Local Economy Research Articles

Study on the Influence of the Coordinated Development of Resident Income and GDP on Local Economic Development: Take Shandong Province as an Example

With the rapid development of China’s economy, the coordinated development of resident income and GDP has become an important indicator to measure local economic development. How to realize the synergistic growth of the two in the new era is of great significance for promoting the sustainable development of the local economy. Based on the theory of the coordinated development of resident income and GDP, this paper will take Shandong Province as an example to analyze the interaction between resident income growth and GDP, find out the influencing factors that restrict the coordinated development of resident income and GDP, and explore the impact of the coordinated development of resident income and GDP on local economic development. Finally, relevant policies will be studied. How to effectively increase residents’ income, promote the sustainable and healthy development of the local economy, and put forward relevant suggestions to promote the coordinated development of residents’ income and GDP.

The Vicious Circle of Corruption in the Human Side of the Enterprise

The vicious circle of corruption constitutes a bane in the business world. Corruption is a canker that must be eroded to create new incentives for innovative management system and improved productivity in the local and global economies. The dwindling economy many developing nations are facing today (Nigeria inclusive) has raised serious concern. This conference paper adopts historical and descriptive research methods. Many corrupt firms suffer morale decadence and counterproductive work behaviours which culminated in productivity downturn. Corruption had permeated many segments of the society, ravaged the corporate scene of nations and left many firms as travail of woes for investors. The code of morals and leadership ethnics had suffered for years. In Nigeria, illicit acts and counterproductive work behaviours have characterized many firms in recent times. Budgets and financial records do not only lack the attributes of truth and fairness but suffer credibility loss and unreliability in the business population for years. Corruption is cankerous and designated authorities, institutions and agencies (nationally and internationally) have made tremendous efforts to fight and erode this dreadful canker from the business environment. Yet, not much is achieved; rather much is required.

Sustainability in tourism and hospitality: Artificial intelligence role in eco-friendly practices in Indian hotels

This study explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the growth and competitiveness of regional tourism and hospitality destinations. AI's application has both positive and negative effects on sustainable tourism. On the positive side, AI enhances accessibility to tourist sites, provides detailed information about attractions, simplifies understanding of costs and amenities, boosts local economies, and increases federal income. A notable downside is the replacement of human workers by machine learning technologies, which may necessitate remedial measures such as training. This review examines AI's foundational IT principles, current applications, and systems in the industry, focusing on the hotel sector. It concludes with an overview of AI’s challenges in this field, proposes a research agenda, and suggests future directions for AI development in tourism and hospitality.

Can stimulus checks to households save the local economy? The impact of South Korea’s COVID-19 stimulus on small business sales

During economic downturns, stimulus checks are often used to help households but may fail to reach the most affected sectors, such as local small businesses during COVID-19. Although the aggregate impact of these measures is well-studied, their distributional effects on local economies are less explored. Using a difference-in-differences analysis, this study examines weekly local sales data during 2020 from Gyeonggi and Incheon, South Korea, to assess the impact of Gyeonggi’s stimulus, distributed to every household for spending exclusively at local stores, contrasting with Incheon’s lack of such stimulus. We find that Gyeonggi’s stimulus initially boosted local sales by 4.5%, though this impact gradually diminished. This translates into a local-sales multiplier of 1.09, indicating that more than distributed stimulus was spent due to spillover and propagation effects in local in-person spending. Our findings emphasize the importance of tailored fiscal policy designs and assessing the distributional impacts of fiscal measures.

Silk fabric dyeing with Basella alba (Sri Lankan green spinach fruit) natural dyes: Mordant-free dyeing approaches

