Policy Suggestions Research Articles

Assessing the impact of three emission (3E) parameters on environmental quality in Canada: A provincial data analysis using the quantiles via moments approach

ABSTRACT Existing studies rarely examine the simultaneous effects of three emitting indicators (3E) – full emitting non-renewable, non-emitting renewable, and low-emitting nuclear - on three specific greenhouse gases: CO2, CH4, and N2O. We investigate the impact of three energy types on environmental quality, using Canadian data from 1990-2022. It incorporates macroeconomic policies, economic uncertainty, geopolitical risks, and eco-innovation, and employs the quantiles via moments method to explore the evolving relationships among these factors, considering provincial variances. Findings reveal that non-renewable energy sources deteriorate environmental quality by increasing CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions across all quantiles (from q.5 to q.95), while renewable and nuclear energies, along with eco-innovation initiatives, have a beneficial effect by reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all quantiles. Economic policy uncertainty is a contributing factor to greenhouse gas emissions across all quantiles, whereas geopolitical risks primarily impact the middle to upper quantiles (from q.50 to q.95). To counteract the lack of cross-sectional dependence in the quantiles via moments methodology, this paper employs Driscoll and Kraay’s standard errors approach to fortify its findings’ reliability. It concludes with policy suggestions promoting renewable energy and eco-innovation through increased investment, vibrant long-term policies, provincial collaboration, and adoption of green technologies.

Impact of the Extent of Population Aging on Economic Development and Countermeasure

With the comprehensive prosperity and development of human society, human life expectancy shows a rising trend, fertility rate shows a declining trend, the world is facing a severe problem of population aging, the ensuing economic impact is the focus we need to pay attention to. Taking various countries and regions in the world from 1960 to 2019 as samples, this paper conducted an empirical test on transnational panel data and found that old age dependency would significantly hinder economic growth. The conclusion remained valid after the robustness test of replacing explanatory variables, instrumental variable method and changing sample interval. Further study found that old-age dependency ratio will also significantly reduce consumption expenditure. Based on this, this paper gets inspiration and puts forward corresponding policy suggestions to mitigate the adverse impact of population aging on China's social and economic development.

Regional energy consumption policy practice to promote low-carbon economy

IntroductionEnergy is the fundamental driving force for world economic and social development. However, the growth of carbon dioxide emissions and increasing environmental challenges are becoming increasingly problematic, limiting the pace of economic development.MethodsTo optimize the energy consumption structure and promote the development of low-carbon economy, this study took Shaanxi Province as an example to analyze the impact of low-carbon economy policy variables on the energy consumption structure dominated by coal. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of policy variables on the evolution of energy consumption structure by constructing a system dynamics model. In addition, this study will explore policy optimization issues.ResultsThe error of simulation results was within ±10%. The consumption of non-fossil energy increased from 2,196,400 tons of standard coal in 2009 to 22.578 million tons in 2030, which is in line with the development trend. Under these four policy combinations, the share of coal will fall to 57.8 percent by 2030. In addition, the share of non-fossil energy sources will increase to 21 percent and the share of natural gas will reach 16 percent.DiscussionThe policy suggestions put forward in this paper are of great significance to the optimization of energy structure led by coal. The model constructed can be effectively applied to practical policy simulation and adjustment, and can provide reference for the development of low-carbon economic policies in other regions.

Research on the Impact of the Digital Transformation of Commercial Banks

The development of the digital economy has presented both opportunities and challenges for the transformation of commercial banks. This article aims to conduct a literature review on the impact of digital transformation on commercial banks and to explore the multi-dimensional effects it brings. Through a review and analysis of relevant domestic and international literature, this paper first defines the connotation of digital transformation in commercial banks. It then conducts a literature analysis and research on the strategic governance, business performance, and risk management aspects of the digital transformation of commercial banks from multiple perspectives. Based on the analysis of the existing literature, the paper explores directions for future in-depth research and offers corresponding policy suggestions, providing a theoretical and practical foundation for the future digital development of commercial banks.

