Favorable Policies Research Articles

Lithium Ion Batteries: Characteristics, Recycling and Deep‐Sea Mining

ABSTRACTLithium ion batteries (LIBs) have brought about a revolution in the electronics industry and are now almost a part of our everyday activities. They are on the verge of finding application in almost every electronic rechargeable device and have a bright future ahead. With the recent discovery of substantial reserves of lithium in India, along with the favourable government policies for the usage of electric vehicles (EVs), LIBs are expected to play a major role in meeting sustainable energy goals. Though LIBs have become a commercial success, they face many challenges, such as high cost of production, thermal runaway and overcharging, that might hamper their extensive use. Many research studies have been conducted regarding the operation of LIB, with safety being a concern. With rapid technology development, going nanoscale for LIB production has become achievable and valuable as it has been reported to increase the shelf life of the battery. In this review, recycling of spent LIBs is discussed, as the extraction of the leftover lithium and other minerals is possible through recycling process. The advantages and drawbacks of deep‐sea lithium mining have been discussed, as it is explored as an alternative to major lithium sources due to the rapid depletion of land mining sources. Its impact on the environment and the mineral market has been assessed. This review paper attempts to give an overview of all the vital characteristics of an LIB, such as life cycle, fast charging and overcharging, while covering strategies for overcoming challenges faced in the functioning of LIBs.

Pioneer advantage or late-mover advantage? An examination of the interplay between policy diffusion sequence and policy outcomes

In policy diffusion research, considerable focus has been placed on the mechanisms and motivations underlying diffusion, yet there is a notable dearth of analysis linking the diffusion process with policy outcomes. This prompts an important inquiry: Who fares better in terms of policy outcomes—the pioneer or the late mover? Our study investigates China’s River Chief System policy and classifies cities as either pioneers, followers, or laggards according to their position in the diffusion process. Our quantitative analysis of 142 cities indicates that pioneers achieve the most favorable policy outcomes, while laggards are associated with the least favorable results. Further examination of the political incentives driving pioneer advantage suggests that pioneers are driven by political aspirations, followers are driven by political signaling, and laggards are driven by political pressure. This research deepens understanding of policy diffusion by elucidating the interplay between diffusion sequence and policy outcomes, and offers significant insights for policymakers aiming to formulate effective diffusion strategies.

Public Revenues and Educational Sector Productivity in Nigeria

This study examined the influence of public revenue on the productivity of the educational sector, focusing on how various tax policies and expenditures impact education’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), focusing on the role of Company Income Tax (CIT), Education Tax (EDT), Research and Development Investment (R&DI), and Capital Expenditure (CAPEX). Using annual data spanning from 1994 to 2023, the study employs econometric techniques, including the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, to analyze the relationship between these variables and the education sector’s economic performance. The findings reveal that CIT and EDT positively influence the education sector’s contribution to GDP, suggesting that these forms of taxation play a crucial role in funding educational activities and stimulating economic growth within the sector. Additionally, R&DI and CAPEX exhibit mixed effects on the education sector, with lagged investments showing a more significant impact on economic performance over time. It was recommended that there is a need by policy makers and stake holders for continued efforts to create a conducive fiscal environment for businesses operating in the education sector, including favorable tax policies and incentives to stimulate investment and innovation. Keywords: Nigerian tax system, educational sector, Company Income Tax, Education Tax, Capital Expenditure.

A critical overview of Zainichi Korean films since 1945

ABSTRACT This paper gives an overview of the history of Zainichi Korean films from 1945 to the present and explores the historical environment and popular demands that drove the production of major works. After World War II, the Zainichi Korean community took on the challenge of film production for the first time on the strength of GHQ’s favorable policies and cultural solidarity with the Japanese socialists. This challenge, which began with newsreels and documentary films, soon entered a long period of stagnation due to the political upheaval of the time, a conflict with GHQ, and deteriorating relations with the Japanese Communist Party. In the 1970s, Zainichi films gradually began to revive, centering on the documentary genre, thanks to Zainichi Korean directors who had learned production skills under progressive Japanese filmmakers. As the mini-theater boom in the 1980s created an environment in which small-scale, non-mainstream films could be distributed and consumed in Japan, Zainichi films gradually expanded their scope through the production of various drama films. At last, the Zainichi Korean film genre finally began to establish itself firmly in Japanese film history. In particular, after the 2000s when the Korean Wave (Hallyu) phenomenon became noticeable in Japan, female directors and South Korean directors emerged to capture minor and workaday issues from multifaceted perspectives, and the general public in Japan enthusiastically consumed their works. Zainichi Korean films continue to strive to embrace both social issues and mass appeal.

