Competitive Growth Research Articles

The impact of green trade barriers on China’s photovoltaic products exports to ASEAN

In the context of the global push towards a green economy, this research investigates the impact of green trade barriers on the export trade volume of Chinese photovoltaic products to ASEAN from 2010 to 2021. The strong evidence indicates that green trade barriers have a positive effect on improving the export trade volume of Chinese photovoltaic products to ASEAN. This conclusion remains robust through multiple robustness tests, including excluding data from pandemic-affected years and the only developed country Singapore. Moreover, the impact of green trade barriers varies with exchange rate levels and language environments. In countries with higher exchange rates and countries with different official languages, the positive effect of green trade barriers on trade is more significant. In contrast, in countries with the same official language, green trade barriers have a negative effect on improving the trade volume. Additionally, higher levels of renewable energy consumption diminish the beneficial effect of TBT on photovoltaic trade, and CO2 emissions lessen the detrimental effect of TBT on photovoltaic trade. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, suggesting that align with international standards, provide differentiated technical assistance and adopt transparent trade rules when formulating green trade barriers to better support the competitiveness and export growth of Chinese photovoltaic products in the international market.

Некоторые основные проблемы экономического развития современной России

The work provides assessments of trends and factors of economic growth in modern Russia. The research was carried out on the basis of constructing econometric models using Rosstat data. Research results show that the main trends in economic development consisted of a decrease in the rate of economic growth and the rate of growth in labor productivity. The main factor of economic growth was the growth of labor productivity. There were no significant trends in changes in the growth rate of employment and the growth rate of accumulated fixed capital. The growth in labor productivity was achieved, to a large extent, due to an increase in the capital intensity of production. The basis for economic development was largely an ineffective archaic mechanism, the mechanism for the formation of an industrial economy. Employment growth had a negative impact on economic growth rates. The results obtained indicate that the most important factors of competitiveness and economic growth - human capital and new technologies - are insufficiently and ineffectively used. They did not ensure an increase in labor productivity due to investing in outdated technologies, attracting workers who do not have high qualifications, which is due to a decline in the quality of education and a reduction in the scale of scientific research and development. Education has largely lost its function of forming human capital. The research and development system does not sufficiently serve as a source of new technologies. The identified problems are obviously due to shortcomings in economic policy, shortcomings in financial management and investment processes, insufficient funding and ineffective management of the education system, research and development.

The Imperative of Standardized Comparative Standards for Sustainable Growth and Global Competitiveness in Islamic Finance

The Imperative of Standardized Comparative Standards for Sustainable Growth and Global Competitiveness in Islamic Finance

Increasing the Manifestation of the Sustainable Development Principles in Logistics Organizations

The logistics sector is increasingly pressured to integrate sustainable development principles to align with their corporate goals. This paper reviews theoretical and practical frameworks of the logistics industry to examine how service providers in the sector can achieve a balanced economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Businesses are purposely created to maximize profits; however, increased awareness of corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability has made them to look beyond that. Logistics service providers that adopt sustainable practices stand to benefit from long-term cost savings, improved brand reputation, and enhanced stakeholder relationships. Performed research leads us to point out that IoT, big data and blockchain are a some of the digital enablers that improve sustainability. Such advancements are necessary to minimize carbon emission, enhance the transparency of supply chain, and minimize negative effects on environment. At the same time, the literature analyzes emphasizes the fact that collaboration between various actors also contributes to the creation of incentives for achieving the goal of creating sustainable logistics systems. The literature points to stakeholder theory whose focus is on the issues of transparency, cooperation, and novelty in managing supply chains. The model gives a structure for achieving business objectives of generating returns without considering environmental and social factors. Obtained results also highlights those policies such as tax incentives given to companies that meet environmental standards weigh in greatly. Such measures have the potential to steer the logistics sector towards more sustainable operations with a corresponding competitiveness and economic growth. However, it is important to point out that more radical changes are required for reaching the desired state of sustainable development. Consequently, continuous investment in sustainable technologies, supportive government policies, and stakeholder collaboration are key to fostering a profitable logistics industry

The Influence of Social, Labor and Economic Potential on the Growth of Competitiveness of Organizations

The Influence of Social, Labor and Economic Potential on the Growth of Competitiveness of Organizations

Generation of Barcode-Tagged Vibrio fischeri Deletion Strains and Barcode Sequencing (BarSeq) for Multiplex Strain Competitions.

