Underdeveloped Regions Research Articles

Optimization strategy for BTS development in the 3T region in responding to the challenges of the digital gap using a business ecosystem approach: Case study of Telkomsel Regional Sulawesi

Purpose: Communication services have become a primary need for Indonesian society, especially high-speed cellular data services, commonly known as broadband services through cellular networks. Accelerating the development of underdeveloped regions is mandated in Chapter IV of the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia as part of the national aspiration to realize a sovereign, united, sovereign, just, and prosperous Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. On the other hand, telecommunications providers in rural areas, especially in 3T regions, face challenges, as the number of customers does not justify the investment costs, resulting in a burden on the company's investment and operations. This research aims to identify the actors involved, understand the interrelationships between them, and provide an overview of the current BTS development business model in 3T areas. Research methodology: Qualitative methods were used, including data collection through literature studies and in-depth interviews, utilizing an ecosystem mapping approach. Results: Using a business ecosystem approach, this research succeeded in identifying the actors and interactions between actors involved in BTS development in the 3T region, as well as producing ecosystem reconfiguration as a strategy for optimizing BTS development in the 3T region. Limitations: However, the expansion of cellular networks through BTS construction is still uneven, especially in 3T areas (Frontier, Remote, and Underdeveloped). Contribution: This research provides recommendations for optimizing BTS development in 3T areas.

Assessment of Yellow River Region Cultural Heritage Value and Corridor Construction across Urban Scales: A Case Study in Shaanxi, China

Heritage corridors play a pivotal role in preserving linear cultural heritage, especially in economically underdeveloped regions like the Yellow River area. These corridors not only serve as a primary method for safeguarding cultural heritage, but also act as catalysts for enhancing regional economic vitality. The widespread distribution of cultural heritage in the Yellow River region emphasizes the need for targeted protection and utilization at the regional level. To facilitate graded protection and the utilization of regional cultural heritage, this study introduces a method for constructing graded heritage corridors based on the comprehensive value of cultural heritage, thereby establishing a framework for comprehensive assessments. Through leveraging multi-source data, this study assesses cultural heritage’s comprehensive value by integrating the service capacity of heritage sites. Subsequently, this study constructs graded heritage corridors using the minimum cumulative resistance model. The findings reveal a concentrated distribution of cultural heritage in Shaanxi within the Yellow River region, where 19.8% of the sites in the economically and ecologically thriving southern regions were rated as high value (fourth or fifth grades). Finally, this study identifies distinct corridor themes by integrating regional cultural characteristics, thereby forming a cultural heritage region network that propels the overall protection and utilization in the area. The proposed cultural heritage assessment framework and corridor construction method are also applicable to various linear heritage types dispersed across diverse regions.

Assessing Regional Public Service Facility Accessibility Using Multisource Geospatial Data: A Case Study of Underdeveloped Areas in China

Promoting the accessibility of basic public service facilities is key to safeguarding and improving people’s lives. Effective public service provision is especially important for the sustainable development of less developed regions. Lincang in Yunnan Province is a typical underdeveloped region in China. In parallel, multisource remote sensing data with higher spatial resolution provide more precise results for small-scale regional accessibility assessment. Thus, we use an assessment method to measure and evaluate the accessibility of three types of infrastructure in Lincang based on multisource geospatial data. We further analyze the matching between public service facility accessibility and the socioeconomic attributes of inhabitant clusters and different poverty groups. The results show that the accessibility of educational facilities is currently better than that of health facilities in Lincang and that of sanitation facilities is relatively poor. Public service facility accessibility varies significantly among different types of inhabitant clusters, with better accessibility in inhabitant clusters with high levels of population density, aging, and income. Accessibility to healthcare, education, and sanitation is negatively correlated to varying degrees of poverty levels of poor groups, and the mean values of accessibility to various types of public facilities vary significantly across poor groups. Our findings can help inform policy formulation and provide theoretical support for planning and optimizing the layout of public facilities.

Refusal of treatment among HER2-positive breast cancer patients in China: a retrospective analysis.

