bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Environmental Sustainability: Evaluating the Role of Energy Consumption, FDI, and Urbanization on Carbon Emission in Somalia: An Empirical Analysis using ARDL Bound Test
Authors: Jama Mohamed Abdikarim , Abdi Hawa Abdidahir
Published: December 2024

CO2 emissions stand for a global challenge due to their cross-border nature, contributing substantially to environmental degradation. Since the Industrial Revolution, affluent nations have accelerated economic growth, worsening this issue. However, this study examines the causal links between energy consumption, FDI, urbanization, and carbon emissions in Somalia from 1991 to 2020. The ARDL bounds test is used as a suitable method to estimate the long-run co-integration among the study's variables. The findings show that in the long run, energy consumption, FDI, and urbanization have a positive effect on CO2 emissions in Somalia. Additionally, economic growth contributes to carbon emissions, while trade openness helps reduce environmental pollution in the long run. Moreover, the study applied Granger causality to find out the directions of these relationships, revealing bidirectional causal links between economic growth and carbon emissions, and between urbanization and FDI. It also found unidirectional causality from carbon emissions to energy consumption, from FDI to carbon emissions, and from urbanization to CO2 emissions. The study recommended that Somali government must reconsider its energy policy to promote greener energy. Additionally, Somalia should increase investment in R&D for energy efficiency and renewable energy to minimize the carbon emissions resulting from FDI.
Economic Assessment of the Potential for Renewable Based Microgrids Generation Systems: An Application in a University Building
Authors: Rhenals-Julio Jesús D. , Martínez Héctor Armando , Oviedo Miguel Doria , Arango Juan Fernando , Fandiño Jorge Mario Mendoza
Published: December 2024

This study evaluates the economic feasibility of implementing renewable energy-based microgrids at the University of Córdoba, Montería, Colombia. Simulations and optimizations were conducted using the HOMER Energy software, considering local renewable resources with significant potential. The analysis identified the combination of grid energy, photovoltaic systems, and a hydrokinetic turbine as the optimal solution, yielding a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 0.137 USD/kWh, an internal rate of return (IRR) of 11.9%, and a payback period of approximately 10 years. These results demonstrate the economic viability of microgrid implementation under these specific conditions. In contrast, the use of biomass gasification proved to be financially unviable due to its high initial investment costs, indicating the need for local technological development to reduce these barriers. Overall, the proposed system presents a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for energy generation in university facilities, contributing to energy diversification and long-term environmental benefits.
Assessing the Energy-Economy-Environment Nexus in Somalia: The Impact of Agricultural Value Added on CO2 Emissions
Authors: Ahmed Seadya , Abdi Abdikafi Hassan , Sodal Muna , Yusuf Omar Abdisalam , Mohamud Mohamud Hussein
Published: December 2024

This study assesses the environmental impact of the agricultural sector’s contribution to Somalia’s economy within the energy-economy-environment nexus. While the agriculture sector is a central pillar of Somalia’s economy, its environmental costs remain underexplored. By addressing this gap, the research utilizes time series data spanning from 1990 to 2020, including variables such as CO2 emissions, real GDP, renewable energy use, agricultural value-added, and population growth. The data analysis employs the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, Canonical Cointegrating regression (CCR), dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS), and fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS). The results reveal a strong positive relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation in Somalia, supporting the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) viewpoint. While economic growth initially exacerbates environmental pollution, the effect diminishes as income levels rise. Renewable energy consumption significantly mitigates environmental degradation. However, agricultural value-added is found to increase environmental deterioration in the long-term. The findings suggest that Somalia’s path to sustainable development will require concerted efforts to reform agricultural practices and embrace renewable energy adoption. Despite Somalia’s considerable solar energy potential, owing to its abundant solar radiation, this resource remains underutilized. A strategic focus on expanding solar energy infrastructure could not only mitigate environmental harm but also enable the country to leapfrog traditional energy development, thereby driving economic growth and reducing pollution.
Economic Effect of Biodiesel Downstream Industry: An Analysis Based on a Dynamic CGE Model
Authors: Puspitawati Eka , Nurdianto Nanda Rembulan , Pambudi Andika , Alamsyah Muhammad Royhan , Pakerti Kumala Anindya , Maharani Nur Dita
Published: December 2024

