Search Results (752)

In response to global sustainability challenges, this study investigates how Digital New-Quality Productive Forces (DNQPF), which integrate digitalization with green innovation, contribute to Sustainable Industrial Structural Upgrading (SISU) in China. Using panel data from 30 provinces spanning 2011–2023, a multidimensional DNQPF index was constructed, and a comprehensive econometric framework was applied, including two-way fixed effects, mediation and moderation analyses, Hansen threshold models, and Spatial Durbin models. The results indicate that DNQPF significantly enhances SISU (β = 0.291, p < 0.01), with household consumption upgrading serving as the key mediating channel. Regional heterogeneity is evident: Eastern provinces show strong effects (β = 0.295, p < 0.01) and central provinces exhibit catch-up potential (β = 0.467, p < 0.10), while the Western and Northeastern regions display insignificant effects due to digital infrastructure disparities. The threshold effects reveal diminishing returns beyond a DNQPF level of 0.239 (coefficient decline from 0.518 to 0.323, p < 0.01), a marketization level of 6.181, and an innovation level of 9.520. Spatial analysis further confirms positive spillovers (direct effects = 0.282–0.320; indirect effects = 0.260–1.317; p < 0.05). These findings enrich endogenous growth theory by integrating digital and green development into emerging economies and underscore DNQPF’s role in advancing SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Coordinated digital–green strategies, institutional reforms, and inclusive infrastructure are therefore critical for achieving sustainable industrial transformation in China and beyond. Full article

Digital finance, representing the deep integration of finance and technology, has become a critical enabler of sustainable industrial transformation. Focusing on resource-based enterprises (RBEs)—key actors in transitioning towards sustainable practices—this study investigates how digital finance development fosters new quality productive forces (NQPFs), a core driver of high-quality, sustainable development. Utilizing panel data from Chinese A-share listed RBEs (2008–2022), we measure NQPF using the entropy method and gauge regional digital finance development with the Peking University Digital Financial Inclusion Index (DFII). Empirical analysis employing two-way fixed effects and panel threshold regression models provides robust evidence that digital finance significantly enhances NQPFs within RBEs. Crucially, mechanism analysis identifies three fundamental pathways underpinning sustainability: (1) mitigating financial constraints; (2) facilitating technological innovation and transformation; (3) strengthening green transition awareness. Furthermore, the impact of digital finance exhibits synergistic enhancement alongside increasing environmental regulation intensity and improved financial resource allocation efficiency. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the effect is more pronounced in regions with lower marketization, within state-owned enterprises, and among RBEs in recession stages. Collectively, these findings offer significant implications for policymakers and industry practitioners aiming to strategically leverage digital finance to accelerate the sustainable transformation of resource-intensive industries, thereby contributing directly to environmentally sustainable and resilient economic development. Full article

Carbon emission efficiency plays a vital role in the realization of the “dual carbon” goals. Taking land resource allocation as the entry point, this paper explores how land resource misallocation (LRM) affects carbon emission efficiency (CEE) to support the enhancement of CEE and the optimal allocation of land resources. Using 108 cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2003 to 2021 as an example, this paper constructs a panel smooth transition model (PSTR), with industrial structure as the transition variable, to examine the nonlinear impact effects of LRM on CEF and its regional heterogeneity. The research results show that the LRM index as a whole presents a fluctuating downward trend, while CEF shows a fluctuating but slow upward trend, and the regional differences in both LRM and CEF continue to expand. There exists a significant nonlinear relationship between LRM and CEF. When the advancement of industrial structure index shifts from the low regime to the high regime, the impact of LRM on CEF presents an inverted “U”-shaped curve characteristic. The nonlinear impact of LRM on CEF exhibits regional heterogeneity, and the threshold effect of industrial structure is the main reason for the regional differences in the nonlinear impact. Therefore, it is necessary to accelerate the market-oriented reform of land factor allocation, and to formulate phased and differentiated land resource allocation policies adapted to the stages of industrial structure development, so as to effectively serve the goals of green, low-carbon, and high-quality development. Full article

