GDP Growth Research Articles

Sustainable education index and copper trade interconnections

The trend in copper trade raises significant concerns regarding global mineral resource sustainability. This study investigates how sustainable education impacts copper trade in China, analyzing data from 1990 to 2021. Findings reveal that a 1% increase in the Sustainable Development Index leads to a reduction in copper trade: exports decrease by 0.14%–0.27% and imports by 0.35%–0.57%, highlighting the negative influence of sustainable education on trade. GDP growth positively affects copper trade, while the official exchange rate impacts exports and imports differently due to currency fluctuations. Urbanization boosts both exports and imports, driven by infrastructure expansion. Additionally, loans to the private sector specifically enhance copper imports. To foster sustainable copper trade, China should invest in sustainable education, promote gender equality in education, encourage green economic growth, implement an effective carbon tax, and provide green loans for the copper sector.

The development of the life insurance market and bank stability in developing countries

This study investigates the relationship between the development of the life insurance market and bank stability within the context of developing countries. We used data from 2012 to 2020 across 108 developing countries and applied econometric techniques, including fixed-effect and system generalized method of moments (GMM) methods, to test the relationship between the life insurance market size, life insurance market growth, and bank stability at the country level. Our results indicate a positive relationship between life insurance market size and bank stability, i.e., a large life insurance market can help increase bank stability in developing countries. However, these countries should refrain from developing their life insurance markets too quickly; according to our empirical results, there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between life insurance market growth and bank stability. In the context of the growing life insurance market in developing countries as well as the increasing cooperation between banks and insurance companies towards expanding the life insurance market in these countries, our research provides important policy implications for ensuring the stability for financial markets in general.

Comprehensive maps of material stock dynamics reveal increasingly coordinated urban development in the Yangtze River Delta of China

Sustainable urban development critically depends on effectively managing the interplay between material stock (MS) and economic growth. This study combined convolutional neural network model and nighttime lights data to map building MS of Yangtze River Delta (YRD) urban agglomeration in China from 2000 to 2020 across 1 km × 1 km pixel scale, then uncovered the spatiotemporal dynamics of MS and its correlation with economic development. Our findings indicate that the model performed robustly on the test set (R2 > 0.88). YRD's MS surged over tenfold, reaching 20,772 teragram, primarily expanding along northwest-southeast developmental axes. Most YRD cities exhibited synchronized growth in material stock and GDP, suggesting an emergent pattern of sustainable urban expansion. However, cities at the developmental extremes highlighted the need for optimizing urban development strategies. By categorizing YRD cities into four distinct development modes, our study offers deep insights into the dynamics of urban development, underpinning targeted strategies that could guide cities towards more sustainable and resource-efficient growth trajectories.

A Clinicians Guide to Recommending Common Cholesterol-Lowering Dietary Supplements.

The US dietary supplement (DS) market has expanded exponentially since 1994, with an estimated 50,000-80,000 individual products currently available. Many DS claim cholesterol or cardiovascular benefits. Overall, well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with DS are lacking, while studies with favorable results are commonly performed outside of the USA, resulting in inconsistent findings. The expansion of the DS market has limited the ability of the Food and Drug Administration to regulate and prevent substandard products. Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are components of DS fish oil. Recent RCTs utilizing prescription fish oil have provided mixed findings and small but significant safety concerns. Hence, the role of DS fish oil is limited and no longer recommended by major cardiovascular guidelines. Concerns have also been observed from RCTs utilizing prescription niacin, resulting in a negligible role for DS niacin in lipid management. Red yeast rice has demonstrated significant low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reductions in studies performed worldwide, including the USA. However, quality concerns and inconsistent study results have been reported on multiple occasions. Other common DS have produced modest reductions in LDL-C and may provide other cardiometabolic benefits, including garlic, phytosterols, psyllium, and berberine. Yet inconsistent study results and quality concerns continue to be reported for most. Nonetheless, there is a need for alternative therapies that can safely and effectively reduce cardiovascular risk. However, until DS routinely match label claims and are free of contaminants, the agents have a limited role in clinical practice.

