Impact Of Changes Research Articles

Integrated approach to predicting habitat suitability and evaluating quality variations of Notopterygium franchetii under climate change.

The impact of climate change on medicinal plants has significantly altered their suitable environments, thereby affecting the quality of herbal medicines. Notopterygium franchetii (N. franchetii), a medicinal plant intricately linked to its natural habitat, exhibits substantial quality variations influenced by the ecological conditions of its native region. In this study, comprehensive field surveys were conducted to gather occurrence records and samples of N. franchetii. The Maxent model and ArcGIS software were employed to predict the suitable habitats of N. franchetii during different time periods. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed to establish the chemical fingerprints of 21 sample batches. Fourteen common peaks were subjected to cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis. The findings revealed quality variations correlated with their geographic origins, identifying peaks 10, 1, 14, 3, and 4 as crucial for quality differentiation. The study indicates that precipitation, temperature, and altitude significantly influence the distribution of N. franchetii. Under current climate conditions, the suitable habitat area for N. franchetii is estimated to be approximately 94,637.33 km2. However, projections under three future climate scenarios suggest a declining trend in suitable habitat areas. A quality zoning map of N. franchetii was developed, integrating a correlation model between chemical composition and environmental variables with the spatial analysis and visualization capabilities of ArcGIS. The high-quality regions for N. franchetii are predominantly located in the Gannan, Linxia, Dingxi, Longnan, and Wuwei districts. These research outcomes offer a valuable reference for identifying suitable cultivation areas and assessing the quality of N. franchetii in Gansu Province.

For a Sustainable Management of Potential Impacts of Global Change on Coastal Aquifers: Case Study of Coastal Aquifers in Annaba City, Algeria

For a Sustainable Management of Potential Impacts of Global Change on Coastal Aquifers: Case Study of Coastal Aquifers in Annaba City, Algeria

The Biomechanical differences in maximum snatch weight between elite and sub-elite weightlifters: A one-dimensional statistical parameter mapping study

Background: Current research primarily relies on discrete data collected at specific time points to analyze the weightlifting process, often overlooking the impact of continuous temporal changes on athletic performance. Purpose: This study aimed to quantitatively analyze the one-dimensional kinematic patterns of maximum snatch weight actions in elite and sub-elite weightlifters using statistical parameter mapping (SPM). It explores kinematic differences in snatch actions between elite and sub-elite weightlifters, which assists in summarizing the technical characteristics of elite athletes. Methods: Two cameras recorded three successful maximum snatch attempts of 10 elite and 10 sub-elite weightlifters at the World Weightlifting Championships and Chinese Olympic selection competitions. Simi Motion 10.2 was used for kinematic analysis. SPM was employed for comparative analysis of snatch kinematics among different levels of weightlifters, and independent sample t-tests were used for phase duration proportions. Results: Elite weightlifters showed significant advantages in multiple movement phases: smaller knee joint angles in M1 phase (p < 0.001, 35.82%–78.45%) and M3 phases (p = 0.047, 17.47%–24.74%; p = 0.036, 30.92%–49.38%; p = 0.040, 50.93%–65.85%); lower vertical body center of gravity (COG) height in M1 phase (p = 0.019, 0.00%–51.08%), M3 phase (p = 0.046, 48.27%–100.00%), and M5 phase (p = 0.045, 38.49%–59.54%); closer displacement between barbell COG and body COG in M1 phase (p = 0.006, 0%–38.18%; p = 0.048, 43.91%–48.94%) and M2 phase (p = 0.026, 0%–100%); greater barbell acceleration in M5 phase (p < 0.001, 0%–94.61%); and slower barbell descent speed in M6 phase (p = 0.001, 0%–30.58%; p = 0.046, 44.57%–51.37%; p = 0.048, 67.16%–72.41%). Moreover, elite weightlifters exhibited significantly higher phase duration proportions in M1 phase (p = 0.034, d = 1.03) than sub-elite weightlifters. Conclusion: Elite weightlifters demonstrated longer distance and time exerting work on the barbell in M1 phase, less energy consumption in barbell ascent in M2 phase, and greater upward power gain for the barbell in M1 and M3 phases. They showed faster squat-to-barbell catching speed in M4 phase and excellent braking and precise squat-to-barbell catching capabilities in M5 and M6 phases.

