Search Results (233)

Plant-based diets are increasingly recognized for their potential health benefits, reduced environmental impact, and alignment with ethical concerns related to animal welfare. Plant-based meat analogues (PBMAs), formulated using alternative vegetable protein sources, can contribute to the nutritional adequacy of such diets while supporting consumer adherence by replicating the sensory characteristics of conventional meat products. This study aimed to establish evidence-based nutritional recommendations for the formulation of nutritionally balanced PBMAs through expert consensus, using a modified Delphi method. Consensus was achieved for 12 nutritional recommendations across three stakeholder groups: (i) academic researchers; (ii) representatives from scientific societies, non-governmental organizations, civil society, and government agencies; and (iii) industry stakeholders involved in PBMA production. Recommendations focused on limiting nutrients of concern—such as sodium and saturated fats—were unanimously endorsed by all groups. Additionally, consensus was reached on recommendations emphasizing the inclusion of ingredients that ensure an adequate intake of essential nutrients, including proteins, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Among the six proposed regulatory recommendations, three achieved consensus. The resulting set of nutritional recommendations offers a valuable framework to support the food industry in developing PBMAs that align with consumer expectations for health, nutrition, and sustainability. Moreover, these recommendations can play a pivotal role in assisting regulatory authorities in defining identity and quality standards for PBMAs. Full article

As global awareness of environmental and social challenges continues to rise, companies are increasingly re-evaluating how they connect with consumers. This study investigates the role of digital marketing in promoting more sustainable consumer behaviours. Based on a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature retrieved from the Scopus database, and conducted following the PRISMA framework, this research analysed 84 academic publications. The findings highlight that strategies such as personalised messaging, social media engagement, influencer collaborations, and eco-conscious branding are significantly influencing purchasing decisions. Approaches rooted in transparency, emotional storytelling, and ethical data practices appear to enhance consumer trust and strengthen brand relationships. Although the field is technically well developed, it remains underexplored in areas such as digital accessibility and ethical governance. Overall, this study suggests that, when aligned with sustainable values, digital marketing becomes more than a promotional tool—it emerges as a key driver of responsible consumption and the cultivation of long-term, value-based connections between consumers and brands. Full article

The rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED) has created both remarkable opportunities and pressing concerns. Applications of intelligent tutoring systems, learning analytics, generative models, and educational robotics illustrate the transformative momentum of the field, yet they also raise fundamental questions regarding ethics, equity, and sustainability. The mission of AI in Education (MDPI) is to provide a rigorous, interdisciplinary, and inclusive platform where these debates can unfold. The journal bridges pedagogy and engineering, welcomes both empirical evidence of positive impacts and critical examinations of systemic risks, and advances responsible innovation in real educational settings. By integrating methodological standards, governance perspectives, and pedagogical ethics, including teacher-centered validation approaches, AI in Education positions itself as a space for constructive dialogue that values both enthusiasm and critique. Above all, the journal is committed to a human-centered vision for AIED, so that innovation in classrooms remains grounded in care, responsibility, and educational purpose. Full article

Sierra Leone possesses distinct educational, economic, and social characteristics. Public universities in the country, funded by the government, are mandated to promote sustainable development, ethical conduct, and social welfare, aligning with national development strategies such as the Midterm National Development Plan and the Education Sector Plan, which emphasize leadership, diversity, and ethical standards to advance sustainable development practices. This study applies Transformational Leadership Theory to investigate the influence of transformational leadership on corporate social responsibility, exploring the mediating role of innovative work behavior and the moderating effect of organizational culture on this relationship. Using a stratified sampling technique, data were collected from 367 employees across six public universities in Sierra Leone and analyzed with SMART PLS software 4.1.1.2. The findings revealed that transformational leadership positively and significantly impacts corporate social responsibility and innovative work behavior, with innovative work behavior partially mediating the relationship between transformational leadership and corporate social responsibility, while organizational culture positively and significantly moderates this relationship. Based on these findings, the study recommends that public universities in Sierra Leone integrate transformational leadership principles into their institutional frameworks to improve organizational outcomes and leadership effectiveness. This can be achieved through leadership development programs emphasizing transformational attributes such as inspirational motivation, individualized consideration, and vision-sharing, alongside mentorship programs for leaders at all levels to strengthen leadership skills and foster an organizational culture aligned with institutional goals. Full article

