Hasil untuk "Balance of trade"

Aditya Kumar Agarwal, S. Chauhan, Kamal Sharma et al.

Ionela Gavrila-Paven

The transformation of trade structures represents a core dimension of economic integration in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly following EU accession and deeper participation in global value chains. Romania and Poland, despite similar institutional frameworks, have exhibited distinct trade trajectories in terms of specialisation patterns, intra–industry trade intensity and external balance. Understanding these differences is essential for assessing the quality of integration, competitiveness and structural upgrading in emerging European economies. Existing empirical studies often focus on single indicators or shorter time horizons, leaving room for a comprehensive, long–run comparative assessment based on multiple trade dimensions. The purpose of this article is to compare the evolution of trade specialisation, intra–industry trade and trade balance in Romania and Poland over the period 2002–2024. The study aims to identify similarities and divergences in their trade structures and to evaluate whether trade expansion has been accompanied by qualitative improvements and external rebalancing. By adopting a comparative perspective, the article seeks to contribute to the literature on trade integration and structural transformation in Central and Eastern Europe. The analysis is based on annual sectoral data on imports and exports for Romania and Poland covering the period 2002–2024. Three complementary indicators are employed: a symmetric Balassa–type revealed comparative advantage index (RSCA), the Grubel–Lloyd intra–industry trade index, and an export–import coverage ratio used as a proxy for sectoral trade balance. Descriptive analysis is complemented by linear trend estimation and structural break tests in order to capture long–run dynamics and identify major shifts associated with EU accession and post–crisis adjustments. The results show that while both countries experienced substantial trade expansion, Poland achieved a significantly stronger qualitative outcome, characterised by higher intra–industry trade intensity and convergence towards aggregate trade balance by 2024. Romania, although recording improvements in trade composition, maintained a persistent trade deficit. The article adds value by providing a long–run, indicator–based comparative framework that integrates specialisation, intra–industry trade and external balance into a single empirical analysis.

Wiktor Hoffmann, Magda Joachimiak

Surface Air-Cooled Oil Coolers (SACOCs) can become a critical component in managing the increasing thermal loads of modern turbofan engines. Installed within the bypass duct, SACOCs utilize high-mass flow bypass air for convective heat rejection, reducing reliance on traditional Fuel-Oil Heat Exchangers. This review explores SACOC design principles, integration challenges, aerodynamic impacts, and performance trade-offs. Emphasis is placed on the balance between thermal efficiency and aerodynamic penalties such as pressure drop and flow distortion. Experimental techniques, including wind tunnel testing, are discussed alongside numerical methods, and Conjugate Heat Transfer modeling. Presented studies mostly demonstrate the impact of fin geometry and placement on both heat transfer and drag. Optimization strategies and Additive Manufacturing techniques are also covered. SACOCs are positioned to play a central role in future propulsion systems, especially in ultra-high bypass ratio and hybrid-electric architectures, where traditional cooling strategies are insufficient. This review highlights current advancements, identifies limitations, and outlines research directions to enhance SACOC efficiency in aerospace applications.

