Policy Interventions Research Articles

Addressing the dollar crisis by investigating underlying causes, effects, and strategic solutions in emerging economies

Foreign exchange reserves (FER), especially dollar assets, are vital for a developing country to maintain economic stability, foster growth, and protect against unexpected amendments. In recent years, particularly since the onset of COVID-19, several emerging countries have experienced significant economic hardship due to a crisis in foreign reserves. This has led to inflation and disruptions in supply chains, healthcare, and various service facilities. Despite the gravity of this issue, previous studies have not investigated the causes and consequences of such sudden crises. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the causes and consequences of sudden FER crises in a developing country, specifically Bangladesh, through a systematic review. The study also explores innovative process-oriented policies to mitigate the immediate FER crisis. The systematic literature review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. It included 90 articles published between 2020 and 2023. The results discovered that the FER crisis in Bangladesh has been triggered by both external factors (such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, trade imbalances, and remittances) and internal factors (including large infrastructure projects, complexities in the banking sector, local project subsidies, a managed floating exchange rate, and an over-reliance on the ready-made garments sector). These factors escorted deflation of the national currency, causing further inflation, declining domestic purchasing capacity, and raising concerns about food security. Additionally, price hikes and unauthorized storage of daily necessities made accessing daily essentials challenging for locals. The government has implemented three policy interventions, including managing consumer demand, safeguarding the supply of goods, and regulating continuous market monitoring to overcome the challenges. This study proposes eight innovative process-oriented policy recommendations for mitigating the immediate foreign exchange crisis and promoting sustainable economic development. Overall, this study offers valuable contributions in developing sustainable global economic policies. It fosters improved recovery and reuse of materials and energy while advancing long-term growth in developing nations.

Prevalence and disparities in adolescents’ sedentary behavior from twenty-three African countries: evidence from World Health Organization Global School-based Student Health Survey

ObjectivesStudies on sedentary behavior among adolescents in Africa are limited, hindering public health initiatives. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence, age, gender, country's income level, and sub-regional disparities of sedentary behavior among adolescents in Africa. Study designCross sectional. MethodsAdolescents who participated in the Global School-based Student Health Survey from the 23 participating African countries were included in the study. Sedentary behavior was assessed with a self-reported questionnaire. A meta-analysis using random effect modeling was used to estimate the prevalence, age, gender, country's income level, and sub-regional disparities of sedentary behavior. ResultsSixty three thousand six hundred thirty five adolescents (12–17 years) were included in the analysis. The prevalence of sedentary behavior was 30% (95% CI: 27%–34%) and significantly higher among adolescents in Southern Africa and East Africa compared to adolescents in West Africa and North Africa (Q = 25.15; P < 0.001). No disparities were found for age (Q =1.51; P = 0.22), gender (Q = 0.10; P = 0.75), country's income level (Q = 4.37; P = 0.11), and survey year (Q = 1.03; P = 0.31). The results were heterogeneous between countries. ConclusionsThe results suggest that a significant proportion of adolescents in Africa engage in sedentary behavior, with the highest prevalence found in Southern Africa and East Africa. This highlights the need for context-specific policy design and interventions to increase physical activity engagement and limit sedentary behavior among adolescents in Africa.

Global maternal mortality projections by urban/rural location and education level: a simulation-based analysis

Maternal mortality remains a challenge in global health, with well-known disparities across countries. However, less is known about disparities in maternal health by subgroups within countries. The aim of this study is to estimate maternal health indicators for subgroups of women within each country. In this simulation-based analysis, we used the empirically calibrated Global Maternal Health (GMatH) microsimulation model to estimate a range of maternal health indicators by subgroup (urban/rural location and level of education) for 200 countries/territories from 1990 to 2050. Education levels were defined as low (less than primary), middle (less than secondary), and high (completed secondary or higher). The model simulates the reproductive lifecycle of each woman, accounting for individual-level factors such as family planning preferences, biological factors (e.g., anemia), and history of maternal complications, and how these factors vary by subgroup. We also estimated the impact of scaling up women's education on projected maternal health outcomes compared to clinical and health system-focused interventions. We find large subgroup differences in maternal health outcomes, with an estimated global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in 2022 of 292 (95% UI 250-341) for rural women and 100 (95% UI 84-116) for urban women, and 536 (95% UI 450-594), 143 (95% UI 117-174), and 85 (95% UI 67-108) for low, middle, and high education levels, respectively. Ensuring all women complete secondary school is associated with a large impact on the projected global MMR in 2030 (97 [95% UI 76-120]) compared to current trends (167 [95% UI 142-188]), with especially large improvements in countries such as Afghanistan, Chad, Madagascar, Niger, and Yemen. Substantial subgroup disparities present a challenge for global maternal health and health equity. Outcomes are especially poor for rural women with low education, highlighting the need to ensure that policy interventions adequately address barriers to care in rural areas, and the importance of investing in social determinants of health, such as women's education, in addition to health system interventions to improve maternal health for all women. John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, 10-97002-000-INP.

