European Journal of Sustainable Development

Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships for Sustainable Development: Advancing Women’s Empowerment in Rural Spain

Elena Bulmer, Julio Blas, Benito Yáñez-Araque — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The seventeenth goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development framework, “Partnerships for the Goals,” underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable progress. This study examines how multi-stakeholder partnerships, as envisioned in SDG 17, contribute to gender equality and women’s empowerment (SDG 5) in rural Spain. The research focuses on Pastrana, a small town in the province of Guadalajara, central Spain. The region is characterized by numerous small municipalities, most with fewer than 1,000 residents, according to the National Institute of Statistics. Between February and March 2024, fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants representing diverse sectors and interests. To explore interaction patterns and potential for cooperation, the study applied stakeholder registries, power–interest diagrams, and stakeholder mapping techniques. The findings reveal that partnerships involving diverse actors can strengthen women’s participation and leadership in rural contexts. Such gender-focused collaborations foster community cohesion, stimulate local development, and contribute to the revitalization of rural life.

Keywords: Multi-stakeholder partnerships; Women’s empowerment; Rural development; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Local governance

Multicriteria Approach to Define Adequate areas for the Implementation of Ecosystem-based Adaptation Strategies

Tiago N. Martins, Manuel M. Oliveira, Teresa E. Leitão — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This concept was developed in the framework of a task of the C2IMPRESS Horizon Europe Project focused on disaster-resilient societies. It deals with the use of an Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) approach to increase groundwater resources. The objective is to create conditions for sediment and water retention and storage. By contributing to mitigating water scarcity, if necessary using treated wastewater, this approach simultaneously develops local ecosystems and helps prevent wildfires. The main rationale is to use in-channel Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) methods, making use of natural topographical and geological features coupled with the potential upstream natural erosion and sedimentation processes to generate storage capabilities in areas where aquifers do not occur. To define the best areas, a multicriteria system is defined and an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is applied to weight the relative importance of each criterion. The following criteria were defined, based on the objective and available information: Slope, Geology, Land Use, and Sediment generation potential. Use of treated wastewater as an alternate water resource (AWR) for infiltration is also considered. The methodology is applied to the Alva watershed located in Centre Portugal, where maps were produced to classify each criterion and AHP was used to produce the final maps.

Keywords: Drought resilience, flooding resilience, Analytic Hierarchy Process, Ecosystem-based Adaptation, Managed Aquifer Recharge

A Sustainable Cultural Heritage in Cyprus: Kirklar Tomb with its Architectural and Historical Identity

Memnune Turkan, Zihni Turkan — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Kirklar Tomb, which is in Kirklar village in Cyprus, is considered among the Ottoman period convents in the island. However, it shows differences from other Ottoman period convents in both its place and its architecture. The tomb area under the ground level, accessed through the prayer room, is made of a central corridor and two side corridors housing tombs. Considered a holy place and visited by both Muslims and Christians on the island, the tomb houses the tombs of soldiers who were martyred during the Arab raids on Cyprus. Another narrative tells that the tombs belong to saints who were spreading Christianity in Cyprus. During the restoration works carried out in the convent, animal and geometric mosaics and remains of a column base were revealed in the roof of the tomb, belonging to early Christianity period, and dated V. and VI. Centuries. These findings hint to a three nave basilica. The findings, opinions, and claims of authors from different religions on the place of the shire were also examined. In the all these studies, our views on the sustainability of the possible original state of the Kirklar ttomb, in line with our findings regarding its location, architectural features and architectural findings here, have been presented.

Keywords: Cyprus, tomb, Kirklar, Ottoman, cultural heritage.

Circular Economy Practices and Barriers within European SMEs in the Construction Sector

Sultana Rebeka Akhter, Stefanie Ceustermans — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Despite growing policy ambition under the European Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, circular economy (CE) adoption among resource-intensive sectors, such as the construction sector, remains limited. This study provides the first large-scale quantitative assessment of the difficulties experienced within the European SMEs in the construction sector during transitioning to environmentally sustainable CE implementation. Analyzing data from 2,242 SMEs in the 2024 Flash Eurobarometer 549 survey, the study used logistic regression to test four hypotheses on cost, administrative, expertise, and market-related barriers across nine CE practices. The findings reveal that while operational CE actions, such as resource efficiency in water, energy, and materials, are relatively widespread, more systemic strategies like circular design and switching to greener suppliers of materials are underutilized. Not surprisingly, cost is the most commonly reported difficulty by SMEs in the construction sector. Technical, administrative and market-related difficulties are not often considered significant barriers. Challenges linked to environmental reporting arise in a couple of models, indicating a moderate concern rather than a widespread barrier. Finally, firm size tends to boost the likelihood of undertaking CE actions, pointing to the importance of organizational resources, whereas turnover and company age show no significant results. These results emphasize the need for targeted policy measures that build internal capabilities, stimulate market demand, and accelerate more advanced CE transitions within the construction sector.

Keywords: Circular Economy (CE) adoption, Construction SMEs, Sustainability Barriers, Resource Efficiency, Flash Eurobarometer

The Technical Knowledge Paradox - How Environmental Understanding Creates Action Barriers Among German University Students

Annett Grossmann, Thomas Kriehn, Merve Arikök — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Background and Aims: Technical students demonstrate significantly higher environmental awareness than business students, yet exhibit challenges in translating this knowledge into consistent behavior. This study examines a phenomenon we term the "Technical Knowledge Paradox" - where comprehensive environmental understanding creates action barriers rather than promoting behavioral implementation. Gender effects in academic environments are also investigated.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 318 German university students (174 technical, 144 business) employed the Federal Environmental Agency's validated questionnaire. Mann-Whitney U tests compared groups across environmental affect, cognition, and behavior dimensions. Chi-square tests analyzed specific behavioral actions. Qualitative responses provided additional contextual insights.

Results: Technical students demonstrated significantly higher environmental consciousness (M=5.82, SD=2.15 vs M=5.03, SD=2.38) yet showed mixed behavioral implementation patterns. Only 10.4% engaged actively in environmental causes, revealing a knowledge-action gap where comprehensive understanding created analytical paralysis rather than motivation. Technical students exhibited strong emotional responses to environmental issues but appeared constrained by their deep understanding of problem complexity. This pattern suggests that extensive environmental knowledge may complicate rather than facilitate action pathways. Gender differences were less pronounced than disciplinary ones, though selective patterns emerged in specific behaviors. A systematic consciousness-behavior gap appeared across all student groups, often accompanied by frustration with current environmental policies.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that enhanced environmental education requires approaches beyond knowledge transmission. Universities should develop discipline-specific interventions, particularly addressing the analytical paralysis observed among technical students who possess comprehensive understanding of environmental complexity. This consciousness-behavior disconnect represents a previously unrecognized challenge in sustainability education.

Keywords: environmental psychology; higher education; pro-environmental behavior; engineering education; sustainability science; behavioral barriers

Development of Continuing Education in the Context of Digitalization and Global Educational Trends

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The article examines the processes of transformation of education in the context of globalization and digitalization, in particular, trends in the development of lifelong learning and the introduction of digital educational technologies. It examines modern strategies for the formation of competencies in different countries of the world, including the USA, Canada, the countries of the European Union and Japan, and also analyzes Ukrainian realities in the context of integration into the global educational space. It is shown that digitalization, personalization of educational trajectories, development of open educational resources and introduction of innovative technologies are becoming key factors determining the effectiveness of continuing education. The importance of creating a national digital educational ecosystem integrated with European certification systems, which allows ensuring mutual recognition of qualifications, expanding academic mobility and adapting curricula to the needs of the global labor market, is substantiated. A theoretical and analytical model of the development of lifelong learning is presented, reflecting the complex interaction of global trends and national characteristics, allowing to predict future transformations of educational systems and optimize strategies for their development. The article emphasizes the practical significance of the results for higher education institutions, education management bodies and educational platforms, as they form an analytical basis for planning educational programs that meet the modern requirements of the knowledge economy and global society. Thus, the study demonstrates that the transformation of education in a global context contributes to the formation of competencies necessary for effective participation in modern society and creates conditions for the development of lifelong, flexible and inclusive learning.

Keywords: globalization, lifelong learning, digitalization, transformation of education, competency-based approach

Predicting FinTech App Adoption Intentions in Digitally Constrained Contexts: A Trust-Based Structural Model

Sultan ALGhamdi — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This study examines FinTech adoption among low-literacy users in Saudi Arabia’s emerging regions by proposing and testing the Intermediated Trust–Risk Adoption (ITRA) Model, which integrates digital resilience, agent support, trust, and perceived risk. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 424 respondents in semi-urban and rural Saudi Arabia. The model was validated using Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modelling (CB-SEM). Digital resilience and agent support significantly enhance trust, which in turn drives FinTech adoption intention. Perceived risk negatively influences adoption. Trust mediates the resilience–adoption relationship, and a serial mediation path from usability through resilience and trust is also supported. The study is context-specific and based on self-reported data; future research could explore longitudinal effects or comparative regional analysis. The findings offer insights for designing inclusive, trust-sensitive FinTech solutions that account for cognitive and emotional constraints. This study extends digital inclusion research by theorising the roles of intermediation, trust, and resilience in FinTech adoption among marginalised populations.

Keywords: FinTech adoption, Low-literacy users, Digital resilience, Perceived risk, Trust in technology

Neuroticism and Artificial Intelligence Anxiety. The mediating role of Illusory Beliefs

Dan Florin Stănescu, Marius Constantin Romașcanu — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This study examines how Neuroticism influences AI anxiety and explores the mediating role of Illusory Beliefs in this connection. As AI technologies quickly advance and become more integrated into workplaces, education, and daily decision-making, addressing AI anxiety is essential for promoting technological adaptation and reducing unnecessary fears.

A total of 197 participants (32 males and 165 females) completed surveys measuring self-reported levels of Neuroticism, AI anxiety, and Illusory Beliefs. The data were collected through Google Forms using structured questionnaires, including the Neuroticism Scale, the Artificial Intelligence Anxiety Scale (AIA), and the Illusory Beliefs Inventory (IBI).

