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Keywords = diminishing marginal returns

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28 pages, 2743 KiB  
Article
Unlocking Synergies: How Digital Infrastructure Reshapes the Pollution-Carbon Reduction Nexus at the Chinese Prefecture-Level Cities
by Zhe Ji, Yuqi Chang and Fengxiu Zhou
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7066; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157066 - 4 Aug 2025
Viewed by 565
Abstract
In the context of global climate governance and the green transition, digital infrastructure serves as a critical enabler of resource allocation in the digital economy, offering strategic value in tackling synergistic pollution and carbon reduction challenges. Using panel data from 280 prefecture-level cities, [...] Read more.
In the context of global climate governance and the green transition, digital infrastructure serves as a critical enabler of resource allocation in the digital economy, offering strategic value in tackling synergistic pollution and carbon reduction challenges. Using panel data from 280 prefecture-level cities, this study employs a multiperiod difference-in-differences (DID) approach, leveraging smart city pilot policies as a quasinatural experiment, to assess how digital infrastructure affects urban synergistic pollution-carbon mitigation (SPCM). The empirical results show that digital infrastructure increases the urban SPCM index by 1.5%, indicating statistically significant effects. Compared with energy and income effects, digital infrastructure can influence this synergistic effect through indirect channels such as the energy effect, economic agglomeration effect, and income effect, with the economic agglomeration effect accounting for a larger share of the total effect. Additionally, fixed-asset investment has a nonlinear moderating effect on this relationship, with diminishing marginal returns on emission reduction when investment exceeds a threshold. Heterogeneity tests reveal greater impacts in eastern, nonresource-based, and environmentally regulated cities. This study expands the theory of collaborative environmental governance from the perspective of new infrastructure, providing a theoretical foundation for establishing a long-term digital technology-driven mechanism for SPCM. Full article
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19 pages, 12406 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Advertising Billboard Coverage in Urban Networks: A Population-Weighted Greedy Algorithm with Spatial Efficiency Enhancements
by Jiaying Fu and Kun Qin
ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2025, 14(8), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi14080300 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 281
Abstract
The strategic allocation of advertising billboards has become a critical aspect of urban planning and resource management. While previous studies have explored site selection based on road network and population data, they have often overlooked the diminishing marginal returns of overlapping coverage and [...] Read more.
The strategic allocation of advertising billboards has become a critical aspect of urban planning and resource management. While previous studies have explored site selection based on road network and population data, they have often overlooked the diminishing marginal returns of overlapping coverage and neglected to efficiently process large-scale urban datasets. To address these challenges, this study proposes two complementary optimization methods: an enhanced greedy algorithm based on geometric modeling and spatial acceleration techniques, and a reinforcement learning approach using Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO). The enhanced greedy algorithm incorporates population-weighted road coverage modeling, employs a geometric series to capture diminishing returns from overlapping coverage, and integrates spatial indexing and parallel computing to significantly improve scalability and solution quality in large urban networks. Meanwhile, the PPO-based method models billboard site selection as a sequential decision-making process in a dynamic environment, where agents adaptively learn optimal deployment strategies through reward signals, balancing coverage gains and redundancy penalties and effectively handling complex multi-step optimization tasks. Experiments conducted on Wuhan’s road network demonstrate that both methods effectively optimize population-weighted billboard coverage under budget constraints while enhancing spatial distribution balance. Quantitatively, the enhanced greedy algorithm improves coverage effectiveness by 18.6% compared to the baseline, while the PPO-based method further improves it by 4.3% with enhanced spatial equity. The proposed framework provides a robust and scalable decision-support tool for urban advertising infrastructure planning and resource allocation. Full article
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20 pages, 1369 KiB  
Article
Fostering Antifragility: What Policymakers Should Know About Individual Resilience in Romania
by Călin Vâlsan, Elena Druică and Paul Dragos Aligică
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15060236 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 836
Abstract
Recent studies document a disappointingly low impact of resilience interventions and policies. This prompts us to revisit the formation of perceived individual resilience using a country-representative sample of 1500 adults. Our study explores how this perception is shaped by family resilience, community resilience, [...] Read more.
