Search Results (1,859)

Design Thinking (DT) has emerged as a relevant methodology for addressing global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study presents a systematic literature review, conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, which analyzes 42 peer-reviewed publications from 2013 to 2023. Through inductive content analysis, 10 core DT principles—such as empathy, iteration, user-centeredness, and systems thinking—I identified and thematically mapped to specific SDGs, including goals related to health, education, innovation, and climate action. The study also presents five real-world cases from diverse sectors such as technology, healthcare, and urban planning, illustrating how DT has been applied to address practical challenges aligned with the SDGs. However, the review identifies persistent gaps in the field: the lack of standardized evaluation frameworks, limited integration across SDG domains, and weak adaptation of ethical and contextual considerations, particularly in vulnerable communities. As a response, this paper recommends the adoption of structured impact assessment tools (e.g., Cities2030, Responsible Design Thinking), integration of design justice principles, and the development of participatory, iterative ecosystems for innovation. By offering both conceptual synthesis and applied insights, this article positions Design Thinking as a strategic and systemic approach for driving sustainable transformation aligned with the 2030 Agenda. Full article

Avocado (Persea americana), originally from Mesoamerica, has emerged as a focus of intense scientific and industrial interest due to its unique combination of nutritional richness, bioactive potential, and technological versatility. Its pulp, widely consumed across the globe, is notably abundant in monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, which can comprise over two-thirds of its lipid content. In addition, it provides significant levels of dietary fiber, fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K, carotenoids, tocopherols, and phytosterols like β-sitosterol. These constituents are consistently associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, glycemic regulatory, and cardioprotective effects, supported by a growing body of experimental and clinical evidence. This review offers a comprehensive and critical synthesis of the chemical composition and functional properties of avocado, with particular emphasis on its lipid profile, phenolic compounds, and phytosterols. It also explores recent advances in environmentally sustainable extraction techniques, including ultrasound-assisted and microwave-assisted processes, as well as the application of natural deep eutectic solvents. These technologies have demonstrated improved efficiency in recovering bioactives while aligning with the principles of green chemistry. The use of avocado-derived ingredients in nanostructured delivery systems and their incorporation into functional foods, cosmetics, and health-promoting formulations is discussed in detail. Additionally, the potential of native cultivars and the application of precision nutrition strategies are identified as promising avenues for future innovation. Taken together, the findings underscore the avocado’s relevance as a high-value matrix for sustainable development. Future research should focus on optimizing extraction protocols, clarifying pharmacokinetic behavior, and ensuring long-term safety in diverse applications. Full article

The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and new energy systems has put lithium-ion batteries at the center of the clean energy change. Nevertheless, to achieve the best battery performance, safety, and sustainability in many changing circumstances, major innovations are needed in Battery Management Systems (BMS). This review paper explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twin (DT) technologies can be integrated to enable the intelligent BMS of the future. It investigates how powerful data approaches such as deep learning, ensembles, and models that rely on physics improve the accuracy of predicting state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), and remaining useful life (RUL). Additionally, the paper reviews progress in AI features for cooling, fast charging, fault detection, and intelligible AI models. Working together, cloud and edge computing technology with DTs means better diagnostics, predictive support, and improved management for any use of EVs, stored energy, and recycling. The review underlines recent successes in AI-driven material research, renewable battery production, and plans for used systems, along with new problems in cybersecurity, combining data and mass rollout. We spotlight important research themes, existing problems, and future drawbacks following careful analysis of different up-to-date approaches and systems. Uniting physical modeling with AI-based analytics on cloud-edge-DT platforms supports the development of tough, intelligent, and ecologically responsible batteries that line up with future mobility and wider use of renewable energy. Full article

