Economic Settings Research Articles

Cells and the city: The rise and fall of urban biopolitics in San Francisco, 1970-2020.

STS theories of biocapital conceptualize how biomedical knowledge and capital form together. Though these formations of biocapital often are located in large urban centers, few scholars have attended to how they are transforming urban spaces and places. In this paper we argue that the twinned technological development of cells and cities concentrates economic and symbolic capital and sets in motion contentious practices we name urban biopolitics. We draw on archival research and a nearly decade-long ethnography of the expansion of biomedical campuses in a major American city to show how the speculative logics of land development and biomedical innovation become bound together in a process we describe as speculative revitalization. We examine how the logics of speculative revitalization imagine a future in which cities and biomedicine produce wealth and health harmoniously together. However, in practice-as buildings of new biomedical urban campuses get built-the dreams of billionaire philanthrocapitalists to create global cities clash with the plans of biomedical researchers to create global health. We document the reproduction of stratified and racialized biomedical exclusions that result while also highlighting the unlikely opportunities for creating alliances committed to creating equitable biomedical research and healthcare in urban communities.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceptions (KAP) Of Parents Regarding Risks For Unintentional Childhood Injuries

Background: Unintentional Injuries in childhood can have long-term and short-term impacts on the child and family. As their nature is to be curious about their environment, children tend to have falls and accidents. Parents, being the main caregivers, are responsible for their physical safety. From a research point of view, in a low economic setting such as India, there is knowledge of the prevalence and type of injuries but not the parental perspective. This study attempts to understand the knowledge, perception, and attitude of parents toward the risks of unintentional injuries. Methodology: 191 mothers and 149 fathers completed a survey questionnaire; followed by a demographic and percentage analysis. Results: The current study found that the majority of fathers and mothers agree on similar components of Knowledge and Attitude. However, there was a significant difference in the perception of risk and hazard concerning the severity. Conclusion: This forms the basis for outlining customized programs to equip parents in assisting with the safety aspect of their children. The strengths and limitations are mentioned. The findings have domestic, social, and healthcare policy-level implications.

P-712 A national survey of women’s perspectives and experiences of pursuing donor eggs

Abstract Study question What are the experiences of women who consider a donor egg, and the outcomes of those who receive donor eggs for conception? Summary answer Of 255 respondents, 59 women (23.1%) were formally placed on a donor egg waitlist, despite 80.6% respondents considering donor eggs with an IVF clinic (166/206). What is known already There is a shortage of donor eggs worldwide. Oocyte donation is a treatment option that is increasingly used for infertile women, as seen through the percentage of patients undergoing IVF who are over 40 years. Previous international studies report oocyte donation recipients to be predominantly aged 34-40 years, white, nulliparous, well-educated, married and financially secure. Although there are records in Australia for the number of donor and recipient cycles undertaken, there is no published data on the number of patients considering a donor oocyte, or on oocyte donor waitlists. In Australia egg donation is altruistic, non-commercial and not anonymous. Study design, size, duration A 52-point online survey was distributed via social media to women in Australia who had ever considered or pursued donor eggs, or come to the end of their own IVF treatment. The survey was sent to all clinical members of the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) and available on the Victorian Assisted Reproductive Technology Authority (VARTA) website. The survey was open from 1 February to 30 April 2023. Hospital ethics approved. Participants/materials, setting, methods A cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey of women in Australia who were potential egg donor recipients. Survey questions included demographics, potential donor egg recipient preferences, IVF clinic experiences, barriers, any impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, attitudes around the reimbursement for donor eggs, and fertility costs already incurred. Responses were collected via the Qualtrics XM platform. Statistical analysis for quantitative data was analysed using Microsoft 365 Excel. Qualitative coding performed on the commentary in free text fields. Main results and the role of chance This study identified a large gap between those who considered a donor egg (80.6%), pursue a donor egg on an IVF clinic waitlist (23.1%), and those who actually received a donor egg. Of the 59/255 women who were placed on an oocyte donor waitlist at an IVF clinic in Australia, less than a quarter (23.1%) received a donor egg (13/58), with a pregnancy and live birth rate of 76.9% and 61.5%, respectively. Thus, of those that were on an Australian waitlist, one quarter received donor eggs, with over half of these recipients having a live birth. ‘Women preferred donor eggs from Australia than overseas, preferred an unknown donor from an IVF clinic program, and wished to know source information for themselves and children in the future. Attitudes towards financial reimbursement were generally positive towards compensation. Barriers to pursuing donor eggs included grief of loss of own fertility, cost, availability and time. When on an Australian donor egg list, many respondents still looked at other sources of donor eggs in Australia and overseas. Reasons women came off an Australian donor egg waitlist included receiving donor eggs and donor embryos elsewhere, including from overseas, as well as advancing age and expense. Limitations, reasons for caution Risk of respondent selection bias of those who chose to response to a public survey, with incomplete data for some respondents. Given survey in English, may have underrepresentation of some cultural groups and sampling a limited range of women from diverse social, economic and religious settings. Wider implications of the findings In this first paper of potential egg recipients’ preferences in the Asia-Pacific region, we have identified a gap where demand for donor eggs exceeds local supply. A majority of potential recipients would support financial reimbursement for eggs already cryopreserved by women initially freezing for own elective purposes. Trial registration number not applicable