Influence of air pollution on the nonaccidental death before and after the outbreak of COVID-19

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, non-therapeutic interventions (NPIs), such as traffic restrictions, work stoppages, and school suspensions, have led to a sharp decline in the concentration of air pollutants in the epidemic sites. However, few studies focused on the impact of air pollutant changes on the risk of nonaccidental death.MethodWe selected Yancheng City, China, as the study site and applied a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) based on the quasi-Poisson distribution to evaluate the impact of atmospheric pollutants exposure on the nonaccidental death of local residents. The time span of this study was set from January 1, 2013, to December 21, 2022, that is, before and after the outbreak of COVID-19.ResultsThe concentration of some air pollutants has greatly varied after the outbreak of COVID-19, with a significant decline for PM2.5 (− 43.4%), PM10 (− 38.5%), SO2 (− 62.9%), and NO2 (− 22.6%), but an increase for O3 (+ 4.3%). Comparative analysis showed that PM2.5 contributed to an increased risk of nonaccidental death after the outbreak of COVID-19. With an increase in PM2.5 by 10 µg/m³, the excess relative risks (ER) of nonaccidental death of residents increased by 1.01% (95%CI: 0.19%,1.84%). The stratified analysis revealed that air pollutants impacted nonaccidental deaths in both men and women before the outbreak of COVID-19. After the outbreak of COVID-19, PM10 had a significant effect on male nonaccidental deaths. The concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and SO2 increased by 10 µg/m³, the ER of PM2.5, PM10, and SO2 on female nonaccidental death increased by 1.52% (0.38%,2.67%), 0.58% (0.02%,1.13%), and 15.09% (5.73%,25.28%), respectively. Before the outbreak of COVID-19, five air pollutants had an impact on the death of residents from cardiovascular disease (CVD). After the outbreak of COVID-19, only PM10 significantly affected the death risk of CVD. In addition, we discovered that PM2.5, PM10, and SO2 significantly impacted the risk of death due to respiratory diseases before and after the outbreak of COVID-19.ConclusionsAir pollutants have different effects on nonaccidental deaths before and after the COVID-19 outbreak. A decrease in air pollutant concentration due to the NPIs for COVID-19 had a significant effect on the reduction of the risk of nonaccidental death.

Ensemble modeling of the hydrological impacts of climate change: a case study of the Baro River Sub-basin, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Given the Baro River basin's high climatic variability and frequent flooding, climate change is expected to exacerbate the existing issues in the region. Three best-performing climate models from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) were used to examine the potential impact of climate change on the hydrology of the Baro River Basin. The ensemble of the climate models were bias-corrected for the climate change analysis and a calibrated and validated Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used to examine the impact of the climate changes under two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) in the future (2031–2060). The climate change scenarios projected an increase in precipitation and temperature under all scenarios. Consequently, annual increase in surface runoff, water yield, and potential evapotranspiration (PET) was reported by 30.33% (44.67%), 6% (18.1%,), and 4.49% (6.63%) and decline in groundwater by 13.17% (2.64%) under shared socioeconomic pathway, SSP2-4.5 (SSP5-8.5), respectively. The rise in temperature and PET could be responsible for the decline in groundwater, while the projected increase in precipitation is expected to enhance surface runoff, perhaps leading to flooding. This requires an improved water management policy that involves all sectors and takes into account the equity for different users.

Subsidence and Uplift in Active and Closed Lignite Mines: Impacts of Energy Transition and Climate Change

This study examines the combined effects of decommissioning lignite mining operations and long-term climate trends on groundwater systems and land surface movements in the Konin region of Poland, which is characterised by extensive open-pit lignite extraction. The findings reveal subsidence rates ranging from −26 to 14 mm per year within mining zones, while land uplift of a few millimetres per year occurred in closed mining areas between 2015 and 2022. Groundwater levels in shallow Quaternary and deeper Paleogene–Neogene aquifers have declined significantly, with drops of up to 26 m observed near active mining, particularly between 2009 and 2019. A smaller groundwater decline of around a few metres was observed outside areas influenced by mining. Meteorological data show an average annual temperature of 8.9 °C from 1991 to 2023, with a clear warming trend of 0.0050 °C per year since 2009. Although precipitation patterns show a slight increase from 512 mm to 520 mm, a shift towards drier conditions has emerged since 2009, characterised by more frequent dry spells. These climatic trends, combined with mining activities, highlight the need for adaptive groundwater management strategies. Future research should focus on enhanced monitoring of groundwater recovery and sustainable practices in post-mining landscapes.

