Member Countries Research Articles

Сравнительный анализ интеграционных инициатив и проектов России и Китая в Центральной Азии

Based on the analysis, the author concludes that after the collapse of the USSR, Moscow made numerous attempts to create an integrated political and economic union in the post-Soviet space. However, in the first decade of the 21st century, none of these efforts was realized in reality, and the formation of the EAEU is seen as a step towards more effective economic growth and success compared to other post-Soviet initiatives. The path from the Customs Union to the Common Economic Space and from there to the Common Market appears not only logical but also realistic. In terms of military-political cooperation, it is recognized that there is no alternative to the CSTO in the post-Soviet space. It is the only structure that shapes the security architecture in its area of responsibility and ensures the security and stability of member countries against external and internal challenges and threats in the modern world. On the other hand, Beijing has made significant progress in its diplomatic contacts with the Central Asian states by establishing two major institutional pillars – the SCO and the global initiative BRI. These two instruments have become the fundamental basis that has improved China's foreign policy and external economic positioning in the Central Asian direction.

Stakeholder Analysis of Indonesia's Trade the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Actor Non-ASEAN

This study examines Indonesia’s trade relations with non-ASEAN member countries under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The RCEP, signed in 2020, presents Indonesia with significant opportunities to expand market access, particularly with key partners like China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. However, challenges persist, particularly in terms of trade imbalances and competitive pressures. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from trade flow statistics and tariff reductions with qualitative insights from interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders. The Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) method was applied to assess the effectiveness of RCEP provisions. Results show that while Indonesia benefits from improved market access, significant trade deficits remain, especially with China and Australia. Stakeholders, including government agencies and private sector exporters, play pivotal roles in mitigating these challenges by addressing non-tariff barriers and enhancing trade facilitation. In conclusion, Indonesia must strategically leverage the RCEP framework to address trade imbalances and improve export competitiveness. Policy recommendations include enhancing stakeholder collaboration, improving infrastructure, and increasing awareness among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to fully utilize RCEP benefits. These efforts will ensure Indonesia remains competitive in global trade.

경제안보 시대 CPTPP 가입 평가

Purpose: This study evaluates the economic security implications of Korea’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Research design, data, and methodology: Through a literature review, this paper examines the international trade environment as characterized by weakening of the multilateral trading system, the expansion of global protectionism, intensified U.S.-China strategic competition, disruptions in global supply chains, and the reconfiguration of supply chains in the Asia-Pacific region. Results: Accession to the CPTPP could contribute to the stabilization of Korea’s supply chains in the Asia-Pacific region by advancing market liberalization, attracting investment, introducing advanced standards for customs, enhancing global competitiveness, and diversifying the procurement of intermediate goods. In particular, the CPTPP’s robust rules of origin could offer regional companies’ some flexibility in managing global supply chains. Conclusions: The Korean government needs to expedite the accession process by actively engaging the National Assembly, potentially affected industries, and the general public through positive promotional efforts. It is important to advance the preliminary dialogues with CPTPP member countries. Korea should also develop a strategy that maximizes its negotiating leverage.

Assessing the Economic Contributions of Islamic and Conventional Banks in Asian OIC Countries

This study explores the differential impacts of Islamic and conventional banks on economic growth within Asian member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Utilizing a dataset of 1,846 observations from eight OIC countries, panel regression techniques are employed to assess the effects of these banking models on key economic growth indicators: GDP growth and GDP per capita growth. The analysis reveals that Islamic banks have a significantly greater positive impact on both GDP growth and GDP per capita growth compared to conventional banks. The findings highlight that Islamic banking principles, such as risk-sharing and asset-backed financing, contribute to a more stable and inclusive financial environment, enhancing overall economic development. The results underscore the importance of promoting Islamic banking alongside conventional banking to foster sustainable economic growth. Policymakers and financial regulators should consider incorporating the strengths of Islamic banking into regulatory frameworks to improve financial stability and resilience. Future research should investigate the long-term impacts of Islamic and conventional banking on economic growth across different regions and economic conditions, as well as the interplay between regulatory environments and financial sector performance.

