Regulatory Framework Research Articles

Mega corruptions in mega projects: Debating the dynamics of dam construction in Ethiopia

Background This study critically examines the dynamics of corruption within Ethiopia’s dam construction projects, focusing on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD the Gilgel Gibe series, and Genale Dawa. The research highlights how weak management practices, insufficient oversight, and centralized decision-making, resulting in contribute to inflated costs, project delays, and compromised construction quality. A comprehensive understanding of these issues is crucial for addressing the challenges that impede Ethiopia’s infrastructure development. Methods A qualitative research approach was employed, integrating both primary and secondary data sources. The study utilized four theoretical frameworks—Principal-Agent Theory, Rent-Seeking Theory, Institutional Theory, and Neo-Patrimonialism—to analyze the structural and behavioral factors enabling corruption in Ethiopia’s dam construction projects. Results The study found that corruption is largely driven by weak management practices, insufficient oversight, and centralized decision-making. These factors contribute to inflated project costs, significant delays, and compromised construction quality. The lack of transparency and inadequate monitoring exacerbate these issues, leading to inefficient resource use and undermining the projects’ intended benefits. Economic impacts include increased public debt and strained financial resources. Socially, corruption erodes public trust and adversely affects the communities involved. The findings also highlight how information asymmetry and misaligned incentives contribute to corruption, with weak governance structures and informal networks further exacerbating the problem. These issues lead to cost overruns, increased debt, and diminished public confidence, which negatively impacts development outcomes. Conclusions While corruption in Ethiopia’s dam construction projects poses significant challenges, it is not insurmountable. Strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks, enhancing institutional capacity, promoting community participation, and leveraging international cooperation are crucial for mitigating these risks. Recommendations include implementing e-procurement systems, establishing independent oversight bodies, and promoting transparency to ensure these mega projects achieve their intended economic and social benefits.

Eager or passive? Decoding potential consumer profiles based on knowledge and perceptions regarding organic food products

Organic food-choice behaviour has gained paramount interest from researchers and marketers due to the growing inclination of consumers towards healthy and sustainable lifestyles. With regard to India, despite being a leading producer and exporter of organic products, its domestic market is still in nascent stages of evolution. To overcome the underlying attitude-intention-behaviour gap in such emerging markets, it is imperative to identify targetable segments based on factors that are relevant to these markets. The present study makes a novel attempt at segmenting potential organic consumers based on their knowledge and perceptions regarding organic products. Robust analytical procedures, including a two-stage cluster analysis and multiple discriminant analysis, were employed to draw consumer profiles based on a sample of 608 Indian consumers. The analysis resulted in four mutually exclusive segments, which exhibited significant heterogeneity with respect to various clustering and profiling variables, namely actual and perceived knowledge regarding organic products, price and availability perceptions, trust in organic products, and purchase intention. The aware enthusiasts displayed high knowledge, while both the aware and unaware enthusiasts exhibited favourable organic perceptions and high purchase intention and behaviour. The sceptics had positive perceptions but displayed a lack of trust in organic sellers and regulatory frameworks. The laggards exhibited the least favourable perceptions and had the lowest intention and purchase behaviour. The study identifies potential target segments of organic consumers and throws light on how consumers construe organic food products. Furthermore, marketing strategies are recommended to tap these segments, considering the core characteristics specific to each segment.

Transitioning to sustainable economic resilience through renewable energy and green hydrogen: The case of Iraq

The study investigates the potential of transitioning Iraq, a nation significantly dependent on fossil fuels, toward a green hydrogen-based energy system as a pathway to achieving sustainable economic resilience. As of 2022, Iraqi energy supply is over 90 % reliant on hydrocarbons, which also account for 95 % of the country foreign exchange earnings. The global energy landscape is rapidly shifting towards cleaner alternatives, and the volatility of oil prices has made it imperative for the country to diversify its energy sources. Green hydrogen, produced through water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, offers a promising alternative given country vast renewable energy potential. The analysis indicates that, with strategic investments in green hydrogen infrastructure, the country could reduce its hydrocarbon dependency by 30 % by the year 2030. This transition could not only address pressing environmental challenges but also contribute to the economic stability of the country. However, the shift to green hydrogen is not without significant challenges, including water scarcity, technological limitations, and the necessity for a robust regulatory framework. The findings underscore the importance of international partnerships and supportive policies in facilitating this energy transition. Adopting renewable energy and green hydrogen technologies, the country has the potential to become a leader in sustainable energy within the region. This shift would not only drive economic growth and energy security but also contribute to global efforts towards environmental sustainability, positioning country favorably in a future low-carbon economy.