Geospatial Analysis of Energy Poverty and Accessibility to District Heating Systems

This research paper undertakes a comprehensive geospatial analysis to investigate the relationship between energy poverty and district heating accessibility in Estonia. Utilizing ArcGIS Pro and statistical software, the study maps district heating systems, evaluates the energy efficiency of apartment buildings, and examines socioeconomic factors influencing energy poverty. By integrating GIS data with socioeconomic and building energy performance indicators, the research identifies areas where district heating is either absent or inefficient and correlates these findings with instances of energy poverty. Preliminary data may indicate a significant correlation between the lack of accessible district heating and increased energy expenses among lower-income households. The study also evaluates the impact of building energy efficiency on heating needs, revealing that older, less efficient buildings contribute disproportionately to energy poverty. Recommendations include policy interventions to expand and optimize district heating networks, alongside building renovation programs to enhance energy efficiency. This research contributes to the broader understanding of sustainable urban heating solutions and their role in mitigating energy poverty.

Moving beyond borders: impacts of interstate migration on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participation

ABSTRACT Understanding the impact of interstate migration on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation is crucial due to the potential influence of such migration on the effectiveness of social welfare programs. This study shows that interstate migration decreases the probability of SNAP participation, finding a reduction in SNAP benefits of $462.7 among interstate migrants relative to non-migrants in the subsequent year. These findings suggest that simplifying the recertification process for interstate migrants could serve as an effective policy intervention to address these challenges.

Preparing Vulnerable Communities: Disaster Mitigation Strategies for Economically Depressed Areas in Oklahoma

When disasters strike, vulnerable areas that are economically disadvantaged are adversely affected economically, culturally, and healthily, as the lack of resources and vulnerabilities amplify their problems. This research focuses on the population specifics of disaster vulnerabilities and targeted policies for economically depressed neighborhoods in Oklahoma. Relative to less susceptible entities, poor people are likelier to take damage from tornados, winter storms, wildland fires, and flooding because they lack the resources required for preparation, response, and recovery. Through an equity-focused lens, the study examines four key factors amplifying disaster risk: those due to aging critical infrastructure, lack of insurance and savings, health disparities, or the failure to plan adequately. Collapsed stormwater drainage systems, roads, bridges, and water pipes in financially deprived communities experience cracks in a hurry during duresses. With little or no funds, families earning every paycheck cannot afford to purchase rescue insurance or, in the case of names, save money to build an emergency fund, including money to cover repair costs, temporary housing, and other costs. This is, of course, made even worse by any previously existing medical, disability, or mental health issues as well, with poorer health outcomes than might usually be expected since access to healthcare services, treatments, and medications is also disrupted. Lastly, language and education barriers lead to the lower development of disaster plans; the delays include access to early warning systems and a need for more awareness of risks among vulnerable groups. Given these weaknesses, the study offers policymakers, funders, and resilience practitioner’s implementable policy, investment, and community-oriented intervention recommendations. The hazards can be lessened by prioritizing infrastructure upgrades, insurance reduction, and commitment to spread-out shelters and relief supplies. Long-term recovery programs financed specifically by equal aid promote program equity of rebuilding. Regarding inclusive messaging on public preparation and early warnings, local trusted institutions should be appropriated to reach a diverse population. Collaborative networks among government agencies, relief organizations, businesses, and grassroots associations can bolster response capacity. Their unified efforts on localized resilience initiatives advance strategic plans for the state's most economically fragile neighborhoods. Implementation should focus on those with the highest vulnerability markers and the least ability to prepare, respond, and recover independently— metrics assessing community functionality, equity factors, and recovering spending offer evidence-based progress milestones. With climate change projected to increase disaster severity in Oklahoma, research-driven and equitable resilience policies for marginalized communities can reduce prolonged suffering. Tailored preparation, outreach, critical system backups, and financial support lessen acute shocks and accelerate recovery. However, sustainable policy change relies on addressing root socioeconomic inequalities through systemic interventions beyond immediate disaster management.

