Machine learning is transforming the grape and wine industry by shifting traditional experience-driven practices toward data-driven and intelligent decision making across the entire value chain. This review provides a conceptually driven synthesis of machine learning-enabled technologies spanning vineyard sensing, precision viticulture, fermentation monitoring, and winemaking optimization. An integrated analytical framework is proposed, linking multisource data acquisition, preprocessing and representation learning, model development, and intelligent decision making into a unified end-to-end pipeline. Building on this framework, the review critically examines advances related to five key scientific challenges: multimodal data integration, model interpretability, cross-domain generalization, whole-chain decision coordination, and scalable industrial deployment. Particular emphasis is placed on the mechanisms and trade-offs of multiscale sensing technologies (including spectroscopy, chromatography-mass spectrometry, imaging, and electronic sensing), as well as data preprocessing, feature engineering, and multimodal fusion strategies. A task-oriented and data-structured perspective on model selection is highlighted, covering linear models, kernel methods, ensemble learning, deep neural networks, and probabilistic frameworks, alongside evaluation protocols and interpretability approaches. In contrast to fragmented task-specific studies, this review highlights the importance of cross-stage integration and closed-loop decision systems linking vineyard management with downstream vinification and quality evaluation. Despite rapid progress, key challenges remain, including data scarcity and heterogeneity, limited model transferability, and high implementation costs. Emerging directions such as knowledge-guided machine learning, causal inference, small-sample learning, and human-AI collaboration are expected to enhance robustness and interpretability. Overall, this review provides a structured roadmap for advancing intelligent and sustainable practices in the grape and wine industry.

Lithium has become one of the key raw materials for the energy transition due to the central role of lithium-ion batteries in electromobility, energy storage, and the integration of renewable energy sources. However, the rapid increase in demand reveals growing environmental, social, geopolitical, and market tensions. The aim of the paper is a critical synthesis of global lithium utilization from the perspective of challenges, technological innovations, and integrative strategies supporting a more sustainable material–energy system. A broad, systematic literature review covering the entire value chain was applied: resources, extraction, processing, end-use applications, second life of batteries, recycling, and governance. The analysis shows that the strategic importance of lithium arises from the increasing demand pressure from electric vehicles and stationary storage, while the sustainability of the current model is constrained by supply concentration, uneven control over downstream stages, the water–carbon footprint of extraction and processing, social conflicts, and incomplete integration of secondary loops. At the same time, innovations such as direct lithium extraction (DLE), recovery from geothermal brines, design for recycling, second life, and battery passports can partially alleviate these tensions, but they do not eliminate the need for primary supply in the short term. The conclusion of the work is that sustainable global lithium utilization requires simultaneous diversification of sources, development of circular value chains, and multi-level governance integrating resource security, environmental efficiency, and social legitimacy.

Laying the ground for product environmental footprint category rules of hydrogen devices through product categorisation

Collagen peptides from marine by-products: From waste to functional ingredients.

This study explains the processes through which a relationship value in customer-owned channels is generated through AI-powered functionalities by focusing on the integrated psychological and behavioral processes. The basis of the work is large-scale text analysis of 18,456 market reviews of applications among 15-20 top customers in the areas of retail, finance, and life services, examining the entire value chain by semantic BERT analysis, hierarchical regression, and structural equation modeling with 5,000 bootstraps. Analysis of the results reveals the presence of function–dimension matching phenomena. These include intelligent recommendation, which has the maximum cognitive engagement (β = 0.41), chatbots, which have the peak affective engagement (β = 0.45), and predictive services, which are predominant in behavioral engagement with a β of 0.36. Customer-owned platforms produce 37.2% more overall effects than third-party platforms. The role of the overall chain mediating function of AI functions for relationship value creation is also supported by the study. The role that loyalty plays between trust and value is amplified by ownership of the channel. The results above present the objective assessment of the 37% boost that the ROI (Return on Investment) has on customer-owned communication channels. It also explains the role that development considerations play.

