Search Results (609)

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and blockchain technologies within the digital economy presents transformative opportunities for promoting low-carbon urban development. However, a systematic understanding of how these digital innovations influence urban carbon mitigation remains limited. This study addresses this gap by proposing two research questions (RQs): (1) What are the key success factors for artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain in urban carbon emission reduction? (2) How do these technologies interact and support the transition to low-carbon cities? To answer these questions, the study employs a hybrid methodological framework combining the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) techniques. The data were collected through structured expert questionnaires, enabling the identification and hierarchical analysis of twelve critical success factors (CSFs). Grounded in sustainability transitions theory and institutional theory, the CSFs are categorized into three dimensions: (1) digital infrastructure and technological applications; (2) digital transformation of industry and economy; (3) sustainable urban governance. The results reveal that e-commerce and sustainable logistics, the adoption of the circular economy, and cross-sector collaboration are the most influential drivers of digital-enabled decarbonization, while foundational elements such as smart energy systems and digital infrastructure act as key enablers. The DEMATEL-ISM approach facilitates a system-level understanding of the causal relationships and strategic priorities among the CSFs, offering actionable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to sustainable digital transformation and carbon neutrality. Full article

The global coffee supply chain is a complex multi-stakeholder ecosystem plagued by fragmented records, unverifiable origin claims, and limited real-time visibility. These limitations pose risks to ethical sourcing, product quality, and consumer trust. To address these issues, this paper proposes a blockchain and IoT-enabled framework for secure and transparent coffee supply chain management. The system integrates simulated IoT sensor data such as Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) identity tags, Global Positioning System (GPS) logs, weight measurements, environmental readings, and mobile validations with Ethereum smart contracts to establish traceability and automate supply chain logic. A Solidity-based Ethereum smart contract is developed and deployed on the Sepolia testnet to register users and log batches and to handle ownership transfers. The Internet of Things (IoT) data stream is simulated using structured datasets to mimic real-world device behavior, ensuring that the system is tested under realistic conditions. Our performance evaluation on 1000 transactions shows that the model incurs low transaction costs and demonstrates predictable efficiency behavior of the smart contract in decentralized conditions. Over 95% of the 1000 simulated transactions incurred a gas fee of less than ETH 0.001. The proposed architecture is also scalable and modular, providing a foundation for future deployment with live IoT integrations and off-chain data storage. Overall, the results highlight the system’s ability to improve transparency and auditability, automate enforcement, and enhance consumer confidence in the origin and handling of coffee products. Full article

Food safety regulations and their implementations are becoming increasingly complex due to various reasons such as diverse food sources, supply chain, processing technologies, distribution systems and environmental concerns. Additionally, it is crucial to address diversified consumers and their preferences. To address these multifaceted challenges, adopting an integrated unified management system is essential. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the progressive food safety governance in the Sultanate of Oman. The country is transitioning from a multi-agency to an integrated food control management system. This integrated approach can enhance the coordination between different government agencies and other stakeholders, avoid duplication, identify required resources and ensure optimum use of the resources. The progress can enhance efficiency and effectiveness in managing food safety in Oman. It addresses the issues of the food safety management system, explores the legislative frameworks, risk-based assessment and their enforcement, and creates public awareness and required research for continuous improvement in food safety. This integration approach is expected to continue strengthening food safety governance in the country. Finally, future challenges in achieving food safety are envisioned, including new food sources and technologies, applications of artificial intelligence, and new sensors for quick identification of risks in foods. Full article

