Economic Considerations Research Articles

The everyday female entrepreneur and the pursuit of emancipation

PurposeThis study takes an “entrepreneurship as emancipation” perspective to study entrepreneurs defined as “others” on multiple categories: women entrepreneurs whose ventures are necessity-based, bootstrapped and located in economically impoverished areas (neighborhoods) in two Latin-American countries: Chile and Peru.Design/methodology/approachThe study takes an interpretivist research approach and analyses inductively interviews with women entrepreneurs.FindingsThe findings reveal how everyday practices in pursuit of emancipation – while conducted within the existing patriarchal social structure – push the boundaries and contribute to changes in the social system via a variety of outcomes such as intergenerational social mobility, personal fulfilment and strengthening the communities in which the women entrepreneurs operate. Furthermore, while the authors find that in the particular Latin-American context under study, entrepreneuring activities become an emancipatory possibility for the everyday women entrepreneurs, they also highlight a “dark side” of their emancipatory projects.Originality/valueThe study contributes to recent critical studies in entrepreneurship by demonstrating the diversity and importance of the “mundane” activities undertaken by “necessity-based” entrepreneurs, and the significant – yet underappreciated – reach of their ventures’ impact on issues well beyond economic considerations.

Amlodipine-Induced gingival hyperplasia in a nepalese patient experiencing high dosages: a case report

Introduction and Importance: Amlodipine is a third-generation calcium channel blocker used in the treatment of Hypertension. One of the side effects associated with amlodipine is gingival hyperplasia mostly occurring at a higher dose (10 mg). There are very few cases of gingival hyperplasia associated with amlodipine at a lower dose (5 mg) or short-term administration. Case presentation: A 51-year-old male patient with diagnosed hypertension sought medical attention for gingival swelling and bleeding from the gums while brushing. He had been under amlodipine 5 mg for 12 months, which was increased to 10 mg for the last 2 months. The history and physical examination were consistent with amlodipine-induced gingival hyperplasia. The first line of treatment consisted of discontinuation of amlodipine and substitution with another class of anti-hypertensive. Clinical discussion and conclusion: The presented case highlights the challenge of balancing economic considerations with potential side effects in the use of amlodipine for hypertension in low-income countries like Nepal. Given its availability at no cost or minimal expense, amlodipine is often initiated as a first-line therapy. However, the decision to increase the dosage to 10 mg/day, influenced by economic constraints and the drug’s affordability, raises the risk of gingival hyperplasia. This case emphasizes the importance of physicians being mindful of potential adverse effects when prescribing higher doses of amlodipine and underscores the need for continued vigilance in managing hypertension in resource-limited settings.

Quantifying future carbon emissions uncertainties under stochastic modeling and Monte Carlo simulation: Insights for environmental policy consideration for the Belt and Road Initiative Region

This study critically examines future carbon (CO2) emissions in the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) region, considering factors such as energy consumption, economic growth, population growth, and population density. The objective of this study is to identify critical areas of higher emissions, which require policy intervention capable of strengthening sustainability in the BRI compact. A combined approach of stochastic modeling and Monte Carlo simulations was employed, utilizing panel data from 45 countries in the BRI region from 1990 to 2021. Results confirm that emissions are higher in all scenarios in direct proportion to electric power consumption, population growth, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. In scenarios with high emissions, a continuous and significant upward trend in CO2 emissions was observe. The medium emissions scenario exhibited a more moderated rise in emissions, suggesting a balance between economic development and environmental considerations. Critical areas for future environmental policy-making resides in electric power consumption, population growth, and GDP growth. The study strongly recommends for a shift from the current focus on road and railway infrastructure to renewable energy infrastructure, green innovations and efficient technology transfer to member countries. Without this, the BRI region is likely to face increased emissions, posing significant challenges to future sustainable development and global environmental sustainability.

NECROPOLITICS IN THROUGH THE ARC OF THE RAINFOREST BY KAREN TEI YAMASHITA

Towards the close of 2019, humanity grappled with the swift dissemination of the novel COVID-19, instigating a global quarantine. Unfortunately, several nations, citing economic considerations, deferred decisive action, prioritizing capital over lives—a phenomenon labeled as 'necropolitics.' This very concept, eerily anticipated in artistic expressions such as Karen Tei Yamashita's 1990 novel, The Arc of the Rainforest, serves as the focal point of this article. Employing Ecocritical theory, this analysis aims to unravel the nuances of necropolitics embedded in Yamashita's narrative, presenting a unique perspective on its resonance amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Holistic approach for selecting chatbot development tools: combining AHP and TOPSIS methodologies

