously established methodology for selecting the best MR configuration. Comprehensive analyses—energy, exergy, environmental, and exergoeconomic—were conducted on the data obtained using Matlab simulations to evaluate the feasibility of replacing conventional refrigerants. The results reveal that using eco-friendly MRs increases the coefficient of performance by 52%, enabling a reduction in compressor size due to significantly decreased discharge volumes. The exergy analysis indicated a 16.41% improvement in efficiency and a substantial decrease in exergy destruction. The environmental analysis demonstrated that eco-friendly MRs could reduce carbon emissions by 60%. Economically, the evaporator and condenser accounted for over 70% of the total exergy costs in all cases, with a 52.44% reduction in exergy costs when using eco-friendly MRs. This study highlights the potential for eco-friendly refrigerants to be integrated into semiconductor cryogenic etching processes, responding effectively to environmental regulations in the cryogenic sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of marine environmental regulations in terms of social challenges in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries is the main subject of this study, which compares and contrasts them with an eye toward sustainability, the integration of digital technologies, environmental law, and reducing ecological degradation. Environmental solid governance is essential as BRI countries increase their marine activity, an important part of the world economy by systems thinking; the marine industry includes a broad range of operations about the ocean and its resources through social challenges to promote environmental legislation in terms of emissions in the countries participating in the BRI. This study evaluated the effects of institutional quality and technical advancements in marine policies between 2013 and 2024. This project aims to examine how various policy contexts relate to marine conservation, how well they comply with international environmental regulations, and how digital technology can improve the monitoring and implementation of policies through systems thinking. This study aims to determine common obstacles and best methods for enforcing marine policies by examining research from different BRI countries. The results deepen our understanding of how these policies can be best utilized to meet sustainable development objectives while preventing the degradation of marine ecosystems due to economic growth and business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological corridors are essential in facilitating the movement and dispersal of flora and fauna between separate and often isolated habitat patches. In recent years, Israel has confronted significant challenges due to the rapid pace of construction, driven in part by exceptional population growth that sets it apart on the global demographic stage. This accelerated development creates an unprecedented long-term impact on ecosystems. A key obstacle to maintaining ecological corridors is the Israeli government's decision to construct thousands of housing units using expedited plans that circumvent standard planning processes. Such projects significantly impact these corridors, given that approximately 16% of their designated areas overlap with ecological corridors. This raises two pressing questions: Can the existing ecological corridors endure these changes and remain functional, or does the role of ecological corridors need to be redefined due to increasing urban development? What are the necessary institutional frameworks required to effectively manage these corridors in an environment that is becoming progressively denser? The research focuses on two case studies in the densely populated Central District in Israel, encompassing both local and regional ecological corridors. The regulatory assessment will point out key stakeholders, identify potential threats to the corridors, and explore existing regulatory mechanisms for planning and managing these corridors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasingly restrictive environmental regulations for the maritime sector have led shipping companies to look for technological alternatives to reduce emissions. This article introduces a methodology to analyse emission reductions of ships in port by incorporating batteries into the ships or using an onshore power supply system. These have not yet been considered together for comparison or with a focus on ship operation. The aim is to avoid the use of auxiliary engines in ports. First, the cost calculation method to be used is specified; then, the engine's behaviour and the established basic navigation criteria are analysed; and finally, different alternatives are considered. A methodology is afterwards defined for selecting alternatives, comparing their costs with those of using auxiliary engines in port. As an example, it is applied to a Ro-Ro route between the ports of Montoir (France) and Vigo (Spain). The results indicate that incorporating batteries into the ship produces greater savings in annual costs than onshore power supply. The cost savings from onshore power supply depend on the range of prices in each port. However, the greatest emission savings are obtained by using the onshore power supply. This methodology can be extrapolated to other routes and vessels by incorporating real operating data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal creep has been a subject of extensive study for more than 110 years because it affects the useful life of engineering components operating at high temperatures. This is even more true with ever-increasing operating temperatures of propulsion/power-generation systems and the environmental regulations to reduce greenhouse emissions. This review summarizes the recent development in creep modeling with regards to creep strain evolution, creep rate, creep ductility, creep life, and fracture mode, attempting to provide a comprehensive mechanism-based framework to address all the important creep phenomena and the long-standing issue of long-term creep life prediction with microstructural evolution and environmental effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the theory of new structural economics, this research aims to explore the dynamic correlation among high-quality development, environmental regulation structures, and property rights structures in China's construction industry. A panel vector autoregressive model (PVAR) is employed to conduct an empirical study of 30 provinces from 2008 to 2022. To further explore regional heterogeneity, K-means clustering is utilized to categorize the country into three types of regions. The results indicate that strict environmental regulation structures have a beneficial effect on the high-quality growth of the construction sector, which is most pronounced in Region III with a lower degree of construction development. Conversely, state-owned ownership structures are an impediment, and their influence is the greatest in Region I with a higher degree of construction development. Additionally, environmental regulation structures and property rights structures demonstrate a certain interactional effect. The dynamic correlation between these indicators varies in distinct regions. Various regions in China should combine their development characteristics and advantages to reasonably adjust environmental regulation structures and property rights structures. This research provides a direction for structural adjustments for the high-quality development of the construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the coupling and coordinated development of formal and informal environmental regulation, as well as their impact on the upgrading of the industrial structure of urban agglomerations, represents a new breakthrough. The comprehensive index of formal environmental regulation, informal environmental regulation, and industrial structure upgrading is calculated using the entropy method based on sample data from 127 cities in China's ten major urban agglomerations between 2003 and 2019. The characteristics of the coupling and coordinated development between formal and informal environmental regulation in these urban agglomerations are examined using a coupling coordination degree model. Furthermore, the effects of the coupling and coordinated development of formal and informal environmental regulation on the industrial structure upgrading in urban agglomerations are analyzed through fixed-effect and threshold regression models. The findings demonstrate that although the development of urban agglomerations remains unbalanced, the overall coupling coordination degree between formal and informal environmental regulation is increasing. Generally, the ten major urban agglomerations have transitioned from a state of reluctance coordination to primary coordination. The Pearl River Delta urban agglomerations have progressed from reluctance coordination to middle coordination, while the Yangtze River Delta, Shandong Peninsula, Central Plains, and Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomerations have advanced from reluctance coordination to primary coordination. The remaining five urban agglomerations have shifted from near disorder to reluctance coordination. The coupling and coordinated development of formal and informal environmental regulation significantly promote the upgrading of the industrial structure in both overall