Vibrio fischeri is a model mutualist for studying molecular processes affecting microbial colonization of animal hosts. We present a detailed protocol for a barcode sequencing (BarSeq) approach that combines targeted gene deletion with short-read sequencing technology to enable studies of mixed bacterial populations. This protocol includes wet lab steps to plan and produce the deletions, approaches to scale up mutant generation, protocols to prepare and conduct the strain competition, library preparation for sequencing on an Illumina iSeq 100 instrument, and data analysis with the barseq python package. Aspects of this protocol could be readily adapted for tagging wild-type V. fischeri strains with a neutral barcode for examination of population dynamics or BarSeq analyses in other species. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Production of the erm-bar DNA Basic Protocol 2: Generation of a targeted and barcoded deletion strain of V. fischeri Alternate Protocol: Parallel generation of multiple barcode-tagged V. fischeri deletion strains Basic Protocol 3: Setting up mixed populations of barcode-tagged strains Basic Protocol 4: Performing a competitive growth assay Basic Protocol 5: Amplicon library preparation and equimolar pooling Basic Protocol 6: Sequencing on Illumina iSeq 100 Basic Protocol 7: BarSeq data analysis.

Genetic mechanism and petroleum geological significance of calcite veins in organic-rich shales of lacustrine basin: A case study of Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation in Songliao Basin, China

Based on the observation and analysis of cores and thin sections, and combined with cathodoluminescence, laser Raman, fluid inclusions, and in-situ LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating, the genetic mechanism and petroleum geological significance of calcite veins in shales of the Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation in the Songliao Basin were investigated. Macroscopically, the calcite veins are bedding parallel, and show lenticular, S-shaped, cone-in-cone and pinnate structures. Microscopically, they can be divided into syntaxial blocky or columnar calcite veins and antitaxial fibrous calcite veins. The aqueous fluid inclusions in blocky calcite veins have a homogenization temperature of 132.5–145.1 °C, the in-situ U-Pb dating age of blocky calcite veins is (69.9±5.2) Ma, suggesting that the middle maturity period of source rocks and the conventional oil formation period in the Qingshankou Formation are the sedimentary period of Mingshui Formation in Late Cretaceous. The aqueous fluid inclusions in fibrous calcite veins with the homogenization temperature of 141.2–157.4 °C, yields the U-Pb age of (44.7±6.9) Ma, indicating that the middle-high maturity period of source rocks and the Gulong shale oil formation period in the Qingshankou Formation are the sedimentary period of Paleocene Yi'an Formaiton. The syntaxial blocky or columnar calcite veins were formed sensitively to the diagenetic evolution and hydrocarbon generation, mainly in three stages (fracture opening, vein-forming fluid filling, and vein growth). Tectonic extrusion activities and fluid overpressure are induction factors for the formation of fractures, and vein-forming fluid flows mainly as diffusion in a short distance. These veins generally follow a competitive growth mode. The antitaxial fibrous calcite veins were formed under the driving of the force of crystallization in a non-competitive growth environment. It is considered that the calcite veins in organic-rich shale of the Qingshankou Formation in the study area has important implications for local tectonic activities, fluid overpressure, hydrocarbon generation and expulsion, and diagenesis-hydrocarbon accumulation dating of the Songliao Basin.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES OF MICROQUALIFICATIONS AS AN EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PRINCIPLE OF CONTINUITY OF EDUCATION IN THE PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY OF A MODERN UNIVERSITY TEACHER

The article analyses the introduction of educational programmes of microqualifications as an effective tool for implementing the principle of continuing education in the professional activities of university teachers. Special attention is paid to how microqualifications contribute to the development of competences and adaptation of teachers to the changing requirements of the educational environment. Examples of their use in the practice of higher education institutions are presented, and the impact on improving the quality of teaching and competitiveness of staff is assessed. The relevance of the study is conditioned by rapid changes and new challenges faced by the system of higher education in Kazakhstan. In the conditions of reforming the educational system of the country and the growth of international competition, the integration of microqualification programmes as a strategic approach to the continuous professional development of teachers is of particular importance. The aim of the study is to identify the key challenges and prospects for the development of microqualifications based on the analysis of global and regional educational trends. The paper uses the methods of strategic analysis, as well as comparative-historical approach, which allowed to identify opportunities and threats affecting the development of this system in Kazakhstan. Special attention is paid to the strengths and weaknesses of educational programmes, as well as their compliance with modern standards. As a result of the study, recommendations for successful integration of microqualifications into the strategies of HEIs are proposed. Special attention is paid to the creation of strategic partnerships, continuous monitoring of changes in the educational environment and ensuring the high quality of programmes in accordance with international standards. Prospects for the development of microqualifications in Kazakhstan include the development of supra-subject competences and a balance between digital and traditional teaching methods to meet the needs of the target audience and ensure professional development of teachers.

