|
on South East Asia |
| By: | Alberto Diaz-Cayeros; Ines A. Ferreira; Rachel M. Gisselquist; Finn Tarp |
| Abstract: | Inequality influences socioeconomic and political outcomes. Beyond objective metrics, how people perceive inequality plays a crucial role. Yet attitudes and perceptions of inequality remain understudied, especially outside western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic settings. This article speaks to this gap, providing insights from Viet Nam, a lower-middle income country with rising inequality. |
| Keywords: | Inequality, Regional analysis, Survey data, Viet Nam |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2025-62 |
| By: | Honeycutt, Sydney; Wyatt, Amanda; Lundy, Mark; Brouwer, Inge D. |
| Abstract: | From 2022-2024, the CGIAR Research Initiative on Sustainable Healthy Diets through Food Systems Transformation (SHiFT) combined high-quality nutritional and social science research with development and policy partnerships to generate innovative food systems solutions that contributed to sustainable healthy diets. Through a country-led approach, SHiFT supported the design and implementation of national food systems transformation activities in Viet Nam, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh, aiming to achieve sustainable healthy diets while also working toward improved livelihoods, gender equity, and social inclusion. Following the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS), countries were encouraged to define pathways for transforming their food systems to align with the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).2 Many countries have since developed national action plans to operationalize these pathways, requiring coordinated multisectoral efforts. SHiFT contributed to this process by generating evidence and supporting national stakeholders in developing context-specific food systems solutions. This brief introduces SHiFT’s country engagement strategy and explains how SHiFT supported collaborative pathways and processes in each target country during its initial phase. Consumers and Food Environments, Area of Work 1 in the new CGIAR Science Program on Better Diets and Nutrition, will build upon the SHiFT approach starting in 2025 through 2030. |
| Keywords: | food systems; healthy diets; nutrition; sustainability; transformation; Vietnam; Ethiopia; Bangladesh; Asia; South-eastern Asia; Africa; Eastern Africa; Southern Asia; Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Date: | 2025–07–24 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:cgiarp:175794 |
| By: | MENG, WEI |
| Abstract: | This study aims to examine how China's newly appointed ambassador to Thailand employs event networks and temporal dynamics to demonstrate issue entry and structural embedding in early diplomatic practices, thereby revealing the priorities and potential trends in China's diplomacy toward Thailand. Existing research predominantly focuses on macro-policy levels, lacking systematic quantitative analysis of event-level diplomatic activities. This study seeks to fill this gap. Methodologically, it employs an event-level observation-computational empirical design, constructing five-layer networks (administrative, legislative, multilateral, social, and media) and time series based on open-source intelligence (OSINT). The analytical process follows the HCLS paradigm: identifying structural hubs (Hub) via the Bridge Center Early Warning Index (BCEW), detecting rhythmic inflection points (Change) using CUSUM, BOCPD, and PELT methods, characterizing lead-response lag relationships (Lag) between issues through cross-correlation and Hawkes processes, and translating multidimensional evidence into issue priority scores (Score) using AHP→TOPSIS. (Score). Results indicate that the administrative and multilateral layers exhibit significant hub status within the network, while security and multilateral issues show statistically significant rhythmic inflection points within short-term windows. “Security→Administrative” and “Multilateral→UN-ESCAP” demonstrate strong coupling at zero lag, whereas legislative channel coupling is weaker and transient. Multi-criteria ranking indicates that security, digital cooperation, and multilateral rules form the priority issue sequence, remaining robust to weight perturbations. Integrating four evidence chains reveals that China's recent diplomatic focus toward Thailand centers on amplifying issue linkage through administrative and multilateral platforms, gradually shifting toward narrative coupling of rule-building and public diplomacy in the medium term. In conclusion, this study not only proposes a reproducible, falsifiable event-level diplomatic analysis methodology but also reveals the logical chain of “hub prioritization—issue triggering—platform amplification—narrative coupling—trend insight” in China-Thailand relations. This research offers a quantitative perspective for understanding the micro-operational mechanisms of Chinese diplomacy while providing empirical evidence for policy formulation and regional cooperation. |
| Date: | 2025–09–19 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:ywv9r_v1 |
| By: | Saroj, Sunil; Vidhani, Vandana Shankar; Kumar Burman, Amit |
