Large Sector Research Articles

Effect of Green Finance on Environmental Performance of Banking Institutions: A Critical review

Effect of Green Finance on Environmental Performance of Banking Institutions: A Critical review

Designing a Presumptive Income Tax Based on Turnover in Countries with Large Informal Sectors

Designing a Presumptive Income Tax Based on Turnover in Countries with Large Informal Sectors

Protecting our streams by defining measurable targets for riparian management in a forestry context

Abstract Generally, governments and industry have implemented some degree of protection to reduce the impacts of forestry on aquatic ecosystems. Here, we consider the widespread application of streamside management in terms of riparian buffer retention to protect freshwaters from forestry practices across three jurisdictions with large and intensive forestry sectors (British Columbia, Finland and Sweden). This perspective was developed by working with researchers, practitioners and policymakers on mitigation measures to decrease the impacts of forestry on streams. We demonstrate that it is exceedingly rare for policies and guidelines to specify concrete objectives and measurable targets that can be assessed against riparian buffer management outcomes. Most often, policy objectives for riparian management prescribe ‘to prevent or mitigate impacts’, and this vagueness is insufficient to protect our waters. We argue that we should be clearer about the targets (outcomes) for riparian management and go beyond the simple idea that buffer presence, without further specification of its conditions, is always a successful protection strategy. One cannot measure the effectiveness of rules and guidelines without quantitative targets. Policy implications: In this paper, we suggest that locally developed and adjusted targets for riparian buffers must include quantifiable, measurable goals that specify what is supposed to be achieved and protected with respect to ecological functions, biological communities or other values. It should be relatively simple to move from current vague objectives such as ‘protect and prevent’ to a defined range of values for ecological parameters that buffers are supposed to provide. For example, these can include region‐specific shading levels and microclimate targets, large wood volumes, or riparian forest species composition. We stress that these targets must be developed through an open dialogue between agencies, practitioners, land owners and scientists. We acknowledge that there are trade‐offs between being too prescriptive and too vague. However, when excessively broad goals are the norm, we lose the capacity to effectively implement, monitor or evaluate the outcomes of protection measures.

Quantifying Abundance and Mapping Distribution of Loggerhead Turtles in the Mediterranean Sea Using Aerial Surveys: Implications for Conservation

In the Mediterranean, incidental captures in fishing gear contribute to the high mortality of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). Understanding the effects of bycatch is complex and requires robust knowledge of baseline population parameters such as abundance and density, as well as an understanding of animals’ distribution in relation to commercial fishing efforts. Based on data collected during multi-species line transect aerial surveys conducted between 2009 and 2017, we present density and abundance estimates, corrected for availability bias, for a large sector of the central Mediterranean, discuss temporal and spatial patterns and provide Potential Biological Removal (PBR) values for the monitored areas. Sightings data were also used to evaluate the spatial and temporal usage areas. Strong latitudinal and longitudinal gradients in density, abundance and area usage emerged from the analysis, with turtles occurring in higher numbers in the deeper pelagic waters of the Tunisian Plateau, the Ionian Sea and the Gulf of Taranto, irrespective of the season. PBR values derived from this study are likely unsustainable. This paper investigates the implications of commercial fisheries for Mediterranean loggerhead turtles across an area rarely included in sea turtle monitoring and has the potential to be relevant towards informed management and conservation of this species and highlights the necessity of international collaborative efforts in the region.

Fiscal policy options for reducing informality in an economy with fiscal rules

We use a dynamic general equilibrium model to examine the effect of various fiscal policies in an economy with a large informal sector. More specifically, we simulate (i) a reduction of the tax rate on personal income and social security contributions and (ii) an increase in the efforts of the tax administration to uncover shadow activities in a model, calibrated to the Bulgarian economy. While both policies encourage total economic activity and discourage shadow practices, they worsen the inequalities in the economy. Due to the application of fiscal rules in the model, the tax cut leads to a permanent increase in public debt and lower public investment, while the strengthened control over tax collection has a negative impact on employment, but, nonetheless, does not deepen inequalities as much as the tax cut.