Drivers of Rural Households’ Choices and Intensity of Sustainable Energy Sources for Cooking and Lighting in Ondo State, Nigeria

Poverty reduction and the promotion of sustainable human development are fundamentally dependent on having access to modern energy services. Energy supplies that are dependable, reasonably priced, and sustainable are vital to modern societies. In achieving the sustainable development goals (SDG7) and access to clean energy supplies, this study, using cross-sectional data from 180 randomly sampled rural households, analyzed the key factors determining the choice and intensity of energy sources used for lighting and cooking in rural Nigeria. Both descriptive and inferential statistics (multivariate probit (MVP) and zero-truncated Poisson (ZTP models)) were employed for the analyses. The result showed that there is evidence of fuel stacking in their choice of cooking and lighting energy, and it increases with rising income levels but is more pronounced for lighting than cooking. The result also revealed that reliable access to clean energy (9% of sampled households for LPG and 23% of the households for grid electricity) is very low, as these households still rely on fuelwood (70%) for cooking, but the predominant usage of kerosene (39%) for lighting, as reported in the literature, has drastically changed to dry cell battery (51%). The results using a multivariate probit model to capture the multiple fuel usage phenomenon among rural households show that access to clean energy, improvement in rural poverty, usage of indoor kitchens, household size, and an increase in the education of household heads’ spouses significantly influence the use of clean energy in the rural areas. In the same vein, the result of the ZTP model showed that income, access to energy sources, and occupation of the household head were the drivers of the intensity of cooking and lighting energy sources. Thus, it is recommended that any policy interventions that are targeted at encouraging rural households to use clean energy should start by improving rural access to these clean energy sources, improving their poverty status while also increasing the level of education and awareness of rural women concerning the risks of using dirty energy sources.

Conceptualising the effects of green supply chain on firms’ propensity for responsible waste disposal practices in emerging markets

ABSTRACT This study examines how green supply chain management (GSCM) in emerging markets affects firms’ waste disposal practices in Thailand’s dynamic economy. Using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), we examined 320 Thai SMEs’ survey data to understand GSCM. The research reveals two key findings: A strong positive correlation exists between green supplier initiatives and green manufacturing processes, with suppliers’ sustainable efforts accounting for 27.2% of the variance in green practices (r-square = 0.272). This shows how much green supplier engagement affects manufacturing. Green distribution plays a significant role in promoting customer cooperation in the green economy, explaining 48.9% of the variance in customer engagement with sustainable practices (r-square = 0.489). Green supplier and distribution practices significantly impact waste disposal, but green manufacturing and customer cooperation fall short of anticipated impacts. Green supplier cooperation is essential for green manufacturing but does not directly lead to effective waste disposal, suggesting a disconnection and the potential for more integrated approaches. Green distribution helps meet customer demand for sustainable practices. This divergence suggests a potential oversight in GSCM implementation, emphasizing the need to integrate GSCM considerations into emerging market firms’ strategic frameworks and strategic policy interventions to improve waste disposal practices through GSCM adoption.

Climate Change and Global Agriculture: Addressing Challenges and Adaptation Strategies

Climate change poses significant challenges to global agriculture, affecting crop production, food security, and the livelihoods of millions worldwide. This paper reviews the current understanding of the impact of climate change on agriculture and explores adaptation strategies to mitigate its adverse effects. Climate change-induced phenomena such as rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and shifts in pest and disease dynamics threaten crop yields and agricultural productivity. To address these challenges, various adaptation measures are being implemented, including the development and adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties, improved water management techniques, agroforestry practices, and enhanced early warning systems. Furthermore, policy interventions and international collaborations are crucial for building resilience and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change. This review highlights the urgent need for concerted efforts at local, national, and global levels to safeguard agricultural systems and ensure food security in a changing climate.

