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Although digital transformation has aroused the interest of scholars and practitioners, how to reach a win-win situation between economic and carbon performance in the context of carbon neutrality has not been well addressed. Based on organizational information processing theory, this study investigates how digital transformation affects economic and carbon performance via low-carbon operations management practices (LOMP) and the moderating role of CEO ambivalence. We test research hypotheses using hierarchical regression analysis by collecting data from 297 Chinese manufacturing firms. Our results reveal that all three dimensions of LOMP mediate the impact of digital transformation on carbon performance, and low-carbon products mediate the impact of digital transformation on economic performance. In addition, CEO ambivalence weakens the impacts of digital transformation on three dimensions of LOMP. The findings extend the digital transformation and LOMP literature and provide theoretical guidance for managers to achieve the goals of economic development and carbon reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines whether capital account liberalization is beneficial for inducing foreign investment and positively affects allocative efficiency and economic performance in Korea. Using panel data on Korean industries and firms from 1991 to 2019, we confirm that capital account liberalization is positively associated with foreign investment. This effect is more pronounced for industries with high external financing dependence. Additionally, we conduct a firm-level analysis and find that capital account liberalization improves capital allocative efficiency, indicating that it helps firms with high growth opportunities to make more investment. Furthermore, changes in allocative efficiency attributable to capital account liberalization positively affect firms' future financial performance. Overall, our study highlights the importance of capital account liberalization in attracting foreign capital, improving allocative efficiency, and enhancing the economic performance of firms in a transition economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the thermal performance of windows is important for building energy efficiency. Filling windows with variable transparency shape-stabilized phase change materials (VTSS-PCM) improves the thermal inertia of windows while avoiding the leakage of PCM. In this paper, a new type of VTSS-PCM window was proposed, tested, simulated and optimized in hot summer and cold winter climate zone. A numerical model of the VTSS-PCM window was built, and the model was validated using experimental tests. On this basis, three key parameters of VTSS-PCM were investigated and optimized. Finally, the energy and economic performance of the optimized VTSS-PCM window were compared with a typical hollow glass window. The results showed that the total annual unfavourable heat transfer (TAHT) and the annual investment cost (AIC) of the VTSS-PCM window obtained from the optimization were 118.16 kWh/m2 and 8.53 CNY/m2, respectively. Compared with the hollow glass window, the VTSS-PCM window reduced the TAHT by 30.14% and the total annual cost by 28.39%. The VTSS-PCM window produced a better development potential in terms of energy performance and economic performance. This study provided a reference for the application of the VTSS-PCM window in hot summer and cold winter regions of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines on the association between the accountability and economic performance of Portuguese hospital entities after the entry into force of the new Public Accounting Standards, taking into account stakeholder theory, legitimacy theory, and institutional theory. Furthermore, we investigate whether accountability, underlying procurement, and other entity operations act differently in public and private hospitals. For this purpose, we collected data for 56 Portuguese hospital entities in the period from 2018 to 2022. We conducted a quantitative analysis, testing the hypotheses using econometric regressions estimated with panel data. The results show a reduction in the return on assets for both sectors. Our evidence suggests that being a public hospital entity harms economic performance. In this sector, size and gender positively affect economic performance. Still, the level of provisions negatively affects it. In contrast, in private hospital entities, the determinants of their economic performance are the number of directors (with a negative impact) and provisions (with a positive one). These results show that when hospital entities are committed to governance structures and social responsibility, or environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors underlying sustainability strategies, they can enhance their performance. This article contributes by collecting evidence on the effect of accountability on the performance of public hospital entities, the features of which tend to be different from those of private hospital entities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of fiscal transparency on governance and corruption within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with a specific focus on Egypt's standing compared to its regional counterparts. Utilizing data from the Open Budget Survey and the Bayesian Corruption Index, alongside a review of fiscal policies and economic performance metrics, the research highlights the nuanced role of fiscal transparency in combating corruption and fostering effective governance. Findings indicate that higher levels of budgetary transparency correlate with reduced perceptions of corruption, suggesting the critical importance of transparent fiscal practices for governance improvement. The study also explores the relationship between fiscal policies, economic performance, and investment, underlining the significance of transparency in enhancing economic outcomes. This research contributes to the broader scholarly discourse on fiscal governance by providing empirical evidence of the benefits of transparency within the challenging context of the MENA region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterprises are not only the main source of energy consumption and pollution emissions but also a key force in environmental governance. There is no doubt that the positive impact of enterprise environmental protection investment (EPI) on other stakeholders, but the impact on its own economic performance is the key to determining the scale of EPI and increasing the motivation for Eco-autonomy. This paper selects 691 companies listed on China's A-share market from 2012 to 2022 as research samples, introducing the equity balance degree as the moderator variable, and empirically investigating the impact of the relationship by using a panel multivariate regression model. The results show that the relationship between EPI and its economic performance is a U-shaped curve, and it is related to Eco-autonomy. The equity balance degree can mitigate the negative influence of the relationship, but it is significantly different between state-owned enterprises and private enterprises. Accordingly, it prompts the following policy implementation: the Chinese government should develop differentiated environmental incentives and regulatory policies. It should focus on private enterprises with high-equity balance degrees and high pollution levels, and it should encourage state-owned enterprises to increase the scale of ex ante preventive investment through policy incentives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the