Direct Government Research Articles

Inference of Some Macroeconomic Variables on Nigeria Unemployment Rate

This research investigates the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI), government expenditure (GOE), and inflation rate (IFR) on the unemployment rate (UPR) in Nigeria from 1985 to 2021 through Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) modeling approach. An initial assessment to test the significance of signals between each independent variable and UPR was performed using rolling correlation analysis. Subsequently, the bounds test methodology to examine cointegration among between the FDI, GOE, IFR, and UPR was performed. Additionally, the causal relationship between these economic variables was performed through the Error Correction Model (ECM) approach. The estimated ARDL model parameters stability was determined using the cumulative sum (CUSUM) of squares chart. The Augmented Dickey Fuller unit root test suggests that the variables are stationary at first differences (I(1)). The bounds test revealed that the variables are cointegrated at 1%, 5%, and 10% indicating a long run relationship between UPR and FDI, GOE, and IFR. The ARDL results indicates that at 5%, a unit increase in FDI at lag one have a long run significant decreasing impact on UPR by 19.96%. But in the short run, the FDI at lag one has a significant increasing effect on UPR by 7.23%. However, the CUSUM of square chart shows unstable parameter estimation based on the Akaike Information Criteria selected model, ARDL (1, 3, 0, 0). The study concludes that UPR is being influenced by FDI in reducing UPR in the long run. Recommendation based on the findings is that FDI should be considered most important when policies are drafted for tackling the issue bordering UPR in Nigeria.

The mandate of “heaven”: How forestland property rights were undermined under the Chinese discourse of Ecological Civilization

The relationship between upholding forestland property rights and achieving environmental conservation is not always straightforward. Occasionally, property rights can be undermined in the pursuit of environmental conservation. This article adopts the concept of “rule of mandates” to explain how a Chinese reform of property rights over forestland, namely the Collective Forest Tenure Reform (CFTR) initiated in 2003, was subsequently undermined under the discourse of Ecological Civilization. In doing so, the article updates the framework for analysing policy implementation under the rule of mandates. Unlike the rule of law, the rule of mandates enables a government to assign a set of mandates that are ambiguous, contradictory, and with hierarchical priorities. Under the top-down authoritarian hierarchy, lower-level governments are obliged to implement the high-priority mandates of higher-level government. Tracing the forest governance dynamics of two counties in Fujian province from 2010 to 2019, the case study reveals that, in the early 2010s, the central government prioritized environmental conservation over forestland property rights under the discourse of Ecological Civilization. At local levels, this manifested in undermining property rights through restricted timber harvest levels for the sake of environmental conservation. Unlike policy implementation under the rule of law, restrictions on timber harvest were implemented by direct government mandates. This analysis points to the vulnerability of property rights under the rule of mandates. In a developing country context characterized by pressing environmental concerns and a dysfunctional rule of law, this study demonstrates the challenges of prioritizing environmental conservation over legal tenure.

Taxpayers' Share of US Prescription Drug and Insulin Costs: a Cross-Sectional Study.

Drug prices affect government budgets directly through spending on public programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and indirectly via private coverage for public employees and tax subsidies for private insurance. Yet, the Senate parliamentarian ruled that the Senate could not use streamlined Budget Reconciliation to extend the Inflation Reduction Act's controls on insulin co-payment or drug prices to private insurers on the grounds that their expenditures do not affect the federal budget. To quantify insulin and other drug costs borne by federal, state, and local governments, including direct expenditures and indirect government subsidies that flow through private insurers. Cross-sectional analysis of expenditures for outpatient retail prescription drugs reported by respondents and their pharmacies in the 2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (adjusted downward for drug rebates), supplemented with information on employment-related insurance from the US Office of Management and Budget and other sources. The civilian non-institutionalized US population. Direct (payments by public health insurance programs) and indirect (taxpayer-funded payments via private insurers) government expenditures for outpatient retail drugs. Direct government expenditures for outpatient retail prescription drugs totaled $154.85 billion in 2019, including $15.68 billion for insulin. Indirect government expenditures channeled through private insurers totaled $53.59 billion (including $5.48 billion for insulins). Those indirect expenditures encompassed $32.32 billion in tax subsidies for employer-sponsored private coverage, $25 million for subsidies to private Affordable Care Act marketplace plans, and $21.24 billion for government-paid premiums for public employees and retirees. Overall, government expenditures for outpatient retail prescription drugs totaled $208.44 billion, 58.76% of all-payer spending and 65.96% of spending for insulin. Governments directly or indirectly fund most drug purchases, including substantial expenditures that flow through private insurers. Hence, prices paid by private insurers impact government budgets, supporting the view that government should be allowed to regulate drug prices.

