Effects Of Policy Measures Research Articles

Analysis of Spatiotemporal Evolution of Coordinated Development Between Transportation Infrastructure and Ecological Environment in the Yangtze River Economic Belt

The coupling and coordinated development of transportation infrastructure and ecological environment is an important way to achieve win-win economic, social, and ecological benefits. This study analyzes the coupling and coordinated development between transportation infrastructure and ecological environment in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Based on panel data from 11 provinces in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2007 to 2022, establish their respective indicator systems and use entropy method to measure the comprehensive level of the two. Through the perspective of spatiotemporal differentiation, this study analyzes the changes in the coupling and coordinated development level of transportation infrastructure and ecological environment in 11 provinces. It is found that the overall coupling and coordinated development level of each province has significantly improved, but there are obvious regional differences. In the future, each province should formulate more precise and effective policy measures based on its own actual situation, strengthen regional cooperation and communication, and jointly promote the coupling and coordinated development of transportation infrastructure and ecological environment protection in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

Democracy Amid Pandemic: A Survey Experiment on How Covid‐19 Affectedness Influences Support for Anti‐Liberal Policies

Do people support ostensibly effective policy measures that curtail liberal rights and civil liberties or instead stick to liberal principles when confronted with an unprecedented crisis? This article examines the relationship between individuals’ perceptions of the Covid-19 pandemic and their attitudes toward democracy as they consider effective countermeasures. It asks (a) whether individuals’ sense of being affected by the pandemic shapes their attitudes toward democratic policymaking and (b) whether this relationship is moderated by trust and authoritarianism. The analysis builds on a customized survey in Austria that includes a conjoint experiment to test the acceptability of various illiberal policies. It shows that while feeling affected by Covid-19 does not have the hypothesized effect, there are strong interactions with respondents’ political attitudes. Citizens’ willingness to sacrifice democracy for more effective policies depends both on whether they perceive the pandemic as a personal problem and on their attitudes toward government and democracy.

Advancing sustainability in China by uncovering the role of eco-innovation, sustainable urbanization and financial development: evidence from novel wavelet approaches

ABSTRACT The Chinese government has faced the challenge of striking a balance between environmental sustainability and economic growth. Nevertheless, it has been recognized that sustainable development is intricately linked with economic, financial, and technological factors. Recently, the Climate Action Tracker has labeled China’s sustainability actions and policies as ‘Highly Insufficient’; thus, it is imperative to explore innovative sustainability drivers and develop effective policy measures to achieve sustainable development. Consequently, this study aims to empirically investigate the interrelationship between eco-innovation, economic growth, financial development, urbanization, and CO2 emission in China by utilizing quarterly data from 1980 to 2020, and employing Wavelet approaches for empirical analysis. The findings derived from Wavelet correlation and Wavelet coherence reveal that eco-innovation and urbanization reduce CO2 in the short- and medium-term. Conversely, financial development and economic growth increase CO2 across all frequencies from short- to long-term. The results from wavelet cohesion further corroborate the findings from wavelet coherence. Finally, the research reveals convincing evidence of feedback causality between CO2, and its underlying factors. The study recommends promoting eco-innovation, sustainable urbanization, and implementing policies that decouple financial development and economic growth from CO2 emissions to achieve long-term sustainability goals.

An enhanced transit accessibility evaluation framework by integrating Public Transport Accessibility Levels (PTAL) and transit gap

Rapid urbanization has presented many challenges, notably spatial imbalances between the transit supply and demand within cities. The inequitable distribution of transit supply, which include the transit infrastructure and services, may lead to formation of areas where transit is under provisioned. This work aims to develop an enhanced framework for measuring spatial disparities in accessing transit systems by combining established concepts of Public Transport Accessibility Levels (PTAL) and transit gap. The proposed framework incorporates PTAL as a supply indicator and transit dependent population as the demand indicator while estimating the transit gap. PTAL takes into account the intricate relationship between transit infrastructure and transit services, an aspect that was overlooked by the previous studies on transit gap. Inclusion of PTAL enhances the transit gap evaluation method by offering a deeper understanding and a holistic perspective on the transit system. We demonstrate the proposed approach with an application in Singapore. Additionally, we propose a new classification system based on PTAL and transit gap to distinguish areas where high transit gap is a result of very high demand rather than poor supply. Results show that 44.82 % of the transit dependent population in Singapore lives in high transit gap area out of which 4.69 % population stays in transit desert zones, where supply is poor, and 40.13 % lives in transit stressed zone, where demand is very high. The study also developed a simple decision framework based on PTAL and transit gap scores to suggest effective policy measures for reducing the spatial disparity in transit system accessibility. The findings from the work can aid policymakers and transport planners in land-use and transport planning of cities.