Judith Mulwa, Eric Kioko, Marie Ladekjaer Gravesen

Advocates of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) have argued that the approaches are important for addressing the various social and environmental challenges, including adaptation to climate change and biodiversity conservation. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has developed eight criteria for identification of Nature-based Solutions: (1) address societal challenges (2) entail landscape scale of intervention (3) biodiversity gain (4) economic viability (5) governance capability (6) equitably balance trade-offs (7) adaptive management, and (8) mainstreamed within an appropriate jurisdictional context. Nevertheless, studies have shown that interventions that seek to help people in the frontlines of climate change often fail to provide predictable financing, enable local ownership, and align to the actual conditions of the local communities. To address these challenges, in 2018 more than 20 countries formed a global commission on adaptation, which in 2021 adopted eight guidelines known as Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) principles to guide climate change adaptation efforts by ensuring that local communities are empowered to lead the design, implementation, and decision-making processes for adaptation projects. While NbS offer substantial co-benefits—enhancing biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and improving water security—their success hinges on effective financing, governance, and local engagement. Sand dams, in particular, have been implemented for decades across arid and semi-arid regions, offering a reliable method of water harvesting and climate adaptation. However, their integration into NbS frameworks and LLA principles remains underexplored. As such, this study sets out to assess how one of the sub-national governments of Kenya (Makueni County) has aligned its implementation of Nature-based Solutions to the principles of LLA. The NbS under consideration is the county's sand dam project, which was instituted to address water scarcity in the face of climate change and inadvertently disaster risk management. To gauge the NbS project's alignment to LLA principles, 43 indicators and measurement metrics were developed based on the eight principles of LLA. Each principle has between 4 and 7 qualitative indicators. Data was collected through focus group discussions with sand dams’ projects’ committee members, key informant interviews with county and national government officials responsible for water and climate change, and analysis of the sand dams’ projects documents. Each indicator was assigned a score of 1 if present and 0 if absent, giving a potential of 43 positive scores or 100 % if the county government scored 1 for all the 43 indicators. From indicators assessed, the County Government had a positive score in about 53 %, slightly above average (50 %). It is the view of the authors’ that if better governance structures are pegged to the remaining LLA principles, then financing can flow more naturally to the water sector.

Paul Pickert, Anja Giers, Anke Lux et al.

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Differentiating benign, premalignant, and early malignant vocal fold lesions is challenging. Perpendicular vascular changes (PVCs) per the European Laryngological Society (ELS) are key malignancy indicators. Enhanced contact endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (NBI-CE) visualizes intrapapillary capillary loops (IPCLs) at high magnification, independent of gross morphology. However, defining malignancy as any PVC increases sensitivity but lowers specificity—particularly in papillomas—whereas limiting malignancy to narrow-angle PVC improves specificity but risks false negatives and reduced reproducibility. <b>Methods</b>: We intraoperatively evaluated 146 histology-proven vocal fold lesions using NBI-CE. Six raters (three experienced otolaryngologists, three PhD students) classified vascular patterns. Two approaches were tested: (1) malignancy = narrow-angle PVC; (2) malignancy = any PVC. Outcomes were accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and interrater agreement. <b>Results</b>: Approach (1) had higher specificity but lower sensitivity than (2) (~85% vs. ~70% specificity; ~50% vs. ~80% sensitivity). Accuracy did not differ significantly. Experienced raters showed higher interrater agreement and a more favorable sensitivity–specificity balance. Common errors were false positives in papillomas and false negatives in dysplasia/early carcinoma. <b>Conclusions</b>: PVC assessment with NBI-CE is feasible and informative. Choosing between “any PVC” and “narrow-angle only” entails a sensitivity–specificity trade-off and depends on lesion type and experience. Refined ELS descriptors and automated analysis may improve reproducibility and accuracy.

Rong Yang, Jianxiang Lu, Zhiqi Sun et al.

Extended-range hybrid electric vehicles (E-RHEVs) require optimized parking charging strategies that consider both charging time and battery health. Existing research often neglects the crucial impact of ambient temperature and long-term cycling on battery degradation. This study addresses this gap by developing a novel parking charging strategy for E-RHEVs that leverages a temperature-dependent battery aging model and a Multi-Objective Mantis Search Algorithm (MOMSA)—a metaheuristic optimization algorithm designed to solve multi-objective problems by efficiently exploring trade-offs between conflicting objectives. The MOMSA optimizes a five-stage State-of-Charge-based Multi-stage Constant Current (SMCC) charging profile—a dynamic current adjustment strategy that minimizes battery capacity degradation by dividing the charging process into sequential phases. The MOMSA-based SMCC strategy achieves an optimal balance between charging time and battery capacity degradation across a range of ambient temperatures (5 °C to 35 °C). Compared to a conventional 0.5C CC-CV charging strategy, the MOMSA-based SMCC strategy demonstrably reduces battery degradation with a moderate increase in charging time. Furthermore, the MOMSA-based charging strategy outperforms a Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO)-based approach, achieving comparable degradation mitigation while significantly reducing charging time. One-week cycling simulations under realistic driving conditions further validate the MOMSA-based charging strategy’s superior long-term performance in delaying battery degradation across various temperatures. This strategy extends E-RHEV battery lifespan while maintaining operational efficiency.

