Showing papers by "Center for Global Development published in 2019"
28 Jun 2019
TL;DR: The authors assesses the likelihood of debt problems in the 68 countries identified as potential BRI borrowers and concludes that eight countries are at particular risk of debt distress based on an identified pipeline of project lending associated with BRI.
Abstract: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) hopes to deliver trillions of dollars in infrastructure financing to Asia, Europe, and Africa. If the initiative follows Chinese practices to date for infrastructure financing, which often entail lending to sovereign borrowers, then BRI raises the risk of debt distress in some borrower countries. This paper assesses the likelihood of debt problems in the 68 countries identified as potential BRI borrowers. We conclude that eight countries are at particular risk of debt distress based on an identified pipeline of project lending associated with BRI. Because this indebtedness also suggests a higher concentration in debt owed to official and quasi-official Chinese creditors, we examine Chinese policies and practices related to sustainable financing and the management of debt problems in borrower countries. Based on this evidence, we offer recommendations to improve Chinese policy in these areas. The recommendations are offered to Chinese policymakers directly, as well as to BRI’s bilateral and multilateral partners, including the IMF and World Bank.
251 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate whether foreign aid from China is prone to political capture in aid-receiving countries and examine whether more Chinese aid is allocated to the birth regions of political leaders, controlling for indicators of need and various fixed effects.
199 citations
07 May 2019
TL;DR: In this paper, the impacts of community-based forest management in Nepal were investigated using a large longitudinal dataset that integrates national census-based poverty measures with high-resolution forest cover change data and near-complete information on Nepal's >18,000 community forests.
Abstract: Since the 1980’s, decentralized forest management has been promoted as a way to enhance sustainable forest use and reduce rural poverty. Rural communities manage increasing amounts of the world’s forests, yet rigorous evidence using large-N data on whether community-based forest management (CFM) can jointly reduce both deforestation and poverty remains scarce. We estimate the impacts of CFM using a large longitudinal dataset that integrates national census-based poverty measures with high-resolution forest cover change data, and near-complete information on Nepal’s >18,000 community forests. We compare changes in forest cover and poverty from 2000–2012 for subdistricts with or without CFM arrangements, but that are otherwise similar in terms of socioeconomic and biophysical baseline measures. Our results indicate that CFM has, on average, contributed to significant net reductions in both poverty and deforestation across Nepal, and that CFM increases the likelihood of win–win outcomes. We also find that the estimated reduced deforestation impacts of community forests are lower where baseline poverty levels are high, and greater where community forests are larger and have existed longer. These results indicate that greater benefits may result from longer-term investments and larger areas committed to CFM, but that community forests established in poorer areas may require additional support to minimize tradeoffs between socioeconomic and environmental outcomes. Rural communities manage much of the world’s forests, but the effects on both landscapes and people are still unclear. This study estimates the impacts of such community-based forest management in Nepal from 2000–2012 and finds significant net reductions in both deforestation and poverty.
114 citations
Radboud University Nijmegen1, University of Genoa2, University of Alabama at Birmingham3, Georgia Regents University4, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston5, University Health Network6, Wayne State University7, University of Strasbourg8, Sheba Medical Center9, Khon Kaen University10, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven11, Ghent University Hospital12, Center for Global Development13, University of California, Davis14
TL;DR: This study did not demonstrate non-inferiority of isavuconazole to caspofungin for primary treatment of invasive candidiasis, and secondary endpoints were similar between both groups.
Abstract: Background Isavuconazole was compared to caspofungin followed by oral voriconazole in a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, multinational clinical trial for the primary treatment of patients with candidemia or invasive candidiasis. Methods Adult patients were randomized 1:1 to isavuconazole (200 mg intravenous [IV] three-times-daily [TID] for 2 days, followed by 200 mg IV once-daily [OD]) or caspofungin (70 mg IV OD on day 1, followed by 50 mg IV OD [70 mg in patients > 80 kg]) for a maximum of 56 days. After day 10, patients could switch to oral isavuconazole (isavuconazole arm) or voriconazole (caspofungin arm). Primary efficacy endpoint was successful overall response at the end of IV therapy (EOIVT) in patients with proven infections who received ≥1 dose of study drug (modified-intent-to-treat [mITT] population). The pre-specified noninferiority margin was 15%. Secondary outcomes in the mITT population were successful overall response at 2 weeks after the end of treatment, all-cause mortality at days 14 and 56, and safety. Results Of 450 patients randomized, 400 comprised the mITT population. Baseline characteristics were balanced between groups. Successful overall response at EOIVT was observed in 60.3% of patients in the isavuconazole arm and 71.1% in the caspofungin arm (adjusted difference -10.8, 95% confidence interval -19.9--1.8). The secondary endpoints, all-cause mortality, and safety were similar between arms. Median time to clearance of the bloodstream was comparable between groups. Conclusions This study did not demonstrate non-inferiority of isavuconazole to caspofungin for primary treatment of invasive candidiasis. Secondary endpoints were similar between both groups. Clinical trials registration NCT00413218.
