Equity Issues Research Articles

Cost–benefit analysis as a decision tool for effective conservation planning—The case of the Nyerere Selous‐Udzungwa wildlife corridor in Tanzania

AbstractCost benefit analysis (CBA) is used in many fields to ensure efficient allocation of scarce resources but is rarely applied in conservation. By using a common metric to evaluate projects in complex social‐ecological systems, CBA can help to maximize the impact of conservation funding. It can also help to interrogate issues of distributional equity, plan for effective community‐based conservation, and inform future research and strategic priorities. We demonstrate this using the example of the Nyerere Selous‐Udzungwa Wildlife Corridor in Tanzania, a wildlife corridor aiming to restore connectivity between two protected areas to enhance African elephant (Loxodonta africana) conservation outcomes and mitigate human–elephant conflict. We combine novel data on elephant crop depredation with crop price and productivity data, elephant valuation methods, and ecosystem service values to analyze corridor costs and benefits from contrasting global and local community perspectives. From the global perspective, we find benefits to outweigh costs by at least 4.6:1. From the communities' perspective, we find that while substantial benefits should secure buy‐in to the project, continued subsidy will be required to cover the costs. Our findings support generalized recommendations for application of CBA across diverse systems and conservation priorities.

SMARTboost Learning for Tabular Data

We introduce SMARTboost (boosting of symmetric smooth additive regression trees), an extension of gradient boosting machines with improved accuracy when the underlying function is smooth or the sample small or noisy. In extensive simulations, we find that the combination of smooth symmetric trees and of carefully designed priors gives SMARTboost a large edge (in comparison with XGBoost and BART) on data generated by the most common parametric models in econometrics, and on a variety of other smooth functions. XGBoost outperforms SMARTboost only when the sample is large, and the underlying function is highly discontinuous. SMARTboost’s performance is illustrated in two applications to global equity returns and realized volatility prediction.

Seasonal affective disorder and currency markets

AbstractHarry Markowitz is known as the grandfather of behavioral finance based on his 1952 work on utility theory. We study a behavioral issue applied to the currency market: seasonal affective disorder (SAD). As the days grow shorter (longer) in fall (spring), investors become more (less) risk averse due to changes in depression related to SAD. Our empirical results are consistent with changes in risk-taking in global equities and the associated change in currency hedging portfolios. In the spring/summer season of long daylight hours, we find evidence of greater short positions for the euro. This is consistent with investors taking more risk in global equities and adding to their currency shorts to hedge the FX exposure. Such changes in euro holdings are reversed in the season of shorter daylight hours, consistent with risky investments being reduced due to greater risk aversion so currency hedges are reduced. For currency returns, we find that the greater shorting in spring–summer is associated with currency depreciation over the season of long days. In the season of short days, currency buying associated with cutting hedging positions leads to currency appreciation. We find that the SAD influence on seasonal currency returns is much like the evidence for equity returns. Finally, we construct and backtest a SAD-inspired currency portfolio. We find that trading the spring/summer risk-on SAD effect from longer days and recovery from SAD-related depression had a decent positive risk-adjusted performance and displayed fairly consistent performance over time.

Hybrid and Blended Learning Models: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions in Education

The rise of hybrid and blended learning models has transformed educational practices, combining the strengths of in-person and online learning. This review explores recent innovations, challenges, and future directions in these models. Technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI), adaptive learning platforms, and virtual reality (VR) are reshaping the delivery of hybrid education by offering personalized learning experiences, automating assessments, and creating interactive simulations. Pedagogical shifts, including flipped classrooms and competency-based education, are becoming central to hybrid learning environments, emphasizing student-centered approaches and maximizing active engagement. The integration of microlearning and modular course design further enhances flexibility, catering to diverse learning styles and paces. Despite these innovations, significant challenges remain. Issues of equity and access persist, with underprivileged students facing barriers due to lack of internet connectivity and digital resources. Additionally, instructors face increased workloads and must adapt to new technologies, often requiring further training to manage hybrid classrooms effectively. Maintaining student engagement, particularly in asynchronous settings, also presents difficulties. The review highlights best practices, such as the use of interactive learning strategies, continuous assessment, and offering flexible learning paths to support student success in hybrid settings. Looking forward, the future of hybrid and blended learning points towards greater personalization through AI, enhanced sustainability by reducing the reliance on physical infrastructure, and the integration of immersive technologies like augmented and virtual reality. These advancements hold the potential to revolutionize hybrid learning, making education more accessible, engaging, and adaptable to a variety of learning environments.

