Local Market Research Articles

The imprint effect of initial institutional environments and bank financing in family businesses

The initial imprint embedded in family business origin provides us with favorable support for identifying how past institutional environments and then current governance characteristics influence financing. This study investigates the influence of family business origin on loan borrowing, and finds that restructured family firms (RFFs), which are formed through the restructuring of collective-ownership enterprises, are likely to obtain more loans compared to entrepreneurial counterparts (EFFs). The effect varies with local marketization, family control rights, and intergenerational succession. Our findings suggest that restructured family firms have a sounder modern enterprise system, less information asymmetry, and consequently pose less credit risk, which allows them to access loans more easily. In addition, institutional differences stemming from the origin of the firms affect the composition and cost of bank financing. RFFs outperform EFFs in terms of the size of non-local bank loans and the cost of loans. Overall, this study shows that the institutional environment of family firms at the founding stage has a long-term impact on future financing.

WITHDRAWN: the Impact of Monetary Policy on the Liquidity of Bond Market——Based on Chinese Local Government Bond Market

The bond market serves dual roles in fiscal and financial spheres, playing a crucial role in coordinating monetary policy. This paper investigates the impact of quantitative and price-based monetary policies on the liquidity level of China’s bond market. A comprehensive index measuring the liquidity of the local bond market is constructed using a combination weighting method that integrates the entropy method and the coefficient of variation. Employing the time-varying stochastic volatility structure vector autoregression (TVP-SV-SVAR) model on data spanning from 2013 to 2021, the study empirically compares the impulse response of local bond market liquidity to monetary policy shocks. Findings reveal that both types of monetary policy operations exhibit asymmetric, nonlinear, and time-varying impacts on bond market liquidity. Quantitative monetary instruments induce deeper impulse responses, with longer-lasting effects. These conclusions offer insights for monetary policy reforms and bond market development in China.

Local multi-modal energy market for thermal-electric energy systems with consideration of temperature flexibility in heating subnetworks

District heating systems are critical in this transition towards climate-neutral energy systems as they enable a close coupling of thermal and electric energy systems. However, the operation of these multi-modal energy systems and adequate representation of conversion dependencies, such as from heat pumps, remain challenging.To address this challenge, a novel method is presented that incorporates the temperature of subnetworks of district heating systems into the market matching of a local energy market for thermal-electric energy systems. This market-based coordination approach includes a linear formulation of market orders tailored to the needs of consumers, producers, and prosumers in local multi-modal energy systems. Emphasis is put on the temperature flexibility of heat pumps that concurrently participate in both heat and electricity markets. Complementary market commodities are introduced to account for temperature constraints set by the market participants. The physical models of the district heating network and electric distribution grid are formulated linearly and incorporated into the market-matching.The proposed method is applied in a case study representing a German district heating system. We conclude that the temperature flexibility of heating subnetworks, and dependencies involved in energy conversion can be incorporated within a linear market-matching problem.

Assessment of horse breeding and husbandry practices in southwest Ethiopia: Its implication to design breeding program

Ethiopian horses are multipurpose horses that have socioeconomic significance for smallholder farmers. However, studies regarding their husbandry practices have received little attention. Thus, the current study was conducted to assess the horse husbandry practices in the southwest Ethiopia. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires from a total of 196 randomly selected respondents. The general linear model and frequency procedures of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS 9.0) were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data, while indices were calculated using Microsoft Excel 2016. Most of the respondents from the Telo district were illiterate, while the percentage of literate farmers was greater in the Gesha and Masha districts. The within-household flock structure and level of importance were dominated by cattle and sheep, followed by horses. The horses were used for transport, draft power, and breeding purposes. In terms of shelters, the horses in the Telo district stayed in shelters, while the horses in the Masha district stayed in forests during both the dry and wet seasons. However, the majority of the horses in the Gesha district were sheltered during the wet season, while they were left to stay in the forest during the dry season. The respondents provided supplementary feed and water to their horses while the water point was located within a kilometer distance. Government and private veterinary shops were the primary sources of veterinary services. Farmers sold their horses at the local market. Castration was performed to minimize aggressiveness. Body size, conformation, and temperament were used as sire selection criteria. An increasing trend in horse population size due to increased farmer interest was observed. In the studied areas, horses were found to be highly important to the livelihood of the farmers. However, horse husbandry practices were led by a considerably greater number of illiterate farmers. Moreover, horse management activities, including the housing of horses, need more attention. Therefore, successive awareness-raising campaigns, including the introduction of formal schooling, are recommended to improve the horse breeding and husbandry practices. Moreover, breeding programs with the aim of genetic improvement and conservation need to be designed to optimize the sustainable utilization of the horses.

