Unemployment Research Articles

The hidden burden of atopic dermatitis in central and Eastern European Countries

ABSTRACT Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) imposes a hidden burden through its negative effects on quality of life and productivity. We aim to estimate this hidden burden in adults and adolescents in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. Methods We created a burden of disease model to quantify AD’s hidden burden. Humanistic burden was calculated by estimating the monetary value of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) lost, using prevalence data from the Global Burden of Disease study, and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita for each country. Indirect economic burden was estimated based on productivity loss from absenteeism and presenteeism, adjusted for labor force participation and unemployment rates. Total hidden burden was determined by combining productivity losses and QALYs lost. Results QALY loss due to AD ranged from 1,832 to 58,596 annually in CEE countries, equating to 38 million to approximately 1 billion Euros per country. Productivity losses ranged from 3.6 to 148.9 million Euros annually. The total hidden burden of AD represents 0.11% to 0.43% of the GDP. Conclusions Our estimates reflect significant differences in population sizes, prevalence, and economic strength among CEE countries. Adjusting findings to country-specific GDP provided insights into AD’s true hidden burden, offering valuable information for decision-making.

Household residential energy choices in green transition: insights from a household survey in rural China.

It has been widely recognized that accelerating green residential energy transition from traditional solid fuels (biomass and coal) to clean and high-efficient energy sources is critical for rural sustainable development. However, little attention has been paid to estimate panel data discrete choice models to analyze the dynamic behavior information of individual households in the process of energy transition. Hence, this paper investigates green residential energy transition using a panel dataset from 3308 rural households in eight provinces of China in 2015 and 2018. The results show that although traditional solid biomass still plays a dominating role in rural residential energy choice, fuel switching from solid fuels to modern clean energy alternatives is taking place. Off-farm employment plays an important role in the transition towards more sustainable energy sources, as households with off-farm employed heads and higher off-farm income level are highly likely to choose superior energy alternatives other than traditional biomass. Besides, the educational level of the household head and household location are also important influencing factors of household residential energy choices. Based on these findings, this paper suggests that job creation in non-farm sectors should be given a priority in future policy design to promote rural green energy transition in residential sector. North-south differences should be taken into account, whereas more policy options for optimizing biomass energy use should be explored.

The Influence of Legalization of Gambling Industry on The Change in Urban Labour Output

A side from the fact that gambling stimulates crime in places such as Britain, Las Vegas and Macau, it has boosted tourism and the region's Labour force. The legalization of gambling industry has promoted the formation of a huge business system in Singapore, Las Vegas and other areas to meet the needs of gamblers, such as catering, hotels and luxury goods. And in the early stage of legalization, the local crime rate will not increase significantly but the unemployment rate will drop greatly. So as long as the government regulates it properly, the gambling industry should not deal a serious blow to the local economy.

Differential Economic Impacts of Chinese and American Trade Policies on Developed Versus Developing Nations

The trade conflict between the United States and China, the two largest economies in the world, has considerable implications for global economic stability and growth. This topic has been selected due to the necessity of understanding how these trade disputes impact other countries, particularly those heavily dependent on exporting goods to these major economies. The analysis aims to investigate the varied effects of the trade war on both industrialized and developing nations. An analysis is conducted to examine the differential effects of the trade war on industrialized and developing nations by studying the changes in GDP growth rates, unemployment rates, and balance of trade trends. This study examines the distinct economic effects of the China-US trade war on Germany, Canada, and Mexico, which serve as representative examples of developed and developing nations. The results emphasize the significance of customized policy measures to tackle the distinct difficulties and prospects encountered by various economies. Developed countries should prioritize efforts to reduce sluggish economic development and address unemployment in specific sectors. On the other hand, developing nations should take advantage of trade diversion benefits and strengthen their economic resilience. This study enhances the awareness of global trade dynamics and offers vital perspectives for policymakers seeking to negotiate the intricacies of international trade wars.

Dying for Sex? Sexual Frustration, Socioeconomic Factors and ISIS Foreign Fighters

ABSTRACT That sexual frustration drives foreign fighters into the arms of the Islamic State is a popular hypothesis. Yet the common proxies for sexual frustration ‘male youth unemployment’ and ‘male unmarriedness’ do not square with available and, admittedly, scarce, socio-demographic micro data about foreign fighters. Most foreign fighters were married and employed, but mostly in blue-collar jobs. Often neglected is moreover that most foreign fighters have a migration background. Sexual frustration must therefore not be seen independently from possible socioeconomic frustration. Because strong multicollinearity complicates the empirical separation of sexual and socioeconomic frustration, we employ a principal component analysis to reduce the dimensionality of each frustration. We find that socioeconomic frustration is empirically more dominant, thus lending additional support in favor of the socioeconomic frustration hypothesis and complementing the scarcely existing micro data. Moreover, the results suggest that sexual frustration is a byproduct of socioeconomic frustration, however it is not a significant independent explanatory factor of ISIS foreign fighters.

