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18 pages, 2140 KB  
Article
Evolutionary Game Analysis of the Realization of Health Big Data Value and Governance Implications
by Dandan Wang, Hao Li and Jun Ma
Symmetry 2026, 18(5), 701; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym18050701 - 22 Apr 2026
Viewed by 221
Abstract
The realization of the value of health big data relies on the coordinated cooperation among patients, the government, and data users. Enhancing the symmetry and balance between patient participation and the compliant use of data by data users is a critical link. This [...] Read more.
The realization of the value of health big data relies on the coordinated cooperation among patients, the government, and data users. Enhancing the symmetry and balance between patient participation and the compliant use of data by data users is a critical link. This paper constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model and employs MATLAB R2023a simulation to analyze the impact of factors such as initial willingness, compliance costs, and penalties for violations on the strategic choices of the game players and the evolution of the system. The findings reveal that: (1) Patient participation is a key condition for achieving an ideal equilibrium in the system. (2) The data service income from participating in data provision and the costs associated with privacy breaches are critical factors influencing patients’ strategic choices. (3) Penalties for violations are a crucial factor in ensuring that data users choose compliant utilization; however, when compliance costs are high, their constraining effect may be somewhat diminished. (4) Enhancing regulatory efficiency is the future direction for government departments. Based on these findings, countermeasures and suggestions are proposed, including trust building, technological innovation and differentiated supervision, and constructing trusted data spaces, to provide references for health big data governance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mathematics)
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27 pages, 2997 KB  
Systematic Review
A Systematic Review of Cultural Ecosystem Services and Blue Space
by Chenxiao Liu, Zijian Wang, Xiaoping Li, Mo Han and Simon Bell
Land 2026, 15(4), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040666 - 17 Apr 2026
Viewed by 378
Abstract
Blue space, as an important natural and social composite feature system in cities, not only provides supporting, regulating, and provisioning services, but also plays a key role in human well-being, recreational experience, and urban sustainable development. The blue space cultural ecosystem service (CES) [...] Read more.
Blue space, as an important natural and social composite feature system in cities, not only provides supporting, regulating, and provisioning services, but also plays a key role in human well-being, recreational experience, and urban sustainable development. The blue space cultural ecosystem service (CES) has gradually attracted the attention of academia in recent years, but there is a lack of systematic integration research in related fields. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive analysis of current studies to clarify how, and to what extent, blue spaces influence CESs. This study adopts a PRISMA-based systematic search combined with qualitative synthesis, aiming to review the research status of CES and its developmental trajectory within blue space studies, and to identify future research trends and critical gaps. A total of 52 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were finally selected through database screening. The research innovatively divides the evolution of blue space CES into three stages (2012–2017/2018–2022/2023–2025), revealing a shift in research focus from single value identification to complex policy support. Secondly, through the mapping of six typical blue space types (such as rivers and wetlands) and 10 CES indicators, combined with a Pearson correlation heatmap, it provides quantitative insights into the coupling mechanisms between indicators, such as the significant synergy between spiritual and educational values. Methodologically, it systematically discriminates between the application boundaries of monetary valuation based on the contingent valuation method and non-monetary valuation represented by social media big data and PPGIS, pointing out that technological progress is driving the evaluation toward high dynamics and refinement. Finally, the study points out current bottlenecks such as uneven geographical distribution and insufficient planning transformation, emphasizing that future research should use artificial intelligence to improve data processing accuracy and transform blue space CESs from “invisible welfare” into “explicit policy assets” to guide sustainable urban renewal and healthy space design. Full article
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34 pages, 3638 KB  
Article
Multi-Station UAV–UGV Cooperative Delivery Scheduling Problem with Temporally Discontinuous Service Availability Under Diverse Urban Scenarios
by Yinying Liu, Jianmeng Liu, Xin Shi and Cheng Tang
Drones 2026, 10(4), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones10040269 - 8 Apr 2026
Viewed by 493
Abstract
Urban logistics systems face growing delivery demand and complex traffic and operational constraints, which make unmanned delivery carriers, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), a promising solution. Existing studies typically focus on a single delivery carrier type and rely [...] Read more.
