Search Results (121)

Economically, all countries seek sustained growth driven by domestic demand, investment, and exports; however, COVID-19 revealed the vulnerability of interconnected economic systems and a sharp contraction in global trade. The objective of this research is to analyze through an econometric model the effect of traditional exports on Peru’s economic growth during the 2012–2023 period. The study employed a quantitative approach with a non-experimental, longitudinal design, using quarterly data from the Central Reserve Bank of Peru and the National Bureau of Statistics of China, which were transformed into natural logarithms. Unit root tests, the ordinary least squares (OLS) method and a two-stage least squares (2SLS) model were applied to correct for endogeneity. The results show that mining accounts for 81.7% of total traditional exports from Peru. The model indicated that a 1% increase in traditional exports leads to a 0.29% increase in GDP, confirming a positive impact. However, the high dependence of the mining sector exposes the economy to external risks. Therefore, a productive diversification strategy, alongside the modernization of the mining sector, is recommended to strengthen Peru’s economic resilience in the face of global crises and external fluctuations. Full article

The domestication process not only reduced the allelic diversity of tomato genotypes but also affected the genetic traits associated to microbial recruitment, their composition, and their diversity in different compartments of the plant host. Additionally, this process included the transition from natural to agricultural soils, which differ in nutrient availability, physicochemical properties, and agricultural practices. Therefore, modern cultivars may fail to recruit microbial taxa beneficial to their wild relatives, potentially losing important ecological functions. In this study, we analyzed the phylogenetic relationship and the rhizosphere microbiota of four tomato genotypes, Solanum chilense (wild species), S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme (Cherry tomato), and the S. lycopersicum landrace ‘Poncho Negro’ and the modern cultivar ‘Cal Ace’, grown in both natural and agricultural soils. Microbial communities were identified using 16S rRNA (bacteria) and ITS2 (fungi) amplicon sequencing, allowing cross-domain taxonomic characterization. While the soil type was the main driver of overall microbial diversity, the host genotype influenced the recruitment of specific microbial taxa, which exhibited different recruitment patterns according to the genetic diversification of Solanum genotypes and soil types. Additionally, co-occurrence network analysis identified two main clusters: first, taxa did not show any preferential associations to particular genotypes or soil types, while the second cluster revealed specific microbial patterns associated to fungal taxa in natural soil and bacterial taxa in agricultural soil. Finally, the functional analysis suggested the loss of specific functions through tomato domestication independently of soil type. These findings highlight the role of the plant genotype as a fine-tuning factor in microbiome assembly, with implications for breeding strategies aimed at restoring beneficial plant–microbe interactions. Full article

This study investigates the causal impact of stock price crash risk on the cost of equity (COE) in China’s segmented A- and B-share markets with an emphasis on ownership structures and market regimes. Employing a bootstrap panel Granger causality framework, Markov-switching dynamic regression, and panel threshold regression models, the analysis reveals that heightened crash risk significantly increases COE, with the effects being more pronounced for A-shares because of domestic investors’ heightened risk sensitivity. This relationship further intensifies in bull markets, where investor optimism amplifies downside risk perceptions. Ownership segmentation plays a critical role, as foreign investors in B-shares exhibit weaker reliance on firm-level valuation metrics, favoring broader risk-diversification strategies. These findings offer actionable insights into corporate risk management, investor decision making, and policy formulation in segmented and emerging equity markets. Full article

Concentrated apple juice (AJC) is a globally traded commodity, with major producers such as China, Poland, and the United States supplying AJC to markets worldwide. The aim of this article is to determine the competitive position of the main global exporters of concentrated apple juice. It also seeks to analyze changes in their positions over the period from 2005 to 2023. Assessing competitive position is important for several economic and business reasons, including identifying leading exporters and recognizing both growing and declining markets. The competitive position was measured using Market Share (MS) indicators, Gross and Net Export Orientation indicators (E_gr, E_net), and the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) index. The results reveal significant structural shifts in global AJC trade. Most notably, China’s declining competitiveness, reflected across all indicators, led to its loss of market leadership. This raises questions about the reasons for this decline and whether it presents opportunities for other exporters. This signals a broader reconfiguration in the global AJC supply chain, driven in part by domestic economic changes, such as rising consumption and decreasing export orientation. Simultaneously, other countries, particularly in Eastern Europe, show varying degrees of competitive growth, with Moldova and Ukraine emerging as key players. These trends suggest a diversification of supply sources and a more fragmented competitive landscape. Although national differences persist, the analysis indicates that structural and economic transformations, rather than short-term price signals, are driving the evolving global competitiveness in the AJC market. The observed weak correlations between prior-year apple prices and RCA confirm that broader market and policy factors play a more decisive role. Full article

