An empirical study on the nexus of poverty, GDP growth, dependency ratio and employment in developing countries

The paper has scrutinized the nexus among poverty, economic growth, employment and dependency ratio in developing countries. The primary intension behind this study is to find out the association between variables such as poverty, economic growth, agricultural and industrial employment and dependency ratio due to the gap in the existing literature. This study fully relies on cross country data and involves forty one countries which have been selected from Asia, Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. For this study, OLS method, correlation and econometric tools have been employed. Two models employed in the analysis are goodness of fit because both p-value and F-statistics in the models are less than 5%. The results bring to light the fact that age dependency ratio has had a tremendous impact on poverty and poverty has had a relatively very high impact on the age dependency ratio. Even though Industrial employment has a negative association with poverty incidence, it does not have a significant impact on poverty. The finding that economic growth, poverty and industrial employment significantly affect the age dependency ratio in model two is practicable and consistent with economic theories. Thus stable economic growth with an increase in labour productivity and labour intensive technology is an active remedy for solving this problem

The Role of Small and Medium Enterprises (Industrial Sector) in Changing Poverty Status in Sri Lanka

Srílanská vláda vynakládá již od vyhlášení nezávislosti enormní množství peněz na zmírnění chudoby a na podporu programů sociální péče. Dále poskytuje cílenou výpomoc a podporu malým a středním podnikům (MSP). Hlavním cílem této studie je zkoumat faktory, které ovlivňují chudobu a jejich vzájemný vztah a analyzovat úlohu a vliv malých a středních podniků na národní hospodářství a zmírnění chudoby. Byly zde použity kvalitativní i kvantitativní metody výzkumu. Tato empirická studie zjistila, že malé a střední podniky, které tvoří značnou část všech průmyslových podniků, nepřispívají příliš významnou měrou k rozvoji národního hospodářství na Srí Lance v oblasti průmyslové výroby, přidané hodnoty, zaměstnanosti a příjmů z exportu. Závěry této empirické studie zjistily, že životní úroveň pracujících v MSP je velmi nízká z důvodu velmi nízké mzdy a nedostatku či absence zaměstnaneckých výhod a penzijních fondů. Studie rovněž ukazuje, že produktivita firem byla ovlivněna nedostatkem financí, nedostatkem zaměstnaneckých výhod, nízkým platem, nedostatkem či absencí penzijních fondů a špatnou infrastrukturou na Srí Lance. Studie dospěla k závěru, že faktory, jako je inflace, sociální infrastruktura, hospodářský růst, nerovnosti v příjmech, produktivita MSP a nezaměstnanost souvisí s výskytem chudoby na Srí Lance, přičemž lidský rozvoj významně ovlivňuje snižování chudoby. Výskyt chudoby byl také velmi ovlivněn nezaměstnaností. Srí Lanka má před sebou dlouhou cestu k dosažení zmírnění výskytu chudoby prostřednictvím prozíravého a efektivního nasazení, přestože dosáhla pokroku při snižování stavu chudoby a dokonce impozantního pokroku oproti jiným jihoasijským zemím. Nicméně empirická studie a nové modely vytvořené autorem poskytly výzkumným pracovníkům a vlivným politickým činitelům nový pohled na oblast malých a středních podniků a chudoby.Successive governments of Sri Lanka have been spending a colossal amount of money for poverty alleviation since independence. Moreover, Sri Lankan government provides targeted assistances to small and medium enterprises to promote them. The main objective of the study is to scrutinize the factors affecting the poverty and association among them and to analyze the role and impact of SMEs on national economy and poverty alleviation. In this research, both the qualitative and quantitative methods were adopted. This empirical study finds that small and medium enterprises accounting for vast numbers of industrial establishments do not significantly contribute to the national economy of Sri Lanka in terms of industrial production, industrial value added, employment, export income. This empirical study has found out that living standard of workers working in SMEs is very low because of very low salary and lack and absence of fringe benefits and EPF. This study reveals that productivity of companies was affected by lack of finance, lack of fringe benefit, low salary, lack and absence of EPF and poor infrastructure in Sri Lanka. The study concluded that the factors such as inflation, social infrastructure, economic growth, income inequality, SMEs and unemployment have associations with poverty incidence of which human development made significant impact on poverty alleviation. Similarly, poverty was highly affected by unemployment. Sri Lanka has to travel to long way to alleviating poverty with visionary and effective dedication even though Sri Lanka has achieved progress in poverty reduction within the country and impressive progress as compared to South Asian countries. Nevertheless, the empirical study and new models created by author has given new insights to the researchers and policy makers in regard to SMEs and poverty.Ústav ekonomieobhájen