There is a need to update the understanding of treatment refusal among cancer patients in China, taking into account recent developments. This study investigated how public insurance coverage of the first breast cancer targeted therapy contributed to the changes in treatment refusal among HER2-positive breast cancer patients in China. And it intensively examined and discussed additional barriers affecting patient utilization of innovative anticancer medicines based on the types and reasons for treatment refusal. This retrospective study included female breast cancer patients diagnosed as HER2-positive who received treatment at a provincial oncology center in southern China between 2014 and 2020. Multivariable analysis was conducted using a binary logistic regression model. Subgroup analysis was performed with the same regression model. Among the 1,322 HER2-positive breast cancer patients who received treatment at the study hospital between 2014 and 2020, 327 (24.55%) had ever refused treatment. Economic reasons were reported as the primary cause by 142 patients (43.43%). Patients diagnosed after September 2017, when the first breast cancer targeted therapy was included in the public health insurance, were less likely to refuse treatment (OR = 0.64, 95% CI:0.45 ~ 0.91, p = 0.01) compared to those diagnosed before September 2017. Patients enrolled in the resident health insurance were more likely to refuse treatment (OR = 2.43, 95% CI:1.77 ~ 3.35, p < 0.001) than those enrolled in the employee health insurance. This study reveals a high rate of treatment refusal among HER2-positive breast cancer patients, primarily attributed to financial factors. The disparity in public health insurance benefits resulted in a heavier economic burden for patients with less comprehensive benefits. Furthermore, the study identified challenges faced by patients seeking quality-assured cancer care in underdeveloped regions in China. By addressing economic barriers, promoting accurate health information, and improving cancer care capacity across the country can reduce the rate of treatment refusal.

A global perspective: characteristics of infertility-related randomized clinical trials.

Infertility is a prevalent global condition, and emerging reproductive technologies may enhance its evaluation and treatment. Understanding the current features of randomized clinical trials in infertility is crucial for improving study design and ensuring the translation of results for patient benefits. To investigate the primary characteristics of randomized clinical trials related to infertility and areas where require improvement. We conducted a search on the International Clinical Trials Registry platform for eligible infertility trials between 2003 and 2022. The distribution ratio of various characteristics uploaded by infertility-related studies on the platform was analyzed and compared according to sex and registration year. Out of the total trials, 85.3% (1,906) included only women, 8.6% (192) included only men, and 6.1% (136) included couples. The majority of retrieved trials followed a parallel arm design (91.0%) and were non-industry-funded (92.2%), with a median planned sample size of 131 patients (interquartile range 75-270). Among these trials, 54.5% (1,217) were conducted in Asia. The most common primary purpose of infertility-related trials was treatment (88.8%), with over half of the investigated interventions focusing on medication (57.9%). Asia is the leading region for research, and the drug therapy is still widely used and updated. However, support care for infertile couples has also received some preference. Areas that require improvement and promotion include addressing male infertility and focusing on underserved regions like Africa. The results also highlight deficiencies in trial registration and masking methods, emphasizing the need for better regulation and facilitation of infertility trials in the post-COVID-19 era. Based on the current status of infertility RCT studies, greater attention should be paid to infertile men and populations in underdeveloped regions like Africa in future studies, together with a standardized registration and implementation procedures.

Exploring the Potential of OpenStreetMap Data in Regional Economic Development Evaluation Modeling