Recent studies document a disappointingly low impact of resilience interventions and policies. This prompts us to revisit the formation of perceived individual resilience using a country-representative sample of 1500 adults. Our study explores how this perception is shaped by family resilience, community resilience, and several control variables like age, gender, risk aversion, and the perception of immediate environmental safety. Unlike traditional methods, we employ the PLS-PM methodology and WarpPLS 7.0 software. Our key findings document non-linear dynamics with varying degrees of magnitude, significance, and effect sizes. The three dimensions of family resilience (social trust, shared beliefs and support, and family organization and interaction) are the most significant predictors of community resilience. These non-linear relationships might explain occasional declines in individual resilience, linking our findings to those of previous studies. We contend that resilience policies and interventions are not unlike risk management, and therefore policymakers should be aware of diminishing marginal returns. Full article
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37 pages, 668 KiB  
Article
Green Technology Innovation and Corporate Carbon Performance: Evidence from China
by Hua Wang and Zenglian Zhang
Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5357; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125357 - 10 Jun 2025
Viewed by 925
Abstract
Against global carbon neutrality goals and China’s “dual carbon” strategy, this study examines how green technology innovation shapes corporate carbon performance through a dual-path mechanism—improving enterprises’ resource utilization efficiency and environmental governance capabilities. Leveraging data from Chinese A-share listed firms (2007–2022) and methods [...] Read more.
Against global carbon neutrality goals and China’s “dual carbon” strategy, this study examines how green technology innovation shapes corporate carbon performance through a dual-path mechanism—improving enterprises’ resource utilization efficiency and environmental governance capabilities. Leveraging data from Chinese A-share listed firms (2007–2022) and methods including fixed effects, instrumental variables, and Heckman two-stage models, key findings include: (1) Green technology innovation significantly improves carbon performance. (2) This effect operates through two pathways: enhancing total factor productivity (TFP) and strengthening environmental governance. (3) Green media and investor attention amplify the positive impact of green innovation on carbon performance. (4) The effect remains significant but shows diminishing marginal returns over 1–4 future periods. (5) Non-state-owned enterprises and non-high-carbon industries exhibit more pronounced improvements. This research provides micro-level evidence for “technology-driven low-carbon transformation”, offering theoretical support for policy differentiation and corporate green technology strategies, with practical implications for achieving China’s “dual carbon” objectives. Full article
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21 pages, 1288 KiB  
Article
Rural Development and Dynamics of Enhancing Agricultural Productivity in Senegal: Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Implications
by Bonoua Faye, Hélène Véronique Marie Thérèse Faye, Guoming Du, Yongfang Ma, Jeanne Colette Diéne, Edmée Mbaye, Liane Marie Thérèse Judith Faye, Yao Dinard Kouadio, Yuheng Li and Henri Marcel Seck
World 2025, 6(2), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/world6020076 - 1 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1469
Abstract
Understanding agricultural production dynamics is vital for addressing global food security in the least developed countries. In Senegal, the issues of rural development and enhancing agricultural productivity are still less understood. Using survey data (n = 600) from the Thiès region, this study [...] Read more.