Dynamic linkages between the monetary policy variables and stock market in the presence of structural breaks: evidence from India

PurposeThe study aims to determine the long and short-term causal relationships between the variables associated with the adjustment of monetary policy and the stock market in India in the presence of structural breaks.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test and the Error Correction Model to assess long- and short-term causal relationships. The study also used non-frequentist Bayesian inferences for the validity of estimation robustness. The Bai–Perron test is used to identify breakpoint dates for the Indian stock market index, and the Granger Causality test is employed to ascertain the direction of causality.FindingsThe F-bounds test reveals cointegration among the variables throughout the examined period. Specifically, the weighted average call money rate (WACR), inflation (WPI), currency exchange rate (EXE), and broad money supply (M3) exhibit statistical significance with precise signs. Furthermore, the study identifies the negative impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020 on the Indian stock market.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the study provides significant insights, it is not exempt from constraints. A significant limitation is selecting a relatively limited time period, specifically from April 2008 to September 2023. The limited time frame of this study may restrict the applicability of the results to more comprehensive economic settings, as dynamics between the monetary policy and the stock market can be influenced by multiple factors over varying time periods. Furthermore, the utilisation of the Weighted Average Call Money Rate (WACR) rather than policy rates such as the Repo rate presents an additional constraint as it may not comprehensively account for the impacts of particular policy initiatives, thereby disregarding essential complexities in the connection between monetary policy variables and financial markets.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study suggest that investors and portfolio managers should consider economic issues while developing long-term investing plans. Reserve Bank of India should exercise prudence to prevent any discretionary measures that may lead to a rise in interest rates since this adversely affects the stock market. To mitigate risk, investors should closely monitor the adjustment of monetary policy variables.Social implicationsThe study has important social implications, especially regarding the lower levels of financial literacy among investors in India. Considering the complex nature of the study’s emphasis on monetary policy adjustments and their impact on the stock market. Investors face the risk of significant losses due to unexpected adjustments in monetary policy. Many individuals may need help understanding how policy changes impact their investments. Therefore, RBI must consider both price and financial stability when formulating monetary policies. Furthermore, market participants should consider the potential impact of fluctuating monetary policy variables when devising their long-term investment strategies. Given that adjustments in interest rates can markedly affect stock market dynamics, investors must carefully assess the implications of monetary policy decisions on their portfolios.Originality/valueThe study uses dummy variables in the ARDL model to represent structural breaks that emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic (as determined by the Bai–Perron multiple breakpoint test). The study also used the Perron unit root test to find out the stationary of the series in the presence of structural breaks. Additionally, the study also employed Bayesian inferences to affirm the robustness of the estimates.

