Competitive Type Research Articles

Bi-level optimisation of subsidy and capacity investment under competition and uncertainty

In this paper, we develop a bi-level real options framework for deriving the equilibrium Government subsidisation and firm-level capacity investment policy in a duopoly market structure. We find that strategic interactions with the Government may impact a firm’s capacity investment decision significantly and that the equilibrium subsidisation policy depends on both the market structure and the type of duopolistic competition. Interestingly, the provision of greater subsidy to the leader raises the follower’s incentive to invest earlier and in a bigger project. The loss in value of the leader, due to the follower’s entry, relative to the monopolist increases with economic uncertainty and, although a subsidy can mitigate this loss, its effect becomes less pronounced as economic uncertainty increases. We also find that a profit (welfare)-maximising Government does not offer (offers) a subsidy in a highly uncertain environment or upon low tax rate, while higher tax rate does not always decelerate investment. Finally, we find that while competition is always desirable for a social planner, a profit-maximising Government may benefit more under pre-emptive competition.

Effects of behavioral bias regarding demand forecasting in a competitive market

AbstractConsiderable human judgment is involved in demand forecasting. When managers judge demands under uncertainty, they inevitably use signals to update their demand information. These signals are seldom perfect; hence, managers hold behavioral bias about the signal fidelity, that is, over‐ or under‐estimating the signal fidelity. This article models managers' behavioral bias about signal fidelity in Bayesian demand forecasting and explores its impact on competitive firms. We find that no matter whether the competitor's manager is unbiased or biased, a firm can benefit from its manager's slight overestimation, but the competitor can benefit from the firm's manager's underestimation. However, when one firm's manager is biased, improving the signal fidelity may not constantly improve firms' profits, revealing the potential risk of behavioral bias on the efficiency of the forecasting systems. We further consider the diversity of biased managers and the information asymmetry regarding the bias. Except that the benefits of behavioral bias exist, we additionally find that managers' heterogeneous behavioral bias can form a hedge effect and bring a win‐win situation. Under asymmetric information, managers' inference bias on the competitor's type may benefit firms by easing the negative impact of managers' behavioral bias about signal fidelity. We finally analyze the social welfare and consumer surplus, check the robustness of the main results and deliver additional findings by considering competing firms, different signal fidelity measures, and the signal‐dependent behavioral bias.

Economics of sustainable lignocellulose biomass and biofuel logistics in Malaysia

Lignocellulose biomass is an inedible and renewable resource that can be used to produce biofuels sustainably and thus help to mitigate climate change while helping to ensure energy security. Tropical countries like Malaysia are assumed to have abundant biomass resources, but the fragmented farming landscapes common in Southeast Asia raise challenges for biofuel production, which largely stem from logistics operations and have an adverse impact on economies of scale and the viability of biorefineries. This thesis seeks to understand the costs and supplies associated with biomass transport, assess the impacts of landscape fragmentation on biorefineries, and identify optimum biorefinery locations. Ten sources of biomass (agroforestry residues from fields, sawmills, and processing plants) were considered, taking into account various logistical factors, supply scenarios, and impacts of landscape fragmentation. The study began with a simulation of biomass transport across Peninsular Malaysia, using GRASS GIS software to estimate costs and supplies. Eighty-nine points within each district were designated as potential locations. Biomass transport was recorded as a major cost component in operational expenditures. The capital expenditures for various conversion pathways and biorefinery operations were estimated across relevant orders of magnitude, with the biofuel supplies also being simulated. The study identified four optimum locations for various types of biomass, presenting detailed cost and supply structures. The two most competitive biomass types are rice straw and pressed palm fibre (PPF). Costs ranged a) from 130.6 to 206.3 USD/tonne, yielding 0.47 to 0.97 million tonnes of PPF fermented biofuel per year, and b) 123.2 to 207.8 USD/tonne for rice straw, yielding 0.49 to 0.56 million tonnes of fermented biofuel per year. In tonnes of oil equivalent (toe), both together amounted to 5–7% of Malaysia’s annual petroleum consumption. Surprisingly, the findings suggest that an abundance of biomass does not necessarily result in lower biofuel costs, because factors such as spatial fragmentation and moisture content amplify transport costs. Our analysis emphasises the need for strategic planning, including the use of larger trucks, early moisture removal, and the establishment of local consolidation centres to manage biomass effectively. It highlights the need for a more holistic and strategic approach in order to understand supply zone specifics with a view to unlocking Malaysia’s potential for sustainable biofuel production.