| Abstract: | The Capacity Strengthening Workshop on Best Practices in Impact Evaluation, Data Interpretation, and Agricultural Policy Analysis (Phase 1) was conducted on April 22-23, 2025, aiming to build the foundational skills of fieldbased government officials in using agricultural data for informed decision-making. To strengthen its initiative on developing the Inclusive Agriculture Transformation (IAT) indicator, IFPRI has proposed a three-phased capacity-building program for key departmental staff. The objective is to enhance their understanding of the importance of data and its systematic maintenance. This initial phase focused on enhancing participants' understanding of various agricultural datasets and equipping them with basic skills in data interpretation and visualization. The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary to Government, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha. The workshop was designed as part of a comprehensive capacity-building initiative to support the Inclusive Agriculture Transformation (IAT) framework, promoting evidence-based policy formulation and implementation. |
| Keywords: | agriculture; capacity development; decision making; impact assessment; India; Asia; Southern Asia |
| Date: | 2025–08–14 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:fprepo:176135 |
| By: | S. Gokula Krishnan (SEI - Surana College, Kengeri Campus, Bengaluru); S. Keerthi (SEI - Surana College, Kengeri Campus, Bengaluru); S. Jyothi (SEI - Surana College, Kengeri Campus, Bengaluru) |
| Abstract: | This article aimed to analyse awareness level, frequency of usage, ease of usage about the selected Mobile Healthcare Apps and examined impact of Service Quality of mHealthcare Apps, Satisfaction level of mHealthcare Apps, and Price level on Trustworthiness of mHealthcare Apps. This comparative research has surveyed 111 users of mobile Healthcare Apps in Bengaluru, India using structured questionnaire. The sampling techniques adopted are snowball sampling technique. The collected data analysed using Descriptive Analysis, Weighted Rank Method, Comparative Analysis, Correlation and Simple Linear Regression Analysis. Key findings reveal Apollo 24/7 as the frontrunner in terms of brand awareness and perceived ease of use. Service quality emerged as a primary determinant of trustworthiness, surpassing price value. The developed regression model effectively explains a significant portion of the variance in trustworthiness. These insights are particularly relevant for managers and developers of mHealth apps, as they emphasize the importance of maintaining high service quality to build and sustain trust among users. These findings underscore the importance of service quality in fostering trust among users of mobile healthcare apps. While the study provides valuable insights into consumer perceptions and behaviors, its reliance on snowball sampling necessitates cautious interpretation of results. The use of snowball sampling introduces potential selection bias, and the relatively small sample size restricts the generalizability of the findings. Future research could expand on this study by conducting comparative analyses across different regions to explore how cultural differences influence trust in mHealth apps. Additionally, qualitative studies could provide deeper insights into user experiences and the underlying factors that drive trust or distrust in these applications. |
| Keywords: | Trustworthiness, Satisfaction, Price Value, Service Quality, Ease of Use, Usage, Awareness, Mobile Health Apps |
| Date: | 2025–08–27 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05227641 |
| By: | Seongmin Seo (Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade) |
| Abstract: | To promote Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) management in the private sector, the Korean central government is implementing support policies to enhance the overall ESG performance of domestic firms. These policies are based on the guidelines of the Korean Sustainable Development Goals (K-SDGs)and aligned with the national Fourth Basic Plan for sustainable Development.<p> At the local level, municipalities are pursuing policies to improve regional ESG by establishing relevant administrative governance structures. ESG strategies are rapidly diversifying at all levels of government.<p> This study focuses on the regional perspective, examining the current status and performance of ESG at the local level, and describing the implications carried by this analysis for strengthening ESG practices in the regional context. |
| Keywords: | regional economics; regional development; regional industry; ESG; Sustainable Development Goals; SDGs; Korean Sustainable Development Goals; K-SDGs; balanced regional development; ESG policy; environm |
| JEL: | G38 O18 R11 R58 R50 R51 |
| Date: | 2025–08–31 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:kieter:021547 |
| By: | Masayuki MORIKAWA |