How Does Public Debt Affect Economic Growth? The Case of the New EU Member States

Purpose: This study investigates how public debt affects economic growth in eleven new EU member states in Central and South-Eastern Europe from 2000 to 2021. These countries are categorized into the Balkan, Baltic, and Visegrad groups based on their economic characteristics. Design/methodology/approach: The analysis employs a panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to explore the relationship between public debt and GDP growth, accounting for variables such as trade openness, population growth, inflation, and foreign direct investment. Findings: The results indicate a significant negative correlation between increasing public debt levels and GDP growth, with the effect being especially pronounced in Balkan countries. This negative association is evident both in the short term and long term, highlighting a greater sensitivity to public debt in less economically developed regions. Research limitations/implications: The study is limited by its use of annual data and its focus on specific geo-graphic areas. Despite these limitations, the research provides valuable insights into the complex relationship be-tween public debt and economic growth in new EU member states. Originality/value: This research offers important perspectives on the nuanced dynamics of public debt and econom-ic growth within the context of new EU member states, enhancing the understanding of these relationships in different economic settings.

Unveiling the complex web: exploring the international fossil fuel trade network and its impact on CO2 emissions and trade patterns

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the structure of the international fossil fuel trade network (IFFTN) and assess its effects on CO2 emissions and global trade patterns. This research integrates complex network theory with econometric analysis to explore the dynamics of fossil fuel trade and its implications for environmental quality across various countries. Specifically, the study analyses the roles of different countries within this global network, examines the relationship between trade volumes and environmental impacts and evaluates how advancements in renewable energy generation could mitigate these effects. Through this comprehensive examination, the study seeks to provide an in-depth understanding of the trade-environment nexus.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses data on international fossil fuel trade from 2005 to 2020, which includes 74 countries categorized as high-income, low-income and Asian economies based on their roles in the global market. This research constructs the IFFTN, where countries are depicted as nodes and trade links as edges. The authors analyse network parameters, such as degree, density and clustering coefficient, along with trade metrics like strength and centrality. These parameters are integrated into a panel fixed effects model, with the robustness of the findings confirmed through dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) analysis.FindingsThe study finds that the dynamic fossil fuel trade network includes key players such as the USA, China, France, India, the Netherlands and South Korea. It demonstrates increased connectivity and dependence among these countries, directly correlating with higher CO2 emissions. However, this correlation is mitigated by the adoption of renewable energy, particularly in Asia and high-income countries. The impact on environmental quality is mediated through scale, technique and composition effects, suggesting significant environmental improvements through enhanced industry structure, technological progress and economies of scale.Research limitations/implicationsThis study recognizes several limitations. First, the categorization of countries into Asian economies, low-income and high-income groups may oversimplify the intricate effects of economic status on environmental impacts. Second, focusing primarily on per capita CO2 emissions may neglect other critical environmental indicators. Future research should consider examining regional variations and including a wider range of environmental metrics. This approach would offer a more detailed perspective on the nuanced interactions between economic development and environmental sustainability, enhancing the depth and applicability of the findings.Practical implicationsTo address the challenges of the IFFTN and CO2 emissions, several practical policy measures are recommended. Governments should enhance international cooperation by establishing global platforms for sharing best practices and initiating technology transfer agreements to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient technologies. Additionally, a phased transition towards more sustainable energy sources is crucial, involving increased investment in the renewable energy sector alongside incentives for adopting green technologies. On the trade front, governments should modify trade partnerships to address congestion externalities, fostering a shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly trade practices.Social implicationsThe social implications of the IFFTN are profound. As global reliance on fossil fuels continues, communities face heightened health risks due to increased pollution. Transitioning to renewable energy can alleviate these health concerns and the creation of green technologies, enhancing social well-being. Moreover, equitable access to energy-efficient solutions can reduce energy poverty, particularly in low-income countries, fostering greater societal resilience and inclusivity.Originality/valueThis study offers a pioneering examination of the trade-energy nexus across 74 countries, using complex network models to analyse diverse economic settings, particularly in Asian economies dominated by non-renewable energy. It identifies key market players and assesses their impact on dynamics such as congestion and market power. Additionally, the study explores the positive effects of renewable energy capacity on these relationships, highlighting its crucial role in driving sustainable energy transitions and enhancing the understanding of indirect trade-environment interactions.