ABSTRACT The proliferation of chatbot development tools presents a significant challenge in identifying the most suitable ones for specific needs. This study addresses this issue by integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to create a comprehensive methodology for selecting chatbot development tools. The study aims to provide a transparent, objective decision-making framework by evaluating tools across multiple dimensions including deployment characteristics, input processing capabilities, dialogue management, response generation, and economic considerations. Utilizing AHP for criteria weighting and TOPSIS for ranking alternatives, the methodology systematically evaluates various tools to identify the optimal choice. Key findings highlight the strengths and weaknesses of different tools, offering insights that guide developers and organizations in choosing the most suitable chatbot development tool aligned with their specific needs and strategic goals. The implications of this methodology are significant, enhancing decision-making processes within technological tool selection and contributing to the fields of artificial intelligence and automated systems development.

Examining the Influence of ICT Penetration on Gender Disparities: A Data Panel Econometric Analysis of the Seven Southeast Asian Developing Countries

The aim of the study is to analyze to which Information and Communications Technology (ICT) penetration affects gender disparities in seven Southeast Asia’s developing countries. ICT indicators are measured through the individuals using the internet, mobile phone subscriptions, and internet subscriptions. Aside, the seven Southeast Asia’s developing countries include Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam. These countries are selected as they have comparable economic development stage from lower to upper-middle income economics on the basis 2022’s World Bank Country Income Classification. The data panel econometrics is carried out to measure the effect of the independent variables towards gender disparity. Gender disparity is represented by the Gender Inequality Index. The time series data is yearly from 2000 to 2022. The econometric assessment shows the individual internet ownership and subscription have a negative and significant effect to gender disparity. It means that more internet penetration can lower the gender disparity in those seven countries. The academic implication is to enhance economic consideration towards more internet penetration and access to reduce gender disparity. In the heart of policymaking, our research indicates more internet accessibility to reduce gender disparity. As in the common knowledge, the internet is a source of information and knowledge to society

Optimal management of shared energy storage in remote microgrid: A user-satisfaction approach

This study investigates the utilization of renewable energy technologies, such as solar photovoltaics (PV) and energy storage, to reduce reliance on fossil-fuel microgrid generators in remote areas. However, renewable energy alone is not enough to address the existing challenges. Therefore, to optimize microgrid performance, it is crucial to incorporate shared energy storage and demand-response (DR) strategies from the demand side. Additionally, prosumers engaging in DR often encounter user-satisfaction issues. In this study, we propose a shared energy storage model that considers user satisfaction in remote areas. Additionally, we compared three energy storage models: individual, neighbor, and communal, to assess their effectiveness. To validate our findings, we juxtaposed two pricing scenarios: fixed and time-of-use (TOU) rates. The results of our study indicate that using shared energy storage leads to operational cost savings and increases user satisfaction compared to other scenarios. Finally, we employed the social index rate and performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the optimal operation that balances economic and environmental considerations.

A Culinary Imponderable

Alone among the peoples of northern Europe, Scots historically have harboured an aversion to pork. The cause, extent and even existence of the aversion, at times ascending to phobia, have been subject to a certain amount of debate for over a century. The degree and scope of the aversion varied across time and space but existed well into the twentieth century. Neither economic nor ecological considerations can explain the phenomenon, which arises from cultural conditions peculiar to Scotland.

Artificial-Intelligence Cloud-Based Platform to Support Shared Decision-Making in the Locoregional Treatment of Breast Cancer: Protocol for a Multidimensional Evaluation Embedded in the CINDERELLA Clinical Trial.

Shared decision-making (SDM) plays a crucial role in breast cancer care by empowering patients and reducing decision regret. Patient decision aids (PtDAs) are valuable tools for facilitating SDM, now available in digital and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered formats to offer increasingly personalized contents. The ongoing CINDERELLA clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05196269) evaluates an innovative AI cloud-based approach using a web platform and a mobile application (CINDERELLA APProach) versus the conventional approach to support SDM in breast cancer patients undergoing locoregional treatment. This protocol outlines a trial-based multidimensional evaluation, encompassing economic, financial, implementability, and environmental considerations associated with the CINDERELLA APProach. A within-trial cost-consequence and cost-utility analysis from a societal perspective will be performed using patient-level data on outcomes and resource use. The latter will be valued in monetary terms using country-specific unit costs or patient valuations. A budget impact analysis will be performed over 1 and 5 years from the budget holder perspectives. The CINDERELLA APProach implementability will be assessed through an evaluation of its usability, acceptability, organizational impact, and overall feasibility. The environmental impact will be quantitatively assessed across several dimensions, such as quantity, appropriateness, and emissions, supplemented by qualitative insights. Overall, data for the evaluation will be gathered from patient questionnaires, interviews with patients and managers, focus groups with healthcare professionals, and app electronic data. A thorough understanding of the broad consequences of the CINDERELLA APProach may foster its successful translation into real-world settings, hopefully benefiting breast cancer patients and clinical practice.

