Source Of Income Research Articles

Analysing the multifaceted determinants of exorbitant medical expenses among senior citizens in Malaysia

This article analyses the complex factors contributing to rising medical expenses, focusing on the senior citizen demographic in Malaysia. With the global aging population, notably in lower and middle-income countries, the study highlights the escalating medical and health insurance costs, driven by age, income source, modern healthcare, and geographical residence. The research draws on an extensive literature review, demographic analysis, and quantitative methods to examine these determinants. It critically analyzes Malaysia’s healthcare system, which operates on a dual-tier model, and the financial burden placed on senior citizens. The findings indicate that age, source of income, and geographical residence significantly influence medical expenses, whereas modern healthcare’s impact is not statistically significant. The study calls for government intervention, insurance industry adjustments, and private sector support to mitigate the financial strain on senior citizens. Recommendations include tax relief adjustments, National Health Insurance Scheme implementation, and employment sustainability for seniors. This research provides some recommendations to policymaking, the insurance industry, and academia by providing insights into managing the healthcare needs of an aging population sustainably.

Status of farm mechanization and factor affecting its adoption among the rice (Oryzae sativa) farmers in Sarlahi district, Nepal

This study aimed to investigate the degree of agricultural mechanization adoption and the factors influencing its acceptance in the Haripurwa municipality and Parsa rural municipality of Sarlahi district, specifically concerning rice agriculture using a multistage random sampling method. A total of 98 respondents were selected for the study, 52 were from Haripurwa municipality and 46 were from Parsa rural municipality. Primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, focal group discussion, and key informant interviews whereas secondary data were obtained through review of relevant literature. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, scaling and indexing, chi-square tests, T-tests, and the logit model. By analyzing the adoption index, 62.245% and 37.755% of respondents were under the adopter and non-adopter categories respectively. In contrast to 100% physical labor for transplanting, fertilizer application, and other intercultural tasks like weeding and harvesting, the study found that land preparation was done mechanically (100%). The two biggest obstacles to the use of agricultural machinery were small farms scattered terrain and poor infrastructure with index values of 0.845 and 0.843, respectively. Major factors influencing agricultural mechanization were respondents' educational status, gender, farmers' experience, participation in organizations, loan availability, and primary source of family income. Thus, it can be said that socio-economic determinants which had a significant association with adoption status and most needed farm implements for farmers can be considered by the concerned authority to increase the farm mechanization and enhance profitability from rice farming.

Global patterns of mangrove resource utilization: a systematic review

Ecosystem services, encompassing the direct and indirect benefits of natural systems, are extensively studied in the context of mangroves. These carbon-rich ecosystems support coastal fisheries, shorelines, and harvestable resources to local communities. However, research on mangrove ecosystem services primarily are at a local scale, with limited exploration of global variations in resource utilization. This paper aims to bridge this knowledge gap through a systematic review of the existing literature conducted in Web of Science to assess the geographical variations in the coverage of mangrove use and ecosystem services. Out of 310 papers analyzed, Asia had the highest coverage (43%) with support to fisheries (39%) being the most researched ecosystem service worldwide. Direct use of mangrove resources exhibited regional variations, particularly in Asia, Africa, and North America. Mangrove wood, primarily used for fuel (16%) and construction (15%), was the most documented resource, with its usage persisting in low-income countries. Notably, a shift from being a primary income source to subsistence use was observed in Asia, Africa, and South America. Intrinsic and cultural services were less mentioned in the literature, emphasizing the need for future studies to focus on these areas to ensure culturally sensitive conservation efforts.

