Economic Issues Research Articles

Quantifying the Health–Economy Trade-Offs: Mathematical Model of COVID-19 Pandemic Dynamics

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a complex situation that requires a balance between control measures like lockdowns and easing restrictions. Control measures can limit the spread of the virus but can also cause economic and social issues. Easing restrictions can support economic recovery but may increase the risk of virus transmission. Mathematical approaches can help address these trade-offs by modeling the interactions between factors such as virus transmission rates, public health interventions, and economic and social impacts. A study using a susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) model with modified discrete time was conducted to determine the cost of handling COVID-19. The results showed that, without government intervention, the number of patients rejected by health facilities and the cost of handling a pandemic increased significantly. Lockdown intervention provided the least number of rejected patients compared to social distancing, but the costs of handling the pandemic in the lockdown scenario remained higher than those of social distancing. This research demonstrates that mathematical approaches can help identify critical junctures in a pandemic, such as limited health system capacity or high transmission rates, that require rapid response and appropriate action. By using mathematical analysis, decision-makers can develop more effective and responsive strategies, considering the various factors involved in the virus’s spread and its impact on society and the economy.

Key Issues of Economic Evaluations for Health Technology Assessment in China: A Nationwide Expert Survey

ObjectivesHealth technology assessment (HTA) is increasingly crucial in medicine price negotiations in China, yet prior appraisals revealed national discrepancies on key economic evaluation issues: willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold, pricing models for multi-indication medicines, and comparator selection principles. This study aims to collect expert opinions on these issues for future HTA evaluations. MethodsA nationwide anonymous web-based survey encompassing experts across academia, HTA, consultancy/contract research organization (CRO)/industry, service provider and payer. In 2023, a generic invitation containing a web link to the questionnaire was disseminated via WeChat using convenience and snowball sampling. Agreement rates for questionnaire views were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The relationship between participants' responses and demographics was examined using appropriate logistic models. Results303 responses were received from experts in 34 cities. Key expert views include: a suggested base WTP threshold ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 times GDP (52.1% agreement); elevated thresholds for childhood diseases, rare diseases, end-of-life diseases, and first-in-class medicines (FICs) (>78.0% agreement); a single pricing model for multi-indication medicines (60.4% agreement); consideration of multiple medicines as comparators (79.9% agreement); and avoiding the use of centrally procured medicines as comparators for medicines with a time-to-market under three years (71.0% agreement). Participants who are service provider had lower odds of selecting higher thresholds (OR: 0.26; P<0.01) compared with responders from consultancy/CRO/industry. ConclusionsExpert views indicate the need for substantial changes in China's current HTA methods, highlighting the need for increased investment in HTA processes and expertise cultivation.

A generational shift: how partisan alignment and the rise of social issues have produced a generation of Democrats

ABSTRACT American political elites are today more neatly divided on a wider range of issues than at any other point in the postwar era. How have these trends affected the political socialization of American youth? We argue that two distinctive aspects of US polarization, namely ideological alignment and the emergence of non-economic issues, have formed the foundation of a generational shift in favor of the Democratic party. We find that Millennials and Gen Z display levels of ideological alignment across economic, civil rights, and moral domains that are equal to or greater than previous generations. Their liberal positions on moral and civil rights issues are not only strongly predictive of vote choice, but also tend to offset any conservative positions on economic issues – in contrast to the way previous generations resolved such ideological tensions. As such, the push for a non-economic political agenda – a popular strategy in the last few decades, especially among Republicans – might well benefit the Democrats electorally as older generations are replaced.

Empirical analysis of trade costs and their impact on carbon emissions in RCEP countries

Global economic integration and environmental issues have attracted widespread attention in recent years. As one of the world's most significant free trade agreements, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) significantly impacts trade and the environment. However, research on the relationship between trade costs and carbon emissions still needs to be completed. This study explores the relationship between trade costs and carbon emissions within the framework of the Trade Benefit Theory, which posits that trade liberalization and openness generate economic benefits through increased efficiency, technological advancement, and economic growth. This study analyzes panel data from 12 RCEP countries from 2001 to 2014, employing static and dynamic panel models to examine the relationship between trade costs and carbon emissions. The analysis utilizes mixed regression, fixed (random) effects models, and the systematic GMM method. The results indicate that decreases in trade costs are associated with reduced environmental pollution, aligning with the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis, which posits an N-shaped relationship between trade costs and carbon emissions. Implementing RCEP facilitates a decrease in trade-related pollution, suggesting that reducing trade costs can help mitigate environmental pollution. Furthermore, the observed N-shaped EKC for trade costs and carbon emissions highlights the potential of RCEP to reduce the impact of trade-related pollution.