Assessing the impact of the European Union-Vietnam free trade agreement on labor market and employment in Vietnam

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) on Vietnam’s labor market and employment outcomes, considering the potential distributional consequences across various groups of workers and regions.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive quantitative framework is employed, combining the gravity model of trade to estimate the EVFTA’s effects on trade flows, the CISAF_M1 model to simulate sectoral employment impacts and econometric models to analyze the effects on wages and decent work. The analysis draws upon a rich dataset spanning the period before and after the EVFTA’s implementation.FindingsThe EVFTA has significantly boosted Vietnam’s exports to the EU, leading to substantial job creation in labor-intensive sectors such as textiles, apparel and footwear. The agreement has also contributed to wage growth and improved access to social insurance for workers in export-oriented industries. However, the impact on other aspects of job quality is less clear. The distributional analysis reveals that the EVFTA’s employment effects have been relatively balanced across gender but have favored younger and less skilled workers as well as those in rural areas.Originality/valueThis study provides a comprehensive and nuanced assessment of the EVFTA’s impact on Vietnam’s labor market, addressing a gap in the literature on the employment effects of new-generation free trade agreements in developing countries. The findings highlight the importance of considering distributional aspects when evaluating the socioeconomic implications of trade liberalization and offer valuable insights for policymakers aiming to promote inclusive growth in the context of deepening international economic integration.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2024-0236

Assessing investment priorities for inclusive agricultural transformation in Tanzania

AbstractMotivationPolicy‐makers dealing with conflicting development goals and constrained budgets must comprehend the relative cost effectiveness of agricultural and rural development initiatives.PurposeWe assess the impact of alternative interventions on development outcomes—economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and diet quality—to inform decision‐making and resource allocation in Tanzania's agriculture. We analyse trade‐offs among development objectives and explore budget reallocation to enhance the efficiency of public spending.Approach and methodsWe used a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model linked top‐down with microsimulation modules to simulate the impact of public investment options.FindingsNo single option emerges as the most effective across all development objectives. Investments in improved inputs and extension for horticulture and cash crops stand out for diet quality and employment creation. Livestock services show consistently high rankings across multiple objectives. Investments to boost cereals and root crops promote growth and reduce poverty but do little to increase employment and diet quality.Budget reallocation towards more cost‐effective interventions can significantly enhance the development effectiveness of Tanzania's agricultural expenditures and would substantially increase cumulative gross domestic product growth between 2019 and 2028.Policy implicationsPolicy‐makers can use the findings to design and prioritize agricultural interventions that better align with broader development objectives. Tanzania can achieve higher benefits and contribute to overall development goals by reallocating resources towards more cost‐effective expenditure options.

Analysis of Socio-economic Variables Impacting Poverty Alleviation in Regional Development: A Case Study in Deli Serdang Regency, Indonesia

This study analyzes the impact of macro socio-economic variables on poverty alleviation within the context of regional development in North Sumatra Province from 2019 to 2023. The socio-economic variables examined include economic growth, average years of schooling, life expectancy, and the open unemployment rate. The research employs a panel data regression approach using the Fixed Effect Model, selected based on Chow and Hausman test results, to determine the best model fit. The findings reveal that economic growth, average years of schooling, and life expectancy have significant negative effects on poverty reduction, indicating that improvements in these areas help alleviate poverty. Conversely, the open unemployment rate shows a significant positive effect on poverty levels, suggesting that higher unemployment exacerbates poverty. The model explains 99% of the variation in poverty (R² = 0.990), indicating a high explanatory power. Based on these results, the study recommends the implementation of inclusive economic policies focusing on boosting economic growth, improving educational access, enhancing healthcare systems, and creating job opportunities to effectively reduce poverty. Additionally, further research with broader geographical coverage and more refined methods is necessary to enrich the understanding of poverty determinants in different regional contexts.

The rising cases of suicide among Nigerians: what are the risk factors, prevention, and remedies?

The escalating suicide rate in Nigeria, exacerbated by economic, political, health, and social crises, represents a pressing concern. The aftermath of the global COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns has exacerbated this issue, particularly in African nations with bare-bones governmental support systems. This paper examines the underlying causes of the alarming number of suicides in Nigeria, utilizing interviews to explore the risk factors, preventative measures adopted, and crisis interventions. Our findings reveal that spousal conflicts, job loss, and bereavement are significant triggers of suicidal ideation. Recommendations include fostering supportive environments, crisis interventions, and psychological rehabilitation services. Urgent attention is warranted to address this growing trend and mitigate its socioeconomic repercussions in Nigeria.