Mexican calea (Calea zacatechichi Schltdl.) interferes with cholinergic and dopaminergic pathways and causes neuroglial toxicity

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe use of “Mexican calea” (Calea zacatechichi Schltdl.) in ritualistic ceremonies, due to its dream-inducing effects, was until recently limited to indigenous communities in Mexico. However, the plant has recently gained popularity in Western societies being commonly used in recreational settings. Despite the traditional and recreational uses, mechanisms underlying its reported oneirogenic effects remain unknown, with no data available on its neurotoxic profile. Aim of the studyThe scarcity of toxicological data and the unknown role of major neurotransmitter systems in the dream-inducing properties of the plant prompted us to investigate which neurotransmitters might be affected upon its consumption, as well as the potential cytotoxic effects on neurons and microglial cells. Furthermore, we aimed to explore a relationship between the recorded effects and specific constituents. Materials and methodsEffects on cholinergic and monoaminergic pathways were investigated using enzymatic assays, with the latter also being conducted in neuronal SH-SY5Y cells along with the impact on glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. Investigation of the neurotoxic profile was approached in neuronal SH-SY5Y and microglial BV-2 cells, evaluating effects on metabolic performance and membrane integrity using MTT and LDH leakage assays, respectively. Potential interference with oxidative stress was monitored by assessing free radical's levels, as well as 5-lipoxygenase mediated lipid peroxidation. Phenolic constituents were identified through HPLC-DAD-ESI(Ion Trap)MSn analysis. ResultsBased on the significant inhibition upon acetylcholinesterase (p < 0.05) and tyrosinase (IC50 = 60.87 ± 7.3 μg/mL; p < 0.05), the aqueous extract obtained from the aerial parts of C. zacatechichi interferes with the cholinergic and dopaminergic systems, but has no impact against monoamine oxidase A. Additionally, a notable cytotoxic effect was observed in SH-SY5Y and BV-2 cells at concentrations as low as 125 and 500 μg/mL (p < 0.05), respectively, LDH leakage suggesting apoptosis may occur at these concentrations, with necroptosis observed at higher ones. Despite the neurocytotoxic profile, these effects appear to be independent of radical stress, as the C. zacatechichi extract scavenged nitric oxide and superoxide radicals at concentrations as low as 62.5 μg/mL, significantly inhibiting also 5-lipoxygenase (IC50 = 72.60 ± 7.3 μg/mL; p < 0.05). Qualitative and quantitative analysis using HPLC-DAD-ESI(Ion Trap)MSn enabled the identification of 28 constituents, with 24 of them being previously unreported in this species. These include a series of dicaffeoylquinic, caffeoylpentoside, and feruloylquinic acids, along with 8 flavonols not previously known to occur in the species, mainly 3-O-monoglycosylated derivatives of quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin. ConclusionsOur findings regarding the neuroglial toxicity elicited by C. zacatechichi emphasize the necessity for a thorough elucidation of the plant's toxicity profile. Additionally, evidence is provided that the aerial parts of the plant inhibit both acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase, potentially linking its psychopharmacological effects to the cholinergic and dopaminergic systems, with an apparent contribution from specific phenolic constituents previously unknown to occur in the species. Collectively, our results lay the groundwork for a regulatory framework on the consumption of C. zacatechichi in recreational settings and contribute to elucidating previous contradictory findings regarding the mechanisms underlying the dream-inducing effects of the plant.

Coordination and Collaboration between Secret Intelligence Agencies and Government Institutions: Challenges, Opportunities, and Dynamics

