Higher Income Levels Research Articles

Effects of factors influencing cesarean section rates between 2008 and 2018 in Taiwan: A population-based cross-sectional study.

Many factors can affect delivery mode decisions. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects of maternal age, physician's sex, region, income, and hospital type on cesarean section (C/S) delivery rates between 2008 and 2018 in Taiwan. In this population-based cross-sectional study, data were extracted from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (2 million individuals). The logistic regression method was used to analyze the aforementioned risk factors, and data are expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals. In total, 9826 and 9714 deliveries in 2008 and 2018, respectively, were included in the analysis. The C/S ratio increased from 16.5% (n = 1607) in 2008 to 19.7% (n = 1916) in 2018. A higher C/S risk for women aged >34 years (ORs: 2.835 and 2.225 in 2008 and 2018, respectively) than for those aged ≤34 years was noted in both years. Female physicians had a lower risk of performing C/S than male physicians in 2008 (OR: .762, 95% confidence interval: .625-.928), but this was not apparent in 2018. Higher income levels (>new Taiwan dollar 45,081) and central Taiwan were associated with a lower C/S risk in both years. Private, not-for-profit hospitals had a lower C/S risk in 2008, which was not apparent in 2018. In conclusion, this study revealed a significant increase in C/S rates over the past decade, which was influenced by multiple factors. Maternal age, physician's sex, income status, location, and type of hospital may influence C/S rates. Analyzing these relationships can inform the development of strategies aimed at reducing future C/S rates, and targeted interventions may reduce the C/S rates.

Association between the economic situation and diabetes mellitus, metabolic control and the use of health services in a Spanish region

IntroductionThe prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) has increased in low- and middle-income countries and in marginal areas of developed countries. In Spain, it grew by 3.42% from 1993 to 2020. In the Canary Islands, the increase was even greater. ObjectivesThe main one was to evaluate the possible relationship of the income level with DM, different markers of metabolic control and the use of Primary Care services, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (LPGC). Secondary ones are to determine the prevalence of DM in the city of LPGC, to describe the sociodemographic characteristics, the use of Primary Care services of the population with DM, the level of registry of variables related to metabolic control and the main process indicators and intermediate results of the metabolic control in the population with DM in the city of LPGC. Material and methodAll patients with DM over 14 years of age, living in LPGC as of 12/31/22 were included. Data were collected from the electronic medical records of the Canarian Primary Care Service, the National Institute of Statistics and the National Tax Agency. Results and conclusionThe overall prevalence of DM was 11.39%. The mean age of participants was 67.06 years (SD=13.86), lower in men than in women. The groups with low or moderate income accounted for more than 40% of the prevalence each, while those with high income barely accounted for 10%. Higher income levels corresponded to lower use of health resources and registration of metabolic variables, while decreasing income levels were associated to higher prevalence of overweight/obesity, worse lipid and glycemic profiles and higher risk of diabetic foot. The middle-income group showed the highest prevalence of pathological/uncertain diabetic retinopathy, lower glomerular filtration and higher LDL levels.

Aflatoxin awareness and preventive agricultural practices are key to adoption of biocontrol among maize smallholder farmers in Tanzania.

Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus species that infect staple foods like maize causing threat to public health and economic impacts. The use of atoxigenic Aspergillus species is considered one of the promising technologies to prevent aflatoxin contamination in maize. Tanzania approved the use of aflatoxin biocontrol (Aflasafe®) in 2018 and introduced it to eight districts. Adoption and effectiveness of this technology depend on many factors including application of pre- and post-harvest practices. There is scant information on awareness of biocontrol and factors which influence the adoption and effectiveness of this technology. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Tanzania to assess awareness and identify factors influencing adoption of the technology. Data was collected from 334 smallholder farmers in Kiteto and Chemba districts and analyzed using SPSS version 20; p-values < 0.05 using a two-tailed test were considered statistically significant. Results indicated 95.4% are not aware and that only 2.7% of the farmers had used biocontrol technology. The use of biocontrol was significantly associated with high income level (p = 0.001) and exposure to print media (p = 0.03) and radio (p = 0.008). The use of hybrid seed (p = 0.01), grazing (p = 0.017), and rotation of crops on yearly basis (p = 0.024) were also significantly associated with the use of biocontrol. Income limits the use of biocontrol, requiring government subsidies for Aflasafe and a premium market for aflatoxin-free maize. Aflatoxin awareness and sensitization on adherence to good pre-harvest practices should be emphasized to enhance adoption of the technology.

ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DEMOCRACY AND SAFETY (RESULTS INDICATED BY VARIANCE ANALYSIS)

This study aims to acknowledge whether there is a relationship between democracy and safety parameters through democratic country categories. For this purpose, this study compares the averages of the four subgroups. These four subgroups are full democracy, flawed democracy, hybrid regime, and authoritarian regime subgroups. The study's conceptual framework comprises democracy, safety, and democratic peace theory. In the study, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) is performed for independent groups to compare multiple group averages. ANOVA results indicate whether there is a statistically significant difference between groups as a whole. The study proposes that people living in democratic countries live in a much safer environment. Data indicate that crime is universal and point out the positive effects of high-income level, prosperity, education and low population density on crime. However, it should be kept in mind that the evaluations in this paper are valid for crimes included in the safety index including theft, violence, bribery, and so on. The results, based on data between 2018 and 2022, reveal that the expanded propositions of democratic peace theory can only be valid for full democracy.

Consumers’ willingness to pay and importance-performance gaps for resilient e-waste management in Taiwan

This research examines public perception and willingness to participate in consumer electronic waste management in Taiwan. By utilizing Importance-Performance Analysis and Regression Models, it analyzes the factors that influence individuals' willingness to pay extra for improved e-waste management services. The data collected from both urban and rural areas provide demographic insights into attitudes towards risk perception, learning ability, source reduction, and practical actions necessary for effective consumer electronic waste management. The findings of this study indicate a significant gap between the importance placed on certain e-waste management activities and their perceived performance. Factors such as higher income levels, greater environmental awareness, and prior engagement in environmental activities positively influence individuals' willingness to financially contribute to e-waste management. Conversely, relying on economic incentives is inversely related to this willingness, suggesting that such incentives may not sustain long-term commitment to e-waste management. These results emphasize the need for strategies that foster intrinsic motivation and integrate environmental stewardship into community values. The study highlights the importance of targeted, inclusive, and educationally-oriented e-waste management strategies that align with community priorities and promote sustainable practices. These insights are crucial for policymakers seeking to enhance the resilience and effectiveness of e-waste management systems.

Risk Factors Associated with Mood Disorders in Canada

Background: Mental health presents a profound challenge globally, affecting around 970 million individuals. In Canada, mental disorders significantly impact the well-being of society and individuals, with one in three Canadians expected to face a mental problem during their lifetime. However, the utilization of mental health services is low, and a large proportion of the population does not have access to effective care. Objectives: This study was designed to identify key sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors associated with the prevalence of mood disorders among Canadians, thereby aiding in the development of targeted interventions. Methods: Utilizing data from the Canadian Community Health Survey 2017-2018, multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed, incorporating the sampling weights to make the inference representative of the Canadian population. Bootstrap weighting was applied to the multivariable associations to ensure robust variance estimates. Results: Females (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.86-2.16) and individuals with higher obesity levels (pre-obesity: OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.04-1.05; obesity class 3: OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.88-3.00) were more likely to experience mood disorders. Conversely, higher income levels (&gt;$80,000: OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.49-0.66; $60,000-$79,999: OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.56-0.77) and immigrant status (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.43-0.56) were linked to a lower prevalence of mood disorders. Being unmarried was also associated with lower odds of mood disorders. Furthermore, additional factors such as higher education, increased life stress, and smoking were found to significantly influence the prevalence of mood disorders. Conclusions: The prevalence of mood disorders in Canada is influenced by various factors, with significant gender disparities. These findings can assist policymakers and healthcare professionals in developing targeted interventions and allocating resources effectively to meet the specific needs of at-risk populations. Future research is necessary to address these determinants.

Social determinants of health and upper gastrointestinal cancer outcomes in the United States: a systematic review.