The findings showed significant positive correlations between Neuroticism and AI anxiety (r = .301, p < .01), Illusory Beliefs and AI anxiety (r = .331, p < .01), and Neuroticism and Illusory Beliefs (r = .309, p < .01). These findings suggest that individuals reporting higher levels of Neuroticism are more prone to experiencing AI anxiety, likely influenced by their tendency toward Illusory Beliefs. Furthermore, Illusory Beliefs emerged as a strong mediator in the relationship between Neuroticism and AI anxiety.

A deeper understanding of the role of Neuroticism and Illusory Beliefs in influencing perceptions of AI, particularly AI anxiety, can provide valuable insights for designing targeted interventions aimed at reducing fear, correcting cognitive distortions, and promoting a more balanced and adaptive perception of AI technologies.

Keywords: neuroticism, artificial intelligence, anxiety, illusory beliefs, mediation

Manipulation of Consciousness: Psychological Mechanisms for Spreading Disinformation in Crisis Situations

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

During crises such as wars, pandemics, and economic or technological disasters, disinformation spreads faster and wider than accurate information, amplifying social anxiety and undermining institutional trust. Its effects are driven by cognitive biases (illusory truth effect, confirmation heuristics), group identity congruence, and emotional triggers. The aim of this study is to integrate these psychological mechanisms and assess the effectiveness of inoculation (prebunking) and cognitive (accuracy-prompt) interventions in countering crisis-related disinformation. A preregistered multi-wave online experiment with a 2×2×2 factorial design was conducted on a sample of about 2000 adults from Ukraine and Central/Eastern Europe. Results indicate that repeated exposure amplifies the illusory truth effect; congruence with social identity increases credibility; threatening emotional tone enhances virality. Stand-alone interventions (prebunking or accuracy prompts) reduced belief and sharing intention by about 10–15%, whereas their combination achieved more than a 20% reduction with lasting effects. Age, need for cognition, and conspiratorial beliefs moderated susceptibility to disinformation. These findings demonstrate that combined preventive strategies can substantially strengthen societal informational resilience during crises.

Keywords: Disinformation, infodemic, illusory truth effect, social identity, emotional triggers, prebunking, accuracy prompts, informational resilience, crisis communication

Exploring the State of Policy Evaluation: A Critical Study on Regulatory Impact Assessment Practices in Saudi Arabia

Abdullah Almutiri, Ali Jifri — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This study examines the current state of Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, focusing on its institutionalization, implementation, and alignment with international standards. As part of the country's broader regulatory reform agenda under Vision 2030, RIA has emerged as a critical tool for improving the quality of regulations, enhancing transparency, and promoting evidence-based policymaking. Using a descriptive-analytical approach, the research relies on a review of official documents, relevant literature, and survey data collected from stakeholders across government institutions. The findings reveal that while Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in establishing a legal and procedural framework for RIA, several challenges persist, including limited institutional capacity, insufficient awareness among policymakers, and weak stakeholder engagement. The paper highlights gaps between policy intent and practice, and it offers practical recommendations for strengthening the institutional foundations, training mechanisms, and participatory processes necessary for effective RIA implementation. These insights contribute to ongoing efforts to enhance regulatory governance and public sector efficiency in the Kingdom.

Keywords: Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA); Public Policy; Policy Evaluation, Saudi Arabia, Regulatory Reform

Green Financing and Sustainable Entrepreneurship: A Comparative Analysis of Developed and Developing Economies through Key Sustainability Indicators

Meryem Raissi — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

As economies worldwide confront the urgent need to transition toward low-carbon and socially inclusive development models, the interaction between green finance, sustainable entrepreneurship, and innovation ecosystems has become central to both academic debate and policy agendas. This article investigates how these dimensions jointly shape national trajectories across 30 developed and developing countries by combining key sustainability indicators, including the Green Growth Index, Global Green Finance Index, Global Innovation Index, ESG scores, and the number of unicorns. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the study identifies two main latent dimensions integrated sustainability and technological dynamism and reveals a typology of sustainability-driven, tech-driven, and lagging economies. Countries such as Switzerland and Sweden demonstrate a strong convergence between ESG performance, green growth, and innovation capacity, whereas others, including the United States, India, and Kenya, exhibit more fragmented patterns. The findings highlight the critical mediating role of institutional quality in translating green financial flows and innovative potential into sustainable entrepreneurial outcomes. For policymakers, the results offer a comparative diagnostic tool to prioritise interventions in green finance infrastructure, ESG regulation, and ecosystem support, and to design more inclusive regional cooperation frameworks. The study also points to avenues for future research, including the integration of blue economy indicators and subnational data, as well as the use of causal modelling approaches, to further inform evidence-based strategies for sustainable and resilient development.

Keywords: finance; sustainable entrepreneurship; ESG; innovation; green and blue economy; Principal Component Analysis (PCA)

Translating EU climate policies into building design requirements. The EIB West Campus Programme – a case study

Maria Costi de Castrillo — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is one of the largest providers of global climate finance and a pioneer in promoting sustainability and circular transition, both through its lending activity and its own projects. This paper presents the EIB West Campus programme (WCP) in Luxembourg as a case study on how to translate and integrate EU climate policies into design and construction requirements from the initial stages of design.

The WCP is a large-scale project (GIA circa 79,300 m²) that includes the renovation and energy efficiency upgrading of the EIB historic brutalist headquarters (1980) and of its Extension building (1995), located in Luxembourg. This paper introduces the methodological approach adopted for the integration into the project brief and the design requirements of sustainability and circularity objectives as translated from EU regulations, directives and guidelines through tasks and deliverables for the concept design stage and further stages of design and construction. A specific challenge has been the structuring of the design requirements to create synergies and promote innovation and novelty around sustainability and circularity aspects. This case study may serve in the future to provide guidance on integration of climate policies in large scale building design processes.

Keywords: Circular Economy Strategy, Renovation Scope, Innovation, Building Design objectives and requirements, Project Brief, Invitation to Tender

The Role of Cultural Dimensions in Sustainable Development Implementation: An Empirical Analysis of Georgian Medium and Large-Sized Enterprises

Miranda Tsintskiladze — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Integrating sustainable practices into business strategies remains complex, particularly in emerging markets such as Georgia. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the relationship between cultural dimensions—collectivism/individualism, Power Distance Index, and sustainable practices in Georgian enterprises.

The study findings revealed that collectivist culture positively affects sustainable practices, particularly in social sustainability, continuous improvement and learning, governance and ethics, and integration and alignment. However, the power distance index did not positively affect sustainable practices within Georgian enterprises.

The findings also present practical implications for managers and practitioners seeking sustainable practices. By understanding how cultural dimensions influence sustainability, decision-makers can develop strategies that align with their organizational culture. This alignment will support the effective integration of sustainable development principles, helping enterprises navigate sustainability challenges while maximizing their positive impact.

Keywords: collectivist culture, individualist culture, power distance culture, sustainable practice, medium and large sized enterprises, Georgian context.

Sustainable Development and Export-Oriented Marketing of Value-Added Agricultural Products as a Driver of Ukraine's Economic Recovery During and After the War

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The study focuses on the analysis of sustainable development and export-oriented marketing of high value-added agricultural products as a key factor in Ukraine’s economic recovery during the war and in the post-war period. The paper examines the structural features of Ukrainian exports, identifies key trends in their dynamics, and highlights the challenges of raw material dependence and limited processing depth. A comparative assessment is conducted of the export potential of various product categories, including grains, oilseeds, organic produce, and products of advanced processing. Based on the analysis, the study proposes a model for transitioning from a raw material-based economy to an innovation-driven economy focused on the development of regional agri-food clusters and the attraction of investment in processing technologies, certification, packaging, and product refinement. Within the framework of post-war recovery scenario modeling, three development trajectories are distinguished: a baseline (inertial) scenario, an innovation-driven (cluster-based) scenario, and an integration-oriented (EU-aligned) scenario. The findings demonstrate that the implementation of the integration-oriented scenario, which emphasizes the creation of export clusters, enhancement of technological readiness, digital transformation, and promotion of the “Ukrainian Organic / High Value AgriFood” brand would ensure the highest export growth rates and drive structural modernization of the agricultural sector. The study substantiates that the export of high value-added products represents a strategic pathway to enhancing Ukraine’s economic resilience, international competitiveness, and integration into the European market. Promising markets for export development have been identified as the European Union, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia – regions characterized by stable demand for products with high levels of consumer trust and certification. The proposed recommendations focus on strengthening state support, developing innovation infrastructure, diversifying export destinations, and enhancing the role of sustainable marketing as a tool for economic growth.

Keywords: sustainable development, agricultural export, international marketing, value added, cluster model, export-oriented marketing, post-war recovery, processing, innovation-driven economy, EU integration, Ukrainian Organic / High Value AgriFood.

The Activities of the Polish Red Cross as an Element of Cultural Integration of Ukrainian Migrants

Dorota Rynkowska — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022, has resulted in a rapid influx of refugees into Poland, numbering several million. The armed conflict on the territory of Ukraine, which began in 2022, has entailed a number of social consequences. Local governments, government administration, public institutions, social, non-governmental and church organizations, entrepreneurs and residents have all joined forces to provide assistance to Ukrainian citizens. NGOs play a key role in helping the Ukrainian community in Poland. Their activities include helping refugees in Poland, providing humanitarian support to Ukraine, as well as countering disinformation and building communication bridges. The Polish Red Cross is one of the many entities that actively participate in adaptation and integration processes for Ukrainian citizens. This institution focuses primarily on helping people from Ukraine within long-term integration programs. The Polish Red Cross is constantly developing activation programs that provide refugees from Ukraine with stabilization and social integration. As part of the active activities of the Polish Red Cross, refugees receive comprehensive assistance in the areas of education, employment, health care and psychological support. The aim of this article is to attempt to analyse the forms of assistance and support for Ukrainian refugees implemented by the Polish Red Cross.

