Effect Of Distribution Research Articles

Microplastics as Emerging Contaminants: Challenges in Inland Aquatic Food Web

Microplastic (MP) pollution in inland water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, is a growing environmental concern, yet research on its ecological impacts in freshwater ecosystems remains limited compared to marine environments. Microplastics, defined as particles smaller than 5 mm, have been detected in freshwater systems globally, and their presence is widespread across diverse aquatic habitats. This review examines the sources, distribution, persistence, and ecological consequences of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems, emphasizing their bioaccumulation in organisms from plankton to fish, and the potential risks to human health through microplastic-contaminated fish consumption. Ingestion of microplastics by aquatic organisms can cause physical harm, such as entanglement, and chemical toxicity, including oxidative stress and the accumulation of harmful substances. The trophic transfer of microplastics through the food web raises concerns about higher-level organisms, including humans. Despite these risks, significant knowledge gaps exist regarding the long-term effects of microplastics on freshwater ecosystems. The review calls for improved monitoring, mitigation strategies, and regulatory frameworks to address this issue. Further research is needed to understand the full extent of microplastic pollution in freshwater environments and its impacts on both biodiversity and human health.

The onset of Magneto–Darcy–Rayleigh–Bénard convection under local thermal non-equilibrium with two-layer system

The investigation focuses on the consequences of various thermal distributions examined in the context of Magneto–Darcy–Rayleigh–Bénard (MDRB) convection onset under local thermal non-equilibrium (LTNE). The system under consideration consists of a two-layer configuration, with an incompressible fluid and horizontally positioned adiabatic peripheries. An analytical solution to the resultant problem is accomplished using the regular perturbation method. Concerning the six thermal distributions, we examine variables such as the ratio of heat expansion in the solid phase, the ratio of heat diffusivities in the solid phase, and the inter-phase heat diffusivity ratio, which exhibits a propensity towards LTNE. Furthermore, we investigate the consequences of modifying the values of constraints, namely, the ratio of heat expansion in the fluid phase, the ratio of heat diffusivities in the fluid phase, the porous parameter, the heat ratio, and the Chandrasekhar number. The empirical observations indicate that the model (iii) exhibits a significantly higher degree of instability when compared to other distributions. Conversely, model (v) demonstrates a notable level of stability. Moreover, it is intriguing that the system governed by the model (vi) exhibits higher stability than the model (iv) thermal distribution within the context of a composite system.

The pro-competitive consequences of trade in frictional labor markets

What are the pro-competitive consequences of trade in frictional labor markets? This paper develops and estimates a dynamic general equilibrium trade model to show that the interplay between endogenously variable markups in product markets and frictions in labor markets has important implications for aggregate as well as distributional consequences of trade. In particular, I show that once markups are allowed to respond to trade liberalization, unemployment and residual wage inequality rise almost three times more than in a model with constant markups (in the steady state). The presence of labor market frictions makes the pro-competitive gains from trade liberalization negative.

Why Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Social Welfare Function Is Not Society’s Social Welfare Function

Abstract In 2023, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued guidance documents that specified new procedures for assessing prospective government regulations (Circular A-4) and economic policies more generally (Circular A-94). These revisions to long-standing guidance were not minor updates but shifted policy analyses from an efficiency-oriented perspective to a redistributive approach. OMB broadened the guidelines for reporting distributional consequences of policies and also specified how policy impacts on different income groups should be weighted. The weights assume that the social welfare function is governed by the sum of identical individual utility functions, each of which exhibits a substantial rate of diminishing marginal utility of income. The resulting weights provide a premium for households below the median-income level and a considerable penalty for those at higher-income levels. Application of the weights to property losses creates potentially substantial inefficiencies. If based on current empirical evidence on the income elasticity of the value of a statistical life rather than assuming that there is a complete offset of the weights, application of the weights to mortality risk valuation would generate inequities in protection.

The effect of subsidized flood insurance on real estate markets

AbstractSubsidized insurance against extreme weather events improves affordability among households in at‐risk areas but it can weaken the risk signal via property prices. Leveraging a granular data set of all property transactions and flood events in England, we study the effects of a reinsurance scheme that lowers insurance premiums for at‐risk properties. We document that the introduction of this scheme increases prices and transaction volumes of flood‐prone properties. This fully offsets the negative direct effects of flooding on property prices, with high‐income areas and high‐value properties benefiting relatively more. Our findings speak to the debate on climate adaptation policies and their consequences for wealth distribution.

