The augmentation of firm performance via customer concentration is particularly indispensable for organizational evolution. Both trade credit financing and financing constraints play pivotal roles in the nexus between customer concentration and performance. This research constructs a moderated mediation model to rigorously investigate the impact of customer concentration on firm performance, positing trade credit financing as the mediating variable and financing constraints as the moderating variable. The relevant hypotheses are evaluated empirically using panel data compiled from listed manufacturing firms in China over the period 2013–2020, yielding 8 firm-year observations. The empirical outcomes denote that customer concentration exerts a positive influence on firm performance, albeit having a negative impact on trade credit financing. Trade credit financing serves as a partial mediator in the relationship between customer concentration and manufacturing firm performance. Financing constraints are found to positively moderate the mediating role of trade credit financing in the relationship between customer concentration and firm performance. This research broadens the understanding of the implications of customer relationships on trade credit financing and performance, thereby enriching the knowledge base for managing a firm’s financing channels more effectively.

The main objective of this study was comparative advantages analysis at social price of Num-mango in the export channels. The examination of the domestic resource cost per shadow exchange rate (DRC/SER) ratio provides insights into the comparative advantage of the trading system in the Num-mango industry. A comprehensive study was conducted, with a total of 317 observations, with a specific emphasis on the significant individuals in Vinh Long, Vietnam. The comparative advantage of the Num-mango commerce system was inferred from a DRC/SER ratio below one, which may be attributed to the existence of two distinct export channels. The DRC/SER in export channel 1 exhibited values of 0.55, 0.67, and 0.53 over the three seasons. In season 1, export channel 2 had a score of 0.42, which then was 0.79 in season 2. The value of export channel 2 had a consistent upward trend during season 3, reaching its highest point of 0.3. It is recommended that regulators and governments provide export-focused incentives that prioritize the maximum comparative advantage. This study examines the concept of comparative advantage within export supply chains, specifically in relation to a diverse selection of tropical fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, it provides empirical evidence that supports the applicability and reliability of the Ricardian model.

Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress that drastically hinders plant growth and development, resulting in lower crop yields and productivity. As one of the most consumed vegetables worldwide, tomato (Solanum lycropersicum L.) plays a key role in the human diet. The current study aimed to explore the differential tolerance level of two tomato varieties (Rio Grande and Agata) to salt stress. To this end, various growth, physiological and biochemical attributes were assessed after two weeks of 100 mM NaCl treatment. Obtained findings indicated that, although the effects of salt stress included noticeable reductions in shoots’ and roots’ dry weights and relative growth rate as well as total leaf area, for the both cultivars, Rio Grande performed better compared to Agata variety. Furthermore, despite the exposure to salt stress, Rio Grande was able to maintain an adequate tissue hydration and a high leaf mass per area (LMA) through the accumulation of proline. However, relative water content, LMA and proline content were noticeably decreased for Agata cultivar. Likewise, total leaf chlorophyll, soluble proteins and total carbohydrates were significantly decreased; whereas, malondialdehyde was significantly accumulated in response to salt stress for the both cultivars. Moreover, such negative effects were remarkably more pronounced for Agata relative to Rio Grande cultivar. Overall, the current study provided evidence that, at the early growth stage, Rio Grande is more tolerant to salt stress than Agata variety. Therefore, Rio Grande variety may constitute a good candidate for inclusion in tomato breeding programs for salt-tolerance and is highly recommended for tomato growers, particularly in salt-affected fields.

With society’s continuous development and progress, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is increasingly utilized in higher education, garnering increased attention. The current application of AI in higher education impacts teachers’ instructional methods and students’ learning processes. While acknowledging that AI advancements offers numerous advantages and contribute significantly to societal progress, excessive reliance on AI within education may give rise to various issues, students’ over-dependence on AI can have particularly severe consequences. Although many scholars have recently conducted research on artificial intelligence, there is insufficient analysis of the positive and negative effects on higher education. In this paper, researchers examine the existing literature on AI’s impact on higher education to explore the opportunities and challenges presented by this super technology for teaching and learning in higher educational institutions. To address our research questions, we conducted literature searches using two major databases—Scopus and Web of Science—and we selected articles using the PRISMA method. Findings indicate that AI plays a significant role in enhancing student efficiency in academic tasks and homework; However, when considering this issue from an ethical standpoint, it becomes apparent that excessive use of AI hinders the development of learners’ knowledge systems while also impairing their cognitive abilities due to an over-reliance on artificial technology. Therefore, our research provides essential guidance for stakeholders on the wise use of artificial intelligence technology.

This paper highlights the complex relationship between entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and economic growth in 41 European countries, using a reliable K-Means cluster analysis. The research thoroughly evaluates three key factors: the SDG Index for sustainable development, GDP per capita for economic well-being, and the New Business Density Rate for entrepreneurial activity. Our methodology reveals three distinct narratives that embody varying degrees of economic vitality and sustainability. Cluster 1 comprises the financially stable and sustainability-oriented countries of Western and Northern Europe. Cluster 2 showcases the variegated economic and sustainability initiatives in Central and Southern Europe. Cluster 3 envelopes the economic titans with noteworthy business expansion but with the potential for better sustainable practices. The analysis reveals a favourable association between economic prosperity and sustainable development within clusters, although with nonlinear intricacies. The research concludes with a series of strategic imperatives specifically crafted for each cluster, promoting economic variation, increased sustainability, invention, and worldwide collaboration. The resulting findings highlight the crucial need for policy-making that considers the specific context and the potential for combined European resilience and sustainability.

The need to expand the range of banking services in Ukraine is stipulated with technological progress, the European integration processes and the legal regime of martial law introduced in the country. Under the conditions of war, the need to strengthen the security of banking activities and protect the banking system from the influence of any internal and external factors gains meaning. The topical direction of economic and legal research of scientists today is the possibility to introduce digital technologies with elements of artificial intelligence (AI) into the banking activity in Ukraine to improve its protection. The AI law as an independent branch of the Ukrainian law has not been developed so far. The sources of AI law, its functions, tasks, scope, risks and limits of legal responsibility for prohibited practices of artificial intelligence have not been defined. The purpose of the article is to analyze the theoretical and legal provisions that underpin the regulation of AI application in Ukrainian banking. The comparative legal method made it possible, considering the provisions of the draft law on AI of the European Union, to determine the trends in the development of the legal regulation of AI in Ukraine. Following the study, proposals to the legislation of Ukraine were formulated, which will contribute to the legal regulation of banking activities using digital technologies with elements of AI.