The rising demand for natural dyes creates opportunities for farmers and artisans, boosting employment and local economies. This research investigates the utilization of a natural colourant derived from Basella alba fruit, commonly recognized as Sri Lankan green spinach, for dyeing silk fabrics without mordants. The methodology involved an aqueous extraction, acidic, and alkaline extraction process of natural dyes. Additionally, in this extraction process, a solution comprising Basella alba fruit extraction and Soy Milk Solution was mixed in ratio 4:1 enriching the dyeing affinity of the natural colourants. Basella alba was chosen as the primary colourant, with investigations conducted on the influence of varying pH levels and extraction temperatures. The results of this study suggest that Basella alba fruit extract can be used as a natural dye for silk fabric dyeing. CIE La*b* and K/S data have revealed excellent reflectance on Silk fabric. The extraction process of Basella alba fruit for natural dyeing showcases the potential to yield natural pastel shades, such as yellow, pink, and purple shades. The dyed samples were assessed for their light and washing fastness, receiving grades ranging from fair to excellent. Notably, the washing fastness 4:1 ratio of Basella alba fruit with Soy Milk Solution with extract dyeing yielded particularly impressive results. It reveals enhanced washing fastness properties particularly in low-temperature (40°C) dyeing processes. This study not only highlights the technical viability of employing Basella alba fruit extract for silk fabric dyeing but also highlights its socioeconomic significance in fostering sustainable livelihoods and niche market.

Protective Effect of Polysaccharides Isolated from Sargassum horneri against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress Both In Vitro, in Vero Cells, and In Vivo in Zebrafish.

The extensive outbreak of Sargassum horneri in China has not merely imposed a severe threat to the ecological environment and human life in coastal waters but also impeded the development of waterway transportation and the local economy. Consequently, we isolated polysaccharides from S. horneri, designated as SHP, and evaluated the antioxidant activity of SHP both in vitro and in vivo by investigating the effect of SHP on H2O2-induced African green monkey kidney cells (Vero cells) and zebrafish. The results demonstrated that SHP can enhance the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in zebrafish. It also effectively inhibits micro malondialdehyde and ROS levels in Vero cells and zebrafish to mitigate the oxidative damage caused by H2O2, thereby achieving the protective effect of SHP on Vero cells and zebrafish. In conclusion, SHP holds the potential as a natural antioxidant. SHP can be contemplated for utilization as a natural antioxidant in the biomedical, cosmetic, and food industries, thereby alleviating the environmental stress caused by S. horneri and achieving resource utilization.

Evaluating the Impact of Climate Change on Sustainable Economic Development: Empirical Research in the Coastal Area of Kien Giang, Vietnam

Alongside the economic growth in various coastal regions, including Kien Giang, the area faces non-traditional security issues, most notably marine environmental pollution due to the impacts of climate change. This study surveyed 130 households in several coastal regions of Kien Giang. It employed a multivariate regression model to assess the implications and quantify climate change's effects on economic activities. The findings indicate that most factors harm the financial activities of households living in these coastal regions of Kien Giang. This paper underscores the significance of addressing the adverse impacts of climate change on local economies. It highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate these effects, ensuring the sustainable development of coastal communities in Kien Giang.

Influence of the Surrounding Environment Steam Power Plant (PLTU) Kema Satu Village, Kema District, North Minahasa District

In today's era, it is important to understand the impact of Steam Power Plant (PLTU) operations on the environment and economy around the plant site, especially in Kema Satu Village. PLTUs, which harness the kinetic energy of steam from geothermal heat, are widely used due to their ease of operation and accessibility of fuel. However, they also have significant impacts, both positive and negative, on local communities. This study aims to assess the environmental and economic impacts of PLTU Sulut 3 on the surrounding area, evaluate its operational efficiency, and determine its contribution to stabilizing and improving electricity supply in North Sulawesi and Gorontalo. The research method used was a combination of qualitative and quantitative techniques to ensure a comprehensive analysis. Data was collected through observation, interviews, and analysis of relevant secondary data. The results show that the PLTU in Kema Satu Village has significant impacts on the local environment, including air and water pollution, soil degradation, and ecosystem disruption. In addition to providing electricity supply and employment opportunities for the local community, the PLTU has also triggered property price inflation and shifts in the local economy. Other negative impacts include damage to the local agricultural sector and increased greenhouse gas emissions. The implications of this study emphasize the need for careful planning, community involvement, and the implementation of sustainable practices to mitigate negative effects on residents and the environment.

