Search Results (42)

This mixed-methods study examines the associations among fintech advancement, green finance, and financial inclusion in Jordan, an emerging economy. It draws on a distinctive three-part dataset: survey data from 21 commercial banks (N = 21), a national household survey, and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders. The quantitative results indicate that the positive association between fintech adoption and the provision of green finance is statistically consistent with full mediation by banks’ absorptive capacity, particularly their digital maturity and data analytics capabilities. Proactive regulatory support significantly moderates this mediated relationship. Market demand, by contrast, has no statistically significant moderating effect. At the household level, the combined use of digital and green financial products is associated with higher formal account ownership and with the use of a greater number of financial products. The interviews support these results, pointing to institutional capacity and regulatory clarity as essential enabling factors. Given the cross-sectional bank-level data (N = 21) and the exploratory scope of the mediation analysis, causal interpretations should be avoided. Future longitudinal research is needed to examine temporal dynamics. Even so, these findings offer policymakers an initial empirical framework: channeling fintech toward sustainable development will likely require targeted interventions to build institutional digital capacity and establish clear regulatory frameworks, rather than depending solely on market forces. Full article

Climate change is one of the major global challenges of modern times. It also poses a significant threat to price stability—the major objective of modern central banks. It creates the risk of stagflation, as it can lead to price increases (due to the increased frequency of extreme weather events, which will impact food production) and simultaneously weaken economic activity (due to lower productivity resulting from temperature changes). Climate change and political pressure have sparked a lively scientific debate on whether and how central banks should adapt their monetary policy frameworks to support efforts to stop climate change. Although the literature analyzes actions undertaken by monetary authorities in the areas of sustainable finance and climate risk analysis, this research still needs to be developed and disseminated. Therefore, the main aim of this article is to theoretically analyze the integration of climate issues with the monetary policy of modern central banks. This article provides a theoretical and integrative analysis of the role of modern central banks in addressing climate change, with a particular focus on implications for monetary policy. The study is based on a structured critical literature review and desk research, employing a transparent, multi-stage selection and analysis process, based on the PRISMA approach. The article contributes to the existing literature by offering a systematic synthesis of the main approaches to integrating climate-related considerations into central banking. The analysis organizes the literature into distinct analytical strands, including institutional and coordination-based initiatives, theoretical justifications for central bank involvement, debates on mandates and independence and the development of green monetary policy instruments. The findings suggest that the integration of climate considerations into monetary policy is feasible primarily within a risk-based and prudential framework, while more interventionist approaches may generate tensions with the primary objective of price stability. At the same time, the literature reveals persistent trade-offs between market neutrality and active policy intervention, as well as between institutional constraints and policy effectiveness. The study highlights that climate-related measures are often implemented through macroprudential, supervisory and financial stability functions, which complement rather than substitute monetary policy in the strictest sense. The article contributes to a more coherent understanding of the evolving role of central banks in the context of climate change by synthesizing a fragmented body of research and identifying key conceptual tensions that remain unresolved. Full article

Ascaridia nymphii is a roundworm species affecting domestic avian species, initially described in 2015. One pen-reared, 4-year-old, female American Show Racer pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica) was submitted to the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS) Turlock branch, University of California–Davis, for postmortem examination and diagnostic work-up. Grossly, large numbers of ascarids were in the lumen of the proventriculus, gizzard, and duodenum, and a small number was present in the lumen of the trachea, esophagus, and crop. A focal, coiled adult nematode was embedded in the hepatic parenchyma. Ascarids were tan and measured approximately 3.5–4.5 cm in length. The liver was moderately enlarged, green-tinged, and had small, firm, and off-white scattered nodules. Microscopically, we observed multifocal to coalescing granulomas containing intralesional nematodes delineated by necrotic debris, multinucleated giant cells, eosinophilic and heterophilic inflammation, hemorrhage, and bacterial colonies in the liver. The genotypic characterization of the Ascaridia sp. in our case (GenBank database accession PX488893) shared 100% identity with A. nymphii isolated from the intestinal tract of a cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) from Japan in 2015 (GenBank database accession LC057210.1) based on PCR and sequence analysis of an 815 bp segment of the 18S rRNA gene. This report describes the accidental A. nymphii infection, which caused severe gastrointestinal impaction and hepatic migration in a domestic pigeon. Full article