The elusiveness of strategic HR partnering: Using paradox theory to understand tensions surrounding the HR business partnering role

AbstractHuman resource business partnering is an established mechanism for the advancement of strategic HR. While much research has reported on relationships between partners (HRBPs) and line managers, relationships between partners and other aspects of the HR function are less well understood, as is the interplay between HRBP‐LMP and HRBP‐HR relationships. Through the use of paradox theory and case study methodology centred on a large public sector health care authority, we found these two sets of relationships to be operating paradoxically within an operational frame of reference, thereby constraining the establishment of strategic partnering.

Letters of challenge: displayed writing, urban public space and honour culture in seventeenth-century Madrid

Abstract Focusing on seventeenth-century Madrid, this article explores the interplay between urban public space and a specific type of written defamatory statements, the carteles de desafío or letters of challenge, with the aim of examining the implications of this interaction. Letters of challenge were primarily conceived as a communication tool between the participants in duels and challenges. Displayed in public spaces, they could take on new meanings and even replace the combat itself, while at the same time perpetuating the values of a male honour culture that encouraged the use of violence among large sectors of society to settle disputes.

E-Agri: A Game-Changer for Indian Agriculture

The paper examines the potential of e-agriculture in India, a rapidly developing nation with a large agricultural sector. It looks at the current state of e-agriculture in India and the opportunities and challenges faced by stakeholders in the sector. The study reviews the current initiatives taken by the government of India to promote e-agriculture and how these initiatives are impacting the agricultural sector. It also examines the effects of technology, such as the use of mobile phones and the internet, on the agricultural sector. The paper concludes by discussing the potential of e-agriculture in India and the need for further research in the area.

Exploring moral heuristics in managerial decision-making. The dialectic of duty and consequence

This paper explores the use of moral heuristics within a large public sector organisation in the UK. Managers within the case study organisation were interviewed and directly observed over a four-year period, using a grounded theory methodology, to examine the ways in which they made decisions. Whereas the extant literature primarily focuses on hypothetical situations, this paper delves into the application of the heuristic in real-world situations. The results reveal widespread use of moral heuristics within the organization, accompanied by a clear dichotomy between ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ business units. Moral heuristics find extensive application in the former but encounter opposition in the latter. Consequently, the paper argues that managers in ‘soft’ work environments are more inclined to employ moral heuristics compared to their counterparts in other parts of the workplace. This study contributes to knowledge in three ways: proposing a new conceptualization of the moral heuristic, identifying instances of its use, and illustrating how it operates in real-world situations. The significance of this paper lies in its demonstration of how the heuristic is practically employed to make crucial, potentially life-changing decisions.

Employment Mobility in East Java During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The study examines the mobility of workers between the formal and informal sectors in East Java, Indonesia. The potential mobilities of workers are examined, not only from the formal to informal sector and from informal to formal sector, but also the movement of new entrants (who do not have a job in the past) to the formal-informal sector jobs. Using the 2021 National Labor Force Survey (SAKERNAS), the study contributes to the literature by examining the mobilities in the case of developing countries during an economic downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is essential in supporting the policies in the region with the existence of a large informal sector in the labor market. Using probit regression, the study found that workers who have previously worked in the formal sector are more likely to enter (re-enter) formal sector employment when the economy starts recovering in 2021. In contrast, workers previously employed in the informal sector have a lower probability of moving to the formal sector. The study continues examining the implications of the different income levels of formal and informal sector workers. The results using Heckman's bias correction selection show that new entrants (workers who have no job previously or freshly graduated) earn more earnings than workers who have previously been employed in the formal-informal sector. One possible reason is the role of digitalization and working-from-home activities that might support, particularly young educated people, to work productively during the pandemic.

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca, Neofusicoccum spp. and the Decline of Olive Trees in Salento (Apulia, Italy): Comparison of Symptoms, Possible Interactions, Certainties and Doubts.