| Abstract: | This study uses panel data on Japanese firms to examine trends in the shift of manufacturing firms toward service-oriented activities—referred to as “Manufacturing X.†A distinguishing feature of this study is its analysis not only of overall non-manufacturing activities but also of narrowly defined service activities. The main findings are as follows. First, the share of non-manufacturing activities within manufacturing firms has been steadily increasing. If the current trend continues, the share of non-manufacturing sales among these firms is projected to reach 16.5% by 2040. Second, both the proportion of firms engaged in, and the sales share of services such as machine repair, professional services, and business services are rising, indicating a gradual shift toward narrowly defined services. Third, the share of employees working in service and information service sectors within manufacturing firms is also increasing, reflecting servitization in terms of labor input. Fourth, while the expansion of narrowly-defined service sales is positively associated with sales growth and profit margins, the servitization of labor composition appears to have little impact on firm performance, suggesting instead the importance of headquarters functions. |
| Date: | 2025–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eti:rdpsjp:25022 |
| By: | Smitha Francis |
| Abstract: | Realignments of global value chains (GVCs) are occurring at a time when the technological dynamics in manufacturing industries, including in healthcare-related industries like medical electronics, is undergoing significant changes due to the wave of new digitalisation. This study examines post-pandemic changes in global medical electronics value chains through industry-level trade analysis and the GVC participation of selected Indian subsidiaries of medical electronics companies based in the European Union (EU), focusing on the implications of digitalisation and data-centric strategies for capturing value. The study finds that post-COVID-19 realignments in the industry proceeded gradually until 2023. Meanwhile, digitalisation is leading to a gradual expansion in operations by EU-based medical device multinational corporations (MNCs) in India. This is shown to be due to the increased role of software for product design and process optimisation in digitalising value chains. Leading EU-based medical device MNCs are found to be leveraging India’s strengths in software design and data-analytics capabilities for co-developing their software-embedded ‘health systems’ and ‘solutions’. However, even when software and services exports from India went up with increasing digitalisation, the shares of the EU-based lead firm groups in total revenue of the Indian subsidiaries were found to increase. This occurred through imports of software-embedded medical devices and equipment along with imports of higher-valued proprietary software platforms, health systems and the like, which are patented and marketed by the EU-based lead firms or their foreign subsidiaries back to India. |
| Keywords: | digitalisation, GVCs, medical device industry, medical electronics, European MNCs, value distribution, digital value chains |
| JEL: | F14 F23 L64 O14 |
| Date: | 2025–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wii:rpaper:rr:479 |
| By: | Sharma, Kriti; Kumar, Anjani; Agrawal, R.C. |
| Abstract: | Farmers in India continue to be deprived of adequate and timely institutional credit. The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, introduced in 1998, sought to address this issue by providing credit support under a single window with simplified procedure. Using a panel data of 2, 586 farming households from five states in Eastern India, namely, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal in 2018 and 2023, we examine the determinants of access to KCC and its credit limit. We also analyze the impact of KCC on farmers’ input usage, dependence on moneylenders and farm income using propensity score weighted fixed effects model which controls for selection bias and unobservable time-invariant heterogeneities. We find that farmers’ participation in agricultural training, demonstrations and development programs encourage farmers to adopt KCC. Furthermore, KCC access increases farmers’ input usage and reduces their dependence on money lenders. This evidence comes from an economically challenged region whose economy significantly depends on agriculture. The findings of the study raise concerns over the limited penetration of the scheme among smaller-scale farmers and provide key insights into the underlying issues hindering the efficacious functioning of the scheme. |
| Keywords: | agricultural training; credit; smallholders; input output analysis; India; Asia; Southern Asia |
| Date: | 2025–07–24 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:ifprid:175793 |
| By: | Masayuki MORIKAWA |
| Abstract: | This study presents evidence on the business performance of firms up to FY2023 that used three major support policies during the COVID-19 crisis: financial assistance, the employment adjustment subsidy, and the business sustainability subsidy. The results show, first, that although productivity among firms that received support improved compared to levels immediately following the crisis, it remained low even after the pandemic subsided. Second, mean wages of firms that received financial assistance or the sustainability subsidy returned to their pre-COVID-19 levels, while wages of firms that used the employment subsidy remained low as of FY2023. Third, by FY 2023, employment levels declined among firms that used the support measures, compared to those that did not. Fourth, the probability of survival in FY2023 was lower for firms that used the support measures, suggesting that the effectiveness of these policies was limited. However, the support measures did not appear to hinder the market’s selection mechanism, whereby less productive firms exit the market. |
