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Search Results (1,868)

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32 pages, 1214 KB  
Article
Humanizing ATS-Based Recruitment Using LLMs and Human-in-the-Loop Oversight
by Valdo V. Mpinga and António Miguel Rosado da Cruz
Systems 2026, 14(5), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14050455 - 22 Apr 2026
Abstract
Application Tracking Systems (ATSs) have evolved significantly since their inception in 1996, transitioning from simple resumérepositories to AI-driven tools with advanced capabilities. While these developments have improved recruitment efficiency, they have also raised important ethical, organizational, and human-rights-related concerns. Bias in machine learning [...] Read more.
Application Tracking Systems (ATSs) have evolved significantly since their inception in 1996, transitioning from simple resumérepositories to AI-driven tools with advanced capabilities. While these developments have improved recruitment efficiency, they have also raised important ethical, organizational, and human-rights-related concerns. Bias in machine learning (ML) training data, opaque decision criteria, and excessive reliance on automated judgment may contribute to unfair treatment, reduced transparency, and limited human oversight in hiring processes. This study addresses these challenges by proposing a human-centered approach to ATS-supported recruitment based on a set of Humanization Services. Using a Design Science Research approach, three main artifacts were developed: a Job Requirements Validation Module, a Bias Trigger Removal Module, and a blockchain-supported dual-authorization mechanism for vacancy approval, which requires digital signatures from qualified professionals to approve job postings, ensuring that there are humans that assume responsibility. These components are intended to improve job posting quality, reduce bias-conducive information in applicant data, and strengthen accountability in recruitment workflows. The evaluation provides initial empirical support for the operational feasibility of the proposed approach under the tested conditions. The study therefore contributes a practical and theoretically grounded step toward more transparent, accountable, and human-centered AI-supported recruitment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Artificial Intelligence and Digital Systems Engineering)
43 pages, 3956 KB  
Article
Meta-Identity and Algorithmic Mediation on Digital Platforms: A Comparative Analysis of AI–Human Content Categorization
by Allan Herison Ferreira, Ana Carolina Trevisan, Carla Maria Baptista, Rubén Ramos-Antón, Álvaro Augusto Comin, Henrique F. Carvalho, Silvestre Vendrell and Valéria Oliveira Sá
Societies 2026, 16(4), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040132 - 20 Apr 2026
Abstract
This article examines how algorithmic classification systems participate in the production of meta-identities, understood as operational classificatory constructs that mediate the visibility, circulation, and interpretation of digital content and its authors. The study employs a mixed-methods design combining controlled analytical simulation with qualitative [...] Read more.
This article examines how algorithmic classification systems participate in the production of meta-identities, understood as operational classificatory constructs that mediate the visibility, circulation, and interpretation of digital content and its authors. The study employs a mixed-methods design combining controlled analytical simulation with qualitative interpretive analysis, systematic thematic coding, and comparative statistical procedures. Empirical data are derived from the analysis of 150 audiovisual works produced in formative workshops and interpreted by four types of agents: authors, peers, specialized human analysts, and two Large Language Model-based AI systems (ChatGPT and Gemini). Interpretations were analyzed across micro, meso, and macro levels, using a consolidated system of thematic categories with hierarchical weighting and normalization procedures to ensure inter-agent comparability. The results demonstrate a systematic and structural divergence between human and algorithmic classifications. While human agents preserve semantic plurality and contextual anchoring, AI systems tend to reorganize thematic hierarchies through semantic aggregation and stabilization, thereby privileging broad, reusable categories. This process produces recurring, opaque classificatory patterns that serve as infrastructural references for subsequent algorithmic decisions. The article contributes methodologically by offering a replicable framework for comparing human and algorithmic regimes of meaning production in digital environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algorithm Awareness: Opportunities, Challenges and Impacts on Society)
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28 pages, 1543 KB  
Article
An Entropy-Based Framework for Hybrid Coalitions in Game Theory—Part I: Human Arbitration
by Salomé A. Sepúlveda-Fontaine and José M. Amigó
Entropy 2026, 28(4), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/e28040473 - 20 Apr 2026
Abstract
Classical Game Theory underpins much of AI and multi-agent research, but hybrid Human–AI systems require a framework in which execution authority can alternate within a digital environment. We introduce Neo-Game Theory, an extension of Classical Game Theory for hybrid Human–AI coalitions operating under [...] Read more.
