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The health costs of economic uncertainty always remain a major concern among policymakers of China. The theoretical and empirical literature on the economic uncertainty-human health nexus is still in its infancy stage. This study is firmly rooted in the economic uncertainty theory advanced by Baker, Bloom, & Davis. In this study, the primary objective of the analysis is to estimate the asymmetric impact of economic uncertainty on human health in China's economy. In order to evaluate the short and long-run estimates of economic uncertainty on human health across various quantiles, we have employed the linear and nonlinear QARDL models. The linear QARDL model shows that the long-run relationship between economic uncertainty and the infant mortality rate is positive and significant at all quantiles, while the long-run relationship between economic uncertainty and the death rate is positive and significant at higher quantiles. The nonlinear QARDL model reveals that, in the long run, the relationship between the positive shock of economic uncertainty and the infant mortality rate is positive and significant at quantiles 0.30 to 0.95, while the long-run relationship between the positive shock of economic uncertainty and the death rate is positive and significant at higher quantiles. The relationship between the negative shock of economic uncertainty and the infant mortality rate is negative and significant at the highest quantiles, while the relationship between the negative shock of economic uncertainty and death rate is negative and significant at higher quantiles in the long run. The findings indicate a positive relationship between economic uncertainty in China and higher rates of infant mortality and death. Thus, adopting suitable policies for controlling economic uncertainty can help in improving human health in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is generally believed that fiscal decentralization is an essential way to increase the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the government through the transfer of financial autonomy to the local governments. On the same lines, this study attempts to confabulate the influence of two important economic indicators, (i) fiscal decentralization and (ii) natural resource rent in validation of the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis. Our current analysis is grounded upon a developing economy — China — and will serve as a stepping stone for the similar economies. The time period for the empirical estimation is from 1990 to 2020. The study applied an advanced econometrics approach, called the quantile autoregressive distributed lag (QARDL), which has many advantages as compared to any conventional approach. The empirical outcomes, after estimations, illustrate that in the long run, FDE is having an unfavorable connotation with CO2 emissions. NRR is another essential factor influencing the CO2 emissions in the long run in the selected economy. The estimated outcomes are revealing the presence of the EKC. Furthermore, the present research elucidates the existence of the bi-directional causality between selected economic indicators, FDE and CO2 emissions, and GDP square and CO2 emissions. But there is a unidirectional causality between GDP and CO2 emissions. Thus, policymakers should encourage the transfer of powers to the lower tiers of government to ameliorate environmental quality in the Chinese economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of environmental nongovernmental organizations (ENGOs) has proved beneficial in improving environmental quality and related health issues. Therefore, this study attempts to investigate the impact of ENGO on human health in China from 1995 to 2020. To investigate the relationship between the variables, we have employed the ARDL model. The ARDL model results demonstrate that the long-run impact of ENGO is negative on infant mortality and death rate, meaning that an increase in the proportion of ENGOs in China considerably decreases infant mortality and death rate. On the other hand, ENGOs have a favorable influence on life expectancy in China, demonstrating ENGOs' supporting role in raising birth life expectancy. In the short run, estimates of ENGOs have no substantial influence on newborn mortality and death rates in China, whereas ENGOs have a positive and significant impact on life expectancy. These results imply that ENGOs help improves people's health status in China, which is also supported by the rise in GDP, technology, and health expenditures. The causal analysis confirms the bi-directional causal link between ENGO and IMR and ENGO and LE, while the unidirectional causal link runs from ENGO to DR. The results of the study provide insights into the impact of environmental NGOs on human health in China and may help guide policies aimed at improving public health outcomes through environmental protection efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eco-innovations are widely considered the best possible solution to fight the menace of environmental degradation. Therefore, in this analysis, we try to examine the impact of eco-innovations and environmental entrepreneurship on SME performance in China from 1998 to 2020. In order to get the short- and long-run estimates, we have employed the QARDL model that can estimate across various quantiles. The findings of the QARDL model confirm the positive impact of eco-innovations in increasing the number of SMEs in the long run, as the estimates attached to eco-innovations are positive and significant across most quantiles. Similarly, the estimates attached to financial development