Organization For Economic Cooperation Research Articles

The development of international civil liability legal regime for nuclear damage and their inspiration for domestic law-making

As International Atomic Energy Agency has stated in its Handbook on Nuclear Law, “Even in situations for which the highest standard of safety has been achieved, the occurrence of nuclear accidents cannot be completely excluded.” Therefore, the international legal framework for nuclear damage compensation liability has been evolving since the establishment of Nuclear Energy Agency of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD NEA) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Over the years, various international treaties have been enacted to address the compensation of nuclear damage and to establish liability regimes for nuclear incidents. To date, these treaties have established a series of legal principles of nuclear damage liability, such as the sole liability principle, the strict liability principle, the financial guarantee principle etc., which have been developing since establishment. This paper offers an overview of the historical development of the principles of these international treaties for nuclear damage liability and thus draws upon both primary and secondary sources, including treaties, official documents, academic literature, and reports by international organizations. Including the legislation study methodology, comparative methodology is also adopted in this paper to analyze the changes and trend of these principles. The paper reveals that the Paris Convention, which was established in 1960, was the first attempt to establish a comprehensive legal regime for nuclear damage liability. Most of the principles of this Convention have been inherited by subsequent international treaties and domestic legislations. With the awareness of protecting public’s rights having been significantly strengthened, the range of compensation has been broader, the matters of immunity from liability for operators of nuclear power plants have been reduced, the limitation of the compensation amount has been higher etc. In conclusion, the international legal regime for nuclear damage liability has been showing a shift from protecting the development of the nuclear industry to a joint protection of both public health and rights and the nuclear industry, which should be paid attention to and deeply learnt by domestic legislators of all states for the establishment and perfection of their domestic legislation in this field.

Analysis of Ghana—Nigeria Export Trade: Linkages, Impacts and Policy Implications

This study hypothesised that the Ghana-Nigeria export trade has a significant impact on the economy of Ghana. Time series on variables of interest were obtained from the World Development Indicator (WDI) of the World Bank and the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). The 2018 input-output table for Ghana was obtained from the social accounting matrix of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, input-output analysis, and the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bound testing approach. Through input-output analysis, this study found significant total impacts (151.585 to 190.139 million Ghana Cedis) in 2017 and 2018, centred around export commodities such as food and live animals, beverages, and tobacco. The expanding field of influence (214.373 to 268.898) and the ratio of impacts to Ghana's GDP (0.058% to 0.062%, then 0.044%) substantiate their pronounced role in the economy. The ARDL model showed that a percent increase in Ghana-Nigeria exports led to a 0.1017% increase in Ghana’s real GDP on the log-run. The speed of adjustment was 42.18% in each period. By providing support to exporters, both countries can leverage their comparative advantages, strengthen economic ties, and foster sustained growth through increased export trade.

Beyond bits and bytes: Examining the dynamic influence of digital economy on ecological footprint in OECD economies

This study explores the effect of digital economy on ecological footprint in 37 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) economies between 2007 and 2022. We employed different econometric models and techniques, such as the panel regression model, the polynomial quadratic model, the modified structural equation model, and the Sobel test. Our study results reveal that digital development directly reduces ecological footprint through improved energy-efficient data centers, optimized production processes, and real-time resource management. Additionally, the relationship between digital development and ecological footprint shows an inverted U-shaped pattern. This implies that the growth of digital economy initially increases the ecological footprint due to the resource-intensive nature of setting up digital infrastructure, including data centers and communication networks. However, as digital development matures, efficiency gains from technological advancements lead to a reduction in the ecological footprint. The mediation analysis reveals that economic growth, green technology adoption, and industrial structure transformation significantly mediate the nexus between digital economy and ecological footprint at a proportion of 85.2%, 31%, and 65.6%, respectively. From the findings of our study, significant policy implications are proposed to enhance environmental quality.

Korean Templestay as a Sustainable Global Cultural Product: The Case of Manggyeongsansa