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca (XFP), Neofusicoccum mediterraneum, N. stellenboschiana and other fungi have been found in olive groves of Salento (Apulia, Italy) that show symptoms of severe decline. XFP is well known to be the cause of olive quick decline syndrome (OQDS). It has also been assessed that Neofusicoccum spp. causes a distinct disease syndrome, namely, branch and twig dieback (BTD). All these phytopathogens incite severe symptoms that can compromise the viability of large canopy sectors or the whole tree. However, their specific symptoms are not easily distinguished, especially during the final stages of the disease when branches are definitively desiccated. By contrast, they can be differentiated during the initial phases of the infection when some facets of the diseases are typical, especially wood discoloration, incited solely by fungi. Here, we describe the typical symptomatological features of OQDS and BTD that can be observed in the field and that have been confirmed by Koch postulate experiments. Similar symptoms, caused by some abiotic adverse conditions and even by additional biotic factors, are also described. Thus, this review aims at: (i) raising the awareness that declining olive trees in Salento do not have to be linked a priori to XFP; (ii) defining the guidelines for a correct symptomatic diagnosis to orient proper laboratory analyses, which is crucial for the application of effective control measures. The possibility that bacterium and fungi could act as a polyspecies and in conjunction with predisposing abiotic stresses is also widely discussed.

Hurdling Barriers: Exploring Inaccessibility in Higher Education Institutions for Mobility Assistive Device Users

This article explores the challenges faced by students with disabilities using mobility assistive devices (i.e. wheelchairs or crutches) in a large public sector urban higher education institution. Cities are characterized by rapid pace and complex infrastructure including buildings, roads, and public spaces that present unique obstacles that hinder these individuals' mobility and overall experience. For this qualitative study, the locale chosen was a large public sector university, and data was collected from 10 students with disabilities who use wheelchairs and other mobility assistive devices and reside in the campus student accommodation. The data was collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the infrastructure on campus is not accommodating for students with disabilities who use mobility aids, which directly and indirectly impacts their educational experiences. In addition, the university lacks a uniform policy for providing services and allocating resources for students with disabilities. The participants believe that the university is indifferent to their needs; however, the facilities and behaviors within departments vary and at times can be quiteenabling. This study contributes to the ongoing dialogue on enhancing accessibility, inclusivity, and equity within our urban educational landscapes.

The idea of a democratic university

This article sets the current crisis of universities in the UK in its recent historical, post–1960s context. It argues that an expansionary and initially broadly progressive phase of development from the 1960s onwards, lasting for twenty-five or so years, has come in the recent neoliberal decades to be seen as a threat to the dominant social order, in the context of a broader resistance to the egalitarian and democratic trends of post-war British society. Since the 1980s this now large sector of social and cultural production and reproduction has been subject to a purposeful restructuring, to render it consistent with the norms of a society dominated by capital. This restructuring can be broadly understood as taking place within a neoliberal framework of assumptions. Unless this wider situation, and the changes which have led to them, is understood, in historically and theoretically coherent terms, resistance to what is happening is unlikely to succeed. The article first discusses the phase of university expansion, the forces which brought it about, and the social and cultural changes and opportunities to which it gave rise. It then discusses the counter-reaction, and the attempts to remodel the practices and institutions of higher education that constitute its active elements. Finally it explores what might be involved in resetting this path of development in a more positive direction, and considers the many theoretical and political difficulties involved in imagining this and making it possible. Here it argues the need for a dismantling of the graduate meritocracy over society, and for bringing into being an educated democracy. It is crucial to create the conditions for a broad debate on the place and function of universities in our society, in which these larger issues of direction and purpose can be debated. The author notes, however, that only in a society that becomes less grossly unequal than ours is it possible to imagine education being designed or indeed allowed to serve these generally democratic and enabling purposes.

MANAGING THE PRODUCTIVITY PROCESS IN AGRICULTURE, A FRAMEWORK FOR IMPROVING THE MARKET POSITION OF AGRICULTURE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA

Agriculture in Republika Srpska is the second largest sector with products of low added value. The biggest challenge is strengthening resilience and increasing competitiveness in the market. This paper analyzes the possibilities for improving the position of small farms and establishing a framework for more efficient development of entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector of the Republic of Srpska. The methods used in agro-economic research are used in the work, namely description, induction, deduction, synthesis, compilation, and data comparison and analysis. The increase in productivity is directly dependent on the diversification of production, the application of positive practices and increased resistance to climate change. Improved safety standards of agricultural products and food quality directly affect increased competitiveness and the potential for access to higher value markets. The application of climate-smart irrigation technologies and the improvement of water management in agriculture represents a revolutionary turning point in agriculture.

