Economic Structure Research Articles

1800 BC – Trade and Transformation in Middle Bronze Age Greece. An Essay on Regionality and Inter-regionality in Middle Bronze Age and Early Mycenaean Aegean

Abstract The article confirms that profound economic, social, and political transformations occurred around 1800 BC on the Greek Mainland and especially on the Peloponnese. We underline that the former century – the 19th century saw the creation of chiefdom societies in parts of the Mainland and consider the 18th century to create the economic, social, and political structures of the Mycenaean state. We have seen that the external relations with the tribes on the Greek Mainland were with the Cyclades, while no relations with Crete are attested during the period of the early shaft graves in Mycenae (MHIIIA). In the Eastern Mediterranean, the 18th century BC saw the fall of the Middle Kingdom in Egypt, the rise of the Assyrian dynasty under Shamshi-Addad, the kingdom of Hammurabi of Babylon, the early Hittite kingdom and the establishment of Troy VIa in northwest Anatolia. We consider this tremendous boom in the Eastern Mediterranean to have inspired the creation of the secondary (‘derivative’) Mycenaean state. The intention is to show that using a high-resolution diachronic time scale makes it possible to create a narrative of gradual social, economic, and political transformations from the Middle to the Late Bronze Age in the Aegean area. The article is divided into two sections. First, a summary of the most recent results describing chronology and social transformations in Middle Bronze Age and early Mycenaean Greece (‘status analyses’) and second, a conclusion estimating what these data tell us about the origin of the Mycenaean society. To reach this conclusion, we have constructed an evolutionary model in order to establish a gradual development of Mycenaean society. The conclusion based on our evolutionary model seems to advocate for a strong influence from the eastern Mediterranean countries, creating the social and economic structure of the Mycenaean society.

Political View at the St. Petersburg EAEU Summit

In the world of the 21st century, international economic structures are increasingly increasing their influence on the world market, which directly affects the economic potential of the member countries of these organizations and the development and prosperity of the national economy. EAEU is considered one of such structures, which during its nearly 10 years of activity has had a great impact on the internal output of the member states, as well as on ensuring interstate economic cooperation and the economic integration process. The St. Petersburg meeting had a special role and significance within the framework of EAEU, during which a strategy regulating and coordinating the structure's further work was promoted and a document was signed that created visible prospects in the near future in order to clarify its actions and upcoming steps. The authors of the scientific work, taking into account the importance and strategic significance of this document, considered it necessary to present in the form of an article what prospective positive impact the document can have for the organization and its member countries and what its goals are.

Cost of Illness Studiesin clinical depression Using Discounting Methods: A Comprehensive Analysis

Abstract:This research delves into the intricate domain of Cost of Illness (COI) studies, also known as Burden of Disease (BOD), with a specific focus on depressive disorders. Employing a bottom-up approach, the study meticulously scrutinizes the economic implications of depression at various levels, emphasizing direct and indirect costs. The analysis integrates a detailed exploration of diverse discounting methods, including Net Present Value (NPV) and Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), with a particular emphasis on the Indian context to comprehend unique socio-economic factors.Methodologically, the study systematically reviews scientific literature over the past decade, utilizing databases such as Web of Science and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria prioritize patient-based studies related to the cost of illness associated with depression. The research adopts a comprehensive approach, considering various methodologies and discounting techniques to enhance the understanding of economic implications.The comparative analysis of the total cost of illness across diverse countries unravels significant variations, highlighting the intricate nature of healthcare expenditures and economic structures. Specific breakdowns for each country consider factors suchas currency exchange rates, inflation, and Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) adjustments, shedding light on the complexities involved.The study across five countries highlights significant variations in depression-related costs. Direct medical costs have a mean of $42,668 (SD=16,940) with a high t-statistic of 27.83 (p-value 0.001), emphasizing substantial differences. Direct non-medicalcosts average $27,171 (SD=13,220) with a t-statistic of 14.07 (p-value 0.001), indicating a notable economic burden beyond medical expenses. Indirect costs related to depression stand at a mean of $63,816 (SD=25,230), with a t-statistic of 35.30 (p-value 0.001), highlighting significant impacts on productivity and societal costs. The total cost of illness, encompassing both direct and indirect costs, averages $113,590 (SD=43,990), with a t-statistic of 49.49 (p-value 0.001), reflecting the extensive economic implications of depression across these diverse nations.In conclusion, this comprehensive analysis contributes depth to our understanding of the economic impact of depressive disorders, providing valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers. The research underscores the multifacetednature of the economic burden of depression, emphasizing variations across countries and advocating for comprehensive, context-specific approaches in assessing and addressing global implications. Acknowledging challenges with discounting methods, the paper identifies opportunities for refining methodologies and improving economic evaluations in the future, emphasizing the importance of nuanced insights for effective policymaking and healthcare strategies on a global scale.

