Latin America-Caribbean Research Articles

Enhancing human development in developing regions: Do ICT and transport infrastructure matter?

Recent scholarly and policy discussions have focused on whether information and communication technology (ICT) and transport infrastructure enhance human development outcomes in developing countries. This study contributes to the knowledge and policy by exploring the impact of transport and ICT infrastructure on human development using comprehensive panel data for 79 countries from 1990 to 2018. Applying the two-step IV-GMM to correct endogeneity, our results reveal that for the transport infrastructure indicators, while port connectivity and port traffic enhance human development, freight and rail infrastructures do not. For the ICT infrastructure, the findings indicate that broadband, internet, and mobile phone penetration improve human development while telephone penetration and ICT goods have a neutral effect. The study also reveals that transport and ICT infrastructure have a disparate impact on human capital (education) and health (life expectancy, under-five, and maternal mortality). Further analysis reveals that the results differ among South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America-Caribbean. These results are robust to an alternative econometric estimator. The policy implications of these findings are discussed.

GENDER AND EQUALITY IN LATIN AMERICA-CARIBBEAN; EVOLUTION 2006-2021. STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS.

Gender economic equality in Latin America-Caribbean is behind Sub-Saharan region, limiting regional competitiveness and social justice. We found a negative regional correlation between women political empowerment and economic participation, being this associated to economic growth, democracy index and wage equality. We recommend authorities to focus on women economic participation, potentiate fiscal redistribution policies, improve democracy, governance and competitiveness, changing from one sex (women) to gender (social) policies for equality, reduction of voluntary education segregation with early age education intervention and support family and care to alleviate the social charges associates to being woman.

LA GESTIÓN DEL CIRCULANTE Y RENTABILIDAD EN EL SECTOR DE LA CONSERVA PESQUERA EN ESPAÑAel circulante y rentabilidad en el sector de la conserva pesquera en España

España es uno de los principales productores de conserva de pescado de Europa y, este es un sector económico de gran relevancia para su economía. En los últimos años parte de las compañías del sector, en su mayoría pequeñas y medianas empresas, está sufriendo problemas de liquidez y bajas rentabilidades que pueden estar asociados, en parte, a la gestión del circulante. Usando una muestra de 377 empresas para el periodo 2010 – 2018, en este trabajo se realiza un análisis económico-financiero del sector centrado en la gestión del circulante y la rentabilidad empresarial. Los resultados obtenidos apuntan hacia la necesidad de que las empresas revisen sus patrones de financiación a corto plazo, así como sus políticas de inversión en activo circulante.

China’s rise in Latin America and the Caribbean 1990–2019: navigating perceptions in the relationship

To date, perceptions of China's rise in relation to US hegemony in the international realm has not escaped scholarly scrutiny. For the period 1990–2019, the International Relations literature has made a somewhat copious contribution to the broader debates on the US and China. Within the Sino-Latin America Caribbean (LAC) discourse, the implications of China's ascent for US interests in the region is an underlying concern. The region is considered salient in broader power configurations as a result of its geostrategic positioning in relation to the US. However, perceptions pertaining to the triad of interests in the space account largely for powerful states in the dynamic. Despite the ambiguous perceptions associated with a rising China in the international realm and the Latin America Caribbean region's strategic position, rather than being preoccupied with ideas of the ‘China threat’, these states appear to have largely bypassed the more threatening rhetoric associated with China's rise in the period under scrutiny. In seeking to bring Latin America and Caribbean states into the discourse, the article examines how benign perceptions shaped the region's relationship with China. The argument is made that Latin America and Caribbean states sought to frame and navigate their relationship with China largely on the premise of economic opportunity amidst a firmly embedded US role inside the region which further repudiated ideas of the ‘China threat’ in the engagement. In unpacking the argument, the discussion seeks to show that more favourable images of China's economic ascent punctuated LAC states responses to China and that such states have been driven by a high level of economic pragmatism in the relationship. It also illustrates that the underlying hegemonic order has practical effects and more subtle manifestations inside LAC states which mitigated against perceptions of threat in China's rise in the region.

Empowering the powerless: Does access to energy improve income inequality?

The 2030 agenda for sustainable development makes it a priority for countries to reduce income inequality while ensuring that people have access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy. Up to date, research examining the impact of energy accessibility on income inequality remain scarce. To contribute to knowledge and policy, this study utilizes a comprehensive dataset for 166 countries to investigate the impact of energy accessibility on income inequality for the period 1990–2017. Utilizing a two-stage generalized-method of moment (IV-GMM) approach, the empirical results indicated that access to electricity reduces global income inequality, while access to modern and clean energy increase global income inequality. On spatial accessibility to energy, rural and urban electrification were found to reduce global income inequality; however, the estimated elasticity of urban electrification exceeds rural electrification. The results further revealed that access to electricity, modern and clean energy, as well as rural and urban electrification moderate the impact of economic growth and education to improve global income inequality. The findings also indicated that employment, economic growth, education, gender empowerment, industrialization, and health are some of the potential channels through which access to energy influences global income inequality. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the direct and indirect effect of energy accessibility on income inequality varies between Latin America-Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, East Asia & Pacific, Middle East & North Africa, and Europe & Central Asia countries. The findings are robust to alternative econometric estimators and different measures of income inequality. We, therefore, argue that access to energy is a pre-condition for improving global income inequality.