A Preliminary Study on Perception of Non – Vegetarian Consumers about Backyard Poultry Farming

The present study was conducted in District Ludhiana of Punjab state to know about perception of non-vegetarian consumers about backyard poultry farming. The study was conducted by personally interviewing randomly selected Urban (Group A, n=50) and Rural (Group B, n=50) non vegetarian consumers. None of the respondent was above 60 years. Most of the non vegetarian consumers were having education level of graduation. Majority of the respondents were consuming non vegetarian food 1-2 times per week. Most of the Group A consumers were purchasing non vegetarian products from local market, while Group B consumers were purchasing it from farmers. Most of the Group A consumers has no knowledge about breeds of backyard poultry. A large chunk of consumers belonging to both Group A and Group B did not know about differences between exotic and indigenous breed. The present study highlighted the importance of strengthening of extension activities related with backyard poultry and strengthening of marketing linkages of backyard poultry farmers to the urban consumers. Fast-tracking the supply of a backyard poultry farmer’s produce to a city dweller’s doorstep ensures fresher, higher-quality food by reducing transit time, which helps to minimize spoilage and waste. It also expands market access for farmers, increases convenience for consumers, supports local economies, and can lower environmental impact by reducing transportation distances. Overall, it enhances food security and fosters a more efficient food system.

A validated high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet method for the determination of valproic acid derivatives in pharmaceutical formulations with a microbiological suitability evaluation

Valproic acid and its derivatives are common drugs used in the treatment of epilepsy, a result of CNS disorders. Because the molecular structure of valproic acid, as a fatty acid, does not contain any chromophore groups, its peak response demanded special conditions to be detected in HPLC, ensuring the best precision results. Still, the current approach illustrates simple, validated procedures for conduction. The conducted chromatographic system consists of the BDS Hypersil C8, 150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm column using a mobile phase of acetonitrile: phosphate buffer (4:6) at a detection wavelength of 215 nm at room temperature. A full method validation study was conducted and approved to ensure precise, repeatable, and accurate results by implementing system suitability parameters. In microbiological terms, a suitability test is used to validate microbiological testing methods, ensuring their efficacy despite potential interference from antimicrobial properties in the tested materials. The HPLC-UV developed and validated analytical method was evaluated, and it was found to be sensitive for use in the detection of low concentrations of methylparaben, propylparaben, and valproate with an optimum run time of six minutes. limit of detection (LODs) were statistically estimated and found to be 2.27 µg/mL, 39.77 ng/mL, and 1.84 µg/mL for methylparaben, propylparaben, and valproate, respectively. Additionally, the method demonstrated a high recovery of methylparaben, propylparaben, and valproate with an excellent closed-accuracy range (98.84% - 101.34%). An excellent regression coefficient (r) of 0.99924, 0.99998, and 0.99997 for methylparaben, valproate, and propylparaben, respectively, was achieved. Assay determination of various pharmaceutical dosage forms in the local market was implemented, yielding admirable results.

Simple and Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor for Sunset Yellow Detection Based on Co3O4/g‐C3N4 Nanocomposite Modified Gold Electrode

AbstractSunset Yellow (SY) is an azo dye used in various food and pharmaceutical industries that deserves special attention because of its allergic and carcinogenic properties. Recently, electrochemical techniques have come to the spotlight because of their high sensitivity, simplicity and rapidity as compared to other techniques. In this work, we have developed a cost‐effective and stable electrochemical sensor by a simple method using Vitamin B12‐derived cobalt oxide coupled with g‐C3N4 (V12‐CoO/gCN) modified Au electrode. The composite prepared for the sensor was characterized using techniques such as FTIR, Powder XRD, SEM analysis, EDAX, and mapping. For electrochemical sensing of the dye Sunset Yellow, CV, DPV, and LSV techniques have been used, out of which DPV shows a better detection limit of 1.39 nM followed by LSV and CV that displayed detection limits of 3.3 nM and 4.14 nM respectively. When 5 real samples obtained from the local market are analyzed using the DPV technique, the detection limit is obtained in the range between 2.1 nM and 6.9 nM. This method leads to the development of an electrochemical sensor for the detection of Sunset Yellow to get a lower detection limit that can be used in food toxicology and related fields.

