Policy Strategies Research Articles

Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Age: A Case Study of Private University Libraries in Bangalore

The digitalization of library materials is now a widespread worldwide trend and a novel method for managing library collections, particularly in academic libraries. The paper explores many factors driving digitalization and provides insights into the process and criteria for selecting digitalization initiatives. Additionally, it addresses the many concerns and obstacles associated with the digitization process in academic libraries, including legal considerations and financial matters. This research investigates the evolving aspects of electronic resources and existing procedures related to their acquisition, selection, procurement methods, promotion, development policy, challenges, and future strategies. Additionally, it emphasizes the techniques used to obtain resources and the strategy for preservation. It also acknowledges the obstacles that hinder the digitization of academic libraries. Lastly, it concludes by stating that despite the challenges, in order to execute digitalization in a regulated and controllable way, information workers and librarians need to have both the practical abilities and the vision.

US Bipartisan Consensus on China: The Making and the Implementation

According to the most experts, there is a bipartisan consensus in the United States regarding China: both parties recognize that China poses an existential threat to the United States, its economy, socio-political structure and the role as a global leader. This core conceptual consent represents a clear contrast with the endless battles between Democrats and Republicans in the domestic political arena, blocking any legislative initiatives and the development of a unified sociopolitical agenda for the country. This rare unity has made many observers to claim the emergence of a new external enemy, in the face of which America will be able to overcome its identical crisis and to come back to national unity. The political elite also actively uses the image of the enemy, calling on the Nation for unity. This article is aimed to understand what lies behind political slogans and the bipartisan concept of confronting China. The study is based on the analysis of several sources that make it possible to judge the attitude towards China in the United States along party lines, specific to each level of the party-political system party platforms at the federal level, legislative initiatives at the state and city levels, public opinion polls at the level of the society. The research hypothesis is that Democrats and Republicans, who agree on the conceptual vision of the Chinese threat, offer different ways to counter it. The difference in methods of struggle stems from different ideological and value models that manifest themselves in the implementation of both the socioeconomic agenda within the country and foreign policy strategies in the international arena. The unity of the parties ends exactly by the developing of a conceptual framework for confrontation with the opponent. The implementation of specific steps of the anti-Chinese agenda at the state and city levels is taking place in accordance with the ideological and political guidelines of each party, and the public attitude towards the Chinese threat demonstrates a clear split along party lines. The conceptual positioning of a new external enemy instead of unification brought to the United States anti-Chinese hysteria among conservative politicians at the state level, which was realized in the adoption of discriminatory laws in Republican states against Chinese citizens and a new wave of anti-Chinese sentiment in society, manifested in outbreaks of violence against Asian minorities.

Impacts and threshold effects of urban–rural integration on the transition of arable land use functions

This study examines the impact of urban–rural integration (URI) on the transition of arable land use functions (TALUF), providing both theoretical and empirical insights into how URI can promote TALUF. Utilizing panel data from 41 cities in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) from 2003 to 2022, this research employs the entropy method, Durbin model, and spatial threshold model to assess the levels of URI and TALUF in the region and examine the direct impact, spatial spillover effects, and threshold effects of URI on TALUF. The findings are: (1) During the study period, both TALUF and URI levels in the YRD showed continuous improvement, although significant spatial imbalances persisted, with regional differentiation gradually diminishing. (2) URI exerts a significant inhibitory effect on TALUF and produces a negative spatial spillover effect. (3) URI exerts a single threshold effect on TALUF: below the economic development threshold of 0.733, URI and its spatial term inhibit TALUF, whereas above this threshold, they promote it. Consequently, fostering high-quality regional economic development, enhancing intercity cooperation, driving agricultural technological innovation, and increasing agricultural input intensity are essential strategies for arable land use policies in the context of URI.

