Review of Applied Socio-Economic Research

Not Just More Money: How Financial Behavior Converts Self-Efficacy and Side Incomes into Well-Being

Rheza Pratana, Sumiati, Nur Khusniyah Indrawati — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0300

This study aims to examine how financial self-efficacy (FSE) and multiple income sources (MIS) shape financial well-being (FWB) of university lecturers by clarifying the behavioral mechanism that converts confidence and diversified earnings into sustained outcomes. A quantitative explanatory design was implemented using a hybrid survey administered face-to-face and through Google Forms to lecturers at Indonesian public universities. Measurement and structural relationships were assessed with Structural Equation Modeling using Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS), alongside reliability/validity checks and mediation testing. Financial self-efficacy consistently predicted more disciplined financial behavior (FB). Multiple income sources had a positive but comparatively smaller influence. Consequently, financial behavior strongly explained financial well-being, mediating the effects of both self-efficacy and multiple income sources. Robustness checks showed minimal common method bias and satisfactory predictive relevance for the model. This study advanced a mechanism-focused account of lecturers’ financial well-being by integrating social cognitive, portfolio diversification, and capability perspectives, positioning financial behavior as the micro-foundation that orchestrated agency and resources. The results informed higher-education policy by showing how allowances and income diversification become more effective when paired with interventions strengthening financial confidence and fostering disciplined financial practices.

COVID-19, Cause-Specific Mortality, and Life Expectancy Decomposition: Evidence from the USA and France

Cinzia Di Palo, Anna Maria Palazzo , Augusto Pianese — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0300

This paper examines post-pandemic trends in life expectancy and cause-specific mortality using a decomposition framework based on three indicators: the average mortality improvement rate and life disparity (combined in the Level 1 term), and their covariance term (Level 2). Drawing on official mortality data from the Human Mortality Database and the Human Cause-of-Death Database, we quantify the contributions of major disease groups, including a separate COVID-19 category, to annual changes in life expectancy during the recovery phase (2020–2022) in the USA and France, distinguishing between Level 1 and Level 2 components. We additionally compare post-pandemic patterns with pre-pandemic mortality dynamics (2015–2019). This contrast highlights how the recovery in 2020–2022 is primarily driven by declining COVID-19 mortality, whereas several non-COVID causes continue to perform worse than before the pandemic. Results show that cardiovascular diseases and malignant neoplasms make substantial but heterogeneous contributions across the two countries, while COVID-19 and other respiratory causes are key drivers of post-pandemic trajectories. Positive Level 1 contributions from circulatory causes and neoplasms reflect survival gains at ages with high remaining life expectancy. In contrast, negative covariance terms for respiratory diseases in the USA indicate mortality reductions concentrated at older ages, tempering their overall impact. In France, several non-COVID-19 groups, notably those related to circulatory, respiratory, and digestive diseases, continue to exert downward pressure on life expectancy, limiting the rebound. Malignant neoplasms yield moderate and consistent gains in both countries, whereas digestive diseases and external causes show heterogeneous and sometimes adverse patterns. Our extension of the Vaupel and Canudas-Romo framework, which considers the cause-specific decomposition, disentangles structural intensity from age-compositional effects in mortality change, clarifying how specific causes of death either accelerate or delay the recovery of life expectancy.

The Beta–Pareto Distribution and Its Impact on the Socio–Economic Environment

Badreddine Boumaraf, Halim Zeghdoudi — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0300

The Beta–Pareto distribution is a flexible model for heavy–tailed data of the kind
often seen in socio–economic studies, finance, insurance, and reliability. In this paper
we study the distribution from both a theoretical and an inferential point of view.
We summarize its main properties, including a convenient stochastic representation,
the quantile function, moments, tail behavior, hazard rate features, and Shannon
entropy. We also derive explicit expressions for common inequality tools, notably
the Lorenz curve and the Gini coefficient.
For inference, we develop maximum likelihood estimation for both complete sam-
ples and right–censored data, and we discuss the large–sample behavior of the result-
ing estimators. We then compare two standard optimization strategies—Newton–
Raphson and conjugate gradient—focusing on convergence and numerical stability.
A Monte Carlo study explores how the estimators behave in heavy–tailed settings
that resemble income data.
Finally, we apply the model to income and insurance datasets. Using information
criteria and goodness–of–fit diagnostics, we show that the Beta–Pareto distribution
captures upper–tail concentration and inequality patterns more effectively than sev-
eral classical Pareto–type alternatives. Overall, the results suggest that the Beta–
Pareto model is both interpretable and practically useful, with conjugate gradient
methods providing reliable estimation in our experiments.

