Research Outcomes Research Articles

Endocan: A biomarker for endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, linking maternal obesity and pediatric obesity in a cohort of preterm neonates

ObjectivesNumerous animal and epidemiologic studies have demonstrated a positive association between maternal obesity in pregnancy and obesity in offspring. The biologic mechanisms of this association remain under investigation. One proposed mechanism includes fetoplacental endothelial dysfunction secondary to inflammation. Endocan is a relatively new biomarker for endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. Our objectives were to examine (1) the association between maternal obesity and neonatal serum endocan at birth, and (2) the association between neonatal serum endocan at birth and pediatric obesity at 24–36 months of age.Study Design: This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of neonates born < 33 weeks gestation. Serum endocan was collected within 48 h of birth. Serum endocan levels were compared in neonates born to obese mothers vs. those born to non-obese mothers. BMI data were retrospectively collected from cohort neonates between 24 and 36 months of age. ResultsThe analysis included 120 mother/neonate dyads. Neonates born to obese mothers had higher median serum endocan at birth compared to neonates born to non-obese mothers (299 ng/L [205–586] vs. 251 ng/L [164–339], p = 0.045). In a linear regression modeled on neonatal serum endocan level, maternal obesity had a statistically significant positive association (p = 0.021). Higher mean serum endocan level at birth was associated with pediatric obesity between 24 and 36 months (obese vs. non-obese offspring; 574 ng/L (222) vs. 321 ng/L (166), p = 0.005). ConclusionsIn our cohort of preterm neonates, elevated serum endocan at birth was associated with both maternal obesity and downstream pediatric obesity. More research is needed to understand intergenerational transmission of obesity. A large focus has been on epigenetic modification. Endothelial dysfunction and inflammation may play important roles in these pathways. Effective biomarkers, including endocan, may also serve as intermediate outcomes in future pregnancy research.

Membranes and membrane processes for CO2 separation: MEMFO's long-term effort in reducing carbon emissions

Urgent actions are needed to reduce CO2 emissions and mitigate the increasingly severe impacts of climate change. Since the 1990s, the membrane research group (MEMFO) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology has been committed to developing effective membranes and membrane processes for CO2 separation. MEMFO's research can be categorized into five main themes: facilitated transport membranes, hybrid membranes, carbon membranes, membrane contactors, and related modeling and process simulation. These themes are tied to industrial applications in CO2 capture from flue gas, biogas upgrading, natural gas sweetening, and hydrogen purification. Promising membranes, identified based on their laboratory-scale performances, have been selected for onsite testing in industrial processes to validate their performances as well as stability and durability. Verified membranes are upscaled for pilot tests. This account paper summarizes MEMFO's research and development outcomes over the past decade and discusses our research strategies and perspectives for future work.

Clarifying the levers of carbon emission reduction in compact cities in China: A multi-sectoral approach

Compact city policies have gained global attention for their potential to combat urban sprawl, conserve suburban open spaces, reduce energy consumption, and cultivate vibrant urban living environments. While these policies are widely believed to contribute to urban low-carbon objectives, empirical evidence has been lacking. This study focuses on the pivotal elements of compact city development, investigating impacts on sectoral urban carbon emissions and uncovering spatial heterogeneity. The research outcomes affirm that density and accessibility indicators exert significant negative influences on carbon intensity for the energy, industrial, household, and transportation sectors. While public transport, despite its fundamental role in compact city theory, does not show effectiveness in reducing urban carbon emissions as expected. The study highlights that as an approach toward achieving urban sustainability under the scope of climate change adaptation, compact city development strategies necessitate a careful balance in their application. Further, we underscore the importance of complementing compact city policies with greener energy strategies to effectively realize low-carbon urban transportation goals.

Advanced utilization of satellite and governmental data for determining the coverage and condition of green areas in Poland: An experimental statistics supporting the Statistics Poland

