ABSTRACT
The relevance of the article is due to the search for the possibility of a COVID-19 post-pandemic recovery of the Russian economy and a return to long-term sustainable growth in total factor productivity (TFP), taking into account the recognition of the priority of the environmental aspect of development. The purpose of the study is to develop an original scientific hypothesis, according to which, in the context of planetary manifestations of large-scale environmental challenges, on the one hand, and unprecedented external sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation, on the other hand. At first, environmental investment should become the main condition and a powerful factor in the long-term sustainable growth of TFP, as well as a radical transformation of the "pro-crisis" Russian economic model in accordance with the principles of the global ESG agenda. Environmental investments are positioned as responsible, in fact, and transformative in terms of their functional role in the economy. An econometric model has been constructed that reflects the dependence of per capita GDP growth rates on the volume of investments in fixed assets directed in the Russian Federation for environmental protection and rational use of natural resources, which has the form of a system of dynamic economic regressions with a distributed lag of a polynomial structure. Such a model can be used to assess the long-term and short-term responses of economic growth indicators from green investment. The methodological basis for the development of the aforementioned model was the methods of correlation, linear and nonlinear regression, factorial and dispersion analysis, the generalized least squares method, the method of instrumental variables. The main restrictions on environmental investment in modern Russia are established and proposals are made to stimulate it. © The Author(s) Publisher: University of Guilan,.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The mental and financial strain linked to unpaid caregiving has been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. In sub-Saharan Africa, carers of adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) are critical for maintenance of optimum HIV treatment outcomes. However, the ability of caregivers to provide quality care to ALHIV is undermined by their ability to maintain their own wellbeing due to multiple factors (viz. poverty, stigma, lack of access to social support services) which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic incentives, such as cash incentives combined with SMS reminders, have been shown to improve wellbeing. However, there is a lack of preliminary evidence on the potential of economic incentives to promote caregiver wellbeing in this setting, particularly in the context of a pandemic. This protocol outlines the design of a parallel-group pilot randomised trial comparing the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an economic incentive package versus a control for improving caregiver wellbeing. METHODS: Caregivers of ALHIV will be recruited from public-sector HIV clinics in the south of the eThekwini municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the following groups: (i) the intervention group (n = 50) will receive three cash payments (of ZAR 350, approximately 23 USD), coupled with a positive wellbeing message over a 3-month period; (ii) the control group (n = 50) will receive a standard message encouraging linkage to health services. Participants will be interviewed at baseline and at endline (12 weeks) to collect socio-demographic, food insecurity, health status, mental health (stigma, depressive symptoms) and wellbeing data. The primary outcome measure, caregiver wellbeing, will be measured using the CarerQoL instrument. A qualitative study will be conducted alongside the main trial to understand participant views on participation in the trial and their feedback on study activities. DISCUSSION: This study will provide scientific direction for the design of a larger randomised controlled trial exploring the effects of an economic incentive for improving caregiver wellbeing. The feasibility of conducting study activities and delivering the intervention remotely in the context of a pandemic will also be provided. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PACTR202203585402090. Registry name: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR); URL: https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/ ; Registration. date: 24 March 2022 (retrospectively registered); Date first participant enrolled: 03 November 2021.
ABSTRACT
Cobalt (Co) is an essential metal for the development of energy-transition technologies, decarbonising transportation, achieving several sustainable development goals, and facilitating a future net zero transition. However, the supply of Co is prone to severe fluctuation, disruption, and price instabilities. This review aims to identify the future evolution of Co supply through technologically resilient and environmentally sustainable pathways. The work shows that advances in both primary and secondary sources, Co mining methods and recycling systems are yet to be fully optimised. Moreover, responsible sourcing from both large mines and small artisanal mines will be necessary for a resilient Co supply. Regulatory approaches may increase transparency, support local mining communities, and improve secondary Co recovery. Novel Co supply options, such as deep-sea mining and bio-mining of tailings, are associated with major techno-economic and environmental issues. However, a circular economy, keeping Co in the economic loop for as long as possible, is yet to be optimised at both regional and global scales. To achieve environmental sustainability of Co, economic incentives, regulatory push, and improved public perception are required to drive product innovation and design for circularity. Although the complexity of Co recycling, due to lack of standardisation of design and chemistry in batteries, is an impediment, a sustainable net zero transition using Co will only be possible if a reliable primary supply and a circular secondary supply are established.
ABSTRACT
Provider payment mechanisms were adjusted in many countries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Our objective was to review adjustments for hospitals and healthcare professionals across 20 countries. We developed an analytical framework distinguishing between payment adjustments compensating income loss and those covering extra costs related to COVID-19. Information was extracted from the Covid-19 Health System Response Monitor (HSRM) and classified according to the framework. We found that income loss was not a problem in countries where professionals were paid by salary or capitation and hospitals received global budgets. In countries where payment was based on activity, income loss was compensated through budgets and higher fees. New FFS payments were introduced to incentivize remote services. Payments for COVID-19 related costs included new fees for out- and inpatient services but also new PD and DRG tariffs for hospitals. Budgets covered the costs of adjusting wards, creating new (ICU) beds, and hiring staff. We conclude that public payers assumed most of the COVID-19-related financial risk. In view of future pandemics policymakers should work to increase resilience of payment systems by: (1) having systems in place to rapidly adjust payment systems; (2) being aware of the economic incentives created by these adjustments such as cost-containment or increasing the number of patients or services, that can result in unintended consequences such as risk selection or overprovision of care; and (3) periodically evaluating the effects of payment adjustments on access and quality of care.