Search Results (607)

The integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) into face-to-face compulsory education has accelerated globally, but the conceptual definition and pedagogical application of Digital Education (DE) remain unclear. This systematic review explores how DE is defined, implemented, and assessed in in-person primary and secondary school settings. Guided by PRISMA methodology, 33 peer-reviewed empirical studies published between January 2012 and June 2025 were selected from Scopus and Web of Science, and through reference checking. Methodological quality and potential sources of bias were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), and that appraisal informed the interpretation of the evidence. The results indicate significant ambiguity surrounding the term DE, which is often conflated with ICT use or digital competence. While many studies report positive outcomes in student engagement and basic skill acquisition, few articulate clear operational frameworks or pedagogical strategies for effective implementation. DE is predominantly applied to low-cognitive-demand tasks and is underused in promoting deeper learning. Key barriers include insufficient teacher training, fragmented educational policies, and infrastructural limitations. Nonetheless, when digital tools are intentionally combined with pedagogical goals—such as personalized instruction, learner autonomy, and content creation—DE demonstrates potential to improve motivation and support achievement. The findings suggest that well-designed DE can contribute to educational sustainability by strengthening learning opportunities, supporting equity and inclusion, and advancing Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), but they also highlight the need for coherent policies, teacher training, and equitable access to digital resources. Full article

This paper systematically reviews the emerging field of smart urban agriculture, defined as the integration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) into food production practices within and around built-up urban areas. Although urban agriculture and digital agriculture have each generated substantial scholarship, their intersection remains conceptually fragmented and empirically uneven. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, this study reviews 143 English-language articles indexed in Web of Science and Scopus between 2016 and 2026, combining bibliometric mapping with structured thematic coding. The analysis shows that smart urban agriculture has expanded rapidly since 2021, but remains geographically concentrated and disciplinarily dispersed. Current research is organized mainly around IoT and sensor networks, machine learning, soilless cultivation, vertical farming, plant factories, and controlled-environment agriculture. ICT applications are most mature in enclosed, data-rich, and technically controllable systems, where they support monitoring, prediction, automation, and resource optimization. By contrast, community-based, open-space, and governance-oriented forms of urban agriculture remain underexplored. By systematically linking ICT families with different urban agriculture production settings, this review clarifies the field’s emerging knowledge structure and demonstrates that technological development remains uneven across agricultural forms and socio-institutional contexts. Full article

Background: Several strategies such as premedication or allergologic work-up have been used to facilitate safe iodinated contrast media (ICM) application. The aim of this study was to assess the negative predictive value of skin tests and complete allergologic work-up with iodinated contrast media in real-life settings. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 210 patients with a history of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to ICMs. The stepwise protocol of selecting safe ICMs included skin prick tests (SPTs), intracutaneous tests (ICTs), and intravenous drug provocation tests (DPTs). The tests were performed with one or more of the following medications: iohexol, iodixanol, iomeprol, iopromide, and ioversol. At least 6 months after selecting safe ICMs, a telephone follow-up was scheduled. Based on this data, negative predictive values of skin tests and the whole work-up were calculated. Results: Overall, we obtained the following rates of positive tests: SPT—12% (55/441); ICT—10% (40/383); and DPT—5% (10/195). The highest rates of positive work-ups were found in patients tested within 1 year after the reaction and patients with a history of urticaria/angioedema after ICMs. The skin tests and DPTs determined a safe ICM in 184/210 (87%) patients. The negative predictive value of skin tests in reference to DPTs in hospital settings was 95%. Finally, a telephone follow-up demonstrated that 75/184 participants (41%) had been given the recommended ICM, including 68 cases (37%) with no subsequent hypersensitivity reaction and 7 (4%) with a reaction. The negative predictive value of allergologic work-up consisting of SPTs, ICTs and DPTs in real-life settings was 90%. Conclusions: Skin tests and intravenous drug provocation tests with ICMs are characterised by high negative predictive value, and enable the determination of safe ICMs for most patients. Full article

This study examines how the strategic integration of digital transformation and national innovation capacity contributes to accelerating sustainable development in Saudi Arabia by focusing on six Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4—Quality Education, SDG 7—Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 8—Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9—Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 12—Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 13—Climate Action. Using annual data on ICT use, ICT access, R&D expenditure, and patent applications, the analysis evaluates both the direct and joint relationships between these indicators and SDG performance. Digital transformation is captured through ICT use and ICT access, while national innovation capacity is represented by R&D expenditure and patent applications, reflecting the input and output dimensions of formal innovation activity. The findings indicate that the direct long-run effects of digital transformation and national innovation capacity on the six SDGs are not statistically significant, suggesting that these domains have not yet become standalone drivers of educational advancement, clean-energy adoption, economic performance, industrial upgrading, sustainable resource management, or emissions reduction. In contrast, their interaction produces substantial positive effects on SDG 4, SDG 7, SDG 8, and SDG 9, highlighting improvements in educational quality, renewable energy transition, productivity, and industrial innovation. The interaction also has significant negative effects on SDG 12 and SDG 13, as reflected by reductions in CO₂ intensity and environmental pressures. These results indicate that meaningful progress toward the SDGs emerges when digital capabilities and national innovation capacity evolve jointly, rather than through isolated improvements in ICT infrastructure or innovation inputs. Robustness checks using a composite SDG index confirm the stability of these complementary effects. These findings suggest that Saudi Arabia can accelerate progress toward the SDGs by adopting integrated policies that link ICT expansion with stronger R&D systems, patent commercialization, technological innovation, and sustainability-oriented industrial transformation across education, energy, industry, resource efficiency, and climate action. Full article

