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Fractional data suffering from large proportion of values at boundaries are very common in the social and economic surveys. Existing literature usually separates the whole data into three parts and specifies a three-part regression model to them. In this article, we develop an attractive two-part latent variable model for fractional data. The separated three parts are synthesized into two parts to characterize the association among the whole data. Moveover, latent variables are incorporated into the data analysis to interpret extra heterogeneity and item-dependence. We also include a structural equation to explore the interrelationships among the multiple factors. To downweight the influence of the distributional deviations and/or outliers, we develop a semiparametric Bayesian analysis procedure. Parameter estimation and model assessment are obtained via Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling method. A real example pertaining to the cocaine use is presented to illustrate the proposed methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many people want the government involved in healthcare. Is this because citizens are concerned about their own vulnerability, the plight of vulnerable others, or both? To test for these concerns, we used representative surveys and experimental economic games. We found robust evidence for concern for others. In surveys, people who worried about vulnerable others wanted more government involvement in healthcare. In experiments, people with the opportunity to subsidize vulnerable others often helped. The evidence for personal concern was more mixed. In surveys, people who were personally vulnerable did not usually want more government involvement in healthcare. In experiments, however, vulnerable people often wanted more healthcare. Additional data suggests that concern for the vulnerable is motivated by social preferences, empathy, and compassion. We discuss how the logic of healthcare is different from other aspects of the welfare state and therefore needs to be studied separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper utilizes data from the China Land Economic Survey (CLES) to investigate the impact of rural cadre households on formal credit in Jiangsu Province, China. The findings demonstrate that rural cadre households are more likely to obtain formal credit compared to non-cadre households. This result is robust and supported by various mechanisms, including rural cadre households' superior financial knowledge, family assets, and social capital. The study highlights the significance of political status as a crucial factor influencing households' access to credit, thereby adding to the existing literature on household finance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We combine two dominant approaches to studying how issues influence elections: one that emphasizes parties' issue positions, and the other parties' issue ownership. Research from the latter approach shows that voters ascribe greater economic competence to right-wing parties. Based on this finding, we argue that parties enhance their economic issue ownership when voters perceive them shifting to the right. In the following step, we show that perceived rightward shifts of parties also lead to subsequent increases in electoral support. We analyze economic ownership survey data and election outcomes in 15 democracies over the period 1986–2015 that supports the expectations that parties' perceived rightward shifts result in increases in economic ownership and subsequent vote shares. We also show that the right-shift vote gains are strongest during recessions when voters prioritize parties' economic competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is the foundation of Odisha's economy and it continues to be the backbone of the state. The state was recognized for its commendable agricultural production and abundant natural resources. Extensive water reservoirs, forests, substantial rainfall, and a sufficient surplus of labor were pivotal elements that play a significant role in fostering agricultural growth and development. The present research concentrates on the agricultural sector which plays a crucial role in shaping overall Gross Value Added (GVA) of the state and also highlights the study of agricultural sub sectors namely crop, livestock, forestry & logging, fishing & aqua culture. The principle of Pareto's 80/20 rule is used to identify the 20% Vital few agricultural sub sectors (VFS) which contribute 80% to total GVA. Thus by promoting the GVA of these VFS sectors the remaining 80% of agricultural sub sectors contributing 20% to the total GVA will automatically be benefited. The objective is to scrutinize, compare, and forecast data pertaining to the contributions of the agricultural sub sectors to Odisha's GVA spanning from 2011-12 to 2021-22. The GVA data were extracted from the Odisha Economic Survey 2021-22. Additionally, various statistical tools and tests, including analysis of variance, F-test, trend analysis, linear regression analysis, were adopted to derive meaningful insights and to formulate various policy measures for the development of the vital few agricultural sub sectors. Despite a 27% contribution to the Gross Value Added (GVA), significant disparities among sub-sectors were identified, necessitating targeted interventions. Recommendations include investing in irrigation infrastructure, promoting crop diversification, providing modern training, supporting small-scale farmers, improving market connections, and embracing sustainable practices. Addressing these disparities could unleash the sector's full potential, fostering sustainable development and empowering farming communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We identify internal migration flows between Chilean regions and analyse migrants' economic mobility. A data pool from National Socioeconomic Characterization Survey (CASEN) surveys was used to determine migrants' economic position according to their income quintile. Internal migrants were matched with non-migrants of similar status from their region of origin to compare their economic mobility. Results show that the majority of internal migrants did not achieve economic advancement in the short and medium terms, which challenges the neoclassical and functionalist assumptions of a positive relationship between migration and social mobility. Finally, we identify three interregional elevators in Chile: the Austral, Norte Grande and Metropolitan macro-regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The IMPACT survey aimed to elucidate the humanistic, clinical and economic burden