Index Approach Research Articles

How do market volatility and risk aversion sentiment inter-influence over time? Evidence from Chinese SSE 50 ETF options

We propose to implement the TVP-VAR-SV model and the spillover index approach to investigate the dynamics of mutual influences between market volatility and risk aversion sentiment (represented by variance risk premium), from aspects of realized variance (RV) and implied variance (IV). We innovatively study the evolution of volatility information transmission mechanisms by analyzing time-varying impulse response and dynamic connectedness in the Chinese market. Upon inspecting shock effects from investor sentiment to RV and IV, we discover that investor sentiment can cause sudden shocks on realized volatility but produce expansive shocks on expected volatility. As we compare spillover effects in call and put options, we find that (i) sentiments in put option contain more volatility information and can affect market volatility, while sentiments in call option primarily perceive volatility spillovers from market volatility, and (ii) investor sentiments in call (put) option become to present more volatility information in a bullish (bearish) market. Our study provides valuable insights on behavioral finance theory and portfolio risk management.

Assessment and Driving Factors of Embodied Carbon Emissions in the Construction Sector: Evidence from 2005 to 2021 in Northeast China

Reducing embodied carbon emissions in the construction sector is pivotal for achieving sustainable development goals, mainly those related to health and well-being, sustainable cities and communities, and climate action. Hence, it is crucial to delve into the trends and influencing factors of construction-embodied carbon, especially in countries like China, where extensive construction projects are underway. Previous studies have investigated carbon emissions at both national and regional levels, whereas research specific to the construction sector in Northeast China remains limited. This study assessed the embodied carbon of the construction sector in Northeast China from 2005 to 2021. The results indicated that embodied carbon initially rose before declining, peaking at 278.9 MtCO2e in 2012. Based on the Logistic Mean Divided Index (LMDI) approach, the variations in embodied carbon were decomposed into seven driving factors, including emission source structure, embodied carbon intensity, construction mechanization, machinery requirement, industrial structure, economic development, and population scale. While construction mechanization and economic development were identified as primary drivers of the changes in embodied carbon, carbon emission intensity and population scale exerted inhibiting effects on the rise. Moreover, potential strategies for mitigating construction-embodied carbon in Northeast China were delineated, underscoring the regionality across different provinces. The results and suggestions can help foster a low-carbon construction industry from a provincial perspective.

Towards Sustainable Living through Thermoneutral Temperature Management in Subtropical Steppe Climates

This study addresses the critical interplay between sustainable living and thermal comfort within residential buildings in subtropical steppe (BSh) climates, particularly in Northern Iraq. With the global imperative to enhance energy efficiency and occupant well-being, this research emphasizes the identification of thermoneutral indoor air temperature ranges that both support sustainable energy use and ensure the occupants’ thermal comfort. By analyzing the acceptable temperature limits across different building orientations during summer and winter, the study utilizes the predicted mean vote–predicted percentage dissatisfied (PMV-PPD) index approach to establish thermal comfort thresholds. The findings reveal that the optimal summer and winter indoor air temperatures are 29.2 °C and 19.4 °C, respectively, with variations across orientations highlighting the significant influence of building directionality on achieving thermoneutral conditions. A wider range of accepted temperatures exists in the eastward orientation in summer (between 26.6 °C and 29.2 °C). The study advances our understanding of sustainable thermal comfort practices, proposing orientation-specific temperature ranges as a cornerstone for reducing energy consumption without compromising occupant comfort in subtropical steppe climates.

An eco-friendly first and second derivative synchronous spectrofluorimetry for quantification of florfenicol in presence of its different degradation products. Application to kinetic stability study.

Two rapid, simple, sensitive and selective derivative spectrofluorimetric methods (first and second derivative synchronous spectrofluorimetric (FDSFS and SDSFS) procedures) have been developed for the analysis of florfenicol in the presence of its various degradation products. FDSFS was applied to assay the drug in the presence of its alkaline, oxidative and photolytic degradation products while SDSFS was used to quantify it in the presence of its acidic degradation product. These methods permitted quantification of florfenicol at corresponding λ Em of 288, 287, 279 and 284 nm without interferences from any of its degradation products. Full validation procedures were applied to the suggested method according to International Conference of Harmonization guidelines. Moreover, different degradation kinetic parameters were calculated such as half-life (t 1/2), degradation rate constant (K) and activation energy (E a). Using the analytical eco-scale, green analytical procedure index and analytical greenness metric approach AGREE as greenness assessment tools, the proposed method was found to be environmentally friendly.