Biochemical and computational inhibition of α-glucosidase by novel metronidazole-linked 1H-1,2,3-triazole and carboxylate moieties: kinetics and dynamic investigations

In the current study, metronidazole derivatives containing 1H-1,2,3-triazole and carboxylate moieties were evaluated in vitro and by computational methods for their anti-diabetic potential to insight into their medicinal use for the management of type II diabetes mellitus. Interestingly all 14 compounds displayed high to significant inhibitory capability against the key carbohydrate’s digestive enzyme α-glucosidase with IC50 values in range of 9.73–56.39 μM, as compared to marketed drug acarbose (IC50 = 873.34 ± 1.67 μM). Compounds 5i and 7c exhibited the highest inhibition, therefore, these two compounds were further evaluated for their mechanistic studies to explore its type of inhibition. Compounds 5i and 7c both displayed a concentration-dependent (competitive type of inhibition) with Ki values 7.14 ± 0.01, 6.15 ± 0.02 μM, respectively, which conclude their favourable interactions with the active site residues of the α-glucosidase. Interestingly all compounds are non-cytotoxic against BJ cell line. To further validate our findings, in-silico approaches like molecular docking, and molecular dynamic simulations were applied to investigate the mode of bindings of compounds with the enzyme and identifies their inhibition mechanism, which strongly complements our experimental findings. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

DbGTi: Thermostable trypsin inhibitor from Dioscorea bulbifera L. ground tubers: assessment of antioxidant and antibacterial properties and cytotoxicity evaluation using zebrafish model

Oxidative stress disorders and diseases caused by drug-resistant bacteria have emerged as significant public health concerns. Plant-based medications like protease inhibitors are growing despite adverse effects therapies. Consecutively, in this study, trypsin inhibitors from Dioscorea bulbifera L. (DbGTi trypsin inhibitor) ground tubers were isolated, purified, characterized, and evaluated for their potential cytotoxicity, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities. DbGTi protein was purified by Q-Sepharose matrix, followed by trypsin inhibitory activity. The molecular weight of the DbGTi protein was found to be approximately 31 kDa by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. The secondary structure analysis by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy revealed that the DbGTi protein predominantly comprises β sheets followed by α helix. DbGTi protein showed competitive type of inhibition with Vmax = 2.1372 × 10−1 μM/min, Km = 1.1805 × 102 μM, &Ki = 8.4 × 10−9 M and was stable up to 70 °C. DbGTi protein exhibited 58 % similarity with Dioscorin protein isolated from Dioscorea alata L. as revealed by LC-MS/MS analysis. DbGTi protein showed a non-toxic effect, analyzed by MTT, Haemolytic assay and in vivo studies on zebrafish model. DbGTi protein significantly inhibited K. pneumoniae and has excellent antioxidant properties, confirmed by various antioxidant assays. The results of anti-microbial, cytotoxicity and antioxidant assays demonstrate its bioactive potential and non-toxic nature.

The “sports wars”: A contest theory approach to cities hosting game

The competition among cities to host a sports team or a large-scale international sports event is modeled as a winner-pay contest with an entry fee. In the first stage, each contestant (city) decides whether to pay the entry fee (infrastructure required by the team, for example), which allows it to participate in the second stage, that is, the actual contest. We show that the contest organizer’s choice of the optimal entry fee does not depend on the number of contestants. Furthermore, in some cases, the result is a form of zero-sum game, in which the sports team or event organizer is the main beneficiary. The findings shed light on this type of competition and under what conditions on the entry fee a city might benefit from hosting a sports team or large-scale international sports event.