ASSESSMENT OF ADULT YOUTHS’ PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND ITS IMPACT ON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN ZARIA, KADUNA STATE

This study assessed the adult youth’s participation in agricultural production and its impact on employment opportunities in Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria. Three specific objectives and three research questions were formulated. Descriptive survey design was adopted and population of the study was all youths participated in farming production in Zaria Birni Constituency. A sample of 60 adult youths was purposively selected from 3 wards out of 6 wards in Zaria Birni and its surrounding. Instrument used was a structured questionnaire with a four rating scale titled “Adult Youths Participation in Agricultural Production and its Impact on Employment Opportunity” (AYPAPIEO)”. It was validated by three senior researchers in the faculty of education Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. Descriptive statistics (percentage, mean and standard deviation) was used to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that the adult youth in the study area participated actively in agricultural production to produce foods for their family and provide employment opportunity to their family, friend and community. The findings also revealed that the adult youth participated in the agricultural production because of the food security and to have other sources of income for the family. The findings of the study equally revealed that adult youth participation in agricultural production reduces the level of social vices. It was therefore recommended among others that government and non-governmental organizations should increase efforts to provide adult youth with easier access to land, credit facilities, and inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and machinery. This can be achieved through targeted subsidy programs, low-interest loans, and land reform policies that prioritize youth engagement in agriculture. KEY WORDS: Adult youths, Agricultural production, Employment opportunities

National Sentiments and Regional Flavour- A Socio-economic Study of Huvina Hadagali Jasmine

Background This socio-economic analysis studies the influence of jasmine production on the economic well-being of farmers in Huvina Hadagali, a region known for its high-quality jasmine flowers. The Vijaya Nagara district’s Havina Hadagali area is well known throughout the country for its jasmine flower farming. In addition to being referred to as Mallige Nadu, this location is also known as Malligeya Tavaru. The cultivation of the jasmine flower is protected by the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag, and this flower has been popular in this region for a substantial amount of time. Methods Data was collected from a sample of 364 jasmine growers using a structured questionnaire in Huvina Hadagali, Vijayanagar district. The data focused on different socio-economic factors such as income levels, employment, market access, and agricultural techniques. The study is analysed using IBM SPSS through frequency analysis and 2-step clustering. Result The results demonstrate that the cultivation of jasmine makes a substantial contribution to the local economy, serving as a main or additional source of income for numerous households. Jasmine farming often contributes 40% of the whole household income, and during peak seasons, it provides significant economic advantages. Nevertheless, the highlighted obstacles were volatile market pricing, pest infestations, and limited access to contemporary farming practices. The study emphasises the crucial significance of cooperative societies and local marketplaces in stabilising income and offering essential resources and training to farmers. Conclusion The research highlights the necessity of governmental interventions focused on developing market infrastructure, offering financial assistance, and improving access to agricultural innovations to maintain and augment the economic advantages of jasmine cultivation in Huvina Hadagali.

(How) Would You Continue Working? A Comparison of Responses to the Lottery Question and a Basic Income Question

Abstract: The introduction of a basic income (BI) is a controversial topic. A key psychological question is whether most employees would stop or, as suggested by lottery question research, continue working. We addressed this question through two surveys with 268 and 640 employees, examining their plans regarding working if they won the lottery (lottery question) or received a monthly BI (BI question) as well as their reasons for continuing to work. More than 90 % (Study 1) and more than 80 % (Study 2) of respondents planned to continue working in both scenarios. In response to the BI question, more participants indicated they would continue working as before and fewer planned to pursue a different kind of work or to stop working. Financial reasons to continue working were reported more frequently in response to the BI question. Our findings suggest that the generalizability of lottery question research to the BI is limited, which necessitates specific research on the BI.

Optimal taxes and basic income during an episode of automation: a worker’s perspective

Abstract Motivated by distributional concerns raised by recent breakthroughs in AI and robotics, we ask how workers would prefer to manage an episode of automation in a task-based model, which distinguishes between automation and traditional technical progress. We show that under majority voting with the option to implement a “partial” UBI (as transfers to workers) it is optimal to tax capital at a higher rate than labor in the long run to fund the partial UBI. We show that, unlike traditional technical progress, automation always lowers the labor share in the long run, justifying distributional concerns. A quantitative analysis of an episode of automation for the US economy shows that it is optimal from the workers’ perspective to lower capital taxes and transfers over the transition. Nevertheless, this policy increases worker welfare by only 0.7% in consumption-equivalent terms, compared with a 21.6% welfare gain to entrepreneurs, because the welfare gains to workers from lower capital taxes are second-order, while the gains to entrepreneurs are first-order.

