Open Journal Systems

ISSN: 2810-9813 (Online)

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Semi-annual

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Asia Pacific Academy of Science Pte. Ltd. (APACSCI) specializes in international journal publishing. APACSCI adopts the open access publishing model and provides an important communication bridge for academic groups whose interest fields include engineering, technology, medicine, computer, mathematics, agriculture and forestry, and environment.

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Volume Arrangement

2024

Vol 5, No 1 (2024)

2023

Vol 4, No 2 (2023)

Vol 4, No 1 (2023)

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Featured Articles

A review on the role of green vegetation in improving urban environmental quality

The exacerbation of climate change impacts within metropolitan areas is a well-documented phenomenon, often leading to severe consequences that pose significant risks to human populations. The impact of urban vegetation and planting design on these factors can be observed. However, it is worth mentioning that while there is an extensive body of literature on the consequences of climate change, there is a relatively small number of studies specifically focused on examining the role of vegetation as a mitigating factor in urban environments. This review paper aims to critically examine existing studies pertaining to the role of urban vegetation in mitigating the detrimental effects of the urban environment. The objective is to offer practical recommendations that can be implemented by city planners. By conducting a comprehensive examination of the literature available in Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, employing specific keywords pertaining to urban vegetation and climate change, we have identified five prominent concerns pertaining to the urban environment. These concerns encompass particulate matter, gaseous pollution, noise pollution, water runoff, and the urban heat island effect. The present analysis highlights that the impact of urban vegetation on the negative consequences of climate change cannot be unequivocally classified as either positive or negative. This is due to the fact that the influence of urban greenery is intricately connected to factors such as the arrangement, makeup, and dispersion of vegetation, as well as the specific management criteria employed. Hence, this research has the potential to enhance comprehension of the multifaceted nature of urban green spaces and establish a solid groundwork for subsequent investigations.

A study on the impact of digital economy on green technology innovation of enterprises

With global economic transformation and environmental sustainability increasingly taking center stage, the role of the digital economy (DE) becomes particularly critical in corporate green technology innovation (GTI). Based on the data of Chinese A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2011 to 2020, this paper explores the interactive effects of DE and GTI and the mechanism role of data resources (DR) in them, as well as conducts in-depth analyses for different regional and city characteristics. The main findings are as follows: First, DE significantly promotes the process of GTI. Second, from the perspective of regional differences, the promotion effect of DE on green technology innovation is particularly prominent in the eastern and central regions. And analyzed from the city level, its positive effect is most significant in the second-tier cities but shows a negative effect in the fourth and fifth-tier cities. Further examined from the perspective of resource dependence, DE inhibits green technology innovation in resource-based cities while showing a significant facilitating effect in non-resource-based cities. Third, DE can further promote green technology innovation by enhancing firms’ DR. Fourth, the study reveals the threshold effect of DR in this relationship: when DR < 2.5649, DE presents an inhibitory effect on green technological innovation, while its promotional effect begins to appear when 2.5649 ≤ DR < 4.2767, and the promotional effect of DE on GTI becomes more obvious when DR ≥ 4.2767.

Rethinking institutional coordination as a transformational issue in providing and administering urban land for housing development in Ethiopia: Evidence from Bahir Dar metropolitan city

Mitiku Alemayehu Emiru, Achamyeleh Gashu Adam, Teshome Taffa Dadi

Article ID: 2738
Vol 5, Issue 1, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54517/ec.v5i1.2738
VIEWS - 70 (Abstract)

Abstract

Institutional coordination and robust land administration are essential to ensuring sustainable land delivery and housing development in fast-growing cities. It also benefits urban dwellers, particularly low-income groups and homeless individuals. Despite efforts, Ethiopia’s metropolitan areas have institutional coordination challenges. The horizontal and vertical coordination between land administration and the government heavily influences the output of housing. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of existing institutional coordination in urban land management to support effective land supply for residential purposes. The institution’s current and desired levels of coordination reveal a significant lack of vertical and horizontal coordination. In order to meet the study’s objectives, a mixed methodology was used, combining primary and secondary sources. The data collection process utilised rigorous methods like questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, field observations, and desk reviews to ensure accuracy and reliability for analysis and further decision-making. The findings unequivocally demonstrate that urban land administration institutions lack adequate vertical and peer coordination, severely hindering their ability to deliver land for housing development efficiently and effectively. Thus, urban and regional governments must rethink and restructure the current institutions for urban land administration, paving the way for a more efficient and effective system. This restructuring should incorporate robust vertical and horizontal coordination and address identified performance capability deficiencies. Ultimately, the study has provided a clear exit strategy that will contribute to the establishment of effective and efficient land administration functions. The study’s findings have significant implications for future urban land administration in Ethiopia and similar urban locations worldwide.

Keywords

horizontal coordination; urban land institution; vertical coordination

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