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Nature sports have been touted for their value "as ways of pursuing excellence and relating to the environment" (Krein 2014, 207). This value, however, is not widely available, in large part due to structural features that create barriers to access for all but able-bodied white men possessing substantial disposable income. In this paper, we will analyse four 'isms' that are prominent in nature sport: ableism, classism/elitism, racism, and sexism/heterosexism. Through an examination of nature sports like surfing, skiing, snowboarding, and climbing, we argue that the current culture of nature sports contains institutionalized isms. If we are to create spaces for inclusion and authentic participation and experiences in nature sports, then change needs to occur. To that end, we will address counterculture(s) and programs that challenge the ism-saturated established norms of nature sports, removing barriers to access and opening value-laden opportunities for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper investigates how environmental amenity and economic benefits are balanced in migration dynamics from the individual perspective. • We use thermal inversions strength as IV. • We find that if the ambient concentration of PM2.5 increases 1 μg/m3, the probability of migration at the individual level will decrease by 0.90 %. • We find heterogenous effects across gender, household, and occupation. This paper investigates how environmental amenity and economic benefits are balanced in migration dynamics from the individual perspective. We construct a structural model based on the dataset that combines PM2.5 concentration data from NASA and migration information from the China Migration Dynamic Survey (CMDS). Thermal inversion is used as a source of exogenous shock in air pollution to address the omitted variable bias. The results indicate that if the ambient concentration of PM2.5 at destinations increases 1 μg/m3, the probability of migration at the individual level will decrease by 0.90 %. A battery of robustness checks is implemented, including different approaches to measuring migration decision, using imputed wage instead of disposable income, using different IV and proxy variable. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the deterrence effect of air pollution is more pronounced for the following groups: migrants who are male, move from a rural residence, or to a coastal destination, belong to working-age population, engage in a tertiary industry, have a postgraduate-level education, and support two or more elders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aims to show the primary tendencies in second-hand goods trade, determine the significance of disposable income as an economic factor on second-hand goods sales, the income elasticity of their demand and the influence of income inequality on second-hand purchases in 21 selected European economies. The methods of content, comparative and correlational analysis have been applied and secondary sources of data from Eurostat are used, which allows for a national review, international comparisons and a study of the economic significance of second-hand goods trade for GDP to take place for each EU country. The results suggest that in the span of the 2010-2020 period, there is an uneven and mildly descending trend in second-hand goods commerce in the EU-21 which matches the instability of the business cycle in the entirety of the European and separate national economies and contributes, though slightly, to the creation of economic value added. The second-hand goods are normal, regardless of the initial hypothesis, they are inferior goods and their sales are moderately, positively correlated to the disposable income of the users. In fact, they are not underestimated as a source of utility and their preference is determined by a line of other factors outside the income limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a fundamental right, all women should have equal access to menstrual hygiene management (MHM). However, certain sociocultural contexts foster an atmosphere of secrecy surrounding menstruation, which discourages open discussion. The present study seeks to explore the relationship between attitudes on menstrual secrecy and MHM practices among young women in rural areas of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). In March 2023, a cross-sectional survey using semi-structured self-administered questionnaires was conducted on 80 women (age range, 15–24 years) randomly selected from eight villages in the central part of Lao PDR. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the associations between sociodemographic and economic characteristics, MHM practices, social support, and attitudes toward secrecy regarding menstruation. Among the 70 respondents, 68 (97.1%) reported being satisfied with current MHM practices; however, 27 (38.6%) agreed that menstruation should not be discussed with others. Some women lacked access to private spaces for changing pads or washing. The results of the logistic regression analysis indicated that women with higher monthly disposable income were less likely to endorse menstruation secrecy (odds ratio: 0.15, 95% confidence interval: 0.02–0.85). No significant associations were found between MHM practices and attitudes on secrecy. Although no direct association was found between MHM practices and attitudes on menstruation secrecy, some participants remain in unfavorable MHM environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public health events (PHEs) have emerged as significant threats to human life, health, and economic growth. PHEs, such as COVID-19, have prompted a reevaluation for enhanced regular prevention and control (RPC). In this study, we focus on the core concept of prevention and control intensity (PCI), and establish a neoclassical economic growth model from the long-term and macro perspective to balance life protection and economic growth. The model construct the mechanism of PCI on economic growth through population dynamics and capital accumulation under the backdrop of RPC for PHEs. We find the conditions for PCI when the economy achieves steady state, and provides an algorithm establishing the optimal strategy that maximises per capita disposable income based on the optimal PCI and consumption. Simulation result quantifies an inverted U-shaped relationship between PCI and capital per capita, output per capita and consumption per capita in the steady state. The model suggests that, given the PHEs of inducing potential unemployment shock, it is worthwhile to combine the implementation of moderate PCI with coordinated policies of income distribution. Highlights: • Building a Neoclassical economic growth model under public health events (PHEs). • Model links regular prevention and control (RPC) to macroeconomic factors. • Exploring mechanism of RPC for PHEs on economic growth. • Appropriate prevention and control intensity can engender economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We investigate the role of fiscal policy, through several measures of government revenues and expenditures and redistribution, on disposable and market income inequality and economic growth as well as the interaction between inequality and growth for 31 European countries from 1995 to 2019. Design/methodology/approach: We use a simultaneous equations model to assess the linkage between economic growth, inequalities and fiscal policy variables. Findings: (1) While disposable income inequality has a negative effect on all fiscal policy variables, market income inequality has a mixed effects; (2) for Eastern European countries, public consumption and direct taxation positively influence economic