The Chinese government has often been suspected of excessively intervening in the market. The reform of “Streamline Administration and Delegate Power, Improve Regulation, and Optimize Services” (RSDO) is a key initiative by the Chinese government to help enterprises improve their international competitive advantage through institutional reforms. Few studies have empirically tested the effects of RSDO on enterprises’ export diversification. Using the data of 2141 wood-processing enterprises (WPEs) in China in 2014, this study applies zero-truncated negative binomial regression and the Tobit model to evaluate the effects of prefecture-level RSDO on enterprises’ export product and market diversification. The results show that the RSDO can enhance WPEs’ export product diversification without significantly impacting export market diversification. Regarding specific indicators, the reforms of “Streamline Administration and Delegate Power” and “Improve Regulation” significantly positively affect export product and market diversification. In contrast, the optimization of government services shows no significant impact. Heterogeneity tests show that the RSDO promotes export diversification in wooden products and furniture manufacturing enterprises, smaller enterprises, domestic enterprises, and those with weaker operational capabilities. The impact mechanism shows that the RSDO aids sample enterprises in enhancing export product diversification by lowering operational costs and supports export market diversification by encouraging technological innovation. Full article

This study examines the dynamic relationship between changes in construction contract amounts across the diversified business areas within the portfolios of Korean construction firms and their overall business performance using a vector error correction model. It aims to provide a detailed evaluation of the effectiveness and characteristics of diversification strategies in the construction industry. This analysis employs key variables, including the debt ratio, return on total assets, diversification index, and construction contract amounts in domestic and overseas building, civil engineering, and plant construction projects. Two distinct models are used: Model A investigates the relationship between the debt ratio and diversification while Model B explores the relationship between the return on total assets and diversification. The time series data for the analysis spans from Q1 2002 to Q4 2021 on a quarterly basis. The results indicate that Korean construction firms have actively expanded into overseas markets to enhance their financial soundness. However, while such diversification efforts facilitate short-term capital acquisition, they have a negative impact on long-term business performance. When technological capabilities remain constant, lowering prices to increase contract volume may ultimately erode long-term profitability. Therefore, rather than focusing solely on expanding contract volumes through diversification, it is essential to first objectively assess the strengths of each business sector and focus on strengthening core competencies and expertise before pursuing further diversification. Full article

This paper examines the intersection between entrepreneurship government policy and managerial theory. The context chosen for this study is India. India has experienced a significant global geopolitical shift that is coinciding with India’s domestic policy reforms and notable domestic initiatives. Since 2014, India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has seen a significant increase in the number of startups and unicorns. This paper presents arguments that the confluence of global realignments, such as the diversification of supply chains away from China and increasing interest in the Indo-Pacific region, along with domestic initiatives like “Make in India”, “Startup India”, and digitalization drives, along with massive investments in infrastructure improvements, have made India a desirable destination for entrepreneurial activity. By examining these factors through the lens of three theories—resource-based view, global value chain, and innovation ecosystem theory—this paper identifies key opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs across various sectors. It is hoped that this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of India’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape. In addition, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors can benefit from this article to understand the opportunities and challenges India poses in order to contribute to India’s continued economic growth and its emergence as a global entrepreneurial powerhouse. Finally, this paper helps to bridge the gap between economic policy and management theory. Full article

Growing food insecurity can in part be attributed to a lack of diversity in arable crops, with most African countries now focused on the production of a few “green revolution crops”. Indigenous knowledge of traditional food types could hold the key to the genetic diversification of crop production systems. Wild yams are indigenous crops that have been relegated to the background. This study aimed to assess the state of knowledge in, and cultivation of, wild yams collectively called “Kumbu” by the Bakweris of the Mount Cameroon Region. Following reconnaissance surveys, semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 583 interviewees across 41 villages in this region. Data were analysed in the SPSS version 21 statistical package with significance at α = 0.05 where necessary. Results showed that the study population was fairly balanced in terms of gender (SD = 0.534), with males representing 56.8% of the sample. A majority of the interviewees (53.3%) were married, and most had received at least primary education (85.2%). Most (61.6%) of the interviewees do not cultivate Kumbu due to a lack of available seeds (69.3%) and a preference for other yams (30.7%). Of those who cultivate Kumbu (38.4% of the interviewees), a majority (89.6%) have less than five stands of Kumbu. The different names (10) and types (13) of Kumbu could represent linguistic polymorphism, requiring further studies for proper identification. A majority (68.1%) of the interviewees had no idea of the differences between Kumbu types. Agronomic practices, pests, and disease management reported for Kumbu are similar to those of other mainstream yam types. We conclude that the state of knowledge on Kumbu in the Mt Cameroon Region is limited and on the decline. Bringing Kumbu production to the mainstream requires research on molecular taxonomy, propagation techniques, and agronomic practices for better yields. Full article