Effect of long-term temperature-controlled rearing on growth traits and sexual maturity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Many economically important fish have a long sexual maturation cycle, with the first sexual maturation time exceeding four years, which poses a long-term challenge for the cultivation of excellent varieties of these fish. Gonadal development and reproductive timing of fish are closely related to changes in environmental temperature. This study used the common carp as an economic fish model and set up three aquaculture modes for a one-month old common carp population: constant temperature test group (CTTG), normal temperature control group (NTCG), and variable temperature control group (VTCG). A long-term (approximately 11 months), temperature-controlled aquaculture experiment was conducted. The results of growth traits and gonadal development tests showed that at 10 months, the body length and weight of the CTTG were significantly higher than those of the other two groups. At seven months, the gonadosomatic index (GSI) value of CTTG was also significantly higher than that of the other two groups; At 10 months, the serum estradiol (E2) concentration of CTTG was significantly higher than that of the other two groups, while the testosterone (T) levels of VTCG and CTTG were significantly higher than those of NTCG, and only the 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) concentration of VTCG was significantly higher than that of the other two groups. Simultaneously, qPCR analysis of sex hormone regulatory genes revealed that the expression of Cyp19a1a in CTTG ovaries was significantly higher than that in NTCG and VTCG ovaries, whereas the expression of Cyp11b and Hsd11b2 in VTCG ovaries was significantly higher than that in NTCG and CTTG ovaries. At 12 months, artificial reproduction revealed that only fish from the CTTG (66.67%) successfully laid eggs and fertilized normally. The results indicate that long-term constant temperature cultivation at 28 °C starting from the juvenile stage is not only beneficial for the body growth of common carp, but also promotes their gonadal development. This may be due to the conversion of T into E2 by Cyp19a1a in the common carp, ultimately facilitating the functional development of gonadal tissue under hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis regulation, normal egg laying, and fertilization. This study reduced the normal first sexual maturation time of common carp by at least 50% and provides a reference for the rapid cultivation of excellent varieties of other economically important fishes.

Dancing with Uncertainty: Unraveling Firm Investment Inefficiencies in the Asia Pacific Region

This study explores the intricate relationship between uncertainty and corporate investment inefficiencies in the Asia-Pacific region, utilizing data from non-financial firms between 2008 and 2021. The method used in the study is fixed effect regression with Driscoll-Kraay robust standard error. The empirical analysis unveils that uncertainty leads to overinvestment. This phenomenon is more pronounced in middle and low-income economies, while high-income countries display a distinct trend of less susceptibility to uncertainty-induced suboptimal investment choices. The study’s implications extend to policymakers and industry stakeholders, urging a closer examination of firms’ risk management strategies, particularly considering the strategic potential of overinvestment as a buffer against uncertainty’s adverse effects. This holds particular significance in the dynamic economic landscape of the Asia-Pacific countries, where the study contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between uncertainty and inefficiency of investment decisions across diverse economic settings.

Moderating role of firm characteristics on the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance: evidence from India

PurposeThe effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on corporate financial performance (CFP) is shown to depend on both firm-specific and external factors. This study investigates the moderating role of two firm-specific factors – the firm life-cycle stage and ownership structure – on the CSR–CFP relationship in a developing economy setting – India.Design/methodology/approachThe study covers 1,419 listed companies in India during 2015–21. The firm lifecycle is represented using firm age and future growth prospects. Ownership is represented through a dummy variable and promoters’ holding percentages. Return on assets (RoA) is used as a measure of CFP, while CSR intensity, i.e. the ratio of CSR expenditure to profit after tax (PAT), is used to represent CSR. Fixed effect panel regression and generalized method of moments (GMM) models are used for data analysis.FindingsCSR expenditure has a significant negative impact on CFP. Firm age and future growth prospects amplify this negative impact, indicating that the firm life-cycle has a significant negative moderating effect on the CSR–CFP relationship. Furthermore, the impact of CSR on CFP is worse for government companies than private ownership. Promoters’ holdings have a positive impact on the CSR–CFP relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThe results question the validity of mandatory CSR expenditure on companies operating in developing countries and call for a differentiated policy approach to CSR expectations based on firm characteristics. This study also enhances the existing literature on CSR–CFP.Originality/valueThe growing research on CSR–CFP has limited coverage of firm characteristics as contributing factors. Hence, this paper helps in enhancing the existing literature on CSR–CFP and makes it more relevant to firms with specific characteristics.

