Sensitive Sectors Research Articles

Green Investing and Corporate Environmental Violations: Do CEO Ability and Female Directors Matter?

ABSTRACTBuilding on the notion that organizations are congruence seeking systems, this study investigates the impact of green investing on corporate environmental violations (CEVs). The research sample consists of China's A‐share‐listed companies for the period 2009–2020. The study employs a robust analytical framework that integrates least squares dummy variable approach, different proxies for regressors and moderators, and instrumental variable technique. Based on the rigorous methods, empirical analysis reveals that green investing helps mitigate CEVs, aligning with the theoretical premise of environmental strategic congruence. The moderating results indicate that elevated CEO ability and a higher proportion of female directors on boards enhances strategic congruence and amplifies the alleviating effects of green investing on CEVs. Furthermore, cross‐sectional analysis suggests that the mitigating effect of green investing on CEVs is more pronounced for firms in sensitive sectors, state‐owned, and lacking internal controls for environmental, health, and safety. This research contributes nuanced insights on the role of strategic congruence in sustainable finance and governance and presents practical implications for policymakers, managers, and corporate leaders navigating the intricate landscape of environmental responsibility within an emerging market.

A ÉTICA NA ERA DAS MÁQUINAS: DESAFIOS E IMPLICAÇÕES DA INTELIGÊNCIA ARTIFICIAL PARA A SOCIEDADE MODERNA

This article explores the emerging ethical challenges associated with the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern society. With the automation of processes and the increasing prevalence of autonomous systems playing critical roles in sensitive sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and justice, it becomes essential to assess the ethical implications of automated decision-making and the use of personal data. Furthermore, the recent development of human cortical organoids simulating complex neural networks raises new debates about the possibility of autonomous artificial biointelligence. This study analyzes concrete cases and proposes guidelines to integrate technological advancements with fundamental ethical values. The methodology includes a critical analysis of bibliographic sources and reflections on the ethical pillars in the development of emerging technologies.

Fraud Factor Analysis Hexagon in Detecting Financial Report Fraud In Listed Companies in Indonesia: A Systematic Literature Approach

Financial reporting fraud is a significant challenge across industries, undermining stakeholder trust and the reliability of financial data. The Fraud Model Hexagon expands upon earlier models, like the Fraud Triangle and Fraud Diamond, by introducing six elements pressure, opportunity, rationalization, capability, ego, and collusion that offer a comprehensive view of the factors enabling fraud. This literature review systematically examines the model's effectiveness in detecting financial fraud within Indonesian corporations, especially those listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange or connected to political and governmental entities. Ten studies from 2018 to 2024 were analyzed, focusing on each Fraud Hexagon element's role in fostering fraud. Findings highlight that pressure, opportunity, and collusion are primary drivers of fraud in politically connected sectors, with capability and rationalization further facilitating fraud, while ego emboldens managers to act without fear of repercussions. The Fraud Hexagon provides a nuanced framework for risk assessment, prompting recommendations for stronger internal controls and ethical standards. It also serves as a valuable diagnostic tool for auditors and regulators, particularly in politically sensitive sectors. This study contributes to understanding the social and psychological dimensions of financial fraud and offers a foundation for future cross-industry research.

An In-Depth Analysis of the Impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Gold and Silver Merchants in Junagadh City of Gujarat

This study discusses these challenges and proposes targeted policy recommendations to mitigate adverse effects on small merchants and consumers while aligning GST objectives with industry needs. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of GST's implications for sectoral economics and offer valuable insights for policymakers considering tax reforms in culturally sensitive sectors.

FinTech Adoption and Corporate Greenwashing: A Technology Affordance Perspective

AbstractAffordance theory suggests that technology offers certain opportunities or ‘affordances’ that can be exploited by users. In this context, we are exploring how FinTech adoption provides opportunities to address corporate greenwashing. Drawing on an affordance perspective, we assert that FinTech adoption effectively inhibits corporate greenwashing behaviour, primarily through facilitating green innovation and improving managerial efficiency. We also contend that the impact of FinTech adoption on reducing greenwashing behaviour is not uniform across all industries. It is more pronounced in heavy‐polluting industries, indicating that FinTech has a greater effect in encouraging accurate disclosure of environmental information in environmentally sensitive sectors. Conversely, its impact is weaker in high‐tech industries, which might already have strong environmental commitments. The findings contribute to the literature on sustainability, FinTech and governance.

