Search Results (1,617)

As one of the primary contributors to carbon emissions in China, the transportation sector plays a pivotal role in achieving green and low-carbon development. Considering the spatio-temporal dependency characteristics of transportation carbon emissions driven by economic interactions and population mobility among provinces, this study proposes a predictive framework for transportation carbon emissions based on a spatio-temporal attention mechanism from the perspective of multi-province spatio-temporal synergy. First, the study conducts transportation carbon emission accounting by considering both transportation fuel consumption and electricity usage, followed by feature selection using an enhanced STIRPAT model. Second, it integrates the spatio-temporal attention mechanism with graph convolutional neural networks to construct a multi-province transportation carbon emission collaborative prediction model. Comparative experiments highlight the superior performance of deep learning methods and spatio-temporal correlation modeling in multi-province transportation carbon emission collaborative prediction. Finally, three future development scenarios are designed to analyze the evolution paths of transportation carbon emissions. The results indicate that technological innovation can significantly improve the efficiency of transportation emission reduction. Moreover, given that the eastern region and the central and western regions are at distinct stages of development, it is essential to develop differentiated emission reduction strategies tailored to local conditions to facilitate a green and low-carbon transformation in the transportation sector. Full article

The use of ammonia-fueled solid oxide fuel cells (NH3-SOFC) in shipping has emerged as a key area of research for advancing zero-carbon transportation. This study integrates and analyzes a novel ship design powered by NH3-SOFCs to quantify its environmental impact across its entire life-cycle, from production to disposal. A 200 TEU ammonia-fueled container ship operating on the Yangtze River is used as the reference vessel. Comprehensive technical analysis and modeling of the ship’s construction, operation, and Decommissioning stages are conducted. By utilizing life-cycle assessment and the ReCiPe 2016 method for calculations, 19 environmental impact indicators were obtained, weighted, and normalized. Life-cycle characterization results reveal that ecosystem and human health impacts are predominantly influenced by the operation stage. Thus, focusing on environmental protection measures and technological innovations during operation is crucial to mitigate these impacts. Conversely, resource depletion is mainly driven by the construction stage, underscoring the need for optimized design, production processes, and the use of eco-friendly materials to reduce resource consumption. A comparative analysis between diesel-powered and ammonia-powered ships shows that while ammonia SOFC ships have a slightly higher environmental load in terms of metal consumption, diesel-powered ships exhibit higher overall environmental loads in other impact indicators. This demonstrates the superior environmental and social benefits of ammonia SOFC ships compared to traditional diesel power systems. Full article

Background: This study examines the impact of technological innovations on digital supply chain management, with a focus on the mediating role of artificial intelligence. With global supply chains increasingly relying on digital platforms, the integration of advanced technologies has become essential for achieving efficiency and competitiveness. Methods: The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining survey data and expert interviews with professionals from Jordan’s industrial sector. It investigates how emerging digital innovations influence supply chain performance and examines the extent to which artificial intelligence contributes to automation, predictive analytics, and data-driven decision-making. Results: The findings reveal that artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of technological innovations within digital supply chain systems. Specifically, AI improves adaptability to market fluctuations, increases operational efficiency, and strengthens strategic flexibility. These outcomes suggest that organizations adopting AI-enabled innovations are better equipped to respond to uncertainty and achieve superior supply chain performance. Conclusions: The study concludes that technological innovations significantly advance digital supply chain management when supported by artificial intelligence as a mediating factor. The integration of AI not only magnifies the value of digital innovations but also enables sustainable performance improvements and reinforces competitiveness in dynamic industrial environments. Full article