Understanding agricultural production dynamics is vital for addressing global food security in the least developed countries. In Senegal, the issues of rural development and enhancing agricultural productivity are still less understood. Using survey data (n = 600) from the Thiès region, this study aims to explore factors that influence agricultural productivity in Senegal. The multinomial probit model is estimated using maximum simulated likelihood (MSL) methods. This approach is necessary due to the presence of multiple-choice categories. The results highlight that young farmers aged 18–30 are less likely to achieve high production (>10 tons) compared to their older counterparts (p < 0.01). In contrast, older farmers (31–60) report higher income stability (p < 0.05). Education levels also impact production, with farmers having lower or upper secondary education being less likely to attain high production than illiterate farmers (p < 0.05). Receiving subsidies reduces the likelihood of high production (p < 0.01). Larger landholdings (>1 ha) correlate with lower production odds (p < 0.01), suggesting diminishing returns. Gender disparities are evident, with male farmers being 45.6% more likely to report income declines (p < 0.1). Marginal effects show that acquiring land through rental or purchase significantly boosts income (p < 0.01), while traditional ploughing increases the sown area (p < 0.01). Policymakers should enhance training in agriculture, improve subsidies, secure land tenure, and promote certified seeds to boost productivity. This study highlights the need for targeted policies on training, subsidies, land tenure, and sustainable practices to enhance Senegal’s agricultural productivity. Full article
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22 pages, 2702 KiB  
Article
Carbon Lock-In Mechanisms in Transport Infrastructure and Temporal Spatial Dynamics
by Yinghui Zhang, Yun Chen, Kai Li, Yong Wu and Chongsen Ma
Buildings 2025, 15(10), 1714; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15101714 - 19 May 2025
Viewed by 485
Abstract
The persistent carbon lock-in in transport infrastructure hinders low-carbon transition and sustainable urban development. This study, situated within the context of building energy and systems environments, examines the spatial and temporal dynamics of carbon lock-in across Chinese provinces over the past decade. A [...] Read more.
The persistent carbon lock-in in transport infrastructure hinders low-carbon transition and sustainable urban development. This study, situated within the context of building energy and systems environments, examines the spatial and temporal dynamics of carbon lock-in across Chinese provinces over the past decade. A composite indicator system is constructed to quantify path dependence in transport-related carbon emissions. Additionally, a quantile regression model is applied to analyze the heterogeneous effects of influencing factors across varying levels of lock-in. The findings offer insights into developing region-specific decarbonization strategies and enhancing the sustainability of infrastructure systems. The key findings are as follows: (1) temporally, the composite path dependence index (PDI) increased from 0.13 to 0.24, with an average annual growth rate of 5.7%, although the growth trend exhibited noticeable fluctuations. (2) Spatially, a clear “East-High–West-Low, South-High–North-Low” pattern is observed, with the eastern region exhibiting a PDI approximately 29% higher than that of the northeastern region—mainly due to differences in economic vitality and the degree of policy intervention. (3) Threshold nonlinearity is evident: the influence of key factors on carbon path dependence varies across quantiles, and a critical threshold appears at the 0.9 quantile. Notably, the mitigating effect of low-carbon technological innovation on path dependence weakens beyond this threshold, suggesting diminishing marginal returns and the necessity for complementary governance strategies. This study deepens the understanding of transport carbon lock-in and provides guidance for region-specific strategies to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in integrated building infrastructure systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
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23 pages, 1284 KiB  
Article
Do Educators’ Demographic Characteristics Drive Learner Academic Performance? Examining the Role of Gender, Qualifications, and Experience
by Vuyelwa Signoria Mpiti, Thobeka Ncanywa and Abiola John Asaleye
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15040487 - 14 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1274
Abstract
The influence of educators’ demographic characteristics on learner academic performance has garnered attention, particularly in developing countries. However, gaps remain in understanding the relationship between demographic factors, professional qualifications, and student academic performance, especially in under-resourced educational environments; this study examines the impact [...] Read more.
The influence of educators’ demographic characteristics on learner academic performance has garnered attention, particularly in developing countries. However, gaps remain in understanding the relationship between demographic factors, professional qualifications, and student academic performance, especially in under-resourced educational environments; this study examines the impact of educator demographics and qualifications on learner performance. The study investigates four key objectives: (i) analysing the relationship between educator qualifications and learner academic performance, (ii) evaluating the effect of educator demographic factors on learner academic performance, (iii) comparing the relative influence of demographic characteristics and professional qualifications, and (iv) assessing the validity of Mincer’s Earnings Function in capturing diminishing returns to experience. Using secondary data from the South African School Administration and Management System (SA-SAMS), this study examines 70 educators across five secondary schools. An Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model is employed for estimation, with Robust Least Squares (RLS) used as a validation technique to ensure result consistency. The empirical results reveal that teaching experience and gender significantly influence learner performance, whereas age and formal qualifications exhibit no statistical effect. The findings further confirm diminishing returns to experience, indicating that while teaching experience enhances academic performance, its marginal impact declines beyond a certain threshold. Full article
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21 pages, 1081 KiB  
Article
Digital Intelligence Transformation of Energy Conservation Management in China’s Public Institutions: Evolution, Innovation Approach, and Practical Challenges
by Zhenjing Pang, Yue Xie and Yuqing Sun
Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3410; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083410 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 637
Abstract
Energy conservation management in public institutions is a critical area of administrative affairs, playing a leading and exemplary role in implementing China’s “green development strategy” and accelerating the transition to green and low-carbon development. The evolution of energy conservation management in public institutions [...] Read more.
