Economic Welfare Research Articles

A Framework for a New Paradigm of Opioid Drug Tapering Using Adjunct Drugs.

The misuse of and dependency on prescription opioids represents a significant crisis at the national level, impacting not only the health of the public but also the societal and economic well-being. There is a critical need for strategies to reduce the dosage of prescribed opioids to limit opioid-associated adverse effects and lower the risk of addiction development in patients experiencing chronic pain. Opioid-sparing medications, when co-administered with opioids, enable a reduced opioid dose without loss of efficacy. This suggests the potential for using opioid adjunct drugs in opioid tapering, whereby opioid doses are lowered incrementally in a systematic manner to improve a patient's safety profile or quality of life. The objective of this report is two-fold: 1) to illustrate the potential for adjunct drugs in opioid tapering, and 2) to describe the steps needed to be taken to develop a framework for the use of adjunct drugs in opioid tapering. This can provide the impetus for further investigation into opioid tapering and the development of improved clinical care. The proposed project implements knowledge synthesis methods to develop the framework for a new paradigm of opioid drug tapering that incorporates opioid dosage reductions with adjunct drugs. Framework development is organized into three major phases: 1) Adjunct drug characterization, 2) Assessment of the opioid-sparing effect, and 3) Usability of data for clinicians. The knowledge gained from this project can provide a foundation for improved analgesia protocols for opioids and adjunctive drug therapy.

Homology-based identification and structural analysis of Pangasius hypophthalmus Annexins and Serine proteases to search molecules for wound healing applications

Chronic wounds and burns are a worldwide healthcare problem that erodes patients’ well-being and healthcare systems. This silent and costly epidemic requires new, cost-efficient solutions to improve patients’ physical and economic welfare. Eschar-degrading vegetal and bacterial proteases have been utilized as a solution. However, these proteins are evolutionarily far from those present in human wound healing. Serine protease (SP) and annexin (ANX) proteins interact within the skin healing process. A homology-based identification pipeline can help in discovering selective human SP and ANX analogs in the epithelial tissue of the fast-healing species, Pangasius hypophthalmus. In the present work, we found 14 candidates for RT-PCR in P. hypophthalmus using homology inference. The genetically detected candidates were then structurally and sequentially analyzed to understand their possible relation to SPs and ANXs involved in human wound healing. A total of six TBLASTN/BLASTX candidates (four SPs and two ANXs) were detected in P. hypophthalmus skin. Structural analysis revealed that all SP candidates resembled human KLK4, KLK5, KLK6, and KLK8, whereas all ANX only resembled human ANXA4. Structure and sequence analysis revealed high conservation of ANX Ca2+ binding sites (GDXD) and SP catalytic triad (HDS) motifs. In addition, structural analysis revealed that SP substrate selectivity position 186 was the main difference between human KLK5 and P. hypophthalmus SPs. These findings may allow the proposal and testing of more selective formulations, broadening treatments beyond debridement.

One Health, One Forest: Harnessing Reclaimed Wood as a Sustainable Solution

Deforestation is a multifaceted and wicked problem characterized by its complexity and resistance to straightforward solutions. The issue is driven by human activities and has severe ecological, socio-economic, and climatic consequences. Between 1990 and 2015, approximately 129 million hectares of forest were lost globally, a trend contributing to biodiversity loss, increased carbon dioxide emissions, and climate change. In Canada, deforestation due to logging significantly impacts the boreal forests, with consequences such as habitat fragmentation affecting species like the threatened boreal caribou. The Canadian logging industry aims to provide essential raw materials while fostering economic growth and employment, supplying critical resources for sawmills, planing mills, shingle mills, and pulp and paper industries. Despite economic benefits, logging, particularly clearcutting, disrupts natural forest regeneration, soil composition, and water cycles, leading to long-term ecological consequences. The One Health approach, integrating human, non-human animal, and environmental health, is proposed to address this issue sustainably. Actions like those by Forests Ontario and Evergreen focus on reforestation and urban greening, while companies like Consolidated Pallet Co. promote wood recycling. This action plan showcases the potential for community-driven solutions to reduce environmental footprints, enhance sustainability, and foster economic and social well-being.

