European Journal of Sustainable Development

A Sustainable Cultural Heritage in Gaziantep, the Silk Road city in Anatolia: The Historical Texture of Gümrük Avenue

Mizgine Karaaslan, Zihni Turkan — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Gümrük Avenue, in the historical texture of ?ekero?lu Neighborhood, Gaziantep, is an important cultural heritage element with historic role in the commercial and cultural life. The first texture formation started with the Gaziantep Castle during the Roman period (30 BC - 395 AD) and then the Byzantine, Islamic, Seljuk, Emirates-Memlük, Ottoman and Republican periods. It did not develop during the Islamic and Seljuk periods, yet experienced the most important formation and development during the Ottomans where buildings such as mosques, baths, bedesten, and inns put historic marks on the texture. The Republican period differentiated traditional style with commercial multi-storey reinforced concrete buildings and completed the texture formation. Through qualitative method based on literature review and fieldwork, this study aims to examine and document the formations reflecting the cultural, social and economic evolution of different historical periods since the emergence of Gümrük Avenue in the historical texture of Gaziantep, one of the important cities of the historical Anatolian Silk Road, and reveal the position of the avenue in shaping the historical identity of the city. In the absence of previous studies, it is considered as significant, which will shed light on future studies on the relevant topic.

Keywords: Gaziantep, historical environment, historical texture, ?ekero?lu neighbourhood, Gümrük Avenue

Role of Startups in Promoting Innovations and Sustainable Economic Growth

Vladimir Menshikov, Oksana Ruza, Anastasiia Simakhova — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

In today's world, startups play a key role in driving innovation by facilitating the development of new technologies, products and business models. Thanks to their flexibility, high adaptability and focus on cutting-edge solutions, startups drive sustainable economic growth and accelerate technological change in various industries. They introduce breakthrough technologies that can change the market, creating new opportunities for business and society.

This paper examines the impact of startups on the innovation ecosystem, their contribution to the development of high-tech industries and sustainable economic growth, and the financing mechanisms that contribute to their success. Special attention is paid to the interaction of startups with large corporations, venture capital funds and government institutions, and the factors that determine the success of startups in the long term are analyzed.

Keywords: startups, innovations, technological development, venture financing, entrepreneurship.

The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and how non-EU Countries May Adopt a Grandfathered Emissions Trading System

Gert Tinggaard Svendsen — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a climate policy designed to impose carbon taxes on imports, aiming to mitigate the risk of carbon leakage and promote fair competition. However, many non-EU countries view the CBAM as an additional trade barrier. Here, the European External Action Service (EEAS) may offer a solution by assisting non-EU countries in designing domestic cost-effective grandfathered emissions trading systems (ETS) that would enable them to avoid the politically controversial CBAM payments. Policy lessons from the United States and the European Union offer valuable insights that can guide the EEAS in shaping such a global climate policy.

Keywords: Climate policy; Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism; EEAS; Policy innovation; Carbon leakage; Trade barrier; EU Emission Trading System; US Acid Rain Program.

Financial Well-being and Households’ Intention to Participate in ROSCAs: An Extended TPB Model

Dung Hai Dinh, Thi Minh Dang Nguyen, Huyen Thanh Le Nguyen — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Rotating savings and credit associations (ROSCAs) are informal credit associations emerging in underprivileged communities around the world as a key financial management tool for poor individuals. Although ROSCAs have been widely studied for decades to clarify their benefits, risks, operation rules, the investigation of factors influencing individuals’ intention to participate in ROSCAs is ignored. By employing the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB), the research aims to unearth key antecedents of the rural households’ intention to participate in ROSCAs. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is applied to analyze 205 rural households in Vietnamese context. The research findings showed the importance of perceived economic usefulness, attitudes towards ROSCAs, financial well-being, and the ability to access formal credit facilities in predicting rural households’ intention to participate ROSCAs, in which perceived economic usefulness and attitude towards ROSCAs had significantly positive impacts on intention to participate, whereas financial well-being and the ability to access formal credit facilities had significantly negative impacts. The implications for policy and practice are discussed from the perspective of how the increased financial well-being and formal credit access, as well as the decrease in ROSCAs’ perceived economic usefulness and positive attitudes can discourage rural households from participating.

Keywords: Rotating savings and credit associations (ROSCAs), extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB), Financial well-being, saving commitment, perceived trust

AI-Powered Digital Marketing: Enhancing Customer Behaviour Predictions

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The article explores the current practices of using artificial intelligence (AI) in digital marketing ecosystems to predict customer behaviour. It has been found that using machine learning technologies and AI analytical tools will not only facilitate the automation of marketing processes but also allow the creation of personalised content, increasing the accuracy of predicting consumer decisions, which helps businesses optimise communication with customers and increase customer loyalty. The study analysed various functional AI tools, such as analytical, predictive, generative, communication, and optimisation technologies. The study uses a scientific integration method that combines theoretical analysis, modelling and empirical research through a survey of 20 experts from five leading Ukrainian retailers. A stratified selection of respondents and a differentiated scoring methodology were used to assess the implementation of digital technologies, programmes and marketing tools. The study highlights the need to improve the methodological approach to using AI in marketing strategies to adapt business processes to changes in consumer behaviour. A conceptual model for integrating digital marketing ecosystems using AI has been developed, providing an integrated approach to data analysis, forecasting and automation of communications. A methodology for assessing enterprises' digital maturity level in marketing is proposed based on determining the implementation index of digital technologies, software and marketing tools. The study results show that artificial intelligence has great potential for developing modern marketing strategies, especially for creating personalised solutions that improve the prediction of the behaviour of individual customer groups.

Keywords: digital marketing ecosystems, artificial intelligence, customer behaviour forecasting, marketing automation, machine learning, content personalization.

Climate Policy, Financial Risks, and Sustainable Development: A Bibliometric Perspective

Haykel Tlili — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The critical nature of climate change has made sustainable policies essential in financial risk management, requiring a unified strategy for economic and environmental resilience. This research performs a bibliometric evaluation of 213 academic articles (2016–2024) from the Dimensions database to analyze research patterns, principal contributors, and thematic areas in climate finance. After the Paris Agreement, studies on climate-finance have increased. Main themes revealed by the analysis include climate stress testing, ESG ratings, and transition risk management. Distinguished researchers, such as Irene Monasterolo and Stefano Battiston, are associated with top schools like Boston University and the Vienna University of Economics & Business. China lags far behind the United States. The study discloses significant discrepancies in publication amount and citations count. It emphasizes the need for unified climate risk management, better ESG adherence and finance geared to moderate-income growth the paper reconciles climate finance with Sustainable Development Goals of 2019, providing vital material for policy makers and banks.

Keywords: Bibliometric analysis, Climate stress testing, ESG frameworks, financial risks, sustainable climate policies, systemic risk modeling, transition risk management.

Digital Transformations: Shaping Green Finance and Sustainable Investment

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The intensive development of digital technologies and their integration into finance and investment necessitate the study of their impact on sustainable development and green finance in the context of the growing importance of environmental financial instruments. The article aims to analyse the impact of digitalisation on green finance and environmental investment. The study used several quantitative methods, including comparative analysis to assess the effectiveness of green financial instruments, analysis of statistical data to identify trends in digitalisation and the development of green finance, forecasting market changes, and correlation analysis to determine the impact of digitalisation on the development of green finance; as well as other general scientific methods of cognition, including synthesis, systematisation, and generalisation. The study's results showed that the Pearson correlation coefficient r ? 0.745 indicates a moderate positive relationship between the level of global digital transformation and the volume of green finance, confirming the primary hypothesis that digitalisation impacts increasing investment in sustainable development. The results of the study indicate that the impact of digital transformations on green finance and environmental investment is mainly characterised by the expansion of opportunities for integrating digital technologies into financial mechanisms, a systemic increase in the size of the green finance market, intensification of public policy and investment promotion, the implementation of strategies for the transition to low-carbon economies.

Keywords: digital economy, digital transformations, green economy, green finance, green trade, sustainable development.

Selected Aspects of Knowledge Management in the Care of Dementia Patients

Andrzej Skibiński, Renata Klufová, Lucie Kozlová — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Dementia is characterized by a progressive cognitive decline, memory impairment, and disability. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) accounts for 60–70% of cases, followed by vascular and mixed dementia. Given the projected trends in population ageing and population growth, the number of people with dementia is expected to increase. Stakeholders involved in community dementia support services often work on their own and without coordination with other services. These circumstances can result in a lack of information and support for people with dementia and their family caregivers at home. Caregivers of people with dementia find it extremely difficult to choose the best care method because of complex environments and the variable symptoms of dementia. This contribution aims to assess and compare community health professionals’ dementia knowledge, attitudes and care approaches in Poland and the Czech Republic

Keywords: knowledge management, dementia care, healthcare

Digital Transformation for Cost Optimisation and Sustainable Business Operations

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Digital transformation is a critical factor in the modern development of enterprises, which reduces costs and increases business processes' efficiency. In the context of economic instability and global challenges, digital technologies are becoming an essential tool for achieving competitiveness and sustainability of enterprises. The study aims to assess digital technologies' impact on reducing enterprises' costs in various sectors of the economy. The research methodology is based on analysing literature sources, a survey of business representatives, a comparative analysis of financial indicators before and after the introduction of digital technologies, and case studies. The study results show that cloud computing and business process automation provide the most significant cost savings, with an average savings rate of 24.67% and 29.83%, respectively. Big data analytics helps to optimise inventory and manage marketing campaigns, while IoT reduces maintenance and energy costs. CRM systems have shown the lowest cost-effectiveness but contribute to increased customer loyalty. The practical significance of the results lies in the possibility of their application for developing enterprise digitalisation strategies that consider the specifics of the industry and business scale. Further research could be aimed at studying the long-term effects of digital transformation and analysing the impact of innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, on the economic efficiency of enterprises.

