Government Policy Research Articles

Consumer preference and willingness-to-pay for formal recycling of electric vehicle batteries: a discrete choice experiment study

The burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market poses a substantial challenge to battery recycling systems, yet understanding EV battery recycling behavior from the demand side remains limited. Previous studies have analyzed perceptual or attitudinal factors, neglecting the observable attributes of EV battery recycling. To this end, we proposed a discrete choice model to investigate the differences between formal and informal recycling behaviors, identifying consumer preferences and willingness to pay. By analyzing 1190 sample data collected from Chongqing, China, we find that: (1) The formal recycling market exhibits greater sensitivity to prices compared to the informal recycling market. (2) The formal recycling market favors recycling by EV battery producers, whereas the informal recycling market shows the least preference for recycling by automobile producers. (3) Door-to-door recycling services are the most effective in facilitating the transition from informal to formal recycling markets for EV batteries. (4) Capacity subsidy policies outperform one-time fixed subsidy policies in incentivizing formal recycling. (5) The formal recycling market for EV batteries necessitates "traceability to the recycling outlet", as opposed to being untraceable. (6) The high-awareness group exhibits greater sensitivity to government policies compared to those with lower environmental concerns and less knowledge of EV battery recycling.

SMEs’ dependency on large corporations’ technology for sustainability in the United States

Introduction/Background: This study discusses how small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) depend on major corporations for key technology resources that support sustainability initiatives. While SMEs contribute considerably to economic development and innovation, they typically rely on bigger enterprises for access to new technology and market possibilities. This partnership gives SMEs benefits like greater operational efficiency and global market access but also creates obstacles such as budgetary limits and technical reliance. The essay explores techniques for SMEs to effectively exploit new technologies, balancing partnership with larger firms while retaining their autonomy and competitiveness in a quickly shifting business climate focused on sustainability. Materials and Methods: The materials used for this study were sourced from different databases which include scholarly journal articles, reports, and government gazette and policy papers in the areas of business, small and medium scale enterprises, entrepreneurship, management and economics. The inclusive criteria ensured that only those articles that investigated the merits and demerits of SMEs dependence on large corporation were utilised. The review of literature was conducted on 50 documents published between 2009 and 2024. Results: The findings as revealed from the reviewed literature revealed the different merits and demerits of SMEs dependence on large corporation. Case studies of Tesla, Microsoft, Walmart, and Amazon demonstrate the intricate reliance of SMEs on major firms in the United States. Tesla's reliance on SMEs for crucial components like batteries underlines the reciprocal advantages and dangers involved, since SMEs' stability rests on Tesla's performance. Microsoft helps SMEs through initiatives that stimulate innovation and technology adoption, boosting their capabilities. Walmart gives SMEs with access to huge distribution networks, enabling sales growth. Similarly, Amazon's platform gives SMEs tremendous market reach but also brings issues in competitiveness and price. Together, these instances show the potential and challenges SMEs confront in their relationships with bigger enterprises. Discussion: Encouraging supplier growth and enhancing supply chain resilience are vital for establishing a sustainable SME environment. Policymakers may promote SMEs through mentorship programs, financial aid, and tax incentives for partnership with large enterprises. Addressing financial impediments with targeted funding and boosting skills development through collaborations with educational institutions would help SMEs embrace new technology. Additionally, establishing technology-sharing activities and developing a legal framework that supports fair competition are vital. Fostering innovation among SMEs and supporting sustainable practices will eventually boost their competitiveness and contribute to broader economic and environmental goals, benefitting both SMEs and bigger organizations. Conclusion: The reliance of SMEs on big corporations provides noteworthy hurdles and possibilities that require for the adoption of effective government involvement. Through the elimination of financial obstacles, the upgrading of technical skills, the promotion of fair competition, and the encouragement of innovation and sustainability, governments may build a fair climate that enables SMEs to prosper alongside bigger firms. This approach not only allows SMEs access to resources and contemporary technology, but it also stimulates economic variety and creativity, which in turn contributes to continuous development and competitiveness in a dynamic market.

