Carbon intensity constraint, economic growth pressure and China's low-carbon development.

Within the context of promotion tournaments among local governments, the management of economic growth goals plays a crucial role in China's economic development. Despite China's rise as the second-largest economy globally, it has also emerged as the largest emitter of carbon emissions. Since the implementation of the 12th Five-Year Plan in 2011, the Chinese central government has made carbon intensity targets mandatory indicators for national economic development. This has prompted local governments to pursue low-carbon growth and adjust their economic growth targets (EGT) to comply with carbon intensity constraints. In this study, a sample of 282 prefecture-level cities in China is used to empirically examine the impact of carbon intensity constraints on total factor carbon emission efficiency (TCE) using the intensity difference-in-differences (DID) framework. The study also emphasizes the role of the transmission channel for economic growth pressure (EGP). The findings of the study reveal several key results. Firstly, the implementation of carbon intensity constraints leads to an average increase of 8.24% in total factor carbon emission efficiency (TCE), which is supported by robustness tests, parallel trend analysis, and placebo tests. Secondly, these constraints result in an average decrease of 0.1828 in local governments' economic growth targets (EGT) and a reduction of 0.1269 in economic growth pressure (EGP). Thirdly, cities with a higher proportion of secondary industry experience a more significant mitigation effect, although the promotion of provincial EGT hinders this effect. Fourthly, synergistic policies can effectively promote low-carbon development, and government expenditure on technology and marketization can facilitate a positive relationship between carbon intensity constraints and TCE. Lastly, the effects of carbon intensity constraints vary across the east, middle, and west regions, suggesting the presence of heterogeneity. The article proposes a shift in the assessment of lower governments by superior governments, from growth assessment to low-carbon growth assessment.

Role of environmentally related technologies and revenue taxes in environmental degradation in OECD countries.

The purpose of this study is to validate the impact of foreign direct investment inflows (FDI inflows), trade openness (TO), environmentally related technologies (ERTs), environmentally related tax revenues (ERTRs), and economic growth (EG) on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by employing a PMG (pooled mean group) estimator with a dataset of 36 OECD countries spanning from 1990 to 2020. Im-Pesaran-Shin, Fisher-type, and cross-sectional augmented Dicky-Fuller tests indicate that study variables are stationary at I (0) and I (I). Kao and Pedroni cointegration test results show that cointegration exists across regressors and regressands throughout the sample of OECD countries. The results of the Hausman test confirm that the PMG panel ARDL method can be employed. Empirical results of PMG demonstrate that ERTRs help to reduce CO2 emissions, while FDI inflows, TO, ERTs, and EG are significant and positively related to environmental degradation. This study is an effort to fill the gap by exploring the role of ERTs and ERTRs in environmental degradation in selected OECD countries. The study findings support the relationship between CO2 emissions, ERTs, and ERTRs. It has been determined that environmental technologies and revenue taxes are also drivers of environmental sustainability. The study provides policymakers with pertinent implications for promoting the development and adoption of green technologies. The findings suggest that imposing environmental taxes expedites the development of environmentally related technologies for reducing CO2 emissions and promoting sustainable development in OECD countries, with potential applications in a wide range of countries, particularly as a basis for emerging countries to boost their energy transition timelines.

Interrelationship among environmental policy stringency, financial globalization in OECD countries, and CO2 emission with the role of technological innovation and financial development.

The study examines the nexus between financial globalization (FG), environmental policy stringency (EPS), financial development (FD), and technological innovation (INV) on CO2 emission with moderating effect of technological innovation on financial development and environmental degradation in 36 OECD countries with an updated dataset from the period of 1990 to 2020 using PMG (Pooled mean group) panel ARDL method. The results of stationarity tests; (Levin, Lin, and Chu test; ADF Fisher test) demonstrate that selected variables are stationary at level I(0) and first difference I(I); this confirms that PMG estimator can be employed. Cointegration tests indicate that cointegration exist among the variables. The empirical findings of the PMG estimator indicate that financial globalization and CO2 are negatively associated with each other. While financial development, environmental policy stringency, and technological innovation have positive impact on environmental degradation in OECD countries. Furthermore, technological innovation strengthens the association between financial development (FD) and environmental degradation (CO2 emission). In order to accelerate economic growth, the study recommends that policymakers should implement environmental policies to achieve low-carbon mechanisms, such as green infrastructure and renewable energy systems, which reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, it is crucial that the selected OECD countries should develop programs that increase awareness of the risks of carbon emissions.