A Comparative Analysis of the Factors Influencing Job Expectations among Unemployed Men and Women in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, persistent gender differences in unemployment rates exist, with women enduring greater rates of unemployment de-spite having a higher average educational attainment than men. Gender differences in job search intensity vary with attitudes to-ward employment or unemployment as attitudes play a significant role in employment decision-making. These differences are intimately linked to people's expectations and mindsets regarding their work, which are strongly influenced by societal and cultural gender roles. This study looks at how job expectations differ between unemployed men and women in Sri Lanka. This study relies on data from the Department of Census and Statistics Sri Lanka Labour Force Survey (2021) and a multinomial logistic model to analyse the total unemployed, male unemployed, and female unemployed separately while taking two dependent variables; job sector expectations and occupational expectations. The study's findings emphasise the pivotal role of gender in sharpening job expectations among the unemployed. Regarding job sector expectations, unemployed women are more inclined towards jobs in the public sector than those in the private sector because of the government's reputation for offering standardized working hours and a work-life balance conducive environment. Furthermore, there are noteworthy differences in occupational expectations as unemployed women are more likely to expect professional and managerial level jobs with the increase in higher education enrolment. This study offers a groundbreaking contribution to the literature by unveiling unique, gender-specific determinants of job expectations among Sri Lanka's unemployed, highlighting the influence of unemployment duration, and employing distinct analytical models to bridge significant theoretical, empirical and methodological gaps. Finally, this study puts forth the broader discourse on gender, unemployment, and labour market dynamics in Sri Lanka, offering gender-specific policy recommendations aimed at bridging the expectation gap between unemployed men and women in Sri Lanka.

Productivity costs of the green energy transition in Africa

AbstractTransitioning to renewable energy generates tangible benefits in terms of the environment and emissions of greenhouse gases. However, the economic productivity costs of switching to clean energy cannot be overlooked, in addition to the large resource requirements, potential disruption in energy systems, risks of job losses, and emergence of new inequalities. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and quantify synergies and trade‐offs. This paper investigates the productivity cost of abandoning the use of fossil fuels in African countries, using econometric techniques applied to panel data, including the fully modified ordinary least square. The paper finds that, while renewable energy supply is beneficial to increase total factor productivity, in general, a shift toward a higher share of renewables in the power mix is not without productivity cost on the economy. The analysis accounts for other sources of productivity, such as human capital and the diffusion of embodied technology imported from abroad into local markets. The data also reveal that the energy transition could have heterogeneous effects depending on the regions' and countries' characteristics and stages of transition.

Desenvolvimento de plug-in BIM para verificação de conformidade de Projetos Arquitetônicos segundo as Leis Municipais – O Caso de Passo Fundo/RS

The construction industry plays a significant role in job creation and the socioeconomic development of cities. However, architects and urban planners face challenges due to the delay in the approval of architectural projects by municipal governments, attributed to the non-compliance of projects with local laws. In this context, this study proposes the use of programming in BIM (Building Information Modeling) software, with the aim of developing a plug-in to assist in the process of approving architectural projects in compliance with the municipal laws and regulations of Passo Fundo-RS. The methodology adopted was based on a thorough literature review, document analysis, and the development of a plug-in prototype for Revit, developed in Dynamo using the Python language. The proposed prototype involves the integration of urban data into Revit to automate the collection of information such as building dimensions, lot areas, setbacks, and other metrics. The results revealed that the implementation of programming routines in BIM, especially for Revit, has the potential to significantly reduce the waiting times for project approvals by the municipal government, improve their compliance with local regulations, and minimize pending issues and rework.

Causative factors of Abandoned Urban Housing Projects and Strategies for Revitalization in Ibadan, Nigeria

In Nigeria, over 56,000 projects have been abandoned, leading to negative societal and urban impacts, including wasted investment, job losses, increased crime rates, visual pollution, and disruption of urban planning. These abandoned projects, which include residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, have significant multiplier effects on the construction industry. As the housing sector plays a vital role in a country's economy, the issue of abandoned urban housing projects, particularly in Ibadan, Nigeria’s third-largest city, poses serious challenges. These challenges affect the city’s economic growth, social cohesion, and environmental quality, yet there is limited research addressing the problem. This paper investigated the causes of abandoned housing projects in Ibadan, aiming to find ways to revive them and prevent future abandonment. A structured questionnaire (n=45) was administered to consultants and professionals in the built environment (architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and builders). Key causes of abandonment were identified, along with impacts such as building dilapidation, environmental decline, and urban visual displeasure. The paper recommended the establishment of regulatory frameworks for periodic inspections of ongoing projects and requiring developers to have exit strategies for financial setbacks. It also emphasized policies that promote repurposing abandoned buildings for public services, such as affordable housing or community centers. The conclusion stressed that without addressing the root causes, urban aesthetics and adequate housing provision will continue to suffer.