and grouped samples of urban agglomerations, and the higher the degree of coupling coordination, the greater the promoting effect. Moreover, when informal environmental regulation is considered as a threshold variable, the coupling coordination degree exhibits a broken-line relationship with the industrial structure upgrading in urban agglomerations. Currently, the intensity of informal environmental regulations is relatively reasonable in China's ten major urban agglomerations, and the coordinated development of formal and informal environmental regulations has an impact on the industrial structure of urban agglomerations. Finally, this paper proposes corresponding suggestions encompassing the construction of an environmental regulation policy system, differentiated industrial policy, and the coordinated promotion of various policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impact of environmental regulations in the cities where enterprises are located on the technological complexity of exports from Chinese manufacturing companies. Currently, China is promoting high-quality development in foreign trade, which encompasses various aspects, including the enhancement of the technological content of export products. This study begins by examining the environmental regulations in the cities of enterprises and their effects on the technological content of exported products. It utilizes government work reports from various cities in China to evaluate the strength of environmental regulations in each city, subsequently analyzing their impact on the export technological complexity of Chinese manufacturing enterprises. Empirical results indicate that environmental regulations drive an increase in the technological complexity of exports from these enterprises, and this conclusion is validated through several robustness tests, including substitution variables and instrumental variable regression. Heterogeneity tests reveal that the effect of environmental regulations on export technological complexity is not significant for enterprises located in central cities compared to those in eastern and western cities. Furthermore, the export technological complexity of processing-trade enterprises and capital-intensive industries is not significantly influenced by environmental regulations. Additionally, the analysis of the moderating effect finds that a city's innovation capacity plays a reinforcing role in the relationship between environmental regulations and the export technological complexity of enterprises. Based on these research findings, this paper offers corresponding recommendations from the perspective of environmental regulations to promote the high-quality development of China's foreign trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Revealing the coordinated correlation between chemical industry development and the water environment is essential for promoting high-quality development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Based on the data in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2011 to 2021, this study explores the spatial–temporal evolution and influencing factors of the coupled coordination between chemical industry development and the water environment by using the global entropy method, a coupling coordination model, and the Tobit model. The results indicate a general upward trend in the comprehensive indices of chemical industry development and water environment systems, albeit with distinct spatial patterns. A mismatch between the two systems is observed in terms of spatial distribution. Regarding the coupling coordination degree, the relationship shows an upward trend, primarily at a mild-to-moderate coupling stage, exhibiting a spatial pattern of "downstream > midstream > upstream". Moreover, a trend of increasing coordination and narrowing disparities between high- and low-level regions can be observed. The model results suggest that environmental regulation, economic development, government capacity, and urbanization play a crucial role in promoting the coupled development of the chemical industry and the water environment. However, openness to external markets may not enhance coupled coordination. These findings may provide policy guidance for the development status of two subsystems in other locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the global ecological environment faces serious challenges, ecological protection has attracted global attention. As a basic industry of the national economy, China's total forestry output value is 8.04 trillion RMB in 2022. This study aims to assess the impact of ecological protection on high-quality forestry development and find its mechanism by using provincial panel data from 2010 to 2021 in China. The variables of environmental regulation and urbanization level were introduced. The benchmark regression model, mediation effect model and threshold effect model were employed for empirical analysis. The results show that: (1) The estimated ecological protection coefficient is 0.146. The ecological protection level significantly promotes high-quality forestry development; (2) The effect is more significant in the western region and the area with higher forest coverage. The estimated coefficients are 1.392 and 0.745. It is less affected by the marginal effect of the ecological protection level in the east; (3) The estimated environmental regulation coefficient is −0.021. Ecological protection promotes high-quality forestry development by reducing environmental regulations; (4) The impact increases with the level of urbanization. The p-value of the double threshold is 0.073. Therefore, policy recommendations are proposed to strengthen ecological protection and promote high-quality forestry development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the paradoxical impact of environmental regulations on green innovation in the manufacturing of new energy vehicles (NEVs) from a stakeholder perspective. We address the dual challenge of accelerating green innovation across various diffusion stages and refining environmental regulations for effective stakeholder engagement, including the central government, upstream suppliers, and internal operations teams. First, we utilize Stackelberg game theory to analyze the strategic interaction and behavioral rationale between local governments and NEV manufacturers at different stages of innovation diffusion, represented by specific parameter sets. Second, we examine the roles of four key stakeholders, exploring their unique impact mechanisms and potential to influence the game's Nash equilibrium. Finally, the game models' validity and primary conclusions are corroborated with real-world case studies, prominently including the ongoing shift of Chinese automakers towards NEVs. Results demonstrate that: (1) environmental regulations should be calibrated according to the diffusion stages of green innovation, and (2) misaligned stakeholder interests can lead to environmental regulations that inadvertently hinder, rather than promote, NEV manufacturers' green innovation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the relentless pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, the petroleum industry faces the imperative challenge of mitigating sulfur emissions. This comprehensive review scrutinizes Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) as an extraordinary catalyst, pushing the boundaries of desulfurization performance in petroleum refining. The abstract begins by underscoring the urgent need for advanced desulfurization technologies, driven by stringent environmental mandates and escalating global energy demands. The spotlight then shifts to the unparalleled physicochemical attributes of TiO2, showcasing its inherent advantages such as exceptional surface area, stability, and photocatalytic process. A profound exploration of TiO2's catalytic mechanisms follows, unraveling its capacity to disintegrate stubborn sulfur–carbon bonds, thereby elevating desulfurization efficiency to unprecedented levels. This review meticulously dissects diverse forms of TiO2, ranging from nanoparticles to mesoporous structures, and provides a critical analysis of their respective strengths and limitations in catalyzing sulfur removal. Delving into operational nuances, this review examines the impact of temperature, pressure, and catalyst loading on TiO2 performance, offering crucial insights for optimizing desulfurization processes. The narrative then unfolds to explore cutting-edge developments in TiO2-based catalysts, encompassing ingenious modifications, composites, and hybrid materials designed to augment catalytic activity and selectivity. Anticipating the road ahead, this review contemplates the challenges and prospects of deploying TiO2 on an industrial scale, pointing toward avenues for future research and development. This abstract encapsulates a wealth of knowledge, serving as an indispensable resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers navigating the dynamic landscape of sustainable petroleum refining. TiO2 emerges as a transformative force, propelling the industry toward cleaner, greener, and more efficient energy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-part tariff (TPT) policy is implemented as an important initiative to accelerate the marketization of the pumped storage industry and promote its high-quality development. However, it is not clear exactly how the TPT policy affects the productivity of the