Mandatory health insurance for the informal sector in Tanzania-has it worked anywhere!

Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa are struggling to expand voluntary health insurance schemes to raise finances toward achieving universal health coverage. With more than three-quarters of the population without any insurance, the government of Tanzania has unsuccessfully tried to pass a Bill proposing a mandatory, nationwide scheme to cover the large and diverse informal sector. The Bill proposed an annual premium of ∼150 USD for a household of six or 65 USD per person. Studies in Tanzania and Kenya have shown that the majority of people in the informal sector are unwilling and unable to pay premiums as low as 4 USD, mostly due to poverty. Mandatory health insurance for the informal sector is not common in this region, mostly because it is difficult to enforce. Successful insurance schemes have included significant subsidies from tax revenues. Tanzania should not seek to raise funds for health through an unenforceable insurance scheme but rather should consider a largely tax-funded scheme for the informal sector. Contributions through low-cost voluntary schemes can enhance social contracts, reduce out-of-pocket expenditure, and promote efficient utilization. In addition, progressive health taxes should be imposed on harmful products (tobacco, alcohol, sugary drinks, etc.) to raise more funds while addressing the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, efficiency in the use of scarce health resources should be promoted through realistic prioritization of public services, the use of Health Technology Assessment, and strategic purchasing.

Geomorphological Processes in the Central Kamchatka Depression (the Kamchatka Peninsula, Ne Pacific) During the Last 30 Ka

The paper presents a reconstruction of geomorphological processes in the Central Kamchatka Depression (CKD) since 30 ka, including the global LGM time. Major geomorphological processes of this period included the evolution of volcanic edifices accompanied by steady tectonic submergence. Glaciers that originated from volcanic edifices were greatly affected by both climatic forcing and the eruptive history of their host volcanoes.
 The most prominent geomorphological feature of the studied time was a giant paleolake filled the CKD. The reassessed extent and timing of glaciation and volcanism provided the possible lake fill and discharge model due to the evolution of a piedmont glacier originating from the Old Shiveluch Volcano edifice. The lake discharge likely was gradual and started some 19 ka during the cold settings of LGM, and therefore did not have a climatic origin. The most possible trigger of the discharge is the change in ice supply from the highly active Shiveluch Volcano due to large sector collapses. During the Holocene, the ongoing tectonic submergence of the CKD have been preventing the complete drainage of this paleolake. Even now, an enormously wide floodplain of the Kamchatka River hosts a lacustrine system with a total area of water surface comparable to the largest lakes of the peninsula.

Hurdling Barriers: Exploring Inaccessibility in Higher Education Institutions for Mobility Assistive Device Users

This article explores the challenges faced by students with disabilities using mobility assistive devices (i.e. wheelchairs or crutches) in a large public sector urban higher education institution. Cities are characterized by rapid pace and complex infrastructure including buildings, roads, and public spaces that present unique obstacles that hinder these individuals' mobility and overall experience. For this qualitative study, the locale chosen was a large public sector university, and data was collected from 10 students with disabilities who use wheelchairs and other mobility assistive devices and reside in the campus student accommodation. The data was collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the infrastructure on campus is not accommodating for students with disabilities who use mobility aids, which directly and indirectly impacts their educational experiences. In addition, the university lacks a uniform policy for providing services and allocating resources for students with disabilities. The participants believe that the university is indifferent to their needs; however, the facilities and behaviors within departments vary and at times can be quite enabling. This study contributes to the ongoing dialogue on enhancing accessibility, inclusivity, and equity within our urban educational landscapes

