Macroeconomics

The requirements for corporate environmental responsibility have shifted from reducing the carbon footprint of production to also cover the increasing use of carbon handprint by lowering the environmental impact of the offering. This paper discusses the guidance and development tools that support environmentally responsible, customer-orientated offering development in small-scale businesses. This support for the businesses has been created through business interviews, benchmark analysis, and co-creation in training sessions. The customer-driven design tools for environmentally responsible product and service solutions consist of a systemic design type of loop canvases to enable the modelling of low-impact consumption and production, and tools to analyze possibilities to lower the consumption impact of offerings, to cover the customer journey, and to support customer behavior change. The design of environmentally sustainable services changes the design goal from customer-driven, desirable solutions to transformation support, for customers as well as for businesses.

This study analyzes the environmental impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Morocco (2000-2024), examining sectoral differences, policy efficiency, and technology transfer using econometrics and case studies. Findings reveal a positive correlation between FDI in traditional sectors (manufacturing, mining) and CO₂ emissions (r = 0.62, p<0.01), while green FDI (renewable energy) is associated with reduced emissions (r =-0.34, p<0.01). Environmental policy effectiveness is a crucial mediator, with renewable energy policies (Law 13-09, score 8.5/10) more effective than mining regulations (score 4.8/10). EU FDI shows higher technology transfer rates (40% greater). The study recommends tiered FDI screening, local content quotas, and IoT-based monitoring to align investments with SDGs 7, 9, and 13, offering a nuanced perspective on the pollution haven hypothesis.

Design education is interdisciplinary in its nature, yet how to facilitate productive and authentic design processes that encourage creative collaboration within a heterogenous group needs further investigation as well as empirical evidence. This study first reviews existing frameworks and the educational factors that affect its creativity and productivity, then constructs a framework for organizing an interdisciplinary workshop aimed at leveraging collective creativity through the theme of multimodal book design for children. Qualitative empirical data was collected and analysed in accordance with the framework. Finally, we present principles and elements for consideration when conducting an interdisciplinary approach to design experience that fosters creative collaboration by using a combination of inductive and deductive approaches.

This work evaluates the sustainability of small-scale biorefineries as a potential enterprise alternative to be introduced in rural areas based on experimental and simulation data. Four scenarios were evaluated: the first scenario involves the production of guacamole, the second involves the production of animal feed, and the third and fourth scenarios involve the extraction of bioactive compounds and the production of avocado oil or animal feed, respectively. In addition, all scenarios produce biogas and fertilizer. Each of the scenarios were evaluated considering the technical, economic, environmental, and social aspects. As a main result, the first scenario showed the lowest operating and investment costs, as well as the lowest economic profitability (profit margin 35%). On the other hand, the third and fourth scenarios present the highest investment and operating expenses (OpEx USD 6.2 million per year and CapEx USD 1.0 million), but their profit margins are in the 60–70% range....

There were no studies about the structure of the international fresh blueberry market in developing countries for contributing to the development of strategies and policies for the production, imports, and exports of fresh blueberries in the involved countries. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the structure of the international fresh blueberry market in the period 2001-2020. The research design was non-experimental, and longitudinal, with trends on per capita consumption, the market concentration index, and a multiple linear regression model. It was concluded that per capita consumption is led by Canada and the USA and that the concentration indices of the four main countries [CR(4)] of production, imports, and exports went from very high concentration levels to high concentration levels. The eight main countries [CR(8)] of production and exports were at a very high level and imports went from a very high level to a high level; in addition, the Herfindal-Hirschman-Index (HHI) of production was at a highly concentrated level: (a) highly concentrated level in imports in the period 2001-2018, (b) moderately concentrated from 2019 in imports, (c) highly concentrated in exports in the period 2001-2009, (d) moderately concentrated in exports in the period 2010-2018, and (e) not concentrated in exports as of 2019; in addition, the multiple linear regression model showed that per capita consumption, market share, price, and production contribute with 94.3% of the explanation of the variability of fresh blueberry exports. Finally, it was recommended to study the blueberry consumption habits and access restrictions to other international markets for increasing blueberry exports.

Aims: Providing safe drinking water is an ongoing global concern. Coagulation is an essential process in water treatment. However, most of the coagulants are chemical in nature and have negative impacts on human health and the environment. This study investigated the production of myco-coagulant in solid-state fermentation using a fungal strain. Methodology and results: A scale-up was performed using the tray method to investigate the influence of substrate thickness (from 2-30 mm) on myco-coagulant production. The results revealed that the turbidity removal efficiency of myco-coagulant in kaolin suspension was found to be increasing with the increase in thickness of the coco peat substrate. However, the myco-coagulant extracted from the media with a thickness of 30 mm was able to remove the highest turbidity by 96%. Three different subculturing methods for mycelium inoculation were evaluated. The surface inoculation approach produced better results than other inoculation processes. The effect of initial turbidity values (50-300 NTU) on turbidity removal was studied too. The myco-coagulant was found to be the most suitable for high-turbidity water (300 NTU) with turbidity removal of 52%. Subculturing of fungus from solid-state to solid-state was also studied, which showed that the strategy was just as effective as an inoculum-based subculture. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Excellent bio-coagulation activity has been shown for the mycocoagulant that was isolated from the fungus strain. Subculturing using existing substrates will be more economical than subculturing using fresh inoculum. This strategy saves time, labour and cost of the coagulant production.