Effective coordination and collaboration between secret intelligence agencies and government institutions are crucial for national security in the face of complex and evolving threats. Despite technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, which have enhanced intelligence capabilities, achieving seamless collaboration remains a persistent challenge, owing to differences in organizational culture, communication barriers, and the need for secrecy. This study explores the interplay between technological advancements, organizational dynamics, and legal frameworks to foster coordination between intelligence agencies and government institutions. Through a comprehensive literature analysis, this study examines the historical evolution of intelligence agencies, their functions and responsibilities, and the legal and regulatory frameworks governing their operations. The dynamics of coordination and collaboration were investigated, including various models (centralized, decentralized, and hybrid), factors influencing effectiveness (communication, trust, and leadership), and the role of technology in facilitating information-sharing. The study also identifies key challenges, such as bureaucratic barriers, legal and ethical concerns, resource constraints, political interference, and cybersecurity risks. Opportunities for enhancing collaboration are discussed, including policy reforms, strengthening interagency trust, adopting technological innovations, international cooperation, and capacity-building programs. Case studies on success and failure in intelligence collaboration provide valuable insights into the best practices and lessons learned. The study concludes with recommendations for improving intelligence collaboration, emphasizing the importance of strong legal frameworks, ethical AI integration, effective communication, and sustained investment in capacity building and international cooperation.

Role of the Regulation Framework in Occupational Safety in Construction Excavation Works—A Survey Analysis in Turkey

The construction sector is known to have the highest risks of occupational accidents. A rationale for this high occurrence of occupational risks can be related to legislative requirements to enforce safe construction practices within this sector. Within the context of excavation works in Turkey, this study investigates the leading risks for any compliance shortfalls and ultimately presents recommendations to mitigate occupational accidents’ occurrences during excavation works in the construction sector. Based on a quantitative methodology, a closed-ended survey consisting of 35 questions and based on legislative requirements was applied to project managers in the construction industry, such as site supervisors, occupational safety experts, auditors, and control personnel. A sample size of 277 responses was found to have stability and validity through a reliability analysis and an exploratory factor analysis, and was used for testing statistical significance via cross-tabulation analysis and chi-square tests. The findings revealed that the major deviation of safety in excavation works from legislative requirements is executing works during adverse weather conditions. Moreover, it was also noteworthy that protective curtains did not surround the excavation sites, and most of the employees encountered ground slippage during excavation work. Therefore, the findings revealed preliminary research that will contribute positively to providing incentives for a focus on and development of relevant security and technical measures. It also provided information to protect the safety and welfare of the workers involved in excavation works. Finally, though these findings may be considered context-specific, this research can be used for comparative purposes for similar studies into the safety practices of excavation works in different countries, where generalized findings can be later derived to inform academia and practice.

Economic Erosion: Examining Germany's Decline as a Business Destination

This study delves into the complex web of causes that have contributed to Germany's gradual decline as a sought-after business location. This scholarly work methodically examines a variety of internal and external variables shaping the country's economic environment, thus providing a comprehensive picture of the significant challenges currently faced by the German economy. The study methodically analyzes key variables such as labor market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, demographic changes and infrastructure improvements to uncover the root causes of this decline. The results of this research are of enormous importance for the formulation of strategic, precise policy initiatives aimed at revitalizing the German economy, strengthening its resilience and restoring its position as a global beacon for industry recruitment and retention. Using a strong mixed methods approach, this study leverage the synergy of primary data collected through surveys, interviews and case studies, and secondary data derived from government reports, academic publications and economic indicators. This multi-layered technology makes it easier to recognize observable patterns and develop concrete, realistic plans that will lead Germany to long-term economic development and prosperity. This research is a component of efforts to revitalize Germany's economic strength and restore its reputation as a leading commercial center, and provides useful information for policymakers, industry executives and academics alike. The comprehensive analysis presented in this study has far-reaching implications for the larger European economic environment and contributes to the global discourse on sustainable economic development and renewal

Systematic Review of the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Nursing Care.

This systematic review explores the complex relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and healthcare, with an explicit focus on nursing care. Examining a range of studies from 2020, the research investigates the impact of AI on clinical decision-making, patient care and healthcare administration. Through a comprehensive literature review, the study highlights the potential benefits of AI integration in improving the efficiency and efficacy of healthcare. AI technologies offer opportunities for personalised patient care, predictive analytics and enhanced clinical processes, with the ultimate aim of transforming the healthcare system. However, ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks are crucial, emphasising patient privacy, autonomy and data security. The findings underscore the need for transparency, accountability and fairness in the application of AI in healthcare. While AI promises to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare delivery, careful consideration of ethical implications and regulatory compliance are essential for responsible implementation.