While the trend of de-religiousization has accelerated globally, Korean Buddhism has become very hip around the world. While it was traditionally known as a symbol of a solemn and old religion, with its innovative transformation, Korean Buddhism has gained wide popularity in friendly and trendy atmospheres, especially among people in their 20s and 30s in Korea and abroad, regardless of religion. Thus, Korean Buddhism has a cultural affinity beyond religion, nationality, age, and gender. At the center of this popularization of Buddhism, there exists “Templestay”. Templestay is defined as staying in a Korean temple and experiencing traditional Korean culture, the spirit of Buddhist practice, the natural environment, and the daily life of temples. Templestay was selected as one of the world’s top five most successfully developed tourism and cultural resources by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and one of the top 10 icons representing Korea according to the Republic of Korea’s Presidential Council on Nation Branding. Thus, Templestay is not just a Buddhist cultural experience but has been officially recognized as a sustainable global cultural product representing Korea with a history of 1700 years, where a global cultural product is defined as a cultural product that is shared on a global level. Considering Templestay’s wide global popularity, as well as its significant impact on the national economy, tourism, and cultural succession, with over 7 million participants, it is important to investigate Templestay from the perspective of sustainable management, such as CSR, CSV, and ESG. However, while a few studies exist on Templestay, the theoretical aspects of Templestay as a subject of sustainable management have not been sufficiently developed, since most research on Templestay has focused on the perspectives of religion or visitor experiences. Thus, by focusing on Manggyeongsansa Templestay, which was selected as one of the best Korean temples among the 150 temples offering Templestay in 2023, the findings from this case study provide significant implications and practical guidelines for the sustainable management of global cultural products to address fundamental issues from an angle that has not been covered sufficiently.

Rural energy poverty alleviation in OECD nations: An integrated analysis of renewable energy, green taxation, and the United Nations agenda 2030

Energy poverty in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries is a complex issue that needs careful and targeted solutions. Tens of millions of households in OECD countries struggle to pay for enough electricity and heating to meet their basic needs. Thus, it is essential to make a detailed assessment of rural energy poverty with an integrated approach. In so doing, we first measure rural energy poverty composite index across 38 OECD countries and their 5 major partners from 2000 to 2021. We then explored the linear effect of renewable energy technologies on energy poverty alleviation. Moreover, the mediating effect of green taxes on rural energy poverty through renewable energy technologies was analysed. Finally, the fuzzy regression discontinuity (FRD) method is employed to address the endogeneity issue associated with the assignment of the 2030 United Nations (UN) Agenda and to identify treatment effects. The results show that rural energy poverty improves over time. However, significant spatiotemporal disparities in alleviation efforts are found across countries. The results of Method of Moment Quantile Regression (MMQR) approach reveal that renewable energy technologies can accelerate rural energy poverty mitigation in the sample countries. We find that green taxation is an important mediating channel through which the adoption of renewable energy technologies alleviates rural energy poverty. The results of the Fuzzy-RD show that the 2030 UN agenda was effective in increasing the likelihood of rural energy poverty mitigation. The results remain consistent after a battery of robustness tests. This study offers valuable insights that can aid policymakers in formulating robust public policies.

Excessive Pharmaceutical Pricing and Repercussions on Paediatric Health Services

Context: Paediatric pharmaceutics have a significant share in expensive drugs. Recent years have seen significant calls for intervention against high prices for pharmaceutical products. The prohibition of prices that are excessive as a form of abuse of dominance is considered as Competition law violation in the European Union Law and national legal orders of its Member States. Majority of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries have similar prohibitions in their respective Competition laws with important exemption of United States (US) Antirust Law, although there is some indication of change in US exactly in the area of pharmaceutical sector. Regulation of excessive prices also exists in Competition laws of all BRICS (Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China, and South Africa) countries. The problem of excessive prices in pharmaceutics is one of the emerging themes in Competition law literature and case law development. This is the area where intellectual property rights, usually patent protection, collide with competition rules. Costs of research and development for such pharmaceutics are often very high emphasizing the need for balance between colliding legitimate interests: access to health and research development. Aim: To present regulatory and case law development of application of excessive prices as form of abuse of dominance in pharmaceutical sector with emphasis on paediatric health services. Data source: OECD, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus. Conclusion: Balance between competition rules on excessive prices as form of abuse of dominance and intellectual property rights in the area of expensive paediatric pharmaceutics can be regarded as suboptimal. Thus, there is a need for further regulatory development and application of rules on excessive prices in that field.

Study of the Acute Toxicity of an Aqueous Extract of the Leaves of Senna alata (L.) ROXB (Caesalpiniaceae) to Mammals