Classical Game Theory underpins much of AI and multi-agent research, but hybrid Human–AI systems require a framework in which execution authority can alternate within a digital environment. We introduce Neo-Game Theory, an extension of Classical Game Theory for hybrid Human–AI coalitions operating under Virtual Nature, the algorithmic analogue of classical (physical) Nature. The framework combines a lexicographic coalition utility with a delegation rule based on the Jensen–Shannon divergence between Human and AI policies. Two thresholds define agreement, contextual, and disagreement regions. In the contextual region, execution follows a scenario-specific rule. Apart from the theory, in this paper we develop the first regime, Human arbitration, in which the AI learns by observation and frequency matching while the Human retains final execution authority. We establish the axiomatic basis of the framework and characterize a frequency-convergence equilibrium, providing the foundation for later extensions and computational validation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Information Theory, Probability and Statistics)
30 pages, 5717 KB  
Article
Port Digital Twins for Sustainable Urban Futures in Europe
by Christina N. Tsaimou, Maria Intzeler and Vasiliki K. Tsoukala
Earth 2026, 7(2), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/earth7020068 - 20 Apr 2026
Abstract
Ports are increasingly recognized as actors that influence the sustainability of urban environments due to their spatial footprint, operational intensity, and close interaction with surrounding cities. As digital technologies become more embedded in infrastructure management, Digital Twins (DTs) are emerging in port systems [...] Read more.
Ports are increasingly recognized as actors that influence the sustainability of urban environments due to their spatial footprint, operational intensity, and close interaction with surrounding cities. As digital technologies become more embedded in infrastructure management, Digital Twins (DTs) are emerging in port systems as tools that can support more integrated and sustainable port–city development. This paper investigates how DT technologies applied in ports can contribute to broader urban sustainability objectives within port–city systems. The analysis is based on a synthesis of documented DT practices from selected European ports. Geographic Information System (GIS) visualization is used to illustrate the spatial relationship between port infrastructure and the surrounding urban environment, as well as to map the connections between DT application fields and relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A comparative interpretation of the extent to which DT applications align with urban sustainability goals across the examined ports is achieved through the development of an SDG contribution scale. Insights derived from the European cases are subsequently contextualized for the Port of Piraeus, exploring how similar DT approaches could support both operational efficiency and the long-term climate resilience of the port–city environment. Overall, the findings provide practical insights for port authorities, urban planners, and policymakers seeking to align digital transformation strategies with sustainable and climate-responsive infrastructure development in port–city systems. Full article
26 pages, 1940 KB  
Article
Industry 4.0 in the Sustainable Maritime Sector: A Componential Evaluation with Bayesian BWM
by Mahmut Mollaoglu, Bukra Doganer, Hakan Demirel, Abit Balin and Emre Akyuz
Sustainability 2026, 18(8), 4078; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18084078 - 20 Apr 2026
Abstract
The rapid diffusion of industry 4.0 technologies has substantially transformed the maritime transportation sectors by enabling data-driven operations, enhanced connectivity, and more intelligent decision-making processes. Digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), simulation systems, and advanced data analytics are increasingly reshaping [...] Read more.