integration of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Additive Manufacturing (AM) specifically for automotive prototyping. The findings and methodologies discussed have direct applications in the development of lightweight, high-performance automotive components. By leveraging the advanced capabilities of CAD and AM, manufacturers can rapidly prototype and iterate designs, leading to significant reductions in development time and cost. This approach is particularly valuable in the production of custom components, where precision and material optimization are critical. The methodologies outlined in this work have the potential to be applied not only in the automotive industry but also in other sectors where rapid prototyping and precision engineering are essential. This study investigated the integration of computer-aided design (CAD) and additive manufacturing (AM) in prototype production, particularly in the automotive industry. It explores how these technologies redefine prototyping practices, with a focus on design flexibility, material efficiency, and production speed. Adopting the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, this study encompasses a systematic review of 28 scholarly articles. It undertakes a comprehensive analysis to identify key themes, trends, and gaps in the existing research on CAD and AM integration in automotive prototyping. This study revealed the significant advantages of CAD and AM in prototype manufacturing, including improved design capabilities, efficient material usage, and the creation of complex geometries. It also addresses ongoing challenges, such as technology integration costs, scalability, and sustainability. Furthermore, this study foresees future developments by focusing on enhancing CAD and AM technologies to meet evolving market demands and optimize performance. This study makes a unique contribution to the literature by providing a detailed overview of the integration of CAD and AM in the context of automotive prototyping. This study incorporates valuable insights into the current practices and challenges and future prospects, potentially leading to more advanced, sustainable, and customer-oriented prototyping methods in the automotive sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within urban and tourism studies, although much research has focused on uneven city prosperity and competitiveness, little is known about factors influencing seaside town economic performance. We adopt a place-based approach to understand its determinants amongst 58 of England's largest seaside towns drawing on a bespoke database. Through Partial Least Square analysis, Spearman's Rank Correlation and general linear regression modelling for panel data with random effects, we identify the 'leaders' and 'laggers' along with a set of associated socio-economic characteristics. These insights enhance understanding of how and why economic performance differs amongst these towns. We highlight implications for addressing such socio-economic disparities across seaside towns, which has wider destination relevance, and use these findings to inform policy which seeks to raise the productivity potential of 'lagging' towns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry can address multiple environmental challenges across the agricultural sector, for example biodiversity loss and soil degradation. However, agroforestry uptake remains low in Germany. Since economic considerations are important for farmer uptake, this paper compares the economic performance of conventional arable farming with silvoarable alley cropping in Brandenburg. Using a modelling approach, the net present value (NPV) is calculated to assess the competitiveness of alley cropping with poplar compared to arable farming under different scenarios. These scenarios cover a range of crops, rotation schedules, alley widths, woodchip prices, and yield levels. Additionally, policy measures that can compensate for potential economic losses associated with transitioning to agroforestry are considered. Results show that short rotation alley cropping had higher NPVs than medium rotation alley cropping, mainly due to cash-flow characteristics. Short rotation alley cropping can be competitive at high woodchip prices without policy support, while at low or average prices alley cropping needs subsidies to be competitive. Medium rotation systems at all price levels were not competitive unless policy support was provided. Current policy payments were unable to make silvoarable alley cropping competitive except at high woodchip prices. When subsidies increase, alley cropping can be competitive even at low or average woodchip prices and over a range of site conditions. Besides policy support, economic performance was strongly influenced by woodchip prices, relative yield potential of poplar and arable crops, and site conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rail transit station areas (RSAs) are heralded as a transformative approach to urban planning, emphasizing the integration of transportation, housing, and commercial development to foster sustainable and inclusive cities. This study presents a comprehensive exploration of the interplay between transit-oriented development (TOD) economic performance and social equity in RSAs, employing advanced methodologies, like eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAPs), to decipher the complex relationships between TOD characteristics and social equity outcomes. Focused on Dalian's urban center, this study integrates diverse datasets, including mobile location, geospatial, and economic price data, to construct a nuanced analysis framework within the NPE (node–place–economic) model. The results indicate that economic factors significantly impact overall social equity, particularly influencing key variables, such as weekday and weekend commuter population densities. Local explanatory plots reveal that economic performance variables associated with transportation development exhibit a broad non-linear impact on social equity in RSAs. This study advances equitable urban development through TOD by stressing the importance of factoring in multiple variables in RSA planning. This approach is vital for creating synergistic effects, fostering equitable spatial planning, and has both theoretical and practical benefits for improving residents' well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the period 2010-2022, the European Union has successively gone through multiple economic, social and health crises that have affected the economic security of the European Union. We aim to critically analyse the sustainable development of the European economy and to design a new model of sustainable development and economic performance in the current geopolitical context. The methods used consist in the analysis of descriptive statistics on GDP per capita (as dependent variable), long-term unemployment rates, labour productivity, severe housing deprivation, internet use, municipal waste generation, net greenhouse gas emissions, and the share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption. In addition, with the help of STATA version 18 we will develop a new sustainable development and economic performance model (SDEPM) that will identify the possibilities of sustainable economic development in the context of adequate security based on panel regression fixed effects data. The results of the study will allow the formulation of public policy proposals that will support European sustainable development in a security context and that will be useful for supranational decision-makers to adjust current economic development strategies.

