Search Results (11,195)

The goals of the European Union towards the energy transition imply profound changes in the energy field, so as to promote sustainable energy development while fostering economic growth. To achieve these changes, the incorporation of sustainable technologies supporting decentralisation, energy efficiency, renewable energy production, and demand flexibility is of vital importance. Blockchain has the potential to change energy services towards this direction. To optimally exploit blockchain, innovative business models need to be designed, identifying the opportunities emerging from unmet needs, while also considering potential risks so as to take action to overcome them. In this context, the scope of this paper is to examine the opportunities and the risks that emerge from the adoption of blockchain in four innovative business models, while also identifying mitigation strategies to support and accelerate the energy transition, thus proposing optimal approaches of exploitation of blockchain in energy services. The business models concern Energy Performance Contracting with P4P guarantees, improved self-consumption in energy cooperatives, energy efficiency and flexibility services for natural gas boilers, and smart energy management for EV chargers and HVAC appliances. Firstly, the value proposition of the business models is analysed and results in a comprehensive SWOT analysis. Based on the findings of the analysis and consultations with relevant market actors, in combination with the examination of the relevant literature, risks are identified and evaluated through a qualitative assessment approach. Subsequently, specific mitigation strategies are proposed to address the detected risks. This research demonstrates that blockchain integration into these business models can significantly improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, enhance security, and support a more decentralised energy system, providing actionable insights for stakeholders to implement blockchain solutions effectively. Furthermore, according to the results, technological and legal risks are the most significant, followed by political, economic, and social risks, while environmental risks of blockchain integration are not as important. Strategies to address risks relevant to blockchain exploitation include ensuring policy alignment, emphasising economic feasibility, facilitating social inclusion, prioritising security and interoperability, consulting with legal experts, and using consensus algorithms with low energy consumption. The findings offer clear guidance for energy service providers, policymakers, and technology developers, assisting in the design, deployment, and risk mitigation of blockchain-enabled business models to accelerate sustainable energy development. Full article

Refugees experience disproportionately high rates of sleep disturbances due to trauma, displacement, and resettlement stressors. Sleep health is critically linked to both physical and mental well-being, yet remains an underexplored area of intervention for refugee populations. This systematic review aimed to (1) identify interventions implemented to improve sleep health among refugees, (2) assess their effectiveness, and (3) evaluate the extent of cultural adaptation in their design and implementation. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature from 2004 to 2024 identified nine studies focused on adult refugees in high-income countries. Interventions included psychoeducation, music-assisted relaxation, guided imagery, and nightmare-focused therapies. Several demonstrated improvements in sleep quality, insomnia severity, and nightmare frequency. Music-based interventions and sleep health education stood out as accessible, non-stigmatizing strategies that may be particularly well suited to refugee contexts. However, cultural adaptation emerged as the most significant gap. Using the 4-Domain Cultural Adaptation Model (CAM4)—which assesses adaptation across context, content, delivery, and engagement—most studies showed only surface-level modifications. Few incorporated community voices, and none validated sleep assessment tools for cultural relevance. Future research should prioritize co-creation with refugee communities to ensure interventions are not only evidence-based, but also culturally grounded, trusted, and sustainable across diverse refugee populations. Full article

UNS S41003 is a low-cost, low-carbon ferritic stainless steel that exhibits moderate corrosion resistance but limited mechanical performance. This study evaluates the electrochemical behavior of untreated and thermomechanically treated UNS S41003 samples. Corrosion tests were conducted in acidic electrolytes with varying pH to simulate aggressive environments relevant to industrial and structural applications where exposure to acidic media and corrosive pollutants occurs. Potentiodynamic polarization curves for all samples displayed passive regions typically associated with protective oxide film formation; however, localized pitting corrosion was detected post-test. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicated a marked decrease in corrosion resistance as pH decreased. The corrosion resistance of the treated alloy remained comparable to that of the untreated condition, indicating that thermomechanical processing did not detrimentally affect passivity or corrosion performance under the tested conditions. The literature suggests that the applied treatment enhances mechanical properties, supporting the potential use of this alloy in structural components subjected to acidic environments requiring a balance of mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. Full article