Keywords: non-governmental organizations, humanitarian aid, support, integration, adaptation

Socio-Psychological Factors of the Efficiency of Personal Communication of Future Specialists in Virtual Information Space

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The relevance of the study is due to the growing role of digital communication in the professional training of future specialists and the need to develop skills for effective interaction in virtual environments. The aim of the work is to identify the features of the formation of key components of students’ digital communication and determine the factors that influence the quality of their interaction in online formats. The object of the study is the digital communication skills of future specialists, and the subject is their emotional, cognitive-perceptual and behavioral manifestations in digital environments. The research methodology is based on a structured short questionnaire and the assessment of real behavioral indicators (average reaction time, number of initiated messages, frequency of participation in discussions), which allowed combining subjective and objective data. The results of the study showed uneven development of individual components: the highest values were demonstrated by social-perceptual sensitivity (M = 4.17) and general digital communicative competence (M = 4.09), while emotional regulation (M = 3.84), behavioral activity (M = 9.32) and digital reactivity (M = 12.46 sec.) revealed lower or more variable values. The initiative of students (M = 14.73) significantly exceeds the level of their stable participation in team interactions, which indicates the predominance of impulsive forms of communication over regular ones. Based on the data obtained, a system of practical recommendations was formed aimed at developing emotional self-regulation, increasing behavioral stability, optimizing the pace of digital interaction and creating supportive communication practices in digital learning environments. The results of the study have practical significance for the development of educational programs aimed at developing the digital communicative competence of future specialists.

Keywords: digital communication, socio-psychological factors, emotional regulation, social-perceptual sensitivity, digital reactivity, behavioral activity, initiative, communicative competence, virtual educational environment, digital platforms

When Technology Meets Institutions: Digitalization, Governance, and Human Development in Emerging Economies

Ali Alsubaie — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Purpose: This study examines the joint impact of digitalization and governance quality on human development in emerging economies.

Approach: Using yearly data from 30 countries (2002–2023), we analyze both direct and moderating effects by combining fixed-effects estimation with a two-step Difference GMM approach.

Findings: Digitalization shows a positive relationship with the Human Development Index (HDI). The interaction between digitalization and governance is negative—statistically significant in the fixed-effects model and negative, albeit less precise, in the Difference GMM model—suggesting that the gains from digitalization diminish as governance improves. Control variables act as slow-changing fundamentals; primary school enrollment is positive and significant in the dynamic model, while urbanization and the dependency ratio are not significant.

Originality: The findings suggest that digital policies alone are insufficient; institutional quality determines the extent of the “digital dividend.” We recommend combining investments in connectivity and digital public services with reforms to strengthen the rule of law, regulatory quality, and accountability, thereby promoting fair and lasting improvements in human development.

Keywords: Digital transformation; Governance quality; Rule of Law; Human Development Index; Emerging economies; Difference GMM; Interaction effects; Inclusive growth

Opportunities and Challenges of AI Language Models in Higher Education for Sustainable Development

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This article examines the contemporary opportunities and limitations of using large language models
(LLMs), including ChatGPT, in higher education and scientific research. It outlines the technological
foundations of LLMs, highlighting their capabilities for context-aware dialogue, language synthesis,
automated assessment, and personalization of learning pathways, including applications in language
learning and intercultural communication that can support learner autonomy and communicative
competence. The study emphasizes the potential of AI to enhance the quality of education, support
pedagogical decision-making, and improve the management of educational processes. At the same
time, key risks are identified, including informational biases, reliance on training data, the potential
generation of inaccurate content, threats to privacy, and challenges to academic integrity. Ethical
considerations are discussed, focusing on algorithmic transparency, data security, researcher
accountability, and the prevention of discriminatory effects. The article also presents key strategies for
addressing these challenges, including the development of information and ethical literacy, the
establishment of transparent university policies, clarification of scientific publication requirements,
and implementation of guidelines for responsible LLM use. The study concludes that effective
integration of LLMs into academic environments requires a balanced combination of innovative
potential and ethical safeguards to ensure the integrity of education and scientific research.

Keywords: large language models (LLMs), higher education, personalized learning, academic integrity, artificial intelligence, digital literacy, sustainable development, ethical AI, communication

Sustainable Hotel Competitiveness Through Benchmarking an Application of the Marketing Mix 12P

Anano Shanidze, Giorgi Tsulaia, Nanuli Makharadze — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Market research is critically important to the development of the hotel industry, as it helps to achieve compliance with international standards and increase the competitiveness of companies in the market. Benchmarking is a strategic process where companies compare their performance, practices, experience, and results with industry leaders and major competitors to identify flaws and find ways to fix and solve them. Benchmarking gives hotels opportunities to study international standards and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of their services.

This paper presents both theoretical and practical results of using marketing mix 12P in hotel business; possibilities of using marketing mix 12P are substantiated and coefficients of index weights are revealed. The results of expert research have established the weightiest marketing mix element and developed a model that can be practically used by managers to determine competitiveness in the hotel business.

The conclusion of the paper substantiates the advantages of using the benchmarking model, which will simplify the timely detection of problems in the Georgian hotel business and the ways to solve them. In the condition of benchmarking, the use of the marketing mix 12P will help to satisfy the customer demands, which will depend on the properly implementation of benchmarking in the hotel business.

Keywords: Benchmarking, hotel business, marketing mix, 12P, expert assessment, marketing, research, model.

Susthira Thrithala: A Model for Integrated and Participatory Sustainable Development in Rural India

A Nizamudeen, M B. Rajesh — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Susthira Thrithala represents an exemplary initiative in sustainable rural transformation, implemented in the Thrithala constituency of Kerala, India. Conceived to address the severe decline in groundwater despite the proximity to the Bharathapuzha River, the project offers an integrated, community-driven model for ecological resilience. Anchored in watershed-based planning and institutional convergence, the initiative brought together local self-governments, scientific bodies, NGOs, and the public to develop and execute a detailed action plan. Key interventions included artificial groundwater recharge, extensive water body restoration, rooftop rainwater harvesting, and the implementation of India’s first Water Budget at both panchayat and constituency levels. Agricultural revival through paddy and coconut cultivation, introduction of mushroom farming, and integrated farming have further enhanced food security and local livelihoods. The project also integrated green energy initiatives, sustainable fisheries, and decentralized waste management, all supported by robust community engagement, particularly through Kudumbashree units and schools. The success of Susthira Thrithala underscores the power of local participation, inter-departmental coordination, and environmental stewardship in addressing climate and water crises. This model offers replicable insights for other regions seeking sustainable and inclusive development pathways.

Keywords: Sustainable Development, Groundwater Recharge, Community Participation, Watershed Management

AI-Driven Talent Management and Sustainable Competitive Advantage in the FMCG Sector: The Role of Organizational Resilience and AI-Tech Trust

Bassant Adel Mostafa — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This study examines the role of AI-driven talent management in attaining a sustainable competitive advantage for fast-moving consumer goods companies in Egypt. Specifically, it explores the mediating role of organizational resilience and the moderating effect of AI-tech trust in a highly volatile and dynamic business environment. Data were collected through an online self-administered questionnaire from 290 HR professionals from the FMCG sector in Egypt. The results reveal that AI-driven talent management enhances organizational resilience, thereby contributing to sustainable competitive advantage.

Moreover, AI-tech trust positively moderates the relationship between AI-driven talent management and sustainable competitive advantage through organizational resilience. The results extend the resource-based view and dynamic capability view by demonstrating how AI-driven talent management and organizational resilience operate as dynamic capabilities that sustain competitiveness. The findings offer practical insights for FMCG leaders on leveraging AI-driven talent management to enhance organizational resilience and long-term competitiveness. As one of the earliest empirical investigations in a developing economy context, this study highlights the strategic importance of AI-driven talent management for sustaining competitiveness through organizational resilience and AI-tech trust in the FMCG sector.

Keywords: Talent management, Artificial Intelligence, Sustainable Competitive Advantage, Organizational Resilience Capacity, AI-tech trust

The Cutting-Edge Approaches in Construction: Digital Solutions and Automated Processes

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The study creates a conceptual integration structure for automated management of the road infrastructure cadastre based on the systematic integration of building information modeling (IFC 4.3), geographic information systems (CityGML 3.0), three-dimensional cadastral systems (Land Administration Domain Model Edition II) and machine learning technologies. The study addresses the problem of data fragmentation in modern methods. The methodology is based on a comparative analysis of four national cases, including the Netherlands, Spain, the cross-border Belgian-German case and Ukraine, to validate the scalability of the framework. The framework offers a 4-layer architecture that ensures semantic preservation of 90-95% in high-quality data and 75-80% in transformation systems. The LADM extension adds three special classes of road infrastructure that have a formal demarcation between legal (a right-of-way, typically 3-8 meters wider than the physical pavement) and physical space. The seven-step registration process shows that it can save 60-80% of time compared to the traditional method, with coordinate transformation accuracies ranging from ±5 centimeters in developed systems to ±20 centimeters in developing systems. The integrated estimation model has a predicted accuracy of 7-10 % mean absolute error in mature systems and 13-17 % in data-limited environments, which is 15-25 % better than traditional methods. Comparative analysis shows that the Netherlands is able to achieve 85-90% automation of workflows, Spain – 60-70%, and Ukraine – 40-50% in the first stage, which is especially relevant for a post-war situation when infrastructure needs to be rebuilt.

Keywords: highway infrastructure, 3D cadastre, BIM-GIS integration, automated infrastructure valuation, digital twin, land administration, motorways, valuation of land and real estate, cadastre of settlements

Becoming Otherwise: The Fragility of Whole School Approaches to Transformative Sustainability Education

Simon Lightman — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This article examines how a UK independent school sought to embed sustainability through a Whole School Approach (WSA). Semi-structured interviews with eight staff and analysis of institutional documents were interpreted using reflexive thematic analysis. Five themes emerged: sustainability was framed as both moral value and strategic necessity; leadership was committed yet constrained; structural mechanisms created coherence but translated inconsistently into pedagogy; student agency was celebrated rhetorically but rarely institutionalised; and teachers carried significant emotional labour in response to students’ climate anxieties.

Taken together, these dynamics show how WSAs generate surface coherence when structural instruments are not coupled with cultural and relational depth. Interpreting the case through an ontological lens frames transformation as a question of who learners and institutions are becoming in relation to human and more than human worlds. Recent work on leadership for flourishing sharpens this analysis by identifying dispositions of trust, attentiveness, courage, and co-creativity.

The article proposes a mid-level model linking structural instruments to cultural levers; leadership as ethical discernment, epistemic justice through student co decision, and ethical atmospheres that integrate affect. It positions WSAs as fragile yet necessary experiments in institutional becoming and argues they should be judged by their capacity to cultivate conditions of flourishing rather than by structural coherence alone.