In regional development studies, GDP serves as an important indicator for evaluating the developing levels of a region. However, due to statistical methods and possible human-induced interfering factors, GDP is also a commonly criticized indicator for less accurately assessing regional economic development in a dynamic environment, especially during a globalized era. Moreover, common data collection approaches are often challenging to obtain in real-time, and the assessments are prone to inaccuracies. This is especially true in economically underdeveloped regions where data are often less frequently or accurately collected. In recent years, Nighttime Light (NTL) data have emerged as a crucial supplementary data source for regional economic development evaluation and analysis. We adapt this approach and attempt to integrate multiple sources of spatial data to provide a new perspective and more effective tools for economic development evaluation. In our current study, we explore the integration of OpenStreetMap (OSM) data and NTL data in regional studies, and apply a Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression model (GTWR) for modeling and evaluating regional economic development. Our results suggest that: (1) when using OSM data as a single data source for economic development evaluation, the adjusted R2 value is 0.889. When using NTL data as a single data source for economic development evaluation, the adjusted R2 value is 0.911. However, the fitting performance of OSM data with GDP shows a gradual improvement over time, while the fitting performance of NTL data exhibits a gradual decline starting from the year 2014; (2) Among the economic evaluation models, the GTWR model demonstrates the highest accuracy with an AICc value of 49,112.71, which is 2750.94 lower than the ordinary least squares (OLS) model; (3) The joint modeling of OSM data with NTL data yields an adjusted R2 value of 0.956, which is higher than using either one of them alone. Moreover, this joint modeling approach demonstrates excellent fitting performance, particularly in economically underdeveloped regions, providing a potential alternative for development evaluation in data-poor regions.

Effects of new urbanization on China's carbon emissions: A quasi-natural experiment based on the improved PSM-DID model

Examining the influence mechanisms of new urbanization on urban carbon emissions is of great practical significance to guide cities' low-carbon and sustainable development and achieve China's “dual carbon” goal. To investigate the impact of the new urbanization policy on carbon emissions, this study conducted quasi-natural experiments on 19 urban agglomerations, including 115 cities in China, from 2011 to 2018. Based on the improved propensity score matching-difference-in-differences model, the study constructed an evaluation system based on the technique for order performance by similarity to an ideal solution or the TOPSIS-entropy method for analyzing the development status of new urbanization. Finally, the influence mechanisms and regional heterogeneity of multidimensional new urbanization development on carbon emissions were examined. The results were threefold. (1) The new urbanization policy significantly inhibits carbon emissions in the pilot cities. (2) The new urbanization policy affects urban carbon emissions through economic and population urbanization, which have an inverted U-shaped relationship with carbon emissions, and public service and environmental urbanization, which inhibit carbon emissions. (3) Regional heterogeneity exists among mechanisms. For relatively developed regions, the policy significantly affects carbon emission reduction. In rapidly developing regions, the policy implementation increases carbon emissions. The policy does not significantly impact carbon emissions in remote and underdeveloped regions. This study is a significant reference for formulating a carbon emissions reduction strategy according to local conditions.

ZAKAT AS PUBLIC FINANCE IN INDONESIA?

The current situation shows that government is facing a dilemmatic situation where Indonesia’s government has an ambitious mission to increase their income through several channels under Joko Widodo’s administration. This mission is based on the willingness of Joko Widodo to catch up development in various sectors, in particular, infrastructure and local and underdeveloped regions. Besides that, Indonesia also wants to protect and empower 10 percent population which are categorized as poor people. To support this initiative, government endeavor increasing income through several channels such as tax amnesty, boosted income tax and increasing government's debt (MFI 2018). OECD (2016c) highlights that Indonesia's revenue should be increased since it has strong relationships with public and welfare provisions (p. 24)

Efforts to Alleviate Underdeveloped Areas by Clustering Regional Characteristics in Indonesia

This study aims to cluster the underdeveloped regions in Indonesia according to the criteria of the underdeveloped indicator to mitigate the underdeveloped regions in Indonesia. This research was conducted to help the various efforts made by the government to deal with the underdeveloped regions, by grouping the underdeveloped regions, it is hoped that the government can focus on increasing the dominant criteria in the regions according to the cluster. The grouping method used is K-means with the results of 62 underdeveloped districts in Indonesia divided into 3 clusters. The first cluster includes 23 districts grouped based on human resource criteria, the second cluster consists of 28 districts based on infrastructure/facilities criteria, and the third cluster consists of 11 districts based on economics criteria.