Urban logistics systems face growing delivery demand and complex traffic and operational constraints, which make unmanned delivery carriers, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), a promising solution. Existing studies typically focus on a single delivery carrier type and rely on idealized assumptions, overlooking heterogeneous cooperation under multiple stations, multiple time windows, and real-world transport conditions. To address these gaps, we propose the Multi-Station UAV–UGV Cooperative Delivery Scheduling Problem with Temporally Discontinuous Service Availability (MSUUCDSP) to minimize the total travel and waiting time of UAVs and UGVs. To solve the problem, we propose a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model with a novel mathematical approach and a Hybrid Large Neighborhood Search (HLNS) algorithm. Additionally, we adopt a Hidden Markov Model (HMM)-based map-matching method and big data techniques to capture realistic operational characteristics. Computational experiments are conducted on various realistic instances under four diverse scenarios. Results show that UAV–UGV cooperation significantly improves efficiency, reducing total time cost by 17.12% compared with single-mode delivery, and they reveal substantial discrepancies between idealized assumptions and realistic scenarios. We further develop an ArcGIS-based simulation to support practical implementation. The findings provide valuable insights for decision-making and engineering applications for logistics operators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Drone Applications for Last-Mile Delivery Operations)
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19 pages, 280 KB  
Article
Social Science in the Age of AI: Unveiling Opportunities, Confronting Biases, and Charting Ethical Pathways
by Tarik Mokadi, Osama Tawfiq Jarrar and Ayman Yousef
Philosophies 2026, 11(2), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies11020052 - 1 Apr 2026
Viewed by 865
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a significant paradigm of methodology and epistemology in the social sciences. Machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and generative models enable researchers to work with big, multimodal datasets, identify complex patterns, and recreate events in the social [...] Read more.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a significant paradigm of methodology and epistemology in the social sciences. Machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and generative models enable researchers to work with big, multimodal datasets, identify complex patterns, and recreate events in the social world in ways that previously were not feasible. At the same time, these innovations also lead to ethical challenges related to algorithmic bias, black boxes, data extractivism, and reinforced structural inequalities in welfare, government services, education, and criminal justice. The article critically questions the social sciences in the light of AI on three dimensions that are inextricably linked, namely: (1) the opportunities that AI provides to social-scientific inquiry; (2) the biases and constraints generated through data, models, and institutional application; and (3) ethical pathways that are necessary for the responsible governance of AI-facilitated research and decision support. The article is based on a scoping, critical thematic review of the recent literature, and its conceptualization of AI as a socio-technical infrastructure is that it produces knowledge and, at the same time, offers power. It explains the impact AI practices have on restructuring disciplines like sociology, psychology, political science, and policy analysis, and how it blindly predicts how data practices, design choices, and governance arrangements can either preserve or destroy existing hierarchies. The paper suggests an analytical framework synthesizing AI practices, social research practices, and governance structures in ethical frameworks. It argues that the emancipatory promise of AI in the social sciences is dependent on the attainment of something beyond principle-based claims of so-called ethical AI by operational governance mechanisms that make systems visible, debatable, and responsible in their respective situations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Inquiry into Intelligence)
21 pages, 2227 KB  
Article
Emotion and Context-Aware Artificial Intelligence Recommendation for Urban Tourism
by Mashael Aldayel, Abeer Al-Nafjan, Reman Alwadiee, Sarah Altammami, Abeer Alnafaei and Leena Alzahrani
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2026, 21(3), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer21030095 - 23 Mar 2026
Viewed by 550
Abstract
The rapid growth of digital tourism platforms has intensified information overload and decision complexity for both locals and travelers, while operators struggle to differentiate their offerings and sustain profitable, data-driven e-commerce models. This paper presents Doroob, a big data and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven, [...] Read more.
