Abstract: Digital trust is increasingly crucial for successful interactions in modern digital environments. However, the existing literature lacks a unified definition and a comprehensive understanding of its core factors. This study addresses these gaps by conducting a systematic literature review to explore and synthesize existing definitions of digital trust and identify the fundamental factors that shape it. 86 relevant sources were analyzed, revealing that digital trust is typically conceptualized as confidence in people, processes, and technology aimed at ensuring a secure digital environment, with data protection and privacy playing critical roles. Through thematic analysis, “openness” emerged as an additional factor complementing previously established elements of the integrative model of organizational trust, such as ability, benevolence, and integrity. Based on 42 definitions, we developed a new holistic definition of digital trust. The authors evaluated its content validity, confirming its alignment with the essential factors shaping digital trust's essence. The findings highlight the multidimensional nature of digital trust and offer an operationalized framework for future measurement and application.

Abstract: Scholars have been paying more attention to financial inclusion, which has been positioned as a crucial component in accomplishing the majority of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals set forward by the United Nations. Investigating the effects of insurance penetration and financial inclusion on poverty in 45 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) nations between 1999 and 2023 is the goal of this study. Using the cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag (P-ARDL) method; this study concludes that poverty can be decreased through financial inclusion. It's interesting to note that insurance penetration raises poverty when financial inclusion follows. This might be because there are not many micro insurance options available in SSA nations for those with low incomes. Due to their increased likelihood of being financially illiterate and their inability to purchase the necessary smart devices and internet services, the lower-income segments are unable to enjoy the same advantages as the higher-income segments. According to the findings, financial exclusion problems may be resolved by future insurance penetration, but this must be done in a sustainable manner. Future insurance penetration should address the requirements of the underprivileged and lower-income groups, and financial inclusion should be progressively enhanced.

Abstract: The convergence of Industry 4.0 technologies and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives offers a groundbreaking opportunity to revolutionize safety culture within the manufacturing sector. This study investigates how managerial competence can harness tools such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and big data analytics in tandem with CSR principles to cultivate a sustainable and robust safety culture. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, the study draws on secondary data from case studies of prominent manufacturing firms, surveys of safety managers, and an extensive literature review spanning from 2010. The analysis, conducted through thematic and statistical techniques, reveals that the strategic integration of these domains markedly improves safety outcomes, boosts employee engagement, and enhances operational efficiency. Central to this success are practices such as real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and CSR-aligned training programs. The study concludes that managerial competence is pivotal in aligning Industry 4.0 innovations with CSR strategies, delivering not only enhanced workplace safety but also long-term sustainability and competitive advantages for manufacturing enterprises.

Abstract: This study explores how Taiwanese SMEs strategically transform resource scarcity into digital innovation advantages, particularly through digital commerce capabilities enhanced by governmental subsidies. Drawing on Resource-Based View, Open Innovation, and Dynamic Capabilities theories, a longitudinal quasi-experimental design was employed, assessing SME innovation performance pre- and post-intervention. Results from repeated measures ANOVA and regression analyses indicate significant improvement in digital technology application, e-commerce channel innovation, and market responsiveness, confirming digital commerce capabilities as critical mediators. This research uniquely contextualizes established innovation theories within Taiwan’s SME ecosystem, highlighting e-commerce as a vital pathway for resource-constrained SMEs. Practical recommendations emphasize targeted digital infrastructure investments and subsidy strategies, aligning closely with JTAER’s focus on electronic commerce theory and practice.

Abstract: This study explores the relationship between Climate Change Awareness and consumer willingness to pay for Urban Short Food Chains, focusing on the mediating role of biospheric, egoistic, and altruistic concerns. Whether driven by egoistic or altruistic motivations, the reduction of ultra-processed food consumption emerges as a key factor in consumers' willingness to pay a premium for products from urban short-food chains (USFC). The studies also show that urban residents often maintain a strong connection to the food traditions and products of their native regions, even after relocating to cities. This connection influences their food preferences and purchasing decisions, effectively bringing their "territory" with them to urban settings. This dynamic underscores the importance of promoting local, minimally processed foods, which align with these traditional preferences, while also addressing the broader environmental and social impacts of industrialised food production. By fostering these connections, urban food systems can become more sustainable, balancing cultural heritage with modern dietary needs.

Abstract: Maritime safety is a critical concern for the transport sector and remains a key challenge for the international shipping industry. Recognizing that maritime accidents pose significant risks to both safety and operational efficiency; this study explores the application of Big Data analysis techniques to understand the factors influencing Maritime Transport Accidents (MTA). Specifically, using extensive datasets derived from vessel performance measurements, environmental conditions, and accident reports, it seeks to identify the key intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to maritime accidents. The research examines more than 90 thousand incidents for the period 2014–2022.

