Search Results (36)

Background: Accurate estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is critical in forensic death investigations. Traditional signs of death—algor mortis, livor mortis, and rigor mortis—are generally reliable only within the first two to three days after death, with their accuracy decreasing as decomposition progresses. This paper presents a systematic review conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, aiming to evaluate and compare current methods for estimating the PMI. Specifically, the study identifies both traditional and modern techniques, analyzes their advantages, limitations, and applicable timeframes, critically synthesizes the literature, and highlights the importance of combining multiple approaches to improve accuracy. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, following the PRISMA guidelines. The review included original articles and reviews that evaluated PMI estimation methods (through thanatological signs, entomology, microbial succession, molecular, imaging, and omics approaches). Extracted data included study design, methodology, PMI range, and accuracy information. Out of the 1245 identified records, 50 studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis. Results: Emerging methods, such as molecular markers, microbial succession, omics technologies, and advanced imaging show improved accuracy across extended postmortem intervals. RNA degradation methods demonstrated higher accuracy within the first 72 h, while entomology and microbial analysis are more applicable during intermediate and late decomposition stages. Although no single method is universally reliable, combining traditional and modern approaches tailored to case-specific factors improves overall PMI estimation accuracy. Conclusions: This study supports the use of an integrative, multidisciplinary, and evidence-based approach to improve time-since-death estimation. Such a strategy enhances forensic outcomes by enabling more precise PMI estimates in complex or delayed cases, increasing legal reliability, and supporting court-admissible expert testimony based on validated, multi-method protocols. Full article

This study explores how corporate governance reforms can enhance financial reporting quality and organizational transparency, focusing on Greece’s transition from Law 3016/2002 to Law 4706/2020. The legislative reform aimed to modernize governance structures, align national practices with international standards, and strengthen investor protection in a post-crisis economic environment. Moving beyond a simple legal comparison, the study examines how Law 3016/2002’s formal compliance model contrasts with Law 4706/2020’s more substantive accountability framework. We hypothesize that Law 4706/2020 introduces substantively stronger governance mechanisms than its predecessor, thereby improving transparency and investor protection, while compliance with the new law imposes materially greater administrative and financial burdens, especially on small- and mid-cap firms. Methodologically, the research employs a narrative literature review and a structured comparative legal analysis to assess the administrative and financial implications of the new law for publicly listed companies, focusing on board composition and diversity, internal controls, suitability policies, and disclosure requirements. Drawing on prior comparative evidence, we posit that Law 4706/2020 will foster governance and disclosure improvements, enhanced oversight, and clearer board roles. However, these measures also impose compliance burdens. Due to the heterogeneity of listed companies and the lack of firm-level data following Law 4706/2020’s implementation, the findings are neither fully generalizable nor quantifiable; future quantitative research using event studies or panel data is required to validate the hypotheses. We conclude that Greece’s new framework is a critical step toward sustainable corporate governance and more transparent financial reporting, offering regulators, practitioners, and scholars examining legal reform’s impact on governance effectiveness and financial reporting integrity. Full article

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in dermatology is skyrocketing, but a comprehensive overview integrating regulatory, ethical, validation, and clinical issues is lacking. This work aims to review current research, map applicable legal regulations, identify ethical challenges and methods of verifying AI models in dermatology, assess publication trends, compare the most popular neural network architectures and datasets, and identify good practices in creating AI-based applications for dermatological use. A systematic literature review is conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, utilising Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science and employing bibliometric analysis. Since 2016, there has been exponential growth in deep learning research in dermatology, revealing gaps in EU and US regulations and significant differences in model performance across different datasets. The decision-making process in clinical dermatology is analysed, focusing on how AI is augmenting skin imaging techniques such as dermatoscopy and histology. Further demonstration is provided regarding how AI is a valuable tool that supports dermatologists by automatically analysing skin images, enabling faster diagnosis and the more accurate identification of skin lesions. These advances enhance the precision and efficiency of dermatological care, showcasing the potential of AI to revolutionise the speed of diagnosis in modern dermatology, sparking excitement and curiosity. Then, we discuss the regulatory framework for AI in medicine, as well as the ethical issues that may arise. Additionally, this article addresses the critical challenge of ensuring the safety and trustworthiness of AI in dermatology, presenting classic examples of safety issues that can arise during its implementation. The review provides recommendations for regulatory harmonisation, the standardisation of validation metrics, and further research on data explainability and representativeness, which can accelerate the safe implementation of AI in dermatological practice. Full article