Tesfahun Ayanaw Alemu, Mesele Belay Zegeye, Abate Belaye Tefera et al.

Background Empirical studies on the impact of devaluation in developing countries, including Ethiopia, have revealed diverse and mixed results. The effects can be positive or negative depending on the specific economic context and policies in place.This study addresses the devaluation puzzle by providing a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of how devaluation affects the balance of payments and output. Methods To achieve this, we employ a recursive structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) model focusing on Ethiopia from 2001Q1 to 2023Q4. Results The estimation results indicate that the real effective exchange rate channel effectively influences both the balance of payments and output in Ethiopia. Additionally, while foreign asset reserves, money supply, and inflation channels have a stronger impact on output, their effect on the balance of payments is relatively weak. The analysis further indicates that currency depreciation can improve the BOP in the short period by enhancing export competitiveness; however, it may have negative long-period effects due to rising import prices. Similarly, although an increased money supply can stimulate economic activity and strengthen the BOP, excessive expansion risks inflation and trade deficits. Furthermore, inflation negatively impacts both the BOP and GDP by escalating import costs and diminishing competitiveness. Foreign exchange reserves play a crucial role in supporting external liquidity and investor confidence, essential for economic stability. Conclusion The interconnectedness of these factors emphasizes the need for policymakers to implement effective management strategies, including enhancing foreign reserve management, controlling inflation, and adopting a balanced exchange rate policy. Continuous monitoring of these policies will help address emerging challenges and improve Ethiopia’s competitiveness in the global market.

Zhang Hui, Aftab Haider, Asif Khan

Plastic waste pollution in oceans has emerged as a severe global crisis, exacerbated by international trade. The increased movement of goods, particularly plastic-based products, contributes significantly to marine plastic pollution. This study explores the intersection of international trade and plastic waste, focusing on legal and policy challenges. Using a qualitative research design, this paper reviews international legal frameworks such as the Basel Convention, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and regional trade agreements to assess their effectiveness in addressing plastic waste issues. The research highlights critical enforcement gaps, lack of standardized regulations, and insufficient international cooperation as major obstacles to effective plastic waste management. Key findings suggest strengthening international legal frameworks, enhancing monitoring and compliance mechanisms, and promoting sustainable trade practices are crucial for mitigating plastic pollution in oceans. The study underscores the necessity for binding agreements within trade policies to ensure a sustainable balance between economic growth and marine ecosystem preservation.

Adebowale Ogunsola

Ineffective tax system can impact negatively on economic development. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of taxation on the economic development in Nigeria. The study adopted time series research method. The data used were obtained from secondary sources, which covered a period from 2015 to 2022. Using regression analysis, the study found that company income tax (CITX) and value added tax (VATX) positively and insignificantly influence real gross domestic product, however, the influence of education tax (EDTX) is negligible. Results also revealed that the influence of CITX on poverty index is negligible, while VATX and EDTX have negative and positive insignificant influence on poverty index respectively. Besides, findings revealed that CITX negatively and insignificantly influences life expectancy. While VATX positively and significantly influences life expectancy, the influence of EDTX is positive and insignificant. Moreover, results showed that CITX positively and insignificantly influences balance of trade, whereas the influence of VATX and EDTX is negative and insignificant. Furthermore, findings showed that company income tax positively and insignificantly influences unemployment rate. While VATX negatively and significantly influences unemployment rate, the influence of EDTX is negative and insignificant. It can be concluded that CITX, VATX and EDTX have tendency to improve some indicators of economic development, while they will likely impair other indicators. Therefore, it is recommended for government to ensure that revenue generated from taxation is judiciously expended on projects that will contribute positively to economic development.

Jorge Andres Ramirez, Jorge Andres Ramirez, Dylan Craven et al.

