Articles tagged with Economic Development
Researchers have discovered a zirconium-based metal–organic framework material that catalyzes the degradation of PET into its monomers. This process can be reused to make high-value PET products, enabling the development of a circular economy. The catalyst breaks down PET waste at 260°C with yields up to 98%
Researchers have identified over 2.4 million households in 49 countries as being below a certain economic threshold, based on the percentage of unlit settlements detected using nighttime light satellite images. The study found a clear association between increasing percentages of unlit communities and decreasing economic wellbeing levels.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a seashell-inspired coating that can protect materials from mechanical, shock, and thermal insults. The coating is made from thin layers of confectioners' sugar, silica, and carbon black, and has been shown to be lightweight, mechanically strong, and thermally stable.
Experts warn that recent progress in child and adolescent health is under threat without comprehensive reform. A holistic approach that spans preconception to adulthood is needed to reduce mortality and improve health outcomes. Strong health systems must partner with social systems to support children's development.
A new study estimates the national economic burden of PTSD at $232.2 billion for 2018, with civilians accounting for 82% of the total costs. The study calls for increased awareness, effective therapies, and expanded evidence-based strategies to reduce the clinical and economic burden of PTSD.
A new study by Aston University reveals that Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) can improve their sustainability performance by adopting circular economy practices. The research found that SMEs in all participating countries are likely to achieve higher environmental performance through CE adoption, with products, processes, and...
A Stanford University team developed a solar-powered technology to improve the quality and quantity of dried agricultural produce, increasing incomes for smallholder farmers in India. The equipment boosted prices by 14-22% compared to traditional open-air sun drying methods.
Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.
Researchers from Arizona State University developed a study to balance biodiversity goals with limited economic resources in Colombia. The team created a prioritization map that targets conservation actions towards regions where ecological benefits are high and economic impacts are low.
A new study finds that while immediate economic benefits of carbon emissions reductions are limited, most scenarios have net economic benefits after 2050. The benefits are most dramatic for developing countries, with a median net benefit of 6.0% of GDP for a 1.5°C reduction target.
A new study by University of Warwick researchers finds that the adoption of cereal crops is the key factor in the emergence of complex hierarchies and states. Contrary to conventional theory, high land productivity does not lead to the development of tax-levying states.
A new study assesses wastewater infrastructure in 129 countries to explore community-wide health indices using Wastewater-based Epidemiology (WBE). The technique detects factors influencing health, including disease biomarkers detectable in wastewater.
Researchers used machine learning to predict the most important factors underlying heavy metal pollution remediation in biochar-treated soils. Biochar nitrogen content and application rate were found to be the most crucial features in determining HM immobilization, with soil properties also playing a significant role.
Researchers found that an appreciation of the US dollar leads to higher stock returns, while a decline in local currency stock returns accompanies a weaker dollar. Emerging market economy stocks with high dollar beta tend to have higher average returns.
A study by Ohio State University researcher Yasuyuki Motoyama found that small, high-growth firms in Columbus moved either downtown or to the suburbs, often near their original location. The study suggests that these businesses can drive local economic growth and contribute to regional development.
A study using longitudinal data from the Indian Young Lives survey found that low-birth-weight infants experienced lower test scores compared to normal birth weight infants. The study estimated a 10% increase in birth weight corresponds to a 0.11 standard deviation increase in cognitive test scores at ages 5-8 years.
A study by RIFS researcher Silke Niehoff analyzed DAX company sustainability reports and found that most prioritize customer demands and efficiency over environmental concerns. However, a few companies are using digitalization to promote sustainable development and serve as role models.
The Bank of Okinawa has awarded ¥1 million grants to two startups, Genome Miner and Menopause and Beyond, participating in the OIST Innovation Square Startup Accelerator Program. The grants aim to support their entrepreneurial journey and contribute to the development of the local economy.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on smallholder farmers in the developing world, with up to 80% reporting reduced food purchases and 50% suffering income loss. The study highlights the need for policymakers to balance disease containment measures with the food security needs of rural populations.
Research from Indiana University reveals that cash assistance is a double-edged sword, harming both refugees and local residents if not implemented correctly. Humanitarian organizations can extend cash assistance to host regions with market power by partnering with local governments.