Organic small grain production in the Upper Midwest and Northeast: Challenges and lessons learned

AbstractSmall grains provide agronomic benefits that are critical to the success of organic production, and opportunities within local food movements create expanded markets for small grains. However, diversifying rotations with small grains can present challenges related to production, infrastructure, and markets. Here, we draw upon over two decades of integrated research and Extension efforts to support organic small grain production in the Upper Midwest, Northeast, and other regions of the United States where these crops are underutilized. Lessons learned have led to the development of guiding principles for a systems‐level approach to support regional organic small grain production. Forming innovative partnerships between farmers, researchers, and end users is critical. This enables research, production, and markets to adjust to local needs, adapt to available infrastructure, and foster local grain economies. The key research challenges that lie ahead are also discussed, especially adapting organic grain production practices to regional conditions and changing climates. The systems‐level approach to organic small grain research highlighted here will increase the success and resilience of organic farms across the United States and expand the adoption of organic small grain production.

Quantifying the Impact of Coal Transition on GDP Growth through System Dynamics: The Case of the Region of Western Macedonia, Greece

The transition from coal to more sustainable energy sources represents a critical shift for economies reliant on coal production. To investigate the intricate processes involved in such a transition, the use of powerful analytical tools is essential. This study assesses the impact of the delignification process on GDP growth over a 20-year horizon (2015–2035) in the Region of Western Macedonia, Greece, using the Vensim PLE Plus 9.0.1 software, a robust tool for system dynamics modeling. By developing a dynamic model that captures the key variables and feedback loops associated with coal transition, this research examines economic, social, and investment variables, emphasizing their causal relationships. The study integrates societal, economic, and educational impacts on production transition, addressing issues such as unemployment, financial support, and investments in human resources and R&D. Additionally, it considers the influence of climate change on GDP. The model highlights population dynamics, economic development, and education as critical factors. Scenarios explore the impact of increased funding on education, research, and financial aid efficiency, providing insights into enhancing GDP in decarbonizing regions. The study reveals that increased investment in education and human capital leads to slight improvements in local GDP, though the effects are not immediate. Enhanced efficiency in government and European spending significantly boosts local GDP by creating strong value chains and local economies of scale. It is found that the increase in financial support to the regions in transition is of the utmost importance and has a multiplicative nature, something that should encourage the European Union to increase its financial support tools. The model’s simulations align closely with historical GDP data, validating its accuracy. The contributions of the present work offer valuable insights to policymakers and stakeholders engaged in the transition processes.

Geographical indication agricultural products promote the development of local tourism economy

Geographical indication agricultural products promote the development of local tourism economy

Efekty spillover chińskich inwestycji zagranicznych w Angoli i Zambii

SPILLOVER EFFECT OF THE CHINESE FDI IN ANGOLA AND ZAMBIAIn recent years, Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa has attracted interest from both academia and the wider political world. Some postulate that Chinese companies – unlike Western corporations – have greater potential to initiate and carry out the structural transformation of the continent. Some researchers even indicate that thanks to the inflow of Chinese FDI, Africa may become “the next factory of the world”. The aim of this article is to analyse external effects (also called spillover effects) related to Chinese FDI in Africa using the examples of Angola and Zambia. According to the current state of knowledge, spillover effects are the most desirable effects of FDI in the host country, because the related increase in the productivity of local enterprises is key to the occurrence of structural transformation in local economies. The subject of the analysis presented in this article are three aspects (determinants) of spillover effects: (i) the potential of Chinese FDI to generate spillover effects, (ii) the absorptive capacity of local companies and (iii) local institutional settings favouring the occurrence of spillover effects. The findings indicate that due to the existence of weak and few linkages between foreign investors and local firms, spillover effects occur rarely and are relatively small. They are also not sufficient to initiate the transfer of valuable knowledge and technology. The presented research results were based on over 150 in-depth interviews and two rounds of surveys conducted among Chinese investors, Angolan and Zambian companies and representatives of local authorities.