Comparative risk reduction of complications pertaining to polycystic ovarian syndrome by multiple treatment options.

The aim of study was to find effective treatment option which reduces the risk of complications among patients of polycystic-ovarian-syndrome. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January-2019 to December-2019. Data was collected from 200 patients that have visited hospitals and clinics located in Karachi. A questionnaire was used in the survey. Collected data was analyzed with SPSS-22. Hormonal-imbalance (p=0.0001), polycystic-ovaries (p=0.008), irregular-menstruation (p=0.0001), obesity (p=0.0001), diabetes (p=0.0001) and infertility (p=0.014) significantly treated by allopathic-medications. Hormonal-imbalance (p=0.025), polycystic-ovaries (p=0.0001), irregular-menstruation (p=0.0001), obesity (p=0.046), diabetes (p=0.001), acne (p=0.046), anxiety (p=0.014), depression (p=0.014) and eating disorder (p=0.046) significantly treated by homeopathic-medications. Polycystic-ovaries (p=0.0001), irregular-menstruation (p=0.0001), obesity (p=0.014), diabetes (p=0.0001) and acne (p=0.014) significantly treated by herbal-medications. Allopathic treatment was found effective in reducing risk of complication associated with PCOS; hormonal-imbalance (59%), hirsutism (42%), obesity (89%), diabetes (90%), hypertension (17%), infertility (60%) and anxiety (75%). Risk reduction of complications by Homeopathic treatment; polycystic-ovaries (54%), irregular menstruation (91%) and depression (43%). Combination treatment was found effective in reducing the risk of acne (43%) and eating disorder (100%). Allopathic treatment is effective in reducing the majority of risks of complications and the complications of polycystic-ovaries-syndrome can be significantly controlled with the homeopathic mode of treatment.

Phytochemical analysis and fertility enhancement effects of aerial parts of Fagonia arabica in male and female rats.

In this study, fertility enhancing effect of ethanol extract of aerial parts of Fagonia arabica was evaluated. 24 female and 12 male virgin Wistar rats (Average wt 150-250g) were selected. Dose was given daily for 23 days in 4 groups of animal. After 23 days, they were cohabitated for mating. Then dosing was continued for further 5 days. On 5th day of mating, sperm counting was done by observing vaginal smear under the microscope which showed fertility enhancement in male. Female were kept separately until delivery. The number of pubs born provided female fertility enhancement as compared to control. Average sperm count in 1 cm2 were counted in group A, B, C and control as 14.000±1.732, 12.000±1.000, 23.333±1.528 and 11.000±1.000 respectively. Number of pubs were counted in Group A, B, C and D as 8.667±2.082, 7.333±1.528, 7.333±1.528 10.000±2.000 and 5.333±0.577 respectively and fertility index was calculated for Group A, B and C as 62.516%, 37.502% and 87.512% respectively. Result showed that the orally administered dose of Fagonia arabica possess highly significant fertility enhancing activity in male and female rats after observing improvement in the sperm count and number of pubs as compared to control.

Dry and ripe fruit of Aegle marmelos. L: A potent source of antioxidant, lipoxygenase inhibitors and free radical scavenger.

The antioxidant, lipoxygenase inhibitory activities and free radical scavenging capacity of the crude extract, aqueous and some organic fractions of dry and ripe fruit of Aeglemarmelos. L were studied to understand the protective and therapeutic role for the use of the fruit as a remedy in different ailments. All the tested fractions and extracts showed to possess significant antioxidant, free radical scavenging capacity and lipoxygenase inhibitory potential. However, chloroform and aqueous fractions showed significant ability to quench radicals, to reduce ferric chloride and to inhibit soyabean lipoxygenase. Their antioxidant and lipoxygenase inhibition was estimated by IC50 values, for antioxidant ranging from 88-65% activity at concentration of 5-0.15µ/mL and similarly for lipoxygenase inhibition ranging from 89-69% at various concentrations of 5-0.15µ/mL, in chloroform and aqueous fractions respectively. The scavenger molecules in the dry and ripe fruit of A. marmelos may attribute to therapeutic and protective effect during different progressive stages of ailments.