Keywords: transformative sustainability education; whole school approach; flourishing leadership; ontology; epistemic justice; affect

Sustainability Policy and Preferred Strategies for the Development of Recreational Zones in Historical City Centers

Fidan Mustafayeva — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The article examines the existing recreational zones in the central areas of Baku and Nevshehir – cities rich in historical heritage and highlights their significance while proposing future development strategies. Focusing on the recreational zones within the historic city centers of these two urban areas, the study underscores the necessity of developing comprehensive planning proposals to ensure the sustainability of these zones in ecological, socio-economic, and cultural dimensions. The analysis emphasizes the role of these zones in enhancing the development potential of both the cities and their respective countries by integrating them into well-organized tourist routes. It further stresses the need for protection plans to safeguard these valuable areas, preserving their historical and cultural integrity. A survey was conducted to support the strategic development of recreational zones around historic sites. Participants were queried about the challenges and drawbacks that could impede the advancement of recreational zones in historical centers. Insights from the survey were used to formulate a structural plan aimed at fostering the sustainable development of these recreational zones, contributing to the holistic growth and vitality of the cities.

Keywords: Baku, Icherisheher, Avanos, recreation zones, historical city centers, tourism potential

How Entrepreneurship Impacts Sustainable Development: An Empirical Evidence from Emerging

Ahmed Naji Badawi, Mohammed Ahmed Saeed — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The purpose of the manuscript was to examine the impact of entrepreneurship on the sustainable development of Saudi Arabia's consulting industry. Entrepreneurship dimensions included risk-taking, innovativeness, and proactiveness, whereas sustainable development dimensions included economic, social, and environmental sustainability. The research participants were represented by managers of consulting companies in Saudi Arabia. A purposive sample of 177 managers at companies located in Jeddah was acquired, representing a response rate of 80.45% of the total disseminated surveys. To assess the research's hypotheses, structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed as an inferential statistical analytic approach. The study's findings offered support for the impact of entrepreneurship on the sustainable development of the consulting industry in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the findings indicated that all dimensions of entrepreneurship had positive effects on the sustainable development of the consulting industry in Saudi Arabia, with risk-taking having the largest impact and proactiveness having the lowest. Accordingly, the manuscript recommended managers of consulting companies and decision-makers in Saudi Arabia allocate extra resources for research and development activities to create new models that could assist in the proactive capture of investment opportunities.

JEL Classification: L26, L31, Q01.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development, Consulting Industry, Saudi Arabia.

An Evidence-Based Approach to Understanding Sustainable Urbanization in a Developing Country

Anam Javeed, Muhammad Yar Khan, Mohamed Mahees Raheem — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Urbanisation is occurring at an exceptional rate in developing countries. Urbanization has also become a recent trend in the globalized world. The resources and facilities available in urban areas are prompting rural people to leave their homes and move to cities. Although it is a positive approach for people to move for better lives, rapid urbanisation comes with challenges. Urbanisation is hitting the region of Asia, and Pakistan is also in the wave. This study aims to examine the different aspects that hinder sustainable urbanisation in Pakistan. The results show that poor housing quality and affordability, water and sanitation facilities, poor land management, economic inequity, and lack of participation from the residing communities all act as aspects that could impede the process of sustainable urbanisation in the area. Poor government policies were used as a moderator in this study, and the results reflect that the hindrance towards sustainable urbanisation gets even more intensified if the government policies are not efficient. This study provides analytical insight into the major challenges of urbanization faced by Pakistan because of the rising population and migration. This study provides recommendations to aid in the process of achieving sustainable urbanization, which can be used for policymaking. Studies in the Pakistani context are also an important addition to the sustainability literature.

Keywords: Sustainable Urbanization; Sanitation Facilities; Lack of Participation; Governmental Policies; Developing Countries Asia, Malaysia; Pakistan; SMEs; Sustainable Development; Sustainable Product; Sustainable Price; Sustainable Place; Sustainable Personnel; Sustainable Process

The Impact of Adopting Artificial Intelligence Systems on the Efficiency of Knowledge Management Processes: An Applied Study at Noon Saudi Arabia

Asaad Naffaa Alsulami — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to investigate the effect of implementing artificial intelligence (AI) systems on the efficiency of knowledge management (KM) processes at Noon Saudi Arabia, one of the largest e-commerce companies in the region. The study employed a descriptive-analytical methodology, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to a random sample of 120 employees. It focused on four core dimensions of KM: knowledge creation, knowledge storage, knowledge sharing, and knowledge application, with the adoption of AI systems as the independent variable. The study results revealed a significant positive effect of AI adoption on all KM dimensions, with varying degrees. The strongest impact was observed on knowledge creation, followed by storage and sharing, while the weakest effect was found in knowledge application. The findings highlight AI as a strategic enabler of KM processes in digital enterprises, though optimal results depend on organizational and human readiness. The study recommended investing in digital infrastructure, staff training, and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge Management, Noon Saudi Arabia, Knowledge Creation, Knowledge Application.

The Omnibus Simplification Package: Burden Release at the Cost of Transparency?

Yujie CAI — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Sustainable development has become a global priority, and the EU has responded with an increasingly stringent and standardized regime to regulate corporate sustainability practices. However, these directives have also received criticism from both companies and member countries. To ease the burden of companies and increase competitiveness, the EU presents the Omnibus Simplification Package I in early 2025 which simplifies requirements in key sustainable directives.

This article examines current sustainable reporting challenge and predicts the possible effect of the EU Omnibus Simplification Package I. First, drawing on the sustainability reports of three large companies from different industries, I found that, under current strict sustainable directives, they have conducted practices to obscure their adverse performance. Second, though the implementation of simplification package can release corporate's burdens, its over-simplified provisions may exacerbate current reporting situation. Additionally, if the simplification package been implemented, companies may avoid their sustainable obligations through four predictable approaches: managing to stay below the threshold applicable, taking intense activity only near the assessment year, maintaining or even intensifying current practice to construct a green image and avoid penalty through litigation over "uneven" fines.

Keywords: Omnibus Simplification Package, Over-simplified, Sustainability reporting, ESG, Regulatory capture

Mitigating Cultural Bias in Diplomacy Education: Toward Sustainable Intercultural Learning

Julianna Fejes-Nádai — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

It has always been a challenge to instruct students with various cultural and national background at universities; it is especially true when it comes to the complex issues of diplomacy. The aim of the paper is to highlight the challenges experts have to face when teaching the subject of diplomacy in higher education institutions. Both professors and students must be aware of the potential cultural bias when the focus is laid on international issues. Nevertheless, there is a demand for being well informed about the current diplomatic activities, which require open-mindedness and an objective approach, which are very hard to reach. The study reveals the competences necessary both for professors and students to avoid or minimize a biased perception of reality and besides, which values are definitely obvious and emphasized when discussing crucial and sensitive topics. The method of analysis is based on secondary literature results and semi-structured interviews with professors and international students at Széchenyi University in Hungary. The study attempts to find out the solutions to minimize bias and strengthen values in the academic discipline of diplomacy.

Keywords: diplomacy, cultural bias, multicultural groups, universities, semi-structured interviews

Media Literacy of Citizens as a Factor in Counteracting Manipulative Influence on the State

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

In the current context of information warfare and the spread of large-scale disinformation, media literacy is gaining strategic importance as a key factor in ensuring national resilience and protecting citizens from cognitive threats. The relevance of this topic is due to the growth of information aggression and the need to develop critical thinking among the population. In particular, the relevance is enhanced by the growth of information aggression by the occupying country, Russia, which uses large-scale advertising campaigns to spread disinformation on social networks, as well as by dynamic changes in the perception of information by the Ukrainian population in the context of a full-scale invasion. The main aim is to consider the growing level of information and propaganda attacks, in particular, on the example of Russia’s activities in this field, and media literacy in countering information attacks. The example of Finland demonstrates a comprehensive and strategic approach of the state to the formation of media literacy among its citizens, starting from preschool age and throughout life, in various forms and using an interdisciplinary approach and based on European legislative norms and concepts. The article also considers the intensification of information and propaganda attacks and the role of media literacy in countering them. The methodological basis of the work was the analysis of scientific publications, journalistic materials and interviews, as well as relevant official documents; analysis and synthesis of the information received, content analysis of relevant Internet resources. The results of the study and their practical significance. It is emphasized that media literacy significantly increases the ability of citizens to critically evaluate information, reduces the impact of disinformation and helps to preserve social cohesion. It was found that even in countries with a high level of media literacy, there are digital gaps, which requires continuous improvement of educational programs. In particular, the analysis of Ukrainian sociological data (2020–2024) showed a significant increase in the overall media literacy index during the full-scale war: the share of citizens with an above-average score increased from 55% to 81% (2022) and stabilized at a high level (76% in 2023). This indicates that the population is adapting and increasing critical thinking in response to external threats. The analysis of the Finnish experience and Ukrainian dynamics confirms the need for continuous improvement of educational programs to ensure uniform information sustainability of the entire society. The results obtained can be used to develop state strategies for media education, improve information security and form critical thinking of the population in the context of modern information threats.

Keywords: War of Independence of Ukraine, information aggression, Middle East countries, cognitive warfare, cognitive influence, critical thinking, media literacy, national security, propaganda, Poland, public administration, Russia, Finland

Dual Target Governance and Sustainable Low-Carbon Development: Reassessing the Growth- Environment Nexus in Chinese Cities

Yancheng Liu, Zhiyuan Luo, Xiangjie Li, Ran Wang, Xilin Zhang — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Existing research indicates that excessively high economic growth targets are detrimental to environmental protection. This paper further examines the moderating effect of introducing environmental objectives on the relationship between economic growth and carbon emission intensity, exploring the theoretical mechanism that shifts the relationship between economic growth and environmental protection from substitution to complementarity. Empirical analysis utilizes panel data from 278 Chinese cities between 2006 and 2019. Two variables—textual data from local government work reports and the exogenous shock of the new Environmental Protection Law’s enactment—serve as proxies for “environmental target introduction.” Find- ings reveal: (1) Higher economic growth targets inhibit carbon reduction, while introducing environmental targets mitigates this effect; (2) Government development targets primarily in- fluence carbon intensity through three channels: environmental regulation, green innovation, and industrial structure; (3) The impact of economic growth and environmental targets on car- bon intensity exhibits spatial heterogeneity. In economically developed cities, resource-based cities, provincial capitals, cities with independent planning status, and sub-provincial cities, the dual targets show no significant effect on carbon intensity. This study provides theoretical support for further refining government target management systems.

