Commercial Activities Research Articles

From redistribution to the market: large estates, exchanges, markets and tolls in northern Italy (ninth–eleventh centuries)

The aim of this article is to discuss forms of domestic exchange in the north of the kingdom of Italy between the late ninth and early eleventh centuries. In the early part of this period the economy of the area was based on large rural estates and redistributive exchanges. Only from the late tenth century did economic structures change, with a sharp increase in commercial activities, and a focus of manufacturing activity on cities. However, this reconfiguration of the economic system, fully accomplished by the mid‐eleventh century, did not result in an economic take‐off.

Sustainable development in The Old Wukrah Souq (Qatar) as a Model

This research aims to explore the relationship between preserving the architectural heritage of traditional markets and their role in fostering sustainable economic development, with a focus on the Old Wukrah Souq in Qatar as a case study. The study presents the historical and architectural characteristics of the market, analyzing the challenges it faces amid urban modernization and economic shifts. An analytical-descriptive methodology, combining literature review and field data collection, is employed to identify factors influencing heritage preservation and economic sustainability. Preliminary findings underscore the importance of adopting comprehensive strategies that include urban planning policies and regulatory frameworks supporting heritage conservation, thereby revitalizing commercial and tourism activities. The research further illustrates how traditional markets can be transformed into cultural and economic hubs that enrich community experience and reinforce national identity. Based on these insights, the study offers practical recommendations for stakeholders to effectively preserve this cultural asset and integrate its historical dimensions into future development plans.

Socioeconomic Challenges of Environmental Catastrophes: A Study of Annual Floods at Dura Flood Plain Along Gboko to Katsina-Ala Road, Buruku LGA, Benue State, Nigeria

Comic articulations and the phenomenal configuration of relief features, and anthropogenic activities are progressively getting vast portions of the global landscape susceptible to flood events of varying catastrophic magnitudes. This paper, using 150 structured questionnaires, field surveys, journal articles, conference papers and rainfall records as bases for empirical analysis, traced the root causes of river-related annual floods with a focus on the River Dura floodplain along the Gboko to Katsina-Ala road. The paper also examined the major socioeconomic challenges of the annual floods within the context of agricultural productivity, transportation and commercial activities, and income generation by the local inhabitants. The study also employed Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) to produce a map of the study locality, which captures the floodplain. Results from the study revealed that annual floods in the locality are largely due to heavy rainfalls of high frequency. The study further revealed that large-scale disruption of farmlands, crops, and traffic flow along the federal highway and footpath are some of the major challenges associated with the annual floods. The study accordingly recommends the immediate extension of the bridge across the River Dura, dredging of the river, construction of a dam and use of bio-techniques to boost the level of crop resistance against inundation to alleviate the adverse effects of the annual floods in the locality.

The Influence of Urban Subway Construction and Operation on Regional Commercial Development and Management Strategies

This paper delves into the impact of urban subway construction and operation on regional commercial development. From an industrial and commercial management perspective, it analyzes the multifaceted effects of subway construction and operation (up to March 2025) in Chengdu on business clustering, consumer behavior changes, and commercial innovation. It highlights the challenges faced and proposes targeted management strategies. By combining data collection, field research, and in-depth analysis, it provides theoretical and practical guidance for the coordinated development of urban rail transit and commercial activities. Is the expression accurate and concise, meeting the requirements of high-level papers?