The digital revolution is transforming the financial services sector. Risk is not static; emerging risks continue to pose threats to the financial services sector which influences financial stability and consumer protection regulation mandates. This novel study presents a comparative bibliometric analysis of China and India in examining the effect of trends on the scholarly research outputs discussing the emerging risks in the fintech-driven digital banking environment. Furthermore, the mapping presents the geographical dynamics of Asia, followed by country-level perspectives. The period of study was from 2015 to 2024. Leveraging the Scopus database, data was extracted based on a specified query using the SPAR 4 SLR protocol. Analysis was performed on 162 articles from an initial list of 1257 articles using Scival and Vos viewer tools. Performance indicator metrics and science mapping enabled the answering of research questions. The findings revealed that research output is inclined towards India rather than China; this is despite China domiciling some big tech firms. Comparatively, India dominates when it comes to performance analysis metrics compared to China. The scientific mapping depicted in both countries shows the multifaceted effects of fintech on banking, including trends in user acceptance, competition, emerging risks, technological innovation, and financial stability. The strong connections in both countries across clusters highlight how fintech research is multi-disciplinary, spanning consumer behavior, finance, economics, and financial technology. This study provides a foundation on which a robust risk management framework, which is customized to digital banking existence, can be developed in the face of emerging risks. Full article

Biopolymers have emerged as a transformative class of materials that reconcile high-performance functionality with environmental stewardship. Their inherent capacity for controlled degradation and biocompatibility has driven rapid advancements across electronics, sensing, actuation, and healthcare. In flexible electronics, these polymers serve as substrates, dielectrics, and conductive composites that enable transient devices, reducing electronic waste without compromising electrical performance. Within sensing and actuation, biodegradable polymer matrices facilitate the development of fully resorbable biosensors and soft actuators. These systems harness tailored degradation kinetics to achieve temporal control over signal transduction and mechanical response, unlocking applications in in vivo monitoring and on-demand drug delivery. In healthcare, biodegradable polymers underpin novel approaches in tissue engineering, wound healing, and bioresorbable implants. Their tunable chemical architectures and processing versatility allow for precise regulation of mechanical properties, degradation rates, and therapeutic payloads, fostering seamless integration with biological environments. The convergence of these emerging applications underscores the pivotal role of biodegradable polymers in advancing sustainable technology and personalized medicine. Continued interdisciplinary research into polymer design, processing strategies, and integration techniques will accelerate commercialization and broaden the impact of these lower eCO₂ value materials across diverse sectors. This perspective article comments on the innovation in these sectors that go beyond the applications of biodegradable materials in packaging applications. Full article

Urban growth and environmental pressures in rapidly transforming cities require innovative governance tools that integrate advanced technologies with institutional assessment. This study develops and applies a strategic integration framework that combines spatial analysis, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)-based land-use classification, SHAP-based feature attribution, and stakeholder interviews to evaluate Yerevan, Armenia, as a case of a mid-income city facing accelerated urbanization. The case selection is justified by Yerevan’s rapid built-up expansion, fragmented green areas, and institutional challenges in aligning urban development with sustainability goals. The CNN model achieved 92.4% accuracy in land-use classification, and projections under a business-as-usual scenario indicate a 12.8% increase in built-up areas and a 6.5% decline in green zones by 2030. SHAP analysis identified land surface temperature and NDVI as the most influential predictors, while governance interviews highlighted gaps in regulatory support and technical capacity. The proposed framework advances the literature by integrating AI-driven geospatial analysis with qualitative governance assessment, providing actionable insights for urban policymakers. Findings underscore the potential of combining machine learning, geospatial technologies, and institutional diagnostics to guide smart city planning in transition economies. Full article

Dairy products harbor complex and dynamic microbial communities that contribute to their sensory properties, safety, and cultural distinctiveness. Raw milk contains a diverse microbiota shaped by seasonality, storage conditions, lactation stage, animal health, farm management, and genetics, serving as a variable starting point for further processing. Fermentation, whether spontaneous or starter driven, selects for subsets of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), yeasts, and molds, resulting in microbial succession that underpins both artisanal and industrial products such as kefir and cheese. Kefir represents a balanced LAB–yeast symbiosis, with species composition influenced by grain origin, milk type, and processing parameters, whereas the cheese microbiota reflects the interplay of starter and non-starter LAB, coagulants, ripening conditions, and “house microbiota”. Methodological factors—including DNA extraction, sequencing platform, and bioinformatic pipelines—further impact the reported microbial profiles, highlighting the need for standardization across studies. This review synthesizes current knowledge on raw milk, kefir, and cheese microbiomes, emphasizing the biological, technological, environmental, and methodological factors shaping microbial diversity. A holistic understanding of these drivers is essential to preserve product authenticity, ensure safety, and harness microbial resources for innovation in dairy biotechnology. Full article