Analysis of the Impact of China's Carbon Neutrality Policy on the Environment and Economy at Home and Abroad

China has made remarkable achievements in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially in achieving the emission reduction targets set for 2020. This progress is mainly due to China's reduced dependence on coal and other fossil fuels, which not only promotes significant improvements in air quality but also lays the foundation for the transformation of China's economic structure. Especially in the energy and industrial fields, carbon neutrality policies are driving companies to transform into greener and more sustainable operating models. Facing the economic challenges brought about by the COVID-19 epidemic, China is actively seeking a path to low-carbon economic recovery by increasing public investment in renewable energy and other fields. From an international perspective, China's carbon neutrality commitment has the potential to inspire other large carbon-emitting countries, especially countries along the Belt and Road and neighboring countries, to strengthen their emission reduction efforts. At the same time, Southeast Asian countries face shortages of technology, equipment, and raw materials, as well as insufficient investment when developing renewable energy. In this regard, Chinas experience and investment have a significant impact on Southeast Asian countries carbon neutrality policies and renewable energy development. China can use its technological and manufacturing advantages to share resources with neighboring countries in renewable energy technology and equipment manufacturing, and provide support for ASEAN countries to achieve their renewable energy goals.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its Implications on the Global Power Dynamics

This work explores the multifaceted impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) initiated by China on global power dynamics, economic landscapes, and diplomatic alliances. Beginning with an overview of the BRI's historical context and objectives, the essay delves into its theoretical framework, employing Organski's power transition theory to analyze economic, geopolitical, strategic, and cultural dimensions. The literature review integrates insights from scholars such as Layne, Modelski, Thompson, Huntington, and Nye, providing a nuanced understanding of the BRI's placement within broader historical patterns. The essay then examines the economic impact of the BRI on participating countries, emphasizing infrastructure development, trade facilitation, and technology transfer. A shift in the global economic center of gravity towards Asia is explored, challenging traditional economic power structures. Geopolitical implications and evolving power dynamics are analyzed, highlighting the strategic positioning of China and the formation of new alliances. Global responses to the BRI, particularly from major powers like the United States, Russia, and the European Union, are discussed, reflecting varying perspectives on China's growing influence. The work also addresses challenges and criticisms related to debt sustainability, environmental concerns, transparency, and governance. In conclusion, the paper reflects on the transformative effects of the BRI, emphasizing its role in shaping a multipolar world and challenging existing norms of hegemony.

Research and Analysis on the Development of New Energy Vehicles in the Context of Low-Carbon Environmental Protection

Driven by the global wave of low-carbon and environmental consciousness, the new energy vehicle industry is poised for unprecedented development opportunities. As environmental challenges become increasingly severe, governments worldwide have implemented a series of policies to encourage the research and promotion of new energy vehicles. These vehicles not only play a crucial role in alleviating environmental pressures but also foster technological innovation and the transformation of economic structures. This paper, from the perspective of low-carbon and environmental protection, examines the current development status and technological pathways of new energy vehicles, explores the impact of policy support and industry chain construction on their advancement, and provides a forecast of the market outlook. Through a thorough analysis, a better understanding of the role and significance of new energy vehicles in low-carbon environmental protection can be gained, offering scientific foundations for future policy-making and industrial development.