Employment and Unemployment as A Subject of State Regulation of The Labor Market in Azerbaijan

Annotation: The level of employment and unemployment are important macroeconomic indicators in order to characterize the effect of the economic policy implemented in the Republic of Azerbaijan and the degree of economic development of the country. The high level of unemployment in the economy causes various complications, which negatively affects the state of socio-economic progress. It is appropriate to consider a number of directions in the field of state regulation of employment and unemployment. These are the regulation of the demand and development for workplaces, the implementation of a successful state policy in the field of education, vocational training and personnel retraining. In the study of the scientific basis of employment issues, it is selected due to the importance of maintaining the continuity of workplaces and regulating its market relations based on the relevance of objective development laws. In this field, it is also worth noting the need for specialization. Measures in the field of policy regulation in the direction of employment and unemployment mostly act as efficiency indicators of the state's social policy as well. Implementation of various projects, representation of people from relevant classes in those projects and other necessary issues carry the strategic essence of employment-oriented social policy. The paper clarifies various issues regarding employment and unemployment in the Republic of Azerbaijan and deals with the state regulation in this direction. In the study, the approach to both problems on the current national economic priorities is more concrete and systematic. The creation of industrial parks and districts in different regions of the country will have a positive effect on the reduction of unemployment and, in parallel, on the preservation of the increasing dynamics of employment indicators. If we take into account the prospects of the territories freed from occupation in recent years, we can say that substantial results will be achieved based on the reforms and strategies carried out in the future. As it is known, state programs for the development of regions are adopted continuously and gradually in Azerbaijan. The implementation of these programs in stages will allow the establishment of production enterprises and the creation of new jobs. This, in turn, will lead to a decrease in the level of unemployment and further increase in employment opportunities.

Are journalists truly safe? Communicating the Risks Faced by Investigative Journalists in Nigeria

This study examined the risks faced by investigative journalists in Nigeria. The Hazard Barrier Target Model was used as the theoretical foundation for this investigation. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, in which 353 journalists in Nigeria were surveyed through a Google questionnaire. Results showed that some of the risks journalists face are physical threats and violence, loss of job and other traumatic situations, risk of legal battles, intimidation, and harassment, among others. Results also showed that some of the impacts of the risks faced by investigative journalists in Nigeria include self-censorship, low engagement in the act of investigative journalism, poor quality of reports on issues worthy of in-depth investigation, and social and professional isolation. It was concluded that journalists agreed that the identified risks in the study are some of the risks investigative journalists in Nigeria face in the course of their job and that these risks they encounter to a large extent on a frequent basis, as such it has led to negative impacts on investigative journalism practice in Nigeria. The practical, policy, and scholarly implications of the study were highlighted.

Legal Protection for Workers on Job Loss Guarantee in the Tourism Sector

In Indonesia, labo u r social security is a right of workers, as exemplified by the provision of job loss insurance . In essence, social security is designed to ensure that workers retain a decent standard of living in the event of job loss. One of the most frequently demanded rights of workers is the right to social security. The Indonesian Social Security Administration Body (BPJS) programme comprises two distinct categories: social security for health and social security for employment . The following ques tion is posed: How is the job loss insurance programme in the tourism sector implemented at BPJS Ketenagakerjaan Cabang Bali Gianyar ? Furthermore, what form of legal protection is afforded to workers who lose their jobs in accordance with Indonesian Govern ment Regulation No. 37/2021 on the implementation of the Job Loss Insurance Program? Methodology: empirical research employing a soc iological approach. The findings indicate that the implementation of the job loss guarantee programme at BPJS Ketenagakerjaa n Gianyar is conducted in accordance with the submission of job loss insurance claims from workers who have been laid off. At PT CH B Villa, 26 workers who experienced layoffs were eligible to receive the benefits of job loss insurance , including 24 worker s (92%) who were entitled to receive them and two workers (8%) who were not. In conclusion, the implementation of the job loss insur ance programme at the Villa of PT CHB Gianyar has been effective in providing legal protection and benefits for laid off wo rkers. In the event that an employer violates the rights of a dismissed worker, the employer may be subject to administrative sancti ons in accordance with the provisions of Article 46 of Indonesi an Government Regulation No. 37/ 2021 concerning the implement ation of the job loss insurance . These sanctions may include written warnings to the employer and the cessation of certain public se rvices.