and institutional quality are positively significant across most quantiles. However, in the short run, the results are inconclusive for almost all variables. As far as the asymmetric impact of eco-innovations on SMEs is concerned, it is confirmed both in the short and long run. However, the asymmetric impacts of financial development and institutional quality on SMEs are only confirmed in the long run. Based on the results, important policy suggestions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient financial system is crucial for the attainment of green growth and superior environmental quality. Therefore, our focus in this analysis is to estimate the effect of financial institutions and markets on green growth and environmental quality in highly polluted economies from 1991 to 2019. Estimates of the variables are collected with the help of the ARDL bounds testing approach. Findings of the ARDL model imply that a financial institution's efficiency helps improve green growth in the USA, China, and Japan in the long-run. However, the efficiency of the financial markets causes the green economy to grow in the long run in China and Russia only. On the other side, in the CO2 model, the long-run estimated coefficients of a financial institution's efficiency are negatively significant in Japan and China only, implying that a financial institution's efficiency significantly reduces CO2 emissions. Similarly, the long-run estimates of financial markets are significantly negative in the context of China and Japan only in CO2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution has intensified significantly in the last few decades. Policymakers have considered this issue due to its direct influence on human lives throughout the globe. This study explores the asymmetric determinants of consumption-based and production-based CO2 emissions for China, for time horizon 1990–2019. ARDL and NARDL regression approaches have been adopted for empirical investigation. The ARDL regression method reveals that GDP does not produce any impact on production-based and consumption-based CO2 emissions, while energy use contributes as an increasing determinant of consumption-based and production-based CO2 emissions in the long-run. The NARDL regression method reveals that a positive shock in GDP is beneficial for a decline of consumption-based CO2 emissions, while it does not reduce production-based CO2 emissions in the long-run. However, negative shock in GDP contributes as an increasing determinant of consumption-based CO2 emissions. Results also report that positive shock in energy use behaves as an increasing agent of consumption-based and production-based CO2 emissions in the long-run, while negative shock in energy use produces a decline in production-based CO2 emissions in the long-run. Thus, policymakers should adopt such demand and supply sides' management policies that contribute to controlling CO2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient energy is crucial in reducing CO2 emissions. The researchers are digging for a new efficient source of energy in the modern era. Therefore, this study explores the dynamic impacts of energy efficiency and renewable energy consumption on CO2 emissions from 1991 to 2019 for China. By using the non-linear ARDL approach, we found that a negative shock in energy efficiency has a positive impact on CO2 emissions in long run. Furthermore, renewable energy consumption with positive shock has a negative significant impact on CO2 emissions, but negative shock in renewable energy consumption leads to increase pollution emissions in long run. Besides, positive shocks to energy efficiency and renewable energy consumption have also a favorable negative effect on CO2 emissions in the short run. While a negative shock in energy efficiency has only unobservable negative impacts on CO2 emissions in the short run. Based on findings, some policy measures are suggested to attain environmental sustainability in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Last few decades, several economic uncertainty challenges have emerged in the energy market. This study newly contributes to existing research by inspecting the asymmetric effect of economic policy uncertainty and financial development on renewable energy consumption in China. We employ a nonlinear ARDL approach by using a time-series dataset spanning from 1990 to 2019. Our symmetric model shows that economic policy uncertainty matters in the short run, as it increases renewable energy consumption while exhibiting a negative impact on renewable energy in long run in China. Our asymmetric results in the short and long run have deviated from the symmetric results. Our asymmetric results of the short and long run are similar in direction but different in magnitude. The results show that positive change in economic policy uncertainty has increased 3.216% and negative change in economic policy uncertainty has decreased 1.461% in renewable energy consumption in long run in China. Financial development does not matter in renewable energy consumption in China. Based on these outcomes, we can draw some robust economic policies in China as well as for other pollutant economies. Policymakers should be made economic policies more predictable in the modern era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bradysia odoriphaga is a major insect pest that infests Chinese chive in northern China. Clothianidin is a second-generation neonicotinoid insecticide that is commonly used against B. odoriphaga. In this study, the effect of sublethal clothianidin concentrations (LC5 and LC10) on key biological characteristics of B. odoriphaga was investigated