Introduction and Objectives: Risk-sharing agreements (RSAs) have emerged as a key strategy for financing high-cost medical technologies while ensuring financial sustainability. These payment mechanisms mitigate clinical and financial uncertainties, optimizing pricing and reimbursement decisions. Despite their widespread adoption globally, Latin America has reported limited implementation, particularly for high-cost medical devices. This study aims to share insights from designing RSAs in the form of Outcome Protection Programs (OPPs) for medical devices in Latin America from the perspective of a medical devices company. Methods: The report follows a structured approach, defining key OPP dimensions: payment base, access criteria, pricing schemes, risk assessment, and performance incentives. Risks were categorized as financial, clinical, and operational. The framework applied principles from prior models, emphasizing negotiation, program design, implementation, and evaluation. A multidisciplinary task force analyzed patient needs, provider motivations, and payer constraints to ensure alignment with health system priorities. Results: Over two semesters, a panel of seven experts from the manufacturer designed n = 105 innovative payment programs implemented in Argentina (n = 7), Brazil (n = 7), Colombia (n = 75), Mexico (n = 9), Panama (n = 4), and Puerto Rico (n = 3). The programs targeted eight high-burden conditions, including Coronary Artery Disease, atrial fibrillation, Heart Failure, and post-implantation arrhythmias, among others. Private providers accounted for 80% of experiences. Challenges include clinical inertia and operational complexities, necessitating structured training and monitoring mechanisms. Conclusions: Outcome Protection Programs offer a viable and practical risk-sharing approach to financing high-cost medical devices in Latin America. Their implementation requires careful stakeholder alignment, clear eligibility criteria and endpoints, and robust monitoring frameworks. These findings contribute to the ongoing dialogue on sustainable healthcare financing, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches in resource-constrained settings. Full article

Although technological innovations are often intended to improve quality and efficiency, they can exacerbate systemic challenges when not aligned with the principles of value-based care. As a result, healthcare systems in many countries face persistent inefficiencies stemming from the overuse, underuse, misuse, and waste associated with the adoption of health technology. This narrative review examines the dual impact of healthcare technology and evaluates how contract mechanisms can serve as strategic tools for promoting cost-effective, outcome-oriented integration. Drawing from healthcare management, and supply chain literature, this paper analyzes various payment and contract models, including performance-based, bundled, cost-sharing, and revenue-sharing agreements, through the lens of stakeholder alignment. It explores how these mechanisms influence provider behavior, patient access, and system sustainability. The study contends that well-designed contract mechanisms can align stakeholder incentives, reduce inefficiencies, and support the delivery of high-value care across diverse healthcare settings. We provide concrete examples to illustrate how various contract mechanisms impact the integration of health technologies in practice. Full article

With the growing severity of environmental pollution, people are paying increasing attention to their health. However, naturally occurring wood with health benefits and applications in human healthcare is still scarce. Natural wood exhibits a limited negative oxygen ion release capacity, and this release has a short duration, failing to meet practical application requirements. This study innovatively developed a humidity-responsive, healthy wood material with a high negative oxygen ion release capacity based on fast-growing poplar. Through vacuum cyclic impregnation technology, hexagonal stone powder was infused into the pores of poplar wood, endowing it with the ability to continuously release negative oxygen ions. The healthy wood demonstrated a static average negative oxygen ion release rate of 537 ions/cm³ (peaking at 617 ions/cm³) and a dynamic average release rate of 3,170 ions/cm³ (peaking at 10,590 ions/cm³). The results showed that the particle size of hexagonal stone powder in suspension was influenced by the dispersants and dispersion processes. The composite dispersion process demonstrated optimal performance when using 0.5 wt% silane coupling agent γ-(methacryloxy)propyltrimethoxysilane (KH570), achieving the smallest particle size of 8.93 μm. The healthy wood demonstrated excellent impregnation performance, with a weight gain exceeding 14.61% and a liquid absorption rate surpassing 165.18%. The optimal impregnation cycle for vacuum circulation technology was determined to be six cycles, regardless of the type of dispersant. Compared with poplar wood, the hygroscopic swelling rate of healthy wood was lower, especially in PEG-treated samples, where the tangential, radial, longitudinal, and volumetric swelling rates decreased by 70.93%, 71.67%, 69.41%, and 71.35%, respectively. Combining hexagonal stone powder with fast-growing poplar wood can effectively enhance the release of negative oxygen ions. The static average release of negative oxygen ions from healthy wood is 1.44 times that of untreated hexagonal stone powder, and the dynamic release reaches 2 to 3 times the concentration of negative oxygen ions specified by national fresh air standards. The water-responsive mechanism revealed that negative oxygen ion release surged when ambient humidity exceeded 70%. This work proposes a sustainable and effective method to prepare healthy wood with permanent negative oxygen ion release capability. It demonstrates great potential for improving indoor air quality and enhancing human health. Full article