Teledentistry enhances access to oral healthcare by enabling remote consultations, diagnosis, and patient management. This paper explores its applications, benefits, challenges, and impact on modern dentistry. A comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies was conducted to examine the effectiveness of teledentistry. Key aspects analyzed include digital imaging, AI (artificial intelligence)-assisted diagnostics, and cloud-based patient records, which facilitate early disease detection, reduce wait times, and minimize unnecessary visits. The review also highlights how teledentistry improves collaboration among dental professionals for better treatment planning. Challenges include legal barriers, data security concerns, and limited digital infrastructure. Standardized protocols and professional training are essential for effective implementation. Future advancements in AI and telecommunication technologies will further integrate teledentistry into standard practice, improving accessibility and efficiency in oral healthcare. Full article

This research aims to investigate the roles of ontology and Semantic Web Technologies (SWT) in modern knowledge representation and data management. By analyzing a dataset of 10,037 academic articles from Web of Science (WoS) published in the last 6 years (2019–2024) across several fields, such as computer science, engineering, and telecommunications, our research identifies important trends in the use of ontologies and semantic frameworks. Through bibliometric and semantic analyses, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and topic modeling using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and BERT-clustering approach, we map the evolution of semantic technologies, revealing core research themes such as ontology engineering, knowledge graphs, and linked data. Furthermore, we address existing research gaps, including challenges in the semantic web, dynamic ontology updates, and scalability in Big Data environments. By synthesizing insights from the literature, our research provides an overview of the current state of semantic web research and its prospects. With a 0.75 coherence score and perplexity = 48, the topic modeling analysis identifies three distinct thematic clusters: (1) Ontology-Driven Knowledge Representation and Intelligent Systems, which focuses on the use of ontologies for AI integration, machine interpretability, and structured knowledge representation; (2) Bioinformatics, Gene Expression and Biological Data Analysis, highlighting the role of ontologies and semantic frameworks in biomedical research, particularly in gene expression, protein interactions and biological network modeling; and (3) Advanced Bioinformatics, Systems Biology and Ethical-Legal Implications, addressing the intersection of biological data sciences with ethical, legal and regulatory challenges in emerging technologies. The clusters derived from BERT embeddings and clustering show thematic overlap with the LDA-derived topics but with some notable differences in emphasis and granularity. Our contributions extend beyond theoretical discussions, offering practical implications for enhancing data accessibility, semantic search, and automated knowledge discovery. Full article

A profound transformation of the entire food system is necessary to achieve sustainable development in the agricultural sector. This pertains to the production, distribution, and consumption of food. In the case of distribution, this transformation involves changes both at the beginning of the chain, namely, in the agricultural structure, and at the final stage, in consumer behaviour. By analysing the existing literature, we identify key areas where the principles of short supply chains can be harmonised with smart village initiatives. The concept of smart villages itself is based on using modern technologies and innovative practices to improve the quality of life in rural areas and support sustainable development. Consequently, as mentioned, one of the critical elements of this concept is the cooperation of farmers for sustainable short supply chain management. This study analysed statistical data from the Central Statistical Office of Poland and unpublished data from the General Veterinary Inspectorate, complemented by desk research on relevant reports, scientific literature, and legal documents concerning local food systems. The study investigates local food systems in the Mazowieckie region, where 9% of Polish entities operating within local food systems are registered. Activity within this framework is characterised by significant spatial diversity across the region. The spatial distribution is mainly related to the location of the raw material base, e.g., the concentration of specialised agricultural production, distance to the sales market (proximity to consumers), and other broadly understood conditions for conducting business activity. The paper highlights the need to transform food systems to support sustainable agricultural development, focusing on short supply chains and smart village initiatives. By examining local food systems in Poland’s Mazowieckie region, it identifies how spatial and resource factors impact local food distribution and rural sustainability. Full article

This article examines the challenges posed by criminal subcontractors in the construction industry. It aims to delineate the specific crimes committed by these subcontractors and assess their impact against the broader backdrop of industry-related criminality. Employing a scoping literature review, the study explores the existing research, summarizes key findings, and highlights gaps in the current knowledge. The construction industry’s inherent complexities and reliance on extensive subcontracting create an environment ripe for criminal activities. The research questions addressed are the following: (1) What crimes are carried out by subcontractors? (2) What are the consequences of crimes carried out by subcontractors? This study identifies several major concerns: (1) adverse impacts on project management in terms of timelines, quality, and budgetary control; (2) widespread exploitation within supply chains, ranging from wage disparities to modern slavery; (3) prevalent fraudulent practices, such as bribery, collusion, and embezzlement; and (4) the detrimental effect on Health, Environment, and Safety (HES) standards. The article underscores the diversity of legal frameworks across jurisdictions and signals the need for concerted efforts to enhance crime prevention measures, foster industry-wide collaboration, and establish robust control systems. There is an urgent need for a profound understanding of the contractor–subcontractor dynamic and procurement of substandard materials. The findings suggest that the construction industry faces formidable challenges due to criminal elements, profoundly affecting project efficiency, legal compliance, and worker welfare. Full article