Quantifying the Effect of Land Use and Land Cover Changes on Spatial-Temporal Dynamics of Water in Hanjiang River Basin

As a vital part of the geo-environment and water cycle, ecosystem health and human development are dependent on water resources. Water supply and demand are influenced significantly by land use and cover change (LUCC) which shapes the surface ecosystems by altering their structure and function. Under future climate change scenarios, LUCC may greatly impact regional water balance, yet the impact is still not well understood. Therefore, examining the spatial relationship between LUCC and water yield services is crucial for optimizing land resources and informing sustainable development policies. In this study, we focused on the Hanjiang River Basin and used the patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) model, coupled with the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model, to assess water yield services under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathway and Representative Concentration Pathway (SSP-RCP) scenarios. For the first time, we considered the impact of future changes in socio-economic and water use indicators on water demand using correction factors and ARIMA projections. The relationship between water supply and demand was explored using this approach, and LUCC’s effects on this balance are also discussed. Results indicate that: (1) The patterns of LUCC are similar for the three scenarios from 2030 to 2050, with varying levels of decrease for cropland and significant growth of built-up areas, with increases of 6.77% to 19.65% (SSP119), 7.66% to 22.65% (SSP245), and 15.88% to 46.69% (SSP585), respectively, in the three scenarios relative to 2020; (2) The future supply and demand trends for the three scenarios of produced water services are similar, and the overall supply and demand risks are all on a downward trend. Water demand continues to decline, and by 2050, the water demand of the 3 scenarios will decrease by 96.275×108t, 81.210×108t, and 84.13×108t relative to 2020, respectively; while supply decreases from 2030 to 2040 and rises from 2040 to 2050; (3) Both water supply and demand distributions exhibit spatial correlation, and the distribution of hotspots is similar. The water supply and demand are well-matched, with an overall supply-demand ratio greater than 1.5; (4) LUCC can either increase or decrease water yield. Built-up land provides more water supply compared to other land types, while forest land has the lowest average water supply. Limiting land use type conversions can enhance the water supply.

Corporate governance characteristics and involvement in ESG activities: current trends and research directions

PurposeThis study aims to conduct a comprehensive literature review to examine the relationship between corporate governance characteristics and firms’ engagement in environmental, social and governance (ESG) activities. The review focuses specifically on academic papers published in ranked accounting and finance journals.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis combines a structured literature review with citation analysis, topic modeling using a machine learning (ML) approach and a manual review of selected articles published between 2000 and 2021.FindingsThis paper contributes to corporate governance and ESG literature by conducting an in-depth review, offering a comprehensive analysis of the existing findings and identifying future research directions. From the reviewed literature, this paper proposes the following thematic areas: board characteristics, ownership structure and their impact on a company’s engagement in ESG activities; CEO characteristics and their influence on a company’s involvement in ESG activities; corporate governance and ESG as sources for transparency and legitimacy; internal and external assurance of a company’s involvement in ESG activities; and gender diversity and a company’s involvement in ESG activities.Originality/valueThe study provides a comprehensive understanding of corporate governance and ESG literature. The innovative combination of methods, including ML and manual techniques, enhances the ability to identify key research topics and uncover research directions in the field. Moving forward, this paper suggests several promising directions for future research, including examining the influence of emerging technologies on ESG reporting and assessing the impact of regulatory changes and context on the link between corporate governance and firms’ involvement in ESG practices.

Strain Rate Sensitivity of Low‐Temperature Superplastic Heterogeneous Medium‐Mn Steel Fabricated by a Novel High‐Ratio Differential Speed Rolling

In the present article, insights into the high‐temperature deformation behavior of medium‐Mn steel (MMS), which is prepared via high‐ratio differential speed rolling (HRDSR), are provided. Moreover, through innovative bidirectional jump experiments, variations in the strain rate sensitivity index m under various conditions are obtained. In the research findings, it is indicated that an increase in strain rate (SR) leads to a hardening of the alloy. During high‐temperature deformation, the value of m decreases with the increase in SR, but the rate of decrease gradually slows down. Furthermore, the higher the temperature (T), the greater the impact of changes in SR on m. In addition, the change in deformation mechanism during deformation leads to microstructural changes, and under the main deformation mechanism of grain‐boundary sliding, m generally increases with strain. Interestingly, at a T of 760 °C, the material exhibits a strong texture with high orientation, resulting in larger m values and superior superplasticity (≈691%). This study not only enriches the research content of HRDSR but also has significant implications for the superplasticity research of MMS. Moreover, a reference is provided for the research of other superplastic materials.