Emotion regulation is essential for mental health. However, many people ignore their own emotional regulation or are deterred by the high cost of psychological counseling, which poses significant challenges to making effective support widely available. This review systematically examines the convergence of multimodal sensing technologies and large language models (LLMs) for the development of Automated Emotional Regulation (AER) systems. The review draws upon a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature, encompassing research papers, technical reports, and relevant theoretical frameworks. Key findings indicate that multimodal sensing offers the potential for rich, contextualized data pertaining to emotional states, while LLMs provide improved capabilities for interpreting these inputs and generating nuanced, empathetic, and actionable regulatory responses. The integration of these technologies, including physiological sensors, behavioral tracking, and advanced LLM architectures, presents the improvement of application, moving AER beyond simpler, rule-based systems towards more adaptive, context-aware, and human-like interventions. Opportunities for personalized interventions, real-time support, and novel applications in mental healthcare and other domains are considerable. However, these prospects are counterbalanced by significant challenges and limitations. In summary, this review synthesizes current technological advancements, identifies substantial opportunities for innovation and application, and critically analyzes the multifaceted technical, ethical, and practical challenges inherent in this domain. It also concludes that while the integration of multimodal sensing and LLMs holds significant potential for AER, the field is nascent and requires concerted research efforts to realize its full capacity to enhance human well-being. Full article

Biofilms are structured microbial communities that pose significant challenges to food safety and quality within the food-processing industry. Their formation on equipment and surfaces enables persistent contamination, microbial resistance, and recurring outbreaks of foodborne illness. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on biofilm formation mechanisms, genetic regulation, and the unique behavior of multi-species biofilms. The review evaluates modern detection and monitoring technologies, including PCR, biosensors, and advanced microscopy, and compares their effectiveness in industrial contexts. Real-world outbreak data and a global economic impact analysis underscore the urgency for more effective regulatory frameworks and sanitation innovations. The findings highlight the critical need for integrated, proactive biofilm management approaches to safeguard food safety, reduce public health risks, and minimize economic losses across global food sectors. Full article

Marine biomass, particularly from waste streams, by-products, underutilized, invasive, or potential cultivable marine species, offers a sustainable source of high-value biopolymers such as collagen and chitin. These macromolecules have gained significant attention due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, functional versatility, and broad applicability across health, food, wellness, and environmental fields. This review highlights recent advances in the uses of marine-derived collagen and chitin/chitosan. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we analyze how these applications contribute to sustainability, particularly in SDGs related to responsible consumption and production, good health and well-being, and life below water. Furthermore, we contextualize the advancement of product development using marine collagen and chitin/chitosan within the European Union’s Blue bioeconomy strategies, highlighting trends in scientific research and technological innovation through bibliometric and patent data. Finally, the review addresses challenges facing the development of robust value chains for these marine biopolymers, including collaboration, regulatory hurdles, supply-chain constraints, policy and financial support, education and training, and the need for integrated marine resource management. The paper concludes with recommendations for fostering innovation and sustainability in the valorization of these marine resources. Full article