Background: Youth and young adults with early psychosis frequently use cannabis, yet the reliability of self-reported use is uncertain in clinical practice. We examined the concordance between self-reported cannabis use and urine toxicology among patients enrolled in an Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) program in Southeast Ontario, Canada. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional chart review of 116 EPI patients (2016–2019). Demographics, self-reported cannabis use (yes/no), concurrent substance use, and urine toxicology results from the initial clinical assessment were extracted. Diagnostic indices (sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive values, and accuracy) were calculated using urine toxicology as the reference. The clinical panel used a 50 ng/mL threshold for THC-COOH; the specific assay platform (immunoassay vs. confirmatory GC-/LC-MS) was not specified in records and is noted as a limitation. Results: Overall, 82.8% (96/116) self-reported cannabis use. Self-report showed high sensitivity (88.4%) but very low specificity (20.3%), with PPV 39.2%, NPV 75.0%, and accuracy 45.30%, indicating limited concordance with urine toxicology. Self-reported cannabis use was significantly associated with self-reported cocaine and MDMA use, while associations with methamphetamine, opioids, and benzodiazepines were not significant. Conclusions: In this EPI cohort, self-reports overestimated cannabis use relative to urine toxicology (high sensitivity, low specificity, and accuracy <50%). These findings support cautious clinical interpretation of self-report and the complementary value of biological verification, especially when use is infrequent or the testing window/threshold may miss exposure. Future work should incorporate use frequency, potency, and timing relative to testing, and clearly specify toxicology assay methods. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to develop and validate a Dietary Practices and Food Safety Literacy Scale comprehensively assessing competencies among Korean older adults in healthy dietary practices, hygiene, and food safety. Methods: Item development was informed by a literature review, national dietary guidelines, and existing literacy frameworks. Content validity was reviewed by a 10-member expert panel using the Delphi method. Construct validity was tested using exploratory factor analyses (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), and reliability was assessed through Cronbach’s α, composite reliability (CR), and average variance extracted (AVE). Results: EFA identified three factors—management, decision-making, and moderation competencies—comprising 13 items. Internal consistency was acceptable (α = 0.69–0.83), and CFA supported the three-factor structure (CFI = 0.919, RMSEA = 0.087). CR values exceeded 0.70, and AVE were close to or exceeded the recommended threshold. Conclusions: The scale demonstrates sound psychometric properties and provides a practical tool for identifying competency gaps in Dietary Practices and Food Safety Literacy. Its application may guide tailored health education and community-based interventions to promote healthy aging and support public health strategies in aging societies. By translating health information literacy into measurable, behavior-oriented domains, this tool bridges the gap between theoretical constructs and practical assessment. It can be incorporated into routine health monitoring, enabling policymakers and practitioners to design evidence-based interventions that enhance older adults’ dietary self-management and food safety awareness. Full article

The sustainable development of the marine industry is a vital pillar for achieving global ecological balance and economic prosperity. As a crucial repository of resources and a vital regulator of climate, the ocean plays an irreplaceable role in supporting humanity’s long-term development. Against this backdrop, digital technology drives modern development, supporting decision-making and resource allocation while profoundly transforming industrial models. The resulting digital economy has become one of the core drivers of sustainable global economic growth. Given the close connection between the marine industry and the digital economy, attention has been drawn to whether a correlation exists between their respective growth rates. This study employs a Panel Vector Autoregression (PVAR) model based on panel data from China’s coastal provinces between 2012 and 2023. The empirical analysis reveals: (1) After a certain period, the growth rates of the digital economy and the quality development of the marine industry exhibit a mutually reinforcing trend. Furthermore, the innovation coupling coordination rate and the upgrading rate within the marine industry also strengthen each other, injecting endogenous momentum into the sustainable development of the marine sector. (2) When simulating external shocks through local government expenditure, it was found that while local government spending positively impacts the growth rate of the digital economy, its effect on the quality development rate of marine industries is limited, exhibiting a “single-helix” upward trend. This suggests the need to optimize the precision of policy support to better balance the coordinated sustainable development of the digital economy and marine industries. (3) The growth rate of the digital economy exerts a dual threshold effect on the quality development of marine industries. That is, there are two thresholds: 0.0099 and 0.0725. Initially, the promotion effect is relatively small with a positive and significant coefficient of 0.120. When exceeding the first threshold, the coefficient becomes 0.416, which is positively significant. When exceeding the second threshold, the promotion effect disappears. This necessitates differentiated strategies tailored to distinct developmental stages to propel marine industries toward high-quality, sustainable development empowered by the digital economy. Based on these findings, this study focuses on the relationship between the growth rates of the digital economy and marine industries, offering actionable recommendations for marine nations like China to advance high-level sustainable industrial development. Full article

This study examines the impact of digital transformation on the total factor productivity (TFP) of Chinese listed companies. Using a firm-level panel dataset from 2007 to 2024 and applying the Levinsohn–Petrin method to estimate TFP, we find that digital transformation significantly enhances firm productivity. Both Digital Technology Application (DTA) and Underlying Technologies (UT) contribute positively to TFP, with the effect of UT being more pronounced. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the productivity-boosting effect of digital transformation is stronger in firms with higher market value, greater industry competition, and those outside high-pollution industries (HPEs). Mechanism analysis shows that digital transformation promotes TFP through innovation, human capital optimization, cost reduction, and operational efficiency. Moreover, external macro factors such as digital infrastructure, intellectual property protection and marketization further moderate this relationship. Finally, the influence of DT on TFP shows a threshold effect related to profitability fluctuations and cash flow conditions. Our findings provide robust empirical evidence on how digital transformation reshapes firm-level productivity dynamics and highlight the key conditions under which it yields optimal economic returns. Full article