Environmental degradation can lead to climate change, air and water quality degradation, and biodiversity loss. The study aims to assess the impact of illegal oil extraction on environmental, social, economic, and public health dimensions in Peurelak, East Aceh, Indonesia. Using proportional random sampling techniques, 245 respondents were selected, representing owners and investors (9), tenant investors (18), workers/laborers (68), melters (6), public figures/community leaders (3), the community (138), and village government officials (3). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with AMOS software. The results revealed a significant negative effect of illegal oil mining on social, environmental, and health performance (p-values = 0.031, 0.029, and 0.010, respectively, at a 95% confidence level). Additionally, informal leadership and government support were found to positively influence illegal oil mining (p-values = .017 and .035, respectively, below the significance threshold of .05). Furthermore, illegal oil mining significantly affects economic performance (p-value = .021). This paper emphasizes the adverse impacts of unauthorized oil extraction on community well-being while highlighting the collusive role of informal leaders and government authorities. Additionally, the study reveals a worrisome positive relationship between illegal oil mining and economic performance in Indonesia.

Collaborative robots have open new ways of designing assembly processes, thanks to their ability to share work space with operators. not only may they support the economical performance, but they can also improve the overall ergonomics. Building on existing work on task allocation problems, the authors study further the collaboration opportunities between operator and robot, namely cooperation phases (type of collaboration where both operator and robot act on the same work piece). This work proposes a new formulation of the related problem, and solutions are sought through heuristics methods, to investigate whether concurrent usage of different collaboration modes delivers better performance. The results indicate that cooperation mode enables higher process performances while controlling ergonomic risks. With a concern for real-life application, it has been applied on a real case study to verify its applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the problem of time scale differences among subsystems in the integrated energy system of a park, as well as the increasing complexity of the system structure and number of control variables, there may be a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) "curse of dimensionality" problem, which hinders the further improvement of economic benefits and energy utilization efficiency of park-level integrated energy systems (PIES). This article proposes a reinforcement learning optimization algorithm for comprehensive energy PPO (Proximal Policy Optimization) in industrial parks considering multiple time scales for energy management. First, PIES are divided into upper and lower layers, the first containing power and thermal systems, and the second containing gas systems. The upper and lower layers of energy management models are built based on the PPO; then, both layers formulate the energy management schemes of the power, thermal, and gas systems in a long (30 min) and short time scale (6 min). Through confirmatory and comparative experiments, it is shown that the proposed method can not only effectively overcome the curse of dimensionality in DRL algorithms during training but can also develop different energy system management plans for PIES on a differentiated time scale, improving the overall economic benefits of the system and reducing carbon emissions.

Abstract Background Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as leprosy, lymphatic filariasis (LF), schistosomiasis and onchocerciasis are endemic in several African countries. These diseases can lead to severe pain and permanent disability, which can negatively affect the economic productivity of the affected person(s), and hence resulting into low economic performance at the macrolevel. Nonetheless, empirical evidence of the effects of these NTDs on economic performance at the macrolevel is sparse. This study therefore investigates the effects of the above-mentioned NTDs on economic performance at the macrolevel in Africa. Methods The study employs a panel design with data comprising 24 to 45 African countries depending on the NTD in question, over the period, 2002 to 2019. Gross domestic product (GDP) is used as the proxy for economic performance (Dependent variable) and the prevalence of the above-mentioned NTDs are used as the main independent variables. The random effects (RE), fixed effects (FE) and the instrumental variable fixed effects (IVFE) panel data regressions are used as estimation techniques. Results We find that, an increase in the prevalence of the selected NTDs is associated with a fall in economic performance in the selected African countries, irrespective of the estimation technique used. Specifically, using the IVFE regression estimates, we find that a percentage increase in the prevalence of leprosy, LF, schistosomiasis and onchocerciasis is associated with a reduction in economic performance by 0.43%, 0.24%, 0.28% and 0.36% respectively, at either 1% or 5% level of significance. Conclusion The findings highlight the need to increase attention and bolster integrated efforts or measures towards tackling these diseases in order to curb their deleterious effects on economic performance. Such measures can include effective mass drug administration (MDA), enhancing access to basic drinking water and sanitation among others.