This study investigates the current state of research on confined-space work safety both domestically and internationally. Utilizing literature from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science (WoS) databases as primary sources, CiteSpace was employed for a visual knowledge mapping analysis. By comparing the Chinese and English literature, research hotspots and developmental trends in this field across different regions were identified. The results indicate that research on confined-space work safety in China is relatively limited and commenced later than in other regions. There is a low level of cooperation among domestic organizations and authors, and interdisciplinary collaboration needs significant improvement, hindering the advancement of communication within the discipline. In China, research has long focused on accidents and asphyxiation in confined spaces, particularly within industrial and commercial enterprises, with chemical enterprise safety emerging as a potential future research hotspot. Conversely, the English-language literature has historically focused on the mechanisms of accidents, with recent years seeing a diversification of research topics. In the future, the prevention and control of risks associated with confined-space work will likely focus on mitigating risks at the source. This will include incorporating safety considerations during the design stage and utilizing automated technologies to minimize the necessity for personnel entry, thereby reducing inherent risks. This study can help researchers to comprehensively learn hotspots and trends in confined-space work safety in China and internationally, and to identify potential directions for future research. Full article

Wavelet coherence analysis (WCA) examines the dynamic interactions between economic policy uncertainty (EPU) in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico and key external variables, using monthly data from 2010 to 2022. The findings reveal the following: (i) medium-term co-movements (4–16 months) between EPU and global financial indicators, including the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Market Volatility Index (RVIX), Merrill Lynch Option Volatility Estimate Index (RMOVE), and Global EPU Index (RGEPU), emphasizing the sustained influence of financial volatility on domestic policy environments, particularly during global turbulence; (ii) significant interactions between EPU and the Climate Policy Uncertainty Index (RCPU) in resource-dependent economies like Brazil and Colombia, with pronounced effects in medium- and long-term horizons; (iii) bidirectional relationships between Brent crude oil prices (RBRENT) and EPU in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, where oil price fluctuations shape policy uncertainty, especially during global market disruptions; and (iv) notable co-movements between EPU and the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (RW1SGI) in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico, highlighting sensitivity to shifts in sustainability-driven markets. These results underscore the need for economic diversification, strengthened financial safeguards, and integrated climate risk management to mitigate external shocks. By exploring the time–frequency dynamics of global uncertainties and domestic policy environments, this study provides actionable insights for fostering resilience and stability in Latin America’s interconnected economies while addressing vulnerabilities to global market volatility and sustainability transitions. Full article

Limited information exists on the diet of snow leopards (SL), factors affecting livestock mortality, and local attitudes toward SL conservation in the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA), Nepal. Therefore, we aim to investigate the dietary preferences of SL, the factors influencing livestock mortality, and local conservation attitudes. From November 2021 to January 2022, 23 SL scats were collected along 24 transects (total length: 21.6 km) in MCA. Camera traps, set within 4 km × 4 km grids at 28 stations for 661 trap nights, were used to assess prey availability. Jacobs’ index calculated prey preference, while a Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) assessed factors linked to livestock depredation. Additionally, 65 households from two villages were randomly selected in a survey on depredation and conservation attitudes. Scat analysis identified six wild prey species, including pika (Ochotona sp.), Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), and blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), as well as three domestic species: ox/cow, yak, and horse. Himalayan tahr had the highest presence in the SL diet (40%). Despite pika having the highest Relative Abundance Index (RAI), SL strongly preferred horses and avoided pika. Larger prey, such as horses, Himalayan tahr, and blue sheep, were highly preferred. Households with more livestock experienced higher depredation rates. Local attitudes toward SL conservation were generally positive, with an average score of 2.59. We recommend an integrated SL conservation plan in MCA, incorporating local participation, income diversification, and employment programs to mitigate conflicts and promote coexistence. Full article