The palm oil commodity is a key export and a major source of foreign exchange for Indonesia. Additionally, processed palm oil plays a crucial role as a domestic source of food (cooking oil) and renewable energy (biodiesel). The biodiesel industry, which processes Crude Palm Oil (CPO) derivatives into biofuel, holds significant potential for development to meet both domestic consumption and export demands. However, the diversification of CPO products and biodiesel downstream production impacts the availability of domestic cooking oil and CPO export supplies, with Indonesia being the largest exporter globally. The downstream industry, including agro-based industries like biodiesel, is a strategic policy outlined by the government as a primary driver of national economic growth. This research aims to analyze the economic impact of downstreaming in CPO-based biodiesel. The primary data used is the 2016 Indonesia Input-Output Table, updated to 2023. The model is based on a Dynamic CGE Model of Orani-F and the Wayang model. The result shows that biodiesel downstream policy will stimulate economy growth, investment, and national export in the long run. Following biodiesel upstream policy is needed in order to support the development of energy security and food security simultaneously.
GHG and Carbon Emission Intensity: Examining Their Impact on Financial Performance
Authors: Vaicondam Yamunah , Mustafa Amira Mas Ayu Amir , Roslan Siti Nurul Munawwarah , Ming Kelvin Lee Yong , Ramayah Malarvilly
Published: December 2024

Governments worldwide have implemented various strategies to reduce carbon emissions, with policies targeting high-emission industries such as energy, transportation, and manufacturing. However, developing Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, face challenges in balancing economic growth with emission reduction efforts due to financial constraints. Despite these challenges, Malaysia has made notable progress through its National Policy on Climate Change, pledging to reduce carbon intensity by 45% by 2030. In response to growing stakeholder demands for sustainability, companies are increasingly adopting sustainable practices to improve their environmental performance, often measured by Carbon Emission Intensity (CEI). CEI is a crucial indicator that offers a relative measure of environmental impact, considering a company’s economic output. The focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria has heightened the importance of CEI, particularly as companies with lower CEIs are viewed more favourably by investors. However, the relationship between carbon reduction efforts and financial performance remains inconclusive. This study examines the impact of carbon reduction efforts on the financial performance of Malaysian companies from 2019 to 2023. Using two widely recognized financial performance measures, Return on Assets (ROA) and Tobin’s Q, the study investigates the influence of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) participation on these metrics. The study utilizes panel data analysis on 1087 listed companies and applies multiple regression analysis using the STATA software package. The findings reveal a positive correlation between GHG emissions and ROA and Tobin’s Q, suggesting that companies not actively reducing emissions may still experience short-term financial gains. Conversely, CDP participation negatively impacts both financial indicators, likely due to the increased compliance costs associated with sustainability initiatives. The results underscore the need for a balanced approach that aligns environmental responsibilities with financial performance as Malaysia transitions to a low-carbon economy.
Does Education Spending Affect Energy Consumption in Saudi Arabia? A Bootstrap Causality Test
Authors: Benlaria Houcine
Published: December 2024

This investigation explores the causal nexus between educational expenditure and energy utilization in Saudi Arabia spanning 1981-2023, thereby addressing a significant deficiency in the academic discourse concerning the direct influence of educational investments on energy consumption patterns. Through a bootstrap causality examination framed by an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach, this investigation delves into yearly time series data to highlight educational investment’s immediate and delayed effects on energy consumption. The results indicate that educational spending exerts a lagged yet positive influence on energy consumption, which materializes over time as the populace attains greater technological literacy and industrial operations proliferate. This lagged effect emphasizes the critical nature of long-term educational investments in fostering sustainable energy consumption behaviors, which aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives regarding economic diversification and ecological sustainability. Also, this investigation validates the premise that economic development and oil price volatility have substantial positive repercussions for energy consumption, emphasizing the energy-intensive traits of the Saudi economic landscape and its reliance on oil-related earnings. Additionally, population growth contributes to the escalation of energy consumption, while the ramifications of urbanization remain statistically negligible in the short run. These findings hold substantial implications for policymakers, suggesting that persistent investment in educational frameworks is imperative for attaining enduring energy efficiency and sustainability objectives. The research advocates that enhancing energy literacy and promoting technological advancement through education can facilitate the transition toward a sustainable energy paradigm.
Simulation of Carbon Tax Impact on the Competitiveness of the Manufacturing Industry in Indonesia Using a System Dynamics Approach
Authors: Rokhmawati Andewi , Sarasi Vita , Aulia Ando , Berampu Lailan , Maulida Yusni
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the impact of carbon tax on the competitiveness of Indonesia’s manufacturing sector using a System Dynamics (SD) approach. The analysis explores how different carbon tax levels—0, 30, and 200 IDR/kg CO2e—affect production inputs, outputs, and added value. The results show that manufacturing inputs remain low and stable at 0 IDR/kg CO2e due to the lack of financial pressure to reduce fossil fuel consumption. However, input costs increased slightly at 30 IDR/kg CO2e, prompting industries to adopt energy-efficient technologies to manage costs. The highest tax level, 200 IDR/kg CO2e, significantly raises input costs, compelling manufacturers to invest in low-carbon technologies to mitigate the cost burden. The study also assesses the impact of carbon taxes on output and value-added in the manufacturing sector. While carbon taxes initially reduce value added due to increased input costs, investments in green technologies can help companies recover and improve productivity over time. Higher tax rates, such as 200 IDR/kg CO2e, push industries towards significant technological shifts, potentially enhancing long-term competitiveness. The research highlights the importance of supportive policies, including subsidies for renewable energy and efficiency incentives, to facilitate the transition to greener production methods. Overall, the study concludes that well-designed carbon tax policies can drive industrial sustainability while maintaining economic growth in Indonesia.
Comparative Study of Forecasting Methods to Predict the Energy Demand for the Market of Colombia
Authors: Vargas-Forero Victor Manuel , Manotas-Duque Diego Fernando , Trujillo Leonardo
Published: December 2024

