This paper investigates the impact of financial inclusion on financial stability in BRICS countries from 2004 to 2020. Using a panel smooth transition regression model, the results reveal a U-shaped relationship between financial inclusion and financial stability. Financial inclusion reduces financial stability up to a threshold of 44.7%. Beyond this point, financial inclusion contributes to greater financial stability, through gradual transitions. Enhanced financial inclusion supports banks in stabilizing their deposit funding by facilitating access to more stable, long-term funds and alleviating the negative impacts of fluctuations in returns. Furthermore, the study examines the role of institutional quality in shaping the financial inclusion-financial stability nexus, indicating a significant positive effect, especially in the upper regime. These findings provide valuable insights for financial regulatory authorities, highlighting the importance of promoting financial inclusion in BRICS economies and adapting regulations to mitigate potential risks to global financial stability.

In the present work, a series of butyl methacrylate/1-hexene copolymers were synthesized, and their efficiency as viscosity index improvers, pour point depressants, and shear stabilizers of lube oil was investigated. The effect of 1-hexene molar ratio, type, and concentration of Lewis acids on the incorporation of 1-hexene into the copolymer backbone was investigated. The successful synthesis of the copolymers was confirmed through FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Results obtained from quantitative 1H NMR and GPC revealed that an increase in the molar ratio of 1-hexene to butyl methacrylate, along with concentration of Lewis acids led to an increase in 1-hexene incorporation and a reduction in Mn and Ð. Similar trends were observed when the Lewis acid changed from AlCl₃ to organometallic acids. The maximum 1-hexene incorporation (26.4%) was achieved for sample BHY3, with a [1-hexene/BMA] ratio of 4 mol% and a [Yb(OTf)₃/BMA] ratio of 2.5 mol%. Evaluation of the synthesized copolymers as lube oil additives demonstrated that the viscosity index was more significantly influenced by samples with higher molecular weight. Sample BHA13 represents maximum VI of 137. The copolymer containing Yb(OTf)₃ as a catalyst exhibited superior efficiency as a pour point depressant. Furthermore, sample BHY3 showed the lowest shear stability index (6.4).

Luxembourg institutions have the opportunity to reconcile environmental goals with financial stability by implementing Green Fintech solutions, as the banking sector increasingly recognizes the importance of sustainability. This study employs a quantitative approach and analyzes data collected from 150 participants working in the banking industry of Luxembourg. The research aims to assess the consequences of adopting Green Fintech on sustainable development. Banking institutions can boost their financial resilience and mitigate climate-related risks by adopting Green Fintech, which improves their sustainability. The paper emphasizes the importance of Green Fintech in the Luxembourg banking sector for advancing sustainable development goals. To effectively address the increasingly complex environmental concerns, it is crucial to embrace innovative Fintechs.

This study examines how economic freedom and competition affect bank stability. We use data from 70 ASEAN-4 banks from 2007 to 2019 using the system generalized technique of moments. Results corroborate competition-fragility hypothesis. Market strength (or less competition) can boost bank stability. However, in the ASEAN-4 area, competition and bank stability have a non-linear relationship, suggesting that bank stability may decline after market strength exceeds a threshold. Financial and economic freedom also boosts bank stability. This implies banks in free financial and economic contexts are more stable. Banks with more market dominance in nations with more economic or financial autonomy may also be more unstable. The findings suggest that authorities should allow some competition and economic flexibility to keep banks stable. The study examined ASEAN-4 economic freedom’s effects empirically for the first time. It illuminates competitiveness and bank stability.

The challenge of rural electrification has become more challenging today than ever before. Grid-connected and off-grid microgrid systems are playing a very important role in this problem. Examining each component’s ideal size, facility system reactions, and other microgrid analyses, this paper proposes the design and implementation of an off-grid hybrid microgrid in Chittagong and Faridpur with various load dispatch strategies. The hybrid microgrids with a load of 23.31 kW and the following five dispatch algorithms have been optimized: (i) load following, (ii) HOMER predictive, (iii) combined dispatch, (iv) generator order, and (v) cycle charging dispatch approach. The proposed microgrids have been optimized to reduce the net present cost, CO₂ emissions, and levelized cost of energy. All five dispatch strategies for the two microgrids have been analyzed in HOMER Pro. Power system reactions and feasibility analyses of microgrids have been performed using ETAP simulation software. For both the considered locations, the results propound that load-following is the outperforming approach, which has the lowest energy cost of $0.1728/kWh, operational cost of $2944.13, present cost of $127,528.10, and CO₂ emission of 2746 kg/year for the Chittagong microgrid and the lowest energy cost of $0.2030/kWh, operating cost of $3530.34, present cost of 149,287.30, and CO₂ emission of 3256 kg/year for the Faridpur microgrid with a steady reaction of the power system.