Local Trade Research Articles

A Blockchain and PKI-Based Secure Vehicle-to-Vehicle Energy-Trading Protocol

With the increasing awareness for sustainable future and green energy, the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is growing rapidly, thus placing immense pressure on the energy grid. To alleviate this, local trading between EVs should be encouraged. In this paper, we propose a blockchain and public key infrastructure (PKI)-based secure vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) energy-trading protocol. A permissioned blockchain utilizing the proof of authority (PoA) consensus and smart contracts is used to securely store data. Encrypted communication is ensured through transport layer security (TLS), with PKI managing the necessary digital certificates and keys. A multi-leader, multi-follower Stackelberg game-based trade algorithm is formulated to determine the optimal energy demands, supplies, and prices. Finally, we propose a detailed communication protocol that ties all the components together, enabling smooth interaction between them. Key findings, such as system behavior and performance, scalability of the trade algorithm and the blockchain, smart contract execution costs, etc., are presented through numerical results by implementing and simulating the protocol in various scenarios. This work not only enhances local energy trading among EVs, encouraging efficient energy usage and reducing burden on the power grid, but also paves a way for future research in sustainable energy management.

Political burden of local government and land insider trading in major Chinese cities

ABSTRACT Chinese local governments transfer political burdens through land trading. One key example of this practice is the requirement for for-profit organizations to bid on land when undertaking public welfare projects. By analysing comprehensive data on public welfare project development in major Chinese cities, we conducted regression analyses and endogeneity tests to explore whether there is a causal relationship between the political burdens faced by for-profit organizations and their land trading priorities, with a focus on insider trading characteristics. Our findings reveal that, even in marketized transactions, the land designated for public welfare projects tends to have lower prices and bidding premiums, reflecting key insider trading traits. Price priority is more apparent among private developers, indicating higher compensation for political burdens, while premium priority is more evident among government-controlled enterprises due to increased paternalism.

Conspiracy, Congregation, Company, and Commerce in England, 1680–1688: The Narratives of Edward Massey of Braintree

AbstractIn 1683, Edward Massey, an obscure office‐holder in Braintree, Essex, provided the state with one of the most explosive accounts of conspiratorial activities in England during the so‐called ‘Exclusion Crisis’. Massey, a prisoner in the King's Bench, named dozens of individuals in his native Essex, as well as the West Country and London, who apparently aired seditious grievances with King Charles II and his Roman Catholic brother and heir, James, Duke of York, and compassed participation in a national plot to ensure the succession of a Protestant in the form of Charles's illegitimate son, James, Duke of Monmouth. The colourful details of the alleged conspiracy bear reproduction in this article. Nevertheless, the difficulty of crediting the most radical implications of Massey's narratives calls for a cautious assessment of their reliability and value to historians. Fortunately, additional evidence enables us to treat Massey's account as a detailed testimony of how those marginalised by the Stuarts’ post‐Restoration settlements were able to mobilise behind and sustain their discontents, and the anxious secrecy and cautious trust which, amid heightened state surveillance, defined their encounters. Moreover, the article demonstrates how necessarily secretive political and religious networks mapped onto, and drew strength from, bonds which were forged in experiences of parochial administration and business, particularly the production of and trade in cloth. The result is an account of the Restoration's ‘politics of religion’ which highlights the communicative and ideological importance of the politics of local office and (inter)national trade.

Trade in Liushun (Port Arthur) at the Turn of the 19th and 20th Centuries

The history of the city of Port Arthur at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries in the literature is revealed primarily from the military point of view, which led to the emergence of numerous studies and works, while the role of the city as a commercial center has not received proper coverage either in Russian or Chinese historiography. The fact that contemporaries themselves perceived Port Arthur only as a military fortress also played an important role in this. This circumstance explains the fragmentary nature of the source base. The article reconstructs the history of trade in the city of Liushun during the Qing dynasty (until 1898) on the basis of archival materials, sources of personal origin and periodicals. The author concludes that the importance of Port Arthur as a temporary trading port was quite high before the foundation of Dalniy city. The construction of a military port in the 1880s stimulated the development of the city and promoted local Chinese trade. After Port Arthur was leased to the Russian Empire in 1898, the city became dominated by Russian capital. During the period of Russian rule, changes were made in the city's life that allowed Port Arthur to develop along Western lines and attracted immigrants and investment that further developed the city's industry and commerce. However, the purpose of such changes was to establish Port Arthur as a military stronghold of the Russian Empire in the Far East, which made the development of trade in the city unbalanced.