A Study of digital literacy among the marginalizes in Thailand: Issues, challenges for implementation and the way forward

The concerns about digital literacy in Thailand especially relevant to fake news, disinformation, and misinformation keep increasing and creating a multifaceted challenges to various sectors of Thai society i.e. financial, commercial, politics, society, and health-related. Among the areas identified include digital contents creation, dissemination, and social media enabling various information with complex challenges such as the proliferation of fake news, disinformation, and misinformation affected more kinds of negative effects currently. This study employs mixed-research method quantitative (survey questionnaire) and qualitative (Focus group discussion, observation, interview) data collection and analysis. A total of 315 samples and key informants were involved as well as grouped under 5 categories: marginal youths, elderly, community leaders, teachers, also government workers focusing on digital literacy knowledge and skills relevant to fake news. It also highlights the relevant contexts i.e. regulatory frameworks and mechanisms driven by key agencies in Thailand. Two main results were revealed that reflected the objectives of the study accordingly: The first objective is (1) overview of digital literacy and how to achieve it. The findings summarized from survey questionnaire include 1.1) even regulations exist found inadequate enforcement and low public awareness call for more effective and collaborative communication from all partners starting from the government agencies; 1.2) urgent need for public awareness communication campaigns emphasizing all the marginalized groups. Youths expressed in the interviews about their contribution to help reduce all kinds of fake news; 1.3) support more friendly ICT context provision such as availability, affordability, accessibility, usability, and useful information. The second objective is (2) mechanism for digital skills empowerment. The feedback from key informants include: 2.1) strengthening digital literacy skills among all marginalized groups to be a smart citizen then can help protecting themselves, their families and their communities; 2.2) all agencies from policy to local i.e. community leaders, educational institutions, private sectors, social media companies, civil society, and others must synergized more contributions; 2.3) educational institutions must design digital literacy academy with digital new-skills for the marginalizes, ensuring them for their safety and future job demands; 2.4) private sectors should support and co-designing digital products and services that address all current needs; 2.5) local government, and all partners should take an active collaboration and enforcement. The study concluded with implications and suggestions for future research in line with SDGs.

Ensuring a balance of interests of participants in the digital trade turnover

There is no uniformity of terminology in relation to digital (electronic) trade at the legislative level and in the doctrine. To solve the abovementioned problem, it is necessary to determine the legal nature of electronic commerce, its effective implementation in order to ensure a balance of interests of participants in digital trade in Russia. It is concluded that the process of digital trade development cannot fully develop and maximize the interests of participants due to the lack of an appropriate regulatory framework in this area of entrepreneurial activity.In the scientific work strategic directions for ensuring a balance of interests of participants in digital trade are identified, individual conclusions and proposals are formulated.

Impact of Economic Crises on Banking Sector Performance- A Comparative Analysis of Conventional and Islamic Banks Across OIC Countries

This study investigates the impact of three significant economic crises—the Eurozone Debt Crisis (2010-2012), the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2021), and the Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery (2021-2022)—on the performance of conventional and Islamic banks in Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries. Using a dataset of 4,381 observations from 34 OIC countries, panel regression techniques are employed to evaluate the influence of these crises on key financial performance metrics: Return on Shareholders' Funds (ROSF), Profit Margin (PM), Return on Total Assets (ROA), Current Ratio (CR), and Solvency Ratio (SR). The analysis reveals that while the Eurozone Debt Crisis did not significantly affect bank performance, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a notable decline in profitability but an improvement in liquidity. The results highlight that during the COVID-19 pandemic, banks faced substantial challenges in maintaining profitability, as evidenced by the significant decrease in PM. However, the improvement in CR suggests that banks enhanced their liquidity management strategies to cope with the crisis. The Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery phase brought positive changes in both profitability and liquidity, demonstrating the ability of banks to adapt and thrive as economic conditions stabilized. Macroeconomic variables, such as GDP growth and inflation, played crucial roles, with GDP growth positively affecting ROSF and inflation negatively impacting PM. These findings underscore the importance of a diversified banking system, including both conventional and Islamic banks, to enhance financial stability. Policymakers and financial regulators should consider the unique strengths of Islamic banking principles in regulatory frameworks and prioritize sound macroeconomic policies to promote stability and resilience in the banking sector. Future research should further explore the long-term impacts of economic crises on bank performance across different regions and banking models, as well as the interaction between regulatory environments and bank resilience. Keywords: Economic crises, bank performance, conventional banks, Islamic banks, OIC countries, COVID-19 pandemic, Eurozone Debt Crisis, post-pandemic recovery, financial stability, macroeconomic factors.