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which individuals are born, grow, work, live, and age. We examined the literature on the association between SDOH and survival of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer [esophageal, duodenal and gastric cancer (GC)] in the United States from 2001 to 2022. From 38,654 studies across COCHRANE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, and PubMed, we identified 14 relevant studies focusing on GI cancer using the PRISMA flowchart. Eight of the 12 GC studies specifically focused on gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC), the most common histologic subtype. Uninsured patients had a significantly worse overall survival probability. For patients with GI cancer, the highest income level (i.e., in the highest quartile) was associated with improved survival. Being unmarried had a negative impact on overall survival. Overall, people with insurance, higher incomes, and who were married had better overall survival rates. Our findings suggest a clear association between SDOH and survival for patients with GI cancers. However, there is great variability in the factors studied and how these are measured and reported. A better understanding of SDOH is needed to design strategies with an aim to improve patient outcomes. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, PROSPERO (CRD42022346854).

Effects of health expenditure, death rate, and infant mortality rate on life expectancy: A case study of the United States

Understanding the factors that influence life expectancy (LEXP) is crucial for promoting economic development, as a nation's prosperity depends on the health of its population. Various socioeconomic, nutritional, lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors can significantly impact a nation’s health and longevity. Our study investigates these drivers of LEXP, focusing on the United States as a case study. Using quarterly data from 2000 to 2022, we examined the relationship between LEXP and multiple determinants, including environmental degradation, income levels, inflation dynamics, educational attainment, birth and death rates, health expenditure patterns, urbanization trends, and infant mortality rates. Employing advanced analytical methodologies, we accounted for the nonlinear nature of the time series data by utilizing approaches such as quantile-on-quantile Kernel Regression Least Squares and quantile-on-quantile Granger causality. The study revealed that factors such as inflation rate, rapid urbanization, high birth rates, CO2 emissions, death rates, and infant mortality negatively affect LEXP. On the other hand, higher income levels, educational attainment, food production, and health expenditure positively influence LEXP. Based on these findings, we have proposed significant policy recommendations.

Subjective well-being and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hungary

Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of COVID-19 pandemics on subjective well-being (SWB) and mental health in Hungary, with a particular focus on the roles of socioeconomic and COVID-19-related factors in shaping these outcomes. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 2,000 Hungarian adults from May 25 to June 8, 2021. The data was collected using standardized questionnaires, including the SWLS, GAD-7 and PHQ-9. Correlation analysis, one-way ANOVA and linear regression were used. Findings The study found significant anxiety (41.5%), depression (48.1%) and life dissatisfaction (41.9%) among 2,000 participants. Females reported higher anxiety and depression than males. Single individuals had the lowest life satisfaction. Higher income levels are correlated with greater life satisfaction. Quarantine and vaccination were linked to higher life satisfaction and lower psychological distress. The regression showed that older age, being married and higher income were linked to lower depression and anxiety. Severity of infection and quarantine increased both depression and anxiety. Infection reduced life satisfaction, but severe cases showed a slight improvement in satisfaction, highlighting complex health and well-being relationships. Practical implications The findings reveal complex relationships, including unexpected resilience in severe COVID-19 cases. Originality/value This study offers insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SWB and mental health in Hungary. By analyzing socioeconomic, demographic and pandemic-related factors in a large sample, it highlights complex relationships between quarantine, infection severity, vaccination and well-being. The findings contribute to understanding how these factors influence mental health, informing targeted interventions during health crises.