pumped storage industry. Using the EBM-GML method and the DID model, this paper measures the total factor productivity of the pumped storage industry and explores the impact of the Two-Part Tariff (TPT) policy on its total factor productivity. Based on the samples of 16 provinces in China from 2004 to 2020, we find the following: (1) At present, the total factor productivity of China's pumped storage industry is still at a low level. (2) TPT policy can promote the improvement of total factor productivity, which was strongly supported by the robustness test. Innovation incentive is one of the main mechanisms. (3) The impact of TPT policy on total factor productivity has obvious regional heterogeneity. By geographic location, the TPT policy has little effect on the pumped storage industry's TFP in the eastern region, but it exerts a significant positive role in the central region. By energy affluence, TPT policy effect is stronger in provinces with low energy dependence. By environmental governance, the role of this policy is more obvious in provinces with low environmental regulation but developed green financial market. Finally, some corresponding policy implications have been put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conserved cyanobacterial protein PipX is part of a complex interaction network with regulators involved in essential processes that include metabolic homeostasis and ribosome assembly. Because PipX interactions depend on the relative levels of their different partners and of the effector molecules binding to them, in vivo studies are required to understand the physiological significance and contribution of environmental factors to the regulation of PipX complexes. Here, we have used the NanoBiT complementation system to analyse the regulation of complex formation in Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 between PipX and each of its two best-characterized partners, PII and NtcA. Our results confirm previous in vitro analyses on the regulation of PipX-PII and PipX-NtcA complexes by 2-oxoglutarate and on the regulation of PipX-PII by the ATP/ADP ratio, showing the disruption of PipX-NtcA complexes due to increased levels of ADP-bound PII in Synechococcus elongatus. The demonstration of a positive role of PII on PipX-NtcA complexes during their initial response to nitrogen starvation or the impact of a PipX point mutation on the activity of PipX-PII and PipX-NtcA reporters are further indications of the sensitivity of the system. This study reveals additional regulatory complexities in the PipX interaction network, opening a path for future research on cyanobacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resource curse and environmental regulation are the key bottlenecks that hinder the sustainable development of the resource industry. A reasonable assessment of the decoupling relationship between resource supply, environment regulation and resource industry transformation is helpful to promote the decision-making of industrial restructuring in post-development regions. Taking Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China as the research object, panel data related to resources, environment and industry from 2010 to 2021 are selected to evaluate the spatial and temporal evolution of regional resource supply security, environmental regulatory pressure and resource industry transformation efficiency, measure the decoupling index among the factors, and use geographic detector technology to identify the constraints affecting factor decoupling. The results show the following: (1) the resource curse effect of Inner Mongolia is not significant, and some resource industries have prominent advantages; (2) the security of resource supply and the transformation efficiency of the resource industry show overall upward trend, the pressure of environmental regulation is basically balanced, and the development level of factors in resource-endowed regions and central cities is relatively high; (3) the spatial and temporal evolution of the decoupling relationship between resource supply, environmental regulation and resource industry transformation is uncertain, and the resilience of regional economic and social governance is poor; (4) resource endowment and resource industry advantages are the key that restricts the decoupling of factors, and the cumulative effect of ecological governance is likely to lead to the randomness of the decoupling of environmental regulation and resource industry transformation. In addition, this study suggests that the post-development areas should pay attention to the classification of resource industry relief, trans-regional economic and social collaborative governance and special resources exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared to regions with lighter pollution, the areas heavily affected by pollution in China face more severe environmental problems due to rapid economic growth, which creates a greater urgency for government and corporate environmental requirements. This study innovatively applies mediation and threshold models to explore the potential correlation between green technology innovation, types of environmental regulation, and provincial-level green total factor productivity (GTFP). Additionally, it examines inter-regional differences, determines threshold effects, and introduces regional heterogeneity and mediator variables. The research findings demonstrate that progress in green technology innovation significantly impacts the improvement of provincial-level GTFP. Further mechanism analysis reveals the crucial role of environmental regulation in facilitating sustained enhancement of GTFP through green technology innovation. The promotion of GTFP is more pronounced in eastern and central provinces compared to western regions, and the positive influence of green technology innovation varies significantly among provinces. By investigating the regional differences of polluted areas and introducing mediating variables, this paper explores the environmental regulation mechanism, which has important guiding significance for formulating more effective environmental regulation policies, promoting green technology innovation, and improving GTFP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-impact developments (LIDs) have emerged as effective strategies for mitigating the adverse impacts of urbanization on river environments. This study aims to enhance river environment quality by examining the effects of LIDs and land use/cover change (LUCC) in the context of river environment and hydrological conditions. Using the Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) in an urban river setting, the study investigates the impact of LIDs on urban river water volume. An analysis of river runoff quality and quantity is conducted, followed by the development of an optimal river water regulation scheme through a multi-objective ecological scheduling model. The results reveal that the incorporation of LIDs can substantially decrease river runoff yield for varying recurrence periods of design rainstorms. Consequently, the flood peak reduction rate ranged from 10% to 18%, and the flood volume experienced a reduction of 10–29% in the study area. The combination of river water regulation, LIDs and LUCC leads to a decrease in river water volume within the lower river channel by up to 47% especially in a typical dry year and dry season, accompanied by a decline in river flow velocity and water self-purification capacity. A risk-based multi-objective stochastic optimization model is employed to ensure sustainable management of urban river runoff in terms of both quantity and quality. This research contributes to the advancement of knowledge in sustainable basin management practices and offers practical insights for policymakers involved in the management of water resources and environmental conservation in semi-arid basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insecticide known as neonicotinoid has negative impacts on the ecosystem, human health, and the environment; specifically, its effects on the relationship between crop yields and the death rate of natural pollinators, such as bees, affect food security. The active ingredients in neonicotinoids include imidacloprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, sulfoxaflor, and thiacloprid, which are sold under various trade names. For many of the components of these toxic insecticides, patents have been expired; however, farmers and consumers who continue to use these chemicals are unaware of the products' toxicity and the environmental effects they have. Thus, agricultural industries are required to consider diverse methods to minimize neonicotinoid use in farming operations and move away from the current prevailing methods. In this short review, the negative effects of neonicotinoid use; the toxic components, health effects, and environmental regulations of neonicotinoids; and sustainable methods to minimize their use are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of urbanization on the environmental quality of ecologically fragile areas has long been ambiguous. With a focus on the human–environment interaction in 95 counties of Hengduan Mountain, an ecologically fragile region in southwestern China, in this study, we clarify the impact and mechanism of urbanization on environmental quality through the environmental regulation effect, using econometric models and county-level panel data from 2010 to 2019. The