Average Labor Research Articles

Inflation targeting and the real exchange rate trend: theoretical discussion and empirical evidence for developed and developing countries

Abstract Economic literature shows evidence that a competitive real exchange rate (RER), i.e., slightly undervalued, is key for development in developing countries. This paper discusses the connections between inflation targeting (IT) regimes and RER trends in economies highly open to capital flows. Following Rodrik’s (2008. The real exchange rate and economic growth, Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, Washington, 2008, vol. 39, no. 2 (Fall), 365–439), the RER trend is estimated for a sample of 31 out of the 38 developed and developing countries that, by the final year of the period covered in this study (2019), had already adopted IT. Covering the period 2000–2019, we showed that all developed and Latin American developing countries had an RER overvaluation trend, while the European, Asian and African (South Africa) developing countries registered an undervaluation trend in the same period. Through a dynamic panel data model, we tested and validated the following hypotheses, which, to the best of our knowledge, are a seminal contribution. We found in Latin American developing countries, whose ITs are centred on the main objective of pursuing price stability, the RER overvaluation trend (a by-product of this monetary policy regime) is driven by higher interest rate differentials to the USA and is harmful to their economic growth. In developed countries, this trend is not explained by their IT framework but by their high per capita income level, which reflects their high average labour productivity and development pattern. Yet, the trend of RER undervaluation in Asian and European developing countries and South Africa reflects their governments’ ability to combine a more flexible IT regime with a floating but managed exchange rate system aimed at preserving a competitive and stable RER in the long term.

Telemedicine Integrated Care Versus In-Person Care Mode for Patients With Short Stature: Comprehensive Comparison of a Retrospective Cohort Study.

Telemedicine has demonstrated efficacy as a supplement to traditional in-person care when treating certain diseases. Nevertheless, more investigation is needed to comprehensively assess its potential as an alternative to in-person care and its influence on access to care. The successful treatment of short stature relies on timely and regular intervention, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged regions where the disease is more prevalent. This study evaluated the clinical outcomes, health-seeking behaviors, and cost of telemedicine integrated into care for children with short stature in China. Our study involved 1241 individuals diagnosed with short stature at the pediatric outpatient clinic of Peking University Third Hospital between 2012 and 2023. Patients were divided into in-person care (IPC; 1183 patients receiving only in-person care) and telemedicine integrated care (TIC; 58 patients receiving both in-person and virtual care) groups. For both groups, the initial 71.43% (average of 58 percentages, with each percentage representing the ratio of patients in the treatment group) of visits were categorized into the pretelemedicine phase. We used propensity score matching to select individuals with similar baseline conditions. We used 7 variables such as age, gender, and medical insurance for the 1:5 closest neighbor match. Eventually, 115 patients in the IPC group and 54 patients in the TIC group were selected. The primary clinical outcome was the change in the standard height percentage. Health-seeking behavior was described by visit intervals in the pre- and post-telemedicine phases. The cost analysis compared costs both between different groups and between different visit modalities of the TIC group in the post-telemedicine phase. In terms of clinical effectiveness, we demonstrated that the increase in height among the TIC group (ΔzTIC=0.74) was more substantial than that for the IPC group (ΔzIPC=0.51, P=.01; paired t test), while no unfavorable changes in other endpoints such as BMI or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels were observed. As for health-seeking behaviors, the results showed that, during the post-telemedicine phase, the IPC group had a visit interval of 71.08 (IQR 50.75-90.73) days, significantly longer than the prior period (51.25 [IQR 34.75-82.00] days, P<.001; U test), whereas the TIC group's visit interval remained unchanged. As for the cost per visit, there was no difference in the average cost per visit between the 2 groups nor between the pre- and post-telemedicine phases. During the post-telemedicine phase, within the TIC group, in-person visits had a higher average total cost, elevated medical and labor expenses, and greater medical cost compared with virtual visits. We contend that the rise in medical visits facilitated by integrating telemedicine into care effectively restored the previously constrained number of medical visits to their usual levels, without increasing costs. Our research underscores that administering prompt treatment may enable physicians to seize a crucial treatment opportunity for children with short stature, thus attaining superior results.