The paper empirically investigates whether budget deficit financing Granger Cause private investment in Nigeria, employing annual data covering the period of 1980 to 2014 incorporating ADF and PP for the unit root and Pairwise Granger Causality tests as the means of statistical inference. The result of the ADF and PP revealed that the series are not stationary at the level value and became so after first differencing that is, they are integrated of other one I(1). The result further discloses that, there exists bidirectional causality running from private investment to fiscal deficit, government expenditure and government revenue while same bidirectional causality from exchange rate to private investment and we recommend that financing of deficit since it is unavoidable in most of LDCs economy including Nigeria should be done in such a way that can engage untapped human and natural resources thereby leading to increased productivity and government revenue via corporate taxation.

While women's labour insertion has significantly increased, wide gender gaps persist: women partipate less in labour markets, their employment conditions are worse, they face glass walls and ceilings and they are discriminated by the law. Achieving gender equity is not only a moral imperative, but it also key for growth and development. The G20 countries have committed to reduce the gap in labour participation 25% by 2025, yet progress has been slim and thus innovative solutions need to be implemented. This document aims to provide policy recommendations to achieve this goal and bridge gender gaps in the world of work. During the last decades women have massively entered the labour market. However, wide gender gaps persist. In 2017, global female labour force participation reached 49.4%, 26.7 p.p. lower than for men and no improvements are expected in the short term (ILO, 2017). Women are more likely to remain economically inactive and, when they do participate in labour markets, they are more prone to be unemployed, work in the informal economy, receive lower wages, concentrate in less dynamic sectors and be under-represented at the top (Kabeer, 2017). Thus, while female labour insertion and conditions have progressed, these have not necessarily translated into decent work or economic empowerment.

Background: Indian subcontinent  has high mental heath burden and low resoueces to cope the mental health challenges. Assessment of impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the mental mental healthwould help to prioratize the resource allocations. We aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of people in the Indian subcontinent. Methods: We followed PRISMA guidelines and made a systematic serach in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase to identify the original studies assessing mental health conditions during Covid-19 pandemic in the Indian subcontinent. Results: A total of 34 studies carried out between 2020 and 2022 was included in this review. The prevalence of anxiety disorders varied widely starting from 2.5% among residents of  urban slum in North India to 53% Bangladesh,  21.7% in Pakistan. The prevalence of depression also varied widely starting from 3.5% North India to 29.8% in Pakistan. The prevalence of stress related problem varied from 18.3% in Pakistan to 59.7% in Banglad...

Leakages in pipeline is an important problem that can occur at any stage of the pipeline lifespan due to ageing, improper installation, or human related factors like bunkering or vandalization. Several invasive and non-invasive techniques are being used which have proven to be successful. However, this study focuses on leakage in an area of the pipeline network that is most often overlooked. This area is within the first 100 meters of the pipeline network to the excitation pump and is often prone to leakages due to high pressure. This study shows that even at no leak conditions pressure profile of a short pipeline in a closed loop configuration can vary by as much 59.93 percent. The study also examined the impact of single leak, double leaks, and triple leaks on the pipeline network with pressure loss compared to the no leak condition ranging from about 10 percent to as high as 60 percent.

Background: Depression is the major mental disorder that frequently co-occurs with other physical illnesses, although its detection at primary healthcare is limited. Thus, the purpose of this study is to evaluate health professionals' knowledge and attitude toward depression and its related factors. Objective: To assess knowledge and attitude of healthcare professionals toward people with depression at different health facilities of Ilu Aba Bor zone, Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 404 primary healthcare professionals using a systematic random sampling technique in February 2021. Attitude was assessed using depression attitude questionnaires. Epi-data version 3.1 and SPSS version 26 was used for data entry and analysis. The p-values lower than 0.05 were deemed statistically significant. Result: In the current study, 30.4% (95% CI; 25.86, 34.94) of the respondents have inadequate knowledge and 29.9% (95% CI; 25.4, 36.8) have negative attitude toward depression. A vast majority (77.7%) of healthcare professionals have never received any kind of training on mental health. Accordingly, contact with the person with mental illness and mental health training were significantly associated with inadequate knowledge. In addition, perceived cause of depression and mental health training were significantly associated with negative attitude. According to this study, the magnitude of inadequate knowledge and negative attitude in the diagnosis and treatment of depression is comparably high. Therefore, primary healthcare settings should prioritize raising awareness, promoting positive attitudes, and improving detection and treatment of depression cases.

