Economic Investment Research Articles

Potential Asymmetries in the International trade and Economic Growth in China: The Role of Emission Intensity

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 10pt; line-height: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt;">This study delves into the complex relationship between China's international trade and economic growth, specifically focusing on emission intensity and its environmental ramifications within the context of energy efficiency. The primary objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how China's international trade dynamics influence economic growth, emphasizing emission intensity and employing a model that considers the nonlinear impact of trade on output. Through this model, structural breakpoints are identified, revealing distinct outcomes for China amidst positive and negative shocks from 1972 to 2021. The study uncovers the dual nature of the energy sector, acting both as a source of environmental degradation and a potential avenue for positive change through increased efficiency. Complex interplays among economic activities, inflation, and investment on carbon intensity are revealed. Additionally, the varying effects of export volume on carbon emissions intensity across lag thresholds underscore the significance of global trade dynamics for environmental sustainability. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of balancing economic prosperity with environmental responsibility, advocating for carefully balanced policies that foster sustainable growth. Recommendations include considering the dual nature of the energy sector and implementing policies promoting increased efficiency. Policymakers are urged to adopt growth models prioritizing environmental responsibility, balancing economic activities, inflation, and investment to mitigate carbon intensity while acknowledging the diverse effects of global trade dynamics on environmental sustainability.</span></p>

The portfolio approach: a way forward for restoration of native Olympia oysters in a dynamic urban estuary

Native Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida) occur in remnant natural populations throughout San Francisco Bay (SFB), California, United States, where managers have been working to restore oysters since 2002. Environmental conditions vary substantially along the estuarine gradient in the bay, such that oysters are exposed to different stressors in different locations and years. We monitored oysters that naturally recruited to experimental restoration substrates over 10 years at two sites on this gradient. We found that recruitment rates and adult densities varied over time and had different trajectories at the study locations. We found gradients in predation, space competition, and physical stressors between sites and along a tidal elevation span that corresponded with differences in adult densities. We documented mass mortality resulting from an extreme low‐salinity event at one site and subsequent recovery later that year. Our results, combined with data from natural populations at multiple sites, suggest that restoration outcomes within SFB could be improved by building and strengthening a connected portfolio of sites that are not simultaneously exposed to the same stressors. We recommend siting restoration projects across locations that represent a range of environmental conditions but that are sufficiently close for larval exchange. Unlike typical restoration approaches that use site selection to identify the best locations, the portfolio approach, just like the economic investment principle, would employ a diversity of environmental conditions. Because these environmental conditions can change over time, this approach can reap the greatest rewards over the long run precisely because of that diversity.

Urban memory and identity weighed against economic investment in urban renewal projects: A case of Kisumu City, Kenya

Urban memory and identity weighed against economic investment in urban renewal projects: A case of Kisumu City, Kenya

Economic Globalization, Political Economy and Risks of Investments in the Developing Countries

Economic Globalization, Political Economy and Risks of Investments in the Developing Countries

Tax Reforms and Their Effect on Social Inequality

Fiscal policy obeys an axis of government management to guide economic and social investments where the general good prevails; recognizing that taxation is a mechanism that guarantees public spending. The objective of this reflection article is to describe the characteristics of the tax reforms and their effect on social inequality. For this, a documentary review was carried out from 30 documents selected with inclusion criteria; showing that inequality is multifactorial in nature and arises from the nation's inability to allocate income based on social investment. Finally, it was concluded that the reforms in their tax essence have a greater footprint of tax evasion and a clear impact on salary inequality that targets the less favored classes. For its part, the novelty is reflected with the approach of a particular analysis regarding the concept of social inequality.

