To evaluate the efficiency of decision-making units, researchers continually develop models simulating the production process of organizations. This study formulates a network model integrating undesirable outputs to measure the efficiency of Vietnam’s banking industry. Employing methodologies from the data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach, the efficiency scores for these banks are subsequently computed and comparatively analyzed. The empirical results indicate that the incorporation of undesirable output variables in the efficiency evaluation model leads to significantly lower efficiency scores compared to the conventional DEA model. In practical terms, the study unveils a deterioration in the efficiency of banking operations in Vietnam during the post-Covid era, primarily attributed to deficiencies in credit risk management. These findings contribute to heightening awareness among bank managers regarding the pivotal importance of credit management activities.

This study examines the comparative teaching effectiveness and student satisfaction between native Japanese language teachers (NJLTs) and non-native Japanese language teachers (NNJLTs). Utilizing a sample of 740 students from various educational institutions in Japan, the research employs a quantitative design, including structured questionnaires adapted from established scales. Advanced statistical methods, including factor analysis and multiple regression, were used to analyze the data. The findings reveal no significant differences in student satisfaction and language proficiency between students taught by NJLTs and NNJLTs. Additionally, regression analysis showed that cultural relatability and empathy were not significant predictors of teaching effectiveness, suggesting that factors beyond nativeness influence student outcomes. These results challenge the native-speakerism ideology, highlighting the importance of pedagogical skills, teacher-student rapport, and effective teaching strategies. The study underscores the need for inclusive hiring practices, comprehensive teacher training programs, and collaborative teaching models that leverage the strengths of both NJLTs and NNJLTs. Implications for educational policy, curriculum design, and teacher professional development are discussed, advocating for a balanced approach that values the contributions of both native and non-native teachers. Limitations include the reliance on self-reported data and the specific cultural context of Japan. Future research should explore additional variables, employ longitudinal designs, and utilize mixed-methods approaches to provide a more nuanced understanding of language teaching effectiveness.

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.

The purpose of the article is the analysis of the constitutional regime in the Republic of Poland, the study of democratic and authoritarian tendencies. The article is devoted to the coverage of one of the most pressing issues, namely the constitutional principles of Polish democracy, which play an important role in determining the political system and functioning of the State. They establish the basic principles of a democratic system, protect the rights and freedoms of citizens, and determine the relationship between the Government and the people. Poland, as a democratic republic, has its own constitutional principles, ensuring the stability of the political system and the development of democracy in the country. The article analyzes the constitutional principles in the doctrine of constitutional law and constitutional practice of Poland, examines their nature and significance for the supremacy of the Constitution and the development of the legal system. Authoritarian tendencies are covered as well. It is determined that nowadays there is a tense interaction between democratic principles and tendencies towards authoritarianism in the Republic of Poland. This situation is reflected in political actions, legislative changes and Government actions that can contribute to the undermining of democratic institutions and values.

Nowadays, finding a suitable solution to the problem of generational change in case of small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) is becoming increasingly challenging. The aim of this research to investigate whether entering into the stock exchange could be a realistic alternative for Hungarian companies to eliminate this issue. This study reviews the process of Initial Public Offering (IPO) and summarises the advantages and the difficulties of going public. The paper focuses on the opportunities for value creation and saving offered to SMEs by listing on the stock exchange. As primary research on practical experiences, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with the managers of 10 involved companies, and some financial indicators were examined. The research does not cover all relevant companies; however, it is still suitable for drawing a conclusion. The presence on the stock market proved to be useful for the companies and played a significant role in the preservation of the company’s value as well as in financing opportunities. The path demonstrated in this article is suitable for other businesses to follow the pioneers.

Poverty is a key challenge to socioeconomic development globally. However, the degree to which distance from a market contributes to poverty remains unclear. To provide insights into this relationship, we quantified the relationships between distance from markets and the per capita income of rural and urban people in China based on data from 29 provinces and 2651 counties. Our results illustrate the existence of a “geographical curse”; that is, a large separation between producers and consumers can exacerbate poverty for less-affluent rural residents, who pay a larger proportion of their income to send their products to market and to purchase goods from those markets. Programs to alleviate poverty should therefore consider seeking solutions associated with reducing the impact of that distance, such as subsidizing the transport of goods, improving the transportation infrastructure, supporting innovative business practices, and balancing the locations of producers and their markets.