of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) on individuals with OI, their families, caregivers and wider society. Research methodology, demographics and initial insights from the survey have been previously reported. The cost of illness (healthcare resource use, productivity loss, out-of-pocket spending) and drivers of the economic impact of OI are reported here. Methods: IMPACT was an international mixed-methods online survey in eight languages (fielded July–September 2021) targeting adults (aged ≥ 18 years) or adolescents (aged ≥ 12–17 years) with OI, caregivers with or without OI and other close relatives. Survey domains included demographics, socioeconomic factors, clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, quality of life and health economics. The health economic domain for adults, which included questions on healthcare resource use, productivity loss and out-of-pocket spending, was summarised. Regression and pairwise analyses were conducted to identify independent drivers and associations with respondent characteristics. Results: Overall, 1,440 adults with OI responded to the survey. Respondents were mostly female (70%) and from Europe (63%) with a median age of 43 years. Within a 12-month period, adults with OI reported visiting a wide range of healthcare professionals. Two-thirds (66%) of adults visited a hospital, and one-third (33%) visited the emergency department. The mean total number of diagnostic tests undergone by adults within these 12 months was 8.0. Adults had undergone a mean total of 11.8 surgeries up to the time point of the survey. The proportions of adults using queried consumables or services over 12 months ranged from 18–82%, depending on the type of consumable or service. Most adults (58%) were in paid employment, of which nearly one-third (29%) reported missing a workday. Of the queried expenses, the mean total out-of-pocket spending in 4 weeks was €191. Respondent characteristics such as female sex, more severe self-reported OI and the experience of fractures were often associated with increased economic burden. Conclusion: IMPACT provides novel insights into the substantial cost of illness associated with OI on individuals, healthcare systems and society at large. Future analyses will provide insights into country-specific economic impact, humanistic impact and the healthcare journey of individuals with OI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article surveys the economic policies pursued over the first decade of the Irish Free State. The Cumann na nGaedheal governments of W. T. Cosgrave are argued to have been more pragmatic than ideological in their approach and to have been more successful in their management of the economy than is generally realised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analysed gender disparities in Pakistan focusing on access to primary education and women's education in light of National Education policies from 1947 to 2017 to achieve universal primary education. This study aimed to trace the evolution of National Education policies (1947–2017) in the attainment of universal primary education and gender disparities in Primary education in Pakistan. A qualitative document analysis technique was employed to extract relevant data related to policy objectives, strategies, and targets of primary education, gender disparities, and women's education. The quantitative data was extracted from the Pakistan Economic Survey 2022–2023, Pakistan Education Statistics 2020–2021, and all National Census 1951, 1961, 1972, 1981, 1998, and 2017. The study found that education policies highlighted the importance of primary education but did not dedicate larger sections to women's education in the first 40 years. The recent education policies addressed the importance of women's education for achieving gender parity. These findings, which stem from a review of national education policies' documents, are in line with the findings drawn from the quantitative data extracted from authoritative reports which stated that significant gender disparities existed in the numbers of primary schools, access to primary education, and students' enrolments throughout the history of Pakistan. The study also found significant gender disparities in the number of primary schools per 100,000 children, with male students comparatively attending schools more than female students. The study found consistent gender disparities in primary education enrolment in Pakistan with notable progress in recent years but have not been able to eliminate these disparities. Gender disparity is evident in literacy rate, gross enrolment rate (GER), and net enrolment rate (NER). The study recommended that the revision of existing policies and formulation of new education policies should be based on comprehensive documentation on women's education and its impact on the economy, literacy rate, and universal primary education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study takes a comprehensive approach to the issue of Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), delving into the often overlooked role of social class disparities. By using a multilevel mixed-effects logistic model and data from the 2022 National Social Economic Survey (SUSENAS), it provides a robust exploration of the complex socioeconomic factors that shape the transition to adulthood among youth. This study contributes to understanding social stratification and its impact on NEET youth. The main finding underscores the protective role of social class against youth being NEET, revealing that adolescents from higher social class households are less likely to disengage from study or work compared to those from lower social classes. The analysis uncovers determinants of NEET youth, including, among others, being female, married, having higher education, and having a female-headed household. Meanwhile, protective factors of NEET youth include, among others, age, disability, residing in a household whose head is working, and residing in urban areas. Comparing estimation results across social classes reveals that individuals from the low social class have a significantly higher propensity to be NEET than those from the high social class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates how and to what extent mechanization in land preparation (MLP) can help improve irrigation water productivity (IWP) (measured as rice yield per unit volume of irrigation water). We employed an endogenous treatment regression model to estimate the 2021 China Land Economic Survey (CLES) data collected from Jiangsu province, China. The results reveal that MLP adoption increases IWP significantly; a higher IWP is determined by whether or not