A Measurement of Aggregate Trade Restrictions and Their Economic Effects

Abstract This study develops a new Measure of Aggregate Trade Restrictions (MATR) using data from the IMF's Annual Report on Exchange Arrangements and Exchange Restrictions. MATR is a measure of direct and indirect official government policy related to the international flow of goods and services. MATR is simple, plausible, quantitative, easily updated, based on relevant measures of trade policy and other international restrictions affecting trade (e.g., payment restrictions), and covers an unbalanced sample of up to 157 countries from 1949 to 2019. MATR is strongly correlated with, and—importantly—more comprehensive, in terms of country and time coverage, than existing measures of de jure openness; it is also granular. As such, MATR empowers empirical analysis to increase coverage in research related to trade restrictions and other trade-related openness policies. MATR is used in the study to show that direct and indirect restrictions to trade are associated with significant contractions in output.

Advancing carbon neutrality in post-COP28 in Ghana: Examining the impact of foreign direct investment and governance indicators

This paper investigates the efficacy of foreign direct investment (FDI) and governance quality in reducing the adverse impact of CO2 emissions in Ghana. To achieve this aim, panel data for the independent and control variables spanning from 2000-2022 were obtained from World Development Indicators database and World Governance Indicators. The data was analysed using the Fixed Generalised Least Squares (FGLS) and the Method of Moment Quantile Regression (MMQR) methods. The findings of the study reveal that FDI aids in lowering the level of CO2 emissions in Ghana and therefore can be achieved through political stability, voice and accountability, controlled corruption, and enforcement of rule of law. It further reveals that the level of governance effectiveness and regulation quality is low in attracting FDI to aid in lowering CO2 emissions in Ghana. This study suggests that policymakers in Ghana should strengthen the system and structure governing the environmental management process and improve the quality of environmental policies to encourage environmentally friendly FDI flows.

Contradictions, dilemmas, views and motivations of volunteers in two community food support schemes in two London boroughs

The voluntary and charitable sector is responsible for much food support in the UK, in the absence of direct government action. A rise in food insecurity (FI) places additional importance on the work of unpaid volunteers, instrumental in food support schemes. Their perceptions, views and experiences are essential contributors to maintaining and enhancing such provision. Semi-structured interviews were held with 51 volunteers at two food support schemes in neighbouring London boroughs. Most volunteers were white and middle-aged and almost half were in paid work. Generally high levels of empathy towards clients were expressed, although some were concerned about possible abuse of the support. Contradictory views were expressed in relation to both personal responsibility for FI and the pay-as-you-feel model; training on both is needed. Major motivators for involvement in volunteering were the perceived value of the work and alignment of projects with personal interests, skills and beliefs. Benefits were viewed as wider than solely nutritional. Ethical difficulties described included the appropriateness of using surplus food to address FI, allowing supermarkets to effectively ‘greenwash’ and failing to address underlying drivers of both FI and food overproduction. Volunteers were also concerned that their involvement allowed the government to abdicate responsibility.

Cultivating Urban Agriculture Policies: Local Government Entrepreneurs’ Strategies in Three Brazilian Cities

Urban agriculture (UA) is increasingly recognized in policy and academic discussions for its potential to promote sustainable food systems and reduce food insecurity. Due to their proximity to citizens, local governments are well-positioned to advance these initiatives. However, the factors that drive governments in densely populated cities to develop UA policies remain relatively understudied, especially in the Global South. To address this gap, we employ a comparative case study approach based on key informant interviews and documents to examine how local government actors pursue UA policies in the Brazilian cities of Recife, Rio de Janeiro, and Curitiba. We find that certain municipal bureaucrats act as “policy entrepreneurs,” emerging as pivotal figures in creating, maintaining, and adapting municipal UA policies in Brazilian cities. These policy entrepreneurs use a number of strategies to advance their policy preferences, secure resources, and legitimize their actions within the public administration. These approaches include collaborating with civil society, forging partnerships within and outside of government, framing their proposals within international policy guidelines, and leveraging media coverage and external recognition. In doing so, policy entrepreneurs shape UA policies by introducing new programs, making them resilient to changes related to electoral turnover, and diversifying initiatives from direct government support for gardeners to, for example, incorporating UA into urban planning regulations. This article thus provides valuable insights for policymakers and underscores the crucial role of local government bureaucrats, particularly those acting as policy entrepreneurs, in shaping policies that contribute to making cities sustainable.