An Updated Systematic Review of Human Papillomavirus Genotype Distribution by Cervical Disease Grade in Women Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Highlights Limited Findings From Latin America.

Cervical cancer is 5 times more likely among women living with human immunodeficiency virus (WHIV), likely due to higher prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV). Despite evidence of higher rates with multiple HPV genotypes in WHIV, there are no recommendations for triage by HPV genotyping specific to WHIV. In Latin America/Caribbean rates are high and vary significantly. To guide optimization of HPV-based cervical cancer screening among WHIV in Latin America/Caribbean, review of current literature was completed to assess HPV genotype distribution by cervical disease grade in WHIV in this region; and further expanded globally for comparison across regions.A systematic review of the literature from June 2016 to January 2020 revealed 15 studies reporting human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype distribution by cervical disease state (normal, low-grade disease, high-grade disease, and invasive cervical cancer) across different global regions.Across all studies, there were 6928 WHIV from 4 global regions, 3952 of whom were HPV-positive. Three studies from Latin America/Caribbean (LAC) countries were reviewed, with 1 providing enough detail to describe HPV genotypes by cervical disease grade and identified types 31 and 35 in high-grade cervical lesions. Of the studies included, 4 from Africa and Europe/North America each, and 1 from Asia included data that were able to be summarized.Latin America, a region which experiences high rates of HPV, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and cervical disease, had few published studies reporting HPV genotypes by cervical disease grade, with 1 reporting individual HPV genotype and specific cervical disease grade. Identifying HPV types associated with CIN2+ in WHIV in this region has the potential to improve screening and treatment for cervical cancer prevention and should be the focus of future research.

THE DETERMINANTS OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI): HOW IMPORTANT ARE INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES?

Since the 1980s, the attractiveness of foreign direct investment has always been one of the growth drivers for most developing countries. Indeed, the debt crises that have shaken these countries have led them to change at least partially their development strategies. Different empirical studies have tried to deal with such an issue. In this paper, we examine empirically the determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI). We employ a sample that covers a panel of 46 developing countries over the period of study from 1996 to 2018. These countries are grouped in four regions such as: Africa Sub-Saharan (12), Middle East and North Africa (6), Latin America Caribbean (20), Asia and Pacific (8). From the empirical results, we show that, in addition to some classic determinants of foreign direct investment attractiveness, institutional factors, particularly those related to economic freedoms, available to investors, are also of great importance. In terms of economic policy implications in our study, developing countries, especially Middle East and North Africa countries, must act on the level of freedoms to progress their incorporation into the global economic system but moreover to address the main contest, refining the standard of living of the population, which remains depreciated in the massive popular of countries. This obviously means creating a satisfactory business climate that can inspire together domestic and foreign investors and therefore generate a dynamics, capable of removing the challenges of development and integration.

Socio-economic vulnerability and losses of flood in Lampung, Indonesia

This study aims to determine the distribution of flood locations and the level of socio-economic vulnerability of the community and total losses due to flood disasters in Lampung, Indonesia. Climate change causes extreme weather. Thus, the rainfall increases from the previous year. This study utilizes the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and Livelihood Vulnerability Index - the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (LVI-IPCC) to determine socio-economic vulnerability. The losses due to flood were analyzed by the ECLAC method (the Economic Commission for Latin America Caribbean). The level of vulnerability of the Lampung community to flood is expected to be classified as high based on the LVI and LVI-IPCC scales. The community suffered economic losses due to flood that occurred in Lampung.