Integrated Real-World Data Warehouses Across 7 Evolving Asian Health Care Systems: Scoping Review.

Asia consists of diverse nations with extremely variable health care systems. Integrated real-world data (RWD) research warehouses provide vast interconnected data sets that uphold statistical rigor. Yet, their intricate details remain underexplored, restricting their broader applications. Building on our previous research that analyzed integrated RWD warehouses in India, Thailand, and Taiwan, this study extends the research to 7 distinct health care systems: Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam. We aimed to map the evolving landscape of RWD, preferences for methodologies, and database use and archetype the health systems based on existing intrinsic capability for RWD generation. A systematic scoping review methodology was used, centering on contemporary English literature on PubMed (search date: May 9, 2023). Rigorous screening as defined by eligibility criteria identified RWD studies from multiple health care facilities in at least 1 of the 7 target Asian nations. Point estimates and their associated errors were determined for the data collected from eligible studies. Of the 1483 real-world evidence citations identified on May 9, 2023, a total of 369 (24.9%) fulfilled the requirements for data extraction and subsequent analysis. Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia contributed to ≥100 publications, with each country marked by a higher proportion of single-country studies at 51% (80/157), 66.2% (86/130), and 50% (50/100), respectively, and were classified as solo scholars. Indonesia, Pakistan, Vietnam, and the Philippines had fewer publications and a higher proportion of cross-country collaboration studies (CCCSs) at 79% (26/33), 58% (18/31), 74% (20/27), and 86% (19/22), respectively, and were classified as global collaborators. Collaboration with countries outside the 7 target nations appeared in 84.2% to 97.7% of the CCCSs of each nation. Among target nations, Singapore and Malaysia emerged as preferred research partners for other nations. From 2018 to 2023, most nations showed an increasing trend in study numbers, with Vietnam (24.5%) and Pakistan (21.2%) leading the growth; the only exception was the Philippines, which declined by -14.5%. Clinical registry databases were predominant across all CCCSs from every target nation. For single-country studies, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines favored clinical registries; Singapore had a balanced use of clinical registries and electronic medical or health records, whereas Hong Kong, Pakistan, and Vietnam leaned toward electronic medical or health records. Overall, 89.9% (310/345) of the studies took >2 years from completion to publication. The observed variations in contemporary RWD publications across the 7 nations in Asia exemplify distinct research landscapes across nations that are partially explained by their diverse economic, clinical, and research settings. Nevertheless, recognizing these variations is pivotal for fostering tailored, synergistic strategies that amplify RWD's potential in guiding future health care research and policy decisions. RR2-10.2196/43741.

Can the Presence of Big 4 Auditors in IPO Prospectus Reduce Failure Risk?

This paper addresses a void in the research on auditing and initial public offering (IPO) failure by investigating the impact of the Big 4 auditing firms on the likelihood of an IPO failure. This research is the first comprehensive analysis of more than 33,000 global IPOs that either failed or were successful between 1995 and 2019 across a wide range of nations with vastly different regulatory, cultural, and economic settings. A cross-sectional probit regression model is utilized to investigate the influence of hiring the Big 4 auditing firms on IPO failure, building upon prior studies on IPO failure. We found strong evidence that IPO failure rates were diminished by up to 67% when one of the Big 4 auditing firms was involved in auditing the IPO prospectus. For IPO founders, hiring Big 4 auditors before an IPO is a quality signaling strategy that minimizes the risk of a failed IPO by reducing information asymmetry among IPO participants. Our findings provide useful policy implications. Hiring one of the Big 4 auditing firms before an IPO is a reassuring signaling strategy for founders, since it decreases information asymmetry among IPO investors and so lowers the risk of the IPO failing. Primary market investors now have access to credible evidence indicating that backing IPOs from companies that use the Big 4 auditing firms increases the likelihood of such IPOs being listed on stock exchanges and yields positive returns. This is the first time, as far as the academicians are aware, that conclusive evidence has been found of a strong inverse association between the presence of Big 4 audits and failure risk for IPO firms. Our research could be helpful to primary market regulators since it shows how crucial it is to encourage Big 4 audits in IPO companies. The quality work of the Big 4 auditors does lower the risk of failure in the IPO market, which might help owners of small private equities to list their firms on the IPO market, boosting economic growth.