Keywords: financial activity, enterprise capital, enterprise efficiency, economic stability, cost reduction, business process automation, digital platforms, enterprise economy, enterprise capital, financial activity of an enterprise

Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Georgia: Institutional Challenges and Prospects for EU Market Integration

Giorgi Katamadze, Natela Tsiklashvili, Nestan Varshanidze — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the most dynamic and expanding business sector globally. They are extensively studied from many perspectives, and their sustainability and prospects vary by nation, and their sustainability and prospects are different in every country. In addition to being major employers, SMEs in Georgia contribute significantly to the state budget. In order to guarantee their sustainability, the state is developing a variety of financial reseources and supporting institutional mechanisms and financing resources to ensure their sustainability, resulting in their rapid development. Although a lot of elements define the successful activities of business entities, the most crucial among them is a favorable economic environment, which includes an excellent international image of the country, a stable political environment, attractive business regulations, the inclusion of a business-supporting component in state programs, and perfect operating of state institutions.

When it comes to improving the business climate and growing small and medium-sized enterprises, Georgia has challenges that are like those of several other countries. It should be mentioned that despite having the greatest number of small and medium-sized enterprises operating, their GDP contribution is still quite small. Georgia became an EU candidate country in 2023. To fulfill the requirements for full membership, the country will have to make significant institutional and regulatory changes. The hypothesis of the paper is following: the regulations for business entities operating within the European Union differ greatly from those in force in Georgia, which may cause challenges to the process of integration of business entities into the European Union economic space.

In 2023, Georgia was accepted as a candidate for the EU. The country will need to implement substantial institutional and regulatory reforms to fulfill the requirements for full membership. It is also important to mention that in order for Georgian business entities to completely integrate into the EU environment, they must also fully understand the considerable differences between Georgian and EU business legislation. This will not be a simple process. The study's objective is to examine the expected difficulties faced by companies doing business in Georgia from the standpoint of EU membership status. These difficulties include those related to standards, certification, organizational structure, financial accounting, and institutional development. The context of considering Georgia's targets to join the European Union, it is essential to study the expected advantages and disadvantages for the business sector and to formulate significant findings and suggestions which can act as an important document for government organizations and the business community to ensure the complete and organized integration of business entities into the EU. The foundations of the research include an analysis of regulations, in-depth interviews, empirical research on business entities, and an examination of official documents. The study carried out by both Georgian and international academics serves as the theoretical foundation for the publication. Keywords: SMEs; EU; Georgia; EU Market Integration; Opportunities.

Acknowledgement: The article was written in the frame of the targeted scientific-research project funded by Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University (Georgia), “European Union standards and requirements for small and medium-sized business entities and the possibility of their implementation in Georgia”, Decree: N06-01/25, 20.03.2024.

Keywords: SMEs; EU; Georgia; EU Market Integration; Opportunities

Forecasting The Budget Deficit as A Method of Ensuring the Financial Security of the State

Liubov Makhanets — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Budget deficit represents a crucial measure of the country's economic health while having important geopolitical meaning in the modern world. The importance of the topic under consideration comes from the demand for efficient management of public finances to make a country financially resilient. This study sets out the objective of predicting Ukraine's budget deficit based on exponential advection and acceleration analysis methods. The statistics to use are provided by the State Statistics Service of Ukraine and the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine. The findings revealed that the increase in Ukraine’s budget deficit due to incorrect and unsystematic actions can have fatal consequences for international economic activity. The study's practical significance lies in outlining recommendations for using forecast results in the management of public finance to minimise the negative impact of the deficit on the economy. The models proposed can be implemented in current fiscal planning structures to measure accuracy in forecasts.

Keywords: budget deficit, forecasting, exponential smoothing, acceleration analysis, foreign economic activity, financial stability

Evolution of Factors Hindering Innovation Adoption by Residential Developers in Poland

Marcin Sitek — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Innovations in the real estate market stimulate pro-ecology, energy efficiency, ergonomics and renewable energy sources. They make economies develop by creating increasingly better conditions for people, thus contributing to the increase in the competitive position of regions and stimulating sustainable development. The aim of the article is to identify factors influencing the counteraction of the implementation of innovations by developers implementing multi-family, multi-storey housing projects on the real estate market in Poland. Data for achieving the goal was obtained primarily from a survey conducted in 2020 and then in 2022 using the CATI - computer-assisted telephone interviewing method - in Poland. The paper presents barriers to the introduction of innovations as well as factors stimulating them. In addition, an attempt to indicate the most important areas related to the activities of housing developers that inhibit the development of innovations on the real estate market in Poland was made. The above was confronted with new EU regulations which will be a factor forcing the introduction of innovations in residential construction, in the field of energy efficiency. The study also contains general recommendations regarding the necessary changes that should take place in order that housing developers in Poland start to implement more innovations into their projects.

Keywords: RES, innovation, housing developer, residential construction, sustainable development

The impact of Artificial Intelligence on Management Decision-Making: Analyzing the Role of Data Analytical Skills and Entrepreneurial Orientation

Amal Mohammed Yamani, Nadia Yusuf, Hattan Arif Al-Shabrawi — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how businesses function and plan by being incorporated into managerial decision-making processes. This study focuses on how AI affects managerial decision-making, emphasizing the importance of data analysis abilities and an entrepreneurial orientation. Despite the potential of AI, existing research often overlooks the critical interplay between these skills and orientation in optimizing AI utilization. This gap highlights a significant drawback in current understanding: insufficient emphasis is placed on the human factors that drive effective AI adoption. This study proposes a novel approach that integrates data analytical skills and entrepreneurial orientation into AI-driven decision-making frameworks. This study aims to bridge the gap in research by developing a comprehensive theoretical framework and providing practitioners with practical guidance. Using a mixed-methods approach, the methodology combines quantitative surveys with qualitative case studies to create a reliable dataset from various business contexts. The results demonstrate that companies with strong data analytical capabilities and a pronounced entrepreneurial orientation are more adept at leveraging AI technologies for strategic decision-making. Quantitative analysis reveals significant correlations between these factors and improved decision-making outcomes, while qualitative insights from case studies highlight practical examples of successful AI integration. Overall, this study underscores the importance of cultivating both data analytical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset to harness the full potential of AI in management. The findings provide valuable recommendations for businesses and educational institutions, emphasizing the need for targeted skill development and innovative thinking.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Management Decision-Making, Data Analytical Skills, Entrepreneurial Orientation, AI Integration, Strategic Decision-Making

Marketing Mechanism for the Adaptation of Ukrainian Enterprises to Wartime Conditions Amid Geopolitical and Economic Challenges

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This study examines the development of a marketing mechanism to support the adaptation of Ukrainian enterprises in the face of geopolitical and economic challenges. It is argued that wartime conditions and geopolitical instability significantly affect business operations, particularly in areas such as sales, production, raw material supply, logistics, and other critical processes. The research demonstrates that the formulation of adaptive marketing strategies and mechanisms enables enterprises to maintain competitiveness during crisis periods. Developing and implementing marketing adaptation mechanisms is identified as a key success factor for Ukrainian businesses operating under extreme conditions of war and geopolitical uncertainty.

The study highlights that implementing modern methods of marketing adaptation requires acknowledging that contemporary businesses are subject to constant transformation due to rapid changes in the economic environment. Globalization, technological advancements, shifts in consumer demand and competition, and the need to adapt to wartime realities amid geopolitical and economic upheavals represent only a few of the challenges enterprises face. Accordingly, the study focuses on the rationale for adopting modern marketing adaptation methods. These include market analysis, attracting new customers, retaining and expanding existing customer bases, developing optimal strategies to respond to economic difficulties using marketing approaches, adaptive models that account for rapid changes in consumer behavior and psychological triggers under crisis conditions, building logistics management systems, and identifying key success factors for enterprise adaptation in times of economic distress.

The findings conclude that the war in Ukraine has led to a decline in investment and consumer demand. Manufacturers face limited access to international markets due to export restrictions, disrupted supply chains, and other trade barriers. Security costs for personnel and facilities have increased amid the intensifying conflict, and military actions often result in damage or loss of equipment and infrastructure. Companies located in frontline regions have been especially affected, with many forced to relocate to host communities during the war.

It is argued that an effective marketing-based resource management mechanism is a crucial component of a successful marketing strategy. This mechanism involves the optimal use of a company’s financial, human, and material resources. Therefore, it is recommended that companies take into account market needs, the competitive landscape, and internal capacities and constraints to identify the most strategically important markets for achieving business goals and allocate resources accordingly.

The study explores the methodology of Target Market Analysis (TAM), which offers deeper insights into the market and allows companies to make data-driven decisions aligned with their specific growth objectives. TAM helps businesses understand the total market size, identify opportunities for specific products, and assess how best to capture value within their target segments. A clear understanding of one’s target market is vital for making strategic decisions and setting priorities in a competitive business environment.

A conceptual perspective is proposed on the marketing mechanism for retaining existing customers while acquiring new ones. This dual strategy involves maintaining loyalty among the current customer base through loyalty programs, discounts, and personalized services, while also implementing initiatives to attract new clients. The comprehensive application of these strategies can significantly enhance a company's success by ensuring a steady flow of customers and increasing its profitability. Another key advantage is the improvement of customer loyalty to the brand, especially under conditions of economic instability.

