Economic Measures Research Articles

The economywide recovery measures in Rwanda during the COVID-19 pandemic: How useful a lesson?

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, governments in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) immediately introduced strict public health measures to contain the spread of infection. The economic consequences of these measures were negative and often large in magnitude, necessitating the rapid introduction of economic relief and recovery measures to reinvigorate economic growth and safeguard affected households. Rwanda stands out among other LMICs both for its effective public health policy response and its adaptive economic policy response to COVID-19. Using a dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model of Rwanda, this paper assesses the economywide and welfare impacts of these policy measures and contextualizes results within the overall policy response to COVID-19. Modeling results generated at an early stage of Rwanda’s pandemic experience indicated that relief and recovery measures introduced in 2020 could mitigate COVID-19′s recessionary effects by about 0.8 % points of total GDP, help to recover about 115,000 jobs and, through cash transfers, significantly reduce income losses among poorer households, with total benefits from the measures exceeded their cost by a ratio of 2.2. These results demonstrate the widely replicable value of economywide modeling when used in a timely manner and when positioned within a policymaking process.

Women's Economic Empowerment and COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study on Women Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh

This paper aims to explore the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on women's economic empowerment in Bangladesh. Based on the available literature, this paper develops a holistic framework for economic empowerment and measures how COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to changes in the framework. The study adopts a quantitative research method to address the research question; of whether and to what extent women entrepreneurs were economically empowered by their businesses during COVID-19 pandemic. The empirical data was collected from 52 Bangladeshi women entrepreneurs via telephone interviews and online surveys using a structured questionnaire in February–March 2022, and respondents were chosen randomly from various online social groups and pages. The findings suggest that women entrepreneurs have contributed to family spending, resource allocation, and decision-making. However, their role has diminished significantly in asset ownership during the pandemic. In addition, women's attitudes toward violence, social stigma, and education have shifted dramatically. Furthermore, women entrepreneurs face several challenges, including a lack of government support, limited availability of credit, a lack of entrepreneurial education, and an increased responsibility in the family. Although numerous research studies have demonstrated how COVID-19 pandemic affected women during the pandemic, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on economic empowerment through gender lenses has frequently been disregarded in Bangladesh context. This study bridges that gap, particularly in developing economies context and the framework constructed in this study is instrumental for understanding the dynamics of economic empowerment that can be applied in future research.

Evolving oncology care management trends in the United States: A survey among health care decision makers.

There is limited knowledge of how US managed care professionals view and prioritize quality metrics/performance measures, care models, alternative payment models, and clinical pathways in oncology settings. To characterize payor perspectives on, and the use of, oncology clinical pathways and performance measures in their reimbursement/access decision-making process. A survey was implemented via SurveyMonkey software and distributed electronically to a national sample of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) Market Insights Panel members from July 11 through August 5, 2022. The survey was created by a steering committee based on literature reviews of the current and future oncology care landscapes. The survey consisted of 47 questions, including those to establish respondents' position, responsibilities, and demographics. The results are presented as descriptive statistics for 7 key questions that covered the perceptions and use of quality metrics/performance measures, alternative payment models, and oncology care pathways as prioritized by the steering committee. Among the 695 AMCP panel members who were sent the survey, 73 responded (response rate 10.5%), 54 were eligible to continue, and 31 completed the entire questionnaire; the low response rate may limit generalizability of the survey results. Specific oncology clinical and economic measures of performance were currently used (70%-88%) but generally received less endorsement for future use (39%-49%) except for chemotherapy during end of life, which was considered for future use by 80% of respondents but was only currently used by 31%. Benchmarking was the primary reason for the use of performance measures; only 27% used these to inform value-based agreements. Real-world data tracked by respondents' institutions primarily focused on managed care and pharmacy utilization (39%-85%), with patient-reported and clinical outcomes tracked by only 17%-34%. Almost one-third (31%) did not use clinical oncology pathways, and among those who did, fewer than half (48%) reported that their organization tracks whether treatment decisions agree with the oncology care pathways, and only 26% reported feedback to oncology providers on how often their treatment decisions agree with the pathways. When considering alternative payment models, patient-related components received lower rankings in importance than clinical relevance, actionability, and costs. Variation among payors regarding current trends in oncology care management, including on the importance of patient-centric outcomes and the use of oncology clinical pathways, suggests the need to focus on value-based health care and greater uptake of oncology clinical pathways.

