Search Results (230)

Communal Reverie, a group practice designed to facilitate the cultivation of collective imaginal attunement, has been framed a “collective wisdom technology.” It draws significant influence from the philosophy and practical protocols informing Collective Presencing, a modality of “we-space” practice developed by Ria Baeck. It is further informed by philosophical, mystical, and psychological traditions that advance various conceptions concerning the autonomous imagination’s value, both as a source of knowledge and a crucial element in transformative practice. Communal Reverie, to my present knowledge, is a distinctive practice modality insofar as it applies the technique of sourcing in service of a collective modality of imaginal encounter. The aspirations guiding the continual refinement of Communal Reverie’s theoretical and practical foundations are informed, most fundamentally, by thought traditions emphasizing engagement with the imaginal as a means toward advancing the evolutionary emergence of a modality of consciousness capable of assuming a co-creative and participatory role in relationship with transrational influences of a spiritual nature. The achievement of such participation may, furthermore, entail fundamental transformations in the phenomenal experience of both selfhood and time. Full article

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes an integral part of organizational operations, collaboration between humans and AI is transforming employees’ work experiences and behavioral patterns. This study examines the psychological challenges and coping responses associated with such collaboration. Drawing on Cognitive Appraisal Theory, we construct and test a theoretical framework that connects employee–AI collaboration to knowledge hiding via job insecurity, while considering AI trust as a moderating variable. Data were collected through a three-wave time-lagged survey of 348 employees working in knowledge-intensive enterprises in China. The empirical results demonstrate that (1) employee–AI collaboration elevates perceptions of job insecurity; (2) job insecurity fosters knowledge-hiding behavior; (3) job insecurity mediates the link between collaboration and knowledge hiding; and (4) AI trust buffers the positive effect of collaboration on job insecurity, thereby reducing its indirect impact on knowledge hiding. These findings reveal the paradoxical role of AI collaboration: although it enhances efficiency, it may also provoke defensive reactions that inhibit knowledge exchange. By highlighting the role of AI trust in shaping employees’ cognitive appraisals, this study advances understanding of how cognitive appraisals influence human adaptation to intelligent technologies. Practical insights are offered for managers aiming to cultivate trust-based and psychologically secure environments that promote effective human–AI collaboration and organizational innovation. Full article

The growing global concern about the environmental impact of fossil fuels’ greenhouse gas emissions has spurred the introduction of innovative, sustainable alternatives. Microalgae biomass holds substantial potential as a viable source material for producing environmentally friendly biofuels. Third-generation (3G) biofuels, specifically algae-derived bioethanol, have emerged as viable alternatives to traditional biofuels. The research provides an exhaustive analysis of the contemporary understanding of manufacturing 3G biofuels from microalgae and macroalgae. Additionally, the study provides an in-depth discussion of the identified gaps within these areas. By conducting a systematic literature review, the authors describe current knowledge of 3G biofuel production. The study addresses two key categories: (i) infrastructure and industrial technology, and (ii) the processes for obtaining third-generation biofuels. One highlights the need for efficient management in all stages of bioethanol production, including cultivation, harvesting, extraction, and conversion. Furthermore, leveraging technological advancements, such as selecting superior genetic strains and developing novel conversion technologies, is essential for improving the efficiency and profitability of the manufacturing process. The successful production of 3G bioethanol from microalgae requires a comprehensive approach that addresses various challenges and incorporates sustainable practices to achieve environmental and economic goals. Full article

Astaxanthin, a high-value keto-carotenoid with potent antioxidant and health-promoting properties, has gained global attention as a sustainable nutraceutical and biotechnological product. The green microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis and Chromochloris zofingiensis represent two promising natural producers, yet they differ markedly in physiology, productivity, and industrial scalability. This review provides a focused comparative analysis of these two species, emphasizing their quantitative performance differences. H. pluvialis can accumulate astaxanthin up to ~3–5% of dry biomass but typically reaches biomass densities of only 5–10 g L⁻¹, whereas C. zofingiensis achieves ultrahigh biomass concentrations of 100–220 g L⁻¹ under heterotrophic fed-batch fermentation, although its astaxanthin content is much lower (~0.1–0.5% DW). While H. pluvialis remains the benchmark for natural astaxanthin due to its exceptionally high cellular content, its thick cell wall, slow growth, and strict phototrophic requirements impose major cost and operational barriers. In contrast, C. zofingiensis exhibits rapid and flexible growth under heterotrophic, mixotrophic, or phototrophic conditions and can achieve ultrahigh biomass in fermentation, though its ketocarotenoid flux and astaxanthin accumulation remain comparatively limited. Meanwhile, a rapidly growing patent landscape demonstrates global technological competition, with major portfolios emerging in China, the United States, and Europe, spanning chemical synthesis, microbial fermentation, algal metabolic engineering, and high-density cultivation methods. These patents reveal clear innovation trends—ranging from solvent-free green synthesis routes to engineered microalgae and yeast chassis for enhanced astaxanthin production—which increasingly shape industrial development strategies. By synthesizing recent advances in metabolic engineering, two-stage cultivation, and green extraction technologies, this review identifies key knowledge gaps and outlines a practical roadmap for developing next-generation astaxanthin biorefineries, with an emphasis on scalable production and future integration into broader biorefinery frameworks. The findings aim to guide future research and provide actionable insights for scaling sustainable, cost-effective production of natural astaxanthin. Full article