The role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in advancing economic, social, and environmental well-being has been increasingly acknowledged in the broader context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. For instance, CSR in Saudi Arabia is increasingly framed as a mechanism to support Vision 2030—a national strategy aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia to a sustainable economy. However, evidence on how financial institutions disclose and prioritize CSR at the country level remains fragmented. This study examines the extent and patterns of CSR disclosure across the Saudi banking sector by analyzing publicly available documents, e.g., annual reports and ESG/CSR reports (n = 36) from 10 banks (4 Islamic and 6 commercial). Findings indicate that CSR disclosures were primarily clustered into four macro themes—society, economic contribution, internal stakeholders, and environment—with a strong thematic emphasis on philanthropic activities, financial donations, disability support, and financing for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Environmental initiatives were disclosed less frequently and were generally narrower in scope, focusing on resource efficiency, recycling, and selective green financing. In addition, a comparative analysis between Commercial and Islamic banks revealed that the latter focused on values-based CSR, while commercial ones emphasized governance-oriented CSR. Full article

The growing importance of sustainability in the financial sector increases the need to analyse the green image of banks. However, research to date mainly focuses on large commercial banks, while cooperative banks, despite their local nature of operation and strong social ties, remain relatively poorly recognised empirically, especially regionally and in terms of young consumers’ perceptions. The aim of this article is to assess the level of the green image of cooperative banks and to identify selected socio-demographic and economic, psychological, and behavioural determinants that determine its perception by young customers in a selected region of Poland. Empirical research was conducted using a survey method (questionnaire interview, n = 256) in 2024. The green image was operationalised as a synthetic indicator, including an assessment of cooperative banks’ environmental responsibility activities, environmental initiatives, and sustainability communication, measured on a scale of 1–7. Student’s t-test, analysis of variance and a logistic regression model were used in the data analysis. The results indicate that the green image of cooperative banks in the study group is neutral (M = 4.34). Statistically significant differences were found depending on selected characteristics of the respondents. The results suggest the need to segment communication activities in the area of sustainability and to adapt the image-building strategy to the profile of young customers. Full article

This study investigates the factors associated with niyyah (worshipful intention) of Islamic bankers toward issuing green sukuk (G-sukuk) investment instruments. In particular, it analyses how bankers’ empathy, moral and ethical responsibilities, and self-efficacy are related with environmental awareness, perceived social support, and green tech innovation, respectively. These factors then predicted bankers’ niyyah toward issuing G-sukuk. The present research employed the theory of bounded rational planned behavior as its theoretical foundation. Data were collected from 390 bankers employed in different Islamic banks. Random sampling technique was employed for this cross-sectional study and for analyzing data, this study applied structural equation modeling. Findings indicate that all predictors are statistically significant and positively associated with bankers’ niyyah toward G-sukuk for ensuring sustainable finance. Furthermore, G-sukuk initiatives can help to lower the carbon emissions and other harmful substances, which would improve overall environmental sustainability and ecological contexts related to SDG-13. There is limited empirical evidence available on the G-sukuk perspective in Bangladesh. This study will provide practical insights for the bankers and policymakers. Full article

Under the global carbon neutrality strategy, green transformation poses significant financial challenges for manufacturers, particularly due to delayed government subsidy disbursements. This study examines a two-echelon green supply chain where a capital-constrained manufacturer utilizes the Uncollected Financial Subsidy Receivable (UFSR) as collateral for financing. Assuming risk-neutral supply chain members, we develop a Stackelberg game-theoretic model to analyze four financing scenarios: no financing, pure subsidy pledge financing, and two hybrid strategies combining subsidy pledges with bank loans or trade credit. Our analysis reveals that the manufacturer’s optimal financing strategy depends critically on its initial capital level and financing costs, with pure subsidy financing being preferable under moderate funding gaps and lower pledge interest rates. The results demonstrate threshold effects where strategy dominance shifts. Furthermore, increasing the subsidy rate consistently enhances product greenness and consumer surplus, whereas its impact on government utility follows an inverted U-shape under certain conditions. These findings provide a theoretical basis for enterprises to optimize financing decisions and for policymakers to design efficient subsidy mechanisms. Full article

This study explores the impact of financial technology (Fintech) on economic, social, and environmental sustainability in Saudi Arabia using survey-based empirical evidence. Using ordinal logistic regression, the results provide evidence of a positive and significant role of fintech adoption in each of the three areas of sustainability. On the economic front, fintech fosters financial inclusion, bank efficiency, and sector diversification. Socially, it promotes equality by providing greater access to financial services for vulnerable groups like women, youth, and SMEs, as well as creating new job opportunities. Environmentally, fintech reduces the environmental footprint of financial transactions and funnels capital into green initiatives, as outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aspirations. The findings have important policy and managerial implications, suggesting that banks should include fintech as a strategic source of sustainable development, while policymakers must implement enabling regulation and incentives to encourage innovation. Cross-country analysis within the GCC and examination of moderating variables such as institutional quality and corporate governance could form part of future research. Full article