growth; conversely, for Western European countries, the effects are negative; (3) disposable and market income inequality have a positive effect on growth for Eastern European countries, and a negative influence on growth for Western European countries; (4) growth contributes to the increase of disposable and market income inequality for Eastern European countries; for Western European countries, the effects are opposite; and (5) fiscal policy allows for the attenuation of disposable income inequality. Originality/value: The different results between the role of market and disposable income inequality levels lead us to suggest tax progressivity as an important feature to consider when analyse the trivariate relationship between inequalities, fiscal policy and growth. Furthermore, there are different dynamics between inequality and growth, and the role of fiscal policy, on both Eastern and Western European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, China's macroeconomic environment is stable, and the prosperity of e-commerce has brought new opportunities for the development of logistics enterprises. As an important part of the industrial chain and supply chain, the logistics industry plays an important role in promoting China's economic development, but also faces various opportunities and challenges. Based on the demand data of express logistics in Beijing from 2003 to 2022, this paper uses multiple linear regression model to analyze the impact of six factors on the demand of express logistics in Beijing: gross domestic product (GDP), per capita disposable income, permanent resident population, total import and export value of goods, total retail sales of social goods and total value of tertiary industry. Using EViews software to conduct regression and test, it is determined that the permanent population and the total value of the tertiary industry in Beijing are the main influencing factors. The GM (1,1) model is used to predict the dependent variable data in the next five years, and the independent variable data is predicted by combining multiple linear regression, and then the future data of the dependent variable is obtained. The comparison shows that GM (1,1) model is more stable and accurate for single prediction of dependent variable. The forecast results show that the demand for express logistics in Beijing will continue to increase with the economic development of Beijing, the popularity of e-commerce, the permanent population of Beijing and the improvement of traffic and other factors. This study provides scientific basis and reference for relevant government departments and enterprises, which can help them better optimize resource allocation and improve service quality, so as to promote the healthy development of the express logistics industry in Beijing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The imbalance in the "production–living–ecology" function (PLEF) has become a major issue for global cities due to the rapid advancement of urbanization and industrialization worldwide. The realization of PLEF coupling and coordination is crucial for a region's sustainable development. Existing research has defined the concept of PLEF from the perspective of land function and measured its coupling coordination level using relevant models. However, there is still room for improvement in the indicator system, research methods, and other aspects. This work builds a PLEF coupling coordination evaluation-index system based on the perspective of human habitat using multi-source data in order to examine the spatial differences in PLEF coupling coordination level and the influencing factors in the Yellow River Basin (YRB). Using the modified coupling coordination model, the Moran index, spatial Markov chain model, and geographically weighted random forest model were introduced to analyze its spatial and temporal differentiation and influencing factors. The results found that (a) the level of PLEF coupling coordination in the YRB from 2010 to 2022 has been improving, and the number of severely imbalanced cities has been reduced from 23 to 15, but the level of downstream cities' coupling coordination is significantly higher than that of upstream cities. The probability of cities maintaining their own level is greater than 50%, and there is basically no cross-level transfer. (b) The Moran index of the PLEF coupling coordination level has risen from 0.137 to 0.229, which shows a significant positive clustering phenomenon and is continually strengthening. The intercity polarization effect is being continually enhanced as seen in the LISA clustering diagram. (c) There is significant heterogeneity between the influencing factors in time and space. In terms of importance level, the series is per capita disposable income (0.416) > nighttime lighting index (0.370) > local general public budget expenditure (0.332) > number of beds per 1000 people (0.191) > NO2 content in the air (0.110). This study systematically investigates the dynamic evolution of the coupled coordination level of PLEF in the YRB and its influencing mechanism, which is of great practical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shandong Province in China is rich in paleontological fossils and has a long history of fossil research. However, research on the distribution characteristics and potential factors of discovered fossil sites in Shandong Province is limited and insufficient, making it difficult to comprehensively plan for the protection and utilization of fossil sites in Shandong Province. The study constructs a basic geographical information system (GIS) database with 133 discovered fossil sites and geological and socio-economic data of Shandong Province and studies fossil sites' spatial distribution characteristics and the spatial relationship with potential factors at a regional scale. The results are as follows: (1) The fossil sites in Shandong Province are concentrated in the mountainous area of central Shandong and the hilly area of the Shandong Peninsula, with significant uneven distribution characteristics, including two agglomeration areas and seven sub-agglomeration areas. (2) Natural geographical conditions, such as topography, paleogeography, and stratigraphy, play a positive role in the distribution of fossil sites, and there are apparent concentrations in the following areas: at an altitude greater than 100 m; the Lower Paleozoic and Cretaceous sedimentary rocks; and the active areas of paleo-tectonics. (3) A certain degree of negative correlation exists between socio-economic conditions, such as roads and population density, and the number of fossil sites, and a positive correlation exists between disposable personal income and those fossil sites. The operational procedure presented here is a simple, objective, applicable method that can enhance our understanding of the spatial distribution patterns and influencing factors of the discovered fossil sites of Shandong Province and support more effective and appropriate planning for paleontological heritage conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assess the determinants of regional business cycle synchronization in Greece vis‐à‐vis the national reference business cycle, using NUTSII annual data. The computation of the time‐varying synchronization is based on the dynamic estimate of a conditional variance–covariance model and subsequently, a panel regression model is used to evaluate its determinants. The findings show that island regions, industrial structure, imports, savings and disposable income are the key determinants, based on the GVA business cycle synchronization vis‐à‐vis the national reference cycle. We also assess the determinants of employment synchronization (vis‐à‐vis the national employment level) and we find