Specifics of the Constitutional Right to Establish and Operate the Trade Unions

Introduction. In the framework of the legal regulation of the trade union activities in Russia, a number of regulations cause certain contradictions with regard to establishment of the social and labour relations. Difficulties in interaction of the trade unions with the employers and the state, supplemented by the competition with the private labour, arise the problem of preserving the institution under study as the one aimed at the formation of a system of social partnership, development of the labour environment, national economy and social equality. Therefore, the research strives to investigate the constitutional requirements for establishment and operation of the trade unions to enable harmonization of the social and labour relations. By finding the legislative gaps in the process of implementing the rights of citizens to establish and operate the trade unions, it is possible to modernize the regulatory legal institutions in this field. The aim of the research is to study the specifics of the constitutional right to establish and operate the trade unions.Materials and Methods. The methodological framework was organised based on the selection, analysis and systematisation of the relevant regulatory and legal data and research works in the subject area. The use of a set of general scientific (dialectical, logical, systemic) and specific scientific methods of cognition (comparative legal, dogmatic legal, sociolegal) made it possible to study the principles of state regulation of the trade union activities, identify the gaps in their work and shortcomings due to be eliminated, as well as to summarise the factors of applicability of the constitutional operational procedure to the activities of the trade union organisations in Russia.Results. The constitutional right to establish and operate the trade unions has been analysed. It has been acknowledged that determination of the legal advantages of the trade union members does not correlate with the process of declining the popularity of this institution in the Russian Federation. It has been revealed that this trend is caused by the several problems, i.e.: the multiplicity of the legislative requirements creates a number of contradictions in the relations between the trade unions and employers preventing the full freedom of organisations’ activities; the process of establishing the trade unions is complicated by the need to incorporate the legal entity, the legislative predetermination and formality do not give freedom to the organisations in compiling the charter and making changes to it without permission of the state; the principles of the internal relations regulation must comply with the standard provisions of the Labour Code of the Russian Federation, which also limits the trade union activity; the court defence of the rights of the trade union members needs to be revised and modernized to eliminate the ambiguous provisions and reduce the bureaucratic processes. The use of the variable collective agreements and principles of social partnership aimed at harmonisation of the social and labour relations have been proposed as the solutions to the identified problems.Discussion and Conclusion. The study has identified the key issues and underdeveloped aspects of the constitutional regulation of the trade union activities in the Russian Federation, which could be solved through the optimisation of the excessive legislative requirements, issuing the updated provisions on court defence of the trade union members, establishing the full independence and autonomy of such organisations in the matters of internal regulation, as well as through the development of the system of social partnership. The theoretical and practical conclusions drawn in the paper could be used for further research in the field of improving the legal literacy of the trade union members.

Analysis of the List of Risks Affecting the Verification of Measuring Instruments

The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the risks accompanying the process of verification of measuring instruments in metrological services. Risks are analyzed within the framework of a holistic risk and opportunity management system aimed at identifying and managing potential threats and opportunities affecting the achievement of the ultimate goals of the organization. Risk is defined as a possible negative event that could affect project performance and is evaluated by probability of occurrence and possible consequences. The objectives of risk and opportunity management are aimed at ensuring the achievement of the capabilities of the metrology service under conditions of uncertainty. Effective risk assessment of the process of verification of measuring instruments requires a comprehensive approach. In this regard, in the course of the study the regulatory framework was considered, regulating activities in the field of ensuring the uniformity of measurements, identified internal and external environmental factors affecting the process of verification of measuring instruments, identified stakeholders in the field of metrology services. Procedures for risk identification, analysis, assessment and management have been developed within the system. The list of typical risks and opportunities in the process of verification of measuring instruments in the relationship with environmental factors and possible consequences for the organization is compiled. The developed list of potential risks and opportunities is typical for the process of verification of measuring instruments and therefore can be recommended to employees of metrological services of enterprises. With its help it is possible to assess in advance the potential risks and opportunities in the metrological field and to achieve a more effective result by minimizing the negative consequences.