An important challenge for the energy sector worldwide is the selection of the best method for forecasting the energy demand of a country. This research addresses the Colombian electricity market, a developing country where power generation is predominantly hydroelectric. The goal is to compare commonly used and state-of-the-art methods to predict the general short-term demand. The selected methods are the long short-term memory (LSTM) network, the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and Facebook Prophet. These methods were used to predict the hourly total electricity demand for Colombia for the next day (24 h). The cross-industry standard process for data mining methodology was partially used, excluding the deployment phase. The hourly time series considers data from 2022 to 2023. Models are evaluated using the root mean square error (RMSE) and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Prophet had the best RMSE with 428.5 MW, followed by ARIMA (441.7 MW) and LSTM (541.3 MW). Prophet and ARIMA achieved the best MAPE (4.1%), outperforming LSTM (4.9%). Results shown that the hourly intraday energy demand of the Colombian market can be predicted accurately for both work and non-work days.
Portfolio Diversification and Dynamic Interactions between Clean and Dirty Energy Assets
Authors: Belkhir Nadia , Masmoudi Wafa Kammoun , Loukil Sahar , Belguith Rihab
Published: December 2024

Clean energy, with its focus on environmental sustainability and efficiency, has gained significance as concerns over the impact of traditional energy growth. However, there is limited evidence on the value of clean energy investments. This paper explores the role of clean energy in a balanced investment portfolio by examining two traditional energy assets (crude oil and natural gas) and two clean energy assets (SPDR S&P Kensho Clean Power ETF and iShares Global Clean Energy ETF). Using a time-varying parameter vector autoregression (TVP-VAR) model on daily data from October 2021 to January 2024, we analyze the evolving connectedness between these assets. Our results highlight dynamic interactions, with green finance indices like CNRG acting as net shock transmitters, while traditional energy indices, such as WTI and gas, primarily receive shocks. The analysis suggests that green assets, particularly ICLN, enhance portfolio stability and hedging efficiency, especially in minimum correlation and risk parity portfolios. Fossil fuels, especially gas, exhibit higher volatility, requiring careful portfolio management. Ultimately, integrating ESG criteria and adapting investment strategies to market conditions may enhance responsible investing and long-term value creation.
Does Oil Prices Impact Sectoral Stock Market Prices? Evidence from Emerging Economies
Authors: Bilal Zaroug Osman , Abdalla Yousif Abdelbagi , Alam Naushad
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the effect of oil price (OPs) shocks on stock market prices (SMPs) of 48 listed companies in all sectors of the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) in the Sultanate of Oman. The analysis is based on monthly data collected from three main sectors (Finance, industry, and service) listed in MSX and intermediate international oil prices from 2009 to 2020. An alternative asset pricing model is used based on the Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT). The model evaluated the correlation between independent factors, including oil price, interest rate, industrial production, and stock returns as the dependent variable. The analysis shows that oil price volatility has a notable positive effect on stock market prices across all sectors of listed companies on the (MSX) in the Sultanate of Oman. These findings may provide insight to policymakers to continue taking appropriate action during oil price shocks and for investors to take their decisions properly. The current study contributes to the existing literature by examining the impact of oil price shocks on stock prices in the Sultanate of Oman, GGC, and the Middle East, addressing a gap in the research.
Greening the Cityscape: Strategies for Sustainable Urbanization, Low Carbon Emissions, and Robust Economic Growth
Authors: Houaneb Amira , Khan Uzma , Khan Aarif Mohammad
Published: December 2024