Impact of Financial Inclusion and ESG on the Sustainable Growth of the Nation: Moderating Role of Poverty

The literature has a strong foundation for the contributions that financial inclusion (FI) and environment social governance (ESG) provide to the sustainable growth (SG) of the nation. This study looks at the relationships between FI and ESG with SG through moderating role of poverty in the nation. The study performs a quantitative analysis by utilizing the panel data regression model on 140 countries with a time period of nine years, that is 2011–2019. In this study, models have been tested for consistency with FE (fixed effect) or RE (random effect). In it, ATMs are used as a proxy of FI, DW_EG is a proxy of statistical performance indicators (SPI), Agr_Land are used as a proxy of Environment Social and Governance (ESG) and Pov_surv are used as a proxy of poverty. GDP_grw are used as a proxy of GDP growth (GDP per capita growth) and RP are used as a proxy of rural population. This study establishes three models, that is, Models 1, 2 and 3. The empirical findings demonstrate a significant linkage between ESG, FI and SG, whereas poverty is found insignificant. Further research confirms that the development of careful co-curation of ICT infrastructure, FI programmes and economic growth strategies is necessary to promote nation’s SG.

The impact of digitalization and economic diversification on economic growth: evidence from Saudi Arabia

The present study aims to assess the impact of economic diversification and digitalization on economic growth in Saudi Arabia during the period 1990–2021. We have looked into this relationship in both the overall economic and non-oil economic sectors using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) cointegration approach. The empirical results offer compelling evidence that economic diversification and digitization affect economic growth both directly and indirectly through their effects on non-oil GDP growth. The findings indicate that there is a long-run dynamic between economic growth, economic diversification, and digitalization. In the long run, digitalization contributes to the progress of non-oil economic growth and, therefore, sustainable economic growth. In addition, the causality test revealed that economic diversification develops the economy of new knowledge, which reinforces economic diversification, and non-oil economic growth supports digitalization. Consequently, digitalization played an important role in the Kingdom’s economic transition toward economic diversification. Indeed, our results prove that digitalization increases non-oil income and then reduces the supremacy of the oil sector in the economy, which promotes economic diversification. The KSA authority must accelerate the energetic transition process in order to support economic diversification and attract more foreign investment in information and communication technologies (ICTs).

Recent evidence on the sovereign-bank nexus in the euro area

This paper estimates sovereign-bank default risk spillovers in the euro area. Spillovers spiked at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and of the Russian invasion of Ukraine but remained contained during the March 2023 banking sector turmoil. Panel regressions find that higher banks’ sovereign exposures increase spillovers between the creditor bank and the borrowing sovereign. Countries with lower GDP growth, higher default probabilities, and a higher debt burden transmit more risk to banks. Larger, less capitalized and more funding-risk-exposed banks convey more default risk to sovereigns. Public aid to the financial sector reduces spillovers.

Impact of urbanization and human development on ecological footprints in OECD and non-OECD countries

Ecological footprints play a crucial role in assessing how human activities impact the environment, serving as key indicators. This study investigates the influence of urbanization and human development controlling for GDP and industrialization on ecological footprints, focusing on both OECD and non-OECD countries during the period from 1990 to 2018. The investigation employs an open-access solution framework and utilizes the Generalized Method of Moments approach for analysis. The findings highlight distinct patterns between OECD and non-OECD countries. In OECD countries, ecological footprints are increasing with urbanization and GDP growth while showcasing a negative impact of the Human Development Index (HDI) and industrialization on ecological footprint. Conversely, non-OECD countries demonstrate a positive impact of GDP and HDI on ecological footprints, while there is a negative impact of industrialization and urbanization on ecological footprints. These disparities underscore the need for tailored environmental strategies based on a country's economic and developmental status. The results underscore the importance of investing in the renewable energy sector and implementing stringent environmental policies to mitigate the environmental impact of human activities. This evidence reinforces the urgency for countries, irrespective of their OECD status, to take proactive measures to safeguard the planet from further environmental hazards.

