Government Incentives Research Articles

Influence of government policies on handwashing and vaccine uptake in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to prevent and control COVID-19: a systematic review

IntroductionThe government's role in influencing policies related to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine distribution and handwashing practices is essential in controlling the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.MethodsThis study aimed to systematically review published studies to explore the influence of government policies on handwashing and vaccine uptake in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to prevent and control COVID-19. A comprehensive search strategy was applied across three databases, and eligibility was determined using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. We reviewed 9 of 136 research papers following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.ResultsThe findings revealed that the government has a role in influencing policies related to COVID-19 vaccine distribution and handwashing uptake. Employment of public health campaigns and communication strategies by the government in Uganda increased vaccine acceptance and hand hygiene uptake. Similarly, government efforts to make hand hygiene accessible increased the uptake of handwashing in Tanzania. In Kenya, government efforts to increase access to soap and clean water in informal settlements and markets resulted in increased adherence to handwashing practices. Further, government incentives such as cash increased vaccination rates while vaccination reminders combined with cash incentives increased childhood immunization coverage.DiscussionOverall, this review indicates that monitoring and enforcing compliance increases vaccine and handwashing uptake across the three countries. The effectiveness of government policies on handwashing and vaccine uptake is influenced by factors such as safety, efficacy and access to information, among others. Therefore, there is a need to address these factors for the successful implementation of these policies.Systematic review RegistrationPROSPERO ID CRD42023396319, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/.

Thin-Film Technologies for Sustainable Building-Integrated Photovoltaics

This study investigates the incorporation of thin-film photovoltaic (TFPV) technologies in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and their contribution to sustainable architecture. The research focuses on three key TFPV materials: amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe), and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), examining their composition, efficiency, and BIPV applications. Recent advancements have yielded impressive results, with CdTe and CIGS achieving laboratory efficiencies of 22.10% and 23.35%, respectively. The study also explores the implementation of building energy management systems (BEMS) for optimizing energy use in BIPV-equipped buildings. Financial analysis indicates that despite 10.00–30.00% higher initial costs compared to conventional materials, BIPV systems can generate 50–150 kWh/m2 annually, with simple payback periods of 5–15 years. The research emphasizes the role of government incentives and innovative financing in promoting BIPV adoption. As BIPV technology progresses, it offers a promising solution for transforming buildings from energy consumers to producers, significantly contributing to sustainable urban development and climate change mitigation.

Proposed Business Strategy to Increase Profitability, Case Study: Majafreshindo Green Farm

This study examines the declining profitability of Majafresh Indo Green Farm, a leading hydroponic farming company in Majalengka, Indonesia. Using qualitative methods, the research identifies key issues, including a focus on operational repairs and insufficient marketing efforts, which have resulted in underutilized production capacity. The study addresses these challenges using analytical tools such as SWOT, IE Matrix, and TOWS Matrix. These tools reveal strengths like expertise in hydroponic farming and sustainable practices and areas for improvement, such as limited marketing capabilities and reliance on a few large clients. Opportunities include government support, health-conscious market trends, and technological advancements, while threats involve rising costs and increased competition. The proposed strategies focus on leveraging strengths in quality control and sustainability. These include diversifying the customer base, enhancing market penetration, and expanding product offerings through agri-tourism and educational programs. By adopting advanced technologies and securing government incentives, Majafresh can improve operational efficiency, broaden its market, and achieve sustainable growth. This case study provides valuable insights for stakeholders in the sustainable agriculture sector.