IMPLEMENTATION OF PEDAGOGICAL MEANS OF DIFFERENTIATION AND INDIVIDUALIZATION AS A BASIC CONDITION FOR AN INCLUSIVE APPROACH IN TEACHING HETEROGENEOUS COLLECTIVES IN PRIMARY EDUCATION

The research focuses on the current trend of increasing the quality of education, which brings with it increased demands on teacher competences in the implementation of differentiated instruction for primary students from the very beginning of schooling. The key subject of the research investigation is the inclusive concept of differentiated instruction, which represents a complex modification of the educational content, process, product and evaluation of the educational process. According to the Strategies of Educational Policy of the Czech Republic until 2030+, ensuring comparable and high-quality teaching in primary schools by introducing internal differentiation and individualization is a key strategy for improving the quality of teaching of heterogeneous collectives. However, teachers are not sufficiently prepared for this reality and there is very little relevant literature. Using a qualitative research design that includes participant observation and semi-structured interviews with seven teachers from three regions of the Czech Republic, this paper seeks to systematically map the implementation of these pedagogical strategies in the years 2021-2023 with first and second year primary students in the subjects of Czech language and mathematics. A multi-case study of seven teachers presents a longitudinal study of the implementation of differentiated teaching strategies with a focus on its inclusive concept, which is reflected in all components of the educational process. This dissertation highlights the urgent need for further research in this critically important area, especially in light of the lack of exploration of pedagogical means of differentiation and individualization in the Czech research field.

China's Neoliberal Authoritarian Social Policy

ABSTRACT: China is commonly regarded as a successful alternative to neoliberal economic policy and development strategy. But China's social policies, which were adopted at a pivotal global moment of postsocialist transition in the 1990s, bear significant traits one would associate with neoliberal economic policy. This article uses the case of old age pensions to support this claim. Pension reforms of the early 2000s transferred unprecedented costs and risks to Chinese households under a new social insurance scheme. Twenty years later, the inherent flaws in financing healthcare and pensions through employer-financed and individualized social insurance have become apparent. The concluding section discusses Xi Jinping's dominance of Chinese politics and the risks and economic insecurities that have afflicted Chinese society under these neoliberal social policies.

Does COVID-19 Related Lockdown Restrictions Impact People With Musculoskeletal Disorders? A Systematic Review.

As a result of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related lockdown restrictions, people with musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders could be at increased risk of physical and psychological disabilities. This review aimed to summarise the impact of COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions on people with MSK disorders. Six electronic databases were searched for studies in the English language published until June 10, 2024. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses to identify, select, and critically appraise relevant research. Two reviewers independently abstracted data from the included studies. Data were summarised using narrative synthesis, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for quality assessment. The search strategy identified 637 articles, 129 of which were removed as duplicates. Fifteen studies that met the inclusion criteria were analysed. The sample size the studies reviewed ranged from 40 to 1800. Having MSK disorders during COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions led to increased risk of pain, stress, depression, anxiety, MSK related injuries, decreased quality of life and increased use of emergency department. This is the first study to report that COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions led to increased risk of pain, MSK injuries and healthcare resource utilisation as well as decreased quality of life among patients with MSK disorders. These results may help inform policy and management strategies in future for people with MSK disorders to mitigate the negative impact of pandemic.

“Crisis situations of the recovery period” represent a feature of the legal regulation of the transition from the wartime period to the provision of military security during the wartime period

One of the postulates of systems theory is the tendency of any system to seek a stable state and avoid chaos. Stability is associated with overcoming crises, which are considered obstacles to development. Crises can serve various functions: destructive, threatening the viability of the system; destructive, leading to further development; and crises that are merely disruptions of equilibrium. In the context of transitioning from repelling armed aggression to ensuring military security in the post-war period, it is appropriate to describe the crisis phenomena and situations of the recovery period, which encompass the real crises of the recovery period. Special attention should be paid to the classification of crises, modeling their development, establishing crisis communications and decision- making in crisis conditions, developing state policy and crisis response strategies, as well as devising methods for crisis prevention. Situation centers play a key role in forecasting the security situation, preparing stabilization operations, and coordinating the actions of various security and defense structures. Their tasks include conveying decisions to personnel and the local population, organizing management and interaction, informing about the development of events, and controlling the execution of decisions. The centers also collect and analyze operational information for timely response to crisis situations. In legal science, the concept of a “crisis of the recovery period” is not widespread, but it may be useful for describing emergencies in the post-war period. The definition of such crises should consider the specific impacts of hazardous factors on national interests. The modern concept of national security of Ukraine envisages the integration of various security sectors, including economic, political, social, and legal aspects. According to legislation, the national security system in the recovery period should be an organized set of entities united by common goals and tasks regarding the protection of national interests. These entities participate in military-civil relations, coordinate their actions, and develop crisis response strategies.