An Introduction to Distributional Consequences of New Energy Technologies and Policies

An Introduction to Distributional Consequences of New Energy Technologies and Policies

Distributional Consequences of Policies for Electric Heat Conversion

Distributional Consequences of Policies for Electric Heat Conversion

Not all banking crises are alike: Assessing their distributional impacts relative to pre-crisis credit gaps

The empirical literature on the effects of banking crises on income inequality has yielded mixed findings. In this paper, we aim to reconcile these mixed results by evaluating the effects of banking crises on income inequality in relation to pre-crisis credit gaps. We apply the Local Projections methodology to a yearly panel of 68 banking crises that occurred in 59 countries over the period 1970–2017. Three key results emerge. First, banking crises lead to increased income inequality. Second, only those banking crises preceded by larger credit gaps show a significant increase in income inequality. Third, a deeper contraction in the credit supply and a higher unemployment rate are two channels that could potentially explain why inequality rises more after banking crises with larger pre-crisis credit gaps. These results underscore the importance of macroprudential policies that, as well as limiting the amplitude of the financial cycle and the associated risks of financial crises, could also play a key role in reducing the distributional consequences of banking crises.

Impact of Uncertainty Shocks on Income and Wealth Inequality

AbstractWe analyze the distributional consequences of uncertainty shocks in the U.S. economy. While their impact on income inequality appears marginal when measured by a single statistic, there are important variations: inequality between the rich and middle‐income groups decreases, while inequality between the middle and poor‐income groups increases significantly. Additionally, uncertainty shocks increase labor income inequality through higher unemployment rates but simultaneously decrease nonlabor income inequality by reducing business and interest income. Uncertainty shocks reduce disposable income inequality, demonstrating the role of redistribution policy. Finally, they tend to reduce wealth inequality, mainly due to their adverse impact on financial asset prices, predominantly owned by wealthy households.

The Role of Fairness for Accepting Stricter Carbon Taxes in Sweden

Carbon taxes are considered to be an efficient method to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; however, such taxes are generally unpopular, partly because they are seen as unfair. To explore if public acceptance of a stricter carbon tax in Sweden can be enhanced, this study investigates the effectiveness of three different policy designs, addressing collective and personal distributional consequences and promoting procedural aspects (democratic influence). A large-scale (n = 5200) survey is applied, combining a traditional multi-category answer format with a binary choice format. The results show that support for higher carbon taxation can be enhanced if tax revenues are redistributed to affected groups. Policies with collective justice framings can change the attitudes of individuals who express antagonistic attitudes to increased carbon taxation and influence groups comparably more affected by carbon taxes, such as rural residents, low-income groups, and people who are driving long distances. Policy designs addressing collective distributional consequences are, however, less effective on individuals expressing right-leaning ideological views and low environmental concern. Policies addressing personal distributional outcomes, or perceptions of procedural injustice, had no significant effect on policy acceptance.

Who Bears the Welfare Costs of Monopoly? The Case of the Credit Card Industry

Abstract We measure the distribution of welfare losses from non-competitive behaviour in the U.S. credit card industry during the 1970s and 1980s. The early credit card industry was characterized by regional monopolies. Ensuing legal decisions led to competitive reforms that resulted in greater, but still limited, oligopolistic competition. We measure the distributional consequences of these reforms by developing and estimating a heterogeneous agent, defaultable debt framework with oligopolistic lenders. The transition from monopoly to oligopolistic competition yields welfare gains equivalent to a one-time transfer worth $3,600 (in 2016 dollars) for the bottom decile of earners (roughly 50% of their annual income) versus $1,200 for the top decile of earners. As the credit market expands, low-income households benefit more since they rely disproportionately on credit to smooth consumption. Greater competition also explains rising bankruptcies, chargeoffs, and credit to income ratios. Lastly, we bound the welfare gains from competition by computing a perfectly competitive benchmark. Aggregate welfare gains are 40% larger from perfect competition but distributed similarly to oligopolistic competition.

Assessing the impact of the European Union-Vietnam free trade agreement on labor market and employment in Vietnam

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) on Vietnam’s labor market and employment outcomes, considering the potential distributional consequences across various groups of workers and regions.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive quantitative framework is employed, combining the gravity model of trade to estimate the EVFTA’s effects on trade flows, the CISAF_M1 model to simulate sectoral employment impacts and econometric models to analyze the effects on wages and decent work. The analysis draws upon a rich dataset spanning the period before and after the EVFTA’s implementation.FindingsThe EVFTA has significantly boosted Vietnam’s exports to the EU, leading to substantial job creation in labor-intensive sectors such as textiles, apparel and footwear. The agreement has also contributed to wage growth and improved access to social insurance for workers in export-oriented industries. However, the impact on other aspects of job quality is less clear. The distributional analysis reveals that the EVFTA’s employment effects have been relatively balanced across gender but have favored younger and less skilled workers as well as those in rural areas.Originality/valueThis study provides a comprehensive and nuanced assessment of the EVFTA’s impact on Vietnam’s labor market, addressing a gap in the literature on the employment effects of new-generation free trade agreements in developing countries. The findings highlight the importance of considering distributional aspects when evaluating the socioeconomic implications of trade liberalization and offer valuable insights for policymakers aiming to promote inclusive growth in the context of deepening international economic integration.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2024-0236

