Adjustment Policies Research Articles

Bridging the Knowledge–Practice Gap: Assessing Climate Change Literacy Among Science Teachers

This research aimed to investigate the knowledge levels and teaching practices of Saudi science teachers regarding climate change, focusing on exploring the correlation between these aspects. The cross-sectional descriptive survey included teachers at middle and high school levels in public schools. The questionnaire study comprised three sections: collecting demographic data, assessing teachers’ understanding of climate change through factual inquiries, and evaluating teaching practices related to climate change. The findings reveal a promising degree of awareness among teachers, with a majority correctly identifying crucial elements of climate change while also exposing misconceptions and knowledge gaps. While a notable portion of teachers reported teaching climate change-related aspects, some indicated minimal involvement in extracurricular activities linked to climate change. The correlation analysis between science teachers’ climate change knowledge and practices indicates a weak connection between the two variables, suggesting that teachers’ knowledge might not substantially impact their actual teaching practices regarding climate change concepts. Limitations included reliance on self-reported data and a sample size that could impact result generalizability. Future research recommendations include combining quantitative data with qualitative methods, comparing knowledge and practices across regions or demographics, and conducting longitudinal studies. This study’s implications stress the importance of targeted professional development, advocating for climate change education integration into formal curricula, and policy adjustments mandating climate change education.

Dividend policy adjustments under bankruptcy law: Insights from distressed firms

This paper investigates the impact of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) on the dividend policy of financially distressed Indian firms. Utilizing a dataset of 33,820 firm-year observations from 2003 to 2023, we employ a difference-in-difference framework to examine how the introduction of IBC influences dividend payouts. Our findings reveal that distressed firms pay more dividends post IBC than non distressed firms, primarily benefiting underlevered distressed firms by enhancing their access to credit. Conversely, overlevered distressed firms experience a reduction in dividend payouts post-IBC. Additionally, the study highlights that standalone distressed firms are more likely to increase dividend payouts post-IBC compared to their business group-affiliated counterparts, due to the latter's access to internal capital markets. These insights contribute to the understanding of how bankruptcy reforms impact the financial strategies of distressed firms and provide valuable implications for policymakers and stakeholders in emerging economies.

Future Development Analysis Based on the Price Reduction Trend of Tesla

The electric vehicle (EV) market is developing rapidly, while the complexity of the market is growing along with the growing prosperity of the market, continuous technology innovation, and frequent policy adjustments. As a leading pioneer in the electric vehicle market, Tesla's development trends have had a significant impact on the market and other companies in the market. Tesla's price cut may especially affect the brand positioning of other companies in the industry, and they follow its price cut strategy, leading to a price war in the whole market. It urges them to adjust their strategies to maintain their market position and profitability. Therefore, the paper elaborates and focuses on Tesla's financial data from 2021 to 2023 and price reduction strategies, and uses key financial indicators, such as revenue growth, cash flow, and return on investment, to predict the future development trajectory of Tesla. This paper, through Tesla's financial analysis and future trends, provides reference and guidance for investors, markets, or companies seeking to follow suit.

Perinatal and Demographic Risk Factors Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A National Survey of Potential Predictors and Severity.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigates autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Greece, focusing on estimating prevalence and identifying regional disparities in children aged 4 to 7 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Utilizing a quantitative, descriptive, and exploratory methodology, the research employed a structured questionnaire to gather extensive maternal and child health data. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 517 mothers of children diagnosed with ASD from all over Greece, contributing to a nuanced understanding of ASD predictors. This study aims to elucidate the role of prenatal factors in the likelihood of an ASD diagnosis and their impact on the subsequent functionality of children with ASD. The study identified significant predictors of lower functionality in children with ASD, including higher maternal age, delayed ASD diagnosis, lower family income, and higher birth order. Prenatal health issues, such as vaginal bleeding and infections, also influenced functional outcomes. Notably, a family history of neurological or psychiatric conditions appeared protective. DISCUSSION: The regression model demonstrated robust predictive power, underscoring the complexity of genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors in ASD development. The findings advocate for early diagnosis and intervention, systematic screening, and addressing socioeconomic disparities to improve functional outcomes. The results support evidence-based service development and policy adjustments to enhance early identification, intervention, and rehabilitation for children with ASD. CONCLUSIONS: Establishing standardized case-recording procedures and an ASD register at national and regional levels is recommended for systematic monitoring and resource evaluation.

