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Given the increasing importance of engineering insurance, it is still unclear which specific factors can enhance the role of engineering insurance as a risk transfer tool. This study aims to propose a hybrid approach to identify and analyze the key determinants influencing the consumption of engineering insurance in mainland China.

The empirical analysis utilizes provincial data from mainland China from 2008 to 2019. The research framework is a novel amalgamation of the generalized method of moments (GMM) model, the quantile regression (QR) technique and the random forest (RF) algorithm. This innovative hybrid approach provides a comprehensive exploration of the driving factors while also allowing for an examination across different quantiles of insurance consumption.

The study identifies several driving factors that significantly impact engineering insurance consumption. Income, financial development, inflation, price, risk aversion, market structure and the social security system have a positive and significant influence on engineering insurance consumption. However, urbanization exhibits a negative and significant effect on the consumption of engineering insurance. QR techniques reveal variations in the effects of these driving factors across different levels of engineering insurance consumption.

This study extends the research on insurance consumption to the domain of the engineering business, making theoretical and practical contributions. The findings enrich the knowledge of insurance consumption by identifying the driving factors specific to engineering insurance for the first time. The research framework provides a novel and useful tool for examining the determinants of insurance consumption. Furthermore, the study offers insights into the engineering insurance market and its implications for policymakers and market participants.

Micro-regeneration can effectively enhance a neighborhood’s commercial vitality and serve as a viable approach to boost economic benefits. However, the small scale of micro-regeneration efforts and the fragmented nature of information currently limit the availability of strong empirical evidence demonstrating its impact on neighborhood commercial vitality. The aim of the study was to examine the link between micro-regeneration and neighborhood commercial vitality, focusing on the average, time-lag, spatial spillover, and spatial heterogeneity effects.

Using the panel data set of 1,755 neighborhoods in Chongqing from 2016 to 2021 as the research sample, the difference-in-differences (DID) method was employed in this study to explore the impact micro-regeneration has on neighborhood commercial vitality.

The results illustrate that: (1) micro-regeneration can promote neighborhood commercial vitality in terms of the number and types of local consumption amenities by 27.76 and 5.89%, respectively, with no time-lag effect; (2) the positive spillovers can exist within the range of 5,000 meters–5,500 meters of regenerated neighborhoods; and (3) the effect of micro-regeneration on neighborhood commercial vitality can be greater in peripheral areas than in core areas of the city.

The findings fill the knowledge gap on the relationship between micro-regeneration and neighborhood commercial vitality. Additionally, the results on the time-lag effect, spatial spillover effects, and spatial heterogeneity provide practical implications that can support the government and private sector in developing temporal and spatial arrangements for micro-regeneration projects.

The significance of fungus-resistant grape varieties (FRGVs) has markedly increased across the entire value chain in recent years, becoming increasingly pertinent for the wine industry. The study contributes to the theoretical understanding of consumer behaviour in the wine industry through the identification of different clusters and the analysis of their accessibility to the FRGV on the basis of various criteria.

A quantitative survey was conducted involving 644 participants that was screened based on socio-demographic factors to ensure representation of the German population. The collected data were analysed using factor and cluster analyses, alongside various multivariate tests, to statistically elucidate similarities and differences between clusters.

In total, six clusters were examined, each displaying varying responses to and pre-existing knowledge of resistant grape varieties. In general, as one becomes more involved in the world of wine and develops a sustainable and progressive outlook towards innovations in the wine industry, a positive inclination towards resistant grape varieties can be observed.

Practical implications for each cluster were subsequently derived, potentially facilitating the market entry or penetration of wines produced from FRGV. Experts and Quality-averse consumer desire wines from FRGV to have a unique terroir experience, while young casual drinkers interpret them as part of pop culture. LOHAS can be addressed with sustainability-oriented approaches. Price-sensitive consumer expect good qualities in the entry price segment, and Traditionalists can be reached by preserving traditions in a changing environmental context.

This paper fulfils the identified need to investigate consumer preferences for resistant grape varieties.

Improving productivity and efficiency has always been crucial for industrial companies to remain competitive. In recent years, the topic of environmental impact has become increasingly important. Published research indicates that environmental and economic goals can enforce or rival each other. However, few papers have been published that address the interaction and integration of these two goals.

In this paper, we identify both, synergies and trade-offs based on a systematic review incorporating 66 publications issued between 1992 and 2021. We analyze, quantify and cluster examples of conjunctions of ecological and economic measures and thereby develop a framework for the combined improvement of performance and environmental compatibility.

Our findings indicate an increased significance of a combined consideration of these two dimensions of sustainability. We found that cases where enforcing synergies between economic and ecological effects were identified are by far more frequent than reports on trade-offs. For the individual categories, cost savings are uniformly considered as the most important economic aspect while, energy savings appear to be marginally more relevant than waste reduction in terms of environmental aspects.