The Economics of Geographical Indications: An Update

We discuss the economics of geographical indications (GIs), a form of collective branding of products based on their geographic origin. GIs serve as essential tools in addressing market failures stemming from information asymmetries and supporting the provision of high-quality products in competitive settings. They are increasingly used in wine and food markets. We briefly review the institutional development of GIs, discuss the basic economic theory arguments that rationalize the use of GIs, and characterize their key functions. We then examine the empirical evidence from studies that have probed various features of GIs. We find consensus on the potential for GIs to address a very real market failure and the positive role that policies and supporting institutions can play. We also uncover limitations and unresolved problems. GIs have both efficiency and distributional consequences, their international implications remain controversial, and tensions between tradition and innovation emerge while confronting new challenges such as climate change.

Tech wars: Distributional consequences of global tech rivalry

AbstractInternational competition over sophisticated tech is a modern feature of great power rivalry. Yet the automation delivered by this tech is a key source of rising inequality. While policy motivations stem primarily from great power political and defense competition, the automation has consequences for wider economic performance. We examine global economic consequences, using a six‐region global macro model with multiple households, under Rawlsian, Benthamite, capital friendly, or GDP maximizing policy criteria. Tech drives are shown to deliver higher capital returns and more growth, and therefore to represent dominant strategies under all but a Rawlsian criterion, despite their exacerbation of inequality and low‐skilled poverty. We then consider Gini‐reducing fiscal interventions. These are shown to have few international spill‐over effects and to be domestically attractive only under the Rawlsian criterion.

Spatial distribution projections of suitable environmental conditions for key Baltic Sea zooplankton species

AbstractEnvironmental changes reshape biological communities, inducing cascading effects throughout the food webs. These changes pressure species either to adapt or to track favorable habitats. Estuaries represent an interesting case study to investigate such responses as species will rapidly reach physical boundaries if they cannot adapt fast enough and need to track suitable conditions. One such estuary is the Baltic Sea, characterized by a salinity and temperature gradient that shapes species distribution and imposes physiological stress on organisms. The Baltic Sea is projected to be affected by substantial modifications in environmental conditions by the end of the 21st century, which could have major consequences for species distribution and community composition. However, despite the impending changes and their potential impact, there is a gap in understanding the potential consequences on pelagic species of the Baltic Sea. This study employs long‐term observations of primary zooplankton species in the pelagic food web to model changes in their distribution under future climate projections. We found that the parameters having the largest influence on habitat suitability varied across species, although maximal temperature was the most important for six out of seven species. In addition, there was a shrinkage of suitable area for several key species driven by a decrease in salinity and a rise in water temperature. We discuss the complex interplay between environmental changes and the spatial distribution of pelagic species in the Baltic Sea, highlighting the need for proactive management strategies to mitigate potential ecological impacts in the face of future climate scenarios.

Prices, markups and wages: inflation and its distributive consequences in Spain, 2021-2023

This article analyses the recent inflationary experience in Spain (2021-2023), focusing on the functional income distribution, the evolution of markups and real wages, and the economic policies implemented. We rely on the conflict theory of inflation and touch upon recent debates on of sellers' inflation. Using the Observatory of Firms’ Margins, we confirm an increase in aggregate markups. Nevertheless, the main factor explaining price increases is firms' pass-through of higher input costs to protect their profits. The direct effect of markup increases has been quantitatively less important, and that of unit labour costs negligible. Therefore, inflation has had huge distributional consequences and there is space for non-inflationary wage increases. While fiscal and regulatory measures have effectively curbed the inflation rate having an expansive effect, restrictive monetary policy is inappropriate and costly.

Analysis of activation energy, chemical reaction, and variable density on magnetically driven heat transportation: Applications in nanofluid lubrication and machining

The importance of this investigation is to examine the heat and mass transportation of magneto nanofluid movement along a heated sheet with exponential temperature-dependent density, entropy optimization, thermal buoyancy, activation energy, and chemical reaction aspects. The influence of these factors in cutting tools by means of machining and nanofluid lubrication is a significant process in cutting zone, chip cleaning, lubricating, and cooling productivity in milling. The corresponding energy activation and chemical process are essential to understand the thermal behavior of nanofluid. The appropriate transformations are used to solve nonlinear partial differential equations within the framework of ordinary differential equations using stream functions and similarity variables. The Keller box method is employed to efficiently solve these equations computationally under the Newton–Raphson approach. Through tables and figures, the fluid velocity, temperature distribution, and concentration consequences are sketched using various controlling parameters. It is seen that the fluid temperature function increases with noticeable amplitude as the Eckert factor, variable density, chemical-reaction, and activation energy increase. It is found that the noticeable enhancement in heat and mass transportation is deduced for maximum Brownian motion and thermophoresis. This work is important in various applications such as cutting fluids, drilling, brake oil, engine oil, minimum quantity lubrication, enhanced oil recovery, and controlled friction between the tool-chip and tool-work during machining operations.