Article: Waking the Sleeping Lion: The China-Ecuador FTA and Its Implications

This paper examines the Ecuador-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and its broader implications for Ecuador’s economy. It discusses the context in which Ecuador pursued the FTA, highlighting the competitive pressures from neighbouring countries like Peru and Colombia, which had already secured similar agreements. The analysis includes a comparison between the Ecuador-China and Peru China FTAs, focusing on key aspects such as tariff classification, rules of origin, and customs regulations. The paper also explores the potential economic benefits for Ecuador, including market access for its export products and the expected impacts on sensitive sectors. However, it raises concerns regarding the flexibility and potential risks associated with the agreement, such as undervaluation of Chinese goods and the challenges of maintaining competitiveness within the Andean Community (CAN). The paper concludes by questioning whether the FTA will deliver the anticipated economic growth and whether it sets a precedent for future trade negotiations within the region.

Monetary Policy Instruments and Financial Performance of the Banking Industry in Kenya

The Kenyan banking sector has faced significant volatility in recent years, notably marked by a decline in Return on Assets (ROA). This decrease reflects the sector's struggles with rising inflation, currency depreciation, and increased non-performing loans. Economic uncertainties and tighter global monetary policies have compounded these challenges, resulting in a more unstable financial environment. This volatility underscores the sector's sensitivity to both domestic and international economic conditions. In response, this research aimed to investigate the effect of monetary policy instruments on the financial performance of banks in Kenya. The study sought to analyze the effect of lending rates, money supply, open market operations (OMO), and the Central Bank Rate (CBR) on banks' financial performance. Anchored on four relevant theories—the Loanable Funds Theory, Quantity Theory of Money, Keynesian Economics, and Zero Bound Theory. The research utilized a causal design and a multiple linear regression model. Covering all 42 banks operating in Kenya from January 2009 to December 2023, the study employed secondary data. The correlation analysis reveals significant relationships between the monetary policy instruments and the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Lending rates demonstrate a positive relationship with financial performance, suggesting that higher rates may benefit banks’ profitability. In contrast, both money supply and central bank rate show negative associations with financial performance, implying that increases in these variables might hinder profitability. Additionally, the analysis indicates a positive link between open market operations and bank performance, highlighting the varied effects of these monetary instruments on the banks' financial outcomes. Collectively, these insights underscore the interconnectedness of these monetary policy instruments and their impact on the financial performance of banks in Kenya. Given the complex interplay of these factors, policymakers should adopt a holistic view, regularly reviewing and adjusting policies to maintain economic stability while supporting a robust banking sector.

Privacy, confidentiality and ethical concerns in audio ai assistants: A comparative study of North American, European, and Asian Markets

This study examines the ethical, privacy, and confidentiality issues with audio AI assistants in the markets of North America, Europe, and Asia. Understanding the ramifications of data collecting, storage, and usage is crucial as the use of technologies like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa grows. The study highlights significant regulatory differences between the areas; North America offers a fragmented landscape, and many Asian nations are still developing their data protection legislation, while Europe leads with strong frameworks like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Key challenges identified include a lack of user awareness regarding privacy rights, extensive data collection practices, unauthorized listening, data breaches, and cultural differences influencing attitudes toward data protection. The findings reveal that these challenges impact user trust and hinder the responsible innovation of AI technologies. Recommendations for improvement include establishing global regulations to promote consistency in data protection, adopting best practices such as privacy-by-design principles, and enhancing user education initiatives. Additionally, the study identifies critical areas for future research, particularly the role of AI assistants in sensitive sectors like healthcare and education, where privacy concerns may differ significantly. Overall, this comparative analysis provides a foundational understanding of audio AI assistants' ethical landscape and underscores the importance of addressing these issues to foster a secure and trustworthy digital environment.

The Benefits of China Funds During Globalization and in a New World Order

Examining data from their inception in the 1990s to 2022, we find that both China mutual funds and China exchange-traded funds (ETFs) outperformed their benchmarks, the S&P 500 index fund and SPY, before the global financial crisis starting in the summer of 2007 but underperformed afterward. We show that the real benefits of China funds in the post-crisis period since May 2009 lie in their hedge effect against U.S. stock market downturns. Current policies in both countries indicate the emergence of a new world order of selective segregation in some sensitive sectors but a continuous trading partnership because each country needs the other. For example, China needs computer chips from the United States, whereas the United States needs key chip-making minerals from China. Paradoxically, this new world order creates growth opportunities in both countries, which is conducive to investing in China funds and makes it necessary for China funds to invest directly in Chinese shares to better serve the U.S. investors.