This study thoroughly investigates the intricate association concerning urbanization, energy consumption, carbon emissions, and economic growth in Saudi Arabia from 1968 to 2022. Using advanced econometric models and time-series data analysis, we reveal a complex association in which economic growth and urbanization influence energy consumption, leading to increased carbon emissions. The adjustment coefficients for this relationship are estimated to be 0.16%. The causality test findings revealed the existence of both unidirectional and bidirectional causality. Urbanization has a direct impact on both energy consumption and carbon emissions. In turn, carbon emissions affect both energy use and economic growth. Ultimately, carbon emissions influence both energy consumption and economic growth. Our results highlight the urgent need for strategies to reduce carbon emissions by implementing sustainable energy practices, urban planning, and legislative measures. These implications for sustainable development are crucial for Saudi Arabia and offer a structure for other rapidly urbanizing nations dealing with comparable difficulties. Given the potential for change, policymakers must carefully consider and implement these results.
Forecasting Carbon Emission Reductions: The Role of Solar Energy in Substituting Coal for Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Aimon Hasdi , Kurniadi Anggi Putri , Sentosa Sri Ulfa , Yahya Yahya , Rahman Nurhayati Abd
Published: December 2024

This research aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) and SDG 13 (climate action), by introducing a comprehensive model for carbon emissions reduction through the substitution of clean energy to achieve the SDGs. The analysis begins with panel regression using historical data from 2008 to 2023, focusing on selected countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including coal-exporting countries like Indonesia and Australia, as well as coal-importing countries like China. The analysis is then extended with an ARIMA approach to forecast coal and solar energy consumption for the period 2024-2030. Subsequently, the forecast for carbon emissions reduction is conducted on average, analyzed using the previous panel regression equation by introducing values from the ARIMA analysis into pessimistic, moderate, and optimistic categories. The findings of this study indicate that solar energy consumption plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions, while coal consumption increases carbon emissions. On the other hand, the optimistic approach can facilitate the dominance of solar energy in the overall energy mix, resulting in significantly lower carbon emissions growth rates. Therefore, this research emphasizes the need to implement an optimistic model to drive the achievement of SDG 7 and SDG 13 by 2030.
Enhancing ESG Performance through Corporate Governance: Insights from Emerging Markets
Authors: Masud Md. Abdul Kaium , Sahara Juichiro , Maola Monjura , Rahman Mahfuzur
Published: December 2024

This study examines the impact of corporate governance on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, specifically within the energy sectors of leading firms in Bangladesh and India. As these regions are highly vulnerable to environmental challenges, understanding the role of governance in ESG performance becomes crucial for sustainable energy economics. Using data from the top 50 listed firms across these countries between 2019 and 2021, the research employs content analysis to evaluate ESG disclosure across 26 dimensions, focusing on aspects relevant to energy consumption and management. Findings reveal that corporate governance factors, including board size, presence of independent directors, and female directors, significantly enhance ESG performance. However, the audit committee shows no significant impact. This study emphasizes the importance of robust corporate governance structures in advancing ESG practices in emerging energy markets, offering critical insights for policymakers and corporate managers aiming to improve transparency, accountability, and sustainability in energy-driven economies. The results underscore the need for a comprehensive, region-specific ESG framework to foster sustainable corporate governance across South Asia, particularly within the energy sector.
Domestic and External Drivers of Inflation in Oil Importing Developing Countries
Authors: Ait Hmadouch Younes
Published: December 2024

This paper explores inflation drivers in 12 oil-importing developing economies, focusing on domestic and external drivers, such as monetary policy rate, government expenditure, global oil prices, exchange rate, imports, global food prices, and other factors. The study aims to establish a hierarchy of these drivers from the most to the least significant, which is essential for a better implementation of anti-inflationary policies in oil-importing developing countries. Using Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) model and second-generation panel unit root test to handle cross-sectional dependence, and applying Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel Granger causality approach to confirm SUR outcomes, this research paper revealed for the period between 2000Q1, and 2023Q2 that lagged inflation is the most important driver of current inflation, supporting the theoretical concept of inertial inflation. Unexpectedly, this study showed that monetary policy rate is positively impacting inflation, confirming the presence of the price puzzle. Additionally, monetary base doesn’t have any significant impact on aggregate price level, meaning that the inflation is not a monetary phenomenon for the studied countries. Producer prices, used as a proxy for domestic supply shocks, seemed to have a positive and significant effect on inflation. Government expenditure, trade openness, and global oil prices have notable effects. Even if all the studied countries are oil importers, the impact of oil prices on inflation is mitigated by subsidies and price controls. Finally, inflation is negatively affected by imports and exchange rate. The study underscores the necessity for new central bank tools adapted to these countries context, monetary and fiscal policies coordination, a strategic use of subsidies, and an integrated policy to improve market competition.
Investigating the Relationship between Energy Consumption and Economic Growth Using Toda-Yamamoto Causality Test: The Case of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan
Authors: Lukhmanova Gulnar , Urazymbetov Bauyrzhan , Sarsenova Akmaral , Zaitenova Nazym , Seitova Vilena , Baisholanova Karlygash , Bolganbayev Artur
Published: December 2024