Natural biopolymers, such as the mucilage of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI), are gaining attention as sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional versatility. Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage, a polysaccharide-rich hydrocolloid extracted from OFI cladodes, has emerged as a promising biomaterial with diverse applications. In the food sector, its use in edible coatings and films can extend shelf life, reduce moisture loss, and deliver bioactive agents, aligning with eco-friendly packaging initiatives. Its physicochemical properties, including high water-holding capacity, viscosity, thermal stability, and film-forming ability, also support potential uses in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biomedicine, and environmental remediation. Despite this promise, large-scale adoption is limited by variability in composition, lack of standardized processing, functional inconsistencies, and competition with synthetic polymers. However, the sustainable cultivation of OFI, its resilience under drought, and the possibility of valorizing cladode waste strengthen its profile within circular economy frameworks. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the extraction, properties, and applications of OFI mucilage, while identifying key research gaps and technological challenges. It emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary research and industrial collaboration to overcome barriers and unlock the full potential of OFI mucilage as a high-performance, eco-friendly biopolymer for future applications. Full article

The search for sustainable and health-promoting food ingredients has positioned microalgae as promising candidates for the development of functional products. Haematococcus pluvialis, a unicellular green microalga, is the richest natural source of astaxanthin, a carotenoid with outstanding antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. In addition to astaxanthin, H. pluvialis provides high-value proteins, essential fatty acids, polysaccharides, and vitamins, which expand its potential applications in the food sector. This review compiles current knowledge on the biology and physiology of H. pluvialis, with emphasis on cultivation strategies, environmental stress factors, and biotechnological tools designed to enhance bioactive compound production. Advances in extraction and purification methods are also discussed, contrasting conventional solvent-based approaches with emerging green technologies. The integration of these strategies with biomass valorization highlights opportunities for improving economic feasibility and sustainability. Applications of H. pluvialis in the food industry include its use as a functional ingredient, natural colorant, antioxidant, and stabilizer in bakery products, beverages, meat analogs, and emulsified systems. Evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies reinforces its safety and effectiveness. Looking ahead, industrial perspectives point to the adoption of omics-based tools, metabolic engineering, and circular economy approaches as drivers to overcome current barriers of cost, stability, and regulation, opening new avenues for large-scale applications in food systems. Full article

Sericulture sustains rural livelihoods in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where it provides income for women, elderly workers, and smallholder households. Yet this sector faces a critical technological divide: traditional reeling methods remain labor-intensive and uncompetitive, while industrial innovations advance along trajectories that are poorly suited to low-resource contexts. This article presents a patent landscape of silk-reeling technologies retrieved from Espacenet and PATENTSCOPE (2000–2024), comprising 212 unique records. Patents were evaluated against six criteria: resource efficiency, knowledge accessibility, durability and reparability, context adaptability, equity and inclusion, and by-product valorization. This review reveals a strong industrial bias, with most patents emphasizing energy-intensive steaming, mechanized feeding, and digital control, while only a small fraction addresses rural conditions or social inclusion. Current innovations therefore tend to marginalize traditional producers from emerging bio-based value chains. This study contributes to discussions on how technological design can support rural sericulture, highlighting the need for resource-efficient, modular, and socially inclusive solutions. Future research should extend patent analysis to mulberry cultivation, silkworm breeding, and by-product recovery to fully integrate sericulture into the circular bioeconomy. Full article

Greenhouse horticulture is a cornerstone of year-round vegetable production. However, escalating climate change is intensifying abiotic stressors (i.e., elevated temperatures, increased vapor pressure deficits, water shortage, and modified solar radiation), threatening both crop productivity and postharvest performance. This review synthesizes current knowledge on how these climatic shifts impact greenhouse microclimate, pest and disease patterns, energy and water requirements, as well as crop development in the Mediterranean region. This study focuses on three major crops (tomato, cucumber, and sweet pepper), which prevail in the regional protected cultivation sector. Among the climate-induced stressors examined, elevated temperature emerges as the primary environmental constraint on greenhouse productivity. In reality, however, a combination of climate-induced stressors is at play, acting simultaneously and often synergistically. Among crops, cucumber generally displays the highest sensitivity to climate-induced shifts, whereas sweet pepper tends to be the most resilient. Next, adaptive strategies are explored, including precision irrigation, structural retrofitting measures, renewable energy integration, Decision Support Systems, and climate-resilient cultivars. Regional case studies revealed diverse country-specific counteractive innovations. As key elements of inclusive climate adaptation, supportive policy frameworks and a practical agenda of targeted research priorities are outlined. In conclusion, the sustainability of greenhouse horticulture under a changing climate demands integrated, technology-driven, and region-focused approaches. Full article