This study contributes to scientific theory by analyzing the models proposed within the framework of circular agriculture to determine how the three dimensions of sustainability—environmental, economic, and social—are integrated into their implementation. A systematic review was conducted on articles published between 2016 and 2025, indexed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, as well as the relevant grey literature. The methodology employed an extensive content analysis designed to minimize bias, applying filters related to specific knowledge areas to delimitate the search scope and enhance the precision of the research. The findings reveal that the research on circular agriculture models is predominantly grounded in the principles of the circular economy and its associated indicators. Moreover, these models tend to focus on environmental metrics, often neglecting a comprehensive exploration of the social and economic dimensions of sustainable development. It can be concluded that a significant gap persists in the literature regarding the circularity of agriculture and its socio-economic impacts and the role of regulatory frameworks, aspects that future research must address in order to achieve sustainability in circular agriculture. Full article

Oral mucositis (OM) is a severe inflammatory condition of the oral mucosa that is commonly associated with cancer therapies. Traditional treatments typically have limited efficacy and significant side effects, necessitating alternative approaches. Nanobased drug delivery systems (DDSs) present promising solutions, enhancing therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects. This review aims to evaluate the use of nanobased DDSs to treat OM. To reach these aims, an extensive literature review was conducted using the following databases: BVS, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search strategy included the keywords “microparticles,” “nanoparticles,” “drug delivery system,” “oral mucositis,” “therapy,” and “treatment,” combined with the Boolean operators “AND” and “OR.” After applying filters for language, relevance, full-text availability, exclusion of review articles, and removal of duplicates, a total of 32 articles were selected for analysis. Of the 32 studies included in this review, 25 employed polymeric micro- or nanosystems for the treatment of OM. Regarding the stage of investigation, 10 studies were conducted in vitro, 16 were conducted in vivo, and 6 corresponded to clinical trials. Compared with conventional drug delivery approaches, most of these studies reported improved therapeutic outcomes. These findings highlight the potential of nanosystems as innovative strategies for enhancing OM treatment. Nonetheless, challenges in large-scale manufacturing, including reproducibility and safety, and the limited number of clinical trials warrant careful consideration. Future research with larger clinical trials is essential to validate these findings and effectively guide clinical practice. Full article

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

Generic and consistent formulations for measurement of the backscattering cross section $\left({\sigma }_{bs}\right)$ and the volume backscattering coefficient $\left(s_v\right)$ using broadband pulse compression and narrowband echo integration are derived, for small- and finite-amplitude sound propagation. The theory applies to backscattering operation of echosounders and sonars in general, with focus on fisheries acoustics. Formally consistent mathematical relationships for broadband and narrowband operation of such instruments are established that ensure consistency with the underlying power budget equations on average-power form, bridging a gap in prior literature. The formulations give full flexibility in choice of transmit signals and reference signals for pulse compression. Generic and general criteria for quantitative consistency between broadband and narrowband operation are derived, establishing new knowledge and analysis tools. These criteria become identical for small- and finite-amplitude sound propagation. In addition to general criteria, two special cases are considered, relevant for actual operation scenarios. The criteria serve to test and evaluate the extent to which the methods used in broadband pulse compression and narrowband echo integration operating modes are correct and consistent, and to identify and reduce experienced discrepancies between such methods. These are topics of major concern for quantitative acoustic stock assessment, underlying national and international fisheries quota regulations. Full article

This article aims to explore and analyze current issues and features of environmental protection in managing local tourism destinations based on the principles of sustainable development through the relevant literature and thus to provide an insight into major environmental measures and activities that should be implemented in practice, emphasizing the importance of environmental sustainability as a key factor in the development and success of local tourist destinations in today’s business environment. Qualitative methods were used, with the literature review based on content analysis by keywords. This particularly affects the business process efficiency and the participation of destination stakeholders and in many cases leads to a low level of environmentally sustainable destination practices. In addition to this theoretical approach, this study also has direct managerial implications for destination environmental business operations. An attractive and well-preserved environment is the primary factor of tourism and local tourism destination development and its success, as well as an integrated part of the tourism product. This study addresses a critical gap in the existing literature on environmental sustainability at local destinations, where prior work has often overlooked the integration of actionable, practice-oriented frameworks tailored for both researchers and practitioners. While theoretical insights into sustainable practices abound, there remains a scarcity of holistic analyses that bridge scholarly understanding with implementable strategies for on-the-ground application. To fill this void, our research provides a comprehensive overview and systematic analysis of current practices, with targeted emphasis on co-developing scalable frameworks for improving environmentally sustainable practices at local destinations. Full article