Plant Agrobiodiversity, Agricultural and Phytosanitary Practices of Market Garden Crops in the Centre‐East Region of Burkina Faso

ABSTRACTIntroductionIn West Africa, market gardeners use various agricultural practices to increase yields. However, many of these practices do not comply with agroecological standards and cause intoxication, pollution, soil degradation and biodiversity loss. This study characterizes the plant agrobiodiversity of market garden crops grown during the rainy season and the agricultural and phytosanitary practices used for their management.Materials and MethodsThe study was carried out in Burkina Faso. Plant agrobiodiversity was assessed in 100 market gardens. Agricultural and phytosanitary practices were characterized using semi‐structured interviews. A Sankey diagram was used to highlight the relationships among market garden crops, bioaggressors and diseases. Principal component analyses were applied to highlight the agricultural and phytosanitary practices used.ResultsThe results revealed rich agrobiodiversity, including 16 market garden crops, 15 local agroforestry species, 17 planted species and 37 weed species. The main market garden crops grown in the rainy season were cabbage (20.30%), lettuce (16.62%), tomato (11.69%), and amaranth (10.15%). The most frequent agroforestry species were Azadirachta indica (18.20%) and Mangifera indica (15.03%). The most common weeds were Eleusine indica (11.02%) and Cyperus reduncus (9.70%). Eleven pests were identified, and the most frequently recorded were caterpillars (39.06%). Sixteen diseases were reported, the most common being leaf yellowing (15.67%) and leaf wilt (11.67%). Numerous market gardeners use mineral fertilizers such as Yaramila (NPK 23‐10‐5), NPK (14‐23‐14), urea (46.00% nitrogen), and liquid fertilizer as well as compost and organic manure. The most common agricultural practice was crop rotation (79.00%). To protect crops, 89.00% of producers used synthetic chemical pesticides in an uncontrolled manner, most of which are purchased on the local market. Only 11.00% of the market gardeners practiced the natural phytosanitary treatments.ConclusionThis study provides important information that can be used for the sustainable management of market gardens. Agroecological standards should be popularized to ensure food security for market garden crops.

The development of electronic commerce in the Republic of Moldova

The formulation of proposals for the development of e-commerce were carried out based on the research of this process on the internal and external markets of the Republic of Moldova. In the article, general scientific methods of research were used: the analysis, economic-statistical methods of research. The list of the used references is presented in the end of the work. E-commerce is a sector of the economy that includes commercial and financial transactions, business processes and other actions: advertising, sales, payment for goods. The main advantages of e-commerce are: the reduction of costs, the expansion of the target audience and the reduction of the number of intermediaries. The commercialization of goods through e-commerce platforms on the market of the Republic of Moldova registers significant increases. The article will explore the examination of the e-Commerce process in the international and local market, the studying and elaboration of proposals for the improvement of e-Commerce in the republic.

Fair Competition Review System and cross-regional capital flow: Evidence from China

Breaking local protectionism and market segmentation to promote the free flow of production factors between regions is crucial for building a unified national market in China. Introduced in 2016, the Fair Competition Review System (FCRS) restricts local governments’ abuse of administrative power to limit competition. The system corrects market failures and weakens regional barriers, establishing market competition by evaluating policies and regulations for anti-competitive practices. This study investigated the impact of the FCRS on cross-regional capital flow through subsidiaries in different regions. Using data from Chinese-listed companies between 2011 and 2022, this empirical study found that capital flow significantly increased after the system's implementation. Cross-regional flow was stronger in areas with higher reduced administrative barriers, lower tax burdens, and lower capacity utilization rates. This suggests that the primary mechanisms driving capital flow were expansion and cost-efficiency improvements. Heterogeneity tests indicate that the system exhibited a stronger impact on promoting cross-regional capital flow for private enterprises and those with low investment efficiency and weaker profitability. These findings suggest that the FCRS effectively regulates administrative monopolies, reduces regional barriers, and facilitates freer capital flow between regions, contributing to a unified national market in China.

The Impact of Airbnb Expansion on Real Estate Speculation in Marseille’s Tourist Areas

This paper investigates the impact of Airbnb’s expansion on real estate speculation in Marseille’s tourist areas, particularly focusing on the Old Port and Le Panier districts. By analyzing the correlation between the growth of short-term rental platforms and the increase in property values, the study explores how Airbnb has transformed the housing market, contributing to speculative investment and gentrification. The research examines the reduction in long-term rental housing, the rising cost of property, and the displacement of local residents as key outcomes of Airbnb’s proliferation. Through comparisons with similar European cities such as Paris and Madrid, the paper highlights the socio-economic consequences of Airbnb-driven real estate speculation, including shifts in neighborhood demographics and the loss of affordable housing for low- and middle-income residents. The findings emphasize the need for policy interventions to mitigate the negative effects of short-term rentals on the local housing market, balancing tourism-driven economic growth with the preservation of community stability and housing accessibility.