Hotter days, dirtier air: The impact of extreme heat on energy and pollution intensity in China

This research endeavors to investigate the causal relationship between climate change and pollution intensity, employing a county-level dataset encompassing meteorological data and air pollution measurements from 2008 to 2017 in China. We discern the immediate causal impact of “local temperature shocks” on pollution intensity, uncovering a positive association between climate change and pollution intensity. Notably, this effect manifests with greater significance in economically underdeveloped regions, the northern provinces, and cities not reliant on resource-based industries. Moreover, we disentangle the influence of extreme heat on air pollution into three distinct facets: scale, technological, and structural effects. Our findings reveal that extreme heat augments energy demand, diminishes energy efficiency, and amplifies coal consumption, consequently elevating pollution intensity. Drawing upon the SSP126 and SSP585 climate change scenarios for future Chinese cities in the short-term (2041–2060), mid-term (2061–2080), and long-term (2081–2100), our simulation outcomes demonstrate that the escalating frequency of hot days will perpetuate an adverse impact on pollution intensity across China's counties. This study presents a fresh perspective on the environmental repercussions of climate change and provides theoretical underpinning for local authorities in their endeavors to attain concurrent reductions in both pollution and carbon emissions.

Effectiveness of health management team program to enhance prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus in Ningxia, China.

Hepatitis B mother-to-child transmission interruption (PMTCT) poses a formidable challenge in underdeveloped regions of China. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PMTCT and the health management team (HMT) model in Ningxia, China, as well as the risk factors for adverse outcomes. The PMTCT + HMT model was established, and 360 pregnant women diagnosed with HBV infection in 2020-2022 were selected and divided into the control and the study groups based on different intervention modes. HBV serum markers and HBV DNA levels were assessed, the indicators of compliance behaviors and adverse outcomes were compared, and the factors influencing adverse outcomes were analyzed. The majority of subjects were residents of the local city, married, with secondary school or higher education, and employees of public sectors. The proportion of ethnic minorities was 40.8% and 34.2% in the control group and study group. HBeAg positivity was 23.3% and 26.3%, and the proportion with HBV DNA levels ≥ 2 × 105 IU/mL was 9.2% and 7.1%. Compared with the control group (PMTCT alone), the PMTCT + HMT model led to improved maternal knowledge (17.5% vs. 57.1%), voluntary counseling (34.2% vs. 63.3%), and testing (37.5% vs. 70.4%). The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes ((including miscarriage, preterm birth) decreased significantly (17.5% vs. 6.2%), as did adverse neonatal outcomes (low birth weight and congenital HBV) (26.9% vs. 10.5%). Adverse outcomes were associated with low educational attainment, non-locals, unmarried status, and ethnic minority identity. Additionally, HBeAg positivity and HBV DNA levels ≥ 2 × 105 IU/mL were risk factors for adverse outcomes. The PMTCT + HMT model demonstrates significant effectiveness in preventing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B in Ningxia. The unique demographic structure of Ningxia region is closely linked to poor outcomes, emphasizing the importance of monitoring HBeAg status and HBV DNA viral load level.

Integrative analysis of diverse hybrid power systems for sustainable energy in underdeveloped regions: A case study in Indonesia

&lt;abstract&gt; &lt;p&gt;There is a goal for practical renewable electrification and renewable energy investments in underdeveloped regions. Indonesia's experience underscores the complexities and challenges in implementing such projects effectively. A study on the effects of various socio-economic factors on Carbon dioxide (CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;) emissions in Indonesia highlights the significant impact of forest area, urbanization, and industrialization on carbon emissions. A hybrid system consists of PV, a Biogas Generator, and a Wind Turbine that are successfully deployed. However, no economic analysis has been conducted to obtain the best configuration of the hybrid system. We propose to delve into the effective integration combination of hybrid power systems. In this study, we thoroughly analyzed hybrid power systems in underdeveloped areas using the HOMER software. We examined five different hybrid system configurations: Solely biogas, complete generator integration, a biogas and hydrogen combo, biogas coupled with a PV system, and biogas combined with a wind turbine. Our findings indicated varying levels of economic viability, operational performance, and environmental impact across the configurations, providing crucial insights for policymakers and stakeholders in underdeveloped regions like Indonesia. The results showed the Wind-Hydrogen and Hydrogen Only schemes as the most cost-effective, with a Total Net Present Cost (NPC) of, 969.27 and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) at zhongwenzy.218. Moreover, while CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; emissions were similar across all schemes, around 27,744 kg/year, the All-Generator scheme had slightly higher emissions at 27,667 kg/year but led in electricity production with 29,101 kWh/year. These results underscore the importance of balancing cost, energy output, and environmental impact in hybrid power system schemes for underdeveloped regions.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/abstract&gt;