Restorative and regenerative green spaces for vulnerable communities in social housing: The impact of a community greening program

Vulnerable communities represent the most at-risk populations facing inequities and negative health, economic and social wellbeing outcomes. Community gardening has emerged globally as a community-based remedy to reduce these inequities and enhance wellbeing. This paper examines the psychological, socio-cultural and health impact of social housing design that includes access to, and engagement with green spaces. The project was multi-disciplinary and used mixed-method research to examine the impact of community gardening for people in social housing. Two interrelated studies were conducted; study 1 involved 33 social housing gardeners in a pre-post program survey. Statistically significant improvements were found in participants' satisfaction with personal wellbeing, health, and community connectedness; as well as increased gardening skills, positive social experiences, and time spent in nature. Study 2 involved 34 semi-structured interviews conducted with program facilitators and partner organisation staff. Results uncovered that participant's engagement with gardening was restorative and regenerative. Four salient themes emerged from our mixed methods study: 1) connection to self; 2) connection to others, 3) connection to place; and 4) connection to purpose. The findings showcase some of the key principles of a successful social and nature prescription intervention for vulnerable people. Community gardening was shown to amplify civic pride and bolster community resilience. Our research suggests the broad impact of community gardening on participant outcomes for vulnerable populations and enhances the capacity of practitioners to translate research into policy and practice for sustainable, restorative residential communities.

Livelihood, Poverty and Multiple Deprivation among Tribals in Odisha

The present study seeks to examine the livelihood pattern, incidence of poverty and multiple deprivation among the tribal communities or Scheduled Tribes (STs) of Odisha by using secondary data collected from the various rounds of the National Sample Survey (NSS), Census of India reports, District Level Household and Facility Survey (DLFS) reports, etc. It evaluates the contributions of the different sources of livelihood on level of living, quality of life and economic well-being of the tribals. Methodologically, the study employs the Foster, Greer and Thorbecke (FGT) class of poverty measures to examine the incidence and magnitude of poverty among the tribals. It finds a strong relationship between livelihood pattern and poverty among them. Though there has been a decline in the incidence of poverty (head count ratio) among the tribals over a period of time, the rate of decline has been slower among the tribal communities than the other social classes. The tribals are confronted with low levels of income and higher levels of poverty due to their subsistence level of livelihood. Most of them are engaged in low-paid works, and suffer from chronic poverty and multiple deprivation. Finally, the study concludes with suggestions on how potential policy options can improve the livelihood condition of the tribals and redress the problem of heavy incidence of poverty among them.

Achieving the SDGs: Challenges and Solutions for MSMEs Against Predatory Digital Loans

Predatory digital lending poses significant challenges to the sustainability of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia. This study explores the reasons, consequences, and impacts of predatory digital loans on MSMEs, focusing on how these practices hinder economic well-being and growth. The research employs a qualitative method, utilizing content analysis from secondary sources, including academic journals, reports, and government documents. Data were collected through an in-depth review of literature and case studies of MSMEs affected by predatory loans. The findings reveal that many MSMEs, particularly in rural areas, lack sufficient financial literacy, which increases their vulnerability to predatory lending. Legal frameworks, such as POJK 35/POJK.05/2018, are inadequate in regulating debt collection ethics, allowing illegal practices to flourish. Additionally, gender disparities affect loan approval rates, with female borrowers facing higher risks of harassment. The study concludes that improving financial literacy, strengthening government regulations, and fostering collaboration between MSMEs, government bodies, and financial institutions are essential for protecting MSMEs from predatory digital lending. By doing so, MSMEs can achieve sustainable growth and contribute more effectively to Indonesia's economic development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Navigating the energy transition with the Carbon-Energy-Green-Electricity scheme: An industrial chain-based approach for China's carbon neutrality

In exploring the intricate dynamics of China's energy transition towards a national certificate trading market, this study harnesses a two-stage game model to unravel the nuanced decision-making within the intertwined carbon emissions trading, energy-consumption permit trading, and electricity markets. A novel industrial chain-based policy framework, i.e., the Carbon-Energy-Green-Electricity (CEGE) scheme, is introduced to address the complexity inherent in aligning these trading markets towards carbon neutrality goals. Findings reveal that the current isolated energy transition policies lead to increased electricity prices and imposes redundant regulatory burdens on power companies. By advocating for the CEGE scheme, the study presents a strategic approach to alleviate these challenges, highlighting its potential to lower electricity costs and foster more efficient carbon reduction efforts. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of integrating energy transition policies, including CET, ECPTS, the renewable portfolio standards (RPS), and the tradable green certificate program (TGC), to enhance renewable energy adoption, offering a path to relieve financial pressures on households while supporting broader environmental and economic welfare improvements.