Co-Optimized Design of Islanded Hybrid Microgrids Using Synergistic AI Techniques: A Case Study for Remote Electrification

Off-grid and isolated rural communities in developing countries with limited resources require energy supplies for daily residential use and social, economic, and commercial activities. The use of data from space assets and space-based solar power is a feasible solution for addressing ground-based energy insecurity when harnessed in a hybrid manner. Advances in space solar power systems are recognized to be feasible sources of renewable energy. Their usefulness arises due to advances in satellite and space technology, making valuable space data available for smart grid design in these remote areas. In this case study, an isolated village in Namibia, characterized by high levels of solar irradiation and limited wind availability, is identified. Using NASA data, an autonomous hybrid system incorporating a solar photovoltaic array, a wind turbine, storage batteries, and a backup generator is designed. The local load profile, solar irradiation, and wind speed data were employed to ensure an accurate system model. Using HOMER Pro software V 3.14.2 for system simulation, a more advanced AI optimization was performed utilizing Grey Wolf Optimization and Harris Hawks Optimization, which are two metaheuristic algorithms. The results obtained show that the best performance was obtained with the Grey Wolf Optimization algorithm. This method achieved a minimum energy cost of USD 0.268/kWh. This paper presents the results obtained and demonstrates that advanced optimization techniques can enhance both the hybrid system’s financial cost and energy production efficiency, contributing to a sustainable electricity supply regime in this isolated rural community.

Silk Roads of Pest-Buda: Ottoman Merchants in the Heart of Empire’s Marketplace

Abstract This article focuses on the historical contacts between the Habsburg Empire and the Ottoman Empire, with particular emphasis on the Pest-Buda–related mobility and commercial activities of Ottoman subjects during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Through a detailed analysis of three extensive, untapped archival registers from the Finanz- und Hofkammer Archiv in Vienna, the study reveals that Pest-Buda’s crucial role in economic and cultural exchanges between these two empires did not diminish during this period. The research explores the connections between Transylvania and Pest-Buda, highlighting the importance of the Pest-Buda-Transylvania-Ottoman relationship in understanding transimperial communications. By closely examining individual profiles and their mobility patterns, this study not only provides insights into the prevailing socioeconomic circumstances and the interconnected communities moving between the two empires during the period, but also offers a nuanced understanding of Pest-Buda’s role as a historical gateway for Habsburg-Ottoman contacts within the broader imperial context.

The S-O-R framework in action: The impact of source credibility, interactivity, and perceived usefulness on consumer engagement and trust in live streaming commerce

The emergence of live-streaming commerce has significantly altered the purchasing patterns of consumers, and it has become a critical component of e-commerce and marketing, specifically during the pandemic. This study investigates how customer engagement and trust are impacted by perceived utility, platform interaction, and source credibility, as well as how these factors affect purchase intention and actual purchasing behavior. Data were gathered from 247 regular live streaming platform users in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, employing purposive sampling and a standard questionnaire. From August to November 2024, the survey was administered during periods of significant online purchasing events and increasing live commerce activities. Participants were selected among technology-savvy, digitally engaged shoppers at major metropolitan shopping malls to generate a representative sample. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling, results indicate that source credibility, platform interactivity, and perceived usefulness significantly affect consumer engagement (β = 1.376, p < 0.001). The results indicate that source credibility, platform interactivity, and perceived utility strongly affect trust (β = 1.198, p < 0.001, β = 0.351, p < 0.001, β = 0.224, p = 0.010). The findings also showed that customer engagement has a favorable impact on both purchase intention and the actual purchase (β = 1.272, 0.404; p = 0.001, 0.003). Trust positively affects both purchase intention (β = 0.994, p = 0.002) and actual purchase (β = 0.546, p = 0.001). Marketers and e-commerce platforms could apply these results to create more authentic and dynamic live streaming experiences that boost consumer engagement and trust.

Strangers in the Promised Land: Jenízaros, Foreigners, and the Perils of Trade in Colonial Peru, 1750–1764

Abstract This article examines how foreign traders navigated opposition from local elites in mid-eighteenth-century Peru, including repeated decrees prohibiting their presence, to sustain their commercial activities in the colony. By analyzing two sets of documentation, the letters of Juan Cranisbro and the testimony of Pedro Siochan, the study argues that the integration in Cádiz of foreign and Spanish traders amid the expanding registered ship system (navíos de registro) blurred the distinction between foreign interests and the formal Spanish Carrera de Indias. The confiscated letters of Juan Cranisbro reveal the challenges that foreign merchants faced in Peru, including chronic harassment by local authorities and efforts to undermine their trade. Despite facing conspiracies and embargoes, Cranisbro adeptly navigated the law, which highlights the ingenuity of foreign merchants in Peru. The testimony of Pedro Siochan, a French second pilot involved in a legal case related to contraband trade, provides insight into the operations and awareness of foreign merchants. Siochan's experiences underscore the complexities of dealing with Peruvian authorities and the challenges posed by heightened scrutiny from Lima's consulado.