Is the Relationship between FDI and Environmental Degradation Nonlinear? Evidence from Tunisia and Morocco

This study attempts to examine the effect of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on environmental degradation in Tunisia and Morocco for the period 1980- 2022. The study uses the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) techniques to explore a possible non-linear relationship between FDI and environmental quality. The results of our empirical study show that FDI inflows increase environmental degradation in the long run in both of Tunisia and Morocco. This confirms the pollution heaven hypothesis. In addition, we find a non-linear relationship between FDI and environmental degradation and follows an inverted U-shape for the cases of Tunisia and Morocco. The causality results showed that there is an uni- directional causality runing from FDI to environmental degradation for the cases of Tunisia and Morocco. In terms of potential directions for the cases of Tunisia and Morocco. Future research, we strongly advise looking into government incentives and public policies related to environmental issues.

Charging Strategies for Electric Vehicles Using a Machine Learning Load Forecasting Approach for Residential Buildings in Canada

The global electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing exponential growth, driven by technological advancements, environmental awareness, and government incentives. As EV adoption accelerates, it introduces opportunities and challenges for power systems worldwide due to the large battery capacity, uncertain charging behaviors of EV users, and seasonal variations. This could result in significant peak–valley differences in load in featured time slots, particularly during winter periods when EVs’ heating systems use increases. This paper proposes three future charging strategies, namely the Overnight, Workplace/Other Charging Sites, and Overnight Workplace/Other Charging Sites, to reduce overall charging in peak periods. The charging strategies are based on predicted load utilizing a hybrid machine learning (ML) approach to reduce overall charging in peak periods. The hybrid ML method combines similar day selection, complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise, and deep neural networks. The dataset utilized in this study was gathered from 1000 EVs across nine provinces in Canada between 2017 and 2019, encompassing charging loads for thirty-five vehicle models, and charging locations and levels. The analysis revealed that the aggregated charging power of EV fleets aligns and overlaps with the peak periods of residential buildings energy consumption. The proposed Overnight Workplace/Other Charging Sites strategy can significantly reduce the Peak-to-Average Ratio (PAR) and energy cost during the day by leveraging predictions made three days in advance. It showed that the PAR values were approximately half those on the predicted load profile (50% and 51%), while charging costs were reduced by 54% and 56% in spring and winter, respectively. The proposed strategies can be implemented using incentive programs to motivate EV owners to charge in the workplace and at home during off-peak times.

Green Energy Sources: Potential in The Use of Biomass in Brazil

Objective: The research aimed to investigate the potential of using biomass as a green energy source in Brazil, seeking to understand both the opportunities and challenges associated with its implementation. Methodology: The research approach was qualitative, classifying itself as exploratory, descriptive and practical. The sample was composed of 32 environmentalists, and the data were collected by means of in-depth interviews. For the analysis, the technique of discourse analysis was used. Results and Analysis: The results showed that biomass has great potential to diversify Brazil's energy mix, create jobs in rural areas and contribute to sustainability. However, participants also highlighted several challenges, such as the lack of adequate infrastructure, the need for more efficient technologies for the conversion of biomass into energy, and issues related to sustainable land use. The research indicated that public policies and government incentives are crucial for fostering the development of the sector, as well as social awareness and the acceptance of biomass by the population. Conclusion: The research concluded that, in spite of the challenges faced, biomass has a promising role in the construction of a more sustainable energy future in Brazil. Progress in this sector depends on a joint effort between government, private sector and civil society, focusing on innovation, research and implementation of sustainable practices. If well managed, biomass could contribute significantly to Brazil's energy transition, promoting a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Solar Energy Integration in Urban Gujarat: A Pathway to IGBC Certification

The integration of solar energy in urban Gujarat is a key strategy for sustainable development and energy challenges in growing cities. This paper explores the potential of retrofitting non-certified green buildings with solar technologies to meet IGBC certification standards, focusing on the Surat Solar City initiative. Gujarat's abundant solar resources and progressive policies are enabling urban areas to transition to renewable energy solutions through rooftop solar PV systems, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and smart energy systems. Innovative technologies like transparent solar cells, solar paint, and hybrid systems are enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints. Government incentives and net metering policies are driving adoption. Solar retrofitting projects in Gujarat, particularly in Surat, serve as scalable models for integrating renewable energy into urban infrastructure. Key Words: Solar retrofitting, IGBC certification, Smart energy systems, BIPV, Energy storage