The rapid diffusion of industry 4.0 technologies has substantially transformed the maritime transportation sectors by enabling data-driven operations, enhanced connectivity, and more intelligent decision-making processes. Digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), simulation systems, and advanced data analytics are increasingly reshaping operational structures in maritime logistics, positioning technological transformation as a strategic priority for firms. However, the weighting and prioritization of components emerging with industry 4.0 technologies remain an underexplored area in the literature. The primary motivation of this study is to determine the weights of these industry 4.0 components using the Bayesian Best Worst Method (BWM) and to reveal their corresponding credal ranking levels. In this context, the present study aims to evaluate and prioritize the critical industry 4.0 components influencing technological transformation processes using the Bayesian BWM. Bayesian BWM is preferred over alternative Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) approaches due to its ability to explicitly model uncertainty within a probabilistic framework, generate more consistent weighting results, and flexibly incorporate decision-makers’ judgments. The findings reveal that safety and security (0.2945) constitute the most influential main component, underscoring the necessity of robust digital infrastructures and reliable systems within highly digitalized operational environments. Among the sub-components, data privacy (0.1301) demonstrates the highest global weight, highlighting the growing importance of safeguarding sensitive information in data-intensive digital systems. The results further indicate that autonomous operation and coordination play significant roles in facilitating efficient digital operations, particularly through real-time equipment monitoring and IoT-based operational visibility. Moreover, sustainability (0.1968) emerges as the second most important component, suggesting that organizations increasingly assess technological investments not only in terms of operational efficiency but also with respect to long-term resilience. Within this dimension, continuous training (0.0614) is identified as the most influential component, indicating that the success of digital transformation depends not only on technological infrastructure but also on the development of human capabilities. With the increasing digitalization of the maritime industry, protection against cyber threats has become essential for ensuring operational continuity and safeguarding data integrity. In this regard, adopting proactive cybersecurity strategies and continuously monitoring and updating systems are of critical importance. In the digital transformation of maritime transportation, integrating sustainability considerations is essential to ensure long-term operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. These practical implications are particularly relevant for policymakers, port authorities, and shipping companies seeking to enhance both digital capabilities and sustainable performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Oceans)
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16 pages, 888 KB  
Article
MIDA—Method for Industrial Data Analysis Based on CRISP-DM
by Mateus Mendes and Torres Farinha
Mach. Learn. Knowl. Extr. 2026, 8(4), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/make8040108 - 18 Apr 2026
Viewed by 201
Abstract
As modern computers became increasingly more popular and larger amounts of digital data were available, different methodologies were proposed to extract information from data. CRISP-DM methodology quickly spread and is currently one of the most popular approaches used for data analysis. However, it [...] Read more.
As modern computers became increasingly more popular and larger amounts of digital data were available, different methodologies were proposed to extract information from data. CRISP-DM methodology quickly spread and is currently one of the most popular approaches used for data analysis. However, it has some shortcomings, such as being too general or business-centered. Different authors have proposed variations more suitable to specific fields in order to overcome those limitations. The present paper reviews CRISP-DM, some variations and similar methodologies, and proposes a Methodology for Industrial Data Analysis (MIDA)—a methodology conceived and improved over time, based on previous experience in industrial engineering processes. MIDA consists of eight steps and partially overlaps with CRISP-DM. It has been successfully applied in several previous projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Data)
39 pages, 1460 KB  
Review
Modernizing Livestock Operations: Smart Feedlot Technologies and Their Impact
by Son D. Dao, Amirali Khodadadian Gostar, Ruwan Tennakoon, Wei Qin Chuah and Alireza Bab-Hadiashar
Animals 2026, 16(8), 1244; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16081244 - 18 Apr 2026
Viewed by 117
Abstract
Smart feedlots are increasingly adopting Precision Livestock Farming technologies to enable continuous, individual-animal monitoring and more proactive management in intensive beef production systems. This narrative review synthesises evidence from approximately 350 academic publications, of which 117 are formally cited, complemented by industry deployments [...] Read more.