The Impact of Toll Road Development on Urbanization Typology and Economic Structure (Case Study: Palikanci Toll Road in Ciledug District, Cirebon Regency)

This study examines the impact of toll roads on regional growth, specifically focusing on the Ciledug District, which has been crossed by the Palikanci Toll Road since 2009. The research identifies the typology of urbanization and assesses changes in the area’s economic structure due to the toll road. A mixed method approach was used, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection, land change analysis via Google Earth and ArcGis 13.1, and field observations of land use. The findings reveal gentrification in the northern part of Ciledug, marked by the growth of business centers in Jatiseeng and rising land prices. This has led to the expansion of settlements toward the southern area, particularly in Jatiseeng Kidul. The toll road and the industrial estate in North Ciledug have accelerated the transformation of the local economy, with residents diversifying their livelihoods to adapt to urbanization. However, the study also notes a lack of improvement in essential infrastructure services, suggesting that regional development policies have not yet adapted to the gentrification, posing risks of urban sprawl.

An examination of Pacific nations ‘legislatures’ interactions with Supreme Audit Institutions and the impact on audit quality

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report a study of public accountability within the political and economic structures that characterise Pacific nations. The authors examine audit quality with respect to Pacific Island nations’ governmental reporting to investigate ways to improve accountability in a region that is economically and environmentally challenged. Design/methodology/approach The authors examine whether audit quality in Pacific Island nations is associated with the practical arrangements of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), taking into account external factors. The “practical arrangements” include the independence of a SAI (regarding its staffing and funding) and also the requirement for it to report to the Executive. The financial setting in each jurisdiction has been seen to impact the quality of financial reporting and auditing. The authors examine mediating factors such as income, political stability and education that may also impact audit quality. This study uses publicly available databases as well as jurisdictional annual reports and the associated audit opinions and management letters (where available). Jurisdictional reports on public financial management were also analysed. Findings The authors find that public sector audit quality is low in many Pacific countries, concluding that public accountability is impaired. While the authors recommend changes to the practical arrangements that can improve audit quality, the mediating factors also impact audit quality. They argue that a renewed focus on financial capability could enhance public accountability in these nations, but there are limiting factors that are difficult to overcome. Practical implications There are problems in providing accountability for public sector activities in Pacific nations. The authors suggest that improvements to the appointment and funding of SAIs to enhance their independence will help to reduce these issues. Originality/value The authors present a framework for analysing SAIs’ practical arrangements and audit quality that includes variables that may mediate the effects of these practical arrangements. They apply the model to 20 Pacific jurisdictions, showing that the practical arrangements of a SAI directly impact audit quality. Nevertheless, there are instances where audit quality is poor despite good practical arrangements, implying that mediating factors also play a substantial role in determining audit quality of a SAI.

The contribution of digitalization to non-inclusive growth in Japan. A Régulationist perspective on post-industrial dynamics

While inclusive growth has been considered a major characteristic of post-war Japan, this is no more the case since the early 1990s as the country transitioned to a post-industrial economy. This paper seeks to explain that digitalization is a primary drive of growing inequalities in post-industrial Japan and argues for incorporating the digital divide into the investigation of changing economic structures and growth patterns. We mobilize the Régulation theoretical framework, which posits that the impact of technology on growth and inequality regimes is not homogenous across countries and over time. Our empirical investigation combines macro-level data and institutional perspective with case study of the hospitality sector, in line with the Régulationist concept of the ‘anthropogenic’ mode of development. Our major conclusion is that digitalization, in the specific Japanese context, is leading to non-inclusive growth patterns through its effects on the wage-labour nexus, in an idiosyncratic way.

Analysis Of Current Situation, Risk Causes and Countermeasures of Real Estate Finance--Taking Jiangsu Province as An Example

The real estate industry is not only an important engine of economic growth, but also a cornerstone of social stability and personal life. As a major economic province in China, Jiangsu Province is rich in natural resources and has a strong economic base. It is an important demonstration area for China's modernization and comprehensive development and plays an important role in promoting China's economic growth, scientific and technological innovation and social progress. In the economic structure of Jiangsu Province, the real estate market occupies a pivotal position, which not only contributes greatly to the local financial income, but also has a far-reaching impact on employment, consumption, investment and other aspects. The development of the real estate market in Jiangsu Province has an important impact on the national real estate market, thus this paper takes Jiangsu Province as the research object, discusses the credit risk of the real estate industry in Jiangsu Province from the perspectives of its status quo, risk causes, etc., and then puts forward policy recommendations to promote the sustainable development of the real estate market in Jiangsu Province.