Background and Objectives: Diabetes is a global public health challenge, with increasing prevalence worldwide. The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the management of this condition offers potential benefits in improving healthcare outcomes. This study primarily investigates the barriers and facilitators perceived by healthcare professionals in the adoption of AI. Secondarily, by analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data collected, it aims to support the potential development of AI-based programs for diabetes management, with particular focus on a possible bottom-up approach. Materials and Methods: A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines for reporting and registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF) database. The study selection process was conducted in two phases—title/abstract screening and full-text review—independently by three researchers, with a fourth resolving conflicts. Data were extracted and assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. The included studies were synthesized narratively, combining both quantitative and qualitative analyses to ensure methodological rigor and contextual depth. Results: The adoption of AI tools in diabetes management is influenced by several barriers, including perceived unsatisfactory clinical performance, high costs, issues related to data security and decision-making transparency, as well as limited training among healthcare workers. Key facilitators include improved clinical efficiency, ease of use, time-saving, and organizational support, which contribute to broader acceptance of the technology. Conclusions: The active and continuous involvement of healthcare workers represents a valuable opportunity to develop more effective, reliable, and well-integrated AI solutions in clinical practice. Our findings emphasize the importance of a bottom-up approach and highlight how adequate training and organizational support can help overcome existing barriers, promoting sustainable and equitable innovation aligned with public health priorities. Full article

Increased food production demands, labor shortages, and environmental concerns are driving the need for innovative agricultural technologies. However, effective adoption depends critically on aligning robot innovations with the needs of farmers. This paper examines the alignment between the needs of farmers and the robotic systems used in row crop farming. We review current commercial agricultural robots and research, and map these to the needs of farmers, as expressed in the literature, to identify the key issues holding back large-scale adoption. From initial pool of 184 research articles, 19 survey articles, and 82 commercial robotic solutions, we selected 38 peer-reviewed academic studies, 12 survey articles, and 18 commercially available robots for in-depth review and analysis for this study. We identify the key challenges faced by farmers and map them directly to the current and emerging capabilities of agricultural robots. We supplement the data gathered from the literature review of surveys and case studies with in-depth interviews with nine farmers to obtain deeper insights into the needs and day-to-day operations. Farmers reported mixed reactions to current technologies, acknowledging efficiency improvements but highlighting barriers such as capital costs, technical complexity, and inadequate support systems. There is a notable demand for technologies for improved plant health monitoring, soil condition assessment, and enhanced climate resilience. We then review state-of-the-art robotic solutions for row crop farming and map these technological capabilities to the farmers’ needs. Only technologies with field validation or operational deployment are included, to ensure practical relevance. These mappings generate insights that underscore the need for lightweight and modular robot technologies that can be adapted to diverse farming practices, as well as the need for farmers’ education and simpler interfaces to robotic operations and data analysis that are actionable for farmers. We conclude with recommendations for future research, emphasizing the importance of co-creation with the farming community to ensure the adoption and sustained use of agricultural robotic solutions. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed the rapid adoption of remote patient monitoring (RPM) technologies such as telemedicine and wearable devices (WDs), significantly transforming healthcare delivery. Telemedicine made virtual consultations possible, reducing in-person visits and infection risks, particularly for the management of chronic diseases. Wearable devices enabled the real-time continuous monitoring of health that assisted in condition prediction and management, such as for COVID-19. This narrative review addresses these transformations by uniquely synthesizing findings from 13 diverse studies (sourced from PubMed and Google Scholar, 2020–2024) to analyze the parallel evolution of telemedicine and WDs as interconnected RPM components. It highlights the pandemic’s dual impact, as follows: accelerating RPM innovation and adoption while simultaneously unmasking systemic challenges such as inequities in access and a need for robust integration approaches; while telemedicine usage soared during the pandemic, consumption post-pandemic, as indicated by the reviewed studies, suggests continued barriers to adoption among older adults. Likewise, wearable devices demonstrated significant potential in early disease detection and long-term health management, with promising applications extending beyond COVID-19, including long COVID conditions. Addressing the identified challenges is crucial for healthcare providers and systems to fully embrace these technologies and this would improve efficiency and patient outcomes. Full article