Statistics Poland utilizes Earth Observation and in-situ data to assess green areas, aiming to derive vital information on natural capital statistics and human well-being. This is essential for informed decision-making and sustainable development. Improving regional well-being statistics is a priority due to Poland's low rankings in environmental well-being indicators. To overcome challenges in obtaining comprehensive data at the commune level, the study introduces a new and innovative system for monitoring green areas. This system employs Sentinel-2 satellite data, combined with Copernicus vegetation and phenology products in order to determine extent and condition of green areas. In addition, the applied land cover product (Dynamic World) and national vector database of topographic features (BDOT10k) contributes to the quality and accuracy of the analyses carried out. The system yields two pivotal indicators: one delineating the proportional coverage of green areas within communes boundaries, and the other elucidating the state and health of these delineated areas. A key highlight of the system is its innovative use of local resources and the Google Earth Engine application to observe green areas at a 10-meter resolution at the commune level, particularly in major cities in Poland. These observations are crucial for the Polish Public Services Monitoring System (SMUP), providing comprehensive local-level evaluation services. The research outcome consists of a comparison between the extent of green areas delineated by public administration at the commune level and the extent of green areas determined using a newly proposed method, which relies on satellite imagery from the Copernicus program. The results indicate variability between these two datasets, depending on different forms of land cover within each administrative unit. The most consistent data is derived from large urban agglomerations in Poland.

CHALLENGES IN BASIC STATISTICS: IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY

The study explores the degree of seriousness of problems encountered in utilizing basic statistics in educational research. Data from 86 respondents at Baguio Central University revealed that these problems were moderately serious, with an average weighted mean of 2.76. The primary issues included poor mathematical skills, inadequate application of statistical knowledge in research, lack of content knowledge in statistics and research, and insufficient textbooks on statistics. These findings suggest that graduate and postgraduate students lack sufficient knowledge and skills in basic statistics necessary for their research endeavors. While the identified problems are moderately serious, addressing them is crucial for successful research outcomes. To mitigate these issues, various resources and strategies can be employed. Online platforms offer opportunities for students to enhance their mathematical and statistical proficiency. Additionally, statistical software such as SPSS, R, MATLAB, Excel, SAS, GraphPad Prism, and Minitab provide tools for data analysis and interpretation, catering to diverse research needs. The study confirms the moderately serious nature of problems encountered in using basic statistics in educational research. Addressing these challenges is imperative to equip students with the necessary skills for successful research endeavors.

Life Cycle Assessment Framework for Diagnostic Imaging

The increasing focus on environmental sustainability is becoming essential in the diagnostic imaging sector, which is accredited for about 10% of the healthcare industry’s carbon footprint. A multitude of research initiatives investigated the environmental impacts of diagnostic imaging, encompassing factors like electricity consumption, carbon emissions, and waste generation from these procedures. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) stands as a prominent method for structural assessment of environmental impacts, offering a detailed framework for examining the environmental consequences of specific processes. The aim of this study includes analyzing existing LCA approaches in literature to identify their limitations and to suggest an elaborate framework for LCA application in diagnostic imaging.Out of 17 original articles on environmental sustainability in radiology published since 2014, but only a part, 29.4% (5/17), described an LCA approach. The different characteristics of these studies provide valuable insights, enabling the proposal of a more comprehensive LCA research methodology.The reviewed articles did not present a uniform research outcome. According to the GreenHouse Gas (GHG) Protocol Corporate Standard, the optimal outcome for assessing environmental impact is the calculation of greenhouse gas emissions. For a thorough methodological approach in LCA, it is essential to cover all direct and indirect emissions associated with diagnostic imaging. All studies (100%, 5/5) considered the electricity consumption of imaging equipment. Usage of consumables was included in 80% (4/5) of the studies. Only 40% (2/5) of articles considered auxiliary equipment like computers and contrast-medium injectors, as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Factors like equipment manufacture, staff travel, and waste generation, though crucial to overall greenhouse gas emissions, were each covered in only 20% (1/5) of the studies. The articles also varied in their LCA versions, with two employing the detailed Cradle-to-Grave approach, while others used partial Cradle-to-Gate and Input-Output LCA methods.The insights from this analysis could lead to a valuable framework for a new LCA methodological approach in diagnostic imaging. This novel approach is designed to overcome the limitations observed in existing research, offering a more comprehensive analysis. By enhancing the LCA framework, it will be possible identify the phases in diagnostic imaging that have the most substantial environmental impact, allowing for the development of more targeted strategies to reduce GHG emissions associated with diagnostic procedures.