Research on the Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Spatial Integration of Resource-Based Coal Cities—A Case Study of the Central Urban Area of Huaibei

Background: The integration of mining and urban spaces in coal-resource-based cities holds significant implications for urban transformation and sustainable development. However, existing research lacks an in-depth analysis of its characteristics and driving factors. Methods: This study takes the central urban area of Huaibei City as a case, utilizing historical documents, POI data, and spatial analysis methods to explore the evolution patterns and influencing factors of mining–urban spatial integration. Standard deviation ellipse analysis was employed to examine historical spatial changes, while a binary logistic regression model and principal component analysis were constructed based on 300 m × 300 m grid units to assess the roles of 11 factors, including location, transportation, commerce, and natural environment. Results: The results indicate that mining–urban spatial integration exhibits characteristics of lag, clustering, transportation dominance, and continuity. Commercial activity density, particularly leisure, dining, and shopping facilities, serves as a core driving factor. Road network density, along with the areas of educational and residential zones, positively promotes integration, whereas water surface areas (such as subsidence zones) significantly inhibit it. Among high-integration areas, Xiangshan District stands as the most economically prosperous city center; Lieshan–Yangzhuang mining area blends traditional and modern elements; and Zhuzhuang–Zhangzhuang mining area reflects the industrial landscape post-transformation. Conclusions: The study reveals diverse integration patterns under the synergistic effects of multiple factors, providing a scientific basis for optimizing spatial layouts and coordinating mining–urban development in coal-resource-based cities. Future research should continue to pay attention to the dynamic changes of spatial integration of mining cities, explore more effective integrated development models, and promote the rational and efficient use of urban space and the sustainable development of cities.

MONITORING OF CYBER RISKS IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY

The financial sector of the economy is an attractive target for cyber-attacks because it plays an important role in intermediating the movement of funds. The article is devoted to monitoring cyber risks that may affect the functioning of electronic services. It is established that in the practical sphere, cyber-attacks are growing exponentially every year, but in the scientific sphere, considerable attention is paid to the identified issues, namely, cyber risks. In today's market environment, the communication architecture is based on the fact that financial institutions are critical to global commercial activities, as well as operations at the local, national and international levels of economic activity. The key objective of the study was to identify, classify and monitor cyber risks caused by both internal and external cyber threats in the financial sector.The study found that cyber risks for the financial sector mainly relate to the leakage of customer data or certain corporate information, financial losses, forced interruptions in the operation of electronic services, and ultimately the loss of reputational capital and mutual trust. During the bibliometric analysis, the author identified scientific papers that characterise the essence, systematise methodological tools, study classifications of cyber risks in the context of financial activities, and identify opportunities to overcome them in order to ensure cyber resilience. An original matrix of the relationship between the identified scientific clusters and cyber risks in the financial sector is proposed, which will allow us to focus on the development of promising solutions to overcome them.Financial sector institutions are in constant need of developing recommendations for protection against the negative impact of cyber risks, as they still use outdated electronic systems that are not resistant to the threats of possible cyber attacks. The conclusions confirm the relevance and importance of dealing with cyber risks in the financial sector to ensure stability and increase confidence in electronic services.