Innovative Adsorbents for Pollutant Removal: Exploring the Latest Research and Applications.

The growing presence of diverse pollutants, including heavy metals, organic compounds, pharmaceuticals, and emerging contaminants, poses significant environmental and health risks. Traditional methods for pollutant removal often face limitations in efficiency, selectivity, and sustainability. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in innovative adsorbents designed to address these challenges. It explores a wide array of non-conventional adsorbent materials, such as nanocellulose, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), graphene-based composites, and biochar, emphasizing their sources, structural characteristics, and unique adsorption mechanisms. The review discusses adsorption processes, including the basic principles, kinetics, isotherms, and the factors influencing adsorption efficiency. It highlights the superior performance of these materials in removing specific pollutants across various environmental settings. The practical applications of these adsorbents are further explored through case studies in industrial settings, pilot studies, and field trials, showcasing their real-world effectiveness. Additionally, the review critically examines the economic considerations, technical challenges, and environmental impacts associated with these adsorbents, offering a balanced perspective on their viability and sustainability. The conclusion emphasizes future research directions, focusing on the development of scalable production methods, enhanced material stability, and sustainable regeneration techniques. This comprehensive assessment underscores the transformative potential of innovative adsorbents in pollutant remediation and their critical role in advancing environmental protection.

One-pot synthesis of γ-cyclodextrin of high purity from non-food cellulose via an in vitro ATP-free synthetic enzymatic biosystem

γ-Cyclodextrin (γ-CD) is a cyclic oligosaccharide composed of eight glucose molecules linked together via α-1,4-glycosidic bonds. It has a wide range of applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries. Two pathways were designed for the synthesis of γ-CD from the non-food feedstock cellulose via an in vitro adenosine triphosphate (ATP) –free synthetic enzymatic biosystem. Cellulose was employed as the substrate for producing cellobiose, which was subsequently converted to γ-CD via a cascade reaction utilizing five enzymes. A stoichiometric conversion of cellulose to γ-CD was achieved by adding the synthesis module for glucose-1-phosphate (G-1-P) and optimizing the reaction conditions. The productivity of γ-CD obtained via pathway II–condition III was as high as 517 g/m3·h from cellobiose, representing a 16-fold increase compared to pathway II–condition I. A process for producing γ-CD from cellulose was established in this study, which yielded γ-CD of >90 % purity. This study presents a novel process that could be employed in next-generation biorefineries and a strategy for improving the economic considerations associated with cellulose utilization.

Economic and environmental considerations for the deployment of industrial very high temperature heat pumps in European markets

Very high temperature heat pumps (VHTHP) have begun to emerge on the market during the past decade, providing an alternative to fuel-fire boilers for generating industrial process heat up to 200 °C. Large temperature lifts are common for VHTHPs, resulting in a reduced coefficient of performance (COP) compared to traditional heat pumps. Thus, the economic feasibility of operating VHTHPs becomes more dependent on local price conditions, and the environmental impact is affected by increased electricity usage. Both the economics and the environmental impact of operating industrial VHTHPs in place of fossil fuel-fired boilers in Europe are studied in this article. Discounted payback periods are estimated for the varying price conditions in Europe, and life cycle assessment tools are used to quantify the environmental impact of operating VHTHPs. Finland, Sweden, and Denmark were found to be ideal countries for VHTHP deployment, as they showcase both favorable economic conditions as well as generally small environmental impacts in the endpoint categories Human health, Climate change, and Resource usage, if local grid electricity is used. The effect on the endpoint category Ecosystem impacts was generally larger for most countries, including the aforementioned three, mostly due to the use of biomass in the electricity grid.