The rapid growth of digital tourism platforms has intensified information overload and decision complexity for both locals and travelers, while operators struggle to differentiate their offerings and sustain profitable, data-driven e-commerce models. This paper presents Doroob, a big data and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven, context-aware recommendation system that integrates traditional recommender techniques with real-time facial emotion recognition (FER) to enable intelligent tourism commerce. Doroob combines three AI-based recommendation strategies: smart adaptive recommendation (SAR) collaborative filtering, a Vowpal Wabbit-based context-aware model, and a LightFM hybrid model. It trained on datasets built from the Google Places API and enriched with ratings adapted from MovieLens. FER, implemented with DeepFace and OpenCV, analyzes short video segments as users browse destination details, converts emotion scores into 1–5 satisfaction ratings, and stores this implicit feedback alongside explicit ratings to support adaptive, emotion-aware personalization. Experimental results show that the context-aware model achieves the strongest top-K ranking performance, the hybrid LightFM model yields the highest AUC of 0.95, and the SAR model provides the most accurate rating predictions, demonstrating that combining contextual modeling and FER-based implicit feedback can enhance personalization, mitigate cold-start, and support data-driven promotion of local tourist services in intelligent e-commerce ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–Technology Synergies in AI-Driven E-Commerce Environments)
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24 pages, 2494 KB  
Article
Differentiated Drivers of Tourist Sentiment in Wellness Tourism Destinations: A User-Generated Content (UGC)-Based Analysis of Spatial-Temporal Patterns
by Huiling Wang, Zitong Ke, Bo Huang, Gaina Li, Kangkang Gu, Xiaoniu Xu and Youwei Chu
Sustainability 2026, 18(6), 3037; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18063037 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 381
Abstract
With increasing demand for wellness tourism, identifying the key factors influencing emotional perceptions is essential for optimizing destination planning and management. Although Anhui Province has experienced rapid growth in wellness tourism destinations in recent years, scientific understanding of tourists’ emotional perceptions and their [...] Read more.
With increasing demand for wellness tourism, identifying the key factors influencing emotional perceptions is essential for optimizing destination planning and management. Although Anhui Province has experienced rapid growth in wellness tourism destinations in recent years, scientific understanding of tourists’ emotional perceptions and their driving mechanisms has lagged behind this rapid expansion, a gap that can be addressed by integrating big data with spatial analysis to provide a scientific perspective for optimizing destination planning and informing regional wellness tourism policy. To address this gap, this study conducts a sentiment analysis of wellness bases in Anhui Province using user-generated content (UGC) data. Sentiment scores were quantified via SnowNLP, while kernel density, time-series, and multivariate statistical analyses were applied to examine spatial distributions, temporal dynamics of sentiments and review volumes, and emotional driving factors. The results indicate a spatial pattern of higher density in the south, lower density in the north, and dual-core agglomeration, closely linked to natural resource endowments. Temporally, sentiment scores rise in spring and summer and decline in winter, while review volumes peak in spring and autumn. Overall regression analyses reveal a significant positive effect of green coverage and a negative effect of accommodation prices. In the typological analysis, sentiment scores of Forest Wellness Bases (FWBs) relate to green coverage and negative ions, while Hydrological Wellness Bases (HWBs), Traditional Chinese Medicine Wellness Bases (TCMWBs), and Wellness Towns (WTs) are driven by the combined effects of facility services, locational price, and ecological environment. These findings provide a scientific basis for the sustainable development and differentiated management of wellness tourism destinations. Full article
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30 pages, 746 KB  
Article
Optimized and Privacy-Preserving MAX/MIN Protocols for Large-Scale Data
by Jeongsu Park
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 2580; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16052580 - 8 Mar 2026
Viewed by 275
Abstract
In the era of big data, data is key to the accuracy of analytical models, and cloud computing services are often used to efficiently process large volumes of data. However, outsourcing sensitive data to a third-party cloud service provider results in a loss [...] Read more.