Unpacking the Effects of Decriminalization: Understanding Drug Use Experiences and Risks among Individuals Who Use Drugs in British Columbia

ObjectivesOn January 31, 2023, a three-year exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act was granted to the Canadian province British Columbia (BC), allowing the cumulative possession of 2.5 g of specific unregulated drugs amongst adults. The goals of the policy are to reduce health, social, and economic harms associated with criminalization, stigma, drug overdose deaths, as well as drug seizures, arrests, and associated enforcement and court costs. As the inaugural year has passed, we aimed to assess people who use drugs’ awareness and knowledge of the, as well as the policy’s impact on their drug use patterns and overdose risk.MethodsWe conducted 100 telephone-based semi-structured interviews with people who use drugs from across BC, exploring changes in drug use experiences and perceived overdose risk since the implementation of the policy. Participants also completed an interviewer-administered survey assessing socio-demographics and substance use patterns. We utilized a qualitative content analysis approach to analyze the interview data.ResultsOur findings indicate a general awareness of the policy among participants, although some policy details were often misunderstood, and participants expressed the need for more widespread dissemination of policy information. While the majority of participants reported that their drug use patterns remained unchanged after decriminalization, some made subtle adjustments, such as carrying under the 2.5 g threshold to minimize the risk of criminalization. Participants highlighted several policy benefits and concerns, including its potential to reduce criminalization and stigmatization, but also increase public drug consumption. Participants offered suggestions for policy improvement.ConclusionThese findings underscore the need for ongoing monitoring of the impacts of decriminalization regarding its potential impact on people who use drugs’ drug use patterns and related risks. Reevaluation of the possession threshold and efforts to enhance education and awareness about the policy could help achieve the policy’s goals.

Emergency medical supply planning considering prepositioning and dynamic in-kind donation management in healthcare coalitions.

This study tackles an integrated emergency medical supply planning problem, which incorporates supply prepositioning and dynamic in-kind donation management in healthcare coalitions. Although this problem is vital for field practice, it is not investigated in the existing emergency supply planning literature. To fill the gap, we propose a two-stage stochastic programming model, which facilitates the planning of emergency medical supply prepositioning before disasters and dynamic supply transshipment and in-kind donation solicitation and distribution after disasters. With a case study on the healthcare coalition of West China Hospital in Sichuan Province of China under the background of the COVID-19 epidemic, the proposed model and seven comparison models are optimally solved to show the effectiveness and benefits of our model. We conduct sensitivity analysis to generate managerial insights and policy suggestions for better emergency medical supply management practices in healthcarecoalitions.

Urban water system of the National Capital Territory of Delhi: a comprehensive study

ABSTRACT This study examines the intricate relationship between Delhi's urban water system, with a specific emphasis on the challenges posed by urbanization, and environmental factors. The study investigates the present conditions of the water resources, infrastructure, and governance in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. The study identifies significant difficulties, such as depletion of groundwater and inadequate access to water. Additionally, it examines innovative approaches to supply internalization such as rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, and demand management strategies. Therefore, this document establishes the path for future research endeavours and policy suggestions that attempt to promote a fair, effective, and environmentally sustainable water future in Delhi.

The role of social interaction in farmers’ water-saving irrigation technology adoption: testing farmers’ interaction mechanisms

In rural areas, neighborly relationships are complex, and farmers’ behaviors are largely influenced by neighborly interactions. The promotion of agricultural technologies should not overlook the social interactions between farmers. Based on survey data from farmers in Minqin, China, this paper explores the role of overall social interaction and its various dimensions in farmers’ adoption of water-saving irrigation technology, focusing on the testing of three interactive mechanisms during the technology adoption process. The goal is to provide scientific policy suggestions for government when promoting agricultural technologies. The results show the following: social interaction promotes the adoption of water-saving irrigation technology among farmers; among the four dimensions of social interaction, the depth and frequency of social interaction facilitate the adoption of these technologies; social interaction promotes technology adoption through endogenous interaction mechanism, situational interaction mechanism, and social norm mechanism, with situational interaction mechanism and social norm mechanism playing a more significant role; social interaction has a stronger impact on farmers with longer farming experience and higher irrigation costs. Therefore, the government should emphasize the important role of social interaction in the adoption of agricultural technologies and accelerate the diffusion of these technologies through fostering technical exchanges among farmers, cultivating demonstration households, and implementing differentiated promotion strategies.