A study by Jason Hickel reveals that the global North appropriates vast resources and labor from the global South through price differentials in international trade, resulting in a net drain of $10.8 trillion in 2015. This unsustainable practice perpetuates global inequality and ecological breakdown.
A new study reveals how Bolsonaro's supporters are misusing satellite data to promote economic development at the expense of environmental protection. The researchers found that far-right groups are creating alternative 'truths' about deforestation, questioning the validity of scientific findings and sowing confusion among the public.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that AI-powered apps reduced business risks during the pandemic by 3.1%. The use of AI apps was also linked to lower profits (2%) and overall business risk (1.2%). Only 26% of small enterprises are currently using these applications.
A new study by Bangor University suggests that a biodiversity offsetting scheme at Ambatovy mine in Madagascar has successfully achieved 'No Net Loss' of the unique forest habitat destroyed by the mine. The study, which used state-of-the-art approaches to evaluate the impact of the mine's strategy, found that the offsets have saved nea...
A new study found that a higher minimum wage was associated with fewer people defaulting on their rent payments, particularly among those at the lower end of the housing expense market. However, landlords responded by increasing rent payments, offsetting some but not all of the increased income.
A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that improved eye health services are associated with moving closer to achieving seven SDGs. Multiple direct connections were discovered between eye health services and increased productivity, household expenditure, income, education, and equality.
The study reveals that focusing on occupation and contact network structures can effectively contain pandemic spread while reducing economic costs. The findings suggest simpler methods for mitigating the impact of pandemics without causing significant economic disruption.
Studies of in-prison work programs and vocational training lean positive, but several issues require further research to determine their true effects on re-entry. Inconsistent program characteristics and definitions, as well as multiple participants' involvement, complicate the assessment of outcomes.
The nTIDE January 2022 COVID Update reports a rise in furloughs and job seekers among people with and without disabilities. This trend reflects the impact of the omicron variant on the labor market.
A vision for a net-zero Germany in 2050 emphasizes the need for rapid adaptation of the energy system to renewables, as well as technological measures for active CO2 removal and natural sink enhancement. Implementing these measures requires legal, political, economic, and social frameworks.
A new study examines the toxic impact of bio-based substances and innovative technologies on the environment, finding both biosurfactants and microgels as highly promising candidates for use in sustainable products. The results highlight the importance of integrating green toxicology into bioeconomy strategies.
A new study reveals that Viking raids in ancient Scandinavia had a profound effect on the economic and political landscape of modern-day Russia. The plunder economy, which existed until the early Middle Ages, continued to shape local economies and societies in Eastern Russia, particularly in the Volga, Caspian, and Caucasus regions.
A study published in Applied Economics analyzed the relationship between precious metal commodities and equity markets, revealing that gold and aluminum are the most desirable metals for investment. The research also found that copper and zinc have the largest spillovers on global equity indices.
A new study found a significant decrease in the development of forest and agricultural land from 2000 to 2015 due to rising gas prices. The research used data from the US Department of Agriculture's National Resources Inventory to analyze county-level land development patterns across the contiguous US states.
A study by Politecnico di Milano reveals that large-scale land acquisitions for agriculture lead to increased water scarcity, impacting local users. The research analyzed 160 acquisitions and found that 105 resulted in competition for water, often at the expense of local communities.
Mariculture has the potential to deliver high-protein foodstuffs with a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to terrestrial products. The authors suggest various ways to improve mariculture's sustainability, including supply chain improvements and cofarming practices that can lead to net reductions in CO2 emissions.
A new study shows that California's legalized marijuana industry has boosted financial institutions' assets and loan activity, but restricted access to banking perpetuates inequities for licensed growers. The research highlights the need for regulatory changes to create new opportunities for both industries.
According to a new study, climate change will force 45% of transboundary fish stocks to shift significantly by 2100, raising tensions and potential conflicts over resource management. This shift will disproportionately affect tropical countries and potentially collapse international agreements.
A field experiment in India found that a one-time capital boost improves the condition of the very poor even a decade later. The study, led by MIT researchers, showed positive effects on consumption, food security, income, and health for seven years after the start of the program and remained intact after 10 years.
A study by Göttingen University found that training methods combining farmer-to-farmer learning with educational videos significantly increased the use of productive practices among smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. This approach also promoted informal information transfer and improved adoption of complex technologies.