In the era of big data, data is key to the accuracy of analytical models, and cloud computing services are often used to efficiently process large volumes of data. However, outsourcing sensitive data to a third-party cloud service provider results in a loss of direct control over the data, raising serious security concerns. The target of this study is to propose highly efficient and privacy-preserving protocols that compute the maximum/minimum value in large-scale data. To achieve the improvements in efficiency, the proposed protocols reuse the intermediate results generated in independent subprotocols. Existing privacy-preserving maximum/minimum protocols are based on approximation methods that sacrifice accuracy or reveal information during execution. They use costly comparison operations that are proportional to the size of the input data and are not suitable for large-scale data applications. In contrast, the proposed protocols theoretically reduce the number of communication rounds by 25%, the communication size by 50%, and the computational cost by 42% compared to the existing protocols. Nevertheless, the accuracy and privacy are fully maintained. In order to demonstrate these efficiency improvements concretely, we conducted experiments and demonstrated that the proposed protocols reduce the communication volume by half and the execution time by 22%. Because the proposed protocols support parallel execution, their performance can be substantially enhanced in cloud environments that provide large-scale parallel processing resources. Even data owners with restricted computational capabilities can use the protocols without exposing their information. Under the secure version, even cloud servers executing the protocol learn nothing about the input data or the computation results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Big Data Technology Based on Machine Learning)
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27 pages, 2755 KB  
Article
A Co-Created Framework to Define Digital Twinning Use Cases for Urban Transport Decarbonisation
by Heather Steele, Joshua Duvnjak, Paul Byron, Melinda Matyas, John Easton, Clive Roberts, David Flynn and Philip Greening
Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030140 - 5 Mar 2026
Viewed by 717
Abstract
With global urbanisation anticipated to reach 68% by 2050, there is a significant risk of exacerbating urban transport emissions. Urban transport decarbonisation is a complex adaptive system challenge, the understanding and optimisation of which could be supported by digital twins (DTs). Although prior [...] Read more.
With global urbanisation anticipated to reach 68% by 2050, there is a significant risk of exacerbating urban transport emissions. Urban transport decarbonisation is a complex adaptive system challenge, the understanding and optimisation of which could be supported by digital twins (DTs). Although prior research has explored digital and big data technology applications, creating actionable insights requires human-centred designs. We conducted a structured workshop to gather practitioner views on how urban-scale DTs can support transport decarbonisation. Specifically, we explored the outcomes they aim to achieve, the interventions they are interested in, and the value digital twinning offers compared to current methods. The data was synthesised and analysed to identify (1) impacts, (2) interventions, (3) location types, (4) data sources and (5) feedback mechanisms of importance to participants. These five aspects are proposed as a framework to support the definition of digital twinning use cases targeting urban transport decarbonisation. Application of the framework encourages creators to explicitly consider the services to be provided to users, how the derived insights influence the real world and the data connections between the physical and digital, noting that these are often overlooked in reported research. A framework application is illustrated through an example use case described for the West Midlands, UK. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human, Technologies, and Environment in Sustainable Cities)
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18 pages, 1016 KB  
Article
Disconfirmation Dynamics in Service Recovery: Insights from Online Customer Reviews
by Woojin Lee and Junsung Park
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2026, 21(2), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer21020045 - 2 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1029
Abstract
This paper analyzes the effects of service recovery and the double-deviation phenomenon on customer satisfaction using an analysis of online reviews. With the application of Word2Vec and AFINN sentiment analysis to 4793 Skytrax review comments, this paper bridges the gap between conceptual theories [...] Read more.