Effectiveness of government policy interventions towards enhancing access to pre-primary and primary education by street children in North Rift Kenya

An estimated 150 million children live on the streets globally, with many not enrolled in school. This growing issue requires urgent attention. UN Sustainable Development Goal 4, Target 5, aims to eliminate educational disparities for marginalized groups like street children, emphasizing the need to address prejudice in education access.The Kenyan government has developed measures to improve all children's access to education, particularly at the pre-primary and primary levels, in light of its signature on the United Nations convention. Government funding for the creation and execution of policy initiatives targeted at improving the access to education for these socially marginalised populations has been consistently large. Many street children still do not go to school though. In this regard a study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of government policy interventions towards enhancing access to pre-primary and primary education by street children. The study used mixed method research and pragmatic paradigm. By using both purposeful and random sampling, a sample size of 322 was selected. The respondents comprised of Street children, county directors of education, quality assurance officers, officers in the Department of Children Welfare, urban primary school teachers, non-governmental organisations, and community-based organisations that assist street children. Data was collected using observation guides, in-depth interviews, and questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics as well as theme analysis were used to analyse the data, respectively. The results showed a statistically significant relationship between government policy interventions and street children's access to pre-primary and primary education in North Rift Kenya; specifically, the national pre-primary education policy had a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.711, while the inclusive education policy had a coefficient of 1.0. The research additionally demonstrated the necessity of reinforcing the involvement of other relevant parties in improving street children's access to pre-primary and primary education.

Cybersecurity and defense in intelligent transportation systems

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) have become increasingly crucial for enhancing transportation networks' efficiency, safety, and security. ITS includes advanced technologies such as electronic sensors, data transmission, and intelligent control technologies, providing better driver and rider services. However, these technologies pose significant security and privacy risks, in which attackers can easily disrupt transportation systems. This paper presents a survey of the challenges with ITS, the engineering requirements, attack challenges, and related work of securing ITS. This survey also discussed the elements of ITS, including advanced traffic management systems, connected and automated vehicles, intelligent infrastructure, and integrated data analytics, as well as the role of government policies, public-private partnerships, and stakeholder engagement. The aim is to look at present security challenges associated with ITS and provide better ways to the system. which is critical for creating smart cities and increasing the importance of individual and public transportation systems.

Merenden Tedong di Mamasa: Integrasi Pendekatan Struktural dan Kultural dalam Memitigasi Konflik Sosial Keagamaan

The Mamasa community has the Merenden Tedong tradition which is rooted in customary law as an effective conflict resolution model in resolving social problems. This tradition is deeply rooted and has become a unique cultural icon in overcoming social challenges and conflicts in society. The integration of this traditional approach with a formal approach from the government has strengthened the mechanism for mitigating socio-religious conflict in social life. This article aims to describe the integration between two conflict resolution models, namely the cultural approach through customary law and the structural approach through government policy, as an effort to mitigate socio-religious conflict in Mamasa. This research used a phenomenological analysis approach involving in-depth interviews. Informants consisted of traditional leaders, community leaders, government officials and community members to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Merenden Tedong tradition as a model for conflict resolution. This research found that the integration of cultural and structural approaches in the Merenden Tedong tradition contributed significantly to mitigating social and religious conflict. Collaboration between traditional institutions and the government strengthened the role of customary law in conflict prevention, proving that an integrative approach is more effective than a unilateral model. Further research is recommended to explore the role of the younger generation in maintaining the identity of Pitu Ulunna Salu as a conflict mitigation strategy. Keywords: Merenden Tedong, Conflict Resolution, Integrative Approach, Mamasa

Nature-based solutions: estuarine restoration for water quality, seagrass and ecological improvement

Natural ecosystems are marked by complex interconnections and a high degree of resilience and adaptability. Historically many of these areas have been viewed as an obstacle to be cut down, channelized and drained for development. Such development in turn requires catchment based local stormwater management systems that do not scale with climate change and focus on only one element such as flood control or water quality. These traditional, localized approaches to water fail to take advantage of the interconnected benefits of nature-based systems and approaches to water management. These benefits include ecological uplift, enhanced habitat, eco-tourism, recreation, carbon sequestration and climate change resilience. There is a notable shift towards utilizing nature-based solutions to work with development and water management as evidenced by emerging government policy, funding and permitting requirements as well as the number of examples of recent successful projects. This paper examines one such project, a new tidal connection through the SR 60/Courtney Campbell Causeway in an estuarine area of Old Tampa Bay, Florida, United States. The connection was established to improve water quality in an area north of the causeway isolated by highway development and infill. Based on recent monitoring data, the project significantly improved water quality and ecological conditions conducive to seagrass recovery and increased biodiversity.