This systematic literature review investigates how the concept of time is taught and learned in early mathematics education. While young children are commonly expected to learn how to tell time, this review explores what additional aspects should be emphasised to foster a deeper and more sustainable understanding of time. Using the EBSCO database, 36 relevant articles published up to December 2024 were identified. To cover different aspects related to the teaching and learning of time, peer-reviewed scientific articles as well as practice-based reports were included in the search. A majority of the articles focused on clock reading as an aspect of time. The aspects duration, sequencing, and measurement of time also frequently appeared whereas expressions of time, or cross-disciplinary aspects were seldom mentioned. Drawing on the findings, this review proposes a comprehensive framework outlining key aspects that should be included in early mathematics education to support the teaching and learning of time. Full article

Background/Objectives: For kidney transplantation, it is very important to provide effective post-transplantation interventions to help patients achieve continuous and efficient self-management. Therefore, we review the self-management interventions applied to kidney transplant recipients and suggest the optimal approach to increase the effectiveness of future self-management interventions. Design: Systematic review. Methods: Search terms and strategies included kidney transplantation; self-management; intervention; systematic review. We searched MEDLINE via PubMed, Excerpta Media dataBASE, Cochrane Register Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and one domestic Korean database to identify studies of self-management interventions for kidney transplant recipients aged ≥ 18 years published in English or Korean until 14 May 2025. Two reviewers independently selected related studies and extracted relevant data. Identified studies were assessed for quality and bias. Results: Of 1340 studies identified, 27 with 1912 participants met the inclusion criteria. Educational interventions were the most common self-management interventions and were provided 3 months to 1 year after kidney transplantation; most interventions were administered by nurses. Outcome variables were divided into cognitive, behavioral, affective, and health outcomes. Educational interventions were effective in improving cognitive, behavioral, and affective aspects. Some differences were observed, depending on the study. Conclusions: We recommend that nurse-involved educational interventions be included when developing self-management interventions and guidelines for kidney transplant recipients in clinical and community nursing settings. Full article

Diabetes mellites (DM) is a chronic disease with increasing prevalence worldwide and multiple health implications. Among them, sarcopenia is a metabolic disorder characterized by loss of muscle mass and function. The two age-related diseases, DM and sarcopenia, share underlying pathophysiological pathways. This narrative literature review aims to provide an overview of the existing evidence on metabolomic studies evaluating DM associated with sarcopenia. Advancements in targeted and untargeted metabolomics techniques could provide better insight into the pathogenesis of sarcopenia in DM and describe their entangled and fluctuating interrelationship. Recent evidence showed that sarcopenia in DM induced significant changes in protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and in energy metabolisms in humans, animal models of DM, and cell cultures. Newer metabolites were reported, known metabolites were also found significantly modified, while few amino acids and lipids displayed a dual behavior. In addition, several therapeutic approaches proved to be promising interventions for slowing the progression of sarcopenia in DM, including physical activity, newer antihyperglycemic classes, D-pinitol, and genetic USP21 ablation, although none of them were yet validated for clinical use. Conversely, ceramides had a negative impact. Further research is needed to confirm the utility of these findings and to provide potential metabolomic biomarkers that might be relevant for the pathogenesis and treatment of sarcopenia in DM. Full article

This study presents and discusses evidence on the value of biomarker testing and precision medicine in Latin America through a health equity lens. It is essential to explore how to harness the benefits of precision medicine to narrow the health equity gap, ensuring all patients have access to the best cancer treatment. The methodology employed to develop this document consists of a non-systematic literature review, followed by a process of validation and feedback with a group of experts in relevant fields. Precision medicine could help reduce health inequities in Latin America by providing better diagnosis and treatment for everyone with cancer. However, its success in achieving this depends on the implementation of policies that promote equitable access. Findings indicate that the current policy landscape in the Latin American region is not conducive to improving access, reach, quality, or outcome-related problems in cancer care, nor to realizing the full potential of precision medicine. The study explores how precision medicine can advance health equity, concluding with an analysis of the challenges and recommendations for overcoming them. Full article