This paper analyzes the effects of service recovery and the double-deviation phenomenon on customer satisfaction using an analysis of online reviews. With the application of Word2Vec and AFINN sentiment analysis to 4793 Skytrax review comments, this paper bridges the gap between conceptual theories about customer behavior and big data analysis. Findings from this research indicate that although overall types of service recovery increase customer satisfaction, explanation is the most preferable yet effective type of recovery. Most importantly, this analysis shows that service recovery disconfirmation has been found to be a highly important moderator. When service efforts involve intangible actions, such as an apology or explanation, that fail to satisfy customers, they tend to perform worse than no recovery at all, thus supporting the double-deviation phenomenon. Compensation, however, has been found to be an efficient type of recovery since its impacts are not reduced much due to service recovery disconfirmation. These insights provide service providers with critical guidance on prioritizing transparent communication and avoiding poorly executed intangible recoveries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Digital Marketing and the Evolving Consumer Experience)
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33 pages, 11240 KB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Evolution and Maintenance Mechanisms of Urban Vitality in Mountainous Cities Using Multiscale Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression
by Man Shu, Honggang Tang and Sicheng Wang
Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 1059; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18021059 - 20 Jan 2026
Viewed by 539
Abstract
Investigating the characteristics and influencing mechanisms of urban vitality in mountainous cities can contribute to enhanced urban resilience, optimised resource allocation, and sustainable development. However, most existing studies have focused on static analyses at single spatial scales, making it difficult to fully reveal [...] Read more.
Investigating the characteristics and influencing mechanisms of urban vitality in mountainous cities can contribute to enhanced urban resilience, optimised resource allocation, and sustainable development. However, most existing studies have focused on static analyses at single spatial scales, making it difficult to fully reveal the evolutionary trends of urban vitality under complex topographic constraints or the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of its influencing factors. This study examines Guiyang, one of China’s fastest-growing cities, focusing on both its economic development and population growth. Based on social media data and geospatial big data from 2019 to 2024, the spatiotemporal permutation scan statistics (STPSS) model was employed to identify spatiotemporal areas of interest (ST-AOIs) and to analyse the spatial distribution and day-night dynamics of urban vitality across different phases. Furthermore, by incorporating transportation and topographic factors characteristic of mountainous cities, the multiscale geographically and temporally weighted regression (MGTWR) model was applied to reveal the driving mechanisms of urban vitality. The main findings are as follows: (1) Urban vitality exhibits a multi-center, clustered structure, gradually expanding from gentle to steeper slopes over time, with activity patterns shifting from an afternoon peak to an all-day distribution. (2) Significant differences in regional vitality resilience were observed: the core vitality areas exhibited stable ST-AOI spatial patterns, flexible temporal rhythms, and strong adaptability; the emerging vitality areas recovered quickly with low losses, while low-vitality areas showed slow recovery and insufficient resilience. (3) The density of commercial service facilities and the level of housing prices were continuously enhancing factors for vitality improvement, whereas the density of subway stations and the degree of functional mix played key roles in supporting resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. (4) The synergistic effect between transportation systems and commercial facilities is crucial for forming high-vitality zones in mountainous cities. In contrast, reliance on a single factor tends to lead to vitality spillover. This study provides a crucial foundation for promoting sustainable urban development in Guiyang and other mountainous regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transport and Land Use for a Sustainable Future)
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29 pages, 15074 KB  
Review
Optimizing Urban Green Space Ecosystem Services for Resilient and Sustainable Cities: Research Landscape, Evolutionary Trajectories, and Future Directions
by Junhui Sun, Jun Xia and Luling Qu
Forests 2026, 17(1), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17010097 - 11 Jan 2026
Viewed by 795
Abstract
Urban forests and green spaces are increasingly promoted as Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) to mitigate climate risks, enhance human well-being, and support resilient and sustainable cities. Focusing on the theme of optimizing urban green space ecosystem services to foster resilient and sustainable cities, this [...] Read more.