Age-Specific Changes in the Effects of Social Connectedness and Loneliness on Depressive Symptoms: Evidence From the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective This study investigates the longitudinal effects of changes in the associations between two distinct aspects of social connections—i.e., social connectedness and loneliness—on depressive symptoms among community-dwelling Korean adults. This study also examines whether these associations vary across three age groups (45–64, 65–74, and 75 or above).Methods Using data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing collected between 2014 and 2020 (n=3,642 individuals), fixed effects models were used to examine the age-specific associations between the two distinct aspects of social connections and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale) while, accounting for time-invariant individual heterogeneity. Social connectedness is measured by asking the frequency of interactions with friends, relatives, or neighbors.Results The findings indicate that the impact of loneliness on depressive symptoms outweighs that of social disconnectedness. Notably, this study unveils age-specific patterns concerning the impact of the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic on depressive symptoms and changes in the association between loneliness and depressive symptoms. Specifically, middle-aged individuals reported higher levels of depressive symptoms and loneliness along with a heightened impact of loneliness on depressive symptoms, despite maintaining stable social connections. Conversely, the oldest adults experienced reductions in both depressive symptoms and loneliness, despite a significant decrease in socializing.Conclusion These findings shed light on the differential effects of loneliness on depressive symptoms within distinct age groups before and during the pandemic. The implications of these findings are discussed with a focus on informing the development of targeted policy interventions tailored to the specific needs of different age groups.

Interactions between ENDS and cigarette use: evidence from a 2022 national telephone survey in South Africa

IntroductionElectronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) may serve as a cessation tool for people who smoke cigarettes. However, for people who do not smoke, ENDS may be a gateway to nicotine...

Nurses’ Refusal to Report Medication Administration Errors in a Ghanaian Municipality: Uncovering the Barriers with a Quantitative Approach

Introduction. Effective​ self-reporting of medication administration errors (MAEs) is crucial for patient safety globally, yet underreporting persists as a significant challenge, hindering policy interventions. Despite extensive studies on barriers to MAE reporting by nurses, limited attention has been given to this issue in Ghana. This study aimed to explore the reasons behind nurses’ reluctance to report MAEs, contributing to a broader understanding of this critical issue. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among registered nurses at two public health facilities in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 153 respondents using stratified and simple random sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square and logistic regression, were employed to analyze 150 completed questionnaires using SPSS version 23, with a significance level set at P&lt;0.05. Results. The majority (60.7%) of nurses reported MAEs, primarily to the ward in-charge (72.0%) and documented in the incidence book (54.3%), while only 9% reported to patients. Reasons for nonreporting included fear of criticism (34.5%), litigation (19.5%), losing practice licenses (18.6%), and stigma (17.7%). Significant correlations were found between nurses’ sociodemographic characteristics (age, marital status, years of practice, and rank) and their self-reporting of MAEs (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion. Despite high levels of self-reported MAEs among nurses, fear remains a pervasive barrier to reporting. Addressing the culture of blame, criticism, and stigma is imperative to enhance nurses’ confidence in reporting MAEs globally, transcending geographical boundaries and fostering patient safety on a broader scale.

Research on the impact of regional integration policy on carbon emissions--Taking the Yangtze River Economic Belt as an example.