Smart Distributed Processing Technologies For Hedge Fund Management

Distributed processing cluster design using commodity hardware and software has proven to be a technological breakthrough in the field of parallel and distributed computing. The research presented herein is the original investigation on distributed processing using hybrid processing clusters to improve the calculation efficiency of the compute-intensive applications. This has opened a new frontier in affordable supercomputing that can be utilised by businesses and industries at various levels. Distributed processing that uses commodity computer clusters has become extremely popular over recent years, particularly among university research groups and research organisations. The research work discussed herein addresses a bespoke-oriented design and implementation of highly specific and different types of distributed processing clusters with applied load balancing techniques that are well suited for particular business requirements. The research was performed in four phases, which are cohesively interconnected, to find a suitable solution using a new type of distributed processing approaches. The first phase is an implementation of a bespoke-type distributed processing cluster using an existing network of workstations as a calculation cluster based on a loosely coupled distributed process system design that has improved calculation efficiency of certain legacy applications. This approach has demonstrated how to design an innovative, cost-effective, and efficient way to utilise a workstation cluster for distributed processing. The second phase is to improve the calculation efficiency of the distributed processing system; a new type of load balancing system is designed to incorporate multiple processing devices. The load balancing system incorporates hardware, software and application related parameters to assigned calculation tasks to each processing devices accordingly. Three types of load balancing methods are tested, static, dynamic and hybrid, which each of them has their own advantages, and all three of them have further improved the calculation efficiency of the distributed processing system.   The third phase is to facilitate the company to improve the batch processing application calculation time, and two separate dedicated calculation clusters are built using small form factor (SFF) computers and PCs as separate peer-to-peer (P2P) network based calculation clusters. Multiple batch processing applications were tested on theses clusters, and the results have shown consistent calculation time improvement across all the applications tested. In addition, dedicated clusters are built using SFF computers with reduced power consumption, small cluster size, and comparatively low cost to suit particular business needs. The fourth phase incorporates all the processing devices available in the company as a hybrid calculation cluster utilises various type of servers, workstations, and SFF computers to form a high-throughput distributed processing system that consolidates multiple calculations clusters. These clusters can be utilised as multiple mutually exclusive multiple clusters or combined as a single cluster depending on the applications used. The test results show considerable calculation time improvements by using consolidated calculation cluster in conjunction with rule-based load balancing techniques. The main design concept of the system is based on the original design that uses first principle methods and utilises existing LAN and separate P2P network infrastructures, hardware, and software. Tests and investigations conducted show promising results where the company’s legacy applications can be modified and implemented with different types of distributed processing clusters to achieve calculation and processing efficiency for various applications within the company. The test results have confirmed the expected calculation time improvements in controlled environments and show that it is feasible to design and develop a bespoke-type dedicated distributed processing cluster using existing hardware, software, and low-cost SFF computers. Furthermore, a combination of bespoke distributed processing system with appropriate load balancing algorithms has shown considerable calculation time improvements for various legacy and bespoke applications. Hence, the bespoke design is better suited to provide a solution for the calculation of time improvements for critical problems currently faced by the sponsoring company

Biologics and cardiovascular events in inflammatory arthritis: a prospective national cohort study

Published online: 07 August 2018BACKGROUND: Inflammatory arthritides including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This process may be driven by systemic inflammation, and the use of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors could therefore potentially reduce cardiovascular risk by reducing this inflammatory burden. The aims of this study were to evaluate whether the risk of cardiovascular events (CVEs) in patients with inflammatory arthritis is associated with treatment with anti-TNF therapy, compared with other biologics or non-biologic therapy, and to compare the CVE risk between participants with RA, PsA and AS. METHODS: Data from consecutive participants in the Australian Rheumatology Association Database with RA, PsA and AS from September 2001 to January 2015 were included in the study. The Cox proportional hazards model using the counting process with time-varying covariates tested for risk of having CVEs, defined as angina, myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, percutaneous coronary intervention, other heart disease, stroke/transient ischaemic attack or death from cardiovascular causes. The model was adjusted for age, sex, diagnosis, methotrexate use, prednisone use, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory use, smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes and functional status (Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Score). RESULTS: There were 4140 patients included in the analysis, totalling 19,627 patient-years. After multivariate adjustment, the CVE risk was reduced with anti-TNF use (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.76-0.95) or other biologic therapies (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.70-0.95), but not in those who had ceased biologic therapy (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.83-1.11). After adjustment, no significant difference in CVE risk was observed between participants with RA and PsA (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.77-1.10) or AS (HR 1.14, 95% CI 0.96-1.36). CONCLUSIONS: Current biologic use was associated with a reduction in major CVEs. No reduction in CVE risk was seen in those who had ceased biologic therapy. After adjustment, the CVE risk was not significantly different between RA, AS or PsA.Joshua L. Lee, Premarani Sinnathurai, Rachelle Buchbinder, Catherine Hill, Marissa Lassere and Lyn Marc

