Research

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Orientation, Green Supply Chain Management, and Firm Performance: Empirical Evidence from Chinese Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

by

,

,

and

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(4), 1199; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041199 - 13 Feb 2020

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4036

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between environmental orientation and firm performance with the mediating role of green supply chain management (GSCM). This study uses a survey questionnaire to collect data from 247 CEOs from Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Structural equation modeling [...] Read more.

This study investigates the relationship between environmental orientation and firm performance with the mediating role of green supply chain management (GSCM). This study uses a survey questionnaire to collect data from 247 CEOs from Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Structural equation modeling is used to analyze data and test hypotheses. Empirical results show that internal and external environmental orientations are positively related to the three elements of GSCM, namely, environmental selection, monitoring, and collaboration with suppliers which are also positively related to firm performance. In addition, results show that environmental selection, monitoring, and collaboration with suppliers mediates the relationship between internal and external environmental orientations and firm performance. The findings provide important implications for academic researchers and business managers in planning and implementing environmental strategies. In terms of theoretical implications, this study sheds a new light to current knowledge about the effect of environmental orientation on GSCM and firm performance of SMEs. This study also provides empirical evidence to clarify the mediating mechanism of GSCM in the link between environmental orientation and firm performance of SMEs. In terms of practical implications, this study provides knowledge for managers of SMEs to better understand the important role of environmental orientation and green supply chain management. Findings of this study provide knowledge for managers of SMEs to make their business policies better. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mathematical and Statistical Models in Environmental Research and Public Health with Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Influence of Environmental Regulation on Social Employment—An Empirical Analysis Based on the STR Model

by

Xiaohua Wang

,

Qing Yang

and

Ning He

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(2), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17020622 - 18 Jan 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1887

Abstract

Environmental regulation will affect social employment through corporate costs, technological innovation, industrial upgrading, and industrial transfer. To verify the effect of environmental regulation on social employment in different periods and under the intensity of environmental regulation, in this paper, environmental regulation is introduced [...] Read more.

Environmental regulation will affect social employment through corporate costs, technological innovation, industrial upgrading, and industrial transfer. To verify the effect of environmental regulation on social employment in different periods and under the intensity of environmental regulation, in this paper, environmental regulation is introduced as an influencing factor of social employment levels, based on China’s urban registration unemployment data from 1987 to 2017. A nonlinear smoothing autoregressive model is used to analyze the nonlinear long-term effect relationship between environmental regulation and social employment. The research results show that the relationship between environmental regulation and social employment does exhibit the characteristics of nonlinear transformation under different mechanisms, and the transformation speed is fast. The specific manifestation is that the environmental regulation has a restraining effect on social employment in the short term, and the environmental regulation has a promoting effect on social employment in the long term. Continued high-level environmental regulations will exacerbate the adverse impact of environmental regulations on social employment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mathematical and Statistical Models in Environmental Research and Public Health with Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

The Impacts of Green Innovation Input and Channel Service in a Dual-Channel Value Chain

by

,

,

,

and

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(22), 4566; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16224566 - 18 Nov 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2195

Abstract

This paper constructs a dual-channel value chain composed of one altruistic manufacturer and one altruistic retailer, where the manufacturer makes green innovation input for green products and sells its green products to its customers through both the direct channel and the traditional channel, [...] Read more.

This paper constructs a dual-channel value chain composed of one altruistic manufacturer and one altruistic retailer, where the manufacturer makes green innovation input for green products and sells its green products to its customers through both the direct channel and the traditional channel, the retailer provides channel service for customers and sells green products through the traditional channel. We consider two scenarios in which the manufacturer and the retailer make decentralized and centralized decisions, respectively. We develop two dynamic game models for the two scenarios and analyze the dynamic behaviors of the two dynamic game models using bifurcation diagram, LLE (largest Lyapunov exponent) and attraction of basin, etc. We find that the stability region in decentralized decision model is greater than that of centralized decision, and narrow with increase of service value, green innovation input. In the decentralized decision model, the stability of the system decreases with the altruistic behavior increasing. With the price adjustment speed increasing, the dual-channel green value chain system enters into chaotic state through flip bifurcation or N-S bifurcation. In the stable state, the manufacturer and the retailer can obtain the maximum utility with the appropriate value of green innovation input. In the chaotic state, the utilities of the manufacturer and retailer are greatly affected and significantly reduced. This study will provide good guidance for sustainable development decision-making of dual-channel green value chain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mathematical and Statistical Models in Environmental Research and Public Health with Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

An Empirical Study of Applying Statistical Disclosure Control Methods to Public Health Research

by

,

,

and

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(22), 4519; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16224519 - 15 Nov 2019

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1770

Abstract

Patient data or information collected from public health and health care surveys are of great research value. Usually, the data contain sensitive personal information. Doctors, nurses, or researchers in the public health and health care sector do not analyze the available datasets or [...] Read more.