Quick Commerce in India: Navigating Challenges and Unlocking Opportunities for Sustainable Growth

Indian economy has shifted its paradigm from agri-based to service-driven and all-inclusive economy in due course. Due to globalization, privatization and technological advancements, trade and commerce activities are flourished. The next evolution of e-commerce, quick commerce (Q-commerce), has taken off in India thanks to shifting consumer lifestyles, digital adoption, and the growing need for lightning-fast deliveries. With a focus on its implications for long-term sustainability, this study examines the opportunities and problems related to the expansion of Q-commerce in India. On the one hand, Q-commerce sites like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart are using hyperlocal delivery models to redefine convenience and generate job opportunities. However, there are a number of obstacles they must overcome, such as high operating costs, ineffective inventory management, environmental issues brought on by excessive packaging, and labour exploitation in the gig economy. The lack of regulations and infrastructure limitations in India's cities and semi-urban areas that hinder scalability are also examined in the study. By means of an extensive examination of secondary

Shovel Ready Projects and Commercial Construction Activity’s Long and Variable Lags

We use microdata on the phases of commercial construction projects to document three facts regarding the sector's time-to-plan lags: (1) plan times are long and highly variable, (2) nearly half of projects in planning are abandoned, and (3) property price appreciation reduces the likelihood of abandonment. We write down a tractable model of endogenous planning starts and abandonment that can match these facts. The model also has the testable implication that supply is more elastic when there are more "shovel ready" projects ready for construction. We use local projections to validate this prediction in the cross-section for US cities.

Diagnostic Performance of Commercial Antithrombin Activity Assays: Do We Get What We Expect?

Hereditary antithrombin (AT) deficiency is a rare autosomal dominant disorder that predisposes to the development of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE). Diagnosis is based on the measurement of reduced AT activity in plasma. However, not all commercial AT activity assays are equally suited for diagnosis since they differ in sensitivity toward different AT mutations.The aim of this study was to compare the ability of commonly used AT activity assays to diagnose inherited antithrombin deficiency, with a focus on type II AT deficiencies. We used samples from genetically confirmed AT deficient subjects (n = 76) and from patients with request for AT activity measurement for diagnostic purposes (n = 152). AT activity was measured with five commercial assays on three analyzers.All reagent/analyzer combinations showed specificities varying from 87 to 100%, except for 1 assay (56.5% specificity). Diagnostic sensitivity varied widely between assays, from 36.8% to 100%. All reagent-analyzer combinations correctly identified variants causing type I AT deficiencies but only one variant responsible for type II heparin binding site (HBS) deficiency: p.Arg79Cys. For one of the assays, we observed a large difference in sensitivity (82.9 versus 55.3%) toward antithrombin type II HBS variants depending on the coagulation analyzer on which it is performed, suggesting that incubation time of sample and substrate could be a crucial driver of the sensitivity toward variants causing type II antithrombin deficiency. Our results suggest that inherited antithrombin deficiency is probably underestimated and improved diagnostic strategies are mandatory.

Characterization of the pork sector in the productive core of Argentina: a look at small producers

Pros and cons of pork production in Argentina underscore the need to have information to empower pork producers. This study characterizes three pork production strata (Small, Medium, and Large) in north Buenos Aires using surveys (n=40). We provide information on farms, management practices, infrastructure, technology and commercial activities. We found significant differences (p-value < 0.05) between strata in the use of artificial insemination and effluent treatment (mainly through lagoons and soil application) regarding infrastructure and technology. Additionally, there was a trend towards breeding in confined systems as the size of the production increased. Furthermore, despite 72.50% of surveyed producers having reported access to professional veterinary advice, we found a significant difference (p-value = 0.0167) in access between the Small (45.45%) and Large (100%) strata. Regarding commercialization, data indicated piglet sales as the predominant activity, with pig farming serving as a supplementary source of income for most producers. These findings show the need for professional intervention in smaller-scale pig farms to overcome structural barriers and access to the production chain. Highlights: The majority of surveyed pork producers (82.05%) relied on natural mating for breeding, with significantly greater access to artificial insemination in the Large stratum. For the first time, information is presented on effluent disposal and/or treatment processes to reduce contaminants, along with workforce size, within the study area. A Significant proportion of surveyed swine producers (72.50%) received veterinary advice, though there was a statistically difference between the Small and Large strata. Predominant proportion of producers (65%) reported primarily selling piglets, with private sales prevailing in the Small and Medium stratum.