Integrating Traditional Medicine with Modern Healthcare: Addressing Maternal and Mental Health in Uganda

Traditional medicine in Uganda, deeply rooted in cultural and historical practices, plays a significant role in addressing maternal and mental health challenges. This review explores the integration of traditional medicine with modern healthcare systems, aiming to enhance maternal and mental health outcomes while preserving cultural heritage. Traditional practices, including herbal remedies, spiritual healing, and the role of traditional birth attendants (TBAs), provide crucial support, particularly in rural areas with limited access to modern medical facilities. The review examines the contributions of traditional medicine to maternal health, including prenatal, labor, and postnatal care, and its role in mental health through spiritual and community-based practices. Despite the valuable contributions, integrating traditional and modern healthcare presents challenges such as cultural barriers, regulatory issues, and the need for standardization. Efforts to integrate these approaches include policy development, educational initiatives, and collaborative health programs. The National Drug Authority (NDA) plays a pivotal role in regulating and standardizing traditional medicine practices, ensuring safety and efficacy through research and quality control measures. Economic impacts of traditional medicine include income generation, local trade, and affordable healthcare options, although practitioners face challenges like lack of formal recognition and regulatory issues. Public perception is influenced by cultural beliefs and trust in traditional practices, with increasing acceptance of integrated approaches in urban areas. In conclusion, integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare in Uganda offers a promising path towards a more inclusive and culturally sensitive healthcare system. By addressing challenges through mutual respect, collaboration, and evidence-based practices, Uganda can enhance maternal and mental health outcomes and build a more comprehensive healthcare system. Keywords: Traditional Medicine, Modern Healthcare, Maternal, Mental Health in Uganda

Phylogenetic analysis of Mycobacterium caprae highlights past and present epidemiological links at the Iberian Peninsula scale

Mycobacterium caprae is linked to regular outbreaks of tuberculosis (TB) in geographically distinct caprine populations across Europe, namely Iberia where this ecovar may represent 8% of total animal TB cases, circulating in multi-host communities encompassing domestic ruminants and wildlife, representing severe financial losses. It also causes zoonotic human disease. In this work, we undertake the first phylodynamic and phylogeographic analyses of M. caprae to reconstruct past demography and transmission chains. First, we examined the worldwide diversity of M. caprae based on 229 unpublished and publicly available whole genome sequences, depicting Asian, Central-East European, and Iberian clades. Phylodynamic analyses of the SB0157 Iberian clade (n=81) positioned the most recent common ancestor in goats, around 100 years ago. Host transition events were common between goats, wild boars, and humans, possibly resulting from mixed farming, extensive management, and close human proximity, facilitating interspecific transmission. We show the spread of M. caprae on multiple scales due to local and transnational animal trade, supporting historical and sustained cross-species transmission in Iberia. We highlight the value of intersecting genomic epidemiology with molecular ecology to resolve epidemiological links and show that an EU-official eradication program in goats is utterly needed to control TB in a multi-host scenario.

Power relations among actors in laying hen business in Indonesia: A MACTOR analysis

Abstract According to their respective positions, participants at the local, regional, and global actors within the poultry farming sector play strategic roles according to their respective positions. While these roles may integrate and overlap, they can also generate conflicts of interest at both the actor and institutional levels. This study analyses the actors and power relations in laying hen farming in Blitar Regency, East Java, Indonesia. The data were collected using structured interview techniques (interview guides and Matrix of Alliances and Conflicts: Tactics, Objectives and Recommendations questionnaires), observation, documentation, and focus group discussions. The research informants were chosen deliberately based on various sources including farmers, farmer groups, cooperative, central and local government, companies, and traders. This was in addition to informants obtained using the snowball sampling technique such as middlemen, poultry shops (PSs) and other additional breeders. Data validity was determined using source triangulation and method triangulation. The results revealed that the individuals and entities engaged in layer hen farming encompass a diverse range of actors. These include farmers of various scales (small, medium, and large), institutions such as farmer groups and cooperatives, governmental bodies at both central and regional levels, industry representatives such as companies, PSs, distributors involved in producing and marketing day-old chick (DOC), feed, medicines, and vaccines, as well as market participants including local traders and traders operating across different regions. Small-scale and medium-scale farmers have the strongest relationships due to their high dependence on inputs such as DOC, feed, vaccines, and access to markets. The presence of various actors and power relations in laying hen business institutions creates both collaboration and competition in the supply of DOCs, animal feed, medicine, and even in the marketing of eggs from a food security and sustainability perspective.

