N-shaped Environmental Kuznets Curve: A Note on Validation and Falsification

The empirical testing of Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis plays a significant role in designing a macroeconomic model for sustainable economic development. In doing so, we have chosen the N-shaped EKC, i.e., cubic specification of EKC, and have shown the validation criteria by checking the first order differentiation of the empirical model(s). Then, we have selected several studies in which these particular validation criteria have not been followed and have shown how the models derived in those studies are falsified. This research note may have a significant implication for studies to be carried out based on the EKC hypothesis by ensuring a certain level of model validation, which is sometimes ignored by researchers

El gasto público en I+D+I en el sistema energético español

La política energética española durante los últimos años ha estado muy sesgada hacia la sustitución de fuentes energéticas tradicionales, muy contaminantes, por otras renovables. La gran cantidad de recursos públicos que se están destinando a financiar la producción de estas energías contrasta con la creciente escasez general de recursos y con la reducida aportación pública a la I+D+i en el sector energético. Utilizando un modelo de Curva de Kuznets Ambiental, hemos obtenido evidencia sobre la relación de las políticas de I+D+i energéticas con las emisiones de gases contaminantes. Además, nuestros resultados indican que el apoyo público a la I+D+i en eficiencia energética podría ser más eficaz que el mismo gasto aplicado a la investigación en el sector de las energías renovables, aunque estos últimos resultados no son concluyentes

Exploring the Relationship between Energy Usage Segregation and Environmental Degradation in N-11 Countries

Numerous studies regarding the economic growth-environmental pollution link have struggled to determine the effects of various forms of energy consumption on environmental degradation, particularly in the context of emerging economies. This study examines the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) for CO2 emissions in N-11 countries during 1990-2014 by segregating three forms of energy consumption (renewable, biomass and non-renewable). Urbanization and trade openness are additional explanatory variables that are used in the empirical framework. Using the Generalized Moments Method (GMM), the empirical evidence confirms the presence of an N-shaped relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation for N-11 countries. This study analyzed the interaction effects among trade openness, biomass consumption and economic growth; these interactions had a negative impact on CO2 emissions levels of N-11 countries. Suitable policy recommendations have been provided based on the detailed results

A cluster set protocol in the half squat exercise reduces mechanical fatigue and lactate concentrations in comparison with a traditional set configuration

Splitting sets into clusters has been shown to maintain performance during resistance training. This study compared the acute fatigue produced by a traditional (TSC) versus a cluster (CSC) set configuration in the smith machine half squat exercise. Fifteen males performed a single bout of TSC and CSC separated by 72–96 h. In the TSC, participants performed as many repetitions as possible until reaching a 20% drop in barbell velocity (MPV), while in the CSC, they performed the same number of repetitions with 15 seconds inter-repetition rest. E ects of both protocols in MPV, countermovement jump height (CMJ), and blood lactate (BLa) were measured. Significant di erences between protocols were found for MPV of the last repetition (0.4 vs 0.5 m/s TSC and CSC) and BLa (6.8 mmol/L vs 3.2 mmol/L TSC and CSC). Significant drop of velocity from the first to the last repetition of the set (19.9%), decrease in CMJ height (35.4 vs 32.6 cm), and increase in BLa (2.1 vs 6.8 mmol/L) pre–post-exercise was observed just for the TSC protocol. The results of the present study showed that CSC reduces the lactate response and mechanical fatigue produced by a single set on the half squat exercise in comparison with TSC

Foreign Direct Investment–CO2 Emissions Nexus in Middle East and North African countries: Importance of Biomass Energy Consumption

This study examines the association between foreign direct investment (FDI) and carbon emissions for the Middle East and North African (MENA) region in 1990–2015, including biomass energy consumption as an additional determinant of carbon emissions. We apply the generalized method of moments (GMM) to validate the existence of the pollution haven hypothesis (PHH). The N-shaped association is also validated between FDI and carbon emissions. The link between economic growth and carbon emissions is inverted-U and N-shaped; that is, it satisfies the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypotheses. Biomass energy use lowers carbon emissions, and the causality analysis reveals that FDI causes CO2 emissions. Clearly, the results confirm the existence of a feedback effect between economic growth and carbon emissions. The connection between biomass energy use and CO2 emissions is also bidirectional. The empirical findings suggest policy makers to design comprehensive trade and energy policies by targeting the cleaner production practices, for not only to ensure environmental sustainability, but also to fulfil the objectives of sustainable development goals

Foreign Direct Investment–CO2 Emissions Nexus in Middle East and North African countries: Importance of Biomass Energy Consumption