Smart feedlots are increasingly adopting Precision Livestock Farming technologies to enable continuous, individual-animal monitoring and more proactive management in intensive beef production systems. This narrative review synthesises evidence from approximately 350 academic publications, of which 117 are formally cited, complemented by industry deployments and the authors’ experience in smart feedlot system development. We cover enabling digital infrastructure (power, sensing networks, wireless connectivity, and gateways), animal identification and sensing (RFID, automated weighing, wearables, and pen-side sensors), machine vision (RGB, thermal, and multispectral imaging from fixed and mobile platforms), and AI-based analytics and decision support for health, welfare, performance, and environmental management. Across the literature, key components have progressed beyond proof-of-concept toward operation under commercial constraints. Reported outcomes include reduced reliance on routine pen-rider observation and yard handling, earlier triage of emerging morbidity risk and behavioural change, and more standardised welfare auditing. Vision-based methods are repeatedly validated against trained human scorers in both on-farm and abattoir contexts, while automated weighing and image-based liveweight estimation support higher-frequency growth monitoring with low single-digit percentage error in representative studies. Precision feeding and targeted supplementation are associated with improved feed utilisation and reduced resource wastage, although effectiveness and adoption vary across animal classes and production stages. We identify priorities for robust, scalable deployment: resilient communications in harsh environments, appropriate edge–cloud partitioning under intermittent connectivity, and interoperable multi-sensor data fusion to deliver trustworthy alerts and actionable insights. Persistent barriers remain cost, durability, maintenance burden, integration and interoperability, data governance, and workforce capability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal System and Management)
22 pages, 323 KB  
Article
The Transformation of Islamic Religious Authority
by Rüdiger Lohlker and Soleh Hasan Wahid
Religions 2026, 17(4), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel17040493 - 17 Apr 2026
Viewed by 458
Abstract
The transformation of religious authority in the digital age is shaped by the interactions between human actors, digital media and algorithmic systems. This study uses digital ethnography to examine how religious authority is constructed and negotiated on digital platforms used by Muslims in [...] Read more.
The transformation of religious authority in the digital age is shaped by the interactions between human actors, digital media and algorithmic systems. This study uses digital ethnography to examine how religious authority is constructed and negotiated on digital platforms used by Muslims in Indonesia and globally. This study focuses on seven authoritative figures in the digital Islamic landscape, representing different spectra of authority, from traditional pesantren in Indonesia to transnational apologetics and urban liberalism. The findings reveal patterns of authority delegation in which digital platforms replace human roles in da’wah and Islamic institutions. Religious authority is formed through articulative work that connects the Sunnah, intermediaries (religious scholars), and congregations. Public search data show that digital spaces function as a medium of distribution, where religious authority is shaped by audience responses, message repetition, symbolic affiliation, and the dynamics of debate. This study highlights the role of algorithmic culture and authority representation aesthetics in mediating religious authority in the digital age. Algorithms shape exposure and reach audiences, and representational aesthetics are crucial for disseminating religious content. The study concludes that clerical authority in the digital era results from technocultural mediation, in which the cleric becomes both a figure and representation calculated by machines and validated by the audience’s participation. Full article
26 pages, 1687 KB  
Systematic Review
Stakeholders in Tax Literacy and Tax Education in the European Union: Schools, Communities, and Public Institutions in Relation to Tax Morale and Voluntary Tax Compliance—A Systematic Review
by Narcis Eduard Mitu, George Teodor Mitu and Mihaela Zglavoci
Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(4), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15040256 - 17 Apr 2026
Viewed by 304
Abstract
The European Union (EU) relies heavily on voluntary tax compliance, yet evidence on how tax literacy (TL) and tax education (TE) relate to tax morale (TM) and voluntary tax compliance or compliance intentions (VTC) remains fragmented across partly disconnected strands of the literature. [...] Read more.