Penerapan Teknologi Rel Kereta Api di Sumatera Barat

This study examines the application of railway technology in West Sumatra, focusing on the challenges and innovations during the colonial period. The research aims to explore the historical context, technical developments, and socio-economic impacts of the railway construction in this region. Using a historical method with a qualitative approach, the study analyzes primary sources such as colonial archives and technical reports, along with secondary sources like historical books and scholarly articles. The findings highlight the introduction of rack railway systems to navigate steep terrains, demonstrating Dutch colonial technical prowess. Additionally, the construction of the Ombilin coal mines and the associated railway network significantly boosted the local economy but also revealed the exploitation of labor. Overall, the study provides insights into the interplay between technology, colonialism, and local society, emphasizing the importance of geographical adaptation in infrastructure development.

AgrI-fiSh: sustainable and innovative feeds from agricultural wastes for a resilient and high-quality aquaculture

The AgrI-fiSh project has been funded under Horizon 2020 - PRIMA, with the research partnership of three Mediterranean countries: Algeria, Italy and Spain. The project will contribute to the transition to a more resilient agro-livelihood system through an innovative and circular farming approach, which promotes an efficient use of biological and natural resources with a valuable increase in productivity. New potential for farms, agri-food systems and local markets will arise from the valorization of agricultural wastes to be used for the creation of high-value plant-based feeds for a sustainable inland aquaculture. Nutraceutical potential of specific agricultural wastes (i.e grape seeds, legumes and cereals), in combination with other components, as Lactic Acid Bacteria (LABs) fermented whey and medicinal herbs, to create plant-based feeds for aquaculture, will foster animal and human health with consequent benefits for the environment, local economies and consumers.

Exploring bee venom and silver nanoparticles for controlling foulbrood pathogen and enhancing lifespan of honeybees

The beekeeping industry plays a crucial role in local economies, contributing significantly to their growth. However, bee colonies often face the threat of American foulbrood (AFB), a dangerous disease caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Paenibacillus larvae (P. l.). While the antibiotic Tylosin has been suggested as a treatment, its bacterial resistance necessitates the search for more effective alternatives. This investigation focused on evaluating the potential of bee venom (BV) and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) as antibacterial agents against AFB. In vitro treatments were conducted using isolated AFB bacterial samples, with various concentrations of BV and Ag NPs (average size: 25nm) applied individually and in combination. The treatments were administered under both light and dark conditions. The viability of the treatments was assessed by monitoring the lifespans of treated bees and evaluating the treatment's efficiency within bee populations. Promising results were obtained with the use of Ag NPs, which effectively inhibited the progression of AFB. Moreover, the combination of BV and Ag NPs, known as bee venom/silver nanocomposites (BV/Ag NCs), significantly extended the natural lifespan of bees from 27 to 40 days. Notably, oral administration of BV in varying concentrations (1.53, 3.12, and 6.25 mg/mL) through sugary syrup doubled the bees' lifespan compared to the control group. The study established a significant correlation between the concentration of each treatment and the extent of bacterial inhibition. BV/Ag NCs demonstrated 1.4 times greater bactericidal efficiency under photo-stimulation with visible light compared to darkness, suggesting that light exposure enhances the effectiveness of BV/Ag NCs. The combination of BV and Ag NPs demonstrated enhanced antibacterial efficacy and prolonged honeybee lifespan. These results offer insights that can contribute to the development of safer and more efficient antibacterial agents for maintaining honeybee health.

Heritage as a Driver of Sustainable Tourism Development: The Case Study of the Darb Zubaydah Hajj Pilgrimage Route

Heritage plays a pivotal role in sustainable tourism development along pilgrimage and historical routes, shaping the identity and character of these places. This study aims to investigate the relationship between heritage and tourism along the Darb Zubaydah pilgrimage route in Saudi Arabia, exploring strategies for developing sustainable tourism that preserves cultural and natural heritage while promoting local economies and community engagement. This research employs a mixed-method approach, integrating data collection and observational research along the Darb Zubaydah route, the main historic Hajj pilgrimage route connecting Kufa in Iraq to Makkah in Saudi Arabia. The chosen case study is analyzed through four heritage sustainable criteria: cultural, environmental, spatial, and economic development, through a cross-sectional analysis of the aspects related to safety measures and risk management. The results demonstrate that including the four criteria in the development of the pilgrimage route leads to defining strategic solutions to enhance this tourist trail for pilgrims, promoting the cultural landscape and heritage by strengthening the sense of identity via a sustainable approach. This study wants to contribute to Vision 2030 to enhance the development of tourism by revitalizing the Islamic, Arab, and national cultural heritage, offering insights into sustainable tourism practices that can be applied to other cultural routes globally.