The impact of major infectious disease events and government relief packages on the film industry: evidence from Taiwan

This study focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on the film industry and the effectiveness of government relief policies. Taiwan was a region with a low level of infection at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), and the film industry could be maintained under government policies; therefore, this case study was conducted. Multiple regression models were used to explore the explanatory factors for movie box offices based on running size, production studios and countries, vacations, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis covered a period from September 30, 2019, to September 27, 2020, encompassing a 52-week sample of 5686 films. The results indicated that weekly box office receipts (number of tickets sold) experienced a steep decline of more than 50% despite the implementation of various relief measures. While the number of locally produced films screened diminished significantly, the number of theatres, films, and rerun films and their market share increased substantially. This suggests that although the quantity of films remained stable during the pandemic, their quality or novelty did not correspondingly improve. Key findings from the regression models included the following: (1) there is a size effect (number of theaters screening the film) on the box office; (2) box offices decrease with the number of weeks since the opening week, and films from well-known producers and major studios, as well as products from the US, Japan, and Taiwan, can have positive effects on the box office; (3) student vacations have had a positive effect; and (4) the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect.

The politics of universal health system reform in the context of COVID-19

Abstract Background Implementing universalism is more a political than a technical project. With this in mind, Ireland devised a ten-year plan through political consensus to deliver universal healthcare - Sláintecare. The COVID-19 pandemic occurred early in its implementation. Methods This is qualitative research drawing on international literature on universal health system reform in the context of COVID-19 as well as the politics of health reform. The overall research programme is co-produced with the Irish health system. A timeline and analysis of the reform journey is drawn from documentary analysis of key policy documents, parliamentary reports and key informant interviews. Results Despite a policy commitment since 2005, universal healthcare implementation only became government policy in Ireland 2018. While whole system reform and implementation progress has been slow, the COVID-19 health system response boosted aspects of universalism and reform. All COVID-related services during the pandemic were universal, free at the point of delivery, as are most new services introduced since 2021. Despite the political consensus holding through a change government and the pandemic, and significant additional investment in the public health system, there remain many obstacles to reform. These include different stakeholder understanding of implementing universalism in Ireland especially in the context of COVID-19, how best to implement universal healthcare and the politics of delivering reform. Conclusions Contrary to other countries’ experience during COVID, Ireland pursued its policy aim of delivering universalism and expanded services provided universally, free at the point of delivery, with a focus on enhanced community care. The universalism applied to COVID-related prevention and care, new women’s health and chronic disease management services. Despite progress, government has yet to legislate for a universal entitlement to care and obstacles to reform implementation remain.

Energy Price Distortions and Urban Carbon Emission Efficiency: Evidence from China’s Energy-Intensive Sectors

With a primary focus of achieving carbon neutrality, the energy-intensive industrial sectors (EIIs) contribute to more than half of China’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. During the process of China’s rapid economic development, distorted energy prices gradually became the main obstacle to energy conservation and emission reductions in the EIIs. Therefore, this study focused on determining the mechanisms affecting the energy price distortions of carbon emission efficiency (CEE) in China’s EIIs. Based on a stochastic frontier analysis, the changing trend of CEE in China’s EIIs was evaluated. The channels impacting the energy price distortions of CEE were further analyzed by a mediating effect and moderated mediating effect model. The main contributions and findings include the following: energy price distortions have a significant negative impact on CEE by suppressing technological innovations and hindering the restructuring of energy consumption; governmental environmental regulatory policies mitigate their suppressing effect on technological innovations and reduce the preventing effect by improving the energy consumption structure. The results suggest that market-based price reforms and moderate environmental regulation by the government could help to improve CEE in China’s EIIs. These findings are of great significance for promoting the sustainable development of the energy-intensive industrial sectors and achieving carbon neutrality.