The construction sector is responsible for over 40% of waste generated in Australia. Construction materials are responsible for around 11% of global carbon dioxide emissions, and a third of these materials can end up wasted on a construction site. Attention in research and industry has been directed towards waste management and recycling, resulting in 78% of construction and demolition waste being diverted from landfill. However, the waste hierarchy emphasises avoiding the generation of waste in the first place. In this paper, the PRISMA approach is used to conduct a systematic review with the objective of identifying waste reduction strategies employed across all stages of projects in the Australian construction industry. Scopus and Web of Science databases were used. The search returned 523 publications which were screened and reviewed; this resulted in 24 relevant publications from 1998 to 2025. Qualitative analysis identifies strategies categorised into five groupings: pre-demolition, design, culture, materials and procurement, and on-site activities. The review finds a distinct focus on strategies within the materials and procurement category. The reviewed literature includes fewer strategies for the avoidance of waste than for any of the other levels of the waste hierarchy, evidencing the need for further focus in this area. Full article

Although the strawberry tree (A. unedo L.) has been long considered a neglected species of the Mediterranean maquis, the valorization of its fruit production may enhance its socioeconomic value, especially in rural areas. In this study, strawberry trees from different Sicilian sites were investigated in terms of macronutrients, fatty acid (FA) composition, tocopherols, total phenols, carotenoids, and minerals. Sicilian berries were a good source of carbohydrates (mainly fructose, glucose and sucrose) and dietary fiber. They were low in fat; however, the FA composition revealed the abundance of unsaturated FAs over saturated FAs and an advantageous n-6/n-3 ratio. Additionally, Sicilian berries showed an inversed linoleic/α-linolenic acid ratio with respect to berries from other Mediterranean regions, that had previously investigated in literature. This evidence suggests that this ratio may have a chemotaxonomic relevance. Considering antioxidants, the fruits had levels of tocopherols, particularly α-tocopherol, total phenols and carotenoids similar to those of certain commercial fruits. Precious amounts of minerals, such as Ca, K, Zn and Fe were also determined. Interestingly, berries harvested near a Sicilian volcanic area had higher levels of minerals, as well as tocopherols, phenols and carotenoids, than fruits from other Sicilian sites, thereby advancing the hypothesis that fruits from volcanic areas may have a superior nutritional value. Overall, data from this study elaborated by a proper statistical analysis revealed that the geographical origin was a relevant variable to consider in the reliable study of this fruit species. Full article

In clinical decision support systems (CDSSs), where accurate classification of drug–drug interactions (DDIs) can directly affect treatment safety and outcomes, identifying drug interactions is a major challenge, introducing a scalable approach for classifying DDIs utilizing a finely-tuned biomedical language model. The method shown here uses BiomedBERT, a domain-specific version of bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) that was pre-trained on biomedical literature, to reduce the number of resources needed during fine-tuning. Low-rank adaptation (LoRA) was used to fine-tune the model on the DrugBank dataset. The objective was to classify DDIs into two clinically distinct categories, that is, synergistic and antagonistic interactions. A pseudo-labeling strategy was created to deal with the problem of not having enough labeled data. A curated ground-truth dataset was constructed using polarity-labeled interaction entries from DrugComb and verified DrugBank antagonism pairs. The fine-tuned model is used to figure out what kinds of interactions there are in the rest of the unlabeled data. A checkpointing system saves predictions and confidence scores in small pieces, which means that the process can be continued and is not affected by system crashes. The framework is designed to log every prediction it makes, allowing results to be refined later, either manually or through automated updates, without discarding low-confidence cases, as traditional threshold-based methods often do. The method keeps a record of every output it generates, making it easier to revisit earlier predictions, either by experts or with improved tools, without depending on preset confidence cutoffs. It was built with efficiency in mind, so it can handle large amounts of biomedical text without heavy computational demands. Rather than focusing on model novelty, this research demonstrates how existing biomedical transformers can be adapted to polarity-aware DDI classification with minimal computational overhead, emphasizing deployment feasibility and clinical relevance. Full article