Breathing in pollution, breathing out efficiency: how does air pollution affect labour productivity in China’s service sector?

ABSTRACT This paper examines the impact of air pollution on labour productivity in the service industry in China. Utilizing the Chinese National Tax Survey Database and the contemporaneous air pollution data for 2007–2016, we employ an instrumental variable method and find that the average labour productivity for service firms decreases by 2.11% for every 1ug/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration. The influence is more pronounced among producer services firms, non-state-owned firms, small-scale firms, and firms located in less environmentally regulated regions, northern regions, central and western regions, and coastal regions. The detrimental effect of air pollution increases as air quality worsens. Additionally, a 1ug/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration leads to a significant 2.83% increase in overall labour costs, which squeezes out firms’ capital investment and distorts their factor structure. This paper contributes to the literature by providing new evidence on adverse impact of air pollution on labour productivity in the service sector.

The Effect of Breathing Exercises Using a Breathing Exercise Device and Virtual Reality Applications During Pregnancy and Labor on Labor.

The study aimed to determine the effects of breathing exercises using a breathing exercise device and virtual reality applications during pregnancy and labor on labor pain, duration, and birth satisfaction. This study was planned as a single-blind randomized controlled experimental study. The study was conducted with a total of 114 pregnant women who were randomized between September 2022 and May 2023 at a maternity hospital in Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey. The participants were divided into three groups: the breathing exercise group (39), the virtual reality group (37), and the control group (38). The data were collected by using the descriptive information form, labor observation form, visual analog scale, and Birth Satisfaction Scale. The incidence of average pain scores and labor duration were lower in the intervention groups when compared with the control group ( P < .05). The average birth satisfaction scores of pregnant women in both experimental groups were determined to be higher than those in the control group ( P < .05). The research results show that breathing exercises using a breathing exercise device during pregnancy and labor and virtual reality applications shorten the duration of labor, reduce labor pain, and increase birth satisfaction.

Analysis of The Impact of Factors Affecting the Recovery of Small and Medium Enterprises in Vietnam with the Goal of Sustainable Development in the Context of Economic Crisis

Objective: The article analyzes the impact of various factors on the profitability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam amidst an economic crisis, using a dataset of Vietnamese SMEs from 2016 to 2018 across different provinces nationwide. Method: Employing panel data regression techniques in two forms: Fixed Effects (FE) and Random Effects (RE) models to estimate the impact of factors on enterprise profitability. Results and Discussion: Through estimating the two models on the article's dataset, the RE model shows that the coefficients of the explanatory variables in the model are statistically significant, whereas the FE model's coefficients are not. The estimation results from the RE model indicate that all variables including equity value, number of foreign workers, number of sectors the enterprise operates in the dummy variable for state support, average labour cost, and the dummy variable for the main operating sector of the enterprise affect the profitability of the enterprise. The RE model results suggest that the most significant factors impacting enterprise profitability are the business sector and state support. We need to have policies that create favorable conditions for businesses to achieve sustainable development goals (SDG). Conclusions: Results from the estimated model show that the most important factors affecting business profits are the business sector and state support. The state and businesses need to take measures to innovate activities to help businesses develop sustainably during the economic crisis.

Gender Inequality in Economic Participation: A Socio-Economic Analysis in Indonesia

This research addresses gender inequality in economic participation in Indonesia, an issue that poses a barrier to sustainable development and social equality. Although there has been an increase in women's participation in the economic sector, women's labor participation rate is still significantly lower than men's, with an average labor participation rate of 83-84% for men and only 50-53% for women (BPS, 2018-2023). Various social and structural barriers, including patriarchal culture and the burden of domestic responsibilities, limit women's role in the public sector. This study uses descriptive analysis to evaluate trends and patterns of gender inequality in the Indonesian economy from 2018 to 2023, utilizing data from BPS. The findings show that gender inequality in economic participation disadvantages women and slows national economic growth. With more inclusive policies, Indonesia can correct this imbalance and increase its potential productivity and economic competitiveness.