No reimbursement policy and implantable loop recorders in the real world setting

Abstract Background Prolonged heart rhythm evaluation is indicated in patients with suspected arrhythmias. Routine electrocardiographic Holter monitoring is often associated with poor adherence and may lead to little to no clinically relevant findings. Implantable loop recorders (ILRs) are small, subcutaneous cardiac devices providing semi-continuous electrocardiographic recording. Despite strong evidence supporting their effectiveness, ILRs are yet to be fully reimbursed by the National Health Fund- the public insurer in Poland. Purpose We aimed to investigate the feasibility, as well as the diagnostic yield of ILRs in a real world setting of a tertiary cardiovascular center. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data of consecutive patients admitted for ILR implantation between March 2013 nad November 2023. Hospitalization and procedural costs were covered by the clinic's statutory and hospital funds and not by the National Health Fund, the public payer. All patients were remotely monitored for device follow-up. Baseline demographic characteristics, as well as data regarding observation period, clinical outcomes and safety were collected. Results Data for 51 ILR implants in 50 patients was assessed. Insertion success rate was 100% on first attempt with no complications. Mean age was 54,43 ±18,56 years old. 52,94% of patients were female. Coronary artery disease was present in 21,57% patients, hypertension in 50,98%, diabetes in 13,73%. The indications for ILR implantation were unexplained syncope (n= 42; 82,35%), palpitations (n= 16; 31,37%), ischemic stroke of unknown origin (n= 6; 11,76%), monitoring of ventricular arrhythmia (n= 2; 3,92%). Mean time between occurrence of first symptoms and ILR implantation was 80,86 ±112,95 months. Mean monitoring period was 1067,62 ±668,89 days. 23 (45,1%) patients had an actionable event detected. Mean time to clinical outcome was 190,34 ±514,85 days. Based on the obtained recordings, in 13 (25,49%) patients a cardiac electronic device was implanted and 6 (11,76%) underwent an electrophysiological procedure. Time to intervention was 435,17 ± 542,9 days and 338,8 ± 273,44 days, respectively. ILR prompted medication modification in 14 (27,45%) patients. Antiarrhythmic drugs were modified in 6 (11,76%) patients. Oral anticoagulation was initiated in 3 (5,88%) patients. Mean time to any pharmacotherapy modification was 654,68 ± 604,32 days. Skin infections occurred in 2 patients, leading to early device removal. Conclusions This is the first study to present a comprehensive evaluation of ILR patients in Poland, along with a substantial observation period. We report a high prevalence of treatable cardiac conditions in patients with previous unsuccessful diagnostic work up. In the light of the upcoming favourable changes in governmental healthcare policy, demonstrating evidence supporting ILR application in everyday clinical practice is crucial for advocating their wider utilization and reimbursement.

The Phenomenon of School Dropouts in the Pujut, Mandalika SEZ: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis from the Perspective of Education Actors and Society

The development of the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Pujut district, while driving economic growth, has raised concerns about declining school interest and high dropout rates among local students. This qualitative study, employing interpretive phenomenological methods, explores the experiences and perceptions of education actors, including the vice principal for student affairs, counseling guidance teachers, Mongge madrasah teachers, and the Head of Sukadana Village, to understand the underlying factors. Findings reveal economic constraints as a primary cause of dropout, with many students from low-income families unable to afford education. Early marriage, particularly among female students, is another significant factor influenced by economic, social, and cultural pressures. Additionally, broken homes, unsupportive social environments, the negative influence of social media, and a lack of motivation contribute to the problem. Schools have responded with counseling, parental engagement, and restrictions on mobile phone use. However, deeper issues like early marriage and broken homes necessitate broader interventions involving government policies and socio-cultural change. This research illuminates the complexity of school dropout in the Mandalika SEZ and highlights the need for a comprehensive approach engaging all stakeholders to ensure educational access and success for all students.