Addressing “Idealism Exploitation” Through Unionization: Causes and Outcomes of Nonprofit Worker Labor Organizing in the U.S.

Through in-depth interviews with nonprofit workers and full-time union organizers in the nonprofit sector, this qualitative study examines the causes, outcomes, and workers’ perceptions of the recent nonprofit worker unionization movement. We found that chronic low pay, substandard working conditions, and a concern for compromised services to clients were the impetus for workers’ labor organizing. Interviews revealed that existing unionization efforts yielded significant wins for workers. This shows that nonprofit organizations could figure out resources to reprioritize labor costs even though they face constraints by funders. Unionization also benefited nonprofit management, including favorable work policies applying to managers and reduced staff turnover. Previous literature suggests that the highly gendered and value-based labor dynamic in nonprofits is a barrier to labor organizing. We found that workers are reevaluating this sacrificing, “labor-of-love” logic and aligning workers’ rights with clients’ rights. This has transformed a barrier to a powerful facilitator for labor organizing.

Is the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Scheme Effective at Improving Vehicle Fuel Efficiency in a Small-Scale Market? Evidence from Taiwan

This article discusses how the introduction of corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards in Taiwan, whose market and industry size are much smaller than those of Europe, the United States, Japan, and China, can effectively improve vehicle energy efficiency. It examines the changes in passenger car energy efficiency under Taiwan’s CAFE framework and evaluates CAFE compliance performance to summarize its impacts and challenges. Observations indicate that the strategically flexible CAFE scheme is indeed more effective than mandatory minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) in encouraging manufacturers to comply through various methods. This approach has ultimately increased the overall average fuel efficiency of Taiwan’s passenger cars by 23.5% since 2012, while maintaining the diversity of vehicle models in the market. However, there are challenges to implementing CAFE in a small market, such as difficulties in introducing and promoting high-efficiency models, limited activity in the CAFE credit market, and the current overly favorable policy design. The design of the CAFE mechanism is crucial not only for benchmarking with larger economies but also for taking into account local market conditions and industrial capabilities. Taiwan’s next phase of CAFE must incorporate multi-dimensional adjustments to achieve higher, potentially net-zero vehicle efficiency targets.

How do local public health teams in North Wales consider their role in influencing the obesogenic environment through planning processes? A qualitative study

BackgroundOverweight and obesity affect 2·6 billion people worldwide, causing significant morbidity and 4 million deaths annually. In Wales, over 60% of people are affected. Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Public Health team recently began systematically to provide public health advice and evidence in response to planning applications to try to influence the obesogenic environment. This study aims to explore team members’ experiences of responding to fast-food outlet applications. MethodsQualitative, semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 12 practitioners, registrars and consultants in the team. The interviews addressed the planning process, application prioritisation, power over the obesogenic environment and stakeholder relationships. Interview transcripts were in vivo coded and subjected to thematic analysis. Ethical approval granted on June 6, 2023 by the Institute of Population Health Research Ethics Committee at the University of Liverpool (ref: 12503). FindingsParticipants’ interpretations of the nature, scope and determinism of the obesogenic environment varied considerably. Regardless, the concept was considered to have significant real-world applicability for problematising fast-food outlets. Complexity, the evidence base and defining unhealthy outlets were thought problematic. Participants considered their skills in evidence provision, impact assessment and networking essential. However, no relationship-building strategy was defined, and contradictory approaches were adopted, due to capacity, inadequate legal standing and fear of backlash. Most felt public health lacked power to effect lasting change through planning. Hopes were placed in a favourable future policy environment despite recognition that current supportive policy is routinely ignored. Intervention success was unclearly defined. InterpretationThis is the first study to consider public health professionals’ beliefs about using planning to modify the fast-food environment in Wales’ specific policy environment. It highlights the need for logic-based strategies which maximise effectiveness, rather than achieve adherence with established processes. Public health contributions tailored to other stakeholders’ priorities and language, especially in the absence of supportive policy and law, may be essential. Procedural, policy and research recommendations to strengthen public health impact on the obesogenic environment are made. FundingNone.

