Using data from 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in mainland China from 2006 to 2019, we employ a double difference (DID) model and a spatial double difference (SDID) model to estimate the impact of the High-speed Railway (HSR) on the income gap between urban and rural residents, as well as its spatial spillover effects. Our research reveals several key findings. Firstly, the introduction of high-speed railways helps to narrow the income gap between urban and rural residents within local areas, but its spatial effects can lead to an increase in the income gap in neighboring provinces. Secondly, from a spatial perspective, intermediate variables such as industrial structure, education, science and technology, and foreign trade can also contribute to balancing the income gap between urban and rural residents, although the impact of population mobility is not significant. Thirdly, further analysis of the spatial effects demonstrates that education plays a significant role in balancing the income gap both within the local province and neighboring provinces. Additionally, adjustments in industrial structure, advancements in science and technology, and foreign trade have stronger spillover effects in reducing the income gap among neighboring provinces compared to their impact at a local level.

The study aims to investigate the relationship between ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) performance on bank value when moderated by loan loss reserves. Using all 11 Thai listed banks for the period 2017–2021, data were collected from Bloomberg database, the official website of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SETSMART), and Bank of Thailand, totalling 55 observations. The selected CAMEL indicators served as the control variables. Multiple linear regression and conditional effect analyses were executed using Tobin’s Q as a bank value. This study carefully tested the validity of the dataset, including fixed and random effects. The research outcomes demonstrate the interaction between ESG performance and loan loss reserves has a notably negative effect on the association between ESG performance and bank value. Subsequent analysis reveals that the negative influence of ESG performance on bank value is more pronounced with higher levels of loan loss reserves. These findings have important implications for bankers, investors, and policymakers, offering insights into the dynamics of ESG and loan loss reserves considerations.

This paper delves into the analysis of the physical flow patterns of users and its subsequent influence on their purchasing behavior. The research methodology encompassed surveying a substantial sample size of 400 users actively engaged with travel applications. The gathered data underwent meticulous analysis employing a combination of descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling techniques. The findings from this study have unveiled noteworthy insights into user behavior within travel applications. It is evident that the inclination to engage with the system has a substantial and positive impact on users’ purchase intentions. Moreover, the motivation behind users’ system usage has a direct bearing on their purchase intentions, primarily mediated by the enjoyment derived from the overall experience. This research underscores the pivotal role played by travel applications in the contemporary travel industry landscape. As travelers increasingly rely on digital platforms to plan their trips and make informed choices, understanding the intricate dynamics of user engagement, motivation, and subsequent purchasing decisions within these applications is paramount. This deeper comprehension not only sheds light on consumer behavior but also empowers businesses to tailor their offerings and enhance user experiences, thereby solidifying the indispensable position of travel applications in the ever-evolving travel sector.

This study examines the crucial role of digital marketing in promoting sustainable tourism in the villages of Bali. It adopts a mixed methods approach, using qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. The qualitative data were obtained from semi-structured interviews with management teams who have experience in implementing digital marketing strategies for village tourism. The interviewees were selected using a purposive sampling technique. The quantitative data were gathered from questionnaires distributed to domestic tourists who visited the villages. The questionnaires measured the tourists’ perceptions of digital marketing as a tool for village tourism marketing. The study found that digital marketing plays a vital role in promoting tourism villages, as most tourists learned about the villages through online media. The study also identified five dimensions of digital marketing, namely website media, social media, search engines, email marketing, and online advertising, which have potential effects on the sustainability of tourism villages. The study conducted statistical tests to examine the effects of 20 indicators of digital marketing on village tourism marketing. The results showed that 16 indicators had a significant positive effect, while four indicators had no effect. These findings suggest that digital marketing is an effective way to market tourism villages and enhance their sustainability.

Global transformational processes associated with the geopolitical fragmentation of the world, changes in supply chains, and the emergence of threats to food, energy, logistics security, etc. have impacted the increase in the freight traffic volumes through the Ukraine-European Union (Ukraine-EU) land border section. In this context, the transport and logistics infrastructure on this section of the border was inadequate for the growing demand for international freight transport, leading to huge economic, social, and environmental damage to all participants in foreign trade. The aim of this paper is to study the efficiency of the functioning of the transport and logistics infrastructure on the Ukraine-EU border section. The taxonomy used in the paper made it possible to look into economic, security, geopolitical, logistics, transport, legal, and political factors shaping the freight traffic volumes, structure, and routes; their key trends and impact on the generation of freight traffic are described. Statistical analysis of freight traffic by border sections and with respect to border crossing points allowed the identification of bottlenecks in the functioning of the transport and logistics infrastructure and outlining ways to address them. The results of the study will be helpful both to researchers working on the issues of freight transport and to policymakers involved in transport and border infrastructure development.

Islamabad’s 2019 ban on single-use plastic shopping bags aimed to reduce plastic waste, but compliance is limited. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the ban as well as other factors in curtailing plastic bag use in Islamabad. Regression modeling within a rational choice framework analyzed survey data from 406 retailers across 18 selected urban and rural markets. We found that the subjective belief that a fine was unlikely (β = −16.10; t = −3.90; p < 0.001), likely (β = −24.99; t = −4.95; p < 0.001), or very likely (β = −43.84; t = −4.07; p < 0.001) for selling bags versus very unlikely was significantly associated with lower usage. Additionally, older retailer age (β = −0.25; p < 0.001) and more education (β = −0.77; p < 0.01) were associated with lower plastic bag usage. Business registration (β = −3.94; p < 0.10) and trade membership (β = −4.04; p < 0.05) also decreased use. Rural location (zone II: β = 13.28; p < 0.001) and plastic bags stock availability (β = 16.75; p < 0.001) increased use. Awareness, viewing bags as “Good”, unlikely fines and lack of substitutes lowered use. Results provide insights to inform more effective policies for reducing plastic waste.