The Impact of Taxation on the Cost of Living: A Comprehensive Analysis

This study examines the taxation-related factors affecting Malaysia's cost of living. The rising cost of living, a persistent issue in economics and social well-being, is often linked to global challenges faced by emerging nations. Direct tax has been identified as a primary contributor to the financial strain on households, who must manage various essentials beyond food, clothing, and shelter, such as education, cellular services, and transportation. The study analyzes the relationship between seven independent variables—direct tax, unemployment rate, exchange rate, household consumption expenditure, house price index, subsidies, and net trade—and the cost of living in Malaysia, using 30 years of annual data (1992-2022) with EViews for econometric analysis. This study uses descriptive statistical analysis for the description of data, coefficient matrix analysis and regression analysis for determining the impact of dependent and independent variables. The findings show that the cost-of-living pressures are positively correlated with direct tax, housing price index, and net trade. Data was sourced from the National Property Information Centre (NAPIC), the World Bank, and the Economic Planning Unit (EPU). The analysis underscores the significant impact of direct tax on the cost of living. To mitigate this impact, governments could implement fair and progressive tax reforms, provide targeted subsidies, and promote economic growth to boost income levels. Additionally, social programs and efficient government investment can further reduce household financial burdens.

Linking the BOPC growth model with foreign debt dynamics to goods and labour markets: A BOP-IXSM-Okun model

We link a BOPC growth model to the goods market, foreign debt dynamics, and Okun's law. A new condition for getting the Thirlwall effect of world GDP growth on domestic growth is that investment and export shares of GDP should react less to an increase in the domestic growth rate than savings and import shares. If this condition holds, the Thirlwall effect is present for the equilibrium point of stable and unstable debt/GDP dynamics and for positive or negative reactions of the current account to domestic growth. Okun's law translates the effect on the domestic GDP growth rate to a change of the unemployment rate. Under unstable debt/GDP dynamics, the change of world GDP growth may turn around the direction of the debt/GDP dynamics, a second important foreign growth effect. Estimations support the specification of the theoretical model and lead to simulations of the Thirlwall effect, terms of trade and interest rate shocks on output growth. Profit maximizing bank consortia set interest rates below growth rates ensuring stable debt dynamics in the presence of an interior maximum. Conditions for an interior maximum are empirically violated for Brazil indicating that banks would have to change the economy strongly. A crisis can be less likely through a jump into a steady state for the debt/GDP ratio; unstable, increasing debt/GDP processes through high interest rates cannot be ruled out though and may lead to crises unless the empirics of the stability conditions gets more favourable and leads the country-bank model into a stable steady state or out of indebtedness.

Artificial Intelligence in Digital Marketing: A Bibliometric Analysis and Future Research Directions

Digital marketing has changed the way companies do business due to the widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has changed the way businesses talk to their customers by making it easier to create personalised content. Due to the industry’s growing research and development, it can be hard to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. A detailed literature review on AI in digital marketing looks at the research that has been done in this area. Additionally, the study stresses how important it is to investigate the moral effects of using AI in marketing. The focus of the study is on how AI affects privacy, fairness and accountability. The study says that marketers should focus on encouraging openness and giving users control over how AI technology is used. The study suggests that more research be done on how AI affects job loss and the job market. Bibliometric analysis for the last 10 years is done using the global research database. This research makes the case for doing research that uses ideas from different fields, such as marketing, computer science and social science. Researchers and industry practitioners who are interested in how AI and digital marketing work together can learn from this study.

Unpacking Technological Risks: Different Sources of Concern and Policy Preferences

How concerned are workers about the impact of technological changes on employment, and what policies do they prefer to mitigate potential negative effects of these changes? We address these questions by presenting new analytical distinctions among different types of labour market concerns. We differentiate among the risk of job substitution, ‘technostress’ and general apprehension about the impact of technology in the workplace. In terms of policy responses, we distinguish between worker preferences for job loss compensation, retraining and distinct measures of ‘technological protectionism’. Using survey data from Spain and innovative measures of these concepts, our findings reveal that concern about job substitution is modestly correlated with support for some redistribution policies. By contrast, both technostress and general concerns about the impact of technology significantly increase support for protectionist policies but not redistribution. These results contribute to understanding how workers might respond to the labour market effects of new technologies such as artificial intelligence.