National wealth in the context of the transformation of the socio-economic system

The subject of the research is the functions of national wealth, considered in the context of the transformation of the socio-economic system. National wealth in the context of the transformation of the socio-economic system is one of the fundamental indicators that reflects the totality of tangible and intangible resources at the disposal of the nation. During the transformation of the socio-economic system, there is a redistribution of national wealth between sectors of the economy. Transformation requires reforming state institutions, legal systems and management structures - this can affect the efficiency of using national wealth, increasing or decreasing economic stability, national security and investment attractiveness of the country. In modern conditions, special attention is paid to sustainable development, which involves the rational use of natural resources and minimization of environmental risks. Transformation of the system aimed at sustainable development contributes to the preservation and increase of national wealth in the long term. The purpose of the work is to determine the content and structure of national wealth in the context of the transformation of the socio-economic system. The research methodology is based on the generalization of information from domestic and foreign sources, statistical data on the issues considered in the work. The scientific novelty of the study consists in identifying qualitative changes in the characteristics of national wealth in the modern conditions of transformation of the socio-economic system. The article highlights the following stages (phases) in the development of the socio-economic system: crisis phase (destabilization phase), phase of awareness of the need for change, reform base (transformation phase), phase of adaptation and stabilization, phase of growth and development, phase of consolidation and institutionalization. The results of the study can be considered as an increase in scientific knowledge in economic theory.

Is the Path to Citizenship through Property Investment Possible in Russia?

Introduction. Real estate has undoubted investment advantages. Moreover, in a number of countries it is a bridge for simplified obtaining a residence permit or even citizenship. In Russia, the legal regime of immovable property undoubtedly has a number of advantages. The very possibility to have property on the right of private ownership (including land plots) gives owners confidence in the possession and use of real estate. The legislation on real estate is characterized by stability and is less susceptible to change. Low rates of property tax calculated on the cadastral value of the property facilitate the acquisition of real estate. The variety of real estate objects allows citizens and legal entities to own residential and non-residential premises and parking places. With the development of digitalization of state administration, the registration of rights to immovable property has become as simple and accessible as possible, allowing owners to protect their property from fraudulent schemes. Property prices in Russia are steadily rising, which also stimulates investment in this sector. Whether investments in real estate contribute to obtaining citizenship of the Russian Federation in an accelerated (preferential, facilitated, etc.) manner will be shown in this article. Materials and methods. This study is based on: 1) the totality of such methods of scientific cognition as: the dialectical method, which allowed to connect the theory of civil and land law and the practice of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation; the formal-legal method allowed to analyse legislative norms; the system method allowed to consider the institute of national treatment of foreign citizens in Russia as a system with internal unity and interrelations with other institutions of law (the institute of citizenship, the institute of property rights, etc.); 2) the results of the author's survey of the moderators of My Hectar Programme regarding the demand of foreign citizens for land plots sold under the Programme; 3) analysis of the Decisions of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation. Research results. The study found that in Russia, at the constitutional level, foreign citizens are granted national treatment, exceptions to which are provided for by federal laws. Restrictions on the rights of foreigners are stipulated by a number of federal laws. For example, civil legislation has traditionally prohibited ownership of certain categories of land plots. As a response to western sanctions, in March 2022 a special permissive procedure was introduced for citizens of unfriendly countries to acquire ownership of real estate. The legislation on citizenship of the Russian Federation does not provide for any privileges for foreigners to obtain citizenship through investments in the country's economy in general, in real estate and business in particular.Discussion and сonclusion. The Russian Federation policy regarding the rights of foreign citizens to immovable property should continue to be aimed at maximum protection of the interests of national security and sovereignty of the country, and priority opportunities for Russians to acquire real estate. Certainly, the state should stimulate foreign investment. However, in the conditions of aggravation of international relations and threats to Russia's national security, it would be advisable to introduce a permissive procedure for the acquisition of real estate for all foreign citizens, taking into account the foreigner's occupation and the purpose of acquiring real estate, sources of his income, possible links with organizations banned in Russia.