Impact of High-Power Cosh-Gaussian Beam on Second Harmonic Generation in Collisionless Magnetoplasma

The impact of high power Cosh-Gaussian (ChG) beam on Second harmonic generation (SHG) in Collisionless magnetoplasma is explored in present work. Whenever the input beam propagates along external magnetic magnetic field direction, then there are two propagation modes viz. extraordinary mode and ordinary mode. The modification in magnetic field strength causes redistribution of carriers. The density gradients get established in plasma in a normal direction to input wave due to ponderomotive force. Further, there is production of electron plasma wave (EPW) at input wave frequency due to density gradients. EPW nonlinearly interacts with pump wave causing generation of 2nd harmonics. The 2nd order differential equation (ODE) for beam width of and efficiency of 2nd harmonics are derived through well-known paraxial theory approach. RK4 method is employed for carrying out numerical calculation of nonlinear ODE along with efficiency of 2nd harmonics. Impact of change in selective laserplasma parameters and externally applied magnetic field on beam waist of input wave and efficiency of SHG are also explored.

Split‐plot experiments with replicated runs in pharmaceutical synthesis

AbstractRestricted randomised designs are essential in the pharmaceutical synthesis due to the operational restrictions and their cost‐effectiveness compared to entirely randomised designs. Specifically, the split‐plot designs are very effective in reducing the cost of an experiment in the presence of hard‐to‐change factors and/or of multi‐stage processes. In classical designs, replicated runs for pure‐error estimation are commonly employed, but they are rarely used in the more complex setting of restricted randomisation. The reason is that, in practice, experiments in industry rarely can follow all the assumptions/conditions that are included in the methodological papers. In this work, we demonstrate how a split‐plot design based on a Bayesian ‐optimality criterion built to ensure more precise pure‐error estimation of the variance components can be easily adapted to fit the additional needs, the speedy implementation and the restrictions that a real case scenario in industry often imposes. We focus on the practical aspect of how to modify the complex design in a way that keeps/improves the desired qualities and on how to assess impact of changes that are more arbitrary.

Analysis of the Correlation Between Spatial Morphological Elements and Microclimate in the Higher Education Teaching Center Area

Irrational spatial configuration of campuses has contributed to changes in local microclimates, thus reducing human thermal comfort, particularly in severely cold regions of China. This paper sets out to establish correlation equations between campus spatial morphology indicators and Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET). Based on measured data from two campus sites, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were utilized to analyze the characteristics of microclimate distribution and highly sensitive morphological parameters were screened. Regression analysis was conducted to determine the correlation between spatial morphology indicators and PET. During winter, open spaces were most correlated with Sky View Factor (SVF), with each 0.1 increase in SVF resulting in a 0.7 °C rise in PET. Enclosed spaces exhibited strong correlations with the Closure Ratio of Enclosure (Ce) and Surface Wall Area (SW), where every 10% increase in Ce led to a 0.46 °C increase in PET and every additional 1000 m2 of SW caused a 1 °C rise in PET. We finally quantified the impact of changes in spatial morphology indicators on human thermal comfort, with the aim to integrate campus planning with climatic design and improve the outdoor thermal environment of campuses.

Optimization of the rural domestic waste recycling network based on the path planning site selection model

IntroductionIn the context of rural revitalization strategies, effectively managing rural waste is a critical task for achieving ecological environmental sustainability. The current state of garbage collection and transportation is examined in this paper, focusing on the rural waste management practices in Dongfeng County, Liaoyuan City, Jilin Province, through mathematical modeling.MethodsBy analyzing the rural domestic waste collection network, the volume of waste generated at various points is fuzzified using the fuzzy mathematical theory.ResultsThe results of path optimization for waste collection and transportation were derived from a case study, demonstrating the feasibility and practicality of the rural domestic waste recycling network model.DicussionAdditionally, sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the impact of changes on the total cost. Potential solutions for rural waste recycling and treatment are offered in this paper, providing valuable insights for the development of a rural domestic waste recycling network in Jilin Province.