Energy conservation management in public institutions is a critical area of administrative affairs, playing a leading and exemplary role in implementing China’s “green development strategy” and accelerating the transition to green and low-carbon development. The evolution of energy conservation management in public institutions has generally progressed from behavioral energy conservation and policy-driven energy conservation to digital and intelligent energy conservation. Each stage is characterized by distinct conceptual foundations, tool selections, key tasks, and value orientations. From a theoretical perspective, the innovative practices of digital intelligence transformation in energy conservation management are deeply driven in China by problem solving, environmental factors, and technological advancements. This transformation is the result of the interplay between the broader context of digital government construction and the specific challenges and structural adjustments within energy conservation management in public institutions, combined with the strong momentum of innovation diffusion in energy conservation management informatization. The innovative practices of digital intelligence transformation in energy conservation management in China can be categorized into four models: the “Technology Demonstration + Digital Platform” model, the “Edge–Cloud Data Middle Platform” model, the “Operation + Platform” split front–back-end model, and the “Intelligent Function Aggregation Platform” model. Each model has unique functional characteristics and applicable scenarios, yet faces various inherent challenges. Currently, the digital intelligence transformation of energy conservation management in China’s public institutions is constrained by the tension between innovation pressure and limited grassroots resources, the diminishing marginal returns and internalization costs of digital intelligence transformation, the inverted hierarchy dilemma, and the “floor effect” of digital energy conservation under traditional governance norms. Full article
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27 pages, 3247 KiB  
Article
A Different Risk–Return Relationship
by Aydin Selim Oksoy, Matthew R. Farrell and Shaomin Li
Risks 2025, 13(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/risks13020022 - 27 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1287
Abstract
We challenge the widely accepted premise that the valuation of an early-stage firm is simply the capital invested (USD) divided by the equity received (%). Instead, we argue that this calculation determines the break-even point for the investor; for example, investing USD 1.0 [...] Read more.
We challenge the widely accepted premise that the valuation of an early-stage firm is simply the capital invested (USD) divided by the equity received (%). Instead, we argue that this calculation determines the break-even point for the investor; for example, investing USD 1.0 in exchange for a 10% equity sets a firm-level free cash flow target of USD 10.0, resulting in a 0% return for the investor. The design of our study is that of a descriptive analysis of the phenomenon, based on three assumptions: that angel investing is a two-issue negotiation, that negotiation positions are communicated sequentially from capital to equity, and that the capital is fixed to a strategic trajectory. We note that when pausing the negotiation once a strategic trajectory (and thus capital) has been defined, utilizing the break-even point as the main reference point provides a structure that can serve as a guiding barometer for negotiators, as they evaluate their options across the full range of equity greater than 0% and less than 100%. We draw attention to the diminishing benefit of the marginal equity percentage point [diminishing at a rate of (−1/x2)] for the investor to break even on their investment. This relationship tracks to the equation [value = 1/equity], which presents the full option set for any offer, once the capital is determined. Our study provides the practitioner with the subtle benefit of situational awareness and the scholar with a logical foundation for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Management for Capital Markets)
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18 pages, 3605 KiB  
Article
Effects on Carbon Sequestration of Biomass and Investment in State-Owned Forest Farms: A Case Study of Shaanxi Province, China
by Li Gao, Hua Li and Shuqiang Li
Forests 2025, 16(1), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16010060 - 1 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1064
Abstract
Enhancing carbon sequestration capacity through effective forest management is a critical strategy for mitigating climate change. China has established public administrations, known as state-owned forest farms (SFFs), primarily to manage state-owned forests. This study examines the carbon sequestration effects of forestry investment made [...] Read more.