Analysis of Indirect Costs of Absence Associated with Mental Disorders on the Basis of Social Security Data (2012-2023).

Mental and behavioral disorders significantly impair psychophysical functioning, leading to challenges in daily activities. The increasing recognition of the importance of mental health in global development goals has resulted in its inclusion in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The burden of mental disorders has grown worldwide due to demographic changes, with substantial economic and social impacts. This study aimed to examine the indirect costs of mental disorders in Poland by analyzing the expenditures by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) on work incapacity benefits and disability pensions from 2012 to 2023. The goal was to identify trends, dependencies, and the economic impact of policy changes. Data were collected from ZUS reports on annual expenditures for work incapacity benefits and disability pensions. Advanced statistical methods, including linear regression and Pearson correlation, were employed to analyze trends and relationships. Student's t-tests assessed the statistical significance of the observed trends. The expenditures on benefits for work incapacity due to mental disorders increased significantly over the past decade, particularly from 2020 to 2023, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Short-term absenteeism due to mental disorders accounted for 10.5% of the total sick leave days. A strong positive correlation was found between years and benefit expenditures. Conversely, the disability pension expenditures exhibited a downward trend, potentially reflecting improvements in public health or policy changes. The significant increase in expenditures on benefits related to mental disorders may reflect greater awareness, improved diagnostics, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, the decline in disability pension expenditures could suggest improved mental health or effective policy measures. However, it is important to emphasize that the presented data are not the only factor influencing this situation. Multiple variables, including societal, economic, and healthcare system changes, contribute to these trends. Therefore, further research is necessary to fully understand the underlying causes and to guide effective policy development. Regular monitoring and continued investment in mental health are essential to managing indirect costs such as absenteeism and presenteeism efficiently.

The Evolution Of Drug Trafficking In Nigeria: Analysing Law Enforcement Strategies And Their Impact On Combating The Drug Menace

Drug trafficking remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, with complex socio-political and economic factors driving its persistence. The purpose of this paper is to examine the evolution of drug trafficking in Nigeria and evaluates the effectiveness of law enforcement strategies in combating this menace. The study adopts a qualitative research approach with semi-structured interviews with law enforcement officials and former traffickers. Thematic and narrative analyses are used to uncover the underlying themes and individual experiences that shape the drug trade and enforcement efforts. Findings reveal that while Nigeria has implemented various strategies, including legislative reforms and cross-border collaborations, the effectiveness of these measures is hindered by inadequate resources, and the adaptive strategies of traffickers. The study also highlights the need for a more integrated approach that includes community-based interventions and stronger international cooperation. By analysing the narratives of those involved and the strategies employed, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the drug trafficking landscape in Nigeria and offers insights for more effective policy and enforcement measures.

Why continuing education and professional development trainings for Black and Minority Ethnic groups (BAME) is not translating into career progression, economic growths and bridging the employment gap in the national workforce in UK

The research objective of this study is to understand why continuing education and professional development (Lifelong Learning) the UK has not delivered the expected career advancement, economic returns and closing on the employment gap for Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) population. Nevertheless, much funding has been put into such educational programs to improve the condition of the BAME community for career mobility and economic prospects, they remain prejudiced nevertheless. The purpose of this research will be to establish the causes of these disparities with particular emphasis on the system influences as well as the efficiency of the established CPD programmers. The research method of this study is of mixed nature, while qualitative study is followed by the quantitative one. The data was generated through Q<|reserved_special_token_266|> energy questionnaire survey and interviews conducted with BAME professional participants of CPD programs. Second, secondary data were collected from the governmental and organizational reports on diversity in the workforce and career advancement. in qualitative data were coded and categorized to explore the experiences of BAME people as well as measures of central tendency and dispersion were used on quantitative data in order to understand trends and co-relations. The study reveals several key outcomes: Fixed preconceptions arising out of race, scant opportunity to interact professionally, and lack of BAME personnel in dominant organizational positions ensure that BAME learners cannot advance further in their careers despite enrolling in CPD programmers. It has been established that the CPD programs are not very effective, the BAME candidates complained that the training does not make them earn a better position or get a salary increment like the white counterparts. Further, the study reveals that culture and organizations barriers and gates are among the barriers to complete inclusion and effectiveness of CPD BAME employees in their workplaces. The results have various implications for the policy-makers, educators and employers. Therefore, the current study’s findings are particularly important for policymakers to support more effective and sensitive policy measures to help BAME populations in the workplace. The authors recommend that educational institutions need to carry out changes in the content and the delivery of the CPD programs, such that they are appropriate for the BAME participants. Companies are encouraged to come up with better policies on how best to mainstream employees’ ethnicity, and how the promotion policies can be made fair and inclusive. The Authors therefore argue that while the acquisition of continuing, education and professional development are most important in career advancement, they are not in themselves adequate to either close the employment division or foster economic opportunity for BAME people in the UK. There is, therefore, a need for reforms at the system level to remove the social factors that act as hurdles to the actualization of these learning programs by BAME workers. Based on the study, the following policies, collaborative professional development, and organizational development solutions are proposed.