The implementation of ijarah muntahiyah bittamlik in infrastructure project financing within the public-private partnership models: A collaborative governance perspective

This paper investigates the implementation of ijarah muntahiyah bittamlik (IMBT) as an infrastructure project financing scheme within the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models from a collaborative governance perspective. This paper follows a case study methodology. It focuses on two Indonesian non-toll road infrastructure projects, i.e., the preservation of the East Sumatra Highway projects, each in South Sumatra province and Riau province. The findings revealed that Indonesia’s infrastructure development priorities and its vision to become a global leader in Islamic finance characterized the system context that shaped the implementation of IMBT as an infrastructure project financing scheme within the PPP-AP model. Key drivers include leadership from the government, stakeholder interdependence, and financial incentives for the partnering business entity to adopt off-balance sheet solutions. Principled engagement, shared motivation, and the capacity for joint action characterized the collaboration dynamics, leading to detailed collaborative actions crucial for implementing IMBT as a financing scheme.

IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL SYMBIOSIS STRATEGIES ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT IN ORGANIZED INDUSTRIAL ZONES: KONYA OIZ CASE

Industrial symbiosis (IS) refers to the integration and optimization of numerous industrial systems and processes and is inspired by the nature. By allowing the exchange of materials, energy, other resources, byproducts or valuable waste among companies, the goal is to increase resource efficiency and decrease potential waste. In this study, the IS relevant concepts and examples from the literature are briefly discussed, and a survey is conducted in Konya organized industrial zone. The primary obstacle faced during the survey study is the companies' reluctance to communicate and share information. The survey explores the current level of knowledge, existing energy efficiency efforts, and organizations' willingness to address the topic if grants and subsidies are available. Following the survey, exchange opportunities from the literature are compiled, considering the sectoral structure of the selected zone. Sectoral pairings are formed to encourage businesses and to demonstrate applicability and symbiosis opportunities. Hence, outcomes show how industrial symbiosis has an impact on energy and resource efficiency and waste reduction within selected industrial zone. In addition, its connection and relationship with government incentives, investments and energy efficiency networks are also discussed. As a result, it has been found that there is significant symbiosis potential in a growing and developing region like the Konya industrial zone, through sectoral matching of companies. By increasing awareness among companies, providing financial and legal support, and assisting them in setting targets, inter-company symbiosis efforts can be facilitated and expanded.

Predicting the intention to install solar photovoltaic panels in emerging market: The role of consumer innovativeness, knowledge, and support for government incentives

Promoting the installation of solar photovoltaic panels at the residential level in Vietnam may effectively mitigate the electricity overload on the national grid and support the country’s sustainable objectives. However, the installation rates of this system in urban areas in Vietnam remains low despite the favorable atmosphere and the provision of several incentives. Based on the Diffusion of Innovation and Theory of Planned Behavior, this study explores the role of consumer innovativeness, knowledge, and support for government incentives on the diffusion and social acceptance of solar photovoltaic panels. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data for analysis. With a sample of 339 citizens in Vietnam, the partial least squares structural equation modeling approach was employed to evaluate the results. The findings revealed that consumer innovativeness was linked to social norms and knowledge. Furthermore, it was discovered that the knowledge of consumers can significantly enhance the support for government incentives and the intention to install solar photovoltaic panels. Additionally, social norms significantly influenced attitudes, ultimately resulting in an increase in the intention to install. The findings of this study could aid the nation's policymakers and institutions in formulating strategies to grow the solar energy sector, therefore facilitating the achievement of sustainable energy goals.