Reform, Rails, and Rice: Political Railroads and Local Development in Thailand

How do external threats to state sovereignty benefit local development? In this paper, we look at Thailand’s railroad projects in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries as an example of a state’s strategic response to colonial encroachment. By transporting government officials and establishing a permanent administrative presence, the railways served to ensure Thailand’s sovereignty over peripheral regions and bring them under direct governance. These regions, long considered economically unviable and disconnected from Bangkok, gained rail access due to their strategic importance and, in turn, witnessed urbanization and increased agricultural production.

Transit-oriented development (TOD) or development-oriented transit (DOT): how does it matter for sustainable urban growth?

ABSTRACT Urban growth patterns occur in various ways with tangible practical consequences. A key dilemma with regard to development and transportation revolves around whether the former follows the latter or vice versa. This study assessed this nexus with transit-oriented development (TOD) and development-oriented development (DOT) cases by using the land use/land cover (LU/LC) classification technique in a developing country example of a city in Turkey. Spatial data included high-resolution Sentinel 2A, Rapid Eye, and two SPOT satellite images and CORONA air photos acquired in 2021, 2013, 2000, 1989, and 1979, respectively, within three buffer zones (500, 750, and 1000 m) for both development forms. While the study acknowledges unorthodox TOD selection criteria and generalizability concerns, the results demonstrate that the TOD drastically reduced green areas (as opposed to ideal TOD requirements), while the DOT excessively grew commercial land uses and street networks. Both developments commonly impaired agricultural, vacant, and water land use. Such transformations direct local governments, transit agencies, and city planners to resolve ideal sustainable urban growth patterns by using remote sensing data and quantitative analysis.

Patient, family and caregiver engagement in diabetes care: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionNew treatments and technologies have advanced diabetes care; however, diabetes continues to have a major impact on the daily lives of affected individuals, especially among equity-deserving groups. Evidence from patient...

Exploring healthcare professionals' perspectives on neglected tropical diseases in Eastern Uganda: a qualitative study with a focus on schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths.

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and schistosomiasis, continue to impose a heavy burden, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and Uganda, despite being preventable. Integration of NTD management into primary healthcare has been inadequate. While researchers have explored community perspectives, there is a notable gap in understanding the viewpoints of healthcare workers (HCW), which is crucial for effective NTD control strategies. This study explores HCW' perspectives in Eastern Uganda, highlighting challenges in schistosomiasis and STH prevention and management. In this qualitative descriptive study, we conducted semistructured interviews with 10 key informants who were HCW in Eastern Uganda with experience in managing STHs and schistosomiasis. Participants were selected purposively and interviewed through Zoom guided by a comprehensive interview guide. The data were transcribed, coded and analyzed thematically. We identified five key themes regarding the impact and management of NTDs: (i) the burden of NTDs, where schistosomiasis and STHs were notably prevalent among children and communities adjacent to water bodies; (ii) transmission of NTDs, emphasizing water bodies and poor sanitation as primary routes of disease spread; (iii) clinical manifestations of NTDs, detailing the symptomatic presentations that complicate diagnosis and management; (iv) challenges in managing and diagnosing NTDs, highlighting the shortages of essential medications and diagnostic tools, along with the under-prioritization of NTDs within healthcare systems; and (v) fatalities and complications arising from NTDs, reporting on the severe outcomes and under-reporting of deaths associated with NTDs due to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment and traditional healing preferences. The interviewed Ugandan HCW demonstrated sufficient knowledge of schistosomiasis and STHs, but faced challenges due to inadequate diagnostic tools and medication shortages. The study underscores the need for NTD prioritization with direct funding and government involvement, alongside strategies that integrate continuous medical training, effective community outreach and an enhanced healthcare system response to reduce the burden of NTDs.

The governance factor: Mitigating carbon emissions through FDI and financial development in emerging Asian economies

This study investigates the influence of foreign direct investment (FDI), financial development (FD), and governance on carbon emissions in 15 emerging Asian economies (EAEs) from 2000 to 2021. It aims to assess how successful these nations have been in upholding ecological sustainability while promoting themselves as alternative manufacturing destinations to China and fostering domestic manufacturing through significant financial development. It creates a composite governance quality (GQ) measure and three subdimensions—EcoGov, InstGov, and PolGov—to assess its precise role in influencing the FDI–carbon dioxide (CO2) and FD–CO2 nexuses. Using fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) panel cointegration techniques, this study yielded findings revealing that FDI and FD significantly enhance carbon emissions. The overall GQ significantly moderates the FD–CO2 nexus but fails to moderate FDI's detrimental environmental influence. More specifically, EcoGov significantly moderates FDI's and FD's influence on carbon emissions, whereas InstGov significantly enhances their influence on emissions. In contrast, PolGov is only found to moderate FD's impact on environmental quality since the Government frequently endorses liberal environmental regulations to facilitate FDI-led growth. The findings from this study are robust and carry distinct policy ramifications.