Comparative Study between Platelet-Rich Plasma, Corticosteroids and Perineural Dextrose local Injections for Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Abstract Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), one of the most common entrapment neuropathies, is considered as a socio- economic issue that reduces work productivity and increases disability. Aim of the Work to compare the effect of Platelet- Rich Plasma (PRP), corticosteroids (CS) and perineural Dextrose 5 % in water (D5W) local injections for the treatment of idiopathic mild and moderate CTS. Patients and Methods A prospective study was performed on 60 median nerves of 60 patients. They were diagnosed as idiopathic CTS and classified randomly into 3 groups (each contains 20 patients) according to the treatment program received: group I (ultrasound guided CS injection), group II (ultrasound guided perineural Dextrose 5% injection) and group III (ultrasound guided PRP injection). Results Ultrasound guided local injection using single doses of CS, D5W, and PRP were very efficient as regards symptomatic and functional improvement, reducing distal motor latency (DML) and Peak sensory latency ( PSL) of median nerve, as well as decreased Cross Section Area (CSA) of Median nerve (MN) and improving median nerve mobility for idiopathic mild to moderate CTS. For symptom and functional improvement, single injection of CS was more effective than that of PRP and D5W within 3 months post-injection. Moreover, PRP was slightly better than D5W. For reducing DML and PSL, CS was the most effective followed by PRP and then D5W at 3 months post injection. For reducing CSA, CS was the most effective followed by PRP and then D5W at 3 months post injection. For improving mobility of median nerve, D5W was the most effective at 3 months post injection followed by CS and PRP. Conclusion Injection of CS, D5W and PRP had resulted in significant Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) score reduction at 3 months post-injection in comparison to the BCTQ score at the baseline evaluation. All of the three studied groups (Corticosteroids, dextrose 5 % and PRP) have shown a great result regarding improving in clinical examination, clinical assessment scales, nerve conduction studies and improving in Neuromuscular Ultrasound results with favorable results of Corticosteroids group over Perineural dextrose 5 % group and PRP group.

Why are Turkish nurses migrating? A mixed-methods study.

This study aimed to identify the factors influencing nurses' migration patterns in Turkey. The flow of nurse migration from developing countries to developed countries is steadily increasing. As a result, countries that are sources of migration tend to develop domestic inequities with respect to the population's ability to access health services. In particular, fragile economic conditions and the pandemic triggered the migration of nurses from Turkey, a developing country. This study employed a mixed-method explanatory sequential design and was conducted in Turkey between April and November 2022. The decision to migrate was the focus of both the quantitative aspect, involving 237 participants, and the qualitative aspect, with 20 participants. Quantitative data were gathered through a questionnaire, and qualitative data were obtained using open-ended questions during in-depth individual interviews. We followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist in the quantitative phase and the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist in the qualitative phase. Descriptive statistics and thematic analyses were used to analyze the data. In the quantitative stage of the study, nurses' reasons for deciding to migrate were identified as economic conditions, working conditions, society's outlook on the profession, political factors, and professional growth opportunities. In the qualitative stage, four major themes influencing nurse migration patterns emerged: devaluation and poor collegiality in nursing; inadequate management support; negative work environment; and health, social, and economic policies. The results of the study showed that the three factors most influential in the decision to migrate were economic issues, a negative work environment, and political climate. In developing countries, there is an urgent need for nurse administrators and health workforce decision-makers to create healthy working conditions and manage resources efficiently, focusing on improving nurses' economic situations while developing appropriate nationwide and international strategies.

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Teaching and Learning: University Faculty and Staff Perceptions of the Artificial Intelligence-Altered Terrain

This study examines the perspectives of university faculty and staff regarding the influence of artificial intelligence on the higher education teaching and learning landscape following the global launch of free-to-use OpenAI ChatGPT in the autumn of 2022. The participants were 79 university faculty and staff from diverse academic fields across all campuses of a multidisciplinary university in Finland. The data were collected in two phases in May–June 2023 and in March 2024, with focus group interviews and Learning Café discussions. The results showed that AI has a broad impact on teaching and studying in higher education. Six main categories were identified: (1) the impact of AI on students’ learning processes, (2) the impact of AI on teaching, (3) the knowledge required of future employees and the impact of AI on them, (4) ethical and economic issues, (5) the development of AI or its use in the future, and (6) the nature of the change brought about by artificial intelligence. AI is already making inroads into higher education, and participants underscored its dual impact on teaching and learning, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. While teachers recognized AI’s potential to enhance teaching and assessment methods, they also acknowledged the need to adapt their courses accordingly. They expressed concerns about understanding AI’s impact on students’ learning processes and their own contributions to learning assignments. The participants emphasized the necessity of providing support and training for teachers to ensure AI is meaningfully and effectively integrated into teaching and learning practices and landscapes.

