Influence Of Policy Research Articles

The Effect of Monetary Policies in COVID and Post-COVID on the Apple Stock Price and Beta

Abstract: Central bank interventions, such as monetary policies, influence market activities in many ways. For example, the stock price and beta value. Monetary policy is a mechanism to stabilize the market by adjusting the interest rate. Theoretically, the interest rate negatively relates to stock price and beta value. However, based on other previous research, the relationship can vary across industries and countries. Other determinants can also co-influence the stock activities, including business policies. Thus, each company experienced various results from the monetary policies during the COVID and post-COVID periods. Specifically, how did Apple Inc.s stock price and beta value react to the monetary policies released by FOMC? This paper explores Apple Inc. stock price and beta under the influence of monetary policies in the COVID and post-COVID period. Additionally, this paper finds that there is a significant negative relationship between the interest rates and stock price in COVID, and an insignificant negative relationship in post-COVID; There is an insignificant negative relationship between the interests rates and stock beta in COVID, and an insignificant positive relationship in post-COVID. Hence, stock price and beta are largely influenced by market dynamics and extrinsic factors. The contradictory result can be caused by the policies Apple Inc. released and the imprecise calculation.

Exploring the Association Between Minimum Wage Policy, Income Inequality, and Obesity Rates in US Counties.

To examine the interaction between minimum wage policy, income inequality, and obesity rates among U.S. counties, and how this relationship is shaped by policy, place, and racial/ethnic composition in a county. We used the County Health Rankings Data for obesity ratio (measured by Body Mass Index ≥ 30kg/m2) in US counties and combined it with the American Community Survey to include the Gini coefficient (GC) and population characteristics. The analytical sample included 3129 counties between 2015 and 2019. We ran several sets of regression analyses, controlling for county characteristics, access to healthy foods, and minimum wage categories as a policy influencer on the obesity ratio. In total, 31.7% of the population were obese, with wide variations across counties; during this time, counties' average GC was 0.442. Our findings showed that in the lack of any other predictors, GC has a positive association with the county obesity ratio (OLS 0.147, CI 0.122-0.173). Counties with minimum wage between $7.26-$9.0 and $9 + had lower obesity ratios by - 0.6 and - 2.8 percentage points, respectively, and counties with lower access to healthy foods had higher obesity ratio (Coeff = 0.022, CI 0.019-0.025). Income inequality is positively associated with the obesity ratio in counties. Access to healthy foods and state minimum wage policy predict obesity rates, with a lack of healthy foods increasing the ratio, while a higher minimum wage reduces it.

Трансформация подходов к исследованию идентичности и культурной идентичности в конце ХХ – начале ХХI столетий: тенденции и перспективы

This article examines the role of cultural identity policy as a tool for institutionalizing established values, beliefs, and means of sustenance in the structure of cultural identity. It is emphasized that the works of classical scholars of the 20th century address the issue of cultural identity in the context of fundamental theories of personality, motivation, needs, determinisms, and more. In contrast, research conducted in the first quarter of the 21st century exhibits a continuity of these foundational themes. Conclusion dwells upon the fact that the transformation of theoretical and methodological approaches is manifested in the reception of the issue of cultural identity-as a conceptual, social, and historical product that is created by individuals and society through processes of joint activity, and that is continually negotiated and modified under the influence of cultural policies and means of their institutionalization. Using research findings as a case study, the article illustrates how the government forms the cultural identity of populations: it instills norms, defines parameters of consciousness, and influences living practices and traditional forms of behavior. However, the intensity of such influence varies significantly. Based on a description of different types of cultural hybridity, the article identifies and represents corresponding types of identity-strong and weak-that manifest in conditions of intercultural communication.

Labor-inclusive corporatism after democratic transitions: Institutionalization in South Africa and Brazil

Abstract Under what conditions has corporatist policymaking become institutionalized in newly transitioned democracies? I argue that transitions have provided temporary opportunities for unions to push for laws they can later use to protect their place in economic councils. The relevant sets of legal rules, which I call compulsory deliberation, enable non-‘State official’ members to resist governmental disruption of such councils despite them composing the Executive’s structure. I compare South Africa and Brazil, two ‘most similar’ cases that featured sequences of chronically unstable labor-excluding councils under authoritarian regimes. I argue that the former broke out of this trajectory while the latter did not because South African unions developed aspirations for durable policy influence before the transition, whereas Brazilian ones only did so afterward and thus mobilized too late. Although Brazilian governments have enacted dozens of regulations covering as many councils, these have only served as short-term instruments for marketing policies.