farmers adopt MLP rather than through which channel they access their farm machines; the effects of MLP adoption on IWP are monotonically increasing across the selected quantiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the relationship between sustainable concerns (in terms of production and finance) and endogenous growth. First, we start with the pioneering exogenous growth models since they are flexible enough to introduce ecological matters. Indeed, within a Solow (1956) tri-factor production function framework, the introduction of a third input has shed light on the opportunities to converge towards a sustainable growth. By sustainable, we mean all actions aiming at promoting growth and protecting the planet (UN Sustainable Development Goals). To complete this study scope, we introduce the natural resource variables and inclusive finance as endogenous growth models. We present the simplest model called AK and then we extent the analysis to more sophisticated approaches. All models have concluded that the production activity ought to be greener. However, it is possible the production sectors turn greener, but only under the condition the finance is green as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the backward design model, the author of this article surveys and connects the economic competencies literature evolving from Hansen with the literature on literacy-targeted principles courses. He makes the case why departments should offer LT principles courses—which focus on higher-level mastery of a shorter list of concepts that students can apply throughout their lives—explains what students should be able to do after taking LT courses, and differentiates LT principles from existing "intro for non-majors" or "survey" courses. The author intends the article as a starting point for anyone interested in exploring or assessing the LT approach and suggests options for departments thinking about integrating LT principles into their course offerings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: Financial inclusion and digital finance go side by side and help enhance agricultural activities; however, the magnitude of digital financial services varies across countries. In line with this argument, this study aims to examine whether financial inclusion enhances agricultural participation and decompose the significance of the difference in determinants of agricultural participation between financially included – not financially included households and digital finance – no digital finance households. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses Pakistan's household integrated economic survey 2018/19 to test hypotheses. The logit model is used to examine the effect of financial inclusion on agriculture participation. Moreover, this study employs a nonlinear Fairlie Oaxaca Blinder technique to investigate the difference in determinants of agricultural participation. Findings: This study reports that financial inclusion positively influences agricultural participation, meaning households may have access to financial services and participate in agricultural activities. The results suggest that the likelihood of participating in agriculture in households with mobiles and smartphones is higher. Moreover, household size, income, age, gender, education, urban, remittances from abroad, fertilizer, pesticides, wheat, cotton, sugarcane, fruits and vegetables are the significant determinants of agricultural participation. To distinguish the financially included – not financially included households' gap, this study employs a nonlinear Fairlie Oaxaca Blinder decomposition and finds that differences in fertilizer explain the substantial gap in agricultural participation. Likewise, this study tests the digital finance – no digital finance gap and finds that the difference in fertilizer is a significant contributor, describing a considerable gap in agricultural participation. Research limitations/implications: Empirically identified that various factors cause agricultural participation including financial inclusion and digital finance. Regarding the research limitation, this study only considers a developing country to analyze the findings. However, for future research, scholars may consider some other countries to compare the results and identify their differences. Practical implications: The accessibility of fertilizer can reduce the agricultural participation gap. However, increased income level, education and cotton and sugar production can also overcome the differences in agriculture participation between digital finance and no digital finance households. Originality/value: This is the first study to decompose the difference in determinants of agricultural participation between financially and not financially included households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research is aimed to study the indicators of post reform growth in insurance and its impact on economic development in India. Insurance penetration, insurance density, and gross domestic savings are the dominant measures to study the growth of insurance. Economic development is studied through Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The annual data of 22 years (year 2001 to 2022) from IRDA annual reports and economic surveys have been used. To analyse the data, ARDL technique has been employed. The findings of the study revealed that there is an existence of co-integration (both long-run and short-run) amongst the dependent (GDP) as well as independent variables (indicators of insurance). The findings of the current study have come up with the view that still in insurance, there is an ample scope to tap by creating more awareness and providing more benefits to the policyholders as the intention to purchase the policies may be enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of ifo Dresden Berichtet: Ueber Konjunktur, Struktur, Wirtschaftspolitik is the property of ifo Institute for Economic Research 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.)

Copyright of ifo Dresden Berichtet: Ueber Konjunktur, Struktur, Wirtschaftspolitik is the property of ifo Institute for Economic Research 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.)

The article focuses on the ongoing skepticism among metalworking companies in North Rhine-Westphalia, in Germany as highlighted by the latest economic survey from the Metal Trade Association of North Rhine-Westphalia. It indicates a deterioration in current economic conditions, with one in ten metalworking firms describing the situation as inadequate. It notes a decline in the demand for skilled labor but highlights that many companies still perceive intense price competition in the market.