Deciphering spatial variability and dominant controls of soil quality under four types of grassland along a southeast-northwest transect in Tibet, southwestern China

Grasslands on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are under threat from ongoing degradation due to natural and anthropogenic perturbations, resulting in widespread decline in the soil quality of grassland. However, the variations, distributions and dominant drivers of soil quality under different grassland types on the plateau have not been studied due to great difficulty in large-scale sampling at high altitudes. We quantitatively assessed soil quality under alpine meadow (AM), alpine steppe (AS), alpine desert steppe (ADS), and alpine desert (AD) along a 900-km southeast-northwest transect in Tibet, southwestern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau using an improved soil quality index (SQI) approach. Results showed that there was a high spatial variability of SQI across the transect, with an overall increase of SQI from northwest to southeast (P < 0.01). The average SQI of AM (0.51 ± 0.12) and AS (0.47 ± 0.13) was significantly higher than that of ADS (0.33 ± 0.10) and AD (0.30 ± 0.10) (P < 0.05). Random forest analysis demonstrated that soil property, vegetation factors, environmental conditions and human activity exhibited a decreasing order of the relative importance on SQI. Interactions of soil property and vegetation factors significantly influenced SQI as indicated by the structural equation modeling (P < 0.05). Pedotransfer function (PTF) was applied to adequately predict the soil quality of grassland in Tibet (RMSE = 0.087, R2 = 0.647, P < 0.01), but an extrapolation of the established PTF for estimating grassland soil quality in another alpine region in northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau requires the nonlinear least squares correction to improve the prediction accuracy. This study unravelled the spatial variability and dominant controls of the soil quality of grassland in Tibet and established a high-precision forecasting model of SQI by considering the grassland type, providing a basis for accurately predicting and sustainably managing grassland soil quality in the alpine region. Reducing grazing intensity and vegetation restoration are needed to improve the soil quality of grassland on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

A Physical Activity and Sitting Time Balance Index and All-Cause Mortality Risk

IntroductionAchieving a healthier balance of more time spent in physical activity (PA) and less time in sedentary behaviour is now widely advocated for achieving multiple health benefits. This study introduces a Physical Activity and Sitting Time Balance Index (PASTBI), a potential risk identification tool addressing the interplay between PA and sedentary behaviour; and aims to explore its association with the risk of all-cause mortality in Australian adults. MethodsThis prospective cohort study analysed the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab) data on 5,836 Australian adults. The PASTBI was calculated by dividing the total duration of moderate-vigorous intensity PA (minutes/day) by the duration of sitting time (ST) (hours/day), both self-reported at baseline (2004-05). The PASTBI was expressed in quartiles ranging from Q1 – low PA/high ST to Q4 – high PA/low ST. The association between PASTBI and all-cause mortality was explored (in 2022) using the Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for socio-demographics, lifestyle factors, waist circumference, and the number of comorbidities. ResultsDuring 78,406 person-years of follow-up (median follow-up of 14.3 years), there were 885 deaths (15%). In the fully adjusted model, compared to those in the highest PASTBI category (Quartile 4 - high PA/low ST), participants from the lowest PASTBI category (Quartile 1 - low PA/high ST) were at a higher risk of all-cause mortality [HR (95% CI) = 1.47 (1.21-1.79)]. ConclusionsA less favourable balance of time spent in PA and ST (as characterized by a parsimonious PASTBI index approach) was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality.

Empirical evidence of the relationship between regulatory efficiency, market openness, and bank productivity in economies at different income levels: Evidence from selected Asian and MENA countries