Typology of literary script in Russian cinema of the 2000s

The study materials included screenplays by authors who made their debut in the 2000s: M. Kurochkin, I. Ugarov, V. Sigarev, A. Rodionov, A. Novototsky, V. Moiseenko, A. Zvyagintsev, and O. Negin. Since the 1930s Soviet film school had formed a specific type of screenplay, literary script, in which the visual identity of the future film is created through literary means. In the 1990s, a competitive type of script appeared in the Russian film production – it was American screenplay format which implied he abandonment of literary techniques. By the 2000s, Russian film dramaturgy was influenced by three tendencies: the Soviet tradition of the literary screenplay, the new Western American screenplay, and contemporary theatrical dramaturgy of the turn of the century, whose authors began to experiment with cinema during this period. The study of the cinematic language of literary screenplays is conducted using a structural-semiotic method. Elements of cinematic language are analyzed: speech, voice-over, actor's score, character action in the frame, composition. The results of the analysis allow us to conclude the emergence of two new directions in Russian film dramaturgy. The poetics of literary screenplays by authors who transitioned to cinema from theatrical dramaturgy manifest in a quest for documentary realism in characters and their speech, proposed circumstances, setting, and plot, which is reflected in lyrical remarks. The techniques they use, including the theatrical technique of verbatim, have a tremendous impact on contemporary Russian cinema. The concise language of the American format, traditionally associated with the producer model of production, finds its reflection in the authorial film dramaturgy of A. Zvyagintsev and O. Negin, aiming for precision and conciseness in the staging plan. This split marks the actualization of the problem of form, which was acute in Soviet cinema in the 1930s.

PRAKTIK MONOPOLI PERDAGANGAN DAN IKHTIKAR DALAM PERSPEKTIF EKONOMI SYARIAH

A monopoly is a less competitive type of market where there is no direct business competition. In a competitive market, equilibrium is reached when supply and demand meet at a mutually agreed price and quantity between seller and buyer. Both parties benefit from this transaction, and no losses are incurred as a consequence of the exchange.This research was conducted using a qualitative approach based on desk research. When analysed thoroughly, ikhtikar is not always the same as monopoly or hoarding. In the Islamic context, every individual has the right to engage in business, whether as the sole seller (or producer) in the market. Not all acts of hoarding can be termed as monopoly. The prohibition only applies if the monopolist controls a good with inelastic demand elasticity. A monopolist who controls a good with an elastic demand elasticity will suffer losses.

Relationship between bone mineral density and body compositions, strength, type of sport competition, vitamin D and birth-related factors in elite Polish track and field athletes: a cross-sectional study

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to characterize the forearm bone mineral density (BMD) in Elite Competitive Track and Field Athletes. Somatic, body composition, hand grip strength birth variables, and blood vitamin D levels were also analyzed. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the participants were 30 elite Polish athletes. Somatic measurements, body composition by kinanthropometry, and bioelectrical impedance were taken. Forearm bone parameters were measured by densitometry in two points distal (dis) and proximal (prox). Measurement of hand grip strength (HGS) on a dynamometer was performed. Birth-related factors such as birth weight and length of breastfeeding were collected by direct interview. Vitamin D concentration was assessed by blood test. Results: Low BMD was not observed in the distal part of the forearm. Significantly more frequent low BMD prox were found in endurance athletes (EA) group compared to throwing athletes group (TA) (χ2=10.8; P = .001; Φ= .6). Inadequate vitamin D levels were significantly higher in the EA group compared to TA (χ2=10.8; P = .001; Φ= .6). The main parameters affecting BMD dis and BMC prox of men athletes were HGS (kg) and type of sports competition (Rˆ2 adj= .93; .89). BMC dis was affected by the type of sports competition (Rˆ2 adj= .83). There was also a significant relationship between the T-score prox and the HGS (Rˆ2 adj= .98). In the case of women, the main parameters affecting BMD prox were menarche age and body composition (Rˆ2 adj= .93). The BMC prox was affected by the age of the menarche (Rˆ2 adj= .73). Conclusions: In conclusion, the present study found that the highest BMD of the forearm bones was characterized by men and women athletes training in athletic throws relative to running sports. Screening assessment of bone mineral status should be included in sports diagnostics.