Development of Composite Measures of Neighborhood Economic Factors for Use in Spinal Cord Injury Outcomes Studies: A Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Database Study

ObjectiveTo develop composite measures of neighborhood economic factors for use with the national Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMSs) database in cross-sectional and longitudinal investigations of the social determinants of health. DesignSecondary data analysis of administrative data from the 2009, 2014, and 2019 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates and survey data collected for the SCIMS database. SettingCommunity. ParticipantsThe validity of the neighborhood economic measures developed from the ACS data was tested with a sample of SCIMS participants who completed a follow-up interview between 2017 and 2021 (N=8,130). The predictive validity of the neighborhood measures was assessed with a subsample of cases with complete data on the outcome and covariate measures (N=6,457). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresA binary measure of self-rated health status (1=poor/fair health; 0=good/very good/excellent). ResultsA combination of panel review and data reduction techniques yielded 2 distinct measuring neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) and neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage that were validated using 3 waves of ACS data and the SCIMS data. The odds of reporting poor health were lower among people living in moderate- and high-SES neighborhoods and highest among people living in moderately and highly disadvantaged neighborhoods. The negative association between neighborhood SES and poor health was fully attenuated by differences in participants’ individual demographic and economic characteristics whereas the positive association between neighborhood disadvantage and poor health persisted after adjusting for individual differences. ConclusionsThe two composite measures of neighborhood economic factors developed by this study are robust in samples from different periods of time and valid for use with the SCIMS database. Future investigations conducting surveillance of the needs of the SCI population using this resource may consider using these measures to assess the effect of the social determinants of health in outcomes after SCI.

A study on national economic security diplomacy strategy and support measures for marine and fisheries sector in Korea - Focus on RCEP, CPTPP, and IPEF -

A study on national economic security diplomacy strategy and support measures for marine and fisheries sector in Korea - Focus on RCEP, CPTPP, and IPEF -

Effect of postbiotics on the productive traits and economic efficiency of broiler chickens

The metabolized substance was produced in the laboratory (postbiotics), according to three successive stages. The first stage included: isolating and identifying lactic acid bacteria from the ileum area in the small intestine of poultry, while the second stage included: activating the isolated bacteria on sterilized sorted milk media for three consecutive times. The third stage included: producing the biologically metabolized substance or biologically active compounds, in the form of a fine powder. This substance was added to the diets of broilers at a level of (0, 1, and 2) g /kg feed, for three experimental treatments, T0, T1, and T2, respectively, during the rearing period of 35 days. To study its effect on the productive traits and economic efficiency of broilers. The results of the statistical analysis showed: a significant improvement (P≤0.05) in the rates of body weight and weight gain, in addition to a significant improvement (P≤0.05) in the food conversion rate and in the economic efficiency measure in favor of the postbiotics T1 and T2 treatments compared to the control treatment. T0, while there are no significant differences in the rate of feed consumption between all the treatments studied.

A New Era of Economic Measurement for the Environment and Natural Capital

A New Era of Economic Measurement for the Environment and Natural Capital

Your friends, your credit: Social capital measures derived from social media and the credit market

We document a robust correlation between the Bricker and Li (2017) social trust indicator and the Chetty et al. (2022a) economic connectedness measure. The two indicators predict upward income mobility independently to a comparable extent. The Bricker–Li indicator is defined as the average credit score of a community, and the Chetty et al. measures are based on Facebook befriending data. The consistency and complementarity between these two indicators underscore trust as a crucial ingredient of social capital.

О проблемах системы управления горнопромышленными отходами в Арктической зоне Российской Федерации

Mining waste products cause serious damage to the human health and unique ecosystems of the Russian Arctic. The article examines the current state of the mining waste management system and the possibilities how to increase the investment potential of mining waste recycling. The issue of involving mining waste products into the economic circulation is a complex task and its solution requires improving the state mining waste management system, including correcting the existing and adopting the new laws, implementing various target programmes, using tax preferences as well as economic stimulation measures.