The Impact of Restrictive Macroprudential Policies through Borrower-Targeted Instruments on Income Inequality: Evidence from a Bayesian Approach

This study used the panel data from 15 emerging markets to examine the impact of restrictive macroprudential policies on income inequality from 2000–2019 using Bayesian panel vector autoregression and Bayesian panel dynamics generalised method of moments models. The chosen models are suitable for addressing multiple entity dynamics, accommodating a wide range of variables, handling dense parameterisation, and optimising formativeness and heterogeneous individual-specific factors. The empirical analysis utilised various macroprudential policy proxies and income inequality measures. The results show that when the central banks tighten systems using macroprudential policy instruments to sticker debt-to-income and financial instruments for lower-income borrowers (the bottom 40% of the income distribution), they promote income inequality in these countries while reducing income inequality for high-income borrowers (the high 1 percent of the income distribution). The impact of loan-to-value ratios was found to be insignificant in these countries. Fiscal policy through government expenditure and economic development reduces income inequality, while money supply and oil-price shocks exacerbate it. The study suggests implementing a progressive debt-to-income (DTI) ratio system in emerging markets to address income inequality among lower-income borrowers. This would adjust DTI thresholds based on income brackets, allowing lenient credit access for lower-income borrowers while maintaining stricter limits for higher-income borrowers. This would improve financial stability and reduce income disparities. Additionally, targeted financial literacy programs and a petroleum-linked basic income program could be implemented to distribute oil revenue to lower-income households. A monetary supply stabilisation fund could also be established to maintain financial stability and prevent excessive inflation.

Migration as an Adaptation Measure to Achieve Resilient Lifestyle in the Face of Climate-Induced Drought: Insight from the Thar Desert in Pakistan

A significant number of people, either seasonally or permanently, migrate from the Thar Desert in Pakistan each year due to droughts caused by climate change. This study aims to investigate the determinants and consequences of these migration decisions, examine the effectiveness of migration as a climate adaptation strategy, and identify challenges in adapting to these changes. Data were gathered from 400 migrated households in the Mithi sub-district. A mixed-method approach was used, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The findings revealed that threats to the standard of living, including lack of food and clean drinking water, unemployment, and limited educational and medical opportunities, were the primary reasons for permanent and temporary migration from ancestral locations. Migration significantly impacted the origin and destination regions, with positive or negative effects. Specifically, migrants identified various consequences for both the origin and destination communities, including population decline (63%), changes in age structure, increased demand for housing, economic fluctuations (73%), alterations in healthcare services, and increased psychological stress (77%). The study also revealed that individuals who migrated from the Thar Desert experienced improved conditions compared to their previous location, such as diversification of income sources, increased job stability, access to clean water and food, reduced health risks, and overall improvements in their living conditions. However, the destination communities faced significant challenges due to widespread resource depletion and environmental deterioration. Migrants encountered barriers to developing resilient livelihoods in destination areas, including lack of proper knowledge and information, institutional and government issues, environmental and technological challenges, and social and cultural issues. The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive policies and sustainable solutions to address the root causes of migration and support the resilience of vulnerable populations.

Breksi Cliff Tourism Rising From the Impact of the Pandemic

The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the impact of Covid-19 on Breksi Cliff Tourism. Breksi Cliff Tourism is managed by a Village-Owned Enterprise ( BUMDes) in Sambirejo Village, Prambanan District and Breksi Cliff Manager Lowo Ijo is a work unit of BUMDes. This study uses the perspective of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC), namely from a financial perspective, customer perspective, internal business process perspective, learning and growth perspective. to see the impact of Breksi Cliff Tourism. The impact on the internal organization itself as well as the economic impact on the surrounding community which has become a source of income. This study uses qualitative research methods in order to dig up more information from sources about the impact of Covid-19. The informants in this study are Breksi Cliff Tourism Managers, employees of Breksi Cliff Tourism Managers, non-employee workers and the community around Breksi Cliff Tourism. It is hoped that this research will produce a solution for Tebing Breksi Tourism Managers in dealing with the crisis caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic and can recover quickly.