No previous literature review provides a comparable graphical treatment of synergies and trade-offs between cost savings and ecological effects. For the first time, identified measures were classified in a 3 × 3 table considering type and principle.

This study aimed to the attributes, consequences and personal values that motivate the behavior of consumers of fruits and vegetables (FV) at local markets and how these elements are associated with food safety.

This is a qualitative research that used the laddering in-depth interview technique for data collection. Fifty interviews were conducted with consumers from Minas Gerais, Brazil. From the codification of the interview content, a hierarchical value map was constructed, showing the relationships between the attributes, consequences and values involved in the consumers’ purchasing decision.

Consumers value characteristics related to the origin of the product and the way it is produced and marketed. They seek particular benefits – such as satisfaction with the purchase, care for their health/well-being and safety when consuming food – and social benefits, such as the possibility of contributing to the local economy. Issues related to hygiene, organization, exposure and handling of products were some of the concerns reported by respondents with regard to food safety.

It is worth highlighting the application of the laddering technique itself. Analyzing the predictive validity of the method, there is a propensity for biases linked to possible interference by the researcher, especially in the coding stage of the elements.

This study can be used by producers, marketing professionals and public policymakers to promote FV sold at local markets and to encourage the improvement of food safety practices.

The research points to five consumer segments according to the different motivations that guide their purchase behavior for local FV. In addition, a focus is given to food safety, revealing its importance in the investigated context.

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between the intention to avoid food waste (IAFW) and the use of food-sharing technologies, such as internet platforms and mobile applications. The study utilized a model based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as an extension of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2).

An online platform tool (Prolific), and online self-report questionnaires were used to gather empirical data on 309 individuals. These data were then analyzed using two-step structural equation modeling.

The model explained 76% of the variance in user adoption of food-sharing mobile applications and internet platforms, supporting seven out of the nine tested hypotheses. Effort expectancy, social influence and IAFW were found to be the significant determinants of the behavioural intention to use food-sharing mobile applications and internet platforms (BITA). IAFW partially mediated the relationship between perceived behavior control and BITA. Age played a moderator role between the adoption of food-sharing mobile applications and internet platforms. However, IAFW did not play a mediating role between environmental concerns and BITA. The facilitating condition construct had an insignificant impact on BITA.

The current study was affected by some limitations. First, the data may not be considered as statistically representative because they were gathered online. However, the varied sociodemographic backgrounds of the respondents would boost the reliability of the findings. However, it would be prudent to use caution when extrapolating these findings to other contexts and cultures. Second, environmental concerns and perceived behavior control related to the avoidance of food waste behavior, as well as other factors that affect technology acceptance, may alter with time. Data from cross-sections may cause difficulties in following such changes. Thus, we recommend that longitudinal research studies aimed at building on our findings should be conducted. A qualitative study may help gain deeper insights into the relationship between IAFW related behavior and the adoption of various technologies to share leftover food, thereby revealing further details regarding different perspectives held by various respondents.

The positive relationship between environmental concerns and IAFW underlines the significance of investing in this area to raise social awareness and public concern for environmental safety. Additional initiatives aimed at increasing public concern regarding environmental issues may increase the overall IAFW. Instead of concentrating on a single source pertaining to the avoidance of food waste, the government and policy regulations should focus on regulating and eliminating waste from all sources that generate waste. The adoption of technology to share leftover meals may be influenced by social factors. Increased advertising for food-sharing mobile apps and online platforms may persuade more users to join. Additionally, building additional platforms and mobile apps in these fields with friendlier interactions may improve the cyber environment, making it easier for people to use them. By providing information, tools and assistance to promote the reduction of food wastage, policymakers may create interventions that enhance public perception and behavior toward the reduction of food waste. In conclusion, the findings of our study indicated that the social impact and ease of use are important factors in determining the adoption of food-sharing technology. Cooperation with social influencers, policymakers and developers may lead to the development of user-friendly technology that may improve accessibility to food-sharing technology.

In order to encourage the adoption of food-sharing technology among various age groups, policymakers may create initiatives that take the specific requirements and traits of each group into consideration. Policymakers and governments may also create legislation and regulations that are tailored to guarantee food safety and health security for users of food-sharing technology, such as instructions for handling and storing food as well as safeguards against food fraud and contamination.

This study addressed practical issues related to managing and reducing household food wastage through social sharing via mobile applications and internet platforms. The proposed model, which integrated TPB with UTAUT2 in the context of food wastage and technology acceptance, contributes to the current body of knowledge.

Operational excellence (OpEx) is a proven philosophy focusing on continuous improvement in processes and systems for superior performance and efficiency. It plays a crucial role in the energy sector, acting as a catalyst for safety, customer satisfaction, sustainability and competitiveness. This research aims to assess OpEx methodologies in Oman’s energy sector, examining methods, approaches, motivations and sustainability.