Social identification and paranoia.

Paranoia is associated with variation in social behaviour, such as lower inclination to trust others or to behave generously in economic game settings. Such variation may stem, in part, from a reduced tendency to socially identify with others, although previous studies have reported mixed results. We tested whether paranoia involves altered social identification in a pre-registered online study investigating the relationship between a measure of social identification, paranoia, and social behaviours in economic games. We successfully manipulated social identification, but paranoia was associated with slightly increased social identification overall. Neither paranoia nor social identification predicted behaviour in the economic games, and there was no interaction between paranoia and social identification regarding trusting and cooperative behaviours. Our results converge with recent work suggesting that more paranoid individuals may harbour a higher tendency to perceive themselves as having similar beliefs to others. We discuss some key areas for future research to progress understanding in this area.

Surface-Level Analysis of International Economic Agreements and Their Strangulatory Impact on Pakistan Economy

The international economic system that evolved after World War II, which was conceived by and rolled out on behalf of Global North states, essentially stood on a tripod of international economic agreements, that is, International Investment Agreements, Double Taxation Agreements, and International Trade Agreements. The ostensible purpose of these agreements was to (a) facilitate cross-border deployment of surplus investible capital, (b) export of finished and capital goods, and (c) allocate favorably taxing rights between states on various incomes earned by multinational enterprises in overseas jurisdictions. Intuitively, when these agreements are signed by and between states at par level of economic development, their resultant economic outcomes would be equal or near-equal. But when such agreements are signed in asymmetrical bilateral economic settings, that is, between a developed and a developing country, the resultant economic outcomes would most likely be lopsided and inimical to the economic interests of weaker partner in the equation. From the global south perspective, these agreements expose developing countries to international arbitration on account of suits filed by investors, erode their tax base by allowing multinational corporations to enter aggressive tax planning ploys, and undermine their export competitiveness vis-à-vis stronger economies. The paper premises that developing countries that signed more of these agreements, would find themselves in a deeper trouble than those which signed less of them, and that countries that signed the agreements in a quicker span of time, got into trouble quicker, too. In this connection, Pakistan is brought in to undertake a surface-level time-series analysis of its signing agreements and the corresponding trajectory of select economic indicators over the past seven decades.

Infant formula as a solid lipid dose form for enhancement of the oral bioavailability of cannabidiol for paediatric patients

Cannabinoids can save paediatric patients from harmful psychological conditions caused by epilepsy. However, the limited aqueous solubility of the drug presents a limitation to oral absorption and bioavailability. Previous studies have shown the enhancement of oral bioavailability for poorly water-soluble drugs using milk or milk-based products like infant formula as a novel lipid-based formulation, due to digestion of the lipids to enhance drug solubility that is particularly well suited to infants and in low economy settings. Therefore, this study has investigated the in vitro solubilisation enhancement of cannabidiol (CBD) in milk-based products during digestion using synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering, followed by pharmacokinetic studies to determine the relative oral bioavailability. The in vitro results, coupled with in vivo data, demonstrate a two-fold increase in the oral bioavailability of CBD in bovine milk as well as infant formula. The results of this study indicate the potential for infant formula to be considered as a novel formulation approach for CBD. Further study is encouraged for more drugs with infant formula to strengthen the correlation between the solubilisation of drug and their oral bioavailability.