Blockchain Technology as a Mechanism for Protecting Citizens' Rights in Remote Investment Transactions: Higher Education Market vs Labor Market

Introduction. The article studies and analyzes legal mechanisms of protection of rights and legitimate interests of private investors in the sphere of online investment based on blockchain technologies, which allow to reduce the level of inconsistency between the requirements of the labor market and the proposals of the higher education market. Materials and methods. The methodological basis of the study is interdisciplinary and covers different approaches and concepts belonging to the sphere of investment activities, digital economy, including blockchain technologies and specialized digital platforms, legal support of investment transactions, etc. It is based on the concept of development of digital economy in the conditions of the fourth industrial revolution, which is considered in the context of integration of digital technologies into investment processes and related problems of legal support of security of investment transactions in the Internet space. The harmonization of different concepts and approaches within the work is achieved through the methods of analysis and synthesis, as well as the use of a systematic approach, methods of comparative analysis, observation, abstraction, etc.Results of the study. The paper defines the essence and features of remote investment transactions, as well as their forms, reveals the essence and impact of blockchain technology on economic development and investment, provides examples of remote investment projects based on blockchain technology, characterizes the advantages and risks of remote investment instruments, proposes several mechanisms of legal protection of the interests of private investors using online instruments, substantiates the value and features of the use of smart-contracts as a blockchain technology, and provides a description of the advantages and risks of remote investment instruments. It has been established that in addition to the use of legal instruments for the protection of investment risks, primarily aimed at the use of smart contracts based on blockchain technologies, an important direction for improving the reliability of such transactions and avoiding rash financial and reputational losses is to increase the level of education of private investors. The labor market's demand for increasing the professionalism of individuals using remote investment instruments increases the relevance of educational programs aimed at studying blockchain, smart contracts, remote investment instruments and legal mechanisms for protecting the interests of private investors. Discussion and conclusion. The scientific and practical significance of the work consists in a comprehensive analysis and characterization of legal mechanisms to protect the rights of individuals investing through remote financial instruments in the Internet space, as well as in determining their advantages and disadvantages. It is substantiated that the main legal instrument for the protection of such investment transactions based on blockchain technology is smart contracts. The potential of smart contracts as instruments of legal protection of investment transactions in remote format is used due to a set of their typical functions, including decentralization, resistance to unauthorized changes, transparency, autonomy, etc.

Практика управления экономическими кризисами в условиях цифровизации экономики

The digital transformation of the economy is an integral part of the modern world. Significant investments are being made in Russia to develop the digital economy, with one-fifth of the economy already closely linked to the use of artificial intelligence technologies. This article focuses on the concept of “digital economy”, its role in overcoming economic challenges, and, based on the analysis of crisis situations in 2008 and 2020, emphasizes the importance of actively implementing digital technologies to ensure the stability of the country’s economic system. The active integration of digital technologies and the development of the digital economy are necessary conditions for sustainable development and overcoming potential economic crises. There is a call for more active government support for this process and the creation of a favorable investment climate to attract investments in the digital economy. In conclusion, the imperative of embracing digital technologies for economic resilience is undeniable, particularly in light of past crisis analyses. With concerted efforts and enhanced governmental backing, fostering a robust digital economy becomes paramount for sustainable growth and crisis mitigation, demanding a conducive investment environment for its fruition.