How does consumer awareness of the waste of electrical and electronic equipment affect reverse logistics? Extended triple bottom line approach

This study explores how government support and consumer awareness affect the waste of electrical and electronic equipment reverse logistics in the circular economy framework. To improve waste of electrical and electronic equipment reverse logistics consumer awareness, the extended triple bottom line concept introduces technology with traditional economic, social, and environmental aspects. The impact of government initiatives on consumer awareness and socioeconomic factors on the intention to reuse the waste of electrical and electronic equipment reverse logistics is examined. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze survey data from 330 Chinese participants. The results revealed that government policies significantly influence extended triple bottom line awareness while socioeconomic factors impact waste of electrical and electronic equipment reverse logistics reuse intentions. However, direct government support does not significantly impact the expected service quality of waste of electrical and electronic equipment reverse logistics. These findings improve the literature by identifying relevant factors and boosting waste of electrical and electronic equipment reverse logistics comprehension in a circular economy environment, driving the development of efficient and sustainable waste management strategies.

Strategi Pemasaran Stroberi di Agrowisata Hidden Strawberry Garden Desa Pancasari

This research aims to investigate the marketing strategy for strawberry agricultural products in the Hidden Strawberry Garden Agrotourism, Pancasari Village, Buleleng Regency as well as the obstacles experienced in implementing the marketing strategy used. Pancasari Village is known as a tourist village that is rich in natural potential, including strawberry gardens which are one of the tourist destinations. The research method used is qualitative descriptive analysis with data collection methods in the form of direct observation at the location and interviews with the owner of Hidden Strawberry Garden. This research explores the implementation of the 4P marketing strategy (Product, Price, Place, and Promotion) implemented by Hidden Strawberry Garden. The research results show that Hidden Strawberry Garden has succeeded in increasing brand image awareness through direct promotion, social media and government involvement. However, obstacles such as tight market competition and strawberry harvest which depends on the season remain a concern in managing this agrotourism. It is hoped that the suggestions given to business owners regarding each obstacle they face will be able to provide solutions and improvements to production so that they can optimize marketing strategies.

Analisis Faktor Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Perkembangan Ekonomi Di Kabupaten Sarolangun

Sarolangun Regency, Jambi Province, Indonesia, has great economic potential, but its development still faces obstacles. This study explores the factors that influence economic growth in Sarolangun Regency with a focus on labor, foreign direct investment, government spending, local potential, policies, and infrastructure. This study uses a literature study research method with a secondary data approach. Data was obtained from official sources, including economic journals, articles, and BPS statistics. Data analysis was done descriptively to identify these factors. The results show that labor, foreign direct investment, and government expenditure have an important role in economic growth. Local potential, including the agriculture, plantation, and tourism sectors, also has a significant impact. Policies and regulations that support investment as well as cooperation between the government, private sector, and community are considered crucial. Infrastructure, especially transportation, was identified as an important pillar in supporting economic growth. Continued investment in infrastructure is considered vital to maintaining the competitiveness of Sarolangun District. By understanding and optimizing these factors, it is expected that Sarolangun District can achieve sustainable economic growth. This study provides a foundation for planning effective and sustainable economic development strategies for the region and serves as a reference for future research into the economic potential and challenges of Sarolangun District.

Impact of exchange rates, Inflation, foreign direct investment, government spending, and economic openness on exports, imports, and economic growth in Indonesia

Globalization and economic integration have an impact on increasing trade volume and economic growth in various countries, especially those that are open in their economies. This situation also provides ease of capital mobility between countries, which makes investment not only rely on domestic investment but also on foreign direct investment. Exchange rates and inflation also affect export growth, imports, and economic growth. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of exchange rate, inflation, foreign direct investment, government expenditure, and economic openness on export and import growth. This study used time series data during the period 1980–2021, sourced from UNCTAD, ASYB, and Indonesian Central Bank (BI). The analysis model used is multiple linear regression with the help of EViews software, which first tests classical assumptions so that the regression results are Best Linier Unbiased Estimator (BLUE). The results show that foreign direct investment and government spending can significantly increase the rate of exports and imports. Meanwhile, the depreciating rupiah against the US dollar cannot encourage an increase in both exports and imports. Furthermore, foreign direct investment, government spending, and economic openness can significantly increase economic growth. The other variables, net exports and inflation, have no effect on Indonesia’s economic growth rate.