Renewable Energy in Nepal: Current State and Future Outlook

Nepal’s energy mix is predominantly based on traditional and inefficient biomass and fossil fuels. As a result, there is a notable prevalence of energy scarcity in the country. Within the literature, there exists a lack of a comprehensive review of the potential of renewable energy in the country while the relatively less contribution of renewable energy resources, making the country more vulnerable to adopt a more carbon-intensive energy policy. Consequently, in this study, we conduct a thorough review of existing literature to provide a comprehensive assessment of the current status of renewable energy and the energy mix in Nepal. We also discussed the potential for the country to transition to a sustainable energy system. This review analysis exclusively focused on scholarly articles and research reports that specifically addressed the topic of renewable energy in Nepal. Despite the rapid decline in the cost of solar photovoltaics, Nepal’s renewable energy share currently stands at only 3.2%. This paper argues that Nepal needs proactive and favorable strategies and policies to effectively implement clean energy, based on the given premises and the country’s aspirations for sustainable energy. This involves a substantial amount of solar power production combined with battery storage, supplemented by storage methods such as off-river pumping hydropower technology. The study emphasizes the significance of renewable energy in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This review also emphasizes the obstacles in the advancement of Nepal’s renewable energy industry and offers suitable policy suggestions to address these obstacles, hence facilitating a sustainable shift in energy.

The Impact of ESG Disclosures on Financial Performance: Evidence from ASEAN-Listed Companies

With increasing global emphasis on sustainability, corporate transparency in ESG practices has become a critical factor for investors and stakeholders. This study investigates the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures on the financial performance of listed companies in ASEAN countries. This research employs a dynamic Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) approach to address endogeneity concerns and assess the relationship between ESG disclosure and financial performance indicators such as return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and market value. Using panel data from ASEAN-listed firms over the period 2013-2022, the findings show that firms with strong historical performance tend to maintain profitability, while ESG disclosures positively influence financial outcomes by enhancing investor confidence and risk management. Larger firms benefit from economies of scale, while excessive leverage reduces profitability. Favorable macroeconomic conditions, such as GDP growth, also play a crucial role in boosting firm profitability. Policymakers should mandate ESG disclosure frameworks, incentivize sustainable practices, and provide financial support to smaller firms. Promoting responsible debt management and ensuring macroeconomic stability through favorable trade policies will also enhance firm profitability and long-term economic growth.

The impact of healthcare worker migration in source countries: Colombia, Indonesia, and Jordan

Abstract Background To address domestic shortages, high-income countries are increasingly recruiting healthcare workers from low- and middle-income countries. This practice is much debated, yet empirical evidence is rare. This study fills this knowledge gap by reporting high-level stakeholders’ perspectives on health system impacts of international migration and active recruitment of HCWs in Colombia, Indonesia, and Jordan. Methods We used a multiple case study methodology, based on qualitative methods integrated with information available in the published literature. Results All respondents decried a lack of robust and detailed data as a serious challenge in ascertaining their perspectives on impacts of healthcare workersmigration. Stakeholders described current emigration levels as not substantially aggravating existing healthcare workforce availability challenges. This is due to the fact that all three countries are faced with healthcare worker unemployment grounded in unwillingness to work in rural areas and/or overproduction of certain cadres. Respondents, however, pleaded against targeting very experienced and specialised individuals. While observing little harm of healthcare worker migration at present, stakeholders also noted few benefits such as brain gain, describing how various barriers to skill enhancement, return, and reintegration into the health system hamper in practice what may be possible in theory. Conclusions Improved availability of data on healthcare workers migration, including their potential return and reintegration into their country of origin’s health system, is urgently necessary to understand and monitor costs and benefits in dynamic national and international health labour markets. Our results imply that potential benefits of migration do not come into being automatically, but need in-country supportive policy, such as favourable reintegration policies or programs targeting engagement of the diaspora.

International STEM Graduate Students: A Key to Strengthening the American Economy and Building Competitiveness

The United States (US) is renowned for offering world-class education to thousands of international students seeking advanced degrees in the STEM fields. However, the US is at risk of losing a significant portion of this talent due to limited visa options. While US funds and resources are invested in training international STEM graduate students, many students are compelled to leave the US for other countries with more favorable visa policies. This potential loss of talent is particularly concerning as China is poised to overtake the US in Research and Development (R&D) investment, while countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, along with China, are seeking to attract foreign high-skilled STEM talents with their visa programs. STEM jobs comprise 48% of the 100 fastest growing jobs in the US while STEM industries such as the semiconductor sector already struggle to meet their growing demand for high-skilled workers. These demands can be alleviated by international STEM graduate students. In order for Congress to leverage this economic opportunity before losing American-trained students to other countries, we propose the following: i) Exempt international STEM graduate students from the visa requirement of proving their intent to leave the US after graduation, ii) Increase or circumvent the annual numerical employment green card cap for international STEM graduate students, iii) Extend the unemployment grace period for H-1B and OPT visa holders to allow sufficient time to find a new job.