that regions with higher disposable income and public spending tend to drive the level of synchronization. Turning to the inter‐regional synchronization, we provide evidence that investments, disposable income and employment drive the GVA business cycle synchronization, whereas the employment synchronization is determined by the level of imports, disposable income and public spending, as well as by the status of regions as island economies. We further show that the Greek economic crisis during the period 2010–2018 has diminished or eliminated the effects of the aforementioned drivers, suggesting that during the said period, synchronization was mainly driven by the wider economic conditions. These findings lead to important policy implications, which are thoroughly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-reported unmet healthcare needs are a useful indicator of access to healthcare, but there is little research from low- and middle-income countries. This study sought to investigate the prevalence and determinants of unmet needs arising from wait times, distance/transportation and financial affordability in Bulgaria using European Health Interview Survey data. We explored associations between individual characteristics and the probability of reporting unmet need by fitting logistic regression models to the data. Unaffordability-related unmet needs were the most cited barrier to access. The largest proportion of people reported unmet dental care needs (14%) or unmet needs due to unaffordability of medicines (8%); distance/transportation problems were the least cited reason (3%). People with poor physical and mental health had a substantially higher probability of experiencing unmet needs. Those with a disability, less disposable income, less social support and lower educational attainment were also more likely to report unmet healthcare needs. People who lived in rural areas experienced specific barriers to access, most notably from distance or transportation issues. Unmet healthcare needs lead to inefficiencies for the healthcare system and are more prevalent among already disadvantaged societal groups. Ensuring better access to healthcare is therefore important from both the efficiency and equity perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materialism is fundamental to the human value or goal system; therefore, an understanding of its level among Chinese college students and its changes over time is of great value. In the present study, a cross‐temporal meta‐analysis was performed by reviewing studies that conducted Material Values Scale‐based assessment of the materialism level among Chinese university students from 2007 to 2020. Moreover, a time lag analysis was performed to clarify whether variations in materialism level are interpretable with macro‐social indicators. Finally, 82 articles on studies enrolling a total of 45,966 Chinese university students were reviewed. The materialism score significantly increased on a yearly basis. Furthermore, macro‐social changes in diverse areas, including economic condition (gross domestic product per capita, consumption level of all residents and national disposable income per capita), social connectedness (urbanisation degree and divorce ratio) and overall threat (rate of university enrollment), were the major factors influencing the degree of materialism among the students. By identifying the inclining trend of materialism among these college students across time and using relevant macro‐social indicators, a theoretical three‐dimensional framework was established to elucidate the degree of materialism among Chinese college students as a group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of Lebanon's severe economic crisis, a situation aggravated by the collapse of Banque du Liban's financial strategies, delayed reforms by the government, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the devastating Beirut Port explosion. These events have precipitated a sharp decline in disposable income, soaring inflation rates, and an alarming increase in unemployment and multidimensional poverty. Central to this study is a comprehensive field survey that examines eighteen coping mechanisms adopted by workers in various economic sectors of Lebanon. From this survey, we introduce a new index designed to systematically categorize and evaluate these coping strategies across four critical dimensions of well-being: nutrition, healthcare, education, and financial issues. We use this index to quantify and understand the extent to which workers have relied on these coping mechanisms, offering novel insights into the socio-economic repercussions of the crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document "UK forecast tables" offers detailed economic data in tabular form covering various aspects such as GDP components, household sector income and expenditure, trade and balance of payments, labor market indicators, inflation indicators, and government finances. The forecasts are based on data up to July 12, 2024, spanning the years 2012 to 2027. The tables provide a comprehensive overview of the UK's economic outlook, making it a valuable resource for researchers analyzing economic trends and key indicators. The data presented in the tables offer insights into fluctuations in economic indicators, trade volumes, labor market trends, business landscape, inflation indicators, and government finances over the years, aiding in understanding the financial landscape and changes in income, spending, and debt levels. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the annual revisions to GDP for the US economy, indicating a higher short-term growth rate and reduced risk of layoffs. The GDP growth forecast for 2025 is above consensus at 2.5%. Factors such as productivity growth and positive employment reports contribute to the strengthening of the forecast. The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates further, with a cumulative decline of 100bps by the end of the year. [Extracted from the article]

The emergence of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals has instigated a transformative phase in policy formulation, emphasizing the multifaceted approach required to attain these objectives. Central to this pursuit is the management of diverse goals and their intricate interactions. This paper rigorously examines the pivotal role of institutional transparency in the nexus between energy transition and income inequality across 127 countries from 2012 to 2020, within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals. The estimated results from the non‐balanced panel threshold model suggest the existence of a threshold effect of institutional transparency in the impact of energy transition on income inequality. On the whole, the process of energy transition has had a detrimental effect on income inequality, with institutional transparency serving to moderate it. When institutional transparency falls within the first regime (lnCPI ≤3.3322), the second regime (3.3322 < lnCPI <4.3041), and the third regime (lnCPI >4.3041), a 1% increase in the proportion of renewable energy consumption results in average increases in disposable income inequality of 0.0165%, 0.0143%, and 0.0128%, respectively. This suggests that institutional transparency has a positive moderating effect on the detrimental impact of energy transition on disposable income inequality. However, this result does not hold true for market income inequality. Additionally, there is an "inverted U‐shaped" relationship between economic growth and income inequality, indicating the negative impact of energy transition on income inequality would be offset by its contribution to economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Financial & Economic Law Review is the property of Angle Publishing Co., Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Data indicate that carbon dioxide emissions from residential buildings in China constitute 60% of the country's total, making carbon reduction efforts in residential construction crucial for achieving dual carbon goals. From the perspective of eight major economic regions, this paper selects energy consumption, per capita residential area, and residential population as input indicators, per capita disposable income as the output indicator, and carbon dioxide emissions as the undesired output indicator. It employs the super-efficiency model based on the directional distance (super-DDF) function and the Malmquist-Luenberger (ML) index to measure the static and dynamic carbon emission efficiencies of residential buildings (RBCEE) during their operational phase from 2010 to 2020. After analyzing the differences and equity in RBCEE among regions using the Theil index and Gini coefficient, the σ-convergence, absolute β-convergence, and conditional β-convergence methods are utilized to explore the changing trends of RBCEE across the eight major economic regions. Results show that the static RBCEE in China is at a medium level; dynamic efficiency has improved across all eight regions, though at varying rates; overall, RBCEE exhibits poor equity and significant differences, with intra-group differences being a major cause. In terms of convergence, all eight economic regions display significant absolute β-convergence and conditional β-convergence. Finally, based on the research findings, this paper proposes corresponding emission reduction recommendations for the eight major economic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper systematically analyzes the spatiotemporal evolution trends and macroeconomic driving factors of farmland transfer at the provincial level in China since 2005, aiming to offer a new perspective for understanding the dynamic mechanisms of China's farmland transfer. Through the integrated use of kernel density estimation, the Markov model, and panel quantile regression methods, this study finds the following: (1) Farmland transfer rates across Chinese provinces show an overall upward trend, but regional differences exhibit a "U-shaped" evolution characterized by initially narrowing and then widening; (2) although provinces have relatively stable farmland transfer levels, there is potential for dynamic transitions; (3) factors such as per capita arable land, farmers' disposable income, the social security level, the urban‒rural income gap, the urbanization rate, government intervention, and the marketization level significantly promote farmland transfer, while inclusive finance inhibits transfer, and agricultural mechanization level and population aging have heterogeneous impacts. Therefore, to achieve convergence of low farmland transfer regions to medium levels while promoting medium-level regions to higher levels, it is recommended that the government increase support for agricultural mechanization, increase farmers' income and social security levels, and optimize marketization processes and government intervention strategies. The main contributions of this paper are (1) systematically revealing the spatiotemporal evolution patterns of China's farmland transfer and (2) employing panel quantile regression methods to explore the heterogeneous impacts of driving factors, providing more precise and detailed empirical support for the government's formulation of farmland transfer policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the various fundamental causes of rural poverty in China and justifies its eradication within the framework of a new rural renewal strategy. The main objective of this research lies in conducting a multidimensional analysis of the causes of rural poverty in China, examining the trends in its evolution, and substantiating the prospects for the development of rural territories within the country. The primary research methods are multidimensional quantitative and qualitative analyses of rural development in China and poverty and its causes. According to the study, rural households' economic well-being is still very low in Central and Western China's 22 provinces and other comparable administrative units. In 2022, per capita disposable income of rural households was 40.9% of the income of urban households nationwide. Compared to the year 2000, the average Engel Coefficient has decreased from 48.3%, indicating a moderately prosperous standard of living, to 33%, an excellent qualitative indicator of a certain improvement in rural living standards. The research uncovered a direct relationship between the income of rural households and regional gross domestic product, exports, budgetary expenditures, and the proportion of secondary and tertiary industries in the local economy. A dynamic econometric model has been proposed to elucidate the interdependence between exogenous and endogenous factors influencing the genesis of multidimensional poverty in rural regions. Given the global significance of China's rural strategies, the incorporation of these research findings makes an additional contribution to the global discourse on the development of rural areas and their prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism plays an important role in promoting rural transformation and development globally. Based on the logical relationship between tourism and rural development, this study constructs a tourism and rural development index using two models. The projection pursuit model is used to analyse the temporal and spatial evolution characteristics of the level of tourism and rural development, while the coupling coordination degree model measures the relationship in the counties of four southern Xinjiang prefectures from 2010 to 2019. A panel regression model is used to analyse the influencing factors of the coupling coordination relationship between them. The results show the following: (1) The level of tourism and rural development fluctuates and increases in time, and both demonstrate high‐level agglomeration in some counties (cities) in the northeast and southwest of the four prefectures, spatially. (2) During the study period, the level of tourism and rural development changed from 'high coupling and serious imbalance' to 'high coupling and barely coordinated'. Spatially, the degree of coupling is similar to the high‐value region of the coupling coordination degree. Over time, the spatial heterogeneity of the coupling degree decreases and the spatial heterogeneity of the coupling coordination degree increases. (3) The main influencing factors for the coordinated development of tourism and rural areas are tourism resource endowment, tourist density index, rural employees, rural per capita disposable income, and tourism contribution rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This special issue is the second in a two‐part series on the evolution of labour market and disposable income inequalities over recent decades in 17 high‐income countries in Europe and North America. In this Introduction, we provide additional background for the cross‐country project, which has been conducted in parallel to the wider IFS Deaton Review of Inequalities. We briefly summarise the key trends and findings of the papers that cover five Western European countries and four Southern European countries, and a companion paper on the role of education and intergenerational mobility across all 17 countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study how changes in labour market outcomes and household composition translate into changes in household incomes in the Netherlands over the period 1977–2022. During this period, the Netherlands