This study examines the relationship between energy consumption and economic growth in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan using the Toda-Yamamoto causality test. Following their independence, both countries implemented significant structural reforms to transition to a market economy, recognizing the efficient use of energy resources as a strategic component for economic growth. Kazakhstan benefited from its abundant oil and natural gas reserves, resulting in an increased economic growth rate. In contrast, Azerbaijan fostered its economic development through a growth model centered on energy exports. The research analyzes the impact of oil and renewable energy consumption on economic growth through various models. The findings indicate a significant causal relationship between energy consumption and economic growth in Kazakhstan, while this relationship is not statistically significant in Azerbaijan. Consequently, the study concludes that energy consumption is a crucial factor for economic growth in Kazakhstan. Furthermore, the research explores how structural differences between energy consumption and economic growth influence the time needed to reach equilibrium. Results show that Kazakhstan achieves equilibrium in a shorter timeframe compared to Azerbaijan. This study aims to enhance the understanding of growth dynamics, particularly in energy-rich countries, by highlighting the effects of energy consumption on economic growth and the implications of different energy policies on this relationship.
Analyzing the Heterogeneity of Economic Development and Carbon Emissions in the GCC Countries: Based on Panel Quantile Regression Approach
Authors: Alam Md Shabbir
Published: December 2024

This study explores the effects of energy use, tourism development, financial growth, foreign direct investment on economic growth, and the carbon emissions nexus for GCC countries from 1980 to 2018. GCC nations are currently facing higher demand and use of energy sources, FDI, tourism development, and improving financial sector that represents the major sustainable environmental and economic growth challenges. This study applies a Panel Quantile-Regression model that accepts distributional and unobserved individual heterogeneity. Furthermore, to avoid a response variable bias, some concerned cause variables are heterogeneous across quantiles in our method. The empirical outcomes indicate that the influence of FDI on CO2 emissions is statistically significant and negative, while tourism growth, energy use and financial growth have an ever-increasing impact on carbon emissions. Likewise, tourism growth decreases economic growth while FDI and energy use have been found to affect economic progress positively. Finally, the research outcomes also support policymakers with significant strategic recommendations.
How Does Energy Consumption Affect Economic Growth in Saudi Arabia? A Cointegration Approach
Authors: Alsabhan Talal H. , Alabdulrazag Bashier
Published: December 2024

Energy consumption is considered an important driver of economic growth in recent times due to its positive impacts on all economic activities. However, the Saudi Arabian economy has received very less attention from researchers as far as the energy-growth nexus is concerned. Amid this backdrop, the current paper is interested in assessing the responsiveness of economic growth to increased energy consumption in the presence of control variables. Our analysis of Saudi Arabia is based on date for the period 1971-2021. The recently proposed “Auto Regressive Distributed Lagged (ARDL)” cointegration approach is adopted for the estimation purpose. The estimation results revealed a significant positive short-run and long-run impacts of energy consumption on economic growth. The causality exercise also revealed a one-way causality running from energy consumption towards economic growth. Besides, energy consumption, we found that education and employment level have also a dominant positive role in promoting the economic growth of Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, openness to trade is found to be important for economic growth only in the long run confirming that trade liberalization policies could only be effective in the long run. Our results have important policy implications for the policymakers of Saudi Arabia.
Does Energy Risk Lead to Tourism Fall in Europe? Insights from Partially Linear Functional-Coefficient Model
Authors: Matyusupov Bunyod , Švec Roman , Pícha Kamil , Matyakubov Umidjon , Oydinova Parizod , Narmetov Jakhangir
Published: December 2024

The study empirically assesses the non-linear effect of energy risk on tourism in the case of 28 European countries during the period of 2000-2020. To this end, the partially linear functional-coefficient model (PLFC) is employed. The findings reveal that energy risk negatively impact on tourism, validating the theoretical linkage. As control variables, economic development positively impacts on tourism, whereas government effectiveness and foreign direct investment have negative effects on tourism in Europe. The policy implications such as implementing smart energy management systems, energy decentralisation, transition to renewable energy, cooperation between the different actors and stakeholders for achieving energy efficiency are proposed.
Clean Energy Consumption and Human Welfare in Nigeria: Implication for the Sustainable Development Goal 7
Authors: Sikwela Misery M. , Aderemi Timothy A.
Published: December 2024