Keywords: economic growth targets; environmental targets; carbon intensity; Environmental Protection Law (EPL).

From Practice to Integrated Reporting: CSR, Sustainable Supply Chains, and the Augmented Workforce in Football Marketing

Mbarek Rahmoune, Hassan Alsaggaf, Mohamed Alsagaf, Shaher Alshoon — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This paper proposes a systemic framework for integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable supply chain practices into football marketing. Building on Puxty’s and Miller’s conception of accounting as a social practice, and extending Arvidsson (2019) model, the study synthesizes literature across CSR, supply chain management, and sports marketing. A qualitative systematic review of 30 peer-reviewed studies, selected through rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria, forms the empirical foundation. The review identifies five thematic clusters CSR and stakeholder legitimacy, sustainable supply chain practices, CSR-SCM integration, marketing narratives of sustainability, and integrated reporting. From these findings, a four-level systemic model is articulated (normative, strategic, operational, and integrative), with extensions that embed supply chain responsibility and marketing practices. The framework offers theoretical and practical contributions by providing football clubs and stakeholders with a structured pathway for aligning social accountability with strategic marketing, while also setting an agenda for future research. In addition, the framework explicitly recognizes the role of the augmented supply chain workforce, highlighting how the integration of human expertise with digital technologies enhances sustainability, governance, and accountability within football supply chains.

Keywords: Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sports Marketing, Football Industry, Workforce

The Cost of Growth: How OPEC Countries Navigate the Trade-Offs of Sustainable Development?

Mojtaba Nikzad, Eva Gerharz — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

OPEC member countries face a persistent challenge in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and public health. This study investigates the interlinked dynamics among economic growth, environmental protection, and public health using a panel dataset from 1990 to 2024 and employing robust econometric methods, including stationarity tests, fixed effects estimation, and the Hausman test. Key variables analyzed include per capita GDP, capital accumulation, urbanization, education, CO? emissions, and adult mortality rates. The results demonstrate that while capital accumulation and urbanization significantly enhance economic growth, they do not inherently alleviate environmental pressures. The empirical rejection of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) suggests that rising income levels in OPEC countries are associated with continued environmental degradation. Public health, conversely, was found to positively influence economic growth, highlighting its role as both an outcome and a driver of development. Education emerged as a supportive factor, improving health outcomes and correlating positively with economic growth, although its environmental impact was statistically insignificant. Drawing upon these empirical results, the present study delineates focused strategies for policymaking, including increased investment in human capital, reallocation of oil revenues toward healthcare and environmental remediation, and a gradual transition toward cleaner industrial practices. These proposals aim to help OPEC countries address the negative trade-offs between industrial expansion, environmental degradation, and public health challenges on the path to sustainable development.

Keywords: Sustainable Development, Economic Growth, Environmental Protection, Public Health, Kuznets Curve hypothesis, OPEC Member Countries

Comparative Analysis of Resilience and Marketing Adaptation Strategies: An Integrated Company Resilience Index and a Crisis Planning Model

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The article examines the resilience strategies and marketing adaptation of Ukrainian enterprises under the conditions of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, with a focus on the period 2022–2024. The purpose of the study is to develop and test an integrated resilience index for companies and clusters, as well as a crisis-planning model that combines the financial-export, operational-logistical, marketing, and institutional-organizational dimensions of business resilience. Based on statistical data on Ukraine’s foreign trade (State Statistics Service of Ukraine), the TOP-15 export commodity groups were selected and consolidated into three leading export-oriented clusters: agri-food (raw materials and processing), furniture manufacturing, and mechanical engineering and electrical equipment. For each cluster, sub-indices of financial-export, operational-logistical, marketing, and institutional-organizational resilience were calculated, along with an integrated resilience index, which made it possible to identify distinct resilience profiles – “financial-institutional” (agri-food sector), “marketing-operational” (furniture cluster), and a profile of unrealized strategic potential (mechanical engineering and electrical equipment). The analysis demonstrates that marketing adaptation – increasing the share of high value-added products, developing branding, digital sales channels, and geographical diversification – is a critical determinant of long-term resilience and cannot be treated as a secondary element of crisis management. Based on the results of the integrated assessment, cluster-specific directions of marketing adaptation in international markets were formulated and incorporated into a continuous crisis-planning model for enterprises. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of applying the proposed approach to prioritize instruments of state and regional export-support policies, as well as to develop corporate resilience strategies and marketing adaptation programs for Ukrainian companies during the war and the post-war recovery period.

Keywords: Resilience strategy, marketing adaptation, integrated company resilience index, crisis management, marketing strategy, marketing communication, consumer behavior in crisis conditions, branding during a crisis, digital marketing, adaptive marketing tools, brand positioning, innovation adaptability, financial business resilience, corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainable marketing, anti-crisis marketing, export-oriented clusters, agri-food sector, furniture industry, mechanical engineering

Evaluation of the Deposit System as a Mechanism to Promote Recycling and Reuse of Packaging in Poland

Olga Ławińska — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

According to a European Commission regulation, at least 65% of all packaging waste should be recycled by the end of 2025 and 70% by the end of 2030. Poland is highly likely to fall short of meeting the targets. This is an alarming forecast, as recycling rates play a key role in assessing the efficiency of waste management systems, as well as in monitoring progress towards a circular economy. One of the solutions currently being implemented by the Polish government is the packaging deposit system, which is to become operational in October 2025. The aim of this article is to evaluate the deposit system as a mechanism to promote recycling and reuse of packaging in Poland. The literature review, the analysis of statistical data and conduction of a survey made it possible to formulate conclusions for the science and practice of waste management in the context of the transformation towards a circular economy. The results of the survey indicate that the Polish public positively evaluated the assumptions of the deposit system and its positive impact on reducing environmental pollution. On the other hand, a significant barrier of the deposit system is an insufficient information campaign and a deficient educational activity about its implementation.

Keywords: deposit system, recycling rates, waste management, European Union, circular economy

The Impact of Sustainability Practices on Supply Chain Efficiency: Evidence from Emerging Markets

Hasan Balfaqih — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This research investigates the integration of sustainability practices within supply chain management and evaluates their impact on operational efficiency. Despite the increasing global focus on sustainable operations, a significant gap remains in understanding how sustainability efforts lead to measurable performance improvements, particularly in emerging markets.

This study addresses this gap by examining the relationship between environmental, social, and economic sustainability practices and supply chain efficiency. A quantitative approach was employed, using a structured questionnaire distributed to 120 supply chain professionals across various industries. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS for descriptive statistics and regression analysis.

The findings demonstrate a notable positive correlation between implementing sustainability practices—especially environmental initiatives like waste reduction and resource optimization—and supply chain efficiency. Social and economic practices also exhibit positive, albeit somewhat weaker, effects. These findings provide empirical support for the business case of sustainability, suggesting that environmentally responsible strategies can enhance logistical performance and operational outcomes.

The research contributes to the expanding literature on sustainable SCM and provides practical insights for managers seeking to balance efficiency with long-term ecological and social goals. Future research should consider utilizing longitudinal data and industry-specific models to explore causal relationships further.

Keywords: Sustainability, Supply Chain Efficiency, Green Supply Chain, Environment Control

Adaptive and Sustainable Supply Chain Management under Systemic Instability: Evidence from the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Ukraine Conflict

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The analytical examination will concentrate on elucidating transformations within supply chain management systems precipitated by crisis phenomena spanning the period from 2020 through 2024. The principal objective of this investigation is to conduct a comparative assessment of adaptive strategies employed by logistics systems under the conditions of both the COVID-19 pandemic and armed conflict in Ukraine. The methodological framework underpinning this research is grounded in a comprehensive approach that synthesizes quantitative examination of statistical indicators with qualitative evaluation of managerial practices. The results of the study demonstrate fundamental differences in the mechanisms of supply chain adaptation to different types of crises. The COVID-19 pandemic allowed for gradual adaptation with the possibility of recovery planning: companies had time to reorganize routes, search for alternative suppliers, and implement digital solutions. Military operations in Ukraine required an immediate response and a radical restructuring of logistics networks: companies were forced to move warehouses, change transportation corridors and ensure the safety of their staff within days. According to an analysis of sea freight rates, the cost of container transportation increased from $2,100 in July 2020 to $1,200 in November 2021. In the structure of Ukrainian imports in 2022, road transport accounted for 64% of the total value of all imported transportation, while in 2021 this figure did not exceed 35%. According to international technology reports, the introduction of digital twins in supply chain management increased from 5% of companies in 2020 to 34% in 2024, and the use of blockchain technologies increased from 8% to 35%, respectively. A conceptual model of adaptive management has been developed that integrates early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms. The study forms a new paradigm of management in the context of permanent instability.

Keywords: supply chain management, crisis management, adaptive strategies, digital transformation, logistics resilience, COVID-19, military operations, transport logistics, crisis management, instability, control and organization in supply chain management, supply chains, optimization

The Impact of Government Budget Announcements on the Financial Market: The Case of Saudi Arabia

Caroline Mahmood Khan, Alyaa AlGhanmi, Bayan Baabad, Manal Alharbi — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This event study examines the impact of government budget announcements on the Saudi stock market (TASI) from 2017 to 2023. Daily closing prices of the TASI index and dates of budget announcements are analyzed. The findings reveal that announcements elicited varied responses. The 2017 announcement of a budget deficit led to negative abnormal returns, reflecting investor concern, while the 2019 announcement of a surplus generated positive abnormal returns, indicating market optimism. The 2020 announcement, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, also resulted in positive abnormal returns, suggesting market confidence in the government's economic management. Subsequent announcements in 2021 and 2022, with a minor deficit and a surplus respectively, showed mixed reactions, highlighting the complex interplay of factors influencing investor behavior. The 2021 budget announcement, despite a minor deficit, did not lead to significant negative returns, possibly due to other economic factors overshadowing the deficit's impact. Similarly, the 2022 surplus announcement did not yield substantial positive returns, suggesting that investors might have already factored in the expected surplus or were influenced by other market conditions. The 2023 announcement, with a balanced or small surplus budget, resulted in a relatively stable market reaction, indicating a more measured investor confidence over time. Overall, this research suggests that while the Saudi stock market efficiently incorporates budget information, investor reactions are diverse and depend on various economic factors along with budget status. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and investors in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need to consider the economic context when interpreting market responses to budget announcements.