This case study analyzes how Qatar rapidly achieved dairy self-sufficiency through public–private partnerships following the 2017–2021 blockade. Specifically, it examines the role of Baladna, Qatar’s leading dairy company, in scaling up its domestic production through alignment with government policies. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders from the Qatari government and Baladna and a review of Baladna’s internal documents and reports. Thematic content analysis was used to identify key themes, and data from Baladna’s reports were triangulated to validate the findings. Collaboration between Qatar’s government and Baladna ensured the self-sufficiency of domestic dairy demand, expanding operations with new products and exports, and strengthening supply chains. However, reliance on government support raises sustainability concerns, highlighting the need for efficiency and diversification. This partnership aligns with national policies, such as the Qatar National Food Security Strategy 2018–2023, and offers insights into how public–private collaborations can promote growth and supply security while balancing state support with market dynamics. This case study highlights how the blockade crisis catalyzed effective public–private collaboration, driving rapid growth in Qatar’s dairy sector to meet domestic demand. The lessons from Qatar’s developmental approach can provide insights for resource-rich countries struggling with food insecurity. Full article

Our investigation, bolstered by the robust gravity trade model and panel data econometric technique, underscores the pivotal factors that influence trade interactions between Saudi Arabia and the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The study, spanning from 1998 to 2023, delves into key economic metrics such as the gross domestic product, exchange rate fluctuations, inflationary trends, political conditions, and trade deals. We employ a range of econometric strategies, including pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and fixed effects models, to reveal that the GDP of BRICS states consistently and significantly impacts trade volumes. Specifically, a 1% increase in the GDP of partner countries correlates with a 0.37% rise in trade volume within the pooled OLS model. This effect amplifies to 1.43% when adjusting for temporal and country-specific factors in the fixed effects, underscoring the importance of accommodating unobserved heterogeneity, which refers to the unmeasured factors that can influence the relationship between GDP and trade volume. The political stability of BRICS nations mitigates transactional risks and promotes more stable trade relationships, thereby enhancing trade flows. Fluctuations in exchange rates exert positive and significant effects. This indicates that a more robust Saudi Riyal, an essential policy instrument, can enhance trade by increasing the competitiveness of Saudi exports. This study demonstrates that economic magnitude, political stability, and exchange rates affect Saudi Arabia’s trade with BRICS nations. These results bolster the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives for economic diversification. This research advocates for stable political climates and strategic trade agreements to enhance trade relations. This study asserts that this approach will guarantee sustainable growth and diminish the Kingdom’s reliance on oil exports, instilling optimism in the Saudi economy. Full article

This research explores the effects of significant global economic shocks, such as the 2008 Global Financial Crisis and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, on GDP growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. Employing a dynamic generalized method of moments (GMM) model, the analysis highlights the strong momentum effect of lagged GDP growth, where past performance plays a critical role in shaping current economic outcomes. The findings also reveal that natural resources continue to positively influence short-term growth, but with diminishing returns over time, supporting the resource curse hypothesis and underscoring the need for broader structural reforms to ensure long-term sustainability. In addition, the results show that external investments flowing into the country, trade balance, and inflation emerge as key drivers of economic growth. While moderate inflation is positively associated with economic expansion, unemployment exerts a significant negative effect on GDP growth, particularly in models that account for country-specific characteristics. This emphasizes the need for labor market reforms to improve employment rates and support sustainable development. The role of gross capital formation, particularly in both the dynamic GMM and random effects models, further underscores the importance of strategic domestic investment, especially during periods of global disruption. These findings emphasize the critical need for economic diversification in the GCC. Policymakers should focus on attracting foreign investment, managing inflation, enhancing human capital, and boosting domestic investment to mitigate the adverse effects of the resource curse and secure sustainability. While market capitalization and oil rents may stimulate short-term growth, their long-term sustainability remains uncertain without greater diversification. Both external and domestic investments emerge as critical drivers of long-term growth, while persistent challenges such as inflation and unemployment continue to pose risks to economic stability. The study highlights the need to reduce reliance on oil and leverage human capital to build more resilient economies capable of adapting to future challenges. By offering dynamic, empirical insights into the balance between resource reliance and sustainable growth, this research adds valuable insights to the policy discussion on economic diversification in the GCC. Policymakers are urged to prioritize FDI, inflation management, domestic capital formation, and human capital development to mitigate vulnerabilities and ensure sustainable economic growth in the face of ongoing global uncertainties. Full article

The study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of policies governing the expansion of renewable energy in Mongolia and selected countries. Against the backdrop of global energy transitions and Mongolia’s recent energy challenges, this research aims to identify and evaluate policy frameworks that facilitate the sustainable growth of renewable energy sources. The study delves into the unique socio-economic and geopolitical context of Mongolia, emphasizing the nation’s energy dependence on Russia. The findings of this comparative analysis provide valuable insights for Mongolian policymakers, offering recommendations for enhancing domestic policies that encourage the diversification of energy sources and attract foreign investment. By drawing on successful practices from some countries, this paper aims to contribute to the formulation of effective and context-specific strategies for Mongolia to achieve a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape. Full article