Aging, inadequacy, and fiscal constraint: The case of Thailand

AbstractWe use an overlapping generations model to study the challenge in developing countries with a large informal sector and aging population. We use Thailand as a case study and incorporate its labor market structure and its public pension system into the calibrated model. Unlike developed countries, workers in developing countries commonly transit from the formal sector to the informal sector, which can be in the early stage of their working life. This labor market feature crucially limits the coverage of the contributory social security (SS) system. We find that 66% of Thai elderly (aged 60 or over) are ineligible for SS annuity benefits because of an insufficient number of years paying into the SS fund. In addition, we use our model to evaluate two schemes to raise the existing universal basic pension income to the poverty line, namely, uniform benefits and pension‐tested benefits. We find that pension‐testing effectively improves the targeting efficiency, and nontrivially lowers the cost of the basic pension income program.

Knowledge and Awareness of the Relationship Between Heart Failure and Chronic Uncontrolled Hypertension Among Communities in the Aseer Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The primary objective of this study was to assess the awareness among respondents in Aseer, Saudi Arabia, regarding the link between uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) and the potential development of heart failure (HF). Furthermore, we examined variations in the knowledge of essential information based on whether participants had a history of HF or HTN. Employing a snowball sampling method, we conducted a prospective online cross-sectional survey targeting adults aged 18 years and above, encompassing both males and females. The survey participants were residents of the Aseer region with access to the internet. A total of 418 responses were included in the final analysis; 26.8% were aged 45-55 years, 53.8% were males, 69.1% held a university degree, 17.5% were healthcare workers (HCWs), and 26.8% reported having HTN. There was a statistically significant difference between respondents with and without HF regarding knowledge about uncontrolled HTN and its definition. Television and the internet were the most prominent sources of information, with 31.8% and 35.6%, respectively. Of the responders, 50% knew that uncontrolled HTN can lead to HF. Gender differences were significant, with 51.20% of females and 48.80% of males recognizing this link (p = 0.039). HCWsshowed higher awareness compared to non-HCWs (70.81% vs. 29.19%, p < 0.001). HF awareness significantly impacted the respondent's knowledge (80.38%, p < 0.001). Those knowledgeable about uncontrolled HTN were more likely to be aware of this connection (60.29% vs. 25.84%, p < 0.001). A large sector of the general population did not know that uncontrolled HTN may cause HF, especially those free from both conditions.

Development of Small and Medium Enterprises to Large Enterprises to Support the Thailand 4.0 Policies

The number of small and medium enterprises has continuously increased annually, but growth into large enterprises was very small, so it affected the competitiveness of the industrial business quite a lot, and the decision to choose a group of small and medium enterprises to move into large business sectors is therefore very important to the growth of industrial businesses. Therefore, this research aims to study the development of small and medium enterprises to large enterprises to support the Thailand 4.0 policies. Conducted qualitative research with in-depth interviews of 9 experts to create tools used in quantitative research and conducted focused group discussions of 11 specialist persons to find a consensus to certify the model of this research. For quantitative research using a survey data method from 500 prominent industrial business executives in the manufacturing and service sectors with questionnaires, this research used descriptive statistics, Reference Statistics, and Multiple Statistics was used for data analysis. The results showed that the development of small and medium enterprises to large enterprises to support the Thailand 4.0 policies through 5 priorities components are as follows: 1) Information system components (X̅ = 4.66), the most important in each item is reviewing and updating information to be up to date at all times. 2) Innovation components (X̅ = 4.65), the most important in each item is to register a patent or intellectual property rights of the innovations that the organization invents. 3) Human resources components (X̅ = 4.63), the most important in each item is setting standards for selecting personnel suitable for the responsibilities of personnel in each job position. 4) Operation components (X̅ = 4.60), the most critical item has a system to check every process step that is correct and fast. and 5) Marketing components (X̅ = 4.58), the essential items are creating online and offline distribution channels to reach customers quickest. For hypothesis testing results, the development of small and medium enterprises up to large enterprises, when classified by type of business, there is no statistically significant difference at level 0.05. The results of the analysis of the developed structural equation model showed that it passed the evaluation criteria and was consistent with the empirical data, with a chi-square probability level value of 0.072, relative chi-square of 1.114, conformity index of 0.948, and root mean square index of the error estimation of 0.015.