Neoliberalism and sustainability of higher education in Australia

This paper critically examines the influence of neoliberal policies on the direction of Australian universities in recent years. By examining publicly available sources, including media, court, and parliamentary reports, we contend that the internationalization of higher education in Australia is a strategic response to these neoliberal policies, which have reduced government funding for the sector. However, the excessive application of neoliberalism in funding and cost management of universities has led to notable issues, such as a persistent decline in service quality, unfair treatment of international students, and insufficient pay for casual academics. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy improvements.

Family Planning Policies in Peru (1995-2023): Ontological Problems on Fertility and Infertility in Andean and Amazonian Culture

The research proposes a historical analysis of family planning policies in force from 1995 to 2023, with the objective of understanding the problems derived from the Voluntary Surgical Contraception (VSC) program implemented between 1995 and 2000, as well as the current decline of the health system in relation to sexual health and family planning. It addresses the influence of conservative-oriented governments and policies, as well as the interaction with Andean, Amazonian and urban cultural conceptions of fertility and infertility. The methodology employed is historical in nature, with an anthropological and qualitative approach. The findings highlight that policies related to sexuality and family planning in the historical context of the country did not take into account the cultural values and perspectives of local communities, which has contributed to a social gap in the field of public health. It is evident that the mass sterilization policies implemented in Peru during the 1990s suffered from lack of informed consent, pressure and coercion on individuals, having a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable communities. Therefore, this study seeks to provide guidance and recommendations to address the current problem identified.

Practices and Challenges on the Relationship to Support the Goals of Impact Ranked Universities in the Philippines

This study investigated the collaborative efforts of Philippine Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) with NGOs, government agencies, and other stakeholders in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By leveraging their academic capabilities, PHEIs ranked by the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking played a crucial role in addressing global challenges through a multi-sectoral approach. This study emphasized the importance of collaborating with regional NGOs and government agencies for policy-making and multi-sectoral dialogue in promoting participatory decision-making. It also highlighted the significance of international collaborations in standardizing data gathering and sharing best practices, thus enhancing the quality and impact of research related to public policy and sustainable development. PHEIs' engagement with NGOs was pivotal in mobilizing resources for community-targeted projects, including disaster risk reduction, health and well-being, educational outreach, and environmental conservation. These initiatives contributed to immediate community needs and built long-term resilience and sustainability. Findings revealed that PHEIs were not only centers of learning but also key players in the global sustainable development agenda. Their ability to bridge knowledge gaps, coupled with the operational reach of NGOs and the policy influence of government bodies, formed a powerful force for societal transformation. As the world progressed towards the 2030 Agenda, it was essential for PHEIs to strengthen partnerships, expand research scope, and enhance community engagement practices. This would not only advance the SDGs but also shape an inclusive and resilient sustainable future. The study called for continued innovation in partnership models and inclusive strategies that engaged all societal sectors, ensuring substantial and measurable progress towards the SDGs. The ongoing commitment of PHEIs would be crucial in achieving a sustainable world for future generations.

Nurses as UN champions: Increasing nursing presence and influence at the United Nations.

Representing half of the global health workforce, nurses are critical to health promotion, disease prevention, and the economic and social needs of populations. However, nursing expertise is underutilized in the UN System, and nurses are underprepared for roles in policy to influence global health and sustainable development. Innovative education strategies are necessary to address the sidelining of nursing expertise in these spaces and build nursing literacy in shaping global policy. This quality improvement project aimed to develop and evaluate a model to build a USA-based school of nursing's literacy and engagement with the United Nations (UN) System. A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student developed an innovative educational model, the United Nations Essentials for Global Nursing Leadership, in partnership with a school of nursing (SON), to build faculty knowledge and skills on initiating and sustaining bidirectional engagement with the UN. In 2023, SON faculty piloted the model, and pre-/post-intervention survey data were utilized for improvement. Participants reported increased knowledge, awareness, and confidence related to the UN System and their ability to engage as policy influencers, health diplomats, and global citizens. In total, 100% of participants volunteered to hold the role of UN champion for the SON. This innovative model advances nursing knowledge and coherence in the UN System and key areas of policy, diplomacy, and global governance for meaningful UN engagement. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING, HEALTH, AND SOCIAL POLICY: Models that invest in closing the global nursing leadership preparation gap can raise the profession's visible UN presence and strategic policy influence at a critical time for people and theplanet.