Patient data or information collected from public health and health care surveys are of great research value. Usually, the data contain sensitive personal information. Doctors, nurses, or researchers in the public health and health care sector do not analyze the available datasets or survey data on their own, and may outsource the tasks to third parties. Even though all identifiers such as names and ID card numbers are removed, there may still be some occasions in which an individual can be re-identified via the demographic or particular information provided in the datasets. Such data privacy issues can become an obstacle in health-related research. Statistical disclosure control (SDC) is a useful technique used to resolve this problem by masking and designing released data based on the original data. Whilst ensuring the released data can satisfy the needs of researchers for data analysis, there is high protection of the original data from disclosure. In this research, we discuss the statistical properties of two SDC methods: the General Additive Data Perturbation (GADP) method and the Gaussian Copula General Additive Data Perturbation (CGADP) method. An empirical study is provided to demonstrate how we can apply these two SDC methods in public health research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mathematical and Statistical Models in Environmental Research and Public Health with Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Modelling Economic Growth, Carbon Emissions, and Fossil Fuel Consumption in China: Cointegration and Multivariate Causality

by

,

,

and

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(21), 4176; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16214176 - 29 Oct 2019

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2305

Abstract

Most authors apply the Granger causality-VECM (vector error correction model), and Toda–Yamamoto procedures to investigate the relationships among fossil fuel consumption,

{CO}_{2}

emissions, and economic growth, though they ignore the group joint effects and nonlinear behaviour among the variables. In order to [...] Read more.

Most authors apply the Granger causality-VECM (vector error correction model), and Toda–Yamamoto procedures to investigate the relationships among fossil fuel consumption,

{CO}_{2}

emissions, and economic growth, though they ignore the group joint effects and nonlinear behaviour among the variables. In order to circumvent the limitations and bridge the gap in the literature, this paper combines cointegration and linear and nonlinear Granger causality in multivariate settings to investigate the long-run equilibrium, short-run impact, and dynamic causality relationships among economic growth,

{CO}_{2}

emissions, and fossil fuel consumption in China from 1965–2016. Using the combination of the newly developed econometric techniques, we obtain many novel empirical findings that are useful for policy makers. For example, cointegration and causality analysis imply that increasing

{CO}_{2}

emissions not only leads to immediate economic growth, but also future economic growth, both linearly and nonlinearly. In addition, the findings from cointegration and causality analysis in multivariate settings do not support the argument that reducing

{CO}_{2}

emissions and/or fossil fuel consumption does not lead to a slowdown in economic growth in China. The novel empirical findings are useful for policy makers in relation to fossil fuel consumption,

{CO}_{2}

emissions, and economic growth. Using the novel findings, governments can make better decisions regarding energy conservation and emission reductions policies without undermining the pace of economic growth in the long run. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mathematical and Statistical Models in Environmental Research and Public Health with Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Corruption, Hidden Economy and Environmental Pollution: A Spatial Econometric Analysis Based on China’s Provincial Panel Data

by

Shi Wang

,

Yizhou Yuan

and

Hua Wang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(16), 2871; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16162871 - 11 Aug 2019

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3228

Abstract

Previous studies show that the environmental quality is significantly influenced by corruption and the hidden economy separately. However, what is the impact of their interaction effect on environmental quality? Based on Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model, this study calculates the scale of [...] Read more.

Previous studies show that the environmental quality is significantly influenced by corruption and the hidden economy separately. However, what is the impact of their interaction effect on environmental quality? Based on Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model, this study calculates the scale of hidden economy in Chinese provinces firstly. Then, we apply the method of spatial econometrics to analyze the interaction effect of corruption and the hidden economy on environmental pollution with China’s provincial panel data from 1998 to 2017. The results indicate that the interaction effect between corruption and hidden economy significantly increases pollutant discharge, suggesting that both anti-corruption and control of the hidden economy may improve environmental quality directly and indirectly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mathematical and Statistical Models in Environmental Research and Public Health with Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

The Stability and Complexity Analysis of a Low-Carbon Supply Chain Considering Fairness Concern Behavior and Sales Service

by

Qiuxiang Li

,

Xingli Chen

and

Yimin Huang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(15), 2711; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16152711 - 30 Jul 2019

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 2602

Abstract

This paper studies a low-carbon dual-channel supply chain in which a manufacturer sells products through the direct channel and traditional channel, and a retailer sells products through the traditional channel. The manufacturer considers carbon emission reduction and has fairness concern behavior. The retailer [...] Read more.