Land Use Change and its Impact on Terrestrial Biodiversity of Surrounding Areas of Jim Corbett National Park

Located at the Shivalik Himalayas' foothills, near the worldwide popular hill-station of Nainital, the beautiful park is famous for being home to a huge number of Bengal tigers, the highest among any Indian national park. So many other mammals, including tigers, leopards and elephants (wild), roam in this park. On the edge of the Western Ramganga Reservoir, the Sonanadi zone is habitat to elephants and leopards, along with more than hundreds of species of fowl. Also CNP is a prime protected area of Uttarakhand forest as it provides ecological viable, profitable and sources of different income for local people. Dense forest cover is one among the most natural resources for every animal (Including human) directly and indirectly. But rapid excessive exploitations of the different vegetation, woods, shrubs species for human development here are now under the threat of biodiversity loss and uncovering forests. Present study focused on significance of terrestrial biodiversity, reason of land use changes and threats to terrestrial biodiversity (TB) because of land use change, terrestrial biodiversity of the local area is influencing by various ways. For continuous use of the forest ecosystems, it is very important to find the land use land covers changes and its negative impacts on biodiversity and surrounding environment. Forest resources are the full of vital material, base of direct and indirect human’s continuous progress and it needs to monitor the status and change of forest resources timely for logical exploitation of forests and its renewal. Present study focused on monitoring the changes in the forest areas, surrounding barren land, build-up area and natural resources.

Oferta turystyki kajakowej w województwie podkarpackim. Stan rozwoju oraz ocena odwiedzających

The aim of the article is to identify and assess the possibilities of the Podkarpackie Province in building a product offer for kayak tourism. The analyses presented in the article are based on data from several sources. Among others, the results of the Study on the Tourist Image of the Podkarpackie Province and the Study on Tourist Traffic in the Podkarpackie Province, which were conducted in 2021, were used. In addition, data from the Podkarpackie Regional Tourism Board was obtained. They concerned kayak events organized by this institution in 2021–2022. The estimation of potential relationships between the analyzed variables was carried out using the nonparametric chi-square test of independence (due to the size and distribution of results in the research sample). The analyses and interpretations carried out in the article allow us to state that in the scope of active tourism, water tourism, right after hiking and cycling, is the reason for coming to the Podkarpackie Province. Within the scope of water tourism, kayaking is an important position, especially for one-day visitors and above all in counties with lower tourist traffic intensity. It is a much more accessible form of water tourism than sailing or motorboat sports, both in terms of time, required permissions and qualifications, equipment, and finances. Water tourism, including kayaking, is in some places (e.g. Lake Solina) a significant source (direct and indirect) of income generated, among others, from tourists and organizers. It has a positive impact on socio-economic development and creates a positive image of the region “open to water” on the national and international arena.

Policy feedback and voter turnout: Evidence from the Finnish basic income experiment

Policy feedback and voter turnout: Evidence from the Finnish basic income experiment

Introduction of a guaranteed basic income as a probable consequence of intellctual automation of labor