Green Financial Policy for Fostering Green Technological Innovation: The Role of Financing Constraints, Science Expenditure, and Heightened Industrial Structure

The environment has become an increasing concern due to the accelerated expansion of the world’s economy. Green finance is a crucial strategy for China to address challenges in fostering green innovation and achieving sustainable development. By employing the difference-in-differences (DID) method, this study assessed the influence of green financial policy (GFP) on green technological innovation (GTI) in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB). The results indicate that GFP significantly improves GTI, especially in cities with a lower level of green finance development, cities with a medium level of GTI, and cities upstream of the Yangtze River. A mechanism analysis found that GFP promotes GTI in the YREB by alleviating financing constraints and increasing science expenditures. However, it fails to improve GTI through the heightened industrial structure. The findings provide empirical proof and policy direction for the reformation of green financing and the achievement of ecological transformation in the river basin economy in accordance with the ‘dual-carbon’ goal.

Waste-to-Ammonia: A sustainable pathway for energy transition

Ammonia, with its exceptional storage and transportation characteristics, emerges as a promising hydrogen carrier that can play a crucial role in this transition. This study investigates the techno-economic and environmental feasibility of utilizing produced water (PW), a waste product in oil and gas production, for ammonia production (AP). Accordingly, three distinct scenarios of utilizing the PW to produce ammonia are analyzed: i) fossil fuel-based (FF) AP without CO2 capture (gray), ii) FF-based AP with CO2 capture module (blue), and iii) a solar-thermal based AP (green). Results suggest that the blue system offers a compromise between environmental impact and economic feasibility, achieving a significant reduction in CO2 emissions of 0.605 kg CO2/kg NH3 compared with the 1.87 kg CO2/kg NH3, where gray, blue, and green AP are associated with the values of $435.63/tNH3, $480.41/tNH3, and $955.05/tNH3, respectively. Moreover, this study highlights the influence of carbon tax policy on the cost of the FF-based gray systems, while becoming unprofitable above $104.75/tCO2. Analysis of AP costs across shale formations reveals variations in product cost with salt concentrations, with the Bakken and Haynesville formations exhibiting the highest cost per ton of ammonia of $433 and $426/tNH3 for blue and gray systems, respectively. Notably, it is observed that the formations with high solar radiation and low salinity including Permian and Niobrara show potential for green ammonia with payback periods of 13 and 15 years, respectively. This can be used as reliable benchmark to propose a model for achieving sustainable society.

Evaluation and driving force analysis of ecological environment in low mountain and hilly regions based on optimized ecological index.

In low mountain and hilly regions, vegetation cover is higher and plant growth has an accumulative effect, sequestering carbon more strongly. The traditional remote sensing based ecological index (RSEI) lacks the consideration of vegetation productivity, and using it to evaluate ecological environment in low mountain and hilly regions will be biased. In this study, the vegetation productivity was introduced to construct a natural remote sensing based ecological index (NRSEI) that responds to the low mountain and hilly regions, as an example of Gaizhou City, China. Additionally, this study explored the spatiotemporal evolution of ecological environment quality from 2014 to 2020 and quantified the influences of factors. The results show that the first principal component (PC1) increased from 56 to 67% to 65-87% and considered the accumulation process in the ecosystem. NRSEI was more valid. From 2014 to 2020, the quality of the ecological environment generally declined and then increased. The area with "Excellent" increased from 23 to 38%. The quality of ecosystems in the west, northwest, and south deteriorated significantly, a distribution pattern of "high in the center, low in the north and south". Landuse and topographic conditions dominate the impacts on the ecosystem in the context of social, economic and policy influences. The interactions of the factors were two-factor enhancement that together affect the ecological environment. The results contribute to the development of urban conservation policies in low mountain and hilly regions.

Dividend Policy and Share Price Volatility of Listed Construction Firms at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya

The inherent volatility in all stock market scares low risk takers from the financial market and is capable of deterring investments. One of the factors that drives investors’ reactions to stock pricing is the dividend policy. This study examined the influence of dividend policy on the volatility of stock prices of construction firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange for the period spanning five (5) years from 2019 to 2023. The study was dealt with on the following objectives; to examine the influence of dividend pay-out on share price volatility of listed construction firms at the NSE, Kenya, to determine the influence of dividend yield on share price volatility of listed construction firms at the NSE, Kenya. The study was guided by the: Dividend relevance theory, and dividend irrelevance theory. This study adopted a correlational research design while dealing with the research objectives. A census method was employed in data collection before analysis of the audited financial statements that was downloaded from the firm websites in arriving at detailed and well informed conclusions by employing Multiple regression, Correlation and ANOVA techniques using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to establish the existence (or lack of it) of the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable of the study. The findings revealed that dividend policy influenced share price volatility by; dividend pay-out ratio (r=0.111, β=0.036, t=4.7240); and dividend yield (r= -0.018, β= -0.003, t= 2.7130). The study recommended that potential and existing investors should opt for listed firms in the construction sector with a high dividend payout ratio compared to the earnings generated by the firms; Investors to invest in firms with high dividend payouts. The study achieved its main objective. Keywords: Dividend Policy, Dividend Pay-out, Dividend Yield, Share Price Volatility