results of this study show that: (1) urbanization and environmental regulation have increased over this 10-year period within the study area and regional differences in environmental quality have decreased; (2) urbanization significantly contributes to environmental quality, with heterogenous effects on different environmental elements—increasing the proportion of wetlands and green areas per capita but suppressing vegetation coverage and production efficiency; and (3) environmental regulation is an important mechanism for urbanization to improve environmental quality; however, there are negative externalities on neighboring areas. The results of this study show that urbanization and environmental quality are not always mutually exclusive, thus providing a reference for the development of pro-environmental urbanization to improve sustainable development in ecologically fragile areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relentless advancement of digital technologies has the potential to significantly reshape the energy landscape as digital technologies become increasingly integrated into diverse sectors of the economy. This study explores the intricate relationship between digitalization and energy in EU countries, focusing on its direct and indirect impacts on energy consumption, structure, and intensity. Furthermore, this study explores the mediating mechanisms that facilitate these changes, including the role of technological innovation and government efficiency in the relationship between digitalization and energy outcomes. Focusing on EU countries and using the system-GMM method, this research accounts for the heterogeneity in the impact of digitalization on energy across various member states. It examines the varying effects in different countries, considering their income levels, environmental regulations, and green investments. The results demonstrate that the strategic deployment of digitalization in EU countries substantially benefits the energy sector. By optimizing energy consumption and enhancing the energy structure through the integration of renewable sources, the EU could move closer to its sustainability objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the construction of effective payment mechanisms for rural residents could break the dilemma of the value of a single investment by the government in environmental governance and promote the process of sustainable rural domestic sewage treatment (RDST). The effects of environmental regulations have been roughly approved; however, their influence mechanisms on rural residents' willingness to pay (WTP) and payment level for sustainable RDST have not been fully revealed. Based on a database of 744 respondents, an integrated model was developed to verify the heterogeneous effects of three environmental regulations on rural residents' WTP and further explore their interaction effects and impact mechanisms. In addition, there is an urgent necessity to explore the effectiveness of implementing different combinations of environmental regulations. Our results indicated that, firstly, the guiding regulation and incentive regulation promoted rural residents' WTP and payment level, whereas the binding regulation had a limited impact on individuals. Secondly, rural residents' cognition mediated the effect of the environmental regulations on their WTP and payment level. Lastly, the guiding and incentive regulations showed a substitution relationship, while both guiding and binding regulations as well as incentive and binding regulations revealed a complementary relationship. The implications of these results indicate the importance of strengthening the public attention on the environmental and health hazards of rural domestic sewage and effectively raising rural residents' environmental cognition and environmental protection awareness, thereby increasing their WTP and payment level for sustainable RDST. This study provides credible references and recommendations for environmental regulations' formulation and policy optimization for RDST, as well as for the construction of payment systems for rural residents, and inspiration for rural environment management in other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present review focuses on the interactions of newly emerging environmental factors with miRNA-mediated regulation. In particular, we draw attention to the effects of phthalates, electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and a disrupted light/dark cycle. miRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules with a tremendous regulatory impact, which is usually executed via gene expression inhibition. To address the capacity of environmental factors to influence miRNA-mediated regulation, the miR-34 family was selected for its well-described oncostatic and neuro-modulatory properties. The expression of miR-34 is in a tissue-dependent manner to some extent under the control of the circadian system. There is experimental evidence implicating that phthalates, EMFs and the circadian system interact with the miR-34 family, in both lines of its physiological functioning. The inhibition of miR-34 expression in response to phthalates, EMFs and light contamination has been described in cancer tissue and cell lines and was associated with a decline in oncostatic miR-34a signalling (decrease in p21 expression) and a promotion of tumorigenesis (increases in Noth1, cyclin D1 and cry1 expressions). The effects of miR-34 on neural functions have also been influenced by phthalates, EMFs and a disrupted light/dark cycle. Environmental factors shifted the effects of miR-34 from beneficial to the promotion of neurodegeneration and decreased cognition. Moreover, the apoptogenic capacity of miR-34 induced via phthalate administration in the testes has been shown to negatively influence germ cell proliferation. To conclude, as the oncostatic and positive neuromodulatory functions of the miR-34 family can be strongly influenced by environmental factors, their interactions should be taken into consideration in translational medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the reform and opening-up, China has developed into the world's number one manufacturing country. Meanwhile, China's environmental protection efforts continue to strengthen. So, will changes in the intensity of environmental regulatory policies have an impact on the technological development level and international competitiveness of China's high-tech manufacturing industries? In response to this issue, we have reviewed relevant research in the field of environmental regulation and export technology complexity, and then selected appropriate indicators to quantify the environmental regulation and export technology complexity of high-tech manufacturing industries in different regions of China. Furthermore, the entropy method was used to calculate the intensity of environmental regulations in different regions of China. In the subsequent empirical analysis, based on relevant indicator data from 30 provinces in China, excluding Tibet, from 2006 to 2021, we quantitatively analyzed the impact of China's environmental regulations on the complex export technology of high-tech manufacturing industries. The degree of influence and the robustness of the benchmark regression results was proved through endogeneity testing and robustness testing. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) from 2006 to 2021, China's environmental regulation intensity and the technological complexity of high-tech industry exports have shown an upward trend. (2) The empirical analysis results show that the increase in intensity has a significant "U-shaped" impact on the technological complexity of exports of high-tech manufacturing industries. (3) The "U-shaped" impact of environmental regulation on the technological complexity of exports of high-tech manufacturing industries has regional differences. However, the high-tech manufacturing industry does not show obvious industry differences. (4) Environmental regulations will affect the level of export technology complexity of the high-tech manufacturing industry through foreign direct investment, human capital, and innovative R D investment, which cause indirect effects. Based on those conclusions, this paper has suggested corresponding policy measures and future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers a comprehensive examination of vehicle emissions, with a specific focus on the European Union's automotive industry. Its main goal is to provide an in-depth analysis of the factors influencing the emission of microcontaminants from light-duty vehicles and the challenges associated with their removal via exhaust aftertreatment systems. It presents statistical insights into the automotive sector and explores the relationships between vehicle categories, fuel types, and the emission of regulated and nonregulated pollutants, as well as relevant legal regulations such as the European Emission Standard. The article delves into the characteristics of vehicle exhaust, compares exhaust-gas aftertreatment systems, and introduces factors affecting emissions from gasoline engines, including downsizing, fuel composition, and engine operating parameters. It also considers the impact of driving style, start–stop systems, and related factors. Concluding, the article offers an overview of vehicle-testing procedures, including emission tests on dynamometer chassis and real driving emissions. With the growing