Background: Climate change increasingly threatens global health, with adolescents among the most vulnerable. Hospitals are major emitters of greenhouse gases, making carbon reduction in healthcare a pressing challenge. Nurses play central roles in implementing sustainability, while adolescents can contribute to long-term resilience. Methods: A scoping review of peer-reviewed articles (1990–2023) and World Bank datasets was conducted. Comparative analysis focused on Norway and South Korea, with the United States and Australia reviewed narratively. Inclusion criteria targeted studies on hospital-based carbon reduction and youth/nurse engagement; unrelated studies were excluded. Results: Three domains emerged: (1) governance approaches—Norway applied top-down integrated monitoring, while Korea showed fragmented progress, especially in private hospitals; (2) roles of adolescents and nurses—nurses led quality improvement in energy efficiency and waste reduction, while adolescents contributed through school–hospital partnerships and youth initiatives; and (3) barriers and enablers—key barriers included limited youth decision-making and lack of councils, while enablers included certification frameworks and WHO guidelines. Conclusions: Nurses and adolescents are complementary partners in sustainable healthcare. Establishing hospital green teams, integrating climate literacy into curricula, and fostering government–healthcare–education partnerships can reduce emissions and strengthen climate-resilient health systems. Full article

Green banking is a significant financial strategy for balancing environmental sustainability with economic progress. Banks can help address Indonesia’s environmental concerns by promoting sustainable behavior, financing green projects, and implementing environmentally friendly regulations. This study investigates how green banking practices affect perceived environmental performance and financial sustainability, with a particular emphasis on the involvement of young Indonesian bankers. A structured questionnaire was issued to 314 young bankers from various parts of Indonesia, using Likert-scale measures of three domains: banks’ perceived environmental performance, green banking activities, and sources of green finance. The findings show high perceived links between green banking operations and banks’ environmental performance, with green financing serving as a crucial mediator. Specific methods, such as paper reduction, internet banking, and supporting sustainable initiatives, were thought to improve bank performance. The findings underline the importance of younger generations in supporting and carrying out green activities, emphasizing their role in encouraging long-term change. Using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), the study demonstrates that green finance improves perceived environmental performance and promotes sustainable banking practices. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating green principles into banking strategy in order to achieve both financial and environmental sustainability in developing countries. Full article

This study investigates how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) influences financial performance in the Middle Eastern banking sector through the mediating roles of corporate reputation, employee engagement, and innovation orientation. Drawing on stakeholder theory and the resource-based view, a survey of 297 senior banking executives was analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results show that CSR has both a direct positive impact on financial performance and an indirect effect by strengthening intangible resources. Among the mediators, innovation orientation emerged as the strongest pathway, followed by employee engagement and reputation. Collectively, the model accounted for more than 60% of the variance in financial performance, confirming that socially responsible strategies are not symbolic but yield tangible economic value. In the Middle Eastern banking sector—characterized by regulatory turbulence, cultural expectations, and digital transformation—CSR initiatives such as financial inclusion programs, green financing, and Sharia-compliant services provide both legitimacy and resilience. These findings highlight the strategic importance of embedding CSR into banking practices, showing that socially responsible institutions not only secure reputational gains but also cultivate motivated employees, foster innovation, and achieve sustainable profitability. By situating CSR within the unique context of Middle Eastern banking, this study extends the literature on CSR—performance linkages in emerging markets and demonstrates how intangible capabilities can be mobilized to secure long-term financial sustainability. Full article

The Zigui Basin, located in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, has developed numerous landslides due to its interlayering of sandstone and mudstone, geological structure, and reservoir operations. This study identifies a fourth type of landslide failure mode: an oblique-dip slope wedge (OdSW) landslide, based on the Wanshuitian landslide. Following four heavy rainfall events from 3 to 13 July 2024, this landslide exhibited significant deformation on the 17th and was completely destroyed within 40 min. The dimensions of the landslide were 350 m in length, 160 m in width, and 20 m in thickness, with a volume estimated at 8.0 × 10⁵ m³. The characteristics of landslide deformation and the changes in moisture content within the shallow slide body were ascertained using unmanned aerial vehicles, moisture meters, and mobile phone photography. The landslide was identified to have occurred within the weathered residual layer of mudstone, situated between two sandstone layers, with the eastern boundary defined by an inclined rock layer. Upon transitioning into the accelerated deformation stage, the landslide initially exhibited uniform overall sliding deformation, culminating in accelerated deformation destruction. The dip structure created terrain disparities, resulting in a step-like terrain on the left bank and gentler slopes on the right bank, with interbedded soil and rock in a shallow layer, because the interlayered soft and hard geological conditions caused varied weathering and erosion patterns on the riverbank slopes. The interbedded weak–hard stratum layer fostered the development of the oblique-dip slope wedge landslide. Based on the improved Green–Ampt model, we developed a stability prediction methodology for an oblique-dip slope wedge landslide and determined the rainfall infiltration depth threshold of the Wanshuitian landslide (9.8 m). This study aimed not merely to sharpen the evolution mechanism and stability prediction of the Wanshuitian landslide but also to formulate more effective landslide-monitoring strategies and emergency management measures. Full article