Entrepreneurial potential in digital transformation: scale development using item response theory

PurposeThis study aims to develop a scale using item response theory (IRT) to assess the entrepreneurial potential for digital transformation in Brazilian companies.Design/methodology/approachIRT was used to develop a scale for entrepreneurial potential in digital transformation. This scale was constructed from a questionnaire, covering the domains: (1) data-driven culture, (2) openness to knowledge and adaptation to change, (3) connectivity and (4) creativity and innovation. The questionnaire was administered to a sample of 216 entrepreneurs from small business enterprise (SBE) and startups in Brazil.FindingsA questionnaire was developed and validated to assess the latent trait of entrepreneurial potential within the context of digital transformation. Additionally, a three-level scale of entrepreneurial potential was established: low (level I), intermediate (level II) and high (level III). The interpretation of this scale provides valuable information on which domains, such as data-driven culture, innovation, among others, can be enhanced to improve the potential of entrepreneur for digital transformation.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample was limited to small Brazilian companies and startups, which may restrict the applicability of the results to other business or geographic contexts. Additionally, the items evaluated in the scale may not fully capture all nuances of entrepreneurial potential for digital transformation. Future research should consider including new items that cover a broader range of entrepreneurial characteristics.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study have significant practical implications for the Brazilian entrepreneurial ecosystem, the entrepreneurs themselves, public policy makers and entrepreneurship support institutions. These results can guide digital transformation strategies, adjustments in public policies and investments, thereby promoting economic development and innovation in the country.Originality/valueThis study stands out for using IRT as a robust methodology to develop an interpretative scale to assess entrepreneurial potential in the digital transformation era. By focusing on Brazilian SBEs and startups, the study offers an original contribution on how these companies are handling the challenges of digitalization and identifying areas for improvement to further promote digital transformation among entrepreneurs.

Directions for Increasing Green Energy Capacity of Uzbekistan

General background: The global transition to renewable energy is essential for mitigating climate change and ensuring energy security, and Uzbekistan, with its abundant natural resources, holds significant potential. Specific background: Despite progress, Uzbekistan still relies heavily on fossil fuels, and challenges remain in integrating renewable energy into the national grid. Knowledge gap: Previous studies have focused on the technical and economic benefits of green energy, yet there is limited research on the interplay between market reforms and renewable energy adoption in developing nations like Uzbekistan. Aims: This research aims to assess the current renewable energy policies and propose strategies to enhance Uzbekistan’s capacity, particularly in solar and wind energy. Results: The findings reveal that while Uzbekistan has made strides, substantial reforms in market liberalization and increased investment are necessary to meet its 2030 green energy targets. Novelty: This study offers new insights by integrating a market-based approach to energy reforms with the need for targeted subsidies and international investment, filling a critical gap in the literature on green energy transitions in developing economies. Implications: The results suggest that further policy adjustments, enhanced international cooperation, and financial incentives are vital for accelerating Uzbekistan’s green energy transition, providing a model for similar economies. Highlights: Uzbekistan needs substantial market reforms to increase green energy capacity. Solar and wind energy are key to meeting the 2030 renewable energy goals. Targeted subsidies and international investment are essential for sustainable energy development. Keywords: Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Energy Subsidies, Energy Investments, Market Liberalization

Does cross-cultural adjustment affect employee work commitment? Assessing the role of work factors within selected mission hospitals in Kenya