Urban forests and green spaces are increasingly promoted as Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) to mitigate climate risks, enhance human well-being, and support resilient and sustainable cities. Focusing on the theme of optimizing urban green space ecosystem services to foster resilient and sustainable cities, this study systematically analyzes 861 relevant publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 2005 to 2025. Using bibliometric analysis and scientific knowledge mapping methods, the research examines publication characteristics, spatial distribution patterns, collaboration networks, knowledge bases, research hotspots, and thematic evolution trajectories. The results reveal a rapid upward trend in this field over the past two decades, with the gradual formation of a multidisciplinary knowledge system centered on environmental science and urban research. China, the United States, and several European countries have emerged as key nodes in global knowledge production and collaboration networks. Keyword co-occurrence and cluster analyses indicate that research themes are mainly concentrated in four clusters: (1) ecological foundations and green process orientation, (2) nature-based solutions and blue–green infrastructure configuration, (3) social needs and environmental justice, and (4) macro-level policies and the sustainable development agenda. Overall, the field has evolved from a focus on ecological processes and individual service functions toward a comprehensive transition emphasizing climate resilience, human well-being, and multi-actor governance. Based on these findings, this study constructs a knowledge ecosystem framework encompassing knowledge base, knowledge structure, research hotspots, frontier trends, and future pathways. It further identifies prospective research directions, including climate change adaptation, integrated planning of blue–green infrastructure, refined monitoring driven by remote sensing and spatial big data, and the embedding of urban green space ecosystem services into the Sustainable Development Goals and multi-level governance systems. These insights provide data support and decision-making references for deepening theoretical understanding of Urban Green Space Ecosystem Services (UGSES), improving urban green infrastructure planning, and enhancing urban resilience governance capacity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Forests and Green Environments in a Changing World)
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44 pages, 4883 KB  
Article
Mapping the Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Advancing Sustainable Banking
by Alina Georgiana Manta, Claudia Gherțescu, Roxana Maria Bădîrcea, Liviu Florin Manta, Jenica Popescu and Mihail Olaru
Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 618; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020618 - 7 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1003
Abstract
The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), blockchain, and big data analytics is transforming the governance, sustainability, and resilience of modern banking ecosystems. This study provides a multivariate bibliometric analysis using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of research indexed in Scopus and [...] Read more.
The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), blockchain, and big data analytics is transforming the governance, sustainability, and resilience of modern banking ecosystems. This study provides a multivariate bibliometric analysis using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of research indexed in Scopus and Web of Science to explore how decentralized digital infrastructures and AI-driven analytical capabilities contribute to sustainable financial development, transparent governance, and climate-resilient digital societies. Findings indicate a rapid increase in interdisciplinary work integrating Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) with large-scale data processing, federated learning, privacy-preserving computation, and intelligent automation—tools that can enhance financial inclusion, regulatory integrity, and environmental risk management. Keyword network analyses reveal blockchain’s growing role in improving data provenance, security, and trust—key governance dimensions for sustainable and resilient financial systems—while AI/ML and big data analytics dominate research on predictive intelligence, ESG-related risk modeling, customer well-being analytics, and real-time decision support for sustainable finance. Comparative analyses show distinct emphases: Web of Science highlights decentralized architectures, consensus mechanisms, and smart contracts relevant to transparent financial governance, whereas Scopus emphasizes customer-centered analytics, natural language processing, and high-throughput data environments supporting inclusive and equitable financial services. Patterns of global collaboration demonstrate strong internationalization, with Europe, China, and the United States emerging as key hubs in shaping sustainable and digitally resilient banking infrastructures. By mapping intellectual, technological, and collaborative structures, this study clarifies how decentralized intelligence—enabled by the fusion of AI/ML, blockchain, and big data—supports secure, scalable, and sustainability-driven financial ecosystems. The results identify critical research pathways for strengthening financial governance, enhancing climate and social resilience, and advancing digital transformation, which contributes to more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable societies. Full article
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26 pages, 2439 KB  
Article
Organizational Sustainability in the U.S. Audit Market: Firm Survival, Structural Risk Factors, and the Stable Dominance of the Big Four
by Viktoriia Vovk, Jan Polcyn, Mălina Dârja, Olena Doroshenko and Rafal Rebilas
Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020600 - 7 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 940
Abstract
A robust audit services market is essential for ensuring financial transparency, regulatory compliance, and investor confidence. As a dimension of organizational sustainability, the capacity of audit firms to remain competitive and resilient under market pressures is increasingly relevant. However, existing research has paid [...] Read more.