Relationship between maritime transportation and economic growth: highest maritime transport European countries

Maritime transport is one of the most widely used transport channels used by countries in foreign trade. The development of maritime transport affects the economic growth levels of countries. In addition, the increase in the level of economic growth of countries increases their share in international foreign trade and this situation increases the importance given by countries to maritime transport day by day. In this context, the study aims to determine whether there is any causality relationship between maritime transport and economic growth variables in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom, which have the highest maritime transport among European countries. The bootstrap panel causality test was employed to examine the causality relationships between the variables over the time frame of 2008:Q1-2020:Q2. According to the findings, there is a causality relationship from economic growth to maritime transportation in all countries except Italy and the Netherlands. There is a causality relationship from maritime transportation to economic growth in Türkiye and the United Kingdom. As a result, the relationship between maritime transport and economic growth varies from country to country. This situation reveals the necessity of developing national policies for maritime transport by considering the economic structures of the countries.

The Issue of Safety Amongst Undergraduate Students of the University of Delhi

In this paper we investigate what are the connotations of safety for students and in what way is college a safe space. In the questionnaire administered, there was no specific question on safety. However, the response to our first question—What does entering college mean to you?—saw a significant percentage (68%) of female students associating entry into college with entry into a safe space. Students’ expectations from college —as revealed in their responses to other questions—go beyond physical safety, not only do they draw attention to the multidimensionality and complexity of the concept, but in doing so they mark out and identify within the safe environs of college, temporally and spatially fluid islands of unsafety. Their responses problematized the notion of safety, thus alerting us to a political (including gendered) and expansive understanding of safety. In this expansion safety emerges as a cluster concept incorporating dimensions of gender, equality, justice, freedom and democracy. This paper makes two arguments, first that the college experience contributes to the students’ understanding of safety in its multidimensionality. The connotations of safety include both the physical and the socio-psychological dimensions. Second that in the articulation of this learning a student develops a critical understanding of social, political, and economic structures of power.

A Study on the Layoff Problem After COVID-19 Based on Decision Tree Ensemble Methods

The COVID-19 pandemic, a cataclysmic event in modern history, has upended the global economy, precipitating extensive layoffs across diverse sectors. This study delves into the determinants of these workforce reductions through the lens of decision tree ensemble methods. By scrutinizing a comprehensive dataset, we harnessed statistical and machine learning algorithms to assess the significance of key variablesincluding industry type, geographic location, company development stage, and capital acquisitionon the scale of layoffs. This analysis further entailed predicting the total number of employees laid off and examining their distribution. The use of decision tree ensemble methods, such as random forests and gradient boosting, provided robust insights into the complex interplay of factors influencing layoff decisions. We discovered that industry type and company development stage were particularly critical in predicting layoff patterns, while geographic location and capital acquisition also played notable roles. This research offers a data-driven perspective on the layoff phenomena, shedding light on the multifaceted influences at play and offering a foundation for further inquiry and strategic policy development in response to economic downturns. By understanding these dynamics, policymakers and business leaders can better navigate future economic crises, potentially mitigating the adverse impacts on the workforce and promoting more resilient economic structures.

Urban density and spatial carbon emission performance of megacities in China

Increasing urban density promotes a greater social role for cities. The current low-carbon city development goals put forward higher requirements for carbon performance. Based on the viewpoint of minimizing natural resource input and maximizing value acquisition in ecological benefits, the influence of urban density on spatial carbon performance is analyzed by polynomial function relationship, and Beijing and Shanghai with different urban function positioning are taken as examples for comparative analysis. Combined with Point-of-Interest (POI), the classification benchmark of industrial activities was established, and the spatial kernel density of ArcGIS software was used to analyze the industrial agglomeration characteristics of the two cities. The results show that: 1) The “increase-decrease-increase-decrease” trend of urban spatial carbon performance over time fluctuates around the unary linear trend of urban density.2) Population and building density are too low or too high, which is not conducive to emission reduction. The change of economic density is influenced by the industrial structure. The change of urban density is negatively correlated with the growth rate of spatial carbon performance. In a certain development stage, the increase of urban density will inhibit the growth of spatial carbon performance to some extent. 3) Maintaining the original economic and industrial structure, the increase in economic density brought by the simple expansion of scale is not conducive to emission reduction. The increase of economic density brought by the transformation of economic or industrial structure and the reduction of the proportion of secondary industry is conducive to urban emission reduction.