The European Union (EU) relies heavily on voluntary tax compliance, yet evidence on how tax literacy (TL) and tax education (TE) relate to tax morale (TM) and voluntary tax compliance or compliance intentions (VTC) remains fragmented across partly disconnected strands of the literature. This systematic review examined EU-relevant evidence on the stakeholder contexts in which TL/TE are discussed in relation to TM and VTC, with particular attention to schools, communities, and public institutions. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020, searches in Scopus and Web of Science (2000–2025) applied two complementary query streams focused on TL/TE and TM/VTC-related mechanisms. The searches identified 1327 records; after deduplication and screening, 402 studies were included. Based on structured coding of titles, abstracts, and author keywords, the review maps patterns of emphasis and framing rather than causal effects. Public-institutional and education-related contexts were the most frequently signposted stakeholder environments, while digital and outreach-oriented delivery cues were more visible than classroom-based cues. Trust and fairness/justice dominated the explanatory vocabulary. Overall, the review supports an ecosystem-oriented interpretation of stakeholder coordination in EU tax literacy research. Full article
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19 pages, 1392 KB  
Review
Supply Chain Integration and Firm Performance: A Bibliometric Analysis of Emerging Trends, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation
by Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman, Uswa Imran, Farah Naz and Ayesha Irfan
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2026, 14(4), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs14040099 - 16 Apr 2026
Viewed by 274
Abstract
This study investigates the evolving relationship between supply chain integration (SCI) and firm performance through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 148 publications retrieved from the Scopus database. Using VOSviewer 1.6.20 software, the research maps the intellectual structure of the field, highlighting influential authors, [...] Read more.
This study investigates the evolving relationship between supply chain integration (SCI) and firm performance through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 148 publications retrieved from the Scopus database. Using VOSviewer 1.6.20 software, the research maps the intellectual structure of the field, highlighting influential authors, journals, and thematic developments. Findings reveal that SCI conceptualized across internal, supplier, and customer integration has consistently been linked to improved operational efficiency, responsiveness, and competitive advantage. However, empirical evidence also indicates mixed outcomes, particularly under conditions of environmental uncertainty and excessive dependence on partners. Recent scholarship demonstrates a notable shift toward sustainability-oriented integration and the adoption of digital technologies such as blockchain, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence, which collectively enhance resilience and adaptability. The analysis underscores gaps in research across developing economies and service industries, suggesting opportunities for future inquiry. Overall, the study deepens understanding of SCI’s role in shaping resilient, sustainable, and technologically enabled supply chains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supply Chain Uncertainties and Financial Outcomes)
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20 pages, 709 KB  
Review
The Impact of Sustainable Innovations’ Ecosystem Change on Increasing Enterprise Value in Maritime Sector Companies
by Kristina Puleikiene and Mantas Svazas
Sustainability 2026, 18(8), 3924; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18083924 - 15 Apr 2026
Viewed by 260
Abstract
The maritime sector plays a critical role in global logistics systems, acting as a key link within international supply chains. Companies in this sector generate significant employment across the logistics and global value chain. However, it is noticeable that this sector still lacks [...] Read more.
