Developed Economies Research Articles

Comparison of lifetime mortality risk, incidence risk, and DALYs of baseline cancer rates among countries as a benchmark for radiation-related cancer risk

Statistical benchmark data are necessary when considering the basis for radiation protection criteria based on calculated risks. We herein focused on baseline mortality and incidence cancer rates as benchmark data collected from 33 countries. Furthermore, we calculated the lifetime mortality and incidence risks and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for all solid cancers, colon cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and leukemia using the baseline cancer rates and compared them among the countries. The results showed that the lifetime mortality and incidence risks and DALYs for all solid cancers differed among the countries by a factor of 2–4 for males and 2–3 for females; these were low in less-developed countries. Our study proposed that health risk based on baseline cancer rates should be the benchmark for comparing radiation cancer risks.

Assessing Inequality and Its Translation on Economic Growth and Human Development in West Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa in general and West Africa in particular are ranked as one of the most unequal regions of the world. This study aims at investigating the direct effect of inequality on economic growth and human development (HD). To assess this effect, we use three variables and rigorous estimation techniques. The indirect effect of inequality on the economic growth–HD nexus in West Africa is analyzed with a view to identifying ways of realigning the policies to bring down inequality in West African economies. For this, we compare different standpoints on how inequality affects this nexus. Then, we run fixed effect panel regression and random effect panel regression on various models to test the hypotheses. We find that the positive impact of inequality on HD and economic growth in the most developed economies of the region results from deliberate policies coupled with strong economic and socio-political foundation.

Analysis of spatial characteristics and influencing factors of the flow network of highly educated talents from national and local perspective

Based on dynamic monitoring data on China’s population, by using complex networks, spatial analysis and mathematical measurement, this study reveals the spatial characteristics and influencing factors of the network of flows of highly educated talents in the Yangtze River Delta region from the national and local perspectives. In the two perspectives, the network has strong isomorphism and certain differences. The in-flow of highly educated talents from cities with high administrative levels and more developed economies to Shanghai constitutes the core of the entire network. From a national perspective, highly educated talents tend to converge to the Yangtze River Delta region. From a local perspective, it was found that these talents cluster towards a limited number of cities in the region. From both perspectives, the flow network has developed into a “core-periphery” progressive hierarchical structure, with Shanghai becoming the sole core city. There is little difference in the influencing factors of talent mobility from both macro and meso perspectives. Highly educated talents would frequently flow between cities with strong economic development levels, and cities with high education level, scientific and technological level, complete infrastructure, and good aesthetics. However, geographical distance still plays a hindering role in the flow of highly educated talents, and factors such as cultural identity, institutional, and social modality differences among regions also have a certain effect on the flow of these talents.

State-Directed Wood Industry Upgrading for Forest Protection and Economic Development in the Global South: Insights From Teak Processing in the Lao PDR

Asymmetric timber trade between least-developed countries with large forest resources but backward processing industries and emerging economies has led to an uneven distribution of value in international timber commodity chains. Selling their raw timber with no domestic value added contributes little to socio-economic development and is associated with high rates of deforestation. The Lao PDR has served as a raw timber frontier for advanced timber industries in neighboring countries, leading to forest loss and related environmental problems. In response, since 2015, the Lao government has adopted drastic policy measures to end forest degradation and upgrade its timber industry (e.g., log export ban). Using teak as an example, our study provides empirical ex-post evidence on the effectiveness of state-imposed timber industry upgrading policies. The study relies on expert interviews with key policy actors at national and local levels, as well as an enterprise survey and cluster analysis conducted in Xayyabouly province. These drastic policies had far-reaching implications for the structure of the timber industry and the configuration of the timber value chain and rural development.

Are annuities an inferior or normal good? Evidence from a less-developed country

One crucial decision made at retirement in Chile is whether to acquire an annuity or a phased withdrawal (PW) scheme. Annuities, unlike PW, do not allow for inheritance and provide smaller initial pension benefits while protecting against longevity and capital market risks. If preferences show decreasing absolute risk aversion (DARA), then an annuity (insurance) should be considered an inferior good. We test this hypothesis on Chilean data using a binary choice model. Our results reject the DARA hypothesis for the whole sample. However, after splitting the sample into low- and high-income groups, we find that the former have increasing absolute risk aversion (IARA) behavior, whereas the latter have DARA behavior. These findings suggest that policy programs encouraging retirement savings, such as tax breaks and subsidies, should be approached with caution depending on the balance of high and low-income individuals, particularly in less-developed economies.

