China established pilot carbon markets in 2013. In 2020, it set targets for carbon peaking in 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. China’s national carbon market officially commenced operations in 2021. Based on the national market and seven pilot markets, this study established the factors influencing carbon trading prices by examining market participants, macroeconomics, energy prices, carbon prices in other markets, etc. Asymmetrical development among the seven pilot cities, for which the study employed a mixed-effects model, was the primary factor impacting carbon prices. The carbon prices in the pilot cities cannot be extrapolated to the entire country. In the national carbon market, where the study employed a multiple regression lag model, the SSE index was positively correlated with carbon prices, whereas the Dow Jones index had no significant effect on carbon prices in terms of macroeconomics. Coal and natural gas prices were negatively correlated with carbon prices, whereas oil prices were positively correlated with energy prices. The EU market prices have a positive correlation with prices in other markets. The significance of this study is that it covers the largest national Emissions Trading System (ETS) in the world and allows for comparing the characteristics of the Chinese market with those of other ETS markets. Additional studies, including more sectors, should be conducted as China’s ETS coverage increases.

Professional identity among faculty members in private higher education institutions plays a vital role in shaping the quality and sustainability of these institutions. This research aims to investigate the factors influencing the professional identity of teachers in Chengdu's private higher education institutions. The study employs a theoretical framework centered on "identification" with behavior intention, behavior attitude, and sense of belonging as fundamental dimensions. Data were collected through questionnaire surveys and analyzed using SPSS 23.0. The study hypothesizes that behavior intention, behavior attitude, and sense of belonging have a significant positive impact on professional identity among faculty members. Additionally, behavior attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control are expected to have a significant positive influence on behavior intention, and subjective norms and perceived usefulness may positively affect sense of belonging. The results are expected to provide valuable insights for enhancing the professional satisfaction and educational quality of faculty in private higher education institutions.

This study explores the factors that affect consumer adoption of reusable packaging in South Korea’s food delivery market. Adopting a mixed-method that includes interviews and an online survey of 137 consumers aged 18 to 30, the analysis, using an ordered probit model, reveals key drivers of the likelihood of switching to food delivery services using reusable packaging. Positive influences include environmental concerns, intention to take action on disposable packaging, willingness to pay extra, and awareness that reusable packaging does not require washing. However, challenges such as hygiene concerns and higher delivery fees deter consumers from switching to reusable package option. Demographic factors like living arrangements and gender show minimal impact. In response to the findings, the study suggests strategic solutions, including a pilot program, to overcome barriers and effectively demonstrate the benefits of reusable containers.

This study looked at how adding augmented reality (AR) to Jordanian fast-food apps during the pandemic impacts brand identity, consumer views, and interactions. It wanted to see if AR strengthens brand connections or leads to brand dilution concerns in the industry. The research utilized a qualitative approach, employing semi-structured interviews with 52 marketing managers from diverse fast-food establishments across Jordan. The study highlighted how mobile apps, especially AR, changed brand interactions in Jordan’s fast-food market. They boosted convenience and engagement but raised worries about food quality and brand dilution due to heavy app use. It stressed the need to balance tech innovation, preserve brand identity, offer personalized experiences, understand user behavior, and tackle app development challenges for better brand loyalty. The research offers practical implications for stakeholders, recommending strategic AR integration, a user-centric approach, cultural sensitivity in tech adoption, and the preservation of emotional connections. It emphasizes the significance of maintaining a delicate balance between leveraging technological advancements and safeguarding the distinctiveness of individual brand identities within an increasingly app-centric landscape. This study uncovers AR’s influence in Jordan’s fast-food scene, highlighting its transformative power and possible drawbacks. It offers practical advice for industry players, guiding them on how to navigate the digital shift without compromising brand integrity or customer connections.

In a territorial development model such as that of Valencia (Spain), in which limitations, resistance and difficulties are observed as a result of the dualization that it has undergone in these almost 40 years of operation, we ask whether these obstacles have had an effect on the evolution of employment. This is understood as the basic indicator, the primary aim of any action undertaken for development of the territory. To this end, we set out from the methodological articulation of various techniques (survey by means of a pre-coded questionnaire, application of the READI® methodology) based on the primary information collected from the AEDL (Employment and Local Development Agents) technical staff of Valencia province, which showed us their perception of the dualization to which the model is subjected and the difficulties that this generates when carrying out their professional activity. Statistical and documentary sources were also analyzed. With all this, the evolution of employment in these territories over the last five years was studied in order to validate, or not, the initial hypothesis: Whether this reality of the model (duality) responds to short-term or structural parameters.