Conventional photothermal therapy often relies on high-intensity laser excitation due to the limited photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) of existing photothermal agents (PTAs), which compromises treatment safety and restricts clinical translation. To address this limitation, we designed and synthesized a series of boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY)-based derivatives (BDP 1–4) featuring gradient-enhanced donor–acceptor (D-A) push–pull electronic effects for efficient photothermal antitumor therapy. The structure–activity relationships were systematically elucidated through photophysical characterization and in vitro/in vivo photobiological evaluation. From BDP 1 to BDP 4, the progressively strengthened push–pull effect leads to enhanced intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), which, in turn, results in a narrowed HOMO-LUMO gap, redshifted absorption into the near-infrared (NIR) region (up to 843 nm), markedly attenuated fluorescence emission, and a remarkable increase in PCE up to 88.3%. To improve water dispersibility and tumor targeting, these molecules were further encapsulated into nanoparticles using DSPE-PEG₂₀₀₀, and the nanoformulations retained high PCE. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that under low-power laser irradiation (0.5 W·cm⁻², 808 nm), the nanoformulation of BDP 4, which exhibited the highest PCE among the series, achieved pronounced photothermal tumor ablation without inducing systemic toxicity. Overall, this study proposes a molecular design strategy that synergistically modulates NIR absorption and photothermal conversion by enhancing the D-A push–pull effect. This strategy provides a design rationale for developing efficient, low-toxicity organic PTAs, and demonstrates potential applicability in low-power PTT modalities. Full article

New information and communication technologies (ICTs) and applications of artificial intelligence (AI) have profoundly shaped our relationship with the world and with ourselves. As they are no longer merely tools or media, many scholars now describe these technologies in terms of environments. Although the concept of the digital environment has been extensively examined from a theoretical perspective, an ethics of digital environments qua environments has not yet been developed. In this paper, we advance a framework for an ethics of artificial environments, beginning with the fundamental questions that define this field of inquiry. The article develops this proposal in three steps: first, it examines the form of intrinsic value that may be attributed to digital environments; second, it considers the ways in which humans inhabit and dwell within these environments; and finally, it elaborates the metaphor of the digital garden as an ethically significant space in which responsibility is articulated through cultivation, co-dependence, and sustained care. Full article

In the digital economy era, computing power, as a novel factor of production, serves as a vital engine for driving high-quality economic development. Building upon China’s traditional 42-sector input–output table, this paper incorporates computing power networks as a new sector to construct a 43-sector dynamic input–output (IO) model. Based on this framework, a Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) analysis framework is constructed to systematically reveal the dynamic transmission mechanism of computing power within industrial linkages and capital accumulation. From an energy perspective, energy consumption is implicitly captured through carbon emissions and energy structure, which together reflect the scale, efficiency, and composition of energy use in computing power networks. The findings show that the optimal computing power allocation follows a temporal evolution pattern from the service sector to the manufacturing sector, with ICT manufacturing’s computing power quota reaching 31% by 2030. An investment inflection point occurs in 2026, aligning with the digital infrastructure cycle of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan. The “Eastern Data, Western Computing” strategy reduces unit carbon emissions from computing power by 41%. Policy simulations demonstrate that R&D tax credits generate a 2.9-fold multiplier effect through industrial linkages, boosting GDP by 2.3%. The integrated IO-DSGE framework developed in this study provides a quantitative tool for the full-cycle management of “construction–application–regulation” in computing power networks. It holds significant theoretical value and practical implications for enhancing resource allocation efficiency and promoting green, climate-friendly development. Full article