The Impact of Religion on Insurance Purchasing Behavior: A Dual Perspective with Economic Factors

Rising income levels and increased consumer awareness have led to a more positive attitude towards insurance, resulting in market expansion and heightened competition. However, businesses must consider factors that could negatively impact insurance demand. One significant factor identified in this study is religion. While some religious texts and teachings advocate for collective mutual assistance, certain religious beliefs view insurance negatively for various reasons. Consequently, this research seeks to explore two critical questions: “How do religious beliefs influence the insurance demands and purchasing behaviors of individuals and societies?” and “What are the potential impacts of economic indices on insurance policy purchases?” Answering these questions requires navigating a complex interplay of economic and cultural factors. To address these objectives, the study utilized data such as per capita insurance expenditures, 66 market totals, and national insurance market shares. The analysis also considered the percentage of the total population covered by national health services, as this coverage might reduce the likelihood of acquiring insurance policies. Statistical analyses were employed to assess the influence of religious beliefs on insurance purchasing behavior and to evaluate the effects of economic indices on insurance policy purchases. The research results revealed that individuals who did not adhere to any specific religious doctrine exhibited the highest rate of insurance purchases. Additionally, the influence of economic indices on insurance purchasing behaviors produced significant and undeniable results. In conclusion, this study highlights the considerable impact of religious beliefs on insurance policy purchasing behavior. The findings contribute valuable insights to the existing literature and offer a contemporary perspective for future research in this field.

Analysis of payment methods in merger and acquisition deals within the United Kingdom

Purpose This study aims to examine the effects of payment methods used in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) conducted by UK companies spanning the period from 2007 to 2019. Design/methodology/approach The study used the estimated expected returns method to identify abnormal returns during the deal announcement period, applying event study analysis with both univariate and multivariate regression models to detect cumulative abnormal returns around the announcement timeframe. Findings The results show a short-term positive return increase for acquiring firms, controlling for deal-specific characteristics like target firm location and payment methods. The authors observed a preference for cash financing across domestic and cross-border transactions. Multivariate analysis revealed insignificance between payment methods and deal characteristics like cross-border acquisitions and diversification. Research limitations/implications The study’s focus on publicly traded firms in the UK and the absence of a comparative analysis across different regions and markets limits the sample size and may impact the generalizability of findings. Practical implications The study proposes three practical implications. Firstly, firms should tailor payment methods to each transaction, aligning with strategic goals to optimize value and mitigate risks. Secondly, decision-makers must prioritize comprehensive due diligence and strategic alignment throughout M&A processes to enhance success and maximize synergies. Finally, analysing broader strategic contexts and regulatory landscapes when structuring transactions enables goal attainment, such as market expansion or value creation. Social implications The study’s findings can promote transparency and accountability among corporate decision-makers in M&A transactions. Stakeholders can advocate for transparent decision-making processes, enhancing trust in corporate governance. Originality/value This study provides valuable insights into the impact of payment methods on shareholder value in M&A transactions involving UK companies, informing strategic decision-making and contributing to the understanding of corporate finance dynamics.

The Role of Market Segmentation and Competitive Positioning in Increasing Brand Awareness in the Indonesian Retail Industry

This study examines the influence of advertising spending, customer relationship management, market segmentation, and competitive positioning on brand awareness and revenue growth in the retail sector of Indonesia. Data from 300 participants were gathered and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares version 3, employing a quantitative methodology. The findings demonstrate that all proposed connections are statistically significant and positive, suggesting that making smart investments in advertising, implementing good customer relationship management techniques, conducting precise market segmentation, and establishing a strong competitive position have a substantial impact on increasing brand awareness and driving revenue growth. These findings provide significant information for retail managers and marketers who want to optimize their marketing strategy and achieve sustainable growth in a competitive market.