Older adult consumers and local competition in the healthcare service

AbstractPopulation aging is a global phenomenon observed in many developed economies. On the one hand, this trend suggests significant opportunities for healthcare providers due to increasing service demand. On the other hand, it also implies that the industry requires new managerial knowledge to accommodate older adult consumers. In this research, we propose and examine the impact of older adult consumers on healthcare provider performance and identify boundary conditions related to two types of competition: intra‐ and inter‐competition. Using longitudinal data on healthcare provider revenues, we find that an increase in the older adult population increases the revenues of generalists but decreases those of specialists. Second, the positive effect of elderly consumers on generalists is amplified when intra‐competition (from same‐type physicians) increases and diminishes when inter‐competition (from different‐type physicians) intensifies. Third, for specialist healthcare providers, the negative impact of older adult population is mitigated by intra‐competition but exacerbated when inter‐competition becomes strong. Our results offer theoretical implications for the healthcare service marketing literature and managerial insights into decisions related to healthcare service locations. Specifically, our findings suggest that healthcare providers need to carefully consider the proportion of older adult consumers, the presence of local competitors, and their own specialties, as these factors all have a meaningful impact on performance.

How does the neighborhood of annual or perennial species affect the first one hundred days of the establishment of grasses?

Pastures that include annual and perennial grasses can play a strategic role in increasing the sustainability of temperate livestock systems. However, the impacts of the competition between annual and perennial genetically improved forage species on pastures has scarcely been studied. We evaluated the early dynamics of tillering, carbon partitioning and both intra- and interspecific competition in – or between – an annual (Bromus willdenowii; prairie grass; Bw) and a perennial (Dactylis glomerata; orchard grass; Dg) C3 grass species. We sowed 24 0.18 m2 microplots in May 2008. Each microplot constituted an experimental unit and contained five sowing lines spaced 0.175 m apart. On three of the lines, we sowed different combinations of the mentioned grasses, while on the two lines between them, we sowed red clover (Trifolium pratense). We randomly applied a factorial array of eight treatments—2 species (Dg vs. Bw) × 2 types of competition (intra vs. interspecific) × 2 levels of winter nitrogen fertilization (0 vs. 170 kg of N ha-1)—designed in three complete random blocks. Fertilization did not have any significant effect on any species. The evaluation period lasted 109 days after sowing (das), separated into three phases (0-53 das, 59-90 das and 90-109 das). The variables recorded were aerial biomass (leaves, sheets and senescent material), root biomass and tiller density per species. As expected, annual Bw inhibited the growth of perennial Dg at the latest stage of establishment but surprisingly promoted it at the earliest stage. This work suggested that a low initial density of an annual species should optimize the initial facilitating effect of the annual species on the perennial species with its subsequent inhibitory effect.

ПОЛОЖИТЕЛЬНЫЕ И ОТРИЦАТЕЛЬНЫЕ АСПЕКТЫ РАЗВИТИЯ МОНОПОЛИИ

This article examines the essence of monopoly, identifies its main causes of emergence, considers the classification of each kind and type of monopoly, and gives a comparative characterization of the main advantages and disadvantages of the object of our study. In addition, we considered the specific features of monopoly, which distinguish it from other types of competition. Undoubtedly, the chosen topic of our study is very relevant and at the present stage of development of society and economic system, because each of us in the process of life, perhaps without even realizing it, faces monopoly, being, first of all, a consumer of electricity, water, gas, etc.