Impact of Metal Ions, Peroxymonosulfate (PMS), and pH on Sulfolane Degradation by Pressurized Ozonation

This study investigated the degradation of sulfolane using pressurized ozonation under varying initial concentrations and the influence of different catalysts and peroxymonosulfate activation methods on the degradation efficiency. Initial sulfolane concentrations of 1 mg L−1, 20 mg L−1, and 100 mg L−1 were tested over 120 min, revealing a degradation efficiency of 73%, 41%, and 18%, respectively. The addition of various metal ions (Zn2+, Mg2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, and Co2+) demonstrated that only zinc and magnesium enhanced degradation, with zinc achieving a 92% removal efficiency and magnesium achieving 86%. Different doses of magnesium and zinc were further tested, showing optimal degradation at specific concentrations. The combination of PMS with ozonation was explored, revealing that zinc activation did not significantly enhance degradation, while NaOH activation achieved near-total degradation, with a 100 mg L−1 NaOH concentration. Varying PMS concentrations indicated that altering pH was more effective than changing PMS dosage. Finally, the impact of pH changes in both reverse osmosis water and tap water matrices confirmed that higher pH levels significantly improved degradation efficacy, achieving up to 98% removal with NaOH concentrations of 50 mg L−1 in reverse osmosis water. These results suggest that optimizing pH and catalyst type are critical for enhancing sulfolane degradation in pressurized ozonation systems.

Shrimp Intestinal Microbiota Homeostasis: Dynamic Interplay Between the Microbiota and Host Immunity

ABSTRACTThe shrimp intestine harbors a microbiota that has pivotal roles for host's physiology. Imbalance of shrimp intestinal microbiota has been shown closely related to the occurrence of diseases. The morphological and biological features of the shrimp intestine are considered suboptimal for stable microbial colonization, making the intestinal microbiota composition highly susceptible to the impact of environmental changes or stressors, and particularly unstable. Therefore, the relative unsteadiness of the microbiota composition represents a continuous threat to host survival. Shrimp intestinal microbiota homeostasis is achieved through a dynamic interplay between the microbiota and the host's innate immunity. The shrimp intestine possesses effective innate immune mechanisms that can suppress the uncontrolled proliferation of microbiota components, and simultaneously protect the microbiota from elimination. The mechanism(s) by which the microbial components and the intestinal innate immunity interact with each other to achieve homeostasis represents an interesting interplay between host and microbiota. This review summarizes the current knowledge about intestinal microbiota colonization in shrimp, as well as the intricate mechanisms employed by the intestinal immune system to regulate this microbiota. Moreover, the potential intervention strategies to promote and protect shrimp intestinal homeostasis by modulating the microbiota are also discussed. Thus, this review seeks to comprehensively analyze the current information and contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between the shrimp intestinal microbiota and innate immunity in maintaining shrimp intestinal homeostasis and overall health. This enhanced understanding may potentially open new avenues for aquaculture management and disease mitigation strategies, ultimately benefiting the shrimp farming industry.

Barley vulnerability to climate change: perspectives for cultivation in South America.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is a globally significant cereal crop, widely used in both food production and brewing. However, it is particularly vulnerable to climate change, especially extreme temperature fluctuations, which can severely reduce yields. To address this challenge, a detailed climate zoning study was conducted to assess the suitability of barley production areas across South America, considering both current conditions and future climate scenarios from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The study utilized historical climate data along with projections from the CMIP6 IPSL-CM6A-LR model for the period 2021-2100. Several indices, such as evapotranspiration, were calculated, and factors like soil composition and topography were integrated into the classification of regions based on their agricultural potential. Critical variables in this assessment included temperature, precipitation, and water or thermal excess. The results showed that 6.59% of South America's territory is currently suitable for barley cultivation without additional irrigation, with these regions concentrated primarily in temperate southern areas. In contrast, 18.62% of the region is already unsuitable due to excessive heat. Projections under future climate scenarios indicate a shrinking of suitable areas, alongside an expansion of unsuitable regions. In the worst-case scenario, only 1.48% of the territory would remain viable for barley farming. These findings emphasize the crop's vulnerability to climate change, underscoring the urgency of developing agricultural adaptation strategies. The predicted contraction in suitable barley cultivation areas demonstrates the profound impact of climate change on agriculture and highlights the need for proactive measures to ensure sustainable barley production in South America.

Awareness and preparedness of health systems and emergency medicine systems to the climate change challenges and threats: an international survey.