witnessed a vast increase in female employment and earnings. This was also the key driver of household income growth. Male employment hardly changed, and male earnings growth was limited, and hence contributed little to household income growth. The increase in employment and earnings was the most pronounced for lower‐educated women and women with relatively low earnings. The resulting drop in earnings inequality among women also put a drag on the rise in household income inequality, together with an increase in social benefits and a reduction in taxes for the bottom of the household income distribution. However, overall there was still a small increase in disposable household income inequality because inequality in male earnings increased, with earnings falling in real terms for men with low earnings and rising somewhat for men with high earnings. Furthermore, the proportion of singles increased, in particular among low‐earning men and women, and assortative matching on earnings in couples increased. We further show that despite still having relatively low household income inequality overall, a large gap remains between immigrants and natives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide an experimental design to study how estimates of the distance deterrence parameter in a standard doubly-constrained gravity model respond to different patterns of spatial structure. The design is defined as an agent-based simulation framework that simultaneously considers the response of commuting and migration to changes in the spatial structure, accounting for labor and housing market issues. The agents are equipped with a utility function and are expected to maximize their utilities corresponding to their disposable income net of commuting costs and house value. We study how the estimates of the distance deterrence parameter respond to where the central business district is located, to the clustering of local and basic sector jobs, to changes in the road transportation network, and to the compactness in the system of towns in the geography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the coordination of agricultural water resources (W), cultivated land (L), and the ecoenvironment (E) system is crucial for sustainable agriculture in the North China Plain (NCP). However, the synergistic effects of this composite system remain unclear. Coupling coordination degrees (CCDs) of 53 cities in the NCP for the years 2011, 2015, and 2020 were evaluated using the TOPSIS model, and the coupling coordination model, combined with the analytic hierarchy process and entropy weight method. The evaluation results were further analyzed to identify obstacle factors. The findings reveal the following: (1) The comprehensive development level showed a fluctuating upward trend, with closeness values ranging from 0.418 to 0.574 in 2020, indicating an improvement of 14.6–52.3% compared to 2011. The coefficient of variation (CV) for each province rose from 12.65% in 2011 to 13.64% and subsequently declined to 9.12% by 2020. (2) Between 2011 and 2020, CCDs of the W–L–E composite system exhibited a consistent upward trend. In 2020, regions with intermediate or better coordination accounted for 34.0%, and were primarily located in Jiangsu Province, the southern part of Anhui Province, the northwestern part of Shandong Province, and the municipalities of Beijing and Tianjin. (3) In 2011 and 2015, significant obstacle factors included the water quality compliance rate and the per capita disposable income of rural residents, although these were not primary obstacles in 2020. The water supply modulus and multiple cropping index were major obstacle factors in 2011, 2015, and 2020. Developing water-appropriate cropping patterns based on regional water resource endowment is the essential path for the sustainable and coordinated development of water, land, and ecology in the NCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High clinical value national reimbursement anticancer medications (NRAMs) are pivotal treatments for patients with cancer. However, the availability of NRAMs in medical institutions is unknown. This study aimed to assess the availability of NRAMs in national and provincial medical institutions. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized national health insurance data to access the availability of NRAMs in national and provincial medical institutions. Further statistical analyses and visualizations were conducted in terms of medical institution level and daily cost. Using the Spearman's rank correlation test (α = 0.05), we calculated the correlation between the availability rates of NRAMs and their negotiation access time, daily cost, per capita disposable income, provincial gross product, and number of policy releases. Results: Overall, 81 NRAMs, with an average availability rate of approximately 1.01% nationwide, were included. There were significant differences between provinces for each drug, and the availability of NRAMs gradually decreased in tertiary (13.41%), secondary (1.58%), and primary medical institutions (< 0.05%). Differences were also observed in the availability rate of NRAMs in various daily drug cost ranges. Among the factors examined, negotiation access time (r1 = 0.425), daily cost (r2 = − 0.326), per capita disposable income (r3 = 0.645), provincial gross product (r4 = 0.433), and number of policy releases (r5 = 0.461) were all correlated with the availability of NRAMs. Conclusions: The low availability of NRAMs in national and provincial medical institutions indicates that their willingness to equip NRAMs needs to be improved. All factors examined in this study affected the availability of NRAMs. Our findings can guide policymakers in improving relevant policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: China has the third largest number of TB cases in the world, and the average annual floating population in China is more than 200 million, the increasing floating population across regions has a tremendous potential for spreading infectious diseases, however, the role of increasing massive floating population in tuberculosis transmission is yet unclear in China. Methods: 29,667 tuberculosis flow data were derived from the new smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases in China. Spatial variation of TB transmission was measured by geodetector q-statistic and spatial interaction model was used to model the tuberculosis flow and the regional socioeconomic factors. Results: Tuberculosis transmission flow presented spatial heterogeneity. The Pearl River Delta in southern China and the Yangtze River Delta along China's east coast presented as the largest destination and concentration areas of tuberculosis inflows. Socioeconomic factors were determinants of tuberculosis flow. Some impact factors showed different spatial associations with tuberculosis transmission flow. A 10% increase in per capita GDP was associated with 10.2% in 2010 or 2.1% in 2012 decrease in tuberculosis outflows from the provinces of origin, and 1.2% in 2010 or 0.5% increase in tuberculosis inflows to the destinations and 18.9% increase in intraprovincial flow in 2012. Per capita net income of rural households and per capita disposable income of urban households were positively associated with tuberculosis flows. A 10% increase in per capita net income corresponded to 14.0% in 2010 or 3.6% in 2012 increase in outflows from the origin, 44.2% in 2010 or 12.8% increase in inflows to the destinations and 47.9% increase in intraprovincial flows in 2012. Tuberculosis incidence had positive impacts on tuberculosis flows. A 10% increase in the number of tuberculosis cases corresponded to 2.2% in 2010 or 1.1% in 2012 increase in tuberculosis inflows to the destinations, 5.2% in 2010 