Rapid detection of human cytomegalovirus by multienzyme isothermal rapid amplification and lateral flow dipsticks.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common viral infection seen in newborns. The major route of transmission for acquired human cytomegalovirus infection is breast milk from mothers who are HCMV seropositive to the infants. Thus, a rapid, economical, and simple method to perform HCMV test in breast milk is crucial and necessary for preventing acquired HCMV infection, especially in underdeveloped regions with limited laboratory resources. In this study, an effective technique for the detection of HCMV was constructed by combining multienzyme isothermal rapid amplification (MIRA) and lateral flow chromatography strip (LFD). Primers for the conserved HCMV sequence UL83 were utilized for MIRA-LFD testing. Our results showed that the entire MIRA reaction could be completed in 12 minutes at 37°C, and LFD outcomes could be observed visibly after 10 minutes. The detection sensitivity of this method reached 50 copy/μl. Samples of breast milk were examined to compare MIRA-LFD and conventional qPCR. The accuracy of MIRA-LFD was 100%. The straightforward, rapid, economic features of the test can provide the significant advantages for the prevention of breast milk-acquired cytomegalovirus infection, particularly in resource-limited locations with high seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus.

Дослідження тенденцій соціально-економічного розвитку регіонів України

The article discusses the current trends in the socioeconomic development of the regions of Ukraine, which remains a critical problem, especially in the context of constant regional imbalances that impede the overall economic stability of the country. The decentralization process, which gave more autonomy to local governments, was expected to mitigate some of these imbalances. However, challenges such as the long-term war, the COVID-19 pandemic, and systemic infrastructure shortages have exacerbated the development gap between regions. Many regions continue to face obstacles related to investment attractiveness, innovation, and efficient use of resources, hindering their economic growth. Therefore, addressing these inequalities is essential to achieve sustainable national development and ensure social cohesion. The aim of this article is to analyze the main trends in the socioeconomic development of the regions of Ukraine and provide recommendations for addressing the existing challenges. The study aims to examine the factors that account for regional differences, assess the impact of decentralization reforms, and identify effective measures to promote balanced regional growth. The study also identifies critical infrastructure gaps that prevent regions from fully exploiting their economic potential. It is concluded that the achievement of balanced socioeconomic development of the regions of Ukraine requires purposeful State intervention and strengthening of interregional cooperation. The data obtained indicate the need to expand investment programs aimed at underdeveloped regions, improve infrastructure and support innovative industries. In addition, continuous optimization of the decentralization process is important, in particular in terms of increasing the transparency and efficiency of local governance. By focusing on these areas, Ukraine can reduce regional disparities, increase economic resilience, and promote sustainable, inclusive growth across the country. The article provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the current state of regional development in Ukraine and offers practical solutions for bridging the socioeconomic gap between regions.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-Associated Mortality - China, 2014-2021.