The OMERACT emerging leaders program: The good, the bad, and the future

The Journal of Rheumatology Copyright © 2019. All rights reserved. Objective. To describe the experience of the first OMERACT Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). Methods. A Delphi process identified positive aspects, areas for improvement, and future directions. Core items were defined as essential if they received ≥ 70% ratings. Results. Participants valued relatable/accessible mentors (100%), including an OMERACT Executive mentor (100%), and a support network of peers (90%). Key items for future development were funding support (100%) and developing knowledge about OMERACT processes (90%) and politics (80%). Conclusion. The ELP has the potential to provide targeted training for early career researchers to develop relevant skills for future leadership roles within OMERACT

Navigating the Path of Progress:the OMERACT 2023 Emerging Leaders Program

OBJECTIVES: The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT) Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) aims to cultivate a cohort of skilled leaders within the OMERACT community empowering them with expertise and knowledge to help shape and steer the organization into the future. This publication highlights the significance of the ELP in driving leadership excellence, its impact on OMERACT's evolution, and the outcomes and learnings from the OMERACT 2023 ELP.METHODS: Insights from the 2018 ELP report informed 2023 program improvements. Engagement was measured by attendance and WhatsApp interactions. Positive program aspects, areas for improvement and ideas for enhancing future ELPs were captured via anonymous survey and participant focus groups.RESULTS: Engagement with the ELP was high with 9 participants, 96 % attendance at all workshops, 154 WhatsApp interactions. All program components were highly rated, with the highest being the 'Psychological Safety' and 'Methodology/Process/Politics' workshops. Future enhancements included creating further networking, connection and support activities, practical leadership and methodological skill development opportunities, and a new stream focussing on organisational advancement.CONCLUSIONS: The 2023 OMERACT ELP was well received and successfully addressed areas previously identified as requiring improvement. New educational enhancements were valued, and the importance of fostering psychological safety at all levels was highlighted. The ELP fortifies OMERACT by nurturing a diverse array of skilled leaders who embody OMERACTs core values. Continuing to refine and evolve the ELP over time will help OMERACT sustain its global influence in patient-centered outcome research.</p

Mortality estimates and excess mortality in rheumatoid arthritis

Advance access publication 15 March 2023. OnlinePublObjectives: To determine long-term (20 year) survival in RA patients enrolled in the Australian Rheumatology Association Database (ARAD). Methods: ARAD patients with RA and data linkage consent who were diagnosed from 1995 onwards were included. Death data were obtained through linkage to the Australian National Death Index. Results were compared with age-, gender- and calendar year–matched Australian population mortality rates. Analysis included both the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and relative survival models. Restricted mean survival time (RMST) at 20 years was calculated as a measure of life lost. Cause-specific SMRs (CS-SMRs) were estimated for International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision cause of death classifications. Results: A total of 1895 RA patients were included; 74% were female, baseline median age 50 years (interquartile range 41–58), with 204 deaths. There was no increase in mortality over the first 10 years of follow up, but at 20 years the SMR was 1.49 (95% CI 1.30, 1.71) and the relative survival was 94% (95% CI 91, 97). The difference between observed (18.41 years) and expected (18.68 years) RMST was 4 months. Respiratory conditions were an important underlying cause of death in RA, primarily attributable to pneumonia [CS-SMR 5.2 (95% CI 2.3, 10.3)] and interstitial lung disease [CS-SMR 7.6 (95% CI 3.0, 14.7)], however, coronary heart disease [CS-SMR 0.82 (95% CI 0.42, 1.4)] and neoplasms [CS-SMR 1.2 (95% CI 0.89, 1.5)] were not. Conclusion: Mortality risk in this RA cohort accrues over time and is moderately increased at 20 years of follow-up. Respiratory diseases may have supplanted cardiovascular diseases as a major contributor to this mortality gap.Rachel J. Black, Susan Lester, Joanna Tieu, Premarani Sinnathurai, Claire Barrett, Rachelle Buchbinder, Marissa Lassere, Lyn March, Susanna M. Proudman, Catherine L. Hil