This paper studies a low-carbon dual-channel supply chain in which a manufacturer sells products through the direct channel and traditional channel, and a retailer sells products through the traditional channel. The manufacturer considers carbon emission reduction and has fairness concern behavior. The retailer provides sales service in the traditional channel and considers fairness concern behavior. The objective of this paper is to analyze the effects of different parameter values on the price stability and utility of the supply chain system emphatically using 2D bifurcation diagram, parameter plot basin, the basins of attraction, chaos attractor and sensitivity to the initial value, etc. The results find that the retailer’s fairness concern behavior shrinks the stability of the supply chain system more than that of the manufacturer’s fairness concern behavior. The system stability region decreases with the increase of carbon emission reduction level and the retailer’s fairness concern. The customers’ preference for the direct channel decreases the stable range of the direct channel, while it enlarges the stable range of the traditional channel. The supply chain system enters into chaos through flip bifurcation with the increase of price adjustment speed. In a stable state, the manufacture improving customer’s preference for the direct channel and the retailer choosing the appropriate fairness concern level can achieve the maximum utility separately. In a chaotic state, the average utilities of the manufacturer and retailer all decline, while that of the retailer declines even more. By selecting appropriate control parameter, the low-carbon dual-channel supply chain system can return to a stable state from chaos again. The research of this paper is of great significance to price decisions of participants and supply chain operation management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mathematical and Statistical Models in Environmental Research and Public Health with Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

On the Design of Hyperstable Feedback Controllers for a Class of Parameterized Nonlinearities. Two Application Examples for Controlling Epidemic Models

by

Manuel De la Sen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(15), 2689; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16152689 - 27 Jul 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1841

Abstract

This paper studies the hyperstability and the asymptotic hyperstability of a single-input single-output controlled dynamic system whose feed-forward input-output dynamics is nonlinear and eventually time-varying consisting of a linear nominal part, a linear incremental perturbed part and a nonlinear and eventually time-varying one. [...] Read more.

This paper studies the hyperstability and the asymptotic hyperstability of a single-input single-output controlled dynamic system whose feed-forward input-output dynamics is nonlinear and eventually time-varying consisting of a linear nominal part, a linear incremental perturbed part and a nonlinear and eventually time-varying one. The nominal linear part is described by a positive real transfer function while the linear perturbation is defined by a stable transfer function. The nonlinear and time-varying disturbance is, in general, unstructured but it is upper-bounded by the combination of three additive absolute terms depending on the input, output and input-output product, respectively. The non-linear time-varying feedback controller is any member belonging to a general class which satisfies an integral Popov’s-type inequality. This problem statement allows the study of the conditions guaranteeing the robust stability properties under a variety of the controllers designed for the controlled system and controller disturbances. In this way, set of robust hyperstability and asymptotic hyperstability of the closed-loop system are given based on the fact that the input-output energy of the feed-forward controlled system is positive and bounded for all time and any given initial conditions and controls satisfying Popov’s inequality. The importance of those hyperstability and asymptotic hyperstability properties rely on the fact that they are related to global closed-loop stability, or respectively, global closed-loop asymptotic stability of the same uncontrolled feed-forward dynamics subject to a great number of controllers under the only condition that that they satisfy such a Popov’s-type inequality. It is well-known the relevance of vaccination and treatment controls for Public Health Management at the levels of prevention and healing. Therefore, two application examples concerning the linearization of known epidemic models and their appropriate vaccination and/or treatment controls on the susceptible and infectious, respectively, are discussed in detail with the main objective in mind of being able of achieving a fast convergence of the state- trajectory solutions to the disease- free equilibrium points under a wide class of control laws under deviations of the equilibrium amounts of such populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mathematical and Statistical Models in Environmental Research and Public Health with Applications)

Open AccessArticle

A Causal Analysis of Life Expectancy at Birth. Evidence from Spain

by

Pedro Antonio Martín Cervantes

,

Nuria Rueda López

and

Salvador Cruz Rambaud

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(13), 2367; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16132367 - 03 Jul 2019

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4187

Abstract

Background: From a causal point of view, there exists a set of socioeconomic indicators concerning life expectancy. The objective of this paper is to determine the indicators which exhibit a relation of causality with life expectancy at birth. Methods: Our analysis applies the [...] Read more.