An assessment of commodity markets in Ukraine most affected during the war has made it possible to better understand supply and demand dynamics, and the competitive landscape, and to analyze and develop strategic pathways for enterprises producing products within commodity group 72 – “Iron and Steel.” The application of a marketing adaptation mechanism enabled the formulation of recommendations for Ukrainian enterprises on how to adjust their products under complex and unstable conditions, thereby ensuring competitiveness and resilience in times of military conflict and geopolitical tensions.

Based on the analysis of export dynamics for the metallurgical industry (commodity group 72 – “Iron and Steel”) in Ukraine from 2020 to 2024, it is concluded that the war had a profoundly negative impact on foreign economic activity. While 2021 marked the peak in exports for this commodity group, a sharp decline followed due to the war and other geopolitical and economic disruptions, including logistical breakdowns and the blockade of seaports. However, signs of stabilization emerged in 2024. Ukrainian exports demonstrated notable flexibility: a decrease in exports of iron and steel to certain countries was offset by growth in others, such as Moldova, Slovenia, and Greece.

An evaluation of market convergence was carried out for potential export destinations including China, Mexico, India, South Korea, Belgium, France, Vietnam, Spain, Thailand, and Indonesia. The analysis revealed similarities in business environments, which may be beneficial for Ukrainian industrial enterprises exporting iron and steel products. Among these, Belgium, France, and Spain were identified as the most promising markets due to their relative geographic proximity, high-quality infrastructure, trade openness, and political stability. The study emphasizes the importance of systematically accounting for current logistical constraints and actively seeking alternative export routes, considering the blockade of Black Sea ports and the destruction of transport infrastructure. Logistics flexibility is deemed a key factor for restoring export volumes of commodity group 72 – “Iron and Steel” in 2025.

The findings of this study will support the adaptation of Ukrainian enterprises to wartime conditions amid geopolitical and economic challenges, helping them avoid missing timely opportunities to access new international markets.

Keywords: marketing mechanism, geopolitical challenges, economic challenges, logistics, adaptive marketing strategies, competitiveness, consumer demand, competition, logistics management, international markets, export restrictions, disrupted supply chains, trade barriers, logistics, trade barriers, resource management, allocate resources, Target Market Analysis (TAM), Iron and Steel, marketing adaptation mechanism, foreign economic activity of enterprises, exports, market convergence, trade openness, political stability, logistical constraints, transport infrastructure, Logistics flexibility, logistics potential of enterprises.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station Utilizing Highly Concentrated Photovoltaic System Combined with Lithium-Ion Batteries

Kandil M. Kandil, Haitham A. Alabdulali, Ibrahim M. Kadad, Adel A. Ghoneim — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Combining highly concentrated photovoltaic (HCPV) modules and battery storage systems attain high power- density than other ones using separate elements. This work aims to examine the performance of electric vehicle (EV) charging station utilizing an HCPV system integrated with lithium-ion batteries in Kuwait. HCPV system is integrated with EV, battery storge system, and AC grid as a four-component system for EV charging station at an educational building located in Kuwait. A theoretical technique is developed to calculate the proposed system efficiency. A simple algorithm is utilized to calculate the reduction of greenhouse emissions due to the use of HCPV-EV. Energy produced from HCPV modules is used to charge four EVs, battery system, supplying energy to building electrical appliances and feeding remaining energy to the grid. Present results reveal that HCPV energy utilized for EV charging represents 81% of the total load needed to charge EVs and about 90% of the energy required for EV charging through the utilization of HCPV modules and battery system which can potentially reduce operating costs of charging EVs. Only about 10% (1218 kWh) is required to be exported from the grid to fully charge EVs. Also, an integrated HCPV system and battery can provide 93% of the total load required resulting in a big saving in electricity bill. Also, the HCPV system can feed the utility by 11458 kWh, resulting in an additional decrease in building consumption costs. In all months, the performance ratio (PR) of the proposed integrated system is higher than 80%, indicating the reliability of the proposed HCPV integrated system. Battery state of charge (SOC) exceeds 70% through most year months indicating the reliability and durability of lithium-ion storage batteries. Finally, predicted CO2 emissions avoided because of utilizing an integrated HCPV system at an optimum tilt angle is 12410 kg/year resulting in significant environmental enhancement.

Keywords: High concentrated PV; multi-junction solar cells; lithium-ion battery; electric vehicle; weather conditions.

Impact of Uneven Agricultural Business Development on Rural Socio-Economic Dynamics

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Modern countries pay attention to the significant economic importance of the agricultural sector. The situation remains increasingly severe due to some unfavorable socioeconomic circumstances, as the pandemic and the wars between Russia and Ukraine coincided. Agricultural activities contribute to economic stabilization, while local consumption and food supply for the territory can also occur through agricultural activities. In this regard, the study of asymmetric development of agrarian business is becoming quite relevant since it can prevent its negative impact on the economic and social life of rural areas. The purpose of the academic paper is to develop a theoretical and methodological apparatus for the asymmetric development of agrarian business and analyze the current situation and possible prospects for the development of rural areas in the countries of the European Union. General scientific and specific scientific research methods were used in the research. In particular, the methods of generalization, systematization, analysis of modern scientific sources and comparison were applied. A statistical approach was used to gather the required data and estimate the data on cumulative income shares in order to determine the extent of agricultural land in the research area. The Lorenz curve was constructed using a graphical method. The Gini coefficient was calculated using a mathematical method. The Gini index was used to determine the current level of asymmetry in the development of agribusiness in the European Union countries. The index sums up to a value of G = 0.08, which falls within the range 0 ? G < 0.3; therefore, it can be argued that there is a high and stable level of socio-economic inequality in rural areas of the European Union member states. If such information is properly linked to the general imbalance of changes and the probable food crisis at the moment, then in the EU countries it can be said that the agricultural landscape is relatively stable. Thus, the asymmetry of development concerns agribusiness, which may be uneven in terms of the main production factors necessary for the creation of agricultural products, and production relations exist between all levels of enterprises, within which the conditions differ in terms of the level of development and the scale that exist within the socio-economic territory. The deterioration of the qualitative and quantitative state of infrastructure provision, the increase in the aging of the population – all the outlined bring asymmetric development to high levels as one of the negative socio-economic factors. Thus, the members of the European Union introduce systemic financial measures for periodic financing of priority areas of agribusiness and infrastructure solutions to improve logistics for rural areas, which reflect very unequal levels of rural inequality in different EU Member States.

Keywords: agribusiness, productivity, agricultural production, rural settlements, productivity

Government Support for Innovative Entrepreneurship: Advancing Sustainable and Resilient Business Growth

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The materials presented by the authors are aimed at studying peculiarities of the current state of public support for business entities, including micro-firms and representatives of medium and small businesses, which are more vulnerable elements of the market economy of the country, especially under conditions of various crises (financial, social and economic, political, cultural, aggravated by pandemic coronavirus infection). The article shows the features and directions of influence of state policy and various programs and planned measures, tools, and means of support (material, informational, legal, etc.) on the development of large, small, and medium businesses in Kazakhstan, considering the experience of foreign developed and developing countries, including in the regional context. The topic chosen by the authors is certainly promising for further scientific and theoretical study, including the study of modern specifics of state support for private enterprise with a comparative analysis of the experience of other countries in this aspect.

Keywords: entrepreneurship entities, innovative entrepreneurship, financial support, state programme, innovative development

Managerial Knowledge and Values in Saudi Healthcare: Sustainability Reporting and Commitment

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Secondary processes in hospitals are causing a major part of hospitals’ carbon footprint. At the same The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of managerial knowledge and organizational values on the implementation of sustainability reporting practices in the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia. It also focuses on the mediating effect of organizational commitment in this relationship. Through a quantitative analysis using a questionnaire distributed to a sample of 264 administrators at organizational levels in the health sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the research identifies key factors that drive the implementation of sustainability reporting and highlights the importance of aligning managerial competencies and organizational values with sustainability goals. The results of the study show that raising the level of knowledge of managers and encouraging the right organizational values are important to enhance commitment, which in turn, improve the effectiveness of sustainability reporting. For healthcare organizations that want to integrate sustainability into their business processes, this paper offers practical implications and provides valuable insights for healthcare organizations aiming to integrate sustainability into their operational frameworks.

Keywords: Sustainability Reports, Managerial Knowledge, Organizational Values, Organizational Commitment, Environmental Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility

Utilising Public Finance to Foster Sustainable Growth in Local Communities

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Due to fiscal decentralisation in Ukraine, local finances have become a more significant component of public finances, gaining a greater degree of autonomy and potential to be used to ensure the resilience and sustainable development of territories. At the same time, in the context of the war, communities faced the need to reorient their budgets towards the public order and social sectors, while spending on environmental protection and development incentives was significantly reduced. Sustainable development strategies were also suspended. The article aims to highlight current trends and the state of public finance as a tool for ensuring the sustainable development of territorial communities. Methods. The article used statistical analysis methods to assess the dynamics and structure of public finances in Ukraine in 2018–2024 and the case study method to review the strategies for sustainable development of territorial communities and sources of their financing. The results demonstrate increased state budget revenues in 2018–2024 and their share in public finances. Local budget revenues have fluctuated over this period, and their share has decreased. The amalgamation of territorial communities in 2020 contributed to financial consolidation, resulting in increased community budget revenues and their share in the structure of local budgets. The volume of community expenditures has also increased since 2018, and the possibilities for financing the socio-economic development of the territories have significantly expanded. The experience of local communities in Ukraine shows that local authorities have different priorities in their territorial development activities: some communities focus on economic growth, entrepreneurship, and investment, while others focus on social services, public order and security, and social protection. The concentration of financial resources in municipalities has expanded the possibilities for implementing local programmes and projects, including sustainable development projects. At the same time, there is a differentiation in the funding sources for sustainable development strategies, and community budgets and government transfers remain key to their implementation. The practical value of the study lies in highlighting trends, the state of public finances in Ukraine at the state and local levels, the state of development of sustainable community development strategies, and sources of funding.