An International Community Paramedic Career Structure

Introduction - Internationally, prehospital workers practice in a wide range of community paramedicine roles. It can be unclear where community paramedics fit within existing paramedicine career structures and their professional capabilities are sometimes ill-defined or misunderstood. This study aimed to clarify some of these questions through the development of a community paramedic career structure and descriptions of their professional capabilities at different levels of practice. Methods - The career structure was developed on the premise that paramedicine is an evolving autonomous health discipline. It was designed through the synthesis of the paramedicine literature, key regulatory frameworks, and advice from two panels of international community paramedicine experts. These purposively recruited panellists comprised practicing community paramedics, students and educators, professional leaders, and subject matter experts. Thematic analysis was undertaken of their open-text on-line questionnaire responses. After feedback from the first panel a paramedic system modernization continuum was used to fashion community paramedic career structures to meet the needs of paramedic systems at different stages of development. These structures were tested with members of the second panel. Findings - A five-step career structure was designed and conceptually separated into two distinct but related pathways to facilitate international comparability across paramedic systems in terms of professional autonomy and levels of education. Structural and cultural characteristics are represented through professional capability statements and indicative education levels that are incorporated into a paramedic system continuum ranging from directive to professionally autonomous paramedic systems. Discussion - Although this study was conducted through the lens of community paramedicine, it might further international discussion of how attractive career structures could improve paramedic retention more broadly. Successful implementation of this career structure requires the support of key stakeholders in the face of strong structural and cultural barriers that continue to challenge innovations designed to respond to changing opportunities and needs in paramedicine.

LCA comparativo en distintos escenarios del edificio NZEB El Salvador, estimación de CO2 para el desempeño térmico

The recent IPCC 2023 report reiterates that humansare responsible for global warming over the past 200 years, causing a rise temperature of 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels, as well as an increase in energy demand, which can be avoided with mitigation options, reducing its use in all sectors, especially in the building sector. One of the options is the design based on the NZEB concept, as it has been the case of the laboratory built on the UCA campus, using passive and active energy efficiency strategies, studying the interaction between construction systems and energy savings. One of the NZEB El Salvador project research objectives, was to study the thermal performance of different construction scenarios, therefore, the present work presents the results of the Life-cycle assessment(LCA) in three proposals for popular construction systems in El Salvador, regulated by the national regulatory framework, comparing them with the baseline of its current operation, through 3 iterative calculation tools: structural, thermal and carbon footprint estimation, managing to find importantfindings on how vernacular systems meet the NZEB standard. ILIA: Investigaciones Latinoamericanas en Ingeniería y Arquitectura, No. 01, 2024: 160-166.

Dividing Global Business Process: Safeguarding Confidential Data

This study shows that manufacturing unit process dispersion serves as an operational-level variable that allows businesses to modify their information protection strategy when it comes to sourcing business services overseas to suit the regulatory framework of the chosen host nation as well as the potential for using internal controls over activities carried out overseas. Our hypothesis is that businesses are more inclined to split up their processes among several foreign production facilities rather of concentrating every procedure duties in one unit when the aforementioned mechanisms are unavailable. Businesses may take advantage of the synergies between the scattered pieces of a process while lowering the risk of individual fragment theft because of IT-enabled integration capabilities. Robustness tests and empirical findings closely align with these theories. Additionally, we discover that the likelihood of using the defense mechanism against process fragmentation increases with the firm's expertise in the host nation as well as the alternative worth of the activity's unique knowledge that is outsourced.

Legal Barriers in Sustainable Agriculture: Valorization of Agri-Food Waste and Pesticide Use Reduction

The transition to sustainability in agriculture faces significant challenges, especially to balance environmental goals with the practical demands of food production. This paper examines two different case studies that reveal the complexities of agricultural regulation. The first case focuses on the valorization of agri-food residual biomasses, highlighting the potential to transform food waste into valuable bioproducts such as bioenergy and biofertilizers. Despite the clear environmental and economic benefits, the absence of specific European regulations hinders the widespread adoption of these practices. Without clear rules for achieving “end-of-waste” status, the development and marketing of bio-based products remain restricted. The second case study examines the European Union’s unsuccessful effort to implement the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation (SUR), which aimed to reduce pesticide use by 50% by 2030. Although the regulation sought to align agricultural practices with the EU’s Green Deal, it triggered widespread protests from farmers concerned about the potential economic losses and decreased productivity. These two cases, one showing under-regulation and the other over-regulation, highlight the need for balanced and practical regulatory frameworks that promote sustainability without imposing unrealistic demands on stakeholders. This paper ends with recommendations to harmonize regulations across Europe, ensuring that both innovation in agricultural waste management and practical pesticide reduction strategies are implemented in a way that supports farmers and producers, minimizing economic disruptions and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices.