Factors Associated with Food Waste Among University Students in Colombia

(1) Background: Globally, millions of tons of food are wasted annually, with a significant portion occurring at the household level. This study aimed to quantify food waste generated by university students and identify key factors associated with this behavior. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a community trial involving 227 Colombian university students. Participants self-reported their daily food waste (grams per person per day), as categorized by food type, which was collected through an online-based questionnaire under prior training. The data were analyzed using a binomial regression model to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (PRaj) and identify associations between food waste and demographic variables. (3) Results: Of the participants, 63% were women, with a mean age of 20.4 ± 3.8 years. Overall, 65% (n = 148) reported food wastage. The average food waste per person per day was 22.6 ± 15.5 g, increasing to 94.0 ± 5.0 g among those who reported wastage. Significant associations were found between food waste and several factors: Among those with a higher prevalence of food waste were women (PRaj = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.89); students from rural areas (PRaj = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.67); and those with higher income levels, with adjusted prevalence ratios of 1.38 (95% CI: 1.14, 1.68) for those earning 1–2 Minimum Legal Monthly Wages (LMMW) and 1.49 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.93) for those earning 3+ LMMW. Household size and socioeconomic status were not significantly associated with food waste (p &gt; 0.05). (4) Conclusions: On average, the population generates 8.25 kg of food waste per person per year, rising to 34.31 kg among those who report wasting food. Gender, geographic location, and income were key predictors of daily food waste.

Nutritional guidance needs and influence factors for gastric cancer survivors in primary healthcare setting: a cross-sectional survey.

This study aimed to build a comprehensive understanding of the nutritional guidance needs of gastric cancer survivors in the primary healthcare setting that could be fulfilled by community health service centers as part of their primary healthcare services. Gastric cancer survivors were invited to participate in a questionnaire-based survey by convenience sampling method from the community health center. Relationships between nutritional demand and potential influence factors were examined by a multivariable logistic regression model. A total of 200 gastric cancer survivors were recruited from the community health service center in Shanghai, China, from whom we obtained 194 valid questionnaires, resulting in a 97.0% response rate. Of these gastric survivor participants, 48 individuals (24.7%) expressed a need for nutritional guidance administered by community health service centers, whereas 146 participants (75.3%) held the perspective that such guidance was unnecessary. Preferences for nutritional guidance included having a dietitian as the provider (68.8%), home-based engagement (72.9%), face-to-face consultation (68.8%), individual counseling (87.5%), and beginning immediately post-discharge (89.6%). A notable reluctance (66.7%) towards financial contribution was also observed. After adjusting for confounders, participants with higher income level (odds ratio (OR) = 4.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.39-15.50), history of food intake reduction (OR = 14.96, 95% CI = 3.49-82.28), and gastrointestinal symptoms (OR = 4.40, 95% CI = 1.35-14.33) were more likely to seek nutritional guidance. Gastric cancer survivors have a certain need for nutritional guidance administered by primary health service centers. Personal guidance by the primary health service center should be provided to gastric cancer survivors to support their dietary and nutritional intake needs. There is a need to develop and implement nutritional guidance programs in community health service centers as part of their primary healthcare services for gastric cancer survivors.

Psychological distress in heart failure patients: Implications for healthcare utilization and expenditure.

Psychological distress is prevalent among heart failure (HF) patients, yet its impact on healthcare expenditure and utilization remains understudied. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of psychological distress in HF patients and its impact on healthcare expenditure and utilization. We analysed data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey from January 2016 to December 2021, focusing on adults diagnosed with HF. We assessed the prevalence of psychological distress using the Kessler 6 (K6) questionnaire and examined its association with healthcare utilization and expenditures through multivariate regression models, adjusting for relevant covariates. Among 10 681 886 HF patients, 6.8% experienced psychological distress. The mean age was 69.9 years, and 50% were female. Multivariable analysis revealed significant associations between psychological distress and smoking (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.87), Charlson comorbidity index ≥3 (aOR 3.05), and sleep disorders (aOR 2.82). Protective factors included exercise (aOR 0.40), higher education (aOR 0.89) and higher income levels (middle-income: aOR 0.19, high-income: aOR 0.20). HF patients with psychological distress incurred significantly higher annual total expenses ($14 709, p < 0.01), with inpatient costs ($6014, p = 0.02) and office-based expenses ($3993, p = 0.04) being notably elevated. Additionally, these patients exhibited more frequent annual emergency room visits (0.07 visits, p < 0.01), hospital discharges (0.2 discharges, p = 0.01), and nights spent in the hospital (1.4 nights, p < 0.01). Psychological distress in HF patients is associated with significantly higher medical expenditure and healthcare utilization. These findings underscore the need for integrated care approaches and present possible areas for intervention to address this significant healthcare burden.