Do the Political Uncertainty and Geopolitical Risk Indexes in the G-7 Countries Relate to Stock Prices? Fourier Causality Test Evidence

This study aims to examine the reciprocal effects of the Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU) and the Geopolitical Risks (GPR) on the stock markets (SP) of the G-7 countries. The findings of the study will allow us to answer the following questions: Do risk and uncertainty conditions in other G-7 countries affect their stock markets as much as those in the country itself? Which affects G-7 stock markets more, EPU or GPR? In addition to previous research in the field, this study conducts a comparative analysis of the effects of the EPU and GPR on the SP of G-7 countries. Therefore, we used the linear VAR Granger, Fourier and Fourier Fractional Frequency Granger Causality tests. We found that the EPU indices of the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany had the greatest impact on the stock markets of their respective countries and other G-7 countries, and the conclusion that G-7 stock markets were influenced by economic uncertainties in other member countries was added to the literature. It has also been found that the G-7 stock markets have a broad influence on the EPU index.

Analysis of the Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Financial Performance

This study aims to analyze financial performance during and after the covid-19 pandemic in information technology companies in ASEAN countries. Financial performance variables are proxied by profitability ratios using Return On Asset (ROA), liquidity ratios using Current Ratio (CR), activity ratios using Total Asset Turnover (TATO), and solvency ratios using Debt To Equity Ratio (DER). Using company financial data with a cross-country population in countries that are members of the ASEAN countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Thailand. The total number of samples used was 84 information technology companies. This research is a quantitative research with analysis method using Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test comparative analysis. The results showed significant differences in Indonesia in CR and DER, and in Thailand in TATO. This study also shows from the five countries that Indonesia has the best financial performance because it experiences a significant average increase. compared to other countries that tend to experience an average decrease even though it is not significant. The decline can be seen in Malaysia and Thailand which experienced an average decline, while in Singapore and the Philippines although there was a decrease but there was also an increase.

Machine learning embedded hybrid MCDM model to mitigate decision uncertainty in transport safety planning for OAS countries

Providing defensible decisions is a prerequisite for methodologies of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) activities, and this is especially true for socio-economic analysis in public sector. This study proposes an all-in-one MCDM model with machine learning algorithms. The model integrates the method based on the removal effects of criteria (MEREC), combined compromise solution (CoCoSo), and density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN), i.e., MEREC–CoCoSo–DBSCAN. In particular, the uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) is implanted in DBSCAN to reduce the data dimensionality, and the k-nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithm is embedded to determine the inflection points (ɛ) and minPts in the data. This counters the inherent model failure of DBSCAN in dealing with high-dimensional data and eliminates the requirement for manual intervention in the model procedure, thereby fully avoiding potential human error and automating the computing process. A case study on benchmarking transport safety systems for member countries of the Organization of American States (OAS) demonstrates the reliability, adaptability, and efficiency of the proposed model. It moreover reflects its feasibility in resolving real-life socio-economic issues by offering valuable insights and potential solutions in economic investment and funding allocation in regard to transport safety strategy. Overall, this study provides government officials, managers, and policymakers with a valuable tool for handling MCDM activities in socio-economic development with considerable practicality and credibility.