Brazil has great potential to become a world leader in the production of green hydrogen (H2V), but it still does not take advantage of it, mainly due to lack of investment. The country has a mostly renewable energy matrix, with emphasis on hydroelectric, wind and solar energy. Brazil has a large territory with favorable geographic and climatic conditions for the production of H2V. The Brazilian territorial sea has an immense potential for renewable energy generation that is totally unexplored. Brazil needs to invest more in research and development to take advantage of its full potential. It is also necessary to create public policies to encourage the H2V production. This article discusses the theme and evaluates regions that have vocation and potential for the production of H2V. The article argues that, with investments and research, Brazil can become a leader in the production of this clean and renewable fuel.

Using Building Information Modelling (BIM) helped enhance the environmental performances of building and civil infrastructure projects throughout their life cycle. However, the construction industry continues to be one of the most impactful industries on the environment, hence the imminent need for further research in this area. The choice of the right Research Method and Design (RMD) was always important to ensure relevant results for the Five Categories (Cs) of BIM-based Built Environment Sustainability (BIMBES) studies: BIM-based studies discussing either sustainability in general 'C1'; carbon emissions 'C2'; construction and demolition wastes 'C3'; water supply or use 'C4'; or energy 'C5', but the availability of a wide array of research methods and the absence of a clear mapping of the best methods to be used for each category remain significant challenges. The purpose of this study is to thoughtfully investigate the RMDs used for BIMBES studies. Thus, based on scoping review of 458 relevant papers, the study showed that BIMBES topics are contemporary and C1 and C5 are the most discussed. Similarly, the paper disclosed the evolution of BIMBES studies including categories' overlap, identified and mapped the RMDs used for BIMBES studies and highlighted 9 mixed research designs, 1 paradigm, 12 research instruments, and 4 data analysis approaches. This research paper could be the starting point for any study related to the BIMBES as it allows scholars to have a clear and well understanding of the used and useful RMDs to be adopted according to the topic they are exploring.

The European Union has embarked on a European Green Deal programme that advocates for a transition from fossil fuels to sustainable production. Attempts are being made to identify biomass sources and bioproducts (pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or biofuels) that do not compete significantly with food production and have a low environmental impact. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the environmental impact of the supercritical CO2 extraction of poplar biomass in a life cycle assessment (LCA). The production system was examined in a cradle-to-gate approach. In the analysed system, poplar biomass was extracted, and residual biomass was converted to pellets which were used to generate process heat. The functional unit was 1 kg of packaged extract. The results showed that the step of biomass extraction using S-CO2 (in subsystem II) made the greatest contribution to all but two impact categories, with contribution from 25.3% to 93.8% for land use and global warming categories,...

Aerobic rice, a water-saving cultivation system rice could thrive well in rain-fed areas in Sarawak which lacks in drainage and irrigation system, with appropriate fertilizer management practices. Since nitrogen (N) as a major determinant factor in rice yield is required differently based on cultivation system, soil and other insitu conditions, a study was conducted to determine the optimum N fertilizer rate while assessing nitrogen use efficiency of aerobic rice in Lundu, Sarawak. Four N fertilizer rates (T1=0, T2=100, T3=200 and T4=300 kg N/ha) were tested with split application of urea (46% N) at 23%, 31%, and 46% at 5, 25, and 45 days after emergence (DAE) using MRIA1 variety. The findings indicated that an increase in N fertilizer of more than 100 kg N/ha had no discernible impact on yield. The highest yield recorded was 3.31 t/ha in T2 and decreased to 2.99 t/ha and 2.86 t/ha respectively in T3 and T4, while T1 recorded 1.12 t/ha. Meanwhile, significant differences in partial factor productivity (PFPN), agronomic efficiency (AEN), apparent recovery efficiency (REN) and physiological efficiency (PEN) were observed between the treatments with descending efficiency trends at higher N fertilizer rates. Optimum NUE values were recorded in T2 with PFPN = 29.30 kg/kg; AEN = 14.56 kg/kg; REN = 0.26 kg/kg; and PEN = 55.64 kg/kg. Therefore, it can be concluded that 100 kg N/ha is recommended for aerobic rice cultivation in Tanjung Purun, Lundu, as yield and NUEs were optimized.

Background and objective: The paper explores the impact of foreign direct investment and nancial development on regional growth at the EU regional level for 2005-2017. Both FDI and nancial development are important determinants of the regions' growth, but not for all EU regions homogeneously. Some EU regions seem to bene t more than others, depending on certain characteristics, which implies that FDI attraction policies need to bear in mind not only country speci cities, but also regional speci cities, hence con rming the need for developing FDI attraction policies at the subnational level: nancial development, capacity building, and Investment Promotion Agencies are key, for example. Methods: The methodology used in the paper relies on a beta-convergence model and on xed effects estimation. In addition, a GMM difference model accounts for endogeneity. Results: Our empirical ndings indicate that, in less wealthy (and more peripheral) regions compared to wealthy regions, FDI productivity spillovers are more signi cant. In other words, in less wealthy regions, the imitation effect prevails over the competition effect. Conclusions: FDI and nancial development are important determinants of regional growth, especially for less developed and peripheral regions. Contribution/value: Financial development is shown to be a crucial determinant for economic growth at the regional level, especially for peripheral regions, which raises essential policy implications, especially for the sake of economic disparities in the EU NUTS 2 regions. In other words, local access to nance, especially to bank credit, plays a crucial role for regional growth, despite the continuous integration of nancial markets. Also, there is an income and geographic heterogeneity when it comes to estimating FDI spillovers; therefore, the impact of FDI on growth is not always homogeneous across territories, which challenges the idea of simple "bright" or "dark" sides to the effects of FDI.