Keywords: public finance, financial potential of territorial communities, local budget expenditures on social protection, fiscal policy, financial control.

Evaluating the Suitability and Sustainability of Accounting Education Requirements from the Perspective of Employees in the Banking Sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Khaled Adnan Oweis — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This study explores the perceived suitability and sustainability of accounting education among employees in Saudi Arabia’s banking sector. In light of increasing employer concerns over graduates’ readiness for the labor market, this research assesses whether current university-level accounting programs align with evolving industry needs and long-term professional demands. A structured questionnaire was administered to banking professionals holding at least a bachelor’s degree. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the study examined eight key dimensions of educational sustainability, including curriculum adequacy, instructional methods, soft skills integration, technological adoption, and experiential learning.

The findings indicate that while most educational factors—particularly curriculum relevance, institutional support, and pedagogical quality—positively influence perceptions of sustainability, notable deficiencies remain in practical preparedness and the effective use of accounting information. Fit indices from Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) confirm the structural soundness of the proposed model, with good-to-acceptable model fit values (e.g., RMSEA = 0.069, CFI = 0.93). Hypotheses related to curriculum adequacy, teaching quality, and technological tools were supported, highlighting their significance in shaping sustainable educational outcomes.

The study emphasizes the urgent need for accounting programs to integrate dynamic, interdisciplinary, and practice-oriented learning strategies. It concludes by recommending curriculum reforms that promote ethical awareness, lifelong learning, and digital competency. These insights aim to guide academic institutions and professional bodies, such as SOCPA, in aligning accounting education with the demands of Saudi Arabia’s evolving financial sector and Vision 2030 objectives.

Keywords: Accounting, Education, Efficiency and quality of accounting, Banking Sector

Digital Art and Design for a Sustainable Future: Innovation, Ethics, and Identity

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Digital technologies have played a revolutionary role in design and art, operating innately within it, automating creative processes, and empowering artists and how they reply to the audience. Artificial intelligence, 3D modelling, and virtual and augmented reality open new possibilities for creativity, but such phenomena call into question whether such works are authentic and copyright exists. The study aims to examine the role played by digital technologies in the modernity of creative processes and the creative industries. This research methodology is related to the detailed analysis of scientific sources, comparative analysis of the historical and modern design ways, statistical research of digital art development and peculiarities of using the latest technologies in craftsmanship. It is shown that generative design, UX/UI, digital painting, automated animation, 3D modelling and virtual reality significantly reduce the time for creating and personalising the content, which is actively using artificial intelligence. Digitisation of art gives birth to challenges like copyright, authenticity preservation of art, and ethical application of AI and so forth at the same time. The relevance of the work is to i) generate key trends and opportunities to apply digital creativity, which is relevant for artists, designers and digital content creators, and ii) researchers in the creative economy. Further research is needed to develop ethical standards for generative art, the use of VR/AR in museum spaces, and the legislation of AI-generated works.

Keywords: digital design, artificial intelligence, 3D modelling, virtual reality, generative design, automation of the creative process, creative industries, digital art, UX/UI design, copyright in digital art.

Eco-Development Through Ecological Architecture: A Case Study of Trakya University

Gildis Tachir, Aslı Zencirkiran, İsmet Osmanoğlu — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The issue of ecology is a pressing crisis that impacts all fields and demands attention. The solution lies in constructing buildings that honor nature and culture. To achieve this aim, we must prioritize ecologically-minded education emphasizing sustainability and the protection of ourselves, nature, and cultural values. This study delves into ecology and explores how to implement a sound ecological approach to address the need for more space at the Trakya Faculty of Architecture. The study assesses the ecological framework concerning environmental education, which is the primary objective of ecological development. With this in mind, the project design centers around a 780 m2 area south of the Trakya Faculty of Architecture. The proposed building is a two-story ecological structure with two studios, a work area on each floor, and wet spaces. The building will be constructed using a portable structure that can be disassembled and reassembled in the designated location, significantly contributing to the university's sustainability and ecological efforts.

Keywords: eco-development, eco-education, eco-building, Edirne

Fostering Sustainable Life Skills: Assessing the Needs and Resilience of At-Risk Adolescents in Ukraine

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

New life challenges necessitate the search for methods to help adolescents adapt to society. Vulnerable children need to develop special skills during the pandemic and while forming their skills and outlook on life. The purpose of the study was to obtain information on the development of skills of adolescents belonging to vulnerable categories to assess their priority needs. The study used analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, comparison, and a questionnaire that included a set of questions conducted among adolescents aged 15-16. The article highlights the attitudes of adolescents and their opinions on the main issues of society, such as social, communication and adaptation concepts. Attitudes towards gender equality, Internet communication and emotional background are substantiated and analyzed. It has been determined that children have the opportunity to achieve their goals faster through the prism of developing skills that are a priority for them. Skills that help build independence, resilience, and responsiveness are identified, as well as habits that help to overcome difficulties, develop leadership skills, and the ability to communicate in a team. The study pays considerable attention to soft skills that are in demand in modern society. It is proven that resilience helps a person build closer relationships, teaches self-development, and encourages striving for the best.

Keywords: habits, sociality, adaptability, resilience, adolescence, vulnerability

Optimizing Budgeting and Financial Management for Sustainable Economic Growth and Fiscal Resilience

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Efficient macro-level budgeting serves as a fundamental instrument for overseeing a nation's economy, fostering sustainable growth and advancing social progress. Fiscal policy plays a crucial role in ensuring the state's financial support for socio-economic development, and its improvement is a priority task for ensuring stability and sustainable development. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of budgeting and financial management mechanisms, as well as to develop ways to optimize them to ensure sustainable development. To achieve this goal, various scientific methods were used, including a monographic approach, statistical analysis, the method of expert assessments, and mathematical and statistical modeling. The study defines the theoretical foundations of the budget process, outlines the stages and conditions of its implementation, and analyzes the current challenges of budgeting in the economic and social contexts. The structure, algorithms, and main components of the budgeting system are studied, and the effectiveness of its implementation as a component of financial management is evaluated. The key factors affecting the effectiveness of the budgeting process are identified and the necessity of its optimization to increase the strategic sustainability of public finances is substantiated. The article substantiates the conceptual foundations of applying the budgeting methodology for effective financial management, suggests directions for improving the mechanisms of formation and distribution of budgetary resources, and identifies appropriate tools for implementing these measures. The practical significance of the obtained results lies in their applicability to real processes of optimization of financial management technologies, which will help to increase the efficiency of the state financial policy and ensure sustainable development.

Keywords: financial planning, strategy, financial management, economic effect,budget optimization taxes.

Service Quality and Consumer Behavior in Saudi Arabia: Examining Transactions and Technological Integration within the Vision 2030 Framework

Saja A. AlBliwi, Nadia Yusuf, Lama Ali M. Almahdi — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This paper investigates the role of digital transformation in enhancing sectoral quality and influencing consumer behavior in Saudi Arabia, framed within the nation’s Vision 2030 initiative. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) and the General Authority for Statistics (GAStat) with qualitative insights, this study assesses digital adoption across various sectors and regions. The findings highlight the rapid expansion of e-commerce and digital transactions, revealing strong correlations between digital financial activities and broader economic indicators, such as consumer loans. This underscores the need for tailored digital strategies responsive to sectoral and regional dynamics. The analysis provides practical implications for policymakers and business leaders, emphasizing the importance of developing digital strategies to enhance economic diversification and service quality. The study concludes that digital transformation is critical for fostering resilience and sustainable economic growth in Saudi Arabia’s evolving digital economy.

Keywords: Digital Transformation, Saudi Arabia, E-commerce Trends, Consumer Behavior, Financial Indicators, Quality Analysis

The Role of Social Entrepreneurship in Advancing Economic Growth and Sustainability Amid Instability

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Relevance. Social entrepreneurship is currently one of the most effective ways to solve social problems, especially for countries with economies in transition, where instability increases the importance of new approaches to managing economic and social processes. The study's relevance is driven by the need to find sustainable mechanisms of economic growth in the context of global instability and social challenges.

Aim. This research article aims to analyse the impact of social entrepreneurship on the economic growth of the EU countries and Ukraine, which is in a state of prolonged war, and to substantiate its importance for the socio-economic development of countries in conditions of instability.

Methods. To carry out a comprehensive qualitative analysis, several general scientific methods of knowledge were used, including synthesis, systematisation, generalisation, and comparative analysis of different EU countries. As part of the quantitative analysis, an adapted method of calculating the National Social Impact Index (NSII) was applied, allowing for a balance between economic efficiency and social outcomes in comparing EU member states.

Results. According to the results of the calculations, the highest values of the social impact index are demonstrated by Bulgaria (142.97), Hungary (137.30), Latvia (131.77) and Poland (122.85), which indicates a significant contribution of social enterprises to socio-economic development, in contrast to the indicators of Denmark (31.59), Germany (28.69) and Estonia (26.75). Thus, a high index value is typical for countries with developed SME support policies. In contrast, a high capacity for social sector growth characterises countries with a high average turnover and fewer enterprises.