In light of the growing plastic waste problem worldwide, including in agriculture, this study focuses on the usefulness of both conventional, non-degradable plastics and environmentally friendly bioplastics in the agricultural sector. Although conventional plastic products are still essential in modern, even ecological agriculture, the increasing contamination by these materials, especially in a fragmented form, highlights the urgent need to search for alternative, easily biodegradable materials that could replace the non-degradable ones. According to the literature, polymers are widely used in agriculture for the preparation of agrochemicals (mostly fertilizers) with prolonged release. They also play a role as functional polymers against pests, serve as very useful super absorbents of water to improve crop health under drought conditions, and are commonly used as mulching films, membranes, mats, non-woven fabrics, protective nets, seed coatings, agrochemical packaging, or greenhouse coverings. This widespread application leads to the uncontrolled contamination of soil with disintegrated polymeric materials. Therefore, this study highlights the possible applications of bio-based materials as alternatives to conventional polyolefins or other environmentally persistent polymers. Bio-based polymers align with the strategy of innovative agricultural advancements, leading to more productive farming by reducing plastic contamination and adverse ecotoxicological impacts on aquatic and terrestrial organisms. On the other hand, advanced polymer membranes act as catching agents for agrochemicals, protecting against environmental intoxication. The global versatility of polymer applications in agriculture will not permit the elimination of already existing technologies involving polymers in the near future. However, in line with ecological trends in modern agriculture, more “green” polymers should be employed in this sector. Moreover, we highlight that more comprehensive legislative work on these aspects should be undertaken at the European Union level to guarantee environmental and climate protection. From the EU legislation point of view, the implementation of a unified, legally binding system on applications of bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics should be a priority to be addressed. In this respect, the EU already demonstrates an initial action plan. Unfortunately, these are still projected directions for future EU policy, which require in-depth analysis. Full article

The overarching vision of Society 5.0 seeks to integrate technology to enhance quality of life and address social issues, with the primary goal of creating human-centered communities, which nowadays represent the inhabitants of smart cities. In this context, this work addresses the design of a modular strategic platform for the smart supervision of public expenditure, to be used by the Directorate of Information, Analysis, and Immediate Reaction (DIARI) of the General Comptroller of the Republic (CGR) of Colombia as a significant contribution towards the country’s transition into Society 5.0. The design was performed by conducting a detailed literature review on fiscal control; performing a comprehensive analysis of the legal, organizational, and technological aspects of the country and the CGR; and developing six functional modules focused on topics such as continuous learning, strategic decision making, distinctive value, strategic achievements, capacity building, and organization, within a three-year implementation plan, through a participatory approach. This plan aims to integrate the platform to enable real-time monitoring, early detection of irregularities, and increased transparency in the management of data and public resources; since the start of the operation of the strategic platform in 2024, the DIARI increased the number of alerts generated by 29% over a three-month period with respect to the year 2023. The strategic platform for the DIARI of the CGR is useful for smart cities and the transition into Society 5.0 since it ensures efficient public expenditure management, enhancing transparency and citizen empowerment through modern technologies, data analytics, and active participation in governance processes. Full article

The need for governments and stakeholders to find urgent solutions to address the destructive effects of disasters in urban areas has led to the call for cross-sector collaborations such as public-private partnerships to assist with the development of urban community resilience in this modern era. This paper comprehensively reviews studies on the critical strategies in using public-private partnerships as a collaboration mechanism in building urban community resilience. Through a two-stage systematic literature review process, 83 publications related to PPPs and urban community resilience were retrieved for thorough content analysis. Based on an analysis of the literature, 35 critical resilience strategies for using PPPs in building urban community resilience were derived. These strategies were further categorized into nine major groupings. These groups include vulnerability and risks assessment, information gathering, database, legal, monitoring and evaluation, resilience capacity, communication and coordination, financial incentives, and business continuity. Furthermore, a theoretical framework was developed. These resilience strategies can be adopted by states and communities that intend to use the PPP concept to build the resilience of their urban communities. It also opens the international debate on the suitability of the PPP model for community resilience building. Full article

Modern technology allows for the simplification of a number of functions in industry and business. Many companies have achieved a high level of robotisation and automation in the use of services, including companies operating in the transport sector, where smart systems help to control load planning, the issuing of documents, the tracking and transportation of shipments, etc. Drones can be exploited as smart assistants in delivering cargo in cities. Since it is a new technology capable of working autonomously, it presents various legal, psychological, and physical challenges. This article presents an analysis of the scientific literature on the development of small-cargo flows using drones and a research methodology on the development of the use of drones, presenting a model which helps to address the issue of cargo delivery in cities. Full article