Objective: to form a holistic view of the unconditional basic income as a tool of social protection, taking into account the changes in the labor sphere and allowing to solve a number of growing problems associated with the consequences of the economy digitalization, as well as to assess the prospects of creating legal regulation on this issue. Methods: the study was conducted using both general and specific scientific methods, including analysis and synthesis, formal-legal method, systemic and comparative approaches, methods of legal forecasting and legal modeling. Results: unconditional basic income can become one of the elements of a new model of social security based on the unstable nature of labor relations, which begins to prevail over the model of sustainable employment traditional for industrial society. If established, this institution will be cross-sectoral within the labor law and social security law, providing social protection simultaneously to all members of society, most of whom in the near future will face an increased risk of being absorbed by technological unemployment. Unconditional basic income as an element of the social protection system will have to comply with the principle of the universal nature of protection based on social solidarity, on the one hand, and to take into account the need to balance the interests of the parties, on the other hand. As experimental models of basic income, which can be put into practice in the coming years, we can name the model of basic income as a measure of social support for persons involved in atypical forms of employment. This model will affect a number of existing provisions of labor legislation and will allow over time, in case of technological unemployment, to expand the circle of unconditional basic income recipients to all people. Scientific novelty: it consists in the fact that the unconditional basic income is analyzed from the viewpoint of its compliance with the fundamental principles of labor, employment, and social security. Practical significance: it consists in revealing the significance of basic income for the implementation of social policy and in forming recommendations for modeling experiments to introduce the unconditional basic income in the Russian Federation.

Contextual and socio-economic factors affected urban dwellers experiences of and vulnerability to ecosystem disservices

Peoples’ experiences of Ecosystem Disservices (EDS) are influenced by socio-economic and environmental characteristics, and this needs better understanding for informed planning and management of urban green infrastructure. The paper investigated the understudied area of how socio-economic and environmental factors influence people's experiences of EDS in urban green spaces, in four towns in South Africa. Employing a questionnaire survey, in 303 randomly selected households in three neighborhoods of different economic standing, alongside statistical analysis provided quantitative data on experiences and vulnerability to EDS. A list of reported EDS was compiled and the number of EDS/respondent was compared between towns, neighborhoods and places of experience, using Kruskal-Wallis test and nested ANOVAs. Respondents’ vulnerability to EDS was assessed by analyzing the magnitudes of experience and coping abilities. The influences of socio-economic and environmental characteristics on experiences of and vulnerability to EDS were assessed using PCAs. Twenty-three EDS were reported in total, with the highest numbers recorded in affluent areas and the lowest in the poorest areas. Irrespective of town and neighborhood, the reported EDS were mainly experienced in domestic gardens and surrounding streets. Consequently, only one EDS seems of high concern, while the others are of lower concern or well manageable by the respondents. Significant influences of socio-economic (education and income levels, source of income, upbringing, frequency of visits to green spaces (GS), length of residence in neighborhoods) and environmental (environmental worldview, garden ownership, membership to environmental NGO) characteristics were observed on the experiences and vulnerability to EDS. Therefore, such variations in and influences on peoples’ experiences and vulnerability to EDS should be considered for sustainable management of urban GS. Also, the creation of GS should be accompanied by actions to improve people relationships to nature as well as to ensure their maintenance and security, particularly public GS and commonages.

Multifaceted economic impacts of a 500-year flood on gateway communities of Yellowstone National Park

Disasters can have dramatic implications for gateway communities of National Parks, especially local economies that rely on park tourist visitation as their primary source of income. In June 2022, a 500-year flood event impacted Yellowstone National Park (YNP) and gateway businesses, both directly through infrastructure damages (property loss) and indirectly through park closures and post-disaster marketing. We used a combination of approaches to document and explore the relative importance of these diverse sources of economic impacts. First, structured surveys were used to evaluate economic impacts, from the perspective of individual business owners and community leaders in six gateway communities surrounding YNP. Average revenue loss was 48 % during peak tourist season across all communities but averaged 75 % for communities inaccessible to the park. Direct infrastructure damages to businesses were localized; however, even businesses sustaining property losses suggested more severe economic impacts were the result of loss of visitors from park closures and damaging media coverage. Using annual visitation and economic input-output model data, we developed a statistical model to estimate regional economic impacts from the flood. The model corroborated the results of our survey and suggested the flood led to a total loss of $156 million in visitor spending in gateway areas in 2022, exceeding economic losses from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. We present some guidelines for building economic resilience in gateway communities, including diversifying sources of income, building social capital, embracing tourist adaptations, and developing coordinated park-gateway-regional messaging and marketing to the media post-disasters.