While digital transformation (DT) promises significant advancements in the construction sector, many firms report a disconnect between technological investment and realized project performance. This study investigates the mechanisms through which DT drives project management optimization (PMO), hypothesizing that organizational agility (OA) and knowledge management capability (KMC) serve as critical mediating factors. We propose and test a conceptual model in which DT directly enhances PMO and also exerts indirect influence through the parallel pathways of OA and KMC. Data from a survey of 312 construction professionals were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results confirm a significant direct effect of DT on PMO. Furthermore, both OA and KMC are identified as complementary and significant partial mediators. This finding underscores that the efficacy of digital technologies is contingent upon supportive organizational structures and systematic knowledge processes. The study provides a nuanced theoretical framework explaining how DT translates into improved project outcomes and offers strategic guidance for practitioners: to fully capitalize on digital investments, construction firms must concurrently cultivate adaptive capabilities and robust knowledge management systems. Full article

Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.) are widely cultivated due to their high nutritional value and bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties. However, the fruiting body developmental stage significantly influences the centesimal composition and bioactive compound levels. This study examined the centesimal composition and bioactive properties of five commercial oyster mushroom species (P. citrinopileatus, P. cornucopiae, P. djamor, P. ostreatus, and P. pulmonarius) cultivated in northern Thailand at three maturation stages (young, middle, and mature). The centesimal composition; polysaccharide, ergothioneine, and phenolic compound contents; antioxidant activity; and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity were analyzed. The results showed that the centesimal composition and polysaccharide content increased as the mushrooms matured in all species. The middle stage consistently exhibited the highest levels of ergothioneine, total phenolics, and individual phenolic compounds in all five species. Twelve phenolic compounds were identified, with 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, and trans-o-coumaric acid being predominant. All extracts exhibited antioxidant activity, according to the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, with the highest activity found at the middle stage. This is the first paper to report the ergothioneine content and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in P. cornucopiae and P. djamor. These findings demonstrate that harvest timing can be optimized to maximize either the nutritional content (mature stage) or bioactive compound content for functional food applications (middle stage), offering a better understanding of the developmental phases at which mushrooms have the greatest health and technological potential. Furthermore, this knowledge provides practical guidance for growers seeking to target specific markets for high nutritional value foods based on consumer demand and for functional food developers aiming to maximize health-promoting properties. Full article

Agriculture and its allied activities contribute to the primary sector in India and act as the basis for the country’s economy. Available agricultural landholdings are scattered as multiple plots across the country. Land fragmentation has led to problems achieving economies of scale and economies of scope; lower productivity, efficiency, and modernization; loss of biodiversity; and little scope for mechanization and technology. FPOs are small clusters of farmers who collaborate to enhance their bargaining strength through collective procurement, processing, and marketing efforts. To enhance the performance of FPOs at the grassroots level, the engagement of cluster-based business organizations (CBBOs) is vital. Millet FPOs are similar to voluntary farmer groups that are involved in the cultivation and promotion of millets. IIMR-promoted millet FPOs were selected purposively for the present study as they are involved in millet cultivation and farming. A total of 450 millet farmers from 15 FPOs and 3 states were randomly chosen for this action research study. The present research identified 10 key factors and collected farmers’ opinions toward member participation in millet FPOs using interpretive structural modeling. The ISM approach provided a clear understanding of how the selected factors interconnect hierarchically with each other as foundational drivers and dependent outcomes. The results from the MICMAC analysis demonstrated that foundational interventions, such as post-harvest technology availability (V2) and knowledge transfer by KVKs (V5), directly support higher-level objectives. Intermediate factors like economies of scale (V1) and market and credit linkages (V3) transform these services into operational advantages, while the outcome factors of business planning (V8), FPO branding (V7), and bargaining power (V9) emerge as dependent variables. The model demonstrates that V2 catalyzes improvements across the production, market, and institutional domains, cascading through intermediate enablers (V1, V4, V5, V6) to strengthen outcomes (V3, V7, V8, V9, V10). This hierarchy demonstrates that investing in post-harvest technology and complementary extension services is critical for building resilient millet FPOs and enhancing member participation. Full article