Exploring the Phenomenon of Live Streaming Commerce and Impulsive Buying: A Decade of Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 21:47:15 +0300

Live streaming commerce (LSC) has emerged as an innovative form of digital commerce that integrates live broadcasting, real-time interaction, and online transactions within a single digital ecosystem. Over the past decade, LSC has fundamentally transformed how consumers interact with products, sellers, and platforms, particularly by intensifying impulsive buying behavior. Despite the rapid growth of scholarly attention to LSC and impulsive buying, existing studies remain fragmented, employing diverse theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches without sufficient integration. This fragmentation limits a comprehensive understanding of the intellectual structure, thematic evolution, and future research directions in this field. This study aims to synthesize and systematically map the literature on live streaming commerce and impulsive buying by combining a systematic literature review (SLR) with bibliometric analysis. Data were collected from the Scopus database following the PRISMA guidelines, resulting in a final sample of 771 journal articles published between 2016 and 2025. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer to examine publication trends, country and institutional contributions, author collaboration networks, leading journal outlets, and the thematic structure of the literature based on keyword co-occurrence. The findings reveal a steady and substantial growth of research on LSC and impulsive buying, with a strong concentration of contributions from Asian countries. Thematic analysis indicates that impulsive buying is the dominant behavioral outcome, with purchase intention acting as a bridging construct, while social presence and trust emerge as key mechanisms explaining consumer responses in live streaming environments. This study contributes by providing an integrated synthesis of the literature, identifying theoretical and methodological gaps, and proposing a structured agenda for future research on live streaming commerce and digital consumer behavior.

Real Growth Impact of Energy Use In Nigeria: An Empirical Analysis 2010-2024

Eneoli Queeneth Uchenna, Ebere Ume Kalu, Wilfred Isioma Ukpere — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0300

This study examined the empirical analysis of the growth impact of energy consumption in Nigeria. The information for the data was collected from the 2023 CBN statistical bulletin, Enerdata, and the WDI database, covering the period from 2010 to 2024. Economic growth served as the dependent variable, while electricity energy consumption, petroleum energy consumption, and natural gas energy consumption were the explanatory variables. The study reveals several key findings: there is an insignificant and Adverse relationship between electricity energy usage and in Nigeria economic development. In contrast, both petroleum and natural gas energy consumption show significant and positive relationships with economic growth. Furthermore, the analysis revealed a long-term connection between energy utilization and economic growth. In light of these results, the study suggests that the Nigerian government prioritize domestic refining and value chain integration by accelerating the rehabilitation of government-owned refineries. It also suggests providing targeted support, such as tax and import waivers for equipment, to private modular and large-scale refinery projects. A core priority is to reestablish the connection between energy used and economic output, ensuring that electricity becomes a reliable and productive factor of production. To achieve this, the government should implement urgent, ring-fenced targeted capital initiatives to reduce technical, commercial, and collection losses, particularly in the distribution segment. This will stabilize the grid, increase supply reliability, and ensure that generated power reaches end-users efficiently. Furthermore, the the positive accelerating the completion of essential domestic gas pipeline projects, including the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline. long-term effects of consuming natural gas for energy should be leveraged to drive sustainable industrial growth and fuel the power sector transition, particularly by expediting the completion of critical domestic gas pipeline projects, such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline, to Guarantee a sufficient, dependable, and cost-effective gas supply to existing and planned power generation facilities. Further research is advised for updated policy recommendations.

Firsthand Experience as a Communication Process in Young Generation Agricultural Entrepreneurship

Detia Tri Yunandar, Sunarru Samsi Hariadi, Alia Bihrajihant Raya — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Farmer regeneration is a crucial challenge for the sustainability of the agricultural sector in Indonesia, with only 21.93% of national farmers aged 19-39 years. This article examines the role of direct personal experience as a communication process in shaping entrepreneurial attitudes and identities among the younger generation of farmers. Using a systematic literature review approach, this study synthesizes 47 articles from the Scopus, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Taylor & Francis, Wiley, and Sinta databases for the period 2019-2025 through the PRISMA protocol. Thematic analysis was conducted by integrating three main theories: Experiential Learning Theory (Kolb, 1984), Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura, 1986), and Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991). The results of the study show that direct experience functions as interpersonal and intrapersonal communication that builds self-efficacy, confidence, and meaning construction in agricultural entrepreneurship. Experience-based learning encourages reflective understanding, improves communication skills, and forms emotional bonds between the younger generation and agricultural values. This study proposes a conceptual model of transformational communication that places direct experience as a communication process that bridges the cognitive, affective, and conative aspects of entrepreneurial learning. This model consists of four stages: input (direct involvement), communication process (interpersonal and intrapersonal dimensions), output (positive attitudes, self-efficacy, entrepreneurial identity), and outcome (long-term commitment and sustainable innovation). These findings have theoretical implications for expanding the development communication paradigm and practical implications for the design of young farmer empowerment programs based on experiential learning and participatory communication. The study confirms the importance of an experiential transformative communication approach in shaping innovative, resilient, and sustainable young agricultural entrepreneurs.