Shaping inequality and intergenerational persistence of poverty: Free college or better schools?

We evaluate the aggregate, distributional and welfare consequences of alternative government education policies to encourage college completion, such as making college free and improving funding for public schooling. To do so, we construct a general equilibrium overlapping generations model with intergenerational linkages, a higher education choice as well as a multi-stage human capital production process during childhood and adolescence with parental and government schooling investments. The model features rich cross-sectional heterogeneity, distinguishes between single and married parents, and is disciplined by US household survey data on income, wealth, education and time use. Studying the transitions induced by unexpected policy reforms we show that the “free college” and the “better schools” reform generate significant welfare gains, which take time to materialize and are lower in general than in partial equilibrium. It is optimal to combine both reforms: tuition subsidies make college affordable even for children from poorer parental backgrounds and better schools increase human capital thereby reducing dropout risk.

Phenotypic divergence of Glossina morsitans (Diptera: Glossinidae) populations in Zambia: Application of landmark-based wing geometric morphometrics to discriminate population-level variation.

An important consequence of the discontinuous distribution of insect populations within their geographic range is phenotypic divergence. Detection of this divergence can be challenging when it occurs through subtle shifts in morphological traits with complex geometries, such as insect wing venation. Here, we used landmark-based wing geometric morphometrics to investigate the population-level phenotypic variation of the two subspecies of Glossina morsitans, G. m. centralis Machado and G. m. morsitans Westwood that occur in Zambia. Twelve homologous landmarks digitised on the right wings of 720 specimens collected from four and five sites (80 per site with 1:1 sex ratio) within the G. m. centralis and G. m. morsitans range respectively, were subjected to generalised Procrustes analysis to obtain wing centroid size (CS) and wing shape variables. Linear permutation models and redundancy analysis were then used to compare CS and wing shape between male and female G. morsitans, the two subspecies G. m. centralis and G. m. morsitans, the sexes of each subspecies and between sample locations within each subspecies range, respectively. Significant differences in CS and wing shape were observed between G. morsitans sexes, subspecies and sample locations within each subspecies range. A neighbour-joining cladogram derived from the analysis of Procrustes distances showed that tsetse within each subspecies range were highly divergent. We conclude that G. morsitans populations in Zambia exhibit significant population-level variation in fly size and wing shape which suggests high levels of population structuring. The main drivers of this structuring could be random genetic drift in G. m. centralis demes and local adaptation to environmental conditions in G. m. morsitans populations. We therefore recommend molecular studies to estimate the levels of gene flow between these populations and identify possible barriers to genetic flow.

Germination responses to changing rainfall timing reveal potential climate vulnerability in a clade of wildflowers.

The seasonal timing of life history transitions is often critical to fitness, and many organisms rely upon environmental cues to match life cycle events with favorable conditions. In plants, the timing of seed germination is mediated by seasonal cues such as rainfall and temperature. Variation in cue responses among species can reflect evolutionary processes and adaptation to local climate and can affect vulnerability to changing conditions. Indeed, climate change is altering the timing of precipitation, and germination responses to such change can have consequences for individual fitness, population dynamics, and species distributions. Here, we assessed responses to the seasonal timing of germination-triggering rains for eleven species spanning the Streptanthus/Caulanthus clade (Brassicaceae). To do so, we experimentally manipulated the onset date of rainfall events, measured effects on germination fraction, and evaluated whether responses were constrained by evolutionary relationships across the phylogeny. We then explored the possible consequences of these responses to contemporary shifts in precipitation timing. Germination fractions decreased with later onset of rains and cooler temperatures for all but three Caulanthus species. Species' germination responses to the timing of rainfall and seasonal temperatures were phylogenetically constrained, with Caulanthus species appearing less responsive. Further, four species are likely already experiencing significant decreases in germination fractions with observed climate change, which has shifted the timing of rainfall towards the cooler, winter months in California. Overall, our findings emphasize the sensitivity of germination to seasonal conditions, underscore the importance of interacting environmental cues, and highlight vulnerability to shifting precipitation patterns with climate change, particularly in more northern, mesic species.