or 2.0% in 2012 increase in outflows from the origins, 11.5% in 2010 or 2.2% in 2012 increase in intraprovincial flows. Conclusions: Tuberculosis flows had clear spatial stratified heterogeneity and spatial autocorrelation, regional socio-economic characteristics had diverse and statistically significant effects on tuberculosis flows in the origin and destination, and income factor played an important role among the determinants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic shock heavily affected households and prompted governments to design policies supporting household consumption. Differentiated strategies were among the most commonly adopted policies, targeting territories and economic activities with a stringency consistent with the severity of the contagion. Leveraging a unique dataset of over 1 billion household payment transactions, which captures digital and physical consumption, we provide a retrospective analysis of targeted restrictions in Italy during the fall of 2020. We show that territories implementing less stringent policies exhibit a smaller reduction in consumption and that differentiated restrictions are effective in limiting the spread of infections. Furthermore, in our analyses we account for common factors limiting household consumption choices such as disposable income, liquidity constraints and fear of contagion. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted restrictions in balancing between economic and public health objectives and call for data-driven and evidence-based policymaking during crises. • The COVID-19 pandemic represented an unexpected income shock for most households. • Heavily affected consumption habits needed government interventions to recover. • Many countries adopted differentiated interventions targeting territories or sectors. • Epidemic models show that targeted restrictions limited the spread of the virus. • Less stringent targeted policies led also to a smaller reduction in consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Rural ecological environment construction, as a pivotal component of the rural revitalization strategy and ecological civilization construction strategy, plays an indispensable role in promoting sustainable agricultural development and safeguarding ecological security. An accurate assessment and prediction of Rural Ecological Environment Quality (REEQ) serves as the theoretical basis to achieving these goals, and provide scientific guidance for future rural ecological environment construction and planning. The field of regional ecology, proposed in the mid-20th century, represents an emerging interdisciplinary domain that integrates ecology, geography, and economics. It plays a pivotal role in addressing large-scale ecological challenges and fostering social sustainability. As global urbanization continues to advance, urban ecological environments undergo significant transformations under the pressures of intense human activities. Scholars have increasingly focused on the essence, evolutionary patterns, and causal mechanisms shaping urban ecological environment quality. Consequently, ecological environment assessments have evolved from singular pollution evaluations to comprehensive ecological appraisals. However, coastal rural area with complex geographical conditions and fragile ecological environments are often neglected and marginalized. Currently, there are few specialized evaluation systems for REEQ, making it difficult to accurately reveal the evolution pattern of rural ecological environment. This weakens its guidance on practical rural ecological environment governance and restoration. Methods: The Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model can simplify the identification process of driving factors for REEQ, reflect the feedback mechanism between indicators, and is conducive to scientific and accurate evaluation of REEQ. Therefore, we constructed an evaluation index system for REEQ based on the PSR. We measured REEQ in the eastern coastal area of China, analyzed its spatiotemporal characteristics and development trends, and used the obstacle degree model to identify obstacle factors. It is beneficial for rural areas to grasp the evolution laws of REEQ, provide theoretical basis for the formulation of sustainable development policies, and provide scientific policy recommendations. Results: Our findings indicate that: 1) From 2000 to 2020, REEQ in the eastern coastal area of China has continuously improved, with the index value increasing from 0.454 to 0.525, a total growth of 15.64%. The number of high-level REEQ areas increased from 0 to 29, showing a positive development trend. 2) Highdensity areas of REEQ in the eastern coastal area of China are concentrated in the northern parts of Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces. The center of REEQ has shifted from the southwest to the northeast. 3) The obstacle degrees of various criteria layers in REEQ are relatively stable, with the response subsystem being the highest, followed by the state and pressure subsystems. Forest coverage, per capita grain production, effective irrigation rate of farmland, afforestation area in the current year, per capita disposable income of rural residents, and per capita mechanical power of farmers are the main obstacle indicators. 4) From 2020 to 2035, REEQ in the eastern coastal area of China will continue to improve. The standard deviation ellipse will move towards the northwest, the center will shift from the southwest to the northeast, the rotation angle will slowly decrease, showing a northwestward trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and selfreported adherence to preventive measures in Switzerland during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: 4,299 participants from a digital cohort were followed between September 2020 and November 2021. Baseline equivalised disposable income and education were used as SES proxies. Adherence was assessed over time. We investigated the association between SES and adherence using multivariable mixed logistic regression, stratifying by age (below/above 65 years) and two periods (before/after June 2021, to account for changes in vaccine coverage and epidemiological situation). Results: Adherence was high across all SES strata before June 2021. After, participants with higher equivalised disposable income were less likely to adhere to preventive measures compared to participants in the first (low) quartile [second (Adj.OR, 95% CI) (0.56, 0.37-0.85), third (0.38, 0.23-0.64), fourth (0.60, 0.36-0.98)]. We observed similar results for education. Conclusion: No differences by SES were found during the period with high SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates and stringent measures. Following the broad availability of vaccines, lower incidence, and eased measures, differences by SES started to emerge. Our study highlights the need for contextual interpretation when assessing SES impact on adherence to preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper mainly studied the performance of economic compensation for cultivated land protection in Chengdu from 2009 to 2018 and analyzed its implementation deviation. The results showed from 2009 to 2018, the overall performance level of economic compensation for cultivated land protection in Chengdu showed a leap trend from "poor" to "excellent", but its transformation state was unstable. From 2009 to 2018, the economic compensation policy for cultivated land protection in Chengdu played a significant role in economic performance, while its ecological performance and welfare performance were generally low. The indicators that had an important contribution to the improvement of the land protection economic compensation performance included cultivated