Keywords: Event Study, Budget Announcements, TASI, Stock Market, Saudi Arabia, Fiscal Policy, Investor Behavior

Urban Transformation Pathways for Green Sustainable Development: A DEMATEL Perspective from Datong

Kaiyuan Dong, Chia Kuang LEE, Ahmad Nazif Bin Noor Kamar — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Within the framework of the global low-carbon transition, the systemic pathways of green transformation in resource-dependent cities have become a more critical issue to understand. Using Datong as an example, this paper integrates the “Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL)” and “Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM)” to analyze the causal relationship and hierarchical order of fifteen major factors that affect urban transformation.” The findings indicate a three-level mechanism comprising of a root driving layer, an execution-transition layer, and an outcome layer. The core drivers of transformation are policy coherence and enforcement (A1), green investment intensity (B1), and industrial diversification with low-carbon upgrading (B2). The execution-transition layer (A2), monitoring and data capability (A3), just transition financing (B3), and enhancements in renewable energy penetration, end-use electrification, and green mobility infrastructure (C1–C3) are the links between strategic intent and actual outcomes. The outcome-oriented factors that reflect transformation performance are environmental quality improvement, ecological restoration, carbon-intensity reduction, employment resettlement, energy affordability, and public satisfaction (D1–D3, E1–E3). The paper offers a systematic analytical framework of the driving forces of sustainable transition in resource-based cities and presents policy-relevant implications of advancing the green development of Datong.

Keywords: Green sustainable transformation; Resource-based cities; DEMATEL–ISM; Policy coherence and enforcement; Industrial diversification and low-carbon upgrading

Continuous flow treatment of water contaminated with Cr (VI) with E. crassipes and bacterial cellulose

Uriel Fernando Carreño Sayago — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Industrial wastewater treatment is essential to mitigate the impacts these waters cause in wetlands, rivers, and lagoons. Inadequate treatment has been shown to generate significant and irreversible impacts; therefore, a "continuous flow treatment of Cr(VI)-contaminated water with E. crassipes and bacterial cellulose" has been investigated and implemented. These adsorbent biomasses are frequently discarded and misused, as demonstrated by the case of Eichhornia crassipes. This aquatic plant is abundant in wetlands contaminated with organic matter, and bacterial cellulose is industrially produced and possesses ideal heavy metal adsorption capacities. The use of mass balance mathematical models has facilitated the design of treatment systems for Cr(VI)-contaminated water that incorporate these biomasses. A water treatment system was developed that achieved a Cr(VI) removal rate greater than 99%. Furthermore, these biomasses have the ability to be filtered and therefore reused, thus increasing their functionality. Because of this, this treatment system has become a reality for the proper treatment of industrial wastewater, thanks to its high efficiency in removing metals. It is also ideal for its cost-effectiveness (costing no more than 20 euros).

Keywords: E crassipes: Cellulose bacterial; Flow Continue; Chromium.

Glycerol in the Industrial Metalworking: A Critical Narrative Review of Benefits, Limitations, and Application Range for Waste Management and Sustainability

Luka Latinović, Smilja Marković, Vladimir Tomašević, Jelena Raut — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The global oversupply of glycerol from biodiesel production has prompted interest in its industrial valorisation. One emerging pathway is its use as a base fluid for metalworking, where both the spent fluid and the swarf would avoid hazardous-waste classification, while also lowering worker exposure compared with petroleum-based emulsions. This review synthesises academic and industrial evidence to critically assess glycerol’s potential through the combined lenses of tribology, thermal stability, occupational and environmental implications, and industrial feasibility. Available evidence indicates that glycerol offers biodegradability, non-toxicity, and boundary-lubrication capability, enabling metallic residues to be reclassified as recyclable rather than hazardous. However, neat glycerol undergoes viscosity loss and oxidative degradation above ~180–210 °C, with potential acrolein formation, restricting applicability to low-to-moderate temperature machining and selected carbide finishing. Sector-level analysis delineates feasible adoption windows across small/medium workshops, automotive finishing lines, heavy-machinery/shipbuilding cells, and limited aerospace applications. Glycerol therefore cannot be regarded as a universal substitute but as a selective, sustainability-oriented fluid whose industrial feasibility depends on thermal management, formulation control, and regulatory alignment. Within its defined application range, glycerol may support circular metalworking and waste-valorisation strategies where process conditions remain compatible with its limits.

Keywords: glycerol, metalworking fluids, industrial waste management, thermal stability, corrosion resistance, circular economy

Integration of Artificial Intelligence Technologies in University Libraries as a Strategic Vector of Sustainable Development

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The article addresses the issue of applying artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the activities of university libraries as a foundation for sustainable development. Artificial intelligence is transforming library practice at all levels—from the automation of routine cataloguing processes, analysis of user queries, and management of electronic resources to the development of personalized information services and decision-support systems. Technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), chatbots, and intelligent recommendation systems expand the functional capabilities of libraries, increase the efficiency of user services, facilitate deeper analysis of information flows, and contribute to the formation of a new quality of library services.

At the same time, the relevance of integrating AI into library activities is determined by the need to maintain a balance between technological modernization and the humanistic essence of libraries. The implementation of intelligent systems requires a rethinking of librarians’ professional competencies, the development of digital and information literacy, and the establishment of ethical standards for AI use that ensure algorithmic transparency, protection of personal data, and the prevention of cognitive or social biases. In practical terms, these ethical principles are operationalized through internal governance frameworks, such as institutional AI policies that regulate data collection and processing, mandatory human oversight of algorithmic decision-making in reference and recommendation services, and regular audits of AI systems to identify and mitigate potential biases. Additionally, libraries increasingly adopt internal protocols for staff training and ethical review committees to ensure that AI applications align with professional values, user rights, and institutional accountability.

From the perspective of sustainable development, the application of AI technologies in university libraries contributes to more efficient resource management, optimization of energy consumption, rational use of human potential, and the creation of a knowledge ecosystem oriented toward long-term stability and social responsibility. Libraries that implement intelligent technologies are able to provide more inclusive access to educational and research resources, support the principles of Open Science and digital equity, which are fundamental pillars of the sustainable development of the knowledge society.

Keywords: artificial intelligence, university libraries, library digitalization, digital culture, sustainable development, digital technologies, digital library services

Interaction between Audit and Tax Control Systems in Ensuring State Financial Stability and Economic Security

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The effectiveness of public financial control depends not only on the quality of audit inspections and tax procedures but also on their coordination, transparency, digitalization, and analytical coherence. Under current conditions, audit should perform strategic, preventive, and analytical functions, while tax control should focus on ensuring the completeness of tax revenues, minimizing tax evasion risks, and strengthening public trust in the state’s fiscal policy. The article considers an integral approach to assessing the efficiency of interaction between audit and tax control based on the use of a multi-factor indicator system. This approach makes it possible to account not only for the quantitative results of inspections but also for qualitative aspects such as the level of implementation of audit recommendations, the degree of elimination of violations, the timeliness of tax revenues, and the influence of external factors, including the transparency of public finances, macroeconomic stability, and the scale of the shadow economy. According to the calculations conducted, the Integrated Efficiency Indicator of supervisory (IEC) amounted to 0.49 in 2023, which indicates a medium-low level of system effectiveness and highlights the need for deep structural reforms. The priority areas of reform include: establishing a unified information and analytical space for the exchange of inspection results among the State Services of Ukraine; strengthening the institutional independence of audit bodies; introducing risk-oriented approaches to inspection planning; enhancing the professional capacity of auditors and tax inspectors; and improving the regulatory framework in accordance with INTOSAI and IIA standards. This research contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals by confirming that the synergy between audit and tax control forms a stable foundation for fiscal policy, enhances the efficiency of public administration, reinforces macroeconomic balance, and ensures the economic resilience of the state under wartime and post-crisis challenges.

Keywords: audit; digitalization; economic security; fiscal resilience; financial stability; integral control efficiency index; public financial transparency; risk-oriented approach; state financial control; tax control

The Impact of Digital Technologies and Marketing Innovations on the Role of Human Capital in the Transformation of Logistics Processes

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The productivity of the logistics sector has traditionally depended on the skills and qualifications of its specialists. In the era of digitalization, however, the role of technical, managerial, and executive personnel as a strategic resource has grown significantly. This study examines the importance of human capital and professional development programs in the digital transformation of logistics processes. It highlights the synergy between supply chain reconfiguration and the enhancement of employee competencies within digitalized logistics systems. The transition from traditional manual logistics operations to technology-based automated functions redefines the role of human capital, emphasizing innovation and adaptability. Despite the growing demand for specialists with advanced digital skills, the pace of competency development remains slow even in highly efficient logistics countries. Analysis of the Ukrainian experience reveals a need for continuous training and reskilling initiatives. The study also explores the interrelation between marketing innovations and logistics activities in a digital environment.

Keywords: logistics process, innovation marketing, green technologies, digital technologies, digital marketing, logistics, human capital.

Law into Code: EU Regulation of Digital Accountability Mechanisms for Responsible Business Conduct

Tetiana Hudima, Anton Soshnykov, Viktor Dovhan — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This article provides a legal analysis of digital mechanisms ensuring socially responsible business conduct in the context of economic digitalisation and the strengthening of regulatory requirements for sustainability, human rights, and environmental protection. It argues that contemporary digital technologies, such as algorithmic systems, digital ESG reporting, due diligence platforms, blockchain solutions, the Internet of Things, and platform accountability infrastructures, are no longer merely optional managerial tools. Instead, they increasingly acquire normative significance as integral components of compliance with legally binding obligations. The study applies a doctrinal, comparative, and functional methodology to examine digital mechanisms not only as technological solutions, but as functionally institutionalised forms of external control embedded in modern regulatory regimes. Particular attention is devoted to the regulatory framework of the European Union, including recent legal acts on corporate sustainability, due diligence, artificial intelligence, and digital services, which reflect a shift from ex post supervision towards preventive and continuous accountability implemented through digital infrastructures. The analysis demonstrates that digitalisation reshapes the functional structure of legal responsibility by transforming compliance into an ongoing, evidence-based, and technologically embedded process. The Ukrainian context is examined separately, with a focus on European integration and post-war recovery. The article identifies existing institutional preconditions for digital transparency in Ukraine, as well as systemic gaps hindering the formation of an integrated ecosystem of socially responsible business. It concludes that the integration of digital accountability mechanisms into legal regulation is a necessary condition for strengthening business responsibility, attracting sustainable investment, and aligning national regulatory frameworks with European Union standards.