Applying the Tau technique in multi-player differential games: A novel approach in economic strategy analysis

This paper delves deeper into the intricacies of multiplayer differential games, exploring their applications in economic strategy analysis through the innovative use of the Tau technique. Our approach introduces a novel methodological framework that enhances the understanding of noncooperative games and sheds light on the complex dynamics of economic conflicts and cooperation from a fresh perspective. By leveraging the mathematical rigor of the Tau technique, we provide a detailed exploration of player interactions and strategic decision-making in economic settings. Our research reveals insights that challenge traditional interpretations and offer new avenues for economic strategy formulation. The findings of this study make a significant contribution to the field of economic strategy analysis by demonstrating the utility of the Tau technique in unraveling the complex interplay between multiple players in noncooperative games.

The impact of urbanization on food security in China

Against the background of urbanization's rapid development in China from 1984 to 2020, this research evaluates the mechanisms of its impact and food security by constructing a comprehensive evaluation index system for regional food security and verifying urbanization's spatial spillover effect on such security. We present the following findings. (1) A greater level of urbanization has a clear spatial effect on improving the level of food security in China. (2) Urbanization development plays a vital role in advancing local food security and at the same time has a greater negative impact on expanding surrounding food security. (3) The spatial spillover effects of urbanization on food security vary greatly, often according to different levels of regional economic development and natural geographic settings. This paper offers recommendations for controlling regional urbanization development, improving the radiation-driven role of urbanization, and implementing differentiated regional policies.

Navigating prosperity: the impact of seaport efficiency on economic growth in Ghana’s maritime landscape

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of seaport efficiency on economic growth in Ghana over the period 2006–2020.Design/methodology/approachComprehensive methodology, diverse data analysis techniques, including Augmented Dickey–Fuller tests, autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) modeling and Granger Causality, were applied to explore the intricate relationship between Seaport Efficiency and Economic Growth.FindingsThe findings reveal a statistically significant and positive association between seaport efficiency and GDP, underscoring the crucial role of efficient seaport operations in actively stimulating economic growth. Beyond seaport efficiency, influential factors such as capital, human capital, knowledge spillover and productive capacities were identified, contributing to the dynamics of economic growth.Research limitations/implicationsThe Granger Causality Test solidifies seaport efficiency as a robust predictor of GDP fluctuations, emphasizing its significance in economic forecasting. Notably, this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge with its nuanced exploration of the intricate relationship between seaport efficiency and economic growth in the specific context of Ghana.Practical implicationsThis study’s implications extend beyond academia, offering invaluable guidance for policymakers and planners. It serves as a comprehensive roadmap for informed decision-making, emphasizing the pivotal role of efficient seaports in charting a trajectory for enduring and resilient economic progress in the nation.Originality/valueWhile the broader theme has been explored in existing literature, the uniqueness of this study lies in its specific application to the Ghanaian context. The choice of Ghana, a nation where maritime transport handles over 90% of trade, underscores the significance of understanding seaport efficiency in this regional and economic setting. The study’s originality is reinforced by incorporating diverse economic variables, aligning with recommendations for a comprehensive analysis of factors influencing port performance.

The Representation of The Ecological Crisis in Indonesian Novels: How Does The Social-Ecological System Occur?

Abstract. While Indonesian novels have been explored for their depiction of ecological crises, there has yet to be a detailed examination of how these narratives reflect the ensuing socio-ecological systems. This study investigates the portrayal of socio-ecological systems within Indonesian novels in the context of ecological crises. Employing qualitative methods and content analysis, this research utilizes the updated socio-ecological systems framework proposed by McGinnis and Ostrom (2014). The findings reveal various aspects of the crises represented, including forest destruction, forest fires, air pollution, animal extinction, and the degradation of natural reserves. Furthermore, the ecological crisis that has occurred actually gives rise to a socio-ecological system that represents the internal relationships among the resource system, government system, resource unit, and actors, and is influenced by external factors such as the social, economic, and political settings, and related ecosystems. Additionally, this representation of the socio-ecological system provides insights into the conditions of the ecological crisis in Indonesia, particularly in palm oil plantations and nature reserves.Keywords: Ecological Crisis, Social-Ecological System, Indonesian Novels, Ecocriticism

Fluidity in space: defining threshold in dwelling and temporal market for resilient kampung settlement.