In recent years, the construction sector has experienced a significant technological transition, driven by the introduction of innovative digital tools and the evolution of the legislative environment. This article presents a Systematic Scoping Review conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, aiming to examine the role of Public Administration (PA) regarding the adoption of innovative technologies, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Twin (DT), to improve the management of construction and public procurement processes. The review analyses the state of the art in the implementation of digitalised procedures for project management in the construction phase, according to PA organisational purposes and national and international standard requirements. The data obtained was used to structure the analysis in order to provide a useful framework for understanding the level of convergence between the academic world and public administration in the use of digital technologies and their combined applications. The review results are organised in a thematic matrix classifying contributions according to key topics, building process phases, and operational aims. This approach highlights adopted strategies and emerging best practices, aiming to support both PAs and professionals in overcoming digitalisation challenges. A specific focus has been dedicated to the need for continuous training and legislative adaptation, which are essential for integrating digital technologies into building processes. The analysis and verification of the results of the systematic scoping review on the digitalisation process in the construction sector, conducted between academia and the public administration, is supported by a comparison with an Italian case study from the Emilia-Romagna region, which illustrates the specific application of the strategies identified in the digital management of public construction processes. Full article

Climatic heat stress in Hong Kong’s construction industry has been exacerbated by global climate change in recent times and the city has been taking proactive measures in protecting its workforce. Heat stress management systems refer to integrated frameworks, including policies, technologies, and practices, designed to monitor, mitigate, and prevent heat-related risks to workers’ health and productivity in hot environments. This scoping review investigates the existing heat stress management systems within Hong Kong’s construction industry, analyzing policies and academic research, and highlighting challenges and proposing solutions. A systematic scoping method was used to review and synthesize findings from 50 peer-reviewed articles (updated to 2025) and nine policy documents. This study highlights the interplay between research innovations like AI-driven models and wearable cooling technologies and policy frameworks. The results indicate substantial progress in Hong Kong’s drive to manage heat strain and accidents among construction workers over the years, with advancements in real-time advisory systems and protective equipment, improving worker safety and productivity. However, limited scalability, costs, socio-cultural compliance issues, gaps in addressing equity concerns among vulnerable workers, policy implementation, and other challenges persist. This review underscores the importance of building resilient systems against the escalating heat stress risks by proposing the integration of research-based technological innovation with policies and socio-organizational considerations. It contributes to providing the first updated scoping review post-2020, identifying implementation gaps (e.g., 40% non-compliance rate) and proposing a concrete action framework for future interventions. Recommendations for future research include cross-regional adaptations, cost-effective solutions for medium-sized construction enterprises, and the continuous re-evaluation and improvement of current interventions. Full article

Amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) represent a promising formulation strategy for improving the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs, a major challenge in pharmaceutical development. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the physicochemical principles underlying ASD stability, with a focus on drug–polymer miscibility, molecular mobility, and thermodynamic properties. The main manufacturing techniques including hot-melt extrusion, spray drying, and KinetiSol^® dispersing are discussed for their impact on formulation homogeneity and scalability. Recent advances in excipient selection, molecular modeling, and in silico predictive approaches have transformed ASD design, reducing dependence on traditional trial-and-error methods. Furthermore, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI)-based computational platforms are reshaping formulation strategies by enabling accurate predictions of drug–polymer interactions and physical stability. Advanced characterization methods such as solid-state NMR, IR, and dielectric spectroscopy provide valuable insights into phase separation and recrystallization. Despite these technological innovations, ensuring long-term stability and maintaining supersaturation remain significant challenges for ASDs. Integrated formulation design frameworks, including PBPK modeling and accelerated stability testing, offer potential solutions to address these issues. Future research should emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, leveraging computational advancements together with experimental validation to refine formulation strategies and accelerate clinical translation. The scientists can unlock the full therapeutic potential with emerging technologies and a data-driven approach. Full article