Disability Certification is an instrument that can contribute to the identification of persons with disabilities who are potential beneficiaries of social protection programmes. In Colombia, the disability certification process was changed in 2020 to include a human rights perspective. However, little information exists on how far the process aligns with the recommendations made by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities or to what extent it provides useful information for the operation of the country’s social protection system. This study aims to analyse how the changes implemented in 2020 have contributed to the identification and determination of persons with disabilities in social protection programmes in Colombia. This research uses an analytical-descriptive design, in which legal documents related to the social protection programme and disability certification were analysed. In addition, we conducted semi-structured interviews in Colombia with people with disabilities, professionals conducting the certification, and with key stakeholders, and we analysed the information using thematic analysis. Colombia changed its certification process in 2020, moving from a capacity-to-work assessment to a process of assessing functioning capacity and participation limitations following the International Classification of Functional Disability and Health. However, the new certification process has not provided an instrument to contribute to determining persons with disabilities who should be prioritised or receive social benefits in Colombia. The certification does not establish the support needs of people with disabilities, does not recommend reasonable adjustments to support their participation in society, and has not been used systematically in social protection programmes. Finally, individuals with disabilities commented that the disability certification is a process that does not open up opportunities to receive social benefits and social transfers, and in most cases, it is an expensive and lengthy process. Disability certification in Colombia is not an instrument that determines the needs of people with disabilities, nor the reasonable accommodations that they require in order to participate in society. Full article

The 100-Day Mission, coordinated by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and endorsed by significant international stakeholders, aims to shorten the timeframe for developing and implementing vaccines to 100 days after the report of a new pathogen. This ambitious goal is outlined as an essential first step in improving pandemic preparedness worldwide. This review highlights the mission’s implementation potential and challenges by examining it through the lens of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which often face barriers to equitable vaccine access. This article explores the scientific, economic, political, and social aspects that could influence the mission’s success, relying on lessons learned from previous pandemics, such as the Spanish flu, H1N1, and COVID-19. We also examined important cornerstones like prototype vaccine libraries, accelerated clinical trial preparedness, early biomarkers identification, scalable manufacturing capabilities, and rapid pathogen characterization. The review also explores the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement and the significance of Phase 4 surveillance in ensuring vaccine safety. We additionally evaluate societal issues that disproportionately impact LMICs, like vaccine reluctance, health literacy gaps, and digital access limitations. Without intentional attempts to incorporate under-resourced regions into global preparedness frameworks, we argue that the 100-Day Mission carries the risk of exacerbating already-existing disparities. Ultimately, our analysis emphasizes that success will not only rely on a scientific innovation but also on sustained international collaboration, transparent governance, and equitable funding that prioritizes inclusion from the beginning. Full article

Early medical traditions include those of ancient Babylonia, China, Egypt, and India. The roots of modern Western medicine, however, go back to ancient Greece. During the Renaissance, physicians increasingly relied on observation and experimentation to understand the human body and develop new techniques for diagnosis and treatment. The discovery of antibiotics, antiseptics, and other drugs in the 19th century accelerated the development of modern medicine, the latter being fueled further by advances in technology, research, a better understanding of the human body, and, most recently, the introduction of evidence-based medicine (EBM). The EBM model de-emphasized intuition, unsystematic clinical experience, and pathophysiologic rationale as sufficient grounds for clinical decision-making and stressed the examination of evidence from clinical research. A later EBM model additionally incorporated clinical expertise and the latest model of EBM patients’ preferences and actions. In this review article, we argue that in the era of precision medicine, major EBM principles must be based on (a) the systematic identification, analysis, and utility of big data using artificial intelligence; (b) the magnifying effect of medical interventions by means of the physician–patient interaction, the latter being guided by the physician’s expertise, intuition, and philosophical beliefs; and (c) the patient preferences, since, in healthcare under precision medicine, the patient will be a central stakeholder contributing data and actively participating in shared decision-making. Full article

The Dangerous Goods Transportation (DGT) presents significant challenges, requiring a strong and systematic risk assessment framework to ensure the safety and efficiency of the supply chain. This study addresses a critical gap by integrating a deterministic and holistic approach to risk assessment and management. Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS), meteorological data, and material-specific information, the research develops a data-driven approach to identify analyze, evaluate, and mitigate risks associated with DGT. The main objectives include monitoring dangerous goods flows to identify critical risk areas, optimizing emergency response using a shared model, and providing targeted training for stakeholders involved in DGT. The study leverages Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to systematically collect, interpret, and evaluate data, producing detailed risk scenario maps. These maps are instrumental in identifying vulnerable areas, predicting potential accidents, and assessing the effectiveness of risk management strategies. This work introduces an innovative GIS-based risk assessment model that combines static and dynamic data to address various aspects of DGT, including hazard identification, accident prevention, and real-time decision support. The results contribute to enhancing safety protocols and provide actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to improve the resilience of technological systems for road transport networks handling dangerous goods. Full article