Background Globalization has expanded the scope of business with many companies relying on the contribution of expatriates to fill skills gap in foreign business operations, transferring management knowledge, launching new operations, and coordinating activities on a global scale. Expatriates, however, face challenges that stem from cultural differences. Their commitment levels depend on how well and how quickly they adjust to the unfamiliar culture(s) of the host country. Methods This study sought to investigate the implications of work factors on commitment of expatriates working in selected mission hospitals in Kenya. It was anchored on the provisions of the Three-Component Commitment and International Adjustment theories and a randomly selected sample of 112 respondents from a target population of 156 medical expatriates. Results and conclusions The results depicted that work-related factors significantly affected employee commitment (β= -1.033, p=0.000). To conclude, we argue that employee commitment amongst expatriates can be enhanced through work factors’ cross-cultural adjustment. We further recommend setting up of cross-cultural adjustment policies for expatriate workers within the workplace, particularly in mission hospitals.

The Situation of Inflation Hysteresis in Türkiye: Analysis with Traditional, Fourier and Fractional Frequency Fourier Tests

This study investigates the impact of exchange rate shocks on pricing and whether the values normalise after the shock ends. Accordingly, the study tests the existence of inflation hysteresis. Goods and services sector inflation figures are used in the evaluation, and the data for the Turkish sample between February 2003 and December 2022 are analysed. The data are analysed by subjecting them to Traditional Fourier and Fractional Frequency Fourier tests. The methods used in the study minimise the margin of error as they include sine and cosine values as well as structural breaks in the analysis and are considered to be one of the most up-to-date analysis methods. According to the study’s findings, the increase in inflation rates in Türkiye does not show a permanent feature after appropriate policy adjustments.

Mobility Assistive Technology (AT) for Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP): A Literature Review

This paper comprehensively reviews the use of mobility Assistive Technology (MAT) in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Currently, 9 million people are severely affected by CP, the most serious form of movement disability, characterized by deficits in movement, posture, and more, alongside cognitive and sensory deficits. These impairments restrict the child’s functionality in self-care, performing tasks associated with daily living, and socialization. The main purpose of this paper is to establish the role of MAT in supporting children with CP and assess its impact on their lives. This review describes a range of devices that enhance mobility in motor-disabled patients such as powered wheelchairs, robotic exoskeletons, ankle-foot orthoses (AFO), and gait trainers, and examines their effects on the psychosocial well-being and physical growth of children with CP. A methodical search performed within the PRISMA framework enabled us to analyze papers from 2010 to 2024, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of assistive technology (AT). It was noted that although ATs can improve independence, social involvement, and mobility, challenges remain such as high costs, poor design, and unavailability of these resources in underprivileged regions. New information technologies, including intelligent systems and virtual reality (VR) training tools, are effective in addressing health-related issues; however, the optimization of these techniques over a long period needs further study. This paper underscores the importance of a more child-centred design of AT devices and additional policy adjustments to enhance accessibility across different socio-economic strata. Through this review, we seek to advance the emerging understanding of the role of mobility AT in enhancing the lives of children with CP, focusing on identifying weaknesses in the existing research and suggesting possible advancements.

Стабильность современной политической системы Вьетнама: эволюция, вызовы и перспективы

This article examines the stability of the modern Vietnamese political system through a comprehensive review and analysis of its historical evolution, governance structure, economic reforms, and the intricate interplay of socio-political factors. Since the implementation of Doi Moi economic reforms in 1986, Vietnam has experienced significant transformations, that have led to rapid economic growth and increasing political stability. This study delves into the pivotal role played by the Communist Party of Vietnam in maintaining a one-party system while simultaneously introducing market-oriented reforms. It evaluates the impacts of such reforms on the political landscape, discussing how economic success has contributed to the legitimacy of the state and sustained public confidence. Furthermore, the research identifies internal and external challenges faced by Vietnam, including corruption, human rights concerns, and the pressures of globalization, while examining the state's response through institutional reforms and policy adjustments. The findings of the study suggest that Vietnam's political stability is influenced by a complex set of factors, including economic achievements, institutional reforms, and the central role of the Communist Party.