Navigating organizational change: sequential vs simultaneous approaches to innovation management in modern enterprises

Purpose This study aims to explore the relationship between innovation and strategic management in contemporary enterprises, emphasizing the navigation of organizational change for sustainable competitive advantage. This study addresses the challenge of adapting to dynamic environments and the critical role of leadership, organizational culture and collaboration in successful innovation management. Design/methodology/approach The authors used the typology research design and comparative analysis to explore the principles and strategies underlying different innovation approaches. This study examines their impact on organizational structures, resource allocation and the integration of technological advancements with managerial practices. Findings The authors developed a typology of two innovation management models. The sequential approach emphasizes phased and incremental innovation, while the simultaneous approach advocates for dynamic and comprehensive integration of innovation across the organization. Each model presents distinct advantages and challenges, underscoring the need for a tailored approach based on the enterprise’s context and objectives. Mature companies may benefit from the sequential approach to gradually evolve their innovation, while new and high-tech-intensive companies can leverage the simultaneous approach for dynamic and continuous innovation. Research limitations/implications Future research should examine local bodies and trade unions’ perception on the energy crisis’ impact toward rural entrepreneurship. Practical implications The findings are useful to Greek and European policymakers and rural micro-entrepreneurs as the experience of dealing with several previous crises can be a useful tool when dealing with current and future crises. Originality/value This study enhances understanding of the complex interplay between organizational innovation and strategy. The authors recommend further exploration of emerging technologies, cultural values, collaboration, sustainable practices and changing customer behavior to boost innovation capabilities and achieve success.

Ostrich eggshell beads from Little Muck Shelter, southern Africa: First impressions and regional perspectives

Hunting and gathering communities in southern Africa produced ostrich eggshell (OES) beads for personal ornamentation, trade and exchange, and various forms of symbolism. OES beads convey information related to not only technological processes, but also social histories, making them useful tools for investigating these processes in the archaeological record. In the middle Limpopo Valley, hunter-gatherers produced beads from periods that predated the arrival of farmer societies, before ca. AD 150, until the decline of the Mapungubwe capital, AD 1300. Their analysis may therefore lead to insights into local economies, craft activities, trade and exchange, and social roles. However, no study in the middle Limpopo Valley has sufficiently investigated these beads and their status within forager society. In this paper we study the manufacture of OES beads from one of the excavated forager-occupied shelters in the valley, Little Muck. This study is the first of its kind from a hunter-gatherer context in the region. It shows that Little Muck’s beads were standardised but produced in varying frequencies across temporal periods, and made following different production strategies. Use-wear analysis hints that some of the beads were pigmented and possibly altered using heat treatment. As an initial foray into a forager bead assemblage of the region, this study demonstrates the value such an approach may yield, and it aids in guiding future attempts. It also compares Little Muck’s bead assemblage with those from other sites across a much wider region where such studies have taken place. The findings demonstrate similar patterns to other parts of southern and eastern Africa, but also illustrate local shifts in bead production that follow changes in local socio-political dynamics.