Research background: Economic freedom plays a pivotal role in ensuring the progressive productivity of banks. It fosters a favorable economic climate and acts as a catalyst for the generation of innovative ideas. In addition, economic freedom allows new domestic and foreign entrants in the banking sector which leads to increased competition as well as wider range of product offerings and thus potentially affect bank efficiency. Purpose of the article: This study aims to identify the effects of regulatory efficiency and market openness in terms of economic freedom on the bank’s productivity at three income levels: lower-middle, upper-middle, and high-income economies. Methods: A sample of 15 countries are included in the study from differing income levels. The study uses the data envelopment analysis (DEA) based Malmquist productivity index (MPI) approach to measure banks’ productivity. This non-parametric approach measures the relative efficiency of banks by considering the production change while taking into account technical efficiency change and technological change in order to capture a comprehensive view over time. Then, regression analysis was performed utilizing the ordinary least squares (OLS) approach, fixed effect (FE), and random effect (RE) panel multiple regression estimation methods are utilized to measure economic freedoms and other determinants’ effect on banks’ productivity change over time. Findings &amp; value added: The results show that banks in high-income economies are more productive and have higher growth rates than those in upper- and lower-income economies. Furthermore, starting, obtaining permits, and closing businesses under business freedom have a detrimental effect on banks’ output, whereas the effects of labor freedom on employing, managing, and supervising staff members have a substantial favorable impact on banks’ productivity. Moreover, financial freedom and investment freedom under the market openness dimension negatively influence banks’ productivity. Government intervention is required to introduce regulations that allow foreign countries to provide labor at lower wages, introduce tax allowances, and control inflation rates. Thus, the empirical results of this study will benefit regulators and policymakers in developing a system and plan to increase banks’ productivity based on indicators of business, labor, financial, and investment freedom.

An Image Identification System for Agricultural Items Based on Machine Vision

The purpose of this work was to use machine learning classification models and hyperspectral camera technologies to create a model of surface damage to garlic. 140 of the 184 garlic plants of which 44 were used for test validation were pre-treated for surface damage. First, we examined the data in ENVI under various damage scenarios using the normalised vegetation index (NDVI) approach. 579 pixels were then chosen for the training of the logistic regression model. Finally, we used 54 garlic bulbs to practically validate the model. Although tiny regions could not be precisely identified, the mouldy portion of the garlic’s surface could be identified using the NDVI technique. 90% accuracy was attained using the 90% classification model constructed using the logistic regression approach. Garlic’s surface damage, even at first mild ones, was correctly identified. The creation of this model for identifying garlic damage lowers the cost of detecting garlic damage and broadens the use of hyperspectral technologies in garlic detection.

Performance Evaluation of Sharia Rural Banks: Maqashid Shariah Index Approach (Case Study: Sharia Rural Banks In West Java, Indonesia)

This study aims to measure the performance of Sharia Rural Banks in West Java using the maqashid sharia approach by Abdul Majid Najjar. The sample used in this study consists of 9 rural banks spread across West Java. The research data employed are secondary data in the form of financial reports for the year 2023 sourced from the Indonesia Financial Services Authority (OJK) website and governance reports for the year 2023 sourced from the official websites of each Sharia Rural Banks. The results of the study indicate that BPRS Al Salaam Amal Salman achieved the highest maqashid sharia score, followed by BPRS PNM Mentari and BPRS Almadinah Tasikmalaya Perseroda as the top three Sharia Rural Banks in West Java with the highest maqashid sharia index scores. Further analysis at the consequence level reveals that "Self" is the consequence with the highest average score compared to other consequences. Meanwhile, the consequence "Intellect" shows the lowest maqashid performance score. This study is expected to serve as a foundation for sharia banks to enhance the implementation of sharia values in their operational practices. Additionally, this study can contribute to a deeper understanding of the compliance of sharia financial institutions with the principles of maqashid sharia at the regional level.

EVALUATING TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION RELEVANCE IN AUDIT AND NON-AUDIT FIRMS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Technology has substantially changed the accounting practice, impacting how financial information is processed, analysed, and reported. AI, RPA, and Big Data Analytics are not used very often, which could be a sign of problems that make them hard to adopt. The rankings for relevance and utilisation could demonstrate how practitioners see things rather than how people actually use them. It is necessary to understand the level of utilisation and relevancy of various types of technologies in accounting practices. The study aims to determine the current utilisation of technology in accounting practices and further outline the relevance of each technology specifically employed in both audit and non-audit firms. The current study is quantitative in nature and approached ten (10) practitioners, which consist of executives, managers, and senior management who are directly responsible for the process of preparing financial statements. The participants were requested to rank the relevance and current level of use of 17 types of technology established by the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA). The findings ranked and assigned weightage to each item of technologies based on three (3) approaches. The most used and relevant technologies among audit and non-audit firms with scores over 90% are Microsoft Applications, Communication Technology, Mobile Applications, Fintech, Application Software, and Online Communication. However, the utilisation and relevancy of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, XBRL, Robotic Process Automation, and Big Data Analytics remain relatively low, falling below 60%. If Weighted Cooke’s Index approach to be applied, blockchain will be assigned the highest weightage among other technologies due to its rarity and significant potential benefit to the profession. The limited number of participants and the exclusive focus on specific professionals within the accounting field might limit the applicability of the findings. Future research should investigate the actual usage of these technologies on a broad scale to validate the results that have been gathered and comprehend the factors that impact the utilisation and importance of technology in the real-world accounting profession.