| Date: | 2025–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eti:rdpsjp:25021 |
| By: | Sawhney, Aparna; Sma, Abdelkarim; Pradhan, Mamata; Kamar, Abul; Roy, Devesh |
| Abstract: | Climate change being a global environmental problem, a cooperative approach involving all the sovereign countries is required to achieve an optimal solution. Caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons, climate change has global effects that are independent of the geographical sources of these emissions. However, the adverse impacts of global warming and extreme weather events associated with climate change are not uniformly distributed, as vulnerable populations in less-developed countries bear the brunt of the damage. Some of these climate-vulnerable nations contribute less than 1 per cent of global GHG emissions, including Bhutan (0.0057%), Sri Lanka (0.072%), Nepal (0.105%), and Bangladesh (0.522%) in South Asia. |
| Keywords: | climate-smart agriculture; climate change; extreme weather events; greenhouse gases; strategies; scaling up; Asia; Southern Asia |
| Date: | 2025–07–23 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:ifprwp:175781 |
| By: | Charles Kenny (Center for Global Development) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the changing shape of Chinese investment in Africa, as it evolves from large scale infrastructure toward small scale manufacturing. It looks at the opportunity for the region in the context of a deepening manufacturing labor shortage in China; discusses barriers to that opportunity in both China and the Africa region; and the potential response of Western countries. It may be possible for at least some economies in Africa to benefit from a combination of Chinese investment in manufactured export and processed commodity industries and preferential access to economies including the US and China if geopolitics allow, but there are many reasons this could fail and the geopolitics are increasingly hostile. A backup plan for regional growth would be wise. |
| Date: | 2025–06–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cgd:ppaper:359 |
| By: | Muhammad Ansar Majeed (KEDGE Business School [Marseille]); Irfan Ullah (Jiangxi Normal University [Nanchang]); Tanveer Ahsan (ESC [Rennes] - ESC Rennes School of Business); Bakr Al-Gamrh (ESC [Rennes] - ESC Rennes School of Business) |
| Abstract: | Financial limitations can influence how effectively corporations invest, with influential CEOs playing a key role in making investment choices. This study investigates the link between CEO power and investment effectiveness in the context of financial limitations, using a dataset of Chinese firms listed from 2005 to 2022. We observe a negative association between CEO power and investment efficiency. Nonetheless, powerful CEOs facing financial pressures can notably enhance investment efficiency through adept strategic choices. Our findings remain robust across a range of alternative measures of investment efficiency and financial constraints, as well as various econometric specifications. Further examination shows that the investment inefficiencies associated with powerful CEOs mainly arise from overinvestment, while external governance factors, such as analyst coverage and media attention, as well as CEO gender, significantly impact the relationship between CEO power and investment efficiency. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on CEO power by integrating agency theory and strategic choice frameworks to clarify the relationship between CEO power and investment efficiency in financially constrained situations. |
| Keywords: | Financial constraints, Investment efficiency, CEO power, External governance, CEO gender |
| Date: | 2025–07–23 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05224745 |
| By: | Minju Lee (Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade); Sang Hyun Lee (Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade) |
| Abstract: | Recently, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) have been attracting attention as a promising way to power the rapidly proliferating number of artificial intelligence (AI) server farms and other data centers.<p> This paper examines the current state of the global SMR industry and identifies the implications for Korean policy carried by the analysis. |
| Keywords: | artificial intelligence; AI; large language models; LLMs; generative AI; small modular reactors; SMRs; SMR; electricity generation; electricity consumption; power generation; power consumption; data c |
| JEL: | Q41 Q43 Q48 Q55 L94 L86 |
| Date: | 2025–08–31 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:kieter:021550 |
| By: | Jung, Yeonha; Kim, Minki (University of Mannheim); Lee, Munseob (University of California, San Diego) |
