Hasil untuk "Trade associations"

A. Kyle, Wei Xiong

Anna Maria Mayda, D. Rodrik

D. Duffie

Peter M. Clarkson, Yue Li, Matt Pinnuck et al.

S. L. W. I. R. O. I. C. A. T. S. Z. O. SA with its registered office in B.

Cen Xu, Yalin Duan, Ying Tan et al.

IntroductionIn higher education, accreditation is increasingly viewed not only as a quality assurance mechanism but also as a driver of program-level educational reform. This study investigates whether international accreditation–driven reforms are associated with improvements in students’ internship performance.MethodsEmploying the entropy method and a difference-in-differences (DID) method, the analysis draws on 2,594 internship evaluations from a university in Guangzhou, China, during 2017–2023, based on supervisor-rated assessments within a specific placement context.ResultsThe findings reveal that accreditation-driven reforms are associated with higher internship performance within structured placement contexts. Heterogeneity analysis shows that statistically significant associations are observed in finance, trade, manufacturing, and technology sectors, whereas no significant associations are detected in education and healthcare placements. In addition, the estimated coefficients are comparatively larger for female students than for male students, suggesting variation in internship performance across gender groups within the evaluated context.DiscussionBy treating international accreditation as a program-level institutional reform within a quasi-experimental setting, this study provides new empirical evidence from the Chinese context and offers policy-relevant insights for higher education institutions, accrediting bodies, and policymakers.

Oleh Blazhko, Olena Churikanova, Aygun Aliyeva

Growing economic volatility has renewed interest in whether EU cohesion instruments are associated with measurable improvements in macro-level competitiveness. This article examines the relationship between European Structural and Investment Funds (ESF) and EU competitiveness indicators, focusing on GDP, inflation, unemployment, imports, and exports. Using annual EU-level data from 2007 to 2022, the study employs descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation with Student’s t-tests, and pairwise and multivariate OLS regressions, all implemented in MS Excel. The results show strong correlations between ESF and GDP (r = 0.88), imports (r = 0.80), and exports (r = 0.79), a moderate correlation with inflation (r = 0.61), and a strong negative correlation with unemployment (r = –0.72), with all coefficients statistically significant (e.g., t = 9.98 for GDP and t = –5.6 for unemployment against a critical value of 2.145). Pairwise regressions indicate substantial explanatory power for GDP (R² = 0.78; slope +7,822.15 per ESF unit), imports (R² = 0.65; slope +1.85), and exports (R² = 0.64; slope +1.59), while inflation remains weaker but significant (R² = 0.38; slope +0.0077) and unemployment declines with higher ESF (R² = 0.53; slope –0.0072). In the multivariate model, overall fit is high (R² = 0.927; Significance F = 0.000022), and GDP (p = 0.0091) and inflation (p = 0.0036) remain significant predictors of ESF; a reduced specification including GDP, inflation, and imports retains strong fit (R² = 0.922; Significance F = 0.00000063) with all included predictors statistically significant. Policy implications suggest prioritising ESF allocations towards productivity-enhancing and trade-oriented investments (skills linked to labour demand, innovation diffusion, and export readiness) that align with the strongest GDP and trade associations observed. Given the positive co-movement with inflation (r = 0.61; p = 0.0036 in the multivariate model), programme implementation should also incorporate macro-stability safeguards, including smoother procurement scheduling and a greater emphasis on supply-expanding projects during inflationary episodes.

S. Khan, C. Jian, Yu Zhang et al.

Abstract This article examines the association between green logistics operations, social, environmental and economic indicators of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries. The research used GMM (Generalized Method of Moments) and FGLS (Feasible Generalized Least Squares) two methods to tackle the problems of heterogeneity, serial correlation and heteroskedasticity. The findings show that fossil fuel consumption is at the heart of logistics operations; the more fossil fuel and non-green energy resources that are used, the more negative effects on society and environmental sustainability result from this. A lower quality of transport-related infrastructure and logistics services is negatively correlated with fossil fuel usage, carbon emissions, health expenditure, greenhouse gas emissions and political instability of SAARC countries. Conversely, efficient customs procedures and greater information sharing among supply chain partners increase trade opportunities and also improve environmental sustainability in terms of minimum carbon emissions due to the shorter waiting and queue times involved. Further, the application of green energy resources and green practices can mitigate negative effects on social and environmental sustainability due to better logistics operations while improving financial performance in terms of higher GDP per capita, trade openness and greater export opportunities around the globe. As there is very limited research using green practices relationship with macro-level indicators in current literature, this research will assist both practitioners and policymakers to understand the roles of green supply chain and green logistics in enhancing environmental sustainability, social improvement and economic growth for a better future.