Play cards, salt, tobacco: trade restrictions of German Zollverein in 1833

Importance. The main objective of the study is to find the special regulations regarding some trade goods. The research is focused on the comprehensive study of restrictions of German Zollverein’s treaty, which had affected the local and foreign trade. The analysis has formed the complex of reasons which led to the special arrangements towards the important goods. The study of particular aspects of customs reforms shows the new perspectives in the research of this topic and fulfills the image of trade connections on German territories in 1820–30s.Materials and Methods. The main document for the research is “The treaty of customs unification” from March 22, 1833. There are also plenty of commercial press articles of that period studied, which overviewed the trade and customs changes and reforms. The analytics and synthesis methods give the possibility to have a full overview of the mentioned sources and to restore the main tendencies in trade restrictions of this epoch.Results and Discussion. The detailed analysis highlights the most important trade goods on the German area, which were the subjects of interests for many German governments. There were the monopoly goods or the sources of big custom duties, which filled the German treasuries for decades. The threat of losing this income due to established German Zollverein, which customs taxes were supposed to be summarized and parted, led to the compromise solution in regards to some goods. The play cards, salt, tobacco and alcohol production were supposed to stay under cautious control, the trade of them was specially mentioned on the extra conditions.Conclusion. Trade restrictions seemed to be the compromise arrangement in the customs treaty, which aimed to keep the state income safe. They were also based on law differences regarding mentioned goods and supposed to protect German industry from foreign competition.

Does commercialization lead to more intensive management strategies? Decision-making for the utilization of non-timber forest products in a Nahua area of the Sierra Negra, Mexico

BackgroundThe commercialization of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) provides income for rural indigenous households. The integration of NTFPs into formal markets tends to intensify management practices to ensure production and monetary benefits. However, more research is needed to understand the motivations for managing of commercialized species. We examine the influence of social, ecological, and economic factors on traditional management and how they drive the adoption of more or less intensive practices for subsistence and commercially traded NTFPs.MethodsThe study was conducted in the Nahua community of Ixtacxochitla, in the Sierra Negra of central Mexico, where we conducted free lists and semi-structured interviews in 32% of the 88 households to assess socio-ecological variables related to management practices. In addition, we interviewed local traders to assess commercial variables used in a cost–benefit model to calculate the net annual income of commercialized species. Non-metric multidimensional scaling was used to analyze relationships between socio-ecological variables and management practices. We also explored the relationship between management and commercial factors using principal component analysis.ResultsWe recorded 64 plant and mushroom species of NTFPs used for medicinal, ornamental, ceremonial, and edible purposes, 36 of which are commercialized in the municipal market of Coyomeapan. The commercialized species generated an average annual net income of MXN 67,526 (USD 3924) per family, with five species contributing the most. Species both used for both subsistence and commercialization were managed through incipient in situ gathering, tolerance in ex situ anthropogenic areas, and intensive protection and propagation efforts in ex situ environments. Even the five species with the highest commercial returns were managed across this gradient of practices. Key factors influencing the adoption of more intensive species management practices were feasibility of management, type of species use, ecological abundance, frequency of consumption, and cultural importance.ConclusionsThe intensification of NTFPs management is not solely driven by the commercial value of the products or the level of income generated. Instead, the interaction between socio-ecological and economic factors determines the extent of management practices. The main constraint to the implementation of intensive practices has been the inability to manage species outside their natural habitats, despite their cultural significance and frequent consumption. Understanding the factors involved in the harvesting of NTFPs can serve as the basis for future research aimed at analyzing the conditions for successful and sustainable NTFPs commercialization.

Resilience of rural micro-businesses in an adverse entrepreneurial environment: adapting to the energy crisis

PurposeThis study aims to examine the potential adaptability and resilience of rural micro-businesses within a business environment affected by successive crises, specifically drawing conclusions on crisis management, while simultaneously highlighting enterprises’ capabilities in managing the current energy crisis, basis the experiences and best practices that they themselves have gained previously.Design/methodology/approachConvenience sampling was applied, effectively identifying 18 micro-entrepreneurs in rural Greece. Subsequently, qualitative research was conducted through semi-structured in-depth interviews.FindingsRural micro-businesses have shown adaptability and resilience to both economic and health crises through financial support received and interventions implemented. However, different crises’ types carry different business risks. The energy crisis has led to business operation’s energy costs and raw material prices multiplying exponentially. Additionally, they received limited financial support causing them to respond to the energy crisis though concrete defensive strategies and innovative interventions.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should examine local bodies and trade unions’ perception on the energy crisis’ impact towards rural entrepreneurship.Practical implicationsThe findings are useful to Greek and European policy-makers and rural micro-entrepreneurs as the experience of dealing with several previous crises can be a useful tool when dealing with current and future crises.Originality/valueThis paper adds to international literature on rural micro-businesses resilience, operating in crisis mode. Additionally, it constitutes novel research exclusively focused on the new challenges faced by rural micro-businesses during the recent energy crisis.