The beauty of tipping: customer decision-making during COVID-19 in African beauty salons

ABSTRACT Research has been limited to investigating tipping in other hospitality industries, while ignoring beauty salons. The objective of this study is to present tipping behaviours in the context of beauty salons in two ways: first, by examining tip predictors; and second, by looking at the amount customers are willing and able to offer as tips. We employed a binary response strategy and a limited dependent-variable approach to test several factors with the use of STATA 17. Results show that tipping depends on service quality, individual social approval, future expectations, religious beliefs, the educational level of the consumer and a customer’s income level. Likewise, the loss of work or sources of income caused by COVID-19 reduces the probability of tipping and, because of health measures and social distancing during COVID-19, people’s tipping decisions and tip amounts increase. Thus, beauty salon practitioners (customers, stylists and managers) should keep their services up-to-date to attract more tips, and customers should not feel embarrassed when they do not have the ability to tip.

Convolutional neural network as an efficient alternative to supervised learners for modelling plant diseases

The high productivity of the agricultural sector is crucial to the Global economy, as well as the national economy. For instance, India increased its nation's GDP by a factor of 17% to 18% in the past few decades. In India, the farming sector is the primary source of income. Numerous insects and illnesses have an impact on plant development, amount, and quality of products. Therefore, it is crucial to find the diseases early in the plant's development. Image processing is used to identify plant diseases and pests. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and visual analysis have all been used in the past few decades to find and diagnose plant diseases. These computerized techniques are excellent for quickly monitoring vast acreage. In this study, we used the foliage of potato plants to identify diseased leaves affected by early blight, as well as late blight. A Comparison is thus laid between the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) Model for this purpose, and the standard Supervised Learning Classifiers, like k – Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Machine, AdaBoost, etc. The comparison is subjected not only towards the traditional Metrics, like Accuracy, Precision, etc. but is expanded to temporal domains as well, that is the time taken to compute the results. Also, the training, and testing split used while incorporating the model is another deciding factor in its performance. Several such training–testing splits are considered for such, and thereby, the convolutional Neural Network Model is found to be better in performance than the Supervised Machine Learners irrespective of the Splitting Ratio of the Training, and the Testing Data.

Addressing Poverty and Homelessness is Central to an Equity-Focused Response to Climate Change: Considering Canada as an Example

People experiencing poverty are highly exposed to climatic events due to multiple intersecting factors. This commentary centres on poverty, generally, and homelessness, specifically in considering the impacts of climate change on health equity in Canada. We propose prioritizing poverty reduction and prevention over emergency response through measures such as universal basic income and enhanced housing standards. Such work can be grounded in inclusive assessments of risks and leveraged interventions, Indigenous leadership, intersectoral collaboration, and community engagement. We argue that it is essential that we move beyond the current, broad awareness of climate change as a threat multiplier with an emphasis on individual responsibility and the “othering” of people experiencing poverty. What is needed is a clear, systems-focused action fundamentally different from the pace and nature of the work done to date.

The linkage between forests and household food security: Empirical evidence from Shinyanga Region, Tanzania

Many rural forest dependents are still poor and exposed to food insecurity. Hence, this paper aims to study the linkage between forests and household food security by analysing factors that determine participation in forest activities and by examining differences between participants and non-participants in respect of the food-security outcome. The study was conducted in rural areas of the Shinyanga Region in Tanzania using cross-sectional data on a sample of 303 rural households. Marginal effects predicted that distance to the forest concerned, illness or death of a household member, and off-farm activities determined participation in forest activities. Propensity score matching revealed that those who participated in forest activities were less food secure than non-participants with comparable characteristics were, which supports the contention that rural forest dependents are prone to food insecurity. Government policy should, therefore, aim at enhancing alternative sources of income as well as food storage facilities and food production for rural households.