Senna alata (L.) ROXB (Caesalpiniaceae) is a plant known and appreciated by the Ivorian population. It is commonly used to treat high blood pressure and constipation. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of leaves of Senna alata leaves (EAqSa) in mammals. To do this, a phytochemical study of this extract was carried out. Acute toxicity was assessed by the intraperitoneal and oral routes. The oral toxicity tests were carried out in accordance with directive 423 of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) using three (3) lots of three (3) rats, one control lot and two (2) test lots. The control lot received 2 ml of distilled water, one test lot received 2000 mg/ kg bw of EAqSa and the second test lot received 5000 mg/ kg bw of the extract in a single dose. Toxicity tests by intraperitoneal administration are carried out using six (6) lots of six (6) mices including a control lot receiving 0.5 ml of EAqSa. The five (5) test lots received 0.5 ml of doses ranging from 750 to 2000 mg/kg bw of the extract. The animals from the different test lots were observed for twenty-four (24) hours. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of polyphenols, sterols and polyterpenes, flavonoids, catechic tannins, saponosides, quinonic compounds and alkaloids. Acute toxicity tests show that this extract is only slightly toxic by the intraperitoneal route and non-toxic by the oral route. The oral route of administration would be the most recommended for the pharmacological use of this extract, but should be used in moderation.

Microbial biopesticides are inhibited by honey bee royal jelly and in vitro larval diet

The interest in and use of biological materials in crop production is increasing globally at a rapid pace. In many cases, testing methods for conventional chemicals are applied to microbial-based biopesticides because specific microbial test methods are lacking. However, not all methods are easily transferred to microbial-based products. An evaluation was conducted to determine if OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) Guidance Document No. 239 on honey bee larval toxicity could be adapted to microbial pesticides. In our study, five microbes, including B. pumilus, B. thuringiensis, B. velezensis, Paenibacillus larvae, and Ascophaera apis were grown on agar media and spotted with either honey bee in vitro larval diet or royal jelly. We observed that the honey bee larval bee diet and royal jelly did not inhibit the fungal honey bee pathogen Ascophaera apis, yet inhibited the growth of bacteria, including a known honey bee larval pathogen. This finding may make the test unreliable for certain biopesticides. The OECD is considering biopesticide-specific testing guidelines, and the EPA has indicated it to update itsbiopesticide bee test guidelines. However, additional research is needed to determine which options may be feasible and provide the best improvements.

Association between socioeconomic disadvantage and severe maternal morbidity and mortality in high-income countries: a systematic review

BackgroundSocioeconomic position (SEP) is among the most important determinants of variations in health outcomes. This systematic review aimed to summarise the association between socioeconomic disadvantage and the risk of severe...

A multimodal in vitro approach to assess the safety of oral care products using 2D and 3D cellular models.

Periodontitis, affecting approximately 3.9 billion individuals globally, significantly impacts quality of life and has raised interest in its potential systemic effects. Sodium perborate, a common component in oral care products for biofilm control, is widely used, though concerns about its safety persist. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro toxicity of six commercial oral care products and varying concentrations of sodium perborate, utilizing human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and keratinocytes (HaCat) as cell models. Experiments were performed in both 2D monolayer and 3D cultures using MTT and electrical impedance assays, adhering to the manufacturer's recommended exposure time of 30-60s for product testing. For the reconstructed epidermis model, a prolonged exposure time of 42min was applied, following the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Test Guideline 439. Results indicated that all products and sodium perborate at 1mg/mL were cytotoxic in monolayer cultures. However, at concentrations relevant to commercial formulations (0.06mg/mL sodium perborate), no significant toxicity was observed. In contrast, the 3D culture models, including spheroids and reconstructed epidermis, exhibited minimal to no cytotoxic effects for the commercial products, with sodium perborate showing no significant toxicity below 0.1mg/mL. The reconstructed epidermis model, used as surrogate for oral mucosa, further confirmed that the products were non-irritating, in compliance with OECD TG 439 standards. This study highlights the importance of considering exposure time, dosage, and cellular model when assessing the safety of oral care products. While 2D models are useful for preliminary screenings, 3D models provide a more physiologically relevant assessment, emphasizing the need for robust testing protocols to ensure product safety.

A 2024 inventory of test methods relevant to thyroid hormone system disruption for human health and environmental regulatory hazard assessment

Thyroid hormone system disruption (THSD) is a growing concern in chemical hazard assessment due to its impact on human and environmental health and the scarce methods available for assessing the THSD potential of chemicals. In particular, the general lack of validated in silico and in vitro methods for assessing THS activity is of high concern. This manuscript provides an inventory of test methods relevant to THSD. Building on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidance Document 150 and recent international developments, we highlight progress in in silico and in vitro methods, as well as in vivo assays. The provided inventory categorizes available methods according to the levels of the OECD Conceptual Framework, with an assessment of the validation status of each method. At Level 1, 12 in silico models that have been statistically validated and are directly related to THSD have been identified. At Level 2, 67 in vitro methods have been listed including those assessed in key initiatives such as the European Union Network of Laboratories for the Validation of Alternative Methods (EU-NETVAL) validation study to identify potential thyroid disruptors. At Levels 3-5, THSD-sensitive endpoints are being included in existing fish-based OECD Test Guidelines to complement amphibian assays. In total, the inventory counts 108 entries comprising established methods (e.g., OECD Test Guidelines) as well as citable methods that are under further development and in some cases are ready for validation or in the initial stages of validation. This work aims to support the ongoing development of strategies for regulatory hazard assessment, such as integrated approaches to testing and assessment (IATAs), for endocrine disruptors, addressing critical gaps in the current testing landscape for THSD in both human and environmental health contexts.