Assessment of river recreation safety using hydrodynamic model and fuzzy logic: A spatial river recreational index approach

As demands for river recreational activities increases, assessing their safety has become essential to prevent accidents. The hydraulic conditions of the river critically influence the safety of in-water activities, such as sailing, paddling, and boating. Localized hazardous areas can emerge due to the spatial variability of hydraulic phenomena. This potential risk necessitates providing information about safe zones. Therefore, this study proposes a spatial river recreational index (SRRI) to assess the safety of river recreational activities over river spaces based on hydraulic factors. We reproduce the spatial distribution of the hydraulic parameters under various discharge conditions using a 3D hydrodynamic model and then estimate the SRRI by integrating all membership degrees and weights of these parameters using fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE). The application of the SRRI in the confluence of the Nakdong-Guemho River, South Korea, reveals that each hydraulic parameter contributes differently to safety levels, depending on discharge and morphological conditions. Specifically, the flow direction substantially decreases safety near the river confluence, whereas the water depth plays an important role in the meandering reach of the Nakdong River. Under high-flow conditions, velocity becomes a critical factor, especially for nonpowered activities (sailing and paddling/wading). The SRRI indicates that sailing is unsafe in the main flow zone and near the river confluence due to high sensitivity to discharge changes. In contrast, paddling/wading and leisure boating are less sensitive to discharge changes, allowing these activities to be partly allowable even under high-flow conditions, except in the deep-water zones of meandering reach. These results suggest that the SRRI can assist water recreational activity users in safely engaging in river recreational activities by providing spatial safety information based on various hydraulic conditions.

Air quality perceptual index approach: Development and application with data from two Nigerian cities

Due to the world's population growth, poor air quality (PAQ) has become a major health and environmental issue. Cities, in particular, have had to face the challenge of PAQ as a result of traffic and, in the case of the developing world, the use of diesel generators for domestic and industrial energy supply. As with other societal issues, such as corruption, that have perceptual indices to aid with their assessment, an Air Quality Perception Index (AQPI) could be pivotal in the assessment of air quality (AQ). The use of reference or instrument-measured information has been at the forefront of environmental assessment, but a perception-based index could provide a valuable supplementary approach. This paper discusses the potential for an AQPI based on research that took place on perceptions of air quality by residents in two cities, Abuja and Enugu, in Nigeria. The research was based on a survey of respondents who were asked to score various perceptual indicators of AQ. Utilizing the three most frequently perceived indicators of AQ identified in the survey, dust, smoke and smell/odour, an AQPI is presented and illustrated. The proposed AQPI follows a similar logic to that set out for the Human Development Index, with values that range from 0 to 1, with higher values suggesting better AQ. The paper makes the case for the AQPI as a complement to instrument-measured outcomes especially when the latter are rarely available such as in many cities of the global south due to high cost and operational capacity requirements.

The performance of Croatian hotel companies – DEA window and Malmquist productivity index approach

The hospitality industry operates in a dynamic and competitive environment whereefficiency and productivity are crucial for sustainable success. The main goal ofthis paper is to assess the dynamic changes in the efficiency and productivity oflarge and very large Croatian hotel companies and to investigate whether theirlocation influences these factors. It also aims to determine how resilient thecompanies are to macroeconomic shocks and to identify the causes of inefficiencyand productivity changes separately for each location. The analysis is conductedfor 70 large and very large hotel companies in total and separately for those incoastal and the continental Croatia from 2017 to 2022 using the Window DataEnvelopment Analysis and the Malmquist Productivity Index. The results show aslight decrease in relative efficiency in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19pandemic. The main cause of inefficiency for coastal hotel companies throughoutthe period is management performance and other exogenous factors. Conversely,the main cause of inefficiency for continental hotel companies shifted from non-optimal production size to management and other exogenous factors after 2020.Productivity declined between 2019 and 2020 due to the decline in technologicalchange for companies in both locations. Prior to 2020, coastal and continentalhotel companies followed a similar trend. While coastal hotels recovered faster in2021, continental hotels recovered more steadily and achieved higher productivityin 2022. This research provides valuable insights for hotel managers andacademics seeking to navigate the ever-changing field of hotel management.