Examining the impact of social entrepreneurship on sustainable community development in South West Nigeria

Sustainable community development (SCD) is an innovative paradigm of development that aims to establish communities characterized by economic viability, social inclusivity, and environmental stewardship. This study examined the social entrepreneurship impact on sustainable community development in South West Nigeria using survey Research method. The study gathered data from 507 respondents comprising of Community Development Service (CDS) leaders, beneficiary of social activities and individuals using stratified sampling method. The study adopted multiple linear regression and descriptive statistic in analyzing data. The study’s finding showed that strong correlation exists between social entrepreneurship and sustainable community development (R = 0.842; R-square = 0.709; Adjusted R-square =0.707). The findings further depict that social entrepreneurship is an imperative and key factors in the development of the communities in areas such as improving the wellbeing of the people, increasing their chances of gaining tangible employment and providing educational empowerment to less privilege members of the community. To increase social entrepreneurship influence and support sustainable community development, the study recommends that social enterprises should include successful social entrepreneurship practices into their organizational model should place a special emphasis on their commercial activities and inclusive governance.

Assessing Social Sustainability in Mosque as Religious Building, Case Study: Al-Lathiif Mosque, Bandung-West Java, Indonesia

A mosque is a place of worship for Muslims that emphasizes the concept of Rahmatan Lil Alamin, meaning to bring blessings to all people. Based on this statement, a mosque serves as a safe and comfortable space for performing ritual prayers and as a venue for accommodating social activities for its congregants. The function of mosques evolves, especially during the month of Ramadan. It becomes more active and serves various purposes beyond prayers, including religious, political, economic, educational, commercial, social, and cultural activities. All of these activities aim to foster social interaction among Muslim communities. This research aims to uncover the behavior and movements of worshippers during both Salat ritual and non-Salat activities within mosque spaces. The study focuses on Al-Lathiif Mosque in Bandung, known for its vibrant young community, which engages in diverse and active activities. The steps taken to achieve the research objectives are as follows: (1) Identifying the indicators to reveal social sustainability through literature studies; (2) Mapping the behavior of congregants and the utilization of mosque spaces during Salat activities; (3) Mapping the behavior of congregants and the utilization of mosque spaces during non-Salat activities; (4) Distributing questionnaires related to social sustainability indicators regarding space utilization in the mosque; (4) Concluding the application of social sustainability concepts in mosque spaces. The analysis results reveal that social sustainability is optimally achieved in the flexibility of spaces in a mosque.

Analysis of Pressure Drivers within an Urban River Riparian Reserve: A Case of Nairobi River in Kenya

Rapid urban development is characterized by encroachments, haphazard urban growth, and unplanned land-use change. Nairobi river is a perfect example where urban pressure emanating from the expansion of Nairobi City has undergone immense land use land cover changes for the past 20 years. Pressure drivers as a result of anthropogenic activities such as expansion of human settlements, urban agriculture and commercial activities continue to compete for the fragile ecosystem spaces of the riparian reserves which ideally should have been left for biodiversity, pollution filtration, flow moderation and slope stabilization. The aim was therefore to analyze these pressure drivers in three sampled river riparian segments. The methodology adopted involved a sampled survey of 650 respondents drawn from the segmented sections of Nairobi River of Upper, Middle and Lower segments where a mobile data questionnaireusing Open Data Kit (ODK) with geolocation capability was administered to the various users of the riparian areas. The segmentation was done based on the topography and elevations as per the available Digital Terrain Model (DTM). The results showed that urban agricultural activities consisting of vegetables, maize and banana farms dominated upper segment at 69% while commercial ventures including shops, open markets, car wash and garages constituted 79% of the middle segment and residential usage comprising of re-used old iron sheets houses, makeshift shelters and some semi-permanent structures at 89% in the lower segment signifying significant degradation from crop cultivation of the river slopes, pollution infiltration and loss of biodiversity respectively. Continued encroachment by these pressure drivers have subsequently caused depletion of the riparian space to perform its functions which if left unmitigated could result to more floods as recently depicted in Nairobi City with more property and lives being lost.