Research on the Current Status of Pension Models for Individuals with Mental Disorders in China

Objective: By analyzing the existing literature, this paper aims to explore the current situation of the pension model for patients with mental disorders in China and put forward corresponding suggestions for improvement. How: This study analyzes the current situation of the pension model for patients with mental disorders in China by referring to the views of experts and scholars, relevant cases and statistical data through the literature and review of CNKI. Focusing on the existing elderly care service system, policy support and social cognition, this paper reveals the main characteristics and existing problems of the current Chinese elderly care model for people with mental disabilities. By comparing the advanced pension models at home and abroad, this paper puts forward some suggestions on strengthening policy support and improving service system. Results: The research shows that China's existing pension models mainly include family care, institutional pension and community service. The main problems facing: insufficient service supply, shortage of professional talents, social cognition and discrimination. Home care is still the main way, more than 70% of people with mental disorders rely on home care, but face great pressure and challenges; The construction of institutional elderly care and community service systems is gradually developing, but there are still insufficient resources, low service quality, and uneven distribution between urban and rural areas. Policy suggestions: Strengthen the construction and improvement of community support system; Improve professional training to ensure service quality; Use scientific and technological means to assist the elderly and ease the shortage of human resources. It is suggested that we should strengthen the construction of community support system and improve the level of professional service in the future. Conclusion: In China, the mode of nursing care for patients with mental disorders is in the transition period, and family nursing is still the mainstream, but it also faces great challenges. Institutional care and community services have developed, but they are not yet sufficient to replace the role of the family. The future development direction should be multi-dimensional, forming a diversified and three-dimensional elderly care service network.

Research on Equity Policies in Public Education for Learning DisabilitiesTaking China, America and Britain as Examples

With the recovery and development of the global economy, the quality of life worldwide continues to improve, and the demand for public infrastructure such as medical care and education services is becoming more and more vigorous. Medical development and progress have made studying the brain and neurological fields more thorough, and learning disabilities have gradually entered the public eyesight. As a special group, people with learning disabilities are not widely accepted and recognized in the scope of public education. Thus, education must support the development of this virtue cycle through educational fairness policies, as it is a public resource. Based on the existing education policies on learning disabilities in China, the United States, and the United Kingdom, this paper analyzes these policies and puts forward education policy suggestions from four aspects: the education policy formulation system, the education collaborative service system, the education accountability evaluation system, and the education funding service system.Among China, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the first two are based on the improvement of basic policies, focusing on the construction of education collaborative services and education accountability evaluation systems, respectively. The latter focuses on the improvement of education policy.

Interlinkages between public expenditures, non-tax government revenues and corruption in the transition economies

PurposeThis article examines potential impacts of increase in non-tax government revenues and public expenses on corruption for 11 transition economies in the Central and Eastern Europe.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical analysis uses yearly panel datasets and employs second-generation panel data models which take cross-sectional dependency and slope heterogeneity into account.FindingsThe empirical results reveal the fact that there is a strong linkage between public expenses and corruption and a weak linkage between non-tax revenue collection and corruption in the transition economies. We perform the same analysis by using data sets from G-7 countries but do not notice any linkages between those variables.Research limitations/implicationsThe research topic requires further discussion on constitutional political economy to digest the empirical findings. Thus, an extended version combined with political economic approach might be useful.Practical implicationsThrough economic transitions, there might be a linkage between public expenditures and corruption index. Thus, public spending might be controlled by using constitutional economics policies.Originality/valueThis paper is the first empirical work in the literature, which examines if there is a linkage between corruption and public expenditures and government tax income structure by using panel data sets. Moreover, it compares the results from transition countries with those of G-7 countries and provides certain policy suggestions in the context of constitutional economics.