Current and potential materials for the low-carbon cement production: Life cycle assessment perspective

Given the carbon-intensive nature of cement production, conducting a comprehensive environmental evaluation using life cycle assessment (LCA) modeling is paramount to achieving eco-friendly cement standards. This study meticulously compiles and evaluates LCA findings from diverse analyses of current and potential supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) within the blended cement sector. It underscores the impact of the functional unit (FU) within the LCA approach, supply chain considerations, and technical and regulatory factors on the sustainability of blended cement mixtures. Most of LCAs studied herein show that integrating SCMs into the cement matrix typically reduces land use, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, thereby lowering the global warming potential (GWP) of ordinary portland cement (OPC) samples from 831 to 980 kg of CO2-eq to 768-481 kg of CO2-eq per ton of cement. However, in some instances, environmental indicators like abiotic depletion potential-elements (ADP-E) and human toxicity potential (HTP) rise due to increased mining, electricity, and transportation demand for SCMs. Regarding the environmental potential of alkali-activated cementitious materials and low-carbon clinker formulations, we found that limitations arise in fully replacing OPC due to global raw material availability constraints, rendering them economically unfavorable and impeding their widespread adoption. Among the SCMs examined in this study, clays, which are more widely available compared to industrially sourced materials like fly ash, slag, and silica fume, exhibited a more favorable environmental profile when evaluated using a mass-based FU. Incorporating compressive strength into the FU resulted in greater environmental benefits from high-strength blendedcement composites. However, this approach might lead to inaccurate results because higher strength does not always correspond to a lower environmental impact. Thus, establishing a FU that accurately reflects the environmental impact of blended cement and its composites (e.g., concrete and mortar) is crucial. Despite the potential of various pozzolanic materials to reduce clinker content in cement mixtures, their wide utilization remains restricted due to the absence of widescale market-based initiatives, green procurement strategies, and effective policy measures, which hampers their industrial and public acceptance. Consequently, governmental support is essential for developing and integrating sustainable cement solutions.

Soil degradation and herbicide pollution by repeated cassava monoculture within Thailand's conservation region.

In a national park in Northeast Thailand, agricultural land has been converted from natural forest by small-scale farmers for cassava agriculture. We hypothesise that long-termed cassava monoculture leads to the degradation of soil properties. To test the hypothesis, we conducted a five-year (2016-2020) study on the physical and chemical properties of soil in cassava farmland, and also examined the soil properties of its adjacent natural forests, as a control. The examined cassava farmland was converted from the natural forest during the five years from 2011 to 2015. The significant decrease in organic carbon and the increases in exchangeable potassium and bulk density were found in 2016, indicating that these soil properties varied quickly following the farmland conversion. On the other hand, the significant increase in soil nitrogen and the decrease in pH were found later in 2020, indicating that these soil properties were gradually altered by repeated agricultural activities, such as fertilizer application and trampling. In contrast, there were no significant differences in available phosphate, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, and the soil texture (the fractions of sand, silt, and clay) among the forest and farmland soils. The cation exchange capacity was positively correlated to the fraction of clay, the organic carbon, and pH. The use of glyphosate and paraquat herbicides is prohibited within national parks in Thailand. However, in 2020, glyphosate was detected in farmland soil (up to 5.0 mg kg-1) during both the rainy and dry seasons, and glyphosate (up to 2.5 mg l-1) was detected in stream water from the farmland during the dry season at least in 2020. Soil degradation and herbicide pollution may carry a high risk of causing irreversible changes in terrestrial ecosystems. We discuss the root causes of this issue from perspectives of agricultural production, economy, and the environmental impact, and propose effective policy measures.