Well-Being and Tourism: A Systematic Literature Review

In recent decades, the concept of well-being has often been the subject of psychological studies. The current study examines how tourism relates to well-being from the perspective of tourists/visitors, through the study of the older and more recent literature. Especially when it comes to the complex and multifaceted issue of well-being, in relation to the also complex and sensitive sectors of tourism, the specificity of this relationship is reflected in the evidence and the growing number of articles published in mainstream and reliable journals. By using the PRISMA framework, this article compares and evaluates published papers on the study of well-being and tourist behavior to guide and direct future research. It has been found that the relationship between well-being and tourism, especially after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been significantly strengthened. This study highlights the need to adopt a holistic approach that considers all the connections between well-being and tourism.

Efficiency of Online Learning and Difficulties Encountered: Case of Albanian Students

The end of last century and the beginning of 21st century marked a significant evolution in information technology and virtual world as a whole, which influenced and dictated the way of living and working around the world, especially in the most developed countries. Thanks to this development, it was possible to cope successfully and continuously during Covid 19 pandemic. Education as one of the strategic and most sensitive sectors, due to Covid 19 pandemic, faced the online learning platform around the globe. In the US and in some developed EU countries, the online learning platform has been a practice applied in the past. However, for many other countries, including Albania, the online learning platform was something new that students and faculty had to face at any rate. Yet, are stakeholders ready to face the online learning platform? This study has analyzed some of the obstacles faced by students, upon the implementation of the online platform. It will be observed whether the efficiency of online learning will have the same efficiency as classical learning. These many other questions will be answered through an empirical and theoretical analysis that was made possible through an online survey, which surveyed 1672 students from all private and public universities operating in the Albanian territory. Multi-factor analysis will be performed through SPSS program, ANOVA test, and Chi-square (x2). Finally, some conclusions finalize this scientific study.

Total Ionizing Dose and Single-Event Effect Response of the AD524CDZ Instrumentation Amplifier

This manuscript focuses on studying the radiation response of the Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) AD524CDZ operational amplifier. Total Ionizing Dose (TID) effects were tested using low-dose 60Co irradiation. Single-Event Effect (SEE) sensitivity was studied on this operational amplifier using a 105 MeV proton beam. Additionally, further study of the SEE response was carried out using a Two-photon absorption laser to scan some sensitive sectors of the die. For this laser experiment, different gain setups and laser energies were employed to determine how the Single Event Transient (SET) response of the device was affected based on the test configuration. The results from the TID experiments revealed that the studied device remained functional after 100 krads (Si). Proton experiments revealed the studied device exhibited a high SET response with a maximum DC offset SET of about 1.5 V. Laser experiments demonstrated that there was a clear SET reduction when using 10× and 1000× gain setups.

Corporate Environmental Reporting: Do Firms Operating in Environmentally Sensitive Sectors Disclose Enough?

Corporate environmental disclosure has been increasing steadily as it is an essential factor for sustainable development. However, this factor seems to be insufficientl recognised within the Nigerian corporate world. The objective of this study is to assess the level of corporate sustainability disclosures in environmentally sensitive industries in Nigeria. This study is based on secondary data obtained from annual reports of firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). Data used were collected from 45 sampled companies listed under 6 environmentally sensitive sectors for the 2021 financial year. Content analysis was applied to measure the level of environmental disclosures. The Environmental Disclosure Index (EDI) was prepared based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards. This research used independent sample t-test, analysis of variance, and the Kruskal-Wallis test as techniques of analysis. There were statistically significant differences in firms’ disclosure levels based on environmental certifications. The agriculture industry made the highest environmental disclosure, whereas the companies in the natural resources industry disclosed the least. It was found that companies revealed maximum information on their energy and environmental compliance initiatives, while there was inadequate information in other areas of environmental disclosure, such as supplier environmental assessment, effluents and wastes, and materials. The study provides implications for the strict adoption of a systematic reporting framework, especially for environmentally sensitive firms, while offering insights to guide policymakers, regulatory bodies, industry associations, and businesses in Nigeria to promote transparency and responsible environmental reporting.