land protection economic compensation cost coefficient, rural per capita disposable income, rural social consumer goods retail sales, and the number of rural residents participating in social pension insurance. However, the amount of fertilizer application and the input of farmland protection rural labor force became the key factors that restricted the improvement of the land protection economic compensation performance. The obvious and hidden benefits of cultivated land protection were the internal factors for the lower implementation of economic compensation performance of cultivated land protection. The behavioral choices of the relevant stakeholders of cultivated land protection in the implementation of the economic compensation policy of cultivated land protection were the core external factors of their performance. The focus of future attention should be strengthening the research on the connotation of the economic compensation performance of cultivated land protection and the performance dynamic evaluation model and exploring the manifestation and internalization of multiple explicit and invisible benefits of cultivated land protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photovoltaic poverty alleviation project, part of the "Ten Major Precise Poverty Alleviation Projects" implemented by the Poverty Alleviation Office of the State Council, significantly contributes to eradicating poverty and rural revitalization. A difference-in-differences model was utilized in this study to assess this project's impact on rural households. This analysis used tracking data from households both with photovoltaic equipment installed and without in "S Town," Jiangsu Province, from 2017 to 2021. The results indicate that photovoltaic installations lead to an increase in per capita disposable income, hence reducing poverty. However, further analysis suggests that better health and work capacity in disadvantaged households correlate with lesser benefits from the photovoltaic project in terms of income. The policy implications of these findings include a necessity for developing innovative models in the photovoltaic sector to enhance conditions for farmers, reducing their dependence on government subsidies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated how digitalization empirically affected income inequality in Turkey between 2001 and 2020. Broadband subscription, internet usage, and mobile subscription were used as digitalization indicators, and the GINI coefficient calculated on disposable income was used as an income inequality indicator. The findings obtained by the ARDL method, KPSS stationarity and ADF unit root tests are as follows: i) While some variables are stationary at level, some are stationary at first degree. ii) Explanatory variables can explain the dependent variable stably in the long run. iii) The increase in all three digitalization indicators and trade openness improves income inequality in the long run. iv) The real income per capita enhancement increases income inequality in the long run. Therefore, policymakers should design and implement policies that will increase digitalization and trade openness and eliminate the distorting effect of economic growth on income inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Economic Policy Researches / İktisat Politikası Araştırmaları Dergisi is the property of Journal of Economic Policy Researches / Iktisat Politikasi Arastirmalari Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study analyses the three‐way relationship between economic growth and the two aspects of income distribution, namely, functional income distribution (labour income share) and household income distribution (Gini coefficient). One contribution of such three‐way analysis is to reveal the 'decoupling' pattern of the growth‐equity nexus, namely decoupling between functional income distribution and household income distribution, as it finds that economic growth tends to increase labour income share but worsen household income inequality, and also to confirm the reverse relationship that that higher labour income shares and household income inequality lead to a higher rate of economic growth. We show that these findings co‐exist with the traditional belief in the literature about the directly reinforcing relationship between functional and household income distribution. These findings are consistent with skilled labour compensated by performance‐based higher wages, which is often associated with a skill‐biassed technological change. The study confirms the same three‐way relationship in both developed and developing countries, but with several different determinants and different trends in the key variables. Given this nuanced trade‐off between economic growth and household income equality, coupled with no such trade‐off between growth and labour income share, a sensible policy prescription may be a combination of growth‐enhancing policy of increasing pre‐tax labour income share and a separate redistribution policy to decrease disposable household income inequality, which can mitigate income inequality without harming economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Auten and Splinter (2024) is the latest contribution to an ongoing debate regarding the historical development of income inequality in the U.S. This debate is mainly based on the seminal work of Piketty and co-authors. Auten and Splinters' results challenge established measurement techniques as their results indicate a much weaker increase in income inequality compared to Piketty and co-authors. This article summarises and discusses major differences between the approaches and the results. However, U.S. results on inequality are only of limited use for similar debates in Germany. This is due to the fact that the inequality debate in Germany focuses more on wealth than income inequality. Additionally, German data infrastructure prohibits any expressive replication of the approaches discussed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving agricultural eco-efficiency based on resource endowment and development stage is the only means to build a strong agricultural country. Based on the measurement of agricultural eco-efficiency at the city scale in northwest China from 2010 to 2020 using the non-expectation nonradial SE-SBM model, the spatial and temporal differentiation characteristics and influencing factors were analyzed using the indices and methods of difference coefficient, Dagum Gini coefficient, global trend analysis, spatial autocorrelation, and spatial error model. The results indicate the following: (1) The median of agricultural eco-efficiency in northwest China increased from 0.512 to 1.001, with an average annual growth rate of approximately 6.93%; however, the difference in agricultural eco-efficiency between cities showed a narrowing trend. (2) The spatial distribution of agricultural eco-efficiency in northwest China shows hierarchical spatial distribution characteristics. The projection trend line shows a"U-shaped"feature in the north-south direction, whereas the east-west direction gradually shows an "inverted U-shaped"feature in the process of smooth rise from west to east. (3) The results of the spatial error model show that the per workforce arable land area, per capita disposable income of rural residents, and urbanization level positively influence the agricultural eco-efficiency in the northwest China, whereas the agricultural machinery density and fertilizer use intensity negatively influence the agricultural eco-efficiency in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing regional water environment carrying capacity (WECC) is crucial for measuring sustainable development and guiding water resource management policies. However, existing