Over the time, in driving human welfare in Nigeria, the country has been consuming little clean energy relative to other sub-Saharan African nations. This has raised a critical concern for the policymakers and scholars in the recent times. As such, this study estimated the relationship between clean energy consumption and human welfare in Nigeria from the period of 2000 to 2020, this study employed a Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares, with the following conclusions emanated from the study. Clean energy consumption and human welfare had an insignificant negative relationship in Nigeria. Health expenditure and human welfare had a significant negative relationship. Population growth and human welfare had a significant inverse relationship in Nigeria. However, standard of living contributed a positive and significant contribution to human welfare in Nigeria. By and large, clean energy consumption did not contribute to an improvement in human welfare in Nigeria. In the light of the above, this study recommends that whenever the policymakers in Nigeria wish to achieve some substantial level of human welfare in the country, policies that will drive affordable clean energy SDG-7 in the country should be embarked upon.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Energy Consumption, Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth in Nigeria: A Multivariate Causal Analysis
Authors: Ogunjobi Joseph Olufemi , Ogunjumo Rotimi Ayoade , Ibitowa Stephen Adesina
Published: December 2024

The relationship among Nigeria’s CO2 emissions, foreign direct investment inflows, and economic growth was examined in this study. The data period examined is from 1990 to 2020. The data is obtained from the World Bank’s online database and adopted the VECM-based Granger causality technique. Results showed a feedback relationship between FDI inflows and CO2 emissions as well as a unidirectional causal relationship from economic growth to CO2 emissions. The information offered by these empirical studies will help policymakers develop effective economic policies.
Tingkat kepatuhan pasien dalam pengobatan HIV/AIDS pada era pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Kurniawati Sambodo Dwi , Aulia Siska , Mahmudah Ani Mashunatul , Wardani Wahyu Tusi , Murti Daniek Yulia Setya
Published: December 2024

Human imunodeficiency Virus (HIV) dan Acqured Immune Defficiency (AIDS) telah menjadi masalah darurat global. Didapati data bahwa di seluruh dunia 35 juta orang hidup dengan HIV dan 19 juta orang tidak mengetahui status HIV mereka. Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19) merupakan penyakit yang disebabkan oleh virus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Hingga saat ini belum ada studi yang mengaitkan HIV dengan inveksi SARS-CoV-2. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh pandemi Covid-19 terhadap kepatuhan minum obat ARV pada pasien HIV/AIDS di RSUD Dr. Darsono Kabupaten Pacitan. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah pendekatan kuantitatif, yang melibatkan pengukuran data kuantitatif dan analisis statistik terhadap objek penelitian. Data dikumpulkan melalui survei menggunakan media kuesioner. Analisis data dalam penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan uji Mann-Whitney. Hasil uji Mann Whitney menunjukkan bahwa Asymp (2 tailed) menunjukkan hasil 1,00 dengan dasar pengambilan keputusan jika Asymp Sig < 0,05 maka hipotesis diterima dan jika Asymp Sig > 0,05 maka hipotesis ditolak dan dapat disimpulkan bahwa tidak ada perbedaan kepatuhan pengobatan HIV/AIDS pada sebelum dan saat pandemi Covid-19 di RSUD Dr. Darsono Kabupaten Pacitan.
IgG4-related disease: A common manifestation in an uncommon genus
Authors:   ssociate Professor of Rheumatology, Rheumatology Research Center, Vali-E-Asr Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Najafizadeh Seyed Reza , Yaseri Maryam ,   Fellow of Rheumatology, Rheumatology Research Center, Vali-E-Asr Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Published: December 2024

Background: IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a recently described clinicopathological condition with a wide range of clinical manifestations: a dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate rich in IgG4positive plasma cells, fibrosis arranged in a storiform pattern, obliterative phlebitis, and, elevated serum IgG4 concentrations. Treatment involves corticosteroids and rituximab for the most severe cases.
Case Presentation: Here we present two cases, two white females (ages 26 years and 50 years) IgG 4-RD with low back, flank pain, and retroperitoneal mass, with a compressive effect on the kidney and ureter and causing hydronephrosis. Biopsy of mass revealed infiltrates with IgG4 plasma cells, consistent with the diagnosis of IgG4 disease. The patients were treated with steroids, and rituximab showed significant improvement.
Conclusion: Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF), a rarest cause of back pain in young adults, should be suspected in patients with back pain, renal dysfunction, and other associated symptoms. It is important to identify this particular cause as it is treatable and may be easily missed. The workup includes kidney function assessment and abdominal imaging using computet tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Biopsy of the mass helps identify malignancy.
Epidemiological profile of COVID-19 among older adults: An experience from Iran
Authors:   Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences. Rasht, Iran, Davoudikiakalayeh Ali , Mohtasham-amiri Zahra ,   Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences. Rasht, Iran, Karjooyan Mehdi ,   Trauma Institute, Guilan University of Medical Sciences. Rasht, Iran, Davoudikiakalayeh Sajad ,   Trauma Institute, Guilan University of Medical Sciences. Rasht, Iran
Published: December 2024

Background: Older adults are particularly vulnerable to the COVID-19 disease, with a slower immune response and reduced effectiveness.