Conclusion. The main direction for developing social entrepreneurship to ensure economic growth in Ukraine in the context of war is developing and implementing a social entrepreneurship development strategy in the overall state system. This involves introducing clear criteria for defining social enterprises, creating a specialised regulatory framework, harmonising national legislation with European standards, and creating incentive financial and tax mechanisms to support them.

Keywords: social entrepreneurship, social value, economic growth, socio-economic development, state support, financing, investment attractiveness, sustainable development, instability.

Sustainable Marketing of Ukrainian Agricultural Enterprises to Enter Global Grain Markets

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The article provides a study of current issues regarding the role of Ukraine in the world grain trade and the challenges caused by current conditions. The potential of the Ukrainian grain market and its position against the background of global ratings of producers and exporters are analyzed. Key risks for the grain sector are identified. The commodity and geographical structure of grain exports during wartime is studied, and the strategic importance of Ukrainian grain for ensuring global food stability is emphasized. The impact of the imbalance between supply and demand and fluctuations in world prices for grain crops is outlined. Price dynamics were analyzed and it was determined that the likely price increase could have serious consequences for global food markets, in particular for low-income countries that could face a food crisis. A set of measures aimed at minimizing the negative impact of the war on global food security, including in connection with a possible grain shortage and further price increases, has been proposed.

Keywords: foreign market, grain, world exporter, economy, marketing strategies, agricultural sector, world community, food security.

Organizational Pride Mediating Strategic Thinking and Sustainable Innovation: A Study on the Saudi Postal Corporation

Abdullah D. Alshrari, Mahmoud M. Al-Ajlouni, Mohamed Ali Saad — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Through its application to the Saudi Postal Corporation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this study aimed to determine the mediating role of organizational pride in connecting strategic thinking and innovative behavior. The researcher used a descriptive analytical approach in this study, gathering theoretical data from library sources, in addition to designing a questionnaire consisting of (37) phrases that were distributed to (311) individuals working in the Saudi Postal Corporation in Jeddah, the study's hypotheses were tested and data was analyzed using the statistical software for social sciences (SPSS).

The path analysis method was relied upon to verify the presence of indirect effects of strategic thinking on innovative behavior by focusing organizational pride, and the study discovered a remarkable effect of strategic thinking on organizational pride, along with the significant impact of strategic thinking on innovative behavior.

The results also showed that organizational pride partially mediates the relationship between strategic thinking and innovative behavior, these findings may help to focus more on organizational pride in strengthening the relationship between strategic thinking and innovative behavior.

Keywords: Strategic thinking, Organizational pride, Innovative behavior, Saudi Postal Corporation

Cryptocurrency Taxation Features: International Experience for Sustainable Development of Ukraine’s Tax Sphere

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The article is devoted to the analysis of the international experience of ?ryptocurrency taxation. The research methodology includes the use of general scientific and special methods of scientific knowledge, including dialectical, formal and logical, hermeneutics, generalization, comparison, analysis, synthesis, generalization, etc. It is noted that the tax systems of most countries of the world were not ready for were not ready for cryptocurrencies to come into circulation. Therefore, its non-recognition by individual states is associated with insufficient legal protection and impossibility of regulation in the tax field. This study is based on the experience of introducing cryptocurrency of such countries as Singapore, Australia, Greece, Brazil and New Zealand. Special attention is paid to the legislative consolidation of cryptocurrency in the indicated countries. The authors highlight various methods of cryptocurrencies taxation used in the countries under consideration, and their effectiveness in the tax area. The conclusion on the need to harmonize international approaches to cryptocurrencies taxation and develop global standards ensuring its effective regulation is made.

Key words: digital assets, cryptocurrency, electronic money, tax system, legal status, declaration

Quality of Work Life as a Mediator between Ethical Leadership and Organizational Commitment for Sustainability in STC

Mohamed Ali Saad — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Secondary processes in hospitals are causing a major part of hospitals’ carbon footprint. At the same Study aimed to determine the direct and indirect impact of ethical leadership dimensions on organizational commitment using mediating the quality of work life to enhance sustainability in Saudi Telecom Company (STC). The researcher relied on the descriptive analytical approach in this study, by collecting theoretical information, in addition to developing a questionnaire consisting of (52) statements that were distributed to (287) individuals from employees in Saudi Telecom Company (STC), the correct questionnaires was (209) with a response rate of (73%), information were examined utilizing

structural equations modeling method (PLS-SEM), the study concluded that there's the direct positive impact of ethical leadership on both organizational commitment and quality of work life, and a positive impact of quality of work life on organizational commitment, additionally, there is an indirect positive moral impact of ethical leadership on organizational commitment, mediated by quality of work life.

The study recommended the necessity of spreading the culture of the three study variables in the organization through all available tools and working to enhance it permanently, with a focus on measuring the indicators of organizational commitment of employees periodically and enhancing these indicators through various administrative practices related to organizational commitment, most notably ethical leadership and quality of work life. Additionally, continuous efforts ought to be made to develop policies and procedures related to the work environment and improve internal communication to enhance quality of work life consistently.

Keywords: ethical leadership, quality of work life, organizational commitment, saudi telecom company

The Advantages and Risks of AI in Sustainable Societal Development: Perspectives of Future Psychologists

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

In the context of widespread psychological trauma among Ukrainian citizens, the education of future psychologists requires careful development of their professional competence and responsibility. Consequently, the nature and outcomes of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in the professional education of future psychologists pose a significant challenge for the national educational system due to the risks of academic integrity violations.

A study involving 184 first- to fourth-year students highlighted the controversial role of AI in the professional education of future psychologists. Additionally, this study examines the role of AI in inventive activities, grounded in the theory and practice of inventive problem solving (TRIZ), exploring how AI fosters creative problem-solving and supports the development of innovative approaches in psychological practice.

It was found that AI implementation in psychology students’ professional education is currently spontaneous and unregulated. The majority of surveyed students have repeatedly used AI for independent and qualification-related work, as well as for test assessments, without recognizing their actions as violations of academic integrity. Future psychologists identify several benefits of AI in their studies, including idea generation, information supplementation, systematization and structuring, and the rapid collection of relevant and useful data. However, common drawbacks include unreliable, misleading, or politically biased information, the absence of source citations, inaccurate data or procedural algorithms, and the occurrence of informational or visual hallucinations.

The majority of respondents firmly believe that AI cannot fully replace psychologists, viewing it solely as an auxiliary tool. A positive finding is the students’ multifaceted understanding of AI’s applications in professional psychological practice.

The majority of educators exhibit skepticism toward AI use in psychology education, while some avoid addressing the issue altogether. These findings indicate the need for educators to actively engage in discussions on the ethical and responsible use of AI by psychology students in their professional training.

Given the spontaneous and unregulated integration of AI in Ukrainian higher education, a structured framework is necessary to ensure ethical implementation. Universities must develop clear guidelines and oversight mechanisms to balance innovation with academic integrity, preventing potential misuse while maximizing AI’s benefits in students’ professional development. In psychology education, where ethical considerations and human-centered approaches are paramount, it is essential to establish policies that regulate AI use, ensuring that it complements rather than compromises the development of essential professional competencies. This includes defining acceptable AI applications in academic work, implementing transparency measures, fostering critical AI literacy among both students and faculty, and encouraging AI-driven inventive activities — based on the theory and practice of inventive problem solving — that enhance students’ creative and analytical skills.

Keywords: professional education, future psychologists, sustainable societal development, artificial intelligence (AI), academic integrity, inventive activities

Problems of Ukraine's Recovery: A Business Perspective on Sustainable Local Development

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Supporting business development in Ukraine is crucial for the rapid recovery and further sustainable development of the national economy, which suffered heavy losses during the war. To develop effective and sustainable action plans on the local level, it is important to consider the views of business representatives and the local context. This is especially true for war-affected communities. The goal of the article is to identify the key obstacles, problems and needs of Ukrainian businesses located in war-affected communities. Considering these needs and problems is important to promote entrepreneurs to recover and sustainably develop their activities in the territories of four war-affected communities. The survey of business representatives of the war-affected communities was conducted to define the needs, problems and obstacles. The results of the survey showed that the key problems are situational security factors, as well as systemic factors related to insufficient interaction between local authorities and businesses. In order to return to the frontline areas and restore and develop their activities, businesses need the development of effective incentive mechanisms and the creation of an attractive investment climate.

Keywords: business, recovery, sustainable development, war-affected communities, Ukrainian business, recovery problems

Inclusive Tourism in Georgia: Advancing Accessibility as a Pillar of Sustainable Development

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Inclusive tourism is a form of tourism that provides an equal and accessible experience for everyone, regardless of their physical, mental, age, social or cultural differences. Its main goal is to develop tourism services and infrastructure in such a way that no person faces barriers when traveling. Inclusive tourism is not only a matter of social responsibility, but also a significant economic and cultural opportunity, it is about creating a travel environment where everyone feels valued and included. Georgia has unique natural and cultural resources, which create a promising environment for inclusive tourism. State and private sector initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and adaptation of tourist facilities contribute to expanding travel opportunities for people with disabilities and other groups. However, despite its potential, inclusive tourism faces many challenges: infrastructural limitations, lack of information, problems with the qualification of service personnel, and a low level of awareness in society.

This study reviews the current state, opportunities and obstacles to the development of inclusive tourism. It highlights the importance of public and private sector engagement, infrastructure improvements, legislative regulations and raising public awareness.

The results of the study show that the development of inclusive tourism in Georgia requires strengthening legislative and strategic directions, adapting hotels and tourist facilities, improving transport accessibility and effective use of digital technologies.

Finally, recommendations are presented for the sustainable development of inclusive tourism, which will contribute to positioning Georgia as an attractive and inclusive tourist destination.

