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Chinese-Russian cooperation has strengthened significantly in the past 30 years, analysis shows

The study reveals that bilateral cooperation intensity has gradually strengthened between China and Russia over the past three decades. Energy trade assumed new importance after 2008, while military cooperation showed a more varied pattern of evolution. Political cooperation structures the Sino-Russian relationship, driving its progress.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEurope Asia Studies·DateNov 22, 2023

C-sections in Mexico increase with obesity level and health care specialization

A study from the University of Illinois found a correlation between high obesity levels at hospitals and increased C-section rates in Mexico. The researchers analyzed patient data from 226 public hospitals across Mexico, finding that hospitals with higher obesity rates were more likely to perform C-sections.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe World Bank Economic Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2023

Social assistance programs are an effective strategy to mitigate the impact of economic crises on child health

A study in Brazil found that social pensions and conditional cash transfers significantly reduced child mortality rates between 13-16%. The impact was greater in poorer communities. Expanding these programs could avert nearly 150,000 child deaths by 2030.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 16, 2023

Roe v. Wade repeal impacts where young women choose to go to college, PSU researcher finds

Research from Portland State University finds that female students are more likely to choose universities in states with upheld abortion rights, potentially affecting future workforces and economies. The study suggests a significant impact on the labor market as young people often live and work in the state they attend college.

SourcePortland State University·JournalEconomics Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 30, 2023

Chinese government’s corporate subsidies have had little effect on firms’ productivity

A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University and ShanghaiTech University found that China's government subsidies have had limited effect on promoting firms' productivity. The study analyzed firm-level data from 2007 to 2018 and found that subsidies often flowed to less productive firms, leading to a decline in their relative productivity.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Comparative Economics·DateOct 10, 2023

Financial sector risks can hinder transition to green economy

Research reveals correlation between financial sector risks and increased carbon footprint in bank loans, hindering humanity's progress towards a green economy. The study analyzed CFBL data for 37 countries from 2010 to 2018, finding that systemic risk within the banking sector raised the CFBL in developed countries.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateOct 9, 2023

Fair and sustainable futures beyond mining

A researcher from Göttingen University advises on overcoming difficulties faced by mining communities in transition, suggesting a three-step approach centered around stakeholder collaboration. This approach combines early planning, local-based solutions, and targeted investments to foster economic and workforce transformation.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Energy·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 2023

Why an unusual global export industry keeps growing in a developing country

The Citrus Growers` Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has played a crucial role in the industry's success, driving growth through a resilient coalition of growers and independent resources mandated by the government. The CGA invests in research and development to stay ahead of changing market demands and fosters competitive rivalry ...

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalEuropean Journal of Development Research·TypeCase study·DateSep 27, 2023

Is there more to palm oil than deforestation?

A study in Germany found that consumers struggle to grasp the environmental consequences of their buying choices, even with extra information. The research suggests introducing an eco-label could guide shoppers towards more informed decisions about sustainable palm oil production.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalSustainable Production and Consumption·DateSep 22, 2023

Peru’s Operation Mercury stopped most illegal gold mining in one biodiversity hotspot in the Amazon. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Operation Mercury successfully halted most illegal gold mining activity in La Pampa, Peru, reducing deforestation and water quality issues. However, spillover effects led to increased mining in legal areas, highlighting the need for stronger regulations to mitigate environmental harm.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalConservation Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

How local communities depend on the ivory palm tree in coastal Ecuador

The study found that local communities in coastal Ecuador depend less on tagua trees today than their grandparents did, but still use them for cultural and supporting services. The research highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these ecosystem services.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgricultural and Resource Economics Review·TypeSurvey·DateAug 25, 2023

UC economist finds strong link between park funding, home values

A UC economist found a strong correlation between park funding and home values in Ohio communities. House prices were 13% higher three years after voting to renew tax levies for recreational areas, but not immediately after the vote. The study suggests that underfunded parks may be a contributing factor to lower housing values.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Regional Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2023

Racism, poverty, and illiteracy increase the risk of contracting and succumbing to AIDS in Brazil

A retrospective study of 28.3 million people in Brazil found that social determinants like poverty, education, and racism significantly increase the risk of contracting and succumbing to AIDS. Lower wealth and education levels were strongly associated with higher AIDS incidence and mortality rates.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2023

Automated medical imaging framework revolutionizes schistosomiasis diagnosis

Researchers developed an innovative optical tool, the Schistoscope, to capture microscopy images of urine samples for efficient detection of Schistosoma haematobium eggs. A two-stage diagnostic framework using deep learning accurately identified and counted eggs in field settings with high sensitivity, specificity, and precision.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Medical Imaging·DateAug 7, 2023

Employment dynamics: a closer look at rising exports and ICT penetration

The article explores how export diversification and ICT shape employment patterns, with research highlighting the importance of diversified trade baskets to minimize economic uncertainties. Tailored trade policies can unlock employment opportunities for both high-skilled and low-skilled workers, fostering sustainable growth.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalJournal of International Commerce Economics and Policy·DateJul 26, 2023

Do investors incorporate financial materiality of environmental information in their risk evaluation?

Researchers found that investors evaluate a company's environmental performance based on financial materiality, providing a better perspective for understanding environmental risks. The study analyzed data from 1,766 companies and identified three key findings: varying evaluation criteria, shareholder risk perception, and the importanc...

SourceKyushu University·JournalCorporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management·DateJul 7, 2023

What’s a park worth to the economy?

Researchers developed a framework to estimate economic benefits of urban parks, finding improved mental health and air quality lead to significant cost savings. The Quaker Foods City Square park in Peterborough, Ontario, yielded estimated annual benefits of over $4 million, justifying financial investment.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMay 17, 2023

Harmful fisheries subsidies are leading to more fishing vessels chasing fewer fish, resulting in adverse environmental and societal impacts: UBC study

Harmful fisheries subsidies support fishing in waters outside jurisdictions of their home nation, impacting developing countries and the environment. These subsidies disproportionately affect marginalized communities and lead to food insecurity and economic dependence on fishing.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMarine Policy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 1, 2023

Internet access must become human right or we risk ever-widening inequality

A new study calls for internet access to be declared a basic human right to address socio-economic disparities. In developing countries, internet access can determine education, healthcare, housing, and employment outcomes. The study advocates for free internet access and digital skills training to ensure equal opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPolitics Philosophy & Economics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 7, 2023