Objective: Epidemiological profile of COVID-19 among older adults.

Methods: This multicenter study was designed based on the Medical Care Monitoring System (MCMC) to assess the prevalence and impact of COVID-19 in the elderly population in northern Iran (Guilan province) from February 2019 to February 2021.
Results: The study included 42,481 elderly individuals aged 60 and above hospitalized due to COVID-19 during the study period. Of these, 22,026 (52%) were male and 20,455 (48%) were female. Nearly 10% of the older adults in the Guilan province required hospitalization due to COVID-19. Among the hospitalized patients, 14% succumbed to the disease. Of the total deaths, 3,084 patients (49%) tested positive for COVID-19 through PCR testing. The most common comorbidities among the deceased patients were cardiovascular diseases (25.3%) and diabetes (24.3%). The study found significant associations between gender and age, age and mortality rates, clinical symptoms, and mortality rates regarding disease occurrence.
Conclusion: Due to the increasing number of older adults, special attention should be paid to diabetic and cardiovascular patients, especially men, during epidemics and pandemics. It is important to train staff in private hospitals to be prepared for epidemics and to use the referral system at the health service level to reduce the burden of hospital visits
The effect of rotenone and resveratrol on the expression level of Bcl2 and BAX and the activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme and Malondialdehyde level in the hippocampus of ovariectomized rats.
Authors:   Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Shahid Chamran of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran, Aghagolzadeh Mahboobeh , Moazedi AhmadAli ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Shahid Chamran of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran, Najafzadehvarzi Hossein ,   Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran, Parsian Hadi ,   Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
Published: December 2024

Background: Exposure to neurotoxins increases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Oxidative stress and apoptosis play a central role in the initiation and progression of disorders. Estrogen decrease aggravates oxidative stress and apoptosis caused by neurodegenerative diseases in menopause woman. It is assumed, the use of resveratrol with its antioxidant and protective properties, which has common signaling pathways with estrogen, can be a useful therapeutic approach in preventing the development of oxidative stress and apoptosis.
Objective: The present study investigated the protective effect of resveratrol on the change of antioxidant and apoptotic factors caused by rotenone in the hippocampus of ovariectomized rats.
Methods: thirty female rats were divided into 5 groups of 6 including rotenone (5m/kg), ovariectomized (bilateral), ovariectomized + rotenone, ovariectomized + resveratrol(40m/kg), and ovariectomized + rotenone + resveratrol. Rotenone was administered intraperitoneally and resveratrol orally for 21 days. At the end, Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and expression of BAX and Bcl2 were measured in the hippocampus.
Results: Enzyme activity and Bcl2 expression in the rotenone and ovariectomized groups significantly were decreased. BAX expression and Malondialdehyde significantly were increased. Also Resveratrol significantly increased enzyme activity (57.9±1.94 U/mg protein) and Bcl2 expression (0.78±0.05) in ovariectomized + rotenone + resveratrol groups (P≤0.001). Also, resveratrol significantly reduced BAX expression (4.5±0.11) and Malondialdehyde (22.35±1.91 µM/g) in these groups (P≤0.001).
Conclusion: Resveratrol improved oxidative stress and apoptosis gene expression changes caused by rotenone and Absence of estrogen in the hippocampus.
Netnography, a New Method in Nursing Research
Authors:   Department of Nursing Pediatric, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Golestan University of Medical Science, Gorgan, Iran., Jouybari Leila , Haghparast Atefeh ,   Students Research Committee, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan ,Iran.
Published: December 2024

In the last decade, the world has faced a new phenomenon called social media or social networks, which provide easy and low-cost communication between people from different groups and countries. The high tendency to spend time online in social media is a global phenomenon that has had a profound impact on society, culture and experiences and has created new spaces for the growth of cultures and micro-cultures.
A Comparative Study on Demographic, Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft in a Hospital in Iran: 2018-2019 and 2020-2021
Authors:   Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery Zeinab (P.B.U.H), Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran., Pourghane Parand , Ghalandari Maryam ,   Vice-Chancellorship of Research and Technology, Guilan University of Medical Science, Rasht, Iran., Shahroudi Parinaz ,   Department of Para Medicine, Poursina Medical Education Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran., Rahimi Fatemeh ,   Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery Zeinab (P.B.U.H), Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran., Godarzwand Laleh ,   Department of Nursing, Dr. Heshmat Medical Education Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
Published: December 2024