Keywords: Inclusive tourism, Barrier-Free Travel, Disability-Friendly Tourism, Accessibility.

Assessment of Priorities Model Representation of the Problem of Determining Investment Priorities of the Ukrainian Alternative Energy Industry: Theoretical and Applied Aspect

Natalia Osadcha, Andrij Zaverbnyj, Viacheslav Liashenko — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Ukraine's energy system is in a situation of crisis and development. The system needs stable operation in the face of war and crisis. This requires attracting investments, including foreign ones. To determine the priority areas for investment, it is necessary to model and analyze the benefits and effects of renewable energy types in Ukraine. The aim of the study was to assess the priorities of a model-based representation for determining investment priorities in Ukraine's alternative energy sector. The study employed methods such as analysis, synthesis, morphological analysis, elements of economic and mathematical modeling, and the "Fuzzy TOPSIS" method. The main results include the calculation of indicators for the normalized evaluation of alternatives (renewable energy stations) to select and rank these stations according to a strategy for prioritizing energy sectors for development in Ukraine. The economic effect of implementing the proposed model for establishing investment priorities in Ukraine's alternative energy sector lies in the fact that the use of scenario-based evaluation factors primarily encourages an increase in investment inflows, particularly from foreign investors. The transition of Ukraine’s energy system to a carbon-neutral policy will accelerate the country's path toward sustainable and harmonious development, strengthening Ukraine’s position among countries advancing alternative energy, even under temporary martial law conditions.

Keywords: energy, renewable energy, investment climate, threats, war, economic sustainability, energy system, energy strategy, investment, modeling

Does Information Technology Contribute to Improving the Quality of Education? Empirical Analysis from Saudi Arabia

Haga Elimam, Halah Alattas, Jude Ashkan, Naema Ahmed — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The most significant visible innovation in this globalization period has been Information and Communication Technology (ICT). It has transformed the world into a global village with limitless connectivity, interactive organizations, knowledge exchange, and worldwide access. It is both a cross-cutting concern and a necessary tool for social and economic progress. For decades, ICT has played a vital role in job creation, job skill development, and manufacturing. Adopting ICT may significantly reduce a society's corruption, resulting in a forward-thinking government in the country. Many individuals' lives and livelihoods, particularly those in rural regions, cannot be enhanced without utilizing the ICT scope. However, a developing country like Saudi Arabia, with enormous potential, is still distant from adopting ICT, despite numerous challenges, when the entire globe is developing with the blessings of ICT. The present study has presented a complete empirical examination of information and communication in developing nations, focusing on Saudi Arabia. This study applied econometric analysis to examine the role of ICT in improving the quality of education in Saudi Arabia for the period 1990-2022. This study employed a vector error correction model (VECM) approach for empirical estimation. This study concluded that ICT contributed significantly to improving the education index in Saudi Arabia. It is recommended that policymakers of developing countries divert their attention towards ICT-related investment to enhance the level of education index.

Keywords: Developing Nation, Education, Information and Communication Technology, Quality of Education.

Hybrid Warfare and Customs Security: Strengthening Resilience for Sustainable Development

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This article examines the threats facing Ukraine’s customs system in the context of hybrid warfare waged by the Russian Federation in the digital era. It explores key scientific approaches to defining the concept of “hybrid warfare”, which is characterized as a complex, multidimensional phenomenon that integrates military, informational, cyber, economic, and political instruments of influence. This form of aggression complicates the identification, counteraction, and neutralization processes, while simultaneously posing a threat to critical components of national resilience. The article emphasizes that hybrid warfare targets the disruption of essential infrastructure, including law enforcement agencies, healthcare systems, food security, transportation networks, the economy, and other sectors vital to the functioning of the state. Particular attention is given to the indirect influence tools employed by the aggressor state, such as support for separatist and terrorist groups, which may involve financing, arming, and carrying out acts of state terrorism. The article also highlights the impact of informational and psychological campaigns designed to transform public opinion destructively in the targeted countries. In the case of Ukraine’s customs service, it outlines the diverse methods of hybrid influence, including economic pressure through customs mechanisms, the creation of artificial trade barriers, the spread of contraband, cyberattacks on customs infrastructure, campaigns to discredit customs authorities, the use of corruption schemes, and political-legal manipulations aimed at delaying reforms and influencing foreign economic agreements. The article concludes that customs security has become a priority not only for national security but also as an essential element in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals related to peace, justice, institutional resilience, and economic stability. The article underscores the need for the digital transformation of Ukraine’s customs system as a strategic response to modern challenges. Such transformation will help strengthen institutional resilience, enhance public trust, ensure procedural transparency, and improve Ukraine’s position in the global information space.

Keywords: hybrid warfare, customs security, digital transformation, cyber threats, institutional resilience, information security, sustainable development goals, economic stability

Sustainable Development and the Insurance Industry: Factor Analysis and Forecasting in the Georgian Market

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The insurance industry is crucial to the formation of a flawless financial market system. Excessive risks have emerged in several areas, including financial market institutions, due to the expanding scope of globalization. Risk awareness hinders not only the development of a particular business entity, but also the retrograde business entities associated with this entity. In actuality, the continuity chain, which is essential for maintaining market share and competition in a market economy, has been broken. Aside from insurance, no other mechanism has been created in modern times to guarantee prompt compensation for losses caused by risks.

This paper investigates the insurance industry's impact on economic growth and the barriers to its progress. In order to accomplish the objective, the comparison procedure was implemented. Indicators of the development of the insurance industry in Georgia have identified, in accordance with data pertaining to the insurance sectors of OECD nations, the obstacles to the sector's progress. The United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and South Korea were chosen because their life and non-life insurance premiums are the highest among developed countries. The widespread use of life insurance is a defining feature of these states. The volume of non-life insurance premiums in the same countries is between 1.7 and 3.4 times smaller than the volume of life insurance premiums.

An empirical data-based statistical analysis method was employed to conduct an in-depth analysis. In order to assess the impact of specific independent variables—namely insurance market density, insurance market loss index, consumer price index, and gross domestic product per capita—the following null hypotheses were developed:

1.H0 - The percentage of GDP per capita that is unrelated to insurance industry development;

2.H0 - The insurance industry remains unaffected by fluctuations in the consumer price index;

3.H0 - The growth of the insurance industry is not impacted by the density of the market;

4.H0 - The insurance industry's progress remains unaffected by the decline of the insurance market.

The statistical significance and rejection of the null hypotheses pertaining to the parameters of each variable were outcomes of the research employing the regression method. The formulation of conclusions and recommendations ensued from the process of forecasting.

Due to the inconsistency between current economic processes and economic regularities, the influence of the selected variables on the profitability of the insurance market is of average quality.

The underdevelopment of accumulative and returnable life insurance, which prevents insurance companies from fulfilling their investment function and causes them to significantly lag behind the insurance markets of developed nations, is expected to contribute to a sharp decline in the growth of the insurance market in 2026.

Keywords: Insurance, Economic, Risk, Predict

ICT-driven Advancement as a Key Element in Implementing EU Sustainable Development Values in Ukraine

Sergii Lysenko, Oksana Makovoz — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The article considers the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the management processes of digital transformation, which contribute to the implementation of the values of sustainable development of the European Union in Ukraine. The study systematizes the components of ICT-driven digital transformation as key factors in aligning Ukraine's development trajectory with the EU standards. The impact of digital transformation on strategic sectors, including telecommunications, e-government, and digital infrastructure, is identified as the basis for sustainable economic, social, and environmental development. The authors provide a comprehensive analysis of innovative digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cloud computing, highlighting their transformative impact on various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and healthcare. A set of measures is proposed to reduce the risks of digital transformation and optimize its implementation, including cybersecurity measures, reducing digital inequality, addressing economic challenges, adapting the labor market, using digital tools in agriculture, and integrating blockchain technologies into the financial sector. A structured approach to digital transformation is proposed, reflecting the interconnection of key technologies (IoT, AI, blockchain, cloud computing) with economic, social and environmental sustainability. The authors also offer strategic recommendations for optimizing digital transformation processes, including improving cybersecurity, promoting inclusiveness, and developing a sound regulatory framework to facilitate technological integration. The study's findings highlight the need to address existing barriers to digitalization, such as insufficient infrastructure, economic disparities, and the digital divide, to fully exploit the potential of digital transformation. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the critical assessment of the relationship between digital technologies and the Sustainable Development Goals in the Ukrainian context, offering practical implications for policy makers and industry stakeholders. The practical relevance lies in the proposed strategies for bridging existing gaps and promoting equal access to digital innovations. The article concludes that ICT-led digital transformation is a cornerstone for achieving economic, environmental and social sustainability in Ukraine. Expansion of ICT infrastructure, digital literacy programs, and alignment of the legal and regulatory framework with EU digital policy will be crucial for Ukraine's full integration into the digital economy and the EU's ICT-based sustainable development system.

Keywords: digital economy; environmental sustainability; inclusive technology access; internet of things; innovative business models; digital transformation; management

Requirements for Utilizing Social Innovation as an Approach to Developing Human Capital in Saudi Society

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This study explores the critical role of social innovation in enhancing human capital development within youth-focused organizations in Saudi Arabia. Aimed at identifying the necessary requirements for utilizing social innovation, the research adopts a descriptive approach, employing a comprehensive questionnaire to gather data from 352 employees and board members across eight youth institutions.
Key findings reveal that the most significant requirements for fostering social innovation include continuous knowledge updating, the development of innovative problem-solving skills, and the cultivation of experience in creative task completion. Additionally, the study highlights the challenges faced by these institutions, such as insufficient technological resources, a lack of training programs, and resistance to change.
The findings underline the importance of leveraging social innovation to improve organizational performance, promote creativity, and enhance employee job satisfaction. This research is particularly relevant to youth organizations seeking to innovate and build human capital to address emerging societal challenges. By integrating social innovation strategies, these organizations can more effectively meet the evolving needs of the youth they serve, contributing to broader community development goals.