BRICS and G7: Global Competition

The goals and policies of the BRICS contradict the policy of the unipolar world, which perpetuates the dependence of developing countries on highly developed countries. This fact makes the BRICS and G7 international associations direct competitors with mutually opposite goals and interests. In such a formulation of the issue, strengthening and increasing the competitiveness of one integration association should lead to weakening and reducing the competitiveness of another integration association. Recently, the size of countries and the size of their populations have not been considered key factors in their competitiveness. However, if we talk about the BRICS member countries, they use these two advantages as a basis for economic growth. The area of the territory of the BRICS countries was 1.85 times the area of the G7, and the population was more than 4 times as of the end of 2022. The current trend towards the entry of new member countries into the BRICS should lead to an even greater advantage in these indicators. The economic growth of the BRICS countries is based on the use of resources and investments, while the economic growth of the G7 countries is based on accumulated wealth, military and political influence in the world. A comparison of the two integration associations in terms of real GDP growth PPP shows that the annual GDP growth of the BRICS countries exceeds the GDP growth of the G7 countries. In addition, the real GDP growth of the BRICS countries is outpacing the growth of global GDP. Key indicators characterizing the size and pace of economic growth indicate the potential for further development of the BRICS and strengthening its competition with the G7 integration bloc. The BRICS countries have shown good economic growth rates even despite the external and internal challenges associated with the crisis in the global economy and numerous economic sanctions. At the same time, the economic development of the BRICS countries is not only quantitative, but also qualitative. Unlike the G7, it is based on the formation and expansion of a free trade system within the integration bloc and the formation of economic institutions that allow overcoming trade barriers between the countries of the association, as well as increasing investment through the New Development Bank created within the BRICS. The success of development and interaction of countries within BRICS attracts new member countries. In 2024, four more countries joined the BRICS bloc, such as Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Ethiopia, and currently many more countries are taking the initiative and wish to become members of the integration association. However, competition in the Challenger-Leader format, in addition to incentives for economic growth on the basis of fair competition, simultaneously creates incentives for mutual economic, political and military blocking of the development of countries of the competing bloc, which creates great risks of slowing down global economic development in the future.

Solidarity and Development: The OECD Technical Cooperation Committee in the Cold War

Abstract Since the first “development decade,” the OECD has played a key role in coordinating aid from Western countries to the Global South. Before that first decade, however, wide gaps in development separated its own member countries. Within it, therefore, a Technical Cooperation Committee (TECO) operated to provide knowledge and expertise to “intermediate development” Mediterranean countries. TECO, through a network of experts, concentrated and disseminated data, ideas, and economic policy practices to promote the “modernization” of countries not fully integrated into the international economic system and ruled by dictatorial or otherwise undemocratic regimes. On the one hand, the program concretized intra-European solidarity to spread economic development and prosperity; on the other hand, it allowed a close look at the reality of those countries. Then, beginning in the 1970s, reflecting the change in the prevailing economic culture, TECO incubated the guiding lines for the global public administration reform. This study reconstructs the history of TECO through documentation preserved in the OECD archives in Paris.

The Impact of Economic Factors on Changing Carbon Emission Landscape in ASEAN With ARDL Approach

This study aims to analyze the factors influencing carbon emissions in the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The data used in this study covers the period from 1990 to 2021, utilizing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) analysis method. All independent variables show a significant impact on carbon emissions in both the short and long term. This research provides evidence that factors such as urbanization, foreign direct investment, population, and economic growth significantly contribute to the increase in carbon emissions in ASEAN countries. The findings also validate the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis for carbon emissions in ASEAN countries. In other words, economic growth leads to a reduction in carbon emissions. The ASEAN region has experienced substantial economic growth over the past few decades. However, carbon dioxide (CO2) remains a socio-economic issue in the ASEAN region. The results of this study can be highly beneficial for policymakers in the region regarding sustainability and economic development.

6<sup>th</sup> International conference “Development of Computer Engineering in Russia and Former USSR and COMECON Member Countries”

6<sup>th</sup> International conference “Development of Computer Engineering in Russia and Former USSR and COMECON Member Countries”

Designing Inclusive Playgrounds - Views of Architects - Civil Engineers, General and Special Education Teachers

Play and its benefits are recognised not only by the scientific literature, but also by international conventions as a right of all children, without discrimination, to which all UN member countries are signatories. The 2006 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities explicitly protects the participation and equal access of children with disabilities, together with their peers, in recreational, leisure and sporting activities. An inclusive play space is one that does not impede accessibility (physical, sensory, communicative and cognitive), providing a stimulating environment for all children and play experiences based on their preferences and motivations. In the context of the above, the purpose of this research is to explore the views of outdoor playground designers (civil engineers-architects) and general and special education teachers on the design of inclusive playgrounds. A questionnaire was used as a research tool, which included questions about the participants' biographical information, the investigation of the suitability and accessibility of existing playgrounds for people with disabilities, the investigation of the need to design inclusive playgrounds and the basic criteria they must meet. The sample consisted of 110 civil engineers-architects and general and special education teachers working in an urban area. The results of the survey can be used in the design of outdoor inclusive play areas in order to remove the barriers that make it impossible for all children to participate in play without discrimination.