The Social Determinants of Sexual and Reproductive Health in Integrative Sex and Couples Counseling: A Structural Competence Perspective

The Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCC; Ratts et al., 2015) call for counselors to address equity issues via social justice and advocacy. One equity issue relevant to counseling sexology is sexual and reproductive health inequities. This article applies the social determinants of sexual and reproductive health (SDSRH) to counseling sexology, specifically integrative sex and couples counseling, to address health inequities. A fictional case study incorporates the SDSRH from a cross-theoretical structural competence perspective. Future research should further elaborate SDSRH frameworks and evaluate the efficacy of their clinical applications.

Research on Equity in Early Childhood Education in Western China: A Case Study of Sichuan Province

Abstract: This article investigates the issue of equity in early childhood education in Western China through interviews with ten kindergarten principals from the region. The study reveals several factors impacting educational fairness, including a vague understanding of the concept of educational equity, a lack of equitable practices in education, and the inability to ensure equal educational opportunities. Furthermore, the region faces a severe shortage of early childhood educational resources, instability within the teaching staff, difficulty in maintaining educational quality, and a lack of communication and cooperation among kindergartens. These issues contribute significantly to the imbalance of educational opportunities, severely affecting the normal development of children and the overall quality of preschool education. To address these challenges, the article recommends enhancing policy support to improve resource allocation and optimization, increasing professional training and compensation for teachers to strengthen the practice of equity in education, and raising societal awareness about the importance of educational equity. These measures are crucial for promoting equitable and high-quality education for every child in Western China, ensuring that all children have access to equal and quality educational opportunities.

There is nothing WEIRD about basic research: The critical role of convenience samples in psychological science.

Attention to issues of sample diversity and generalizability has increased dramatically in the past 15 years, as psychological scientists have confronted the limitations of relatively homogeneous samples. Though this reckoning was perhaps overdue and has undoubtedly shined a light on some poor research practices, recommendations surrounding sample diversity are sometimes applied to research that does not aim for generalizability across peoples. In this article, I seek to promote discussion about when and why sample diversity and generalizability matter. In doing so, I address problems with language surrounding generalizability, the broader question of generalizability beyond samples, challenges for determining sufficient generalizability, and the inherent question of moderation in psychological science, given the reality of limited time and resources. I then discuss the important roles that basic research plays in understanding group differences, producing generalizable knowledge, and developing applied interventions. Finally, I address issues of equity surrounding sample diversity, emphasizing the distinction between WEIRD samples and convenience samples and the importance of convenience samples for globalizing psychological science. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Sin Tax Strategies and Sustainable Health Financing: A Global Scenario

This study examines how sin taxes are levied on products considered to be detrimental to public health, such alcohol, tobacco, and sugary foods can support sustainable health finance on a worldwide scale. The study emphasizes the multiple advantages of sin taxes by analysing how well they work to lower consumption, raise money for health programs, and enhance public health outcomes. Successful implementations and the related health effects are demonstrated by case studies from a number of nations, including Australia, Mexico, United Kingdom, South Africa, Singapore, France and Norway. The study also discusses equity issues, pointing out that sin taxes are regressive and offering solutions to lessen their negative effects on low-income groups. In the end, the results highlight how crucial customized tax arrangements, public education initiatives, and stakeholder involvement are to optimizing the advantages of sin taxes. This study adds to the continuing discussion on creative approaches to health funding and how they could promote healthier populations throughout the globe.