Unveiling dilemmas and countermeasures in the green transformation of China’s real estate industry through the lens of knowledge management

Purpose Effective knowledge management has played a crucial role in propelling the green transformation of organisations and industries. Nevertheless, its underutilisation in the real estate sector has impeded the progress of green transformation. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to offer a theoretical and practical analysis of the green transformation of the real estate industry through the lens of knowledge management and to provide a valuable reference to facilitate the industry’s green transformation. Design/methodology/approach This study entailed applying induction and deduction method, using China’s real estate industry as a typical case, and collecting and analysing the public data, corporate reports and literature of China’s real estate industry. On this basis, the authors conducted an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms through which the green transformation has empowered the sustainable development of China’s real estate industry, as well as the critical role of knowledge management. Findings The study has revealed that the primary challenges encountered by China’s real estate industry during the green transformation have stemmed from significant disparities in the knowledge base among different industry entities, the complexities related to knowledge integration and the “difficulty” of applying green knowledge across the entire life cycle. To address these issues, the authors recommend several strategic actions, including creating a dedicated green knowledge platform for the real estate industry, establishing a knowledge-sharing mechanism, enhancing knowledge acquisition on both the supply and demand sides and intensifying the focus on the application of green knowledge within the real estate industry. Research limitations/implications This research holds considerable theoretical and practical significance concerning the comprehension and promotion of knowledge management’s role in the green transformation of China’s real estate industry. These insights can be applied to significantly enhance the theoretical framework of knowledge management, and the research outcomes provide substantial support for propelling the green transformation in China’s real estate industry and contributing to the sustainable development of the overall economy in China. Originality/value From a knowledge management perspective, this study introduces a series of solutions and recommendations, presenting new research ideas and pathways for advancing the green transformation of the real estate industry. In addition to guiding the industry’s sustainable development, it also significantly contributes to enhancing the theoretical framework of knowledge management.

Drought Monitoring and Prediction in Agriculture: Employing Earth Observation Data, Climate Scenarios and Data Driven Methods; a Case Study: Mango Orchard in Tamale, Ghana

The study focused on the prediction of the Temperature Vegetation Dryness Index (TVDI), an agricultural drought index, for a Mango orchard in Tamale, Ghana. It investigated the temporal relationship between the meteorological drought index, Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), and TVDI. The SPI was calculated based on utilizing precipitation data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) database (2010–2022) and CMIP6 projected precipitation data (2023–2050) from 35 climate models representing various Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) climate change scenarios. Concurrently, TVDI was derived from Landsat 8/9 satellite imagery, validated using thermal data obtained from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys. A comprehensive cross-correlation analysis between TVDI and SPI was conducted to identify lag times between these indices. Building on this temporal relationship, the TVDI was modeled as a function of SPI, with varying lag times as inputs to the Wavelet-Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (Wavelet-ANFIS). This innovative approach facilitated robust predictions of TVDI as an agricultural drought index, specifically relying on SPI as a predictor of meteorological drought occurrences for the years 2023–2050. The research outcome provides practical insights into the dynamic nature of drought conditions in the Tamale mango orchard region. The results indicate significant water stress projected for different time frames: 186 months for SSP126, 183 months for SSP245, and 179 months for both SSP370 and SSP585. This corresponds to a range of 55–57% of the projected months. These insights are crucial for formulating proactive and sustainable strategies for agricultural practices. For instance, implementing supplemental irrigation systems or crop adaptations can be effective measures. The anticipated outcomes contribute to a nuanced understanding of drought impacts, facilitating informed decision-making for agricultural planning and resource allocation.

A Systematic Review of Research Gaps in the Built Environment of Inpatient Healthcare Settings.

This study utilized the evidence-gap map method and critically examined the scope, methodologies, and focus of the studies that investigated the influence of the built environment on inpatient healthcare settings over a decade (2010-2021). We conducted a systematic review per the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines and surveyed 406 articles, primarily from North America and Europe. Our findings revealed a dominant focus on architectural features (73%), such as room design and ward layout. Comparatively, there was less emphasis on interior-, ambient-, social-, and nature-related features. Most previous studies explored multiple environmental features, which indicated the intricacy of this field. Research outcomes were diverse, with person-centered care (PCC) being the most frequently investigated, followed by safe care, emotional well-being, activity, and behavior. Furthermore, research methods varied considerably based on the study's outcomes and features. Clinical outcomes and safe care favored quantitative methods, activity and behavior favored mixed methods, and PCC favored qualitative research. This review provides an in-depth overview of the existing studies on healthcare design research and sheds light on the current trends and methodological choices. The insights garnered can guide future research, policy-making, and the development of healthcare facilities.