Why Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Social Welfare Function Is Not Society’s Social Welfare Function

Abstract In 2023, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued guidance documents that specified new procedures for assessing prospective government regulations (Circular A-4) and economic policies more generally (Circular A-94). These revisions to long-standing guidance were not minor updates but shifted policy analyses from an efficiency-oriented perspective to a redistributive approach. OMB broadened the guidelines for reporting distributional consequences of policies and also specified how policy impacts on different income groups should be weighted. The weights assume that the social welfare function is governed by the sum of identical individual utility functions, each of which exhibits a substantial rate of diminishing marginal utility of income. The resulting weights provide a premium for households below the median-income level and a considerable penalty for those at higher-income levels. Application of the weights to property losses creates potentially substantial inefficiencies. If based on current empirical evidence on the income elasticity of the value of a statistical life rather than assuming that there is a complete offset of the weights, application of the weights to mortality risk valuation would generate inequities in protection.

Labour market segmentation, self-employment, and Hukou reform

Abstract This study aims to examine the impact of the Hukou system, a labour mobility-restricting institution, on the decision to engage in non-agricultural self-employment in China, reflecting the dynamic process of labour transition from contractual work to self-employment within the country’s evolving labour market. By using the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) dataset, the results show that urban migrants, who own rural Hukou but migrate to large cities, are more likely to turn to self-employment than local citizens conditional on individual characteristics. Taking advantage of the 2014 Hukou reform, we provide supporting evidence that Hukou discrimination is a key factor in explaining the higher self-employment rate among representative urban migrants. Further heterogeneous analysis suggests that low-income migrants experience greater constraints imposed by the Hukou system, while high-income level migrants are more likely to turn to self-employment voluntarily.

Factors Influencing Transportation Mode Preferences for Educational Trips Among Dormitory Resident University Students in Kütahya, Türkiye

This study explores the transportation behaviors of university students residing in dormitories in Kütahya, Türkiye, emphasizing their preferred modes for educational trips. Utilizing a Multinomial Logit model, the research analyzes the influence of socio-demographic factors, trip characteristics, and environmental perceptions on mode choice. The results indicate that public transport and walking are the predominant modes, with significant negative associations being observed between car ownership and the likelihood of choosing these sustainable options. Key findings reveal that, as trip distances increase, students are more likely to use public transport, while higher income levels decrease reliance on both public transport and walking. Male students demonstrate a higher preference for these modes compared to female students. Environmental perceptions, including feelings of safety and satisfaction with infrastructure, play a critical role in shaping transportation choices, highlighting the need for improved lighting, walkability, and public transport quality. These insights have important implications for transportation policy, suggesting that reducing private vehicle reliance and enhancing public transport services can significantly promote sustainable travel behaviors. Overall, the study underscores the importance of comprehensive transportation policies that not only enhance infrastructure and service quality but also consider environmental perceptions and safety to promote sustainable travel behaviors among university students.

Democracy, visa-waivers, and international mobility

In examining visa-waiver agreements, previous studies have primarily focused on economic motivations and effects. In this article, we explore the potential political motivations and consequences. Particularly, we propose that there is a positive relationship between visa-waivers and democracy. We test this using a global dataset that records bilateral travel visa requirements for all countries between 1973 and 2013. We find support for our main hypothesis. We also examine the relationship between democracy, visa waivers and economic development. Contrary to our expectations, we find that democracy continues to exert influence on visa waivers even at high levels of income. Non-democracies fail to attain visa waivers even when they are wealthy. Finally, we explore whether visa waivers could have an impact on individuals’ attitudes towards democracy. Using survey data from 18 Latin American countries, we find suggestive evidence that that visa-waivers can have a positive impact on individuals’ democratic attitudes. Taken together, the findings suggest that democracy and visa-waivers might have a mutually reinforcing relationship.

