Search Results (16,088)

This article delves into the role of microalgae in advancing a green economy, thereby contributing to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Microalgae, as sustainable resources, offer multifaceted benefits across various sectors, including aquaculture, agriculture, food and feed, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, wastewater treatment, and carbon sequestration. This review highlights the versatility of microalgae in producing biofuels, high-value bioactive compounds, and bioremediation processes. It examines the technical viability and environmental sustainability of microalgae cultivation, emphasizing its low carbon footprint and resource efficiency. This article also explores the integration of microalgae into existing industrial processes, illustrating their potential to mitigate climate change, promote biodiversity, and enhance resource circularity. Challenges such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory frameworks are discussed alongside the prospects for technological innovations and policy support to bolster the microalgae industry. By harnessing the potential of microalgae, this article underscores a pathway towards a more sustainable and greener future, aligning with the global agenda for sustainable development. Full article

There have been many discussions about the business ecosystem in order to promote the sustainable growth of firms recently. Business ecosystems have developed independently from three perspectives: business, innovation, and the platform ecosystem. However, considering the emergence of advanced technology and social values, there is a growing need to look at business ecosystems from an integrated point of view. Based on a new win–win platform combining these discussions, we have designed and demonstrated a sustainable business innovation ecosystem (SBIE) framework. Using the triple helix model, data were collected from 290 experts—industry (95), government (100), and university (95)—in Korea. Results show that firms should consider social values as well as economic values when building a SBIE. The findings also emphasize that performances are more effective when core agents of ecosystem build a win–win platform using the fourth industrial revolution (FIR) technology. Full article

The integration of electrolyzers and fuel cells can cause voltage fluctuations within microgrids if not properly scheduled. Therefore, controlling voltage and reactive power becomes crucial to mitigate the impact of fluctuating voltage levels, ensuring system stability and preventing damage to equipment. This paper, therefore, seeks to enhance voltage and reactive power control within reconfigurable microgrids in the presence of innovative power-to-hydrogen technologies via electrolyzers and hydrogen-to-power through fuel cells. Specifically, it focuses on the simultaneous coordination of an electrolyzer, hydrogen storage, and a fuel cell alongside on-load tap changers, smart photovoltaic inverters, renewable energy sources, diesel generators, and electric vehicle aggregation within the microgrid system. Additionally, dynamic network reconfiguration is employed to enhance microgrid flexibility and improve the overall system adaptability. Given the inherent unpredictability linked to resources, the unscented transformation method is employed to account for these uncertainties in the proposed voltage and reactive power management. Finally, the model is formulated as a convex optimization problem and is solved through GUROBI version 11, which leads to having a time-efficient model with high accuracy. To assess the effectiveness of the model, it is eventually examined on a modified 33-bus microgrid in several cases. Through the results of the under-study microgrid, the developed model is a great remedy for the simultaneous operation of diverse resources in reconfigurable microgrids with a flatter voltage profile across the microgrid. Full article

Enabling technologies (KETs) offer transformative potential for agriculture by addressing major challenges such as climate change, resource efficiency, and sustainable development across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. However, KET adoption is often limited by high R&D requirements, rapid innovation cycles, investment costs, and cultural or training barriers, especially among small agricultural businesses. Sicily’s agricultural sector, already strained by pandemic-related economic setbacks and inflationary pressures, faces additional barriers in adopting these technologies. To investigate these adoption challenges and develop viable solutions, the ARIA Living Lab (Agritech Research Innovation Environment) was established within the PNRR framework. A qualitative approach was used, involving documentary analysis and data from stakeholders across Sicilian agriculture. This approach enabled an in-depth exploration of sector-specific needs, infrastructure, and socio-economic factors influencing KET adoption. The analysis highlighted that adoption barriers differ significantly across sectors (citrus, olive, and wine), with public incentives and digital infrastructure playing key roles. However, a persistent lack of technical skills among farmers reduces the effectiveness of these innovations. The findings suggest that an integrated approach—combining targeted incentives, training, and enhanced infrastructure—is essential for a sustainable transition to KETs. Future research should examine collaborative efforts between farms and tech providers and evaluate the impact of public policies in promoting the widespread, informed adoption of enabling technologies. Full article