Abstract: This study examined the influence of inward foreign direct investment (IFDI) on innovative entrepreneurship across 30 Chinese provinces and three regions (eastern, central and western). Using nine years of panel data (2010-2018) and a fixed-effects model, we demonstrate that economic institution is a pivotal link connecting IFDI and innovative entrepreneurship. Our findings reveal that marketization exerts a significant partial mediating effect in eastern China, but this mediating role is not evident in the central and western regions. These results underscore the importance of regional institutional development in maximizing the potential spillover effects of IFDI. To optimize these spillovers, China should adopt regionally differentiated strategies to enhance economic institutions, and foster the robust growth of domestic innovative entrepreneurship. This study contributes to the literature on the debate about IFDI and innovative entrepreneurship by highlighting the mediating role of economic institutions and providing policy insights for governments and enterprises.

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Balancing tourism seasonality remains a significant challenge in the management of tourist attractions. Despite existing research on the impact of seasonality from the perspectives of tourist intention cognition and spatial theory, gaps still exist in the relevant literature. This study examines 16 5A-level scenic spots in China with peak-season, flat-season, and off-season, utilizing 8,385 tourist reviews from Ctrip.com as data. The LDA topic model is employed to analyze Tourism destination image (TDI) under seasonality of destination, and the spatial levels (SL) model is combined to analyze the spatial hierarchy of these images. The findings reveal an association between TDI and the SL under seasonality of destination. For instance, peak-season TDI themes (e.g., 'viewing the scenery') exhibit a support level of 0.789, while off-season themes (e.g., 'relaxed itinerary') reach 0.682, reflecting tourists’ prioritization of functional versus psychological dimensions across seasons. The proposed TDI-SL correlation theory bridges supply-side spatial resource allocation with tourists’ perceptual dynamics, offering a novel framework to rebalance seasonal demand-supply gaps through strategic spatial planning and image recalibration. Practically, this framework guides destination managers to design season-specific strategies, such as optimizing crowd management in peak seasons or promoting immersive experiences in off-seasons.

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This study examines the influence of psychological biases on investment decision-making through the lens of behavioral finance, challenging the traditional assumption of investor rationality. By integrating psychological insights with economic principles, the research investigates how cognitive biases such as loss aversion, overconfidence, and herd behavior along with emotional factors, distort rational financial choices, leading to market inefficiencies and suboptimal outcomes. Employing a mixed-method approach, the study combines qualitative insights from interviews with financial experts and quantitative data from a survey of 398 retail investors in Jammu and Kashmir. The findings reveal the significant role these biases play in shaping risk perceptions, portfolio management, and market volatility. Furthermore, the research proposes practical strategies, including structured decision-making frameworks, professional guidance, and emerging technologies like AI, to mitigate the adverse effects of irrational behavior. By highlighting the interplay between human psychology and financial decision-making, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of investor behavior and offers actionable insights for improving investment performance in dynamic market environments.

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An identical parallel machine offline scheduling problem with rental costs and shared service costs of shared machines is studied. In machine renting, manufacturers with a certain number of identical parallel machines will incur fixed rental costs, unit variable rental costs, and shared service costs when renting the shared machines. The objective is to minimize the sum of the makespan and total sharing costs. To address this problem, an integer linear programming model is established, and several properties of the optimal solution are provided. A heuristic algorithm based on the number of rented machines is designed. Finally, numerical simulation experiments are conducted to compare the proposed heuristic algorithm with a genetic algorithm and the longest processing time (LPT) rule. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed heuristic algorithm in terms of calculation accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, the experimental findings reveal that the renting and scheduling results of the machines are influenced by various factors, such as the manufacturer’s production conditions, the characteristics of the jobs to be processed, production objectives, rental costs, and shared service costs.

Abstract:

Sustainable development purposes require strong emphasis on green food promotion as an essential component. The decision-making process of Generation X members toward green food consumption creates important effects on both personal health and environmental sustainability and social programs and economic stability. This research examines environmental self-identity and environmental values as predictors of green food consumption intentions with analysis of attitude and relevant intermediate factors include personal standards as well as perceived control over behavior. The researcher gathered data through convenience sampling from 480 Chinese Generation X participants. Statistical analysis followed the pretest to perform assessments for reliability and validity testing. Structural equation modeling (SEM) processed the data while validating confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis testing. Data analysis validates environmental values drive green food consumption intentions through their impact on green food attitudes and the reinforcement of subjective norms and perceived behavioral control which results in ecological and social benefits promoting pro-environmental choices. The research shows self-identity as an environmental entity positively affects green food consumption because it strengthens users' self-belief as eco-conscious consumers leading to intensified attitudes and subjective norms and perception of behavior control. The research enriches the TPB (theory of planned behavior) by proving that environmental attitudes respond to environmental factors including social environments along with economic capacity and living conditions to shape generation X consumers' intentions to buy green food. The results enable both policymakers and marketers to create effective strategies in green food consumption of promotion.