This study demonstrates that John Eliot’s mission to Native Americans was fundamentally driven by his millenarian understanding of the Kingdom of God. In contrast with interpretations that portray his ministry as motivated by cultural imperialism or economic interest, this paper argues that Eliot’s theological vision—particularly his belief in the imminent establishment of Christ’s earthly reign—was the primary impetus for his work. Through a close analysis of Eliot’s writings, including post-Restoration texts, this research reveals his consistent adherence to millenarianism across time. The findings are summarized in three key points: First, Eliot’s millenarianism is evident in his references to the kingdom of God, which he understood as opposed to earthly powers, governed by the Word of God, and advanced through human responsibility. Second, millenarianism not only initiated but also sustained his Indian mission beyond 1660. Third, Eliot’s millennial beliefs shaped his ethical posture toward Native Americans, contributing both to the disruption of traditional tribal structures and to his advocacy for Native protection during Metacom’s War. Full article

In the last 30 years, many scholars have proposed multilevel regulatory systems that go beyond the mere management of duties, tariffs, and non-tariff barriers, seeking instead to promote ethical, environmental, and social principles in international trade. A literature review shows that no detailed studies have examined whether, or how, sustainable human resource management (SHRM) practices can contribute to the development of effective international trade governance models. The role of human resource management (HRM) in major international trade agreements proposed by the World Trade Organization, USA, and EU is analyzed and discussed. Adopting a narrative review method, this study formulates and discusses six propositions on the potential contribution of SHRM practices to enhancing the effectiveness of international trade governance. A model to carry out a construct and criterion validation of such SHRM practices to increase the efficacy of international trade governance is proposed. Finally, critical issues arising from the constraints imposed by the current international context—marked by high levels of uncertainty and conflict—are analyzed. This analysis provides a realistic assessment of the actual contribution of SHRM practices to the effective governance of international trade. Full article

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across various sectors of modern society, reshaping economic landscapes, social interactions, and ethical considerations. This paper explores the multifaceted impact of AI, analyzing its implications for employment, privacy, and decision-making processes. By synthesizing recent research and case studies, we investigate the dual nature of AI as both a catalyst for innovation and a source of potential disruption. The findings highlight the necessity for proactive governance and ethical frameworks to mitigate risks associated with AI deployment while maximizing its benefits. Ultimately, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how AI is redefining human experiences and societal norms, encouraging further discourse on the sustainable integration of these technologies in everyday life. Full article

This study critically examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into education through the lens of Marx’s theory of alienation, engaging with contemporary critiques of digital capitalism and academic labour. Drawing on an exploratory survey of 395 educators in Northern Cyprus, a context of early-stage AI adoption, the paper identifies four distinct forms of alienation exacerbated by AI: from the product of academic labour, from the educational process, from professional identity (species-being), and from interpersonal relations. Findings suggest that while educators who view AI more positively tend to report lower levels of alienation, particularly with respect to their pedagogical outputs, this association is tentative due to the low reliability of the AI perception scale (Cronbach’s α = 0.42). The results, therefore, serve as hypothesis-generating rather than conclusive. Situating the empirical findings within broader critiques by Noble, Hall, Preston, and Komljenovic, the study highlights how algorithmic governance, commercial platform logics, and data-driven performance regimes threaten teacher autonomy, creativity, and relationality. The paper concludes with a call for participatory governance, ethical oversight, and human-centred design to ensure that AI integration supports, not supplants, educators. In doing so, it contributes to critical debates on the ethical sustainability of digital education under conditions of intensifying automation. Full article