| Abstract: | This study examines the long-term impact of Hyanggyo, state-sponsored educational institutions established during the early Joseon Dynasty in Korea (1392-1592), on human capital accumulation. Although these schools largely ceased functioning as educational centers by the late 16th century, their influence has endured to the present day. Drawing on a newly constructed township-level dataset, we find a robust positive association between historical exposure to Hyanggyo and modern educational attainment. This relationship appears to be driven by enduring local demand for education, supported by three complementary findings. First, regions with greater historical exposure experienced larger gains in Japanese literacy during colonial era school expansions. Second, residents in these areas express stronger pro-education attitudes today. Third, historically exposed regions exhibited lower fertility rates, consistent with a quantity–quality tradeoff in parental investment. Together, our findings highlight the lasting legacy of early educational institutions. |
| Keywords: | Hyanggyo, Human capital, historical institutions, Joseon, cultural transmission |
| JEL: | I23 J24 N35 O15 |
| Date: | 2025–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18123 |
| By: | Myungkoo Song (Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines recent trends in the labor income share within South Korea’s manufacturing sector and connects these trajectories to the broader global discourse on labor share dynamics. The objective of this study is to deepen our understanding of the underlying factors shaping the sector’s evolution. |
| Keywords: | labor income; labor share of income; income distribution; national income; national income distribution; manufacturing industry; manufacturing employment; income dynamics; distribution analysis; labor |
| JEL: | L62 D31 D33 |
| Date: | 2025–08–31 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:kieter:021548 |
| By: | Dey, Shubham; Uwasu, Michinori |
| Abstract: | Japan faces the challenge of depopulation and economic decline in rural areas. This research focuses on regional revitalization, primarily exploring the methods and policies that are concerned with the one village one product (OVOP). Recently, the Government of India launched the One district one product (ODOP) initiative which has a similar model that leverages regional strengths to address societal challenges and drive inclusive development. By examining case studies from both the countries, focusing on innovation and local resources, these policies should empower communities to harness their potential, leading to sustainable economic growth and enhanced quality of life. The research aims to identify the potential factors that led to the successful implementation of cases, creating a sustainable development based on branding a cultural commodity and testing its scalability and adaptability for policy formulations in countries facing acute depopulation or considering similar initiatives to rejuvenate rural economies. |
| Date: | 2025–09–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:42ag7_v1 |
| By: | Mundle, Sudipto (Centre for Development Studies); Mehta, Madhur (National Institute of Public Finance and Policy) |
| Abstract: | This article reviews the conduct of monetary policy in India during periods of slow growth in the first quarter of the 21st century. Using standard univariate filtering techniques, the article first identifies periods of slow growth, i.e., periods of negative output gap. It then uses the inflation rate and other supporting indicators to determine whether these periods were demand or supply constrained. The article then reviews the conduct of monetary policy during each of these episodes. An important takeaway is that monetary policy in the Indian context is very complex. Taylor type rules or even rules linking monetary policy stance to binding demand or supply constraints are by themselves inadequate for the conduct of monetary policy. They need to be combined with discretion and judgements based on comprehensive, detailed assessments of economic conditions. The article also reviews time lags and effectiveness in the transmission of monetary policy during both the Multiple Indicator Regime and the Inflation Targeting regime, particularly with reference to the interest rate channel. We find that transmission occurs with a time lag of 2-3 quarters, however it remains incomplete. |
| Date: | 2025–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:npf:wpaper:25/437 |
| By: | Bose, Sukanya (National Institute of Public Finance and Policy); Banerjee, Saikat (National Institute of Public Finance and Policy) |
| Abstract: | A macroeconomic framework integrating growth, distribution and human development with social spending as a crucial link provides an alternative view for conceptualizing fiscal policy for India. In policy formulation, the growth potential of social spending is ignored while concerns about fiscal implications of social spending are overstated. Using a demand-side macro model incorporating necessary supply side features for the Indian economy, the growth implications of social spending is demonstrated. The social spending multiplier in India, estimated over 1990 to 2022 stands at 1.67, with implications for growth and human development following across several years. The results indicate that a combination of policies on social sector expenditure, along with policies on income redistribution are both growth-promoting and self-financing in nature. |
| Keywords: | Human Development ; Growth ; Aggregate Demand ; Social spending ; Fiscal multiplier ; Debt Sustainability ; structural ; policy simulation ; distribution |