ADMINISTRATIVE, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF KARAŞAR, AN ALEVI-BEKTASHI SETTLEMENT IN BEYPAZARI

Karaşar is an example of the settlement of Alevi-Bektashi Turkmen groups in Anatolia during the early Ottoman period, and the earliest records of Karaşar date to the 15th century. In the Ottoman period, Karaşar was administratively located at the intersection of the borders of the provinces of Hudavendigar, Kastamonu and Ankara, and historically always remained a part of Beypazarı. Karaşar, which had a considerably higher population compared to a classical village settlement, became a subdistrict to which other villages around it were connected in the 19th century. In the Republican period, Karaşar became a town, and although it maintained this status for many years, today it is a settlement consisting of several neighborhoods. This study evaluates the economic and social structure of Karaşar, an Alevi-Bektashi settlement, on the basis of data from tahrir, population and temettuat books in the Ottoman Archives. In addition, the smuggling and banditry issues that have taken place in the history of Karaşar have been emphasized. The evaluations based on archives and research works are also supported by oral history data in Karaşar. The oral history data has been especially important in terms of the continuity of intangible cultural heritage and the control of local narratives with historical data.

As relações econômicas entre Costa do Marfim e França

he present article deals with the economic relations between Ivory Coast and France, analyzing the economic trajectory of the country under the presidency of Félix Houphouët Boigny (1960-1993). We seek to address the process of independence of the country, led by Boigny, dealing with the neocolonialist action of France through the use of the CFA Franc and the maintenance of military bases in the country, among others. In this context, we present a retrospective of Ivory Coast's economic policy, focused on agricultural production, mainly on the coffee-cocoa binomial. Much of the production continued to be exported to France after independence and, after a period of great export growth, in the 1980s the country entered a serious crisis, due to the maintenance of the economic structure of a colonial character. The crisis was marked by the fall in prices of the main export products, the external debt and its moratorium. Although there is a history of adoption of structural adjustment programs (SAP) in the 1980s, conducted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development - World Bank (IBRD), the general effects did not lead to overcoming the crisis.

Research on the Impact of Labor Resource Allocation on Green Technology Innovation

Facing increasingly severe environmental pollution and resource scarcity, China has accelerated its pace of green and low-carbon transformation. Green technological innovation helps economic development by reducing ecological pollution and lowering resource consumption. As an important factor of production for social development, the labor force plays a very significant role in optimizing the economic development structure of our country and achieving high-quality leapfrog development. This article explores the relationship between the allocation of labor resources and green technology innovation based on the aforementioned practical motivations, from both theoretical mechanisms and empirical perspectives. Using provincial panel data from China between 2000 and 2021, a spatial Durbin model was constructed to empirically test the spatial spillover effects of labor resource allocation on green technology innovation and to draw relevant conclusions. Subsequently, to further investigate the heterogeneous impact of labor resource allocation on green technology innovation, China was divided into three major regions—eastern, central, and western—and empirical model tests were conducted on separate samples. The following conclusions have been drawn: Over time, during the 22 years from 2000 to 2021, China's overall labor resource allocation has shown an overall upward trend; China's green technology innovation capability has significantly improved, but regional development is uneven, with a large gap in development between the eastern, central, and western regions; through the study of the spatial Durbin model on the impact of labor resource allocation efficiency on green technology innovation, the results indicate that labor resource allocation has a significant main effect and spillover effect on green technology innovation, meaning that the improvement in labor resource allocation efficiency will promote the increase in the level of local green technology innovation, while the decline in labor resource allocation efficiency will inhibit the increase in the level of local green technology innovation; the impediment effect of the decline in labor resource allocation efficiency on regional green technology innovation varies significantly across different regions, with the central region being the most prominent, followed by the western region, and then the eastern region. Based on the conclusions, the following suggestions are made: Regions should strengthen cooperation and exchanges to promote the coordinated development of green technology innovation. Eastern provinces and cities with a higher level of green technology innovation should lead the surrounding provinces and cities with weaker development, actively engage in cooperation and exchanges in infrastructure and green technology, and establish a more orderly and open green technology trading market, thereby promoting the coordinated development of green technology innovation between regions; adopt market-oriented approaches to remove barriers to the autonomous and orderly flow of labor factors. Give the market a decisive role in resource allocation, reasonably play the role of the government, promote the rational and orderly flow of capital and labor resources between regions, and improve the efficiency of resource allocation.

