Long-term Prospects Research Articles

Sectoral Performance of ESG Enabled Stocks during COVID-19 Pandemic in the Indian Stock Market

Over past one decade, there is significant rise in Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) enabled investment practices across the globe and Indian economy is no exception to that. The ESG-enabled investment options provide better investment avenues for investment for retail and institutional investors by ensuring the long-term sustainability of the business. The present study tries to assess whether there is any impact of ESG scores on performance of stocks at the time of COVID-19 pandemic period. The study compares the performance of stocks with high ESG score vis-à-vis stocks with low ESG scores during COVID-19 period for different sectors of Indian stock market. The study considers the data of 312 sample firms listed on BSE 500 index. The event study methodology is used to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Indian stocks. The stocks were further divided into three categories high score (top 30% of firms), medium (middle 40% of firms) and low (bottom 30% of the firms). The results of the study suggest that the investors were more confident about the performance and revival of firms that carry high ESG scores than firms with low ESG scores. The investors are confident about the long-term prospects and sustainability of the firms, and they tend to hold their investment in the firms with high ESG scores.

Size effect of ZIF-8 based nanocarrier pesticide delivery system on targeted release and insecticidal activity.

Traditional chemical pesticides are easily lost by surface runoff and only small quantities reach the target, thus causing serious environmental pollution. In this work, dinotefuran@zeolitic imidazolate framework-8@polydopamine@zein (DNF@ZIF-8@PDA@zein), was constructed to deliver DNF with pH and enzyme double response of release, thereby achieving targeted release and efficient long-term pest control. DNF@ZIF-8@PDA@zein was synthesized with three hydrated diameters (249.73 ± 9.99 nm, 142.94 ± 5.63 nm and 75.16 ± 4.66 nm, respectively). The release of DNF from DNF@ZIF-8@PDA@zein after 28 h was significantly higher at pH 5.0 (89.22 ± 7.18%) compared to that at pH 8 (81.8 ± 6.11%). Protease-assisted release of DNF was notably higher than that without protease (pH 5: 89.22 ± 5.55% versus 27.19 ± 3.22%; pH 8: 81.8 ± 6.11% versus 25.39 ± 3.87%). The stimuli-responsive release of DNF from DNF@ZIF-8@PDA@zein increased with decreased particle size due to increased pore size, reduced binding forces (i.e., weaker π-π stacking, hydrogen bonding, and Zn-N covalent bonding), and the shortening of diffusion path, leading to faster disintegration and drug release. Additionally, the anti-photolysis ability of DNF@ZIF-8@PDA@zein was 3.2 times that of pure DNF. The insecticidal activity improved with smaller nanoparticles due to higher drug release rate and greater inhibition of detoxification enzyme activity by more zinc ion (Zn2+) dissolution. The pH and enzyme dual-responsive release as well as insecticidal activity of DNF@ZIF-8@PDA@zein increase with decreased nanoparticle size, showing effective pest management in long-term and potential application prospects in sustainable agriculture. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Physiologists as medical scientists: An early warning from the German academic system.

"Medical scientists" are postgraduate investigators who are engaged in biomedical research, and either hold a biomedical PhD or are qualified in medicine but do not participate in patient care. Medical scientists constitute ~40% of staff at medical faculties and >90% at nonuniversity medical research institutions in Germany. However, medical scientists in Germany face limited long-term career prospects and a lack of dedicated training and support programmes. They also face time limits on their career progression arising from national academic employment legislation, and imminent reforms by the German government are likely to make this worse. Nevertheless, recent developments in the educational landscape including the introduction of increasingly focused MSc, pre-PhD, and doctoral programmes to train medically aware basic scientists, as well as improved general recognition of the roles and relevance of medical scientists in health research, are encouraging. Physiologists have taken essential steps to improve the recognition of medical scientists in Germany by introducing a "specialist physiologist" qualification; this initiative could be applied to support medical scientists in other fields and countries. In this review, we describe the particular challenges facing medical scientists in Germany and make recommendations that may apply to other academic systems.