Influences of Bacillus pumilus SA388 as an environmentally friendly antibiotic alternative on growth performance, blood biochemistry, immunology, cecal microbiota, and meat quality in broiler chickens

The widespread use of antibiotics causes the development of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, which have a severe impact on poultry productivity and human health. As a result, research is continuing to develop safe natural antibiotic alternatives. In the current study, Bacillus pumilus SA388 was isolated from the chicken feces and confirmed to be a probiotic. The selected strain was tested for its antimutagenic and antioxidant capabilities before being employed as a probiotic food supplement and antibiotic alternative. The effect of B. pumilus SA388 impact on broiler chickens' growth performance, gut microbiome, blood biochemical markers, immunological response, and meat quality was also studied. B. pumilus SA388 showed significant bactericidal activity against Streptococcus pyogenes, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Klebsiella pneumonia. A total of 200 chickens were used in the present study, divided equally among four experimental groups (ten birds per group with 5 replicates): group 1 (control, G1) received a basal diet without B. pumilus SA388, group 2 (G2) received a basal diet supplemented with 0.4 mg/kg of B. pumilus SA388, group 3 (G3) received a basal diet supplemented with 0.8 mg/kg of B. pumilus SA388, and group 4 (G4) received a basal diet supplemented with 1.6 mg/kg of B. pumilus SA388. Over 35 d, the B. pumilus SA388-supplemented groups outperformed the G1 in terms of body weight gain, performance index, and feed conversion ratio, with a preference for the G4 treatment. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total cholesterol decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing B. pumilus SA388 dosages compared to the control G1 group. Dietary supplementation of B. pumilus SA388 at 1.6 mg/kg (G4) significantly (P < 0.05) resulted in improved lipid profile, immunological response, thyroid function, and gut microbiota compared to the control group (G1). Compared to the broilers in the control treatment (G1), the addition of B. pumilus SA388 to broilers in G4 significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced juiciness, tenderness, aroma, and taste. Adding B. pumilus SA388 to chicken feed at different doses significantly (P < 0.05) decreased average feed intake while increasing economic and relative efficiency measures. In conclusion, B. pumilus SA388 has been proven to be an effective antibiotic and nutritional supplement.

Systemic immune-inflammation index and its relation to blood pressure and dyslipidemia in adults: A retrospective study.

High blood pressure (BP) and dyslipidemia are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease mortality. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has been suggested as a predictive tool to identify those at risk for chronic diseases, however, its use for predicting high BP and dyslipidemia has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to examine the association between SII and high BP as well as lipid markers. Retrospective hospital data from a large cohort (n = 3895) of Saudi adults aged ≥18 years were analyzed. Lipid markers (cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein [LDL]), systolic BP, and diastolic BP measures were extracted. When the sample was divided into quartiles of SII, cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL were higher in those with a higher SII than in those with a lower SII (P < .01). After adjusting for potential confounders, higher SII was significantly associated with higher odds of hypertension (odds ratio: 1.12, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.21) and elevated LDL (odds ratio: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02-1.14), but not with elevated cholesterol. Across quartiles of SII, there was a significant trend between higher SII and the odds of hypertension in people with diabetes and those aged ≥65 years. The SII could be an economical predictive measure for identifying individuals at risk of hypertension and some aspects of dyslipidemia. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this relationship.

A Study on Economic Stressors During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survivors in the United States.

Systemic racism and racialized poverty are socially produced structural determinants that shape health outcomes during infectious disease outbreaks. Public health emergencies compound vulnerabilities for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence (SV) and those who self-identify as people from racial and ethnic minority groups. We describe findings from an online survey designed to collect data on financial conditions faced by survivors of IPV and SV to understand these conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our analyses were limited to a sample of women in the United States (91.4%, n = 523) who reported IPV or SV to whom we refer as survivors. We characterize the differences of economic stressors across White and aggregated categories of self-identified race, i.e., Black and Brown Latinx women and non-Black or non-Brown Latinx women of color, to highlight disparities between White and non-White populations in our sample. Logistic regressions were used to examine the relationships among racial categories, food insecurity, housing insecurity, and economic insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Black and Brown Latinx women survivors were twice as likely as White women to report housing, financial, and economic insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately one-third of all survivors anticipated taking on more debt than they would want to cover their expenses due to COVID-19. The results of this study have implications for public health responses that involve coordinating economic relief measures among populations disparately affected by public health crises and disasters to ensure that the economic needs of the most impacted are addressed.

Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (SF-MST): New Wine in an Old Bottle?

In March 2024, UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) released for publication the Statistical Framework for Measuring Sustainable Tourism (SF-MST). The SF-MST is claimed to give a full account of tourism’s current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities. An important motivation for the development of the SF-MST is recognition that standard economic measures such as GDP do not capture important dimensions of people’s well-being. While the SF-MST contributes to the development of an international statistical framework for tourism, this paper argues that failure to adequately incorporate well-being outcomes within its recommended range of ‘sustainability’ indicators greatly restricts the scope and policy significance of the SF-MST. The paper concludes with suggestions for further extensions of the SF-MST framework to strengthen its policy relevance.