using an age-stage, two-sex life table method. Bioassays results showed that clothianidin exhibited high toxicity against B. odoriphaga with LC50 of 1.898 mg L−1 following 24 h exposure. The developmental duration of larvae was significantly increased when exposed to the LC5 (0.209 mg L−1) and LC10 (0.340 mg L−1) of clothianidin. No significant effects were observed on the pupal stage, adult pre-oviposition period (APOP), total pre-oviposition period (TPOP), and mean longevities of male and female. The oviposition period and fecundity of B. odoriphaga were reduced in clothianidin-treated groups. Moreover, key demographic parameters, including the intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and net reproductive rate (R0), were significantly decreased by the LC5 and LC10 of clothianidin, while no effects were noted on mean generation time (T). Overall, this study showed that sublethal concentrations of clothianidin have a detrimental effect on B. odoriphaga developmental period, fecundity, and life table parameters. Therefore, clothianidin has the potential to suppress the population of B. odoriphaga even at sublethal concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Oviposition site selection is an important factor in determining the success of insect populations. Orius spp. are widely used in the biological control of a wide range of soft-bodied insect pests such as thrips, aphids, and mites. Orius strigicollis (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) is the dominant Oriusspecies in southern China; however, what factor drives its selection of an oviposition site after mating currently remains unknown. Methods. Here, kidney bean pods (KBPs) were chosen as the oviposition substrate, and choice and nonchoice experiments were conducted to determine the preferences concerning oviposition sites on the KBPs of O. strigicollis. The mechanism of oviposition behavior was revealed through observation and measurement of oviposition action, the egg hatching rate, and the oviposition time. Results. We found that O. strigicollis preferred the seams of the pods for oviposition, especially the seams at the tips of the KBPs. Choice and nonchoice experiments showed that females did not lay eggs when the KBP tail parts were unavailable. The rates of egg hatching on different KBP parts were not significantly different, but the time required for females to lay eggs on the tip seam was significantly lower. Decreased oviposition time is achieved on the tip seam because the insect can exploit support points found there and gain leverage for insertion of the ovipositor. Discussion. The preferences for oviposition sites of O. strigicollis are significantly influenced by the topography of the KBP surface. Revealing such behavior and mechanisms will provide an important scientific basis for the mass rearing of predatory bugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuta absoluta is a devastating invasive pest worldwide, causing severe damage to the global tomato industry. It has been recorded recently in the northwestern border areas of China, posing a significant threat to tomato production. It was presumed that the region's winter-related low temperatures would avert the alien species from successfully overwintering. In this study, the supercooling capacity and low-temperature tolerance of this pest were examined under laboratory conditions and its overwintering potential in Xinjiang was estimated. The results showed that the lowest supercooling point was recorded in the adult stage (− 19.47 °C), while the highest (− 18.11 °C) was recorded in the pupal stage. The supercooling points of pupae and adults were not influenced by gender. The Ltemp50 and Ltemp90 of female and male adults were the lowest when exposed to cold for 2 h. However, when the duration of exposure extended from 4 to 10 h, the Ltemp50 and Ltemp90 of female and male pupae were the lowest. Comparison of the lowest Ltemp50 and Ltemp90 with temperatures in January indicated that T. absoluta might not be able to overwinter in most of the northern and central regions of Xinjiang. However, in the southern regions, the extremely low temperature was higher than the Ltemp90, suggesting that T. absoluta has a higher overwintering potential in these regions. These results form a basis for predicting the dispersal potential and possible geographic range of this pest in Xinjiang. In addition, our findings provide guidance for the control of this pest by reducing overwintering shelters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) is a destructive insect pest of cotton crops in China and globally, which is actively predated on by Orius strigicollis. Studies on the fitness or survival of O. strigicollis fed on P. gossypiella at different temperatures have not been reported. The fitness of O. strigicollis may be well explained using two-sex life table parameters. Thus, the present study provides important insights for the effective biocontrol of P. gossypiella. Methodology: Considering the importance of fitness parameters and biocontrol, the present study explores the feeding potential and age-stage, two-sex life table traits of O. strigicollis on P. gossypiella eggs at different temperatures (24, 28 and 32 °C) in the laboratory. Results: The intrinsic rate of increase (r) was higher at 28 °C (0.14 d-1) than at 24 _C (0.0052 d-1) and 32 °C (0.12 d-1). Similarly, the net reproductive rate (R0) was higher at 28 °C (17.63 offspring) than at 24 °C (1.13 offspring) and 32 °C (10.23 offspring). This concluded that the maximum feeding potential and growth capacity of O. strigicollis could be attained at 28 °C when fed on P. gossypiella eggs. O. strigicollis