Review of China’s unfair competition law: impact on intellectual property

The article examines the economic and legal problems of Chinese legislation on combating unfair competition, in particular, recent changes in the context of the impact on intellectual property (IP), abuse of IP rights in the digital economy. Law enforcement practice, protection against unfair competition in court proceedings, issues of investigation of cases and responsibility for violations are analyzed. Since the entry into force of the Anti-Unfair Competition Law 30 years ago, 757,000 cases of unfair competition have been investigated, fines paid or money confiscated amounting to 12,88 billion yuan (about 1,8 billion USD). This indicates a significant economic impact of competition legislation. The Supreme People’s Court of China has issued an Interpretation on the Application of the PRC Anti-Unfair Competition Law. The document clarifies issues related to general provisions, business ethics, confusion through imitation, false advertising, and unfair competition over the Internet and outside China. It explains that the general provisions of the Act apply only if the provisions of IP laws and specific provisions of the Act do not apply. The document defines two types of unfair competition through the Internet, namely: 1) insertion of a link or forced redirection of a URL to an Internet product or service that is legally provided to another business entity, without the consent of other persons and users, and 2) maliciously interfering with or disrupting a network, disrupting a product or service that is lawfully provided by others by misleading, deceiving, or forcing users to modify, close, or unload them without express notice and consent of users. In cases where the unfair competition takes place outside of China, but the result of the violation occurs in its territory, the court of the place where the result of the violation occurs in China shall have jurisdiction. This provides Chinese rights holders with favorable opportunities to protect their rights. Draft amendments to the Law on Combating Unfair Competition were considered. It is concluded that the study and application of the experience of China’s regulation of protection against unfair competition will be useful for legislators, administrative and judicial bodies of Ukraine

China’s Regulations on New Types of Unfair Competition in the Digital Age: 'Internet Provision' and 'Data Provision'

China’s Regulations on New Types of Unfair Competition in the Digital Age: 'Internet Provision' and 'Data Provision'

Managerial overconfidence and corporate information disclosure

By extracting detailed birth information for managers of Chinese listed firms from 2011 to 2021, we developed a novel measure of overconfidence and applied it to the corporate information disclosure. Our findings demonstrated a close association between managerial overconfidence and both mandatory and voluntary disclosure behaviors exhibited by firms. Specifically, managerial overconfidence significantly contributed to an increase in accrual-based earnings management and the voluntary disclosure of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) information by firms. Furthermore, we observed that overconfident managers were more inclined to adopt a positive disclosure tone and tend to underestimate future risks in forward-looking information disclosure. In our additional analysis, we uncovered evidence suggesting that various factors, including corporate governance practices, the types of actual controllers, financing constraints, analyst following, and market competition, might all play a role in influencing corporate information disclosure behavior driven by managerial overconfidence. This study expands on the economic implications of the Upper Echelons Theory and offers pertinent recommendations to enhance the quality of information disclosure.

РИСКИ В УСЛОВИЯХ НАЛОГОВОЙ КОНКУРЕНЦИИ СТРАН

The article defines and types of tax competition, describes tax risks. The positive and unfair consequences of tax competition are analyzed; economic factors affecting the state and functioning of the state tax system are presented. The reasons for the occurrence of tax risks are disclosed. The measures of their minimization in the conditions of tax competition are proposed. The steps aimed at improving the competitiveness of the Russian tax system are formulated.

Особливості формування інформаційно-комунікаційного забезпечення бізнес-процесів суб’єктів малого підприємництва

The article defines the features of formation of information and communication support of business processes of small business entities. It is noted that as an independent socioeconomic phenomenon, small entrepreneurship in Ukraine develops in difficult conditions of the establishing market economy and faces numerous problems. Small enterprises receive some support, but a competitive entrepreneurial type of business has not yet been entitative. As before, the main goals of Ukraine’s economic policy remain the achievement of full employment, economic growth, support of the national currency, preservation of foreign economic balance and improvement of the living standards of the majority of citizens. An organizational and economic model of the use of information and communication technologies in the business processes of the small business entity has been built. It is specified that the main elements of information and communication support of business processes of small business entities should comprise: goals and objectives; objects and subjects; management functions; performance indicators; principles; methods; instruments; mechanism; terms of security; culture of use; requirements of internal and external stakeholders of business entities. It is further noted that in the modern economy there are all opportunities for the expansive development of economic entities. Today, increased competition reduces the profitability of products (services), and new network technologies make the market more transparent. The Internet can be very useful for national companies, as it simplifies strategic decision-making when doing business and choosing development strategies. It is noted that today small businesses can also use electronic trading platforms, online auctions, websites of the tax and customs administrations available on the Internet. In general, modern ICTs allow small business entities to reduce operating and transaction costs, as well as keep prices low to make them global. It is concluded that the introduction of new information and communication technologies in internal and external communications of small businesses during martial law in our country will lead to the development of small business entities, optimization of business processes, improvement of quality and competitiveness of products (services).