THE DIGITAL ENTERPRISE LANDSCAP: HOW DESI METRICS SHAPE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE EU

The European Union’s (EU) economic growth is increasingly driven by digitalization across all areas, including the digital transformation of businesses. This paper explores how the digital transformation of enterprises could influence economic growth in the EU by analyzing data from the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) and economic metrics from Eurostat for the post-pandemic period (2021-2022). This paper uses econometric techniques like Panel Corrected Standard Errors (PCSEs) and Robust Regression with Huber Iteration (RRHI) to investigate the cause-and-effect relationships between digitalization and economic factors such as GDP growth rate and real GDP per capita growth. The results show that different digital strategies have varying effects on economic performance. The paper also emphasizes the critical role of real labor productivity in connecting digital transformation with economic performance. The implications of this paper highlight the need for nuanced policy strategies that foster digital skills, improve technological infrastructure and support the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in their digitalization efforts in order to achieve the ambitious objectives of the EUs Digital Decade. The results also propose a strategic focus on specific technologies that offer immediate economic advantages and enable a stronger incorporation of digital progress across various business operations in the member states.

Economic and Governance Dimensions of ESG Performance: A Comparative Study in the Developing and European Countries

ABSTRACT: This research delves into the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics on economic practices, focusing on a comparative analysis between developing countries and Europe from 1960 to 2021. It explores how ESG metrics, once peripheral in economic analyses, have become pivotal in shaping economies and societies globally. The study highlights the emerging importance of ESG in understanding economic resilience, societal well-being, and investment priorities, especially in the context of a globalized landscape. Employing a robust mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative and qualitative analyses to examine ESG metrics’ evolving role. Utilizing World Bank data, it encompasses a comprehensive review of 239 regions and nations over a span of six decades. The quantitative component includes descriptive and time series analyses, alongside correlation and regression techniques. Complementing this, a qualitative cultural and economic synthesis provides deeper insight into the data, positioning ESG criteria at the crossroads of financial imperatives, societal obligations, and cultural dynamics. The study uncovers significant correlations between higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) levels and advanced ESG practices in Europe, indicative of societal values that emphasize sustainability. It reveals varying ESG performances across Western and Eastern European countries compared to developing nations, influenced by distinct cultural economies. The research highlights how regional geopolitical events, cultural norms, and values have shaped diverse trajectories in ESG metrics’ evolution. These findings offer nuanced insights into the complex influences of ESG metrics across different economic, sociopolitical, and cultural landscapes. The study’s outcomes are vital for policymakers and investors, unveiling the intricate nuances and implications of ESG trends. It underscores the need for nuanced policy strategies that consider the unique cultural and economic backgrounds of regions, particularly in developing countries. The research advocates for a cultural-economic perspective in sustainable development, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between society, culture, and economy. The findings suggest that embracing diverse ESG applications can lead to more effective and culturally sensitive approaches to economic development and governance. Conclusively, this research offers a comprehensive cultural-economic perspective on the role of ESG metrics in shaping sustainable development. It serves as a foundational analysis for future studies and policy formulations, aiming to enhance the understanding and application of ESG criteria in diverse economic and cultural settings.

Artificial intelligence and social accountability in the Canadian health care landscape: A rapid literature review.

Situated within a larger project entitled "Exploring the Need for a Uniquely Different Approach in Northern Ontario: A Study of Socially Accountable Artificial Intelligence," this rapid review provides a broad look into how social accountability as an equity-oriented health policy strategy is guiding artificial intelligence (AI) across the Canadian health care landscape, particularly for marginalized regions and populations. This review synthesizes existing literature to answer the question: How is AI present and impacted by social accountability across the health care landscape in Canada? A multidisciplinary expert panel with experience in diverse health care roles and computer sciences was assembled from multiple institutions in Northern Ontario to guide the study design and research team. A search strategy was developed that broadly reflected the concepts of social accountability, AI and health care in Canada. EMBASE and Medline databases were searched for articles, which were reviewed for inclusion by 2 independent reviewers. Search results, a description of the studies, and a thematic analysis of the included studies were reported as the primary outcome. The search strategy yielded 679 articles of which 36 relevant studies were included. There were no studies identified that were guided by a comprehensive, equity-oriented social accountability strategy. Three major themes emerged from the thematic analysis: (1) designing equity into AI; (2) policies and regulations for AI; and (3) the inclusion of community voices in the implementation of AI in health care. Across the 3 main themes, equity, marginalized populations, and the need for community and partner engagement were frequently referenced, which are key concepts of a social accountability strategy. The findings suggest that unless there is a course correction, AI in the Canadian health care landscape will worsen the digital divide and health inequity. Social accountability as an equity-oriented strategy for AI could catalyze many of the changes required to prevent a worsening of the digital divide caused by the AI revolution in health care in Canada and should raise concerns for other global contexts.