The Metrics War in Economic Value Measurement in the Banking Industry: A Comparative Analysis of EVA™ and Its Alternatives

Este artículo presenta un análisis exhaustivo de las medidas de desempeño basadas en el valor más utilizadas en el contexto de su asociación con los precios y rendimientos de las acciones, desafiando las métricas tradicionales basadas en la contabilidad. Se centra en el valor económico agregado (EVA™), el cuadro de mando integral (BSC), el rendimiento del capital ajustado al riesgo (RAROC), la Q de Tobin, el retorno de la inversión en flujo de efectivo (CFROI) y el valor agregado de mercado (MVA), examinando su efectividad en reflejando el verdadero beneficio económico y la creación de riqueza para los accionistas. EVA™ se destaca como una medida destacada, a menudo considerada superior para aproximar los retornos para los accionistas y guiar el éxito corporativo. Sin embargo, también enfrenta críticas por posible manipulación de datos y por no tener en cuenta las disparidades de tamaño. El BSC, si bien ofrece una evaluación multidimensional, es complejo y a veces ambiguo en sus relaciones de causa y efecto. RAROC, diseñado para el sector bancario, tiene limitaciones a la hora de evaluar oportunidades comerciales comparativas y enfatizar la gestión de riesgos individuales. La Q de Tobin, aunque conceptualmente atractiva, enfrenta desafíos prácticos debido a importantes errores de medición y problemas de disponibilidad de datos. CFROI, conocida por su evaluación económica detallada, tiene cálculos complejos y enfrenta el “problema de la tasa de rentabilidad”. MVA, de enfoque sencillo, puede resultar engañoso debido a su sensibilidad a los sentimientos del mercado. El artículo concluye que ninguna métrica puede capturar perfectamente el desempeño corporativo y el valor para los accionistas, enfatizando la necesidad de una elección de medida de desempeño específica del contexto que equilibre los beneficios y desventajas de cada uno.

Retraction Note: Evaluating an economic application of renewable generated hydrogen: A way forward for green economic performance and policy measures.

Retraction Note: Evaluating an economic application of renewable generated hydrogen: A way forward for green economic performance and policy measures.

A Tool of Sustainable Control of Groundwater Resources: Underground Dams

Climate change, global warming and drought have been on the world agenda since the first years of the 21st century. Türkiye, which has a semi-arid climate, has also experienced periodic droughts. One of the most economical and effective measures for the sustainability of water use is underground dams. An underground dam is constructed as a barrier that blocks groundwater flow to retain and store water in a porous and permeable underground environment. Although underground dams have moderate disadvantages, they are one of the most effective groundwater management methods for efficient and sustainable use of water. As in many countries, the construction of underground dams is on the agenda in Türkiye and there are many underground dams under construction. Moreover, the "Underground Dams Action Plan" (YBEP) is a project announced by the Minister of Agriculture on 22 July 2019 with the slogan "100 underground dams in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye". This article aims to emphasize underground dams as a useful tool for sustainable water management. Moreover, there is no literature and database containing statistical data on the number and location of underground dams in developed and developing countries in the world. In this article, it is aimed to make a brief review of underground dams in the world and to contribute to the literature by presenting data on the number and location of current underground dams in Türkiye.

Effect of COVID-19 adaptation strategies on arable crop farmers’ output in the Umuahia agricultural zone of Abia State, Nigeria

This study analyzed the effect of COVID-19 adaptation strategies on arable crop farmers’ production in the Umuahia Agricultural Zone of Abia State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling procedure was used to select seventy-two (72) arable crop farmers. Data for the study were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics (using multiple regression and Z-test analyses). The results showed that arable crop farmers had a high perceived effect (= 2.5) of COVID-19 on arable crop production and a high utilization (= 2.4) of COVID-19 adaptation strategies. The mean farm output of arable crop farmers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic was 2112.871 kg/ha and 23222.282 kg/ha, respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that intensive use of organic manure (1.3898 coefficients), family labor (2.0466 coefficients), less cultivable farm land (0.18189 coefficients), and access to government aid (0.6994) all had an impact on the output of arable crop farmers in the study area. The Z-test result showed that there were no significant differences between the farm output of arable crop farmers during the 2112.87109 (SD = 3158.6590) and post-COVID-19 2322.2920 (1032.5310) pandemics. The study concluded that arable crop farmers had high utilization of COVID-19 adaptation strategies. The study therefore recommended the formulation of important policy as Nigeria moves from lockdown aimed at promoting economic recovery and measures to mitigate further spread to promote access of farmers to land, which can lead to increased farmer output in the study area.