Extraction of healthy oils from fish viscera by conventional and advanced technologies

Fish viscera is a by-product of fish processing that has limited use as added-value products. The current issue of circular economy to produce recycled and zero waste products, therefore, the utilization of fish viscera for valuable products is important to explore. One of the valuable components of fish viscera is fish oil, which is characterized by being high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The limited exploration of fish viscera for potential utilization requires a comprehensive review of the visceral characteristics of various fish species. This article reviews the nutritional characteristics of various fish viscera, lipid class composition, fish viscera oil characteristics, and various methods of fish viscera oil extraction, both by conventional and advanced technologies. The main contribution of this review is to provide information about fish viscera, their potential as a source of fish oil, and extraction methods which are suitable for various industrial applications and purposes, including health applications for ω-3 fatty acids.

Assessing the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on the social sustainability of agrifood companies

AbstractIndustry 4.0 technologies present new opportunities for the sustainable development of companies in the agrifood industry. The extant literature on this topic suggests that innovative technologies can support agrifood companies in addressing environmental, economic and social sustainability issues. While the environmental and economic benefits of technological innovations in the agrifood industry have been widely investigated, few studies sought to explore the impact of the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies on long‐standing social issues. This research addresses this knowledge gap, the data were gathered from 116 Italian agrifood companies that utilized Industry 4.0 technologies. The findings from structural equations modelling partial least squares (SEM‐PLS) show that adopting Industry 4.0 technologies helps agrifood companies to improve human resources management, supply chain management and stakeholder relationships. Finally, this contribution puts forward implications for practitioners, as it raises awareness on the benefits of using technological innovations to promote social sustainability outcomes.

Plasma-activated water: candidate hand disinfectant for SARS-CoV-2 transmission disruption

The global epidemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has brought about worldwide burden and a sense of danger for more than two years, leading to a wide range of social, public health, economic and environmental issues. Self-inoculation through hands has been the primary way for environmental transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Plasma-activated water (PAW) has been reported as an effective, safe and environmentally friendly disinfectant against SARS-CoV-2. However, the inactivating effect of PAW on SARS-CoV-2 located on skin surface and its underlying mechanism of action have not been elucidated. In this study, PAW was prepared using an air-pressure plasma jet device. The antiviral efficiency of PAW1, PAW3, and PAW5 on the SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus was 8.20% (±2.88%), 46.24% (±1.79%), and 91.71% (±0.47%), respectively. Additionally, determination of PAW’s physicochemical properties, identification of major sterile effector in PAW, transmission electron microscopy analysis, malondialdehyde (MDA) assessment, SDS-PAGE, ELISA, and qPCR were conducted to reveal the virucidal mechanism of PAW. Our experimental results suggested that peroxynitrite, which was generated by the synergism of acidic environment and reactive species, was the major sterile effector of PAW. Furthermore, we found that PAW treatment significantly inactivated SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus through the destruction of its structure of and the degradation of the viral RNA. Therefore, the possible mechanism for the structural destruction of SARS-COV-2 by PAW is through the action of peroxynitrite generated by the synergism of acidic environment and reactive species, which might react with and destroy the lipid envelope of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus. Nevertheless, further studies are required to shed light on the interaction mechanism of PAW-inherent RONS and viral components, and to confirm the determinant factors for virus inactivation of SARS-COV-2 by PAW. Therefore, PAW may be a candidate hand disinfectant used to disrupt the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

Exploring the influence of wealth on judicial decision making

AbstractObjectiveAttention to levels of socioeconomic inequality has given rise to work investigating its potential to influence political actors and, thus, policy outcomes. These studies have focused on elected actors in legislative contexts. Ours fills this gap by assessing the consequences of a judge's wealth on decision making.MethodsWe obtain data on federal appellate judges’ wealth and explore its influence in cases involving economic issues. We estimate logit models controlling for other factors and include fixed effects for circuit, specific issue area, and year of the decision. The models consider both the main effects of wealth and its potential interaction with judicial ideology to influence decision making.ResultsWe find no direct relationship between a judge's wealth and her decision making in economic cases. However, wealth interacts with ideology to exert a significant influence on decision making; here, greater wealth amplifies the ideological predilections of more conservative judges.ConclusionsThis is the first study to document a link between wealth and the choices judges make on the bench. It adds a new dimension to the ways economic inequality can influence political actors and raises new questions about the mechanisms by which such inequality is consequential for elite political behavior.