Assessing the impacts of fertility and retirement policies on China’s carbon emissions

AbstractThe gradual adjustment of fertility and retirement policies in China has social benefits in terms of coping with population aging. However, the environmental consequences of these policies remain ambiguous. Here we compile environmentally extended multiregional input–output tables to estimate household carbon footprints for different population age groups in China. Subsequently, we estimate the age-sex-specific population under different fertility policies up to 2060 and assess the impacts of fertility and retirement policies on household carbon footprints. We find that Chinese young people have relatively higher household carbon footprints than their older counterparts due to differences in income by age group. Relaxing fertility policies and delaying retirement age are associated with an increase in population (and labour supply) and thus increases in household carbon footprints, with the majority of these increases from the fertility side. These results may help policymakers understand interactions among those measures targeting population aging and climate action.

Modeling and simulation of technological innovation diffusion of high-performance construction materials in transportation engineering

This study focuses on the diffusion process of technological innovations in high-performance construction materials (HPCMs) within the field of transportation engineering. The aim is to explore the impact of various factors on this process through modeling and simulation. The research employs a multi-agent modeling approach to construct a simulation model of the diffusion of technological innovations of HPCMs among firms and owners. It analyzes the impact of firms’ strategy choices, knowledge sharing, and government policies on the diffusion of technological innovations of HPCMs. Through simulation experiments, this study reveals the impact of the proportion of firms choosing followership or innovation strategies on the efficiency of technology diffusion within complex networks, as well as the double-edged effect of knowledge sharing. Additionally, the findings indicate that adjustments of government policies at different stages of diffusion have a significant impact on market dynamics. This study provides theoretical foundations and practical recommendations for promoting the research and application of high-performance construction materials, thereby advancing green and sustainable development in transportation engineering.

Towards the Development of Human Capital: Preliminary Results on a Study on Well-being Among Tertiary Students in Melaka, Malaysia

Economic development is intimately linked to human resource development. People who can improve themselves fast and efficiently successfully deal with life's problems and challenges, including those who are in tertiary education. Therefore, their stress level is an indicator of the well-being of our future leaders. This study investigates the various factors that can affect tertiary students' well-being. This preliminary research involves collecting data from higher education institutions in Melaka, with 191 completed responses. The findings were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and correlation. Findings show that 62.8% of respondents experience low stress, while 37.2% report high stress. Key stressors include time pressure, academic dissatisfaction, and subject matter issues, with financial and social factors also contributing to stress levels. However, relationships and environmental factors appear to have a lesser impact on their stress levels. Based on the correlation coefficient, stress level (dependent variable) does not relate to single variables. Most variables have a moderate correlation with the other variables. The study's findings show that tertiary students in Melaka do not experience alarmingly high levels of stress, but several factors do affect them. Therefore, well-being must be prioritized to ensure the best human capital can be created, as it represents future leaders and a skilled workforce. Recommendations are made for policy adjustments to address stress factors, providing human capital development for sustained national progress.

AN ANALYSIS OF GST IMPLEMENTATION AND TRENDS IN REVENUE COLLECTION FROM 2017-18 TO 2023-24

India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST), implemented on July 1, 2017, revolutionized the country's indirect tax system by replacing a complex array of taxes with a unified consumption tax. This study analyzes the implementation, features, and trends of GST from fiscal year 2017-18 to 2023-24, utilizing secondary data from the Economic Survey of India 2023-24. The total GST revenue has shown significant growth, rising from ₹5,39,601 crores in 2017-18 to ₹15,18,127 crores in 2023-24. The GST structure operates under a dual system, with Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) being key components, alongside the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) for inter-state trade. High-contributing states like Maharashtra and Karnataka have strengthened their positions, while states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand face challenges. The analysis also reveals fluctuations in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a robust recovery in subsequent years. Key findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in lower-performing regions, improvements in tax administration, and policy adjustments to address the declining share of cess. This research highlights the pivotal role of GST in enhancing tax compliance and broadening the tax base, laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth in India. KEY WORDS: Goods and Services Tax (GST), Tax Compliance, Indirect Taxation, Economic Growth, Public Finance