The intersection of green finance and artificial intelligence (AI) represents a rapidly emerging and high-impact research domain with the potential to reshape sustainable economic systems. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric and network analysis aimed at mapping the scientific landscape, identifying research hotspots, and highlighting methodological trends at this nexus. A dataset of 268 peer-reviewed publications (2014–June 2025) was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, filtered by the Business Economics category. Analytical techniques employed include Bibliometrix in R, VOSviewer, and science mapping tools such as thematic mapping, trend topic analysis, co-citation networks, and co-occurrence clustering. Results indicate an annual growth rate of 53.31%, with China leading in both productivity and impact, followed by Vietnam and the United Kingdom. The most prolific affiliations and authors, primarily based in China, underscore a concentrated regional research output. The most relevant journals include Energy Economics and Finance Research Letters. Network visualizations identified 17 clusters, with focused analysis on the top three: (1) Emission, Health, and Environmental Risk, (2) Institutional and Technological Infrastructure, and (3) Green Innovation and Sustainable Urban Development. The methodological landscape is equally diverse, with top techniques including blockchain technology, large language models, convolutional neural networks, sentiment analysis, and structural equation modeling, demonstrating a blend of traditional econometrics and advanced AI. This study not only uncovers intellectual structures and thematic evolution but also identifies underdeveloped areas and proposes future research directions. These include dynamic topic modeling, regional case studies, and ethical frameworks for AI in sustainable finance. The findings provide a strategic foundation for advancing interdisciplinary collaboration and policy innovation in green AI–finance ecosystems. Full article

In light of pressing global nutritional needs, the valorization of agri-food waste constitutes a vital strategy for enhancing human health and nutrition, while simultaneously supporting planetary health. This integrated approach is increasingly indispensable within sustainable and equitable food systems. Recently, a sustainability-driven focus has shifted attention toward the valorization of the agri-food by-products as rich sources of bioactive compounds useful in preventing or treating chronic diseases. Agri-food by-products, often regarded as waste, actually hold great potential as they are rich in bioactive components, dietary fiber, and other beneficial nutrients from which innovative food ingredients, functional foods, and even therapeutic products are developed. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current advances in recovering and applying such compounds from agri-food waste, with a particular focus on their roles in human health, sustainable packaging, and circular economy strategies. Methods: This review critically synthesizes recent scientific literature on the extraction, characterization, and utilization of bioactive molecules from agri-food by-products. After careful analysis of the PubMed and Scopus databases, only English-language articles from the last 10 years were included in the final narrative review. The analysis also encompasses applications in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and food packaging sectors. Results: Emerging technologies have enabled the efficient and eco-friendly recovery of compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and dietary fibers that demonstrate antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. These bioactive compounds support the development of functional foods and biodegradable packaging materials. Furthermore, these valorization strategies align with global health trends by promoting dietary supplements that counteract the effects of the Western diet and chronic diseases. Conclusions: Valorization of agri-food by-products offers a promising path toward sustainable development by reducing waste, enhancing public health, and driving innovation. This strategy not only minimizes waste and supports sustainability, but also promotes a more nutritious and resilient food system. Full article

This paper presents a case study of the Local Care Ecosystems developed by the provincial government of Gipuzkoa (Basque Country, Spain) to strengthen coordination between social services, health services, and community-based initiatives at the municipal level. The initiative seeks to personalize care, enhance service integration, and support community-based care with the overarching goal of improving the quality of life for older adults living at home. These ecosystems incorporate social, institutional, and technological innovations aimed at supporting individuals who are frail or vulnerable throughout the care cycle. At present, 18 Local Care Ecosystems are active, providing services to 1202 people over the age of 65 and 167 families. The model addresses a growing global challenge linked to population aging, which has led to increasing demand for care and support services that are often fragmented, under-resourced, and constrained by outdated regulatory frameworks. These structural issues can compromise both the quality and efficiency of care for dependent individuals. Based on the findings, the paper offers policy recommendations to support the transfer and adaptation of this model, with the aim of improving the well-being of older adults who wish to remain in their own homes. Full article