Focusing on the requirements for efficient and accurate control in large-scale process industries with integrated "distributed-decentralized" characteristics, a novel hierarchical coordinated predictive control strategy for process industries is proposed with a multiagent system as the computational paradigm. This approach comprehensively considers the overall state of the system, the interactions of control actions among agents, the constraints of processes and energy consumption to solve the problems of poor flexibility of agent decision-making in the narrow consensus strategy and strong interaction of parts of the system. The proposed hierarchical control strategy requires each agent to perform three tasks at each time step. First, each agent iteratively obtains a consistent basis for closed-loop prediction in a distributed way. Then, each agent independently proposes a control scheme and determines its own priority by playing games based on the economic performance of the scheme. Next, each agent calculates its own optimal dynamic predictive control sequence in order of priority based on the system's dynamic process model. Finally, by considering the temperature-control process of heating an alumina ceramic block in a high-power microwave reactor with six microwave sources, the effectiveness of the proposed hierarchical coordinated predictive control strategy is verified under different communication topologies by comparing it with the centralized model predictive control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the economic performance of pastoralist small ruminant flocks in Kajiado county, Kenya, and the financial impact of mortalities and changes in performance indicators. A survey of 129 pastoralist small ruminant flocks captured production and economic data for a 12-month period via interview. Simulation models were then developed for flocks with different performance levels and trading activities. Their gross margins, and the financial impact from mortalities, were estimated. Sensitivity analyses were conducted for select performance indicators to assess their relative economic importance. On average, pastoralists who were not purchasing supplementary feed (79% of flocks) had gross margins of KSh 3,016 - KSh 3,123 per reproductive female. Goat production generated 2.43-2.51 times greater returns than sheep production. High efficiency mixed flocks achieved 2.04-2.06 times greater returns than medium efficiency flocks, and 12.19-14.25 times greater returns than low efficiency flocks. Pastoralist-only flocks had 3.82-4.01 times greater returns than pastoralist-traders. Financial losses due to mortality were on average 17.81% of the starting flock value. Fecundity and abortion rates in sheep, and parturition rate in goats, had the greatest economic impact. The developed models could support decision-making toward improving the economic performance of pastoralist flocks and the evaluation of interventions and external shocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the correlation between economic outcomes and the competitiveness of innovative management practices and sports organisations. In today's rapidly evolving sports industry, it is crucial to recognise the importance of innovation in reaching organisational objectives. As new opportunities and challenges arise in the digital and data-driven landscape, staying ahead of the curve is essential. This study utilises empirical and quantitative economic analyses, as well as insights from industry experts and practitioners, to investigate the adoption patterns of innovative practices and their effects on different performance indicators. The financial statements of major European football clubs were examined in this study to showcase the feasibility and future prospects of organisations that prioritise innovation in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The research primarily concentrates on the influence of innovations like smart stadiums and digital strategies on market capitalisation and revenues, achieved through enhanced fan engagement. The findings indicate that incorporating innovative approaches to resource management can have a positive impact on economic performance. In addition, the investigation uncovers a clear link between the adoption of innovative strategies and improved performance in sports and finances, establishing a mutually beneficial cycle. Nevertheless, this study highlights concerns regarding employee turnover and job satisfaction, underscoring the importance of incorporating personnel culture and well-being into a company's innovation system. Important factors to consider involve ensuring that strategic innovation is aligned with business objectives, consistently investing in digital assets and data insights, and making infrastructure advancements to create new avenues for profitability. This study further highlights the significance of fostering innovation in organisational processes as a means of preparing for future crises. This study provides valuable insights to the literature on sports management innovation and offers practical implications for industry practitioners. It is evident that the successful adoption of cutting-edge management strategies will play a vital role in maintaining a competitive edge as the sports industry continues to develop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green practices of companies related to Green supply chain management should also demonstrate their positive impact on companies' performance. This paper's goal is to investigate the impact of greening the supply chain on the competitiveness and economic performance of companies in the context of forest-based industry. The study empirically examines the relations between the greening of the phases of the supply chain, related environmental performance and companies' competitiveness and economic performance. A questionnaire-based survey was performed and data collected among the 333 companies engaged in the forest-based sector in Slovakia to apply a structural equation model. The findings show that companies' greening supply chain activities, emphasized by requirements for the environmental properties of purchased products and services, contribute to the improvement in environmental performance, which ultimately leads to improving their competitiveness