Background Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most important causes of death and disability worldwide. The identification and prevention of risk factors and early treatment can prevent related mortality.
Objective This study aims to compare the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in a hospital in Rasht, Iran, in 2018-2019 and 2020-2021.
Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients who underwent CABG in Dr. Heshmat Hospital in Rasht. The study was divided into two time periods: 2018-2019 and 2020-2021, and the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of the patients and the surgery outcomes were compared between these two periods. The chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare variables.
Results The median age of patients was 60 years in 2018-2019 and 60.5 years in 2020-2021. In the first and second periods, patients’ body mass index (BMI) was 26.7 and 26.6 kg/m2, respectively. In the first period, 69.3% of patients were male, 57.7% were from urban areas and 43.5% were smokers. There were no significant differences in age, sex, BMI, smoking and place of residence of people between the two studied periods (P>0.05). Fasting blood sugar, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides and cholesterol levels of patients were higher, and high-density lipoprotein was lower in the second period. The percentage of people with diabetes, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarction was lower in the first period, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The mean diastolic blood pressure in the first period was lower, and a higher percentage of people had hyperlipidemia and hypertension in the second period, which were statistically significant (P<0.05).
Conclusion By proper planning and holding stress control training classes and emphasizing continuous follow-up of health status and quitting smoking, the incidence or progress of heart diseases can be reduced to a great extent.
Human Papillomavirus Testing and Disease Recurrence of Cervical Cancer
Authors:   Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Firoozgar General Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Aminimoghaddam Soheila , Sadat Sajedi Noor al ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Firoozgar General Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Published: December 2024

Background: Cervical cancer stands out as one of the most prevalent gynecological cancers. Cervical cancer’s link to human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and recurrence is unclear despite previous studies. Investigating this relationship in Iranian patients is a pivotal aspect of this research.
Methods: This study encompassed all cervical cancer patients referred to Firoozgar Hospital, Tehran, Iran, between 2016 and 2018. Utilizing a census method, the patients’ data, including their demographics and treatment details, were extracted from records. Follow-up samples were collected after vaginal cuff or cervix treatment (surgical or radiotherapy). A total of 124 patients were included in the study and categorized into two groups: Patients with recurrence and those without. INNO-LiPA standard test was employed to detect HPV presence. Comparative analysis of various variables, such as age at diagnosis, smoking history, multiple partners, sexually transmitted diseases history, body mass index, abnormal cervix, vaginal fornix involvement, cervical parameters involvement, tumor size, The International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging, MRI staging, pathology, and treatment, was conducted between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups.
Results: A total of 124 patients were included in the study, with an average age of 45.95±7.45 years. Most patients had an 18-25 kg/m2 body mass index. Based on MRI findings, the most common stage of cervical cancer was stage III, IIB. Squamous cell carcinoma pathology was the most prevalent,
observed in 47 patients (37.9%). The most frequently performed treatment modality was radical trachelectomy and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, accounting for 20 cases (16.1%). There were no significant differences in terms of age at disease diagnosis, smoking history, body mass index, histological type, and treatment type between patients with recurrent disease and those without recurrence. However, a significant difference was observed in terms of lymph node involvement. In addition, the HPV test was positive in 3 cases (2.4%) with recurrence and 11(8.9%) without. These results suggest no relationship between hrHPV (high-risk human papillomavirus) status and disease recurrence (P=0.196).
Conclusion: The result of our study showed no correlation between positive HPV test and cervical cancer recurrence. Consequently, HPV testing is not suitable as a reliable predictor for the recurrence of cervical cancer.
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as an Efficient Delivery System for Natural Skin Care Cosmetics: A Review
Authors:   Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran., Shahraki Omolbanin , Daneshmand Sara ,   Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran.
Published: December 2024

Background: Natural skin care products, as health & beauty products, have formulations derived from natural active ingredients. Cosmetic actives have been incorporated into their novel formulations such as sunscreens and anti-aging products, but the challenges associated with their low solubility, low penetration, and physicochemical instability upon dermal application remain unresolved. To overcome these limitations, one method is to use lipid-based carriers, which have been recognized for their crucial role in enhancing their low solubility, increasing skin permeation, and enhancing steadiness. This review study focuses on current advancements in skin care formulations that employ a new nanotechnology-based system consisting of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs).
Materials and Methods: In this review, we mentioned some experiments that have investigated the dermal applications of some natural products incorporated in SLNs formulation and discussed moisturizing, wound healing, sun protection, whitening and anti-tyrosinase, anti-aging and anti-acne activities.
Conclusion: The nanoparticles such as SLNs are used to effectively deliver cosmeceuticals and enhance the efficiency of skin care products.