BENELUX COUNTRIES’ SECURITY STRATEGIES: BETWEEN EUROPEANISM AND ATLANTICISM

In the article, transformation of the foreign policy and security strategies of the Benelux countries – Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg – is analyzed against the exacerbating conflict in Ukraine. Using the comparative historical method, we outline the evolution of strategic trends of Europeanism – seeking deeper integration within the European institutional framework – and Atlanticism – pursuing a general strategic orientation towards the United States – in the three countries. As smaller-sized countries, they initially combined Europeanism and «moderate» Atlanticism, which left them some space for foreign policy maneuver. Since the 1990s, the Dutch foreign policy more closely follows the Atlanticist paradigm, while those of Belgium and Luxembourg are characterized more by Europeanism. The analysis of the EU strategic autonomy debate as a case study has shown that Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg seek the greatest possible economic benefits from the autonomy initiatives. Besides, the balance between the strategic trends remains; Belgium and Luxembourg positively view deeper EU defense cooperation, while the Netherlands mostly sees security guarantees in Euro-Atlantic cooperation. The current state in European security has thus not fundamentally changed the Benelux countries’ approaches to balancing Europeanism and Atlanticism that have been characteristic for them since the 1990s. Besides, for Belgium, support for deeper integration has become a key identity feature, while the Netherlands relies on special relations with the United States and ad hoc coalitions in the EU; Luxembourg’s foreign policy can be described to follow a free rider strategy.

Development of the green policy strategies of enterprises: а decent work

This research examines the symbiotic relationship between the creation of green jobs within enterprises, economic growth, and the consequential reduction in CO2 emissions. It delves into the multifaceted advantages derived from integrating sustainable employment practices within businesses, emphasising their substantial contribution to fostering economic prosperity while concurrently mitigating adverse CO2 emissions. The main goals of this article are as follows: to study the experience of developed countries regarding the costs of their sustainable development strategies and the effects that have been achieved; generalise the main tools for ensuring decent work on the example of large companies, evaluate the relationship between reducing nitrogen dioxide emissions and providing green jobs. A comparison of financial instruments for maintaining green workplaces at enterprises in developed countries (USA, Norway, China, Germany, Sweden, and Poland) has been made. CO2 emissions reduction strategies, expenditure, funding, financing, and green jobs by countries have been analyzed. By investing in green initiatives and restructuring operational frameworks to prioritise sustainability, enterprises actively mitigate their carbon footprint, ultimately contributing to a greener and more environmentally conscious business landscape. This comprehensive study explores recent advancements in green job creation and renewable energy development in different countries of the world. The strategies of reducing CO₂ emissions by such companies as IKEA, Google, Unilever, and Tesla show not only positively impact the environment but can also be profitable for their businesses and guarantee decent work for their employees.

TRANSFORMATION OF THE EU FOREIGN ECONOMIC POLICY IN THE CONTEMPORARY SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE

The study of the EU’s foreign economic policy is one of the key topics in the modern scientific literature due to the EU’s significant influence on the global economic processes. This article analyzes evolution of the relevant research by Russian and foreign authors, including both modern works and publications of the early 2010s, when this topic began to gain relevance in the context of studying international trade relations. Special attention is paid to the issue of transformation of the EU Commission’s foreign economic policy formulation due to the implementation of the 2021 trade policy strategy, aimed at ensuring «strategic autonomy» of the Union. This article reviews existing discussions regarding the definition of this concept, as well as regarding its main instruments. In conclusion, the author identifies key gaps in respective scientific knowledge and presents directions for further study. It is proposed to investigate the ongoing changes using a paradigmatic research method that is based on the 1993 theory by Peter Hall. A deeper understanding of the EU's trade policy changes will allow Russia to more effectively adapt its behavior in the international arena, as well as its interaction with the other global players.