A robust audit services market is essential for ensuring financial transparency, regulatory compliance, and investor confidence. As a dimension of organizational sustainability, the capacity of audit firms to remain competitive and resilient under market pressures is increasingly relevant. However, existing research has paid insufficient attention to the stability of audit firms and the survival dynamics of mid-sized players. The present study addresses this gap by examining the volatility of the U.S. audit services market and the sustained dominance of the Big Four firms over the 2019–2023 period. Based on data from Accounting Today’s annual rankings, the study employs Kaplan–Meier survival analysis to assess the probability of audit firms remaining in the Top 100 over time. Furthermore, K-means clustering is used to identify structural factors contributing to firm exit, including revenue, number of employees, branches, and partners. The results indicate that, while the Big Four retained stable leadership, 19 firms exited the rankings, with revenue and number of specialists being the most influential exit factors. These findings provide insights for enhancing risk assessment, strategic planning, and regulatory design. Moreover, the study contributes to broader discussions on organizational sustainability and long-term competitiveness within the context of the U.S. audit sector, while offering insights that may be informative for understanding similar dynamics in other markets rather than aiming for direct global generalization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)
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29 pages, 2297 KB  
Review
Digital Telecommunications in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions
by Nikolaos Karkanis, Andreas Giannakoulas, Kyriakos E. Zoiros, Theodoros N. F. Kaifas and Georgios A. A. Kyriacou
Eng 2026, 7(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7010019 - 1 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1736
Abstract
Digital telecommunications have become the backbone of modern healthcare, transforming how patients and professionals interact, share information, and deliver treatment. The integration of telecommunications with medicine, biomedical engineering and health services has enabled rapid growth in telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, wearable biomedical devices, [...] Read more.
Digital telecommunications have become the backbone of modern healthcare, transforming how patients and professionals interact, share information, and deliver treatment. The integration of telecommunications with medicine, biomedical engineering and health services has enabled rapid growth in telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, wearable biomedical devices, and data-driven clinical decision-making. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, virtual and augmented reality and robotic tele-surgery are further expanding the scope of digital health. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of telecommunications in medicine and biomedical engineering. We classify key applications, highlight enabling technologies and critically examine the challenges regarding interoperability, data security, latency, and cost. Finally, we discuss future directions, including 5G/6G networks, edge computing, and privacy-preserving medical AI, emphasizing the need for reliable and equitable access to telecommunications-enabled healthcare worldwide. Full article
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27 pages, 2128 KB  
Article
Lowering the Threshold for Integration of Big Data Services into Closed-Loop Supply Chain: Necessary Conditions Based on the Variational Inequality Approach
by Yanhong Yuan and Liqin Shi
Systems 2026, 14(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14010050 - 1 Jan 2026
Viewed by 449
Abstract
Big data service providers (BDSPs) play a critical role in supporting the digital transformation of closed-loop supply chains (CLSCs). However, as the number of CLSC members increases, traditional coordination contracts become complex in the big data era, which challenges effective collaboration and contract [...] Read more.
Big data service providers (BDSPs) play a critical role in supporting the digital transformation of closed-loop supply chains (CLSCs). However, as the number of CLSC members increases, traditional coordination contracts become complex in the big data era, which challenges effective collaboration and contract implementation. To address this issue, this paper investigates the profit coordination problem in a CLSC with a BDSP, with the aim of lowering the contract implementation threshold and facilitating flexible adjustment of contract terms. This study applies the variational inequality method to derive the necessary conditions under which a CLSC with the participation of a BDSP achieves maximum system profit. The results indicate that these necessary conditions are as follows. First, the wholesale price is equal to the unit cost of new products. Second, the optimal payment level is positively correlated with production volume, unit cost savings, the BDSP marketing effort sensitivity coefficient, and the BDSP recycling effort sensitivity coefficient, while it is negatively correlated with the retail price sensitivity coefficient, the recycling price sensitivity coefficient, and the big data service cost coefficient. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Supply Chain Management)
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