112 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reviewed some of the evidence and analyses the ways in which this neo-liberalisation of customary tenure has been transforming relations of production and how land is governed in sub-Saharan Africa.
108 citations
Center for Global Development1, Stockholm Environment Institute2, University of Waterloo3, University of British Columbia4, University of California, Santa Barbara5, McGill University6, University of Wisconsin-Madison7, National Wildlife Federation8, Rainforest Alliance9, Cornell University10, University of Los Andes11, World Resources Institute12, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais13, Kansas State University14
TL;DR: In this article, the potential effectiveness of zero-deforestation commitments at reducing deforestation within a company supply chain, regionally, and globally is evaluated by evaluating 52 companies identified by Forest 500 as having high deforestation risk.
Abstract: Zero-deforestation commitments are a type of voluntary sustainability initiative that companies adopt to signal their intention to reduce or eliminate deforestation associated with commodities that they produce, trade, and/or sell. Because each company defines its own zero-deforestation commitment goals and implementation mechanisms, commitment content varies widely. This creates challenges for the assessment of commitment implementation or effectiveness. Here, we develop criteria to assess the potential effectiveness of zero-deforestation commitments at reducing deforestation within a company supply chain, regionally, and globally. We apply these criteria to evaluate 52 zero-deforestation commitments made by companies identified by Forest 500 as having high deforestation risk. While our assessment indicates that existing commitments converge with several criteria for effectiveness, they fall short in a few key ways. First, they cover just a small share of the global market for deforestation-risk commodities, which means that their global impact is likely to be small. Second, biome-wide implementation is only achieved in the Brazilian Amazon. Outside this region, implementation occurs mainly through certification programs, which are not adopted by all producers and lack third-party near-real time deforestation monitoring. Additionally, around half of all commitments include zero-net deforestation targets and future implementation deadlines, both of which are design elements that may reduce effectiveness. Zero-net targets allow promises of future reforestation to compensate for current forest loss, while future implementation deadlines allow for preemptive clearing. To increase the likelihood that commitments will lead to reduced deforestation across all scales, more companies should adopt zero-gross deforestation targets with immediate implementation deadlines and clear sanction-based implementation mechanisms in biomes with high risk of forest to commodity conversion.
103 citations
11 Jun 2019
TL;DR: The recent 1.5 Degree Warming Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change identifies reforestation and afforestation as important strategies to increase negative emissions, but they face significant challenges: afforestation requires an enormous amount of additional land, and neither strategy can remove sufficient carbon by growing young trees during the critical next decade(s) as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Climate change and loss of biodiversity are widely recognized as the foremost environmental challenges of our time. Forests annually sequester large quantities of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), and store carbon above and below ground for long periods of time. Intact forests – largely free from human intervention except primarily for trails and hazard removals - are the most carbon-dense and biodiverse terrestrial ecosystems, with additional benefits to society and the economy. Internationally, focus has been on preventing loss of tropical forests, yet U.S. temperate and boreal forests remove sufficient atmospheric CO2 to reduce national annual net emissions by 11%. U.S. forests have the potential for much more rapid atmospheric CO2 removal rates and biological carbon sequestration by intact and/or older forests. The recent 1.5 Degree Warming Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change identifies reforestation and afforestation as important strategies to increase negative emissions, but they face significant challenges: afforestation requires an enormous amount of additional land, and neither strategy can remove sufficient carbon by growing young trees during the critical next decade(s). In contrast, growing existing forests intact to their ecological potential – termed proforestation – is a more effective, immediate and low-cost approach that could be mobilized across suitable forests of all types. Proforestation serves the greatest public good by maximizing co-benefits such as nature-based biological carbon sequestration and unparalleled ecosystem services such as biodiversity enhancement, water and air quality, flood and erosion control, public health benefits, low impact recreation and scenic beauty.
89 citations
TL;DR: For health economic evaluations in global health, guidelines on discounting need to be adapted to take account of the different economic contexts of LMICs, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries.