The maritime sector plays a critical role in global logistics systems, acting as a key link within international supply chains. Companies in this sector generate significant employment across the logistics and global value chain. However, it is noticeable that this sector still lacks innovative ideas related to the growth of the level of sustainable development. A wider adoption of green innovations could significantly improve environmental performance and reduce the ecological impact of maritime activities. A key factor that can stimulate the development of innovations in the maritime sector is green finance solutions. Dedicated financing for the greening of the maritime sector can catalyze innovation implementation processes both on ships and in ports. This article analyzes the opportunities for investments in greening activities using specific green finance instruments. This article presents the current situation of the maritime sector in terms of innovation and opportunities for project financing and increasing the value of companies, as well as key technological solutions that increase the level of sustainability in this sector. One of the key challenges is the limited intervention of governments and international organizations in accelerating maritime decarbonization. Maritime sector companies are slow to make progress towards sustainability—there is a lack of fundamental innovation and voluntary efforts to decarbonize. This has led to a situation where a large part of the innovations created are unprofitable today. The authors of this article suggested key investment directions—digitalization and robotization solutions, modernization of old ships and greening solutions for port companies. These actions would provide a short-term breakthrough, but it is necessary to consistently invest in new types of innovations based on scientific research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Economy and Sustainable Energy Development)
24 pages, 1470 KB  
Article
Versioned Governance as Cultural Buffer: How Lineage Villages in Huizhou, China, Negotiate Authenticity Under Heritage Marketisation and Digital Acceleration
by Zheng Chen, Qiyue Zhang, Yinlong Jiang and Zhuoting Gan
Sustainability 2026, 18(8), 3913; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18083913 - 15 Apr 2026
Viewed by 210
Abstract
Rural heritage villages in China face compounding pressures from heritagisation policies, tourism marketisation, and digital platform logics, which together threaten the cultural integrity of lineage-based communities. While existing scholarship has shifted from treating authenticity as a fixed property to viewing it as a [...] Read more.
Rural heritage villages in China face compounding pressures from heritagisation policies, tourism marketisation, and digital platform logics, which together threaten the cultural integrity of lineage-based communities. While existing scholarship has shifted from treating authenticity as a fixed property to viewing it as a negotiated construct, a critical gap persists: the literature does not explain how local actors operationally manage the simultaneous demands of external governance compliance and internal cultural continuity. Drawing on multi-sited ethnography conducted across ritual spaces, tourism settings, and digital platforms in Huizhou lineage villages (March–August 2025)—including over 30 h of in-depth interviews with 18 cultural practitioners and two years of online community ethnography (2023–2025) within Huizhou traditional village cultural liaison groups—this study examines the micro-level strategies through which communities respond to Authorized Heritage Discourse (AHD). The study introduces the concept of Versioned Governance: a community-enacted mechanism through which cultural authenticity is strategically differentiated into ritual, performative, and pedagogical versions. Through spatial partitioning, temporal staggering, and linguistic encoding, lineage groups create cultural buffer zones that mediate between sacred practice and public display without compromising ethical coherence. This framework reframes authenticity not as an essential property nor as mere negotiated perception, but as a processual and political achievement—continuously produced through the interplay of structural discipline and local agency. The findings contribute to critical heritage studies and offer practical implications for cultural land-use and heritage governance policy in non-Western rural contexts. Full article
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46 pages, 587 KB  
Review
Blockchain Technologies for eIDAS Trust Service Providers: A Review of Architectures, Use Cases, and Emerging Trust Frameworks
by Andrei Brînzea, Emil Bureacă, Răzvan-Andrei Leancă, Ștefan Arseni and Florin Pop
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3838; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083838 - 15 Apr 2026
Viewed by 325
Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive review of existing research on the integration of blockchain technologies with the trust service ecosystem governed by the Electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services (eIDAS) Regulation of the European Union (EU). While Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and electronic [...] Read more.