methods often overlook the dynamic trends in carrying capacity and uncertainties in the assessment process. This study proposes a time-varying Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE) II model, integrating time series analysis and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) to address these limitations. Using Guangdong Province, China as a case study, key factors influencing WECC are identified through a simplified assessment index system and obstacle degree model. Results demonstrate that: (1) the developed framework broadens the capabilities of current technologies and provides an effective method for dealing with uncertain trends in WECC over time. (2) the carrying capacity of water environment showed a large spatial difference, with high in the centre and low around, among which Shenzhen ranked first with 0.3498, and Shaoguan ranked 21st with-0.2584., (3) per capita water resources, ecological water ratio, green coverage rate of built-up areas, per capita GDP, proportion of tertiary industry and per capita disposable income affect the level of regional WECC, with obstruction frequency exceeding 85%. These insights assist decision-makers in developing region-specific strategies for comprehensive water resource management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of a stock market is intrinsically linked to the broader financial and economic landscape of a country. Stock prices, as integral indicators, not only mirror the financial health and collective economic circumstances of a nation but also serve as crucial barometers of tangible financial activities. This research paper aims to undertake a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationship between specific macroeconomic determinants and the stock market within the context of India. Moreover, this study conducts an exhaustive analysis to assess the relative significance of these variables and their contributions to the predictive capacity of stock prices. This investigation harnesses a dataset consisting of monthly observations of the chosen macroeconomic variables. The outcomes of the cointegration analysis illuminate a robust and statistically significant long-term association between Indian stock prices and the selected macroeconomic factors. The results of the cointegration test affirm a lasting nexus between stock returns and crucial economic indicators, namely Gross Domestic Product (GDP), disposable income, and the participation of Foreign Institutional Investors (FII) in the market. Furthermore, this study underscores the enduring negative relationship between stock returns and factors, such as interest rates, government policies, exchange rates, and inflation. These findings provide valuable insights into the interplay between the stock market and macroeconomic forces in the Indian context.

Purpose: The National Fitness Plan (NFP) is a vital initiative aimed at realizing Healthy China 2030. This study assessed spatial heterogeneity in the NFP development and the socioeconomic factors contributing to this inequality. Methods: Data from 31 administrative regions in 2021 were analyzed using four NFP development metrics. Spatial autocorrelation was evaluated using global Moran's I, followed by global and local regression models for non-random spatial patterns. Results: National physical fitness exhibited significant clustering (z = 5.403), notably a high-high cluster in East China. The global regression model identified three socioeconomic factors in the geographically weighted regression model: per capita disposable income and the number of public buses positively affected national physical fitness, while general public budget expenditure had a negative impact. Conclusions: Persistent unequal NFP development is projected due to income disparities in economically backward regions. To promote the NFP effectively, a cost-efficient strategy includes creating 15-minute fitness circles, especially by establishing public sports facilities in Western China communities. These findings inform policy priorities for advancing the NFP towards Healthy China 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the study is to assess the importance of climate and energy policy instruments in fuel poverty reduction policy in Poland. Design/methodology/approach: The paper applies the method of regression analysis to assess the impact of climate and energy policy factors on fuel poverty in Poland. For this purpose, a literature review was carried out on the factors influencing fuel poverty and the development of climate and energy policy, particularly decarbonisation in the European Union, in order to identify potential determinants of fuel poverty. An empirical analysis was carried out of electricity and gas price developments and decomposition analysis of these prices in Poland in the studied period, and it was assessed using regression analysis which factors, among the instruments of energy and climate policies, determine fuel poverty in Poland. Findings: The main finding is that climate and energy policies influence fuel poverty in Poland, especially share of renewable energy sources in energy mix and expenditures on environment protection. It was also found that macroeconomic policy instruments, which determine the level of income per capita and thus disposable income, have a statistically significant impact on fuel poverty in Poland. In addition, it was found that such instruments as taxes and social transfers are worth using for this purpose. Research limitations/implications: It is recommended to deepen long-term research on the impact of these policies on fuel poverty. For the time being, the lack of long-term data limits the possibility for long-term analysis. Practical implications: Unfortunately, there is a lack of detailed data on income decomposition in decile groups, which limits the possibility to accurately estimate the long-term level of fuel poverty in Poland. Social implications: The regulation of fuel poverty would make it possible to constantly monitor the phenomenon and to apply instruments that would precisely limit this social phenomenon. Originality/value: The paper provides information on the impact of climate and energy policy on fuel poverty in Poland. So far there have only been analyses of the scale of the phenomenon, not of the factors. It is addressed to fuel poverty practitioners and policy makers in the field of social and energy policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prosperity of rural e-commerce is crucial for rural economic development and rural residents' well-being, it also offers a fresh perspective towards addressing the "Three Rural Issues" in China. Considering Taobao villages (rural e-commerce) as a quasi-natural experiment, this study explores the impact of Taobao villages on rural residents' per capita disposable income by applying a staggered difference-in-difference (DID) method within county data from 2010 to 2020. It also reveals the underlying mechanisms behind them along with enterprise microdata. The empirical findings show that, on average, Taobao villages contribute to an annual increase of RMB 1820 in rural residents' income, and this effect is more prominent in counties with a dominant tertiary sector, larger scale, and non-poor counties. Furthermore, three mechanisms of Taobao village income-raising effect exist: labor mobility across sectors, new business registration, and cost reduction in e-commerce firms. These findings provide compelling evidence for policymakers to promote rural e-commerce as a means to bolster rural residents' income and foster rural economic growth, it is also of great practical significance for China in narrowing the urban–rural income gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]