This study explores the transformative role of art design interventions in the sustainable development and infrastructure enhancement of intangible cultural heritage, with a particular focus on honored brands. The research develops a framework that positions aesthetic and interactive art design interventions as pivotal components in revitalizing these brands. Aesthetic interventions translate the brand’s core philosophy, spirit, and values into compelling visual symbols, harmonizing cultural heritage with modern image design to elevate brand reputation and consumer preference. Interactive interventions enhance user experience, particularly among younger demographics, by integrating technological and entertainment-based engagement, thereby strengthening consumer loyalty and brand influence. The study further investigates how these art design interventions serve as catalysts for broader social development, contributing to the modern relevance and societal impact of time-honored brands. Additionally, it examines the impact of these interventions on sustainable development, societal support, and policy alignment. By weaving together these elements, the research underscores the critical importance of aligning brand strategies with societal goals, fostering environments where brands actively contribute to social welfare and sustainable growth. The findings offer valuable theoretical insights and practical strategies for the sustainable development of time-honored brands, providing clear directions for future research and practice.

This study investigates the integration of sustainability principles into educational curricula, focusing on the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Through a mixed-methods approach, the research identifies key institutional barriers, including outdated policies, insufficient teacher training, and limited resources. These barriers hinder the effective incorporation of sustainable development principles into education. The study reveals that while some educational systems struggle to adopt sustainability, examples from progressive institutions show that integrating these principles enhances student awareness and equips them with skills essential for sustainable development. The findings suggest that substantial changes are needed in existing educational frameworks to better support sustainability in curricula. Recommendations for future research include conducting longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impact of curriculum changes on sustainability outcomes and exploring the role of technology in advancing sustainable education. Policy recommendations emphasize the need for advocacy and the implementation of actionable strategies, such as industry collaborations for pilot projects and real-world applications. Furthermore, institutional support for teacher professional development is crucial, with structured programs that combine theoretical knowledge and practical skills in sustainability. Enhancing partnerships between educational institutions and industries, including co-designed curriculum modules and internship opportunities, is also essential for aligning education with the Sustainable Development Goals. This study highlights the importance of transforming educational practices to better address the challenges of sustainable infrastructure development, ultimately preparing students to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Herein, we report a facile preparation of super-hydrophilic sand by coating the sand particles with cross-linked polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogels for enhanced water absorption and controlled water release aimed at desert agriculture. To prepare the sample, 4 wt% of aqueous PAM solution is mixed with organic cross-linkers of hydroquinone (HQ) and hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) in a 1:1 weight ratio and aqueous potassium chloride (KCl) solution. A specific amount of the above solution is added to the sand, well mixed, and subsequently cured at 150 °C for 8 h. The prepared super-hydrophilic sands were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) for chemical composition and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for successful polymer coating onto the sand. The water storage for the samples was studied by absorption kinetics at various temperature conditions, and extended water release was studied by water desorption kinetics. The water swelling ratio for the super-hydrophilic sand has reached a maximum of 900% (9 times its weight) at 80 °C within 1 h. The desorption kinetics of the samples showed that the water can be stored for up to a maximum of 3 days. Therefore, super-hydrophilic sand particles were successfully prepared by coating them with PAM hydrogels, which have great potential to be used in sustainable desert agriculture.

The convergence of multifaceted global challenges encompassing the rise of populism, Brexit, the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine has catalyzed a profound reassessment of international trade policies. This article critically examines the intricate linkages between these challenges and their profound implications for the contemporary international trading system. Traditionally, globalization debates in the 1990s underscored the social and environmental dimensions of trade, yet the current landscape reveals an undeniable entwining of societal implications with trade policies. This article delves into the interconnectedness of these global challenges with trade, evaluating how each phenomenon influences and reshapes policy discourse. In particular, the rise of populism and its attendant protectionist sentiments have engendered a reevaluation of trade relationships and multilateral agreements. The seismic geopolitical event of Brexit has disrupted regional trade dynamics, signaling a paradigm shift in established trade blocs. Simultaneously, the imperatives of addressing the escalating climate crisis have spotlighted the necessity for trade policies to align with environmental sustainability goals. The COVID-19 pandemic, acting as a disruptor on a global scale, has accentuated vulnerabilities within supply chains, emphasizing the need for resilience and adaptability in trade frameworks. Additionally, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has introduced geopolitical tensions that further complicate the trade-policy landscape. By critically evaluating these intersecting challenges, this article delineates the evolving nature of trade policies and their inextricable relationship with societal and geopolitical realities. It underscores the imperative for a holistic approach in policy formulation that integrates social, environmental, and geopolitical considerations, acknowledging the integral role of trade policies in addressing contemporary global challenges.

In April 2023, the government of Changshu City, in Jiangsu Province, China, announced that it would officially use digital Chinese Yuan (E-CNY) as a method of wage payment to the government and state-owned enterprises staff starting in May. With the gradual improvement and application of E-CNY technologies, such as no electricity, no internet payment (offline payment), and the programmability of smart contracts, E-CNY will be officially used in China. CNN said China is on the verge of a cashless society. The advantages of E-CNY have a positive role in promoting the Chinese government’s implementation of the development goals of a low-carbon and sustainable economy. However, artificial intelligence (AI) trust concerns are the primary bottleneck in the current development based on intelligent algorithms and digital information technology. AI trust concerns are affecting the scope of use of E-CNY, and it may need to achieve effective scale-use, making it promote low-carbon and sustainable development. From the industry perspective, this article selects the housing rental enterprises, which are challenging to develop and energy-intensive, to analyze the theoretical approach and practical impact of E-CNY in promoting the low-carbon and sustainable development of China’s rental housing economy. Meanwhile, from the perspective of Chinese consumers, the impact of AI trust concerns on E-CNY in promoting low-carbon and sustainable development is analyzed in this article.

This paper discusses the concept of creating a new reality using the approaches of smart cities to develop eco-cities, in which the necessary balance between nature and progress can be maintained. The authors propose that the concept of smart cities should be used as a tool for the creation of eco-cities, and argue that the positive synergies between the two will be strongest if the smart concept acts as a tool for the creation of eco. The core elements of a smart eco-city are identified as smart sustainable use of resources, a smart sustainable healthy community, and a smart sustainable economy. The results of the article were the foundation for the development concept for Vision Bratislava 2050—the vision and strategy for the development of the capital of the Slovak Republic. The authors also discuss the challenges of transforming cities into smart eco-formats, including the need for digital resilience in the face of potential cataclysms. They suggest that this is a promising area for further research into the concept of smart eco-cities.