Instrument constituencies and the brokering of OECD-knowledge in Nordic school reforms - a three country comparison

ABSTRACT Major international surveys and reports have considerably altered the expectations and outlooks of national policymakers in education over the last three decades. Through a comparative content analysis of bibliographies in policy documents, this article explores the intermediary bodies that facilitate salient interconnections between international organizations such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and national policymakers and experts who prepare comprehensive school reforms in three Nordic countries: Denmark, Norway and Sweden. This article builds on a large Nordic research project that studied the transfer and translation of international policies in a Nordic reform context. It extends the study by examining the role of publishers as intermediary policy brokers that legitimize the usage of OECD knowledge as significant members of instrument constituencies. This study enhances our understanding of the variations in citation patterns across policy documents from three Nordic countries. It also investigates the extent to which differences in instrumental constituencies arise from institutional arrangements and the ideational foundations underpinning reform trajectories. Additionally, it examines the topics addressed by these reforms and the governments’ affiliations with new policy brokers supported by both public and private publishers.

Environmental, social, and governance investing and sustainability of pension funds: Evidence from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries

Various stakeholders have pressed pension funds (PFs) to refocus their investment strategies on environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles; however, limited attention has been devoted to the impact of sustainable investing on PF assets. Using data from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries from 1999 to 2022 and using the generalised method of moment estimation, we find that the growth of pension assets in countries with high sustainability scores has slowed since the sustainable development goals were adopted. The impact is more pronounced in the European Union (EU) countries. This finding is noteworthy because EU countries are known for their leadership in sustainable development. Capital market returns are the primary channel through which sustainable investing contributes to reduced pension asset growth. Our findings provide policymakers with important information about the unintended costs of addressing climate risk through exclusionary PF policies. In OECD countries with low fertility rates and ageing populations, the cost exacerbates the sustainability challenges that PFs face.

China’s Response to the Tax Challenges of the Digital Economy: Current Stance and Future Strategies

Abstract: To address the tax challenges of the digital economy, the international community has proposed three main solutions: unilateral digital taxes, the United Nations’ bilateral solution and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s multilateral solution (Pillar One Solution). China has explicitly expressed support only for the Pillar One Solution. Its support can be attributed to two primary reasons. First, the Pillar One Solution, as a multilateral approach, aligns with China’s international tax strategy, which favours multilateralism. Second, the Pillar One Solution aligns with China’s economic interests, considering its impact on China’s fiscal revenue, multinational enterprises and administrative costs. Given the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the Pillar One Solution, this article explores China’s legal strategy for implementing it and examines alternative measures that China can adopt if the Pillar One Solution fails.

The effects of literacy on health in Gypsies, Roma and Travellers (GRT): a systematic review and narrative synthesis

IntroductionGypsies, Roma and Travellers (GRT) frequently experience poorer health outcomes than the general population and represent the most socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in many countries. In general, GRT in...

The Impact of Renewable Energy on Extreme Volatility in Wholesale Electricity Prices: Evidence from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Countries

The Impact of Renewable Energy on Extreme Volatility in Wholesale Electricity Prices: Evidence from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Countries

Gender-sensitive and intersectionality-informed health indicators for health reporting: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionGender is a well-established social determinant of health and health (in)equality. Gender-sensitive health indicators for health monitoring and health reporting can support gender mainstreaming in relevant policy areas and inform...