The Economics of Education: A Panel Data Analysis of the Impact of Gendered Human Capital on Output Growth in India

Using panel regressions, this article investigates to what extent a reduction in gender inequality in education may increase growth of output at sub-national level in India. The article finds a considerable impact of gender inequality on economic growth which is robust. Point estimates suggest that 0.58% of the growth rate is accounted for by a better gender ratio in education attainment. Given the assumption that the distribution of innate abilities among males and females is equal, it is observed that under-addressed issue of gender equity has resulted in educational inequality and further to the adverse selection of a less efficient pool of labour having a negative impact on economic growth through lowering the average quality of human capital. Gender equality is an outcome-based achievement depending upon the successful accessibility of opportunities by females thereby the issue of gender equity becomes the precondition for gender equality.

Comprehensive Exploration of CRISPR and Gene Editing Technologies: Applications, Ethical Considerations, and Future Implications in Genetic Research

CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) and other gene-editing technologies have revolutionized genetic research by enabling precise, targeted modifications of DNA sequences. This paper provides a comprehensive exploration of CRISPR technology, detailing its development, mechanism of action, and versatility in diverse applications. From advancements in medicine, including therapeutic interventions for genetic disorders, to innovations in agriculture aimed at enhancing crop resilience and yield, CRISPR's transformative potential is vast. However, the rapid evolution of gene editing presents significant ethical and societal challenges, particularly concerning human germline editing, ecological impacts, and issues of accessibility and equity. This paper examines these ethical considerations, emphasizing the need for robust regulatory frameworks and responsible scientific practices. It also projects the future trajectory of gene editing technologies, speculating on emerging trends, possible breakthroughs, and the global implications of CRISPR in fields such as personalized medicine, synthetic biology, and biotechnology. By critically analyzing current applications and addressing ethical concerns, this study aims to provide a balanced perspective on CRISPR's potential to reshape genetic research while advocating for ethical governance and public engagement in its ongoing development. CRISPR’s ability to target specific genes with high accuracy has made it an invaluable tool not only in research laboratories but also in clinical settings, where it shows promise in treating previously incurable diseases. Recent advancements have extended CRISPR’s applications beyond simple gene knockout, allowing for base editing, prime editing, and epigenetic modifications that expand the possibilities for genetic correction and enhancement. As scientists explore using CRISPR in complex organisms, the precision and control required for safe and effective treatments become a key focus, particularly in addressing off-target effects that could lead to unintended genetic consequences.

Expanding Digital Literacies Beyond the Digital: Infusing Computational Thinking into Unplugged Pedagogical Tools - Two Case Studies from Mathematics Education

Computational Thinking (CT), the conceptual foundations required for solving complex problems effectively and efficiently, is an imperative skill for today’s learners, across disciplines and across ages. As for its importance in the wide network of digital literacies, CT has been implemented in various educational contexts, however mostly via digital artifacts, specifically in programming-related activities. This approach does not fulfill the potential of such integration for promoting learning. In this paper, we argue that digital literacies should not be bound to the digital realm, and present a novel approach to fully integrate CT into learning and teaching by the development of CT-infused “unplugged” pedagogical tools that are fully embedded in the subject matter. We demonstrate the advantages to student learning of these tools in two case studies from K-12 mathematics education: 1) An assistive tool for function investigation in high-school calculus – in this case, we point out to how CT skills that were implemented in the tool promoted students’ problem solving; 2) A teaching unit for pattern sequences in elementary school – in this case, we show how students in the CT research group outperformed students in the other groups, and how they implemented CT to solve pattern sequence problems effectively and efficiently. We highlight that besides enhancing learning, this approach can help address the important issue of equity in education, and suggest ways to promote it via dedicated professional development.

“Us versus Them”: is the voice of the community heard when planning communication screening programmes for preschoolers?