China faces a growing burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Previous mortality estimations were primarily based on the underlying cause of death. This study analyzed COPD-associated death and its comorbidities using all COPD cases listed on the chain of events on death certificates. A retrospective analysis of the National Mortality Surveillance System (NMSS) was conducted to estimate COPD-associated mortality from 2014 to 2021. Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) were calculated stratified by sex, region, and residence. Joinpoint regression was used to estimate the average annual percentage change (AAPC) during the study period. From 2014 to 2021, the ASMR of COPD decreased from 91.85 to 45.90 per 100,000 population. Significant but uneven decreases in COPD mortality were observed across gender [females: AAPC: -11.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI): -11.9 to -10.4%; males: AAPC: -8.0%, 95% CI: -9.2 to -6.8%], regions (eastern: AAPC: -10.7%, 95% CI: -11.5 to -9.9%; central: AAPC: -9.9%, 95% CI: -10.9 to -8.9%; western: AAPC: -7.7%, 95% CI: -10.6 to -4.7%), and residential areas (urban: AAPC: -10.9%, 95% CI: -12.3 to -9.5%; rural: AAPC: -8.3%, 95% CI: -9.1 to -7.4%). Other than COPD, cardiovascular diseases and respiratory conditions were the major underlying causes of death in COPD-associated mortality. COPD is a significant comorbidity of other disorders in China. Although COPD-associated mortality substantially decreased from 2014 to 2021, the burden remained high in underdeveloped regions.

Tourism as a driver of economic and social development in underdeveloped regions

Cross‐border cooperations have been usually approached by developing trade agreements between international regions to upgrade their socioeconomic conditions and promote international tourism flows in territories. However, little attention has been paid to the role that tourist companies play in underprivileged territories highly dependent on tourism. Through the theory of social exchange, theoretical implications can be drawn from those territories and compared with developed regions to understand what role tourism flow plays in the reciprocal attitude between tourist companies and visitors. Political implications force tourist authorities to involve companies in promoting their regional tourism resources through participatory tourism programmes. For this, the opinion of companies is strongly related to the tourism generated by the Parque Natural Tajo Internacional on both sides of the border between Spain and Portugal, who have participated in the research to develop tourism on both sides of the border. To collect the data, 126 interviews were carried out with companies among the 53 Spanish and Portuguese companies that participated in the research between January and June 2022. For data tabulation, version 3.26 of SmartPLS was used. The study concludes that social exchange policies that bring companies and residents closer together favour socioeconomic development in territories that have natural resources and are economically disadvantaged.

A study of the spatial network structure of ethnic regions in Northwest China based on multiple factor flows in the context of COVID-19: Evidence from Ningxia

As an underdeveloped and low-income region, the development of minority regions in Northwest China is crucial. As an important part of minority regions, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region has insufficient endogenous power for stable economic development and high risk of returning to poverty. On the whole, the Ningxia county network shows a spatial pattern of high in the north and low in the south. However, there are great differences in the centrality of different factor flow networks. The factor connections between most counties are weak, and a close innovation network has not yet been formed. There is an obvious administrative clique structure, showing a certain degree of self-enclosure. The factor flows between counties are relatively uniform and greatly affected by geographic distance. From the perspective of integrated flow, the Ningxia county network presents a distinct core-periphery circle structure. Population size and GDP are the main factors affecting the spatial network. The policy implication of this study is that Ningxia Autonomous Prefecture should coordinate the planning of the region’s economy, technology, and transportation, so as to reduce the development gap between counties by enhancing the closeness of the county spatial association network, and ultimately realize the region’s high-quality development.

The Distress Migration: A case study of KBK districts in Odisha

Among the different forms of migration, distressed migrants remain the most impoverished andunrecognised. These migrants form the lowest strata of the society; disadvantaged by caste, poverty andstructural inequalities. In Odisha, the underdeveloped region of KBK is one among the main sources ofdistressed migrants. They move to cities in search of employment and better wages, while in cities they areeven more disadvantaged due to social, economic and linguistic barriers. Administrative and political apathyover their issues has only enhanced their distress.The former districts of Koraput, Balangir and Kalahandi, also known as KBK districts, were reorganised into8 districts of Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Balangir, Subarnapur, Kalahandi and Nuapada in1992. These highland districts highly rich in mineral resources, flora and fauna remain as one of the mostbackward regions in Odisha districts form the South-West part of Odisha comprising the great DeccanPlateau and the Eastern Ghats. These highland districts highly rich in mineral resources, flora and faunaremain as one of the most backward regions in Odisha.The analysis is carried out through a review of published articles, government reports, e-books andnewspaper reports.