Food Security and International Migration: A comparative study of Asia, Middle East/North Africa, Latin America/Caribbean and Sub‐Saharan Africa

International migration is a fast‐growing global phenomenon. It is influenced by various factors and the drivers are complex and varied. Research shows that migration can be triggered by poverty, food insecurity, inequality, poor income‐generating opportunities and increased competition for scarce land and water resources. Thus, for many, it is considered a necessary livelihood strategy. The main objective of this study was to explore the association between migration and food security status amongst various global regions, including Asia, Middle East and North Africa, Latin America Caribbean, and Sub‐Saharan Africa. Data collected face‐to‐face from the 2015 Gallup World Poll were used. The Food Insecurity Experience Scale within this dataset was used to categorize food security (food secure, mild food insecurity (FIS), moderate FIS, severe FIS). Different statistical analyses formed the basis this work. Firstly, descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data for the population migration at the regional level. Secondly, logistic regression was used to explain the relationship between migration status and food security status, adjusting for socioeconomic characteristics including, gender, age, education, employment status, the area of residence (rural/urban), born in the country or not, household size, and personal health status. Results from the adjusted logistic regression revealed that food security is negatively associated with international migration. More specifically, being severely food insecure increased one's likelihood of international migration by 1.414 times. Additionally, results showed that being male (OR:1.283), being between 26 to 49 years of age (OR:2.365), being divorced/living separately (OR:1.397), being out of workforce (OR:1.303), having higher education (OR:2.133), having poor health status (OR=1.505), living in urban areas (OR:1.223) and having a large household size (OR:1.163) all significantly increased one's odds of international migration. Interestingly, being born in the country of origin decreased the likelihood of international migration (OR: 0.691). Finally, with regards to global region, the probability of being an international migrant was highest amongst individuals from Latin America Caribbean (OR: 2.101), and Sub‐Saharan Africa (OR: 1.997). It is clear that among factors contributing to international migration, food security plays a key role. The findings are consistent with previous studies concerning international migration in that gender, age, education and region (urban/rural) were all associated with migration.

South–South Cooperation and the Geographies of Latin America–Caribbean Integration and Development: A Socio‐Spatial Approach

AbstractStructured around the case of South–South cooperation in the construction of “complementary economic zones” among the member states of the ALBA‐TCP, Petrocaribe, CARICOM and MERCOSUR, this article argues for a socio‐spatial approach to the study of the Latin America–Caribbean integration and development. Two interrelated arguments are developed: first, in contrast to methodologically nationalist approaches, which typically view the regionalisms that are to form the complementary economic zones as ideologically separate, incompatible or conflicting projects, a socio‐spatial approach in conjunction with a South–South cooperation analytical lens explains their commonality and, subsequently, their interrelatedness and convergence. Second, while this South–South cooperation space is not per se non‐capitalist, a socio‐spatial analysis also facilitates “seeing” the production of a socialist “counter‐space” within this South–South cooperation structure.

Fostering a Collaborative Atmospheric Chemistry Research Community in the Latin America and Caribbean Region

AbstractIn 2013, the international Commission on Atmospheric Chemistry and Global Pollution (iCACGP) and the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry (IGAC) Project Americas Working Group (iCACGP/IGAC AWG) was formed to build a cohesive network and foster the next generation of atmospheric scientists with the goal of contributing to a scientific community focused on building collective knowledge for the Americas. The Latin America–Caribbean (LAC) region shares common history, culture, and socioeconomic issues but, at the same time, it is highly diverse in its physical and human geography. The LAC region is unique because approximately 80% of its population lives in urban areas, resulting in high-density hotspots of urbanization and vast unpopulated rural areas. In recent years, most countries of the region have experienced rapid growth in population and industrialization as their economies emerge. The rapid urbanization, the associated increases in mobile and industrial sources, and the growth of the agricultural activities related to biomass burning have degraded air quality in certain areas of the LAC region. Air pollution has negative implications for human health, ecosystems, and climate. In addition, air pollution and the warming caused by greenhouse gases could impact the melting of Andean glaciers, an important source of freshwater. To better understand the links between air pollution and climate, it is necessary to increase the number of atmospheric scientists and improve our observational, analytical, and modeling capacities. This requires sustained and prioritized funding as well as stronger collaboration within the LAC region.

Trade Integration and Revealed Comparative Advantages of Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America & Caribbean Merchandise Export

This study examined the revealed comparative advantage (RCA) of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Latin America & Caribbean (LAC) on the export of five merchandise subsectors (during 1995 to 2010) using the World Development Indicators database. Despite improvements observed, SSA’s and LAC’s trade share and economic integration are low. LAC has stronger RCA than SSA in export of food items though the gap in their competitiveness is not wide. The SSA region has higher RCA in export of agricultural raw materials, fuel, and ores and metals than LAC. Both regions have revealed comparative disadvantage in the export of manufactures, though lesser in LAC.

Regional variation in the prevalence of E. coli O157 in cattle: a meta-analysis and meta-regression.