Carbohydrate reserves play a vital role in plant survival during periods of negative carbon balance. Under a carbon-limited scenario, we expect a trade-offs between carbon allocation to growth, reserves, and defense. A resulting hypothesis is that carbon allocation to reserves exhibits a coordinated variation with functional traits associated with the ‘fast-slow’ plant economics spectrum. We tested the relationship between non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) of tree organs and functional traits using 61 angiosperm tree species from temperate and tropical forests with phylogenetic hierarchical Bayesian models. Our results provide evidence that NSC concentrations in stems and branches are decoupled from plant functional traits. while those in roots are weakly coupled with plant functional traits. In contrast, we found that variation between NSC concentrations in leaves and the fast-slow trait spectrum was coordinated, as species with higher leaf NSC had trait values associated with resource conservative species, such as lower SLA, leaf N, and leaf P. We also detected a small effect of leaf habit on the variation of NSC concentrations in branches and roots. Efforts to predict the response of ecosystems to global change will need to integrate a suite of plant traits, such as NSC concentrations in woody organs, that are independent of the ‘fast-slow’ plant economics spectrum and that capture how species respond to a broad range of global change drivers.

Yulia Sidorenko, Tatiana Feofilova, Saurav Dixit

This study examines the current industrial and trade policy of St. Petersburg in the field of light industry and substantiates the importance and necessity of the development of this sphere of industry in view of its strategic orientation. This paper analyses the approaches mentioned in the literature to determine the methods and tools for harmonisation of industrial and trade policy and state regulation of the conducted policy. The author developed, proposed and systematised administrative and economic methods and tools of harmonisation of industrial and commercial policy using the example of the light industry in St. Petersburg. As an administrative method of harmonisation of industrial and trade policy, the following tools are proposed: regulatory, state programming, state subsidies and public investment. As part of the economic method of harmonisation of industrial and trade policy, the following tools are proposed: state support for investors (monetary policy, tax policy), provision of benefits and tax policy. These methods and tools are aimed at improving the balance and mutual orientation of the current industrial and trade policy of St. Petersburg in the light industry at the institutional level and the effectiveness of their implementation, the elimination of problems faced by business entities in their activities, and improving the socio-economic situation of the region.

Noha Hassan, Xavier Fernando, Isaac Woungang et al.

In combination with the expected traffic avalanche foreseen for the next decade, solutions supporting energy-efficient, scalable and flexible network operations are essential. Considering the myriad of user case requirements, THz and mmW bands will play key roles in 6G networks. While mmW is known for short-rate LOS connections, THz transmission is subjected to even severe propagation losses, resulting in very short-range connections. In this context, we evaluate a dynamic multi-band user association algorithm to optimize connectivity in coexisting RF/mmW/THz networks. The algorithm periodically calculates association scores for each user–base station pair based on real-time channel conditions across bands, accounting for factors like signal strength, link blockage risk and noise. It then reassociates users in batches to balance loads while considering user priorities and network conditions. We simulate the algorithm’s performance within a realistic propagation model, where high path loss, molecular absorption, blockage, and narrow beam widths contribute to lower coverage at higher frequencies. Results demonstrate the algorithm’s ability to efficiently utilize network resources across diverse operating environments. In addition, our results show that the choice of frequency band depends on the specific requirements of the application, the environment, and the trade-offs between coverage distance, capacity, and interference conditions.