Genetic tracing of the illegal trade of the white-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) in western Central Africa

The white-bellied pangolin is subject to intense trafficking, feeding both local and international trade networks. In order to assess its population genetics and trace its domestic trade, we genotyped 562 pangolins from local to large bushmeat markets in western central Africa. We show that the two lineages described from the study region (WCA and Gab) were overlapping in ranges, with limited introgression in southern Cameroon. There was a lack of genetic differentiation across WCA and a significant signature of isolation-by-distance possibly due to unsuspected dispersal capacities involving a Wahlund effect. We detected a c. 74.1–82.5% decline in the effective population size of WCA during the Middle Holocene. Private allele frequency tracing approach indicated up to 600 km sourcing distance by large urban markets from Cameroon, including Equatorial Guinea. The 20 species-specific microsatellite loci provided individual-level genotyping resolution and should be considered as valuable resources for future forensic applications. Because admixture was detected between lineages, we recommend a multi-locus approach for tracing the pangolin trade. The Yaoundé market was the main hub of the trade in the region, and thus should receive specific monitoring to mitigate pangolins’ domestic trafficking. Our study also highlighted the weak implementation of CITES regulations at European borders.

Linguistic and cultural analysis of the professional vocabulary of local crafts and trades in scientific works of T.S. Voroshilova and M.I. Litvinov

Linguistic and cultural analysis of the professional vocabulary of local crafts and trades in scientific works of T.S. Voroshilova and M.I. Litvinov

Socio-economic Factors Involved for the Risk in Cotton Cultivation in Odisha

Background: The cotton cultivation involves risks due to climatic variation, the most important being aberrant rainfall. Further, the farmers fetch poor returns to their produce due to quality maintenance of lint during harvesting and storage. The farmers face problem in marketing as the cotton trade is mostly done by local traders. Hence, the current study was carried to identify risks involved in cotton cultivation due to climatic variation, harvesting, storage and marketing of produce. Methods: A study was conducted by collecting information from 240 cotton growers of four blocks in Gajapati and Rayagada districts of Odisha. The opinion of cotton growing farmers on most important parameters of risk in cotton cultivation among climate, harvesting and post-harvest, marketing and socio economic was collected individually through a semi-structured schedule and analyzed. Result: The opinion of cotton growing farmers of South Odisha indicate that the initial heavy rainfall followed by insufficient pre-monsoon rain; the rat menace in storage; exploitation by the traders in marketing and lack of community organization for facilitation of cluster approach are the most important risk parameters that influence cotton cultivation.

The neighborhood advantage: exploring the impact of negotiation costs on transaction satisfaction in local second-hand trading platforms

This study aimed to investigate the determinants of transaction satisfaction and intention to use local second-hand marketplace platforms, focusing on the impact of negotiation costs and the moderating influence of users’ sense of their neighborhood. Building on transaction cost theory, we conceptualized negotiation costs as a multidimensional construct that encompassed economic, performance, time, and psychological costs. Our findings revealed that economic and time costs had a significant negative effect on transaction satisfaction, whereas performance and psychological costs did not exhibit such an impact. Furthermore, transaction satisfaction positively influenced users’ intention to use the platform, thereby mediating the relationship between negotiation costs and intention to use. Additionally, we found that users’ sense of their neighborhood enhanced transaction satisfaction and acted as a moderator, attenuating the negative impact of negotiation costs on satisfaction. For users with a high sense of my neighborhood, the negative impact of economic, performance, and time costs on transaction satisfaction was attenuated. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of consumer behavior on local second-hand trading platforms and emphasize the importance of social cues in shaping transaction satisfaction and intention to use. The implications of our study offer valuable insights for second-hand platform operators.