Will Employees and Technology Continue to Coexist Despite Historic Tensions?

In developed economies, the integration of technology into the labour force has largely led to massive job losses, and workers have met this with stiff resistance. This has changed the dynamics of industrial relations in this era of digital age. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ways in which digitalisation has been affecting human labour in workplaces in South Africa and what can be done to enable employees–technology coexistence. In the study, I used qualitative data-collection methods—interviews, observation and document collection. I used purposive and convenience sampling to select the participants. Analysis of the collected data yielded six major findings. The major tenets of these findings were that digitalisation leads to job losses in South Africa and that the country was not sufficiently preparing students and workers for human–machine collaboration. Although the study was intended to focus on various sectors of the South African economy, I was more biased towards the local banking sector. This could be viewed as a limitation of this study. The study made practical and methodological contributions. It also made an essential contribution to digital transformation theory and employee relations body of knowledge. A major recommendation is that policymakers should mitigate against technology shocks and uneven geographical phenomenon by connecting major commercial hubs with major labour market hubs. Future studies should focus on the impact of technology on employees in each economic sector in South Africa.

Contagion and linkages across international currencies

This paper examines dynamic linkages among international currencies in the face of several turmoil episodes including the global financial crisis (GFC), eurozone sovereign debt crisis (ESDC) and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. We utilize weekly data from August 2005 till December 2022. Our empirical strategy consists of identification of crisis periods using a Markov-switching VAR, followed by estimation of the dynamic conditional correlations using an ADCC-GARCH model and testing for the impact of the crises using a regression model with robust standard errors. We compare impact of the episodes on the dynamic correlations across the currency pairs. Our findings suggest that correlation between developed economy exchange rates increased significantly during these episodes implying existence of a contagion effect. While significant negative correlation coefficients were observed across all pairs with Japanese Yen during GFC and ESDC, indicating flight to quality. We analyse factors that may be responsible for changes in co-movement of the currencies during the study period and find that financial stress, emergence of the pandemic and geo-political risk have a significant role to play.

Socioeconomic metabolism: Drivers of resource productivity

The use of natural resources drives socioeconomic metabolism (SEM) and has been rising as economies develop, but not all countries present the same trends. Understanding how key aspects of the SEM relate to resource use and productivity is critical for promoting sustainable development.This paper analyses 15 years of the SEM dynamics in four European countries by quantifying gross domestic product (GDP) and resource use per capita. The monetary and material flows of Estonia, Croatia, Finland, and the United Kingdom were quantified in monetary and physical input-output tables, enabling the characterization of the flows between the economic sectors and of their cross-correlation indicators, namely through resource productivity.Key findings included the observation of a correlation between high productivity and more developed economies, where infrastructure has been developed for high-productivity services, the effects of economic structure on resource productivity, and on how the SEM developed after an economic recession.

Comparative Analysis of Copyright Regimes in Nigeria, the United States of America and France

This paper deals with a comparative analysis of the copyright regimes Nigeria, the United States of America (U.S.) and France with a view to identifying impart areas from which to derive lessons. The United States is chosen because it is one of the most developed economies where the copyright industry has thoroughly developed to add to the country’s GDP. It has its copyrights roots in the common law, same as Nigeria. France is chosen because, it is a country which is also advanced in copyright development-the place of birth of the first international copyright treaty, the Berne Convention. This is added to the fact that France is a Civil law country and will offer interesting areas of comparison to the common law system.

Climate risk assessment and adaption ability in China's coastal urban agglomerations - A case study of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao greater bay area

As climate change intensifies, extreme weather events, especially the coastal flooding is becoming increasingly severe. Carbon emissions exacerbate climate change, leading to increased frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation, which may result in flooding. This study focuses on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), a coastal city cluster in China, and adopts the scenario analysis approach to evaluate flood risks in the different carbon mitigation scenario from the perspectives of dangerousness, and adaption ability. The result shows that the Huizhou in the east of the GBA and the Zhaoqing in the northwest have the highest level of flood disaster risk. However, the central region of the GBA (Guangzhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, and Foshan) is very vulnerable to disaster-inducing environments and hazard-affected bodies, which means that the flooding risk and the impact of such risk in the GBA display regional differentiation characteristics and the spatial patterns of them are different. According to the carbon neutrality scenario, the flood risk in the GBA peaks in 2030, and decreases during 2030–2090. In contrast, under the uneven development and high carbon pathways, the risk peaks in 2060, and the overall risk by 2090 is roughly the same as that in 2060. In addition, the regions with the highest flood disaster risk are Guangzhou, Foshan, Dongguan and Zhongshan along the Pearl River estuary. Overall, it shows that areas with higher levels of urbanization and more developed economies will face higher flooding risks. The “dangerousness-adaption ability” structure can reflect the spatial distribution pattern of flood disaster risks, identify the priority areas for flood prevention and control, and is conducive to risk management. At the same time, the research results show that ecological protection have a positive effect on reducing flood risk. In addition, corresponding policy recommendations for pre-disaster, mid-disaster and post-disaster have been proposed, providing references for flood risk management in the GBA.