adults preferred to feed on P. gossypiella eggs compared with first instar larvae. Based on these results, the present study suggests that O. strigicollis represents a promising biological control agent against P. gossypiella eggs in cotton fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In the global competition for talent, the highly skilled and professional workers are increasingly being recognized as key drivers for innovation and economic prosperity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the wave and determinants of the brain-drain migration of skilled human capital from China. METHODS: We carried out a survey across a few rural and urban areas in China with 2,077 respondents by using a probability sampling technique. For empirical estimation, we employed the logistic regression estimation technique to compute and evaluate the data. RESULTS: The findings of this study suggest that high wages outside China and low wages within China is the top reason to move out of China. Additionally, more opportunities and better lifestyle away from China are key factors to push skilled human capital from China to host country. The findings of our study also indicate that better education abroad has a positive correlation with the brain-drain migration intention in China. CONCLUSIONS: The empirical results of the survey should be a high concern for the policy makers of China. Most survey respondents were young, well-educated and highly skilled, they identified several critical reasons that compel them to migrate from China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China launched the One Belt & One Road (OBOR) initiative to minimize the energy resource shortage. The China's nearby countries are rich in energy resources especially Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Asian countries which make them ideal locations to cooperate with China in terms of energy resources, as 42.8% of world energy consumption belongs to OBOR countries. The present study elaborates the spatial distribution pattern of energy consumption disparities and its impact on environment. To do this, an entropy approach is utilized to compute the energy consumption inequalities in OBOR and its regions. The spatial and Pareto analysis show that MENA, East, and Southeast Asian economies have the highest degree of energy consumption inequalities, while European and Central Asian economies show the lowest energy consumption inequalities in OBOR region. The long-run estimates indicate that energy consumption inequalities enhance the CO2 emission in OBOR and its region except South and Southeast Asia. Financial development also has a significantly positive impact on CO2 emission in all models for OBOR and its regions except East Asia. Based on findings, the spatial distribution analysis is applicable to maintain balance in regional energy consumption inequality within OBOR and its regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the world's largest economies, Chinese economy is maintaining the rapid economic development along with the cost of environmental degradation. The role of fiscal policy instruments is still unknown in the Chinese pollution equation. To do this, the present study is an effort to quantify the nexus of fiscal policy instruments and environmental degradation for Chinese economy over 1980 to 2016. The results reveal that fiscal policy instruments significantly increase the environmental degradation in the long run. The GDP and energy consumption of Chinese economy also enhance the environmental degradation respectively. The innovative accounting approach and diagnostics tests also applied to confirm the empirical estimates of study are reliable and valid for policy implications. The outcomes of study reveal that expansionary fiscal policy will lead to environmental degradation. Therefore, the Chinese authorities may consider the usage of advance and eco-friendly production methods to sustain the fast-growing economic growth along with the healthier environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The People's Republic of China (PRC) has become an international student destination, a phenomenon that requires researching its consequences and implications. This study investigates influences on international students' decision to leave or to stay in China after completing their studies. Through a snowball sampling technique, empirical data were gleaned from 283 foreign students in different universities in China. Using a binary logit model, the results show that the majority of respondents wish to stay and to work in China. While most foreign students value high wages, many prefer the working conditions and lifestyle in China. Yet some students are cynical about the limited job opportunities for foreigners in China, which compel them to leave after completing their studies. Despite its limitations, this empirical study not only provides pertinent future-research paths but also policymaking recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How herbivorous insects adapt to host plants is a key question in ecological and evolutionary biology. The fall armyworm, (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), although polyphagous and a major pest on various crops, has been reported to have a rice and corn (maize) feeding strain in its native range in the Americas. The species is highly invasive and has recently established in China. We compared behavioral changes in larvae and adults of a corn population (Corn) when selected on rice (Rice) and the molecular basis of these adaptational changes in midgut and antennae based on a comparative transcriptome analysis. Larvae of