This study applies qualitative analysis methodology, involving interviews with 18 industry experts, from the energy sector in a sizeable energy country.

The analysis revealed a growing demand, particularly, in the oil and gas industry, driven by emerging business needs. Qualitative data analysis has identified 10 themes such as implemented methodologies, motivation drivers, deployment approaches, sustainability factors, benefits and challenges. Additionally, new themes emerged, including influencers to start OpEx, resource requirements, enablers for successful OpEx and systems.

This research was limited to Oman and the findings drawn from Omani energy companies may have limited applicability to energy companies in other regions. Therefore, if these findings were to be used, the validation of the findings in relation to other countries should be conducted, to ensure the validity of the context and outcome.

These findings contribute to understanding OpEx dynamics in the Omani energy sector, offering valuable insights for effective utilisation and organisational goal achievement. Furthermore, the study offers valuable insights on how to effectively employ OpEx initiatives in the energy sector to achieve their goals and create value. It addresses the lack of knowledge, offers a framework for successful OpEx implementation, bridges the theory-practice gap and provides insights for optimal utilisation.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study on assessing OpEx methodologies in the energy sector, and therefore it serves as a foundation for many future studies. The study provides a theoretical foundation for the OpEx methodologies in terms of organisational readiness for successful OpEx implementation.

With the development of the digital economy, digital entrepreneurship has become increasingly popular. For college students preparing for digital entrepreneurship, it is necessary to cope with the uncertainty of the start-up process through meaningful managing learning and continuous entrepreneurship education. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between Chinese college students' digital entrepreneurship intention and digital entrepreneurship behavior, as well as the role of managing learning and entrepreneurship education in this relationship.

Based on the existing literature, this study established the digital entrepreneurship hypothesis model and investigated the digital entrepreneurship behavior of college students.

The results showed that managing learning and entrepreneurship education can promote the transformation of the digital entrepreneurship intention to digital entrepreneurship behavior. Managing learning and entrepreneurship education played a driving role in the transformation of the digital entrepreneurship intention to digital entrepreneurship behavior.

This study explored the complex mechanism of the relationship between digital entrepreneurship intention and digital entrepreneurship behavior among Chinese college students. Based on survey data from 235 college students in China, the empirical results supported theoretical research hypotheses on the relationship between college students and digital entrepreneurship intention, digital entrepreneurship behavior, managing learning and entrepreneurship education.

Most research on tax evasion focused on microeconomic variables revolving around perceptions and decisions of individual taxpayers. However, a new wave of research is now investigating the role of macroeconomic variables in inducing tax evasion. This study adds to the limited studies in this new direction of research. Previous studies found that inflation, low gross domestic product (GDP) growth and gross fixed capital formation causes recession, increases unemployment, raise interest rates, hurts both domestic and foreign direct investments. This study examined the relationship between these variables and estimated tax evasion in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The study adopts a correlation research design with 2,300 data points collected from 23 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Specifically, tax to GDP ratio, gross fixed capital formation per GDP and the GDP annual growth report from each country for the period 2011–2020 was retrieved. Generalised least square regression technique was employed to analyse the data due to the presence of heteroskedasticity in the model and random effect was utilized based on the Hausman test. To avoid misspecification and biased result; therefore, all relevant test was conducted including the multicollinearity test.

The results indicate that GDP annual growth and gross fixed capital formation have a significant negative impact on estimated tax evasion in Sub-Saharan Africa. The findings further indicate a negative but insignificant relationship between inflation and estimated tax evasion in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study concludes that both GDP annual growth rate and gross fixed capital formation negatively influence estimated tax evasion and the policy implications in the African continent were discussed.

The new findings on the effects of GDP annual growth, growth fixed capital formation and inflation on estimated tax evasion provide novel knowledge that is currently lacking in the current literature, specifically Sub-Saharan African continent.

This study reduces carbon emission in logistics distribution to realize the low-carbon site optimization for a cold chain logistics distribution center problem.

This study involves cooling, commodity damage and carbon emissions and establishes the site selection model of low-carbon cold chain logistics distribution center aiming at minimizing total cost, and grey wolf optimization algorithm is used to improve the artificial fish swarm algorithm to solve a cold chain logistics distribution center problem.

The optimization results and stability of the improved algorithm are significantly improved and compared with other intelligent algorithms. The result is confirmed to use the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region site selection. This study reduces composite cost of cold chain logistics and reduces damage to environment to provide a new idea for developing cold chain logistics.

This study contributes to propose an optimization model of low-carbon cold chain logistics site by considering various factors affecting cold chain products and converting carbon emissions into costs. Prior studies are lacking to take carbon emissions into account in the logistics process. The main trend of current economic development is low-carbon and the logistics distribution is an energy consumption and high carbon emissions.