Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential determinants of FDI, in developed and developing countries. Design/methodology/approach This paper investigates FDI determinants based on panel data analysis using static and dynamic modeling for 20 countries (11 developed and 9 developing), over the period 2004-2013. For static model estimations, Hausman (1978) test indicates the applicability of fixed effect/random effect, while generalized moments of methods (GMM) (dynamic model) is used to capture endogeneity and unobserved heterogeneity. Findings The outcome across different countries depicts diverse results. In developed countries, FDI seeks policy-related determinants (GDP growth, trade openness, and freedom index), and in developing country FDI showed positive association for economic determinants (gross fixed capital formulation (GFCF), trade openness, and efficiency variables). Research limitations/implications The destination of FDI is limited to 20 countries in the present paper. The indicator of the institutional environment, namely economic freedom index, used in this paper has received some criticism in calculations. Practical implications The paper enlists recommendations for future FDI policies and may assist government in providing a tactical framework for skill development, thereby increasing manufacturing growth rate. The paper also throws light on vertical and horizontal capital inflows considering resource, strategy, and market-seeking FDI. Social implications FDI may bring significant benefits by creating high-quality jobs, introducing modern production and management practices. It highlights how multinational corporations and government contribute to better working conditions in host countries. Originality/value The paper uncovers important features like macroeconomic variables, especially country-wise efficiency scores, policy variables, GFCF, and freedom index, for determining FDI inflows in 20 countries using panel data methods and provides a roadmap for developed and developing countries. The study highlights endogeneity and unobserved heteroscedasticity by applying GMM one- and two-step procedure.

This study explores the interrelationship between FDI, institutional factors, financial development and sustainability by revisiting the pollution haven (or halo) hypotheses. The data is sourced from the World Development Indicators (WDI) database over the period of 1990–2016, covering 21 developed and developing countries with high carbon emissions. The study uses dynamic panel data estimations by applying the generalized method of moments (GMM) and system-generalized methods of moments (Sys-GMM) over sample countries. The results indicate that FDI has a significant positive impact on environmental degradation. There is evidence of pollution haven hypotheses, especially in developing countries. We contribute to existing literature by revisiting the Environment Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis and presenting the effect of FDI on carbon intensity in the light of institutional factors and financial development. The findings relating to FDI, institutional factors and financial development may cause researchers and policymakers to reiterate the sustainability dimension of foreign capital inflows in both developed and developing countries. We propose the policy framework to include a mandatory Statement of Environmental Disclosures for both listed and unlisted home and host companies at the time of their origin, expansion and fund raising in order to achieve sustainable business goals (SBGs).

To understand the role of cell membrane phospholipids during resistance development to cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) in Enterococcus faecalis, gradual dose-dependent single exposure pediocin-resistant (Pedr) mutants of E. faecalis (Efv2.1, Efv3.1, Efv3.2, Efv4.1, Efv4.2, Efv5.1, Efv5.2 and Efv5.3), conferring simultaneous resistance to other CAMPs, selected in previous study were characterized for cell membrane phospholipid head-groups and fatty acid composition. The involvement of phospholipids in resistance acquisition was confirmed by in vitro colorimetric assay using PDA (polydiacetylene)-biomimetic membranes. Estimation of ratio of amino-containing phospholipids to amino-lacking phospholipids suggests that phospholipids in cell membrane of Pedr mutants loose anionic character. At moderate level of resistance, the cell-membrane becomes neutralized while at further higher level of resistance, the cell-surface acquired positive charge. Increased expression of mprF gene (responsible for lysinylation of phospholipids) was also observed on acquiring resistance to pediocin in PedrE. faecalis. Decreased level of branched chain fatty acids in Pedr mutants might have contributed in enhancing rigidification of cell membrane and contributing towards resistance. The interaction of pediocin with PDA-biomimetic membranes prepared from wild-type and Pedr mutants was monitored by measuring percent colorimetric response (%CR). Increased %CR of pediocin against PDA-biomimetic membranes prepared from Pedr mutants confirmed that cell membrane phospholipids are involved in the interactions of pore formation by CAMPs. There was a direct linear relationship between percent colorimetric response and IC50 of CAMPs for wild-type and Pedr mutants. This relationship further reveals that in vitro colorimetric assay can be used effectively for quantification of resistance to CAMPs.

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