INCOME INEQUALITY, ECONOMIC GROWTH, AND INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS AT THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU) LEVEL

The rising income inequality around the world and its persistence represent a social phenomenon raising concerns at all levels (global, regional and country) for governments and pose huge challenges to master it and to identify effective solutions. The aim of the paper is to provide a comparative insight at the European Union (EU) level involving 25 Member States regarding the interplay between income inequality, economic growth, and institutional quality. Gini Index sourced from World Income Inequality Database, GDP per capita series extracted from the World Bank database, and institutional indicators collected from the World Governance Indicators database represent the examined variables over the period 1990-2022. Their dynamic is comparatively analysed and discussed. The clustering method is applied to identify similarities and differences between European Union countries in terms of the interplay between income inequality, economic growth and institutional factors and to draw relevant conclusions for future effective policy measures meant to reduce inequality and to boost economic growth. The clustering analysis based on the average growth rate of income inequality and per capita GDP revealed that European Union countries are differently facing the challenge of income inequality rising. Six groups of countries with similar paths regarding the income inequality and economic growth were identified. High-income countries face low levels of income inequality but with an upward trend. Economic growth is accompanied with high levels and increasing levels of income inequality. The institutional quality level may strength the capacity of a country to address the problem of rising income inequality, but it remains unclear the interplay of institutional quality dynamic in reducing income inequality. The implications of the paper’s findings are framed in the context of the European policies.

Utilization of local corn (Zea Mays) wastes for bioethanol production by separate hydrolysis and fermentation

Maize is the second most-common crop globally. Thus, enormous maize cobs are generated annually from maize processing activities which could serve as a potential and non-edible source for biofuel production. The primary aim of this research was to assess the practicality of producing bioethanol from discarded maize cob through a distinct two-step process referred to as separate hydrolysis and co-fermentation. After a 72-hour fermentation period, the greatest ethanol yield of 66.23 ± 8.35 mL/kg was obtained. This was followed by 54.33 ± 7.27 35 mL/kg after 48 h, and 21.68 ± 2.97 35 mL/kg after 24 h. Importantly, all ethanol yields at different time points exhibited statistical significance at p < 0.05. Moreover, the study revealed a robust positive correlation (r = 0.99, p < 0.01) between glucose and Total reducing Sugars (TRS) yields, and negative correlations were observed between ethanol yield and glucose (r = -0.97, p < 0.05) as well as ethanol and TRS (r = -0.98, p < 0.05). The results indicate the potential of maize cob waste as a valuable resource for bioethanol production. Significant enhancements in operational processes are necessary to enhance the economic feasibility of producing ethanol from maize cobs. Nigeria's utilization of waste for biofuel production is bolstered by substantial policy and financial backing for renewable fuels. The economic viability of ethanol production from maize cobs relies heavily on its competitiveness relative to other waste treatment methods and the effectiveness of policy measures.

Unravelling the dynamics of child sexual exploitation material circulation on the Dark Web.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the detection of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM), with perpetrators increasingly turning to advanced encryption technologies to conceal their activities. This study delves into data from a Brazilian Federal Police operation on the Tor network, aimed at disrupting these illicit activities. We uncovered patterns indicating strong user preferences for certain content categories, suggesting the existence of distinct groups with shared interests. Additionally, our findings reveal consistent activity patterns among users, including specific 24-hour, 12-hour, and 6-hour consumption cycles. This research offers insights into the online behavior related to CSEM, providing a foundation for further investigation and the development of effective policy measures.

Government Transformation in the 5.0 Era: Challenges and Adaptation Strategies

Government Transformation in the 5.0 Era brings significant challenges that require appropriate adaptation strategies to meet increasingly complex public expectations and evolving technology. In the face of these changes, the government needs to adopt a strategy that allows people to interact directly through social media, mobile applications, and other online platforms. The government needs to prioritize investment in reliable and secure digital infrastructure to support the efficiency of public services and improve service accessibility for all levels of society. Through literature studies, this article presents an in-depth analysis of the conceptual framework and relevant findings related to government transformation. By strengthening the understanding of adaptation challenges and strategies, this article is expected to contribute to guiding effective policy measures and practices to support government transformation in the 5.0 Era. By adopting strategies, the government can overcome the challenges faced in government transformation in the 5.0 Era and take advantage of the opportunities offered by technological advances to provide better and inclusive public services for the community.