Abstract: Choices on discount rates have important implications for the outcomes of economic evaluations of health interventions and policies. In global health, such evaluations typically apply a discount rate of 3% for health outcomes and costs, mirroring guidance developed for high-income countries, notably the USA. The article investigates the suitability of these guidelines for global health [i.e. with a focus on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)] and seeks to identify best practice. Our analysis builds on an overview of the academic literature on discounting in health evaluations, existing academic or government-related guidelines on discounting, a review on discount rates applied in economic evaluations in global health, and cross-country macroeconomic data. The social discount rate generally applied in global health of 3% annually is inconsistent with rates of economic growth experienced outside the most advanced economies. For low- and lower-middle-income countries, a discount rate of at least 5% is more appropriate, and one around 4% for upper-middle-income countries. Alternative approaches-e.g. motivated by the returns to alternative investments or by the cost of financing-could usefully be applied, dependent on policy context. The current practise could lead to systematic bias towards over-valuing the future costs and health benefits of interventions. For health economic evaluations in global health, guidelines on discounting need to be adapted to take account of the different economic contexts of LMICs.
84 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a political settlement approach is used to examine the political effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in developing countries, using the Zambian metals mining sector as a case study.
79 citations
University of Bern1, University of Copenhagen2, Royal Scientific Society3, University of the West Indies4, Cornell University5, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research6, Center for Global Development7, Kaunas University of Technology8, Université catholique de Louvain9, Finnish Environment Institute10
TL;DR: In this paper, researchers, practitioners, decision makers, funders and civil society should work together to achieve universally accessible and mutually beneficial sustainability science, which is not enough to guide the societal transformations necessary to achieve the 2030 Agenda.
Abstract: Dominant research modes are not enough to guide the societal transformations necessary to achieve the 2030 Agenda. Researchers, practitioners, decision makers, funders and civil society should work together to achieve universally accessible and mutually beneficial sustainability science.
79 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a typology of the new generation of national development plans and explore the ways in which the new national development planning and the SDGs may interact.
TL;DR: An analysis of global soya-bean production forecasts massive deforestation in Brazil — stakeholders must act fast to prevent it, warn Richard Fuchs and colleagues.
Abstract: An analysis of global soya-bean production forecasts massive deforestation in Brazil — stakeholders must act fast to prevent it, warn Richard Fuchs and colleagues. An analysis of global soya-bean production forecasts massive deforestation in Brazil — stakeholders must act fast to prevent it, warn Richard Fuchs and colleagues.
University of California, Los Angeles1, University of Milan2, Paracelsus Private Medical University of Salzburg3, University of Hamburg4, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University5, Netherlands Cancer Institute6, Harvard University7, Novartis8, Center for Global Development9, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center10
TL;DR: D + T demonstrated promising efficacy in pts with BTC, with a favorable safety profile, and D + T should be considered for pts with BRAF V600E-mutated BTC in the ROAR basket trial.
Abstract: 187Background: BTCs are rare, aggressive malignancies with poor prognoses. Treatment options and outcomes after first-line therapy are not well defined. Median progression-free survival (PFS) in se...
Vanderbilt University1, Innsbruck Medical University2, Medical University of Vienna3, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg4, European Institute of Oncology5, Johns Hopkins University6, Harvard University7, University of California, Los Angeles8, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center9, Texas Oncology10, Novartis11, Center for Global Development12
TL;DR: In contrast to initial results in advanced/metastatic disease, addition of alpelisib to 24-week neoadjuvant letrozole treatment did not improve response in patients with HR+ early breast cancer.
Abstract: Purpose: Addition of alpelisib to fulvestrant significantly extended progression-free survival in PIK3CA-mutant, hormone receptor-positive (HR+) advanced/metastatic breast cancer in the phase III SOLAR-1 study. The combination of alpelisib and letrozole also had promising activity in phase I studies of HR+ advanced/metastatic breast cancer. NEO-ORB aimed to determine if addition of alpelisib to letrozole could increase response rates in the neoadjuvant setting.
Experimental Design: Postmenopausal women with HR+, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, T1c-T3 breast cancer were assigned to the PIK3CA-wild-type or PIK3CA-mutant cohort according to their tumor PIK3CA status, and randomized (1:1) to 2.5 mg/day letrozole with 300 mg/day alpelisib or placebo for 24 weeks. Primary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR) and pathologic complete response (pCR) rate for both PIK3CA cohorts.