Vaccination Rates, Perceptions, and Information Sources Used by People With Inflammatory Arthritis

Objective. To determine vaccination rates, perceptions, and information sources in people with inflammatory arthritis. Methods. Participants enrolled in the Australian Rheumatology Association Database were invited to participate in an online questionnaire, conducted in January 2020, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Included questions were about vaccination history, modified World Health Organization Vaccination Hesitancy Scale, views of the information sources consulted, the Beliefs About Medicines Questionnaire, education, and the Single-Item Health Literacy Screener. Results. Response rate was 994 of 1498 (66%). The median age of participants was 62 years, with 67% female. Self-reported adherence was 83% for the influenza vaccine. Participants generally expressed positive vaccination views, particularly regarding safety, efficacy, and access. However, only 43% knew which vaccines were recommended for them. Vaccine hesitancy was primarily attributable to uncertainty and a perceived lack of information about which vaccines were recommended. Participants consulted multiple vaccination information sources (median 3, interquartile range 2-7). General practitioners (89%) and rheumatologists (76%) were the most frequently used information sources and were most likely to yield positive views. Negative views of vaccination were most often from internet chatrooms, social media, and mainstream media. Factors of younger age, male gender, and having more concerns about the harms and overuse of medicines in general were associated with lower adherence and greater uncertainty about vaccinations, whereas education and self-reported literacy were not. Conclusion. Participants with inflammatory arthritis generally held positive views about vaccination, although there was considerable uncertainty as to which vaccinations were recommended for them. This study highlights the need for improved consumer information about vaccination recommendations for people with inflammatory arthritis.Andrea Lyon, Alannah Quinlivan, Susan Lester, Claire Barrett, Samuel L. Whittle, Debra Rowett, Rachel Black, Premarani Sinnathurai, Lyn March, Rachelle Buchbinder, and Catherine L. Hil

Attitudes of Australians with inflammatory arthritis to biologic therapy and biosimilars

Advance access publication 10 November 2022Objectives: To investigate the knowledge and beliefs of Australian patients with inflammatory arthritis regarding biologic/targeted synthetic DMARDs (b/tsDMARDs) and biosimilars and their sources of information. Methods: Participants enrolled in the Australian Rheumatology Association Database (ARAD) with RA, PsA and axial SpA were sent an online survey. They were asked about information sources for b/tsDMARDs and how positive or negative this information was. The Beliefs about Medicine Questionnaire (BMQ) was used to measure beliefs about b/tsDMARDs with scores ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Participants were asked about their knowledge of biosimilars and willingness to switch to biosimilar. Results: There was a response rate of 66% (994/1498; 67% female, median age 62 years). Participants currently taking b/tsDMARDs (n¼794) had a high b/tsDMARD-specific BMQ ‘necessity’ score fmedian 4.2 [interquartile range (IQR) 3.6–4.8]g, with a lower specific ‘concerns’ score [median 2.4 (IQR 2.0– 3.0)]. Participants consulted multiple information sources [median 3 (IQR 2–5)]. Positive sources were rheumatologists and educational websites and negative were chat rooms and social media. Only 18% were familiar with biosimilars, with half knowing of availability in Australia. Following a short paragraph describing biosimilars, 75% (744) of participants indicated they would consider switching if recommended by their rheumatologist, with nearly half identifying safety and efficacy of biosimilars as an important concern. Conclusion: Australian patients have positive attitudes towards b/tsDMARDs overall, although little knowledge of biosimilars specifically. They have a high degree of trust in their rheumatologist regarding treatment decisions, even if they are unfamiliar with the medication recommended.Alannah Quinlivan, Susan Lester, Claire Barrett, Samuel Whittle, Debra Rowett, Rachel Black, Vibhasha Chand, Franca Marine, Lyn March, Premarani Sinnathurai, Rachelle Buchbinder and Catherine Hil