Edwin Clark University

This study investigates the long-run relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, renewable energy consumption (REC), economic growth (GDP), and technological innovation (TEC) in the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) over the period of 1990-2023. Using Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) estimators, the study explores the energy-growth-emissions nexus. The findings confirm that economic growth (GDP) follows the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis, where higher GDP correlates with lower emissions in the long run, driven by cleaner technologies. However, technological innovation and renewable energy consumption show a complex relationship with emissions. Technological innovation is positively associated with CO2 emissions, suggesting the rebound effect, where initial efficiency gains increase energy demand. Additionally, the study finds that renewable energy consumption is positively linked with CO2 emissions, indicating that increased demand for energy may outpace the decarbonization effect of renewables. The panel causality tests reveal bidirectional feedback loops between REC-CO2 and TEC-CO2, emphasizing the need for synchronized policy interventions. Policy recommendations include promoting green technological innovation, scaling renewable energy adoption, and implementing carbon pricing mechanisms to decouple economic growth from emissions. The results highlight the importance of tailored strategies for each BRICS nation to achieve sustainable development goals, specifically SDGs 7, 8, and 13, ensuring a low-carbon future while fostering inclusive growth.

Eastern North Carolina (ENC), a predominantly rural region, experiences the intersection of fluvial, pluvial, and tidal flooding, which leads to complex and impactful outcomes. Managing these, often compounding, hazards is challenging, especially as climate change drivers, such as sea-level rise and more intense storms will likely lead to a greater incidence of compound coastal water events (CCWE). Using data from focus group interviews conducted with 41 planners and emergency managers, we examine the mitigation approaches pursued by rural counties in ENC located along the coast and those adjacent to it that share estuarine environments or linked riverine systems. Findings show that communities seek funding to clear streams and channels, to implement buyouts and elevation projects and for infrastructure maintenance. Communities also undertake floodplain management to minimize flood exposure while facing several barriers to adequate mitigation.

Modifiable health behaviors such as exercise regulate adiposity in adults, but the effects of exercise during pregnancy on infant adiposity remain understudied. This report analyzed the relationship between prenatal exercise frequency, intensity, time, type, and volume (FITT-V) and infant adiposity, to better guide prenatal exercise prescription. Female participants [body mass index = 29.0 kg/m2, 30.5 yr of age, with gravida = 1 and parity = 0, peak oxygen consumption (V̇o2peak) = 21.9 mL/kg/min, and pregnant for 39.6 wk] were randomized to supervised exercise (aerobic, resistance, combination) or attention control for ∼24 wk during pregnancy. FITT-V metrics were analyzed from session records. Infant mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a model of infant adiposity, were collected from umbilical cord at delivery, adipogenically differentiated, and stained for lipids. Infant body fat percentage was estimated from skinfolds measured at 1 mo of age. Higher weekly exercise volume correlated with lower infant body fat (R2 = 0.12, P = 0.03) and MSC lipids (R2 = 0.13, P = 0.01). Weekly exercise frequency (R2 = 0.06, P = 0.10) and total volume (R2 = 0.19, P = 0.002) influenced adiposity. Subscapular skinfolds were notably affected by exercise (R2 = 0.27, P < 0.001). We conclude that in utero exposure to exercise beyond minimum recommendations is associated with reduced infant adiposity. Specifically, our findings suggest that exercising below 450 metabolic equivalent (MET)·min/wk, e.g., exercising at an average of 3 METs for 150 min/wk or 5 METs for 90 min/wk, excludes individuals from these offspring health benefits.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study was the first to test how specific prenatal exercise dose, i.e., the FITT-V (frequency, intensity, time, type, volume) metrics, could influence the storage of triglycerides in infant adipogenic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Prenatal exercise led to a reduction in infant whole body fat percentage (BF%), which was reflected by lower lipid storage in infant MSCs. Changes in lipid content were observed in offspring born to participants exercising beyond the minimum recommended weekly volume, 450 metabolic equivalent (MET)·min/wk.

Abstract The International Sampler Comparison Group (ISCG) brings together international experts to develop a research agenda focused on assessing the performance of aerosol sampling devices. Initially, the agenda will address needs identified within the metal industry. The symposium will feature five oral presentations outlining research findings and guidelines. These include consensus recommendations for selecting aerosol samplers, validation results for a multi-fraction sampler used in workplace air, and the development of a user-friendly sampler selection tool for industrial hygienists. Additional discussions will cover the Western Australian comparison project, which analyses real-time and conventional sampling devices in a mining context. These discussions will also cover the development of laboratory protocols aimed at harmonizing testing methodologies and enhancing field applicability. The outcomes of this research are crucial for establishing best practices in aerosol sampling and improving occupational exposure assessments across various industries. The ISCG’s initiative aims to promote a comprehensive understanding of sampler performance to ensure the accurate and effective monitoring of aerosolized substances in workplace environments.

The study examines market risks as factors that could influence the financial performance of the DMBs in Nigeria. The study was based on the Value at Risks (VaR) theory and adopted the crosssectional and longitudinal research design. The population of the study consisted of all Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria. Data were collected from financial statements of the sampled banks. Findings of the study revealed that exchange rate risk has a significant negative effect on Return on Assets while interest rate risk was found to be positive but not significant. The study concludes that market risks affect the financial performance of DMBs in Nigeria, and recommends that bank managers should follow monetary policies when creating risk management plans, and policymakers should take into account the banking sector's recent financial performance, including interest rates and exchange rates, since the banking sector's success is a good indicator of economic performance.