Influence of Socio-Economic Factors on Performance of Road Construction Projects: A Case of Berbera Corridor Road Section between Hargeisa and Berbera

Road projects play a very significant role in post conflict rehabilitation and consolidation of peace and economic stability, growth and development of communities. The Berbera corrido is one of the multimillion projects relevant and important to research. It promotes connectivity of areas internally and across the borders. The study aimed to assess the economic performance of road construction projects on the Berbera Corridor road section between Hargeisa and Berbera, taking into account the socio-economic factors that influenced the performance of these projects. The objectives of the study were; to find out the socio-economic impact of the Berbera-Hargeisa; the socio economic factors that influenced the performance of the Berbera road development project; to assess the best practices used by the Berbera road development contractors between Hargeisa and Berbera. The key questions answered are the socioeconomic impacts of road development in the Berbera Corridor road section between Hargeisa and Berbera the socio-economic factors driving performance of road construction projects in the region as well as best practices used on road development of the Berbera Corridor road section between Hargeisa and Berbera. The study focused on communities traversed by Berbera Corridor, road section of Berbera and Hargeisa cities. Responses were also elicited from the project team, the ministry of public works and road Construction agency of Somaliland and Dubai Port World staff for their oversight and funding of the road project. The theories and models that informed the study were; the best value procurement model and Project logic. Findings revealed that effectiveness, efficiency and impact created by the Berbera road section between the port and the capital city. Social influence on health and environment safety and accidents increased in the short run. However, the economic measures and controls used led to completion of the road and reduced the travel time. Accidents reduced though after the road completed despite people not following the user precautions. Significantly, factors such as price, quality of staff, cultural issues, economic benefits and value anticipated by communities and implementers enabled performance of projects in regard to finish time, reduced accidents and business activities.

Poverty, Unemployment and Human Development in Nepal: Effectiveness of Economic Reformation Policies of 1990s

Nepal initiated economic reformation measures during late 1980s under the guidance and support of IMF and world Bank when its balance of payment (BoP) turned negative in 1982/83 and remained negative for three consecutive years. The sequential governments after restoration multiparty democracy in Nepal in 1990 implemented various measures of economic reformation related to trade liberalisation, investment and foreign exchange regimes, unification of the exchange rate, rationalisation of the tariff structure and tax system, promotion of export and strengthen public expenditure management were introduced. The aim of these reformation policies was to reduce poverty by accelerating economic growth and increasing employment opportunities. This paper attempts to evaluate effectiveness of these economic reformation policies of 1990s in reducing poverty and unemployment and improve human development condition in Nepal. It is descriptive and analytical in nature. Secondary sources of data have been used to carry out this paper. Books, research articles, reports of national and international agencies have been used as secondary sources of data. Descriptive statistical tools have been used to interpret results. This paper finds that reformation policies of 1990s have remained ineffective to reduce poverty and unemployment and improve human development condition at expected level.

The impact of Kahramanmaraş (2023) earthquakes: A comparative case study for Adıyaman and Malatya

This study examines the effects of two major earthquakes of magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 that struck Kahramanmaraş on February 6th, 2023, followed by a magnitude 6.4 quake in Hatay on February 20th, which caused major damage in 11 Turkish provinces. The study focuses on Adıyaman and Malatya and uses an interdisciplinary approach to analyze the economic and environmental impacts. Primary data sources, including field visits and interviews, reveal clear labor-related challenges in both provinces, characterized by a government-induced labor shortage. In both provinces, physical capital has been severely damaged, particularly affecting small businesses, historic bazaars, and old industrial areas. The impact on businesses varies by size and location, with Adıyaman suffering more severe setbacks than other cities. The shortage of skilled labor related to the earthquake damage affects the quality of production, which can have a serious economic impact. Transportation disruptions continue to hamper supply chains and affect companies' ability to meet their export commitments. The environmental consequences, particularly the large amount of debris, pose a major challenge. The lack of a comprehensive disaster waste plan at the central government level leads to inadequate waste management. The study recommends sorting the debris at temporary sites to obtain reusable items while paying attention to the sustainability and transparency of debris management processes. In summary, this comparative case study highlights the need for tailored approaches to address the different impacts in the 11 provinces. A one-size-fits-all solution is insufficient and an individual needs assessment is needed for each province in order to implement targeted economic and environmental recovery measures.