Alleviating Active Labor Pain: The Impact of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) Back Massage During the First Stage of Labor

Labor pain is one of the most intense sensations experienced by women during childbirth, particularly during the first stage of labor. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of back massage with Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) on the intensity of active labor pain during the first stage. The research employed a quantitative, pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design, involving 18 mothers in active phase labor at IMP Restu Bunda, West Tulang Bawang Regency. Pain levels were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after the back massage with VCO. Results showed that the average labor pain intensity before the intervention was 7.0, and after the back massage with VCO, the average pain decreased to 5.2. Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon test revealed a significant reduction in pain intensity (p-value = 0.000), indicating that back massage with VCO effectively reduced labor pain. Seventeen respondents reported a decrease in pain, while only one respondent experienced no change. The findings suggest that back massage with VCO is a viable non-pharmacological method for managing labor pain, with minimal side effects.

LABOR DURATION IS DEFINED BY THE TIME OF DAY OF LABOR INDUCTION.

Spontaneous labor and birth peak during the late evening and early morning hours, indicating an endogenous rhythm in labor onset and birth. We hypothesize that the time-of-day of labor induction will define labor duration and the risk of cesarian section. In a retrospective study of pregnant women who were induced for labor (n =3,688), time-of- day of labor induction was studied across maternal phenotypes. Survival analysis and Cox Proportional Hazards model were used to identify differences in time-to-birth as a result of inducing labor at a specific time-of-day. Labor induction was circadian (p<0.05, Lomb-Scargle test), with a gradual lengthening in labor duration when labor induction was initiated later in the day, peaking at 23:00 hours (average labor duration of 20.72 hours) as compared to induction at 5:00 hours (average labor duration of 14.74 hours, p<0.01, Kruskal-Wallis test). The optimal time-of-day of labor induction was conditioned by maternal phenotype with significant differences in probability of giving birth as a result of the time-of-day labor was induced for nulliparous obese (p<0.05, Two-way ANOVA), and parous obese women (p<0.05). Labor duration in response to induction is circadian, with the shortest labor duration when induced during early morning hours. The optimal time-of-day of labor induction is conditioned by maternal phenotype and should be considered as a labor management practice.

Gender Disparities in Kazakhstan’s Labor Market: Evidence from the Quality Employment

Gender disparities in the labor market have remained a critical area of economic research, particularly in understanding how men and women experience different employment conditions. This study aims to assess the quality of employment for men and women, focusing on the multidimensional quality of jobs, including formal and informal employment, unemployment, and access to highly qualified professions. The research employs a standardized approach using Z-scores to analyze deviations from average labor market indicators across genders, enabling a comparative evaluation of employment trends over the past decade. Data were drawn from national labor force statistics, covering a wide range of indicators such as labor force participation, employment rates, unemployment, and sectoral distribution. The results of the study show significant gender differences. The average level of the involvement of women in the labor force during the study period was 64.96%, while for men this figure reached 76.38%. The employment rate among women was 4.5% lower on average compared to men, and for women in informal employment, it was 20.16% versus 20.76% for men. Women also showed a higher unemployment rate: 5.71% versus 4.36% for men. The study also highlights the impact of external economic shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on labor market dynamics, exacerbating gender disparities. Future research should focus on developing policies that reduce informal employment and increase job stability for women. Further study of the long-term effects of global economic crises on gender differences in the quality of employment is also necessary to develop effective measures.

Assessing the impact of new technologies on wages and labour income shares

This paper advances the literature on the impacts of new technologies on labour markets, focusing on wage and labour income shares. Using a dataset from 32 countries and 38 industries, we analyse the effects of new technologies – proxied by patents, information and communication technology (ICT) capital usage, and robot intensity – on average wages and labour income shares over time. Our results indicate a positive correlation between patents and wage levels along with a minor negative impact on labour income shares, suggesting that technology rents are not fully passed on to labour. Robot intensity is positively associated with labour income shares, while ICT capital has an insignificant effect. These effects persist over time and are reinforced by global value chain (GVC) linkages. Our conclusions align with recent research indicating that new technologies have a generally limited impact on wages and labour income shares.