S. frugiperda reared on rice plants continuously for 20 generations exhibited strong feeding preference for with higher larval performance and pupal weight on rice than on maize plants. Similarly, females from the rice selected population laid significantly more eggs on rice as compared to females from maize population. The most highly expressed DEGs were shown in the midgut of Rice vs. Corn. A total of 6430 DEGs were identified between the populations mostly in genes related to digestion and detoxification. These results suggest that potential adaptations for feeding on rice crops, may contribute to the current rapid spread of fall armyworm on rice crops in China and potentially elsewhere. Consistently, highly expressed DEGs were also shown in antennae; a total of 5125 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) s were identified related to the expansions of major chemosensory genes family in Rice compared to the Corn feeding population. These results not only provide valuable insight into the molecular mechanisms in host plants adaptation of S. frugiperda but may provide new gene targets for the management of this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive ants threaten China's ecosystems and agriculture. Our review highlights the challenges faced and diverse strategies employed to combat these invaders, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation for safeguarding the environment and public well-being. [Display omitted] • Ecological & Economic Challenges of Exotic Ant Invasion in China. • In-Depth Analysis of China's Struggle with Exotic Ants. • Factors Behind Introduction & Establishment of Exotic Ants. • National Responses: Capacity Building, Research, Legislation. • Addressing Limitations, Enhancing Ant Invasion Strategies. The invasion of exotic ant species in China presents significant challenges to ecosystems, agriculture, and the economy. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of China's ongoing battle with exotic ants, examining the factors contributing to their introduction and establishment. It explores the responses implemented by the decision makers, including capacity building, establishment of research institutions, and legislative measures. Limitations and gaps in the current strategies are identified, highlighting the need for regional collaboration, increased awareness, and strengthened early detection and response systems. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes the importance of conducting research to understand various exotic ant species' ecological and economic impacts, facilitating the development of targeted and effective management approaches. By adopting a comprehensive and coordinated approach, China can mitigate the impacts of ant invasions and safeguard its biodiversity, agriculture, and economy. This analysis underscores the significance of collective efforts in addressing the ongoing battle with exotic ants and preserving the well-being of ecosystems, economies, and the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The efficiency of tillage methods under different rainfall distribution on spring-maize production was investigated. • Subsoiling demonstrated significant enhancement on soil water storage in normal years, while no-tillage in dry/wet years. • Subsoiling decreased soil reservoir scarcity in dry/ normal, no-tillage increased reservoir supplementation in wet years. • Both no-tillage and subsoiling increased soil water consumption at reproductive growth stages, improved yield out and WUE.. The application of conservation tillage with less soil disturbance appears to serve as an effective strategy to conserve water for crops. A site-specific field study was carried out in accordance with rainfall conditions to evaluate the influence of tillage methods on soil water regime, crop yield and water use efficiency for a semiarid region of the Loess Plateau in China. Three tillage methods including no-tillage, subsoiling, and plow tillage were tested from 2008−2016. Our results showed that the three tillage methods offer varying degrees of efficiency in conserving soil water and producing spring maize according to rainfall distributions. Compared to plow tillage methods, refraining from no-tillage increased soil water storage levels within the 0−200 cm layer by 7.1, 5.4, and 9.6% on an average in dry, normal and in wet years, respectively, subsoiling increased soil water storage levels by 5.1, 9.4, and 6.6% in dry, normal, and wet years, respectively. Improved soil water regimes secured by no-tillage and subsoiling respectively increased matter accumulation by 12.3% and 13.8% in dry years, by 12.3% and 18.6% in normal years, and by 13.9% and 9.2% in wet years. No-tillage and subsoiling respectively increased grain yields by 18.7% and 12.3% in dry years, by 2.9% and 8.8% in normal years, and by 9.1% and 7.9% in wet years relative to plow tillage. Consequently, water use efficiency levels achieved under the no-tillage and subsoiling methods were respectively increased on an average by 17.2% and 11.7% in dry years, by 3.1% and 8.5% in normal years, and by 9.3% and 6.0% in wet years. Hence, both the no-tillage and subsoiling methods could effectively improve soil water storage, thus significantly increasing yields and water use efficiency levels. With an increment of 10 mm of soil water storage, grain yield was increased up to 76.6 kg ha−1. The proposed method could have important applications in semiarid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Financial integration and ICT are two of many factors that have gained popularity regarding their impact on sustainability. Therefore, this research examines how ICT and