Contemporary discussions of AI are often framed according to generally held assumptions which have largely escaped serious critical analysis. For instance, those who promote AI tout its predictive prowess: powerful algorithms fed massive amounts of data are able to discover knowable patterns that can accurately forecast the behaviors in anything from individual movie preferences to financial markets. Armed with this type of knowledge we can then use AI, the hope goes, to be more objective in our ethical practices. And most seriously, we must extend this to the way we develop AI, not only do we want AI to function ethically, but we caution ourselves that if Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), superintelligence, or anything like the “singularity” is ever developed, it should be positively aligned with human values. Reflecting on these positions from the perspective of classical Daoism gives us reason to pause. While Daoist texts also assume there are patterns in the world which one can successfully go along with, they are not enthusiastic about the rational or knowable nature of these patterns—rather, they encourage us to appreciate them as fundamentally complex and mysterious. In this article, some Daoist attitudes are also concretely applied to ethical considerations, which cannot easily be controlled or known, much less put into code. Inspired by Daoist texts, we might cultivate an attitude less filled with hubris than humility, where we are allowed more space from which we can reflect on how we think about AI. Many of the most pressing issues associated with AI could, in fact, be significantly alleviated simply by shifting the way we think about, use, and develop these technologies. Full article

The production of high-quality cassava planting material is a key strategy for mitigating the spread of pests and diseases. To promote the adoption of such strategies by farmers, it is essential to strengthen local capacities through knowledge transfer and the incorporation of innovative technologies, such as tunnels for rapid propagation (TxRPs), which have been successfully implemented in various international contexts. This study appraised the performance of four industrial cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties—Corpoica Tai, Corpoica Belloti, Corpoica Ropain, and Corpoica Sinuana—under tunnel conditions at two locations on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Planting material consisted of mini-cuttings (7–9 months old) with three buds. Five successive harvest cycles were assessed by measuring key growth parameters, including plant height, leaf number, SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development) chlorophyll index, leaf area, and biomass (dry weight and nutrient content). Environmental conditions within the tunnels, such as temperature and humidity, were regulated to promote rapid sprouting and accelerated growth of the cuttings. However, sprouting, vigor, and overall growth performance varied by variety. All four cassava varieties produced high-quality cuttings (>20 mm in diameter and >6 leaves), suitable for further seedling propagation. Cutting vigor increased across cycles, with productivity rising from over 60 cuttings/m² in the first cycle to more than 180 cuttings/m² by the fifth. Substrate mixtures enhanced both physical and chemical soil properties, depending on the source (CRT or CBL). The addition of coco peat or sand effectively minimized environmental impacts by preventing substrate compaction. The findings demonstrate the potential of tunnel-based systems to accelerate the production of high-quality cassava planting material, supporting improved productivity and sustainability in cassava cultivation for both farmers and industry stakeholders. Full article

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into education is a defining challenge for achieving a sustainable digital future. This study addresses this challenge by exploring the psychological foundations necessary for teacher readiness, framing this preparation as a matter of social sustainability for the teaching profession. Employing a correlational research design, this study investigates the relationships among key psychological constructs as perceived by pre-service educators. Specifically, it examines how pre-service preschool teachers’ self-reported levels of self-regulation and social-emotional expertise relate to their self-assessed AI—Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (AI-TPACK). The findings were revealing: multiple linear regression analyses confirmed perceived self-regulation as a robust predictor of the self-assessed core and composite knowledge elements of AI-TPACK. Counterintuitively, social-emotional expertise did not show a significant correlation with any aspect of AI-TPACK. This suggests that the metacognitive skills inherent in self-regulation are fundamental for empowering educators to engage in the lifelong learning required for a sustainable career. Therefore, teacher education programs must strategically cultivate these skills to foster a resilient teaching workforce, capable of ethically shaping the future of AI in inclusive and sustainable learning environments. Full article

Environmental education plays a vital role in cultivating environmentally responsible citizens. Although teachers are central to environmental education, their pedagogical practices remain under-researched. Thus, this study targeted to systematically review empirical research on environmental education teaching practices to synthesize findings and identify gaps. 2273 papers between 2015 and 2024 from Teacher Reference Center, ERIC, and GreenFILE were filtered to cover studies focused on environmental education teaching practices by teachers under formal education. To interpret trends of discoveries, we propose an expanded Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge framework—TPAC+E—by incorporating environmental knowledge alongside existing dimensions. Majority of 111 peer-reviewed articles employed case study designs and interviews, with an increasing emphasis on digital technologies in the post-COVID era. Common teaching practices identified include cross-disciplinary integration, outdoor learning, participatory approaches, and the promotion of critical thinking and empathy. However, widespread reliance on textbooks and teacher-centered instruction persists. The review also highlights significant research gaps in primary education and in underrepresented regions such as the Global South and East Asia. We advocate for more interdisciplinary and context-specific approaches, along with enhanced support for teacher training and curriculum development. This review offers both practical and conceptual insights to advance equitable and effective environmental education worldwide. Full article