THE IMPORTANCE OF FOREST FIRE PREVENTION ACTIVITIES

This study addresses the importance of forest fire prevention and combat activities, emphasizing environmental education as a tool for preventing forest fires in Canaã dos Carajás. The social relevance of the topic is highlighted by the significant impact of forest fires on the environment, economy, and public health, especially in the context of the Amazon Rainforest, which is essential for global climate regulation. The research is descriptive and combines data collection methods, including document analysis and semi-structured interviews. The document analysis involves reviewing reports, public policies, scientific articles, and educational materials, while the interviews are conducted with a representative sample of residents, educators, local authorities, and civil defense professionals. The general objective of the study is to analyze the effectiveness of environmental education activities in preventing forest fires. The specific objectives include analyzing residents’ perceptions of the importance of prevention, the influence of public policies, and proposing improvements in environmental education strategies. The research identified the urgent need for effective conservation policies, given the importance of the Amazon Rainforest in climate regulation. In Canaã dos Carajás, rapid urbanization driven by mining and a lack of resources and infrastructure are critical challenges for forest fire prevention. The interdisciplinary approach, using qualitative and quantitative techniques, allowed for a detailed analysis of the challenges faced and best practices. Location maps and satellite images were used to analyze the distribution of fire outbreaks. The results underline the importance of an integrated approach to fire prevention, highlighting the effectiveness of public policies and the need for ongoing training. This study provides valuable contributions to the formulation of public policies and educational strategies, promoting environmental education and active community involvement as key elements for effective forest fire prevention.

Sharing the motherload: A review and development of the CO-Parent conceptual model for early childhood obesity prevention.

Fathers remain under-represented in early childhood obesity prevention research and interventions, despite growing evidence that paternal biopsychosocial factors and behaviors from pre- and post-conception can influence lifelong offspring health. Informed by a literature review of high-quality evidence, "CO-Parent" (childhood obesity-Parent) is a new conceptual model underpinned by couple interdependence theory and a socioecological framework. Literature was searched for the concepts parental AND weight-related behaviors AND child weight or weight-related behaviors, in databases including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Global Health, Scopus, and SocINDEX. Prior evidence syntheses were prioritized as source data to inform model development. "CO-Parent" illustrates the interdependent and independent effects of maternal and paternal weight, weight-related behaviors, and well-being, across preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, and the early years on child weight-related behaviors and weight up to age five. The influences of public policy, social, environmental, economic, community, and other complex modifiable mediating factors are included in the model. The "CO-Parent" conceptual model paves the way for a paradigm shift by recognizing fathers as key figures in early childhood obesity prevention initiatives, encouraging them to "share the motherload." It highlights both the independent and interdependent roles fathers play in the epidemiology of obesity starting from preconception. CO-Parent also provides the foundations necessary to guide future theory and research to be more inclusive of fathers to further understanding of the independent and interdependent influences of parents in early childhood obesity prevention.

The Affect of Firm Size, Debt Policy, Profitability on Stock Returns: Moderating Role Dividend Policy

This research aims to examine the influence of Firm Size, Debt Policy and Profitability on Stock Returns with Dividend Policy as a moderating variable in non-financial Firms included in the LQ45 stock index on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) for the 2017-2022 period. The sampling technique in this research is the purposive sampling technique. This research uses secondary data, namely the firm's annual financial report (annual report) obtained from the official website of the Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX). The analytical method used is multiple linear regression techniques and moderated regression analysis (MRA) with testing using the SPSS version 29.0 application. The research results show that Firm size has a positive and significant effect on stock returns. Debt policy and profitability have a negative and insignificant effect on stock returns. Dividend policy can moderate Firm size on stock returns. However, dividend policy does not moderate debt policy and profitability on stock returns; however, dividend policy can moderate the influence of Firm size, debt policy, and profitability simultaneously on stock returns. The managerial implications of this research show that Firm size, debt policy, and profitability have a significant influence on stock returns, while dividend policy can moderate this relationship.

Liberalism all the way down?