The Yangtze River Economic Belt serves as a paradigm of ecological integration and high-quality development within China. Under the constraints of the "Dual Carbon" goal, how does the integrative policy of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, aimed at reinforcing inter-regional industrial cooperation, impact carbon emissions across various provinces within the region? Leveraging panel data from 30 Chinese provinces spanning 2009-2019 and treating the 2016 promulgation of the "Yangtze River Economic Belt Development Planning Outline" as a quasi-natural experiment, this study employs a Difference-in-Differences (DID) model for discerning the effects of regional integration policies on carbon emissions, intensity, and efficiency in the 11 provinces of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The research further delves into the underlying mechanisms through which policy interventions modulate provincial carbon emissions. Key findings include: (1) The policy's enactment has significantly attenuated provincial carbon emissions and intensity, albeit somewhat hampering the enhancement of carbon efficiency-conclusions robust to parallel trend and placebo tests; (2) Heterogeneity analyses reveal disparities in the policy's carbon emission effects, contingent on varying economic development levels and geographical loci; (3) Mechanistically, while the integration bolsters regional environmental governance and strengthens economic ties-thereby curtailing provincial emissions-it is evident that local governments have been somewhat inept in effectively channeling the influx of substantial short-term capital, hence stifling provincial carbon efficiency. In light of these insights, it is posited that local governments within the Yangtze River Economic Belt should ardently endeavor to refine and elevate regional industrial structures, champion the construction of an integrated regional market, intensify capital oversight and coordinated utilization, and enhance the efficiency of regional capital allocation, all in the quest to augment regional carbon emission reduction performance.

Navigating agricultural nonpoint source pollution governance: A social network analysis of best management practices in central Pennsylvania.

The Chesapeake Bay watershed is representative of governance challenges relating to agricultural nonpoint source pollution and, more generally, of sustainable resources governance in complex multi-actor settings. We assess information flows around Best Management Practices (BMPs) undertaken by dairy farmers in central Pennsylvania, a subregion of the watershed. We apply a mixed-method approach, combining Social Network Analysis, the analysis of BMP-messaging (i.e. information source, flow, and their influences), and qualitative content analysis of stakeholders' interviews. Key strategic actors were identified through network centrality measures such as degree of node, betweenness centrality, and clustering coefficient. The perceived influence/credibility (by farmers) of BMP-messages and their source, allowed for the identification of strategic entry points for BMP-messages diffusion. Finally, the inductive coding process of stakeholders' interviews revealed major hindrances and opportunities for BMPs adoption. We demonstrate how improved targeting of policy interventions for BMPs uptake may be achieved, by better distributing entry-points across stakeholders. Our results reveal governance gaps and opportunities, on which we draw to provide insights for better tailored policy interventions. We propose strategies to optimize the coverage of policy mixes and the dissemination of BMP-messages by building on network diversity and actors' complementarities, and by targeting intervention towards specific BMPs and actors. We suggest that (i) conservation incentives could target supply chain actors as conservation intermediaries; (ii) compliance-control of manure management planning could be conducted by accredited private certifiers; (iii) policy should focus on incentivizing inter-farmers interaction (e.g. farmers' mobility, training, knowledge-exchange, and engagement in multi-stakeholders collaboration) via financial or non-pecuniary compensation; (iv) collective incentives could help better coordinate conservation efforts at the landscape or (sub-)watershed scale; (v) all relevant stakeholders (including farmers) should be concerted and included in the discussion, proposition, co-design and decision process of policy, in order to take their respective interests and responsibilities into account.

Analysis of Socio-economic Impacts of COVID-19 on Agricultural Practices Using Stepwise Regression

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted rural farming communities, revealing significant shifts in economic factors, production methods, and farm management practices. This study, conducted in Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka, delves into the socio-economic ramifications of the pandemic on agricultural practices and the livelihoods of farmers. Utilizing a stepwise regression analysis approach, the research identifies influential variables such as changes in farm management, production, and health and sanitation facilities. Data were collected from 50 respondents during the pandemic's peak, employing statistical measures like mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation for comprehensive analysis. The findings underscore the intricate relationships between various factors affecting rural livelihoods and highlight the need for targeted interventions and policy measures. The study emphasizes the critical need for tailored policy interventions to address the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 on agricultural practices. Specifically, policy recommendations include enhancing access to agricultural extension services, promoting digital agricultural solutions, investing in healthcare infrastructure, supporting economic diversification, and strengthening social protection mechanisms. By aligning policy interventions with the findings and indicators observed in the research, policymakers can effectively support rural farming communities in navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic and building resilience for the future.