This paper presents a comprehensive review of existing research on the integration of blockchain technologies with the trust service ecosystem governed by the Electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services (eIDAS) Regulation of the European Union (EU). While Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and electronic signature (ES) systems deployed under eIDAS provide strong cryptographic guarantees, standardized protocols, and cross-border legal recognition, their operational model remains largely centralized, concentrating trust in supervised authorities and service providers. This centralization raises concerns related to transparency, auditability, and resilience that blockchain, with its decentralized consensus and immutable distributed ledgers, has been increasingly explored to address. This review covers the most relevant application domains in which blockchain has been proposed as a complementary layer for Trust Service Providers (TSPs): certificate lifecycle management, remote signature services, signature preservation, signature validation, timestamping, content provenance and authenticity, and the European digital identity (EUDI) Wallet ecosystem. For each domain, this paper analyzes how blockchain can strengthen auditability and distributed trust while preserving the interoperability, legal assurance, and standards compliance required by eIDAS and ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) frameworks. A quantitative comparison of latency, throughput, and operational costs between blockchain-augmented and traditional architectures is provided, together with a technology maturity classification for each application domain. Finally, the paper identifies current limitations, including scalability, regulatory alignment, privacy constraints, and the absence of production-scale pilot data, and outlines open research challenges for the adoption of blockchain in regulated digital trust services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches for Cybersecurity and Cyber Defense)
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18 pages, 1088 KB  
Article
Validation of a Duplex Digital PCR Assay for the Quantification of the NK603 Maize Event Across Three dPCR Platforms
by Daniela Verginelli, Katia Spinella, Sara Ciuffa, Raffaele Carrano, Davide La Rocca, Elisa Pierboni, Monica Borghi, Silvana Farneti and Ugo Marchesi
Foods 2026, 15(8), 1366; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15081366 - 14 Apr 2026
Viewed by 298
Abstract
In the European Union, mandatory labeling of food and feed products is required when authorized genetically modified organisms (GMOs) exceed 0.9% per ingredient, necessitating reliable analytical methods for official control laboratories. Event-specific PCR assays validated according to ISO/IEC 17025 are the reference approach [...] Read more.
In the European Union, mandatory labeling of food and feed products is required when authorized genetically modified organisms (GMOs) exceed 0.9% per ingredient, necessitating reliable analytical methods for official control laboratories. Event-specific PCR assays validated according to ISO/IEC 17025 are the reference approach for GMO detection, identification, and quantification. The growing use of digital PCR (dPCR) has encouraged the adaptation of real-time PCR methods to dPCR-based strategies, as dPCR enables absolute quantification without calibration standards, shows reduced sensitivity to inhibitors, and allows for the design of a multiplex assay. In this study, an in-house validation of a duplex dPCR assay targeting the maize GM event NK603 and the HMG reference gene was performed on three platforms: Bio-Rad QX200™ (Pleasanton, CA, USA), Qiagen QIAcuity (Venlo, The Netherlands), and Thermo Fisher QuantStudio Absolute Q (Waltham, MA, USA). All validation parameters met the Joint Research Centre (JRC) acceptance criteria. In particular, this assay demonstrated high specificity, sensitivity (limit of quantification or LOQ < 35 copies per reaction), precision, and trueness (RSDr and bias <25%). The data indicate that the duplex dPCR assay can be used for routine GMO analysis and future collaborative validation studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Analytical Methods)
14 pages, 206 KB  
Review
Cyprus’ Approach to the Digital Services Act: Harmonisation, Enforcement, and Practical Implications
by Alexandropoulou Antigoni and Themistokleous Antigoni
Laws 2026, 15(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/laws15020030 - 14 Apr 2026
Viewed by 482
Abstract
The Digital Services Act (DSA) represents a landmark regulatory context aiming to secure a safer, trusted and more transparent digital environment. While the DSA establishes a harmonised regulatory framework for intermediary services across the EU, its enforcement system relies significantly on national regulatory [...] Read more.
The Digital Services Act (DSA) represents a landmark regulatory context aiming to secure a safer, trusted and more transparent digital environment. While the DSA establishes a harmonised regulatory framework for intermediary services across the EU, its enforcement system relies significantly on national regulatory authorities, leaving member states a degree of institutional autonomy in designing the supervisory structures. This article examines the implementation of the DSA in Cyprus and discusses the national legal framework adopted through primary and secondary legislation. It analyses the powers, legally mandated tasks, rights, and obligations of the digital services coordinator in Cyprus including its supervisory, investigatory, and enforcement competences as well as the sanctioning mechanisms. This article provides a comprehensive legal analysis of the coordinator’s operation and contributes to the academic debate on the national implementation of the DSA as a horizontal legal tool of intermediary services and digital platforms accessed by European citizens. Full article
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