Murilo Mazzotti Silvestrini, Thiago Joel Angrizanes Rossi, Flavia Mori Sarti

Agriculture, livestock, and fisheries significantly impact socioeconomic, environmental, and health dimensions at global level, ensuring food supply for growing populations whilst promoting economic welfare through international trade, employment, and income. Considering that bilateral food exchanges between countries represent exchanges of natural resources involved in food production (i.e., food imports are equivalent to savings of natural resources), the purpose of the study is to investigate the evolution of carbon and water footprints corresponding to the global food trade networks between 1986 and 2020. The research aims to identify potential associations between carbon and water footprints embedded in food trade and countries’ economic welfare. Complex network analysis was used to map countries’ positions within annual food trade networks, and countries’ metrics within networks were used to identify connections between participation in global trade of carbon and water footprints and economic welfare. The findings of the study show an increase in carbon and water footprints linked to global food exchanges between countries during the period. Furthermore, a country’s centrality within the network was linked to economic welfare, showing that countries with higher imports of carbon and water through global food trade derive economic benefits from participating in global trade. Global efforts towards transformations of food systems should prioritize sustainable development standards to ensure continued access to healthy sustainable diets for populations worldwide.

Daniel Kotz, Stephanie Klosterhalfen

Introduction Nearly one in three adults in Germany smokes tobacco, with higher rates among those with lower educational attainment. This contributes to a disproportionate financial burden on low-income households, which spend a larger share of their income on tobacco. Rising prices may exacerbate this: the average price per cigarette rose from 30 cents in 2020 to 36 cents in 2024. However, not all cigarettes consumed in Germany are taxed, often due to cross-border purchases or illicit trade. Data on the extent of this issue remains limited. This paper examines (1) household expenditures on these products relative to income and (2) the consumption of untaxed cigarettes.Methods We analysed data from the German Study on Tobacco Use (DEBRA, Deutsche Befragung zum Rauchverhalten), a repeated cross-sectional, representative household survey (March–November 2024). A total of 10 584 people were interviewed, including 3462 adults using at least one nicotine or tobacco product. Expenditure was measured as self-reported weekly spending on all nicotine and tobacco products, including utensils, converted into monthly expenditures. Household net income per person was categorised as low (<20th percentile), middle (20th–80th) or high (>80th). Untaxed cigarette use was defined as self-reported consumption of cigarettes not subject to German taxes, including legally imported and illicit products. Descriptive analyses and logistic regression models examined expenditure patterns and associations with sociodemographic characteristics.Results People who exclusively smoke cigarettes report higher expenditures than those using other nicotine products. The median share of net household income spent on nicotine and tobacco products, including utensils, was 5.2% (IQR 2.8–11.0%); high-income, middle-income and low-income households spent 3.7% (IQR 1.7–6.1%), 5.2% (IQR 2.8–10.9%) and 11.0% (IQR 5.2–18.3%) of their income, respectively. 20.0% (95% CI 18.7% to 21.5%) of people who smoke cigarettes reported having smoked untaxed cigarettes in the past 12 months. The estimated share of untaxed cigarettes ranged from 0.67% (95% CI 0.65% to 0.68%) to 7.74% (95% CI 7.68% to 7.80%).Conclusion The financial burden of nicotine and tobacco consumption is disproportionately high for low-income households, reinforcing existing social inequalities in Germany.Trial registration number DRKS00011322, DRKS00017157 and DRKS00028054.