global vehicle population and international environmental regulations, a focus on solid particles containing microcontaminants is paramount, as they pose significant risks to health and the environment. In summary, this article provides valuable insights into vehicle emissions, significantly contributing to our understanding of this crucial environmental issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focusing on the construction of the National Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zone (NBDCPZ), we adopted the difference-in-differences model to examine the impact of big data on green total factor productivity (GTFP), using data from 276 cities in China for the period of 2012 to 2019. We also conducted mediating effects and moderating effects tests to explore whether a factor exists through which, or relying on it, big data influences the GTFP. The result of the baseline regression showed that the construction of the NBDCPZ significantly increased GTFP. After a series of robustness tests, this conclusion remains valid. In addition, we examined the mediating effects of industrial structure and green innovation and found that the construction of the NBDCPZ increased the level of GTFP, mainly by promoting industrial structure upgrading and green innovation activities. We identified the moderating effects of different types of environmental regulation on the relationship between urban digital transformation and GTFP and found that market incentive environmental regulation (MIER) has a significant positive moderating effect on big data increasing GTFP. Conversely, the moderating effects of command and control environmental regulation (CCER) and social participation environmental regulation (SPER) were found to be insignificant. These findings suggest that urban digital transformation, through its contribution to increasing GTFP, is an important pathway to high-quality development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bud dormancy and release are essential phenomena that greatly assist in adapting to adverse growing conditions and promoting the holistic growth and development of perennial plants. The dormancy and release process of buds in temperate perennial trees involves complex interactions between physiological and biochemical processes influenced by various environmental factors, representing a meticulously orchestrated life cycle. In this review, we summarize the role of phytohormones and their crosstalk in the establishment and release of bud dormancy. External environmental factors, such as light and temperature, play a crucial role in regulating bud germination. We also highlight the mechanisms of how light and temperature are involved in the regulation of bud dormancy by modulating phytohormones. Moreover, the role of nutrient factors, including sugar, in regulating bud dormancy is also discussed. This review provides a foundation for enhancing our understanding of plant growth and development patterns, fostering agricultural production, and exploring plant adaptive responses to adversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy transition relies on the scaling up of mineral production and may lead to increased pressure on water resources due to the intensity of water use in mining. The status of Canada as a major mineral producer and a country with effective environmental regulations prompted our study of the water impacts of Canadian mining. In 2002, the Canadian government introduced effluent quality regulations that targeted metal mining companies. By analyzing regional and sectoral data, we find that such regulations were important for mitigating both the water quality and water quantity impacts of metal mining. Despite increasing output, metal mining reduced its contribution to total mining withdrawals and discharge from 85% in the pre-regulation period to 62–65% in the post-regulation period. In the absence of such regulations, non-metallic mineral mining and, in particular, coal mining, increased their pressure on water resources. Finally, we find that since 2002, over 90% of regulated operations have met effluent quality standards. However, we document increased flows of discharge to mine tailings, a development which requires further analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basin economy is essential in China's high-quality development, which brings prodigious economic and social benefits. However, high industrialization and urbanization led to a significant escalation in water pollution within basins. The achievement of synergistic control of water environment pollution at the basin scale has emerged as a primary goal for governmental departments in developing environmental policies. This study constructs a "four-in-one" basin's water environment regulation system comprising four categories: total, quality, project, and governance. Further, the spatial spillover effects of water environment pollution control in 27 Chinese provincial-level administrative regions spanning key river basins were analyzed. This study aims to provide evidence from China on the transfer of water pollution in basins worldwide. The results indicate the following conclusions: (1) A consistent upward trend in the environmental regulations and water environment pollution indexes across all provinces in the basin. Compared to 2006, in 2018, the mean value of the basin environmental regulation index was 0.21, which is an increase of 23.5%, and the mean value of the water environmental pollution index was 0.83, which is an increase of 29.7%. (2) Whether in the basin's upper, middle, or lower reaches, the relationship between environmental regulations and water pollution follows a "U"-shaped pattern, with thresholds of 0.318, 0.331, and 0.390, respectively. (3) Under the neighbor weight matrix and water flow distance weight matrix, the impact coefficient of the water environment pollution index on the surrounding areas is significantly positive, implying that the implementation of local environmental policies will radiate to the neighboring areas in the short term and bring positive governance effects. (4) Regarding the time-lag effect, it is observed that the lag term associated with the water environment pollution index exhibits a statistically significant positive relationship. This finding suggests that the pollution of the water environment within the basin follows a cumulative and continuous pattern. (5) It is noted that long-term environmental regulation measures do not contribute favorably to the amelioration of water pollution in the neighboring regions. This implies the presence of a characteristic neighboring avoidance effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guaranteeing an increase in ecologically sustainable food production is a sufficient prerequisite for the long-term development of national food security. This study's primary goal is to determine strategies for improving the nation's green total factor productivity (GTFP) of food. We begin by measuring the GTFP of food with the Global Malmquist–Luenberger (GML) index. Second, the food production comparative advantage is determined using the entropy-weighted Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method. The food production comparative advantage is then used as a leaping point to experimentally study the pathway to enhancing the GTFP of food. The 510 sample statistics for this study come from 30 provinces in China from 2003 to 2019. The study's findings indicate that (i.) China's "food production comparative advantage" and "GTFP of Food" have shown an ascending pattern. China's Northeast and Huang–Huai–Hai regions have the greatest comparative advantages in food production. The regions with the highest food GTFP are the Northeast and Middle and Lower reaches of the Yangtze River. (ii.) Food production comparative advantage can effectively contribute to green total factor productivity, but there is a time lag. (iii.) As food production's comparative advantage rises, its contribution to GTFP becomes more apparent. (iv.) Environmental regulation moderates the influence of food production comparative advantage on GTFP. In addition, environmental regulations exert a greater moderating effect in regions with lower green total factor production rates than in regions with higher green total factor production rates. (v.) The food production comparative advantage improves the GTFP through both structural and technological effects. This study not only expands the research horizon of GTFP of food but also offers planning recommendations for technological advancement and structural adjustment in food production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As environmental regulations become stricter, weight- and cost-effective fiber-reinforced polymer composites are being considered as alternative materials in the automobile industry. Rapidly impregnating resin into the reinforcing fibers is critical during liquid composite molding, and the optimization of resin impregnation is related to the cycle time and quality of the products. In this review, various resins capable of rapid impregnation, including thermoset and thermoplastic resins, are discussed for manufacturing fiber-reinforced composites used in the automobile industry, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, vital factors and perspectives for developing rapidly impregnated resin-based fiber-reinforced composites for automobile applications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the