| Date: | 2025–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:npf:wpaper:25/436 |
| By: | Ai, Jingyi (Fundan University); Chen, Xi (Yale University); Feng, Jin (Fudan University, China); Xie, Yufei (San Diego State University) |
| Abstract: | The study examines the early effects of cognitive-impairment (CI) friendly communities on health care utilization among older adults in Shanghai, China. By exploiting the rollout of CI-friendly communities and employing a difference-in-differences approach, we evaluate the impact of CI-friendly communities. We find that CI-friendly communities significantly increase the probability and frequency of visiting cognition-disease-related departments (CRD) by 0.7 (13.73%) percentage points and 0.02 (17.24%) times, respectively. In particular, the effect is more pronounced for individuals not previously received CRD care. The dominant mechanisms may include information and early screening effects. Additionally, CI-friendly communities affect health care utilization in other positive ways, such as reducing emergency room (ER) visits and promoting primary care use. |
| Keywords: | awareness of cognitive impairment, health care utilization, CI-friendly community |
| JEL: | I18 J14 I11 |
| Date: | 2025–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18118 |
| By: | Baorui Li; Xincheng Ma; Brian Rongqing Han; Daizhong Tang; Lei Fu |
| Abstract: | As platforms increasingly deploy robots alongside human labor in last-mile logistics, little is known about how contextual features like product attributes, environmental conditions, and psychological mechanisms shape consumer preference in real-world settings. To address this gap, this paper conducts an empirical study on consumer choice between human versus robot service, analyzing 241, 517 package-level choices from Alibaba's last-mile delivery stations. We identify how product privacy sensitivity, product value, and environmental complexity affect consumer preference. Our findings reveal that consumers are significantly more likely to choose robot delivery for privacy-sensitive packages (11.49%) and high-value products (0.97% per 1% increase in value), but prefer human couriers under adverse weather conditions (1.63%). These patterns are robust to alternative specifications and controls. These results also underscore that delivery choices are shaped not only by functional considerations but also by psychological concerns, highlighting the need for context-aware service design that aligns strategies with consumer perceptions. |
| Date: | 2025–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2509.11562 |
| By: | Wilson, Harry J |
| Abstract: | As one of 26 nations off-track from the global health sector goals, the concentrated epidemics of HIV, viral hepatitis and STIs in Bangladesh have proven difficult to control. Female sex workers (FSWs) are the largest key population group in Bangladesh and contextually imperative to deescalate epidemic momentum. This investigation rationalizes the structural, symbolic and interpersonal violence experienced across the life course of Bangladeshi FSWs. The population characteristics of low educational attainment and high marital separation are contextualized through a structural violence of embodied inequality perspective that substantiates the influence of childhood marriages that push Bangladeshi women into the sex trade. Bourdieu's theory of symbolic violence is used to conceptualize the material harms derived from the portrayal of FSWs as fallen women divorced from the virtuous ideals of the normative gender identity. The analysis contends that the intersections of structural and symbolic violence act to legitimize and perpetuate interpersonal assaults that oppress the body, suppress the voice and repress the spiritual soul of FSWs in Bangladesh. These sociostructural complexities pragmatically challenge the individualized perspectives of biobehavioral research that monitor the effectiveness of proximal interventions designed to correct recidivistic behaviors. The underlying role of social-collectivism in dismantling violent architecture and improved condom negotiation capacity behind structural shifts in sexual risk behaviors among Bangladeshi FSWs are emphasized to evidence the importance of empowering approaches in pursuit of transformative biobehavioral change. |
| Date: | 2025–09–19 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:v8jnw_v1 |
| By: | Kohei Asao; Haruki Seitani; Ara Stepanyan; Ms. TengTeng Xu |
| Abstract: | This paper explores the complex roles of demographic changes and technological innovation in shaping Japan's labor market. We use regression analysis to assess the impact of population aging on labor productivity and shortages. Our findings indicate that the aging workforce contributes to labor shortages and potentially weighs on labor productivity. We also investigate occupational level data to identify the complementarity and substitutability of AI in occupational tasks as well as skill transferability. Our research reveals that Japanese workers face lower exposure to AI compared to their counterparts in other advanced economies, thereby constraining AI's potential to mitigate labor shortages. Furthermore, the disparities in skill requirements across occupations with different AI exposures highlight the importance of facilitating labor mobility from displaced jobs to those in demand. |