Heat integration analysis based on recycle split vapor ethane recovery process

AbstractRecovering ethane from natural gas involves significant energy consumption. Globally, the recycle split vapor process (RSV) is widely adopted as an efficient method for ethane recovery. Nonetheless, one major challenge faced by the RSV process is the lack of adequate heat integration, despite its overall effectiveness. In this article, we investigate the heat integration of the RSV process and propose two novel ethane recovery processes: the recycle split vapor process with direct heat integration of the feed gas (RSV‐DTI) and the recycle split vapor process with split heat integration of the feed gas (RSV‐SHI). A comparative analysis is conducted among these three processes, focusing on integrated energy consumption, exergy efficiency, and economic investment. The study's findings reveal the following: (1) The RSV‐DTI process distinguishes itself with its reduced energy consumption, enhanced stability, and minimized refrigerant usage. In comparison to the RSV process, the RSV‐DTI process achieves a reduction of over 15% in total compression duty and a remarkable decrease of 68% in propane usage. (2) Electricity emerges as the predominant energy consumed in the ethane recovery process, and the RSV‐DTI process significantly improves upon this aspect. Notably, the RSV‐DTI process incurs the lowest investment cost, yielding a swift payback period of approximately 1 year for the plant. The characteristics of the RSV‐DTI process are investigated, and the effect of changes in feed gas conditions on the heat integration of the RSV‐DTI process is analyzed. The characteristics of the RSV‐DTI process show the following: (1) Different pressures of feed gas existing in the main cold box have different minimum heat integration temperatures (MHIT). When the feed gas temperature is lower than the MHIT, heat integration becomes difficult, and the heat energy can be supplied by hot liquid propane at 48°C. When the feed gas temperature is higher than the MHIT, changes in feed gas temperature have little effect on the process, only affecting the external gas temperature. (2) The heat transfer duty of the demethanizer sideline outlet stream is affected by the feed gas pressure. To enhance heat integration, it is recommended to set the heat transfer duty of the low‐temperature sideline outlet stream (DLTSS) between 40% and 90% of the reboiler duty and the heat transfer duty of the high‐temperature sideline outlet stream (DHTSS) between 40% and 75% of the reboiler duty.

A comparative study of the nexus of natural resource investment in national economies: Effects on cultural communication and economic growth

This article provides a comparative analysis of the complex interplay between cultural exchange, national economic development, and investments in natural resources. This research aims to examine how rising Asian countries' economies have grown as a result of a green economic rebound from 2000 to 2020. The study makes use of the D-H causality test methodology as well as the CCE-MG It assesses the varied impacts of resource investment on employment, GDP growth, and income distribution by looking at case studies and empirical data. It examines how investments in natural resources impact economic pathways and cultural communication dynamics. It sheds light on the complex effects of resource investment on cross-cultural understanding and economic development via case studies and empirical data. It also delves into how resource investments impact economic development plans and how cultural communication patterns interact. The results highlight the need to comprehend these relationships for efficient policymaking and sustainable development.

Influencing factors and realization paths for smart community construction in China.

The analysis of influencing factors serves as the cornerstone for the research on smart community construction. Drawing upon both field research and extensive literature study, this paper explores the influencing factors of China's smart community construction and its effective paths by taking 52 national pilot zones for community governance and service innovation in China as examples. In the constructed analytical framework of influencing factors, elements such as economic development, capital investment, information infrastructure, community governance, public support system, and smart platform are included. By the use of the qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) method, the results of the study show that community governance, public support system, and smart platform are necessary conditions for smart community construction, while economic development, capital investment and information infrastructure play a leading role in the four combined paths. Finally, this study provides a new perspective for theoretical research, a reference forgovernmental departments to make decisions, and experience for the construction of smart communities in other developing countries.

Workplace hazards and safety practices in the small-scale industries

Abstract The small-scale industries are considered a major sector of economic investment in the world. Small-scale industries typically suffer from problems such as poor management systems, poor safety training, difficulties in complying with legislation, and absence of safety performance. This study aimed to measure the levels of heat stress and noise and assess the safety performance in small-scale industries. Twenty industrial workshops were selected representing four different types of small-scale industries (foundries, automotive repair, metal processing, and aluminium processing) in Alexandria, Egypt. Inside each selected workshop, both levels of heat stress and noise were measured by calibrated instruments. A pre-designed checklist evaluated the adequacy of the safety performance. Noise levels ranged between 86.4 ± 2.0 and 89.7 ± 2.7 dB exceeding the recommended value (85 dB). In the most studied workshops, the levels of heat stress were relatively high, especially in the foundries. Besides, the safety practices at all these workshops were poor or very poor. The most obvious safety problems included poor housekeeping, lack of PPEs, inadequate illumination, absence of emergency exits, and insufficient fire extinguishers. The results emphasize the responsibility of the local authorities to give more attention and interest to this type of industry.