Import Dynamics in the Central and Eastern European Countries

The dynamics of imports in Central and Eastern European countries are closely related to foreign direct investment and government policies. By reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers to imports and promoting trade and investment liberalization, governments can attract foreign capital and diversify the range of products and services available in the host economy. This interconnection between imports and foreign direct investment can have a positive impact on economic development and global integration, depending on national strategies and policies. The article examines the dynamics of imports in Central and Eastern European countries in relation to foreign direct investment and government policies and aims to identify trends, import differences, and adjustments made by each country to improve their economic development. The research highlights the ongoing evolution of international trade in the region and advocates for a strategic approach to trade and economic policy for economic expansion and resilience to external shocks.

Feasibility of the BBNJ Agreement to regulate bioprospecting in the Southern Ocean

This paper investigates the potential regulatory frameworks applicable to marine bioprospecting in the Southern Ocean and considers the activity could potentially fall under the purview of both the Antarctic Treaty System and the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement. Through a comparative analysis, this paper discerns the overlap of application and divergence in rules between the two regulatory frameworks, particularly concerning the specific provisions for regulating marine bioprospecting. This includes dissecting differences in the rules regulating the procedures for access to marine genetic resources and the associated benefit-sharing mechanisms. By synthesizing the SWOT analysis and strategic analysis, this paper identifies the internal and external factors influencing the application of the BBNJ Agreement to bioprospecting regulation within the Southern Ocean. It concludes that, due to the priority application of ATS and the region`s unique geopolitical context, the BBNJ Agreement may encounter challenges in the direct implementation and governance of marine bioprospecting. The principle of not undermining should be observed to harmonize application with ATS. Meanwhile, the BBNJ Agreement may contribute to a self-revolution of the ATS in regulating marine bioprospecting, particularly in the aspect of mechanisms for equitable benefit-sharing.

The Shifting Image of Sweden Abroad: Framings of the 2022 Swedish Election in Traditional and Far-Right Online Media from the United States, Germany, India, and China

The Shifting Image of Sweden Abroad: Framings of the 2022 Swedish Election in Traditional and Far-Right Online Media from the United States, Germany, India, and China

Enhancing environmental policy through evidence synthesis: a review of the Environmental Evidence for the Future (EEF) Initiative

The Environmental Evidence for the Future (EEF) Initiative emerged in response to the challenges and opportunities presented by the UK’s decision to leave the European Union and its associated Environmental Frameworks. The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), working closely with the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence (CEE) and UK stakeholders, developed the initiative to identify and address crucial evidence gaps, offering a long-term vision for environmental policy and sustainability. The EEF Initiative progressed through three stages: strategic priority identification, NERC panel award selection, and the production of Systematic Maps of existing evidence. The first stage involved collaborative workshops across the UK to identify key knowledge gaps in environmental science. The subsequent prioritisation resulted in 65 challenges across 10 thematic areas. The second stage saw NERC initiating, with CEE support, an open call for research proposals emphasising the use of evidence synthesis methodology. The selection process, balancing topic importance and applicant expertise, led to funding for five projects. The final stage involved the production of Systematic Maps of existing evidence based on the CEE Guidelines and Standards, providing a structured overview of existing literature on specific topics. The EEF Initiative demonstrated effective collaboration between UKRI (NERC), an independent non-profit (CEE), academia, and government agencies, addressing critical environmental challenges through rigorous evidence synthesis methodologies. The programme enhanced understanding and utilisation of these methodologies within the research community. Key lessons include the importance of inclusive priority-setting, differentiation between broad policy questions and specific Systematic Map questions, recognition of the value of Systematic Maps, and the role of experience in evidence synthesis teams. As policymakers and researchers navigate environmental policies in a resource-constrained environment, the EEF Initiative highlights the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of systematic mapping and review processes for evidence-based decision-making. The success of funding through NERC sets a precedent for future thematic evidence focused programmes, emphasising the need for continued support in developing synthesis skills among researchers and encouraging direct government commissions for targeted and responsive evidence. The EEF Initiative serves as a model for effective collaboration, providing valuable insights into addressing evidence gaps and shaping evidence-based policymaking in an ever-evolving environmental landscape.