The Sustainable Management of Gayo Coffee Cultivation in Rikit Musara Village, Meriah District, Indonesia

Objective: This study aims to investigate how sustainable management of Gayo coffee is managed by farmers in Rikit Musara Village. Method: This study applied a case study design to investigate the management of Gayo coffee cultivation in Rikit Musara Village, Aceh. The research focused on management, challenges faced, and opportunities for improvement. Data was collected by interviewing several informants who directly influenced Gayo coffee cultivation. Documentation on cooperative relations between related institutions is also carried out to see how related parties work together to cultivate Gayo Coffee. Results and Discussion: The management of Gayo coffee cultivation in this village has yet to be effective. Several problems were found in the failure to carry out institutional tasks properly, inadequate farmer resources, inadequate government budget allocations, and misaligned visions between farmers and the Department of Agriculture. Institutions that have been formed in different domains already exist. However, management between parties related to Gayo Coffee cultivation, namely farmer institutions, Gayo Coffee farmers, and DPKBM, must still be well established. Research Implications: There is a need for policy interventions to improve the management of Gayo coffee cultivation. This could include advocating for increased government budget allocations, better coordination between institutions, and the establishment of clearer institutional tasks. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by providing practical recommendations for improving the management of Gayo coffee cultivation in the village. These recommendations can inform policy interventions, capacity-building efforts, and partnership development strategies aimed at enhancing the sustainability of Gayo coffee cultivation in the village and similar contexts.

Exploring the impacts of ecommerce activities on the spatial resilience of warehouse clubs: the role of retail agglomeration

PurposeAs ecommerce becomes more prevalent, traditional brick-and-mortar retailers such as warehouse clubs (WCs) face the challenging task of maintaining and growing their customer base. This study aims to unravel the combined impact of retail agglomeration and ecommerce activities on consumer foot traffic (also referred to as “footprint”) at WC stores, placing an emphasis on the locational strategies adopted by WCs in this evolving retail landscape.Design/methodology/approachMobile-based customer foot traffic data for Costco, a major U.S. WC chain, is sourced for our analysis. We use Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify dimensions of general merchandise (GM) and narrow-range merchandise (NM) retail agglomeration. Two-stage least squares (2SLS) regressions are used to explore how the intensity of ecommerce activities and WC locational choices within retail agglomerations impact WC foot traffic.FindingsOur analysis highlights a notable decline in WC store visits attributable to both GM and NM ecommerce activities, with GM ecommerce presenting a more significant competitive challenge to WCs. Regarding retail agglomerations, proximity to GM clusters that include a diverse range of supercenters, department stores, and club stores, is associated with an increase in WC customer visits within their vicinity. In contrast, the influence of NM agglomerations is mixed; clusters adjacent to grocery stores lead to higher WC customer traffic compared to those focused on other specialized stores. These findings underscore the strategic importance of location in mitigating the adverse effects of ecommerce competition. Additionally, our study uncovers intricate dynamics between GM and NM retail clusters and ecommerce activities, demonstrating varied impacts on WC customer footprint.Research limitations/implicationsAccess to customer footprint data illustrates the potential of this data source for retail decision making and researchers. Our analysis is limited to one chain, notably Costco.Practical implicationsOur findings underscore the need for retailers to adeptly navigate the evolving retail landscape, including the confluence between physical and digital retail environments, to secure future success. In particular, our results emphasize the benefits of locating stores within mixed retail agglomerations and underline the need to consider the broader retail landscape in location decisions.Social implicationsThe rise of ecommerce in the U.S. has reshaped consumer behavior and altered local shopping districts’ communal dynamics. This change may spur policy interventions to help physical stores compete with online retailers, emphasizing the importance of retail diversity and community-centric environments to sustain communal retail interactions amidst digital advancements.Originality/valueThe paper makes use of a unique dataset to provide a first assessment of the combined effects of retail agglomeration and ecommerce activities on consumer foot traffic for WC retailers. Thus, this paper provides insights into the impacts on consumer shopping behavior from the dynamic interactions between physical retail clusters and online shopping behaviors.