financial integration affect green growth and carbon neutrality. We employed the QARDL model for empirical analysis across short- and long-run quantiles. The study's main results show that financial integration and ICT reduce carbon emissions in the long and short-run. In addition, financial integration and ICT help achieve green growth in the short and long run. Furthermore, the Wald test confirms that financial integration and ICT have an asymmetric impact on carbon neutrality and green growth in the long run. The study provides various important policy suggestions that help in green growth and carbon neutrality targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pioneering study employed a holistic geostatistical approach to predict the spatial variability of a non sampled area in the Chenab River, Pakistan, using kriging interpolation for organochlorine pesticide (OCP)-polluted risk zones. The Present research intended to investigate the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health risks, contamination levels, and spatial variation of OCPs in the Chenab River, Pakistan. The residual OCP content in sediment samples (n = 120) ranged from 0.056 to 32.14 ng/g. DDE and α-HCH were prevalent among all the samples analyzed, with mean concentrations of 15.84 ± 8.02 and 12.45 ± 6.72 ng/g, respectively. The order of magnitude of OCPs in sediment samples was DDTs > α-HCH > chlorothalonil > heptachlor > endosulfan > aldrin > dieldrin. The findings of the single (SPI) and Nemerow (Nel) pollution index of α-HCH, heptachlor, and aldrin depicted the Chenab River as a serious pollution risk zone. The outcomes of the Pearson correlation coefficient analysis represent the positive correlation among all OCPs, revealing the common origin. Distribution trends showed substantially higher (p < 0.05) contents of analyzed OCPs along the downstream zone. With regards to USEPA human health hazard assessment model, the estimated non-carcinogenic (ΣHI) and non-carcinogenic (ΣTCR) risk ranged from 1.1 × 10 -5 to 1.0 × 10 -1 , 4.0 × 10 -8 to 3.2 × 10 -4 respectively. TCR >10 -4 illustrated a substantial cancer health risk posed by α-HCH, heptachlor, aldrin, and dieldrin in the downstream zone. We recommend the urgent cessation of the ongoing discharge of OCPs into the Chenab River, which needs to be highlighted owing to the significant cancer risk to public health to ensure the good health and wellbeings., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare there is no conflict of interest/competing interest in this study., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Environmental taxes are deemed to be an important carbon mitigating factor and also encourage the producers to adopt environmentally friendly technologies. Therefore, the main objective of the analysis is to evaluate the environmental taxes on environmental innovations and carbon intensity in China. The novel quantile autoregressive distributed lag (QARDL) is applied to investigate the model empirically. From the results, we confer that the short and long run estimated coefficients of environmental taxes are positive and significant at most quantiles in the environmental innovation model, implying that the higher the rate of environmental taxes, the higher the rate of environment-related innovations. However, the estimates of environmental taxes are significant and negative in both short and long run at more than half quantiles in the carbon emissions model, suggesting the positive role of environmental taxes in reducing carbon emissions. In general, our findings imply that an increase in environment-related taxes helps reduce carbon intensity and promote environmental innovation in China. The study suggests that policymakers in China should promote environmental innovation and expand the environmental tax base to achieve the objective of carbon neutrality., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

The presented work analyzes the energy prices, climate shock, and health deprivation nexus in the BRICS economies for the period 1995-2020. Panel ARDL-PMG technique is used to reveal the underexplored linkages. The long-run estimates of energy prices are observed to be negatively significant to the health expenditure and life expectancy model, whereas, positively significant to the climate change model. These findings suggest that energy prices significantly reduce health expenditures and life expectancy and, thus, increase the death rate in the BRICS economies. The long-run country-wise estimate of energy prices is found negatively significant in case of Brazil, India, China, and South Africa. Alongside, the group-wise significance of CO2 emissions is discovered to be negatively, positively, and insignificant in the cases of life expectancy, death rate, and health expenditure models, respectively. Besides, country-wise long-run estimate of CO2 emissions witnesses negative significance for Russia, India, China, and South Africa., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Environmental pollution has intensified significantly in the last few decades. Policymakers have considered this issue due to its direct influence on human lives throughout the globe. This study explores the asymmetric determinants of consumption-based and production-based CO 2 emissions for China, for time horizon 1990-2019. ARDL and NARDL regression approaches have been adopted for empirical investigation. The ARDL regression method reveals that GDP does not produce any impact on production-based and consumption-based CO 2 emissions, while energy use contributes as an increasing determinant of consumption-based and production-based CO 2 emissions in the long-run. The