Background: Digital transformation in the sports industry has become increasingly crucial for sustainable development, yet comprehensive empirical evidence on policy effectiveness and risk management remains limited. Purpose: This study investigates the impact of policy support and risk factors on digital transformation in sports companies, examining heterogeneous effects across different firm characteristics and regional contexts. Methods: Using panel data from 168 sports companies listed on China’s A-shares markets and the New Third Board from 2019 to 2023, this study employs multiple regression analyses, including baseline models, instrumental variables estimation, and robustness tests. The digital transformation level is measured through a composite index incorporating digital infrastructure, capability, and innovation dimensions. Results: The findings reveal that policy support significantly enhances digital transformation levels (coefficient = 0.238, p < 0.01), while financial risks demonstrate the strongest negative impact (−0.162, p < 0.01). Large firms and state-owned enterprises show stronger responses to policy support (0.312 and 0.278, respectively, p < 0.01). Regional development levels significantly moderate the effectiveness of policy implementation. Conclusions: The study provides empirical evidence for the differential effects of policy support and risk factors on digital transformation across various firm characteristics. The findings suggest the need for differentiated policy approaches considering firm size, ownership structure, and regional development levels. Implications: Policy makers should develop targeted support mechanisms addressing specific challenges faced by different types of firms, while considering regional disparities in digital transformation capabilities.

Credit risk assessment is one of the most important aspects of financial decision-making processes. This study presents a systematic review of the literature on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques in credit risk assessment, offering insights into methodologies, outcomes, and prevalent analysis techniques. Covering studies from diverse regions and countries, the review focuses on AI/ML-based credit risk assessment from consumer and corporate perspectives. Employing the PRISMA framework, Antecedents, Decisions, and Outcomes (ADO) framework and stringent inclusion criteria, the review analyses geographic focus, methodologies, results, and analytical techniques. It examines a wide array of datasets and approaches, from traditional statistical methods to advanced AI/ML and deep learning techniques, emphasizing their impact on improving lending practices and ensuring fairness for borrowers. The discussion section critically evaluates the contributions and limitations of existing research papers, providing novel insights and comprehensive coverage. This review highlights the international scope of research in this field, with contributions from various countries providing diverse perspectives. This systematic review enhances understanding of the evolving landscape of credit risk assessment and offers valuable insights into the application, challenges, and opportunities of AI and ML in this critical financial domain. By comparing findings with existing survey papers, this review identifies novel insights and contributions, making it a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the financial industry.

While extensive research has explored interconnectedness, volatility spillovers, and risk transmission across financial systems, the comparative dynamics between Islamic and conventional banks during crises, particularly in specific regions such as Saudi Arabia, are underexplored. This study investigates risk transmissions and contagion among banks operating in Islamic and conventional modes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Daily banking stock data spanning November 2018 to November 2023, encompassing two major crises—COVID-19 and the Russian-Ukraine war—were analyzed. Using the frequency TVP-VAR approach, the study reveals that average total connectedness for both banking groups exceeds 50%, with short-run risk transmission dominating over long-term effects. Graphical visualizations highlight time-varying connectedness, driven predominantly by short-run spillovers, with similar patterns observed in both Islamic and conventional banking networks. The main contribution of this paper is the insight that long-term investment strategies are crucial for mitigating potential risks in the Saudi banking system, given its limited diversification opportunities.

The application of optimization algorithms is crucial for analyzing oil and gas company portfolio and supporting decision-making. The paper investigates the process of optimizing a portfolio of oil and gas projects under economic uncertainty. The literature review explores the advantages of applying various optimizers to models that consider the mean and semi-standard deviations of stochastic multi-year cash flows and revenues. The methods and results of three different optimization algorithms are discussed: ranking and cutting algorithms, linear (Simplex) and evolutionary (genetic) algorithms. Functions of several key performance indicators were used to test these algorithms. The results confirmed that multi-objective optimization algorithms that examine various key performance indicators are used for efficient optimization in oil and gas companies. This paper proposes a multi-criteria optimization model for investment portfolios of oil and gas projects. The model considers the specific features of these projects and is based on the Markowitz portfolio theory and methodological recommendations for project assessment. An example of its practical application to oil and gas projects is also provided.

Climate change has adverse effects on ecosystems and several socio-economic sectors including health. Indeed, infrastructure, continuity of medical services, and the hospital environment are all directly affected by the effects of climate-related risks. This study aims to describe the observations of the effects of climate change risks on health systems in the Greater Lomé health region of Togo. We used an interview guide and a questionnaire to collect information. The observations allowed us to assess the effects caused by climate risks. According to the results, 84.62% of respondents attest that health centers experience flooding during rainy periods and damage caused by strong winds is noticeable among 76.92% of respondents. More than 25.40% and 61.86% respectively of respondents mention that droughts and floods have effects on health systems. The results of this study will allow health system managers to become aware of how to plan useful actions to facilitate the management of climate-related risks in health facilities in the Greater Lomé health region. In view of all these results, it is necessary that measures be taken to strengthen the resilience of health systems through awareness campaigns and training of actors throughout the health pyramid.