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) prioritizes infrastructure investment to enhance regional connectivity and foster sustainable economic development. Therefore, this empirical study aims to examine the impact of the BRI, specifically through Chinese foreign direct investment (CFDI) on sustainable growth in Bangladesh. The study employs the Mann–Kendall trend analysis and the generalized method of moments (GMM). For the Mann–Kendall trend analysis, sectoral FDI and output data from four major industrial sectors, obtained from Bangladesh Bank and CEIC for the period 1996–2020, are used to analyze trends in industrial development. Additionally, to assess the BRI’s role in sustainable development, this study compares green gross domestic product (GGDP) and gross domestic product (GDP) using a GMM analysis of CFDI inflows across 16 industrial sectors from 2013 to 2022, sourced from various databases. Findings reveal that CFDI significantly contributes to domestic industrial growth, particularly in the manufacturing and construction sectors. Although Bangladesh joined the BRI in 2016, a notable surge in CFDI appears from 2011–2012, partially driven by Bangladesh’s economic liberalization policies, and reflects early strategic investment consistent with China’s expanding economic diplomacy, which was later formalized under the BRI framework. The two-step system GMM results demonstrate that CFDI has a stronger impact on GGDP (0.0350) than on GDP (0.0146), with GGDP showing faster convergence (0.6027 vs. 0.1800), highlighting more robust and rapid sustainable growth outcomes. This underscores the significant Chinese investment in green sectors in Bangladesh. The study also demonstrates that the BRI supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 (green energy) and 9 (sustainable infrastructure). These insights offer valuable direction for future research and policy, suggesting that Bangladesh should prioritize attracting green-oriented CFDI in sectors like energy, manufacturing, and construction, while also strengthen. Full article

In light of the growing global emphasis on sustainability, understanding the nexus between green banking practices and banks’ profitability is essential and timely. The main aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis examining the link between green banking practices and banks’ profitability. Based on 28 proxy relationships between green banking and green financing activities on banks profitability, a random-effects meta-analytic model was used to examine the corresponding effect sizes. An overall positive statistically insignificant effect size between green financing and green banking activities on banks profitability was established, implying that green banking activities do not consistently translate into financial benefits. However, this study established considerable heterogeneity of the results due to the application of different methodologies in diverse geographical contexts and varying green financing proxies. The study strongly recommends banks and policymakers adopt tailor-made, evidence-based green financing strategies to align their sustainability initiatives with market realities, regulatory frameworks, and institutional capacities. Such strategies promote the pursuit of both financial performance and environmental responsibility. Full article

The need for a sustainable economy has grown as technological advancements increasingly influence economic and social structures. This study investigates the role of FinTech and artificial intelligence (AI) in fostering sustainable development by facilitating green initiatives and promoting social responsibility. The research hypothesis posits that FinTech enables better access to financing for economic and social development projects, while AI enhances decision-making processes critical to the implementation of these initiatives. Through a qualitative approach, this study analyzes the interactions between FinTech, AI, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), exploring whether their relationship is bilateral or unidirectional. Using a quantitative approach, this study employs Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to examine the key factors influencing bank account ownership across different demographic groups and time periods. PCA is utilized to reduce data dimensionality while preserving the most significant variance, enabling the identification of underlying patterns in financial inclusion determinants. Meanwhile, ANOVA is applied to assess statistical differences in bank account ownership across demographic categories and the pre-pandemic, during-pandemic, and post-pandemic periods, highlighting the impact of digital financial services on financial inclusion trends in Europe. The findings suggest that both technologies play a significant role in supporting sustainability, with FinTech providing the necessary financial tools and AI optimizing decision-making. Furthermore, this study identifies barriers, such as regulatory challenges and technological gaps, that hinder the full integration of these technologies into sustainable development practices. It also highlights facilitators, such as policy support and technological innovation, that accelerate their adoption. The conclusions emphasize the transformative potential of FinTech and AI in achieving robust economic growth, reducing inequalities, and fostering a new cultural approach to resource management and societal responsibility. Full article