Intelligent E-commerce under the Trend of Integration of Artificial Intelligence and E-commerce: A Case Study of Alibaba International Station

Abstract: China has fully entered the era of digital economy, and undoubtedly, the e-commerce industry needs to keep pace with the times and evolve into a new stage of development: integrating artificial intelligence with e-commerce. Nowadays, an abundance of new productivity tools have unveiled new opportunities for the e-commerce industry. This study focuses on Alibaba International, a premier global digital trading platform, to illustrate the applications of artificial intelligence tools in e-commerce, examine both the positive and negative impacts of these tools on e-commerce, and suggest strategies for enhancing e-commerce Operation Management. The aim is to offer enlightenments for small and medium-sized cross-border e-commerce businesses. Through this case analysis, it can be understood that intelligent e-commerce has provided many conveniences for the e-commerce industry, but also faces a series of challenges, such as AI generated false or infringing content, and increased operational management difficulties. In this situation, e-commerce companies should take strengthening the cultivation of intelligent talents as a guarantee, focusing on customer experience and valuing personalized product needs as advantages, and improving operational management efficiency through the reasonable use of favorable policies to bring profits to the enterprise.

Case Analysis of Tianqi Lithium Corp’s Acquisition of Sociedad Química y Minera

Enterprise mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are vital strategies for companies worldwide to expand markets, enhance competitiveness, and achieve strategic goals. The Chinese government’s strong support for the new energy industry has created a favorable policy environment for the development of the lithium battery sector. Against this backdrop, Tianqi Lithium Corp’s acquisition of Sociedad Química y Minera (SQM) in Chile has garnered widespread attention. This paper takes Tianqi Lithium Corp’s acquisition of SQM as the research subject, conducting a detailed analysis of the motives behind the M&A. Subsequently, financial indicators are employed to conduct a performance analysis from a financial perspective, examining the impact of the M&A. Finally, based on the findings of the case analysis, relevant suggestions are proposed to offer a reference for the development of enterprise mergers and acquisitions.

Demographic and Socio-Economic Characteristics of Student Migration in Nepal

Student migration, defined as the movement of students to pursue education abroad for at least a year outside their country of citizenship, has transformed into a market-driven phenomenon due to the globalization of higher education. As the demand for international education surges, an increasing number of students perceive it as a pathway to potential permanent residency. The cultural and economic contributions of these international students have prompted stakeholders to facilitate their entry and integration. While North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and East and Southeast Asia remain primary destinations, emerging educational hubs like Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore are witnessing a rise in international student enrollment. Nepal is a microcosm of this global trend, with thousands of its citizens pursuing higher education abroad annually. A comprehensive analysis of the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of Nepalese students studying abroad reveals complex patterns influenced by factors such as geographic origin, gender, age, religion, marital status, and economic background. The preference for countries like Japan, characterized by favorable policies and educational opportunities, is particularly pronounced among students from regions like Lumbini and Madesh. These disparities underscore the persistence of sociocultural barriers hindering educational opportunities for women and the inequitable access to international education among students from different socioeconomic strata. To effectively support Nepalese students abroad, it is imperative to develop tailored policies and support systems that address the diverse needs and backgrounds of this population.

Asymmetric effects of remittances on output in expansions and recessions

Using non-linear methods, we argue that current research on estimates of remittance multipliers in expansions and recessions may yield biased results by ignoring whether remittances are increasing or decreasing. We employ an extended non-linear ARDL model to decompose remittance data into positive and negative shocks during expansions and recessions with data from the top eight remittance-receiving developing countries. We find that a decline in remittances will reduce output in expansions. Second, an increase in remittances will increase output during recessions. Positive remittance shocks are not associated with output in expansions, nor generally are negative remittance shocks in recessions. The managerial implications are twofold. First, policymakers can use remittances to counteract recessions in the receiving country by implementing favorable remittance policies, such as reducing transfer fees. Second, if remittances are maintained in expansions, future recessions can potentially be managed.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Project Management

Over the past decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology, particularly in project management. This study examines its impact in Latin America, with a focus on Ecuador. There is significant interest in AI adoption in Ecuador, driven by favorable policies, economic conditions, and technological advancements. Most respondents are educators, scientific researchers, and department heads, highlighting the relevance of AI in educational and scientific fields (Fernández & Fernández, 2019; Hassan, Khairudin, & Nasir, 2019). Large organizations, with more than 200 employees, are better positioned to adopt AI due to their greater financial and technical resources (Chui, Henke, & Miremadi, 2020). However, significant barriers persist, such as technological limitations, budgetary constraints, and a lack of managerial support, which complicate its implementation (Smith & Lazarus, 2021). Despite these barriers, most respondents anticipate a significant increase in AI adoption over the next five years, although doubts and challenges remain that must be addressed to ensure successful and sustained implementation (Jones, Patel, & Smith, 2019). This analysis underscores both the opportunities and challenges that AI faces in project management in Ecuador, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to maximize its benefits.