Evaluation of wound healing effects between Salvadora persica ointment and Solcoseryl jelly in animal model.

In this research study very first time a herbal ointment contain 10% Salvadora persica extract was compared with Solcosseryl jelly 10% and blank Vaseline to evaluate wound healing effects using excision wound healing model in animals. Three groups of rats (n-6) were experimentally wounded on the back of their neck. Group I was dressed with Vaseline containing 10% test drug, Group II was treated with thin layer of Solcoseryl jelly 10% as reference drug while Group III was dressed with thin layer of blank Vaseline as control group. The effect of vehicle on rate of wound healing were assessed and in all cases there were progressive decreased in wound area with time but wound dress with Vaseline containing S. persica extract and wound treated with Solcosseryl jelly significantly healed earlier than those treated with Vaseline. It is concluded that S. persica extract significantly enhance the acceleration rate of wound enclosure in rats.

Pharmacological rational of dry ripe fruit of Aegle marmelos L. as an anti-nociceptive agent in different painful conditions.

The aim of study is to investigate central and peripheral analgesic effects of methanolic extract of dry ripe fruit of Aegle marmelos Linn. Corea (Am. Cr) by two methods, tail flick test and acetic acid induced writhing test at 100, 250 and 500mg/kg doses in animal models. Analgesic activity against tail flick test revealed that Am. Cr induced significant increase in latency period in dose dependent manner i.e. 65.38% at 100mg/kg, 395.37% at 250mg/kg (p<0.01) and 459.25% at 500mg/kg (p<0.01) body weight at 1hr after drug delivery while at 2hr effect decreased i.e. 61.53% at 100mg/kg, 161.11% (p<0.01) at 250mg/kg and 165.74% (p<0.01) at 500mg/kg but interestingly again there is an elongation in latency period at 3hr i.e. 106.15% at 100mg/kg dose, 251.85% (p<0.01) at 250mg/kg and 293.51% (p<0.05) at 500mg/kg respectively. The standard drug Diclofenac sodium at the dose of 5mg/kg continuously increased the latency period but less significantly as compared to the test substance i.e. 79.43%, 113.08% and 222.42% (p<0.05) respectively. Acetic acid induced writhing test produced highest significant activity at the dose of 100mg/kg i.e. 89.83% (p<0.01) as compared to Diclofenic sodium (standard drug) at a dose of 5mg/kg body weight i.e 63.63% (p<0.01). It is concluded that dry ripe fruit of A. marmelos possesses significant dual analgesic activities i.e. central and peripheral.

Evaluation of nutritional and sub-acute toxicological study of plant based supplement of Achyranthes aspera.

The present study was conducted for the nutritional, microbiological and toxicological evaluation of test compound having main ingredient Achyranthes aspera. Nutritional value assessment, microbiological analysis and toxicological studies were conducted according to the standard reported methods which exhibited that A. aspera contains moisture 4.05%, proteins 20.54%, fats 0.903%, ash 20.25%, carbohydrates 54,26% and energy 294 Kcal. Vitamin profile was found to be B(1) 0.27mg/100g, B(2) 0.28mg/100g, B(3) 0.58mg/100g, B(6) 0.27mg/100g and B(9) 39µg/100g. The content of sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chloride and phosphorus was found to be 1119.67, 5385.23, 5446.08, 1343.6, 675880.73 and 1447.5mg/kg respectively and trace metals i.e. iron, copper, zinc, manganese and aluminum were detected as 283.05, 8.062, 48.37, 16.12 and 9.853 mg/kg respectively. The microbiological result indicated that the compound qualifies the international standards of microbial limit and was found free from Salmonella species. The toxicological study was conducted to find safe use of Achyranthes aspera compound in human as a nutritive supplement in blood disorders. The toxicity studies exhibited that the test compound has a good effect on general health as an increase in body weights of animals of test group was noticed as compared to that of control group. Blood parameters before and after the study were monitored which confirms our hypothesis by showing an increase in hemoglobin from 9.133 to 10.96, RBC count from 3.11 to 3.6, WBC count from 5.68 to 5.73 and platelets from 245 to 319.