LEGAL ENSURING THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR OF UKRAINE UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

The article defines the main normative legal acts to ensure the transformation of the government agrarian policy of Ukraine after the signing of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, which will allow further legislative changes to be made in the construction of the government mechanism for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector of Ukraine in the conditions of European integration. The purpose of the article is to research the regulatory and legal support of the agricultural sector of Ukraine in order to justify further changes in the government sectoral policy of Ukraine in the conditions of European integration. A number of basic legal acts regarding the development of government agrarian policy and various mechanisms of government regulation of individual sectors of the agrarian complex were analyzed, the main of which are: Concept of the development of rural areas for the period until 2025, Concept of the development of farms and agricultural cooperation for the period of 2018-2020, Resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine «On the Functioning of the Government Agrarian Register», Law of Ukraine «On State Assistance to Business Entities», Government Regional Development Strategy for 2021-2027, Draft Concept of Rural Development until 2030, UN Transitional Framework Program 2022- 2023, resolution «On Amendments to the Procedure for the Use of Funds Provided in the Government Budget for Providing Support to Farms and Other Producers of Agricultural Products». The principles of government support for agriculture in Ukraine, the key goals of the development of rural areas and agricultural activity, the key vectors of sustainable development of the agricultural sector of Ukraine on the way to European integration have been determined. Based on the analysis of the regulatory framework, conclusions were made regarding the long-term prospects of the agrarian policy of Ukraine.

Exploring the Dynamic Link Between Trade Openness, External Debt, and Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Considerations

This study investigates the dynamic relationship between trade openness, external debt, and economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the period from 1990 to 2023. The research examines how trade openness and external debt impact regional economic performance by employing Panel Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) techniques utilizing the pool mean group and mean group estimator’s approach. The analysis reveals that while trade openness does not stimulate economic growth, external debt similarly has significant challenges, often hindering long-term development prospects within Sub-Saharan African countries. The findings underscore the importance of managing debt sustainably and aligning trade policies with growth-enhancing strategies. Additionally, human capital and institutional quality are essential endogenous growth factors that significantly influence economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study recommends that while trade openness alone may not directly drive economic growth, its benefits can be amplified by complementary strategies such as investing in human capital, technological adoption, and industrial policy. The study concludes with policy recommendations to enhance economic resilience and foster sustainable growth, such as attracting foreign direct investment, combined with infrastructure development and sound fiscal management.

Демографический спад и экономический рост: анализ причин и успешных решений в мировой практике

The article examines the impact of the demographic recession on economic growth, with an emphasis on the experience of foreign countries. In the face of an aging population and a shrinking workforce, many states are grappling with the challenges of sustaining stable economic development. The author analyzes examples from various global economies, exploring strategies employed to mitigate demographic changes, including stimulating innovation, increasing labor productivity, utilization of migration policy resources, and human capital development. Particular attention is paid to developed economies, where demographic issues most acutely affect long-term economic prospects. The author concludes that successful solutions to demographic challenges can be achieved through the implementation of a comprehensive approach and active collaboration among government entities, businesses, and society at large.

The contemporary management and coronary angioplasty outcomes in young patients with ST-Elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) age < 40 years old: the insight from nationwide Thai PCI registry

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the major causes of death around the world in which ST elevation MI (STEMI) is in the lead. Although the mortality rate from STEMI seems to decline, this result might not be demonstrated in young adults who basically have different baseline characteristics and outcomes compared with older patients.MethodsData of the STEMI patients aged 18 years or older who underwent PCI during May 2018 to August 2019 from Thai PCI Registry, a prospective, multi-center, nationwide study, was included and aimed to investigate the predisposing factors and short-term outcomes of patients aged < 40 years compared with age 41–60, and > 61 years.ResultsData of 5,479 STEMI patients were collected. The patients’ mean age was 62.6 (SD = 12.6) years, and 73.6% were males. There were 204, 2,154, and 3,121 patients in the youngest, middle, and oldest groups. The young patients were mainly male gender (89.2% vs. 82.4% and 66.6%; p < 0.001), were current smokers (70.6%, 57.7%, 34.1%; p < 0.001), had BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 more frequently (60.8%, 44.1%, 26.1%; p < 0.001), and had greater family history of premature CAD (6.9%, 7.2%, 2.9%; p < 0.001). The diseased vessel in the young STEMI patients was more often single vessel disease with the highest percentage of proximal LAD stenosis involvement. Interestingly, there were trends of higher events of procedural failure (2.9%, 2.1%, 3.3%; p = 0.028) and procedural complications (8.8%, 5.8%, 9.4%; p < 0.001) in both youngest and oldest groups compared to the middle-aged group. In-hospital death was found in 3.4% in the youngest group compared to 3.3% in the middle-aged patients and 9.2% in the older patients (p < 0.001).ConclusionsDespite experiencing higher rates of procedural failure and complications during treatment compared to middle-aged and older patients, young STEMI individuals demonstrate a significantly lower risk of death during hospitalization and within one year of the event. Younger patients might have a more robust physiological reserve or benefit from more aggressive post-procedure management. However, the higher prevalence of modifiable risk factors like smoking and obesity in younger individuals underscores the need for preventative measures. Encouraging smoking cessation and weight control in this demographic is crucial not only to prevent STEMI but also to potentially improve their long-term survival prospects.