ALIH USAHATANI PADI SAWAH KE TANAMAN JERUK NIPIS (Citrus auratifolia) DI DESA TRIDANA MULYA KECAMATAN LANDONO KABUPATEN KONAWE SELATAN

The objective of this study is to ascertain the underlying factors that precipitate the transition from wet-rice farming to lime farming, as well as to examine the impact of such farming conversions among farmers in Tridana Mulya Village. The study population was comprised of two groups: a group of 31 lime farmers and a group of seven rice farmers. The sampling technique employed was the census method, which entailed the inclusion of the entire population, resulting in a research sample of 38 individuals (31 lime farmers and 7 rice paddy farmers). Data were collected through the use of interview techniques, observation, and documentation of media sources in the form of questionnaires. The variables under investigation are the factors that influence the transfer of farming and the impact of such transfer. The data were analyzed using a descriptive method and an income formula. The results demonstrated that the factors that precipitated the transition from paddy rice farming to lime farming were attributable to a confluence of production, economic, and cultivation-related considerations. The production yield factor of lime farming has demonstrated an increase in production compared to paddy rice farming in Tridana Mulya Village. In terms of economic factors, lime farming has been shown to yield higher profits for farmers than paddy rice farming. Additionally, the cultivation factors associated with lime farming are considerably more straightforward, as the land only requires processing once, due to the fact that lime is a long-term crop, in contrast to paddy rice farming, which is dependent on seasonal conditions. The impact of switching farms includes both economic and environmental consequences. From an economic standpoint, farmers' income may change after switching from paddy rice farming to lime crops. This is because lime crops may yield higher profits than paddy rice, depending on various factors. From an environmental standpoint, the lack of use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides in lime farming may reduce the impact on the environment. This is in contrast to the opposite condition observed in paddy rice farming.

Innovation in the territorial impact assessment: an application to large infrastructure projects of the Italian recovery and resilience facility

ABSTRACT The Territorial Impact Assessment (TIA) has evolved significantly over the past two decades, becoming a pivotal tool in shaping European public policy. Initially, TIA aimed to tailor investments to the specific needs of various territories, ensuring allignement with broader EU and national objectives. The assessment of European Cohesion Policy 2014–20 highligthed the TIA’s utility in guiding sustainable development decisions. The integration of TIA into the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) marks a notable shift, emphasising sustainability in policy planning and the allocation of funds. This paper outlined how TIA can be embedded within the RRF’s planning and evaluation mechanisms, using Italian large infrastructure projects as an example. The incorporation of TIA into a multifaceted evaluation framework, which encompasses both economic-financial and sustainability considerations utilising the Sustainable Environmental/Economic Management Approach (STeMA) model, demonstrates its effective integration. This approach balances economic viability with environmental and social sustainability aligning with the EU Green Deal pillars and the Territorial Agenda 2030. It also ensures adherence to economic and financial considerations coming from cost-benefit analysis, while also upholding sustainability under the ‘do no significant harm’ principle. This match thus could foster a more resilient and sustainable future for EU territories.

Soy whey and brewer’s spent grain hydrolysates wholly replace conventional medium for microalgae growth: Process performance and economic considerations

To enhance circularity in heterotrophic microalgal bioprocesses, this study completely substituted glucose and Bold’s basal medium (BBM) with brewer’s spent grain (BSG) and soy whey (SW) hydrolysates. Mild acid hydrolysis conditions of BSG (0.2 M H2SO4, 130 °C, 36 min) and SW (0.1 M HCl, 95 °C, 30 min) were optimised for glucose release, and their hydrolysates were optimally mixed (15 % SW-85 % BSG) to obtain a medium that best supported Auxenochlorella protothecoides growth. Maximum biomass production (Xmax) and productivity (PXmax) obtained in the hydrolysate medium containing 50.75 g/L endogenous glucose (Xmax: 22.17 g/L; PXmax: 7.06 g/L/day) were comparable to that in BBM containing 50.44 g/L exogenous glucose (Xmax: 20.02 g/L; PXmax: 6.34 g/L/day). Moreover, estimated hydrolysate medium production costs were within an order of magnitude to BBM. Overall, the integrated approach of tailored hydrolytic treatments and complementary side-streams presents a promising technical and economic feasibility, with applications extending beyond A. protothecoides.

Development of an multicriteria decision analysis framework for rare disease reimbursement prioritization in Malaysia.

Rare diseases (RD)-related policies have received significant attention due to the pressing medical requirements associated with these medical conditions and the substantial impact and treatments they may have on healthcare budgets. Nevertheless, policymakers frequently encounter difficulties in managing issues concerning resource allocation and prioritization within this population. Realizing the need to address such problems, this study was conducted to develop a framework based on the multicriteria decision analysis to improve RD reimbursement prioritization in Malaysia. Primarily, a scoping review was performed to identify the methods and criteria used for the reimbursement of RD treatment, followed by strategic stakeholder engagement and a deliberative process on determining the best approach for the framework, including criteria identification, elicitation of weights, and a pilot assessment using the framework. The findings reflected the priorities and perspectives of the stakeholders, which identified eight key criteria and their associated weights, namely effectiveness (19.6 percent), disease severity (15.6 percent), safety (14.2 percent), access to treatment (12.6 percent), economic consideration (12.2 percent), type of therapeutic treatment (11.5 percent), availability of alternatives (8.3 percent), and population group (6 percent). In summary, the developed framework was well-accepted by the Rare Disease Committee, which will be applied as part of the committee deliberation for transparent and equitable decision making on fund allocation and reimbursement of orphan and RD treatment in Malaysia.