Role Dynamics as Evinced by Typically Developing Siblings in the Lives of Brothers or Sisters with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities: A Qualitative Study

The objective of the present study is to identify and outline the dynamics of the roles that siblings assume from their childhood to adulthood in interactions with a brother or sister with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. These roles are integrated into the system of the family of origin, as viewed by the siblings themselves. The research material comprised information obtained from typically developing siblings of persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. Enrolled in the study were a total of 18 people. The analytical method relied on open and axial coding performed by means of grounded theory methodology procedures. This study allowed to identify three key dimensions relevant to role dynamics: the shifting competencies of siblings over time; the progressive increase in the siblings’ awareness of the significance of the role they played; the metamorphoses of how the siblings perceived the roles. This study demonstrates that the roles played by siblings are likely to change over the course of a lifetime. The findings yielded by the research presented reveal exactly how these roles evolve throughout the siblings’ lives. In line with the research outcomes, there emerges a clear pattern of a succession of roles, involving a gradually increasing degree of responsibility, embraced by the siblings as they grow up and mature.

Mātauranga Māori framework for surveillance of plant pathogens

Faced with growing biosecurity risks and threats, countries worldwide seek to protect their biodiversity from ecosystem degradation and loss. Biosecurity surveillance of plant pathogens and the diseases they cause is fundamental for management and eradication of these risks. To date, the surveillance systems in Aotearoa New Zealand have reflected empirical scientific principles and have been largely devoid of mātauranga and te ao Māori, which have seldom been regarded as valid or relevant knowledge systems to inform biosecurity. Because of this, mana whenua themselves have been disconnected from these systems. The inclusion of mana whenua and their mātauranga is important, not only to recognise their role and rights as indigenous peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand, but because it is through place-based approaches that better biodiversity and environmental outcomes can be achieved. Here, we describe a mātauranga Māori framework for surveillance (MMFS) of plant pathogens, which introduces the principles and methodologies that aim to elevate mana whenua and mātauranga research into the biosecurity and science systems. The MMFS facilitates the co-existence of mātauranga and empirical scientific knowledge without the need for inter-dependent validation, on the assumption that this will lead to better research and operational outcomes. It addresses issues around data ownership and sovereignty, informed consent, and cultural licence. We present a case study where the MMFS has been applied to research initiatives aimed at addressing myrtle rust and kauri dieback in Aotearoa New Zealand. The MMFS informed the development of a data storage platform, which anchors data to the place of origin, recognising its provenance and giving effect to Māori data sovereignty. This process ensures mana whenua have timely access and use of existing and emergent data. Following the principles of the MMFS, we developed and used a “proof of pathogen absence” tool to co-design with mātauranga environmental experts a risk-based surveillance plan for the purpose of demonstrating freedom from disease in areas where a pathogen has not been detected. The MMFS provides a way of planning and implementing environmental surveillance that can be applied to the full range of environmental problems internationally where indigenous populations are involved.

The impact of functional and service quality on perceived security in manufacturing and telecommunication services

PurposeThis research deals with the critical factors of quality and their significance to perceived security as an effort to build a formidable loyalty of customers in a technology driven service environment. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the key contributing elements of functional and service quality on perceived security and to further analyze its impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty.Design/methodology/approachA hypothesized structure model is proposed and justified using the data collected in the manufacturing and telecommunication service sectors in South Korea through survey with total 647 respondents. To clarify the reliability of model and validity of the proposed hypothesis, AMOS 24.0 software was utilized. Furthermore, two moderating variables were adopted for the depth understanding.FindingsThis study reveals that service quality dominantly influences the level of perceived security due to its characteristics that are mostly formed on the stage of customer-contact activity. This study further provides a strategic methodology for manufacturing and telecommunication firms to foster sustainable growth by focusing on perceived security during the service delivery process.Originality/valueThis finding is particularly important as Ontact technology becomes increasingly critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is worthwhile noting that the research outcome of this study may, in turn, trigger the trust issue that need to be combined with quality in the era of Industry 4.0.

Revealing the Effect of Emotional Intelligence on Organizational Effectiveness: Perspectives from Industrial-Organizational Psychology

The study reveals the concept of emotional intelligence and its effects on individuals and organizations within the field of Industrial-Organizational psychology. In recent years, emotional intelligence has emerged as a focal point for researchers and practitioners, recognizing its capacity to support various aspects of workplace dynamics, including performance, teamwork, leadership, and overall organizational success. The findings of this research explained the profound impacts of emotional intelligence on a range of employee behaviors and organizational interactions. Individuals with heightened emotional intelligence exhibit advanced communication skills, accurately managing their emotions and articulating themselves effectively. This proficiency extends to conflict resolution scenarios, where individuals demonstrate resilience and approach resolutions with empathy and open-mindedness, fostering enhanced collaboration, stronger interpersonal connections, and heightened group cohesion. The study adopts a triangulation methodology to examine different data sources to ensure the validity and reliability of the research outcomes. Furthermore, the research framework is rooted in Salovey and Mayer&amp;#39;s Four-Branch Model of emotional intelligence.