2024 updated European Heart Rhythm Association core curriculum for physicians and allied professionals: a statement of the European Heart Rhythm Association of the European Society of Cardiology.

Heart rhythm management is a continuously evolving sub-speciality of cardiology. Every year, many physicians and allied professionals (APs) start and complete their training in cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) or electrophysiology (EP) across the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) member countries. While this training ideally ends with an EHRA certification, the description of the learning pathway (what, how, when, and where) through an EHRA core curriculum is also a prerequisite for a successful training. The first EHRA core curriculum for physicians was published in 2009. Due to the huge developments in the field of EP and device therapy, this document needed updating. In addition, a certification process for APs has been introduced, as well as a recertification process and accreditation of EHRA recognized training centres. Learning pathways are more individualized now, with Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) to monitor learning progression of trainees. The 2024 updated EHRA core curriculum for physicians and APs describes, for both CIED and EP, the syllabus, OSATS, training programme and certification, and recertification for physicians and APs and stresses the importance of continued medical education after certification. In addition, requirements for accreditation of training centres and trainers are given. Finally, suggested reading lists for CIED and EP are attached as online supplements.

Economic growth and sustainable development: evidence from OIC countries

Purpose This paper aims to examine the dynamic relationship between economic growth and sustainable development, integrating the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) in 22 Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries across income groups. Design/methodology/approach Using annual data between 1990 and 2022, the authors apply the cross-correlation coefficient (CCC) approach of Narayan et al. (Economic Modeling, 2016, 53, 388–397) to examine the lead/lag relationship between GDP per capita and sustainable development. This study further validates the findings through a panel Granger causality test and a fixed panel regression model. Findings This research provides evidence of a U-shaped EKC for only 1 out of 22 (5%) OIC countries. For 13 out of the 22 (59%) OIC countries, increasing income growth is expected to enhance sustainable development in the future. The results show that as income levels rise, there will be a more significant decline in sustainable development for high-income OIC countries in the future than for both middle-income groups, contradicting the EKC hypothesis. The findings from the panel Granger causality and panel regression models also support the CCC results. Originality/value This study proposes a reverse version of the EKC hypothesis and contributes to the literature on economic growth and environmental sustainability. With increasing economic growth, the results can assist OIC member governments and policy-makers in designing tailored policies and practical measures for future sustainable development.

Quantifying future carbon emissions uncertainties under stochastic modeling and Monte Carlo simulation: Insights for environmental policy consideration for the Belt and Road Initiative Region

This study critically examines future carbon (CO2) emissions in the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) region, considering factors such as energy consumption, economic growth, population growth, and population density. The objective of this study is to identify critical areas of higher emissions, which require policy intervention capable of strengthening sustainability in the BRI compact. A combined approach of stochastic modeling and Monte Carlo simulations was employed, utilizing panel data from 45 countries in the BRI region from 1990 to 2021. Results confirm that emissions are higher in all scenarios in direct proportion to electric power consumption, population growth, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. In scenarios with high emissions, a continuous and significant upward trend in CO2 emissions was observe. The medium emissions scenario exhibited a more moderated rise in emissions, suggesting a balance between economic development and environmental considerations. Critical areas for future environmental policy-making resides in electric power consumption, population growth, and GDP growth. The study strongly recommends for a shift from the current focus on road and railway infrastructure to renewable energy infrastructure, green innovations and efficient technology transfer to member countries. Without this, the BRI region is likely to face increased emissions, posing significant challenges to future sustainable development and global environmental sustainability.

Civil Society in Providing the Development of Democracy in the Countries of the Eurasian Economic Union

This study aims to explore the influence of civil society on the level of democracy in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and propose mechanisms to enhance civil society formation for strengthening democratic processes. A comprehensive review of scholarly literature on civil society and its relationship with democratic development was conducted, alongside an analysis of the unique characteristics of EAEU member countries. Comparative assessments were made to determine the extent of civil society development, as measured by the Civil Society Participation Index, and the characteristics of democratic procedures, as measured by the Democracy Index. The findings indicate a link between civil society strength and democratic advancement. Specifically, countries with robust civil societies, such as the Republic of Armenia and the Kyrgyz Republic, demonstrate higher levels of democratic development. This underscores civil society’s role as a catalyst for political and social transformations and state-building processes.