NARDL regression method reveals that a positive shock in GDP is beneficial for a decline of consumption-based CO 2 emissions, while it does not reduce production-based CO 2 emissions in the long-run. However, negative shock in GDP contributes as an increasing determinant of consumption-based CO 2 emissions. Results also report that positive shock in energy use behaves as an increasing agent of consumption-based and production-based CO 2 emissions in the long-run, while negative shock in energy use produces a decline in production-based CO 2 emissions in the long-run. Thus, policymakers should adopt such demand and supply sides' management policies that contribute to controlling CO 2 emissions., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Efficient energy is crucial in reducing CO2 emissions. The researchers are digging for a new efficient source of energy in the modern era. Therefore, this study explores the dynamic impacts of energy efficiency and renewable energy consumption on CO2 emissions from 1991 to 2019 for China. By using the non-linear ARDL approach, we found that a negative shock in energy efficiency has a positive impact on CO2 emissions in long run. Furthermore, renewable energy consumption with positive shock has a negative significant impact on CO2 emissions, but negative shock in renewable energy consumption leads to increase pollution emissions in long run. Besides, positive shocks to energy efficiency and renewable energy consumption have also a favorable negative effect on CO2 emissions in the short run. While a negative shock in energy efficiency has only unobservable negative impacts on CO2 emissions in the short run. Based on findings, some policy measures are suggested to attain environmental sustainability in China., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

With rapid economic growth, BRICS is facing enormous burdens of carbon emission and severe issues of income inequality. However, behind this economic success, the BRICS economies also face few thoughtful challenges to improve environmental quality by catching up the sustainable development goals. Consequently, the existing empirical research is concerned with the dynamic links between income inequality and CO 2 emissions by using the novel nonlinear ARDL approach, but small attention has been paid to the BRICS in literature. Therefore, we observed that a negative and positive change in income inequality has positive effect on CO 2 emissions in Russia and South Africa in the long run, although a positive change in income inequality has positive effects on CO 2 emissions in Brazil, Russia, and China, while a negative change in income inequality has negative effect on CO 2 emissions in India, Brazil, and Russia in the short run. Hence, the findings value specific attention from policymakers in BRICS economies., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

In the digital era, technology innovation and adoption trigger economic growth and enhance CO 2 emissions through productivity, which places it in the mainstream policy debate. For BRICS economies, this paper uses the first method proposed in the literature to quantify their information and communication technology (ICT) and innovatively links each country to their information technology adoption rate, as a surrogate indicator for measuring information and communication technology. Environmental Kuznets curve evidence is also examined, using technology innovation, technology adoption, and trade openness as the control variables for sustainable development. The results show that two out of three technology innovation instruments, fixed telephone, and broadband subscriptions increase CO 2 emissions. Simultaneously, mobile cellular subscriptions have a lowering effect on CO 2 emission in BRICS. The technology adoption indicators, high-technology exports, and electric power consumption also cause an upsurge in CO 2 emission. Moreover, trade openness also enriches the level of CO 2 emission in the BRICS regions. There is a need to devise technology innovation and adoption policies to better use technology and to ensure a green environment.

Thrips tabaci Lindeman is a widely distributed agricultural pest China, which causes damage to many vegetables and cash crops. However, the population genetic variation of this pest in China remains unknown. In this study, the genetic diversity and structure of T. tabaci on Allium hosts collected from 12 geographic locations were evaluated based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences. Six haplotypes were identified in 247 T. tabaci individuals from 12 geographic locations. All the identified T. tabaci haplotypes were thelytokous populations. The strongest genetic differentiation and relatively low gene flow were found between QHXN and other locations, which might be due to geographic barriers, such as high altitude Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The lowest genetic variation was found in eastern and southern regions, with only one haplotype identified. The Mantel test showed no correlation between genetic distance and geographical distances. High gene flow between locations with substantial geographical distances suggested that migration of T. tabaci across China might be facilitated through human activities. The results of demographic analysis suggested that T. tabaci in China have undergone a recent demographic expansion. The possible influences of T. tabaci invasion history and human activities on the current haplotype geographical distribution were interpreted and the implications of these findings for T. tabaci management were discussed., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)