When you come at the king: Opposition coalitions and nearly stunning elections

AbstractOpposition coalitions under electoral authoritarianism have been associated with greater likelihood of opposition victory and democratization. I argue, however, that coalitions also entail significant downside risks with implications for longer term prospects for democracy. Where coalitions produce strong electoral outcomes but fail to force turnovers, regimes are left with both the incentive and capacity to repress and reconsolidate power. I show cross‐nationally that opposition coalitions are associated with stronger opposition performance overall, but that when oppositions fail to take power, exceptionally strong performance is associated with greater autocratization in the subsequent years, including increased repression and poorer electoral quality in future contests. Probing the case of Cambodia, I demonstrate how the very features that make opposition coalitions a useful tool in strengthening performance also invite new threats from regimes. I argue that this makes coalition formation a particularly risky proposition.

Shock persistence, uncertainty, and news-driven business cycles

Abstract This paper distinguishes news about short-lived events from news about changes in longer term prospects using surveys of expectations. Employing a multivariate GARCH-in-Mean model for the US, the paper illustrates how the different types of news influence business cycle dynamics. The influence of transitory output shocks can be relatively large on impact but gradually diminishes over two to three years. Permanent shocks drive the business cycle, generating immediate stock price reactions and gradually building output effects, although they have more immediate output effects during recessions through the uncertainties they create. Markedly different macroeconomic dynamics are found if these explicitly identified types of news or uncertainty feedbacks are omitted from the analysis.

The impact of technological cooperation on Russian-Chinese relations: prospects and challenges

The study of technological cooperation between Russia and China is an in-depth analysis of the interrelationships that have developed between the two countries in the field of science and technology. The focus is on ongoing projects and initiatives, such as joint research, which play a key role in the development of both States. The influence of the international situation on these relations is considered as global changes and economic sanctions against Russia can affect the dynamics of cooperation with China. The study also analyzes the challenges that may arise in the development of these ties, including issues of intellectual property and competitiveness in the international arena. An important place is occupied by studying the role of technological exchange in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries, as well as its possible geopolitical consequences, such as strengthening the positions of both countries on the world stage, reducing dependence on Western technologies and influencing global supply chains. The study highlights the importance of technology cooperation as a tool to achieve a sustainable and secure future for Russia and China in a changing world order. The article uses methods of qualitative analysis based on data from scientific publications and reports. An important place is given to the interdisciplinary approach, which includes elements of system analysis, economic theory, international relations and political science. The methods used help to investigate the influence of technological factors on the dynamics of Russian-Chinese relations and assess their long-term prospects. Technological cooperation between Russia and China demonstrates great significant potential, despite the existing challenges. The study highlights the impact of political, economic and technological factors, as well as risks such as political instability and cyber threats. Deepening high-tech collaboration opens up new horizons for both countries, allowing knowledge sharing in strategically important sectors such as artificial intelligence and 5G. This study makes an innovative contribution, emphasizing the need to integrate technology and policy solutions. Technological cooperation also contributes to strengthening geopolitical cooperation in the face of sanctions pressure and instability. To achieve long-term success, it is important to develop stable cooperation mechanisms, minimize risks and ensure stability based on trust and joint strategies.

Политика государственной поддержки и роль добровольчества в жизненных планах российских и белорусских студентов

The article reveals the role of volunteering in shaping the life plans of students in Russia and Belarus. Modern youth policy is aimed at actively and massively involving youth in various volunteer projects. Young people often get their first volunteer experience while studying at a university and it is important to understand how volunteering is included in the life plans of the most active youth groups – students. The authors analyze the results of a sociological survey of thirdyear university students in the Sverdlovsk region (Russia) and the Grodno region (Belarus) conducted in 2024 (N=3000, the sample is quoted by gender and educational profile of respondents). The life plans of Russian and Belarusian youth are studied, the characteristics and motivation of their volunteer activity are revealed. It is proved that Russian students prefer medium-term planning and practically do not use long-term prospects in their life strategies, while Belarusian youth are characterized by short-term planning mainly for the next year. The results of the study prove that the experience of students' volunteer activities has a direct impact on the horizon of their life planning.