Influences of economy, energy, finance, and natural resources on carbon emissions in Bangladesh

Understanding the risks posed to humankind, the environment, and overall growth requires a deep exploration of the profound impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), on global climate change. This study explores the complex relationships among economic extension, energy utilization, financial progress, natural resource rents, and CO2 emissions in Bangladesh. By analyzing annual data from 1974 to 2022, our analysis reveals a long-term connection between the variables, as evidenced by the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test. We found that for every 1% rise in economic growth, energy use, financial progress, and natural resource rents, CO2 emissions rise by 0.13%, 1.50%, 0.39%, and 0.04%, respectively. This is based on the dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) method. The outcomes are further supported by the canonical cointegrating regression (CCR), followed by fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS). By illuminating the causes of Bangladesh's environmental degradation, this study offers actionable policy suggestions aimed at fostering sustainable growth and enforcing strict regulations that effectively mitigate environmental harm.Graphical

Revenue Streams and Capital Outlay: An Empirical Study of Municipal Corporations in India

This paper empirically tests the relationship between municipal revenue streams and capital outlay focused on building new infrastructure and amenities for sustainable urban development. The study follows a cross-sectional research design without a time dimension using secondary data from municipal corporations across 26 Indian states and Union Territories obtained from the Reserve Bank of India’s Report on Municipal Finances. An Ordinary Least Squares model was used to estimate the coefficients of own tax revenue, own non-tax revenue and revenue from government transfers. The study's main results show that while coefficients of own non-tax revenue sources, i.e., Rental Income, Fees & User Charges, and Interest earned are 8.52, 3.56, and 40.43 respectively with associated p-values of 0.000, suggesting greater influence in determining capital outlay, the coefficients of own tax revenue sources such as Property Tax, Water Tax, and Advertisement Tax are -0.21, -2.96 and 15.78 respectively with p-values exceeding 0.05 suggesting an insignificant relationship. Transfers from the central government are significant factors influencing capital outlay of the municipal corporations given by a coefficient of 2.45 with an associated p-value of 0.01, while state government transfers have a negative relationship given by a coefficient of -1.15 with a p-value of 0.023. The study also employs several diagnostic tests to ensure validity of the results and robustness of the model employed. The Adjusted R-squared value of 0.98 shows the model is a good fit and coefficients are relevant. Model diagnostics reveal that the results are efficient and model is a good fit to the data. The paper then concludes with discussion on the results obtained and policy suggestions along with indicating scope for further research in the field.

Overview and suggestion about Chinese health-related non-governmental organization's participation in global health governance

Non-governmental organization (NGO) is one of the important non-state actors in global health governance. The importance of NGO's participation in the global health governance tend to be more prominent due to its flexibility, professionalism, voluntariness and autonomy. The World Health Organization (WHO) established a Civil Society Commission (CSC) in 2023 aiming at strengthening dialogue, facilitating collaboration so as to play its bigger role in the global health governance. This paper is to make analysis to the importance of NGO in global health governance, WHOCSC's organizational structure and operational mechanism, current status and problem of Chinese health-related NGO's participation in the global health governance, and to provide policy suggestions for strengthening Chinese health-related NGOs' participation in global health governance, including incubating Chinese NGOs into national strategy for global health, strengthening resources mobilization and coordination, as well as advocating transparency and society involvement, emphasizing international humanitarian, public welfare and propaganda.