Co-producing evidence to inform universal health coverage implementation in Ireland: 2019-2024

Abstract Background In 2017, Ireland’s parliamentary health committee published a ten-year health reform plan, entitled Sláintecare, with the aim of delivering universal healthcare. Endorsed by government in 2018, progressing Sláintecare remains government policy in 2024. In 2019, Prof Burke was awarded public funding to co-produce knowledge for the design and implementation of the regions, a key aspect of Sláintecare. In 2020, with the arrival of COVID-19, regional reform was paused and the research pivoted to capture the learning from the COVID-19 health system response to inform Sláintecare. In 2022/3, the research returned to focus on the regions. Methods Foundations’ research resulted in 14 peer-reviewed publications between 2019 and 2023. These were mixed-methods using qualitative and quantitative data and analysis. Coproduction with health system leaders that were devising and implementing the regions and the COVID-19 health system response underpinned the research. Results There are 14 academic publications from the Foundations Research (2019-2023). At the core of co-production is trust and good working relationships. Co-producing research with senior policy makers and implementers has benefits and drawbacks. The benefits include access to resources and data and that the data and knowledge generated are more likely to be adopted. Drawbacks include control over areas researched, denial of access to data and lack of openness to research findings. Producing controversial findings, unpopular with government, minister or health system leaders can also lead to difficulties for the research team. Discussion/conclusions Details of the coproduction process with senior health system and policy leaders will be presented. It will detail specific examples of the research which were initiated by the health system and those that came from the academic research team. It will give examples of how the research influenced the policy making and implementation processes. Key messages • Co-producing research between academics and health system and policy leaders leads to better use of evidence. • Trust and good workign relationships are key to co-producing research that is used in policy making and implementation processes.

Parental concerns about the risks associated with harmful industries for their children

Abstract Background Harmful industries including tobacco, vaping, alcohol, and gambling are causing significant harms to communities, including children and young people. These industries try to resist reform by deflecting blame and shifting responsibility, often by suggesting that parents need to educate and protect their children. This study aimed to explore parents’ current concerns and risks relating to these industries and their children, and their attitudes about responses to prevent harm. Methods Australian parents (n = 455) who had at least one child aged between 11-17 years were invited through a panel company to complete an online qualitative survey. Participants were asked about their concerns and risks relating to each product, if and what they discuss about these products with their children, and who was responsible for protecting children from these industries. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results Parents were concerned about the short- and long-term consequences of their children engaging in these products. Many parents tried to talk to their children about the risks, however also believed that their child was influenced by their peers, and messages they see on social media. Although parents recognised their own role in protecting their children from harmful industries, they thought that a collective approach was needed, which included greater regulations and more effective education. Conclusions Parents are trying their best to protect their children from the harms associated with tobacco, vaping, alcohol, and gambling. However, they feel as though they are unable to counter the range of ways that their children are exposed to and influenced by these industries. Governments need to listen to parents and implement comprehensive regulations restricting marketing practices and increase evidence-based education that focuses on the tactics and harmful practices of these industries. Key messages • Harmful industries try to shift blame and put responsibility for protecting children onto parents. However, parents feel they are unable to counter the positive messages that their children see. • Parents are concerned about the range of risks these products could have for their children and want to see a collective response to address this issue, including government policy intervention.

Current status of the Food Security system in Mongolia new policies, and expected outcomes

The national food security system in our country is not established well and continues to remain weak. Failures within the system have caused malfunctions and distortions in government policy implementation, leading to unexpected policy shifts. These faults are the main causes of time loss, inter-agency misunderstandings, lack of coordination, information flow deficiencies, and a shortage of skilled human resources. These issues can have a negative impact on food security in Mongolia, resulting in the shortfall of government policy implementation. Coordination of food security activities among government organizations in Mongolia has been unsatisfactory due to the weak system. Government services have not adequately reached organizations at the middle and primary levels in the Mongolian rural provinces. This research paper aims to evaluate the national food security situation based on policies in Mongolia's food sector over the past decade, their implementation, encountered problems, and involved stakeholders. The research findings show that our country's food security system is not well-established, leading to compromised food security, highlighting the urgent need for developing necessary legal and policy documents to effectively implement state food security policy.