The electric vehicle (EV) business model integrates advanced battery technology, dynamic power train architectures, and intelligent energy management systems with ecosystem strategies and digital services. It incorporates environmental sustainability through lifecycle analysis and renewable energy integration. China, with 9.49 million EV sales in 2023 (33% market share), faces infrastructure gaps constraining further growth. China is strategically mitigating CO₂ emissions while fostering economic expansion, notwithstanding constraints such as suboptimal battery technology advancements, elevated production expenditure, and enduring ecological impacts. This Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental (PESTLE) assessment, operationalized through a survey of 800 stakeholders and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences IBM SPSS SPSS (Version 28) quantitative analysis (factor loading = 0.73 for Technology; eigenvalue = 4.12), identifies infrastructure gaps as the dominant barrier (72% of stakeholders). Political factors (β = 0.82) emerged as the strongest adoption predictor, outweighing economic subsidies in significance. The adoption of EVs in China presents a significant prospect for reducing CO₂ emissions and advancing technology. However, economic barriers, market dynamics, inadequate infrastructure, regulatory uncertainty, and social acceptance issues are addressed in the assessment. The study recommends prioritizing infrastructure investment (e.g., 500 K fast-charging stations by 2027) and policy stability to overcome adoption barriers. This study provides three key advances: (1) quantification of PESTLE factor weights via factor analysis, revealing technological (infrastructure) and political factors as dominant; (2) identification of infrastructure gaps, not subsidies, as the primary adoption barrier; and (3) demonstration of infrastructure’s persistence post-subsidy cuts. These insights redefine EV adoption priorities in China. Full article

Intermodal transport (IT), which implies the combination of several different types of transport to achieve a more efficient and economical movement of goods, is of increasing importance in modern supply chains. In the conditions of globalization, growth of trade flows and increasingly pronounced requirements for sustainability, effective planning and management of intermodal routes have become crucial, which is why their evaluation and ranking are essential for making strategic and operational decisions. Accordingly, this paper aims to identify the most favorable alternative for developing intermodal transport. Deciding on the choice of the most important intermodal route requires consideration of a large number of criteria, often of a mutually conflicting nature, which places this problem in the domain of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM). Accordingly, this paper develops a hybrid decision-making model in a fuzzy environment, which combines fuzzy DELPHI (FDELPHI), fuzzy factor relationship (FFARE), and fuzzy axial-distance-based aggregated measurement (FADAM) methods. The model enables the identification and evaluation of relevant criteria, as well as the ranking of defined variants under the requirements and attitudes of various stakeholders. The practical application and effectiveness of the developed model were demonstrated and confirmed by a case study for Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). The sensitivity analysis showed that even with changes in the weights of the criteria or the elimination of the most important criteria, the solution remains consistent and reliable. This indicates the robustness of the model and suggests that changes in the parameters do not lead to significant changes in the final results. This confirms the validity of the proposed model and increases confidence in its applicability in practice. Full article