The Impact of Physical, Financial, and Psychological Factors on Elderly Life Satisfaction

This study aims to enhance the life satisfaction of the elderly population in South Korea by exploring their satisfaction levels and identifying influencing factors. Utilizing data from the 17th Korean Welfare Panel, which includes 6,260 individuals aged 65 and older, this study employs independent sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and hierarchical regression analysis. The results showed that, in general, the life satisfaction of the elderly population was somewhat lower than that of the general adult population in all areas, except for job satisfaction and satisfaction with housing. Key factors influencing life satisfaction among the elderly population include demographic characteristics (gender, age, economic activity, residence, education level), subjective health status factors, financial factors (disposable income, monthly living expenses), and psychological factors (depression, self-esteem). Notably, psychological factors, particularly self-esteem and depression, profoundly affect all life satisfaction domains. Enhancing life satisfaction necessitates fostering positive self-perception and capabilities in the elderly population, suggesting the need for programs focused on positive emotional experiences. Moreover, depression significantly reduces life satisfaction, underscoring the importance of policy interventions to address negative emotions in this demographic. This study is expected to provide basic data for establishing concrete and effective policies for improving the quality of life for the elderly population. Additionally, by highlighting the importance of positive psychological factors, it is anticipated that the study will offer a new direction for improving the life satisfaction of the elderly population.

Advancing Evidence-Based Public Health Policy: How Core Component Thinking Can Illuminate the Multilevel Nature of Public Health Policy.

A growing body of literature uses the concept of core components to better understand small-scale programmatic interventions. Instead of interventions being viewed as unitary "black boxes," interventions are viewed as configurations of core components, which are the parts of interventions that carry their causal potential and therefore need to be reproduced with fidelity to produce the intended effect. To date, the concept of core components has not been as widely applied to public health policy interventions as it has to programmatic interventions. The purpose of this topical review is to familiarize public health practitioners and policy makers with the concept of core components as applied to public health policy interventions. Raising the profile of core component thinking can foster mindful adaptation and implementation of public health policy interventions while encouraging further research to enhance the supporting evidence base. We present 3 types of multilevel interactions in which the core components of a public health policy intervention produce effects at the population level by (1) seeking to directly affect individual behavior, (2) facilitating adoption of programmatic interventions by intermediaries, and (3) encouraging intermediaries to take action that can shape changes in upstream drivers of population health. Changing the unit of analysis from whole policies to core components can provide a basis for understanding how policies work and for facilitating novel evidence-generating strategies and rapid evidence reviews that can inform future adaptation efforts.

Financial Development and Its Effect on Inclusive Growth in Kenya 2000 – 2022

Purpose: In the past decade, Kenya’s economy registered an average real GDP growth rate of 4.63 percent. Despite this growth, many people have been locked out of social and economic opportunities, with 19.1 percent of the Kenyan population living in poverty. This has intensified the need for inclusive growth, a growth model that promotes shared prosperity. Several studies have shown that financial systems that function well play a great role in the economy through the provision of key financial services that drive growth. However, there is a lack of substantial inquiry into financial development and inclusive growth in Kenya. This study sought to examine this relationship for the period 2000-2022. Methodology: The study employed a causal research design and used time series data that was collected from various databases. The level of inclusiveness in Kenya was analyzed using an inclusiveness matrix. An inclusive growth index was constructed, which was then used to empirically test the effect of financial development on inclusive growth. The data was presented in tables and figures. Findings: The inclusiveness matrix shows that despite positive economic growth rates, there is a low rate of equity growth, which shows that Kenya has a low level of inclusivity. The empirical results show that bank deposits and private-sector credit have a positive and statistically significant effect on inclusive growth. A 1% increase in bank deposits leads to a 0.074% increase in inclusive growth. When private-sector credit increases by 1%, inclusive growth expands by 0.070%. Bank return on assets has a positive but insignificant effect on inclusive growth. The study confirms that financial depth and access to financial services are the most conducive to inclusive growth in Kenya. Other determinants of inclusive growth include initial income, human capital development and macroeconomic stability. The overall findings suggest that financial development can be used to create economic opportunities for poor people in Kenya, thus reducing income disparities. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study has contributed to the ongoing conversation on inclusive growth, specifically on its measurement. The empirical results on the finance-inclusiveness nexus provide evidence-based policy interventions that can help in reducing income disparities and enhancing shared prosperity. The findings imply that policymakers and practitioners need to focus their attention on promoting financial access and financial depth in marginalized regions to create a significant impact on inclusive growth in Kenya.