Enhancing carbon sequestration capacity through effective forest management is a critical strategy for mitigating climate change. China has established public administrations, known as state-owned forest farms (SFFs), primarily to manage state-owned forests. This study examines the carbon sequestration effects of forestry investment made by 211 SFFs in Shaanxi Province from 2000 to 2018, using a panel fixed effects model and a panel threshold model. The findings reveal that SFF investment has a significant time-lag effect on carbon sequestration, with the marginal contribution peaking three years after the initial investment. Additionally, the impact of investment exhibits spatial heterogeneity, varying across regions due to differences in environmental and ecological conditions. Threshold effects are also identified, indicating that the effectiveness of carbon sequestration is constrained by the scale and structure of investment, with diminishing returns observed beyond optimal levels. Furthermore, we found that investment increases carbon sequestration mainly by expanding forest area and improving forest quality. These findings underscore the importance of cost-effectiveness analyses to optimize forestry investment decisions. SFFs are advised to prioritize appropriate investment timing, regions, scales, and structures to achieve optimal carbon sequestration benefits and maximize resource utilization, supporting sustainable forest management and climate change mitigation efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Economics, Policy, and Social Science)
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18 pages, 6706 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Ecological Effects of Fiscal Investments in Sloping Land Conversion Program for Revegetation: A Case Study of Shaanxi Province, China
by Zhenmin Ding, Yulong He, Shuohua Liu, Xiao Zhang, Weiwei Hu and Shunbo Yao
Forests 2024, 15(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15010002 - 19 Dec 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1776
Abstract
The study of the ecological effects of the Sloping land conversion program (SLCP) has great significance for afforestation optimization policies based on cost-effectiveness. This paper uses the panel fixed effect model and the panel threshold model to study the ecological effects of fiscal [...] Read more.
The study of the ecological effects of the Sloping land conversion program (SLCP) has great significance for afforestation optimization policies based on cost-effectiveness. This paper uses the panel fixed effect model and the panel threshold model to study the ecological effects of fiscal investments in the SLCP at the county level in Shaanxi Province of China. The regional ecological performance indicated by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) has improved after the implementation of the SLCP, but the vegetation suffers degradation risks due to the cessation of subsidies. The results demonstrate strong support for a time lag effect, an effect of diminishing marginal returns, and a threshold effect whereas a significant but negative direct effect of SLCP’s fiscal investments on the vegetation. Specifically, it takes approximately four years after fiscal investments for the NDVI to realize the greatest investment performance. The marginal contribution of fiscal investments to ecological performance reveals an increasing trend initially, followed by a decreasing trend. In addition, the ecological effects of fiscal investments in the SLCP are moderated negatively by ecological endowments. The results indicate that fiscal investments in the SLCP should consider its cost-effectiveness in policy design and improvements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Economics, Policy, and Social Science)
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9 pages, 3200 KiB  
Case Report
Surgical Management of Perianal Giant Condyloma Acuminatum of Buschke and Löwenstein: Case Presentation
by Raul Mihailov, Alin Laurențiu Tatu, Elena Niculet, Iulia Olaru, Corina Manole, Florin Olaru, Oana Mariana Mihailov, Mădălin Guliciuc, Adrian Beznea, Camelia Bușilă, Iuliana Laura Candussi, Lavinia Alexandra Moroianu and Floris Cristian Stănculea
Life 2023, 13(9), 1916; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13091916 - 15 Sep 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3226
Abstract
Introduction: The Buschke–Löwenstein tumor (BLT) is an uncommon sexually transmitted ailment attributed to the human papillomavirus (HPV)—usually the 6 or 11 type (90%)—with male predominance and an overall infection rate of 0.1%. BLT or giant condyloma acuminatum is recognized as a tumor with [...] Read more.