The increase in industrial waste generation presents a global problem that is a consequence of the needs of modern society. To achieve the goals of the EU Green Deal and to promote the concept of circular economy (CE), the valorization of industrial residues as secondary raw materials offers a pathway to economic, environmental, energetic, and social sustainability. In this respect, Al-containing industrial residues from alumina processing (red mud), thermal power plants (fly ash and bottom ash), and metallurgy (slag), as well as other industries, present a valuable mineral resource which can be considered as secondary raw materials (SRMs) with the potential to be used in construction, supporting the concept of circular economy. This paper focuses on the characterization of 19 secondary raw materials from the East South-East Europe (ESEE) region regarding their physical, chemical, mineralogical, and radiological characteristics. The goal is to provide a foundation for future innovations based on secondary raw materials, in alignment with the EU Green Deal and the principles of circular economy. The results showed that fly ash has the potential to be the best material among those analyzed to be used in the cement industry, mainly due to its favorable radiological and mineralogical properties. However, it is important to control the amount of free lime in the mixture, ensuring it remains below 10%. After evaluating secondary mineral raw materials for metal recovery, the results indicate that these materials are not viable sources for base metals or other technology-critical metals, such as REEs. Full article

Active ankle orthoses which have been designed over the past few years by diverse sources were critically reviewed in this paper. It begins by providing an overview of the anatomy of the ankle joint complex, establishing a basis for understanding the subsequent discussion on the research challenges and design difficulties associated with developing active ankle orthosis devices. The review systematically examined the mechanisms, actuation methods, and control strategies utilized in these orthosis devices. This covers various control strategies, including Electromyography (EMG)-based, adaptive, and modular control systems, emphasizing their importance in achieving precise and user-intended movements. By integrating insights from recent studies and technological innovations, this paper provides a holistic view of the progress in active ankle orthoses. The paper concludes with design recommendations aimed at overcoming existing limitations and promoting further development of advanced active ankle orthosis devices for future research. Full article

Entrepreneurial endeavors are essential for stimulating economic growth and rendering them is a primary concern for policymakers. In recent years, smart city ecosystems have garnered attention for enhancing urban living and tackling contemporary difficulties. The contribution of smart cities in promoting entrepreneurship and improving well-being has received little attention. This study aims at examining the potential of smart city as an ecosystem to promote entrepreneurship and enhance well-being and quality of life (QoL). This study uses a Fuzzy evaluation model and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate essential determinants of smart cities and their significance. Data from sources such as the Smart City Index, Ease of Doing Business Ranking, Global Innovation Index, Sustainable Development Report, and Technological Readiness Ranking are utilized with normalization, guaranteeing a dependable evaluation. The findings underscore the significance of open data efforts and transparent governance in recruiting innovative enterprises and promoting entrepreneurship. The study highlights the necessity of cooperative urban planning and public participation in decision-making. Moreover, the authors propose a new definition of smart cities from citizens’ well-being perspective. This research enhances the comprehension of smart cities’ influence on entrepreneurial endeavors, pinpointing problems and prospects for future investigations focused on improving well-being through smart city advancement. Full article

Energy management in smart cities has gained particular significance in the context of climate change and the evolving geopolitical landscape. It has become a key element of sustainable urban development. In this context, energy management plays a central role in facilitating the growth of smart and sustainable cities. The aim of this article is to analyse existing scientific research related to energy in smart cities, identify technological trends, and highlight prospective directions for future studies in this field. The research involves a literature review based on the analysis of articles from the Scopus and Web of Science databases to identify and evaluate studies concerning energy in smart cities. The findings suggest that future research should focus on the development of smart energy grids, energy storage, the integration of renewable energy sources, as well as innovative technologies (e.g., Internet of Things, 5G/6G, artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital twins). This article emphasises the significance of technologies that can enhance energy efficiency in cities, contributing to their sustainable development. The recommended practical and policy directions highlight the development of smart grids as a cornerstone for adaptive energy management and the integration of renewable energy sources, underpinned by regulations encouraging collaboration between operators and consumers. Municipal policies should prioritise the adoption of advanced technologies, such as the IoT, AI, blockchain, digital twins, and energy storage systems, to improve forecasting and resource efficiency. Investments in zero-emission buildings, renewable-powered public transport, and green infrastructure are essential for enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions. Furthermore, community engagement and awareness campaigns should form an integral part of promoting sustainable energy practices aligned with broader development objectives. Full article