Enhancing Higher Education Sustainability Through Quality Management Models

Higher education, as part of the service sector, faces significant challenges in managing its systems effectively. To remain competitive and foster growth, private universities require sustainable models that enhance their quality and operational efficiency. This research explores sustainability models for private universities by conducting field surveys and distributing online questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The descriptive analysis highlights key demographic and behavioral characteristics of the respondents, while SEM reveals relationships and factors influencing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Results show that planning, governance, and administration significantly impact education quality, which directly influences the sustainability of private universities. The study also finds that the roles of students, alumni, reputation, and cooperation are crucial in maintaining long-term institutional sustainability. These findings offer practical insights for improving education quality and formulating strategies for private universities to achieve sustainable development.

Training on Preparation of Simple Financial Statements and Marketing Strategies for Cendol "Men Tablen"

Business in the cendol sector opens up economic opportunities for many housewives to increase their family income. With relatively small capital and flexible working hours, many mothers can get involved in the cendol business as a way to support their family's financial needs. Through community service activities, cendol MSMEs receive education and training that helps them understand and apply modern marketing strategies, so that they can increase their competitiveness and business growth. The first obstacle is limited capital so that the production process is still limited. Second, this group has never made a financial report so that the development of the business or performance of this group cannot be known. Third, the distribution and marketing of products are still carried out conventionally. Partners do not yet have a qualified marketing strategy, resulting in the coverage of the product market share being very minimal. The advancement of digital technology in the era of globalization without being balanced by the ability to utilize advances in science and technology has hampered business development. The conclusion of the implementation of this community service is 1) Cendol Men Tablen UMKM does not yet have adequate financial transaction records, as well as the desire to expand market share, 2) Socialization related to marketing strategies based on Marketing Mix is considered appropriate to the needs of partners, and 3) Cendol Men Tablen UMKM experiences difficulties in meeting the needs of production support facilities due to limited capital.

Microscale insights into enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation in rock-based microfluidic chips

Biomineralisation technology shows promise for sealing subsurface fractures, but understanding its microscale mechanisms in real rock fractures remains incomplete. In this study, a microfluidic chip incorporating real rock slices was utilised to conduct enzymatically induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) experiments using a one-phase continuous injection strategy. Real-time observations revealed grey flocs forming and clustering into aggregates susceptible to transport by flow. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) crystals that formed on rock and polydimethylsiloxane surfaces effectively filled and bridged fractures, leading to a significant pressure drop. Rough surfaces can provide additional sites for solute attachment and heterogeneous nucleation of calcium carbonate. High velocities and small apertures generally promoted floc formation and reduced crystal growth. Precipitation content gradually increased with a decreasing rate. Lower estimated precipitation efficiency was obtained in smaller, high-flow fractures. Precipitates on rock interfaces induced eddies and significant pressure drops within narrow pore throats. Crystal growth displayed a two-stage development: an initial increase followed by a decrease, varying across different facets (the surfaces or orientations of the growing crystals). Growth competition will occur when two or more neighbouring crystals come into contact with diverse grain orientations. The findings provide valuable microscale insights into microscale processes governing EICP within real rock fractures, contributing to evaluation of its efficacy in subsurface fracture sealing applications.

A hybrid BWM–CRITIC–VIKOR approach for assessing oil and gas risk scenarios in probabilistic linguistic term set

The oil and gas industry plays a crucial role in supporting energy supply and economic development. Mitigating risks in oil and gas projects is essential for reducing decision-making uncertainties, optimizing resource allocation, and fostering the competitiveness and sustainable growth of enterprises. Therefore, evaluating decision-making risks in the oil and gas sector is of significant practical importance. This paper proposes a comprehensive approach based on the BWM–CRITIC–VIKOR multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) evaluation model. An evaluation index system encompassing six critical dimensions—technology, economics, environment, security, societal impact, and political factors—is established. To enhance assessment precision, the AHP interval estimation method is employed to identify and eliminate indicators with low contributions. Subsequently, the probabilistic linguistic term set (PLTS) is introduced into the best–worst method (BWM) and CRITIC methods to calculate the weights for each index. This approach helps to circumvent the subjectivity inherent in single subjective weighting methods. To evaluate and rank alternatives, the PLTS is used as an evaluation linguistic tool within the VIKOR framework. Finally, this methodology is applied to decision-making in the oil and gas industry, and its effectiveness and superiority are compared with the AHP–TOPSIS method and the BWM–CRITIC method.