Introduction: The Buschke–Löwenstein tumor (BLT) is an uncommon sexually transmitted ailment attributed to the human papillomavirus (HPV)—usually the 6 or 11 type (90%)—with male predominance and an overall infection rate of 0.1%. BLT or giant condyloma acuminatum is recognized as a tumor with localized aggressiveness, displaying distinctive features: the potential for destructive growth, benign histology, a rate of 56% malignant transformation, and a high rate of recurrence after surgical excision. There are several treatment choices which have been tried, including laser, cryotherapy, radiotherapy, electrocoagulation, immunotherapy, imiquimode, sincatechins, intralesional injection of 5-fluoruracil (5-FU), isolated perfusion, and local or systemic chemotherapy. In the case of an extensive tumor, preoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy is used for tumor shrinkage, making the debulking procedure safer. HPV vaccines significantly decrease the incidence of genital warts, also decreasing the risk of BLT; HPV-6 and HPV-11 are included in these vaccines. Materials and methods: We present a 53-year-old heterosexual man, hospitalized in our department in June 2021 with a typical cauliflower-like tumor mass involving the perianal region, which progressively increased in size for almost 7 years. The perianal mass was completely removed, ensuring negative surgical margins. The large perianal skin defect which occurred was reconstructed with fascio-cutaneous V-Y advancement flap. There was no need for protective stoma. The literature review extended from January 1980 and December 2022, utilizing Pubmed and Google Scholar as search platforms. Results: Due to the disease’s proximity to the anal verge and the limited number of reported cases, arriving at a definitive and satisfactory treatment strategy becomes challenging. The optimal approach entails thorough surgical removal of the lesion, ensuring well-defined surgical margins and performing a wide excision to minimize the likelihood of recurrence. In order to repair the large wound defects, various rotation or advancement flaps can be used, resulting in reduced recovery time and a diminished likelihood of anal stricture or other complications. Our objective is to emphasize the significance of surgical excision in addressing BLT through the presentation of a case involving a substantial perianal condyloma acuminatum, managed successfully with complete surgical removal and the utilization of a V-Y advancement flap technique. In the present case, after 5 months post operation, the patient came back with a buttock abscess, which was incised and drained. After another 5 months, the patient returned for difficult defecation, with an anal stenosis being diagnosed. An anal dilatation and sphincterotomy were carried out, with good postoperative results. Conclusions: The surgical management of Buschke–Löwenstein tumors needs a multidisciplinary team with specialized expertise. The reconstruction techniques involved can be challenging and may introduce additional complications. We consider aggressive surgery, which incorporates reconstructive procedures, as the standard treatment for Buschke–Löwenstein tumors. This approach aims to achieve optimal surgical outcomes and prevent any recurrence. Full article
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10 pages, 251 KiB  
Article
Self-Rated Health of US Older Adults in the General Social Survey (GSS) 1972–2021: Complexity of the Associations of Education and Immigration
by Hafifa Siddiq, Mona Darvishi and Babak Najand
Healthcare 2023, 11(4), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11040463 - 5 Feb 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2019
Abstract
Background: Multiple studies have shown a link between high education and better self-rated health (SRH). However, recent studies have suggested that immigrants may experience a weaker association between education and SRH than native-born individuals. Aim: Using a national sample of US older adults, [...] Read more.
Background: Multiple studies have shown a link between high education and better self-rated health (SRH). However, recent studies have suggested that immigrants may experience a weaker association between education and SRH than native-born individuals. Aim: Using a national sample of US older adults, this investigation studied whether there is an inverse association between education and SRH and whether immigration status moderates this association. Methods: This study is based on marginalized diminished returns (MDRs) that argues socioeconomic status (SES) resources, such as education, may generate less favorable health outcomes for marginalized groups. Data were from the General Social Survey (GSS) 1972–2021, a cross-sectional survey in the US. A total of 7999 participants who were 65+ years old were included. The independent variable was education, measured as years of schooling and treated as a continuous variable. The dependent variable was poor/fair (poor) SRH. Immigration status was the moderator. Age, sex, and race were control variables. Logistic regressions were used for data analysis. Results: We found that higher levels of education were protective against poor SRH. However, this effect was weaker for immigrants than for US-born individuals. Conclusions: This study found that native-born US older individuals are more likely to experience the protective effect of their education against poor SRH compared to their immigrants. Eliminating health inequality between immigrant and US-born individuals needs policies that go beyond socioeconomic status (SES) equality and address barriers that hinder highly-educated immigrants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inequality in Health Systems and Health Outcomes)
10 pages, 320 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Impact of Contemporary Racism on the Mental Health of Middle Class Black Americans
by Darrell Hudson, Akilah Collins-Anderson and William Hutson
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 1660; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031660 - 17 Jan 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4001
Abstract
Evidence from previous research indicates that while socioeconomic status (SES) narrows Black-White health inequities, these inequities do not completely disappear, and in some cases, worsen. Why do Black-White health inequities persist, even when controlling for SES? It is critical to examine how perceptions [...] Read more.