The project will appraise global initiatives and support improved evidence-based intervention design for SIS systems, identifying successful approaches and areas for innovation. It aims to understand how soils information informs national policies and strategic planning.
A new analysis found that low-income households in New Orleans lost nearly 35% of their income after Hurricane Katrina, while high-income households in NYC lost only 5.8%. The study highlights the need for diversified income sources to mitigate economic harm from extreme weather events.
The Natural History Museum's digital collection has been downloaded over 28 billion times, contributing to advancements in food security, biodiversity conservation and medicine discovery. The museum's digitisation efforts are expected to have a tenfold return on investment, with benefits exceeding £2 billion over 30 years.
Researchers have discovered that ulvan extracted from marine algae can prevent the infection of cells with the Corona virus. The study suggests that this cheap and accessible natural material may help solve the global spread of the pandemic in developing countries without access to vaccines.
Research from the University of Göttingen reveals that milk producers in Cameroon employ strategies such as dairy-focused training and farm diversification to maintain their livelihoods after a supply chain disruption. The study's findings highlight the importance of adequate support for smallholder producers.
A new study found that 60% of countries involved in SDG partnerships are high- or upper-middle-income, while lower-income countries have limited participation. The unequal distribution of partnerships may hinder sustainable development worldwide.
A recent study by Bocconi University professors reveals that individuals exposed to automation are more likely to support radical-right parties. The researchers found a strong correlation between automation exposure and poorer economic conditions, lower job satisfaction, and increased support for the radical right.
A new paper cautions that slow economic growth may bring challenges, particularly in multicultural democracies like the US, affecting social solidarity, opportunity, inequality, and trust in government. The authors propose a 'guided civic revival' to address these challenges by strengthening democratic institutions, increasing social i...
A comprehensive assessment of polyurethane in the US reveals complexities that affect its recovery and recycling. The study highlights opportunities to enhance circularity and increase bio-based content of polyurethanes.
A new study published in Global Strategy Journal finds that governance model and outsourcing location are linked, producing more accurate data points and saving time. By considering both factors together, companies can encourage a stronger return on investment and avoid biases that arise from separate analysis.
New research by the universities of Kent, Warwick and Notre Dame has found that sex-selective abortion is lower in India districts with a Muslim state legislator. This is due to stronger stated preferences against abortion among Muslims compared to Hindus, making Muslim legislators more effective at reducing abortion rates.
The RETRACE project aims to define specific territorial policies on Circular Economy through a Systemic Approach. The project will focus on the Covid-19 impacts on regional circular economy practices and new best practices.
The green transition is already underway, with countries facing unique risks and opportunities based on their degree of competitiveness in fossil fuel markets. Diversifying economies towards low-carbon exports can mitigate negative impacts, while supporting innovation and job creation are key to maintaining long-term competitiveness.
Researchers found that motorway connections lead to a 42% increase in wealthy households but only a 5% increase in lower-income households. This results in higher land prices and urban sprawl, disproportionately affecting those with modest incomes.
The study finds that universal access to clean cooking services might not be achieved by 2050, despite progress on other SDGs. Low-income households in sub-Saharan Africa and developing Asia are most at risk of not being able to afford clean cooking.
Twenty-five non-profits in East Tennessee have received $150,000 grants from UT-Battelle to support community programs. The grants will help fund initiatives in categories such as civic engagement, economic development, and STEM education.
Research at RMIT University uses Getty's top lists of editorial pictures to analyze daily investor sentiment, predicting stock market returns based on global mood. The algorithm produces a daily score from 10 popular photos, providing a quick snapshot of investment mood across developed and emerging economies.
A new study reveals that road development in sub-Saharan Africa has negative impacts on biodiversity, both inside and outside protected areas. The researchers found that roads act as barriers to movement, facilitate access to previously inaccessible land, and contribute to urbanization, logging, and cropland expansion.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that agencies can extract more rent from a winning bidder when negotiating contract terms, reducing the benefits of drawing additional bidders. The study suggests allowing agencies some discretion to use their knowledge of the supply side can reduce procurement costs.
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science has been awarded a $2 million matching grant to develop and open state-of-the-art wet lab space for collaboration with industry partners. The funding will also benefit Lake County communities by attracting biotech companies and creating new jobs, internships, and training programs.