Exploring the utility of the Enhanced Vegetation Index as rainfall and agricultural proxy in a Caribbean case study event

Highly fragile small island states experience disproportionate climate impacts given their limited capacity to implement cost‐effective tools for detecting emerging signals of drying conditions and monitoring systems for sensitive sectors such as agriculture, especially for uncertain, ‘creeping’ events such as droughts. Despite the existence of open‐source Google Earth Engine datasets, untapped potential remains for their full deployment in disaster management infrastructure. Given this gap, this paper explores the utility of the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) for detecting spatio‐temporal variations of Mid‐Summer Drought (MSD) impacts on vegetation in the small island of Jamaica, with emphasis on major historical drought events. Geospatial analyses of EVI datasets from the Terra Moderate‐Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) between 2000−2015 archived by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), were computed, and validated by station‐based precipitation and production data for selected parishes for historical case study MSD events. Results revealed highly asymmetrical drought impacts, with Jamaica's agriculturally intense Southern coastline displaying the most stressed vegetation (EVI < 0.5). North‐Western and North‐Eastern regions had the healthiest vegetation during the MSD (EVI > 0.6). A ‘fair’ to ‘moderate’ concurrent correlation was found between EVI and precipitation (R > 0.6), with lower correlations vis‐a‐vis agricultural production (R = 0.2–0.4). The results provide evidence of EVI's utility as a drought monitoring tool in a small island context.

European ATM Key Performance Metrics Evolution

The aviation industry is one of the most sensitive sectors to external factors. Key performance indicators are quantifiable measures that can perfectly describe the current status of the observed object against a set of targets and objectives. This article aims to assess the evolution of key performance indicators in European but mainly Slovak air traffic management systems. The goal is to emphasize the need for the implementation of measures that can improve the effectiveness of the system. The related research was carried out by the data analysis method. The main goal of the research was to provide a comprehensive insight into the key performance evolution for the last decade and describe the actual status of air traffic management related to airspace overload.

Heterogeneous Impacts of the Korea-Japan Trade Dispute on Bilateral Agri-Food Trade

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide a rigorous quantitative assessment of the heterogeneous impacts of the Korea-Japan trade dispute on bilateral agri-food trade across different product categories. Design/Methodology/Approach - Based on a structural gravity model and a difference-in-differences approach, the paper estimates the effects of the dispute on trade flows in both aggregated and disaggregated HS 2-digit product levels. The analysis utilizes annual bilateral trade data from 2017-2022 and monthly data for 2019. Findings - The findings reveal significant declines in Japanese exports of vegetable products and prepared foodstuffs to Korea, consistent with the theoretical prediction that sectors with higher average consumer animosity would be more negatively affected. However, the results also point to potential trade diversion and substitution effects, as evidenced by the increase in Korean exports of animal/vegetable oils to Japan post-dispute. Research Implications - The findings have important implications in understanding the complex effects of trade disputes on sensitive sectors like agriculture. These emphasize the need to consider sector-specific dynamics and both short-term and long-term effects when assessing the consequences of trade tensions. The study contributes to the literature on the heterogeneous impacts of trade conflicts, and provides insights for evidence-based policymaking in navigating the global trade landscape.

Privacy-Preserving and Ranked Search Using Advanced Multi-Keyword Scheme Over the Encrypted Cloud Environment