Bénédicte Rulleau, Kevin Caillaud, Denis Salles

In France, the performance indicators applied to drinking water supply systems tend to be serviceoriented, making no distinction between residential and non-residential users. In this paper, we seek to test our working hypothesis that these different groups of consumers each have their own sets of expectations, constraints, and vulnerabilities and would thus constitute distinct actors in case of a service failure. Three water utilities located in southwestern France serve as a case study. Results show that non-residential users’ perceptions of service performance can differ significantly from those of residential consumers. Our findings indicate that non-residential users tend to focus more intensely on certain subjects, i.e. the balance of remaining comfortable while not wasting time, trade-offs between restrictions and profitability, etc. Furthermore, non-residential users do not form a homogeneous category. Within non-residential users, three rationales can be distinguished: 'productive', which relates to users who are highly dependant on the current model of drinking water supply; 'routine', in which use of water from the tap seems to continue out of habit, convenience, and/or safety reasons; and 'economic optimization' or 'moderation'. This additional performance-related knowledge could prove invaluable in designing effective strategies for water infrastructure asset management as it allows utilities to prioritise sectors for improvement and be more efficient. It helps utilities better serve their customers by addressing their specific needs. It also helps target communication on less familiar or understood topics. Finally, our work contributes to the debate on management through indicators as it questions their meaning and scope.

Joann M. Lindenmayer, Gretchen E. Kaufman, Liv Baker et al.

Abstract One Health, as proclaimed by the United Nations Quadripartite, is “an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems.” As such, it recognizes that the health of people, other animals, and nature is closely linked and interdependent. A great deal of One Health education, research, and practice is grounded in science, while ethical considerations are addressed infrequently. Yet ethical issues are inherent to each stage of One Health. They include which aspects of interdependencies to study, how to extend health and well-being beyond humans, and what trade-offs to consider when optimizing the health of people, other animals, and nature. In this article, we call for an active debate on the ethical considerations that should underpin every stage of One Health. We propose four tenets for discussion that, if adopted, could serve as springboards from which to consider how we “ought” to teach, investigate, and practice One Health. One Health Impact Statement While science helps us to better understand and explain how humanity’s actions affect our planet, ethics helps us evaluate those actions—past, present, and future. Working toward engaging with questions of ethics in conferences and peer-reviewed publications will help to establish guidelines for the conceptualization, design, implementation, and evaluation of One Health teaching, research, policy, and practice. Integrating ethical considerations and debate into every aspect of One Health will support a multispecies understanding of the term “One Health” and move us forward by building a common point of departure for dialogue, deliberation, and decisions inherent in One Health.

Bernardo Pretti Becacici Macieira, Giuliano Maselli Locosselli, Marcos Silveira Buckeridge et al.

Tropical forests uptake more atmospheric CO2 and transpire more water than any other forest in the world and are critical components of the global carbon and hydrological cycles. Both cycles depend to a great extent on the carbon and water balance of individual trees. Such adjustments are usually evaluated through well-established and newly-emerging traits but integrating them for a systemic understanding of trees' responses to climate change can be challenging. We propose using complex correlation networks to integrate and understand how trees coordinate water- and carbon-related traits under changing climate conditions. We built a correlation network based on 20 traits measured in the wood of Hymenaea courbaril (Leguminosae) trees, a species known for its extreme anisohydric water-use strategy, sampled along a climate gradient in Southeastern Brazil. Intercellular to ambient CO2 concentrations ratio (ci/ca, estimated from tree-ring δ13C) is a central network trait for being coordinated with several hydraulic and carbon allocation traits. Trees of H. courbaril coordinate these traits along the climate gradient, favoring high ci/ca under warm and dry conditions. A high ci/ca is only possible through a consistent water supply provided by wider vessels together with the investment on soluble sugars, at the detriment of starch, likely for hydraulic maintenance. Trees also favor heat resistance by investing in cell-wall xylose, another central network trait, from xyloglucans and xylans, at the expense of mannose from glucomannans. Such trade-offs within, and between, structural and non-structural carbon allocation reflect well-known metabolic pathways in plants. In summary, this systemic approach confirms previously reported patterns on leaf physiology, stem hydraulics and carbon adjustments while bringing to light the previously unreported role of cell-wall composition and its fine adjustments to cope with climate change.