Keywords: experiential learning, young generation, transformative communication, self-efficacy, agricultural entrepreneurship

Knowledge and Practices of Circular Agriculture among Corn Farmers for Climate Change Mitigation: Evidence from Indonesia

Zulham Sirajuddin, Asda Rauf, Karlena Arsyad, Nur Silfiah Amin — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:24:13 +0300

Implementing sustainable agricultural practices is a crucial approach that corn farmers in Gorontalo should adopt towards mitigating climate change. This study aims to determine the level of knowledge and practices of circular agriculture among corn farmers, and to identify socio-economic characteristics that correlate with their knowledge and practices of circular agriculture. A total of 300 corn farmers from eight villages in Suwawa Selatan, Indonesia, were interviewed through a questionnaire that included statements related to their knowledge and practices of circular agriculture. The results of the data statistical analysis showed that farmers exhibited a lack of knowledge regarding various aspects of circular agriculture, including the use of organic fertilizer, intercrop, minimum tillage, and crop rotation. On the other hand, farmers were found to rarely practice crop rotation, intercrop, and using organic fertilizer, despite these being crucial components of circular agriculture. Furthermore, the study identified several characteristics that were found to be correlated with farmers' knowledge and practices of circular agriculture, including education level, farm size, and participation in agricultural extension programs. Based on these findings, it is essential to strengthen agricultural extension programs to increase farmers' knowledge and practices of circular agriculture to mitigate climate change.

Self-Disclosure and Purchase Intention in Digital Marketing: A Scientometric Review of Research Trends, Themes, and Core Foundations

Ananda Sabil Hussein, Eka Wahyuli, Danu Eko Pranoto — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:58:42 +0300

This study presents a bibliometric analysis of research on self-disclosure and purchase intention published between 2016 and 2025. Using 29 documents from 23 scholarly sources, the analysis examines publication trends, citation patterns, core journals, conceptual structures, and thematic developments. The findings show a 29.15% annual growth rate, with research activity rising notably in 2021, declining in 2023–2024, and increasing again in 2025. Citation patterns reveal the strong influence of foundational interpersonal communication theories, while keyword co-occurrence networks highlight self-disclosure as a central construct linking authenticity, parasocial interaction, digital trust, and consumer behavior. Bradford’s Law indicates that the literature is dispersed across marketing, communication, psychology, and information systems. Emerging themes such as AI-mediated disclosure and virtual influencers reflect evolving digital marketing environments. This study offers the first integrated mapping of the field’s intellectual landscape, providing theoretical and practical insights for strengthening consumer engagement and purchase intention.

Determinants of Digital Technology Adoption in SMEs: A Gendered TOE Analysis Across Emerging Economies with Implications for European Policy

Andrea Seberini, Michal Mešťan, Harshana Kasseeah, Suneila Gokhool — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:00:23 +0300

The European Union's digital trade and development agenda increasingly intersects with the question of how intelligent technologies diffuse among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies. This study examines the key technological, organisational, and environmental factors that facilitate or hinder the adoption of digital and artificial intelligence technologies among SMEs across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The central research question asks what determines technology adoption in emerging-market SMEs and how gender ownership moderates these patterns and their effect on firm performance outcomes. The study employs a systematic literature review with thematic meta-synthesis, drawing on 37 peer-reviewed studies selected through a rigorous PRISMA-compliant screening process covering the period 2015-2024. The analysis is structured within the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework, complemented by the Technology Acceptance Model, the Resource-Based View, the Dynamic Capabilities View, the Diffusion of Innovation theory, and Institutional Theory. The findings reveal that perceived usefulness, infrastructure availability, management support, innovation culture, institutional quality, and cultural norms are the primary determinants of technology adoption, with gender ownership systematically shaping adoption trajectories across all contexts. Women-owned SMEs face compounding barriers including lower digital literacy, constrained access to financial capital, weaker mentorship networks, and more restrictive cultural and institutional environments. The results identify targeted digital infrastructure investment, gender-inclusive financing mechanisms, and institutional reforms as essential policy responses. By mapping how EU regulatory and financing frameworks (including the AI Act, the Global Gateway strategy, and EIB/EBRD instruments) intersect with technology adoption conditions in emerging economies, this study offers a bridge between emerging market research and European trade and development policy.

Sustainable Food Delivery Intention in App-Based Platforms

Wong Ming Wong, Salmi Mohd Isa — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:41:48 +0300

This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework to explore consumers’ intention to use sustainable food delivery services on app-based platforms. The framework integrates the Theory of Reasoned Goal Pursuit (TRGP) and the Fogg Behavior Model (FBM). The study combines literature on sustainable delivery services, environmental concern, TRGP, and FBM to establish propositions for future empirical research. The framework proposes egoistic, altruistic, and biospheric concerns as sources of motivation for sustainable food delivery choices. Motivation influences attitude, and attitude influences intention to use sustainable food delivery. Motivation is also proposed as a mediator between environmental concern dimensions and attitude. In addition, perceived capability and prompt are incorporated as app-based conditions that moderate key relationships in the decision process. TRGP is used to explain the formation of goals, motivation, attitude, and intention. FBM is used to explain the roles of perceived capability and prompts during ordering and checkout. The framework recognizes the roles of the two theories and does not position FBM constructs as a linear sequence. The study contributes to sustainable delivery research by integrating environmental concern, motivation, attitude, intention, perceived capability, and prompt into a single framework. The framework provides a basis for future empirical studies of sustainable food delivery choices in app-based platforms.