The iron and steel industry in China is characterized by high energy consumption, high air pollutant emissions and high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and it is imperative to reduce air pollutants and control GHG emissions in the present and future. Quantifying the synergistic effects of air pollutants and GHG emissions reduction in the ISI is helpful for controlling the emissions of both jointly. Taking a typical integrated iron and steel works as a case study, the synergistic effect between the environmental impacts (EIs) of air pollutants and GHGs under different scenarios was quantified through a life cycle assessment (LCA). The total environmental impact of the business-as-usual scenario, ultra-low emissions scenario, carbon peak scenario and comprehensive emission reduction scenario were 1.629 × 10−10, 1.670 × 10−10, 1.322 × 10−10 and 1.341 × 10−10, respectively. Based on the analysis of synergistic effects, the comprehensive emission reduction scenario combined the other two...

Background: Patients with chronic hepatitis B suffer not only from physical illness. Rather, they often present with the mental health consequences of this chronic disease. Objective: The major objective was to assess the level of depression among patients having chronic hepatitis B.

This paper tests New Classical and Keynesian explanations of output determination within an encompassing "factor utilization" model wherein the output decision by producers is modelled as the choice of a utilization rate for employed factors. In this encompassing model, the ratio of actual to normal output (with the latter defined by a nested CES vintage production function with capital, energy and employment as factor inputs) is explained by unexpected sales (a Keynesian element), abnormal profitability (one component of which is the Lucas "price surprise" effect), and abnormal inventories. Results using Canadian data show that the Keynesian and New Classical elements contribute explanatory power, as does the production-function-based measure of normal output, while each of these partial models is strongly rejected in favour of the encompassing model. The highly structured factor utilization model is also seen to fit better than an unstructured VAR model. U.S. data confirm the results, and show that there are significant effects from abnormal demand, profitability and inventory levels even if the labour and capital components of normal output are defined using hours and utilized capital rather than employment and the capital stock. The results are also confirmed using alternative output (and hence input) concepts, using a translog function instead of a CES function to define normal output, and using data for several other major industrial countries.

monetaria mediante tres técnicas estadísticas, a saber: mínimos cuadrados ordinarios, corrección de errores y vectores autorregresivos. La estimación de la demanda se realizó para el periodo 1987-1997. En general las ecuaciones estimadas presentaron resultados satisfactorios en términos económicos y estadísticos. La capacidad de predicción se verificó con los bajos errores de pronóstico, inferiores al 3% para 1997. Se comprobó la estabilidad de la demanda de corto y largo plazo mediante los estadísticos Cusum y Cusum-Cuadrado, así como con la prueba de cointegración de Johansen. * Nota: Las ideas expresadas en este artículo son responsabilidad de los autores y no necesariamente representan la opinión del B.C.C.R.

This study examines monetary policy instruments and Economic growth: Evidences from Nigeria. The economy of Nigeria is faced with unemployment, low investment and high rate of inflation. Therefore, this study adopted time series econometrics analysis and descriptive statistics to determine the extent monetary policy instruments impact economic growth in Nigeria and ascertain the extent long-run equilibruim relationship exist between monetary policy instruments and economic growth in Nigeria. The empirical analysis that was carried out to achieve the objectives mentioned above, include the econometric tests such as unit root, co-integration, Error correction model and Grange causality test, in which changes in GDP was regressed on money supply, interest rate, exchange rate and credit to economy-using annual series data for the period1980-2009, and the data was mainly from CBN statistical bulletin. The result of our analysis shows that monetary policy instruments significantly, influe...

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This qualitative research illustrates an argument that status enhancement on the part of great powers generates status discrepancies in the global order. Their power dynamics are visibly demonstrated either in engagement or containment stratagems. Cold war and the post-cold war eras continued the legacy of unipolarity vs multipolarity. Hegemonic Stability Paradigm remained prevalent since post WWII however emerging power centers like EU (European Union), ASEAN (Association for South East Asian Nations), BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) competed with US economic predominance. The challenges to the US prestigious position by mounting influence from China escalated strategic competition and confronted US economic and security interests. In this perspective Indo-Pacific region becomes more pronounced to examine this prisoner's dilemma revolving around containment or engagement. This research envisages that why great-powers entangle in strategic competition and what are its ramifications for regional states. The complex and consequential nature of power syndrome between US and China is scrutinized by numerous scholars hence this research magnificently epitomizes the recurring conflict and cooperation on epistemological grounds. Profoundly, analytical, descriptive and explanatory techniques are used to explore the literature and recommend those areas where equilibrium is preferably maintained for regional peace and stability.