Key Indicators in Analyzing the Sustainability of Afghanistan's Natural Resources

This study examines the factors affecting the sustainability of Afghanistan's natural resources, aiming to provide a framework for sustainable development and poverty alleviation. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and strategic planning models, key factors such as organizational structure, management, economic, social, cultural, and ecological aspects were identified and prioritized. The findings indicate that organizational and managerial structure is the most critical factor, accounting for 38% of the overall importance. The research underscores the necessity for integrated and systematic management of natural resources to enhance economic and social well-being. It also emphasizes strategic planning, monitoring, and evaluation as essential components for effective resource management. A proposed model for sustainable natural resource management includes community empowerment, knowledge integration, economic viability, and improved communication among stakeholders. The study suggests that Afghanistan can develop its natural resources sustainably by leveraging strengths and opportunities while addressing weaknesses and threats. A comprehensive understanding of the various influencing factors and their interactions is vital for designing an effective model for sustainable management. This research contributes to the discourse on sustainable development in Afghanistan, providing actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the natural resource sector.

Levels of Social Participation among Silver-Age Citizens and Factors of its Activation in the Region of Russia (Case of the Sverdlovsk Region)

Introduction. The quality of life of silver-age people is associated not only with psychological, economic and physical well-being, but also with the peculiarities of interpersonal relations and the diversity of their social activity. The widespread ideology of active or “delayed aging” actualizes the study of the nature of inclusion of elderly citizens in various practices of social participation that fill their daily lives. The aim of the study is to reveal the level characteristics of social participation of citizens of silver age in the Sverdlovsk Oblast and the factors that determine them. Materials and Methods. The article analyses the data from the survey of residents of the Sverdlovsk Region over the age of 60, the sample is structured by gender, age, and place of residence of the respondents (type of settlement). The authors’ survey method was used to determine the nature and frequency, level and type of social participation of the Urals elderly, to identify factors that contribute to or impede activity in old age. Results. The study showed that socio-consumer participation characterized by activities “for oneself” and collective participation aimed at social integration “together with others” constitute the main content of social participation of the studied cohort. The participation of the elderly in the practices aimed at helping and caring (“for others”) is significantly lower, and a radical decrease in the activity of the elderly Urals residents is revealed when they switch to “civic participation”. It has been proved that the intensity of social participation of silver-age citizens living in cities is higher than in rural areas. The only exception is participation in civic activities. The same influence on the intensity of the different practices of social participation at all levels is exerted by the status of residence (independent or in a residential institution), the presence of close relatives and the frequency of Internet use. Discussion and Conclusion. The identification of the levels and factors of social participation of older citizens creates an evidence base on the processes of active aging in a typical Russian region. The results of the study demonstrate the relevance of focusing regional social policy on aging and the non-profit sector on increasing the social participation of people and groups of the “silver” age. The article may be of interest to regional authorities, social protection and service institutions, the regional non-profit sector, offering tools for the development and implementation of effective social aging policies aimed at implementing resources and supporting the social participation of the older generation.

Business Empowerment through Digital Marketing Strategy and Accounting Report at KWT Permata

Women Farmers Group (KWT) is a forum that provides opportunities for women to participate in advancing the agricultural sector. One example is KWT Permata, which is expected to provide opportunities for women in villages to channel their abilities in cultivating agricultural land. Activities held by KWT Permata, such as technical training, business management, and product marketing, aim to improve women's self-actualization in their social environment. This study will explore the role of KWT in empowering village women in Bali, especially through kombucha production, the challenges faced, and its impact on their economic and social welfare. KWT Permata has been well managed and has been touched by assistance from the Government to support the work of the KWT, but there is no or does not yet know the procedures for bookkeeping/daily records related to production, income, costs, profit and loss , so they really don't know clearly the financial conditions and positions, there is no marketing model to promote their products, the packaging is still simple and does not have a brand, and the conditions and environment of the business premises in terms of marketing are very far from the city so that the scope of product marketing is limited.

The Influence of Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurial Spirit on the Welfare of Weaving Craftsmen in Bali

This study analyzes the influence of financial literacy and entrepreneurial spirit on the welfare of ate weavers in Karangasem Regency, Bali. Using multiple regression methods, data were collected from 95 respondents who were ate weavers. The results of the analysis show that financial literacy has a positive and significant influence on welfare with a coefficient of 0.45 (p-value <0.01), while entrepreneurial spirit also contributes positively with a coefficient of 0.35 (p-value <0.05). The research model explains 62% of the variation in the welfare of craftsmen. These findings indicate that increasing financial literacy and entrepreneurial spirit can improve the welfare of ate weavers. Therefore, training programs in both aspects are highly recommended to support local economic growth and community welfare.