Spatio-temporal differentiation characteristics of coal mine safety levels in China based on spatial spillover effects

In order to solve the problem of "potpourri" of safety risk prevention and control measures, which is caused by the unclear mechanism of the spatial effect of coal mine safety level heterogeneity and its influencing factors. This paper discriminates the dominant factors of spatio-temporal heterogeneity of coal mine safety production level in China and their spatial effect types by means of GeoDetector and the Spatial Dubin Model (SDM), specifies the categories and degrees of acts on local and surrounding areas by changes in indicators, and provides further visualization of the detection outcomes with the assistance of the Neo4j graph database, and the findings indicate that:(1) All 15 indicators selected in the study have a certain influence on the generation of spatial heterogeneity in China's coal mine safety production level, and all of them show an enhancement relationship after the interaction of indicators. Especially, the combination of excavated environment and other indicators basically has a non-linear enhancement relationship. (2) In terms of spatial effects, the influence of the 5 effects on the spatio-temporal heterogeneity of coal mine safety level is, in descending order, industrial development effect > capital allocation effect > production environment effect > government supervision effect > enterprise management effect, which indicates that macroeconomic and market conditions have a much stronger influence on the generation of spatio-temporal heterogeneity in coal mine production safety status. (3) From the single indicator perspective, the average annual temperature, average annual wind speed, coal consumption and monitoring efficiency primarily affect the dependent variable through direct effects; GDP per capita, average labor compensation as well as railroad operating mileage have positive spatial spillover on the changes of coal mine safety production level in surrounding areas; the evaluation of the spatial effect for average labor compensation exhibits a positive indirect effect with low influence; for the two indicators of production efficiency and ex-factory price, not only do they have negative effects on the local coal mine safety level, but also have significant spillover effects on surrounding areas.

Impact of productivity drivers on the performance of manufacturing firms

A considerable number of research indicates that a nation's industrial sector plays a crucial role in its economic growth. Therefore, it is crucial to research the productivity drivers among businesses engaged in the manufacturing sector to create a sound, inclusive, long-lasting, and innovative industry. Thus, as a micro-perspective of industrialization, this study looks into the main productivity drivers of manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study analyses an imbalanced panel firm-level dataset from 2007 to 2019 using the simultaneous approach of the stochastic frontier to achieve its goal. Our research shows that Nigerian manufacturing firms deal with growing returns to scale and a high labour intensity. For policy actions, it was recommended that a realistic industrialization strategy has to be micro-founded. This strategy should prioritise large-scale industrial companies, promote exports, and provide a steady supply of electricity. The findings also show that small and micro firms in Nigeria are more productive than large manufacturing firms, even though the frequency of power outages and average labour costs impede the productivity of these firms.

Competition policy and labor income share: Evidence from the antitrust policy in China

This study examines the impact of increased market competition on labor income share. We use the enactment of China's Anti-Monopoly Law as a quasi-natural experiment. The results reveal that the Anti-Monopoly Law has a significant positive effect on the labor income share of firms with higher market power. This is because the rising market competition, effected by the Anti-Monopoly Law, inhibits market power and increases average labor wages. Our findings are relevant for firms in provinces with higher administrative monopolies, with less competition, and under industries with less competition.

THE ROLE OF SELF-MARKETING IN CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ROMA EMPLOYMENT

The role of different groups in society in the labour market is of vital importance for the functioning of a nation's economy. Equal access to employment is a fundamental condition for tackling social exclusion and is closely linked to reducing and combating poverty. Research on discrimination in the labour market goes back several decades and is primarily based on perceptions of discrimination. The Roma population is one of the most disadvantaged groups in Hungary, with the most severe labour market tensions and the largest number of underprivileged groups. Roma are considered a social group with below average labour market opportunities. The unfavourable social and economic situation of the Roma population in Hungary and their resulting marginalisation has become a platitude in public discourse and academic work. The importance of the issue is undoubtful, as it is estimated that the Roma population, which constitutes a significant proportion of the population, is the poorest, most excluded and, overall, the most vulnerable group in society. The gap between the Roma population and the majority society has been steadily increasing for decades, mainly due to the residential segregation and economic decline of the Roma. Negative discrimination in the labour market plays a crucial role in shaping the employment prospects of Roma people. On the one hand, this is due to the negative discrimination they face, and on the other hand, to the low level of knowledge acquired by these people compared to the average in society. In our study, we examine the factors determining selfmarketing and the labour market chances of Roma in the context of the background factors, economic and social effects of unemployment, which particularly affect this precariat group. We make an attempt to prove that self-marketing has a right to exist among the Roma working population. In researching this topic, it is essential to address the issue of the conscious career management competences of members of the emerging generation and the crucial role of inclusive workplaces.