Agricultural education in Africa using YouTube multilingual animations: A retrospective feasibility study assessing costs to reach language-diverse populations.

There is a critical need for widespread information dissemination of agricultural best practices in Africa. Literacy, language and resource barriers often impede such information dissemination. Culturally and linguistically localized, computer-animated training videos placed on YouTube and promoted through paid advertising is a potential tool to help overcome these barriers. The goal of this study is to assess the feasibility of reaching language-diverse populations in Africa using this new type of information dissemination channel. As a case study, cost estimates were obtained for YouTube ad campaigns of a video to prevent post-harvest loss through safe food storage using sanitized jerrycan containers. Seventy-three video variants were created for the most common 16 languages in Ghana, 35 languages in Kenya, and 22 languages in Nigeria. Using these videos, campaigns were deployed country wide or focused on zones of influence that represent economically underdeveloped regions known to produce beans suitable for jerrycan storage. Using data collected from YouTube ad campaigns, language-specific models were created for each country to estimate how many viewers could be reached per US dollar spent. Separate models were created to estimate the number of viewers who watched 25% and 75% of the video (most of video without end credits), reflecting different levels of engagement. For language campaigns with both country wide and zone of influence areas of deployment, separate region-specific models were created. Models showed that the estimated number of viewers per dollar spent varied considerably amongst countries and languages. On average, the expected number of viewers per dollar spent were 1.8 (Range = 0.2-7.3) for 25% watched and 0.8 (Range = 0.1-3.2) for 75% watched in Ghana, 1.2 (0.2-4.8) for 25% watched and 0.5 (Range = 0.1-2.0) for 75% watched in Kenya, and 0.4 (Range = 0.2-1.3) for 25% watched and 0.2 (Range = 0.1-0.5) for 75% watched in Nigeria. English versions of the video were the most cost-effective in reaching viewers in Ghana and Nigeria. In Kenya, English language campaigns ranked 28 (country wide) and 36 (zones of influence) out of 37 analyzed campaigns. Results also showed that many local language campaigns performed well, opening the possibility that targeted knowledge dissemination on topics of importance to local populations, is potentially cost effective. In addition, such targeted information dissemination appears feasible, even during regional and global crises when in-person training may not be possible. In summary, leveraging multilingual computer-animations and digital platforms such as YouTube shows promise for conducting large-scale agricultural education campaigns. The findings of the current study provides the justification to pursue a more rigorous prospective study to verify the efficacy of knowledge exchange and societal impact through this form of information dissemination channel.

The Experience of Bulgaria in Attracting Foreign Direct Investment — Lessons for Emerging Economies

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has been crucial in transitioning Central and Eastern European countries from planned to market economies, facilitating technological modernisation, job creation, export performance, and regional competitiveness. However, FDI alone cannot solve economic development challenges; effective policies are essential for leveraging FDI as a catalyst for economic catch-up. This paper aims to derive economic policy lessons for emerging economies through a critical assessment of the Bulgarian experience in attracting FDI. It employs a methodological approach that combines quantitative analysis of key FDI indicators with qualitative evaluation of the policy landscape. Since the end of the 1990s, Bulgaria has secured macroeconomic and political stability as an important precondition for FDI, applying an open-door policy for foreign investors without strategic targeting. The country's accession to the European Union in 2007 further enhanced its investment appeal. Nevertheless, the passive policy of reliance on a low tax regime and low labour costs without a strategic focus has led to unbalanced regional and unfavourable sectoral distribution with foreign investors crowding into the metropolitan area and sectors like non-tradable services and low-end manufacturing. Thereby, the Bulgarian experience, where the quantity of incoming FDI overshadowed the quality, demonstrates the insufficiency of a laissez-faire FDI strategy for maximising the benefits of FDI. The study underscores the necessity for proactive state policies in emerging economies that not only attract FDI but also ensure it fosters technological transfer and stimulates the economic potential of underdeveloped regions.