Siti Aisyah, Arthur Muhammad Farhaby

The high activity of catching Shark Ray (Rhinidae) have a big impact on the population and affect the balance of the marine ecosystem. This is supported by the characteristics of stingrays that have a lower reproductive ability, slower growth and higher risk of death. Lack of database information, relating to the Shark Ray can reduce oversight or regulations governing the production of the total catch. So the condition is feared impact on the survival of Shark Ray, especially in Bangka Belitung. One of the important databases that must be done is the accurate identification of fish species Shark Ray as a reference in determining the conservation status. The purpose of this research is to identify the molecular basis Shark Ray and the conservation status of the Shark Ray landed on Bangka Island. Shark Ray samples obtained from a source of potential landing in Bangka Island, namely PPN Sungailiat (Bangka Regency), TPI Ketapang (Pangkalpinang City) and TPI Kurau (Central Bangka Regency). The research method consists of three stages: collection of samples, the molecular identification (mtDNA Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit 1 / COI gene), phylogenetic analysis and conservation status of Shark Ray. The results of the COI gene nucleotide character matching were performed by using the BLAST program integrated into GenBank pages and showed that the three samples of Shark Rays were identified as Rhina Ancylostoma species (Bowmouth guitarfish, Shark Ray) with a rate of similarity of 100%. Based on data from the IUCN Red List, the species Rhina Ancylostomain the category of Critically Endangered (CR) and based on the status of trade, at the 18th CoP meeting in Geneva, on August 2019, CITES has added Wedgefishes (Family Rhinidae) in Appendix II.

D. Backus, P. Kehoe, F. Kydland

Weldeslasie Teklencheal Berhe

The prime objective of the study was to investigate the effect of domestic currency devaluation on trade balance in Ethiopian over the period 1974-2016. To address the objective, ARDL and Error Correction Model were applied. The ARDL bound test result shown that  There is  a long run relationship between real effective exchange rate, real domestic income and lending interest rate .Specifically, real effective exchange rate, real domestic income and lending interest rate have a significant and positive effect on trade balance; whereas money supply and government expenditure deteriorated trade balance while  deposit interest rate was insignificant in the long run. This clearly shows that both elasticity and absorption approaches improved the trade balance but monetary measures have deteriorated it. Hence; the government should take follow contractionary monetary policy and absorption approach through productivity improvement, diversification of export sectors and expansion of import computing industries to overcome trade deficit. Keywords: Ethiopia, Trade Balance, Currency Devaluation, ARDL Bound test. DOI : 10.7176/RJFA/11-1-03 Publication date: January 31 st 2020

Sara Gobbato

Directive 2019/1024/EU aims at establishing a Single Market of publicly funded research data, where the latter become freely available for reuse to any EU stakeholder for commercial and non-commercial purposes. The effectiveness of the harmonised provisions at hand seems to depend on two critical issues, to be tackled by national lawmakers in the current transposition phase ending by July 17, 2021. First, national policies should provide for adequate incentives to the research data publication in open access repositories or journals, since – upon implementation of the Directive – data embedded in closed-access journals could continue to be exposed or not by the publishers as open data, based on their copyright policies. In addition, national lawmakers should reach a fair balance in drafting the exceptions to the “open by default” and reuse obligations for the safeguard in particular of IPRs and trade secrets, in compliance with the principle “as open as possible, as closed as necessary”

Bastien Trotobas, Adrien Llave, Amor Nafkha et al.

The soft-output multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) detection problem has been extensively studied, and a large number of heuristics and metaheuristics have been proposed to solve it. Unlike classical tree-search based detectors, geometrical heuristic algorithms involved two consecutive steps: (i) an exploration step based on the geometry of the channel matrix singular vectors; (ii) a local exploitation step is performed in order to obtain better final solution. In this paper, new enhancements for geometrical heuristics are introduced to significantly reduce the complexity in quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) and allow 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) capability through new exploration techniques. The performance-complexity trade-off between the new detector and two tree-based algorithms is investigated through Pareto efficiency. The Pareto framework also allows us to select the most efficient tuning parameters based on an exhaustive search. The proposed detector can be customized on the fly using only one or two parameters to balance the trade-off between computational complexity and bit error rate performances. Moreover, the Pareto fronts demonstrate that the new geometrical heuristic is especially efficient with QPSK since it provides a significant reduction in regards to the computational complexity while preserving good bit error rate (BER) performance and ensuring high flexibility.