A research on Fethiye Babadag commercial tandem paragliding participants within the scope of experiential tourism

The tourism sector has continuously evolved and restructured due to technological, economic, and social transformations. Experiential tourism is an approach that takes tourists from being mere observers to placing them at the center of the experience, encouraging them to learn new things and personally develop during their travels. The study explores the perceptions of tourists who participate in paragliding regarding their experiences with adventure and experiential tourism. Paragliding involves uncertainty, risk, adrenaline, adventure, and experience, as opposed to the traditional understanding of travel as safe and guided. This study aims to uncover the relationships between risk, benefit, evaluation, co-creation, trust, satisfaction, and future intention among local and foreign tourists participating in paragliding activities within an experiential context. Therefore, the study examines the relationships of the experiential perceptions of tourists participating in paragliding. In the data collection phase, researchers conducted face-to-face questionnaires with 381 local and foreign tourists who experienced tandem paragliding activity in Fethiye Babadag. After eliminating incomplete or incorrectly filled surveys, 321 surveys were analyzed. The data were processed using SPSS 27 and AMOS 23 statistical package programs. The research focuses on the perceptions of paragliders’ experiential risk, benefits, value, co-creation, trust, satisfaction, and future intentions. Structural equation modeling was applied to examine these perceptions. The results suggest that there are positive correlations between various aspects of experiential tourism, such as benefits and satisfaction, benefits and trust, satisfaction and future intentions, and trust and future intentions. However, the study did not find any connection between experiential evolution and satisfaction, or between experiential evolution and trust. Similarly, there were no observed relationships between experiential co-creation and satisfaction, or between experiential co-creation and trust. Additionally, the study revealed that risk perception does not impact satisfaction and that trust does not influence risk perception. These results align with the adventurous nature of paragliding. Management implicationsParagliding is a thrilling sport that offers participants a unique and adrenaline-filled experience. The study results provide insights for tourism operators, particularly those involved in adventure and experiential tourism. In today's experience-driven economy, the insights gained from those who take part in this activity are extremely valuable to the tourism sector. Research findings have provided valuable insights into the impact of paragliding on participants' overall experience.Tourism operators should prioritize providing clear and transparent information about the risks and safety measures associated with paragliding. This transparency helps participants make informed decisions and can enhance their overall satisfaction. Understanding these insights, particularly for providers such as pilots, travel agencies, tour operators, and site managers, can help the industry create exceptional paragliding experiences.The study's results showed that participants' perception of risk did not have a negative impact on their satisfaction. This indicates that individuals engaging in risk-involved activities like paragliding consciously acknowledge the risks and that these risks do not diminish their overall satisfaction. Within the tourism sector, providing customers with precise and transparent information can help them better comprehend the risks and make informed decisions about participating in such activities. Specifically, in paragliding, the perception of managed risk may significantly contribute to overall satisfaction.The study's findings indicate that enhancing the experiential value of paragliding activities influences participant satisfaction and trust. Therefore, businesses should focus on improving the quality of the paragliding experience through high-quality services and engaging experiences. By emphasizing unique and meaningful experiences, operators can increase tourist interest and contribute to the local economy. Strategic marketing and promoting paragliding as part of experiential tourism can further attract tourists seeking authentic and memorable experiences. Focusing on these areas can lead to higher satisfaction, trust, and future intentions for participation by tourists. In the tourism industry, providing customers with more precise and transparent information can encourage them to fully understand the risks and make informed decisions to participate in such activities.Local, national, and international regulations related to paragliding activities should be organized from a managerial perspective. These regulations encompass licensing, certifications, operational standards, and training programs for staff and customers. Regularly updating and certifying instructors will help maintain high safety standards. Regular inspection and maintenance of equipment ensure safety standards. Decision-makers should implement a strict protocol for the repair and replacement of gear.Conducting thorough risk assessments is essential for all paragliding activities. Emergency response plans should be practiced. Regular drills must be available to prepare for potential incidents. Customer experience, customer education, personalized experiences, and customer feedback are considerable issues with marketing, operational efficiency, financial management, sustainability, and community engagement. Addressing these managerial implications can ensure safe, efficient, and profitable operations for a paragliding business because they provide customers with a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Tourism and Urban Development: The case of a coastal village in a small island state