and economic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a strong relationship between regional integration and economic performance. This paper investigates the impact of regional integration on macroeconomic indicators in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) – a trade block created by the former Soviet republics in 2014. This study compares two types of regional collaboration strategies: first, unilateral trade liberalization with the one-sided opening of market access that does not imply any mutual concessions, and second, reciprocal regional liberalization evaluated as the degree of regional economic integration between the countries. We apply a random effect panel data analysis with the dataset over 25 years since 1995 covering five countries (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia). We find that, under the current stage, the EAEU positively affects trade flows, negatively affects the level of employment, and has no impact on other economic performance indicators. We also conclude that despite the declared level of economic integration – customs union – Eurasian block functions mainly as a free trade area facilitating mutual trade, which is different from the broader objectives that regional integration aims to achieve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior studies indicate that expanding the length of roadways and railways has a beneficial effect on economic performance. Nevertheless, the requirement for land transport infrastructure, which offers different degrees of accessibility and mobility, to facilitate economic expansion differs based on a country's stage of development. The present study has two objectives. Firstly, it is essential to ascertain the required investment for different types of land transport infrastructure to facilitate different stages of economic performance. Secondly, the objective is to examine the impact of different forms of land transportation infrastructure on economic performance by means of urbanization and exports. To highlight these concerns, a fixed-effects panel linear regression analysis was conducted on a panel consisting of 50 countries spanning the years 1980–2018. In countries with lower levels of urbanization and exports, improvements to road infrastructure, especially roads with high accessibility, are of greater importance for economic performance compared to the improvement of railways. Nevertheless, as urbanization and exports rise, the comparative impact of improvements in road infrastructure on economic performance in relation to improvements in railway infrastructure diminishes. Railway improvements have a more significant effect on economic performance compared to road improvements, owing to increased urbanization and export rates. During these stages of development, high-mobility roads are more crucial for economic performance compared to high-accessibility roads. The conclusion of the research examined a variety of policy recommendations derived from our findings, which are applicable to different levels of urbanization and exports. • Evaluate the economic benefits of various land transportation infrastructure. • Assess the capital needed for various transport infrastructure to help the economy. • Low urbanization and export require high-access roads to boost economy. • High urbanization and export require railways to boost economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic performance can be measured using different macroeconomic indicators and different analysis methods. In this context, it is aimed to compare the economic performances of BRICS countries and Turkey for the 2000-2022 period by using macroeconomic variables and to analyze the performances of the countries discussed separately during his period. In the study, GDP per capita, growth rate, exports, current account balance (percent of GDP), inflation, unemployment, exchange rate and import were determined as performance evaluation criteria. Within the scope of the study, an integrated model was used, which deals with the economic performances of BRICS-T countries, ENTROPY and WEDBA (Weighted Euclidean Distance Based Approximation) methods. In the ENTROPY method, the weight coefficients obtained separately for each year and for each country were calculated, and in the WEDBA method, the performance ranking was made by using the obtained weights. According to the results of the study, the country with the best economic performance in the ranking of economic performance among the countries was China in all years, while India had the poorest overall performance compared to other countries on average. In addition, while Turkey was in the second place in 2011, it took the third place when the average of all years was taken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban areas have been significantly affected by climate change, leading to an increase in global temperatures. Nature-based solutions, including Vertical Greenery Systems (VGSs), are gaining increasing importance as means of mitigating the effects of climate change. Despite showing significant benefits, the adoption of VGS has been limited, primarily because of the high costs associated with it. This study assessed the economic feasibility of using VGSs to reduce the effects of climate change and enhance urban sustainability. 17 studies were evaluated in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to determine various costs, benefits, and economic indicators associated with VGS. Additionally, the net present value, internal rate of return, and payback period were thoroughly evaluated to gain insight into their long-term economic sustainability. The results show that, although the initial cost of VGS may be high, it can provide long-term financial benefits to building owners and operators through energy savings, increased property values, and reduced operational expenses. Nevertheless, the extended payback period and negative net present values for certain VGS types make them economically unsustainable. This review provides evidence-based guidelines and suggestions for the successful implementation of sustainable VGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Venezolana de Gerencia (RVG) is the property of Revista de Filosofia-Universidad del Zulia 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.)