Assessment of Physical Status of The Irrigation Structures in Nyarubogo Irrigation Scheme, Rwanda

The physical status of irrigation structures holds immense importance in ensuring the efficient and sustainable management of water resources for agricultural purposes. This study aimed to assess the physical status of the Nyarubogo irrigation scheme structures, which has implications for the level of performance of this irrigation scheme. Specifically, the study assessed the effectiveness of the irrigation infrastructures in terms of intake efficiency, canal physical condition, and command area development. Cross sectional study design was employed, and units for the study were randomly selected to be included in this study. Observation method were used to characterize the physical condition of the Nyarubogo irrigation scheme while questionnaire survey were used to collect data on the implication of socioeconomic characteristics on the performance, and effectiveness of irrigation system. The collected data were fitted to the irrigation structures assessment approaches suggested by Bos, Zende and Nagarajan. Analysis of farmer’s responses was through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (Version 27). This study evaluated the physical status of about 130 irrigation structures in Nyarubogo irrigation scheme. The structures included 7 division boxes, 73 water drops, 2 aqueducts, 42 turnouts, 4 bridges, and 2 Culverts. Overall, the scheme had an effectiveness of 63.8%, with culverts, bridges, and water drops presenting more than the average functional condition of 64.38%, 75.00%, and 100.00%, respectively. The intake efficiency during this study was found to be 67% accumulated from efficiencies of sediment level (20%), embankment (35%), and sluice gate (12%) based on their weightage percentage and rank scores. The overall canal condition was good and was quantified to 70%. The command area development was exhibiting subpar performance, registering a mere 32% effectiveness. Moreover, the study evaluated how farmers' socio-economic status influenced the inadequate maintenance of the Nyarubogo irrigation systems. It uncovered numerous elements contributing to this dilemma: there was limited engagement of women and youth in agricultural pursuits, low educational attainment, challenges surrounding land ownership (specifically, land tenure), the small size of land holdings per household and a notable absence of government incentives for maintenance efforts. These factors, however, when coupled with inadequate funds derived from water fees, significantly obstruct the proper care of these irrigation infrastructures. On the other hand, high runoff due to heavy rainfall was mentioned by the majority of farmers (20.7%) among the primary causes of poor maintenance of irrigation structures. Generally, the evaluation of the Nyarubogo irrigation system structures emphasizes the uneven levels of efficacy and challenges, highlighting the necessity of focused maintenance efforts and enhanced water management techniques.

Optimization of charging infrastructure and strategy for an electrified public transportation system

Government policies and incentives aimed at reducing the carbon footprint are increasingly focusing on the electrification of public transportation, particularly transit buses. However, electrification faces significant challenges, including optimizing the charging infrastructure, battery size and type, and charging strategies. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the effective deployment and operation of electric bus fleets. This study presents an innovative method for optimizing these aspects of electric bus systems under diverse route conditions. By leveraging general transit feed specification (GTFS) and GeoTIFF data, the developed approach ensures scalability and is grounded in real-world data. A detailed physical model, especially concerning battery degradation, adds a unique dimension to the study, providing more accurate and reliable results. The optimization method employed in this study is dynamic programming (DP), which allows for a comprehensive evaluation of various factors influencing the performance and efficiency of electric buses. The proposed approach has been validated through three distinct case studies. The findings of this study indicate that the optimized solution can lead to a substantial cost reduction of nearly 35% for operators compared to current state-of-the-art practices in Zurich, which underscores the potential of the proposed approach to contribute to more sustainable and cost-effective public transportation systems.