Phase-Field Simulation and Dendrite Evolution Analysis of Solidification Process for Cu-W Alloy Contact Materials under Arc Ablation

Cu-W alloys are widely used in high-voltage circuit breaker contacts due to their high resistance to arc ablation, but few studies have analyzed the microstructure of Cu-W alloys under arc ablation. This study applied a phase-field model based on the phase-field model developed by Karma and co-workers to the evolution of dendrite growth in the solidification process of Cu-W alloy under arc ablation. The process of columnar dendrite evolution during solidification was simulated, and the effect of the supercooling degree and anisotropic strength on the morphology of the dendrites during solidification was analyzed. The results show that the solid–liquid interface becomes unstable with the release of latent heat, and competitive growth between dendrites occurs with a large amount of solute discharge. In addition, when the supercooling degree is 289 K, the interface is located at a lower height of only 15 μm, and the growth rate is slow. At high anisotropy, the side branches of the dendrites are more fully developed and tertiary dendritic arms appear, leading to a decrease in the alloy’s relative density and poorer ablation resistance. In contrast, the main dendrites are more developed under high supercooling, which improves the density and ablation resistance of the material. The results in this paper may provide a novel way to study the microstructure evolution and material property changes in Cu-W alloys under the high temperature of the arc for high-voltage circuit breaker contacts.

A model for standardizing Nigerian SMEs: Enhancing competitiveness through quality control

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role in Nigeria's economic development, contributing significantly to employment, innovation, and gross domestic product (GDP). However, Nigerian SMEs face persistent challenges that hinder their growth and global competitiveness, particularly a lack of standardisation and inadequate quality control. This review proposes a comprehensive model for standardizing Nigerian SMEs, focusing on enhancing competitiveness through robust quality control mechanisms. The model is built on four key components: the development of a sector-specific quality control framework, government and institutional support, technology integration, and collaboration within SME clusters. By implementing industry-specific standards and providing training programs, SMEs can align their products and services with global benchmarks, increasing their potential for international market penetration. The model emphasizes the need for government incentives and regulatory bodies to foster adoption while encouraging the use of digital tools to monitor quality in real-time. Additionally, public-private partnerships are recommended to drive technology transfer, making quality control more affordable and accessible. The proposed model also promotes collaboration among SMEs through networking and knowledge sharing, enabling small businesses to adopt best practices collectively. Pilot programs in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing are suggested to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the model. This review argues that adopting this standardized quality control model will significantly enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian SMEs, reducing barriers to growth, and facilitating economic development. The success of this initiative relies on coordinated efforts from government, industry associations, and SMEs themselves. Keywords: Nigerian SMEs, Competitiveness, Quality control, Economic Development.

Modeling the Effects of Temperature and Limiting Nutrients on the Competition of an Invasive Floating Plant, Pontederia crassipes, with Submersed Vegetation in a Shallow Lake.

The potential for a non-native plant species to invade a new habitat depends on broadscale factors such as climate, local factors such as nutrient availability, and the biotic community of the habitat into which the plant species is introduced. We developed a spatially explicit model to assess the risk of expansion of a floating invasive aquatic plant species (FAV), the water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes), an invader in the United States, beyond its present range. Our model used known data on growth rates and competition with a native submersed aquatic macrophyte (SAV). In particular, the model simulated an invasion into a habitat with a mean annual temperature different from its own growth optimum, in which we also simulated seasonal fluctuations in temperature. Twenty different nutrient concentrations and eight different temperature scenarios, with different mean annual amplitudes of seasonal temperature variation around the mean of the invaded habitat, were simulated. In each case, the ability of the water hyacinth to invade and either exclude or coexist with the native vegetation was determined. As the temperature pattern was changed from tropical towards increasingly cooler temperate levels, the competitive advantage shifted from the tropical FAV to the more temperate SAV, with a wide range in which coexistence occurred. High nutrient concentrations allowed the coexistence of FAV, even at cooler annual temperatures. But even at the highest nutrient concentrations in the model, the FAV was unlikely to persist under the current climates of latitudes in the Southeastern United States above that of Northern Alabama. This result may have some implications for where control efforts need to be concentrated.

Specialized Listeria monocytogenes produce tailocins to provide a population-level competitive growth advantage.

Tailocins are phage tail-like bacteriocins produced by various bacterial species to kill kin competitors. Given that tailocin release is dependent upon cell lysis, regulation of tailocin production at the single-cell and population level remains unclear. Here we used flow cytometry, competition assays and structural characterization of tailocin production in a human bacterial pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes. We revealed that a specialized subpopulation, constituting less than 1% of the total bacterial population, differentiates to produce, assemble and store thousands of tailocin particles. Tailocins are packed in a highly ordered manner, clustered in a liquid crystalline phase that occupies a substantial volume of the cell. Tailocin production confers a competitive growth advantage for the rest of the population. This study provides molecular insights into tailocin production as a form of altruism, showing how cell specialization within bacterial populations can confer competitive advantages at the population level.