Exploring the Potentials of Digital Economy for Accelerated Economic Growth and Sustainable GDP in Nigeria’s Agricultural Sector

Purpose: The study investigated the potentials of the digital economy for accelerated economic growth in Nigeria. Specifically, the study was guided by the following objectives; potential of the digital economy for accelerated economic growth and sustainable GPD, constraints to attaining the utilization of the digital economy for accelerated economic growth and sustainable GDP and ways of improving the implementation of digital economy for accelerated economic growth and sustainable GDP. Theoretical Reference: Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) Theory, developed by E.M. Rogers in 1962, formed the theoretical foundation of this study. It originated to explain how, over time, an idea or product gains momentum and diffuses (or spreads) through a specific population or social system. The result of this diffusion is that people, as part of a social system, adopt a new idea, behavior, or product. Method: The descriptive survey design was adopted using 130 farmers selected through a convenience sampling approach in the four North Central States of Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau and Niger including the FCT Abuja. Data was gathered using closed-ended questionnaires and measured using modified three-point Likert Scale of Agree = 3, Uncertain = 2 and Disagree = 1. The Lawshe’s formula yielded a content validity ratio (CVR) of 0.99, which confirmed the representativeness and clarity of the questionnaire. A reliability coefficient alpha (r - coefficient) of 0.84 was reported by Cronbach Alpha to determine the internal consistency of the questionnaire. The data was collected on the spot and analyzed using frequency counts (f) and percentages (%), and presented in tables and graphs. Results/Conclusion: The findings showed that the farmers understood clearly the potential of the digital economy in creating jobs and accelerating their economic status and contributing significantly to a sustainable GDP in Nigeria if properly utilized. However, the attainment of these enormous benefits to farmers is affected by the reduction in access to the Internet, affordability and quality of service, training and government support. Digital economy could boost agricultural production with wide project margin if infrastructure for implementation are available and utilization is effective. The study recommended the provision of broadband sufficient to provide extensive access to the Internet in order to accelerate utilization and improve productivity, especially among rural dwellers. Implication: Understanding the potential offered by embracing and utilizing the digital economy, as well as the difficulties and strong tactics farmers must employ to successfully capitalize on these advances in order to boost GDP and economic growth in Nigeria's agriculture sector Originality/Value: The originality of this investigation lay in its empirical evidence regarding the potentials, challenges, and strategies for enhancing farmers' utilization to support economic growth and GDP in the agricultural sector, which helped to expand the body of literature on digital economy in the agricultural sector, particularly in Nigeria.

Role of skin enzymes in metabolism of topical drugs

Topical drugs have gained a lot of interest with their massive market growth and are available in various dosage forms. Prodrug compounds of transdermal delivery systems can be very different and designed to convert into the form of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) through enzymatic action once they enter the body. The skin, as an interfacial barrier between the body and surroundings, has demonstrated critical roles in metabolizing, filtering, and detoxifying to minimize certain side effects and improve the medication benefits of topically administered products. It is well recognized that the drug pharmacokinetics can be altered by the presence of skin enzymes driven by biotransformation reactions. To evaluate the effectiveness of a topical generic drug product, its safety, and bioequivalence with the reference one, models assessing enzyme metabolic activity are highly required for testing the amount of drugs that are metabolized or can potentially be metabolized in both healthy and compromised skin. Thus, knowledge of skin composition and enzyme expression levels is of paramount importance in mapping the relevant metabolism that may have occurred. Regulatory authorities have also been making efforts to develop efficient and harmonizable protocols to evaluate the metabolism of transdermal products. This review is a compilation of reported skin metabolizing enzymes, including their role in both drug metabolism and homeostasis regulation, along with their localization and quantification in skin equivalents (and/or membrane layers). Various aspects that potentially affect the skin enzyme metabolism study were also discussed with respect to drug development considerations.