transportation industry has faced the challenge of cutting costs, meeting increasingly stringent environmental regulations, and significantly increasing transportation volumes. One approach to meeting these challenges is to develop new, improved transportation vehicles using new materials and innovative joining techniques. Multi-material structures are becoming an alternative to body parts. Self-pierce riveting technology plays a crucial role in this process, and hybrid structures depend exclusively on it. In this article, recent advances in self-pierce riveting technology are analyzed to meet today's challenges and future multi-material applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of mounting water supply challenges, Cape Town has increasingly turned to alternative sources, like groundwater. However, the utilisation of groundwater carries inherent risks, particularly the contamination stemming from land-based activities, such as fuel stations. Leaks from underground tanks at these stations represent a major global cause of groundwater pollution, and Cape Town is no exception. To safeguard public health and mitigate potential harm, it is imperative to examine the legal regulations governing fuel station development, assess measures for controlling their environmental impacts and evaluate strategies for managing the associated risks. This study aims to provide an exhaustive review of the regulatory framework concerning the environmental impacts of fuel stations, focusing on groundwater protection in Cape Town. A combination of desk research and interviews was employed to gather and analyse data. The findings show a deficiency in precautionary measures for safeguarding groundwater near fuel stations. Consequently, through this study, the existing legal framework's effectiveness is called into question, with this study suggesting actions to address these identified shortcomings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution is an important factor affecting human health and daily life. The Chinese government is making vigorous efforts to control air pollution. The upgrading of the industrial structure is a problem-solving tool in the environment and economic growth cases. This paper aims to explore the relationships among environmental regulation, the upgrading of the industrial structure and air pollution. The PVAR (Panel Vector Auto Regression) model and moderating effect model are used to conduct empirical analysis based on panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2004 to 2020. The analysis of the results provides the following findings. Firstly, environmental regulations can significantly reduce emissions, but the deterioration of air quality does not have a significant impact on the improvement of environmental regulations. Secondly, industrial structure upgrading can reduce air pollution, but the worsening of the air quality will hinder the upgrading of industrial structures. Thirdly, environmental regulation can promote industrial structure upgrading. Lastly, industrial structure upgrading is a moderating variable and can positively moderate the impact of environmental regulations on air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing environmental regulation (ER) is an effective way to improve the green innovation efficiency (GIE) of the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) and the key to achieving the target of carbon peaking and neutrality. Using the data of 103 cities in YREB in 2013–2019, this paper explores the effect of heterogeneous ER on GIE. The results of the study are as follows: first, we categorize environmental regulations into formal and informal environmental regulations and explore their impact on green innovation efficiency separately. The results show that both formal and informal environmental regulations can effectively promote GIE in the YREB urban agglomeration. Second, the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) model is used to analyze the spatial effect. The results show that there are spatial effects between heterogeneous environmental regulations and GIE, and environmental regulation can significantly strengthen GIE through positive spatial effects. Third, this paper uses the threshold model to explore the non-linear relationship between environmental regulation and green innovation efficiency. The results show that as ER increases, the positive effect on GIE increases, and this interesting finding holds for both formal and informal environmental regulations. Fourth, the mediating effect model is used to examine whether green technological innovation and industrial structure upgrading exert mediation effects on how environmental regulations affect GIE. The research results can provide effective policy recommendations to promote the green development of the cities in YREB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental regulatory instruments are key to achieving synergy between high-quality economic development and ecological civilization construction. This paper measures the green overall factor productivity of the forestry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt by using the super-efficient nonexpected output SBM-ML index model. Additionally, it investigates the environmental regulation's impact on forestry's overall green factor productivity by using the conventional panel regression and panel smooth transformation model. The model was based on the relevant data obtained from eleven provinces along the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China from 2006 to 2021. This study concludes that command-and-control regulation of the environment and public engagement with environmental regulation can significantly promote the forestry green overall factor productivity in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and the environmental regulation's effects on the forestry green overall efficiency in the economic region of the Yangtze River are regionally and temporally heterogeneous. The command-and-control environmental regulation also needs to exceed a certain level of regulatory coercion to promote the forestry green overall factor productivity positively. The effects of market-incentive environmental regulation were more pronounced with the increase in the regulatory intensity. When the regulation intensity surpasses the threshold, the public participation form of environmental regulation has a depressing impact on the forestry green overall factor output. To promote the development of the forestry industry in the Yangtze River Economic Zone, it is therefore necessary to strengthen the coordination of different environmental regulations, implement measures in each region, build a market-oriented green innovation system, and promote the structuralization and upgrading of the forestry industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surge in CO2 emissions affects global climate change and the development of society. The logistics industry, being a swiftly advancing industry, demonstrates an escalating trend in CO2 emissions. Therefore, this paper selects the more developed coastal provinces (districts) in China's logistics industry and takes 2011–2020 as the research period. Using the Super-SBM model and the Malmquist index model, the article analyzes the changes in the carbon emission efficiency of the logistics industry from the static and dynamic perspectives and then explores the factors affecting it using the panel model and the mediating effect model. Findings from research indicate that: (1) The CO2 emission efficiency of the logistics industry is generally moderate when viewed from a static perspective. (2) Taking a dynamic viewpoint, there is a slight declining trend in the overall CO2 emission efficiency. (3) As environmental regulations become more stringent, the CO2 emission efficiency follows the "U"-shaped pattern, initially declining and then rising. Environmental regulations can influence CO2 emission efficiency by affecting technological innovation. Additionally, energy efficiency plays a positive role in promoting CO2 emission efficiency. Recommendations: Implement differentiated environmental regulations tailored to local conditions. Emphasize technological innovations. Enhance the energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid economic growth of China has caused significant adverse effects on the environment. Meanwhile, technological innovation, a fundamental driver of economic development and social progress, plays a pivotal role in mitigating haze pollution. This study comprehensively examines the influence of technological innovation on haze pollution in the Yangtze River urban agglomeration, using the STIRPAT model and analyzing research data from 2004 to 2020. Additionally, the study investigates the specific moderating role of urban spatial structure in the relationship between technological innovation and haze pollution. The findings reveal that technological innovation in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River urban agglomeration can effectively curtail haze pollution, and its impact extends to surrounding areas through spillover effect. The polycentric urban spatial structure significantly enhances the haze-reducing effect of technological innovation in the region. Notably, in cities with a strong level of environmental regulation, the urban spatial structure plays a substantial role in augmenting the haze-reducing impact of technological