Pakistan and Italy have a cordial economic relationship, and both countries have been working for economic development for many years. The objective of the study is to evaluate both countries' economic performance using three performance indicators—the debt-to-GDP ratio, the GNI per capita, and the unemployment rate—using data from the three years 2024, 2023, and 2022. We conducted document analysis and also employed thematic analysis to extract useful themes from the data. We arrived at several significant findings. The debt-to-GDP ratio for Pakistan is 71.8 percent in 2024, 77.1 percent in 2023, and 76.2 percent in 2022. Italy's debt-to-GDP ratio is 140.5 percent in 2022, 137.3 percent in 2023, and 139.2 percent in 2024. The projected GNI per capita for Pakistan is $1,560 in 2022, $1,500 in 2023, and $1,470 in 2024. Pakistan is categorized as a lower middleincome country based on the available statistics. Pakistan's current GNI per capita status is not satisfactory, hence the country needs to improve its situation. The rate of unemployment in Pakistan was 5.6% in 2022, 5.5% in 2023, and 8% in 2024. The unemployment rate in Italy is 7.8% in 2024, 7.7% in 2023, and 8.1% in 2022. The debtto-GDP ratio, GNI per capita, and unemployment rate indicated that Pakistan's economy needed sustainable policies. Pakistan's and Italy's economic circumstances are strategically significant, thus both nations must improve their institutional frameworks for the advantage of their citizens. Pakistan and Italy ought to cooperate to boost investment and trade. The findings recommend Pakistan adopt Italy's the best economic development practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the border area actually has the aim that the border area is developed and prosperous. For this reason, the government launched five infrastructure development programs, namely road infrastructure, markets infrastructure, agriculture infrastructure, health infrastructure and education infrastructure. In fact, the five programs aimed at border areas do not all have a positive impact on economic performance in the region, but instead have a positive impact for the economic performance of non-border regions. This research was conducted in provinces that have borders with neighboring countries, then divided into border and non-border areas, including the Kalimantan corridor, East Nusa Tenggara corridor and Papua corridor. The study covers the year is 2015-2022, the year when the government launched Nawacita as the basis for development in the border area. This study employed Panel Data Regression. The results show that only agricultural and education infrastructure have a positive impact on GDP per capita and HDI in border areas, but poverty reduction has not been achieved. Health infrastructure, which is actually aimed at the disputed area, in fact has a positive influence on non-border areas. The study found evidence of spillover effects from border to non-border areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banks have enormous potential to support the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in accordance with their function as financial intermediaries through sustainable lending. However, the average national financing growth for the sustainable business activity category over the past four years is still 12%. The aim of this research is to identify the conditions of sustainable lending at state-owned conventional banks and analyze the influence of the value chain, economic performance, and ESG performance on sustainable lending. The research was conducted at state-owned commercial banks in Indonesia. The research utilized structural equation modeling (SEM). The SEM results of this study describe value chain, ESG performance (environmental, social, and governance), and economic performance and have direct and positive influences on sustainable lending, of which ESG performance has the biggest influence. As per each individual aspect, social orientation makes the biggest contribution toward sustainable lending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economic performance of countries is one of the main determinants of the economic policies they will implement. Economic performance measurements are made in the context of basic macroeconomic indicators to eliminate bias and provide impartial and accurate results. Within the scope of the study, the general outlook of the economies of Turkey, Argentina, Egypt and Pakistan, which are referred to as the fragile five countries because they are easily affected by capital movements and crises in the world markets, in the period covering the years 2010 - 2022, in the context of economic growth, inflation, unemployment, current balance and budget balance. has been revealed. The effects of the macroeconomic variables analyzed in the study on economic performance were calculated using the CRITIC method, one of the objective criterion weighting methods. Then, using the criterion weights obtained with the CRITIC method, the macroeconomic performances of the countries were calculated separately with the TOPSIS method, one of the Multi-Criteria Decision Making Techniques, and ranked according to the performance values they obtained. Finally, within the scope of the study, a comparison was made according to the performance values and ranking results of the fragile five countries and the periods when they converged and diverged from each other were revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies suggest regime type—particularly democracy—is associated with economic performance. However, in the Middle East and North Africa, regimes are mostly non-democracies, yet there is a wide variation of economic performance. To understand this variation, this study investigates how institutions impact economic performance in MENA countries. The study utilizes panel data on twenty-one MENA states from 1996 to 2018. The main results of the appropriate fixed-effects model suggest that institutional quality impacts economic performance across countries in MENA. Specifically, the findings show that improvements in labor, investment, public, and political institutions are the key to enhancing real per capita GDP. MENA countries' different research endowments carry different institutional deliverables in their economies. Resource-rich, labor-poor countries, and OECD countries experience better capacity for the effects of institutions on economic performance. Conversely, labor-abundant MENA countries are shown to experience lower economic performance due to the weak existing institutions. Results of the study provide policy implication to enhance the knowledge setting within the institutions for better economic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Optimum: Journal of Economics & Management Sciences / Ekonomi ve Yönetim Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Optimum: Journal of Economics & Management Sciences 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.)