Results: In total, 257 patients were assigned to letrozole plus alpelisib (131 patients) or placebo (126 patients). Grade ≥3 adverse events (≥5% patients) in the alpelisib arm were hyperglycemia (27%), rash (12%), and maculo-papular rash (8%). The primary objective was not met; ORR in the alpelisib vs. placebo arm was 43% vs. 45% and 63% vs. 61% in the PIK3CA-mutant and -wild-type cohorts, respectively. pCR rates were low in all groups. Decreases in Ki-67 were similar across treatment arms and cohorts. In PIK3CA-mutant tumors, alpelisib plus letrozole treatment induced a greater decrease in phosphorylated AKT vs. placebo plus letrozole.
Conclusions: In contrast to initial results in advanced/metastatic disease, addition of alpelisib to 24-week neoadjuvant letrozole treatment did not improve response in patients with HR+ early breast cancer.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors synthesize shifting geographies of development across economic, social and environmental dimensions, and consider their implications for the "where" of development, arguing for the need, now more than ever, to go beyond international development considered as rich North/poor South, and to move towards a more holistic global development.
Abstract: Recent claims of 21st century global convergence and the ‘rise of the South’ suggest a profound and ongoing redrawing of the global map of development and inequality. This article synthesizes shifting geographies of development across economic, social and environmental dimensions, and considers their implications for the ‘where’ of development. Some convergence in aggregate development indicators for the global North and South during this century challenge, now more than ever, the North–South binary underlying international development. Yet convergence claims do not adequately capture change in a world where development inequalities are profound. Between-country inequalities remain vast, while within-country inequalities are growing in many cases. Particular attention is given here to exploring the implications of such shifting geographies, and what those mean for the spatial nomenclature and reference of development. This article concludes by arguing for the need, now more than ever, to go beyond international development considered as rich North/poor South, and to move towards a more holistic global development — where the global South remains a key, although not exclusive, focus.
TL;DR: The Second Warning to Humanity provides a clarion call for wetland researchers and practitioners given the loss and degradation of wetlands, the declining availability of fresh water, and the likely consequences of climate change as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The Second Warning to Humanity provides a clarion call for wetland researchers and practitioners given the loss and degradation of wetlands, the declining availability of fresh water, and the likely consequences of climate change. A coordinated response and approach to policies has the potential to prevent further degradation and support resilient wetlands that can provide a range of ecosystem services, including buffering wetlands from climate impacts, and avoiding major climate amplification from temperature-induced release of additional carbon dioxide and methane while addressing the causes and consequences of global climate change. The Warning to Humanity also provides an opportunity for organisations such as the Society of Wetland Scientists to raise the profile of wetlands and to initiate a discussion on how to respond and change direction from the destructive development trajectory that led to wetland loss and degradation. It also provides a signal for a reappraisal of the effectiveness of the implementation of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands as an international mechanism for ensuring the sustainability of wetlands.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors survey the small academic literature on the politics of education reform as well as a wide range of empirical research on reform experiences across the world, with an emphasis on recent reforms in Latin America.
TL;DR: The role of data within international development is rapidly expanding as mentioned in this paper, however, the recency of this phenomenon means analysis has been lagging; particularly, analysis of broader impacts of real-world events.
Abstract: The role of data within international development is rapidly expanding. However, the recency of this phenomenon means analysis has been lagging; particularly, analysis of broader impacts of real-wo...
TL;DR: Higher levels of anticholinergic burden are associated with higher rates of falls and fractures, highlighting the importance of considering anticholergic burden when treating patients with OAB.
Abstract: Objective To estimate the association between cumulative anticholinergic burden and falls and fractures in patients with overactive bladder (OAB). Design A retrospective claims-based study (2007–2015) of patients with OAB; outcomes from a subset were contrasted to a non-OAB comparison. Setting United States, commercially and Medicare-insured population. Participants 154 432 adults with OAB and 86 966 adults without OAB, mean age of 56 years, and 67.9% women. Main outcome measures Cumulative anticholinergic burden, a unitless value representing exposure over time, was estimated over the 12 months pre-index (‘at baseline’) and every 6 months post index. Burden was categorised as no burden (0), low burden (1–89), medium burden (90–499) or high burden (500+). Unadjusted rates of falls or fractures were estimated, and the increased risk associated with anticholinergic burden (measured at the closest 6-month interval prior to a fall or fracture) was assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model and a marginal structural model. Results Median (IQR) baseline anticholinergic burden was 30 (0.0–314.0) and higher among older (≥65 years, 183 [3.0–713.0]) versus younger ( Conclusion Higher levels of anticholinergic burden are associated with higher rates of falls and fractures, highlighting the importance of considering anticholinergic burden when treating patients with OAB.