Unleashing the potential of Health Promotion in primary care-a scoping literature review.

The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the role and extent of health promotion lifestyle interventions targeting adults in primary care, and especially those who are considered overall healthy, i.e. to study the outcomes of research applying salutogenesis. We performed a literature review, with three specific aims. First, to identify studies that have targeted the healthy population in intervention within the primary health care field with health promotion activities. Second, to describe these interventions in terms of which health problems they have targeted and what the interventions have entailed. Third, to assess what these programs have resulted in, in terms of health outcomes. This scoping review of 42 studies, that applied salutogenesis in primary care interventions shows that health promotion targeting healthy individuals is relevant and effective. The PRISMA-ScR guidelines for reporting on scoping review were used. Most interventions were successful in reducing disease-related risks including CVD, CVD mortality, all-cause mortality, but even more importantly success in behavioural change, sustained at follow-up. Additionally, this review shows that health promotion lifestyle interventions can improve mental health, even when having different aims.

Core outcome Set for Cardio-oncology (COS-CO): development of a set of outcomes for the cardiovascular assessment and monitoring of cancer patients and survivors.

There is an increasing awareness of the evidence-based selection of outcomes to be measured in clinical trials and clinical practice. Currently, there is no core outcome set (COS) for cardio-oncology, which may hinder the (inter)national comparison of the effectiveness of research and the quality of cardio-oncology care. The aim of this study is to develop a standard and pragmatic patient-centred outcome set to assess and monitor cancer patients and survivors at risk of or with cardiovascular diseases. A list of outcome domains was generated through a review of registries and guidelines, and six patient interviews. The project team reviewed and refined the outcome domains prior to starting a two-round Delphi procedure conducted between January-June 2022. The panellists, including healthcare providers and researchers, were invited to rate the importance of the outcomes. 26 experts from 11 countries rated a list of 93 outcomes (round 1) and 63 outcomes (round 2) to gain consensus on a list of outcome measures, and of demographic factors, health status and treatment variables. The final COS includes 15 outcome measures, reflecting four core areas: life impact (n=2), pathophysiological manifestations (n=9), resource use/economic impact (n=1), and mortality/survival (n=3). Next, six demographic factors, 21 health status, three cardiovascular and nine cancer variables were included. This is the first international development of a COS for cardio-oncology. This set aims to facilitate (inter)national comparison in cardio-oncology care, using standardised parameters and meaningful patient-centred outcomes for research and quality of care assessments.

Integrating “old” truths and “new” evidence to address people's evolving career counselling needs

The article reflects on the current relevance and functionality of career counselling in South Africa and elsewhere, examining the link between career counselling waves, helping models, theoretical foundations, and interventions. An adapted qualitative systematic literature review was conducted to facilitate examination of people's evolving career counselling needs during changes in the workplace with a view to recommend strategies to innovate career counselling in the (post-)post-modern era. Articles for review were selected if they dealt with transformative shifts in the occupational world and workers' lifestyles. The articles were then analysed in the context of shifts in career counselling approaches during the past 120 years. Key findings indicate a need for advocating a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation, integrating accepted but outdated practices of career counselling. They also point to recent research outcomes in career counselling highlighting the implementation of career counselling in future workplaces aimed at helping people understand the need for work-life transformation, social justice, and ethical behaviour. Findings call for innovation and renewal in career counselling for bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and contemporary realities and for offering transformational career trajectories to promote success and fulfilment in the ever-evolving world of work.