Keywords: socially responsible management, sustainable development, legal regulation, business, supply chains, artificial intelligence, digital technologies (solutions), ESG, due diligence, blockchain.

Negative Spillover Effects of Travel Memories and Social Media on Foreign Generation Z’s Sustainable Educational Tourism Intentions in China

Mao Yujiao, Mahadi Batiah, Sea Ming Toh Ming Toh — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

China is rapidly positioning itself as a sustainable educational tourism destination through cultural preservation, policy support, and international collaboration. However, negative online narratives and prior adverse travel experiences may threaten this sustainable development. This study investigates how negative travel memories and unfavorable social media commentary jointly affect the sustainability of foreign Generation Z’s educational tourism intentions in China. Drawing on Social Information Processing Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior, this research conceptualizes negative spillover as a barrier to sustainable behavioral intention formation. Using PLS-SEM on survey data from 206 foreign Gen Z travelers, the results reveal that negative travel memories significantly weaken attitudes toward educational tourism and reduce behavioral intentions, thereby challenging long-term destination sustainability. Interestingly, moderate negative comments on social media stimulate more balanced perceptions and enhance subjective norms, reflecting Gen Z’s critical thinking in digital environments. Moreover, individuals high in openness to experience are less susceptible to negative spillover, contributing to resilience in sustainable travel intention. The study enriches sustainability discourse by integrating psychological and digital dimensions into the SIPT–TPB framework, offering practical insights for policymakers and destination marketers to foster responsible digital communication, mitigate negative spillover, and strengthen the sustainable appeal of China’s educational tourism sector.

Keywords: Sustainable educational tourism, Negative spillover, Openness to experience, PLS-SEM, Generation Z.

Manifestation of Soil Desertification Processes in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine Depending on their Moisture Level

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Natural factors play an important role in the formation of soils, but under certain conditions they can cause their degradation and desertification, especially in combination with anthropogenic impact. In modern conditions, it is human activity that significantly enhances the natural processes of aridification, turning desertification into a global problem. The main natural factors are soil moisture deficiency, uneven distribution of precipitation and high evaporation intensity, the negative impact of which is exacerbated by crop rotation violations, intensive tillage and reduced use of soil protection technologies. The study was conducted on test plots within the Vinnytsia district of Vinnytsia region of Ukraine, selected based on remote sensing materials. Three main types of soils were identified: sod-podzolic, gray podzolic and podzolic chernozems, represented by sandy and sandy loam varieties. Soil moisture was determined by the gravimetric method. The results showed that desertification manifestations depend to a large extent on the seasonal dynamics of soil moisture. Spring moisture deficits prevented the formation of productive reserves for crop germination, while summer showers promoted the development of weeds. In autumn, excessive moisture created favorable conditions for the germination of winter crops, but complicated field work.

Keywords: soil, mechanical composition, moisture content, precipitation, weather conditions, available water, unavailable water

Urban Planning and Environmental Protection in the Mirror of the Case Law of the European Court of Human Rights

Kateryna Apanasenko — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study is to identify and analyse the most important positions of the ECtHR concerning construction activities and implementation of urban development policies by states, while ensuring the rights of citizens and protecting the environment from the negative impact of construction. This research is necessary, in particular, for the development of the urban planning law, as well as for the purposes of the urban planning reform in Ukraine.

In its decisions, the European Court of Human Rights promotes the idea of a crucial role of the state policy and state regulation of the urban development sector in protection and defence of human rights. In many decisions, the Court clarifies obligations of the state in this area, in particular, what they are in special situations such as construction in protected areas, unauthorised construction, and obligations to prevent natural disasters. The paper examines in sufficient detail various aspects of the relevant practice of the Court.

The array of the ECtHR case law on protection of environmental rights violated or threatened by construction activities and urban planning has been examined separately. The Court's conclusions regarding the priority of public interest in compliance with building regulations over private interest in ownership of illegally constructed property (but not housing) are noteworthy. Numerous decisions of the Court emphasize the primacy of environmental protection over many variations of private interests. This position of the ECtHR is a good example of the Court's support for the European trend towards establishing the sustainable development concept.

Keywords: urban planning, ECtHR case law, construction activity, sustainable development, environmental rights, unauthorised construction, natural disasters.

Digital Inclusive Finance, Household Energy Poverty, and Sustainable Development: Micro-Level Evidence from China

Yancheng Liu, Yuanxu Wang, Qiujing Wang, Xilin Zhang — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Energy poverty remains a formidable obstacle to sustainable and inclusive growth, significantly hindering progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially within developing nations. As an important manifestation of multidimensional and relative poverty, alleviating household energy poverty is essential for promoting energy justice, enhancing household resilience, and advancing inclusive development pathways in China’s new development stage.

Utilizing panel data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) spanning 2014–2022, alongside the Peking University Digital Inclusive Finance Index, this study empirically investigates the role of digital inclusive finance in mitigating household energy poverty and explores the underlying mechanisms. The results indicate that digital inclusive finance significantly alleviates household energy poverty. Mechanism analysis reveals that this effect operates primarily through enhancing household income diversification via non-agricultural employment opportunities (facilitated by mobile payment platforms and e-commerce financing) and strengthening financial resilience by easing liquidity constraints (via online micro-credit products and digital insurance services).

Heterogeneity tests reveal that DIF is most effective for households in eastern and western provinces, rural communities, and low-income groups, underscoring its potential to improve equity and those with lower levels of digitalization, highlighting its inclusive and equity-enhancing characteristics.

Overall, this study provides micro-level evidence on how digital financial development can be embedded within broader sustainability and energy poverty governance agendas. The findings suggest that strengthening digital financial infrastructure, optimizing inclusive financial product design, and improving financial risk prevention and institutional safeguards are crucial for building a sustainable, trinity-based energy poverty governance framework characterized by technological empowerment, financial innovation, and institutional support..

Keywords: Household energy poverty; Digital inclusive finance; Financial resilience; Income diversification; Sustainable development

Intercultural Communication: Practices of Sustainable Development and Overcoming Societal Crises

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Intercultural communication constitutes a critical framework for understanding and navigating the complexities of contemporary multicultural societies. Positioned at the intersection of linguistics, anthropology, and sociology, it illuminates the dynamics of cultural diversity, inclusion, and the negotiation of social norms across differing cultural contexts. Within the discourse of sustainable development, intercultural communication emerges as both a conceptual and practical mechanism for reconciling cultural dynamism with societal continuity, addressing crises, and fostering ethical, solidaristic engagement. By examining the interplay of cultural norms, values, and communicative practices, this study foregrounds the significance of intercultural sensitivity as a foundational element in cultivating equitable, resilient, and cohesive communities in an increasingly interconnected and turbulent world.

Keywords: intercultural communication, sustainable development, culture, information society, crisis, conflict, discrimination, inclusion

Exploring the Behavioral Impact of ChatGPT on Investor Sentiment: Evidence from Stock and Cryptocurrency Markets in the Context of Sustainable Development

Adel Barguellil, Mbarek Rahmoune , Mohamed Alsagaf, Hassan Alsaggaf — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This study examines the impact of ChatGPT’s release on investment dynamics, particularly focusing on investor sentiment in the stock and cryptocurrency markets. We begin with a bibliometric analysis to assess the current state of the literature in this area. Applying two benchmark sentiment indices the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII) Sentiment Index and the Crypto Fear and Greed Index (FGI) the research explores the behavioral changes prompted by this artificial intelligence technology. Additionally, we broaden the analysis to include investor sentiment in both financial and marketing contexts, considering key market indicators, brand perception, and engagement metrics. As ChatGPT reshapes investor interactions through AI-driven insights, we assess its influence on financial decision-making, corporate strategies, and its potential role in fostering sustainable development. For the methodology, we employed interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) to compare investor sentiment before and after the launch of ChatGPT, revealing significant changes in market behavior. The results indicate that ChatGPT played a catalytic role in enhancing investor optimism. Although the models suggest that ChatGPT accounts for a modest share of the variance in sentiment, its intervention remains statistically significant, underscoring its influence on investor psychology and its relevance for sustainability-oriented perspectives in finance. This paper contributes to the growing literature at the intersection of artificial intelligence and sustainable finance by providing a behavioral perspective on the psychological impact of AI in financial markets. The findings have important implications for market participants, policymakers, and future research on AI-induced financial behavior within the broader framework of sustainable development.

Keywords: ChatGPT, Generative Artificial Intelligence, Investor Sentiment, Behavioral Finance, Stock Market, Interrupted Time Series Analysis (ITSA)

Innovations in Legal Regulation of Environmental Protection: International Experience in Combating Environmental Crimes

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This article aims to analyze international practices in combating environmental crimes by examining the latest legal, organizational, and technological frameworks. The ultimate goal is to formulate a comprehensive, interdisciplinary strategy for effective counteraction. The research methodology integrates several approaches, including dialectical reasoning, comparative analysis, and system-functional methods. It is further supported by legal-dogmatic interpretation and logical techniques such as analysis, synthesis, and induction. The study systematically reviews international experiences in combating environmental crimes, identifying new legal standards and technological innovations that define contemporary environmental policy. A key emphasis is placed on the doctrine of ecocide, international responsibility, and joint investigation teams as essential tools for documenting and compensating for damages, especially within the context of armed conflict. Ukraine's national experience in implementing these standards serves as a central case study. The findings underscore the necessity of comprehensive interdisciplinary policies, strong international coordination, and technological modernization to effectively address transnational eco-crime. By analyzing these global trends, this paper proposes a system of practical, legal, and strategic solutions to meet the most pressing contemporary challenges in ecosystem protection.

Keywords: environmental crimes, prevention, international experience, ecocide, environmental safety, legal liability, criminalization.

Digital Heuristics for Industrial Design: Operationalizing Tacit Sustainability Knowledge for Early-Stage Decision Making

Salman Asghar — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Sustainability remains a largely under-investigated, particularly in early-stage industrial design, where significant?decisions are often made with little readily available environmental information. This?study puts forward and empirically tests a digital heuristic framework designed to translate tacit sustainability intuitions into cognitive specific decision supports. Situated within the SECI model and design cognition theory, this study investigates the role?of a heuristic framework in facilitating practitioners to retrieve and operationalize experiential sustainability knowledge during ideation.