Evolutionary Game Analysis of New Energy Transition Among Government, Traditional Automobile Enterprises, and Research Institutions Under the Dual Carbon Goals

This paper delves into the evolutionary dynamics of dynamic games among governments, traditional automotive enterprises, and scientific research institutions during the new energy transition process by establishing a stochastic evolutionary game model. The research focuses on exploring the conditions for the formation of system stability and the key factors influencing strategic choices. MATLAB R2021a software is employed to simulate the game process, visually demonstrating the dynamic changes in the behaviors of each participant. The results indicate that research and development (R&D) costs are a crucial consideration for scientific research institutions when deciding whether to collaborate with traditional automotive enterprises. Traditional automotive enterprises exhibit significantly higher sensitivity to government incentives for cooperation than to potential penalties for non-cooperation. Furthermore, an increase in government support costs notably dampens its enthusiasm for promoting the development of the new energy transition. Reducing government support costs and R&D costs for scientific research institutions, as well as enhancing rewards for cooperative behavior and penalties for non-cooperative behavior, can effectively facilitate the formation of evolutionarily stable strategies among governments, traditional automotive enterprises, and scientific research institutions.

HALAL FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT IN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN SURABAYA

This study aims to explore the implementation of Halal Food Supply Chain Management (HFSCM) in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Surabaya to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. This research utilizes a qualitative approach with a case study method, where data are collected through semi-structured interviews, direct observations, and document analysis. The results show that the adoption of digital technology, government support, and collaboration between SMEs, certification bodies, and the government have a positive impact on the success of HFSCM implementation. However, SMEs still face challenges, such as limited access to modern technology and insufficient training. To overcome these challenges, the study recommends increasing digitalization, providing ongoing training, offering government subsidies and incentives, and strengthening cross-sector collaboration to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the halal supply chain. With these steps, SMEs in Surabaya are expected to compete both in the local and international markets.

Electromobility strategy on emerging economies: Beyond selling electric vehicles

Electromobility (EM) has emerged as a promising solution to achieve carbon neutrality goals by replacing traditional fossil fuel-powered transportation with electric vehicles (EVs). This sustainable transportation option significantly reduces energy consumption and eliminates greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to mitigating climate change and improving air quality. While some countries have implemented strategies to promote EM adoption, emerging economies like Brazil face complex challenges. This research employs Q-methodology to explore the viewpoints and opinions of Brazilian specialists in the field of EM, identifying challenges and opportunities for successful adoption. The study also examines the broader implications for emerging countries and their automotive industries. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing EV costs, propulsion technologies, and the need for government incentives and policies. Additionally, the research highlights the role of education and urban mobility in promoting EM. While the study offers valuable insights, it acknowledges limitations in the sample and suggests future research directions.

The Impact of Russia-Ukraine Conflict on the Sales of Electric Vehicles in China

The Ukraine conflict has had a unique impact on EV sales growth in China, a key market for EV innovation and adoption. This study explores the correlation between geopolitical tensions and the surge in EV sales in China. Utilizing time series analysis methods, this paper assesses EV sales trends before and during the conflict. Coincidentally, the findings suggest that the conflict is driving growth in EV sales, likely due to a combination of factors, including increased awareness of energy security, a shift to sustainable transportation, and government incentives aimed at supporting the domestic EV industry. Quantitative analysis using an ARIMA model reveals that EV sales experienced an estimated increase of approximately 15% within the first six months following the onset of the conflict compared to pre-conflict projections. This significant uptick underscores how external geopolitical events can catalyze shifts in consumer behavior toward more sustainable alternatives. While sales are growing, the study also points to potential challenges such as supply chain disruptions and rising costs that could impact long-term growth. These challenges highlight the complex interplay between global political events and domestic market trends. The findings advise policymakers and industry players to remain vigilant and proactive to ensure continued growth in Chinas EV industry amidst these evolving dynamics.