The AI-shift: how Europol is leveraging artificial intelligence to combat serious organised crime and terrorism

Aim: The aim of this article is to highlight the importance of leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) in law enforcement to combat serious organised crime and terrorism, while ensuring responsible and accountable use of AI tools through collaboration and knowledge-sharing among European law enforcement agencies. Methodology: The study uses a descriptive methodology to describe the development and cooperation process through which the Innovation Lab contributes to the innovation development and knowledge sharing of Europol and its member countries. Findings: With the increasing volume and speed of investigative data, AI has emerged as a promising solution to help law enforcement agencies process and analyse large and complex datasets. Europol has been at the forefront of developing and sharing AI tools with its Member States, ensuring their responsible and accountable use. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in law enforcement investigations has been found to significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of crime fighting, particularly in processing and analysing large and complex datasets. Value: The article highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among law enforcement agencies to keep pace with AI advancements and prevent criminal abuse of these technologies.

Az MI-fordulat: hogyan használja fel az Europol a mesterséges intelligenciát a súlyos szervezett bűnözés és a terrorizmus elleni küzdelemben

Aim: The aim of this article is to highlight the importance of leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) in law enforcement to combat serious organised crime and terrorism, while ensuring responsible and accountable use of AI tools through collaboration and knowledge-sharing among European law enforcement agencies. Methodology: The study uses a descriptive methodology to describe the development and cooperation process through which the Innovation Lab contributes to the innovation development and knowledge sharing of Europol and its member countries. Findings: With the increasing volume and speed of investigative data, AI has emerged as a promising solution to help law enforcement agencies process and analyse large and complex datasets. Europol has been at the forefront of developing and sharing AI tools with its Member States, ensuring their responsible and accountable use. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in law enforcement investigations has been found to significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of crime fighting, particularly in processing and analysing large and complex datasets. Value: The article highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among law enforcement agencies to keep pace with AI advancements and prevent criminal abuse of these technologies.

An analysis of how digital technology impacts trade costs—Based on the empirical data of RCEP member countries

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt;">This paper explores how digital technology reduces trade costs using bilateral trade data from RCEP member countries and a panel fixed effects model. The findings show that digital technology significantly lowers trade costs, a conclusion that holds even after accounting for lag effects and various robustness checks. The impact of digital technology on trade costs follows an inverted U-shape: the effect is most significant in the current period, especially with a one-period lag, and diminishes over time. Larger economies and higher export levels strengthen this negative impact due to their reliance on exports and continuous improvements in domestic digital technology. The study recommends investing in digital infrastructure, formulating reasonable internet access policies, supporting digital skills development, and enhancing digital connectivity to bridge the digital divide, thereby promoting trade facilitation and efficiency.</span></p>

Do conference-journal articles receive more citations? A case study in physics

Conference-journal articles, which are expanded versions of conference proceedings papers, play an essential role in disseminating scientific knowledge but remain understudied. In the context of increasingly stringent research evaluation systems, this study focuses on conference-journal articles, examining the effectiveness of journals in selecting conference-derived publications. We also explore the factors influencing the citations of conference-journal articles. Here, we focused on Physics, analyzing 59,329 conference-journal articles published between 2012 and 2020, matched with general journal articles and conference proceedings papers based on the conference and journal. Results show that conference-journal articles receive significantly more citations than conference proceedings papers but fewer than general journal articles. Conference-journal articles in special issues receive fewer citations than those in regular issues. A U-shaped pattern emerges between the duration from the conference convening to the journal publication and the citation. We also found that conferences with sponsorship and those held in OECD member countries are more likely to produce highly cited conference-journal articles. Additionally, results indicate that conferences held in the USA, Japan, France, China, and Poland produce the most conference-journal articles, with articles from conferences in the USA, Japan, and France receiving relatively high citation counts. In contrast, articles from conferences held in China and Poland receive relatively low citation counts. This research provides valuable insights for academic conference committees, journal managers, and conference participants.