Majelis Sholawat Sebagai Upaya Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Masyarakat di Wilayah Pedesaan

Community economic empowerment is an important strategy in improving welfare and economic independence at the village level. This study focuses on the implementation of economic empowerment in Parijatahwetan Village through various initiatives involving skills training, the formation of business groups, and increasing access to capital. The Majelis Solawat, as one of the main forums in the village, plays an important role in this initiative by integrating religious activities with economic development. The research method used in this study is qualitative research. Data collection techniques used are observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis using interactive analysis with stages of data collection, data presentation, data reduction and drawing conclusions. The results of the study show that the Majelis Sholawat in Parijatahwetan Village plays an important role in strengthening religious identity and strengthening community faith through reading and respect for the Prophet Muhammad SAW. In addition to the spiritual aspect, the Majelis Sholawat also has great potential to support local economic empowerment. Attracting community participation and visitors from outside the region, this event creates economic opportunities through increasing local trade, developing transportation services, and accommodation

A data-driven distributionally robust expansion planning model for ADNs with multi-microgrids considering energy trading strategy based on game theory

With the increasing integration of distributed energy resources, demand response, microgrids, and automation technologies in modern distribution networks, a market framework for local energy trading among microgrids and the distribution utility is a reality. However, the expansion planning problem for active distribution networks (ADNs) with multiple microgrids is complex due to uncertainties associated with distributed generation and competitive scenarios. This paper proposes a novel data-driven distributionally robust model that considers energy trading and uncertainties in generation and load to solve the expansion planning problem for ADNs with multiple microgrids. The uncertainties are represented using data bins and their probabilities, and the energy trading strategy is modeled based on game theory. The proposed model enables the distribution system operator (DSO) to find the best expansion planning from their perspective, while each microgrid seeks its own benefits. We exemplify the proposed model using a modified version of the IEEE 123-bus test system. Results demonstrate the effects of surplus generation levels on the energy price strategy and the influence of competitive environments on the expansion planning decision. The proposed model provides a new approach to address the complexities associated with the expansion planning problem for ADNs with multiple microgrids and could have significant implications for the design and operation of future power systems.

Raising Farmers Income through the Cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

The present study was conducted during October, 2022 to April, 2023 in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh which is predominated by the cultivation of apple. Medicinal and aromatic plants are playing an important role in Homeopathy, Ayurveda and Unani medicines. Local inhabitants have been using these plants for various ethno pharmaceutical uses. Stratified Random Sampling was used for conducting the survey. Both Primary and Secondary information (data) were collected through schedules, questionnaires, face to face talks, personal interviews and group discussions. Societies and Self Help Groups (SHGs) were created for the cultivation of Saussurea costus (Kuth) and Aconitum heterophyllum (Patish). Local trader has purchased Kuth at the rate of ` 200 per Kilogram and Aconitum heterophyllum (Patish) at the rate of ` Rs. 2000 per Kilogram. In Delhi market, the farmers have received higher rates (`Rs. 300 per Kilogram for Saussurea costus (Kuth) and ` Rs. 2100 per Kilogram for the Aconitum heterophyllum (Patish)). On an average, a farmer was reported to earn `Rs. 50,000 to ` Rs. 100,000 per bigha per annum from the cultivation of these medicinal plants.

The Impacts of Financial Market, Trade and Economic Policy Uncertainties on the Import Performance of Advanced Economies

This study aims to examine the long-term and short-term diverse effects of economic policy uncertainty, trade policy uncertainty, and financial market uncertainties on the import performance of advanced economies. It employs the Pooled mean group autoregressive distributed lag (PMG/ARDL) method for the panel of 27 advanced economies using quarterly data from the first quarter of 1996 to the fourth quarter of 2020. The study's results reveal that local and global economic and trade policy uncertainties have significant adverse long-term effects on the import performance of advanced economies. Besides, financial market uncertainties negatively impact advanced economies’ imports in the long run. Nonetheless, the results imply that domestic economic and trade policy uncertainties positively affect imports in the short run. Moreover, the Dumitrescu-Hurlin (D-H) panel causality test indicated that bidirectional causality exists between financial market and trade policy uncertainty indicators and imports. However, unidirectional causality exists between economic policy indicators and imports. The results are consistent across different sensitivity analyses. Based on these findings, we propose policy implications to control economic, trade and financial market uncertainties and thereby alleviating their impact on the import performance of advanced economies.