This paper analyses adult education for sustainable development policies, examining their dominant discursive orientations – neoliberal, liberal, and critical – across global, EU, and national levels. Focusing on Slovenia and its transnational policy influences in this field, it highlights a prevalent interplay of liberal and neoliberal discursive orientations alongside a comparatively limited presence of critical discourse. At the global level, the United Nations’ influence emphasises liberal discourse aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while the European Union policies exhibit a predominant neoliberal discourse, further solidified at the national level, particularly in more recent Slovenian policies. A prevalent interplay of neoliberal and liberal discourses characterises Slovenian adult education for sustainable development policies, reflecting the substantial influence of transnational actors.

Optimization for container truck routing in container terminal with multi quay cranes considering emissions policy

In container terminal, the container trucks should go by a “quay crane - container trucks -import and export block” routing, and the optimization of this routing has become the focus of this paper. This study divided the problem of routing optimization into two levels: one is a routing optimization model of single container truck which takes the lowest total cost as the target, without considering the distribution of overall transportation task; the other is a routing optimization model concerning the allocation of no-load trucks, aiming at the lowest cost of transportation task. We designed an improved Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm to solve the two-level optimization model, and the influence of emission policy on the two-level optimization model and the influence of the number of container trucks on the transportation distance of level II in optimization model are analyzed. The results show that the increase of carbon tax will lead to the decrease of emissions in level I, but has no effect on the emissions in level II. The increase in the number of container trucks will lead to a reduction of the no-load transportation distance in level II.

Brand extension strategy in the presence of carbon tax regulation policy and social influence

Brand extension is a common marketing strategy used to capture a competitive advantage in the fashion industry and often causes social influence between the parent and sub-brands. On the one hand, sub-brand consumers are more willing to buy products when the parent brand sells well. On the other hand, the parent brand consumers’ purchase intention decreases when the sub-brand product sells too much. The fashion industry also contributes considerably to global carbon emissions. To reach sustainable development goals, governments impose carbon taxes. This paper analyzes how social influence and carbon tax regulations can affect a monopolistic firm’s brand extension strategy. The analytical results show that the firm extends from the parent brand to the sub-brand when the magnitude of social influence is not strong in the absence of a carbon tax, as the market expansion effect dominates the cannibalization effect. When the regulator imposes a carbon emissions tax, the range is further narrowed of the social influence that allows the firm to benefit from brand extension strategy because of the cost effect. Counterintuitively, the brand extension strategy can force the regulator to lower the tax price. Moreover, our findings reveal that social influence exerts an inverse impact on the regulator’s tax pricing decisions, contingent upon the extent of the parent brand’s brand power advantage. Carbon tax regulation hurts the firm and consumer surplus, but benefits the environment and social welfare. Additionally, we reaffirm the robustness of our findings under conditions of asymmetry in the intensity of social influence and different pollution damage functions. Intriguingly, we find that the firm can mitigate the negative cannibalization effect by selling its sub-brand products through a downstream retailer.

Deciphering the Local Origins of Neoliberalism in Central and Eastern Europe: The Example of Lithuania

This article studies the local lineage of neoliberalism in Lithuania, examining its intellectual pedigree, early proponents and the structural shifts that facilitated its rise. The latter are attributed to the openings created by perestroika and the development of the communication network linking economists within the Reform Movement of Lithuania, émigré intellectuals and Hillsdale College in Michigan. Information exchanges produced within this network generated embryonic neoliberal ideas before 1991. The network also contributed to the establishment of an influential think tank, the Lithuanian Free Market Institute (LFMI), whose policy influence is illustrated by surveying monetary and pension privatisation reforms.

Research on the influence of green finance policy on enterprise green innovation

At present, China's economy has entered a new normal, and policies with economic growth as the core can no longer meet the needs of social development. In recent years, China has vigorously promoted the green transformation of economic development, and the construction of a green innovation system has become the only way to improve the ecological environment and promote green development. Green finance, as a financial tool providing services for green industries such as energy conservation, emission reduction and pollution prevention and control, plays an important role in the process of economic green transformation. Green Finance Reform and Innovation Pilot Zone is the latest practice of green finance policy system construction. Under this background, this paper takes the establishment of our country’s Green Finance Reform Innovation Experimental Zone as a quasi-natural experiment, and adopts the panel data of Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2022, this paper discusses the impact of Green Finance Policy on enterprise green innovation by means of multi-period double difference model. The study found that the policy has an obvious driving effect on enterprise green innovation, and the conclusion passed the parallel trend test and placebo test; in addition, the mechanism test results show that the stronger the financing constraints, the promotion effect of green financial innovation policy may weaken.