Background Escherichia coli O157 (EcO157) infection has been recognized as an important global public health concern. But information on the prevalence of EcO157 in cattle at the global and at the wider geographical levels is limited, if not absent. This is the first meta-analysis to investigate the point prevalence of EcO157 in cattle at the global level and to explore the factors contributing to variation in prevalence estimates.MethodsSeven electronic databases- CAB s, PubMed, Biosis Citation Index, Medline, Web of Knowledge, Scirus and Scopus were searched for relevant publications from 1980 to 2012. A random effect meta-analysis model was used to produce the pooled estimates. The potential sources of between study heterogeneity were identified using meta-regression.Principal findingsA total of 140 studies consisting 220,427 cattle were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence estimate of EcO157 in cattle at the global level was 5.68% (95% CI, 5.16–6.20). The random effects pooled prevalence estimates in Africa, Northern America, Oceania, Europe, Asia and Latin America-Caribbean were 31.20% (95% CI, 12.35–50.04), 7.35% (95% CI, 6.44–8.26), 6.85% (95% CI, 2.41–11.29), 5.15% (95% CI, 4.21–6.09), 4.69% (95% CI, 3.05–6.33) and 1.65% (95% CI, 0.77–2.53), respectively. Between studies heterogeneity was evidenced in most regions. World region (p<0.001), type of cattle (p<0.001) and to some extent, specimens (p = 0.074) as well as method of pre-enrichment (p = 0.110), were identified as factors for variation in the prevalence estimates of EcO157 in cattle.ConclusionThe prevalence of the organism seems to be higher in the African and Northern American regions. The important factors that might have influence in the estimates of EcO157 are type of cattle and kind of screening specimen. Their roles need to be determined and they should be properly handled in any survey to estimate the true prevalence of EcO157.

PHP3 A Review of Breast Cancer (BC) Care and Outcomes in Latin America & Caribbean (LAC)

PHP3 A Review of Breast Cancer (BC) Care and Outcomes in Latin America & Caribbean (LAC)

Does the worldwide shift of FDI from manufacturing to services accelerate economic growth? A GMM estimation study

We examine the effect of manufacturing and service FDI (foreign direct investment) on their own sector growth, the spillover to the other sectors and the overall economy in host countries. We identify significant sectoral and inter-industry spillover effects with various data classifications and types of FDI flows. Evidence reveals that growth effect of manufacturing FDI operates by stimulating activity in its own (manufacturing) sector and is prevalent in Latin America-Caribbean, in Europe-Central Asia, middle to low-income countries and economies with large industry share. A surge of service FDI is likely to spur growth in service industries but hurt activity in manufacturing industries. Financial service FDI enhances growth in South-East Asia and the Pacific, high income countries and service-based economies by stimulating activity in both manufacturing and service sectors. However, nonfinancial service FDI drains resources and hurts manufacturing industry in the same group of countries. We conclude that a shift from manufacturing to service FDI is likely to lead to deindustrialization in certain regions and types of economies if this shift is spearheaded by nonfinancial FDI.

Regional heterogeneity in the relationship between fiscal imbalances and foreign exchange market pressure

Summary The relationship between fiscal imbalances and other macroeconomic variables is complex and multifaceted. However, it remains important to understand it, not least in order to facilitate the design of appropriate policy. One central issue is whether the relationship varies across countries or groups of countries. If it does, an implication is that policy will also have to be differentiated. This paper empirically explores the relationship between fiscal imbalances and pressures in the foreign exchange (FX) market in Latin America & Caribbean (LAC) and East Asia & the Pacific (EAP) regions. Using panel data over 1970–2000, it finds that fiscal imbalances have a significant effect on FX pressures in LAC but not in EAP.

Tuberculosis e inmigración en un área sanitaria de Madrid. Situación epidemiológica y evolución en la década 1994-2003

To describe trends and epidemiological characteristics of immigrant and native populations with tuberculosis.Population-based, descriptive analysis of case data reported to the Regional Registry of Tuberculosis Cases from 1994 to 2003 living in the south of Madrid, Spain (755,202 inhabitants).The number of cases reported was 2211, of which 269 (12.1%) were foreign-born persons. Tuberculosis incidence declined from 46.6/100,000 in 1994 (2.9% immigrants) to 25.2/100,000 in 2003 (35.8% immigrants) (p < 0.001). Foreign-born persons with tuberculosis had come to Spain from Latin America-Caribbean (56%), Africa (30%) and Europe (11%). Of the foreign-born, 73.6% developed active tuberculosis within 5 years of arrival (50.9% within 2 years).The incidence of tuberculosis has declined in the study area but the tendency to decrease has come to a halt because of cases occurring among immigrants. Among those for whom the date of Spain entry was known, a half arrived 2 years or less prior to the diagnosis of tuberculosis. We stress that tuberculosis control programs must target such at-risk population.

Jewish serials of the world: a supplement to the research bibliography of secondary sources

Introduction Bibliography General Studies Multinational Hebrew Serials Multinational Judezmo Serials Multinational Yiddish Serials Europe Palestine (to 1948) Israel Asia Africa Australia and New Zealand United States Canada Latin America Caribbean and West Indies Author Index Subject Index