| Keywords: | Population aging; labor market; artificial intelligence; skill transferability |
| Date: | 2025–09–19 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2025/184 |
| By: | Jaedo Choi; George Cui; Younghun Shim; Yongseok Shin |
| Abstract: | US multinationals formed joint ventures in China for market access and lower labor costs. However, these ventures transfer technology to Chinese firms, fueling future competition. While individual firms weigh the risks to their own profits, they disregard the negative impact on other US firms and the broader economy, resulting in an over-investment that may reduce the US welfare. In our empirical analysis, industries with more joint ventures in China show positive spillovers to Chinese firms but negative outcomes for firms in the US. We develop a two-country model with oligopolistic competition, innovation, and joint ventures. For the US, the short-run gains from joint ventures are outweighed by long-run losses due to rising Chinese competition. Joint ventures benefit large US firms at the expense of small firms and the real wages of workers. A ban on joint ventures since 1999 would have boosted US welfare by 1.2 percent. |
| JEL: | F23 O25 O33 |
| Date: | 2025–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:34284 |
| By: | Ram Prasad Nepal (Ph.D. Scholar, Dept. of Management, Sikkim University, Sikkim,); Pradip Kumar Das (Assistant Professor, Dept. of Management, Sikkim University Sikkim,) |
| Abstract: | The situation in the Indian state of Sikkim illustrates the changes in the practices and policies of vocational and technical education due to the fourth sustainable development goal (SDG4) which focuses on education in all its forms and dimensions. Through the utilization of secondary data, government documentation, and regional reports from NITI Aayog, this research aims to explore the influence of vocational policies and the NEP 2020 on the evolving education landscape of Sikkim. This research attempts to develop a hypothesis which requires that investments into skill development at different stages in the education paradigm increases the qualitative and quantitative standards of employment, thus shifting the norm from traditional to self-employment. This research targets the transformation in Sikkim's institutions, its youth, and its governance in pursuit of fulfilling SDG 4 through education and skill training. Preliminary data illustrates the use of NSQF modules and 'bagless days' that are integrated into primary education, livelihood schools, and skill-based work exposure, which are aimed at raising the certification, employment and entrepreneurship levels in NEP 2020, PMKVY, Atmanirbhar Bharat. |
| Keywords: | Skill Development, Sikkim, NEP 2020, SDG-4, Sikkim Vocational Education, Sikkim Vocational Education SDG-4 NEP 2020 Sikkim Skill Development |
| Date: | 2025–08–16 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05217105 |
| By: | Yusuke Makino (Graduate School of Economics, The University of Tokyo); Hikaru Ogawa (Faculty of Economics, The University of Tokyo) |
| Abstract: | Under Japan’s Furusato Nozei program, a 30% cap on return gifts was introduced to curb inter-municipal competition for donations. This paper analyzes the effects of the cap in a setting where municipalities compete not only through the value of return gifts subject to the regulation but also by employing other strategies to attract donors. The results show that while the cap suppresses gift-based competition, it may intensify competition through other channels, making overall outcomes ambiguous. The negative effects of introducing the 30% cap are more likely when donors value giving less, donations are less sensitive to gift return rates, or alternative strategies are highly effective. |
| Date: | 2025–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tky:fseres:2025cf1258 |
| By: | Yufei Sun (Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw) |
| Abstract: | This study evaluates the performance of pairs trading strategies in the Chinese stock market across extreme market environments, including the Financial Crisis, Bull and Bear phases, and the COVID-19 period. Using a comprehensive stock dataset and incorporating transaction costs, we find that most portfolios deliver near-zero excess returns after costs. However, in volatile conditions—especially during the Financial Crisis—top-performing portfolios achieved monthly returns up to 156 basis points. The strategy underperforms in stable or bullish markets with fewer mean-reversion opportunities. COVID-19 introduced challenges that further reduced profitability. Results highlight the critical role of transaction costs and the importance of advanced pair selection methods, such as combining the Sum of Squared Deviations (SSD), Hurst exponent, and the Number of Zero Crossings (NZC), which consistently outperform traditional approaches. While generally unprofitable, pairs trading can succeed under specific market regimes, offering insights into risk management and strategy adaptation. |
| Keywords: | Pairs Trading, Statistical Arbitrage, Sum of Squared Deviations, Hurst Exponent, Chinese Stock Market |
| JEL: | C58 C63 G11 G14 G17 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:war:wpaper:2025-23 |