Assessment of the causal links between energy, technologies, and economic growth in China: An application of wavelet coherence and hybrid quantile causality approaches

It is undeniable that energy and technology play a vital role in driving the economic growth of a country. This paper's objective is to check the unexplored causal links between electricity generation and GDP growth in China by using a multivariate framework that contains technologies in the production or processing of goods, gross capital formation, labour force, financial sector development, and primary energy consumption as supplementary factors in growth model using the updated data. Applying new advances in time series data analysis, the study used wavelet coherence and hybrid non-parametric quantile causality approaches to analyze whether these factors predict GDP growth. We observed that technologies, capital formation, labor force, energy consumption, financial sector development, and electricity generation propel GDP growth in China. The quantile causality in mean and variance also corroborates that all these factors are causatives of GDP growth across their entire distribution. The Breitung-Candelon Spectral Granger-causality method further sustains the robustness of these results. Our findings provide valuable insight to policymakers to pave the way for these causative factors, mainly promoting electricity projects and adapting new technologies to propel economic growth in China.

Driving low-carbon mechanisms through smart investments in renewable resources and green finance initiatives among G20 nations

In light of the escalating concerns regarding climate change and environmental decline, major nations are actively exploring strategies to mitigate environmental harm and achieve future sustainability. The surge in economic expansion in developed economies is linked to an increase in CO2 emissions. Consequently, in their pursuit of carbon-neutral policies, these countries are increasingly turning towards renewable energy as a means to enhance resource conservation and efficiency. This research investigates the varied impacts of renewable energy investment, green finance, geopolitical risk, GDP growth, foreign direct investment, and gross fixed capital formation on the carbon emissions of G20 countries. The study uses the CUP-FM (Continuously Updated Fully Modified) and CUP-BC (Continuously Updated Bias-Corrected) estimators, which are sophisticated econometric approaches designed to handle non-stationary panel data and cross-sectional dependency, to produce robust long-term parameter estimates. The CUP-FM estimator adjusts for potential endogeneity and serial correlation, improving the accuracy of long-run relationships in panel data. The CUP-BC estimator provides bias-corrected estimates to further enhance the precision of these long-run connections.The long-term parameter estimates reveal a negative correlation between renewable energy investment, green finance, and carbon emissions. In contrast, foreign direct investment, gross fixed capital formation, GDP growth, and geopolitical risk are positively associated with CO2 emissions. This suggests that financial stability often leads to investments in carbon-heavy economic ventures, thereby implicating economic growth as a contributing factor to environmental degradation in G20 countries.

The Contribution of Green, Blue, and Energy Sources to Economic Development in Central Asia

Central Asia (CA) is a young integrated region formed after the collapse of the Soviet Union, with most of its infrastructure based on fossil fuels. The traditional energy and water infrastructure is facing huge inefficiency and technical losses. This study investigates the transition of the green, blue, and energy economies in Central Asia using a small-dimensional panel dataset on five countries, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, over the period 1995–2018. The authors analyze the impact of ecological footprint, water withdrawal, and energy consumption on gross domestic product. In applying the Panel Vector Error Correction Model, evidence was found supporting the long-running association between variables. Furthermore, the adjustment coefficients suggest that only GDP growth will adjust toward equilibrium. Overall, the findings suggest a more effective role of green transition compared to blue and energy transitions.