THE IMPACT OF THE TRADE LAW ON THE BALANCE OF INTERESTS BETWEEN SUPPLIERS AND RETAIL CHAINS

The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of government regulation in the food retail sector and identify systemic problems in achieving a balance of interests among market participants. The research is aimed at analyzing the functioning of regulatory mechanisms governing relationships between suppliers and retail chains, established by Federal Law No. 381-FZ and its amendments, within the context of the overall system of state governance of commercial activities. Based on the analysis of the regulatory framework and results of ROMIR sociological research (18 in-depth interviews with representatives of food supply companies in 2024), it was revealed that the current regulation has not achieved its stated goals of improving suppliers' position. A significant imbalance in negotiating positions in favor of retail chains has been found to persist, especially concerning small and medium-sized businesses. It was discovered that market participants adapted to restrictions on the size of remuneration payments to retail chains (no more than 5% of the purchased goods' price) through conversion to on-invoice payments and the use of other regulatory circumvention mechanisms, which reduced the transparency of contractual relations. The scientific novelty of the research lies in identifying the ineffectiveness of existing regulatory mechanisms and justifying the need for a differentiated approach to regulation by product categories. The practical significance consists in developing management recommendations for improving legislation considering changes in the food retail markets, including strengthening antitrust control and regulating marketplace operations.

Public Housing and Defensible Space Concepts in Festac Town, Lagos, Nigeria

The security of the communal environment otherwise known as the neighbourhood is of utmost concern to the residents to the residents and users of such environment. This is more so as the issue of security has been widely acknowledged to home grave economic, social, political and health implications for the general well-being of residents. Scholars have long recognized security as a potent indicator of sustainable development. This paper reports a field research in a public housing estate – FESTAC. It examines three elements of the Defensible Space Concepts namely; territoriality, surveillance and milieu, using the quantitative method, through the pathways ofthe neighbourhood types. The findings indicate that the investigated elements are stronger in those neighbourhoods that comprised. Single family units. Specifically, it identified certain indices, take maintenance signage, access control, eternal lighting commercial activities quality of surveillance and absence of undesirable properties as drivers of the disparity. The paper recommends strong commitment but the residents and managers to ensure continued sustainability of the similar estate.

A review of microplastic pollution and human health risk assessment: current knowledge and future outlook

The rapid growth of the global population, coupled with the expansion of industrial, agricultural, commercial, and service activities, has led to a significant increase in microplastic contamination in aquatic environments. An estimated 265 million metric tons of plastic waste are produced globally each year, with about 4.8–12.7 million metric tons ending up in the ocean. Microplastics can infiltrate the food chain or come into contact with humans through the skin, eventually penetrating and accumulating in the body. Globally, individuals are estimated to consume between 11,845 and 193,200 microplastic particles per year, with drinking water identified as the primary source. The toxicity of microplastics stems from both their inherent properties and their ability to interact with other pollutants, such as heavy metals. Adverse health effects linked to microplastic exposure include metabolic disruptions, transport to internal organs, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and potential damage to the nervous and reproductive systems, along with possible carcinogenic outcomes. Despite these concerns, there are currently no standardized methods for assessing the human health risks associated with microplastic exposure. There is a critical need for in-depth research to clarify the toxicological impacts and health risks of microplastics, along with the development of reliable risk assessment frameworks. This review seeks to present a comprehensive summary of microplastic levels in aquatic systems, their possible effects on human health, and the methodologies currently used to assess these risks.