Development of an Active Transportation Framework Model for Sustainable Urban Development

Active transportation, with simple mobility modes such as walking and cycling, could be pivotal in addressing multiple sustainability challenges related to socio-economic, environmental, and public health issues. This paper investigates the facilitators for active transportation and assesses its impact on health, well-being, and urban sustainability. As a result, a multidimensional conceptual framework is developed to analyze the determinants influencing individuals’ propensity to engage in active transportation and thereby lead to a sustainable, high-quality way of life. Through an extensive review of the relevant literature, key elements for active transportation, accessibility, and social inclusion are identified, and their potential impact on urban health and sustainability is investigated. Findings suggest that interrelationships between factors such as enhanced infrastructure, safety measures, and improved urban accessibility would significantly encourage active transportation usage. The proposed framework argues for a positive association between active transportation and improved health outcomes, contributing to sustainable urban environments. Furthermore, it is advocated that changing attitudes and mindsets could be achieved by urban planning and policy reforms supporting active transportation, as well as by effectively communicating the multiple benefits for individuals, the economy, and society at large. Comprehensive policy strategies, which include improvements in urban design and increased public awareness of the benefits of active transportation, could establish a paradigm shift for promoting a higher quality of life through a healthy, active, and sustainable urban lifestyle.

Analyzing Foreign Policy: the Dynamics of U.S., Türkiye, and Israel's Engagement in Syria

This paper examines the foreign policy strategies and motivations of the United States, Turkey, and Israel in relation to Syria, providing a nuanced comprehension of the intricate geopolitical landscape. The research employs a qualitative-descriptive methodology to analyze the strategic objectives and actions of these nations, relying on secondary data from scholastic articles and reports. The analysis encompasses the Syrian conflict from 2011 to the present, emphasizing critical variables including national security interests, geopolitical ambitions, and humanitarian considerations. Significant implications for international relations and regional stability are revealed by the findings, which indicate that policy objectives are distinct yet overlapping.

Predictors of the willingness to accept a free COVID-19 vaccine among households in Nigeria

BackgroundTo inform vaccination policy and programmatic strategies to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake, an understanding of the factors associated with the willingness to vaccinate is needed. MethodsWe analyzed data collected from the sixth and tenth round of the Nigerian COVID-19 National Longitudinal Phone Survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics and the World Bank in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Exploratory data analysis and feature selection techniques were used to identify important variables. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to assess the association between socio-demographic and economic factors and the willingness to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine among Nigerian households at two different time points before vaccines became widely available. ResultsData from 1,733 and 1,651 Nigerian households who completed the sixth and tenth round of the survey, respectively, were included. Most respondents (>85% of households) were willing to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine from both survey rounds. The median household size was 6 (IQR: [4, 8]) with females heading about 18% of the households. Approximately 22% of the household heads had not received any formal education. Compared to households whose head had no education, households whose heads had completed tertiary education or higher had significantly lower odds of willingness to be vaccinated (ORround 6: 0.46, 95% CI: [0.31, 0.68], ORround 10: 0.49, 95% CI: [0.34, 0.71]). An increasing proportion of male household members was associated with greater willingness to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine (ORround 6: 1.84, 95% CI: [1.01, 3.33], ORround 10: 5.25, 95% CI: [2.86, 9.65]). Significant associations with vaccine willingness were also observed across geopolitical zones of residence with households in South-East Nigeria (ORround 6: 0.16, 95% CI: [0.10, 0.24]; ORround 10: 0.29, 95% CI: [0.19, 0.43]) and South-South Nigeria (ORround 6: 0.57, 95% CI: [0.36, 0.90], ORround 10: 0.32, 95% CI: [0.22, 0.48]) less likely to be willing to receive a free vaccine compared to households in North-Central Nigeria. ConclusionThese findings from two different time points before vaccine roll-out suggest that the educational level of household head, proportion of male household members, and the geopolitical zone of residence are important baseline predictors of the willingness to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria. These factors should be carefully considered and specifically targeted when designing public health programs to inform early-stage strategies that address underlying vaccine hesitancy, improve vaccine uptake, promote ongoing COVID-19 vaccination efforts, and potentially enhance other immunization programs in Nigeria.