Book•
23 May 2019TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine how gendered patterns of work have changed and explore the extent to which global retail opens up new channels to leverage more gender-equitable gains in sourcing countries.
Abstract: This book focuses on the changing gender patterns of work in a global retail environment associated with the rise of contemporary retail and global sourcing. This has affected the working lives of hundreds of millions of workers in high-, middle- and low-income countries. The growth of contemporary retail has been driven by the commercialised production of many goods previously produced unpaid by women within the home. Sourcing is now largely undertaken through global value chains in low- or middle-income economies, using a 'cheap' feminised labour force to produce low-price goods. As women have been drawn into the labour force, households are increasingly dependent on the purchase of food and consumer goods, blurring the boundaries between paid and unpaid work. This book examines how gendered patterns of work have changed and explores the extent to which global retail opens up new channels to leverage more gender-equitable gains in sourcing countries.
TL;DR: AMG 337 showed antitumor activity in MET-amplified G/GEJ/E adenocarcinoma but not in MET’s non–small-cell lung cancer.
Abstract: Purpose: MET gene amplification is associated with poor prognosis in gastric/gastroesophageal junction/esophageal (G/GEJ/E) cancers. We determined antitumor activity, safety, and pharmacokinetics of the small-molecule MET inhibitor AMG 337 in MET-amplified G/GEJ/E adenocarcinoma or other solid tumors. Patients and Methods: In this phase II, single-arm study, adults with MET-amplified G/GEJ/E adenocarcinoma (cohort 1) or other MET-amplified solid tumors (cohort 2) received AMG 337 300 mg/day orally in 28-day cycles. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR; cohort 1). Secondary endpoints included ORR (cohort 2), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Results: Of 2101 patients screened for MET amplification, 132 were MET-amplified and 60 were enrolled: 45 in cohort 1, and 15 in cohort 2. Fifty-six patients (97%) had metastatic disease; 57 had prior lines of therapy (1 prior line, 29%; ≥2 prior lines, 69%). A protocol-permitted review showed efficacy that was lower-than-expected based on preliminary data from a first-in-human study, and enrollment was stopped. Fifty-eight patients received ≥1 AMG 337 dose. ORR in cohort 1 was 18% (8 partial responses). No responses were observed in cohort 2. Of 54 evaluable patients, median (95% CI) PFS and OS were 3.4 (2.2–5.0) and 7.9 (4.8–10.9) months, respectively. The most frequent adverse events (AEs) were headache (60%), nausea (38%), vomiting (38%), and abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and peripheral edema (33% each); 71% had grade ≥3 AEs and 59% had serious AEs. Conclusions: AMG 337 showed antitumor activity in MET-amplified G/GEJ/E adenocarcinoma but not in MET-amplified non–small-cell lung cancer. See related commentary by Ma, p. 2375
TL;DR: In this article, a rigorous approach using over onemillion observations from forest inventory data and a regionally calibrated life-cycle assessment for calculating cradle-to-grave forest sector emissions and sequestration is described.
Abstract: Atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs)must be reduced to avoid an unsustainable climate. Because carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and sequestered in forests andwood products, mitigation strategies to sustain and increase forest carbon sequestration are being developed. These strategies require full accounting of forest sectorGHGbudgets. Here, we describe a rigorous approach using over onemillion observations from forest inventory data and a regionally calibrated life-cycle assessment for calculating cradle-to-grave forest sector emissions and sequestration.We find that WesternUS forests are net sinks because there is a positive net balance of forest carbon uptake exceeding losses due to harvesting, wood product use, and combustion bywildfire.However, over 100 years ofwood product usage is reducing the potential annual sink by an average of 21%, suggesting forest carbon storage can becomemore effective in climatemitigation through reduction in harvest, longer rotations, ormore efficient wood product usage. Of the∼10 700millionmetric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents removed fromwest coast forests since 1900, 81%of it has been returned to the atmosphere or deposited in landfills.Moreover, state and federal reporting have erroneously excluded some product-related emissions, resulting in 25%–55%underestimation of state total CO2 emissions. For states seeking to reachGHG reductionmandates by 2030, it is important that state CO2 budgets are effectively determined or claimed reductions will be insufficient tomitigate climate change.
10 Oct 2019
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors highlight four roles of the state within GVCs: as facilitator, regulator, producer and buyer, and outline key issues on the research agenda in relation to each role.