Biodegradability of Dietary Supplements: Advanced Analytical Methods to Study the Environmental Fate of Artificial Sweeteners and Dyes

Artificial sweeteners (ASs) and dyes are widely used in foods, beverages and pharmaceutical and are recognized as emerging environmental contaminants due to their persistence and widespread occurrence. These substances often pass through the human body unchanged and resist wastewater treatment processes, leading to continuous introduction into aquatic environments and potential long-lasting term environmental effects.This study investigated, for the first time, the biodegradability of nine commercial dietary supplements, both natural and those containing ASs and synthetic dyes, using the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 301F ready biodegradation test (RBT), which is a respirometry-manometric method. While the products showed good biodegradability, those containing ASs and dyes were further studied to determine their fate at the end of the RBT. The study involved developing and validating a chromatographic method to quantitatively determine the presence of Acesulfame K (1), Sucralose (2), Tartrazine (3) and Carmoisine (4) in the RBT mineral medium, using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with two detectors: a high-resolution mass-spectrometer with quadrupole time-of-flight (qToF) and a UV-Vis diode array detector (DAD). Results indicated that these additives were not readily biodegraded, highlighting a potential significant environmental concern. This issue extends beyond dietary supplements to all Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products (PPCP) including drugs and medical devices.The findings underscore the importance of raising cultural awareness about the environmental impact of persistent substances, encouraging the healthcare chain and patients to make informed choices. From a One Health perspective, reducing environmental contamination can lead to positive outcomes for human health.

Determinants of financial inclusion in sub-Saharan Africa and OECD countries

Using a dynamic panel data analysis, we explore the factors that influence financial inclusion in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and other regions, using member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) as a benchmark. We employ a system generalized methods of moments estimator and assess 31 SSA and 38 OECD countries from 2000 to 2021. We show that the literacy rate, trade openness, political stability, bank efficiency, income, and remittances are key factors with various impacts across regions. We further show that various dimensions of a financial system (access, usage, and quality) are impacted by different indicators and to varying extent. We account for events during the period, such as the global financial crisis and COVID-19 outbreak. We highlight the importance of quality literacy policies and a more efficient financial system in promoting financial inclusion. We recommend improving trade regulatory frameworks that promote trade openness through stronger institutions.

Toxicological analysis and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant evaluations of extract, fractions and secoxyloganin obtained from Guettarda viburnoides Cham. & Schltdl. in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGuettarda viburnoides, "veludinho do campo," is traditionally used for the treatment of pain and inflammatory conditions in humans; however, only one scientific study has reported this effect in an ear inflammatory model. Therefore, it is necessary to explore other in vivo models and the chemical composition of this medicinal plant. Aim of the studyA chemical investigation of methanolic extract of G. viburnoides (MEGV) (leaves) led to the isolation of secoxyloganin (GV-1). In addition, the preclinical safety of MEGV (in acute and subacute toxicological models, gavage = p.o.), antioxidants of MEGV, ethyl acetate (EAFGV) and hydromethanolic (HMFGV) fractions were tested using free radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation methodologies, and the anti-inflammatory effects of MEGV, HMFGV and GV-1 (p.o.) were evaluated on carrageenan and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) models of inflammation in mice. Materials and MethodsMEGV was obtained from air-dried leaves by maceration with methanol at room temperature. MEGV was then purified by liquid-liquid partitioning, to obtain the EAFGV and HMFGV fractions. Purification of HMFGV afforded GV-1. The quantification of total phenols, flavonoids, flavonols, and condensed tannins was subsequently performed for MEGV. The antioxidant activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and oxidation of β-carotene were evaluated in MEGV and its fractions. The anti-inflammatory activity of MEGV (3, 30, and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) was assayed in carrageenan-induced models, followed by assessments of MEGV (100 mg/kg, p.o.), HMFGV (3 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) and GV-1 (3 mg/kg, p.o.) in CFA- induced models in mice (including paw oedema, mechanical allodynia and cold sensitivity). Acute (14 days of MEGV, 2000 mg/kg, p.o.) and subacute (28 days, MEGV 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) toxicity was assessed in female Swiss mice. ResultsThe major compound was secoxyloganin (GV-1). The oral acute toxicity test of MEGV revealed no evidence of toxicity, indicating low toxicity according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines. In the subacute toxicity group, no clinical signs of toxicity or changes in body weight, water consumption, food consumption, or organ weight or morphology were observed after 28 days of gavage with MEGV (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) compared with those in the control group. MEGV, EAFGV, and HMFGV showed significant free-radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation activities, with IC50 values ≤ 26.38 ± 4.56 μg/mL. In in vivo anti-inflammatory assays, MEGV (3, 30 and 100 mg/kg) reduced carrageenan-induced oedema (2 and 4 h) and hyperalgesia (3 and 4 h). In the CFA model, MEGV (100 mg/kg), HMFGV (30 mg/kg) and GV-1 (3 mg/kg) reduced inflammation (at 3, 4 and 24 h) in all parameters (oedema, mechanical allodynia and cold sensitivity). ConclusionThis study revealed that G. viburnoides has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and no toxicity was detected after acute or subacute gavage with MEGV, validating its traditional use in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.