Keywords: social innovation, human capital development, youth institutions

Organizational Mechanism for Environmentally Responsible Education of Youth Considering the Values of Sustainable Development and Security Challenges

Serhii Shevchenko, Nelli Heorhiadi, Lesia Kucher, Oleksii Fedorchak — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The goal of this study is to develop theoretical and applied provisions for the formation of an organizational mechanism for environmentally responsible education of youth, considering the values of sustainable development and security challenges. The study identified the components of the organizational mechanism for environmentally responsible education of youth and clarified the interconnections between them. The environment for forming the organizational mechanism was refined. A system of indicators for monitoring the rationality of the mechanism was developed, and regulatory solutions for its adjustment were proposed. Overall, the authors advanced theoretical and applied provisions for the formation of an organizational mechanism for environmentally responsible education of youth, considering the values of sustainable development and security challenges. Methodological provisions were developed for forming the organizational mechanism for environmentally responsible education of youth, considering the values of sustainable development and security challenges. These provisions are based on a functional-structural scientific approach and, unlike the work of other authors in this area, involve causal parameterization of the organizational mechanism. The proposed methodological provisions for forming the organizational mechanism for environmentally responsible education of youth, considering the values of sustainable development and security challenges, are already being applied in Ukraine within the framework of the project “EcoFortress: Restoring Together.” These methodological provisions can also be implemented in any project activity based on environmental responsibility as a behavioral principle of societal development in the 21st century.

Keywords: education, environmental project, environmental responsibility, management, rationality monitoring, security, sustainable development, sustainable education.

Corporate Social Responsibility: A Comparative Analysis of Georgia and Norway

Tamta KARTSIVADZE, Natela TSIKLASHVILI, Tamila TURMANIDZE — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Corporate social responsibility is a new direction of business activity and one of the most relevant topics, which has already become a form of business and a rapidly growing modern tendency. The concept of CSR began to emerge in developed Western countries and is now more widely implemented than in developing countries. However, interest in the issue is growing in both developed and developing countries, which leads to the need to study CSR in depth.
This article presents a comparative analysis of corporate social responsibility using the examples of Georgia and Norway. Three parties participate in the field of CSR: government, business, and society. The role of non-governmental organizations is also essential because they are actively involved in implementing social projects in Western countries. The article describes the current situation regarding social responsibility in Norway and Georgia. Based on the research conducted, the attitude of Georgian customers towards social responsibility is studied, the stakeholders involved in the field of CSR are characterized and compared with each other, and the main distinguishing aspects are identified as a conclusion.

Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Georgia, Norway, CSR Stakeholders.

Digital Citizenship and Knowledge Management in Education: Strategic Pathways to Sustainable Development

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The article examines the relationship between digital citizenship and knowledge management as key factors in sustainable development within the context of the digital transformation of education. Knowledge management in the digitalization of education refers to the systematic process of creating, preserving, disseminating, and effectively using information and educational resources through digital technologies to develop sustainable skills and competencies essential for societal progress. Digital citizenship encompasses the rights, responsibilities, and competencies required for active participation in the digital environment, ensuring engagement in public life through the use of digital educational technologies. It includes digital literacy, ethical online behavior, safe use of digital resources, and the ability to critically evaluate and create digital content. In conjunction with knowledge management, digital citizenship plays a pivotal role in the dissemination, storage, and application of information. Knowledge management enables the systematization of large data sets and the creation of digital educational platforms that enhance citizens’ awareness and participation in social processes. The digitalization of education provides the foundation for developing digital citizenship by fostering the necessary skills and competencies for effective interaction in the digital space. It promotes open access to knowledge, advances e-learning, personalizes educational processes, and prepares individuals for the efficient use of digital resources. At the same time, the authors emphasize the risks posed by the digital divide, cybersecurity threats, and the urgent need to cultivate digital competencies.

Keywords: digital citizenship, identity, knowledge management, communication, sustainable development, knowledge society, civic education, digitalization of education, digital divide, digital competencies

Sustainable Institutional Performance Development Through Marketing Capabilities: Evidence from the Banking Sector

Odai Falah Mohammad AL-Ghaswyneh — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This study investigates the connection between marketing capabilities and the enhancement of Sustainable Institutional Performance development within Saudi banks. Employing a descriptive analytical approach, the research relied on secondary sources for theoretical data and utilized a questionnaire to gather empirical data from 157 employees working in Saudi banks. A total of 137 completed questionnaires were deemed valid for analysis, reflecting a high response rate of 87.25%. The collected data were processed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to examine the proposed hypotheses. The findings reveal a strong presence of practices associated with both key variables—marketing capabilities and Sustainable Institutional Performance development—as well as a significant positive relationship between them. The strongest relationships between the ability to manage marketing communications as one of the dimensions of marketing capabilities and institutional performance, the least relationships were between the ability to manage distribution channels as one of the dimensions of marketing capabilities and institutional performance. In addition to the existence of a significant impact of all dimensions of marketing capabilities on Sustainable Institutional Performance development.
The study recommended enhancing customer understanding by conducting advanced market studies and research using data analysis techniques to understand more deeply the needs of customers and their future directions, in addition to activating marketing strategies through data derived from market research. Strictly targeted marketing campaigns are designed to provide many banking services. There is also a need to leverage technology and artificial intelligence tools to improve the accuracy of marketing forecasts and make decisions supported by advanced data and analytics, encourage a culture of innovation and creativity by motivating employees to present new ideas, develop banking products and provide innovative services that meet customer aspirations and outperform competitors.

Keywords: Marketing Capabilities – Institutional Performance – Saudi Banks

The Factor of Mental Health in the Post-War Recovery and Sustainable Development of Ukrainian Society

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The study examines the features and characteristics of mental health among the population of the states, focusing on its importance during wartime and post-war recovery, with particular attention to the situation in Ukraine. It explores the significance of active state involvement in supporting the population by developing appropriate programs and institutions at the regional, national, and international levels. The necessity for the state to recognize its responsibility to society, mitigate the consequences of traumatic events, and ensure the resocialization of affected populations for ensuring the sustainable development of society is emphasized. Special attention in the study is given to the analysis of existing and prospective concepts, programs, and projects aimed at preserving and restoring mental health of populations as a guarantee of the sustainable development of Ukrainian society as a whole. The article compiles data on current informational resources developed within Ukrainian state policy and with international support, aiming to provide preventive assistance and rehabilitation to society affected by war. It also analyzes the dynamics of personal assessment of mental health by the Ukrainian population, highlighting that, over three years of war, the number of people dissatisfied with their mental health has risen by 4% compared to 2022.The study underscores the need to examine international practices and successful case studies in addressing mental health challenges and ensuring the further sustainable development of society. It summarizes global experiences (from the USA, UK, Belgium, Australia, Israel) regarding state support for mental health restoration and identifies key elements requiring implementation in Ukraine’s state policy. The results have practical significance for post-war recovery and sustainable development of Ukrainian society.

Keywords: mental health, sustainable development, state policy, post-war recovery, society, universalism

Advancing Environmental Sustainability and Consumption Security through Wastewater Reuse in Arid Regions

Toukabri Maher, Chaabi Antar, Abdullah Alshrari, Hilal Ali — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Water scarcity and food insecurity are critical challenges, particularly in arid regions like Saudi Arabia, where freshwater resources are limited. Recycled wastewater presents a sustainable solution, providing an alternative water source for agriculture, industry, and potable water production. This literature review examines the role of recycled wastewater in addressing water management and food security globally, with a focus on Saudi Arabia. It explores current practices, technological advancements, and regulatory frameworks in wastewater recycling, including membrane filtration and advanced oxidation processes. The review also discusses how these innovations can be adapted to Saudi Arabia’s context to improve water security and food production. Despite its potential, the widespread adoption of wastewater recycling faces barriers, such as public perception, regulatory hurdles, and technological limitations. It will take a combination of public involvement, policy changes, and innovation to overcome these obstacles. The assessment emphasizes how reusing wastewater may help society, the economy, and the environment by lowering dependency on conventional water supplies and encouraging sustainable farming methods. In the end, incorporating recycled wastewater into Saudi Arabia's national water policy can act as a template for other water-scarce areas, promoting long-term food security and resilience while furthering international water sustainability objectives.

Keywords: Environmental Sustainability; Ecosystems; Consumption Security; Water management

The Role of Business Process Innovation in Sustainable Economic Growth: Integrating Technology, Efficiency, and Resilience

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Modern economies are driven by a transformative aspect of digitalisation encompassing digitalisation in business operations, which has become a force of efficiency, innovation and new forms of sustainable economic growth. Using digital technologies helps a company streamline workflows, enhance decisions based on data analytics, and improve its competitiveness in local and global markets. Businesses that recognise that they need to adopt digital transformation will enjoy a drastic advantage as they go through a breakneck pace of technological advancement and stand to cut costs, increase productivity, and expand new revenue streams. This research investigates the significant influence of the financial information businesses digitalise on economic growth; it looks at areas like automation, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital platforms. The research centres on how digitalisation affects business scalability and market accessibility and the development of business models for medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Moreover, it examines how digitalisation makes a society economically resilient, especially during global disruptions, including financial disruptions or geopolitical controversies. Digital transformation brings about immense benefits but comes with risks of cybersecurity problems, digital divides, and the need for continuous upskilling of their workforce. This paper proposes how businesses and policymakers can overcome these barriers to realise the maximum economic benefits of digitalisation. Furthermore, case studies and longitudinal analysis of the digital transformation effects on the business performance are included to enhance empirical grounding of this study. Based on the historical data from the digitally advanced economies like South Korea and Germany, the methodology incorporates GDP impact assessment. Sector focused comparative pre and post digitalisation performance metrics are also presented in addition to the economic benefits that quantify the digital adoption. The methodology adopted in this study consists of statistical analysis of statistical data, market trend analysis, and analysis of reports of analytical agencies alongside case studies and a comparison of business performance before and after digital adoption. SWOT analysis, trend forecasting, and other types of risk assessment are used to obtain better insights into the economics of digital transformation. The study confirms that digital technology integration is a fundamental element in boosting economic efficiency, global competitiveness, and long-term stability of the economy. The involvement of digitalisation in business operations in every industry of the world is increasing. Hence, the importance of digitalisation is increasing, making it crucial for organisations, the government, and stakeholders to adopt and optimise digital strategy.

Keywords: digitalisation, business operations, economic growth, digital transformation, automation, business strategy, innovation

Housing Reform and Lawmaking in Ukraine: Between European Standards and Domestic Challenges

Tetiana Hudima, Volodymyr Ustymenko, Anton Soshnykov, Vitalii Olukha — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This article examines the implications of draft law ? 12377 “On the Fundamental Principles of Housing Policy” currently under consideration in Ukraine, with a particular focus on the regulation of service housing. The study argues that, in its current form, the draft poses significant legal and social risks, including potential violations of constitutional guarantees - such as the right to housing, the right to property, and the principle of legal certainty - as well as inconsistency with European human rights standards. The article evaluates the draft through the lens of the European Convention on Human Rights (Articles 1 of Protocol ? 1 and 8), the European Social Charter, and the European Pillar of Social Rights. Drawing on comparative legal analysis, the paper identifies critical gaps in the proposed regulation - particularly the absence of transitional provisions, the introduction of paid rental without safeguards, and the lack of mechanisms to address legitimate expectations of long-term residents. The article proposes legal amendments aimed at aligning the reform with the principles of proportionality, social justice, and good governance. Special attention is given to the principle of preventing unintended consequences, which the author recommends integrating as a foundational element of Ukraine’s lawmaking process to ensure that vulnerable groups are adequately protected during systemic legal transformations. By linking housing security to broader questions of social sustainability and institutional resilience, the article contributes to the scholarly debate on sustainable legal reform and inclusive urban development within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11 and SDG 16).

Keywords: service housing, housing policy reform, legal certainty, legitimate expectations, European Convention on Human Rights, social protection, unintended consequences, better regulation, transitional justice, Ukraine

Currency Crises and Commodity Markets: Dynamic Relationships and Implications for Sustainable Investing and International Trade

Caroline Mohd. Khan — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This study examines the inter-relation between WTI crude oil futures prices and two energy-related exchange-traded funds (ETFs): the ETF of iShares Global Clean Energy (Clean Energy) and the ETF of Energy Sector SPDR Fund (Traditional Energy). Using Granger causality tests and the Dynamic Conditional Correlation Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (DCC-GARCH) model, we analyze causal relationships and volatility transmission between these assets. The Granger causality results show that traditional energy markets dominate, while clean energy markets are becoming more influential on crude oil futures prices. Clean energy markets Granger-causes crude oil futures prices while traditional energy markets strongly Granger-causes crude oil futures. Clean energy ETFs have lower volatility persistence than conventional energy ETFs, according to the DCC-GARCH data, which also demonstrate time-varying correlations. Important insights for sustainable investment, energy policy, and risk management in the context of the world's energy transition are provided by these results, which emphasize the monetary interdependencies between energy ETFs and crude oil futures prices.

Keywords: Crude oil futures prices, Clean energy ETFs, Traditional energy ETFs, Granger causality, DCC-GARCH, Sustainable Investing

Study on Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B by Modified Red Mud Catalyst with Biochar

Xilin Wang, Dexin Liu — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

In this work, a red mud(RM)-coffee grounds(CGs) pyrolysis composite material (RC-PC) was prepared and applied to the study of photocatalytic Fenton degradation of organic pollutants. The results of SEM, TEM, and XRD analyses show that during the pyrolysis process, the coffee residue is transformed into biochar with a porous structure, and the hematite in the RM is stepwise reduced to Fe3O4 and Fe0. In the experiment of degrading Rhodamine B (RhB) under simulated visible light conditions, after 30 minutes of reaction, RhB exhibited a degradation efficiency of 94.8% in the light condition, significantly surpassing the 48.8% efficiency observed in the dark Fenton system. Radical quenching experiments and EPR analysis confirmed that hydroxyl radicals (•OH) produced by Fe2+-mediated H2O2 activation in the photocatalytic Fenton system dominate the degradation of RhB. The results of photogenerated electron-hole quenching experiments indicate that photogenerated holes directly participate in the degradation of RhB by oxidizing OH? ions to generate •OH radicals, and photogenerated electrons participate in the reaction process by promoting the Fe2+/Fe3+ cycle. Iron leaching from the catalyst induces a homogeneous degradation pathway primarily mediated by Fe2+ species during the reaction.

Keywords: red mud; biochar; photo-Fenton

Experimental and mechanistic study on the enhanced CO2 capture using adjustable choline chloride-based DES

Jiaqiang Wang, Dexin Liu — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Excessive emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the environment have become a major factor contributing to global warming. The development of efficient, green, and sustainable absorbents for CO2 capture is urgently needed. In this study, a series of deep eutectic solvents (DES) were prepared by using choline chloride (ChCl) as the hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and ethylene glycol (Eg), glycolic acid (Gla), and monoethanolamine (MEA) as hydrogen bond donors (HBDs), each containing different HBDs. The results showed that the CO2 capture performance of the DESs containing different HBDs exhibited significant variations. Among them, the amino-type HBD (MEA) demonstrated the best absorption capacity at room temperature (1.65 mol CO2/kg DES), while non-amino-type HBDs (Eg, Gla) consistently followed the trend: Gla > Eg. In addition, this work combined FTIR, NMR, DFT calculations, and molecular dynamics simulations to reveal, from a microscopic perspective, the intrinsic mechanisms behind the differential CO2 capture abilities of the adjustable HBDs. Overall, this work reveals the significant contribution of the tunable HBDs to CO2 capture in DESs from a microscopic mechanistic perspective, providing a direction for the future development of green DESs with high absorption capacity.

Keywords: CO2 capture, DES, HBD, DFT calculations, Molecular dynamics

Dantean Virtue Ethics as a Basis for Sustainable Peace

Lawrence Whitmore — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This paper explores the nature of peace and its importance as a foundation for a safe, secure society where individuals and nations can live together and flourish. It argues that peace is urgently needed for achieving sustainability as violent conflicts and wars are existential threats to our own survival as a species as well as to the planet. By tracing the development of moral law and the capital virtues and vices from ancient Greek and early Christian philosophy and drawing on the Divine Comedy it shows how moral failure leads to conflict and violence and how Dante’s model of Purgatory can function as a roadmap to peace through the cultivation of virtue. It argues that peace on a global scale can only be achieved through systemic moral transformation and not through purely political or economic means. It suggests prioritizing SDG-16 on peace to the first goal, reflecting its vital role in facilitating the other goals; and that SDG-4 on education be expanded to give greater emphasis on morality and virtue ethics.

Keywords: morality, virtue ethics, sustainable development, peace, the Divine Comedy, moral philosophy

Sustainable Work-Life Balance through Family Entrepreneurship: A Cross-Country Perspective

Aneta Deneva, Daniel Pavlov, Anisa Kume, Deniza Alieva, Mariana Petrova — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The aim of this article is to study how the family businesses could be used as an instrument to improve the work-life-balance. Our main tasks are: to outline some advantages of family businesses for work-life balance; to give some specifics of the family businesses in Albania, Bulgaria and Uzbekistan; to present some academic activities in four HEIs in support to family entrepreneurship; to compare some student responds in these four HEIs about their intentions to have family businesses

Keywords: entrepreneur, family businesses, work-life-balance, regional development

Exploring the Role of Educational City Branding in University Students' Satisfaction: A study of Nicosia, Northern Cyprus

Riman Mohammed Said Bashir Dhuoki, Huriye Gürdallı — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The research focuses on the city branding regarding educational institutions and satisfaction of university students in Nicosia, Northern Cyprus. This study provides an overview for higher educational institution authorities by evaluating the city image, urban environment and cultural heritage impact on the students. By applying quantitative approach, (100) undergraduate students that are studying in universities located in Nicosia participated in this questionnaire. Therefore, a survey evaluated satisfaction of the students via different factors of urban environment including availability of green spaces, efficiency of transportation, safety, cultural richness and housing affordability. Results show high appreciation of students in higher education institutions offerings, safety of the city and the cultural heritage. However, significant dissatisfaction was noted in areas such as housing affordability, accessibility, and public transportation. These insights highlight critical challenges in the city’s branding strategy. The study underscores the importance of aligning urban development with higher education strategies to enhance the city’s appeal. The study adds to the literature by emphasizing the relation between urban infrastructure and universities. It also recommends the integration of city branding with higher education strategies which support urban identity and enhance satisfaction of the students.

Keywords: City branding; educational cities; urban environment; urban identity; students’ satisfaction; Nicosia