Enhancing bioenergy and feed production in Southern Thailand: An approach through Leucaena cultivation and hydrothermal carbonization

This study addresses sustainability challenges in Southern Thailand, particularly the scarcity of biomass fuel and animal feed. It investigates the integration of Leucaena leucocephala cultivation with hydrothermal carbonization. The research compares the biomass yield and economic feasibility of growing Leucaena as a sole crop versus intercropping it with Para rubber trees. Sole cropping Leucaena produces higher biomass yields and is more economically viable. The wood stem of Leucaena is competitive with other biomass fuels used in local power plants, while its leaves, with over 14 % protein content, meet local animal feed market standards. Additionally, branches, which constitute 15.15 % to 30.58 % of the total biomass, are usually left as residue but can be used for hydrochar production. The study examines the effects of temperature (235 °C and 265 °C) and retention time (1, 2, and 3 hours) on hydrochar properties. Optimal condition (265 °C for 1 hour) produces hydrochar with high heating value and energy yield. Using these branches for hydrochar can significantly boost total revenue, with hydrochar contributing 54.9 % to overall revenue (4522.00 USD/ha). Integrating Leucaena cultivation with hydrothermal carbonization offers a sustainable solution, enhancing revenue, supporting local energy and feed needs, and promoting environmental sustainability.

Time Series Econometric Analysis of ODOP's Contribution to State-Level GDP Growth in India

This study examines the economic impact of the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme on state-level GDP growth in India using time-series econometric models from 2011 to 2023. The ODOP initiative, launched by the Indian government, aims to promote regional economic development by fostering unique local products from each district. By employing Vector Autoregression (VAR) and Johansen Co-Integration methods, the research quantitatively assesses the causal relationship between the ODOP scheme and GDP growth across various states. Preliminary findings suggest that ODOP significantly contributes to regional GDP, particularly through enhancing local production and market reach, thereby integrating regional economies into national and global value chains. This study underscores the importance of targeted regional policies in achieving broader economic objectives and fostering sustainable development. It also highlights the ODOP scheme’s role in promoting traditional products and skills, which aligns with the government's larger goals of a self-reliant India.

Parientes y emprendedoras. Formas de participación de mujeres en el mercado local ilegal de drogas en la ciudad de Rosario (Argentina)

This article proposes, through a predominantly ethnographic approach, the analysis of the forms of participation of women in activities linked to the local illegal drug market in the city of Rosario (Argentina). It is interesting to ask what the specific modalities of participation are like in this predominantly masculine universe. In other words, it is worth asking if this form of participation always occurs from a place of subordination or if women also occupy spaces of power, authority and/or leadership. To this end, an empirical universe composed of in-depth interviews and conversational situations held with female inmates in the women’s prison in the city of Rosario in Argentina, carried out during the years 2022 and 2023, is analyzed.

Price-Predicting Model: Predictions for All Sailboats

Sailboat pricing is a nuanced field, significantly influenced by vessel age, geographical location, and brand reputation. To address this complexity, we leveraged the XGBoost algorithm, a powerful machine learning tool, and refined it through Bayesian optimization to create a highly accurate model for predicting sailboat prices. Our analysis revealed significant regional disparities, with sailboats from Europe, the USA, and the Caribbean commanding varying market valuations. When applying this optimized model to the Hong Kong used sailboat market, we were able to generate forecasts with improved accuracy, though still with room for enhancement. Notably, the Lagoon brand stood out as a consistent high performer, underscoring the importance of brand reputation in sailboat pricing. To provide actionable intelligence, we have synthesized a comprehensive analysis that integrates our research findings and predictive strategies. This analysis presents clear visualizations alongside concise interpretations, thereby constituting a pivotal resource for informed decision-making within the local market context.

A Study of Some Microbial and Chemical Contaminants in Packaged Mortadella Available in the Local Markets