Evidence from previous research indicates that while socioeconomic status (SES) narrows Black-White health inequities, these inequities do not completely disappear, and in some cases, worsen. Why do Black-White health inequities persist, even when controlling for SES? It is critical to examine how perceptions of unfair treatment, especially those that are nuanced and subtle, affect the mental health of Black Americans with greater levels of SES. This study, using a new sample composed exclusively of college-educated Black Americans, investigated whether experiences related to racism were associated with poorer mental health. Qualtrics provided the sample from their nationwide panelists that met the research criteria. Inclusion criteria included the following: (1) self-identified as Black or African American; (2) at least 24 years old; (3) completed a 4-year college degree or higher. The findings from this study indicated that the effects of unfair treatment are significantly associated with poorer mental health. These findings highlight the insidious nature of contemporary racism as the everyday experiences of unfair treatment have a tremendous effect on depressive symptoms among this sample of college-educated Black Americans. Efforts to simply improve SES among historically marginalized groups will not bring about health equity. Findings from this study indicate that there are mental health costs associated with upward social mobility. It is likely that these costs, particularly the experience of everyday unfair treatment, likely diminish the social, economic and health returns on the human capital. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perceptions of Depression and Depression Care)
12 pages, 364 KiB  
Article
Immigration Status, Socioeconomic Status, and Self-Rated Health in Europe
by Hafifa Siddiq and Babak Najand
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15657; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315657 - 25 Nov 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2830
Abstract
The literature has established a protective effect of socioeconomic status (SES) indicators on health. However, at least in the US, these SES indicators tend to generate fewer health gains for marginalized groups including immigrants. As this literature mainly originated in the US, it [...] Read more.
The literature has established a protective effect of socioeconomic status (SES) indicators on health. However, at least in the US, these SES indicators tend to generate fewer health gains for marginalized groups including immigrants. As this literature mainly originated in the US, it is necessary to study whether these indicators similarly correlate with the health of foreign-born and native-born individuals in Europe. The current study was based on the Marginalization-related Diminished Returns (MDRs) theory and compared the effects of three SES indicators, namely parental education, own education and income, on self-rated health (SRH) of immigrant and native-born individuals. We used data from the European Social Survey 2020 (ESS 2020). Participants included 14,213 individuals who identified as either native-born (n = 9052) or foreign-born (n = 508). Education, income, and parental education were the independent variables. Self-rated health (SRH) was the outcome. Age and sex were covariates. Linear regression and logistic regression were used for data analysis. Overall, high education, income, and parental education were associated with lower odds of poor SRH. We documented a statistical interaction between immigration status and parental education, indicating a weaker inverse association between parental education and poor SRH for foreign-born than native-born individuals. The links between some but not all SES indicators vary across foreign-born and native-born individuals in Europe. Host countries seem to undervalue the parental educational attainment of foreign-born families. Future research should explore the role of time, period, cohort and country of origin as well as host country and associated policies in equalizing returns of SES indicators on the health of population subgroups. The results are important given that most studies on MDRs are developed in the US, and less is known about Europe. The results are also very important given the growing anti-immigrant sentiment and nationalist movements in Europe and the rest of the world. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urbanization, Migration and Well-Being)
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