Professional qualifications and working competence of Vietnamese civil servants

The local authorities are divided into different levels in each country, of which the authorities at the lowest level are often called the grassroots authorities or defined in Vietnam as commune-level authorities. At the grassroots level, civil servants keep the role as direct implementers of state management tasks in localities and directly resolve people's requests. Therefore, the public duty performance results of civil servants are not only meaningful to the civil servants themselves in the sense that their professional qualifications and duty performance competence are clearly demonstrated, but also confirm their state agencies’ efficiency and reputation. In this study, the theoretical framework on the influence of professional qualifications and duty performance competence on civil servants’ duty performance results has been developed; Practical assessment of professional qualifications, duty performance competence and duty performance results of local commune-level civil servants in Vietnam are carried out through a survey of the opinions of 300 managers at commune-level authorities in 5 major provinces representing 3 regions of Vietnam: Thai Nguyen province, Thai Binh province (Northern region), Quang Ngai province (Central region), Tien Giang province, Hau Giang province (Southern region). Results from the survey show that duty performance competence of commune-level civil servants are not highly appreciated by their managers, even though they meet requirements of professional qualifications in terms of rank and position standards regulated by laws. The findings suggest policy adjustments to promote civil servants’ professional qualifications in practice so that Vietnamese local civil servants are capable of meeting the requirements of serving the people.

Desertification Mitigation in Northern China Was Promoted by Climate Drivers after 2000

Desertification greatly threatens the ecological environment and sustainable development over approximately 30% of global land. In this study, the contributions of climate drivers and human activity in shaping the desertification process from 1984 to 2014 were quantified in the desertification-prone region (DPR) in Northern China (NC) by employing net primary productivity (NPP) as a proxy. The results reveal that 72.74% of the DPR experienced desertification mitigation and 27.26% experienced exacerbation. Climate drivers acted as primary drivers, contributing to both the mitigation (47.2%) and exacerbation (48.5%) of desertification, while human activity also played a crucial role, with contributions of 39.6% to mitigation and 41.0% to exacerbation of desertification. Furthermore, a shift in desertification dynamics emerged around 2000, with climate drivers promoting the mitigation process (66.8%), and precipitation was a dominant climatic factor for the mitigation of desertification after 2000, which was related to internal atmospheric variability. This study highlights changes in the contributions of different factors to desertification, underscoring the need for policy adjustment to attain sustainable land management in NC.

Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of Preschool Education Resource Allocation in China From 2011 to 2019: Based on Statistical and Spatial Analysis Methods

Balancing the allocation of preschool education resources is a crucial objective within China’s preschool education reform. Our analysis focused on investigating the disparities between regions and urban-rural areas in China from 2011 to 2019, employing the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), spatial analysis, and Markov chains. The results demonstrate a gradual reduction in the gaps between regions, and a rapid decrease in urban-rural gaps. Notably, Sichuan stands out with noticeably higher urban-rural differences compared to other provinces. The dynamic evolution revealed by Markov chains illustrates a limited level of fluidity in the observed changes within preschool education resource allocation levels from 2011 to 2019, thereby indicating progression toward a higher-quality allocation process. Additionally, the steady-state formation predicted by Markov chains highlights that if the current investment strategy remains unaltered, the rural areas in middle China will become the least developed in terms of preschool education by 2025. This situation is projected to deteriorate further by 2030. Urgent attention and policy adjustments are therefore imperative to address new trends.

Application of tree cores to investigate the historical pollution trends of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic compounds: A case study in a typical coal-contaminated region of China