In order to enable users to extract useful insights on demand, this paper presents a unique approach for secure and privacy-preserving ranked search in cloud environments. There is a rising need for strong systems that strike a balance between data utility and individual privacy as cloud-based data processing and storage become more and more prevalent. Our suggested methodology makes use of sophisticated multi-keyword operators and encryption methods to offer a safe and effective solution for cloud-based ranked search that protects privacy. Our methodology's essential component is the combination of a safe encryption technique and sophisticated multi-keyword search operators. With this combination, users can do ranked searches on encrypted data while maintaining the privacy of the underlying data. Our approach leverages strong cryptography protocols and an advanced indexing mechanism to provide rapid retrieval of relevant results while protecting confidential information from unauthorized individuals. Secure query processing techniques and encryption are added for added privacy protection. This guarantees that throughout the ranking search operations, the decrypted data cannot be accessed by the cloud service provider or any other parties participating in the data processing pipeline. Users don't have to compromise the privacy of their stored data or expose the exact text of their queries to obtain ranked results based on several keywords. Our technology is especially useful in situations when customers need instantaneous insights from data stored in the cloud without compromising privacy. Our technology protects the secrecy of the underlying datasets while enabling customers to obtain secure insights on demand in a variety of sensitive sectors, including financial analysis and medical research. The suggested method offers a strong and adaptable way to achieve privacy-preserving ranked search in cloud environments. Through the incorporation of sophisticated multi-keyword operators and encryption strategies, our approach guarantees users may effectively obtain pertinent data while maintaining personal privacy. With its ability to provide safe, anytime access to insights stored in cloud-based data repositories, this breakthrough has enormous potential for a variety of applications.

Loopholes in the Indian Banking System concerning Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) – A Case Study of “Axis Bank and HDFC Bank”

Abstract -The paper presents a comparative case analysis of two leading banks, Axis Bank and HDFC Bank. The rising tide of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in the banking sector is a major threat to financial stability and economic progress. The case study uncovered severe deficiencies in risk management, credit evaluation, and regulatory compliance, which have resulted in a considerable accumulation of Non-Performing Assets. The banks' exposure to economically sensitive sectors amplifies the impact of downturns on asset quality. The limitations in credit risk assessment underline the necessity for increased due diligence. Regulatory frameworks, such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, and prompt corrective action have a significant impact on NPA responses. The findings highlight the complicated interplay between internal banking practices, regulatory frameworks, and economic conditions that affect a bank's financial performance. Addressing discovered weaknesses inside both these banks is important to the stability of India's financial system. The implications, as indicated by rising NPAs, are felt throughout the sector, jeopardizing overall resilience. Addressing these problems is crucial for reducing systemic risks, preventing a credit crisis, and rebuilding trust in the financial industry. A better banking system is critical for India's financial stability, economic growth, and stakeholder trust. As major private sector players, Axis Bank and HDFC Bank’s successful remediation set a precedent, emphasizing the need for excellent risk management, regulatory compliance, and strategic adaptation. Key Words: Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, Non-Performing Assets, Risk Management, Regulatory Compliance, Financial Stability, Economic Impact

Lignocellulosic Membranes Grafted with N-Vinylcaprolactam Using Radiation Chemistry: Load and Release Capacity of Vancomycin.

Radiation chemistry presents a unique avenue for developing innovative polymeric materials with desirable properties, eliminating the need for chemical initiators, which can be potentially detrimental, especially in sensitive sectors like medicine. In this investigation, we employed a radiation-induced graft polymerization process with N-vinylcaprolactam (NVCL) to modify lignocellulosic membranes derived from Agave salmiana, commonly known as maguey. The membranes underwent thorough characterization employing diverse techniques, including contact angle measurement, degree of swelling, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier-transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), nuclear magnetic resonance (CP-MAS 13C-NMR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and uniaxial tensile mechanical tests. The membranes' ability to load and release an antimicrobial glycopeptide drug was assessed, revealing significant enhancements in both drug loading and sustained release. The grafting of PNVCL contributed to prolonged sustained release by decreasing the drug release rate at temperatures above the LCST. The release profiles were analyzed using the Higuchi, Peppas-Sahlin, and Korsmeyer-Peppas models, suggesting a Fickian transport mechanism as indicated by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model.

The Dynamic Connectedness Between Environmental Attention and Green Cryptocurrency

The results indicate a dynamic pattern of interconnectedness throughout history. Based on the findings, the transmission of volatility exhibited a higher magnitude during the period of COVID-19. The issue of high transmission volatility due to limited diversification options concerns investors, green stakeholders, and policymakers alike. This article proposes various potential areas for future research. The ICEA index can potentially assist businesses operating in environmentally sensitive sectors make well-informed policy decisions. It includes sectors such as environmental green bonds, and commodities. Consideration should be given to implementing blockchain technology, as it can consume less power in this particular scenario. By employing a time-frequency paradigm, this study is able to incorporate the investment horizon, a crucial factor to be taken into account when making financial judgments. The advancement of this research could be facilitated by directing our attention toward the implications of our findings on portfolios and developing appropriate measures for their evaluation.