This article examines the growth threshold effect on renewable energy transition in eight Southeast Asian countries from 2000 to 2023. Utilizing panel data and threshold regression analysis, the study confirms the following established findings: (1) There is evidence of a significant impact of the moderating effect of growth/FDI on the nexus between access to clean energy and the renewable energy transition in Southeast Asian countries. (2) There is evidence of a significant impact of the moderating effect of growth/trade on the nexus between access to clean energy and the renewable energy transition in Southeast Asian countries. (3) There is evidence of a significant effect of the moderating effect of growth/R&D on the nexus between access to clean energy and the renewable energy transition in Southeast Asian countries. (4) Lastly, the complementary growth threshold of 1.68% is to be checked for access to clean energy and technologies and the renewable energy transition in Southeast Asian countries. Therefore, policies should promote sustained growth while ensuring investments in research and development, trade, and foreign direct investment (FDI), which are expected to benefit the region in the long term. In the short term, it may be necessary to reassess current policies to prevent misallocation of resources, ensuring progress towards SDG-7 before the 2030 deadline. Future research should investigate additional factors that could facilitate a sustained transition to renewable energy and examine the complex relationship between economic growth, access to clean energy, and renewable energy transition in Southeast Asian countries. Full article

The impact of low-carbon development on employment quality is multidimensional. On the one hand, it may enhance employment quality through technological innovation and industrial upgrading; on the other hand, structural adjustments and industrial shifts may adversely affect the development of employment quality. This study uses panel data from 281 cities in China from 2008 to 2022 to construct a model of the mechanisms through which low-carbon development affects employment quality in Chinese cities, with a focus on the role of government in this process. The study finds that fiscal decentralization somewhat weakens the positive impact of low-carbon development on employment quality, while government regulation, by promoting green transformation and optimizing resource allocation, enhances the positive effects of low-carbon development on employment quality. Furthermore, panel threshold effect analysis shows that both fiscal decentralization and government regulation have threshold effects, with threshold values of 0.174 and 59.26, respectively. Once these thresholds are surpassed, the degree of influence on the relationship between low-carbon development and employment quality changes. Full article

In the context of global manufacturing transformation and upgrading, understanding how the new-type industrialization strategy influences the high-end manufacturing industry is crucial for shaping competitive advantages. However, the mechanisms and boundary conditions of this effect remain unclear. To address this, this study deconstructs the connotation of new-type industrialization into three dimensions—technological innovation, digital drive, and green circulation—and constructs a comprehensive evaluation system. Using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces and A-share listed high-end manufacturing industry companies (2002–2022), we employ fixed-effects models, mediation effect analysis, and a panel threshold model. The results show the following: (1) New-type industrialization significantly promotes high-end manufacturing industry development, a finding robust to endogeneity and sensitivity tests. (2) Heterogeneity analysis reveals that non-old industrial bases, highly open regions, and provinces with sparse development zones benefit more. (3) New-type industrialization exerts its influence indirectly by enhancing human capital endowment. (4) Threshold effect analysis shows that when the resilience of the high-end manufacturing industry chain exceeds a critical level, it significantly enhances the ability of new-type industrialization, and the magnitude of this effect follows a logarithmic growth pattern. We recommend strengthening technological innovation, facilitating digital–green transformation, and implementing region-specific policies to enhance industrial chain resilience, thereby providing a sustainable pathway for high-end manufacturing industry development. Full article

Over the past three decades, rising income inequality has undermined economic performance and posed challenges for policymakers, highlighting the need to identify its underlying drivers to design effective policy responses. Financial development is often considered a potential driver of inequality, yet the theoretical and empirical literature on how financial development affects inequality remains inconclusive. Moreover, prior studies have primarily relied on traditional indicators, which do not comprehensively reflect the multidimensional nature of financial development. To address these gaps, we provide the first study to employ the IMF’s Financial Development Index and all its sub-indices within both fixed-effects and system GMM frameworks to examine whether financial development and its dimensions exhibit a nonlinear relationship with income inequality. Unlike traditional indicators, these indices offer a more comprehensive view of financial development. Using panel data for 130 countries from 1980 to 2019, we find that financial development and its dimensions—access to financial institutions (financial inclusion) and depth of financial institutions—initially reduce inequality but exacerbate it once their respective thresholds are exceeded. These results are not driven by systemic banking crises. Our study contributes by providing a more comprehensive assessment, demonstrating nonlinear effects, identifying thresholds, and offering policy implications for countries at different income levels. Full article

