Public-private partnerships (PPPs) were established in Brazil at the beginning of this century, following a global trend of using these partnerships to stimulate investment in infrastructures, particularly in a framework of restrictive budgetary and fiscal conditions. Despite their growing importance and the expectation of an expanding role in the future, not much is known about the actual facts on the ground. The objective of this paper is to be a first step in the direction of filling this information gap by providing important stylized facts about the universe of PPPs in Brazil: the quantitative evolution of PPP adoptions; the characterization of the geographical distribution of PPPs by government level (federal, state, district, and municipal); the characterization of the PPP intervention areas, including the total value of contracts and the modalities of PPP concession (sponsored and administrative). This objective is rendered possible by the development of a new database that covers the entire process of PPP contracting from 2005 to 2022, including the opening of public consultation procedures, the publication of the official notice, and the signing of contracts, as well as multiple thematic, financial, jurisdictional, and regional indicators. In turn, we see the establishment of these stylized facts as a necessary first step in the direction of understanding the factors that may determine or condition their adoption. In general, having a clear picture of the universe of the PPPs in Brazil is fundamental as their use and their role are expected to significantly increase in the future as the country pursues a path of improved economic activity and well-being of the population.

The current examines the influence of Islamic values on smoking behaviors among undergraduate students at Yarmouk University in Irbid, Jordan (N: 334). Tobacco use, in religious and cultural terms, is viewed as abhorrent; it is a significant concern for this population group. The study intends to identify how Islamic values affect the perception of students on smoking and, consequently, their smoking behavior. A self-administered questionnaire assessed sociodemographic data and the past 30 days of cigarette use. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and percentages, midpoint and standard deviation, and inferential statistics, such as chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical regression, were used to analyze smoking behaviors, Islamic values, and demographic attributes. The study shows that Islamic values have a strong negative attitude towards smoking; students attributed smoking to religion, family and social expectations and perceptions, health and economic implications. Further, the hierarchical regression analysis revealed that cigarette use, hookah and e-cigarette, gender, and attitude towards Islamic values were suitable predictors for cigarette use. This study advances knowledge regarding smoking behaviors from the cultural-religious perspective. It highlights the importance of historically and culturally informed gender-sensitive prevention programs that address smoking-related beliefs, attitudes, and practices. Collaboration with the Ministry of Health and media outlets to integrate Islamic values into public health campaigns can reduce smoking among university students by aligning cultural and religious beliefs with health messaging.

Introduction: The digital era has ushered in transformative changes across industries, with the real estate sector being a pivotal focus. In Guangdong Province, China, real estate enterprises are at the forefront of this digital revolution, navigating the complexities of technological integration and market adaptation. This study delves into the intricacies of digital transformation and its profound implications for the financial performance of these enterprises. The rapid evolution of digital technologies necessitates examining how such advancements redefine operational strategies and financial outcomes within the real estate landscape. The inclusion of government support as a variable in our study is deliberate and stems from its profound influence on shaping the digital landscape. Government policies and initiatives provide a regulatory framework and offer strategic direction and financial incentives that catalyze digital adoption and integration within the real estate sector. By examining the moderating effect of government support, this study aims to uncover the nuanced interplay between policy-driven environments and the financial performance of enterprises undergoing digital transformation. This exploration is essential to understanding the broader implications of public policy on private-sector innovation and growth. Objectives: The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the impact of digital transformation on the financial performance of Guangdong’s real estate enterprises, with a specific focus on return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA). Additionally, this study aims to scrutinize the role of government support as a potential moderator in the relationship between digital transformation and financial success. The research seeks to provide actionable insights for policymakers and industry players by understanding these dynamics. The digital transformation of Guangdong’s real estate sector presents a complex landscape of challenges and opportunities that shape the industry’s evolution. On one hand, the integration of innovative digital technologies into established operational frameworks poses significant challenges. These include the need for substantial investment in new infrastructure, the imperative for a cultural shift towards digital literacy across the workforce, and the continuous demand for upskilling to remain agile in an increasingly digital market. On the other hand, digital transformation affords manifold opportunities. For instance, enhanced operational efficiencies through automation and data analytics offer substantial benefits in terms of cost savings and process optimization. Furthermore, leveraging data-driven insights enables more informed strategic decision-making, which is critical in a competitive real estate market. The capacity to innovate service offerings by tapping into digital platforms and customer relationship management systems also presents a significant opportunity for real estate enterprises to differentiate themselves and capture new market segments. Methods: This study explores the digital transformation of real estate firms in Guangdong, highlighting government support as a critical moderator. Findings show that digital initiatives improve company performance, with government backing amplifying these benefits. Regional disparities in support suggest a need for tailored strategies, indicating the importance of policy in driving digital adoption and innovation in the sector. The study advises firms to leverage local policies and policymakers to address regional imbalances for equitable digital transformation. This study uses a sample of 28 real estate enterprises in Guangdong Province from 2012 to 2022. Panel data analysis with a fixed effects model tests the hypotheses. The study also conducts robustness checks by replacing the key variables. Results: The findings indicate that digital transfo

Purpose—In the business sector, reliable and timely data are crucial for business management to formulate a company’s strategy and enhance supply chain efficiency. The main goal of this study is to examine how strong brand strength affects shareholder value with a new Supplier Relationship Management System (SRMS) and to find the specific system qualities that are linked to SRMS adoption. This leads to higher brand strength and stronger shareholder value. Design/Methodology/Approach—This study employed a cross-sectional design with an explanatory survey as a deductive technique to form hypotheses. The primary method of data collection used a drop-off questionnaire that was self-administered to the UAE-based healthcare suppliers. Of the 787 questionnaires sent to the healthcare suppliers, 602 were usable, yielding a response rate of 76.5%. To analyze the data gathered, the study used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and artificial neural network (ANN) techniques. Findings—The study’s data proved that SRMS adoption and brand strength positively affected and improved healthcare suppliers’ shareholder value. Additionally, it demonstrates that user satisfaction is the most significant predictor of SRMS adoption, while the results show that the mediating role of brand strength is the most significant predictor of shareholder value. The results demonstrated that internally derived constructs were better explained by the ANN technique than by the PLS-SEM approach. Originality/Value—This study demonstrates its practical value by offering decision-makers in the healthcare supplier industry a reference on what to avoid and what elements to take into account when creating plans and implementing strategies and policies.

This study explores the transformative role of art design interventions in the sustainable development and infrastructure enhancement of intangible cultural heritage, with a particular focus on honored brands. The research develops a framework that positions aesthetic and interactive art design interventions as pivotal components in revitalizing these brands. Aesthetic interventions translate the brand’s core philosophy, spirit, and values into compelling visual symbols, harmonizing cultural heritage with modern image design to elevate brand reputation and consumer preference. Interactive interventions enhance user experience, particularly among younger demographics, by integrating technological and entertainment-based engagement, thereby strengthening consumer loyalty and brand influence. The study further investigates how these art design interventions serve as catalysts for broader social development, contributing to the modern relevance and societal impact of time-honored brands. Additionally, it examines the impact of these interventions on sustainable development, societal support, and policy alignment. By weaving together these elements, the research underscores the critical importance of aligning brand strategies with societal goals, fostering environments where brands actively contribute to social welfare and sustainable growth. The findings offer valuable theoretical insights and practical strategies for the sustainable development of time-honored brands, providing clear directions for future research and practice.