СУЩНОСТЬ И РОЛЬ КОНКУРЕНЦИИ В УСЛОВИЯХ РЫНОЧНОЙ ЭКОНОМИКИ

This article reveals the essence of such a term as “competition”. Its interpretation is given, and emphasis is placed on the study of the main types of competition, among which perfect and imperfect competition are in great demand. The second type, in turn, includes oligopoly, monopoly and monopolistic competition. In addition, we considered the main consequences of rivalry, having both positive and negative effects on the development of the economy as a whole. Undoubtedly, in our opinion, the topic of our research is very relevant, since the market of goods and services is always in the phase of creating various innovations and strives to improve its goods or services, which becomes possible due to the presence in the economic environment of such an important component as competition.

Разработка мероприятий по развитию конкурентной среды на региональных рынках

The article discusses measures to create a competitive market environment in regional areas, based on end-consumer perceptions of the market. To date, governments in this field have relied on annual monitoring to assess and develop the competitive environment for goods, services, and work in the region's markets. This approach allows governments to evaluate their actions in relation to overall producer well-being (barriers to entry, information policies, access to resources, and support), as well as analyze the resulting outcomes in terms of the number of companies active in the market and consumer's perceptions of product quality and price competitiveness. However, when making decisions regarding the direction of competition development, it is important to consider the final outcome of government actions in terms of consumer interests. The ultimate goal of competition in the consumer market should be to fully satisfy the needs of consumers. Therefore, it is essential to develop a competition that is based on the needs of final consumers, who are interested in a large number of participants in any market. This will help to reduce prices for goods and services, increase the range, and improve product quality. In this regard, the resulting evaluation of the competitive landscape should be based on the well-being of consumers, which is measured by an indicator of the consumer's perception of competition among companies (variety, quality, and price) and an indicator of their perception of demand trends (income, desire to switch, and awareness). Based on the results of this study, measures were developed to promote competition in regional markets, depending on the evaluation of the level of competition. The proposed approach allows not only to identify the range of typical activities for developing competition in a specific market, but also to categorize the type of competition based on a qualitative evaluation. The practical significance of this research lies in its potential use in further research in designing a general model for monitoring competition development in regional markets.

Quinoline-based Schiff bases as possible antidiabetic agents: ligand-based pharmacophore modeling, 3D QSAR, docking, and molecular dynamics simulations study.

α-Glucosidase enzyme inhibition is a legitimate approach to combat type 2 diabetes mellitus as it manages to control postprandial hyperglycemia. In this pursuit, a literature search identified quinoline-based molecules as potential α-glucosidase inhibitors. Thus our intended approach is to identify pharmacophoric features responsible for the α-glucosidase inhibition. This was achieved by performing, ligand-based pharmacophore modeling, 3D QSAR model development, pharmacophore-based screening of a rationally designed quinoline-based benzohydrazide Schiff base library, identifying, synthesizing and characterizing molecules (6a-6j) by IR, (1H and 13C) NMR, and mass studies. Further, these molecules were evaluated for α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory potential. Compound 6c was found to inhibit α-glucosidase enzyme with an IC50 value of 12.95 ± 2.35 μM. Similarly, compound 6b was found to have an IC50 value of 19.37 ± 0.96 μM as compared to acarbose (IC50: 32.63 ± 1.07 μM); the inhibitory kinetics of compounds 6b and 6c revealed a competitive type of inhibition; the inhibitory effect can be attributed to its mapped pharmacophoric feature and model validation with a survival score of 5.0697 and vector score of 0.9552. The QSAR model showed a strong correlation with an R 2 value of 0.96. All the compounds (6a-6j) showed no toxicity in L929 cell lines by the MTT assay method. Further, the binding orientation and stability of the molecules were assessed using molecular docking studies and MD trajectory analysis. The energy profile of the molecules with protein as a complex and molecules alone was evaluated using MM/GBSA and DFT calculations, respectively; finally, the pharmacokinetic profile was computed using ADMET analysis.