“Green” business in agricultural sector of Kazakhstan: socio-economic and environmental stability

The goal is to show the advantages and opportunities of “green” business in agriculture. One of the main directions of implementation of the Action Plan for the implementation of the Concept of transition of the Republic of Kazakhstan to “green” economy for 2021-2030 is to solve the problems of ensuring food security, increasing soil fertility, using innovative, resource-saving technologies, combating the destruction of biodiversity, etc. Methods - the article analyzed statistical data series, studied the scientific works of domestic and foreign researchers. Results - the main elements of organizing “green” activities in agricultural sector are identified and factors contributing to the expansion of the scope of ecological farming, “green” technologies, development of research projects, and creation of jobs for development of sustainable agricultural production are considered as condition for the supply of high-quality and healthy food products, maintaining a balance of renewable and non-renewable resources, minimizing harm to ecosystems. Promising directions for functioning of agribusiness during transformation to “green” economy are outlined. Conclusions - regions need to develop strategy that will improve the state of the environment and improve the level and quality of life of the population. The main principle of “green” entrepreneurship is expanding zones of organic agricultural production and increasing export of environmentally friendly products, stimulating the influx of investments, introducing certification, labeling and marketing strategies, cooperation with international organizations and research centers. For these purposes, effective and efficient public policy measures are required. Using integrated approach based on digital economy will reduce costs, increase investment attractiveness, reduce production costs and attract agricultural producers to agribusiness.

The impact of economic globalization on income inequality in middle-income countries in Asia: An empirical analysis from 2018 to 2021

This study investigates the relationship between economic globalization and income inequality in Asia during the period from 2018 to 2021. The research aims to contribute to the academic and policy debates on the impact of globalization on income inequality and to identify effective policy measures that can help mitigate the negative effects of globalization on income distribution in Asian countries. In this study, the relationship between income inequality and economic globalization is analyzed using the Random Effects Model (REM) and Generalized Least Squares (GLS) estimation to address the issues of auto-correlated errors and heteroscedasticity in the selected model. The study utilizes secondary data from the World Bank about 28 middle-income countries in Asia, spanning the period from 2018 to 2021, the International Monetary Fund, and the United Nations Development Program. The results of the study indicate that economic globalization is positively correlated with income inequality. The findings of this study provide insights and recommendations that can help policymakers, academics, and other stakeholders better understand the complex relationship between economic globalization and income inequality and identify strategies for promoting more equitable economic growth and development in Asia.

Effects of Climate Change among Smallholder Farmers in Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State, Nigeria

This research studied the effects of climate change in Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State. A quantitative method was used to gather data in this study. A questionnaire was administered to the smallholder farmers (household heads) in the study area. Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics and results show that 77.5% of the farmers agree that the temperature in the study area is increasing, 83% agree that there is an increase in drought, 76% agree that flood is increasing during the rainy season, 66% agree that there is an increase in crop infestation and diseases, 68% agree that there is excessive de-vegetation, 82.5% are of the opinion that forest resources are declining, 66.5% said that the cost of food crops is increasing, 75% agree that there is change in the livelihood of people, whilst 77.5% agree that there is rural-urban migration. The research therefore recommends that farmers in the study area be enlightened about the prospects of adaptation strategies by agricultural institutions. Finally the study suggests that effective policy measures should be taken to promote the adoption of climate change adaptation strategies.

ENHANCING PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT IN UZBEKISTAN: STRATEGIES AND IMPLICATIONS

This study explores avenues to bolster private sector development in Uzbekistan, examining the potential strategies and their implications for the country's economic growth and diversification. Through a comprehensive review of literature, policy documents, and empirical evidence, the research aims to identify key challenges and opportunities facing the private sector in Uzbekistan and propose effective policy measures to foster its growth. The study considers various factors influencing private sector development, including regulatory frameworks, access to finance, infrastructure, entrepreneurship ecosystem, and institutional reforms. Additionally, theresearch analyzes the role of international cooperation and investment in supporting private sector growth and enhancing Uzbekistan's competitiveness in the global market. By shedding light on the dynamics of private sector development, this study seeks to provide valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders involved in shaping Uzbekistan's economic trajectory.