This article examines the asymmetric effects of renewable energy on sustainable economic growth across six South Asian countries from 2000 to 2023, employing panel data and threshold regression analysis. The findings indicate that CO₂ emissions must remain below a threshold of 2.38% to support the integration of renewable energy with sustainable growth. Furthermore, access to clean energy and technologies should exceed 3.38%, and urbanization must be managed at a complementary threshold of 3.21%. These results are consistent with various studies investigating the renewable energy transition’s economic impacts globally. It is recommended that South Asia focus on reducing CO₂ emissions below the identified threshold, enhancing clean energy access and innovation above the designated thresholds, and supporting urban growth as part of its policy initiatives. Such actions are essential for fostering economic growth and ensuring the sustainability of the region. The study recommends that the South Asian region take decisive steps to reduce CO₂ emissions and enhance access to clean energy while accommodating urban population growth. It highlights the importance of transitioning to renewable energy to stimulate economic growth and maintain trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) as a viable part of the gross domestic product. The study suggests that investments in Gross Capital Formation (GCF), trade, and FDI will yield long-term benefits, although short-term policy adjustments may disrupt resource allocation and hinder economic and renewable energy development. Future research should explore the complex interactions between CO₂ emissions, clean energy access, FDI, and trade, particularly in light of recent trade policies, including U.S. tariffs. Investigating these relationships through advanced methodologies, such as machine learning, could provide valuable insights into drivers of renewable energy transition and economic outcomes. Full article

Periodontitis is a biofilm-driven inflammatory disease in which conventional indices (probing depth, clinical attachment level, and radiographs) quantify tissue destruction without capturing the biology of infection. In this review, we synthesized microbiological diagnostics, from chairside tools to omics. We outline sampling strategies and emphasize the quantitative monitoring of bacterial load. Enzymatic assays (e.g., N-benzoyl-DL-arginine-2-naphthylamide hydrolysis assay test) measure functional activity at the point of care. Immunological methods include rapid immunochromatography for Porphyromonas gingivalis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the high-throughput measurement of bacterial antigens. Molecular platforms encompass quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) (TaqMan, SYBR, multiplex panels; propidium monoazide quantitative-qPCR for viable cells), checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization for semi-quantitative community profiling, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)/molecular beacon-LAMP for portable isothermal detection, and microarrays. Complementary modalities such as fluorescent in situ hybridization, next-generation sequencing, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy provide spatial, ecological, and biochemical resolutions. We discuss the limitations of current approaches, including sampling bias, presence–activity discordance, semi-quantitation, method biases, limited strain/function resolution, low-biomass artifacts, and lack of validated cutoffs. To address these challenges, we propose a pragmatic hybrid strategy: site-specific quantitative panels combined with activity and host-response markers interpreted alongside clinical metrics under standardized quality assurance/quality control. Priorities include outcome-linked thresholds, strain-aware/functional panels, robust point-of-care chemistry, and harmonized protocols to enable personalized periodontal care. Full article

This study examines the peer effects of bank digital transformation facilitated by shareholder networks and explores the underlying mechanisms. A time-varying network is constructed based on common shareholder connections among banks, and a corresponding measure is developed to quantify peer effects in digital transformation. Using the Peking University digital transformation index together with ownership and financial data from CSMAR, an empirical analysis is performed on a panel of 114 Chinese commercial banks from 2010 to 2021 to evaluate these effects. Fixed-effects estimations indicate that bank digital transformation is significantly affected by peer effects transmitted through common shareholder connections, with a one-unit increase in peers’ digitalization index associated with a 0.151-unit rise in the focal bank’s index. These findings remain robust and economically meaningful across alternative specifications, including system GMM, IV/2SLS designs, and different ownership thresholds. Further analyses indicate that the peer effects operate through mechanisms such as intensified competition, enhanced information sharing, and pooled resources. However, such peer influence also exacerbates disparities in digital progress across the industry, reflecting a Matthew Effect in which leading banks consolidate their advantages. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the peer effects are more pronounced among banks with larger workforces, more diversified operations, and higher ownership concentration. The findings of this study provide insights into how financial institutions can leverage technological innovations through network-based channels, offering practical implications for promoting industry-wide transformation in the digital economy era. Full article

This paper estimates a nonlinear asymmetric dynamics model in the threshold panel data framework to study the extent to which the quality of governance, investment, and financial stability affect the impact of external debt on economic growth in 47 African countries from 2002 to 2022. As a general approach, we use the first-differenced GMM estimator, which allows both threshold variables and regressors to be endogenous. The results confirm that external debt becomes a drag on growth beyond a threshold of 53.49% relative to GDP. Furthermore, the results show that external debt appears to stimulate economic growth mainly by orienting it towards productive investment. In addition, the results show that better governance quality and financial stability accentuate the positive impact of external debt on economic growth. Based on the findings, this study proposes several policy recommendations. Full article