The association between dynamic changes in vitamin D and frailty alterations: A prospective analysis of UK Biobank participants.

Frailty is a common geriatric syndrome associated with reduced reserves and increased vulnerability to stressors among older adults. Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in frailty, as it is essential for maintaining musculoskeletal functions. The relationship between dynamic changes in vitamin D levels and frailty over time has not been extensively studied. This study utilized data from the UK Biobank. Baseline and longitudinal changes in vitamin D levels were measured. Frailty status was assessed using both the frailty phenotype and frailty index approaches and classified as robust, pre-frail, or frail. Changes in frailty status were assessed by frailty phenotype at baseline (2006-2010) and the follow-up (2012-2013). Mixed effect model was performed to examine the association between vitamin D levels and frailty status. Using multistate transition models, we assessed the impact of increasing vitamin D levels on the probabilities of transitioning between robust, pre-frail, and frail states. Based on the frailty phenotype, 287926 individuals (64.8%) were identified as having various degrees of frailty (median age 58.00 [51.00, 64.00] years, 55.9% females). Using the frailty index approach, 250566 individuals (56%) were found to have different levels of frailty (median age 59.00 [51.00, 64.00] years, 55.3% females). Baseline vitamin D levels were found to be significantly associated with frailty status (frailty phenotype: ORfrail 0.78, 95% CI [0.76, 0.79], P<0.001; frailty index: ORfrail 0.80, 95% CI [0.78, 0.81], P<0.001). Dynamic changes in vitamin D levels were also found to be associated with changes in frailty over time. Furthermore, increasing vitamin D levels were associated with a transition from frailty to a healthier status. A higher degree of vitamin D (estimated at 1nmol/L) was associated with a lower risk of transitioning from robust to prefrail (HR 0.997, 95% CI [0.995, 0.999]) and from prefrail to frail (HR 0.992, 95% CI [0.988, 0.995]). This study highlights the importance of vitamin D in the context of frailty. Low vitamin D levels are associated with increased frailty risk, while increasing vitamin D levels may contribute to improving frailty status. Recognizing the relationship between vitamin D levels and frailty can inform personalized management and early interventions for frail individuals. Further research is needed to explore the potential effects of vitamin D interventions on frailty and deepen our understanding of the biological connections between vitamin D and frailty.

Assessing the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Environmental Sustainability in China

Environmental sustainability is crucial to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We can gain an overview of a region’s or country’s dynamics by quantifying and analyzing its patterns over time and space. It can then be used to develop more sustainable policies. This study created a database of indices covering China’s environment, economy, and resource domains. Using an improved Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI) approach, we assessed sustainability and its spatiotemporal dynamics in 31 Chinese provinces between 2000 and 2017. Our findings suggest that provinces with high levels of socioeconomic development tend to have higher environmental scores, especially after experiencing severe environmental issues. Some underdeveloped provinces achieved high scores due to their relatively low environmental pressure and high resource efficiency. However, most underdeveloped provinces had high environmental pressure and low resource efficiency, leading to low environmental sustainability. We also discovered that sustainability scores improved between 2000 and 2017, mainly due to socioeconomic advancements. Yet, some environmental issues, such as air pollution, worsened during the latter part. Therefore, we confirmed an inverted U-curve relationship between environmental, resource, and socioeconomic components. Clustering analysis based on provincial economic and demographic characteristics also revealed different chronological patterns of environmental scores across the clusters. Additionally, we detected the transfer of pollution from developed to less-developed regions during the early 2000s.

Developing U.S. West Coast recreational fishing community measures: Applying an index approach in the context of COVID-19 and social vulnerability

Despite the socio-economic importance of recreational fishing across many coastal communities, a well-defined conceptualization for place-based recreational fishing communities has remained noticeably absent across the U.S. West Coast. Following the framework of natural-resource dependence, this study constructs and evaluates recreational fishing indices, which serve as tools for assessing the involvement and impact of recreational fishing within different communities at the scale of the Census Designated Place. Components of the indices are selected to construct an engagement index of the overall economic activity related to recreational fishing, while a reliance index considers engagement per capita. The indices were then conceptually validated through correlation analyses with proxies for participation and interest. Temporal variations in both indices were evaluated in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic through a series of mixed-linear models, providing the first detailed assessment of the pandemic's impact on recreational fishing activity across the region. Despite shifts in individual angler participation and interest, the indices remained stable, with engagement declining following the pandemic. Additionally, the communities are evaluated with regard to their social vulnerability, finding communities with higher engagement as less vulnerable than those with higher reliance. Overall, this work provides valuable insights for identifying and assessing recreational fishing communities, potentially informing more sustainable and socially equitable management approaches.