The integration of Industry 4.0 and automated vehicles into the smart cities concept is a topical issue in the urbanization of cities and technological innovation within cities. As it is a relatively modern issue, many aspects of this field have not yet been explored; as a consequence, this paper is concerned with the search for synergies between Industry 4.0 and automated vehicles in smart city infrastructures. There is a lack of contributions in this field that summarize these synergies in a single article and address a wide range of aspects, including transport, energy, communication, and citizen participation. As the field lacks a complete and clear summary of what is already known, which would help multiple stakeholders, the authors decided to conduct this review. The article elucidates the above-stated aspects through a clear and in-depth literature review, which is complemented by specific examples from practice. Of course, the article also includes a description of the synergy potential and the impact on the inhabitants, the environment, and, last but not least, on the overall city life. The main hypothesis of this article is that the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies and automated vehicles within smart city infrastructure will result in significant improvements in transportation efficiency, resource utilization, and overall urban sustainability. The article discusses the positives and negatives of such integration, highlighting, on the one hand, the benefits in terms of reducing environmental impact and improving citizens’ quality of life, but on the other hand, also highlighting the various ethical, legal, and social issues that such integrations may bring. Several methods have been used within the article, namely analysis, synthesis, comparison, and historical interpretation. The final discussion highlights the benefits, as well as the challenges, that such integration faces and must deal with if it is to be successful. It can be concluded that the synergistic potential of automated vehicles and Industry 4.0 in smart city infrastructure is enormous and that such integration offers promising solutions for enhancing transportation efficiency, energy management, and overall urban sustainability. It is also highlighted in the article that, in order to reap the benefits of such synergies, a wide-ranging collaboration of policymakers, industry stakeholders, and urban planners is needed. Full article

Modernity reveals an intense preoccupation with the Intentions of the Sharia (maqāṣid al-sharīʿa) and reflections of premodern scholars on this legal concept. Within contemporary research in this field, the famous scholar Abū Ḥāmid al-Ghazālī (d. 505/1111), who is counted among the pioneers of premodern contributions to the maqāṣid, occupies a special position. In addition to his general treatment of the maqāṣid, one dictum of his in particular is often referred to in the modern literature on the maqāṣid. The quotation reads: “The maqāṣid are the qibla of the jurists”, which he mentioned in his book Kitāb Ḥaqīqat al-qawlayn and is indicative of the central position of the maqāṣid in al-Ghazālī’s (legal) thought. My investigation of the contemporary, primarily Arabic, literature on the maqāṣid which cites this popular dictum reveals that the quote is used for many reasons and in various contexts; however, a fuller engagement with the quote itself and in the context of al-Ghazālī’s thought, as well as in his book, takes place very rarely, if at all, and even then, it is cursory. In order to embed al-Ghazālī’s dictum in the wider frame of his thought, this article first presents his general maqāṣid-related thought and consequently expounds on it in the context of his book. To better understand the usage of the quote in modern scholarship, the current maqāṣid literature that refers to the dictum is analyzed and categorized, showing how authors deploy it and to what end. Full article

This theoretical scientific study explores using a working time recording system as a digital management tool in public administration. It explains why such a system is necessary in public administration and lays out the report’s goals. The main goal is to identify the possibilities of using modern technology, such as the system of recording the working time of public administration employees, to improve its efficiency and pro-client orientation. Recording the working time management ensures that most government and public administration duties are organised and arranged promptly for easier retrieval and allocation of tasks to different departments. A thorough assessment of the literature also looks at the current studies on working time tracking systems, particularly in the context of public administration and their possible effects on effectiveness, accountability, and transparency. Employee privacy-related legal and moral issues are also covered. The Materials and Methods section describes the system’s implementation in detail, covering system selection, employee training, data collection methods, and technological considerations. As a result, the use of time recording systems in public administration has been found to have various benefits, including better work–life balance, fairness and transparency. These solutions improve accountability and trust by streamlining workforce management and ensuring compliance with labour laws. The main result of our research is the design of a theoretical model applicable in public administration for monitoring an employee’s working time. Full article

Ancient grains have gained considerable attention in recent years, as some research suggests they may be healthier than modern wheat. The present study aims to evaluate the chemical, rheological, and microbiological features of three Southern Italian cultivated ancient wheat varieties: Risciola, Carosella, and Saragolla. ATR-FTIR analyses were performed on the finely ground grain samples of the three varieties. The selected grains were ground with a stone mill, and different sifting degrees (whole—100%, type 1—80%, and type 0—72%) were evaluated. The flours showed a good nutritional profile, a higher amylose/amylopectin ratio, and a lower glycemic index than the literature. The gluten index of the samples was in the range 2.6–28.9%, and the flours can be classified as weak, having a value <30%. The farinographic test showed a short development time, low dough stability, a high softening degree, and water absorption, which increased with the degree of sifting. Microbiological analyses performed on flours from ancient grains at different degrees of sifting show their safety, according to their microbiological parameters, which fall within the legal microbiological requirements established by the European Commission Regulation (EC). Full article