Increasing interest in functional nutrition has driven the incorporation of probiotics into pet food formulations to enhance digestive health, immune response, and overall well-being in companion animals. This systematic review examines scientific publications, patents, and market developments related to probiotic-enriched pet food from 2014 to 2024. We evaluate major probiotic taxa—including Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Bacillus spp., and Saccharomyces cerevisiae—based on their resilience during processing, gastrointestinal survival, and documented health benefits. Delivery technologies such as microencapsulation, coating matrices, and post-processing supplementation are analyzed for their effectiveness in preserving probiotic viability within dry and wet food matrices. Patent landscape analysis highlights innovation trends in strain selection, formulation design, and processing methods. In vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate that probiotic supplementation modulates gut microbiota composition, improves fecal parameters, enhances immune markers, and promotes nutrient absorption in both canine and feline models. Market data reveal rapid expansion of commercial probiotic pet food products, yet scientific research remains limited compared to human nutrition. Overall, the findings indicate that while probiotics hold clear potential to improve gastrointestinal health and immunity in pets, evidence remains fragmented, particularly for cats and long-term outcomes. Bridging the gap between industrial innovation and controlled clinical validation will be essential for developing next-generation probiotic pet foods. Full article

This study investigates how AI-driven innovations are reshaping manufacturing value chains through the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 6.0, particularly in resource-intensive sectors such as ceramics. Addressing a gap in the literature, the research situates the evolution of manufacturing within the broader context of digital transformation, sustainability, and regulatory demands. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining semi-structured interviews with key industry stakeholders and an extensive review of secondary data, to develop an Industry 6.0 model tailored to the ceramics industry. The findings demonstrate that artificial intelligence, digital twins, and cognitive automation significantly enhance predictive maintenance, real-time supply chain optimization, and regulatory compliance, notably with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). These technological advancements also facilitate circular economy practices and cognitive logistics, thereby fostering greater transparency and sustainability in B2B manufacturing networks. The study concludes that integrating AI-driven automation and cognitive logistics into digital ecosystems and supply chain management serves as a strategic enabler of operational resilience, regulatory alignment, and long-term competitiveness. While the industry-specific focus may limit generalizability, the study underscores the need for further research in diverse manufacturing sectors and longitudinal analyses to fully assess the long-term impact of AI-enabled Industry 6.0 frameworks. Full article

The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technologies is reshaping global hospitality. However, in emerging markets, uptake remains limited by financial, organizational, and infrastructural barriers. This study examines the digital readiness of 1821 licensed accommodation providers in Albania, a rapidly expanding tourism economy, using an integrated framework that combines the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework, and Diffusion of Innovations (DOI). Data were collected via a structured survey and analyzed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, cluster analysis, and structural equation modeling. Exploratory factor analysis identified a single robust readiness dimension, covering smart automation, environmental controls, and AI-driven systems. K-means segmentation revealed three adopter profiles: Tech Leaders (17.7%), Selective Adopters (43.5%), and Skeptics (38.8%), with statistically distinct but modest mean differences in readiness, reflecting stronger adoption in central urban and coastal hubs compared to weaker uptake in cultural heritage and non-urban regions. Structural modeling showed that environmental competitive pressure strongly enhanced perceived usefulness, which, in turn, drove behavioral intention, whereas perceived ease of use (operationalized as implementation complexity) had negligible effects. Innovation readiness was consistently associated with broader adoption, although intention was translated into actual use only among Tech Leaders. The findings highlight a fragmented digital ecosystem in which enthusiasm for AI exceeds its feasibility, underscoring the need for differentiated policy support, modular vendor solutions, and targeted capacity building to foster inclusive digital transformation. Full article