Local corruption and SME investment

Prior research shows that corruption negatively affects corporate investment in large firms. However, we posit that this effect may be opposite in the context of SMEs. This paper investigates the relationship between local corruption and SME investment in a transition economy. With a sample of 262,767 observations, we document that local corruption is positively related to both SME investment expenditure and investment efficiency.

THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION'S (EU) SPECIAL STRATEGY FOR CENTRAL ASIA (2007–2013)

The article examines the European Union's approach to Central Asia from 2007 to 2013, highlighting key objectives and initiatives designed to strengthen cooperation between the EU and nations in the region. This strategy encompasses a diverse range of issues, including economic growth, governance, energy security, educational development, and regional collaboration. The overarching goals of the strategy include: Economic Development: The strategy emphasizes the importance of economic partnerships, trade, and investment in promoting growth and integration of the region into the global economy. Governance and Anti-Corruption: The European Union supports governance and anti-corruption reforms that are essential for sustainable development. Energy Security: Given the significant energy resources in Central Asia, measures have been taken to diversify energy sources and increase the EU's energy independence. Education: Educational programs and initiatives aim to improve skills of the population and develop human capital in the region. Regional Cooperation: The EU actively promotes regional cooperation among Central Asian countries to contribute to peace and stability in the region. The article emphasizes the flexibility and adaptability of the EU's approach to the challenges and changing circumstances in the region. This demonstrates the European Union's commitment to playing a proactive role in promoting positive development in Central Asia and creating the conditions for long-term collaboration and shared prosperity.

Negative Emotional Value of Players: Exploring the Time Investment Dimension from Chinese Mobile Game Players’ Reviews

This study delved into the concept of “time investment” by examining negative comments from players. It conducted a comprehensive analysis of how time investment and external motivation influence players’ emotional experiences, drawing from self-determination theory (SDT). Nonetheless, there has been limited exploration of the origins and significance of players’ negative emotions. The study employed a mixed-methods approach. Initially, it constructed a radar chart representing time investment by analyzing textual reviews from Chinese players across six distinct mobile game types and creating thematic models with BERTopic. Subsequently, the initial machine learning results were confirmed through a questionnaire survey (n = 1028), resulting in the identification of five primary time investment dimensions: in-game experience time investment, learning time investment, social time investment, emotional time investment, and economic time investment. The study unveils the impact of external motivation on players’ emotions and assessments, all from the viewpoint of players. It also offers an expanded perspective within SDT for the exploration of external motivation. The findings present a fresh theoretical outlook and research framework for game designers and the human–computer interaction (HCI) field. Additionally, they offer new insights into the concept of time as perceived by players.

Social network analysis of a decade-long collaborative innovation network between hospitals and the biomedical industry in China.

Collaborative innovation between hospitals and biomedical enterprises is crucial for ensuring breakthroughs in their development. This study explores the structural characteristics and examines the main roles of associated key actors of collaborative innovation between hospitals and biomedical enterprises in China. Using the jointly owned patent data within the country's healthcare industry, a decade-long collaborative innovation network between hospitals and biomedical enterprises in China was established and analyzed through social network analysis. The results revealed that the overall levels of collaborative innovation network density, collaborative frequency, and network connectivity were significantly low, especially in less-developed regions. In terms of actors with higher degree centrality, hospitals accounted for the majority, whereas a biomedical enterprise in Shenzhen had the highest degree centrality. Organizations in underdeveloped and northwest regions and small players were more likely to implement collaborative innovation. In conclusion, a collaborative innovation network between hospitals and biomedical enterprises in China demonstrated high dispersion and poor development levels. Stimulating organizations' initiatives for collaborative innovation may enhance quality and quantity of such innovation. Policy support and economic investments, strategic collaborative help, and resource and partnership optimization, especially for small players and in less-developed and northwest regions, should be encouraged to enhance collaborative innovation between hospitals and the biomedical industry in China and other similar countries or regions.