Abstract: This study analyses the relationship between liquidity and debt management ratios and their impact on the financial performance of South Asian airlines from 2011 to 2022. The application of GARCH and TARCH models reveals a nuanced relationship among these factors. Open money, evidenced by strong positive lagged relationships with liquidity ratios and Return on Equity (ROE), plays a crucial role in financial prosperity. Conversely, elevated debt levels, indicated by negative lagged correlations with ROE, exert a detrimental effect. A long-term equilibrium relationship between the factors highlights their interconnectedness and the stability of this dynamic. However, potential limitations such as heteroscedasticity and neglected factors indicate the need for further investigation. This study emphasises the significance of effective liquidity management and prudent debt strategies for South Asian airlines to enhance financial performance and ensure long-term sustainability. Future research may explore the differential effects among various airline types and the influence of external factors, thereby facilitating enhanced financial practices and a robust aviation sector in the region.

Abstract: Small businesses in rural America face unique challenges in expanding their market reach due to limited access to customers, infrastructure, and marketing resources. However, digital platforms have emerged as powerful tools for overcoming these barriers, offering businesses the ability to access a global customer base and implement cost-effective marketing strategies. This paper explores the role of digital platforms, such as e-commerce websites, social media, and search engine optimization (SEO), in enhancing the market reach of small businesses in rural areas. Through case studies and examples, it highlights how rural entrepreneurs have successfully leveraged these platforms to increase visibility, build customer relationships, and drive sales. Additionally, the paper discusses the barriers to adopting digital tools, including limited internet access, digital literacy, and initial setup costs, while also proposing strategies to overcome these challenges, such as government initiatives and training programs. Ultimately, this paper underscores the transformative potential of digital platforms in helping small businesses in rural America compete in an increasingly digital and globalized marketplace.

Abstract: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability have proliferated the corporate boardroom agenda and companies’ leadership teams are trying to find ways to improve their social and environmental performance and enhance their corporate governance management systems. This paper investigates the main CSR and sustainability-related standards that modern corporations use. To do so, it uses a sample of the 60 companies listed in ATHEX ESG Index. Firstly, a content analysis of those companies’ sustainability reports is conducted. The 60 companies are categorized in sectors according to the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS). The sustainability standards used by each sector are grouped into four categories namely environmental; social; governance and reporting. Furthermore, an attempt is made to establish a link between the standards used and both the sectors they belong to and the material topics of each sector as they emerge from each company’s materiality analysis. Our research shows that our sample companies predominantly utilize reporting standards regardless of their sector. We did not establish a definitive relation between the prioritized material topics and the relative standards employed by the companies. We may have recognized certain pairings such as environmental material topics with relative environmental management systems, but not in a rigid manner or across all material topic categories.

Abstract: Sustainable food consumption plays a vital role in mitigating environmental degradation and promoting social and economic wellbeing. Despite a growing interest in sustainability, significant challenges persist in consumer adoption and market integration. This study employs a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify the dominant motivations, barriers, technological advancements, and corporate initiatives that influence sustainable food consumption. The review synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed research published between 2015 and 2024, analyzing patterns across economic, geographic, and socio-behavioral contexts. The findings revealed that health concerns and environmental awareness are the primary drivers of sustainable food consumption, complemented by ethical values, taste perception, and social norms. However, economic constraints, limited product availability, a lack of awareness, and behavioral inertia significantly hinder widespread adoption. Technological advancements, including digital platforms, AI-driven food safety solutions, blockchains for traceability, and alternative proteins, present opportunities to address these challenges. Corporate initiatives such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), fair-trade programs, and eco-labeling further enhance consumer trust and accessibility. This study highlights key research gaps, including cross-cultural variations, long-term behavioral changes, and the impact of digital interventions. A multi-stakeholder approach involving academia, businesses, and policymakers is crucial for developing comprehensive strategies to facilitate the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient food system.

Abstract:

Developing nations like Bangladesh have yet to adopt hybrid electrical vehicles (EVs) for goods carrying causes, whereas environmental pollution and fuel costs are hitting hard. The electrically powered cars and trucks market promises an excellent opportunity for environmentally friendly transportation. However, these countries' inadequate infrastructure, substantial initial expenses, and insufficient policies impeding widespread acceptance hold market growth back. This paper examines the current status of the electric car market in developing nations, focusing on the infrastructure and regulatory framework-related barriers and the growth-promoting aspects. To promote an expanding hybrid and EV ecosystem, this article outlines recent studies and identifies critical regions where support for policy and infrastructural developments are needed. It discusses how developing nations may adapt successful international practices to suit their specific needs. At the same time, the research adopted system dynamics and case study methods to assess a transportation fleet and find the feasibility of adopting EVs. Several instances are improving infrastructures for recharging, providing incentives for lowering the adoption process cost and creating appropriate regulatory structures that promote corporate and consumer involvement. Findings highlight how crucial it is for governments, businesses, customers, and international bodies to collaborate with each other to build an affordable and sustainable EV network. The investigation concludes with recommendations for more research and appropriate regulations that may accelerate the adoption of EVs, reduce their adverse impacts on the environment, and promote economic growth.