Aging Population in Vietnam: Challenges, Implications, and Policy Recommendations

Objectives: This paper aimed to critically examine challenges of Vietnam in addressing its aging population, highlighting its status as the third fastest aging nation in ASEAN, after Singapore and Thailand. The primary goals are to grasp the impending demographic shift and offer recommendations for policymakers. Design: This study is a comprehensive review providing insights into the aging situation in Vietnam. It focused on short and long-term strategies to tackle challenges posed by the rapidly growing older adult population. It contextualized the aging issue in its socio-economic landscape. The review spanned 2020 to 2050, outlining the expected transformation in the population aged 65 years or above. Setting(s): The study has focused on Vietnam’s aging population by consolidating the secondary data sources. Participants: The study is a secondary data and hence various secondary sources have been used to analyze the data of this study. Interventions: There are no interventions used in this study. Outcome measures: Anticipated changes in the percentage of the population aged 65 years or above serve as outcome measures. This commentary projects an increase from nearly 7% in 2020 to 14% by 2035, tripling to 21% by 2050, indicating the magnitude of the aging challenge in Vietnam. Results: The present review proposes recommendations to address the aging issue, including boosting the skilled workforce, investing in technology and research and development (R&amp;D), enhancing human capital, promoting international migration, creating additional funding opportunities, and introducing social protection measures. The results section encapsulates these suggested strategies as potential solutions to identified challenges. Conclusions: Vietnam faces a significant aging challenge with a rapid increase in the older adult population. This commentary advocates for a proactive approach by policymakers. The recommended strategies, both short and long-term, aim to mitigate economic and social challenges associated with an aging population. The conclusion stresses the importance of timely and effective policy measures to ensure sustainable development amid demographic changes in Vietnam.

THE IMPACT OF DEMOGRAPHIC RESILIENCE ON THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF COUNTRIES (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE VISEGRAD GROUP COUNTRIES)

The population, its physical well-being and development is a defining feature of society, the basis of the state's strength. Taking into account demographic trends is important in shaping strategies for economic development. Understanding the impact of population changes on the labour market, consumer demand, investment climate, and population expenditures is crucial for creating a sustainable and competitive economy.The demographic resilience of a country is determined by its ability to ensure quantitative and qualitative reproduction of demographic structures at various stages of historical development. Demographic resilience is a dynamic category that changes over time, and the level of a country's demographic resilience is defined by the parameters of its functioning.The level of demographic resilience depends on trends in population reproduction and mortality, demographic dependency, migration processes, gender equality, and the development of the healthcare system. Under these conditions, the assessment of the demographic resilience of the Visegrad Group countries was carried out in the context of these specified directions, allowing for the calculation of an indicator of the level of demographic resilience for Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary.The analysis of the level of demographic resilience in the Visegrad Group countries indicates an average value. However, the analysis of reproduction and mortality indicators suggests the presence of demographic crises in these countries. Population decline, falling birth rates, and an increase in mortality rates are key characteristics of the demographic crisis. Therefore, the Visegrad Group countries need to implement effective policy measures to ensure the development and efficient use of human capital, as well as social protection for migrants, refugees, and citizens, at a sufficient level through a politically and financially stable system.

Examining the benefits and drawbacks of social media usage on academic performance: a study among university students in Bangladesh

PurposeThis research aims to explore how social media influences the academic performance of university students in Bangladesh and examines the benefits and drawbacks of its usage.Design/methodology/approachWe distributed a well-structured questionnaire among students enrolled in various programs at different universities in Bangladesh to collect data. We analyzed the data using factor analysis and regression models to uncover the impact of social media on academic performance.FindingsOur research findings demonstrate that social media plays a crucial role in facilitating communication, information sharing and content development among university students in Bangladesh. Excessive reliance on social media can lead to dependence and hinder innovation, as students tend to excessively rely on readily available resources.Research limitations/implicationsWe relied on self-reported data from a limited sample size, which may affect the generalizability of our findings.Social implicationsThis study highlights the need to promote responsible use of social media among university students in Bangladesh to enhance their academic performance. We recommend implementing effective policy measures to control and manage undesired usage patterns, foster an intellectually equipped student body and contribute to the development of a knowledgeable and successful Bangladesh.Originality/valueThis research makes a significant contribution by examining the influence of social media on academic performance among university students in Bangladesh. It proposes practical policy measures to address the drawbacks associated with excessive reliance on social media, thereby contributing to decision-making and intervention strategies for promoting responsible usage.