Background: The provision of education, health, and social care for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England has long been criticised for its inequities and chronic underfunding. These systemic issues were further exacerbated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying restrictions, which disrupted essential services and resulted in widespread unmet needs and infringements on the rights of many children with SEND. This study aimed to use a three-phase consensus-building approach with 1353 participants across five stakeholder groups to collaboratively develop evidence-informed priorities for policy and practice. The priorities sought to help address the longstanding disparities and respond to the intensified challenges brought about by the pandemic. Methods: A total of 55 children with SEND (aged 5–16), 893 parents/carers, and 307 professionals working in SEND-related services participated in the first phase through online surveys. This was followed by semi-structured interviews with four children and young people, ten parents/carers, and 15 professionals, allowing for deeper exploration of lived experiences and priorities. The data were analysed, synthesised, and structured into five overarching areas of priority. These were subsequently discussed and refined in a series of activity-based group workshops involving 20 children with SEND, 11 parents/carers, and 38 professionals. Results and Conclusions: The consensus-building process led to the identification of key priorities for both pandemic response and longer-term recovery, highlighting the responsibilities of central Government and statutory services to consider and meet the needs of children with SEND. These priorities are framed within a children’s rights context and considered against the rights and duties set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989). Priorities include protecting and promoting children with SEND’s rights to (1) play, socialise, and be part of a community, (2) receive support for their social and emotional wellbeing and mental health, (3) feel safe, belong, and learn in school, (4) “access health and social care services and therapies”, and (5) receive support for their parents/carers and families. Together, they highlight the urgent need for structural reform to ensure that children with SEND receive the support they are entitled to—not only in times of crisis but as a matter of routine practice and policy. Full article

The objective of the study is to demonstrate how cognitive chief executive officers (CEOs) influence corporate social and environmental performance under the moderating impact of innovation, supervisors and cash holdings. Significantly, we have formulated cognitive CEOs using data envelope analysis while considering the specific attributes of the incumbent CEO (by considering the age, tenure, goodwill, education and tacit knowledge of CEOs). The research approach aims to elucidate that cognitive CEOs strongly invigorate social and environmental performance. However, the moderating role of corporate innovation weakens this connection, whereas the moderating role of supervisors invigorates this relationship. In contrast, cash hoarding deters social and environmental performance through its moderating effectiveness. Conclusively, theoretical contribution illuminates the stakeholder theory frame of reference while emphasizing the identification of corporate social and environmental performance. Specifically, the role of cognitive CEOs has been signified as a promoter of such strategies, which indicate their orientation toward social responsibility. Empirical underpinnings illustrate the impact of corporate innovation, supervisors and cash holdings, which asymmetrically influence social and environmental performance. The recommendations of the research results refer to the characterization of the optimal attributes of cognitive CEOs that are essential to enhance social and environmental performance. Full article

Ports represent the point of intersection between sea and land, as well as a crucial node for the integration of maritime and land transport in the global logistics chain. Consequently, it is crucial to consider an articulated system that includes dry ports, freight interchange and intermodal logistics platforms, since the relationships between the port and the city, as well as those between the different decision-makers involved, are multiple and complex. Maritime transport and port operations have a direct and indirect impact on the surrounding contexts, with significant effects, particularly from an environmental point of view. Therefore, the green transition in logistics, port, and maritime systems is essential for reducing these impacts. In this context, the aspects related to operational practices and terminal design are of great importance. This paper aims to explore sustainable strategies for ports and maritime logistics in order to provide a methodological approach to green transition. The proposed methodology was divided into phases. First, an analysis of international and European legislation was conducted in order to identify the main critical issues. Subsequently, a review of the existing literature and best practices was carried out to identify tested solutions. The third phase included a Stakeholder Engagement Process, centred on the use of a thematic focus group to foster a collaborative approach to the definition of priorities and operational strategies. Part of the proposed methodology was implemented as part of the DEMASTER—Design of Maritime Sustainable Terminals—project, and it can allow for the evaluation of the different options and the identification of more effective and innovative solutions for the green transition. Full article