Senam Birth Ball dalam Mengatasi Nyeri pada Persalinan Kala I

Physiologically, pain is generally felt by all mothers who face the birth process. Pain arises due to uterine contractions which are useful for opening the cervix. However, intense pain can disturb comfort and can affect psychological conditions. As many as 46% of primigravida mothers experienced severe pain, 64% experienced mild to moderate pain. In multigravida mothers, 37% experienced severe pain and 63% experienced moderate and mild pain. One way to overcome severe pain in the first stage is birth ball exercises. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of using a birth ball on first stage labor pain. The design of this research was a quasi-experimental one group with control group. The population in this study were all mothers giving birth at PMB Dewi Anggraini in March-April 2024, totaling 28 respondents. The sampling technique used is total sampling. Statistical tests use the Independent Sample T Test. The average pain in the intervention group was 3.52 and the average labor pain in the control group was 5.52, meaning there was a reduction in pain levels of 2.00. The significant value was found to be p: 0.001 &lt; 0.05, meaning that there was a difference in the pain scale of the first stage of labor in the groups that used a birth ball and those that did not use a birth ball. It is hoped that health workers can improve maternal care during childbirth, one of which is by inviting mothers to use a birth ball.

Labor patterns of spontaneous first-stage labor in Chinese women with normal neonatal outcomes.

Friedman's standards, developed almost 50 years ago, may no longer align with the needs of today's obstetric population and current pregnancy management practices. This study aims to analyze contemporary labor patterns and estimate labor duration in China, focusing on first-stage labor data from Chinese parturients with a spontaneous onset of labor. This retrospective observational study utilized data from electronic medical records of a tertiary hospital in Changsha, Hunan. Out of a total of 2,689 parturients, exclusions were made for multiple gestations, preterm, post-term, or stillbirth, cesarean delivery, non-vertex presentation, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Average labor curves were constructed by parity using repeated-measure analysis, and labor duration was estimated through interval-censored regression, stratified by cervical dilation at admission. We performed an analysis to assess the impact of oxytocin augmentation and amniotomy on labor progression and conducted a sensitivity analysis using women with complicated outcomes. Nulliparous women take over 180 minutes for cervical dilation from 3 to 4 cm, and the duration from 5 to 6 cm exceeds 145 minutes. Multiparous women experience shorter labor durations than nulliparous. Labor acceleration is observed after 5 cm in nulliparous, but no distinct inflection point is evident in the average labor curve. In the second stage of labor, the 95th percentile for nulliparous, with and without epidural analgesia, is 142 minutes and 127 minutes, respectively. These findings provide valuable insights for the reassessment of labor and delivery processes in contemporary obstetric populations, including current Chinese obstetric practice.

Comparative Analysis of The Cost of Laying Red Bricks on Building Works

Technological development continues to fulfill people's needs for work comfort. A non-structural work that has an important role in building construction projects, such as labor productivity of red brick wall installation work. This research was conducted to analyze the comparison of the average labor coefficient and labor requirements in the field with SNI 2022, as well as comparing labor wages in the field with SSHBJ. This research was conducted by conducting unstructured interviews with the site manager, to obtain primary data on the construction project of the PT Gudang Garam Tbk, cigarette depot building. This research uses quantitative methods. From the results of this analysis, the average value of the foreman's labor coefficient in the field is 0.0141: 1.0150 OH SNI, head mason in the field 0.0205: 0.0100 OH SNI, mason in the field 0.0100: 0.0100 OH SNI, helper mason in the field 0.1215: 0.3000 OH SNI. The following are the results of the comparison of the average labor requirements of foremen in the field 1: 1 OH SNI, head masons in the field 2: 1 OH SNI, mason in the field 10: 9 OH SNI, mason helper in the field 11: 28 OH SNI. Where the average wage of labor in the field is compared with SSHBJ, where for the foreman's labor in the field Rp 288,066.67: 178,500.00 SSHBJ, head mason in the field Rp 141,646.15: 245,323.08 SSHBJ, masons in the field Rp 1,635,361.54:1,260,000.00 SSHBJ, mason helper Rp 4,359,871.79: 1.120.512,82 SSHBJ.