Background: Heart failure (HF) management increasingly relies on innovative solutions to enhance monitoring and care. Wearable devices, originally popularized for fitness tracking, show promise in clinical decision-making for HF. This study explores the application and potential for the broader integration of wearable technology in HF management, emphasizing remote monitoring and personalized care. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed to assess the role of wearables in HF management, focusing on functionalities like vital sign tracking, patient engagement, and clinical decision support. Clinical outcomes and barriers to adopting wearable technology in HF care were critically analyzed. Results: Wearable devices increasingly track physiological parameters relevant to HF, such as heart rate, physical activity, and sleep. They can identify at-risk patients, promote lifestyle changes, facilitate early diagnosis, and accurately detect arrhythmias that lead to decompensation. Additionally, wearables may assess fluid status, identifying early signs of decompensation to prevent hospitalization and supporting therapeutic adjustments. They also enhance physical activity and optimize cardiac rehabilitation programs, improving patient outcomes. Both wearable and implanted cardiac devices enable continuous, non-invasive monitoring through small devices. However, challenges like data integration, regulatory approval, and reimbursement impede their widespread adoption. Conclusions: Wearable technology can transform HF management through continuous monitoring and early interventions. Collaboration among involved parties is essential to overcome integration challenges and validate most of these devices in clinical practice. Full article

Against the pressing backdrop of global climate change, various environmental issues are becoming increasingly prominent, posing unprecedented challenges to both the global economic system and business operations. Green technology innovation, as a critical response to climate change, is vital not only for the sustainable development of firms, but also for fostering the harmonious coexistence of the economy and environment. However, whether climate change itself affects green technology innovation activities is still a topic that needs to be explored in depth. This paper utilizes data from the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), State Intellectual Property Office of China (SIPO), and CRNDS database to empirically examine the impact of climate change on green technology innovation of Chinese A-share listed firms from 2011 to 2020. The findings indicate the following: (1) Climate change significantly inhibits green technology innovation. (2) Entrepreneurs’ green human capital can mitigate the negative impact of climate change on green technology innovation. (3) When faced with higher investor attention or stronger environmental regulation, firms will pay more attention to their green technology innovation when adversely affected by climate change. (4) Resource-based cities show greater resilience against the negative impacts of climate change on green technology innovation compared to non-resource-based cities, suggesting that climate change-induced adaptive behavior may break the resource curse. (5) Mature, non-polluting, high-tech, and non-manufacturing firms are more effective in resisting the inhibitory effects. This research contributes to understanding climate risks and managing them effectively. Full article

Among all circuit breaker faults, mechanical failures account for a considerable proportion, and online monitoring of their mechanical characteristics is of great practical significance. The opening and closing time is a very important feature of the mechanical characteristics of the circuit breaker. Online monitoring of the opening and closing time of the circuit breaker has always been the focus and difficulty of the intelligent technology of switchgear. In this paper, for a 10 kV spring energy storage vacuum circuit breaker, transient voltage and current signals are innovatively used to calibrate the opening time, breaking time, and closing time, and an online monitoring method for the opening and closing time of a vacuum circuit breaker based on transient electrical signals is proposed. An online monitoring platform was built and a multi-group closing test was carried out to simulate the power plant environment. The opening and closing time samples of a spring energy storage vacuum circuit breaker were measured and compared with the measurement results of the mechanical properties tester. The comparison results show that this method has good stability, and the calculation error is controlled within 1% after self-calibration, which provides a new idea for the online monitoring research of the mechanical characteristics of spring energy storage vacuum circuit breakers. Full article

Microencapsulation of polyphenols is an innovative approach in food technology by which to protect these bioactive compounds from degradation and increase their bioavailability. Polyphenols, naturally occurring in plants, exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, which make them valuable functional ingredients in foods. However, their susceptibility to external factors, such as light, temperature and pH, presents a significant challenge for their incorporation into food products. Microencapsulation, based on various techniques and carriers such as polysaccharides, proteins and lipids, allows polyphenols to be stabilized and released in a controlled manner in the digestive system. This article reviews the different microencapsulation techniques, carrier properties, and the applications of microencapsulated polyphenols in food products, including bakery, dairy and functional beverages. Additionally, the article discusses the benefits and challenges associated with this technology, highlighting its potential to improve the stability, nutritional value and sensory acceptance of food products. Full article