Meat is one of the important sources of protein, as it is one of the basic nutrients that the body needs, and a lack of protein in the body can lead to malnutrition. Despite the importance of meat, it is also necessary to conduct studies to identify its contents of pollutants, whether microbial or chemical, to ensure safety In general, foodborne diseases are a major health problem facing not only the patient at risk, but also physicians, epidemiologists, food inspectors and laboratory microbiologists. The researchers studied the quality of imported beef mortadella rolls by collecting ten samples from local markets in The city of Baghdad and analyzed it microbiologically, and found that the levels of the total number of aerobic bacteria for samples of imported beef mortadella roll ranged between (1× 102-2.5× 106) CFU/g, while the level of the total number of coliform bacteria in the study samples was (1×101- 5× 104) CFU/g ,the levels of numbers of Staphylococcus spp. bacteria ranged from (1× 101 - 2.4× 103) CFU/g,some study samples varied in the total count of yeasts and molds (1× 102- 2.5× 103) CFU/g ,with significant differences P≤0.05, and all study samples were empty from Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli O104:H4, the results of this study showed the presence of metals Lead, Pb, and Cadmium, Cd, in all tested samples, at varying concentrations. The highest concentration of Lead was 0.0624 mg/kg and the lowest was 0.0371 mg/kg with significant differences P≤0.05, while the lowest concentration of Cadmium was 0.0102 mg/kg and the highest concentration of the same element was 0.0189 mg/kg.

Maintaining Business During Covid-19 Pandemic Through Social Media: A Content Analysis of Indonesian Football Club Instagram Account

Indonesia has become the largest football industry with a huge fan base. Football continues to become a profitable brand and generates extraordinary profits, considering that football has a wide and large market share. As a brand, many football clubs have realized the power of branding in marketing clubs outside the club's local market through branding strategies carried out into content on social media. Currently, social media has become a popular and effective new media in the branding strategy of a football club. Their Instagram account has gained millions of followers in recent years, creating an effective medium for sales and promotion. Many Indonesian big brands agree to sponsor the club as a way to promote their products as well. However, the global pandemic hit from March 2020 to August 2021, and there was a long hiatus for football matches, considering the branding activity of a football club is very dependent on the passing of matches in a competition. Football matches become the 'main product' that attracts the attention of fans and sponsors. Due to this catastrophe, how can football clubs in Indonesia maintain business during the COVID-19 pandemic through Instagram content? Using a semi-structured interview with internal parties of a big football club in Indonesia, this study generates some practical summaries and implications on how to maintain business during the COVID-19 pandemic. The result shows the significant influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the content analysis of the Football Club in Indonesia through Instagram. Keywords: COVID-19, football, content analysis, social media, Instagram.

Key Determinants of Local Bean Production and Marketing in Mbeya District, Tanzania

Common beans are a widely cultivated crop in East and Central Africa. This study aimed to assess the factors affecting local bean production and marketing at the household level. Using a non-experimental research design, the study surveyed 111 farmers from the Isangati division in Mbeya District. Cross-sectional data were collected through expert sampling methods, and regression analysis was employed to examine the influence of socio-economic factors on the production and marketing of local bean varieties. The results indicated that variables such as age, education, occupation, and farm size significantly influenced bean production (p<0.01), as did market accessibility and the acceptability of bean varieties (p<0.01). The study concluded that proximity to markets, socio-economic conditions, and consumer preferences play a crucial role in shaping bean production and marketing outcomes. As a result, interventions should be tailored to meet both user and consumer preferences.

The Retreat from BIST: Insights into Foreign Portfolio Investment Movements

The need for rapid growth and development in developing countries increases the demand for capital. As a result, foreign portfolio investments are of great importance, especially in emerging markets, as they help meet capital needs. However, their ability to move quickly also introduces high volatility to financial markets. This study examines changes in the share of foreign portfolio investors in Borsa Istanbul from 2004 to 2023, aiming to provide long-term insights to market participants. Initially, changes in the foreign portfolio investor ratio over time are graphically analyzed alongside the BIST 100 index and the average interest rate of deposits with a maturity of up to 3 months. These changes are evaluated in the context of both global and local developments. The study then investigates the causal relationship between the foreign portfolio investor ratio and the BIST 100 index using a cointegration test and a causality test based on the VECM model. The findings show a one-way causality from the BIST 100 index to the foreign portfolio investor ratio, indicating that foreign investors' market movements are largely influenced by the performance of the BIST 100, and local market dynamics significantly affect foreign capital inflows.

Strategic Management Practices in Multinational Corporations: A Comparative Study

This paper explores strategic management practices within multinational corporations (MNCs) through a comparative study of different regional and industrial contexts. The research aims to identify key strategies that drive success and sustainability in a globalized business environment. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, the study combines quantitative analysis of financial performance metrics with qualitative insights from interviews with senior executives. The findings highlight the significance of adaptive strategies, cultural intelligence, and robust risk management frameworks. Additionally, the study uncovers regional variations in strategic priorities, emphasizing the need for MNCs to tailor their approaches to local market conditions. The paper concludes with recommendations for practitioners to enhance strategic alignment and operational effectiveness across diverse geographical landscapes.