innovation. The policy implications of this research underscore the importance of continuous improvement in technological innovation within the middle reaches of the Yangtze River urban agglomeration. To address haze pollution in future development, the adoption of a polycentric development strategy and the establishment of sound environmental governance policies are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This present research offers fresh insights regarding the causality nexus between environmental regulations and a sustainable environment. Also, this study considered the importance of renewable energy research and development (RERD), technological innovation (TI), and economic growth (GDP). Using the U.S. extended dataset covering the period 1990–2020; this research employed the wavelet methods (wavelet power spectrum and wavelet coherence) to observe the causal connections between mentioned variables based on the time-frequency domain. The empirical results from the wavelet power spectrum asserted that carbon emissions (CO2), RERD, and TI are vulnerable during the study period, while GDP and environmental policies are stable. Additionally, the wavelet coherence approach unveils relationships both in-phase and anti-phase. A causal connection is evident between CO2 and other variables. Particularly, a unidirectional causality is found from TI to CO2 emissions, while a bidirectional causal association exists between GDP and CO2, and environmental policy stringency, and CO2. Moreover, a bidirectional causality exists between RERD and CO2, but this association is insignificant. Based on findings, this research suggests enhancing RERD investment, strengthening environmental regulations, and promoting green technological innovation to attain a sustainable environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been identified as one of the endocrine disruptors or endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Due to its massive production (over 700,000 tons per year) and the extensive use of BPA-based plastics (i.e., polycarbonate and epoxy resin) in Taiwan, it was thus included as a toxic substance by the Ministry of Environment. This work surveyed the updated information about the production of BPA and its environmental distribution in Taiwan over the past decade. Furthermore, the regulatory strategies and countermeasures for managing the environmental risks of BPA by the Taiwan government were summarized to show the cross-ministerial efforts under the relevant acts, including the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (TCCSCA), the Food Sanitation Management Act (FSMA) and the Commodity Inspection Act (CIA). The findings showed that most monitoring data were far below the acceptable risks. However, people may pose an adverse threat to the aquatic environment and human health via ecological and food chains. In addition, some countermeasures were further recommended to echo the international actions on environmental endocrine disruptors in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring a green supply of critical metals is essential to achieve high-quality economic development and ecological security. Based on data from 2000 to 2019 on five critical metals in China (copper, aluminum, nickel, antimony, and titanium), this study employs a series of econometric methods, such as fixed-effects regression and moderating effects, to examine the influence of green eco-innovation on primary and recycling supply of critical metals, as well as the underlying mechanisms. The findings indicate: (1) Green eco-innovation has an inverted U-shaped impact on the primary supply of bulk critical metals, and it is currently in the declining phase of the curve. (2) Green eco-innovation has a U-shaped impact on the recycling supply of critical metals and the primary supply of minor critical metals. The former is currently in the rising phase of the curve, while the latter is in the declining phase. (3) The impact of green eco-innovation on the supply of critical metals is stronger in industrially underdeveloped regions. (4) The improvement of energy efficiency, optimization of energy structure, and strengthening of environmental regulations enhance the impact of green eco-innovation on the supply of critical metals. Finally, the optimization of the energy mix is conducive to securing the supply of key metals. This study provides a theoretical basis for utilizing green eco-innovation to achieve a green supply of critical metals and enriches the theoretical research on green eco-innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of tightening resource and environmental constraints, quantitative measurement and influencing factors of cultivated land use eco-efficiency (CLUE) have become hot topics in current academic research. Existing studies primarily focus on the influence of natural, social, and economic factors on CLUE but ignore exploring the impact mechanism and effect of environmental policies on CLUE. Therefore, this study aims to explore the impact of environmental regulations on CLUE. To achieve this objective, a super-efficiency slack-based measure (super-SBM) model is used to calculate the CLUE for 31 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China from 2000 to 2009. Additionally, the intermediary effect model and the threshold effect model are used to empirically investigate the transmission mechanism and nonlinear characteristics between environmental regulation and the CLUE. The results show that: (1) the temporal dynamics of CLUE exhibit a pattern of initial fluctuating decline followed by gradual growth in China as a whole and across its eastern, central, and western regions. (2) Environmental regulation has a significant negative impact on CLUE, and the effect exhibits a nonlinear characteristic of decreasing marginal effects. (3) Agricultural technological innovation and agricultural industrial structure play a mediating role between environmental regulation and CLUE, reducing the negative impact of environmental regulation on CLUE. This study provides some implications for formulating scientifically sound environmental policies to optimize land use and enhance resource utilization efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing rural ecological protection and promoting the adoption of environmentally-friendly agricultural production practices largely depend on the implementation of green production methods by farmers. This research paper focuses on the green production behavior of farmers in Hainan Province, China, drawing insights from survey responses provided by 543 farmers. The study examines how farmers' capital endowment, ecological cognition, and environmental regulation impact their multiple green production practices, using the ordered probit model, mediation effect model, and moderation effect model for analysis and further applying the Ivoprobit_CMP, PSM, and other methods for endogeneity treatment and a robustness test. The study reveals several key findings. Firstly, only a small proportion of farmers consistently adopt green production practices throughout various stages of agricultural production. Secondly, the research shows that capital endowment, including natural, economic, human, and social capital, has a significant influence on farmers' green production behavior. Thirdly, the study finds that ecological cognition plays a crucial role in mediating the relationship between capital endowment and its dimensions (human and social capital) and the adoption of green production practices. Additionally, the research discovers that environmental regulation positively moderates the relationship between ecological cognition and farmers' green production behavior. Finally, the research indicates that factors such as ethnicity, fluctuations in agricultural production, and the location of the village agricultural waste collection site are all significant determinants of farmers' engagement in green production practices. The study also identifies significant regional disparities in farmers' adoption of green production practices. To address the issue of farmers' low adoption of green production practices, the paper recommends promoting the overall green transformation of the entire agricultural production process. This can be achieved by enhancing farmers' capital endowment in multiple dimensions and improving their ecological cognition through various channels. Additionally, creating a supportive external environment that aligns with green production practices is deemed critical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of inter-provincial carbon emission efficiency and the analysis of its influencing factors hold great practical significance for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development in ecological management. To address the shortcomings of existing research in the classification evaluation of carbon emission efficiency and account for the impacts of different environmental regulatory policies on carbon emissions, this paper aims to examine the impact of formal and informal environmental regulations on carbon emission efficiency. This is accomplished by utilizing a combination of the data envelopment analysis (DEA) model, entropy weighting, and k-means cluster analysis methods. The fixed-effects model is also applied to examine the influences of different factors on carbon emission efficiency under different categories. To conduct the case studies, carbon emission management data