ABSTRACT This study examines how digital transformation (DT) influences success-critical business model canvas (BMC) elements to enhance small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)’ resilience. A systematic literature review following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, combined with a hermeneutic approach, analyzed 41 peer-reviewed studies (2017–2025) investigating DT’s impact on business model resilience in SMEs, focusing on BMC elements empirically identified as success-critical. We found that DT enhances resilience across these BMC elements: digitally savvy key partners for creating joint value; key activities by realigning the entire value chain; value propositions by increasing customization and servitization; tailor-made distribution channels; and precise customer segmentation and better-targeted offerings. The study reveals a bidirectional relationship between digitalization and organizational resilience. This research contributes by systematically documenting DT-resilience interdependencies within the BMC, providing small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) managers with structured guidance for identifying specific resilience-building opportunities through targeted DT initiatives. However, research is needed to validate these findings.

The backgrounding sector of the beef cattle production chain bridges the time between weaning and eventual feedlot entry. During this phase, depending upon market weight basis and in­put cost dynamics, calves are typically managed and fed for 45 to 150 days to increase weight, fortify health and prepare them for eventual placement on pasture or direct to the feed yard. Aside from unpredictable health-related input costs during this phase, feed-related costs can represent up to 65% of total costs. A well-managed nutrition program during the background­ing phase can add significant value to the animal by correcting health challenges, conditioning animals for the feedlot, and optimizing feed efficiency at a minimal cost of gain (COG). This paper will outline the top 10 considerations related to back­grounding nutrition that contribute value to the entire beef value chain.

The Goldeneye i.e. ‘Earth observation and Earth GNSS data acquisition and processing platform for safe, sustainable and cost-efficient mining operations’ project implements a unique combination of remote sensing and positioning technologies, exploiting Earth observation and Earth GNSS data, together with data fusion and processing powered by data analytics and machine-learning algorithms. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact provided seven techniques and methods for the five mine sites in the project Goldeneye. The emphasis is to analyze and reflect, how and with what focus areas developed analytical capabilities meet the needs of different mine sites that were collaborated in the project in piloting and testing. The results show that the outcomes of this R&D project hold immense significance for the mining industry, as they contribute to its transformation, digitalization, and twin transition. This contribution is realized through the broad adoption of sensing and AI-based applications, solutions, and services within the mining industry. This benefits not only the companies directly involved but also the entire value chain, related industries, and contributes to the EU-level and national goals in the mining sector.

The rapid expansion of the lithium-ion battery (LIB) industry has resulted in a significant increase in sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) generation, making it one of the most abundant inorganic byproducts across the entire battery value chain. Na2SO4 is generated at multiple stages, during the lithium ore processing, the synthesis of nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) precursors, or upon the hydrometallurgical recycling of production scraps and end-of-life LIBs. This growing volume of Na2SO4 presents serious environmental and economic challenges, particularly at the industrial scale, where wastewater management is becoming increasingly problematic. In this article, we first assess the origins and quantities of Na2SO4 generated throughout the LIB lifecycle; then, we review current large-scale utilization practices and evaluate recent literature on emerging valorization strategies. While conventional reuse options remain limited, several approaches, including new developments and processes to reduce Na2SO4 generation, upcycling of Na2SO4 into higher-value products, or reintegrating it into the battery supply chain, appear to be promising and sustainable paths forward. Overall, this work underscores the urgency of addressing Na2SO4 accumulation and outlines diverse valorization opportunities within and beyond the battery industry.