Site selection of floating photovoltaic systems on hydropower reservoirs using fuzzy sine trigonometric decision-making model: Turkey as a case study

Floating photovoltaic systems are a promising option for renewable energy by mitigating the drawbacks of land-based photovoltaic systems. However, renewable energy systems are designed in a site-specific way, therefore, the performance of renewable energy alternatives substantially depends on the selected site characteristics. In this study, a comprehensive assessment was performed to identify the optimal hydroelectric power plant reservoir for floating photovoltaic system deployment in Turkey using the Geographical Information System and Multi-Criteria Decision Making method. A two-staged methodology was used to evaluate the results of questionnaires including several expert opinions. In the first stage, a nonlinear fuzzy Aczel-Alsina functions based Ordinal Priority Approach method was employed to weigh the fourteen sub-criteria based on technical, environmental, economic and social considerations. In the second stage, fuzzy sine Trigonometric based Additive Ratio Assessment method was used to rank the fifteen hydroelectric power plant reservoirs all across Turkey. Despite the global horizontal irradiation being the most important criterion, Sarıyar hydroelectric power plant reservoir, with one of the lowest global horizontal irradiation values among alternatives, was determined as the most suitable dam reservoir for floating photovoltaic installation in Turkey. Therefore, the findings of this study highlight the importance of comprehensive analysis that considers the several assessment criteria from fundamental aspects to achieve reliable site selection for floating photovoltaic systems.

A Study the concept and legal principles of Water Management

Water management is a multifaceted concept that encompasses the planning, development, distribution, and optimal use of water resources. It is crucial for ensuring the sustainable supply of water for various human needs, including drinking, agriculture, industry, and recreation, while also maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems. Effective water management involves the integration of scientific, technical, economic, and social considerations to balance competing demands and protect water quality. Legal principles play a pivotal role in guiding water management practices. These principles provide a framework for regulating water use, resolving conflicts, and promoting sustainable practices. Key legal principles in water management include the doctrine of equitable and reasonable use, which ensures fair allocation of water resources among users; the precautionary principle, which mandates proactive measures to prevent water pollution and degradation; and the principle of public participation, which emphasizes the importance of involving stakeholders in decision-making processes. International agreements and national laws often incorporate these principles to address transboundary water issues and domestic water governance. Effective implementation of these legal frameworks requires robust institutional arrangements, transparent governance, and enforcement mechanisms.

Simulation of Time-Sequence Operation Considering DC Utilization Hours of New Energy Base in Desert and Gobi Area

Direct current power transmission is a crucial method for consuming new energy in desert and Gobi regions. Given the issue of the inefficient use of transmission channels, this study develops a simulation model for the operational time sequence of new energy bases in these areas. The model integrates factors such as hours of DC power transmission, environmental impacts, economic considerations, and operational flexibility. Initially, the model addresses the significant variability and unpredictability of wind and solar energy in these regions by introducing an analysis method combining Gaussian Kernel Density Estimation (GKDE) with a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM). Subsequently, a flexible DC power transmission operational model is formulated, taking into account different DC transmission modes. The model’s efficiency is enhanced by employing the Dung Beetle Optimization algorithm with nondominated sorting to minimize variable ranges and expedite solution times. The model’s effectiveness is demonstrated through a simulation applied to a new energy base in Gansu Province, Northwest China, confirming its validity.

The Reform of the “Collège Unique” (1973–1978): Reflections on the Political Economy of Comprehensive Education

ABSTRACT In September 1977, all of France’s middle schools implemented the so-called “collège unique” reform in the seventh year, i.e. the elimination of tracking (or streaming) and the mixing of all pupils and teachers for the first year of secondary education. This article examines the genesis and implementation of this reform from the point of view of the budgetary issues it raised and which shaped it. Drawing on the political economy of education, the article sheds a new light on the introduction of comprehensive education, of which different variants can be observed in Western countries in the 1960s and 1970s. Indeed, far from being anecdotal, budgetary issues very concretely shaped the practical conditions of implementation of this educational reform, putting political and economic considerations ahead of any concern for pedagogical coherence.