This study examines the economic feasibility of the environment-friendly farmland use policy to improve water quality. Conventional highland farming, polluting the Han River basin in South Korea, can be converted into environment-friendly farming through land acquisition or application of pesticide-free or organic farming practices. We estimate the welfare measures of improvement in water quality and the costs of policy implementation for economic analysis. To estimate the economic benefit of improvement in water quality experienced by the residents residing in mid-and-downstream areas of the Han River, the choice experiment was employed with a pivot-style experimental design approach. In the empirical analysis, we converted the household perception for water quality grades into scientific water quality measures using Water Quality Standard to estimate the value of changes in water quality. To analyze the costs required to convert conventional highland farmlands into environment-friendly farmlands, we estimated the relevant cost of land acquisition and the subsidy necessary for farm income loss for organic agricultural practice. We find that the agri-environmental policy is economically viable, which suggests that converting conventional highland farming into environment-friendly farming would make the improvement in water quality visible.

The United States, Mexico, and Canada (USMCA) seek to promote fair wages and adequate working conditions, especially in Mexico, by strengthening labor rights and freedom of association. The objective of this research is to determine the factors that influence salary levels in the Mexican Automotive Industry (MAI), through a causality analysis in the Granger sense, to generate a panorama that allows a decision-making process in the Mexican salary policy. With data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, the Bank of Mexico and Statista, autoregressive vector models were estimated to determine causalities in the Granger sense. It was proven that minimum wage, employed personnel, production, total sales, and exports are some causes of remuneration in the sector, with the minimum wage being the most significant. The above suggests that the salary increase involves several actors, such as the government (minimum wage), the organization (production, sales and exports) and the market (employed personnel), therefore, the design of appropriate labor policies will contribute to the dignification of salaries inside the MAI.

E-cigarettes pose a significant public health concern, particularly for youth and young adults. Policymaking in this area is complicated by changing consumption patterns, diverse user demographics, and dynamic online and offline communities. This study uses social network analytics to examine the social dynamics and communication patterns related to e-cigarette use. We analyzed data from various social media platforms, forums, and online communities, which included both advocacy for e-cigarettes as a safer smoking alternative and opposition due to health risks. Our findings inform targeted healthcare policy interventions, such as educational campaigns tailored to specific network clusters, regulations based on user interaction and influence patterns, and collaborations with key influencers to spread accurate health information.

This study analyzes the potential of making Uzbekistan’s taxation system more inclusive by introducing a tax incentive policy related to zakat (obligatory Islamic alms for the wealthy). Additionally, it explores the establishment of relevant institutions to facilitate zakat collection and distribution. The study employs the method of comparative legal research, combined with exploratory research techniques, to examine taxation and zakat systems in different countries. The study’s findings indicate that incorporating zakat incentives, either in the form of tax credits or deductions, into Uzbekistan’s taxation system can enhance the role of zakat institutions in the country’s economy and reduce tax evasion to some extent. Moreover, it proposes a preliminary model of zakat management for Uzbekistan based on conclusions of the comparative study of various countries and analysis of the national legislation. Finally, the research highlights the necessity of a systematic approach to educate the public about zakat obligations, which is crucial for operation of proposed zakat management model and improving compliance. The study provides essential policy recommendations, including the implementation of zakat tax incentives, enhancing public zakat literacy, and ensuring the efficient operation of zakat institutions. By adopting these measures, the government of Uzbekistan can foster a more equitable and effective taxation system, contributing to socioeconomic development and poverty alleviation.

This study examines the determinants of inflation in Tunisia from 1998 to 2023, with a particular focus on the role of fiscal policy. The study analyzes the long-run and short-run relationships between inflation and key macroeconomic variables, including government expenditure, government revenue, money supply, balance of trade, and budget deficits using ARDL model. The empirical findings reveal that budget deficits have a significant and positive impact on inflation, underscoring the critical role of fiscal imbalances in driving price instability. In contrast, government expenditure, government revenue, money supply, and balance of trade do not exhibit statistically significant long-term effects on inflation. The results highlight the importance of fiscal discipline and effective coordination between fiscal and monetary policies to achieve price stability. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers in Tunisia and other developing economies facing similar inflationary pressures, emphasizing the need for prudent fiscal management and structural reforms to mitigate inflation volatility and ensure macroeconomic stability.

This research presents an innovative perspective on vocational education by merging the Instructional System Design (ISD) model with Innovation in Thailand Vocational Education and Training (InnoTVET) principles. Targeted at nursing students, the course aims to cultivate entrepreneurial skills while connecting vocational training with healthcare policy development. It aligns with global movements in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), addressing the increasing demand for nurse entrepreneurs who can devise creative healthcare solutions within established policy frameworks. By employing mastery learning techniques alongside design thinking, the course effectively bridges theoretical concepts with practical applications. The mixed-methods study underlines relevant contribution in students’ entrepreneurial mindsets. Results from t-tests reveal the students’ ability to identify opportunities, engage in innovative thinking, and work within policy frameworks. Findings are supported by qualitative data, which demonstrate enhanced confidence, improved problem-solving capacities, and a deeper understanding of healthcare market dynamics. Although expert evaluation of student projects is scheduled for future iterations, the initial outcomes reinforce the course’s success. The course is structured into seven modules spanning 45 hours, featuring active learning components, five business-oriented assignments, and a final innovation project that integrates the curriculum’s core elements. This design ensures students develop both practical expertise and interdisciplinary insights critical to healthcare innovation. The integration of InnoTVET and ISD principles in nursing education sets a precedent for vocational education reform. This example of a successful nursepreneurship initiative provides a scalable model for enhancing vocational programs in diverse fields, fostering innovation and sustainability.