The role of debt maturity in stock price crash risk: a comparison of developing and developed Asian economies

PurposeThis study examines the impact of debt maturity structure on stock price crash risk (SPCR) in Asian economies and the moderating effect of firm age on this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized annual data from 432 nonfinancial firms publicly listed in six Asian countries: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Pakistan and India. The observation period covers 14 years, from 2007 to 2020. The sample was categorized into three groups: the entire sample and one group each for developing and developed Asian economies. A generalized least squares panel regression method was employed to test the research hypotheses.FindingsThe results suggest that long-term debt has a significant negative influence on SPCR in Asian economies, indicating that firms with high long-term debt experience lower future SPCR. Moreover, firm age negatively moderates this relationship, implying that older firms may experience a more pronounced reduction in SPCR due to high long-term debt. Finally, firms in developed Asian economies with high long-term debt are more effective in mitigating the risk of a significant drop in their stock prices than firms in developing Asian economies.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature in several ways. To the best of the researcher’s knowledge, this is the first of such efforts to investigate the relationship between debt maturity structure and crash risk in Asia. Additionally, it reveals that long-term debt influences SPCR directly and indirectly in Asia through the moderating role of firm age. Lastly, it is likely one of the first studies by a research team in Asia to compare the nonfinancial markets of developed and developing Asian countries.

How do industrial land transfer modes impact carbon emissions? An intermediation perspective based on industrial structure.

Industrial land is currently the main carrier and important source of global carbon emissions, and as the world's largest developing country, China's large-scale and diversified industrial land supply has made it the world's largest carbon emitter. Therefore, researching the impact of different supply methods of industrial land on carbon emissions and its impact paths in China can help provide a reference for other countries to reduce carbon emissions from the perspective of urban industrial land management, which is of great significance for effectively promoting global carbon reduction. Based on this, this paper analyses the impact of different supply methods of industrial land on carbon emissions and its urban heterogeneity using the SYS-GMM and chain-mediated effects models for 285 cities in China from 2008 to 2020. The study found that, in general, the impact of different industrial land transfer modes on carbon emission has hysteresis and persistence. Agreement and listing transfer with government intervention can significantly exacerbate carbon emissions, while more market-based bidding and auction transfer can dampen carbon emissions. In terms of intermediary effects, the transfer of industrial land by agreement and listing will inhibit the rationalization and advancement of industrial structure, thus aggravating carbon emissions. The transfer of industrial land by bidding and auction will create barriers to entry and a crowding-out effect, promote the rationalization of industrial structure and the transformation and upgrading of industrial structure and moderate carbon emissions. In terms of city heterogeneity, there is urban heterogeneity in the impact of industrial land transfer on carbon emissions in cities with different economic types. Bidding and auction transfer for industrial land in both economically developed and less developed cities can promote carbon pollution. While the more developed urban economy makes the intermediary effect of industrial structure not significant. In the future, it is necessary to strictly control the scale of industrial land supply; the whole process supervision mechanism of industrial land allocation and differentiated industrial land supply strategies will provide useful experience for many developing countries in allocating industrial land to mitigate carbon emissions, generating effective contributions to global carbon emission reduction.