ObjectivesCommunity consultation is necessary to ensure the uptake and use of community-based screening intervention to detect early childhood disabilities, as its absence can result in poor service acceptance and usage. To document stakeholders' perspectives regarding planning a community-based communication disorder (an impairment in the ability to receive, send, process and comprehend concepts or verbal, non-verbal and graphic symbol systems) screening programmes for pre-schoolers. Study designThis qualitative research design used purposive and random sampling to recruit 46 participants from eThekwini Municipality, South Africa. These stakeholders consisted of caregivers/parents of children who underwent screening for communication disorders, People who are Deaf, their parents, early childhood development practitioners, health professionals and government officials involved with children with disabilities. All participants were adults aged between 19 and 79 years, with an average age of 39.7 years. MethodsData was collected through focus group discussions and individual interviews, which were thematically analysed. ResultsThe four emergent themes were screening approaches, methods, location and personnel. Service users expected greater access to screening and reliable tests to identify problems by trained personnel at sites within the community. Service providers preferred a targeted approach to screening with parental input. Task shifting and sharing were seen as a solution to address staff shortages and provide services at health facilities, as resource constraints made it challenging to provide outreach services. ConclusionStakeholder engagement revealed diverging views between service users and providers, with implications for programme provision and uptake. There is a need for ongoing, inclusive discussion to ensure consensus during the planning stage, in order to render services that address issues of equity and accessibility for people with disabilities in marginalised communities.

Airline industry equities under external uncertainty shocks

We gauge the impact of news and other relevant external uncertainties facing airline firms via an equity market lens. Using local projections, we establish that rising investors’ fear shocks have long-lasting negative effects on airline industry equity returns, while increasing geopolitical, climate policy, and fuel cost uncertainties have comparatively short-lived impacts. Our results are robust to several alternative model specifications, including a pre-pandemic subsample. Based on our findings, we provide a promising avenue for future research in airline financial management.

Assessing Barriers and Facilitators to Participation in a Nurse-Driven, Opt-Out HIV Screening Program in the Emergency Department

Emergency department (ED) HIV screening is a key component of the strategy to end the HIV epidemic, reaching populations with limited access to care for screening and early diagnosis. Many screening programs rely primarily on participation from ED nurses; however, little is known about the factors affecting nurse participation in screening. Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted with ED nurses to explore perceptions of HIV screening, barriers and facilitators to participation, and implementation insights. Nurses were categorized as either high adopters or low adopters based on the number of HIV tests ordered 3 months prior to interviews. The Stanford Lightning Report Method, a rapid qualitative analysis approach, was used to analyze field notes. All participants generally agreed that the ED was an appropriate location for screening and that frequent, multimodal education about screening was needed. Integration of screening into standard workflows, education about the public health impact of screening, and the use of peer champions and mentors were identified as important strategies to increase participation. By incorporating these findings into implementation strategies, EDs may be able to increase nurse participation in screening, addressing important health equity issues in HIV diagnosis.

Bibliometric Analysis to Improve Combined Treatment Strategies for Glioblastoma in America

Introduction: Bibliometric analysis quantitatively examines scientific literature to extract insights. This article has conducted such analysis on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treatment articles. GBM, a prevalent brain tumor, is typically treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Objectives: The article aimed to bibliometrically analyze articles discussing combined GBM treatment to identify impactful research areas and encourage collaboration. Materials and Methods: The study encompassed a comprehensive search in the Scopus database, spanning articles published from 1974 to 2022. Inclusion criteria encompassed research conducted in the Americas, both clinical and experimental. A total of 772 articles were collected and categorized based on their primary focus on combined treatment approaches. Results: Clinical studies constituted 52% of articles, suggesting a slight dominance. The analysis unveiled key research moments, including a 1998 focus shift and a pivotal 2005 study on temozolomide- radiation combination. Top journals, trends, and authors were identified, with the USA leading in contributions. Discussions: Despite high brain tumor incidence, research distribution discrepancy is concerning. Regional epidemiological studies have been endorsed. The dominance of US and German authors in GBM collaboration has raised equity issues due to budget and GDP disparities limiting Latin American representation. Conclusion: GBM research in the region is dominated by the USA, while contributions from Latin American countries remain limited. The absence of comprehensive epidemiological studies on GBM in Latin America is concerning, considering the evident impact of the disease in the region. This underscores the urgent need for increased research participation and collaboration to advance the understanding and treatment of GBM across Latin American nations.