Abstract: While understanding the influence of private governance through global lead firms has been a defining feature of global value chain (GVC) analysis, the state has often been implicitly observed as part of the broader institutional context shaping GVCs. More recently, however, the state-GVC nexus has attracted more explicit attention. Drawing on insights from GVC research, the chapter highlights four roles of the state within GVCs: as facilitator, regulator, producer and buyer - and outlines key issues on the research agenda in relation to each role. While the facilitator role has received considerable attention and the regulator role is a growing focus, those of producer and buyer are relatively underexplored. The chapter concludes that the contemporary reformulation of economic globalization means the state-GVC nexus is, and will continue to be, especially significant in shaping development outcomes.
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of 270 educational interventions from 177 studies in 54 low and middle-income countries and identifies their impacts on girls, regardless of whether the interventions specifically target girls.
Abstract: Despite dramatic global gains in access to education, 130 million girls of school age remain out of school. Among those who do enter, too many do not gain the essential skills to succeed after they complete their schooling. Previous efforts to synthesize evidence on how to improve educational outcomes for girls have tended to focus on interventions that are principally targeted to girls, such as girls' latrines or girls' scholarships. But if general, non-targeted interventions -- those that benefit both girls and boys -- significantly improve girls' education, then focusing only on girl-targeted interventions may miss some of the best investments for improving educational opportunities for girls in absolute terms. This review brings together evidence from 270 educational interventions from 177 studies in 54 low- and middle-income countries and identifies their impacts on girls, regardless of whether the interventions specifically target girls. The review finds that to improve access and learning, general interventions deliver gains for girls that are comparable to girl-targeted interventions. At the same time, many more general interventions have been tested, providing a broader menu of options for policy makers. General interventions have similar impacts for girls as for boys. Many of the most effective interventions to improve access for girls are household-based (such as cash transfer programs), and many of the most effective interventions to improve learning for girls involve improving the pedagogy of teachers. Girl-targeted interventions may make the most sense when addressing constraints that are unique to girls.
TL;DR: In 2012, construction began on the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor in northern Kenya as mentioned in this paper, which will connect Kenya, South Sudan and Ethiopia with a new tran...
Abstract: In 2012, construction began on the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor in northern Kenya. Once complete, LAPSSET will connect Kenya, South Sudan and Ethiopia with a new tran...
TL;DR: A typology of ways in which health system strengthening can improve the economic efficiency of health services is presented and a conceptual framework for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of investments in strengthening healthcare systems is provided.
TL;DR: A multicenter, open-label, phase 1b clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of venetoclax in combination with gilteritinib for patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) AML, with key efficacy results shown in the Table.
10 Oct 2019
TL;DR: In this article, the potential upgrading trajectories for firms engaged in global value chains (GVCs) to effectively reduce the impacts on the environment of all activities linked to their products, and the major drivers of these investments are reviewed.
Abstract: Responding to stakeholder pressure, firms are increasingly challenged to reduce their environmental impacts. This chapter reviews the potential upgrading trajectories for firms engaged in global value chains (GVCs) to effectively reduce the impacts on the environment of all activities linked to their products - not just those that are carried out in house - and the major drivers of these investments. We also examine the role of global lead firms in fostering the greening of GVCs and the different governing approaches that they have adopted. Furthermore, we look at different forms of supplier agency in these processes, both in the Global North and the Global South. Finally, we identify the key challenges related to the reduction of environmental impacts along GVCs and discuss limits and opportunities for the joint achievement of economic and environmental outcomes.
TL;DR: This article used a modified dialogic reading training program that used culturally and linguistically appropriate books adapted for a low-literacy population to increase cognitive stimulation by parents and improve emergent literacy skills in children.
TL;DR: Support is found for a commonly used benchmark of 50% of after-tax wages for time changes in activities in the informal sector, such as collecting water or traveling to health clinics.
Abstract: Valuing changes in time use is often a critical element of economic analyses of development projects. In this paper we review the literature on the monetary value of time in low- and middle-income countries and find support for a commonly used benchmark of 50% of after-tax wages for time changes in activities in the informal sector, such as collecting water or traveling to health clinics. We offer recommendations to analysts who are conducting benefit-cost analyses in these settings about what methods they can use to estimate the value of time. These include a benefits transfer approach and also a relatively simple stated preference approach that might be deployed in a specific context if the project recommendation is sensitive to the assumption of the value of time or if the distribution of the benefits of time savings is especially important.