Unveiling the Power of Skills: a Multifaceted Approach to Individual and Societal Transformation

Purpose: This review article aims to explore the multifaceted realm of skill development, elucidating its various dimensions and highlighting its profound impact on individuals and societies in the 21st century. Theoretical Framework: The discussion is structured around the dynamic nature of skills within the contemporary landscape, emphasizing their significance in diverse domains such as employability, economic growth, personal development, social inclusion, innovation, and global competitiveness. Methodology:The systematic review has been comprising of research papers form Impact of Skill Development and Importance of Skill Development. Followed by systematically analyzing the significance, consequences, and avenues of skill development, drawing on a wide range of literature and research findings to provide comprehensive insights. Findings: The review articulates how investing in skill development contributes not only to individual success but also to the prosperity and dynamism of economies and societies at large. It highlights the diverse pathways available for skill cultivation, including formal education, vocational training, on-the-job learning, online platforms, and apprenticeships. Implication of Work: Study advocates for a paradigm shift in the perception of skills, viewing them not merely as tools for employment but as catalysts for personal growth, societal progress, and global competitiveness. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, educators, and individuals seeking to navigate the complex terrain of skill development in the contemporary world.

Роль малых предприятий в аграрной экономике: оценка вклада в сельскохозяйственное производство

Small businesses and peasant (farm) households play a key role in agricultural production in Russia, making a significant contribution to the development of the agricultural sector. The relevance of this study is due to the need to analyze the contribution of small enterprises to the total volume of agricultural production and assess their impact on the country's economy. The purpose of the article is to study the role of small enterprises and farms in the agricultural economy of Russia based on data on the share of small enterprises in agricultural production and the main indicators of farmers' activities. The hypothesis of the study is that small enterprises play an important role in the production of crop products, but their contribution to livestock farming remains relatively small. The conducted data analysis showed that small enterprises provide a significant part of the production of grain and oilseeds, but their share in the livestock sector is small. In addition, farms demonstrate steady growth in crop production, especially in the production of grain and oilseeds. The conclusions of the article highlight the importance of further development of small businesses and farms through improved access to financial resources, government support and the introduction of innovative technologies to increase their competitiveness and sustainable growth in the agricultural economy.

Interdependence of Support Wettability ‐Electrodeposition Rate ‐ Sodium Metal Anode and SEI Microstructure

This study examines how current collector support chemistry (sodiophilic intermetallic Na2Te vs. sodiophobic baseline Cu) and electrodeposition rate affect microstructure of sodium metal and its solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Capacity and current (6 mAh cm‐2, 0.5‐3 mA cm‐2) representative of commercially relevant mass loading in anode‐free sodium metal battery (AF‐SMBs) are analyzed. Synchrotron X‐ray nanotomography and grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS) are combined with cryogenic focused ion beam (cryo‐FIB) microscopy. Highlighted are major differences in film morphology, internal porosity, and crystallographic preferred orientation e.g. (110) vs. (100) and (211) with support and deposition rate. Within the SEI, sodium fluoride (NaF) is more prevalent with Te‐Cu versus sodium hydride (NaH) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with baseline Cu. Due to competitive grain growth the preferred orientation of sodium crystallites depends on film thickness. Mesoscale modelling delineates the role of SEI (ionic conductivity, morphology) on electrodeposit growth and onset of electrochemical instability.

Financial Performance's Impact on Firm Value: How Managerial Ownership Mediates the Relationship

Banks play a significant role in facilitating the generation of economic growth opportunities, which can impact the achievement of government-set economic growth objectives. Hence, it is imperative to foster a climate that promotes banks' competitive growth and resilience, enabling them to effectively confront many problems in the face of escalating global complexities. To maintain a competitive edge, the bank must exhibit strong performance that positively influences corporate value. For that, the objective of this study is to ascertain the key determinants that exert a substantial impact on the valuation of firms, specifically examining the potential influence of capital structure, profitability, profits per share, and dividend payout ratio on the value of financial institutions. Another aim of the study is to ascertain the potential moderating effect of managerial ownership on the independent variable of company value. The sample selection included purposive random sampling, with the criterion of including only those with complete data from the research period spanning 2011 to 2022, using Moderation Regression and data panel Analysis. This study shows that earnings per share and dividend payout ratio significantly impact banks' valuation. In the interim, the Moderation Regression Analysis has yielded findings indicating that management ownership is a moderating factor in the relationship between earnings per share and banking value.