Differential effects of collaborative partners on financial and growth outcomes in ventures in South Korea

ABSTRACT In the rapidly evolving landscape of venture businesses, understanding the impact of collaborations is crucial. This study examines how different types of organizational collaborations influence the financial performance and long-term growth prospects of venture enterprises. Drawing on data from the 2022 Detailed Venture Business Survey in South Korea, which encompassed 1,202 Korean ventures with prior collaboration experience, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of collaborative dynamics. Utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) as the methodological approach, the study offers an in-depth analysis of how partnerships with various entities such as universities, research institutes, and small to large enterprises distinctly affect venture outcomes. Findings reveal that while collaborations with universities and small enterprises significantly boost immediate financial performance, they do not necessarily contribute to sustainable long-term growth. In contrast, partnerships with medium and large enterprises, though less impactful in the short term, show a positive correlation with long-term growth prospects. These results provide valuable insights for venture managers, policymakers, and investors, highlighting the need for strategic alignment of collaboration choices with business goals. This study thus contributes to the broader discourse on the strategic management of collaborations in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Predicted short-term mesoscavenger release gives way to apex-scavenger dominance.

Vultures play a crucial role in scavenging communities as apex scavengers. Scavenging communities in turn are a key component of terrestrial ecosystems, ensuring that dead biomass is removed quickly and efficiently. Anthropogenic disturbances, particularly mass poisonings, have caused crashes in vulture populations in Africa and Asia. We ask if vultures can re-establish themselves in a scavenging community from a point of near extirpation. To allow for maximum knowledge transfer across ecosystems, we focus on an ecosystem that is otherwise considered pristine. We chose Kruger National Park (KNP), a well-documented African scavenging community, as our focal ecosystem and parameterised a mathematical model of scavenging-community dynamics using field data from the park. We predicted the upper limit of vulture population size in an ecosystem like KNP. We then analysed vultures' path to recovery, using this empirically parameterised scavenging-community model. We used perturbation methods to determine how parameter values that may be specific to KNP influence our predictions. Comparisons of predicted vulture carrying capacity with recent population estimates suggest that the cumulative effect of human activities on vulture abundance is larger than previously believed. Our analysis shows that vulture populations can reach their carrying capacity approximately five decades after a poisoning event that would almost extirpate the population. Over shorter time scales, we predict a decade of enhanced mammal abundance (i.e. mesoscavenger release) before the mammals are excluded from the scavenging community. In our study system, jackals and hyenas are the mammalian groups predicted to benefit from the absence of vultures. However, neither group removes biomass as efficiently as vultures and animal carcasses are predicted to accumulate in the ecosystem while the vulture population recovers. In our framework, the carrying capacity for vulture populations is determined by carcass availability. As evidence for an alternative regulating factor is lacking, we conclude that present-day vulture population densities are orders of magnitude below their upper limits. Our results therefore suggest that with a recovery plan in place, the long-term prospects for vulture species and the associated ecosystems are positive.

Perpetual emergency education: Urban refugee education in Thailand is disrupted during the COVID-19

This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education of Pakistani refugees in Bangkok, Thailand. It also assesses the effectiveness of emergency education (i.e., education in emergencies) provided by international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in meeting the educational needs of refugees. The research focuses on the intersection of the refugee situation and COVID-19 restrictions, exploring how INGOs’ emergency education programs have addressed the needs of refugee children. The study also discusses the challenges faced by refugee children, the ethical implications of INGOs’ emergency education interventions, and the long-term educational prospects of refugee children. It highlights the concept of “perpetual emergency education,” which has created a significant gap between policies and practices. As a result, the study suggests that a more sustainable approach to refugee education is needed, recommending the integration of human rights and development-based education strategies into emergency education. This approach aims to narrow the gap and create a more resilient education system, particularly for urban refugees.

A Study the Saving and Investment Trends of India Economy

India's economy has strong saving &amp; investment rates, a large population, and increasing integration with the global economy, all of which bode well for its long-term growth prospects. To invest is to transform cash or money into an asset or a claim on future money with the expectation of a return. It entails investing one's savings or accumulated capital into the production of new assets or the purchase of preexisting ones. In the current financial market, investment has become complicated and it is both an art and a science. The variables that measure the growth of any economy are income, savings, and investments. While investment is the most critical factor for developing an economy, savings provide the basis for investment. The researcher is interested in studying saving and investment trends of individual and investment schemes selected by investors.