A mixed methodology was used, which included a thorough review and synthesis of the literature, a national survey that targeted 250 Saudi industrial designers across the country, expert?validation and PLS-SEM. Results suggest that the sustainability orientation of early design outputs is boosted by making tacit knowledge?explicit. Heuristic structuring was found to be a significant mediating variable (? = 0.136, p < 0.001), through which?substantial compiling of complex trade-offs became possible. This phenomenon was?even more obvious in the case of designers who were not equipped with proper digital tools for early-stage guidance. Qualitative findings also illuminated the cognitive function of heuristics in resolving trade-offs or tensions such as recyclability vs.?durability that were typically encountered when considering materials and user behaviors.

The result is a validated digital archive converting tacit assumptions of environmental design, especially material action?and human engagement, into accessible heuristic tools at point?of?use. Theoretically, this study bridges the?gap between knowledge management and design cognition; practically, it provides a scalable, low-barrier solution for embedding sustainability reasoning in product innovation. Also, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, the guiding principles enable a shift from?conservative reporting to anticipatory sustainability incorporation.

Keywords: Circular Economy Integration, Design Cognition, Digital Heuristics, Early-Stage Design Decision Making, Industrial Design, Sustainable Product Development, Tacit Sustainability Knowledge

Gender Barriers in Corporate Marketing and their Impact on Building Inclusive, Sustainable Corporate Cultures

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The paper aims to examine the issue of gender inequality in corporate marketing, focusing on the challenges, barriers and opportunities for women’s career advancement in this professional field. The research methodology is based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods: a survey of marketers from Ukrainian enterprises, interviews and focus groups. The survey covered 237 respondents from different regions and industries, which allowed to identify both structural and behavioral factors that influence inequality of opportunities. The results indicate the existence of systemic gender challenges in the corporate environment, which vary depending on the type of enterprise, its organizational culture and HR management policies. The study proposes a typology of enterprises by level of inclusivity (4 clusters), each of which has specific characteristics: from conservative structures with persistent stereotypes to companies that implement gender equality policies and support female leadership.

Keywords: gender equality, career advancement, corporate marketing, inclusive culture, glass ceiling, mentoring, HR policy.

A Methodological Framework for Evaluating Fiscal Autonomy in Post-Soviet Regions: Evidence from the Comparison of Andalusia and Adjara

Vladimer Glonti — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

ABSTRACT: The aim of the study is to establish a scientific framework for evaluating regional fiscal autonomy in post-Soviet nations within the context of EU integration. The research employs two instruments: the Fiscal Autonomy Index (FAI) and the Regional Authority Index (RAI). Both devices are tailored to the characteristics of the post-Soviet institutional context. The empirical investigation encompasses two regions: Andalusia (Spain, FAI=74.3%) and Adjara (Georgia, FAI=34.7%). Data from 2015 to 2024 are utilised. The study's methodological contribution has three elements. Initially: establishment of standards for categorising shared/regulated taxes within the post-Soviet framework. Second: application of the RAI technique for autonomous entities within unitary states. Third: an examination of the link between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and economic progress in transitional economies (r=0.847). The primary finding of the study is that the 40% FAI threshold is essential. When a region's FAI falls below this threshold, it lacks adequate fiscal resources to successfully execute the EU's regional development program. The suggested methodological approach is relevant for evaluating regional reforms in other post-Soviet nations.

Keywords: Fiscal Autonomy; Regional Decentralization; Post-Soviet Transformation; EU Integration; Methodological Framework; Regional Authority Index

Strategic Management of Innovative Development of the Region to Ensure its Sustainable Development

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The study is devoted to determining the theoretical and methodological foundations of strategic management of innovative development of enterprises in the region in conditions of instability. It is substantiated that the permanence of innovations and continuous strategic management are key factors in the formation of stability and long-term competitive advantages of enterprises. The role of innovation strategy as a component of corporate, business and functional strategies is revealed, and its differences from R&D strategy are outlined. Modern models of the innovation process are systematised – from linear to network and knowledge-based models – and their evolution and influence on the choice of innovation strategies are shown. A map for choosing an innovation strategy depending on the state of the enterprise according to the criteria of economic added value and risk resistance is proposed. It is shown that investment strategy is a tool for the practical implementation of innovative solutions, and diversification strategies contribute to reducing the risks of innovative activity. The feasibility of creating an integrated innovation complex as a mechanism for managing the innovative transformation of the region, combining higher education institutions, technology parks, venture funds, enterprises and state institutions, is substantiated. Based on an analysis of the innovative potential of the Kyiv region, the existence of prerequisites for the transition to an innovative development model has been proven, provided that network approaches are implemented, institutional interaction is strengthened, and nonlinear models of the innovation process are used. The work uses elements of portfolio analysis, strategic and institutional approaches, which ensured a comprehensive assessment of the sustainability of enterprises and the regional innovation system and identified key constraints to its development. The results of the study can be used to develop regional innovation policy, improve the system of strategic enterprise management, form programmes for the innovative transformation of industrial regions, and modernise interaction between business, science, and government on the basis of sustainable and inclusive growth.

Keywords: strategic innovation management, innovative enterprise strategy, economic risk resistance of enterprises, network models of innovative development, integrated innovation complex

Assessing Awareness of Energy Consumption Among University Students: A Comparative Study Using Visual Interfaces

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an interactive energy dashboard in enhancing energy awareness and promoting sustainable behaviours among university students. The dashboard visualized campus energy consumption, estimated CO2 emissions, and offset metrics through intuitive displays, enabling users to engage with real-world sustainability data. Two groups were studied—Sustainability Students and General Students—using pre- and post-surveys to assess knowledge and behavioural change. Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in knowledge scores, with the Sustainability Students Group (p = 0.0027, d = 0.275) and the General Students Group (p = 0.0291, d = 0.256) benefiting similarly from the intervention. Most participants, including ninety-eight percent of Sustainability Students and eighty-six percent of General Students, reported increased awareness, and over eighty percent of students expressed willingness to engage in future energy-saving initiatives. While the dashboard effectively raised awareness of campus energy use, gaps in personal energy knowledge remained, highlighting the need for future enhancements. These findings underscore the dashboard’s potential as a scalable educational tool for fostering energy literacy and sustainable behaviour in higher education.

Keywords: Sustainability, Energy Awareness, Data Visualization, Ecological Engagement

Spatial Differentiation of Environmental Responsibility among European Union Countries: Empirical Insights from the Hellwig Method

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The European Union has been working hard to protect the environment for many years, aiming for climate neutrality and sustainable development. In the face of global climate change, ecosystem degradation, and pollution, the EU is setting ambitious targets within the framework of the European Green Deal.

This article aims to examine the spatial differences between EU countries in their efforts to ensure environmental security and sustainability.

Individual Member States, pursuing their own environmental protection strategies tailored to local conditions and challenges, are investing at different levels in environmental protection, greenhouse gas reduction, or renewable energy use. Therefore, the research hypothesis is that there is a significant spatial differentiation among the countries of the European Union in terms of the level of environmental activities undertaken.

The article analyses statistical data from the Eurostat database and uses the Hellwig method to construct a synthetic measure of development on the basis of four selected diagnostic variables in the field of environmental activities. The results of the study made it possible to systematise and group countries according to the intensity and effectiveness of the activities in the data analysed.

The countries that achieved the highest scores on the synthetic indicator—indicating the strongest commitment to sustainable environmental policy as well as the most effective efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and adopt green technologies—were Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Finland, and Latvia. Conversely, the group of countries where the activities in the discussed area are far from sufficient included: Luxembourg, Ireland, Greece, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, and Cyprus. The statistical analysis also showed a relationship between renewable energy use and a country’s gross domestic product. This finding is not surprising, as rising GDP is generally linked to a higher proportion of renewable energy in total final energy consumption, though some fluctuations may occur due to the unstable global context.

Keywords: environmental responsibility, European Union countries, Hellwig method, sustainable development

The Economic Interconnectedness of Environmental Ethics in Light of Frankl’s Triadic Anthropology: Body, Psyche, and Spirit as the Foundation of Human Responsibility

Zuzana Džbánková, Pavel Sirůček, Jaroslav Šetek — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This text frames environmental ethics as an interdisciplinary lens connecting ecology, economics, and philosophical anthropology via Viktor E. Frankl’s triadic model of human existence ú somatic, psychological, and spiritual. It argues that the ecological crisis is primarily ethical, stemming from eroded values, loss of meaning, and weakened moral responsibility. Integrating ethical responsibility with economic action creates a direct pathway from human freedom and purpose to measurable sustainable outcomes, reducing negative externalities and embedding long-term values in decision-making. The spiritual dimension (noös) operationalizes autonomous, value-driven behavior, while the concept of “economic belonging” analytically links freedom, moral accountability, and economic practice. Together, these elements provide a structured framework for translating ethical reflection into actionable, measurable strategies that align environmental sustainability with social and economic objectives

Keywords: triadic anthropology, environmental externalities, spiritual dimension, sustainable economic behavior

Sustainable Geological Insights from the Petrographical Study of Jurassic Limestone Cores in the Caragele Structure (Buzau County, Romania)

Dan-Romulus Jacota, Mihai Ciocirdel — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The Jurassic formation, west of Capidava-Ovidiu fault, to the north-eastern part of the Moesian Platform, is known relatively little from a petrographic standpoint, an impediment being the insufficient sampling of rock probes. This area of the platform is tectonically active and is part of the Vrancea Seismic Zone, the reason for which numerous studies focused on this aspect rather than other details. The Moesian Platform has long been studied for its hydrocarbon potential, but this feature is in the western part and in isolated areas belonging to the center. The eastern sector, and north-eastern part where our study is conducted, have not been studied in depth due to their correspondence with the Central Dobrogean formations of the same age, for which various studies have been conducted. Our findings reveal the presence of bioturbations during sedimentations which had as result a slight increase in clay material and organic matter in the initial deposits. Also, simultaneously with the recrystallized carbonate as microsparite, small quantities of detrital siliciclastic, somewhat coarser, carbonates have sedimented which resulted in formation of porous space.

Keywords: Eastern Moesia, microsparitic carbonate, bioturbations, crystalline limestone, porous lenticles