Ying Jiang

This study delves into the intricate interplay between trade facilitation and global warming, emphasising the ramifications of trade facilitation on climate change dynamics. To quantify the effects of trade facilitation on global warming, this research employed both spatial econometric and traditional econometric models, leveraging data spanning 129 countries from 2010 to 2019. The empirical findings reveal a notable direct negative correlation between trade facilitation and global warming. This negative impact arises from optimised resource allocation, the acceleration of green technology development, and the facilitation of industrial green transformation. Intriguingly, the study also indicates an absence of significant spillover effects from trade facilitation on neighbouring regions. Moreover, the relationship between trade facilitation and global warming is linear, devoid of any non-linear associations. A deeper mechanism analysis elucidates that trade facilitation primarily mitigates global warming by reducing carbon emissions and fostering technological innovation, particularly in developed economies. In stark contrast, this impact is less pronounced in developing countries, primarily due to constraints in technology and policy frameworks. This nuanced understanding underscores the importance of context-specific considerations when assessing the environmental implications of trade facilitation. The study culminates in a series of policy prescriptions aimed at bolstering green trade facilitation measures, fostering innovation, enhancing regional cooperation, and formulating policies tailored to the needs of developing countries. These recommendations strive to strike a delicate balance between mitigating global warming and promoting economic growth, thereby illustrating the potential for trade facilitation to serve as a dual catalyst for environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.

Xianzhi Li, Yajie Li, Bin Yu et al.

Abstract It remains unclear that trade-off between the benefits of regular physical activity (PA) and the potentially harmful effects of exposure to PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 μm) in highly polluted regions. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the modification of PM2.5 on the associations of PA volume and intensity with depressive symptoms and glaucoma in individuals with or without depressive symptoms. Data of this study was obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) implemented during 2011 to 2020. PA volume and intensity were measured by a standardized questionnaire; a machine learning prediction model was applied to ascertain the PM2.5 concentrations. Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to explore associations. A total of 20,930 participants were finally included, with 11,214 analyzed for PA and depressive symptom risk and 16,965 analyzed for PA and glaucoma risk. PA volume or intensity was independent protective factor for incident depressive symptoms, while PM2.5 was independent risk factor for depressive symptoms and glaucoma in participants with or without depressive symptoms. Among participants with low PM2.5 exposure (< 35 micrograms per cubic meter [µg/m3]), PA volume or intensity showed an inverse association with the risk of incident depressive symptoms, but insignificant associations between PA volume or intensity and glaucoma risk were observed in either participants with or without depressive symptoms. Among participants with high PM2.5 exposure (≥ 35 µg/m3), higher PA volume or intensity increased the risks of depressive symptoms and glaucoma. Higher PA level was associated with a reduced risk of depressive symptoms only among participants with low PM2.5 exposure, and higher PA did not decrease the risk of glaucoma regardless of PM2.5 level. Our findings recommend regular PA to prevent depressive symptoms in less polluted regions and reinforce the importance of air quality improvement.

H. Milner

What are the political consequences of economic globalization? Since the 1990s, scholars of European party politics have noted the rise of extremist parties, especially right-wing populist ones, and the decline of mainstream left and right parties. This paper focuses on the association between globalization in terms of trade, capital and labor flows, technological change, and popular support for extreme right parties. I examine these relations at the regional and individual level in 15 advanced industrial democracies in Western Europe from 1990 to 2018. Globalization, especially in the form of trade, is associated with growing vote shares for extreme right parties. Technological change in the form of automation increases support for extreme right parties. The financial crisis enhanced support for populist right parties and strengthened the negative relationship between trade shocks and declining support for mainstream left parties. And the use of social welfare compensation seems unable to dampen these political trends.1