The concept of governance has gained increasing attention across various fields of study. However, its application within the specific context of educational policies, particularly within compulsory public education, remains fragmented and underexplored. To answer the questions “How is governance conceptualized in the context of the compulsory public education system?” and “What contributions to future research emerge from this review?”, 32 peer-reviewed articles published in open-access journals between 2019 and 2023 were extracted from the Web of Science, Scopus, and ERIC databases and selected following PRISMA guidelines. Results from this systematic literature review analysis suggest a sustained yet moderate interest in the field, as evidenced by the reviewed publications, different theoretical and conceptual approaches, and research themes that illustrate different aspects of educational systems. Research gaps include the lack of a consolidated and integrated theoretical–conceptual framework on educational governance; the under-representation of specific actors, contexts, and points of view about how educational policies intentions are interpreted and enacted; insufficient critical analyses of, among others, educational leadership, digital transformation, and non-state actors’ influence in educational governance; and limited discussion of governance’s effects on educational justice, equity and quality. The main limitations relate to geographic, linguistic, and cultural biases of the analyzed studies, the exclusion of non-open-access articles, and the predominance of qualitative methodological approaches, which restrict generalizability. To address these challenges, future research should follow the adoption of interdisciplinary approaches, longitudinal and context-sensitive studies, and the use of mixed methodologies. These findings could contribute to a more informed discussion, avoiding reductionist interpretations and more open and critical perspectives on how educational governance transcends organizational and technical structures by incorporating political, ethical, and contextual dimensions that challenge the quality of educational systems. Full article

Artificial general intelligence (AGI) is often depicted as a transformative breakthrough, yet debates persist on whether current advancements truly represent general intelligence or remain limited to domain-specific applications. This study empirically maps AGI-related research across subject areas, geographies, and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) via machine learning-based analysis. The findings reveal that while the AGI discourse remains anchored in computing and engineering, it has diversified significantly into human-centered domains such as healthcare (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), clean energy (SDG 7), industrial innovation (SDG 9), and public governance (SDG 16). Geographically, research remains concentrated in the United States, China, and Europe, but emerging contributions from countries such as India, Pakistan, and Costa Rica suggest a gradual democratization of AGI exploration. Thematic expansion into legal systems, governance, and environmental sustainability points to AGI’s growing relevance for systemic societal challenges, even if true AGI remains aspirational. Funding patterns show strong private and public sector interest in general-purpose AI systems, whereas institutional collaborations are increasingly global and interdisciplinary. However, challenges persist in cross-sectoral data interoperability, infrastructure readiness, equitable funding distribution, and regulatory oversight. Addressing these issues requires anticipatory governance, international cooperation, and capacity-building strategies to ensure that the evolving AGI landscape aligns with inclusive, sustainable, and socially responsible futures. Full article

This conceptual position is based on the diagnosis that artificial intelligence (AI) accentuates existing economic and geopolitical divides in communities in the Global South, which provide data without receiving rewards. Based on bioethical precedents of fair distribution of genetic resources, it is proposed to transfer the principle of benefit-sharing to the emerging algorithmic governance in the context of AI. From this discussion, the study reveals an algorithmic concentration in the Global North. This dynamic generates political, cultural, and labor asymmetries. Regarding the methodological design, the research was qualitative, with an interpretive paradigm and an inductive method, applying documentary review and content analysis techniques. In addition, two theoretical and two analytical categories were used. As a result, six emerging categories were identified that serve as pillars of the studied principle and are capable of reversing the gaps: equity, accessibility, transparency, sustainability, participation, and cooperation. At the end of the research, it was confirmed that AI, without a solid ethical framework, concentrates benefits in dominant economies. Therefore, if this trend does not change, the Global South will become dependent, and its data will lack equitable returns. Therefore, benefit-sharing is proposed as a normative basis for fair, transparent, and participatory international governance. Full article

Ensuring sustainable food systems is an urgent global priority as populations grow and environmental pressures mount. Technological innovations such as genetic engineering (GE) and nanotechnology (nano) have been promoted as promising pathways for achieving greater sustainability in agriculture and food production. Yet, the sustainability of these technologies is not defined by technical performance alone; it hinges on how they are perceived by key stakeholders and how well they align with broader societal values. This study addresses the critical question of how expert stakeholders evaluate the sustainability of GE and nano-based food and agriculture (agrifood) products. Using a multi-method online platform, we engaged 42 experts across academia, government, industry, and NGOs in the United States to assess six real-world case studies—three using GE and three using nano—across ten different dimensions of sustainability. We show that nano-based products were consistently rated more favorably than their GE counterparts in terms of environmental, economic, and social sustainability, as well as across ethical and societal dimensions. Like prior studies, our results reveal that stakeholders see meaningful distinctions between nanotechnology and biotechnology, likely due to underlying value-based concerns about animal welfare, perceived naturalness, or corporate control of agrifood systems. The fruit coating and flu vaccine—both nano-enabled—received the most positive ratings, while GE mustard greens and salmon were the most polarizing. These results underscore the importance of incorporating stakeholder perspectives in technology assessment and innovation governance. These results also suggest that responsible innovation efforts in agrifood systems should prioritize communication, addressing meaningful societal needs, and the contextual understanding of societal values to build trust and legitimacy. Full article