Renewable Energy Technologies: Advances and Challenges

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is imperative to combat climate change and promote sustainability. This paper explores the recent advancements in renewable energy technologies, focusing on solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy. It also identifies the challenges these technologies face in terms of economic viability, technological integration, and policy support. Through a comprehensive analysis, this paper underscores the need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to enhance the adoption of renewable energy. The urgent need to mitigate climate change and adopt sustainable energy practices has propelled the advancement of renewable energy technologies. This paper delves into the recent strides made in solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy, analysing their potential to revolutionize the global energy landscape. It explores the technical innovations, such as increased photovoltaic cell efficiency and larger, more efficient wind turbines, that have significantly enhanced the performance and cost-effectiveness of these technologies. However, challenges persist in achieving widespread adoption. These include the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, requiring robust energy storage solutions and grid integration strategies. Additionally, economic factors like initial investment costs and fluctuating energy prices pose hurdles to the financial viability of renewable energy projects. Furthermore, the environmental and social impacts of renewable energy development, such as land use and wildlife habitat disruption, must be carefully considered and mitigated. This includes substantial investments in research and development to further improve renewable energy technologies, supportive government policies and incentives to stimulate market growth, and collaborative efforts among policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers to foster innovation and knowledge sharing. By addressing these key issues, we can accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future powered by renewable resources.

Fickle environmental attitudes and cleantech underinvestment

ABSTRACT We show in two steps why clean-energy investment is too low without sufficient government incentives: Energy companies’ cleantech investments rise and fall with oil prices, which drive their revenues. Thus, these companies resist political and stakeholder pressure to invest in clean energy when oil prices are low. In the meantime, US public opinion surveys show that environmental sentiments fall when oil prices are high, thus limiting political and stakeholder pressure for cleantech investment when energy companies’ revenues are plentiful.

Global competitiveness and environmental sustainability: financing and business development strategies for U.S. SMEs

This paper examines the interplay between global competitiveness and environmental sustainability, focusing on financing and business development strategies for U.S. small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As global markets increasingly emphasize sustainable practices, U.S. SMEs face unique challenges and opportunities in integrating environmental goals with growth strategies. The study explores how sustainable financing options, such as green bonds and impact investing, can support SMEs in adopting eco-friendly technologies and practices while enhancing their competitive edge in international markets. It also analyzes the role of government incentives, policy frameworks, and innovative business models in fostering sustainable development for these firms. Through a review of successful case studies, the paper identifies best practices that enable SMEs to navigate regulatory requirements, leverage sustainable funding sources, and implement effective business strategies that align with environmental goals. By identifying key factors for balancing growth and sustainability, this research provides actionable insights into how U.S. SMEs can enhance their global competitiveness in an increasingly eco-conscious economy. Keywords: Global Competitiveness, Sustainability, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), Sustainable Financing, Green Bonds.

Driving financial inclusion: exploring mobile wallet adoption among rural Omani millennials

Purpose This study aims to investigate the adoption of mobile wallet payment services among rural Omani millennials, with a focus on social factors, perceived security, trust considerations and the moderating role of technology self-efficacy in shaping attitudes and intentions towards adoption. It also explores the role of mobile wallets in advancing financial inclusion, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced inequalities). Design/methodology/approach A survey method was used with 544 randomly selected participants from rural Oman. The study used partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse relationships among the constructs, including subjective norms, perceived security, trust and self-efficacy. Findings The results support five hypotheses, confirming the influence of subjective norms, perceived security and technology self-efficacy on attitudes and intentions to adopt mobile wallets. Additionally, mobile wallet self-efficacy emerges as a significant moderator, enhancing the relationship between positive attitudes and behavioural intentions. Research limitations/implications The study extends the technology acceptance model (TAM) by incorporating moderating variables such as technology self-efficacy and perceived security, offering theoretical contributions to digital payment adoption literature, especially in rural settings. Practical implications The findings underscore the need for trust-building efforts by service providers and collaborative strategies involving government incentives and promotions to foster mobile wallet adoption. Strengthening digital literacy and addressing security concerns are critical for promoting financial inclusion in rural communities. Originality/value This research contributes to promoting economic empowerment through mobile wallet adoption in rural Oman, offering valuable insights for policymakers and service providers aiming to reduce socio-economic disparities. By addressing the digital divide and supporting financial inclusion, the study supports the advancement of SDG 10 (Reduced inequalities) and fosters inclusive growth in underserved communities.