With the rapid economic growth, the concept of digital economy and sustainable development has gradually become the main task facing our country. This paper constructs the evaluation system of the development level of digital economy and the comprehensive index of regional sustainable development by the entropy weight method, uses the two-way fixed effect model to explore the influence mechanism of digital economy on the sustainable development of the Yangtze River Delta region.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between sponsorship and the performance and development of early career athletes transitioning from junior level to professional sports, because this issue has not been fully explored in the Czech Republic. The reason is the almost absolute absence of financial or material support for such early-career athletes, when their transition from junior categories and the entire junior category is almost always exclusively financed and supported by their parents and families. We also emphasise the absolute absence of legislative provisions that would give supporters of such athletes at least a tax or other advantage. The research is based on research of Cardenas (2023), Hong and Fraser (2023) and Moolman and Shuttleworth (2023) and aims to assess how financial and material support provided by sponsors can enhance an athlete’s performance and long-term career trajectory. A mixed method approach was adopted, combining quantitative analysis through surveys and performance data with qualitative interviews. Data from 173 early career athletes from various disciplines were analysed using t-tests and ANOVA statistical methods to assess financial stability, access to better training, and community participation. Results indicate that sponsorship significantly contributes to better performance metrics, with sponsored athletes showing a 20% improvement in competition results compared to nonsponsored athletes. Furthermore, sponsorship financial support improved training opportunities and access to elite facilities, which was shown to increase athletes’ performance by 15%. However, some challenges related to sponsorship obligations, such as marketing commitments, were highlighted by athletes, underscoring the pressures that sponsorship can introduce. The implications of this study suggest that effective sponsorship strategies can play a vital role in an athlete’s career development, offering not only financial stability but also opportunities for personal branding and increased community engagement. Another implication is a possible consideration for legislators in the context of preparing a legislative framework enabling tax or other benefits for companies and organisations sponsoring or supporting these young athletes. More research is recommended to explore the long-term impact of sponsorship on athlete mental health and career sustainability, as well as the differences in sponsorship effects across various sports disciplines.

Loans are a critical transmission channel for commercial banks as well as an important revenue source. Macroeconomic factors are not within the control of commercial banks, however, select factors are observed to have a direct impact on lending behaviour in studies around the world. This study examined the relationship between macroeconomic variables and the lending behaviour of banks in South Africa for the period ranging from 2001 to 2022. Quarterly time series data was employed using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL). The empirical results of the paper revealed that there is a long-run relationship between the repurchase rate (repo rate), inflation, the real effective exchange rate (REER) and lending behaviour in South Africa. The REER and inflation were both found to have a positive relationship, whilst the repo rate had a negative relationship. In addition, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the activity rate and sovereign credit rating (SCR) changes returned insignificant results. Overall, these findings show that select macroeconomic factors do influence lending behaviour in South Africa. Furthermore, the results suggest that monetary policy decisions have a direct influential effect on lending and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has implemented their policies effectively.

Objective: This study investigates the influence of tobacco prices on consumption habits among 200 smokers in Lisbon, Portugal, focusing on generational preferences and perceptions of tobacco taxes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a quantitative approach. Participants were categorized by generational cohort, and data on tobacco consumption types, awareness of tobacco taxes, and opinions on tax increases were collected. Statistical analyses were used to explore relationships and predictors. Results: Findings reveal that 46.5% of participants favored heated tobacco, 37.0% smoked cigarettes, and 16.5% consumed other types like roll-your-own tobacco and electronic cigarettes. Significant generational differences were observed, with older cohorts predominantly smoking cigarettes (51.5%), while Generation Z showed a preference for heated tobacco (55.2%). Most smokers (79.5%) were aware of tobacco taxes, with diverse opinions on their purpose: revenue generation (44.0%), consumption reduction (44.5%), and indifference (11.5%). Despite this awareness, 60.5% reported no change in consumption habits due to tax increases. Conclusion: The study underscores the complexity of tobacco consumption behaviors influenced by price and generational factors. While heated tobacco gains popularity among younger smokers, traditional cigarettes remain prevalent among older cohorts. The findings highlight challenges in tobacco control policies, suggesting a need for comprehensive strategies integrating price measures with targeted educational and cessation interventions to effectively reduce tobacco use across different generations.

Personality traits refer to enduring patterns of emotions, behaviors, and thoughts that shape an individual’s distinct character, influencing how they perceive and engage with their environment. This quantitative study aims to underscore the influence of personal factors and the role of educational institutions in mapping sustainable green entrepreneurial intentions among university students in Saudia Arabia. To examine the impact of personality traits and entrepreneurship education on students’ green initiatives, the research employs a quantitative research method, collecting data through a structured questionnaire survey from 494 participants who enrolled in the entrepreneurship education at King Faisal University. Structural equation modeling via SmartPLS 3 is employed for data analysis. The study reveals significant associations between the need for achievement, proactiveness, risk-aversion, self-efficacy, and entrepreneurship education with green entrepreneurial intentions. Our research findings demonstrate that the inclusion of entrepreneurship education in the curriculum has a noteworthy and favorable influence on the intention to engage in green entrepreneurship (β = −0.105, t = 3.270, p < 0.001). Additionally, it is worth noting that the desire for achievement remains significantly associated with the intention to engage in green entrepreneurship (β = 0.120, t = 3.588, p < 0.000). Furthermore, the proactive behavior of individuals has a positive and constructive impact on the intention to engage in green entrepreneurship (β = 0.207, t = 4.272, p < 0.000). Similarly, the inclination to avoid risk is found to have a beneficial and significant influence on the intention to engage in green entrepreneurship (β = 0.336, t = 4.594, p < 0.000). Lastly, it is worth highlighting that individuals’ belief in their own abilities, referred to as self-efficacy, is positively and significantly linked to the intention to engage in green entrepreneurship (β = 0.182, t = 2.610, p < 0.009). The research carries social, economic, and academic implications by emphasizing the positive contribution of green entrepreneurs to the future. Practical recommendations for policymakers and decision-makers are provided.