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Entrepreneurship education is a key engine to equip students with the high-level skills of creativity, problem-solving and strategic decision-making to navigate the constantly evolving global economy. The current study explores the role of digital tools in enhancing entrepreneurship training, focusing on the communicative platform, the collaborative platform, the simulation platform and the gamification platform. Tools such as Moodle, Capsim, Tableau and Kahoot make experiential learning possible, connecting the abstract with the concrete. Although digital tools have a mediated impact on learning outcomes related to entrepreneurship by promoting skill development, problems with digital skills, a lack of infrastructure and a culture of resistance to change are obstacles to achieving the full playing capacity of digital tools. The liberating possibility for the potential of future technology, especially AI and VR, for providing highly personalized and immersive education is demonstrated to be meaningful to the need for equitable access to resources and for having robust change management strategies. This research highlights the key and important role of digital technologies in entrepreneurial education reform and identifies the roadblocks to integrating those technologies effectively as well as suggests intervention strategies for better quality and access to education services in all SES levels.

Abstract:

The increasing sophistication and volume of cyber threats pose significant challenges to sectors such as healthcare and airlines, where data sensitivity and operational continuity are paramount. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers transformative potential to address these challenges by enabling advanced threat detection, real-time response mechanisms, and proactive defense strategies. This abstract explores the role of AI-driven cybersecurity solutions in enhancing threat detection capabilities within these critical industries. AI techniques, such as machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), facilitate the identification of anomalous behaviors and patterns in complex data environments. In healthcare, these systems safeguard patient records, medical devices, and infrastructure from breaches, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory standards like HIPAA. Similarly, in airlines, AI-driven models monitor operational systems and passenger data to detect cyber threats targeting reservation systems, flight operations, and critical avionics. By integrating AI with traditional security frameworks, these sectors can transition from reactive to predictive security postures. Key advantages include reduced response times, improved accuracy in identifying emerging threats, and the ability to adapt to evolving attack vectors. This abstract concludes by emphasizing the need for continued innovation, ethical considerations, and cross-industry collaboration to fully leverage AI’s capabilities in fortifying cybersecurity.

Abstract: This study explores the role of persistence in eco-innovative activities (EI) in enhancing firms' resilience during crises, focusing on the Spanish food and beverage industry. It distinguishes between two types of eco-innovators: efficiency-focused eco-innovators, who aim to reduce material and energy usage, and environmental eco-innovators, who seek to minimize direct harm to the environment. Additionally, the analysis evaluates the impact of regulation and institutional interventions on fostering eco-innovation during economic downturns. Using panel data from Spanish food and beverage companies between 2004 and 2016, we adopt a longitudinal approach to study how long-term commitments to EI influence green technology adoption. We identify three distinct periods: 2004–2007 (boom), 2008–2013 (crisis), and 2014–2016 (recovery). The analysis provides theoretical insights and tailored managerial and policy recommendations.

Abstract: Rice is fundamental to the existence of Asian societies, particularly in Thailand and China, func-tioning as both a primary aliment and a cultural emblem. The quest for superior rice emphasizes sensory characteristics—fragrance, texture, and taste—over mere yield. Renowned varieties such as Thai Jasmine rice epitomize this, reflecting scrupulous cultivation and processing. Highlighting sensory properties is crucial to augmenting rice's worth and international allure. This study inves-tigates the influence of sensory perceptions and country of origin (COO) on consumer preferences for fragrant rice in China and Thailand. Using a Choice Experiment (CE) with 1,330 participants from Guangzhou, China, and Bangkok, Thailand, key attributes such as aroma, grain quality, cer-tification, and price were evaluated. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to ana-lyze the relationships between sensory perceptions, COO, and consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP). The findings highlight that sensory characteristics, particularly aroma and grain integrity, significantly shape purchasing decisions, with Chinese consumers favoring premium-quality rice due to rising incomes and prioritizing safety certifications. Thai consumers, on the other hand, ex-hibit strong ethnocentrism, showing a preference for locally produced rice and valuing COO and certification as trust factors. Price sensitivity and brand loyalty also play critical roles in both markets. The study underscores the importance of addressing both sensory and COO attributes to bolster the global competitiveness of fragrant rice. These insights provide actionable implications for policymakers and industry stakeholders to prioritize quality control and certification in target-ing diverse consumer segments.