Effects and mechanisms of digitalization to enhance the resilience of the hog breeding industry: evidence from China

IntroductionWith the rapid development of digital agriculture, digitalization has gradually become a key factor affecting the resilience of China’s pig farming industry.MethodsFrom both the test results and the theoretical point of view, the individual fixed-effect model is more suitable for this paper’s study. Therefore, based on the panel data of 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2022, this study constructs an individual fixed-effect model to examine how digitization affects the resilience of China’s pig farming industry.Results and discussionThe findings indicated that digitization significantly enhanced the resilience of China’s hog breeding industry, especially in potential growth areas. Improving breeding technology and scale is a crucial avenue for digitalization to bolster the industry’s resilience. Digitalization exerts a double threshold effect on the industry’s resilience, with its promotional impact only realized within a specific range. The article proposes policy suggestions, such as strengthening infrastructure construction and giving play to regional advantages.

Defining the growth paths of strategic scientists based on case studies

In this paper, 18 scientists from China and other countries were selected for consideration as case studies of ‘strategic scientists’. They were chosen according to their involvement in science and technology policy decision-making, development of key and advantageous fields, creation of new disciplines, construction of academic traditions, and intersections between science and industry. On this basis, we found that the growth paths of strategic scientists can be divided into three phases: as talented young scientists, as gatekeepers in related disciplines or research fields, and as consultants for national science and technology decision-making. Based on this trichotomy, we explored the characteristics of strategic scientists and the conditions required for their growth in each phase. Finally, policy suggestions are proposed for the cultivation and use of strategic scientists.

Temporal Evolution Pathway and Forecasting of Non‐Fossil Energy Consumption and Carbon Emission Under China's Carbon Peak Target: A Markov Switching AR and RNN Approach

ABSTRACTTo fulfil the commitments of the Paris Agreement, China will strive to achieve carbon peak (CP) by 2030. It is necessary to identify the evolution characteristics of China's carbon emissions and provide a scientific path prediction for the formulation of reasonable emission reduction policies and measures. This study summarises and predicts the pathway of China's carbon peak (CP) using carbon emission intensity (CEI) and the percentage of non‐fossil energy consumption (NEC) as indicators, and combining MSIH(3)‐AR(2) model and recurrent neural network. The results show that: (1) China's CEI experiences a ‘low decline regime’ (LDR), a ‘medium decline regime’ (MDR) and a ‘high decline regime’ (HDR), while the share of NEC goes through a ‘low fluctuation regime’ (LFR), a ‘medium growth regime’ (MGR) and a ‘high growth regime’ (HGR). (2) For CEI, the switching probability from MDR to the HDR is 74.88%, illustrating a substantial improvement. For NEC, the switching probability from MGR to HGR is 28.92%, but the probability of returning to MGR is 61.76%, indicating an adjustment. (3) By 2030, CEI will reach 0.9896 tons/100 million CNY, decreased by 66.35% compared with 2005. While the percentage of NEC will rise to 26.61%. Based on these, policy suggestions such as strengthening the top‐level design, upgrading energy mix and accelerating green technological changes are proposed to break the bottlenecks of reaching CP and further zero carbon goal. This study is expected to provide theoretical support and empirical evidence for the achievement CP in China, and to provide empirical references for promoting the ‘dual carbon’ process in other countries.

The disappearance of ‘poverty’ in Dutch House of Representatives debates on the sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism (SECTT)

Policymaking is storytelling; through stories, the policymaker learns of the problem, and based on these stories, the policymaker formulates a solution. In our earlier study of discussions about sexual exploitation of children in the context of travel and tourism (SECTT) in the Dutch House of Representatives, we suggest that the central story in these discussions revolves around ‘crime’ and law enforcement. Despite evidence on the links between poverty and SECTT, few policy suggestions target this risk factor. In our current study, we piece together the story told about the role of poverty in SECTT in Dutch House of Representatives debates, letters and documents from 1995 to 2020 using Faircloughian CDA enhanced with an analysis of transitivity. Our findings indicate that initially, poverty was indeed discussed as a key cause of SECTT. SECTT was understood as a fundamentally commercial practice through which children and their families aim to escape that poverty. Over time, however, the agency attributed to these families diminishes and focus shifts to (the actions of) abusers and exploiters. This development appears to be connected to shifting political orientations of consecutive Dutch government coalitions.