Oleg V. Stoletov

The article examines the conceptual foundations of China’s geoeconomic strategy and the features of its implementation in the context of the “awakening” of the Global South. The author employs a geoeconomic approach, which is used to examine various spatial economic-political phenomena, such as global economic projects, regional integration structures, economic and technological partnerships at various levels. The article identifies the key goals and objectives of China’s geoeconomic strategy in the context of the development of US-Chinese rivalry and increased international competition. It also provides an analysis of various aspects of China’s geoeconomic strategy, including diplomatic, trade and economic, financial, energy, resource, transport and logistics, scientific and technological, and digital. The study examines the Chinese interpretation of the concept of the “Global South,” with a particular focus on the positions of key states of the Global South in China’s geoeconomic strategy. It also analyzes China’s foreign policy approaches to developing interaction with key states of the Global South, including Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Türkiye, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Brazil. The topical issues of connecting Chinese economic projects with the national interests and international initiatives of key states of the Global South are considered. The article analyzes China’s strategic approaches to the development of non-Western-centric multilateral international associations, in which the People’s Republic of China (PRC) plays one of the leading roles (for example, BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization). At the same time, China’s initiatives to enhance engagement with regional and global international associations of states of the Global South and groups of countries are being explored. As a result of the study opportunities and limitations for China’s implementation of its geoeconomic strategy at the present stage are identified. The author concludes that the People’s Republic of China is seeking to intensify a new phase of globalization to address the long-term challenges facing its national development. As part of this phase of globalization, the economic potential of states in the Global South should be unlocked through their involvement in sustainable supply chains oriented towards China.

Daniel C. Smith, Stefanie M. Schäfer, Nick Golding et al.

Abstract Purpose The rising burden of mosquito-borne diseases in Europe extends beyond urban areas, encompassing rural and semi-urban regions near managed and natural wetlands evidenced by recent outbreaks of Usutu and West Nile viruses. While wetland management policies focus on biodiversity and ecosystem services, few studies explore the impact on mosquito vectors. Methods Our research addresses this gap, examining juvenile mosquito and aquatic predator communities in 67 ditch sites within a South England coastal marsh subjected to different wetland management tiers. Using joint distribution models, we analyse how mosquito communities respond to abiotic and biotic factors influenced by wetland management. Results Of the 12 mosquito species identified, Culiseta annulata (Usutu virus vector) and Culex pipiens (Usutu and West Nile virus vector) constitute 47% of 6825 larval mosquitoes. Abundant predators include Coleoptera (water beetles) adults, Corixidae (water boatmen) and Zygoptera (Damselfy) larvae. Models reveal that tier 3 management sites (higher winter water levels, lower agricultural intensity) associated with shade and less floating vegetation are preferred by specific mosquito species. All mosquito species except Anopheles maculipennis s.l., are negatively impacted by potential predators. Culiseta annulata shows positive associations with shaded and turbid water, contrary to preferences of Corixidae predators. Conclusions Tier 3 areas managed for biodiversity, characterised by higher seasonal water levels and reduced livestock grazing intensity, provide favourable habitats for key mosquito species that are known vectors of arboviruses, such as Usutu and West Nile. Our findings emphasise the impact of biodiversity-focused wetland management, altering mosquito breeding site vegetation to enhance vector suitability. Further exploration of these trade-offs is crucial for comprehending the broader implications of wetland management.

Natarajan Padmapriya, Natarajan Padmapriya, Jonathan Y. Bernard et al.