Transformation of the Three Pillars of Agri-Food Sustainability around the COVID-19 Crisis—A Literature Review

The COVID-19 crisis has disrupted economies and societies and the sustainability characteristics of agri-food due to a significant decline in turnover, difficulties in transportation, and changes in market and contact habits. An analysis was carried out using the PRISMA protocol and the Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct electronic databases. The aim of this research is to present the main research issues in agri-food sustainability (economic, environmental, and social issues) in the pre-COVID-19 period, to compare it with the research trends in the COVID-19 period, and to explore the influence of the epidemic. This research looks for research gaps and possible future research directions. Research before COVID-19 was primarily concerned with environmental and economic sustainability. The main focus areas were business development and environmental issues. During COVID-19, the focus shifted to economic sustainability. Survival was the primary issue. The main research areas were financial, inventory, waste management, and innovation issues. Food safety and digitalisation were highlighted. Precision agriculture, short food supply chains, and collaboration increased efficiency. The role of trust has increased. The COVID-19 experience is valuable for almost all disciplines. Policy, health, and economic decision-makers can apply better solutions to future crises.

건축물의 지속 가능한 친환경 디자인 연구

With the increasing emphasis on the eco-friendly paradigm, the sustainability of office buildings has become more important. This study aims to investigate the design characteristics of eco-friendly buildings and explore efficient eco-friendly design solutions by analyzing cases where biomimicry technology has been applied. Buildings are analyzed using a framework consisting of six aspects: technicality, recyclability, ecology, cultural compatibility, healthiness, and social compatibility. As a result, buildings minimize environmental impact through principles such as natural ventilation, insulation, natural lighting, and recycling, showing positive effects on health and social aspects. Notably, the correlation between technicality and healthiness is high, with the indoor environment emerging as the most critical factor. Biomimicry design is expected to be a crucial solution for innovative and competitive eco-friendly building design. Therefore, it is necessary to address economic issues such as initial investment costs to establish non-standard designs emphasizing ecology. This study aims to present a direction for sustainable building design.

Microbial Protein Production Using Lignocellulosic Biomass (Switchgrass) and Klebsiella oxytoca M5A1—A Nitrogen Fixer

The expanding global population has increased the demand for sustainable protein sources, and microbial protein (MP) has emerged as a promising alternative. However, conventional carbon (glucose) and nitrogen (ammonia, urea) sources needed for MP production pose environmental and economic issues. This study aims to produce protein using lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) as a carbon source and the nitrogen fixation ability of Klebsiella oxytoca M5A1 as a nitrogen source. The study investigates the pretreatment of LCB (switchgrass), enzymatic hydrolysis, protein quantification, nitrogen fixation, glucose utilization and organic acids production. K. oxytoca M5A1 harnessed free nitrogen from the atmosphere and used abundant, cheap glucose from LCB to produce MP and organic acids as by-products. Protein production occurred in two phases: first within the initial 8 h and secondly, within the last 16 h. The highest protein concentration was at 40 h, with approximately 683.46 µg/mL protein content. High-performance liquid chromatography system (HPLC) analysis revealed a dynamic profile of glucose utilization and organic acids (Lactic acid, Propionic acid, Acetic acid, and Succinic acid) production. K. oxytoca M5A1 exhibited an early high rate of glucose consumption, and conversion to organic acids, that were later used for second-phase protein production. The acids profile revealed intra-conversion from one acid to another via metabolic pathways (glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle). Overall, leveraging LCB and the nitrogen-fixing ability of K. oxytoca M5A1 for MP production offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional protein sources, contributing to a sustainable circular economy.

The role of energy security – selected issues

Energy security is related to the political situation of individual countries and affects both national security and economic security. The article addresses both legal and economic issues. It discusses the importance of legal regulations and the country’s economic situation. It also addresses the context of the war between Russia and Ukraine and its impact on this security and energy transformation.