A systematic review of decarbonization pathway and modeling conception in iron and steel industry at micro-, meso-, and macro-levels.

To meet the carbon-neutral goal in 2050, an accelerated transition of decarbonization is needed in the iron and steel industry. Lots of decarbonization path models are recently being used to analyze the technology pathways, industrial structure adjustments, and short- or long-term policies for greenhouse gas emission reduction. Thus, systematic insight is required for better making sense of the status quo and differences in low-carbon transition pathways at different levels. This paper reviews the carbon emission reduction of steel production routes and summarizes the decarbonization models from micro-, meso-, and macro-level perspectives, respectively. First, we systematically analyze the capacity and potential of both available and emerging technologies in the iron and steel production process. Additionally, we conduct a theoretical analysis of the bottom-up models currently used as effective tools to assess decarbonization technology pathways. Subsequently, pathways and models in terms of industrial synergy are elaborated. Policy guidance and market support are explored to overcome the challenges of collaborative carbon reduction faced by global steel producers. The characteristics of top-down models for supporting carbon reduction are also discussed. Finally, gaps in the literature and future research agendas are identified. Advancing this research could enrich discussions on steel industry decarbonization and provide clearer assessments of modeling approaches. The results indicate that existing energy-saving technologies in the iron and steel industry have limited carbon reduction capacity. Significant reduction requires coordinated efforts with upstream and downstream industries, particularly in hydrogen and power sectors, along with financial support and favorable policies.

Long-run Relationship between Power Consumption and Manufacturing Sector Output in Nigeria

Power remains the engine of growth of every economy while the manufacturing sector remains the key driver of a transformed modern economy. Despite several power sector reforms, Nigeria’s manufacturing sector continued to underperform. This study focused on examining the long-run relationship between power consumption and manufacturing sector output in Nigeria. We estimated an ARDL model based on the bounds-testing approach to cointegration. Our results indicate that manufacturing sector output and electricity consumption are cointegrated and that short-run deviations from equilibrium are corrected up to 83 per cent annually. The result showed that power consumption is positively related to manufacturing sector output. This implies that improved power sector will stimulate manufacturing sector growth. Our result also showed that capital formation, labour force and private sector credit are positively related to the manufacturing sector while the monetary policy rate is negatively related to the manufacturing sector. Given our findings, we recommend that the government should implement a sustainable power sector reform that prioritizes the manufacturing sector. This will stimulate growth, reduce the cost of energy and indirectly reduce price of manufactured products. We equally recommend creating a conducive environment for investment in the manufacturing sector through favourable monetary policy rates to allow manufacturers access to credit.

Survey and Analysis of University Students Awareness and Willingness to Disseminate Local Intangible Cultural Heritage

Intangible cultural heritage is the living presentation of the excellent traditional Chinese culture in the contemporary era, and is a vivid witness to the continuous inheritance of Chinese civilization. In recent years, both all sectors of society and favorable policies have attached great importance to cultural self-confidence and the protection of intangible cultural heritage. This paper sorts out the literature, analyzes the data from the aspects of cognition, limitations, transmission channels and communication effects of intangible culture in colleges and universities, and gives countermeasures and suggestions.

The Establishment of Economic Dirigism In Maritime Trade of Turkey, 1923–1950

ABSTRACT In the aftermath of the establishment of the republican regime in Turkey in 1923, the policy of economic dirigisme began to dominate the markets step by step. This article aims to analyse the effects of economic dirigisme on maritime trade for a quarter of a century and furnishes an illustrative case delineating how the government’s favoured economic policy attenuated the developmental prospects of maritime commerce. Throughout this temporal span, endeavours advocating a laissez-faire market policy found themselves systematically marginalized, as the juggernaut of economic dirigisme unfolded. The corollary of this policy was a precipitous decline in the operational efficiency of maritime trade. The proclivity for deploying antiquated ships escalated the inherent risks of maritime accidents. Legislative initiatives, exemplified by the promulgation of cabotage laws and the imposition of onerous taxes, erected formidable impediments that curtailed the operability of foreign-flagged vessels in Turkish ports. Concurrently, the waning trade potential cast a pall over the developmental trajectory of Anatolian cities.