ENTROPY BASED EVALUATION OF THE IMPACT OF EDUCATION ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

In contemporary economic landscapes, effective managerial decision-making requires serious justifications often facilitated by information technologies. The article proposes the application of the foundational principles from information theory and entropy to determine the correlation between education and economic development. This research employs entropy methodology to explore the correlations and implications of these multifaceted domains, drawing insights from a range of global indices. By analyzing data from indices such as the Human Development Index, we investigate the relationship between average years of education and entropy values, shedding light on the diversity and standardization of human capital systems across nations. Moreover, economic indexes, encapsulating factors such as economic freedom and innovation, provide critical insights into the vibrancy and resilience of national economies. Through the lens of the Global Innovation Index, we explore how countries with higher levels of economic freedom and innovation efficiency exhibit less diversity in economic approaches and innovation strategies, leading to a reduction in entropy values. By examining entropy values in conjunction with innovation indicators, such as research and development expenditure and patent applications, we uncover patterns and trends indicative of the diversity or standardization of innovation strategies across countries. Additionally, cybersecurity emerges as a critical dimension of national security and resilience, with implications for economic well-being and societal trust. Through the National Cybersecurity Index, we assess the level of diversity and uncertainty in cybersecurity landscapes, highlighting the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in safeguarding against emerging threats and reducing entropy values. Ultimately, this research contributes to the discourse on sustainable development and resilience in an interconnected world. By identifying specific challenges and opportunities within education, economy, innovation, and cybersecurity domains, it facilitates informed decision-making and strategic interventions to promote inclusive growth and societal well-being on a global scale.

The expanded Child Tax Credit and economic wellbeing of low-income families

The expanded Child Tax Credit and economic wellbeing of low-income families

REFORMA TRABALHISTA: UM OLHAR SOB A ÓTICA DA NEGOCIAÇÃO COLETIVA

The concept of labor reform has long been intertwined with the dynamics of collective bargaining, a process by which workers, organized in unions, negotiate with their employers to secure better employment conditions. Over the decades, collective bargaining has evolved from a nascent concept to a cornerstone of labor rights, shaping the landscape of working conditions, fair wages, and employee benefits. This article explores the historical context of collective bargaining in labor reform, the critical role it plays in improving working conditions, and its broader impact on economic stability. By examining the evolution of labor rights, the bargaining outcomes that improve the workplace, and the economic ramifications of collective bargaining, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of its importance in contemporary discussions of labor reform. The role of collective bargaining in improving working conditions cannot be overstated. Through negotiations, unions have been instrumental in securing fair wages and comprehensive benefits for workers, which are crucial to promoting economic well-being and job satisfaction.

The Role of Religion in Policies of Legal Village-Owned Enterprises to Improve the Economic Rights of Village Communities

In the context of village development in Indonesia, BUM Desa is an important instrument for enhancing the economic welfare of village communities. However, many villages have not fully utilized the potential of BUM Desa due to the lack of integration between religious values and economic policies. Therefore, this study seeks to explore how the application of religious principles can influence BUM Desa policies and contribute to improving the economic rights of village communities. Data collection techniques included in-depth interviews with BUM Desa administrators, village officials, and local religious figures in several villages that have implemented religious-based policies in BUM Desa management and participatory observation, while data analysis was carried out through content analysis and thematic analysis methods to identify key themes in the data. The importance of understanding the relationship between religion and economic policies at the village level, especially in the context of BUM Desa, which have the potential to be the driving force of the local economy. This study involve how religious principles can be integrated into the legal framework for managing BUM Desa to ensure that the economic rights of village communities are fulfilled fairly and sustainably. This study shows that the integration of religious values into BUM Desa policies has significant potential to improve the economic rights of village communities. By prioritizing the principles of justice, shared welfare, and social responsibility rooted in religious teachings, BUM Desa can be more effective in achieving its economic and social goals. This study provides important insights for village policymakers in formulating inclusive and sustainable strategies to advance the village economy.