Background: From a causal point of view, there exists a set of socioeconomic indicators concerning life expectancy. The objective of this paper is to determine the indicators which exhibit a relation of causality with life expectancy at birth. Methods: Our analysis applies the Granger causality test, more specifically its version by Dumitrescu–Hurlin, starting from the information concerning life expectancy at birth and a set of socioeconomic variables corresponding to 17 Spanish regions, throughout the period 2006–2016. To do this, we used the panel data involving the information provided by the Spanish Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare (MHCSW) and the National Institute of Statistics (NIS). Results: Per capita income, and the rate of hospital beds, medical staff and nurses Granger-cause the variable “life expectancy at birth”, according to the Granger causality test applied to panel data (Dumitrescu–Hurlin’s version). Conclusions: Life expectancy at birth has become one of the main indicators able to measure the performance of a country’s health system. This analysis facilitates the identification of those factors which exhibit a unidirectional Granger-causality relationship with life expectancy at birth. Therefore, this paper provides useful information for the management of public health resources from the point of view of the maximization of social benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mathematical and Statistical Models in Environmental Research and Public Health with Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

A Dynamic Price Game Model in a Low-Carbon, Closed-Loop Supply Chain Considering Return Rates and Fairness Concern Behaviors

by

Qiuxiang Li

,

Mengnan Shi

and

Yimin Huang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(11), 1978; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16111978 - 04 Jun 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2281

Abstract

In this paper, we developed a dynamic price game model for a low-carbon, closed-loop supply chain system in which (1) the manufacturer had fairness concern and carbon emission reduction (CER) behaviors, and market share and profit maximization were their objectives, and (2) the [...] Read more.

In this paper, we developed a dynamic price game model for a low-carbon, closed-loop supply chain system in which (1) the manufacturer had fairness concern and carbon emission reduction (CER) behaviors, and market share and profit maximization were their objectives, and (2) the retailer showed fairness concern behaviors in market competition and provided service input to reduce return rates. The retailer recycled old products from customers, and the manufacturer remanufactured the recycled old products. The effects of different parameter values on the stability and utility of the dynamic price game model were determined through analysis and numerical simulation. Results found that an increasing customer loyalty to the direct marketing channel decreased the stable region of the manufacturer’s price adjustment and increase that of the retailer. The stable region of the system shrank with an increase of CER and the retailer’s service level, which expanded with return rates. The dynamic system entered into chaos through flip bifurcation with the increase of price adjustment speed. In the chaotic state, the average utilities of the manufacturer and retailer all declined, while that of the retailer declined even more. Changes to parameter values had a great impact on the utilities of the manufacturer and retailer. By selecting appropriate control parameters, the dynamic system can return to a stable state from chaos again. The research of this paper is of great significance to participants’ price decision-making and supply chain operation management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mathematical and Statistical Models in Environmental Research and Public Health with Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Environment Degradation: Evidence from Emerging Markets in Asia

by

,

,

and

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(9), 1636; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16091636 - 10 May 2019

Cited by 68 | Viewed by 6457

Abstract

This study is conducted to examine the concerns of the foreign direct investment (FDI) causing environment degradation and also to test the validity of the traditional Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) in the context of emerging markets in the Asian region. Data of these [...] Read more.

This study is conducted to examine the concerns of the foreign direct investment (FDI) causing environment degradation and also to test the validity of the traditional Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) in the context of emerging markets in the Asian region. Data of these countries from 1980–2016 are utilised. This study employs panel cointegration Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS), which treats the endogeneity problem, and its estimators are adjusted for serial correlation. Moreover, this study also uses panel Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS), which includes contemporaneous value, leads and, lags of the first difference of the regressors to correct endogeneity problems and serial correlations. Findings from this study indicate that the pollution heaven hypothesis and the EKC curve are generally valid in the region. In addition, FDI has a strong impact on the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mathematical and Statistical Models in Environmental Research and Public Health with Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Special Issue "Mathematical and Statistical Models in Environmental Research and Public Health with Applications"

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (11 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI