European Journal of Sustainable Development

Greenwashing and Carbon Offsets: An Unresolved Regulatory Intersection. Legal framework around Greenwashing using Carbon Offsetting

2026-09-29T22:41:42+02:00

Greenwashing and carbon offsetting intersect in complex and consequential ways. This paper examines whether the existing regulatory framework adequately addresses greenwashing through carbon offsetting, with a comparative focus on the European Union and India. Carbon offsetting allows entities to claim climate neutrality by financing emission reductions elsewhere, but it is frequently misused through vague claims, phantom credits, and insufficient disclosure. Drawing on legal cases, independent investigation reports, and a critical analysis of regulations, including the EU's Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), India's Greenwashing Guidelines 2024, and the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), the paper evaluates how effectively these frameworks address the core concerns. The analysis finds that while the EU has developed a more granular disclosure-based regime, India's broader prohibitory approach has potential but requires further specificity. Both jurisdictions would benefit from stronger enforcement, standardized methodologies, and clearer provisions on offset quality and timing. The paper concludes that carbon offsetting can contribute to genuine climate finance if underpinned by a robust, transparent, and enforceable regulatory architecture.

Keywords: greenwashing, carbon credits, climate neutrality, CCTS, ESG disclosure, comparative law

Strengthening the Practice Pillar of Sustainable Development: A Survey-Based Assessment of AI, Digital and Leadership Competencies among Romanian Public Servants

2026-09-29T22:52:58+02:00

The acceleration of the digital transformation of public administration in Romania, supported by the reforms undertaken by the new European regulations on artificial intelligence, requires the strengthening of institutional capacity and the skills of civil servants in relation to the sustainable development objectives. Although the specialized literature addresses digitalization and algorithmic governance, there is a gap regarding the empirical assessment of the real skills and training needs of civil servants in the context of AI implementation and skills-based reform. The study aims to analyze the level of training and existing gaps in the field of advanced digital skills, AI literacy, cybersecurity, administrative skills and leadership skills in the Romanian public sector.

The methodology consists of an online questionnaire applied to civil servants in central and local administration, complemented by comparative analyses between executive and management functions and regression models to identify the relationship between skills, confidence in the use of AI and the perceived capacity to implement digital reforms. The results highlight significant differences between hierarchical levels, as well as gaps in strategic competencies regarding algorithmic governance and change management.

The added value lies in the empirical substantiation of the practical dimension of sustainable development, by correlating individual competencies with the institutional capacity to implement responsible digitalization. The study contributes to the literature on sustainable digital governance and provides recommendations for public policies and training programs. Limitations concern the self-reported nature of the data and the cross-sectional design of the research. Future directions include longitudinal analyses and comparative extension at the European level.

Keywords: AI, digital competencies, leadership competencies

Developing a Composite Socio-Economic Resilience Index for Enterprises: Assessing the Role of Human Capital Indicators under Crisis Conditions

2026-09-29T22:59:38+02:00

In times of crisis, the level of economic activity of companies and the ability to maintain social sustainability in terms of retaining human resources significantly decrease. The purpose of the research was to develop a composite index of socio-economic resilience of enterprises, taking into account indicators of human capital development. The methodology is based on a statistical analysis of indicators of socio-economic resilience of companies in EU member states in 2018–2023. The index method was used to calculate the socio-economic resilience index of enterprises in EU member states in 2018–2023. The results demonstrate a reduction in the level of ability to productively manage resources and retain human resources by enterprises in EU member states during and after the crisis. The closure of businesses during the 2020 economic downturn led to a reduction in employment in industry, construction, and the service sector. The social resilience of enterprises in the EU decreased in 2021–2023 in terms of labor productivity, the ability to retain personnel, and the provision of social benefits. As a result of the decrease in the social resilience in 2021–2023, the level of economic resilience of enterprises decreased in terms of value added per employee and value added in net income of European companies. The calculated composite index of socio-economic resilience of enterprises in the EU indicates a decrease in the ability to conduct productive activities from an average level in the pre-crisis and crisis periods of 2018–2021 to a low level in the post-crisis period of 2022–2023.

Keywords: socio-economic resilience, enterprise resilience, composite index, human capital indicators, resilience measurement, economic performance.

Are Families Ready for Disease X? Disparities in Household Outbreak Preparedness in a High-Density State in Malaysia

2026-09-29T23:04:36+02:00

Household preparedness for outbreaks, including those caused by novel threats, is an important component of disaster risk reduction. However, evidence from Malaysia remains limited. This study aimed to assess household preparedness for Disease X and outbreaks and identify the associated factors in a selected high-density state in Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 566 households using a validated questionnaire. Preparedness was assessed as a continuous score and examined using a preparedness matrix incorporating cognitive preparedness and preparedness behaviour. The mean household outbreak preparedness score was 57.4 out of 100 (SD=16.8), indicating a moderate level of preparedness. In the multivariable general linear model, Indigenous Orang Asli respondents had lower preparedness scores than Malay respondents, while respondents with secondary education had higher preparedness scores than those with no formal education. Respondents residing at their current address for 4 to 6 years had lower preparedness scores than those residing there for 3 years and below. The preparedness matrix showed clustering in the Prepared and Aware quadrants, suggesting that cognitive preparedness may not always translate into preparedness behaviour. These findings indicate the need for community-based strategies that support households in translating preparedness knowledge into practical action, particularly among vulnerable and marginalised groups.

Keywords: household preparedness, outbreak preparedness, public health, survey, Malaysia

Joint effort by the Public and Private Sectors: How Circular Green Public Procurement Establishes Sustainability

2026-09-29T23:14:31+02:00

The global economic landscape is undergoing a fundamental shift as traditional metrics of value and growth are recalibrated in relation to ecological limits and socio-economic instability. The change requires moving away from a linear-extractive model, dominated by anthropocentric individualism and short-term thinking, known as a “Me-We” approach, towards a regenerative paradigm. Key to this transition is the “We-All” governance framework, which emphasises the collective common good and systemic resilience without neglecting individual well-being.

A crucial lever in this transition is the transformation of governmental intervention strategies. While traditional public procurement follows the least-cost principle, Circular Green Public Procurement (CGPP) incorporates environmental externalities and material lifecycles into decision-making. This paper illustrates this development by describing the Central Europe Green Procurement and Innovation Network for Circular Economy, outlining the necessary shifts in institutional and corporate logic. By prioritising durability, repairability, and waste reduction, CGPP promotes the development of closed-loop supply chains. Ultimately, integrating regenerative principles into public administration serves as a catalyst for a circular economy, moving beyond destructive doctrines to foster long-term systemic stability.

Keywords: Circular Green Public Procurement, Circular Economy, Sustainable Innovation

Ensuring Hygiene for All: Evaluating SDG 6.2 through the Sustainability of Public Sanitation

2026-09-29T23:22:19+02:00

Under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, specifically Target 6.2, the international community committed to ensuring access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all, with particular attention to the needs of women, girls, and individuals in vulnerable situations. Despite this commitment, public sanitation continues to be treated as a discretionary amenity rather than a core public service essential for dignity, mobility, and social participation.

This paper examines the gap between the normative framework of SDG 6.2 and the lived realities of sanitation use through an integrated analytical approach that combines international comparative data with an exploratory empirical study conducted in Hungary. Moving beyond conventional metrics of access such as facility counts or service levels, the research highlights how formal equality in provision may translate into substantive inequalities in use. It demonstrates how capacity constraints, maintenance failures, and the lack of care-integrated and inclusive design generate disproportionate burdens for women, while drawing on selected international literature to reflect on broader exclusion and safety concerns in gender-segregated sanitation systems.

The findings suggest that current monitoring frameworks, including indicator 6.2.1a, inadequately capture the qualitative dimensions of sanitation access, particularly those related to usability, safety, and dignity in public space. In response, the paper argues for a conceptual shift from infrastructure-based metrics toward a more comprehensive understanding of sanitation as a component of gendered and inclusive urban citizenship. The paper briefly reflects on implications for urban planning and governance, highlighting the relevance of institutional accountability and more inclusive, user-sensitive sanitation design within the broader human rights framework of the United Nations.

Keywords: public sanitation, gendered citizenship, gender equality, right to sanitation

The Impact of the Export-Led Growth Model On Regional Inequalities in Turkey

2026-09-29T23:27:38+02:00

This study aims to examine how Turkey's spatial pattern has changed as a result of its economic growth strategy based on trade openness. There are two basic approaches to understanding the spatial effects of economic integration. First, it is argued that, especially in parallel with the improvement in transportation infrastructure, companies tend to move toward peripheral areas where labor and land costs are lower. This repositioning is expected to reduce inequality between regions. The second approach contends that openness to foreign trade would widen the gap between regions because it argues that openness forces firms to locate in border areas or coastal regions to reduce transportation costs or to have better access to the foreign market. In addition, companies tend to benefit from agglomeration economies by collaborating with other companies in the same sector. When the change in the spatial pattern of Turkey, which adopted economic liberalization in 1980, is analyzed, analysis reveals that economic integration has caused economic divergence, leading to industry, labor, and infrastructure concentration in already developed regions, and consequently increased interregional inequalities (Falc?o?lu & Akgüngör, 2008; Gezici & Hewings 2007).

Keyword: economic integration, trade openness, manufacturing industry, spatial concentration, regional Inequalities.

The Serial Mediating Role of Communication Apprehension Dimensions in the Relationship Between Speech Anxiety Thoughts and Fear of Public Speaking

2026-09-29T23:33:20+02:00

This study examines how various aspects of communication apprehension—such as group discussions, meetings, interpersonal conversations, and public speaking—function as a series of mediators in the relationship between speech anxiety thoughts and the fear of public speaking.

While prior research has established strong links between speech anxiety and fear of public speaking, the specific mechanisms connecting these two factors are less clear. Data were gathered from 207 participants (39 males and 168 females), aged between 18 and 35 years (M = 19.94, SD = 2.79), who completed validated measures of speech anxiety thoughts, communication apprehension, and fear of public speaking.

Results showed significant positive correlations between speech anxiety thoughts and fear of public speaking (r = .767, p < .01), as well as between speech anxiety thoughts and all dimensions of communication apprehension—including group discussion (r = .449, p < .01), meetings (r = .560, p < .01), interpersonal conversation (r = .501, p < .01), and public speaking (r = .682, p < .01). Similar patterns appeared between fear of public speaking and the communication apprehension dimensions—group discussion (r = .483, p < .01), meetings (r = .587, p < .01), interpersonal conversation (r = .553, p < .01), and public speaking (r = .715, p < .01).

Furthermore, the serial multiple mediation effect of communication apprehension dimensions was significant in the link between speech anxiety thoughts and fear of public speaking. These findings suggest that communication apprehension serves as a pathway through which negative cognitive processes intensify fear of public speaking, offering both theoretical insight and practical implications for interventions aimed at reducing communication-related anxiety.

Keywords: fear of public speaking, speech anxiety thoughts, communication apprehension, serial multiple mediation

Environmental Human Rights in the Case Law of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights

2026-09-29T23:41:09+02:00

This study evaluates the jurisprudence of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) and its expanding role in securing environmental human rights. This research examines the jurisprudential expansion of traditional human rights by the IACtHR, demonstrating how the rights to life, health, and cultural identity have been systematically reinterpreted from an environmental perspective. Based on this approach, every individual has the right to apply to the ICJ to protect their environmental human rights. This study examines how courts interpret the state’s obligations to protect environmental human rights, as well as the unique legal characteristics of environmental protection in Latin American jurisdictions. Furthermore, it provides a detailed analysis of case law concerning the state’s obligations to mitigate the effects of climate change. Central to this analysis is the advisory opinion of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights on the climate emergency and human rights, which represents a significant normative breakthrough in international law in the field of climate change.

Keywords: international environmental law, climate, environment, environmental human rights, international climate change law

Building the Educational Foundation for Sustainable Digital Governance: A Survey of AI and Public Administration Competencies among Romanian Students

2026-09-29T23:48:14+02:00

The accelerated digital transformation of public administration and the emergence of regulations on artificial intelligence require the redefinition of the skills needed by future civil servants in relation to the demands of sustainable digital governance. Although literature analyzes institutional digitalization and administrative capacity, there is a gap regarding the systematic assessment of students’ preparation for the integration of AI, data-driven skills and the ethical dimension in the context of sustainable development. The study aims to assess the perceived level of preparation and skills gaps among students in the field of Public Administration and Environmental Economics in Romania, with a focus on advanced digital skills, AI literacy, administrative skills and transversal skills.

The methodology consists of an online questionnaire applied to students from bachelor’s and master’s degree programs analyzed through descriptive statistics, comparative tests between groups and regression models to identify the relationships between skills, institutional trust and the intention to use AI in the public sector. Preliminary results indicate significant differences between study levels and highlight gaps in applied AI skills and algorithmic governance.

The added value lies in integrating the educational dimension into the debate on sustainable digital governance, contributing to the substantiation of curricular reform and the alignment of administrative education with the European sustainable development agenda. Limitations concern the transversal nature of the research and the use of self-assessment of skills. Future directions include international comparative extension and the integration of mixed methods for in-depth validation.

Keywords: survey, AI, public administration, competencies

Institutional Seams and Cultural Sustainability in the Built Environment: The Case of Miyadaiku in Japan

2026-09-30T01:05:18+02:00

Japan's miyadaiku tradition—temple and shrine carpentry—faces a transmission crisis despite official recognition as Important Intangible Cultural Property. Through practitioner interviews and email exchanges with officials from relevant ministries, this study argues that cultural transmission failure can arise not from insufficient value recognition but from institutional structures themselves. The concept of institutional seams is introduced: governance spaces where multiple authorities claim partial but legitimate jurisdiction while none accepts primary responsibility. Miyadaiku transmission falls into a seam spanning the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), and the Forestry Agency—each maintaining appropriate boundaries while collectively creating a coordination vacuum. Three defining characteristics—jurisdictional plurality, boundary ambiguity, and jurisdictional mutual delegation—enable identification of institutional seams before cultural transmission failures become irreversible. The study indicates that the erosion of craft-based knowledge systems constitutes not merely a cultural loss but a governance failure with direct consequences for sustainable timber heritage conservation and broader sustainability objectives. These findings have implications for integrating cultural sustainability into environmental assessment frameworks and contribute to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Keywords: cultural sustainability; institutional seams; built environment; governance failure; miyadaiku; timber heritage; SDG 11

Determinants of the Local Economy and Infrastructure Recovery in the Context of Sustainable Development

2026-09-30T08:51:59+02:00

The article discusses the determinants of the coordinated development of the local economy and the restoration of the infrastructure of territorial communities in the context of sustainable development in the context of war and post-war transformations. It has been established that the interaction between these processes is not automatic but depends on a set of conditions that determine the coherence or fragmentation of their interconnection. To explain such conditions, a conceptual model of the determination of the local economy and infrastructural recovery has been built, and institutional, managerial, infrastructural and economic determinants of influence have been allocated. Each determinant is specified through the key components and mechanisms of their influence on the closure of the coherence cycle. To incorporate the identified determinants into the systems of strategic planning and public investment of territorial communities, the author's framework tools are proposed. It outlines the logic of linking managerial actions and relevant areas of public investment in accordance with the needs of ensuring the coherence of the local economy and infrastructure recovery. The application of the results of the study will contribute to the transition from the reactive logic of recovery to a more coordinated formation of the investment portfolio of the territorial community, focused on achieving sustainable development goals.

Keywords: local economy; infrastructure recovery; coherence; determination; territorial communities; sustainable development; critical infrastructure; energy sector; public investment

Governing AI Agents in National Defense: From Strategic Autonomy to Accountable Decision Architectures

2026-09-30T09:00:25+02:00

This paper examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) agents into national defense strategies, focusing on their role in strategic planning, intelligence analysis, logistics optimization, and decision support systems. Moving beyond the narrow debate on lethal autonomous weapons, the study conceptualizes AI agents as governance instruments that reshape command structures, civil–military relations, and strategic autonomy. Using a policy analysis framework, the paper explores how AI agents alter the speed, scale, and opacity of defense decision-making, generating both operational advantages and systemic risks. The analysis identifies three critical policy tensions: (i) autonomy versus human oversight in strategic and operational decisions, (ii) efficiency gains versus accountability and democratic control, and (iii) national security imperatives versus international norms and escalation risks. The paper proposes a layered governance model for defense AI agents, combining human-in-the-loop mandates, algorithmic auditability, and constitutional alignment of military AI use. The contribution lies in reframing AI agents not merely as technological assets, but as strategic actors embedded in institutional and legal architectures, requiring explicit policy design to preserve civilian control, strategic stability, and democratic legitimacy in an AI augmented defense ecosystem.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence agents; defense policy; military decision-making; strategic autonomy; civil–military relations; national security strategy; defense innovation

Psychological Factors in the Development of Medical Students’ Language Personality in the Conditions of War

2026-09-30T09:05:51+02:00

The empirical research was conducted from February to April 2026 to identify the overall language personality of future healthcare professionals in Ukraine under wartime conditions. The study involved 72 respondents, including 54 medical students in their third to sixth years of study and 18 young healthcare workers with up to two years of professional experience. Data were collected through a 32-item questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability testing, correlation analysis, group comparisons, and semantic or thematic grouping of open-ended responses. Speech readiness was assessed as generally good but not flawless, with a mean language personality index of 3.82 on a five-point scale. Social responsibility demonstrated the highest mean score (4.16), followed by empathy (3.54), while resilience had the lowest score (3.48). The language personality index showed the strongest association with social responsibility (Spearman’s ? = 0.68), followed by empathy (? = 0.62) and resilience (? = 0.54), all indicating statistically significant positive relationships. Respondents with direct patient-contact experience demonstrated a higher language personality index (4.01) than those without such experience (3.48). The most frequently identified communication difficulties involved explaining medical procedures, providing emotional support, communicating with patients’ family members, and maintaining self-control in stressful situations. The findings indicate that speech training for healthcare professionals should be integrated with psychological readiness, clinical communication practice, and trauma-informed approaches to patient care. Overall, the results demonstrate that direct communicative experience with patients is positively associated with the development of a stronger language personality among future and early-career healthcare professionals in wartime healthcare settings.

Keywords: education in wartime; martial law; competency-based education paradigm; language; speech; language personality; medical students; healthcare workers; psychological factors; empathy; resilience; social responsibility.

Young People as Agents of Digital Innovation in Family-Owned Agricultural Small Businesses: Implications for Economic Sustainability

2026-09-30T09:10:34+02:00

Family-owned agricultural small businesses have a vital role in rural economies by providing employment, ensuring food security, and promoting community stability. However, these enterprises frequently face significant challenges, including limited resources, restricted market access, and concerns regarding long-term financial sustainability. In this context, innovation, specifically digital innovation, emerges as a pivotal mechanism for enhancing economic resilience within small-scale agricultural family enterprises. This study investigates the role of youth, particularly students enrolled in entrepreneurial education programs within an agricultural technological high school, as catalysts of digital innovation in family-owned agricultural micro and small enterprises. It also focuses on low-cost and accessible digital solutions, including social media marketing, online sales channels, and basic digital management tools, which are particularly suited for small agricultural businesses with limited financial resources. Employing a quantitative, cross-sectional pilot design, data were gathered through a structured, self-administered questionnaire from nine adult students (N=9, aged 18 and above) enrolled in entrepreneurial education classes at a dually funded (Ministry of Education and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) technological agricultural high school in a rural area of Ilfov County, Romania, who are actively involved in their family-owned agricultural businesses. The analysis explores the degree of youth engagement in digital innovation activities and examines the perceived impact of these innovations on financial sustainability, market visibility, cost-effectiveness, and overall business resilience. Given the small pilot sample, findings are preliminary and exploratory rather than confirmatory. Results suggest that young people may have an important influence in initiating and implementing digital innovations within their families' businesses, serving as a potential link between conventional agricultural practices and contemporary market requirements. Furthermore, this research points to a possible role of agricultural education in developing innovation capabilities that could promote sustainable business models in rural contexts. By focusing on the intersection of innovation, education, and economic sustainability, the study aims to provide preliminary insights and a validated instrument for a larger-scale investigation into the long-term viability of family-owned agricultural enterprises.

Keywords: family businesses, digital innovation, youth, economic sustainability, agricultural education, rural development

Preservation of Plant Biodiversity in National Natural Parks of Ukraine in the face of Climate Change

2026-09-30T09:13:55+02:00

Conservation of plant biodiversity in national natural parks of Ukraine is becoming particularly relevant in the context of climate change, which transforms the temperature and humidity regime, increases the risks of droughts, fires, habitat degradation and species range shifts. The aim of the study was to theoretically substantiate the directions of adaptive conservation of phytodiversity in national natural parks of Ukraine, taking into account climate-related changes in the conditions of existence of plant species and groups and biological mechanisms of their vulnerability. The study was of a theoretical and analytical nature: analysis and systematization of sources were used to identify climate threats and vulnerable components of phytodiversity, comparative and analytical method - to compare Ukrainian and international approaches, generalization - to form directions of adaptive conservation. The analysis took into account the species composition of the flora, the state of populations, phenological processes, natural renewal and the structure of plant groups. The results showed that climate-related threats are complex and include changes in temperature and humidity, droughts, fires, phenological shifts, habitat degradation, the spread of invasive plants, population fragmentation and loss of ecological connectivity, which affects the viability of populations, reproductive processes, seed or vegetative renewal and phytocenotic structure. It was determined that the most vulnerable are rare, endemic, relict and Red Book species, steppe, grass, marsh, coastal and forest communities, as well as populations on the edge of the range. It was substantiated that the NNP of Ukraine can serve as centers of flora conservation, natural biotopes, elements of the ecological network and potential climatic refugia. The directions of adaptive conservation have been formed: flora monitoring, protection of vulnerable species, control of invasive plants, maintenance of ecological connectivity, assessment of population status, natural regeneration, phytocenotic structure and stability of biotopes. The practical significance of the results lies in the possibility of their use for updating NNP management plans, refining monitoring programs and biologically based selection of priority protection objects.

Keywords: adaptive management, ecological connectivity, invasive species, refugium, biotopes, ecosystem, flora monitoring.

The Impact of Meme Marketing on Consumer Purchase Intention: The Mediating Role of Consumer Engagement in the Saudi Market

2026-09-30T09:19:36+02:00

Meme-based promotional tactics have become a prevalent strategy in social media marketing; nonetheless, empirical validation of their cross-cultural effectiveness continues to be scarce. The current study reapplies and regionally tailors the methodological design proposed by Rathi and Jain (2024) to investigate how meme marketing initiatives shape purchase intentions among Saudi social media consumers, while positioning consumer engagement as the intervening mechanism. Data were collected via an online, cross-sectional quantitative survey. A total of 284 eligible Saudi participants, ranging between 18 and 40 years of age, completed a 22-item survey derived from pre-validated psychometric measures, which was subsequently rendered into Arabic following a forward-backward translation protocol. Analytical procedures relied upon Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Empirical outcomes indicated that meme marketing practices exert a strong, positive influence on engagement (? = 0.692, p < .001), and that engagement, in turn, serves as a significant positive predictor of purchase intention (? = 0.373, p < .001). The observation of a significant direct path between meme marketing and purchase intention (? = 0.465, p < .001), alongside an indirect effect through engagement (? = 0.258, p < .001), provides support for a partial mediation effect. These results not only reaffirm but also broaden existing scholarly evidence to the Arabian Gulf region, thereby enriching the theoretical underpinnings of Uses and Gratifications Theory and Social Cognitive Theory. On a practical level, the findings deliver data-informed strategic insights for brand stewards and digital communication practitioners active in the Saudi market.

Keywords: Meme Marketing; Consumer Engagement; Purchase Intention; Social Media Marketing; Saudi Arabia; Replication Study

Implementing Interactive Digital Mathematics Textbooks in Grades 5–6: A Practice-Based Approach to Competence Development

2026-09-30T09:22:48+02:00

This study investigates the pedagogical design and educational potential of interactive digital mathematics textbooks for lower secondary education (Grades 5–6) within the context of Moldova’s ongoing digital transformation. The research combines international benchmarking (France, Finland, and Romania), an analysis of alignment with the Moldovan National Curriculum for Mathematics, and the development of a typology of interactive learning activities derived from the design of the MDIR-Mate digital textbooks.

The findings indicate that effective implementation depends on the coherent integration of curriculum objectives, pedagogical design, technological infrastructure, and teacher preparedness, rather than on the simple digitisation of printed materials. The curriculum analysis confirms a strong correspondence between competence-based curriculum principles, and the instructional capabilities of interactive textbooks. The proposed four-category typology – comprising practice and consolidation, exploratory simulations, contextualised problem-solving, and assessment/self-assessment activities – offers a practical framework for designing digital resources that foster both conceptual understanding and procedural fluency.

The study concludes that interactive digital textbooks (IDTs) can effectively support competence-based mathematics education when implemented within coherent pedagogical and curricular frameworks. Further longitudinal research is recommended to examine learning outcomes, interaction patterns, and the role of teachers’ digital competence in successful implementation.

Keywords: digital textbooks, mathematics education, lower secondary education, interactive learning activities, competence-based learning, ICT integration, digital pedagogy, educational innovation

ESG Performance as a Strategic Governance Indicator in an Emerging Economy: Evidence from Romania

2026-09-30T09:27:56+02:00

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance is increasingly viewed as a signal of how seriously companies approach sustainability and governance, rather than simply a tool for financial screening. This study explores how ESG performance relates to organisational capacity and market outcomes among companies listed on the Romanian stock exchange. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, the analysis examines the associations between ESG scores and key firm-level indicators, including market capitalization, revenue, total shareholder return, and valuation measured by the price-to-earnings ratio. The empirical analysis combines descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and ordinary least squares regression models. The results show that stronger ESG performance is moderately and positively associated with firm size and financial capacity, with higher ESG scores observed among larger firms and those generating higher revenues. These patterns support the view of ESG performance as a reflection of governance maturity and institutional capacity in an emerging-market context. In contrast, the link between ESG performance and short-term market outcomes appears weaker, with only a modest association identified for shareholder returns and no clear relationship with valuation. Overall, the findings suggest that ESG performance is more closely connected to firms' underlying organisational capacity than to short-term stock market performance, underscoring its relevance for long-term adaptation and social sustainability.

Keywords: ESG performance; Corporate governance; Organisational capacity; Sustainability; Emerging markets

Digital Marketing Ecosystems and Export Resilience: Evidence from Ukraine and Transition Economies

2026-09-30T09:32:15+02:00

The article substantiates an ecosystem-based approach to digital marketing as a resource for strengthening sustainable exports in Ukraine and other post-socialist transition economies. The study develops and applies a cross-country analytical framework for examining the association between national digital marketing ecosystem conditions and export resilience in Ukraine and selected transition economies. Two composite indicators are proposed: the Digital Marketing Ecosystem Index (DMEI), encompassing digital infrastructure, institutional support, and innovation capacity, and the Export Resilience Index (ERI), incorporating export dynamics, partner-country concentration, and competitive position in global trade. The empirical database was constructed using data from The Global Economy and Trade Map for Ukraine and ten comparable countries. Indicators were normalized using the min–max method and aggregated using equal weights. The results reveal Poland’s leadership in both DMEI and ERI. Ukraine achieved a DMEI score of 0.273 and an ERI score of 0.527, ranking tenth and eighth, respectively. Its position is characterized by a combination of existing digital infrastructure potential, low institutional performance, and negative export dynamics. Based on the median values of the indices, a sustainable export strategy matrix was developed, distinguishing sustainable digital export leaders, countries with unrealized digital potential, countries characterized by traditional export resilience, and countries with vulnerable export models. The practical value of the findings lies in providing a rationale for an integrated strategy for Ukraine that combines institutional improvement, digitalization of international marketing, innovation support for exporters, and diversification of foreign markets.

Keywords: digital ecosystems; export resilience; sustainable export strategies; digital transformation; quantitative analysis; transition economies; international marketing; market diversification; digital marketing ecosystem; institutional environment; Digital Marketing Ecosystem Index; Export Resilience Index

Older Adults’ Health in Nursing Homes and Therapeutic Environments: The Mediating Role of Psychological Recovery

2026-09-30T14:25:41+02:00

Secondary processes in hospitals are causing a major part of hospitals’ carbon footprint. At the same Population ageing has increased the need to improve nursing home environments that support older adults’ psychological recovery, restorative experience, and health. Although therapeutic landscapes have been widely linked to well-being, limited research has explained how nursing home landscapes influence older adults through psychological mechanisms in long-term care settings. This study examines how therapeutic landscapes influence psychological recovery, restorative experience, and health among older adults in nursing homes. Psychological recovery is positioned as the main mediating mechanism tested in this study, while other psychological and social processes are acknowledged as potential pathways for future research. Data were collected from 385 residents in two nursing homes in Haikou, China, and analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results show that therapeutic landscapes positively influenced all three outcomes. Psychological recovery also mediated the relationships between therapeutic landscapes and both restorative experience and health. Gender moderated the therapeutic landscape–restorative experience path and the psychological recovery–health path. The conditional indirect effects indicated that psychological recovery mediated the relationship between therapeutic landscapes and health more strongly for male residents than for female residents. This study identifies psychological recovery as a key mechanism and highlights the need for gender-sensitive nursing home landscape design.

Keywords: Therapeutic Landscape; Restorative Experience; Psychological Recovery; Health; Nursing Homes; Older Adults; Gender Moderation

AI Agents as Policy Instruments in Education: Reducing School Abandonment through Adaptive Governance Systems

2026-09-30T14:30:14+02:00

This paper analyzes the deployment of AI agents within national education strategies aimed at improving learning outcomes and reducing early school abandonment. It conceptualizes AI agents not only as educational technologies, but as policy instruments capable of reshaping governance, resource allocation, and early-warning mechanisms in public education systems. The study focuses on the use of AI agents for student risk detection, personalized learning pathways, administrative burden reduction, and real-time policy feedback loops. Drawing on policy design and socio-economic analysis, the paper highlights how AI agents can identify structural drivers of dropout, such as poverty, regional inequality, and institutional rigidity, earlier and more accurately than traditional administrative tools. At the same time, it examines key risks related to data bias, algorithmic labeling of vulnerable students, and the potential reinforcement of socio-economic stratification. The paper proposes a governance framework for educational AI agents based on transparency, pedagogical alignment, and social safeguards, ensuring that automation complements rather than replaces human judgment. The central argument is that AI agents, when embedded in inclusive and accountable policy architectures, can function as preventive governance mechanisms, shifting education policy from reactive remediation to proactive social investment.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence agents; education policy; school abandonment; early warning systems; personalized learning; public sector digitalization; social inequality

Leadership in Distributed and Virtual Teams: Psychological Aspects, Motivation and Coordination Tools

2026-09-30T14:37:29+02:00

The aim of the study was to determine how leadership style, digital communication structure, and psychologically meaningful language patterns were associated with interaction in remote work groups, as well as to define the limits of using communication data in personalized team formation and coordination. The study covered 18,742 depersonalized messages created by 118 employees in 12 remote and hybrid teams during April–June 2026. A separate message was the unit of content analysis, and the team was the unit of statistical comparison. The overall inter-coding consistency was 0.84. The most frequently recorded patterns were support – 8.6 cases per 100 messages, tension – 6.1, psychological safety – 5.2, trust – 4.9, emotional regulation – 3.7, and conflict – 2.3. In supportive teams, the frequency of support reached 12.4 cases, and psychological safety – 7.4 cases per 100 messages. In directive teams, tension was 9.4 cases, and the share of after-hours communication was 18.2%. Network centralization was positively correlated with tension, while uneven participation was negatively associated with psychological safety. Reciprocity of contacts, in contrast, was positively associated with a higher frequency of support. Given that the statistical unit was the team (n = 12), these relationships were interpreted as exploratory. The results indicated that more favorable communication patterns were associated with distributed interaction, greater reciprocity, respect for temporal boundaries, and supportive leadership behavior. At the same time, message analysis could not substitute for psychological assessment; therefore, personalized team formation and coordination should be supplemented with validated assessments of emotional intelligence, psychological well-being, digital fatigue, and the risk of professional burnout.

Keywords: psychological aspects of management, team interaction, emotional intelligence, digital fatigue, intrinsic motivation, psychological well-being, virtual leadership styles, prevention of professional burnout.

AI-Powered Personalization and Sports Tourists’ Behavioral Intentions in Saudi Arabia: The Mediating Roles of Engagement and Cultural Authenticity under Vision 2030

2026-09-30T14:48:24+02:00

The study assesses how AI-powered personalization affects tourists’ behavioral intentions, focusing on the potential roles of tourist engagement and cultural authenticity within the context of sports tourism in Saudi Arabia.

Using a positivist research philosophy and a quantitative cross-sectional design, structured questionnaires were distributed to domestic and international tourists attending sports events in Saudi Arabia where AI-enabled tourism applications were utilized, including recommendation engines, AI-powered event platforms, language translation tools, and navigation applications. The sample included participants from diverse cultural backgrounds, enabling the examination of perceptions toward AI-powered personalization and culturally oriented digital experiences. A total of 482 valid questionnaires were collected between January and March 2026. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the proposed relationships among the study variables.

The results revealed that there is a partially significant relationship between AI-powered personalization and behavioral intention. Personalized cultural information, experience modification, language personalization, and social connectivity positively affect behavioral intention, whereas activity recommendation does not. Moreover, AI-powered personalization positively impacts cultural authenticity and tourist engagement, but the strength of impact differs among their aspects. Besides, local traditions' respect, cultural appropriateness of AI outputs, and tourist engagement have a significant impact on behavioral intention, whereas cultural representation has no significant impact on this variable. Mediation analysis proves the partial mediation of cultural authenticity and tourist engagement in the relationship between AI-powered personalization and behavioral intention. The findings confirm the positive impact of AI-powered personalization on behavioral intentions through both direct and indirect links, making the experience of sports tourism culturally authentic and engaging. The study contributes to the expanding field of AI in tourism and can be used for designing personalized services that will help to promote the sustainable development of sports tourism in Saudi Arabia.

Keywords: smart tourism technologies, cultural experience management, tourist engagement, authenticity, sports event tourism.

Reception of the Artistic Heritage of Ukraine of the 20th and Early 21st Century in Contemporary Artistic Practices: The Role of Museum and Private Collections in the Cultural Dialogue between Ukraine and Poland

2026-09-30T14:51:54+02:00

This article examines the reception of Ukraine's artistic heritage from the 20th to the early 21st century in contemporary artistic, museum, exhibition, and collection practices, considering the Ukrainian-Polish cultural dialogue. The starting point is the understanding of reception as a process of perception, comprehension, interpretation, and the subsequent integration of a cultural phenomenon into a new sociocultural context. It is argued that Ukrainian art of the 20th and early 21st centuries took shape amid political instability, imperial divisions, short-lived forms of Ukrainian statehood, the institutional rise of the 1920s, and the violent curtailment of the modernist experiment in the 1930s. It has been established that, in contemporary reception, museum and private collections no longer function merely as illustrative confirmation of historical and art-historical propositions but rather serve as a medium for the formation of new knowledge about a work of art, its origin, attribution, institutional history, and possibilities for public presentation. In this sense, the collection serves as a space where scientific reconstruction, museum interpretation, the preservation of cultural heritage, and international cultural communication intersect, especially in the context of the military threat to Ukraine's heritage. To illustrate these processes, exhibition case studies are presented as examples of museum representation, institutional cooperation, and cultural communication. Its scientific novelty lies in presenting a comprehensive and well-founded analysis of the reception of 20th- and early 21st-century Ukrainian art within the Polish cultural sphere, as well as in identifying directions for the further development of the Ukrainian-Polish dialogue through museums, private collections, research, and educational initiatives.

Keywords: reception of artistic heritage, contemporary artistic practices, museum collections, cultural dialogue, Ukrainian–Polish relations, Ukrainian art of the first third of the 20th century, cultural sustainability; provenance ethics; heritage protection; museum diplomacy.

Regional Branding as a Tool for Sustainable Development: The Transylvania Case

2026-09-30T15:00:58+02:00

Regional branding represents a key strategic instrument for strengthening territorial identity and enhancing regional competitiveness within the dynamics of globalization. Transylvania, characterized by its unique historical, cultural, and economic profile, offers an appropriate case for examining how regional branding can be applied in the context of Central and Eastern Europe. This article aims to analyse the theoretical foundations of regional branding and the ways in which they can be adapted to the Transylvanian specifics, considering the ethnic diversity, cultural heritage, natural landscape and economic potential of the region. The results highlight the fact that a coherent regional brand for Transylvania must go beyond strictly touristic approaches and integrate economic, social and institutional dimensions, contributing to attracting investments, stimulating local entrepreneurship and consolidating social capital. The conclusions emphasize the need for participatory governance and an integrated regional branding strategy, capable of supporting the sustainable development and competitive positioning of Transylvania at the European level.

Keywords: regional branding, Transylvania, territorial identity, cultural heritage, economic development

Advancing ESG through FinTech in the MENA region: The Role of Sustainable Financial Behaviour and Digital Financial Literacy

2026-09-30T15:27:41+02:00

Financial technology (FinTech) is rapidly transforming. It presents new opportunities to promote sustainability, but the behavioural mechanisms through which digital finance can help achieve environmental, social and governance (ESG) outcomes remain poorly understood. This study aims to explore the contribution of Sustainable Financial Behaviour (SFB) to ESG through FinTech adoption and Digital Financial Literacy (DFL). Based on the behaviour approach to sustainable digital finance, the study proposes a sustainable digital finance model and empirically investigates it. The data are gathered using a structured questionnaire and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that the DFL has a significant positive effect on SFB, and that FinTech adoption also has a positive effect on SFB. The interpretation of SFB is related to ESG; there is a strong positive correlation between them. The mediation analysis shows that SFB fully mediates the relationships between DFL, FinTech, and ESG. In addition, DFL significantly affects the link between FinTech adoption and SFB, but in a negative direction: the greater the level of digital financial literacy, the smaller the marginal behaviour contribution of FinTech adoption. The moderated mediation effect, however, is not statistically significant. The results reveal that the sustainability impact of FinTech is not only tied to technological adoption but also to users' digital financial skills and their capacity to convert digital financial opportunities into sustainable financial behaviours. This study fits into the newly developing body of literature on the FinTech–ESG nexus by focusing on individual financial behaviour as a focal point of the relationship between digital finance and sustainability, and provides implications for the design of FinTech products, financial institutions and policy makers wishing to ensure digital finance aligns with the objectives of sustainable finance.

Keywords: FinTech adoption; digital financial literacy; sustainable financial behaviour; ESG; sustainable finance; digital finance; MENA region; PLS-SEM

Ecosystem Approach to Shaping a Circular Economy: Barriers and Incentives for Investment Support

2026-09-30T15:37:03+02:00

The aim of the study was to determine the configuration of financial, institutional, technological and coordination factors associated with the transition from fragmented resource-reuse practices toward more sustainable inter-organizational interaction. A mixed empirical design combined panel analysis of 27 European Union countries for 2022–2024 with a survey of 210 industrial enterprises in Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Ukraine. Ukraine was considered separately because of incomplete statistical comparability and war-related conditions. Circular material use in the European Union increased from 11.5% to 12.2%, while substantial cross-country differences persisted. The panel model revealed positive associations with corporate environmental investments, resource productivity and municipal waste recycling. In the survey, the strongest positive relationship was between investment activity and ecosystem interaction, ? = 0.61, whereas financial barriers showed the strongest negative association, ? = –0.58. Financial incentives were positively associated with investment activity, ? = 0.54. Among enterprises with low ecosystem interaction, 8.7% reported high investment activity, compared with 55.2% among those with high interaction. Financing was more frequently used as a strategy-validation mechanism when decisions incorporated confirmed material flows, demand, partners and risk-sharing arrangements. The threshold-like differences were consistent with a descriptive phase-transition interpretation but did not establish a universal threshold or causal mechanism.

Keywords: axiological lie, strategy validator, phase transition, industrial symbiosis, secondary material flows, construction, 3D concrete printing.

No One Left Behind: Accessible Emergency Communication and Social Sustainability in the European Union

2026-09-30T15:49:14+02:00

Accessible emergency communication is essential for inclusive and socially sustainable crisis response in the European Union. While emergency number 112 is intended to serve everyone, access remains uneven, particularly for people with disabilities and others facing communication barriers in emergency situations. This paper explores accessible emergency communication as a core public service capability rather than a technical add-on. It asks how accessibility contributes to social sustainability and inclusive crisis resilience across the EU. The analysis is grounded in public administration and crisis governance perspectives, where equity, trust, and institutional responsibility are central concerns. The study uses a qualitative, policy-oriented approach. A PRISMA-informed synthesis of academic research, EU policy documents, and institutional reports is conducted. The analysis identifies four interconnected dimensions: accessible communication, public service governance, crisis resilience, and disability inclusion. The findings show that accessibility is often addressed reactively and inconsistently, limiting the social sustainability of emergency systems. The paper argues that treating accessibility as a structural governance responsibility is essential to ensure that no one is left behind when emergencies occur.

Keywords: emergency communication accessibility; social sustainability; disability inclusion; public services; inclusive resilience

The Impact of Migration on Spaces: Religious Dynamics in Contemporary Europe

2026-09-30T15:54:40+02:00

International migration has become a significant force in reshaping Europe’s social, cultural, and religious landscape. This research examines how migratory movements affect both urban and rural areas across the continent, with particular attention to demographic and cultural shifts within Muslim communities. Drawing on statistical evidence related to migration patterns, fertility rates, and religious practices, the study explores the growth of Muslim populations in specific regions and their impact on cultural environments, social infrastructure, and urban dynamics. Findings reveal an increasing religious diversity in European spaces, carrying important implications for integration strategies, social cohesion, and urban planning. The study enhances the understanding of the complex relationships between migration, religion, and spatial transformation, emphasizing the necessity of multidisciplinary perspectives when analyzing contemporary demographic changes.

Keywords: migration, Europe, Islam, demography, spatial transformations, social integration.

Measuring the Quality and Performance of E-Government Services

2026-09-30T18:27:49+02:00

E-government plays a pivotal role in modernizing public administration by enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and overall quality of public services. In this context, evaluating the quality of e-government services is crucial for gauging user satisfaction and informing policies aimed at digital transformation. This study focuses on examining the key dimensions of e-government service quality, including accessibility, reliability, information security, interoperability, and citizen-centric design. The research methodology combines a review of specialized literature, an analysis of relevant regulatory frameworks, and a comparative assessment of selected e-government platforms. Findings reveal that service quality is strongly shaped by institutional capabilities, the digital literacy of users, and the extent of integration across public information systems. The study concludes by highlighting the importance of a comprehensive, user-focused approach to foster continuous improvement in e-services and to strengthen public trust in governmental institutions.

Keywords: e-government, service quality, public administration, digital transformation, accessibility

Foreign Workers in Ukraine's Recovery Strategy: Migration Policy in the Context of Sustainable Development

2026-09-30T18:35:53+02:00

The full-scale war in Ukraine has caused unprecedented labour market transformations: mass external and internal migration, acute labour shortages, especially in industry, and the need to attract foreign workers for post-war reconstruction. The current labour migration regulation system, shaped during post-Soviet transformation, does not meet contemporary challenges, requiring rethinking in light of European practices and sustainable development goals. The article aims to compare Ukraine's and the EU's migration policies on attracting foreign workers, identify institutional and procedural shortcomings, and substantiate transformation directions as a factor of sustainable development in post-war industrial recovery. The methodology relies on a systemic approach, comparative legal and institutional analysis. A significant lag of Ukraine behind European standards in labour migration management is established: the current model is overly bureaucratized, control-oriented rather than service-oriented, and poorly integrated with employment policy and labour market needs. EU leader countries view labour migration as a long-term tool for economic growth, demographic sustainability, and social cohesion. Despite some positive developments, Ukraine retains procedural fragmentation, low digitalization, and limited focus on economic needs. The comparative analysis of institutional and legal foundations of labour migration in Ukraine and the EU in context of sustainable development substantiated the transition from administrative-control to service-economic model of migration management. An original vision for comprehensive transformation of policy of attracting foreign labour as a strategic factor in post-war industrial recovery is proposed. The practical significance lies in recommendations: harmonization of legislation with the EU acquis, introduction of a single work and residence permit, development of bilateral agreements, intensification of attracting foreign students through regional educational and immigration programmes, creation of a system of information support and socio-cultural integration of migrants, and improvement of statistical accounting. Implementing these measures will help overcome labour shortages, increase industry competitiveness, and achieve Ukraine's sustainable development goals in the post-war period.

Keywords: foreign worker, migration policy, sustainable development, post-war reconstruction, comparative analysis, migrant integration, single permit, harmonization of legislation, employee, labour market.

Temporal Consistency of the Impact of Companies' Alignment with Social and Environmental Goals on Job Satisfaction

2026-09-30T19:27:09+02:00

This article aims to analyze the relationship between companies’ social and environmental goal orientation and employee job satisfaction, with particular attention to the temporal consistency of this relationship. We assume that concern for sustainability issues, particularly social and environmental ones, constitutes a significant determinant of job satisfaction. Furthermore, this study uniquely investigates whether this relationship remains stable over time, thus addressing the issue of temporal consistency. To achieve the study's objective, microdata from the German labor market were used. These data were collected in three waves (2018/19, 2020/21, and 2024) of the Linked Personnel Panel study. The dataset was limited to individuals who participated in each wave of the study, resulting in longitudinal data. A multinomial ordered logit models were used. The obtained results indicate that the higher the level of companies' implementation of social and environmental goals, the higher the chances of higher job satisfaction.

Keywords: sustainability, job satisfaction, multinomial ordered logit model, longitudinal data, temporal consistency

Modelling Individual Educational Trajectories for Future Psychologists: A Ukrainian Case Study in Sustainable Higher Education

2026-09-30T19:32:08+02:00

Purpose: This study aimed to develop and preliminarily evaluate a model for supporting individual educational trajectories among first-year psychology students through structured familiarisation with available educational programmes. Design/methodology/approach: A single-site sequential mixed-methods case study combined baseline and post-course surveys of 146 students with three stages of focus group work involving university staff. Descriptive statistics and structured qualitative synthesis were used to integrate student preferences and expert recommendations. Findings: Personal preferences and beliefs influenced all respondents’ choices; 77% also considered employment prospects and societal relevance, and 41% considered programme content. After completing the Professional Self-Determination Training course, 61 students (42%) selected a programme different from their preliminary preference. The resulting model integrates ranked programme preferences, academic guidance, academic performance, and programme capacity requirements. Originality/value: The study presents an institution-level approach to informed programme choice that may strengthen student agency and support the quality, relevance, and adaptability of higher education in line with SDG 4.

Keywords: individual educational trajectory, psychology students, student agency, professional self-determination, programme choice, sustainable higher education, SDG 4

Compensation in Civil Liability/Tort Law Climate Lawsuits Against a State at Domestic Courts

2026-09-30T19:45:45+02:00

This paper examines the evolving landscape of compensation claims against States in domestic climate litigation, focusing on States’ failure in mitigation and adaptation and on climate Loss and Damage. Using doctrinal, case-law and empirical analysis, it explores how courts address compensation requests and the challenges associated with causation, quantification, and legal standing. Firstly, we will start by explaining the difference between climate mitigation and climate adaptation claims and climate-induced Loss and Damage claims. Since climate-induced Loss and Damage do not have a unique definition around scholars, law practitioners and in international treaties, this article will delve into the various concepts and elements that compose this notion. Then, it will analyse the few compensation claims filed in adaptation and mitigation lawsuits and in Loss and Damage lawsuits. Furthermore, it will refer to the challenges in determining compensation in lawsuits against a State for climate Loss and Damage, namely the establishment of causal link, the quantification of harm, legal standing, etc.. The paper concludes that compensation claims against States remains uncommon but may become increasingly significant as a strategic mechanism to encourage States to strengthen climate justice.

Keywords: climate adaptation; climate litigation; climate mitigation; compensation; Loss and Damage; State litigation at domestic courts; quantification.

Sustainable Infrastructure Recovery and Local Economic Development in War-Affected Territories

2026-09-30T22:02:48+02:00

The full-scale war in Ukraine has caused large-scale destruction of the infrastructure of territorial communities of Ukraine and significantly worsened the prerequisites for their local economic development. The processes of restoration of de-occupied and affected territories are especially difficult, where the physical reconstruction of infrastructure should be combined with the restoration of entrepreneurial activity, employment, human capital, financial capacity and spatial integrity of communities. The article is aimed at theoretical and methodological substantiation and empirical assessment of the relationship and coherence of infrastructure development and local economic development of the de-occupied and affected territories of Ukraine in the context of ensuring their sustainable development. A methodical approach to assessing the coherence of infrastructure recovery and local economic development based on integral indices of I_IR and I_LED and coefficient of coherence K_C is proposed. The author's 100-point matrix E–S–P–R–G is developed for prioritizing infrastructure projects by economic, social, spatial, security-sustainability and environmental effects. The possibility of integrating the proposed approach with the DREAM digital ecosystem is substantiated. The expediency of moving from an object-oriented model of reconstruction to a territorially oriented model of sustainable recovery, in which the priority of infrastructure projects is determined not only by the scale of physical destruction, but also by the potential for creating a comprehensive long-term effect for the territorial community, is proved.

Keywords: infrastructure, reconstruction, de-occupied territories, affected territories, local economic development, territorial community, coherence, sustainable development, resilience, DREAM, project prioritization.

Securing Human Capital Towards Equity: Social Determinants and Protective Factors of Speech-Language Delay in Malaysia

2026-09-30T22:07:44+02:00

Speech and language delay (SLD) is a critical public health concern that threatens long-term human capital and social equity. This study investigates the significant gap in localised clinical evidence regarding the socio-structural determinants and protective factors of SLD in diverse, multilingual settings. Utilising a cross-sectional methodology, the research analysed multisource secondary data from 320 paediatric clinical records at a major Malaysian referral centre. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, language exposure, medical history, and healthcare-related barriers. Results indicate a high clinical prevalence of SLD at 51.9%, significantly exceeding national estimates. Multilingual backgrounds (AOR = 2.13) and parental barriers to follow-up care (AOR = 3.02) were associated with significantly higher odds of SLD. Conversely, older age and the presence of an underlying diagnosed condition were identified as significant protective factors. These findings imply that securing human capital requires an equitable approach to healthcare through culturally sensitive screening and the removal of logistical barriers. Aligning with sustainable development goals, this study advocates for integrated public health strategies to ensure inclusive developmental outcomes for all children.

Keywords: Language Development Disorders, Health Services Accessibility, Health Equity, Bilingualism, Social Determinants of Health, Early Intervention

An Intelligent Fog–Cloud Smart Irrigation System with Hybrid Machine Learning and Evapotranspiration-Based Control

2026-09-30T22:15:41+02:00

Sustainable agricultural water management is increasingly important in arid and semi-arid regions, where limited freshwater resources, climatic variability, and inefficient irrigation practices can constrain long-term food production. This study proposes an intelligent fog–cloud smart irrigation framework that integrates Internet of Things sensing, LoRa/LoRaWAN communication, evapotranspiration-based irrigation calculation, machine-learning prediction, and cloud-assisted historical search within a hierarchical decision architecture. The system prioritizes local fog-layer processing for routine irrigation decisions, while cloud resources are reserved for long-term storage and fallback support when sensor information is incomplete or local predictions are insufficiently reliable. A K-nearest-neighbor classifier was evaluated using 104 site-day observations with stratified five-fold cross-validation and achieved 71.2% accuracy, outperforming the evaluated Random Forest, Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, and SVM-RBF models in several performance measures. Prototype testing verified the end-to-end operation of sensing, irrigation actuation, water-flow monitoring, and remote visualization. Using the recorded 52-day sensing dataset, the adaptive irrigation strategy reduced combined water use by 58.7% relative to a simulated daily fixed-schedule baseline and by 17.3% relative to an every-two-day schedule. Simulation-based system evaluation further indicated a 95.2% reduction in mean decision latency for fog processing compared with cloud-centered processing, while modeled communication overhead decreased by up to 87.5% in message count and 75.0% in transmitted data volume under complete sensor availability. Missing-sensor experiments demonstrated that the proposed fallback mechanism maintains decision continuity by progressively shifting uncertain cases from evapotranspiration calculation to K-NN prediction and cloud-assisted retrieval. The proposed framework demonstrates the potential of combining adaptive irrigation, distributed intelligence, and reliability-aware decision making to support more resource-efficient and sustainable agricultural water management.

Keywords: sustainable agriculture, Smart irrigation, Water conservation, Fog computing, Internet of Things, Machine learning, Evapotranspiration, LoRaWAN

Green Marketing and Eco-Branding: Building Consumer Loyalty through Sustainable Development Values

2026-09-30T22:31:20+02:00

The relevance of the study is determined by the growing role of environmental responsibility of business and sustainable development values in shaping consumer behavior and long-term relationships between brands and their target audience. The growth of environmental awareness of consumers necessitates the transition from the declarative use of "green" messages to scientifically based strategies of green marketing and eco-branding, based on transparency, authenticity and verification of environmental attributes. The purpose of the study is to theoretically substantiate the mechanisms of influence of green marketing and eco-branding on the formation of consumer loyalty through the value integration of sustainable development. The methodological basis was the analysis and synthesis, comparison, systematization, theoretical generalization and content analysis of scientific literature, thematic research and structural-logical modeling. The conceptual differences and relationships between green marketing and eco-branding are highlighted, their key tools are clustered, and the role of environmental values in consumer behavior is identified. The impact of green marketing on long-term loyalty is multi-level and is carried out through the perceived value of the green product, green trust, perceived brand authenticity, value congruence and environmental satisfaction. The congruence of brand values and consumers' personal beliefs has been substantiated as a factor in strengthening the emotional connection and sustainable connection with the eco-brand. It was found that greenwashing increases consumer skepticism and perceived risk, reduces trust and long-term brand value. A shift to an evidence-based green marketing model is proposed, which includes verification of environmental claims, transparency of information, third-party verification of environmental characteristics and consistency of communication with actual business practices. The practical implications of this study are, firstly, that they can be used to improve eco-branding strategies in order to reduce the risk of greenwashing and build long-term consumer loyalty based on sustainable values.

Keywords: green marketing, eco-branding, sustainable development, consumer loyalty, environmental value, brand trust, brand authenticity, greenwashing, environmental behavior, green brand equity.

Digitalization, Artificial Intelligence and Strategic Decision-Making for Sustainable Performance in Manufacturing Firms

2026-09-30T22:35:24+02:00

Recent research has emphasized the importance of sustainable performance management as organizations face economic uncertainty, digital transformation, and growing pressure to strengthen long-term resilience. In manufacturing sectors, data-supported strategic decision-making has become a key factor of economic sustainability.

This study examines how manufacturing firms manage strategic performance in the context of digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI), and how these practices support sustainable decision-making in real organizational settings.

The research adopts a sequential mixed-methods approach. It builds on an exploratory survey conducted among firms operating in the Czech Republic and is complemented by a qualitative phase based on semi-structured interviews with managers from engineering and manufacturing companies. The qualitative inquiry avoids predefined managerial frameworks in order to capture how strategic performance and decision-making practices are enacted in practice.

Initial findings indicate a gap between formal managerial structures and actual decision-making processes. While firms increasingly rely on performance indicators and digital tools, strategic decisions remain shaped by managerial judgment and organizational context.

The study contributes to sustainability research by showing how AI-supported decision-making can strengthen economic resilience in manufacturing firms.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Strategic Decision-Making; Manufacturing SMEs; Barriers; Digitalization; Economic Sustainability

Scaling up social learning and innovation to support community flood resilience with Project Groundwater, UK

2026-09-30T22:38:31+02:00

‘Resilience’ has become a guiding principle in the flood risk sector. With the acceptance that not all flooding can be prevented, risk management authorities (RMAs) need to build long-term, trusting relationships with communities at risk to support local level responses. Yet traditional top-down norms remain problematic; there is an urgent need for social innovation and learning in the sector. The paper details participatory action research with a UK Government-funded partnership collectively building community resilience to groundwater flooding in southern England. The research has surfaced the largely tacit, intangible, and hence hitherto unacknowledged engagement skills and practices. Furthermore, the research found that the status quo has been challenged, with novel multi-disciplinary processes transforming norms towards a collaborative relationship with communities. The paper finally considers the current project-by-project nature of engagement, which risks communities feeling abandoned when the funding ends. In addition to the resource implications for maintaining participatory competencies for capacity and relationship building with communities, the biggest challenge is seen to be that of wider culture change; to consider how the scaling up of social innovation beyond the project helps underpin lasting change in the sector.

Keywords: community resilience, community engagement, social innovation, innovation scaling, flood risk, groundwater flooding

Economic Trends, Political Trends and Dysfunctionalities at the Global Level

2026-09-30T22:42:02+02:00

This study examines the complex interactions between global economic and political developments, with particular attention to the structural and operational dysfunctions influencing contemporary international relations. In recent decades, rapid globalization, technological advances, and growing financial interdependence have generated both opportunities and vulnerabilities worldwide. At the same time, political phenomena—such as the rise of populism, escalating geopolitical tensions, and fragmentation within institutions—interact with economic processes, often intensifying systemic risks and complicated governance. Using a multidisciplinary methodology that integrates macroeconomic analysis, political science theories, and empirical data from international organizations, the research identifies recurring dysfunctions including market instability, policy inconsistencies, and widening socio-economic inequalities. The results highlight the critical importance of coordinated global governance and adaptive policy frameworks to address systemic risks and foster resilient, inclusive development. This paper contributes to a deeper comprehension of the intricate feedback loops between political and economic trends and their consequences for global stability.

Keywords: global economy, political trends, dysfunctionality, systemic risk, governance, globalization

ESG Rating Divergence, Stakeholder Trust, and Sustainable Decision-Making: Evidence from a Mixed-Methods Study

2026-09-30T22:47:19+02:00

This study examines how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating divergence affects stakeholder trust and sustainable decision-making. Rating agencies assign different ESG scores to the same company due to differing methodologies, indicators, and weighting systems. Using a mixed-methods design, we analysed quantitative survey data from 250 stakeholders using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling and gathered qualitative data through 20 semi-structured interviews. Results show that ESG rating divergence negatively affects stakeholder trust, corporate legitimacy, and sustainable decision-making. Stakeholder trust partially mediates the relationship between divergence and decision-making. Furthermore, institutional influence positively affects corporate legitimacy and sustainable decisions. The qualitative findings confirm that conflicting ratings reduce confidence in ESG information and compel stakeholders to seek additional sources before making decisions. The study contributes to stakeholder, legitimacy, and institutional theories by providing primary evidence on the behavioural effects of ESG rating inconsistency. The findings suggest that standardising mandatory corporate disclosure inputs, rather than proprietary rating methodologies, can strengthen stakeholder trust and support informed sustainability decisions.

Keywords: ESG ratings, ESG divergence, stakeholder trust, sustainable decision-making, PLS-SEM, corporate legitimacy

Sustaining Relationships: Reflections on Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Community Development Practice

2026-09-30T22:50:20+02:00

Sustainability is commonly described through environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Increasingly, scholars have recognized culture as an essential component of sustainable development, acknowledging that communities cannot flourish without sustaining the values, identities, and knowledge systems that shape collective life. Indigenous ways of knowing broaden this understanding by emphasizing relationships, reciprocity, responsibility, and balance. This reflective conceptual article examines how teachings represented by the Medicine Wheel have shaped my practice as a community development educator, organizational development practitioner, and strategic planning facilitator. Drawing upon Indigenous scholarship, community development literature, previous action inquiry research, and professional practice, I suggest that Indigenous ways of knowing offer practical insights for sustainable community development by encouraging leaders to balance purpose, relationships, knowledge, and action. A 15-month planning process involving approximately 200 people at the College of Menominee Nation illustrates how a culturally grounded approach can deepen organizational planning by connecting identity, responsibility, participation, and implementation. The paper argues that planning can be strengthened when communities lead from culture rather than adapting culture to externally developed processes. It concludes that sustainability is strengthened when communities recognize that their futures are fundamentally interconnected.

Keywords: Indigenous ways of knowing; sustainability; community development; Medicine Wheel; organizational development; strategic planning; relational leadership

Transforming Waste Management from Incineration to Resource Recovery in the UK

2026-09-30T22:52:52+02:00

Sustainable waste management is central to the UK’s transition to the circular economy and to decarbonising healthcare supply chains. Within the NHS, high-temperature incineration remains a carbon- and cost-intensive route, often driven by over-classification of non-hazardous materials and limited segregation capacity. Furthermore, autoclaving of hospital waste adds a layer of carbon intensity to Scope 3 emissions of hospitals. This study evaluates a practical circular pathway that diverts selected non-hazardous consumables from incineration to segregation, validated sterilisation, and repurposing as a possible sustainable secondary input for engineering applications. Using an integrated sustainability framework, the paper combines policy analysis, process mapping, and scenario-based treatment-stage carbon and cost comparison of the baseline incineration pathway and the segregate–sterilise–repurpose pathway. The assessment is aligned with national targets to achieve a 20:20:60 split (HTI clinical waste: infectious waste: offensive waste) and tests how improved segregation and reclassification of suitable non-hazardous streams from healthcare codes (e.g., EWC 18 01 04 to 20 03 01) can reduce treatment-related carbon emissions and enable higher-value recovery. This proposed solution could support reductions in treatment-stage e emissions and disposal costs, while allowing higher-value recovery through better management and segregation of healthcare waste.

Keywords: waste materials, UK zero waste, circular economy, resource recovery, waste management, healthcare waste

Sustainable Mobility Transitions in Academic Hubs: A PLS-SEM Analysis of Student Intentions in Baia Mare

2026-09-30T23:00:18+02:00

The global environmental crisis and the United Nations 2030 Agenda place Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) at the forefront of sustainability transitions. This study examines the key factors influencing sustainable mobility adoption among students at the North University Centre of Baia Mare, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, (CUNBM) a medium-sized academic hub underrepresented in the empirical literature on sustainable transport behaviour. The research adopts a quantitative design grounded in an adapted Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), investigating how environmental awareness, sustainability beliefs, perceived ease of use, and infrastructure quality — framed within the '15-minute city' paradigm — shape students' intention to use sustainable transport modes. The model further incorporates adverse weather as a contextual moderator of ease-of-use perceptions. Data were collected between March and May 2026 via a structured digital questionnaire across three university campuses (Engineering, Arts and Sciences), with latent constructs measured through 5-point Likert scales. The model was estimated using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), selected for its predictive robustness in complex behavioural frameworks. Findings reveal that perceived infrastructure quality (? = 0.417) and 15-minute city accessibility (? = 0.281) are significant antecedents of ease of use, while adverse weather exerts no significant moderating effect on behavioural intention. Because the weather construct did not meet conventional reliability standards and data were collected outside the winter season, this null result is interpreted as inconclusive rather than as evidence that weather is irrelevant; the pattern of results is nonetheless consistent with mobility barriers in this context being structural rather than meteorological.

Keywords: sustainable mobility, technology acceptance model (TAM), partial least squares structural equation modelling, 15-minute city, higher education, student behavioural intentions, Eastern Europe

Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Translation, Validation and Reliability of the Malay Dementia Knowledge Assessment Tool 2 (DKAT2-M) among Malaysian Caregivers

2026-09-30T23:04:12+02:00

Dementia is a growing public health concern globally and in Malaysia. Informal caregivers play a central role in care provision; however, limited knowledge may compromise the quality of care. The lack of a validated Malay-language instrument limits the assessment of caregiver knowledge.

To adapt, translate, and evaluate the validity and reliability of the Malay version of the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Tool Version 2 (DKAT2-M) among Malaysian informal caregivers.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 355 caregivers recruited from geriatric clinics at Hospital Kuala Lumpur and University Malaya Medical Centre. The 21-item DKAT2 underwent forward-backward translation, followed by content validation, face validation and pilot testing, exploratory factor analysis for

construct validity, and reliability testing.

Participants had a mean age of 51.96 years (SD = 15.73), with most being female, Malay, Muslim, married, and tertiary-educated. The DKAT2-M showed excellent content validity (I-CVI = 1.00 for all items; S-CVI/Ave = 0.992) and face validity (S-FVI/Ave = 1.00). Exploratory factor analysis supported a two-factor structure: Dementia and Its Progress and Support and Care, explaining 30.8% variance (KMO = 0.871; Bartlett’s test, p < 0.001). Internal consistency was good (? = 0.868), and test-retest reliability demonstrated moderate to substantial agreement (? = 0.568–0.786). One item (Item 6) demonstrated low communality (0.182) but was retained due to acceptable factor loading (0.514) and conceptual relevance.

The DKAT2-M is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing dementia knowledge among Malaysian informal caregivers and may be useful in similar caregiver populations for clinical, educational, and research purposes.

Keywords: Dementia, Caregivers, Health Knowledge, Validation, Malaysia

Universities as Change Agents in the Hydrogen Transition? A Case Study in Germany and Australia

2026-09-30T23:14:12+02:00

This study examines the role of universities in hydrogen projects regarding the social acceptance and legitimation of the hydrogen transition. Attention is paid to their contribution to socio-cultural sustainability through education and knowledge transfer. The study is based on the assumption that technological innovation alone is not sufficient to ensure acceptance of hydrogen technologies. Instead, universities play a central role in fostering acceptance for hydrogen projects by acting as knowledge brokers, legitimacy providers, boundary organizations/moderators, and regional anchor institutions. Education is considered as a core element of socio-cultural sustainability because it supports capacity building, skills development, and long-term acceptance.

The findings draw on data from the “HydroExchange” project conducted by the University of Koblenz and the University of Western Australia. The empirical material includes interviews, project documentation, and network analyses. The analysis reveals that universities most often act as knowledge brokers and co-creators of legitimacy. Moderator roles are less common but important for trust-building. Education and transfer activities strengthen regional anchoring and can be reinforced through participatory formats. Accordingly, this study examines how universities contribute to the hydrogen transition through their roles as knowledge brokers, legitimacy providers, moderators, and regional anchor institutions.

Keywords: hydrogen transition; universities; third mission; social acceptance; network analysis

FarmCarbon AI: An AI-Based Framework for Carbon Mitigation and Financing in Central European Dairy Farms

2026-09-30T23:17:54+02:00

Agriculture is a major source of greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions, particularly through enteric fermentation and manure management in dairy farming. This paper presents FarmCarbon AI, an AI-assisted framework that combines deterministic IPCC Tier-2 calculations, mitigation-scenario screening, economic screening, and structured grant-draft generation for Central-European dairy farms. The evaluation uses 100 constrained synthetic farm profiles across eight country contexts; it is therefore a test of workflow behaviour under modeled inputs, not evidence of field performance or national representativeness. The calculation engine estimates enteric CH?, manure CH?, and manure N?O, while the retrieval-augmented language-model component is limited to source-grounded explanation and draft documentation rather than numerical calculation. Under the specified scenario assumptions, modeled emission reductions were 8–19%. A one-way sensitivity analysis of the illustrative high-intensity profile shows that economic screening is highly dependent on the assumed low-carbon milk premium, co-financing rate, and operating costs; it should not be interpreted as a market forecast. The study contributes a transparent prototype and an explicit validation agenda for future testing with measured farm records, country-specific costs, expert review, and benchmark comparisons with established calculators and human workflows.

Keywords: sustainable agriculture; artificial intelligence; greenhouse gas emissions; dairy farming; IPCC Tier-2 methodology; carbon footprinting; climate finance; decision support; Central Europe; Common Agricultural Policy

Urban Impacts of Commercial Development in the Context of Brownfield Regeneration: The Northern Cyprus 1001 Airport Mall Case Study

2026-09-30T23:22:27+02:00

Brownfield revitalization aims to support both spatial sustainability and the urban economy by repurposing underutilized or poorly used urban spaces. This study examines the 1001 Airport Mall case in Northern Cyprus from an architectural and urban planning perspective. It has been observed that the project area is currently permanently closed; however, it has been determined that active use of the area occurred approximately between 2015 and 2020, after which urban transformation aimed at constructing modern apartment buildings and residential blocks in place of the commercial structure came to the forefront. According to the information shared, the transformation process was formalized with the complete demolition of the shopping mall; thus, the area has the potential to transition from a commercially focused building identity to a new established land use arrangement within a framework closer to a mixed commercial-residential transformation approach.

The aim of the study is; (i) to reveal the effects of the derelict state resulting from the cessation of commercial use on the surrounding land-use patterns, functional continuity, and public/semi-public space use; (ii) to evaluate how the project's proximity to the Ercan Airport area and major transportation axes may shape the urban outcomes of the transformation; and (iii) to discuss how the residential component in brownfield transformations can create a "re-activation" mechanism in terms of continuity of use and integration with the city.

In this case study, Google Earth images, on-site photographic records, and observational findings were evaluated together. The findings show that the area currently bears traces of derelict physical forms and that the inactive use creates an "urban impact gap" around it. However, with the introduction of new residential/residential-focused use, the possibility of continuous use around the area and daily access-based urban revitalization is strengthened. In addition, the residential component-based re-functionalization approach can be interpreted as an important mechanism for promoting urban integration, primarily by re-establishing continuity of use in brownfield areas.

Keywords: Brownfield, urban, land use, residential transformation, accessibility, Northern Cyprus.

From Traceability to Carbon Accounting: A Bottom-Up ELT Architecture for Product-Level Emissions Tracking under CBAM

2026-09-30T23:25:22+02:00

The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has transformed carbon pricing from a theoretical policy debate into a hard financial liability. Consequently, treating environmental data merely as a compliance output is no longer practical. While supply chains restructure dynamically, traditional top-down ESG reporting relies on static averages. To transform sustainability metrics into a true Business Intelligence (BI) layer, this study presents a bottom-up Extract, Load, Transform (ELT) data architecture along with real-time dashboards for visualization. By enriching machine-level process data with component identification, we calculate product and machine-level sustainability KPIs. Electricity consumption and CO? emissions are derived either directly from the logged voltage and current values where available or via proxy models combining process duration with machine rated power constants. CO? emissions are calculated subsequently using the grid emission factor from the local energy provider. Visualizing these precise, real-time KPIs alongside operational parameters empowers managers to instantly assess environmental impacts without complex manual calculations, while also enabling the capture and analysis of highly granular, non-aggregated data at the point of generation. To generalize these findings, we introduce a 4-level Sustainability Data Maturity Model (SDMM), guiding facilities from estimate-based reporting toward precise carbon accounting. Ultimately, this architecture provides a scalable foundation for manufacturers to transition from reactive compliance to proactive, process-integrated and data-based sustainability management.

Keywords: Bottom-up carbon accounting, ELT data architecture, Digital traceability, Sustainability Data Maturity Model (SDMM), Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

When Do Institutions Enable Sustainability? Organizational Trade-offs Between Regulation, Innovation, and Resource Depletion

2026-09-30T23:29:07+02:00

Contrary to the conventional notion that institutions are always beneficial for sustainability, we propose a two-sector endogenous growth model with microeconomic foundations that conceptualizes the role of institutions in resource allocation between the production sector and the R&D sector. Our framework predicts three organizational channels through which institutions affect sustainability outcomes: innovation incentives, resource efficiency, and pollution reduction. Crucially, these channels are not unconditional but depend on a sufficiently large initial allocation of human capital to the R&D sector, and on effective regulatory capacity. Using the method of moments quantile regression, we evaluate the empirical relevance of these channels. Our findings show that the effect of institutions varies systematically across the conditional distribution of sustainability outcomes, indicating that similar governance structures can lead to divergent outcomes. This highlights the importance of enforcement and organizational innovation capabilities in navigating ecological limits, with institutional quality serving only as a moderating factor.

Keywords: Endogenous Growth, Net Output Growth, Institutional Quality, Innovation, Natural Resource, Pollution Control