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a toxic and biologically relevant gas, necessitating sensitive and interference-resistant detection methods for environmental monitoring. Here, we develop a donor–acceptor molecular platform incorporating a polarized conjugated double bond bridge and demonstrate its application, using YG2 as the representative probe, as a dual-peak ratiometric UV–Vis sensor for H₂S. UV–Vis spectroscopy, supported by ¹H NMR analysis, indicates HS^--induced interaction with the conjugated linkage, leading to disruption of π-conjugation, suppression the intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) band at 409 nm, and enhancing the locally excited (LE) band at 279 nm. The ratiometric parameter log(Abs₂₇₉/Abs₄₀₉) affords a linear response over the concentration range of 1.0 × 10⁻⁶–1.0 × 10⁻⁴ M with a detection limit of 8.3 × 10⁻⁷ M, providing approximately an order-of-magnitude improvement in analytical sensitivity compared with single-wavelength methods, and the reaction reaches completion within ~10 s. YG2 exhibits excellent selectivity toward H₂S over common anions and enables accurate quantification in real water samples, with recoveries of 95.43–105.86% and relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 0.56–9.58%. These results suggest that YG2 is a rapid, self-calibrating, and spectroscopically interpretable ratiometric probe suitable for reliable H₂S detection in complex aqueous environments. Full article

The rapidly aging global population is placing immense pressure on healthcare systems, which are struggling to meet the needs of older adults. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are considered a key driver in supporting the development of age-friendly healthcare models. This scoping review aims to map and structure the multifaceted applications of ICTs in age-friendly healthcare, focusing on their design, benefits, challenges, and implementation in different contexts. We followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines and conducted a systematic search of five major databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and IEEE Xplore), supplemented with backward citation chaining to improve the robustness of literature identification. The results show that ICTs can help older adults by improving their access to healthcare information, enhancing their care coordination, supporting their independent living, and personalizing their health management. Key challenges include user experience issues for older adults, data privacy and security concerns, and implementation barriers related to resources and professional support. Effective implementation of ICTs requires greater emphasis on age-centered design, robust data governance, and scalable integration with existing healthcare systems. We further propose a Technology Design–Scenario Application–Effect Evaluation (TD-SA-EE) analytical framework for ICT application in age-friendly healthcare; the framework is grounded in sociotechnical systems theory to provide explanatory insights beyond descriptive classification. This research provides insights into optimizing age-friendly healthcare through ICTs and contributes to fully leveraging ICTs in building sustainable and equitable age-friendly healthcare systems. Full article

The “Green ICT @ FMD” competence center brings together the expertise in resource-efficient information and communications technology from 11 Fraunhofer and two Leibniz institutes, which have joined forces to form the Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD). The competence center offers industry a broad portfolio of services focused on the future development of ICT applications, infrastructures, and microelectronic components with a view on resource-efficient production, energy efficiency, and the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Various cooperation opportunities have been initiated to support a wide range of companies in responding to customer needs and regulatory requirements through innovative and resource-efficient ideas and developments. We now present the initial results from the success models of the “Green ICT Space” startup and SME program, as well as selected “Validation Projects” with companies that all pursue the common goal of more resource-efficient production and use of ICT. Full article

Despite the productivity and economic limitations imposed by environmental and climatic conditions, livestock systems play a fundamental role in preserving habitats and high-conservation-value species, while delivering a broad spectrum of ecosystem services to rural populations. Breeders need timely information to produce safe, inexpensive, environmentally, and welfare-friendly food products. Information on feeding and nutrition is of particular importance since it represents a significant percentage of animal breeding costs. Automating the collection, analysis, and use of production-related information on livestock feeding systems represents one of the central challenges facing the sector. Precision feeding systems (PFSs) have deeply changed farm management by providing new information on the health status of animals, their welfare, and nutritional requirements. PFSs encompass modern electronic and ICT-related (information and communication technologies) technologies that facilitate the electronic measurement of critical components, ensuring optimum efficiency of both resource use and animal productivity. This review analyzes the current state and potential applications of precision feeding systems for sustainable livestock production. The implementation and feasibility of PFSs have been investigated across the major animal production species and contexts. Based on the available literature, real-time monitoring and control systems can improve the production efficiency of livestock farms. However, further research is needed, as several components of PFSs are still at different stages of development and commercial readiness. Full article

The development of effective fluorescent probes for the detection of acids and bases, both in solution and in the solid state, is of particular interest worldwide, due to the possibility of preventing hazardous consequences for human health and the environment. In the present work, the synthesis of a 1,8-naphthalimide derivative, designed as a “fluorophore-receptor₁-spacer-receptor₂” model, is considered. The compound contains two receptors for analytes in one molecule and can operate as a fluorescent probe via PET and ICT mechanisms. The photophysical behavior of the synthesized derivative in solution, on strip paper, and in thin film was investigated. It was found that the transition from acidic to alkaline medium in solution is associated with a change in color that is visible with the naked eye (yellow–orange-red–blue). The change in fluorescence, both in solution and spread on a supporting surface (strip paper and thin film), can be spectrophotometrically observed. The influence of various volatile acids on the sensing activity of the synthesized compound in solution and deposited on a solid support was investigated. It was found that with increasing acid strength, the fluorescence intensity increases. The strip paper and thin film obtained with the synthesized compound show reversible switching between the “off” and “on” states of fluorescence. The strip paper exhibited good cycling under acid–base vapor stimulation. The results obtained demonstrate the possibility of application of the synthesized compound as a colorimetric and fluorescent probe for determination of pH in solution, and detection of acids, bases, and their vapors in indoor and outdoor residential and industrial premises, as well as in the environment. Full article