Pengaruh Transformasi Struktural dan Pertumbuhan Ekonomi terhadap Ketimpangan Pendapatan di Sulawesi Tenggara

Economic development basically focuses its attention on the process of changing the underdeveloped economic structure so as to enable the emergence of new industries to replace the agricultural sector as the driving force of economic growth. The industrial sector has the largest contribution to the formation of the Gross Regional Domestic Product in Southeast Sulawesi Province. However, when considering employment absorption by sector, the concentration of labor absorption remains focused on the agriculture and services sectors. The industrial sector has the smallest share in terms of employment absorption among sectors in Southeast Sulawesi Province. The aim of this research is to analyze the influence of structural transformation and economic growth on income inequality in Southeast Sulawesi Province. The method used is panel data regression analysis. Research findings show that the transformation of the industrial sector, the transformation of the industrial sector without mining, and economic growth have a negative impact on income inequality. Meanwhile, the service sector transformation variable and economic growth without the mining subsector have a positive impact on increasing income inequality in Southeast Sulawesi Province.

Assessment of the effectiveness of management at the regional level based on the analysis of the activities of authorities

Relevance. The problem of effective management of regional development is becoming more and more urgent due to the emergence of new conditions (obstacles) of functioning, which pose the task of creating programs for the most effective management of subjects to the regions of Russia and executive authorities. It is important to note the choice of the subject: the Kursk region is an important region of the Central Federal District due to its potential and geographical location.The subject has a specialization in important sectors of the entire Russian economy, but at the same time may face inefficient management, which will cause a decline in the regional economy. The purpose is to assess the effectiveness of management of an economic entity on the example of the Kursk region by analyzing the activities of executive authorities.Objectives: to establish the parameters of effective management; to study regional policy as a means of increasing the effectiveness of regional development; to study methods for assessing the effectiveness of regional development through the prism of actions of public authorities; to compare the economic structures of the Kursk region and neighboring regions of the region using specific methodologies; to identify the main problems in the development of the Kursk region.Methodology. To carry out the research, methods of system analysis and synthesis, statistical data processing, as well as comparative and expert analysis are used. The results of the study include an analysis of the effectiveness of regional policy in the Kursk region and the identification of the main problems in the activities of government agencies that affect the economic growth of the subject.Conclusions. The Kursk Region is an ambiguous region regarding the quality of regional economic management. Studying the state support of subjects, their management by authorities, we can say that in the field of ecology and industrial development, the state supports the region sufficiently, since these areas are specialized in the region, which cannot be said about other areas. Despite the weak development of other industries, the state needs to provide significant support to such specialized sectors as agriculture and industry.

The consequence of the digital economy on energy efficiency in Chinese provincial and regional contexts: Unleashing the potential

The digital economy, driven by advanced technologies, is becoming a new force for economic growth and sustainable development. This study investigates how the digital economy influences energy efficiency and its spatial spillover effects across 30 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2020 using spatial econometric models and Moran's index analysis. While prior research focused on industrial value and micro-mechanisms, this work examines geographical impacts and regional synergies overlooked previously.The findings reveal urbanization and digital economy growth significantly enhance energy efficiency. However, the effects of economic structure, education, infrastructure development, and patent activity exhibit more nuanced patterns. Notably, the spatial spillover effects of the digital economy on energy efficiency operate through a "market + geographical comprehensive mechanism" rather than direct geographic transmission between neighbors. This study contributes to the literature by uncovering the complex relationships between the digital economy, technological innovation, industrial structure, and energy efficiency while accounting for spatial dynamics. The results underscore the importance of focused policies supporting sustainable energy practices based on regional contexts. By providing insights into the intricate interplay of factors influencing energy efficiency, this research informs strategies for optimizing energy utilization and transitioning towards a sustainable, secure, and affordable energy future aligned with net-zero objectives.