Easily Determining Post-Study System Usability for Anime Community E-Commerce Analysis

The rapid growth of e-commerce as a form of electronic commerce has transformed the global shopping landscape. To maintain user satisfaction and competitiveness, e-commerce sites must effectively understand and improve the usability of their systems after launch. The aims of the study are to improve e-commerce post-launch usability so that anime fans' enthusiasm can be capitalized upon for financial gain and market expansion. In this study, we adopted a combined approach that included user observations, interviews, surveys, and performance measurement for anime community e-commerce analysis Weeboo web commerce. Through this method, we analyze the behavior and views of users towards e-commerce systems. The results show that most users experience a positive experience in shopping online by appreciating the usability of the layout, search process, and fast checkout process. The results indicated that most users have a positive online shopping experience, appreciating the layout, search process, and fast checkout process. The SUS score of 75.375 (grade B) and the overall PSSUQ satisfaction score of 2.0296 indicate that the system is acceptably well-received. The proposed recommendations can help e-commerce companies quickly identify usability issues and implement relevant fixes.

Dynamic Analysis of CO2 Emissions and Their Determinants in the Countries of Central and Eastern Europe

This study addresses the problem of the relationship between the adopted development path and the emission levels of greenhouse gases. The analysis includes the countries of Central and Eastern Europe that joined the EU in 2004–2018. This study used a dynamic analysis due to the nature of the changes taking place, which cannot be assessed in static terms. The results of the research conducted so far for this group of countries have been inconclusive. The countries studied have the aim of accelerating economic growth in order to reduce their distance from other EU countries on the one hand, while attempting to pursue a policy favoring the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, on the other. The aim of this evaluation was to determine the relationship between GDPs per capita and CO2 emissions and to establish the factors determining this relationship. The results for the whole group showed the presence of N-shaped EKCs. This study showed the importance of energy productivity and demographic factors as well as the pace of GDP growth. This research extended the scope of research on CO2 emissions and their determinants through the use of dynamic methods, as well as the complex course of their relation to GDP per capita in Central Eastern European Countries.

Understanding Mutual Funds Performance with mediation of Human Capital and GDP-Growth in Pakistan Mutual Funds: Demonstration of Structural Equation Model

This work sheds light on the complex interplay between mutual fund performance, using human capital, and GDP growth as mediating variables in Pakistan through the lens of Structural Equation Modeling. By employing this sophisticated analytical approach, the findings uncovered nuanced nexus that traditional methods might have overlooked. The findings underscore the critical role of GDP-Growth and human capital as a mediating factor, suggesting that investments in mutual funds could have far-reaching effects on the financial performance on individual investors. Moreover, the demonstrated link between GDP-growth and mutual fund outcomes highlights the intricate web of economic factors influencing investment landscapes. Our findings thus reveal that the impact of the market factor and GDP growth on portfolio returns shows statistically significant estimates both mediation models. However, size-factor shows two portfolios significant while two portfolios insignificant results using both mediating variables. However, the value factor shows highly significant in both mediating models but reveal insignificant nexus with HC-Growth as mediating variable using only FF3FM. Moreover, momentum factor shows insignificant results for both mediating models. As Pakistan continues to develop its mutual fund market, policymakers and fund managers alike would do well to consider these interconnections in their decision-making processes.

Harnessing AI and Predictive Analytics: Transforming the Electric Vehicle Market in India

The electric vehicle (EV) market in India is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by growing environmental concerns, government incentives, and the rapid integration of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Predictive Analytics. These technologies are proving essential in optimizing various aspects of EV development, including battery management, predictive maintenance, and customer experience personalization. This research article investigates the influence of AI and Predictive Analytics on the Indian EV market, highlighting their roles in improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing safety and user satisfaction. Statistical data and case studies of leading Indian EV companies, such as Tata Motors, Ola Electric, and Ather Energy, illustrate the impact of these technologies on market growth and performance. Despite facing challenges like high initial costs and regulatory barriers, AI and Predictive Analytics are poised to play a pivotal role in the future expansion of the EV market in India. The findings suggest that with increased adoption and ongoing technological advancements, AI and Predictive Analytics will significantly contribute to the growth and sustainability of the EV sector in India. Keywords: Electric Vehicles (EVs), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Predictive Analytics, Battery Management Systems (BMS), Predictive Maintenance