A comprehensive analysis of India’s electric vehicle battery supply chain: barriers and solutions

This study investigates challenges and solutions for India’s battery supply chain in the growing electric vehicle (EV) market. Key obstacles include raw material dependency, supply chain complexity, production costs, environmental impacts, rapid technological changes, and skilled workforce shortages. Methods involve reviewing current supply chains, evaluating government policies like the FAME and PLI schemes, and analyzing strategic partnerships with countries rich in lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Results show heavy reliance on imports exposes India to geopolitical risks and price volatility, while a fragmented supply chain hinders coordination and quality control. Establishing gigafactories is crucial but requires substantial investment. The study recommends enhancing domestic production, securing raw materials through exploration and international partnerships, investing in R&D for advanced technologies and alternative chemistries, and developing a skilled workforce through specialized training. Implementing these strategies will ensure a robust and sustainable battery supply chain, supporting EV market growth and positioning India as a leader in electric mobility. Further research should focus on long-term environmental impacts and the economic implications of a localized supply chain.

Evaluation of Managerial Economics Applications Strategy using the SPSS Method

Managerial Economics is an economy branch is, this economic theory and size using methods solve real-world managerial problems. It helps businesses and organizations make informed decisions by using economic analysis. Here are some common applications of managerial economics: Demand Analysis and Forecasting: Businesses use managerial economics to understand consumer behavior and forecast future demand for their products or services. This involves studying factors that affect demand, such as price, income levels, and consumer preferences. Production and Cost Analysis: Managerial economics helps businesses optimize production processes and minimize costs. It involves analyzing production functions, cost structures, and economies of scale to determine the most efficient way to produce goods or services. Pricing Strategies: A product or the right price for the service It is up to a company to decide Crucial to profitability. Managerial economics helps businesses set prices by considering factors like production costs, competition, and consumer willingness to pay. Market Structure Analysis: Understanding the type of market, a company operates in (e.g., perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly) is essential for making strategic decisions. Managerial economics helps analyses market structures and determine appropriate strategies for each. Risk and Uncertainty Analysis: Businesses often face uncertainty in various aspects, such as demand fluctuations, production costs, and market conditions. Managerial economics provides tools to assess and manage risks, including techniques like decision tree analysis and expected value calculations. Capital Budgeting and Investment Analysis: Managerial economics assists in evaluating investment opportunities and capital projects. It involves methods Payback period analysis of investments. Regulatory and Government Policy Analysis: Managerial economics helps businesses understand and navigate government regulations and policies that affect their operations. This can include areas like taxation, environmental regulations, and trade policies. Strategic Planning: Using economic analysis, businesses can develop long-term strategies for growth and sustainability. This may involve assessing market trends, competitive dynamics, and potential expansion opportunities. Game Theory and Competitive Strategy: Managerial economics incorporates game theory to analyze strategic interactions between competitors. It helps businesses formulate optimal strategies in competitive environments. Resource Allocation: Efficient allocation of resources, including labor, capital, and technology, is crucial for a company's success. Managerial economics provides tools to distribute funds in a manner that optimisesoverall productivity and profitability. Demand Analysis and Forecasting, Production and Cost Analysis, Pricing Strategies, Market Structure Analysis, Risk and Uncertainty Analysis, Capital Budgeting and Investment Analysis and Regulatory and Government Policy Analysis. The Cranach’s Alpha Reliability result. The overall Cranach’s Alpha value for the model is .744 which indicates 74% reliability. From the literature review, the above 50% Cranach’s Alpha value model can be considered for analysis.