Climate change is widely recognised as a critical public health challenge. The objective of this study was to assess the awareness, preparedness and mitigation plans for climate change threats. A cross-sectional observational study targeting emergency medical societies in different countries was conducted between 15 February and 15 March 2024. The survey featured 16 closed questions on climate change awareness, preparedness and risks. Focus groups of 4-6 members were organised by country. Results were correlated to income levels, United Nations (UN) regional classification and the World Risk Index. The questions were ranked using a Likert-like scale from 0 to 9 (9 being the highest). Descriptive statistics used central tendency estimators, and inferential analysis used chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests, with the significance level set at P < 0.05. Forty-two focus groups responded, representing 36 countries: 21 (50%) high-income, seven (16.7%) low-income, five (11.9%) lower middle-income and nine (21.4%) upper middle-income countries, representing 31 of the 22 UN regions. According to the World Risk Index, the respondent countries belonged to the different categories as follows: very low risk, 6 (14%); low risk, 8 (19%); medium risk, 5 (12%); high risk, 8 (19%) and very high risk, 14 (34%). The estimated impact of climate change on national health systems had a mean score of 6.75 (SD = 2.16), while on Emergency Medical Systems was 6.96 (SD = 2.05). Overall, assessment and preparedness measures were reported by just 21.4 and 37.6% of respondents, respectively. Analysis by income did not show significant differences, with the exception of food supply. The main differences in the analysis by region were the risks of extreme weather events, vector-borne diseases and wildfires, whereas the World Risk Index was food and chain of supplies. Education and integration of health services were indicated by all as the main mitigation actions. Geographical position and country risk index influence risk perception among focus groups more than income economy, with vector-borne diseases, extreme weather events and food shortages being the threats with the most variability. The most important actions identified to mitigate Climate Change effects are educational and strategic plans.

Heated Environment, Armed People: Between “Climate Change Conflict” and “Fragility Conflict” in the Sahel

The Sahel is a classic example of a region inundated by climate change and conflicts. The region is an ecological hotspot that is on the brink of collapse, as countries in the area are trapped in a vicious cycle of conflict, resource scarcity, and environmental threats, which increase the chances of political instability and civil unrest. Noting that there is a divergent scholarly viewpoint on the relationship between climate change and conflict, this study evaluates the climate change-conflict thesis vis-à-vis the fragility-conflict thesis. It argues that armed conflicts in the Sahel are not exclusively attributable to climate change; rather, other conventional drivers exacerbate the impact of climate change on conflicts. These conventional drivers, framed as fragility indices, play a more significant role in conflict escalation in the Sahel. To this end, this study provides a holistic perspective on conflict dynamics and underscores the intricate interplay between fragility and conflict proliferation. This study adopts a qualitative approach and analyzes secondary data, particularly journal articles, reports, briefs, and developmental indices. The findings show that conditions symptomatic of a fragile state increase the incidence and proliferation of armed conflict in the region. Thus, conflict in the Sahel is a product of amplified pre-existing socioeconomic vulnerabilities and governance challenges.

Era of uncertain events: Swedish foreign trade in 2010–2023

International trade has experienced since Global Financial Crisis (GFC) numerous uncertainties and risks. There are some countries that have successfully navigated in this challenging environment, like Sweden. In this research, we analyze the changes in trade between 2010–2023. For imports, the role of Russia, United Kingdom (UK) and Denmark has declined, while the importance of the Netherlands, Norway, and Poland show increase. For exports, a diminishing role of UK and Russia could be detected, while the role of the USA, Poland, Germany and China has increased. Our interpretation is that these trade changes are due to global geopolitical, i.e. macro-level shifts. Both Brexit (2016 onwards) and Russian invasion of Ukraine (2014 onwards) show long-term trade effects. Prior both UK and Russia held high importance; however, in the recent years, especially exports to USA have played more important role, and it is providing growth and surplus. Despite the export growth to Poland, Germany, and China, the trade to these countries remains to show trade deficit. We also analyze the impact of trade changes on maritime trade. Although, the overall handling at sea ports has declined, but container based trade demonstrates clear growth. Direct container connections to UK and Russia have declined substantially in the observation period as Chinese show significant increase.

Impact of regulatory and other changes on Australian unions’ strategies and campaigns, 2023–2024

This article reviews the challenges and opportunities facing Australian trade unions in 2023–2024. It covers industry challenges for specific unions and the changes introduced by the Federal Labor Government through its Closing the Loopholes Amendments to the Fair Work Act. It argues that the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and individual unions need to take the opportunity provided by the Federal Government's legal changes to make gains for members so that they are difficult to overturn if the federal government changes. It analyses campaigns and strategies of unions around challenges specific to them: for example, the recruitment of gig workers by the Transport Workers’ Union and campaigns by the ACTU and the Media and Entertainment Arts Alliance around inappropriate use of artificial intelligence by employers seeking to replace workers and usurp employees’ ownership rights to their work. It considers amalgamations (mergers) and disamalgamations (demergers) of concern for some unions. It discusses allegations of inappropriate behaviour facing the Construction and General Division of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees’ Union leading to its forced administration as a concern and possible impediment for the entire union movement if not resolved effectively.