As climate change consequences intensify, higher education institutions (HEIs) have an opportunity and responsibility to model sustainable operations. This study examines how embracing shared knowledge and inclusion in sustainability decision making facilitates green human resource management (GHRM) efforts to invigorate organizational environmental performance. The study examines the effects of shared and inclusive governance on campus sustainability via a regression model and the mediating role of employee participation via a structural equation modeling approach. The results show that shared governance and inclusive governance positively predict the commitment of HEIs to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and campus engagement mediates these relationships, underscoring the importance of participation. These findings align with stakeholder theory in demonstrating that diverse voices in decision making can enhance commitment to organizational goals like sustainability. The findings also highlight the importance of shared and inclusive governance arrangements at college campuses not only for ethical reasons but also for achieving desired outcomes like carbon neutrality. For campus leaders striving to “green” their institutions, evaluating cross-departmental representation in governance structures and promoting inclusive cultures that make all students and staff feel welcome appear as important complements to GHRM practices. Full article

Deep-sea mining presents a critical sustainability paradox; it offers access to essential minerals for the technologies of the green transition (e.g., batteries, wind turbines, electric vehicles) yet threatens fragile marine ecosystems. As the terrestrial sources of these materials face mounting geopolitical, environmental, and ethical constraints, undersea deposits are increasingly being viewed as alternatives. However, the extraction technologies remain unproven at large scales, posing risks related to biodiversity loss, sediment disruption, and altered oceanic carbon cycles. This paper explores how deep-sea mining might be reconciled with sustainable development, arguing that its viability hinges on addressing five interdependent challenges—technological readiness, environmental protection, economic feasibility, robust governance, and social acceptability. Progress requires parallel advancements across all domains. This paper reviews the current knowledge of deep-sea resources and extraction methods, analyzes the ecological and sociopolitical risks, and proposes systemic solutions, including the implementation of stringent regulatory frameworks, technological innovation, responsible terrestrial sourcing, and circular economy strategies. A precautionary and integrated approach is emphasized to ensure that the securing of critical minerals does not compromise marine ecosystem health or long-term sustainability objectives. Full article

As part of its modernisation and economic diversification policies, Saudi Arabia is building smart, sustainable cities intended to improve quality of life and meet environmental goals. However, involving the public in urban planning remains complex, with traditional methods often proving expensive, time-consuming, and inaccessible to many groups. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into public participation may help to address these limitations. This study explores whether Saudi residents are ready to engage with AI-driven tools in urban planning, how they prefer to interact with them, and what ethical concerns may arise. Using a quantitative, survey-based approach, the study collected data from 232 Saudi residents using non-probability stratified sampling. The survey assessed demographic influences on AI readiness, preferred engagement methods, and perceptions of ethical risks. The results showed a strong willingness among participants (200 respondents, 86%)—especially younger and university-educated respondents—to engage through AI platforms. Visual tools such as image and video analysis were the most preferred (96 respondents, 41%), while chatbots were less favoured (16 respondents, 17%). However, concerns were raised about privacy (76 respondents, 33%), bias (52 respondents, 22%), and over-reliance on technology (84 respondents, 36%). By exploring the intersection of generative AI and participatory urban governance, this study contributes directly to the discourse on inclusive smart city development. The research also offers insights into how AI-driven public engagement tools can be integrated into urban planning workflows to enhance the design, governance, and performance of the built environment. The findings suggest that AI has the potential to improve inclusivity and responsiveness in urban planning, but that its success depends on public trust, ethical safeguards, and the thoughtful design of accessible, user-friendly engagement platforms. Full article