In general, urban infrastructure development triggers typological changes, influencing the growth of the urban environment, including buildings, settlements, markets, roads, and zoning in urban areas. This paper explores the spatial and territorial boundaries of alleys as links and places in the kampung residential area. The alley is examined as a dynamic setting that undergoes changes and serves various purposes and activities over time. This phenomenon prompts the question of how spatial boundaries between economic and domestic settings coexist. The research aims to identify the relationship between the alley as a link and a place in a case of kampung’s alley in Surabaya that has functioned as a temporary market since 1990 within the residential setting. Data is collected through observations of the alley in different times and activities, followed by qualitative descriptive analysis. The results reveal that spatial territory defines an individual or group’s control over their space. This control is integral to the mechanisms governing the activities within a setting. Ultimately, the study investigates the interplay between the activity system and the regulatory system in the temporal market economic activities that occur alongside.

A framework for investigating new firm entry: The (limited) overlap between informal-formal and necessity-opportunity entrepreneurship

We analyse entrepreneurial entry along the dimensions of informal-formal and necessity-opportunity entrepreneurship, distinguishing between them yet considering them jointly. While the dominant view in the literature conflates necessity with informal entry, and opportunity with formal entry, we hypothesise that informal entrepreneurship may be attractive to higher-income individuals as a testing ground for entrepreneurial ideas. We also explain why higher-income individuals may undertake necessity entrepreneurship. We utilise individual Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) data from Chile (2019–2021), which identifies informal-formal and necessity-opportunity entrepreneurial entry modes, to test hypotheses on the role of individuals´ income in the four types of entrepreneurial entry. We also consider changes in entrepreneurial entry during a crisis and a non-crisis periods. Our results confirm that the patterns in the data are consistent with hypotheses derived from our proposed theoretical framework. Executive summaryEmerging markets economies have very large informal sectors, and their entrepreneurial entry is often motivated by economic necessity rather than by business opportunity. But neither informal nor necessity entrepreneurship are usually expected to generate the positive benefits for growth and development predicted for formal and opportunity entrepreneurship. We argue that the dominant stream in the literature actually conflates informal and necessity entrepreneurship, both of which have been associated with low human and financial capital and productivity. We propose that the appropriate typology is more complex than this because there are examples of successful and dynamic informal firms. This leads us to identify four categories of entrepreneurial entry: informal-necessity (Type 1), formal-opportunity (Type 2), informal-opportunity (Type 3), and formal-necessity (Type 4). While necessity entrepreneurship has typically been associated with low-income individuals, we propose that formal-necessity entrepreneurship may be an entry path for both low- and high-income individuals, though for different reasons. Informal opportunity entry may likewise be an option for people with low-income as well as high-income.We therefore seek to disentangle the analysis of opportunity-necessity and of formal-informal entry and to demonstrate that the two less explored entry modes - informal-opportunity, and formal-necessity - are of considerable theoretical and practical significance in emerging economies. We test our framework in the emerging market economy setting of Chile, one of the more prosperous and open economies in Latin America. We use Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) data which uniquely for Chile allow us to distinguish between individuals along both the formal-informal and the necessity-opportunity dimensions. On this basis, we distinguish empirically between these four categories of entrepreneurial entry and explain how higher-income individuals may use informal-opportunity entrepreneurial entry as a “seed bed” to test their new business ideas. At the same time, we show that necessity entrepreneurship may be attractive to both lower- and higher-income individuals.We also show that the interplay between individuals´ income groups and four entrepreneurial entry modes is stable over “normal times” versus “crisis periods”. We observe that in response to a crisis, individuals with lower-incomes are likely to engage more in informal-necessity entrepreneurship while opportunity-informal entry by higher-income individuals will decline. These changes represent a more complex adjustment pattern than has been identified for developed economies, where entrepreneurial activity has been found to be countercyclical. Thus, in emerging markets, informal-necessity entrepreneurship plays a stabilizing role for those individuals with a more marginal position in the labor market during the crisis. In contrast, for those individuals who have access to higher household income, all forms of entrepreneurship become a less attractive option. We interpret this as indicating that these individuals have the option to wait for higher return opportunities to re-emerge. This is one of the first papers to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on entrepreneurship in an emerging market economy.