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep are collectively referred to as 24-h movement behaviors, which may be linked to cognitive development in children. However, most of the evidence was based on cross-sectional studies and/or solely relied on parent-reported information on children’s behaviors, and it remains uncertain whether all domains/contexts of PA and SB are similarly associated with executive function and academic achievement.ObjectiveWe investigated the prospective associations of accelerometer-measured 24 h-movement behaviors and domain-specific PA and SB with executive function and academic achievement among school-aged children in Singapore.MethodsThe Growing Up in Singapore Toward healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) cohort used a wrist-worn accelerometer (Actigraph-GT3x+) to measure 24 h-movement behaviors data at ages 5.5 and 8 years. Executive function and academic achievement were assessed using NEuroPSYchology (NEPSY) and Wechsler Individual Achievement Tests at ages 8.5 and 9-years, respectively. Compositional data analyses were conducted to explore the associations of 24 h-movement behavior with outcomes, and multiple linear regression models to examine the associations of domain-specific PA and SB with outcomes (n = 432).ResultsAmong 432 children whose parents agreed to cognitive assessments (47% girls and 58% Chinese), the composition of 24 h-movement behaviors at ages 5.5 and 8 years was not associated with executive function and academic achievement. However, higher moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) relative to remaining movement behaviors at age 5.5 years was associated with lower academic achievement [Mean difference (95% confidence interval): −0.367 (−0.726, −0.009) z-score], and reallocating MVPA time to sleep showed higher academic achievement scores [30 min from MVPA to sleep: 0.214 (0.023, 0.404) z-score]. Certain domains of PA and SB, notably organized PA/sports, outdoor play, and reading books were favorably associated with outcomes of interest, while indoor play and screen-viewing were unfavorably associated.ConclusionThe associations between movement behaviors and cognitive outcomes are multifaceted, influenced by specific domains of PA and SB. This study underscores the importance of participation in organized PA/sports, outdoor active play, and reading books, while ensuring adequate sleep and limiting screen viewing, to enhance cognitive outcomes. These findings underscore the need for further research into time-use trade-offs. Such studies could have major implications for revising current guidelines or strategies aimed at promoting healthier 24 h-movement behaviors in children.Study registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/, NCT01174875.

Ben-Nian Huo, Yue-E. Wu, Ling Shu et al.

Objectives: There have been limited studies concerning the safety and efficacy of linezolid (LZD) in children. This study aimed to evaluate the association between LZD exposure and clinical safety and efficacy in Chinese pediatric patients.Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included patients ≤18 years of age who received ≥3 days of LZD treatment between 31 January 2015, and 31 December 2020. Demographic characteristics, medication information, laboratory test information, and bacterial culture results were collected from the Hospital Information System (HIS). Exposure was defined as AUC24 and calculated by the non-linear mixed-effects modeling program (NONMEM), version 7.2, based on two validated population pharmacokinetic models. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the associations between AUC24 and laboratory adverse events, and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to calculate the cut-off values. Efficacy was evaluated by bacterial clearance.Results: A total of 413 paediatric patients were included, with an LZD median (interquartile range) dose, duration, clearance and AUC24 of 30.0 (28.1-31.6) mg/kg/day, 8 (4‒15) days,1.31 (1.29-1.32) L/h and 81.1 (60.6-108.7) mg/L·h, respectively. Adverse events associated with TBil, AST, ALT, PLT, hemoglobin, WBC, and neutrophil count increased during and after LZD treatment when compared with before medication (p &lt; 0.05), and the most common adverse events were thrombocytopaenia (71/399, 17.8%) and low hemoglobin (61/401, 15.2%) during the LZD treatment. Patients with AUC24 higher than 120.69 mg/L h might be associated with low hemoglobin 1–7 days after the end of the LZD treatment, and those with an AUC24 higher than 92.88 mg/L∙h might be associated with thrombocytopaenia 8–15 days after the end of the LZD treatment. A total of 136 patients underwent bacterial culture both before and after LZD treatment, and the infection was cleared in 92.6% (126/136) of the patients, of whom 69.8% (88/126) had AUC24/MIC values greater than 80.Conclusion: Hematological indicators should be carefully monitored during LZD treatment, especially thrombocytopaenia and low hemoglobin, and a continuous period of monitoring after LZD withdrawal is also necessary. Since the AUC24 cut-off values for laboratory adverse events were relatively low, a trade-off is necessary between the level of drug exposure required for treatment and safety, and the exposure target (AUC24/MIC) in pediatric patients should be further studied, especially for patients with complications and concomitant medications.