The importance and benefits of engaging citizens as co-producers of urban transformation have been increasingly recognised. However, the mere implementation of citizen co-production does not guarantee more legitimate or inclusive policy decisions and outcomes, especially when power inequalities that shape local decision-making remain unaddressed. This article examines the transformative potential of citizen co-production in smart sustainable city initiatives using two successive citizen panels in Trondheim, Norway, as cases. The study aimed to understand the role of citizen co-production in these panels, and the notion of "the citizen" within their frameworks. Three challenges with co-production were identified. Firstly, the ad-hoc nature of citizen engagement emphasised individual participation rather than facilitating collective spaces from which political agency could emerge. Secondly, citizens' viewpoints were perceived as uninformed preferences that could be transformed through professional guidance. This, coupled with the closed nature of the initiatives, raises questions about the transformative potential of the processes, particularly in challenging the underlying premises of citizen co-production shaped by a neoliberal discourse of smart sustainable cities. The article concludes with a call to analyse citizen co-production spaces through an intersectional lens that attends to relational understandings of power dynamics and identities. This analysis should not only consider who participates, but also how "the citizen" as a subject is conceptualised and mobilised, how citizens' interests and knowledge are taken into account, and the political significance of their involvement.

This study was focused on the value added tax, inflation, and manufacturing sector output in ECOWAS countries. The objective of this paper is to investigate the relationship between value added tax (VAT) and inflation on manufacturing sector productivity in ECOWAS countries The National Bureau of Statist ics and the CBN statistics bulletin and World Bank Data bank were utilized to provide aggregate time series data for the years 2000 to 2022 the research study views ten (10) ECOWAS countries such as; Nigeria,

Defying the COVID-19 pandemic required restriction measures of unprecedented scale, that may induce and exacerbate psychiatric symptoms across the population. We aimed to assess in vivo dynamic effects of mitigation strategies on human brain neurobiology, neuroplastic as well as psychometric parameters. Three structural magnetic resonance imaging measurements, serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (sBDNF) analyses, and psychometric assessments (Beck Depression Inventory-II and Perceived Stress Questionnaire-20) were performed in healthy individuals and patients with a recurrent major depressive disorder in the period from September 2020 to July 2021. Group differences and changes over time in structural imaging, neuroplastic and psychometric parameters were assessed with linear mixed models. Analysis of data from 18 patients with a recurrent major depressive disorder and 28 healthy individuals showed clinically relevant scores for depression and stress in the patient group as well as significant cross-sectional differences in depression scores (F = 30.89, p < 0.001) and three subscales of the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (Worries: F = 19.19, p < 0.001, Tension: F = 34.44, p < 0.001, Joy: F = 12.05, p = 0.001). Linear mixed models revealed no significant changes over time in cortical thickness of the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala (F = 0.29, p > 0.1) and no interaction with group (F = 0.28, p > 0.1). Further, analysis revealed no main effect of time and no interaction of time x group in depressive symptoms, perceived stress subscales, and sBDNF (all p > 0.1). Despite the limited sample size, the strength of this investigation lies in the multimodal assessment of peri-pandemic lockdown effects. Nine months of varying restrictions measures did not result in observable changes in brain morphology nor impact depressive symptoms in either psychiatric patients with a recurrent major depressive disorder or healthy individuals. While these neurobiological and psychometric data stand in contrast to initial expectations about the effects of restriction measures, they might inform future investigations of longitudinal effects of restriction measures on mental health.

Dado que en el país no existe un consenso sobre la crítica situación actual que atraviesa la economía boliviana, de sus causas y de las medidas para superarla, el documento tiene por objeto, en primer lugar, proponer un punto de partida mínimo común centrado en el corto plazo y en la caracterización de la crisis económica por la erupción de la crisis cambiaria en 2023 en el contexto de una crónica crisis fiscal, que se arrastra desde 2014 junto con una continua caída de las reservas internacionales, asociada inicialmente a un shock externo de precios, después a un shock interno de caída de la producción y la oferta exportable de hidrocarburos que derivó en una balanza negativa de combustibles y, finalmente, al cierre del mercado argentino como destino del gas natural boliviano. En segundo lugar, la idea es discutir la viabilidad de las medidas que actualmente circulan como el ajuste fiscal y monetario-cambiario y, en tercer lugar, proponer medidas de corto plazo consistentes en la creación de un Fondo de Estabilización y Reservas junto a un shock de confianza, requisito previo para la aplicación de medidas de ajuste fiscal y otras opciones de política cambiaria. Al final, se presentan las conclusiones y recomendaciones enfatizando que para enfrentar la crítica situación actual se requerirán no solo de buenas políticas económicas y un acuerdo político consensuado, sino también de la buena suerte con una alineación favorable de los astros.