The Effect of Bank Size, Net Interest Margin, and Capital Adequacy Ratio on Commercial Banks’ Return on Assets: Empirical Evidence from Tanzania

While the current body of literature offers valuable insights into the factors influencing bank financial performance, there is a significant paucity of empirical research focusing on least developed nations. This paper presents new evidence of the effect of bank size, capital adequacy ratio (CAR), and net interest margin (NIM) on banks’ return on assets (financial performance) from the perspective of Tanzania – a least-developed country. We employed the Random Effect, and the Generalized Least Squares (GLS) regression models utilizing a panel dataset spanning the period 2000 to 2022 of ten (10) Tanzanian commercial banks to examine the specific effect of the foregoing variables on commercial banks’ financial performance. The estimation results show that capital adequacy ratio (CAR) and bank size have positive significant effects on the financial performance of commercial banks in Tanzania. Whereas we found inconsistent results for the effect of NIM; while the random effect model shows a marginally significant positive effect on ROA, the GLS regression shows a significant negative effect, indicating that the effect of NIM could be either positive or negative depending on the context. Therefore, policymakers should prioritize measures aimed at promoting healthy levels of capital adequacy and encouraging the growth of larger banks while ensuring adequate oversight to mitigate potential risks associated with market dominance. Additionally, regulatory frameworks should be designed to foster competition and efficiency in the banking sector, facilitating a conducive environment for banks of all sizes to thrive and thus contribute to economic growth.

Measuring the Development Progress of Least Developed Countries: In the Context of World Development

ABSTRACT This article measures the ten-year development progress of 47 least developed countries (LDCs) based on comparing the development performances of 217 countries and economies. A methodology based on the theory of statistical process control is used to evaluate development performances in three dimensions: per capita income, life expectancy, and education. This methodology uses a pair of average and standard deviation charts to measure each LDC’s degree of growth and stability of growth in each dimension of development, and uses the three standard deviation limits in each chart to identify exceptional development performances that are outside the upper or lower limit. This article has three key findings on the exceptional development performances of LDCs in the context of world development over 2010–2019: (1) Seventeen LDCs achieved exceptionally high increases in life expectancy; (2) one LDC achieved exceptionally high growth in per capita income, but two LDCs had exceptionally low performances in the growth of per capita income; and (3) six LDCs experienced exceptionally unstable growth of per capita income. These findings shed some light on the future development priorities for LDCs. The reliability of analysis is also discussed.

Cambodia's Imminent Graduation from Least Developed Country Status: What Will be the Impact of the TRIPS Agreement on Access to HIV and Hepatitis C Medicines in Cambodia?

Cambodia has experienced exponential economic growth in recent years and is expected to graduate from least developed country (LDC) status within the next decade. Membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO) will require Cambodia to grant product and process patents for pharmaceuticals upon LDC graduation. This study aims to measure the impact of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) on the price of HIV and hepatitis C medicine in Cambodia once it graduates from LDC status and is obliged to make patents available for pharmaceutical products and processes. Using scenarios based on likely outcomes of accession to the TRIPS Agreement, it measures the impact on the price of the HIV treatment program and compares that impact with the hepatitis C treatment program. Graduation from LDC status would be expected to result in a modest increase in the cost of the antiretroviral (ARV) treatment program and very large increases in the cost of the direct acting antivirals (DAA) treatment program. If annual treatment budgets remain constant, patent protection could see 1,515 fewer people living with HIV able to access ARV treatment and 2,577 fewer people able to access DAA treatment (a drop in treatment coverage of 93%).

Optimizing hybrid energy systems for remote communities in Asia’s least developed countries

In least-developed countries (LDCs), electricity shortages are the primary barrier to economic and social growth. Some remote areas in LDC rely on diesel-based systems. However, renewable energy must be taken into account for generating electricity because of the uncertainty of diesel fuel prices and the emissions of carbon dioxide. Hybrid energy systems (HES) are becoming increasingly popular, which is unsurprising given the rapid advancement of renewable energy technologies, which have made them the preferred method to respond to the current unreliable electricity supply, reduce the impact of global warming that occurs from electricity production, and contribute to cost reduction. This study explores the feasibility of utilizing a combination of solar PV, wind energy, and battery systems with the existing diesel generator in four different locations in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Hybrid optimization multiples for electric renewables (HOMER) is used as a tool for techno-economic analysis and finding the possible combination of solar PV, wind, diesel, and battery. The multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique was used to verify all configurations obtained from HOMER’s results. This approach considers environmental, economic, and technological factors by utilizing the AHP, TOPSIS, EDAS, and PROMETHEEE II techniques. The results show that PV/diesel with batteries is the optimum solution. This hybrid system comprises 89% PV penetration, a cost of electricity (COE) of 0.257 $/kWh, an initial capital cost (IC) of $244,277, and a net present cost (NPC) of $476,216 for a case study in Cambodia. Furthermore, this system can reduce almost 51,005 kg/year of carbon dioxide compared to a diesel-only system, while the cost of electricity is reduced.