Lost in Transition? Market Failure in the Implementation of the Circular Economy. A Comparative Analysis of the Netherlands and Poland

It is necessary for economies to transition to a circular economy (CE). What particularly inhibits the implementation of the CE in linear economies is market failures, whose theoretical principles are embedded in modern welfare economics and neoclassical economics. Market failures shape the functioning of different areas of the markets, including the allocation of and access to resources, competition, and cooperation, among others. Due to their presence in the market, opportunities for industrial symbiosis based on intersectoral cooperation and the creation of resource-efficient production systems are limited. It is crucial because the functioning of local actors within an industrial symbiosis significantly favours the promotion and development of a CE. The aim of the paper is to identify market failures that limit the implementation of CEs in traditional linear economies. The article is based on focus group interviews (FGI) conducted with four groups of stakeholders in the Netherlands and Poland: academia, society, business and the government. The main findings show that one of the greatest barriers in Poland is stakeholders’ low awareness of the CE, which influences their possibilities of cooperating and networking. Existing laws additionally limit opportunities to develop the CE. In contrast, in the Netherlands, where awareness is deeply embedded in the culture, education system and upbringing, the level of market failure is lower.

Optimalisasi Sumber Daya Lokal melalui Literasi Ekonomi: Kunci Peningkatan Kesejahteraan di Desa Perkebunan Maryke

The optimization of local resources is a key strategy in improving community welfare, particularly in rural in Perkebunan Maryke Village. Through economic literacy, communities can be empowered to understand, manage, and effectively and sustainably utilize the potential resources around them. This article discusses the role of economic literacy in strengthening the community's capacity to manage local resources to achieve better economic welfare. It also explores how empowerment programs, such as the Community Service Program (KKN), can act as catalysts in expanding the community's understanding of economics, particularly in managing local assets such as agriculture, fisheries, and handicrafts. The study results show that good economic literacy enables communities to make more informed decisions regarding investment, production, and marketing of local products, which ultimately contributes to increased income and social welfare. Therefore, strengthening economic literacy is a strategic step in empowering communities to become more economically independent through the utilization of their local resources.

The entrepreneurial effect of digital infrastructure development: micro evidence from China

ABSTRACT According to the Resource Dependence Theory (RDT), this study examines the entrepreneurial impact of digital infrastructure development on households in China. Drawing from a quasi-natural experiment of the Broadband China strategy, we applied the staggered difference-in-differences method. Our baseline results show that digital infrastructure development increases the likelihood of household entrepreneurship. Moreover, we found that this positive effect may be explained by information advantage, social network expansion, and financial constraint alleviation. Additionally, further analysis indicates that digital infrastructure development enhances household entrepreneurial performance and shows inclusive characteristics that are more conducive to promoting entrepreneurship among disadvantaged groups; through entrepreneurship, digital infrastructure development further promotes household economic welfare. Our research not only broadens the applicability of RDT within the digital economy domain but also significantly contributes to the information technology for development literature.

Trauma, truth, and testimony: analysing terrorism survivors’ victim impact statements

ABSTRACT Terrorism inflicts profound and enduring impacts on survivors and communities, yet the complex realities and needs of victims are often obscured in legal and policy discourses. This study examines the lived experiences of Israeli terrorism survivors through a qualitative thematic analysis of 28 victim impact statements submitted to courts from 2010 to 2023. The research uncovers the profound and enduring impact of terrorism on psychological, physical, social, and economic well-being. Pervasive grief, trauma, and irrevocable life changes emerge as central themes alongside the ripple effects on families and communities. Victims also describe daunting practical challenges in rebuilding their lives and express frustration with perceived leniency in sentencing and gaps in institutional support. While conveying urgent needs for comprehensive, trauma-informed assistance, the statements also reveal remarkable resilience and meaning-making in the face of horror. The article discusses the implications of developing more responsive, victim-centred policies and practices guided by the expressed priorities of survivors themselves. Key recommendations are outlined to foster a more humane and holistic response to the suffering of terrorism victims.

Peningkatan Literasi Finansial Berkelanjutan Melalui Edukasi Dan Pendampingan Dalam Pengelolaan Keuangan Masyarakat Desa Jayaraga

Financial literacy is an essential skill that the community needs to possess in order to achieve economic well-being. However, there are still many people in rural areas with low financial literacy levels, including in Jayaraga Village. This research aims to enhance financial literacy sustainably through seminars, workshops, case studies, and focus group discussions. The method used in this research is a participatory approach, where the community is actively involved in every stage of the activities, from basic financial literacy training to assistance in implementing good financial practices. The results of the study indicate an increase in the community's understanding of basic financial concepts, including budgeting, debt management, and simple investments. In addition, this program has also succeeded in raising public awareness about the importance of financial literacy in achieving family economic stability. With continuous education and guidance, it is hoped that the financial literacy of the people in Jayaraga Village can continue to develop and have a positive impact on the local economy.