Objective: During the last few years, the production of honey from stingless bees has become significant, as a result of its therapeutic properties. However, its production and commercialization are limited by the low yield per colony and its high sale price. This study seeks to recover the lore and actions that a group of producers from Cuetzálan, Puebla, Mexico has about the production of honey from the Scaptotrigona mexicana species of stingless bees. The objective was to collect information about the handling, production, and commercialization of tis bee species, as well as the challenges that producers face in the Cuetzálan region. Design/Methodology/Approach: This research was carried out using a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather the information. The participants were chosen using the snowball sampling technique, contacting stingless bee honey producers in Cuetzálan, Puebla, Mexico. Results: The lore about the handling of the stingless b...

Economic Papers are written by the Staff of the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs, or by experts working in association with them. The "Papers" are intended to increase awareness of the technical work being done by the staff and to seek comments and suggestions for further analyses. Views expressed represent exclusively the positions of the author and do not necessarily correspond to those of the European Commission.

The purpose of this paper is to analyze from an existential point of view the sources of anxiety and depression of modern man.Over time, both anxiety and depression have been lived and approached as one of the individual's maladaptations to the outside world, as its inability to create a balance between the outside world and the inner world. Every citizen of our society realizes, based on his own experience as well as by observing his peers, that anxiety and depression are ubiquitous.We are becoming more and more aware not only of the obvious situations of creating anxiety and depression today, such as the threats of war, the uncontrolled atomic bomb and of the radical political and economic upheavals but also of the least obvious but extremely profound, namely inner confusion, psychological disorientation and uncertainty about acceptable standards of conduct.Despite the fact that anxiety and depression have become a central issue in some of the cultural dimensions of our existence, often, addressing the issues has been hampered by a lack of coordination between these theories and approaches. In this sense, one of the remarkable and extremely useful works in creating an integrative vision of anxiety is the work of Rollo May, "The meaning of anxiety", which we will frequently quote in the chapter on anxiety.Thus, the paper debates and analyzes the concept of " meaning and purpose in one's own life " and how its existence or absence influences the individual's ability to live a state of mental balance.Throughout the paper, we will review the main approaches and theories on anxiety and depression in order to have a broader perspective on the evolution of their understanding both from the point of view of psychologically and in terms of inner life.We aim to highlight the usefulness and contribution of integrative existential analysis in psychotherapeutic support for addressing anxiety and depression.Methodological support for the connection between living the existential meaning, anxiety and depression will be addressed in the chapter destined for it by which we aim to analyze the connection between the three variables and the way they are influenced.

The study examines international trade and economic growth in N igeria from 1980 to 20 14. The broad objective of the study is t o examine the impact of international trade on economic growth in N igeria. To achieve this objective, time series data on gross domestic product (GDP) , export (EPT) exchange rate (EXR) and Trade openness (TOP) were sourced from CBN statistical bulletin. The econometric met hods of unit root test, Johansen cointegration test and Error Correction M echanism (ECM) were employed as the analytical tools. The result of the parsimonious ECM shows that the overall model is satisfactory given the coefficient of determination of 82 percent and fstatistics of 8.958. Furthermore, it also reveals that there is a significant relationship between international trade and economic growth in N igeria during the period of study. That is, international trade (proxied by exchange rate, trade openness and export) has impacted on economic growth (proxied by GDP) during the period of study. In addition, the long run dynamic result reveals that there exists a long-run relationship or equilibrium among the variables. This is because the coefficient of ECM is negatively signed and statistically significant, meaning that, the short run dynamics adjust to long run equilibrium relationship. It was therefore concluded that there is need to maint ain suit able or appropriate trade policy regimes regarding export, trade openness and the rate of exchange in order to foster economic growth in N igeria.

Several studies have found that since the transformation of China into the ‘ Factory of the world’ since the 80s the United States imports nearly $500 billion worth of goods from China every year, making it one of the largest sources of foreign goods.
This dependency is more pronounced for some specific products. In fact:
-  James Michael WALKER (2019) found that 80 % of the Vitamin C consumed in the U.S. comes from China. Furthermore, studies have found that 80% of electronic goods consumed in the U.S. came from Asia mainly from China as well.
- According to CEIC (2025), about 40% of US shoe imports in the U.S come from China; for textiles, the equivalent figure is 25%. Furthermore, they found that about 45% of US imports goods such as toys and furniture come China, a greater share than in any other sector.
- According to Sheng Lu (2024), in 2015, China did account for 35% of the U.S. Apparel imports. Furthermore, even if this share dramatically declined to 23.4% in 2024 and only 20.4% in 2025, China continues to be one of the main supplier of the U.S. apparel.
- According to Sheng Lu (2024), China’s ‘ fats and oils’ sector, which ranges from animal tallow to vegetable oil and other processed oils, is also quite reliant on the US market: almost 32% of that industry’s exports go to America, though the U.S dependence on China is much less (7.8%).
As a result,  the U.S. Goods Trade Deficit with China has dramatically increased since this period to now. Accordingly, in 2024, The US Office of the United States Trade Representative (2024) found that U.S. total goods trade with China were an estimated $582.4 billion.
Since then, this above dependency provides evidence of what was said above: “ Becoming the ‘ Most Powerful High-income and Upstream Economy’ of the World has made it easier for the US to have a “ Price-based and Quality-based Competitive Disadvantage in Low-added, Middle-added and High-added Goods and Services” and increase its dependency to the “ First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Generations of the Global Low-cost and Outsourcing Centers” in South-east Asia mainly China ”.
Doing so has dramatically increased the U.S.-China Trade Deficit.
However and fortunately, since 2019, there has been a decline in the growth rate of the trade deficit mainly due to the implementation of trade war since 2017 when Pr Trump took office. 
Since then, some have believed that a ‘ Trade War’ could reduce the dependency of the U.S. to China and by extension do the same with many other Low-cost Locations.