Is taxation a curse or a blessing? The case of Turkiye

This study aims to reveal whether taxes are blessings or curses based on the distinction between direct and indirect taxes. As in the past, taxation is an indispensable instrument of government policy in today’s modern state administration models. Since taxation is an inevitable phenomenon, designing an effective and efficient tax policy is an important decision process in economic development. This study will serve as a source for formulating an effective fiscal policy. Within the scope of the study, 1998/Q1 period and 2023/Q2 quarterly data for Turkiye are used. The tax curse hypothesis is analyzed using Prais-Winsten and Cumulative Fourier-frequency Toda & Yamamoto Test methods. In addition, the long-run performance of the relationship between the variables used in the model was evaluated by Wavelet Transform Coherence (WTC) analysis. The results of the analysis reveal that direct taxes have a negative impact on economic growth and thus the tax curse hypothesis is valid, while there is no tax curse in terms of indirect taxes. The study also reveals that direct taxes have a devastating effect in economies that are in the middle of the economic growth process and have a high growth rate, but this effect is not permanent and disappears after a while. The results are important in terms of guiding the formulation of government policies and the formulation of effective tax policies, especially for developing countries.

Understanding the Indian Government’s Intentions Toward CeFi, DeFi, Cryptocurrencies, Share Market, Mutual Funds, Gold, and Fixed Deposits

This paper explores the Indian government’s stance and evolving regulatory landscape regarding various financial instruments, such as centralized finance (CeFi), decentralized finance (DeFi), cryptocurrencies, share market, mutual funds, gold, and fixed deposits. It examines the current frameworks and regulations, and how government policies are shaping each financial avenue. By analyzing the different approaches toward traditional and modern financial systems, this paper highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by the Indian financial ecosystem, particularly in the context of cryptocurrencies and DeFi.

Factors that Influence the Use of Facebook in Service Delivery: A Case of Kisumu County Government, Kenya

Organisational communication needs to be effective for organisations to meet their objectives. This study examined Facebook as a communication tool for enhancing government service delivery in Kisumu County. It sought to determine the factors that influence the use of Facebook in service delivery in Kisumu County. The study used a descriptive research design. The population was 307,702 members of the public in Kisumu town. The Krejcie and Morgan tables was used to get the sample size. This study employed mixed methods in data collection which includes administered 399 questionnaires to service seekers and 5 interview guides to service providers in the county. Data analyses involved the utilization of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 26). Descriptive statistics was used to analyze quantitative data, while for qualitative data, a thematic analysis approach was applied, where responses were grouped into themes and sub themes and analyzed Facebook's role in the County Government of Kisumu service delivery was influenced by factors like internet penetration, demographic information, infrastructure, government policies, and economics. This study recommends that the County Government of Kisumu should develop comprehensive initiatives aimed at expanding internet coverage and improving connectivity, especially in underserved areas.

Dynamic role of medium- and high-tech industries and environmental policy stringency in environmental sustainability: fresh insights from Dynamic Seemingly Unrelated Regression (DSUR) analysis.

Since the last two decades, carbon neutrality has become a primary target of all economies. Governmental environmental policies stand as the most potent tools in the arsenal when it comes to tempering the effects of climate change. Fostering the adoption of green energy sources and embracing energy efficiency principles may assume an essential role in upholding the standard of ecological integrity. The primary objective of this inquiry revolves around the meticulous analysis of the intricate interplay between economic growth, the trajectory of industrialization, the up-gradation of industrial sector structure, the integration of green energy paradigms, and the implementation of energy efficiency strategies and environmental policies in the frame spanning from 2000 to 2019. To tackle the matter of cross-sectional dependency and heterogeneity, second-generation cointegration estimators, Dynamic Seemingly Unrelated Regression (DSUR) and Augmented Mean Group (AMG), were employed to estimate long-run relationships. The consequences of DSUR and AMG indicate that while economic and industrial growth contributes to environmental degradation, renewable energy usage, and medium-high-tech industries mitigate the carbon emissions in selected countries. Further study results suggest that energy intensity positively impacts environmental degradation, which means energy efficiency helps mitigate CO2 emissions in these countries. This study also reveals that the degree of stringency in environmental policy negatively affects CO2 releases in the selected nations. Consequently, our study recommends the enhancement of the stringency of environmental policies, promoting environmentally friendly energy usage, the efficient use of energy, and the advancement of industries into medium-high-tech industries as effective ways to mitigate climate change in specific developing countries.