Peep F. M. Stalmeier, Eva E. Volmeijer

Abstract Background The time trade-off (TTO) is a commonly used preference based method to assess health related values used in health economic analyses. Surprisingly little is known about the factors influencing the TTO. Since self-esteem is a predictor for health status measurements, and health status affects the TTO, we studied the relation between self-esteem and TTO values. Methods Data of 128 patients treated with vitamin K antagonists for venous thromboembolism on Short Form-36 (SF-36), Rosenberg self-esteem and patient characteristics were collected. TTO values were obtained for ‘current health’ and three chronic health states related to thrombosis, in face-to-face interviews with patients. Regression analyses were performed with the TTO as dependent variable. Analyses were performed in two groups; the complete sample, and traders only. Selected predictors were entered in four blocks: socio-demographic factors, medical-clinical factors, health status, and self-esteem. Results In the complete sample (N = 128), bivariate regression analysis showed that self-esteem explained 14% of the variance in TTO values for current health (p < .000, N = 117). In traders, multivariate regression analysis showed a significant relationship between self-esteem and TTO values for current health. Self-esteem increased the variance explained (R2) by 8.8%, from 28.1 to 36.9%, (p = 0.01; N = 57). For hypothetical health states, the effect of self-esteem was weaker and mostly absent after controlling for selected variables. Conclusions In patients willing to trade-off time, higher self-esteem was associated with higher TTO values for own current health. Self-esteem explained an appreciable proportion of the variance in TTO values in traders. For hypothetical health states such associations were weak or absent.

Kristina V. Shvandar, Lyubov I. Khomyakova

The article considers the mutual payment systems of regional associations in Asia, Africa and Latin America in line with the global trend to reduce the share of the US dollar in settlements among countries belonging to trade, regional or integration blocs. We took for the research the Regional Payment System SML (Sistema de Pagamentos em Moeda Local) of the MERCOSUR countries, the Regional Mutual Settlement System SUCRE (Sistema Único de Compensación Regional) of the ALBA countries, the Regional Clearing and Settlement System REPSS (Regional Payment and Settlement System) of the COMESA, Settlement system of the Asian Clearing Union. It reveals features of these mutual payment systems, analyzes their contribution to the servicing of mutual trade turnover (noted such a feature of existing systems as their centric organization). The role of these systems in stimulating the use of national currencies by economic entities has been determined. It is indicated that the dedollarisation processes are closely related to the development of cross-border payments and the achievement of certain agreements on the development of a common payment space among countries of the same region that have economic ties, first of all active mutual trade. Based on the model and data on mutual trade turnover and the currency structure of settlements of the Eurasian Economic Union countries given Latin American, African and Asian experience, it forecasts an increase in the share of their national currencies in the servicing of mutual trade in goods and services.

Saman Handaragama, Kyoko Kusakabe

Purpose: Effective business networks, experienced mentors, and access to financial and business knowledge are crucial for small-scale entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and barriers towards growth. Women entrepreneurs have limited access to information, training, credit, and networks compared to that of men entrepreneurs. Business Associations (BAs) are self-governing bodies designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs in a specific local, national and regional socio-economic-cultural context. This study investigates firstly the potential of BAs to support and empower women entrepreneurs and the difficulties encountered by women in taking up leadership positions in BAs. Methods: Three sub-sectors from among tourism enterprises in Hikkaduwa Urban Council, Galle District, in Sri Lanka were studied. A questionnaire survey among 390 respondents (195 women, 195 men) was conducted aiming to understand the profile of entrepreneurs. Employing 24 in-depth interviews (12 women, 12 men), a further investigation was taken to ascertain the underlying reasons of their decisions in business and family. Findings: Determined to overcome the challenges, women entrepreneurs join BAs thus gaining access to business resources such as financial, information and connections. They become members of multiple BAs seeking tenacities to address difficulties they face as women entrepreneurs. However, women's participation is restricted to low-level positions while significant leadership positions in BAs tend to be dominated by male thereby obstructing a great deal of potential benefits yieldable by women. Recommendations: We recommend that BAs promote women across the entire hierarchy of organization making BAs more relevant to women members who are in greater need of its services. Research limitations/and future research: This study covers three sub-sectors of the tourism industry in one district in Sri Lanka wherein more research is demanded covering larger industries and geographies to develop nuanced theories about the potentially powerful roles that BAs could play to support women entrepreneurs. Business/trade associations hold enormous potential to support women entrepreneurs with critically important resources, i.e., mentoring and networking. Further research is required to further analyze how to promote women's leadership in BAs. Since the study was done before Covid-19 pandemic, gender impact of the pandemic could not be integrated.