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Considering the problem of time scale differences among subsystems in the integrated energy system of a park, as well as the increasing complexity of the system structure and number of control variables, there may be a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) "curse of dimensionality" problem, which hinders the further improvement of economic benefits and energy utilization efficiency of park-level integrated energy systems (PIES). This article proposes a reinforcement learning optimization algorithm for comprehensive energy PPO (Proximal Policy Optimization) in industrial parks considering multiple time scales for energy management. First, PIES are divided into upper and lower layers, the first containing power and thermal systems, and the second containing gas systems. The upper and lower layers of energy management models are built based on the PPO; then, both layers formulate the energy management schemes of the power, thermal, and gas systems in a long (30 min) and short time scale (6 min). Through confirmatory and comparative experiments, it is shown that the proposed method can not only effectively overcome the curse of dimensionality in DRL algorithms during training but can also develop different energy system management plans for PIES on a differentiated time scale, improving the overall economic benefits of the system and reducing carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as leprosy, lymphatic filariasis (LF), schistosomiasis and onchocerciasis are endemic in several African countries. These diseases can lead to severe pain and permanent disability, which can negatively affect the economic productivity of the affected person(s), and hence resulting into low economic performance at the macrolevel. Nonetheless, empirical evidence of the effects of these NTDs on economic performance at the macrolevel is sparse. This study therefore investigates the effects of the above-mentioned NTDs on economic performance at the macrolevel in Africa. Methods: The study employs a panel design with data comprising 24 to 45 African countries depending on the NTD in question, over the period, 2002 to 2019. Gross domestic product (GDP) is used as the proxy for economic performance (Dependent variable) and the prevalence of the above-mentioned NTDs are used as the main independent variables. The random effects (RE), fixed effects (FE) and the instrumental variable fixed effects (IVFE) panel data regressions are used as estimation techniques. Results: We find that, an increase in the prevalence of the selected NTDs is associated with a fall in economic performance in the selected African countries, irrespective of the estimation technique used. Specifically, using the IVFE regression estimates, we find that a percentage increase in the prevalence of leprosy, LF, schistosomiasis and onchocerciasis is associated with a reduction in economic performance by 0.43%, 0.24%, 0.28% and 0.36% respectively, at either 1% or 5% level of significance. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need to increase attention and bolster integrated efforts or measures towards tackling these diseases in order to curb their deleterious effects on economic performance. Such measures can include effective mass drug administration (MDA), enhancing access to basic drinking water and sanitation among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We exploit a unique historical experiment to study how changes in political legitimacy affect economic performance. In historical China, solar eclipses were interpreted as Heaven's wrath incurred by wrongdoings of the ruling class, signaling a decline in the incumbent's legitimacy. Using an original dataset covering over 2000 years, we document that when total solar eclipses occurred, climate shocks had a greater negative impact on economic performance. The key mechanism appears to be that total eclipses significantly intensified the effect of climate shocks on civil conflict. Our findings thus highlight the importance of political legitimacy during periods of economic downturn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the period 2010-2022, the European Union has successively gone through multiple economic, social and health crises that have affected the economic security of the European Union. We aim to critically analyse the sustainable development of the European economy and to design a new model of sustainable development and economic performance in the current geopolitical context. The methods used consist in the analysis of descriptive statistics on GDP per capita (as dependent variable), long-term unemployment rates, labour productivity, severe housing deprivation, internet use, municipal waste generation, net greenhouse gas emissions, and the share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption. In addition, with the help of STATA version 18 we will develop a new sustainable development and economic performance model (SDEPM) that will identify the possibilities of sustainable economic development in the context of adequate security based on panel regression fixed effects data. The results of the study will allow the formulation of public policy proposals that will support European sustainable development in a security context and that will be useful for supranational decision-makers to adjust current economic development strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effect of innovation on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and, consequently, its influence on the economic and financial performance of companies. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative and descriptive research was carried out based on secondary data from the Refinitiv Eikon® database, using the panel data regression technique, considering the constructs: innovation, ESG performance and economic and financial performance. Findings: The results showed that companies that tend to invest more financial resources in R&D are more likely to have higher ESG performance. In addition, companies that have higher ESG performance tend to have higher economic and financial performance. Practical implications: Managers may consider investing more resources in R&D to achieve superior ESG performance. They should be aware that ESG is a strategic tool for creating financial and nonfinancial value for the organization. More than the traditional preparation of a financial report, stakeholders demand another type of information: ESG information. Originality/value: The results confirm the basis of Stakeholder Theory, showing that the companies that meet the needs of all stakeholders tend to have greater economic and financial performance. ESG practices can include keeping employees motivated to work, improved corporate image in the eyes of customers, more satisfied suppliers and community and environment aligned with management. Therefore, these ESG initiatives are instrumental in protecting organizational objectives as well as increasing shareholder value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the first attempt to explore the technical and financial feasibility of combining incentives for Italian Renewable Energy Communities (REC) with those for high-efficiency cogeneration. The community has local wooden biomass availability and was assembled around two prosumers: an industrial laundry with biomass-fuelled CHP and a school with photovoltaic panels. Other members include residential users. Electric loads were derived from available quarter-hour meters and electric bills. Thermal demand for the laundry was reconstructed from an energy audit. First, the CHP optimal mode of operation was selected among the two suggested by the manufacturer (matching the electric or the thermal load), providing energy, financial and environmental performance in both scenarios. Then the photovoltaic system of the school was sized. Finally, an optimal number of users was selected using a genetic algorithm, with financial performance of the REC as objective functions. Energy, economic and environmental impact performance of prosumers and REC are discussed, finding that the optimal configuration reduces CO2 emissions by 722 tons/year, with further 1360 tons/year coming from biomass combustion. In an optimal REC configuration members cut 250 €/year of electric bills, with an overall performance of 21 % in valorization of shared energy, while a social-focused REC can increase its NPV from 233 to 769 k€. The scenario can be applied to other prosumers with similar thermal demand and can be replicated or adjusted to local requirements.