Strategies for achieving the sustainable development goals across the wine chain: a review

In the face of escalating climate change impacts, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations present a comprehensive blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. The wine industry, with its extensive global reach and significant economic impact, holds a unique position to contribute toward these goals. This review examines how the wine industry can, directly and indirectly, support all 17 SDGs through a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating extensive literature analysis. The study explores the alignment of wine industry practices with the SDGs across three key pillars: social, environmental, and governance goals. Social initiatives focus on enhancing livelihoods, food security, fair and safe working conditions, inclusive and ethical development among the workers and communities, education, and economic growth. Environmental efforts emphasize reducing the industry’s carbon footprint, conserving water, improving water and energy use efficiency, improving grapevine resilience against adverse environmental conditions, minimizing pollution, protecting biodiversity, creating more sustainable cities, and promoting moderate wine consumption. Governance goals highlight the importance of regulatory frameworks, wine industry standards, and stakeholder engagement in promoting sustainable, responsible and ethical practices, contributing to effective partnerships and institutional capacity. Conclusions highlight the wine industry’s commitment to sustainability as a catalyst for positive change, demonstrating that profitability and environmental stewardship can coexist. Future perspectives call for enhanced collaboration, research, education, supportive policies, robust monitoring, and equality initiatives. By embracing sustainable practices, the wine industry can play a vital role in advancing the global agenda for a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future.

Data Access and Automated Decision-Making in European Financial Law

Abstract This article examines the regulatory landscape of financial data access within the European Union, emphasising the implications and effectiveness of recent legislative initiatives. It provides an in-depth analysis of the Financial Data Access Regulation (FIDA) proposal and its relationship with existing laws, focusing on the possibilities for data access and utilisation in the context of Open Finance. The discussion evaluates the regulatory framework for automated decision-making (ADM) in European financial law, highlighting its strengths and identifying areas for improvement. By exploring the intersections of tech resilience, financial regulation, and data protection, the article aims to clarify the practical implications of current and proposed rules, emphasising effective practices and areas needing further legislative attention.

Systematisation of Conceptual Approaches to Formation of Business Ethics in the Context of Legal Regulation of Entrepreneurial Activity

Introduction. In the frame of entrepreneurship development, promotion of business ethics becomes particularly important as a mechanism for business harmonization, ensuring legal equality, healthy competition and fair attitudes to consumers. However, the controversial approaches to defining the concept of “business ethics” and the multiple interpretations thereof prevent from boosting the global spread of business culture in the legal regulation framework. In this regard, the aim of the study is to systematise the conceptual approaches to substantiation and formation of business ethics in the context of legal regulation of entrepreneurial activity.Materials and Methods. The methodological basis of the research includes the general and specific scientific methods. The methods of analysis, comparison and systematisation enable the study of the integral parts of business ethics to get deep understanding of this concept. By comparing different interpretations, the common grounds in the interdisciplinary approaches to substantiation of this concept are revealed. Systematisation fosters organisation of the legal and moral values into a single hierarchical structure that forms the essence of business ethics. The philosophical-juridical method reveals the interrelation of the philosophical approach contained in the entrepreneurial value reference points and the legislative norms of society.Results. The research has revealed a pattern of business ethics development in the context of global and national wellbeing. The hierarchical structure of business ethics has a top-down nature: the international level, the macro level and the micro level. Despite the influence of cultural specifics on the development of the moral value system, the formation of business culture should go in correlation with the norms of law and the needs of society, along with establishment of the corporate boundaries and general entrepreneurial principles. At the corporate level, the integration of business ethics into the enterprise strategy is beneficial for its image and reputation, and the efficiency lies in promotion of the socio-economic, legal and other aspects fostering creation of fair, sustainable and conscious business.Discussion and Conclusion. The concept of “business ethics” is studied in the various scientific contexts. Despite all differences in interpretation, the mechanism of forming the business ethics in the framework of entrepreneurial activity is uniform, it includes creation of the code of ethics, training in ethical principles, development of a system of incentives, elaboration of the methods of prevention and punishment. In various contexts, this mechanism is aimed at eliminating unlawful forms of competition, ensuring economic, social and legal security, increasing the level of responsibility and creating an efficient system of business values.