This study examines the association between foreign direct investment (FDI) and carbon emissions for the Middle East and North African (MENA) region in 1990–2015, including biomass energy consumption as an additional determinant of carbon emissions. We apply the generalized method of moments (GMM) to validate the existence of the pollution haven hypothesis (PHH). The N-shaped association is also validated between FDI and carbon emissions. The link between economic growth and carbon emissions is inverted-U and N-shaped; that is, it satisfies the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypotheses. Biomass energy use lowers carbon emissions, and the causality analysis reveals that FDI causes CO2 emissions. Clearly, the results confirm the existence of a feedback effect between economic growth and carbon emissions. The connection between biomass energy use and CO2 emissions is also bidirectional. The empirical findings suggest policy makers to design comprehensive trade and energy policies by targeting the cleaner production practices, for not only to ensure environmental sustainability, but also to fulfil the objectives of sustainable development goals

The influence of economic complexity processes and renewable energy on CO2 emissions of BRICS. What about industry 4.0?

This study analyses the relationship between carbon dioxide emissions per capita, the economic complexity index, renewable energy, and inward foreign direct investment using panel data for the BRICS countries from 1995 to 2020. Empirical results confirm that the environmental Kuznets curve is fulfilled, with a positive but decreasing contribution of economic development on environmental deterioration, to the point that neutrality on CO2 emissions can be achieved in the long term. In addition, the results confirm, in this case, the Pollution Haven Hypothesis, that is, the set of BRICS economies chooses to apply regulations that do not respect the environment. The results of other econometric studies support this study, pointing to long-run cointegration. The unit root tests and the variance inflation test also point to stationarity at the first difference and a lack of multicollinearity, respectively. Finally, given the scarcity of empirical studies, this study adopts an incipient methodology to approximate the impact of the technologies associated with Industry 4.0 on carbon emissions, obtaining evidence that their effect on environmental deterioration is very moderate. In addition, the results suggest that, in the long term, these technologies can contribute to achieving the neutrality of polluting emissions.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The role of ICT and financial development in CO2 emissions and economic growth

This study explores the role of the information and communication technology (ICT) and financial development (FD) in both carbon emissions and economic growth for the G7 countries for the period 1990 to 2014. Using PMG, we found that the ICT has a long-run positive effect on emissions, while FD is a weak determinant. The interactive term between the ICT and FD produces negative coefficients. Also, both the variables are found to impact negatively on economic growth. However, their interaction shows that they have mixed effect on economic growth, i.e., positive in the short run and negative in the long run. Policy implications were designed based on these results

The Effects of Caffeine Supplementation on Physiological Responses to Submaximal Exercise in Endurance-Trained Men

Copyright: © 2016 Glaister et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of caffeine on physiological responses to submaximal exercise, with a focus on blood lactate concentration ([BLa]). Methods Using a randomised, single-blind, crossover design; 16 endurance-trained, male cyclists (age: 38 ± 8 years; height: 1.80 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 76.6 ± 7.8 kg; V_ O2max: 4.3 ± 0.6 Lmin-1) completed four trials on an electromagnetically-braked cycle ergometer. Each trial consisted of a six-stage incremental test (3 minute stages) followed by 30 minutes of passive recovery. One hour before trials 2–4, participants ingested a capsule containing 5 mgkg-1 of either caffeine or placebo (maltodextrin). Trials 2 and 3 were designed to evaluate the effects of caffeine on various physiological responses during exercise and recovery. In contrast, Trial 4 was designed to evaluate the effects of caffeine on [BLa] during passive recovery from an end-exercise concentration of 4 mmolL-1. Results Relative to placebo, caffeine increased [BLa] during exercise, independent of exercise intensity (mean difference: 0.33 ± 0.41 mmolL-1; 95% likely range: 0.11 to 0.55 mmolL-1), but did not affect the time-course of [BLa] during recovery (p = 0.604). Caffeine reduced ratings of perceived exertion (mean difference: 0.5 ± 0.7; 95% likely range: 0.1 to 0.9) and heart rate (mean difference: 3.6 ± 4.2 bmin-1; 95% likely range: 1.3 to 5.8 bmin-1) during exercise, with the effect on the latter dissipating as exercise intensity increased. Supplement × exercise intensity interactions were observed for respiratory exchange ratio (p = 0.004) and minute ventilation (p = 0.034). Conclusions The results of the present study illustrate the clear, though often subtle, effects of caffeine on physiological responses to submaximal exercise. Researchers should be aware of these responses, particularly when evaluating the physiological effects of various experimental interventions.Peer reviewedFinal Published versio