The ongoing railway reforms in Ukraine are crucial for the country’s integration into the European Union’s transportation network. A major challenge lies in the difference in track gauge widths: Ukraine predominantly uses a 1520 mm gauge, while European countries utilize a 1435 mm gauge. This 85 mm difference presents significant logistical and operational barriers, hindering smooth cross-border trade and travel. The study examines the current state of Ukraine’s railway system, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure modernization to meet European standards. Methods include a comparative analysis of Ukraine’s railway network with those of EU member states, focusing on integration challenges and potential solutions. Results indicate that aligning Ukraine’s railway with European standards could substantially enhance connectivity, reduce transit times, and foster economic growth. However, “Ukrzaliznytsia’s” slow adaptation to these necessary changes is a major roadblock. The study concludes that the construction of a standard-gauge railway linking Ukraine to the EU is vital not only for improving trade routes but also for supporting Ukraine’s broader political and economic aspirations towards EU membership. Circular economy principles, such as resource optimisation, extending the life cycle of existing infrastructure and reusing materials from dismantled railway facilities, can offer a cost-effective and sustainable approach. This infrastructural change will serve as a catalyst for deeper integration, strengthening Ukraine’s position within the European transportation network.

The covid-19 pandemic has adversely affected the sustainability of micro and small enterprises (MSEs), with a particularly pronounced impact in Central Java. Entrepreneurs who struggle to adapt to reduced consumer purchasing power and the increasing reliance on digital technology are at heightened risk of business closure. Despite these challenges, inclusivity remains a crucial element for MSEs in fostering local economic development. Accordingly, this study seeks to examine the role of inclusivity in the sustainability of MSEs that are based on digital technology. Data were collected through the use of questionnaires and focus group discussions. Respondents were digital-based MSEs entrepreneurs from five selected regions, with Central Java having the largest number of digital media users. Key informants included experts from Diponegoro University, the International Council of Small Business (ICSB), the Department of Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises at the provincial and district levels, and non-governmental organizations. The collected data was analyzed using the Rapid Appraisal for Micro and Small Enterprises (Rap-MSE’s) method. To assess the sustainability status, the study utilized several dimensions, including economic, environmental, social, institutional, technological, and inclusivity factors. Both multidimensional and individual analyses indicated that the sustainability status was relatively robust. MSEs that integrated digital technology into their operations were able to withstand the challenges posed by covid-19 and adapt to the new normal. In conclusion, the inclusivity dimension in the adoption of digital technology has gained increased importance in driving local economic development.

The boom in nanotechnology over the last three decades is undeniable. Responsible for this interest in nanomaterials are mainly the nanostructured forms of carbon, since historically they were the ones that inaugurated the study of nanomaterials with the discovery of fullerenes in 1985 and carbon nanotubes in 1991. Although a variety of techniques exist to produce these materials, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is particularly valuable as it allows the production of a wide variety of carbon nanostructures, is versatile, scalable, easy to implement and relatively low cost. This review article highlights the importance of CVD and details its principles, operating conditions and parameters, as well as its main variants. A description of the technique used to produce fullerenes, nano-ceramics, carbon nanotubes, nanospheres, graphene and others is made, emphasizing the specific parameters for each synthesis.

Luxembourg institutions have the opportunity to reconcile environmental goals with financial stability by implementing Green Fintech solutions, as the banking sector increasingly recognizes the importance of sustainability. This study employs a quantitative approach and analyzes data collected from 150 participants working in the banking industry of Luxembourg. The research aims to assess the consequences of adopting Green Fintech on sustainable development. Banking institutions can boost their financial resilience and mitigate climate-related risks by adopting Green Fintech, which improves their sustainability. The paper emphasizes the importance of Green Fintech in the Luxembourg banking sector for advancing sustainable development goals. To effectively address the increasingly complex environmental concerns, it is crucial to embrace innovative Fintechs.