Key Words: China as Factory of the World; U.S.-China Trade Deficit; Trade War.

Pour un juriste avisé, la gratitude est une vertu; A Dieu tout puissant pour la grâce de vie et qui nous a accordé la force nécessaire pour réaliser ce travail. Nos remerciements vont également à l'endroit de l'Université de Yaoundé II pour nous avoir donné la possibilité d'effectuer ce Master. Nous voulons également exprimer notre reconnaissance à tous ceux qui, de près ou de loin, ont oeuvré à la réalisation de ce travail. Nous pensons notamment : -Au Professeur PEKASSA NDAM Gérard Martin pour avoir accepté guider nos premiers pas dans la recherche scientifique et pour ses astuces et conseils. Il a toujours été présent, disponible, rigoureux et méthodique dans l'évolution de nos travaux; -A notre cher Doyen le Professeur ONDOA Magloire pour l'encadrement administratif; -Au Professeur GUESSELE ISSEME Lionel pour ses conseils et orientations; -Au corps enseignant de la FSJP pour les enseignements dispensés; -A Monsieur ESSOGO Raymond et sa chère épouse ESSOGO Cécile pour l'amour indescriptible et sans pareil dont ils ont toujours fait montre au quotidien à l'endroit de ma modeste personne; -A Monsieur TENE MPONDO Charles et sa tendre épouse Mama Chantal pour l'altruisme et l'aide au quotidien ; -A mes frères et soeurs VOUNDI BINGONO Patrick, MVENG BINGONO Franck Vincent, BILOA ESSOGO Guillaume, MBENE Claudia Géraldine, ETIE BINGONO Arlette Beatrice, ETOA BINGONO Brenda Suzanne pour l'amour au quotidien et leur soutien indescriptible durant cette épreuve, et pour les prières sans relâche; sans oublier mes neveux Frederick Ulrich, David-Enzo, et mes nièces Angela Joliane, Gabrielle, Claudia Dalhia auxquels je témoigne mon profond amour ; -Au commissaire de police MVOGO Léonel Claude pour les précieux conseils et le soutien dans toutes les épreuves; -A certains ainés académiques tels AKONO OLINGA André et BEKADA ONANA Patrice Pascal pour la précieuse documentation et les conseils;

This article delves into the transformative role of the BRICS alliance comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa in the context of a dynamically evolving global landscape and the challenges presented by traditional U.S. hegemony. An interweaving theoretical framework, incorporating concepts of multipolarity, economic interdependence, and strategic alliances, provides a comprehensive lens for understanding BRICS' endeavors in navigating contemporary uncertainties. Economically, BRICS demonstrates a steadfast commitment to restructuring the global economic landscape through innovative initiatives such as the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, aiming to reduce reliance on established Western dominated financial systems. Diplomatically, BRICS positions itself as a cohesive entity on the global stage, advocating for a multipolar world order while challenging the unilateralism often associated with U.S. hegemony. Despite challenges like divergent economic structures and the imperative for institutional reforms, the way forward for BRICS involves intensified economic integration, strategic diplomacy, adaptive institutional frameworks, and proactive project implementation. This abstract underscores BRICS as a pivotal player in the paradigm shift of the international system, exemplifying the rising influence of emerging economies and their collective resolve to shape a more equitable and multipolar global order