Analysis of green productivity in manufacturing based on different air pollution levels

China’s manufacturing industry needs to change from a high-emission model to one that is more environmentally friendly to reduce air pollution and achieve sustainable growth. Therefore, it is important to decrease manufacturing waste gas emissions by improving green productivity. This paper expands on the theories of green economic growth and sustainable development to present a framework for analysis of manufacturing green productivity at various levels of air pollution. It applies the Metafrontier Malmquist Luenberger index and SBM model to data from 30 Chinese manufacturing sectors from 2012 to 2022 to identify the obstacles to developing green productivity in the manufacturing sectors. The results show that: (1) From 2012 to 2022, the overall waste gas emission efficiency and GTFP of China’s manufacturing industry showed an increasing trend. (2) The manufacturing industry with light air pollution had the fastest growth in GTFP, followed by manufacturing with heavy air pollution, and manufacturing with moderate air pollution had the lowest. (3) The primary driver of GTFP growth is technological progress, while technical inefficiency has severely hindered GTFP growth. (4) There is a “Matthew effect” in the green productivity of China’s manufacturing industry. High waste gas emission efficiency often accompanies high levels of GTFP, and vice versa. Finally, this paper proposes policy suggestions to improve the green productivity of the manufacturing industry and reduce air pollution.

Bridging the Gap: Analyzing Healthcare Access and Inequalityin Ghana

Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has made tremendous progress towards the aimof obtaining universal healthcare coverage. By boosting access to key healthcare services, the NHIS hasplayed a vital role in improving healthcare outcomes across the country. However, despite these advancements, major discrepancies in healthcare access exist, especially among low-income households and rural communities. These inconsistencies show fundamental injustices in the distribution of healthcare services and raise doubts about the NHIS’s potential to effectively serve themost vulnerable parts of society. This research tries to explore the difficulties of healthcare access in Ghana by delving into NHIS membership data. Through an analysis of this data, the study shows patterns of inequality related to both economic status and geographic location. By concentrating on how different economic quintiles connect with the NHIS, the research highlights important hurdles to enrollment and continuing access to healthcare. Additionally, the spatial research indicates considerable inequalities, illustrating how rural residents often experience more severe obstacles in getting healthcare compared to their urbancounterparts. Furthermore, the quality of healthcare services given under the NHIS is severely assessed. Issues such as inconsistent service delivery, poor resource allocation, and different levels of patient satisfaction emerge as important concerns that must be addressed to increase the overall success of the plan. Beyond Ghana’s boundaries, the research encompasses a comparative review of health insurancemodels from Rwanda, South Africa, Mexico, and Kenya—each country presenting a unique approach to healthcare funding and insurance coverage. Rwanda’s community-based health insurance, South Africa’s progressive changes, Mexico’s focus on service quality, and Kenya’s required enrollment offer useful lessons for resolving the inadequacies in Ghana’s NHIS. By drawing on these different models, the study intends to highlight best practices and lessons that could drive policy suggestions customizedto Ghana’s specific social, political, and economic setting. The study offers three critical policy reforms that might strengthen the NHIS and improve healthcare access across the country. Enhancing community participation is regarded as a critical way to enhance NHIS enrollment, particularly among underrepresented populations. Moreover, improving the subsidy mechanisms to better support low-income households is advocated as a manner of eliminating financial obstacles to healthcare. The study also advocates for specific measures to addressthe regional imbalances in healthcare infrastructure, noting the need for increased access in rural areas. Ultimately, these steps are not only meant to eliminate the gaps in coverage but also to secure the long-term sustainability of the NHIS, positioning it to continue offering fair healthcare to all Ghanaians. By tackling these problems and implementing targeted changes, Ghana can make considerable steps toward obtaining true universal healthcare coverage. The NHIS has the potential to become amore inclusive and resilient healthcare system, capable of fulfilling the requirements of the entire population.