Spatial Spillover of the Global Internet Penetration Rate and the Digital Gender Divide

This study investigated the possible contributing factors to the digital gender divide and the spatial spillover effects of submarine communication cables on neighboring areas. Using spatial statistical models and global data, this study examined the Internet penetration rate and the digital gender divide in 186 countries. Data sources included open source data, social media, ITU and UNCTAD databases, and the World Bank. The study estimated the average male and female Internet users in 186 countries using Facebook API. The number of submarine communication cables between countries was used as the basis for constructing the spatial weights matrix. The countries with the highest Internet penetration rate were mostly in Europe. Those with the lowest Internet penetration rate were in Africa, Central Asia, and West Asia. Thirteen of the 15 countries with the worst Internet penetration rate were located in the African region. A significant digital gender divide arose in the developing and the least-developed countries. We argue that connectivity is key to the reduction of the digital gender divide and to ensuring that more women have access to the Internet. The study ascertains that the Internet penetration rate is related to the digital gender divide in individual countries and has a spatial spillover impact in surrounding nations connected by submarine communication cables. The study demonstrates that submarine cables serve as important infrastructure for closing the digital gender divide and deserve increased analytical attention.

Maternal Labor Force Participation and Multidimensional Child Poverty in Least-Developed Countries in Southeast Asia

Maternal Labor Force Participation and Multidimensional Child Poverty in Least-Developed Countries in Southeast Asia

Survey of emerging technologies and return on investment in oil palm business in south-south states of Nigeria

The difference between the oil palm business in developed economy like Malaysia and that in less developed economy like Nigeria can be traced to technological advancement. Therefore there is continuous search for production and processing technologies that can drive development of the oil palm value chain. The broad objective of the study was to investigate the effect of innovative technologies on performance of oil palm business in South-South geo-political States of Nigeria. The study employed a multi-stage sampling procedure. Well validated structured questionnaires were used as instrument for data collection. Collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as mean, Percentage, Standard Deviation, Frequency Distribution Table, enterprise budgeting, and ordinary least square regression analysis. Socioeconomic characteristics of operators were diverse, with a predominance of young, married, male farmers (60.9%) engaged in small-scale production (mean farm size: 13.2 hectares). Traditional tools still dominated harvesting, but hydraulic press (adopted by 71.1%) and automated mills (5.3%) were adopted for processing. Value addition was substantially improved by processing technology and harvesting equipment in the South-South States of Nigeria. The study concluded that appropriate innovative technologies positively impacted profitability, efficiency, product quality, sustainability, and competitiveness. Training, subsidies and robust extension services to promote adoption of innovative technologies in the South-South States of Nigeria were recommended. The study has contributed to existing body of knowledge by affirming the central role of innovation in profit function and sustainability in the oil palm sector.

A systematic review of business models in healthcare: research directions for emerging and developed economies

PurposeBusiness models (BMs) are becoming increasingly crucial for value creation in the healthcare sector. The study explores the conceptualization and application of BM concepts within the healthcare sector and investigates their evolution in emerging economies (EEs) and developed economies (DEs). This study aims to uncover these two contexts' shared characteristics and unique variances through a comparative analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe paper systematically investigates and consolidates the literature on healthcare by employing the antecedents, decisions and outcomes (ADO) framework and finally examines 71 shortlisted articles published between 2003 and 2022.FindingsThe recognition of the BM within healthcare is increasing, both in EEs and DEs. EEs prioritize value creation and capture through cost efficiency, while DEs focus on innovation. Key theories employed include a resource-based view, the network theory and the theory of innovation. Case studies are commonly used as a methodology. Further research is needed to explore the decisions and outcomes of BMs.Research limitations/implicationsThe study adopts stringent filtration and keyword criteria, potentially excluding relevant research. Future researchers are encouraged to broaden their selection criteria to encompass a more extensive range of relevant studies.Practical implicationsBeyond comparing and highlighting gaps in BMs between EEs and DEs, benchmarking DE's healthcare business models (HBMs) helps healthcare organizations in EEs align their practices, mitigate risks and establish efficient healthcare systems tailored to their specific contexts. The study adopts stringent filtration and keyword criteria, potentially excluding relevant research. Future researchers are encouraged to broaden their selection criteria to encompass a more extensive range of relevant studies.Originality/valueThe study analyzes HBMs using an SLR framework perspective and provides practical implications for academicians and practitioners to enhance their decision-making.