ENSEMBLE CNN WITH ADASYN FOR MULTICLASS CLASSIFICATION ON CABBAGE PESTS

Image classification is a complex process influenced by various factors, one of which is the amount of image data. In the context of cabbage pest classification, data often exhibits a significant class imbalance, where certain pests are more prevalent than others. This imbalance can pose challenges during model training and evaluation, potentially leading to biases in favor of the majority pests and reduced accuracy in identifying and classifying the less common ones. This research aims to enhance the classification performance for multiclass data specific to cabbage pests. We propose an ensemble learning approach that combines Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Bagging methods. To address the imbalance issue inherent in cabbage pest data, we employ the Adaptive Synthetic Sampling (ADASYN) resampling technique. The CNN acts as the primary image identifier and classifier for various cabbage pests. Subsequently, the CNN model is integrated into SVM and Bagging models to mitigate the challenges of imbalanced data in pest classification. The research outcomes demonstrate that our ensemble approach, in conjunction with the ADASYN resampling technique, achieves an impressive accuracy rate of 97%, signifying its potential for improved cabbage pest detection and classification.

Development and trends in research on hypertension and atrial fibrillation: A bibliometric analysis from 2003 to 2022.

This study aimed to comprehensively analyze research related to hypertension and atrial fibrillation, 2 common cardiovascular diseases with significant global public health implications, using bibliometric methods from 2003 to 2022. From the Web of Science Core Collection database, literature on the theme of hypertension and atrial fibrillation was retrieved. Subsequently, comprehensive bibliometric analyses were conducted across multiple dimensions utilizing software tools such as VOSviewer, Citespace, Pajek, Scimago Graphica, and ClusterProfiler. These analyses encompassed examinations of the literature according to country/region, institution, authors, journals, citation relationships, and keywords. It revealed an increasing interest and shifting focus in research over the years. The analysis covered 7936 relevant publications, demonstrating a gradual rise in research activity regarding hypertension combined with atrial fibrillation over the past 2 decades, with a stable growth trend in research outcomes. Geographically, Europe and the Americas, particularly the United States, have shown the most active research in this field, while China has also gained importance in recent years. Regarding institutional contributions, internationally renowned institutions such as the University of Birmingham and the Mayo Clinic have emerged as core forces in this research direction. Additionally, Professor Lip Gregory, with his prolific research output, has stood out among numerous scholars. The American Journal of Cardiology has become a primary platform for publishing research related to hypertension and atrial fibrillation, highlighting its central role in advancing knowledge dissemination in this field. The research focus has shifted from exploring the pathophysiological mechanisms to investigating the treatment of complications and risk factors associated with hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Future research will focus on in-depth exploration of genetic and molecular mechanisms, causal relationship exploration through Mendelian randomization studies, and the application of machine learning techniques in prediction and treatment, aiming to promote the development of precision medicine for cardiovascular diseases. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the developmental trajectory of research on hypertension and atrial fibrillation, presenting novel insights into trends and future research directions, thus offering information support and guidance for research in this crucial field of cardiovascular medicine.

Transmission of Inflation and Exchange Rate Effects: The Markov Switching Vector Autoregressive Methodology

The aim of this study is to delve into the intricate the mechanism through which alterations in currency exchange rates give rise to shifts in inflation rates, while taking into careful consideration the country’s economic cycle. In order to accomplish this objective, we used a dataset that spanned from 1 January 1999 to 1 July 2023, focusing our analytical lens on three specific geographic areas, namely the Eurozone, the United Kingdom, and Canada. In our pursuit of understanding this complex relationship, we employed the Markov Switching Vector Autoregressive model. Our research outcomes can be succinctly encapsulated as follows: in the initial stages, particularly during phases characterized by robust economic growth, the transmission of exchange rate effects onto inflation levels appeared to exhibit a partial impact across all geographic areas under examination. However, during periods marked by economic downturns, both the United Kingdom and Canada displayed a distinctly more comprehensive transmission of these effects. Moreover, the prevailing projections for the forthcoming time horizon, across all the countries encompassed by our study, strongly indicate the onset of an expansionary phase that is projected to extend over a span of 25 months. Lastly, concerning the implications of unexpected disturbances or shocks, it is noteworthy that the response of exchange rates to inflation induced shocks was neither immediate nor as pronounced as the corresponding reaction of inflation to sudden shifts in exchange rates.

Collaborative Learning of Macroeconomics Through the Lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

The paper shows that implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for collaborative learning through teams in a Macroeconomics course can help to transform students’ educational experience to become lifelong learners. The UDL uses a portfolio of assessments in the course and team presentation happens to be one of them. In this paper students form teams through self-selection exercise and work in teams throughout the semester to produce and present research outcomes of analyzing macroeconomic policy in a globally connected world. The presentation requires students to apply their learning of country specific macroeconomic issues on global policy decisions. This enables transforming classroom learning into an immersive experience for future career choices of students developing transferable skills in the process.