Pollution haven hypothesis and EKC dynamics: moderating effect of FDI. A study in Shanghai Cooperation Organization countries

Abstract This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the nexus between economic growth and environmental degradation, with a specific focus on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. It leverages a dataset spanning from 1991 to 2021, encompassing all 12 member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The investigation includes a wide array of statistical examinations, such as stationarity tests, cross-section dependence, and co-integration analysis. The Johansen Fisher Panel co-integration test is employed to reveal long-term correlations between the variables. Furthermore, the paper adopts the Dumitrescu and Hurlin panel causality model, which accommodates variations in causal relationships across different countries. Additionally, the study analyses the asymmetric impact of GDP on carbon emissions across various quantiles using quantile regression. The findings of this research yield valuable insights, highlighting a significant positive correlation between GDP and CO2 emissions, suggesting that higher income levels are associated with greater pollution. However, the paper also illuminates more intricate scenarios, such as those characterized by inverted U-shaped and N-shaped Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) patterns, revealed through DOLS estimations. These estimations consider FDI, inflation, and industrialization as control variables. This research delves into the Pollution Haven Hypothesis and examines the interaction effects of FDI with other considered variables. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between economic growth and environmental impact within the SCO member nations.

RISK FACTORS OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN URBAN VS. RURAL INDIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: - Childhood obesity has become a pressing global public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India. This systematic review aims to investigate the prevalence of childhood obesity and its associated risk factors in urban and rural regions of India. Methods: - A comprehensive systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases to identify relevant English-language studies published within the past decade. Inclusion criteria included studies conducted in India, focusing on children and adolescents aged 0-18, and reporting either the prevalence of childhood obesity or related risk factors. Ten studies, comprising both cross-sectional and quantitative research designs, met these criteria. Results: - The findings reveal a significant disparity in childhood obesity prevalence between urban and rural areas of India. Urban regions exhibit notably higher rates, with a pooled prevalence estimated at 9.0% (95% CI: 2.0 to 17), compared to 4.0% (95% CI: 4.0 to 5.0) in rural areas. Risk factors associated with childhood obesity in urban settings include unhealthy dietary habits, limited physical activity, higher income levels, parental education, and attendance at private schools. In rural areas, gender, age, and household size emerged as potential risk factors. Discussion: - These findings underscore the urgent need for geographically tailored interventions to address the urban-rural disparities in childhood obesity. Lifestyle-oriented strategies promoting healthier dietary patterns and increased physical activity are essential. Gender-inclusive programs targeting both boys and girls are crucial. Future research should consider regional and cultural diversity to design more effective public health responses. Conclusion: - This systematic review provides valuable insights into the prevalence and risk factors of childhood obesity in India. It highlights the necessity for customized interventions and lifestyle adjustments to combat this escalating public health challenge and reduce disparities in health outcomes.

Financial Literacy and Mobile Banking Usage: The Moderating Role of Demographic Characteristics

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between financial literacy and mobile banking ‎usage, considering the moderating role of demographic characteristics among commercial ‎bank clients in the Jordanian southern provinces of Jordan. Using a sample of 1,380 commercial bank clients from ‎Jordan's southern region. To achieve the study's objective and test its hypotheses, the authors employed the quantitative method and utilized SPSS software version 28 for data analysis. The results revealed a strong positive relationship between ‎the level of financial literacy and mobile banking usage, with a moderating role of ‎demographic characteristics on the relationship between the level of financial literacy and ‎mobile banking usage. The study found that male clients and individuals with higher income levels were more inclined to utilize mobile banking services compared to female clients and those with lower income levels. On the other hand, age and educational level did not show a ‎moderating effect on this relationship. Based on the findings, the study recommends enhancing financial literacy through the development of programs and diverse digital banking products to meet client's needs, thereby promoting the adoption of mobile banking services. ‎

Environmental regulation and renewable energy technology innovation: Firm-level evidence from China

This paper deploys a quasi-natural experiment formed by the implementation of China's New Environmental Protection Law (NEPL) and evaluates the impact of environmental regulation on renewable energy technology innovation (RETI). The findings indicate that the NEPL results in a substantial and robust increase in firm-level RETI. Further research show that this stimulus impact can be achieved by alleviating financing constraints and optimizing managerial levels. The effect appears more pronounced for state-owned enterprises, during the growth stage, and in regions with high marketization and high-income levels.