Implementing genomic medicine in New Zealand

ABSTRACT Genomic sequencing is a transformative technology, and its integration and implementation in the practice of medicine requires systemwide change. Genomic technology is already influencing many areas of medicine: rare disease, reproductive health, cancer, pharmacogenetics and infectious disease. Ensuring genomic tests are available and are adopted in an effective and efficient way requires forethought and simultaneous change across multiple areas of health. Beyond the technical requirements of sequencing and bioinformatics capacity, planning will need to address data integration and interpretation, workforce capacity and capability, public acceptability, government engagement and ethical and legislative issues. To ensure all these considerations are managed, many states or nations have developed policy frameworks or strategies. Implementation science enables us to understand the factors that support adoption of new technologies. The lessons learnt from other jurisdictions who have implemented genomic medicine programmes clearly support the need for a coordinated whole of systems approach. New Zealand should heed these lessons. New Zealand needs a genomic medicine strategy.

The extraordinary events as an environment for the development and implementation of the monetary policy of the National Bank of Ukraine

The paper establishes that the extraordinary events represented by the pandemic and martial law over the past five years have become powerful catalysts for changes in the banking business. It is shown that maintaining the financial stability and defense capability of the country in the conditions of martial law are the main tasks of the NBU. It was established that due to the consistent and predictable position of the NBU, balanced monetary and regulatory policy, it was possible to ensure the stability of the financial system of Ukraine even in the difficult conditions of martial law. It has been proven that the introduction of restrictive measures is a necessary step to ensure the stability and security of the financial system of Ukraine in conditions of extraordinary events. It is shown that the banking system of Ukraine demonstrates the ability to function effectively, even in the extraordinary conditions of war, thanks to a high level of liquidity, sufficient capital and the ability to generate income. The main stages of monitoring the Monetary Policy Strategy of the NBU are proposed. It is shown that its main principles in the conditions of martial law are: preservation of the stability of the financial system and liquidity of banks; development and implementation of a monetary strategy that takes into account the peculiarities of the martial law; financial support to banks and the economy; restrictions and control on the foreign exchange market; readiness to take emergency measures; effective communication with the public and business community. Recommendations for improving the monetary policy have been developed, aimed at increasing its efficiency and flexibility, ensuring the stability of the financial system and supporting the economy in the conditions of martial law. It has been proven that a set of measures for analyzing and evaluating the effectiveness of monetary instruments, implementing changes to improve efficiency, revising target inflation indicators, analyzing the situation on the foreign exchange market, strengthening the communication strategy, conducting stress tests, coordinating with other branches of government, creating reserves and flexible mechanisms will make it possible to minimize the negative consequences of martial law and contribute to the faster recovery of Ukraine’s economy.

The spatial effects of innovation agglomeration on air quality in China: from the perspective of industrial development

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the impact of innovation agglomeration on air pollution and industrial transformation within the context of China’s green development transition. We developed a general equilibrium model to theoretically explore these effects and employed an econometric analysis using panel data from 284 prefecture-level cities in China between 2005 and 2019 to empirically validate our findings. The main results are as follows: (1) Innovation agglomeration can significantly improve air quality, with a strong spatial spillover effect. (2) Innovation agglomeration can significantly promote transformation and upgrading of industrial structure, and it may also lead to the convergence of some industrial structures. Moreover, industrial structure transformation and upgrading partially mediates the relationship between innovation agglomeration and air pollution. (3) There is a nonlinear relationship between innovation agglomeration and air pollution. As industrial complementarity is developed, the effect of innovation agglomeration on air pollution enhances. These findings suggest that fostering innovation clusters and encouraging industrial diversification are key policy strategies for achieving sustainable urban development and improving environmental outcomes.

Association Between Self-Direction and Personal Care Aide Wages.

The supply of personal care aides (PCAs), who assist people receiving home care, is a growing concern. PCA shortages result, in part, from the low wages earned by these workers. State policies have had some effect on wages. Self-direction (SD) may be associated with wages because SD allows home care recipients to hire and manage workers, including setting wages in most states. We used wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to examine the association between SD and the wages of PCAs. We found implementation of SD did not have a consistent association with PCA wages, with wages improving in some states and worsening in others. We also found little difference in PCA wages between states that allow participants to set worker wages and those that do not. SD does not seem to improve PCA wages in states, so other policy strategies will be needed.