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a critical angiogenesis biomarker associated with various pathological conditions, including cancer. This study leverages pre-biotinylated FcγRI interactions with IgG1-type monoclonal antibodies to develop a sensitive VEGF detection method. Utilizing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology, we characterized the binding dynamics of immobilized biotinylated FcγRI to an IgG1-type antibody, Bevacizumab (AVT), through kinetic studies and investigated suitable conditions for sensor surface regeneration. Subsequently, we characterized the binding of FcγRI-captured AVT to VEGF, calculating kinetic constants and binding affinity. A calibration curve was established to analyze the VEGF quantification capacity and accuracy of the biosensor, computing the limits of blank, detection, and quantification at a 95% confidence interval. Additionally, the specificity of the biosensor for VEGF over other protein analytes was assessed. This innovative biomimetic approach enabled FcγRI-mediated site-specific AVT capture, establishing a stable and reusable platform for detecting and accurately quantifying VEGF. The results indicate the effectiveness of the plasmonic sensor platform for VEGF detection, making it suitable for research applications and, potentially, clinical diagnostics. Utilizing FcγRI-IgG1 antibody binding, this study highlights the industrial and clinical value of advanced biosensing technologies, offering insights to enhance therapeutic monitoring and improve outcomes in anti-VEGF therapies. Full article

Fungi, which are widely distributed across the Earth, have successfully managed to colonize cold environments (e.g., polar regions, alpine ecosystems, and glaciers) despite the challenging conditions for life. They are capable of living in extremely harsh environments due to their ecological versatility and morphological plasticity. It is also believed that lower eukaryotes are the most adapted to life at low temperatures among microorganisms that thrive in cold environments. They play important ecological roles, contributing to nutrient recycling and organic matter mineralization. These highly specialized microorganisms have developed adaptation strategies to overcome the direct and indirect harmful influences of low temperatures. They have evolved a wide range of complex and cooperative adaptations at various cellular levels, including modifications to the cell envelope and enzymes, the production of cryoprotectants and chaperones, and the development of new metabolic functions. Adaptation to cold environments has made fungi an exciting source for the discovery of new cold-adapted enzymes (e.g., proteinases, lipases) and secondary metabolites (e.g., pigments, osmolytes, polyunsaturated fatty acids) for widespread use in biotechnology, food technology, agriculture, pharmaceutics, molecular biology, textile industry, and environmental bioremediation in cold climates. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the adaptive strategies employed by psychrophilic yeasts and fungi, highlighting their ecological roles and biotechnological potential. Understanding these adaptive mechanisms not only sheds light on microbial life in extreme environments but also paves the way for innovative applications in the food industry and agriculture. Full article

With the increasing global concern for environmental protection and sustainable development, the low-carbon transformation of the manufacturing industries has become a top priority. The rapid development of green digital technology (GDT) provides new opportunities and a strong impetus for the low-carbon transformation of the manufacturing industries. Meanwhile, green credit, as an important financial tool to promote the development of the green economy, plays a key role in guiding resource allocation. In order to respond to the urgent global demand for environmental protection and sustainable development and to accelerate the pace of the low-carbon transformation of manufacturing industries, based on evolutionary game theory, this paper constructs a three-party evolutionary game model of commercial banks (CBs), digital businesses (DBs) and manufacturing industries (MIs); further subdivides the MIs into two categories of non-polluting MIs and polluting Mis; and performs a numerical simulation using Python to analyze the influence of the main parameters on the evolutionary stabilization strategy. The results of the study are as follows: (1) Changes in the interest rate of the green credit have a greater impact on the strategic evolution process of polluting MIs than non-polluting MIs. The green credit model contributes to the introduction of GDT for the low-carbon transformation by non-polluting MIs, although for polluting MIs, the model hinders, to some extent, their introduction of GDT for the low-carbon transformation. (2) Polluting MIs are more sensitive to the investment cost of introducing GDT than non-polluting MIs. When the support benefits of GDT are too low, polluting MIs are more inclined to choose independent innovation to realize the low-carbon transition. (3) Government subsidies to DBs in terms of GDT innovation are crucial to the DBs’ strategy choices. High subsidies can significantly accelerate the cooperation process between DBs and Mis. The findings reveal the challenges and opportunities faced by both non-polluting and polluting manufacturing industries in the process of the low-carbon transformation. In addition, the study provides theoretical references for the behavioral decisions of commercial banks, digital businesses, and manufacturing industries, and proposes corresponding management suggestions to promote the sustainable development of the manufacturing industries. Full article