Screening of solvent dependent antibacterial activity of Prunus domestica.

Fruit of Prunus domestica was extracted in ethanol. The ethanol extract was further extracted with two solvents ethyl acetate and chloroform. The crude ethanol extract and two fractions (ethyl acetate and chloroform) were screened for their antibacterial activity using the agar well diffusion method .They were tested against nine bacteria; five Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcuc intermedius, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus pumilus) and four Gram negative bacteria (Eschrichia coli, Proteus mirabilis Shigella flexneri, Salmonella typhi and Klebsiela pneumoniae). The susceptibility of microorganisms to all three fractions was compared with each other and with standard antibiotic (Ampicillin) Among all fractions ethyl acetate exhibited highest antibacterial activity (average zone of inhibition 34.57mm ± 1.3) while ethyl alcohol exhibited least antibacterial activity (average zone of inhibition 17.42mm ± 3.3). Minimum inhibitory concentration of ethanol, ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions was found in the range of 78 µ g/ml to 2500 µ gl/ml against gram positive and gram negative bacteria.

Evaluation of analgesic activity of P. domestica L.

This research study was conducted to investigate acute oral toxicity and analgesic activity of ethanol extract of P. domestica fruit by using tail flick analgesiometer at 300 and 500mg/kg doses in animal models. Acute oral toxicity results showed that crude extract is safe up to the dose of 5g/kg body weight of animals. The analgesic activity revealed that P. domestica extract at 500mg/kg dose possesses highest significant and prolonged analgesic activity in dose dependent manner as compared to standard and control groups. Aspirin 300mg/kg body weight was used as standard drug. Phytochemical analysis was also carried out which showed the presence of certain phytochemicals constituents in test drug that are responsible for analgesic activity. Therefore the results are justified.

Evaluation of antioxidant and urease inhibition activities of roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra.

The object of this study is to determine the antioxidant activity of extracts from Glycyrrhiza glabra roots. The parent extract is methanolic extract while its sub fractions were prepared in ethyl acetate, chloroform, and n-butanol. The method based on scavenging activity and reduction capability of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH). Urease inhibition activities of these extracts were also evaluated. Chloroform fraction was the most effective antioxidant with 87.7% activity but the activity is less than the crude methanolic extract i.e. 90%. Chloroform fraction showed the same trend in reducing power as that in radical scavenging activity. However n- butanol extract was devoid of any activity when compared to standard BHA. Crude methanolic fraction and its sub-fractions were also screened for enzyme inhibition activities using jackbean urease as substrate. Significant anti urease activity i.e. 72 % was observed in the ethyl acetate fraction with respect to standard inhibitor thiourea.

Pharmacological profile of Salvadora persica.

This work was conducted to investigate the various pharmacological activities of Salvadora. persica family Salvadoracea and that includes anti inflammatory, analgesic, CNS, bleeding and clotting time activity by oral administration at the dose of 300 and 500mg/kg of body weight in animal models. Acute oral toxicity results showed that crude extract of S. persica is safe up to the dose of 5g/kg body weight of animals. Carraganeen induced hind paw edema method for anti inflammatory activity, tail immersion test method for analgesic activity, Rota rod and grip strength test for CNS activity were carried out in animal models. The analgesic activity was compared with aspirin, 300mg/kg body weight, anti inflammatory activity was compared with indomethacine, 10mg/kg body weight, Transamin 250mg/kg and Vitamin K 10mg were used for bleeding and clotting time activity respectively while diazepam 5mg/kg were used as standard for behavior and CNS activities. In all activities S. persica showed prolonged and dose dependent effects. Phytochemical analysis was also carried out which showed the presence of certain phytoconstituents which possesses these properties. Therefore the results justified the traditional use of the plant.