ESG components and equity returns: Evidence from real estate investment trusts

This study examines the relationships between the individual components of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and future stock returns of US Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). The findings demonstrate a negative association between environmental performance and expected returns, while social performance shows a positive relationship with future returns. Moreover, the study investigates whether the observed negative (positive) relationship between environmental (social) performance and equity returns can be attributed to the predictability of ESG components on future firm fundamentals or investor preferences towards different ESG components. The results indicate that environmental performance has a detrimental impact on firm fundamentals in REITs, including future profits, external financing, and stock risk. Conversely, social performance exhibits a positive association with future firm fundamentals. Institutional investors do not significantly reduce ownership to REITs with strong environmental performance but increase their ownership of REITs with strong social performance. In summary, this study highlights that the relationship between ESG and equity varies depending on the specific ESG components under consideration.

A Path Forward: A Critical Race Mixed-Methods Study of Social Justice Teacher Education

Teacher preparation programs are being called to comprehensively engage preservice teachers (PSTs) in expansive learning about equity issues beyond one “diversity” course or superficial approach. Our interdisciplinary faculty collaborative within a Midwestern predominantly-white institution met this call by implementing a Critical Social Justice Teacher Education (CSJTE) framework, redesigning three foundational PST courses around social justice. We then conducted a critical race mixed-methods (CRMM) study to measure the impact upon PSTs’ social-justice dispositions and commitments to action in their future classrooms. The results yielded findings that were both expected and unexpected and present a path forward for critical social justice work in teacher education.

Physical climate change risk and ESG green premium

ABSTRACT We build an asset pricing model that incorporates climate change risk and firms’ ESG engagement to analyse their interactive effects on equity returns. Our model shows that a firm’s ESG engagement has three channels for influencing stock returns: its direct impact on resisting climate change risk, indirect reduction in systematic risk and attraction of green preference, and the empirical evidence shows that both risk–return relation and ESG engagement are priced. We also point out an inevitably negative and convex relation between the market Sharp Ratio and stocks market beta in an economy with climate change risk.

Accessing the Impact of Policy Reforms on the Rights to Education: A Comparative Study of Emerging and Developed Economies (Nigeria and the U.S. )

This study examined the impact of education policy reforms on the right to education in emerging and developed economies, focusing on Nigeria and the United States. It analyzed how policy interventions shaped access to education, the quality of educational outcomes, and equity in both countries. The key research questions investigated the effectiveness of education reforms in improving access, addressing regional and socioeconomic disparities, and ensuring quality education. The study adopted a comparative case study methodology, analyzing secondary data, policy documents, and education statistics from both nations. Theoretical frameworks such as Human Capital Theory and a rights-based approach to education were used to evaluate the policies' impact. Findings revealed that while Nigeria made significant strides in increasing school enrollment through policies like the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program, it struggled with quality, funding, and regional disparities. In contrast, the U.S. achieved widespread access to education but faced persistent challenges related to racial and socioeconomic inequities, influenced by the shortcomings of standardized testing and uneven funding allocation. The study’s implications suggested that addressing policy implementation, funding, and equity issues is essential for advancing the right to education. Recommendations were provided to strengthen reforms, improve funding mechanisms, and promote equitable access to quality education in both contexts.

DIVING DEEP INTO FIN- TECHS: AN EXAMINATION OF ONE 97 COMMUNICATIONS LTD. (PAYTM) FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

India has seen rise in the number of the Fin -Techs as a part of Start Ups project coming up. Need to analysis the financial statements of such start ups becomes an important task as many stakeholders as being connected directly or indirectly with the company. In this study the financial statement analysis of ONE 97 COMMUNICATIONS Ltd. popularly well known as Paytm was done in the context of profitability and financial stability ratios using the data for the period of 2 years since its listing of the Stock Exchanges. Results showed that there are positive trends in the reduction of loss magnitudes and improvements in operational efficiency. It is crucial for the company to continue its efforts to enhance profitability, manage costs, and work towards achieving positive returns for both assets and equity. On side of financial stability the company has a healthy current and liquid ratio, indicating strong short-term liquidity but the position still needs to be continued for a long term to see a better and positive picture.