This study proposes an interdisciplinary approach that integrates bioclimatology, agronomy, environmental education, and information and communication technologies (ICT) to analyze their potential to support sustainable land management in the context of climate change. The research focuses on the application of bioclimatic indices, the continentality index (Ic), the ombrothermic index (Io), and the thermicity index (It/Itc), combined with the use of a virtual herbarium as a didactic resource for interpreting ecological indicators associated with vegetation. The study was conducted using a pretest–posttest design aimed at assessing students’ self-reported understanding of ecological concepts, bioclimatology, geobotany, and the use of digital tools for learning plant species. The results show a significant improvement in students’ perceived understanding following the educational intervention, with the mean questionnaire score increasing from 21.99 (SD = 5.03) in the pretest to 31.33 (SD = 5.06) in the posttest (t(69) = 37.13, p < 0.001). The normalized gain (g = 0.42) indicates a moderate improvement in students’ self-reported comprehension of bioclimatic and ecological concepts. These findings highlight the potential of ICT to strengthen environmental education and to foster the development of competencies related to sustainable agricultural and forest land management. Full article

Research on information and communication technologies (ICTs) in sustainable agriculture has largely been technocentric, focusing on effectiveness, efficiency, and adoption, with limited consideration of end-user perceptions in practice. This study addresses this gap by examining perceptions of mobile gardening apps as accessible ICT tools that may support sustainable behaviours. Based on over 180,000 user reviews from Google Play and the Apple App Store, Contextualized Topic Modeling (CTM) was used to identify key themes and interpret them within the Theory of Consumption Value (TCV) framework. This approach allows for the analysis of functional, emotional, and epistemic dimensions of user experiences based on large-scale, real-world data. The results indicate that functional aspects, such as reliability and usability, dominate app evaluation, but emotional engagement and knowledge acquisition also play a significant role. By combining a data-driven approach with a well-established behavioural framework, this study bridges the gap between technological and user perspectives. It simultaneously extends the application of the TCV to the field of ICT solutions supporting sustainable development and provides practical guidance for designing more effective gardening apps. Full article

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) represent a growing global health burden, affecting nearly one in ten adults worldwide. CKD is associated with high morbidity, premature mortality, reduced quality of life and enormous healthcare costs, and is primarily driven by dialysis and kidney transplantation. The silent and progressive nature of CKD means that most patients are diagnosed late, when irreversible damage has already occurred and costly kidney replacement therapies (KRT) become necessary. Dialysis services are resource-intensive, requiring significant infrastructure, specialized staff, and consumables, which makes them especially challenging to sustain in low- and middle-income countries. Traditional models of nephrology, care center-based dialysis and fragmented follow-up are increasingly inadequate in meeting the demands of a rising CKD population. These challenges highlight the urgent need for innovative approaches that enhance efficiency, improve patient outcomes, and expand access. Objective: This review aims to analyze the current landscape of information and communication technology (ICT) applications in nephrology and to evaluate how digital innovations are reconfiguring kidney therapy. Specifically, it seeks to identify the major ICT tools that are currently in use, assess their clinical and operational impact, and discuss their role in creating more sustainable, patient-centered kidney care models. This study reviews and analyzes ICT tools that are reconfiguring nephrology, including remote monitoring, AI, wearables, patient engagement apps and data dashboards. Methods: Narrative and scoping review of recent innovations in nephrology, including remote patient monitoring (RPM), telehealth, artificial intelligence (AI) analytics, wearable sensors, and clinical decision support platforms. Results: ICT tools such as Sharesource, Versia, telenephrology platforms, medical assistant for Chronic Care Service (MACCS), AI-based predictive analytics, wearable devices and patient engagement apps have improved patient outcomes, adherence, and early detection of complications. Key metrics include technique survival, hospitalization rate, patient-reported outcomes, workflow efficiency, and prediction accuracy. The relevant literature describing the potential of digital health technologies, including ICT platforms, artificial intelligence tools, and remote monitoring systems, to transform nephrology care was retrieved and screened for inclusion in this narrative review. Conclusions: ICT has shifted nephrology from reactive to proactive care, enhancing accessibility, patient empowerment and clinical efficiency. Future directions include precision nephrology, fully wearable kidneys, AI integration and large language models for education and triage. Challenges include digital divide, regulatory heterogeneity, cost and the need for long-term evidence. Full article