기업의 역량에 따른 정부 지원 혜택이 벤처기업의 장기 성장 전망에 미치는 영향

[Purpose] This study was designed to examine whether there is a difference in the impact of support for each company’s capabilities on long－term growth for venture companies. [Methodology] Analysis was conducted through a questionnaire method, using SPSS statistical analysis company, and multiple regression analysis method was used. [Findings] First, in a sample of all companies, it was found that the more financial support benefits and image benefits the company received, the higher the long－term growth prospects of the company. Second, in the sample divided by each competency, companies with high development capabilities were found to have higher long－term growth prospects as they received higher financial support benefits, and for companies with high manufacturing capabilities, companies with higher technical manpower benefits were found to have higher marketing capabilities. It was found that the higher the financial support benefits, the higher the long－term growth prospects. Third, in a sample where all companies were asked to select only one excellent competency for each company, companies with high development capabilities showed a negative significance in the long－term growth prospects of technical manpower deposits, and companies with high manufacturing capabilities showed negative significance. Technical manpower benefits and image benefits showed a significant positive relationship with long－term growth prospects, and companies with high marketing capabilities did not show a significant relationship with any benefits. [Implications] Through this study, it was empirically proven that government support is more effective when it provides benefits tailored to each company rather than universal support.

A Case Study of the Correlation Between SAT Scores and Future Incomes

With the acceleration of globalization, the role of education in economic and social development has become increasingly prominent. The SAT, as a measure of students' learning ability and potential achievement, has gained widespread attention and recognition around the world, and SAT scores, as an important indicator of students' academic performance, have a significant impact on students' future development and income levels. Previous research on the SAT has focused on factors that can influence SAT scores, such as family socioeconomic factors and high school academic performance, but there is a lack of research on whether SAT scores are effective in predicting an individual's future income level. In this paper, a correlation analysis was conducted using the questionnaire method and Pearson's coefficient, using data on the job position level and SAT scores of employees of Company A with a confidentiality agreement. The results show a significant positive correlation between SAT scores and future incomes. This finding emphasizes the importance of academic performance in high school to an individual's long-term economic prospects, enriches existing research, and provides new perspectives on return on investment analysis in higher education with theoretical implications. In addition, educational policymakers can thus focus more on improving students' SAT scores, which is of practical significance.

Structural and technological shifts and modernization of the Russian economy: mid-term and long-term prospects

Structural and technological shifts and modernization of the Russian economy: mid-term and long-term prospects

Progress, Challenges, and Strategies for China’s Natural Gas Industry Under Carbon-Neutrality Goals

In recent years, the Chinese government has introduced a series of energy-saving, emission-reducing, and environmentally protective policies. These policies have gradually decreased the proportion of high carbon-emitting energy consumption, such as coal, in China’s energy structure. The proportion of natural gas consumption as a clean energy source has been increasing year by year. In the future, with the deepening decarbonization of the energy structure, the applied scope of natural gas utilization will expand, increasing demand. Therefore, this study first evaluated the development of China’s natural gas industry from the perspectives of development evolution, technological applications, and industry achievements. Secondly, based on the current situation of conventional and unconventional natural gas development, both resources and technological potential were analyzed. By taking several typical projects in the natural gas industry as examples, medium- and long-term prospects for natural gas development were planned and predicted. Building on this analysis, we employed the SWOT method to examine the development prospects of China’s natural gas industry and propose development goals. Finally, based on top-level design considerations and previous research analysis, suggestions and measures were proposed for technology implementation, regional layout, industrial chain collaboration, and support policies. These recommendations aim to provide planning support and management references for the development of China’s natural gas industry.

Residential electricity efficiency and implications for Vietnam's clean energy transition

Vietnam’s electricity consumption relative to its average national income per capita is significantly higher than that of similar countries like India or China. Current electricity use is not sustainable and in the future may threaten energy supply security. Of the total electricity consumption, the residential sector accounts for up to a third, making it a critical component for policy interventions. We employ a stochastic frontier model and three rounds of nationally representative household living standards surveys from 2014 to 2018 to measure residential electricity efficiency and its determinants in Vietnam. Our result shows that the average electricity efficiency in Vietnam is approximately 75 %. We then discuss Vietnam’s potential electricity savings and recommend improvements which will be necessary if Vietnam wants to accelerate its long-term clean and sustainable energy prospects.