Design and optimisation of a tipping silo semi-trailer by using innovative materials

This research reports the results of implementation of composite materials and the complete redesign of a tipping silo semi-trailer. The conventional semi-trailer, used for comparison, was designed based on a Feldbinder commercial model, while the innovative one has the same overall dimensions but a new geometry, while maintaining the same performance in terms of deflection and safety factor. The research involves sizing and verification of the results obtained using finite element software (Solidworks Simulation®) with different loading conditions. The main result is that the optimised solution has the lowest weight, with a reduction of about 28 % considering the same equipment and accessories mounted on the two solutions. The last part of the research concerns an estimate of economic investment containing the return on the initial investment and the reduction in fuel consumption by comparing the two solutions. Considering that the vehicle always carries the maximum (payload = 27,500 kg) and the overall weight reduction of about 1800 kg, there is a reduction in fuel consumption for the proposed solution. The return on investment for the new solution occurs between three/four years depending on the number of kilometres driven annually. Finally, the purpose of this paper is to create an example of a procedure for reducing the carbon footprint and the fuel consumption of vehicles by replace and redesign entire mechanical components, in this case industrial vehicles, that would be useful to follow and replicate for any specific case study and increase the eco-sustainability of industrial manufacturers.

IMPACT OF 5G TECHNOLOGY ON SATELLITE COMMUNICATION: A PARADIGM SHIFT IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS WITH A FOCUS ON CYBERSECURITY CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

This review investigates the transformative impact of 5G technology on satellite communication, with a particular focus on the cybersecurity challenges introduced by this integration. An analysis of 50 rigorously selected scholarly articles demonstrates that 5G significantly enhances satellite communication by improving data transmission rates, reducing latency, and increasing network efficiency, thereby facilitating extended coverage that bridges the digital divide by delivering high-speed internet to remote areas. Additionally, 5G supports the deployment of new applications such as enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) and extensive Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. However, this integration also introduces new cybersecurity challenges, such as increased vulnerability to cyber-attacks and the need for robust encryption methods to secure data transmissions. Technical issues like signal interference, regulatory hurdles involving spectrum sharing, and substantial economic investments for infrastructure development also pose significant challenges. These complexities require ongoing research and strategic planning to mitigate risks and fully harness the potential of 5G-enhanced satellite networks. The study highlights a paradigm shift in satellite communications, propelled by 5G's capabilities to create more inclusive, efficient, and secure global communication networks.

Unveiling Transportation Socio-Economic Adaptability Using a Node–Place Model: A Case from Zhejiang Province, China

Effective investment in transportation infrastructure ensures sustainable urban development and high-quality economic development. Understanding transportation and socioeconomic relationships is crucial for developing investment strategies. Existing research focuses on analyzing the contribution of transportation to the economy or the contribution of economic development to transportation, neglecting the identification of transportation infrastructure weaknesses to initiate targeted investment and construction. In this study, we propose an assessment framework based on the node–place model to identify the shortcomings in transportation infrastructure. The framework encompasses the adaptability of the current transportation infrastructure and the stage of economic development, evaluating whether the current transportation infrastructure is ahead of or lagging behind the level of economic development. We conduct a case study on three kinds of transportation infrastructure, including railways, highways, and civil aviation, in Zhejiang Province, China. The results show that Zhejiang Province’s transportation infrastructure generally meets economic development requirements, and most cities have relatively advanced transportation systems. However, significant gaps in transportation facilities in certain areas still need to be targeted and supplemented. These findings help to explore the theoretical relationship between transportation and socioeconomics, providing a basis for economic investment decisions on transportation infrastructure.