Concilier régulation du médicament et démocratie sanitaire : rôle des conseillers patient ou professionnel de santé à l’ANSM

The French National Agency for Health Products (ANSM) is a regulatory and public health agency. Its regulatory, health policing and public health protection activities require a perfect fit with the field and the various people involved in the use of health products. Since 2019, the ANSM has adapted its organisation, procedures and processes to encourage and improve interaction with its stakeholders, as part of its policy of openness towards civil society. To accompany this ambitious change and to support its staff, the Agency has recruited advisors corresponding to the main users of health products: prescribers (doctor's hospital and outpatient), pharmacists and patients. Working as a group or individually, they provide a "lived" user perspective on health products at each stage of the evaluation process. They may be involved in the assessment of dossiers, signals or applications received by the Agency, in the internal validation of reports or in discussions with stakeholders. They are particularly involved when the analysis requires expertise that goes beyond the technical, scientific or regulatory aspects. They may also work with ANSM staff to explain certain processes and difficulties in the field. Advisors help to ensure that regulatory and/or scientific expertise is clear and consistent with user experience. In addition to their scientific and therapeutic aspects, medicines are also economic, social and political issues. Their regulation is therefore particularly affected by the need for health democracy. This requires the active participation of health professionals, patients and, more broadly, civil society in the decision-making process. Civil society is a space occupied by a wide range of actors who exert pressure from different ideological positions to influence the regulation of health products. In this context, taking into account a plurality of viewpoints in the regulation of health products is necessary and complex, but its operation can be facilitated by the collective efforts of the actors and the adaptation of organisations, such as the integration of advisors.

Emerging Opportunities in Distributed Manufacturing: Results and Analysis of an Expert Study

AbstractOver the last few decades, globalization has weakened the US manufacturing sector. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed import dependencies and supply chain shocks that have raised public and private awareness of the need to rebuild domestic production. A range of new technologies, collectively called Industry 4.0, create opportunities to revolutionize domestic and local manufacturing. Success depends on further refinement of those technologies, broad implementation throughout private companies, and concerted efforts to rebuild the industrial commons, the national ecosystem of producers, suppliers, service providers, educators, and workforce necessary to regain a competitive, innovative manufacturing sector. A recent workshop sponsored by the Engineering Research Visioning Alliance (ERVA) identified a range of challenges and opportunities to build a resilient, flexible, scalable, and high-quality manufacturing sector. This paper provides a strategic roadmap for regaining US manufacturing leadership by briefly summarizing discussions at the ERVA-sponsored workshop held in 2023 and providing additional analysis of key technical and economic issues that must be addressed to achieve dynamic, high-value manufacturing in the USA. The focus of this presentation is on discrete manufacturing of production of structural components, a large subset of total manufacturing that produces high-value inputs and finished products for domestic consumption and export.

Exploring the economic toxicity experiences and coping styles of patients with colorectal cancer fistula in Jiangsu province, China: a qualitative study

ObjectivesIn recent years, economic toxicity has significantly affected the physical and mental health as well as the quality of life of patients with colorectal cancer. However, this issue has not...

The Role of Human Resource Management in Sustainable Development

This paper discusses the role of human resource management (HRM) in sustainable development. With the increasing global attention to environmental, social and economic sustainability issues, human resource management (HRM), as one of the core functions within organisations, plays a crucial role in driving organisations to achieve the goal of sustainable development. The article firstly describes the core functions and concepts of HRM and analyses the needs of HRM for sustainable development strategies. Then, the role of HRM in sustainable development is explored in detail from the three dimensions of environmental sustainability, social sustainability and economic sustainability. Through case studies and discussion of challenges and strategies, this paper aims to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the practice of HRM in sustainable development.

Creative Economy: Reviewing Global Political Narratives

Indonesia, as the biggest Muslim country in 2019, promoted the creative economy as a crucial entity for achieving sustainable development, as adopted in UN Resolution No. 74/198. It demonstrates the acceptance of the creative economy as an international approach to the development strategy post-pandemic COVID-19. Considering the restructuring sustainable development framework that internalized the current issue of creative economy, this paper aims to discuss the conceptualization of creative economy as a global discourse. It used a narrative literature review by combining a bibliographic analysis process in order to explore a consistent, comprehensive, and in-depth understanding of existing knowledge on the subject of the creative economy. Data sources obtained from the internet consist of Scopus and Google Scholar journal articles. The official government and international organization websites are also used to confirm the research arguments. The study examines the conceptualization of creative economy, which refers to cultural economy, cultural industry, creative industry, and cultural policy. The diffusion of ideas played by multi-actors in a networked process led to the acceptance of the creative economy as a global discourse. The United Nations has a platform role in institutionalizing the ideas and beliefs about the creative economy as a significant entity for the global development agenda.