The rapid development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have sparked intense public interest and debate. While these innovations promise to revolutionise various aspects of human life, it is crucial to understand the complex emotional responses they elicit from potential adopters and users. Such findings can offer crucial guidance for stakeholders involved in the development, implementation, and governance of AI technologies like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a large language model (LLM) that garnered significant attention upon its release, enabling more informed decision-making regarding potential challenges and opportunities. While previous studies have employed data-driven approaches towards investigating public reactions to emerging technologies, they often relied on sentiment polarity analysis, which categorises responses as positive or negative. However, this binary approach fails to capture the nuanced emotional landscape surrounding technological adoption. This paper overcomes this limitation by presenting a comprehensive analysis for investigating the emotional landscape surrounding technology adoption by using the launch of ChatGPT as a case study. In particular, a large corpus of social media texts containing references to ChatGPT was compiled. Text mining techniques were applied to extract emotions, capturing a more nuanced and multifaceted representation of public reactions. This approach allows the identification of specific emotions such as excitement, fear, surprise, and frustration, providing deeper insights into user acceptance, integration, and potential adoption of the technology. By analysing this emotional landscape, we aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing ChatGPT’s reception and potential long-term impact. Furthermore, we employ topic modelling to identify and extract the common themes discussed across the dataset. This additional layer of analysis allows us to understand the specific aspects of ChatGPT driving different emotional responses. By linking emotions to particular topics, we gain a more contextual understanding of public reaction, which can inform decision-making processes in the development, deployment, and regulation of AI technologies. Full article

This study, taking Anhui Province as a case study, systematically evaluated the spatiotemporal differentiation characteristics of six ecosystem services (biodiversity maintenance, water yield, carbon fixation, vegetation net primary productivity (NPP), soil retention, and crop production) from 2000 to 2020 through the integration of multi-stakeholder decision-making preferences and the Marxan model. Four conservation scenarios (ecological security priority, social benefit orientation, minimum cost constraint, and balance synergy) were established to explore the spatial optimization pathways of ecological protection zones under differentiated policy objectives. The findings indicated that: (1) The ecosystem services in Anhui Province exhibited a “low north and high south” spatial gradient, with significant synergies observed in natural ecosystem services in the southern Anhui mountainous areas, while the northern Anhui agricultural areas were subjected to significant trade-offs due to intensive development. (2) High service provision in the southern Anhui mountainous areas was maintained by topographic barriers and forest protection policies (significant NPP improvement zones accounted for 50.125%), whereas soil–water services degradation in the northern Anhui plains was caused by agricultural intensification and groundwater overexploitation (slight soil retention degradation covered 24.505%, and water yield degradation areas reached 29.766%). Urbanization demonstrated a double-edged sword effect—the expansion of the Hefei metropolitan area triggered suburban biodiversity degradation (significant degradation patches occupied 0.0758%), while ecological restoration projects promoted mountain NPP growth, highlighting the necessity of synergizing natural recovery and artificial interventions. (3) Multi-scenario planning revealed that the spatial congruence between the ecological security priority scenario and traditional ecological protection redlines reached 46.57%, whereas the social benefit scenario achieved only 12.13%, exposing the inadequate responsiveness of the current conservation framework to service demands in densely populated areas. This research validated the technical superiority of multi-objective systematic planning in reconciling ecological protection and development conflicts, providing scientific support for optimizing ecological security patterns in the Yangtze River Delta region. Full article

Shadow fleets, operating covertly in global maritime commerce, have emerged as a significant challenge to international regulatory frameworks and trade policies. This paper introduces a novel conceptual framework that distinguishes between ‘dark fleets’ and ‘gray fleets’, offering a more nuanced understanding of these clandestine maritime activities. Through a comprehensive methodological approach integrating a literature review, case studies, and data analysis, we examine the characteristics, operational strategies, and implications of shadow fleets. Our research reveals that shadow fleets have expanded rapidly, now accounting for approximately 10% of global seaborne oil transportation. We identify key indicators of shadow fleet operations, including disabled Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmitters, inconsistent vessel information, unusual behavior patterns, obscure ownership structures, and the use of aging vessels. This paper highlights the economic disruptions caused by shadow fleets, their role in circumventing international sanctions, and the significant environmental and safety risks they pose. The study underscores the regulatory challenges in addressing shadow fleets, particularly their exploitation of flags of convenience and complex ownership structures. We propose a multifaceted approach to tackling these challenges, emphasizing the need for advanced technological solutions, enhanced international collaboration, and adaptive ocean governance frameworks. This research contributes to the evolving field of maritime security and policy, offering insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers into developing strategies to mitigate the risks posed by shadow fleets in global maritime commerce. Full article