Tryptophan (Trp) and tryptamine (Tryp), critical biomarkers in mood regulation, immune function, and metabolic homeostasis, are increasingly recognized for their roles in both oral and systemic pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancers, and inflammatory conditions. Their rapid, sensitive detection in biofluids such as saliva—a non-invasive, real-time diagnostic medium—offers transformative potential for early disease identification and personalized health monitoring. This review synthesizes advancements in electrochemical sensor technologies tailored for Trp and Tryp quantification, emphasizing their clinical relevance in diagnosing conditions like oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and breast cancer, where dysregulated Trp metabolism reflects immune dysfunction or tumor progression. Electrochemical platforms have overcome the limitations of conventional techniques (e.g., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and mass spectrometry) by integrating innovative nanomaterials and smart engineering strategies. Carbon-based architectures, such as graphene (Gr) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) functionalized with metal nanoparticles (Ni and Co) or nitrogen dopants, amplify electron transfer kinetics and catalytic activity, achieving sub-nanomolar detection limits. Synergies between doping and advanced functionalization—via aptamers (Apt), molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), or metal-oxide hybrids—impart exceptional selectivity, enabling the precise discrimination of Trp and Tryp in complex matrices like saliva. Mechanistically, redox reactions at the indole ring are optimized through tailored electrode interfaces, which enhance reaction kinetics and stability over repeated cycles. Translational strides include 3D-printed microfluidics and wearable sensors for continuous intraoral health surveillance, demonstrating clinical utility in detecting elevated Trp levels in OSCC and breast cancer. These platforms align with point-of-care (POC) needs through rapid response times, minimal fouling, and compatibility with scalable fabrication. However, challenges persist in standardizing saliva collection, mitigating matrix interference, and validating biomarkers across diverse populations. Emerging solutions, such as AI-driven analytics and antifouling coatings, coupled with interdisciplinary efforts to refine device integration and manufacturing, are critical to bridging these gaps. By harmonizing material innovation with clinical insights, electrochemical sensors promise to revolutionize precision medicine, offering cost-effective, real-time diagnostics for both localized oral pathologies and systemic diseases. As the field advances, addressing stability and scalability barriers will unlock the full potential of these technologies, transforming them into indispensable tools for early intervention and tailored therapeutic monitoring in global healthcare. Full article

Sustainability-driven products rely heavily on market success and customer awareness to achieve their intended impact. While knowledge-based enterprises (KBEs) are committed to enhancing the sustainability of their products and services, they often face challenges in building brand equity and raising awareness of what makes their products sustainable, particularly within social media engagement. AI agents transfer social media and enable KBEs to promote sustainable products by enhancing brand equity. However, this requires an effective strategy to enhance brand equity among the new social media generation. This study highlights critical factors identified through a rigorous literature review that influence the enhancement of brand equity in KBEs, with a focus on sustainable development and brand innovation. This research employs a mixed-method approach using VOSviewer and NVivo software. A scientometric review of articles published in the Scopus database and a critical thematic analysis were conducted. Furthermore, Google Trends data were utilized to complement the analysis and propose a set of key factors and future directions. Out of 1552 articles extracted from scientific databases from 1994 until 2024, 33 articles were selected and thoroughly analyzed after a rigorous screening and evaluation process. The review demonstrates that social media enhances brand equity for KBEs by increasing brand awareness, improving their efforts in sustainable development, strengthening brand image, strengthening customer loyalty, and facilitating effective interactions. Moreover, leveraging brand innovation and focusing on sustainable development through social media amplifies these positive impacts, further influencing the brand’s perceived quality. This research uniquely identifies the value of sustainability in the brand equity model and the moderating roles of technological complexity and customer environmental sensitivity in this process. The research offers significant insights for managers of science and technology parks, guiding them to adopt effective social media strategies that create sustainable competitive differentiation and strengthen brand positioning in competitive markets. This study also establishes a strong foundation for future studies focusing on AI-powered tools for brand equity within the digital environment by proposing a set of factors that can be used by researchers to develop an initial model. Full article