from 30 provinces in China are collected, and the results show the following: (1) Formal environmental regulations exhibit a "U-shaped" relationship with carbon emission efficiency, whereas informal environmental regulations have an "inverted U-shaped" relationship with carbon emission efficiency. (2) Under the cluster analysis of carbon emission efficiency, formal environmental regulations are found to have a stronger incentive effect on inter-provincial carbon efficiency compared to informal environmental regulations. This study carries significant theoretical and practical implications for China's timely attainment of its double-carbon target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current discourse surrounding economic and societal growth, much emphasis has been placed on the role and impact of digitalization. Despite this trend, research exploring the ecological implications of the digital economy remains scarce. To fill this research gap, our study aimed to investigate the correlation between the digital economy and carbon emissions, specifically examining the moderating impact of environmental regulations. For empirical analysis, we utilize the CRITIC methodology to establish a thorough set of indicators that can evaluate the performance of China's digital economy. According to our empirical results, the digital economy seems to exert a moderating influence on the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and this negative impact is more pronounced in affluent and densely populated regions of China. The effectiveness of digitalization in reducing pollution can be enhanced by the enforcement of environmental regulations. This paper elucidates the potential mechanisms via which the digital economy affects carbon dioxide emissions, and constructs a framework for the mechanisms via which the digital economy affects the environment by influencing the carbon dioxide emissions, providing a new way for enterprises and governments to participate in environmental protection and expanding the content of research related to the digital economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a difference-in-differences model, this study examines the effect of environmental regulation on the market competitiveness of heavily polluting enterprises, their mechanisms, and the space for effective implementation. Which all listed heavily polluting enterprises between 2010 and 2019 are included as the experimental group, and all other firms in the same industries listed on the Chinese stock market as the control group. The results indicate that environmental regulations have significantly increased the market competitiveness of heavily polluting enterprises in China. Furthermore, China's New Environmental Protection Law (NEPL) has improved the market competitiveness of heavily polluting enterprises through strategic, flexible mitigation effects. Finally, the NEPL in regions with eastern or non-state enterprises has a significant impact on market competitiveness. The government should further improve laws and regulations for environmental protection, increase environmental regulations, and apply policies based on the differences in heavily polluting enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indepth research on the impact of energy endowment on provincial green development provides a new perspective for achieving high-quality provincial economic development. Based on 30 provinces' panel data in China from 2009 to 2020, this study first constructs an index system to analyze energy endowment and provincial green development; then it explores the mechanism by which energy endowment affects provincial green development, including the moderating role of environmental regulation and the mediating role of energy efficiency. The results show that energy endowment can significantly curb provincial green development when environmental regulations are not taken into account. Moreover, environmental regulation has moderated the process of energy endowment affecting provincial green development. Energy efficiency has mediated the process of energy endowment affecting provincial green development. From a geographical viewpoint, the moderating effect of environmental regulation has regional heterogeneity but the mediating effect of energy efficiency does not. The conclusions of this research may supply applicable recommendations for provincial green development in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the emergence of a large number of waste electronic products and the enhancement of social awareness of environmental protection, the recycling of waste electronic products has become one of the pressing issues of social concern. Government environmental regulation is an important policy to promote the development of the remanufacturing industry. In this paper, we study the government levies recycling and disposal fees on original products for environmental governance and establish two game models based on the perspective of maximizing social welfare with no government regulation and a tripartite liability system. The optimal decisions on wholesale, retail prices and quantity of original and remanufactured products, as well as the recycling and disposal fee are analyzed under both models. Based on the numerical results, the impact of the main parameter (such as the responsibility sharing ratio) on the decisions and profits of the parties is discussed. The results show that (1) the wholesale and retail prices of remanufactured products are not affected by government regulation; (2) the tripartite liability system can increase the output of remanufactured products and reduce the output of original products while cutting the profits of remanufacturing supply chain members, and increasing social welfare; (3) government's optimal recycling and disposal fee is not related to the sharing ratio. The study can provide practitioners with suggestions for ways to develop environmental regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the environmental governance tools used to achieve green and low-carbon development in China, the ability of carbon emission trading schemes (CETS) to promote the green transition of enterprises is key to assessing the effectiveness of their implementation. Therefore, this paper used the panel data of China A-share listed heavy-polluting enterprises from 2010 to 2019, adopted the super-SBM model and GML index to measure the green total factor productivity (GTFP) of enterprises as an indicator of green transition, and further employed a staggered difference-in-difference model (DID) based on propensity score matching (PSM) to investigate the impact and mechanism of CETS on the green transition of enterprises. The results revealed that CETS significantly improved the green development efficiency of heavy-polluting enterprises and promoted green transition. In addition, the promotion was more pronounced among enterprises with weak cost transfer abilities, low levels of financing constraints, and high-quality internal control systems as well as in areas with high environmental enforcement intensity. More importantly, the mechanism analysis showed that heavy-polluting enterprises mainly chose to increase green technological innovation, especially substantive green technological innovation, and accelerated productive capital renewal to achieve their green transition targets. This study provides empirical evidence for improving the construction of the national carbon emission trading market and promoting the green transition and low-carbon development of heavy-polluting enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European Union (EU) countries pay meticulous attention to environmental issues and achieve carbon-free development. In this direction, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and extending renewable energy are the primary goals. At the same time, the energy price and declining energy efficiency increase countries' environmental expenditures and hinder their capabilities for economic growth. Against this backdrop, this research aims to examine the influence of environmental regulations, renewable energy, and energy efficiency on green economic growth. The originality of the study is twofold: first, it evaluates the green economic growth of a country, which simultaneously reveals the options for economic growth and the capability to eliminate its negative effect on the environment by applying the Global Malmquist–Luenberger productivity index; second, it develops an econometric model based on panel data for EU countries for 2000–2020 to investigate the nonlinear impact of environmental regulations, the effect of extending renewable energies, and the growth of energy efficiency on a country's green economic growth. The study applies the following methodology: a system generalized method of moments (GMM) analysis. The empirical results confirm the U-shape, nonlinear impact of environmental regulations on a country's green economic growth along with a gradual increase in energy efficiency. In addition, the findings indicate that renewable energy is crucial for furthering a country's green economic growth. At the same time, environmental regulation has a significant role in extending renewable energy. The study results could be used as the basis for implementing green economic growth for EU countries and improving the policy of carbon-free development of these countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]