Introduction: This research addresses the response of CO 2 emissions to economic fluctuations in South Africa post-Apartheid, covering the period 1990-2018. While previous studies focused on developed countries, limited attention has been given to sub-Saharan developing nations. The study challenges the assumption of constant emissions elasticity in current forecasts. The study employs a two-step strategy. Firstly, the rolling window regression with Hodrick-Prescott filtering was used to investigate whether the CO 2 emissions elasticity varies over time. Secondly, a Markov-switching approach was used to examine the regime-switching behavior in GDP. Results and Discussion: Results suggest that CO 2 emisssions elasticity varies over time. This was confirmed through alternative filtering techniques (Christiano-Fitzgerald, Baxter King, and the Butterworth filter). Markov-switching analysis revealed a regime-switching behavior in GDP, indicating negative CO 2 emissions elasticity during recessions and positive elasticity during expansions. These findings persist even when accounting for monetary policy shocks and productivity shocks in the Environmental Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (E-DSGE) model. Noteworthy is that South Africa is among the top 20 greenhouse gas emitters globally. The study recommends tailored carbonpricing policies that are conscious to the countercyclical nature of business cycles. Pricing emissions higher during economic upswings aligns with periods of growth. Additionally, the government is advised to invest in research and development for energy conservation, efficiency, and renewable technologies to counterbalance emissions growth. Implementing emission caps and tax incentives can further enforce pollution abatement measures. Policymakers should consider these asymmetrical responses when addressing global warming challenges in South Africa.

This paper investigates the empirical relationship between external shocks and government revenue in Nigeria using cointegration approach and error correction mechanism (ECM). The result of the study confirms a long run relationship between government revenue and the explanatory variables (oil revenue, government expenditure, tax revenue, terms of trade shock and exchange rate). The significance of external shocks and its negative sign shows that external shocks exert substantial pressure and uncertainty on government revenue in Nigeria. The coefficient of oil revenue and its significance also is an indication that oil revenue remains the main determinant of government revenue in Nigeria. Based on these findings, the study recommended among others things that government should intensify committed efforts to diversify its source of revenue. Keywords: External Shock, Government Revenue, Exchange rate and Diversification.

This paper examined if interest rate shocks from the U.S are transmitted to Nigeria. For this purpose, we collected data on four Nigerian variables (real GDP, CPI, exchange rate and interest rate) and two foreign variables (U.S FFR and the world CPI) for the period 1983-2011. The impulse response analysis of our VAR model shows that Nigerian variables respond insignificantly to shocks from foreign variables. We therefore concluded that shocks in Nigeria are basically home-made. We recommended that monetary authorities in Nigeria should base their policy making on domestic shocks, as considering external factors might mislead them.

Traditional farming methods are becoming incapable of keeping up with global population growth. As a result, innovative farming ideas are desperately necessary to meet the food needs of a growing population. Intelligent farming systems based on sensor networks with selforganizing algorithms have gained popularity in recent years as a means of increasing agricultural production. In this study, we will use sensor networks with self-organizing algorithms to boost agricultural productivity. Finally, the paper describes the future applications of appropriate technology in agricultural production. In general, monthly and annual meteorological statistics provide very rough information about respective weather factors. These statistics do not substantially reflect the overall phenomenon of weather features during a certain period, and they do not give any characteristics on the temporal and sequential distribution of repetition and alteration trends. Instead, these statistics provide very general information [2-3].

This study aims to examine the effect of financial distress, corporate governance, and firm size on carbon emission disclosure in the Indonesian Energy Sector during the world energy crisis. Using 56 data from energy sector industries in 2021 (during the global energy crisis), this research is analyzed with linear regression method. The results of the study show that financial distress has no effect on the disclosure of carbon emissions, although the world is being hit by an energy crisis. Meanwhile, corporate governance and firm size have a positive and significant effect on carbon emission disclosure. Related to legitimacy theory and stakeholder theory, a firm with good corporate governance has responsible to disclose all information to stakeholders. The larger firm also has wide access to open their information than small firms.

Purpose: This study examined the investment performance and level of integra on between indirect real estate and other listed investment assets in the Nigerian property market. This is to determine the assets' performance and the long-run rela onship between the assets thereby establishing the diversifica on benefits of combining these assets in a mixed-asset por olio in an emerging African market. Design/Methodology/Approach: The data collected comprised quarterly returns on the indirect real estate asset and the other listed investments for the period of January 2009 to December 2020. The other listed investment assets were the five major sectorial indexes in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) market which are NSE Banking, NSE Oil and Gas, NSE Industrial, NSE Insurance and NSE Consumer. The indices of these sectors were obtained from the daily list of the NSE. While the investment performance of the assets was analysed using holding period return, standard devia on, return-risk ra o and correla on analysis, the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and Johansson integra on tests were employed in analyzing the level of integra on between the assets. The results revealed that while indirect real estate outperformed other listed assets in terms of returns, it only outperformed three of the listed assets in terms of risk. The returnrisk ra o showed that indirect real estate outperformed other listed assets. The study established a high level of integra on between indirect real estate assets and other listed investment assets. This indicates that the assets have long-run convergence and have similar reac ons to market fundamentals. This study concluded that given the high level of integra on of indirect real estate assets and other listed investment assets, investors should not consider the combina on of these assets in an investment por olio as they will bring li le or no diversifica on benefit in the long run. The paper implied that the inclusion of indirect real estate assets and other listed investment assets in a domes c por olio could be expected to yield li le or no diversifica on benefit. Originality/value: The paper represents one of the few a empts to determine the long-run rela onship between indirect real estate assets and other listed assets from an emerging market perspec ve.