Creating area level indices of behaviours impacting cancer in Australia with a Bayesian generalised shared component model

This study develops a model-based index approach called the Generalised Shared Component Model (GSCM) by drawing on the large field of factor models. The proposed fully Bayesian approach accommodates heteroscedastic model error, multiple shared factors and flexible spatial priors. Moreover, unlike previous index approaches, our model provides indices with uncertainty. Focusing on unhealthy behaviors that increase the risk of cancer, the proposed GSCM is used to develop the Area Indices of Behaviors Impacting Cancer product — representing the first area level cancer risk factor index in Australia. This advancement aids in identifying communities with elevated cancer risk, facilitating targeted health interventions.

Origin of spring water chemistry and its appropriateness for drinking requirements in a semi-arid environment (Ain Larbi, Algeria)

ABSTRACT A comparative assessment of water quality for drinking purposes was conducted in Ain Larbi area using the Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WA-WQI). The origin of minerals is assessed by a saturation index approach and the Gibbs diagram. Also, mineral correlation process and ion exchange mechanism are detected by the Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The PCA results indicate that the groundwater quality in the Ain Larbi study area primarily results from weathering and geochemical alteration of rock. The saturation index and Gibbs diagram support these findings. The WA-WQI was calculated for each station based on physicochemical parameters. During the wet season, three out of five classes of WQI were observed in the present study, including excellent (25%), good (70%), and poor (5%). In the dry season, the classes excellent (25%), good (30%), and poor (45%) were represented. The present situation demonstrates how hydrogeological regimes and water–rock interactions affect groundwater ion concentrations. Our results contribute to identifying drinking water requirements in the Ain Larbi region, promoting sustainable water management.

Integrated water quality and performance assessment of seawater desalination plants along two coasts in Egypt

This study aims to assess feedwater, brine, and drinking water quality related to eight full-scale Egyptian seawater desalination plants. Collected water quality records from plants on the Mediterranean and Red Seas were monthly analyzed to identify different physical, chemical, and biological parameters during 2022. Statistical analysis and water quality indices (WQIs) approaches were applied to evaluate the various water quality states based on the available international and Egyptian guidelines. Analyzed seawater quality properties showed compliance with the most operating permissible limits except for high concentrations of turbidity, fats, oils, and greases, total bacteria in one plant, and iron, manganese, and silica in another plant. The monthly measured Weighted Arithmetic WQI classified 71 % and 100 % of desalination plants as having “Excellent” water rank according to the standard limits of the World Health Organization and the Egyptian Water Quality Standard, respectively. However, 65 % and 52 % of desalination plants were projected into the “good” water quality rank based on the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment WQI for the same guidelines. The results indicate that the feed intake type and the location of a desalination plant can optimize its performance efficiency, minimize contamination sources, and mitigate the potential environmental impacts of brine.

Carbon productivity growth in China's thermal power industry: Empirical evidence using a bootstrapped Malmquist-Luenberger productivity index approach with fixed-sum undesirable outputs

The total amount of carbon emissions is limited by a fixed-sum constraint in the context of China's dual carbon target, a factor ignored in previous studies on carbon productivity. To address this gap, this study proposes a bootstrapped Malmquist-Luenberger productivity index approach with fixed-sum undesirable outputs. The proposed method not only considers the fixed-sum feature of undesirable outputs; it also reduces the calculation error caused by small samples and improves the accuracy of the measurement. We then apply the proposed approach to measure the carbon productivity growth of the thermal power industry in 30 provincial regions in China from 2011 to 2020 and analyze the driving forces of carbon productivity growth. The empirical results show that during the study period, China's overall carbon productivity increased with an annual average growth rate of 0.61 % due to CO2 emission efficiency improvement and technological progress. Additionally, 18 provincial thermal power industries had average carbon productivity growth rates between 0.06 % and 4.86 %, while the remaining 12 provinces showed carbon productivity declines at rates ranging from 0.03 % to 2.90 %. The driving forces of such growth differ among the 30 provinces. Policy suggestions are given for improving the carbon productivity of China's thermal power industry.