Our paper empirically confirms that collaborative governance in social startups affects social performance through mediating economic performance. While there is a growing literature on the sustainable growth and performance of social economy organizations, empirical research on social startups is very scarce. Therefore, this study can contribute to the knowledge of social economy and entrepreneurship research through an empirical study that identifies factors for social startups' performance. This study utilized data from 399 social startups that are commercial companies such as corporations, which are the legal form of startups in South Korea, and the results of the analysis are as follows. First, cooperative governance of social startups had a significant positive effect on economic performance, and social performance also had a significant positive effect. Second, the economic performance of social startups had a significant positive impact on social performance. Finally, collaborative governance in social startups affected social performance through the mediation effect of economic performance. The implications and insights of this study are as follows: First, we find that collaborative governance has a positive impact on both economic and social performance of social startups, and thus is a key factor in the success of social startups. Second, this study represents the first empirical study on the performance improvement of social startups and suggests collaborative governance as an important success factor for social startups.

In the context of industry 4.0, digital technology has become one of the core drivers of production and operations for enterprises, promoting the transformation of businesses towards more sustainable development models. Concurrently, green supply chain management (GSCM) practices contribute to the development of sound business strategies for driving sustainable development. This study examines the impact of digital technology on sustainable performance in the context of industry 4.0, from the perspective of practice-based view (PBV) theory and information processing theory (IPT). It also focuses on the mediating role of GSCM practices in the influence of digital technology on sustainable performance. Data was collected from 486 manufacturing enterprises in China for empirical analysis using the PLS-SEM method. The results indicate that: (1) Under the industry 4.0 context, digital technology (IDT) has a significant positive impact on environmental performance (EP), economic performance (ECP), and social performance (SP). (2) IDT has a significant positive effect on green manufacturing (GM), green purchasing (GP), green design (GD), green information systems (GIS), reverse logistics (RL) and investment recovery (IR). (3) GM, GP, GD, GIS, RL, IR have significant positive effects on EP, ECP and SP. (4) Among the six different dimensions of GSCM practices, IDT has a partially mediating effect through CM on EP, a partially mediating effect through GM on ECP and SP, a partially mediating effect through GP on EP and SP, a partially mediating effect through GD on EP, ECP, and SP, a partially mediating effect through GIS on ECP and SP, a partially mediating effect through RL on EP, ECP, and SP. Finally, IDT has a partially mediating effect through IR on EP and SP. It is noteworthy that GP does not have a mediating effect between IDT and ECP, GIS does not have a mediating effect on EP, and IR does not have a mediating effect between IDT and ECP. By conducting in-depth research on the impact of digital technology on the economic, environmental, and social performance of enterprises in the industry 4.0 environment, this study aims to promote the enhancement of sustainable performance for businesses. It also aims to provide specific strategies and practical guidance for enterprises to promote sustainable development in the industry 4.0 era.

This article addresses the contextual ambiguity prevalent in the literature surrounding the conceptualizations of a knowledge society. By identifying and clarifying these conceptual challenges, the research aims to provide a solid foundation for understanding the factors influencing the emergence of a knowledge society. The objectives include presenting a clear and comprehensive representation of the multifaceted elements that contribute to this societal transition. Methodologically, a quantitative approach is employed using a regression analysis. The originality of this research lies in its endeavor to develop new perspectives and insights into the catalysts behind the emergence of a knowledge society. By addressing the existing gaps in the literature and employing advanced quantitative methods, the study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the transition to knowledge societies. Practical implications of the research are also developed. The findings offer guidance for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders involved in shaping societal structures, emphasizing actionable insights derived from the identified catalysts. In terms of contribution, this paper provides a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing the knowledge society emergence. By synthesizing empirical evidence with theoretical frameworks, it not only advances academic discourse but also practitioners with valuable insights for informed decision-making in an era characterized by rapid societal transformation.