This paper discusses how Marsascala, a coastal town in Malta, has been urbanized over the years, with particular attention to the development of the tourist industry. Young’s (1983) “general model of the process of ‘touristization’ and landscape change” is engaged with to study the impact of tourism development on the locality and local community. Different research methods were used, including qualitative interviews via thematic analysis, fieldwork, orthophoto maps, and analysis of secondary data. Findings show that tourism plays a major role in the local economy. Overdevelopment and population increase (fuelled by tourism and influx of foreign workers) are major challenges in the locality. The former fishing village has as a result reached stage six (intensive tourism consolidation) of Young's model. While more services are available to locals and visitors, the quality of life in the locality is deteriorating. This has raised questions about the need to redevelop the Jerma Hotel which will partly be a real estate project. The authors propose a seventh stage to Young’s model - ‘real estatation’ whereby more areas are taken over by real estate projects including for short-term rentals. This paper is linked to the EU Cost Action CA221222 Rethinking the Blue Economy: Socio-Ecological Impacts and Opportunities (RethinkBlue), in particular in relation to the themes covered by Working Group 3 - Port cities & coastal communities.

Atmospheric Teleconnections Responsible for the Dominant Patterns of Interannual Variability in Summer Drought over Northern Asia

Abstract Summer drought over northern Asia (NA) seriously threatens the local fragile ecological environment and social economy development. In this study, using the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), we first identify the dominant modes of interannual variability in summer drought condition over NA and then explore the atmospheric patterns responsible for the formation of the modes. The results show that the first empirical orthogonal function (EOF1) mode of summer SPEI over NA exhibits a meridional dipole pattern, which is influenced primarily by the polar–Eurasian teleconnection (POL) and circumglobal teleconnection (CGT) patterns. Under the influence of negative POL and positive CGT patterns, there is an anomalous anticyclone (cyclone) over northwestern Siberia (Lake Baikal to Northeast China). Such atmospheric circulations lead to meridional dipole patterns in air temperature, moisture condition, vertical motion, and cloud cover over NA, favoring decreased (increased) precipitation and increased (decreased) potential evapotranspiration over northern (southern) NA, finally contributing to the formation of EOF1. The second EOF (EOF2) shows an approximate zonal dipole pattern, which is influenced by the British–Baikal Corridor (BBC) and Scandinavia (SCA) teleconnection patterns. The positive BBC and SCA patterns can lead to an anomalous anticyclone over the Ural Mountains and a cyclone over Lake Baikal. Such atmospheric circulations result in a zonal dipole pattern in precipitation and potential evapotranspiration over NA through changing the local moisture condition, air temperature, and radiation, consequently favoring the formation of EOF2. Fitting analysis indicates that the aforementioned atmospheric factors can explain 76% (55%) of the interannual variability of EOF1 (EOF2).

Tourism Village Management In Building The Local Economy Through Community Partnerships

Tourism village management is an important strategy in exploiting local tourism potential to help develop the economy at the local village level. In this context, partnerships between village governments, local stakeholders and communities play a key role in optimizing the economic benefits of the tourism industry. This research aims to investigate the role of tourism village management in strengthening the local economy through community partnerships. Using a qualitative approach, data will be collected through interviews, observations and documentation studies in the Mangli Tourism Village. It is hoped that the research results will provide a deeper understanding of the factors that influence the effectiveness of tourism village management in improving the local economy, as well as evaluating the impact of community partnerships on economic development at the village level. This research is expected to provide an important contribution to the development of sustainable tourism management policies and practices, as well as provide insight for village governments, non-government organizations and other related parties in efforts to strengthen the local economy through sustainable and inclusive tourism village management.