Analisis Produktivitas pada Pengolahan Ikan Tuna Cube di PT. Aceh Lampulo Jaya Bahari

PT. Aceh Lampulo Jaya Bahari is a nautical product manufacturer based in the Lampulo fishing port, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Productivity is a comparison of input and output that indicates how effectively resources are managed and exploited to obtain the best results. High production means there is less likelihood of delays. PT. Aceh Lampulo Jaya Bahari's productivity achievement indicator values fluctuate annually, with some years seeing low or high production. The purpose of this study is to identify productivity-influencing elements, as well as to estimate the level of labor productivity, production amount, total productivity, and the difference in production amount when processing tuna cubes at PT. Aceh Lampulo Jaya Bahari. This study examines monthly production data from 2023 to determine worker productivity and output. The method is to measure partial and total productivity and then launch monthly productivity changes. The study's findings demonstrate that labor productivity and tuna cube output are higher than number one, indicating productive performance. PT. Aceh Lampulo Jaya Bahari met its production objective of 350 kg per month, with an average total labour productivity of 2.6%. This study advises that firms maintain production consistency and form a network of collaborating partners to ensure raw material availability.

The Effect of Auricular Acupressure on Uterine Contractions, Fetal Heart Rate, and Length of Labor in the Active Phase of Primigravida

The still high maternal mortality rate (MMR) in Indonesia, especially in East Java, is caused by indirect causes or other causes such as prolonged labor, so a method is needed to treat cases of prolonged labor such as auricular acupressure. Auricular acupressure (AKAR) is a non-pharmacological method proven effective for uterine contractions, but its side effects on the fetal heart rate (FHR) are unknown. The research aimed to analyze the AKAR method on uterine contractions, FHR, and labor duration in the first stage's active phase. This type of research is truly experimental, with a pretest-posttest control group design. The research subjects were 41 respondents, primigravida active phase first-stage mothers, selected by consecutive sampling and randomly divided into two groups, namely 21 AKAR groups and 20 deep breathing relaxation control groups. The research results of the Friedman test statistical test ρ-value equal 0.000 in the AKAR group and ρ-value equal 0.000 in the control group, meaning that AKAR influences uterine contractions. The Friedman Test findings show that AKAR does not affect FHR (ρ-value equal 0.618). The Independent Sample Test ρ-value equal 0.29 indicates no statistically significant difference between the two groups' labor lengths throughout the first stage's active phase. The AKAR group's average labor time in the first stage of the active phase was 365.40 minutes, with a minimum of 267 minutes and a high of 395 minutes. Conclusion: The auricular acupressure method affects uterine contractions but does not affect the fetal heart rate. There was no difference in the length of labor in the first active phase of labor between the auricular acupressure and deep breathing relaxation groups, so it is recommended that the auricular acupressure method can be used as an alternative complementary care to prevent prolonged labor.

Exports and Income Inequality in Mexico

What is the effect of exports on local income inequality in developing countries? To respond to this question, we combine data on exports with a panel of welfare indicators for 2000 Mexican municipalities, and implement an instrumental variable approach to address endogeneity concerns. Our results show that a 10 per cent increase in the exports per worker reduces local income inequality, measured by the Gini coefficient, by 0.17 points (using a 0 to 100 scale). This is driven by income growth among households at the bottom of the income distribution. We also find that although exports do raise the total amount of labour incomes at the municipal level, average labour incomes do not change. This occurs because municipalities with growing exports also experience an increase in employment and working-age population driven by inflows of returning migrants and lower emigration outflows. Remittances also decline in response to rising exports.