In this study, 76 polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) were detected in air, soil, and tree core samples from Huainan, a typical coal-contaminated region of China. Concentrations of ΣPACs in soil and air samples were 2400 ± 5100 ng/g and 150 ± 63 ng/m3, respectively. Priority PAHs were predominant in both air and soil samples, contributing over 50 % of ΣPACs. Source analysis indicated that PAC contamination in Huainan primarily originated from local coal-related activities. The benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)-toxic equivalent concentrations (TEQBaP) of PACs in the air samples (5.6 ± 5.3 ng/m3) exceeded the threshold of 1 ng/m3. Some PACs, such as benzo[e]pyrene (BeP) and Alk-BaPs, demonstrated significant toxicity and are recommended for consideration as priority pollutants. The historical pollution trends of atmospheric PACs were obtained based on the tree core samples. PAC concentrations in tree core segments showed a strong correlation with atmospheric PM10 levels in Huainan. As air quality has improved in recent years, the PACs concentrations in tree core segments have also decreased. Historical fluctuations of atmospheric PACs were largely attributed to the changes in the gas treatment systems of a nearby coal-fired power plant and adjustments in environmental policies. By integrating trends observed in tree core segments with air concentrations, the historical atmospheric PAC concentrations were extrapolated. The extrapolated results showed similar concentration levels and trends when compared with historical data from other studies in China. Thus, tree cores can not only reflect the historical trends of atmospheric PACs with high temporal precision but also are feasible for extrapolating historical concentrations of airborne PACs.

Debt and debt tax benefit: Evidence from Indonesia debt-to-equity cap reform

This study scrutinizes the effects of Indonesia’s 2016 debt-to-equity cap reform (thin capitalization rule) on capital structure, highlighting the role of debt tax benefits. The reform curtails debt tax benefits and furnishes a quasi-experimental setting, allowing a comparison between firms affected by the reform and those unaffected. Focusing on private firms and employing an entropy balancing weighted difference-in-difference approach, we elucidate that the reform results in a substantial 9.7 percentage point reduction in the debt ratio and a 5.3 percentage point increase in the stock ratio. Additionally, utilizing a pseudo tax cut reform framework combined with an isolated impact of the zero marginal debt tax benefit, we identify an implied tax elasticity of debt around 0.88, contributing to the observed decline in the debt ratio. Notably, smaller firms exhibit a more pronounced response, and the stock ratio undergoes a significant metamorphosis, suggesting the need for nuanced policy adjustments. Overall, the study underscores the profound influence of debt tax benefits in shaping corporate financing decisions.

Improving the simulation accuracy of summer maize growth and yield by pixel-based parameterization based on assimilating upscaled MODIS LAI

Accurately simulating maize (Zea mays L.) yield at the regional scale is of paramount importance for making informed policy adjustments and for ensuring food security. Sobol sensitivity analysis was used in this study to screen sensitive parameters of a process-based crop model (Chinese Agricultural Meteorological Model, CAMM). An upscaling approach was utilized to reduce the intra-pixel heterogeneity error of MODIS LAI. Then upscaled MODIS LAI data were assimilated into the CAMM model through a 4DVar assimilation algorithm to optimize pixel-level sensitive parameters, thereby improving the simulation accuracy of the summer maize growth process and yield. Specific leaf area (SLATB_0, SLATB_1) during the period from emergence to tasseling of summer maize exhibited the strongest impact on summer maize yield. Additionally, the average LAI value within the 85–95 % range of ordered LAI values for small pixels within large pixels effectively reduced the intra-pixel heterogeneity error of MODIS LAI, and pixel-based parameterization of SLATB_0 and SLATB_1 at a larger pixel scale (0.0625°) was achieved. Based on yields recorded at agrometeorological stations from 2015 to 2020, assimilated yields in both data assimilation scheme 1 (DA1, optimization of only the sensitive parameter SLATB_0) and scheme 2 (DA2, simultaneous optimization of sensitive parameters SLATB_0 and SLATB_1) exhibited higher accuracy than schemes without data assimilation (with r values of 0.41–0.72 and NRMSE values of 19–30 %). Furthermore, DA2 showed greater simulation accuracy (r: 0.64–0.93, NRMSE: 9–21 %) than DA1 (r: 0.61–0.91, NRMSE: 12–23 %). Upscaling remotely sensed LAI products can significantly reduce the uncertainties of LAI data at a larger pixel scale, and assimilating these LAI data into crop models can effectively increase the simulation accuracy of crop growth and development processes at the regional scale.