This article provides a comprehensive review of the scientific and technological (S&T) activities of the National Institute of Medicinal Materials (NIMM), Ministry of Health of Vietnam, during the 2021–2025 period, and outlines strategic development orientations toward 2030 to mark the Institute's 65th anniversary (1961–2026). During 2021–2025, NIMM conducted 443 S&T research projects across national, ministerial, local, and grassroots levels; published 563 scientific papers (representing a 48.2% increase over the preceding period, including 135 international publications which alone saw an 82.4% increase); conferred 25 doctoral degrees; officially registered 10 medicinal plant varieties for commercial circulation; issued 97 technical procedures for medicinal plant breeding and production; isolated more than 250 pure compounds; established 27 reference compouds; and research & developed of 7 herbal pharmaceutical formulations. Research activities were systematically organised along a value chain spanning genetic resources, variety selection, chemical analysis and standardization, herbal drug formulation, and modernization of traditional medicines. In addition to these achievements, the article acknowledges persistent limitations regarding equipment and facilities, especially in the context of deep international integration in science and technology, as well as the adaptability of scientists to the new situation when implementing the Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, and the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation No. 93/2025/QH15. To leverage its strategic advantages and adapt to the evolving landscape, the Institute prioritizes research across the entire value chain, developing a diverse portfolio of medicinal products to enhance primary healthcare. Our mission remains steadfast in fostering in-depth and applied research driven by advanced science and technology, while elevating the collective research capacity to meet international standards. Moving forward, NIMM will focus on institutional and governance reforms, accelerating digital transformation, and establishing a comprehensive medicinal resource database. Furthermore, by implementing robust intellectual property protections and fostering public-private partnerships, we aim to drive revenue growth, strengthen institutional self-reliance, and improve the welfare and living standards of our staff

Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agriculture is a central objective of climate policy frameworks such as the Paris Agreement. This study explored the feasibility and trade-offs of achieving net zero at the farm level by combining life cycle assessment with modeling of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. Four case-study farms, two crop and two dairy, in Italy, the United Kingdom (UK), France, and Germany, and 11 mitigation actions were assessed under two 20-year eco-design scenarios: one maintaining ≥90% of baseline productivity (PM), and one achieving net zero. The scenarios combined nature-based solutions (e.g., organic fertilization, cover crops) with technological interventions (e.g., feed additive, solar power). Estimated GHG emissions decreased greatly, but SOC sequestration alone was insufficient to achieve net zero while maintaining productivity. Under the PM scenario, the Italian, French, and German farms still emitted 51%, 62%, and 84% of baseline emissions, respectively. The UK crop farm achieved net zero under the PM scenario, but had the highest ecotoxicity impact per ha, 11% higher than that of the Italian crop farm. Mitigation effectiveness depended on soil- and crop-management practices, baseline GHG emissions, and carbon inputs. Assumptions about the 20-year amortization window, nutrient cycling, and indirect GHG emissions influenced trade-offs between environmental impacts and productivity. Net zero may be pursued more effectively through cooperation among farms at the landscape or sector level. Assessing the entire agricultural value chain, improving model calibration, and supporting long-term transitions through policies will be essential for developing climate mitigation actions adoptable across European agriculture.

While the circular economy (CE) is a central sustainability objective, its implementation in industrial value chains remains challenging. This calls for targeted policy interventions under fiscal and regulatory constraints. Although environmental - and to some extent social - indicators are widely used to assess circular strategies (CSs), economic assessments that capture policy and price (P&P) scenarios and inter-organizational cost dynamics remain underdeveloped. This paper introduces the Comparative Economic Assessment of Circular Economy (CEACE), a process designed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of CSs across entire national value chains and derive policy recommendations. By quantifying and disaggregating circular life-cycle costs across actors and over time and by introducing the Circular Cost Effectiveness Index (CCEi), CEACE reveals economic “winners” and “losers” and identifies strategic leverage points for cost-effective and minimally intrusive policy interventions. Applied to the Swiss expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation sector, the framework demonstrates how Swiss P&P scenarios are insufficient to increase the financial attractiveness of environmentally desirable CSs. This study establishes CEACE as a systematic process. It identifies cost-effective and environmentally desirable CSs. Thereby it contributes to evidence-based policy design to accelerate the transition to a sustainable CE.

Harnessing enzyme and microbial biotechnology for macroalgae valorization: A circular economy approach with implications for carbon sequestration.

THE RELEVANCE of this article lies in its timely and critical reassessment of the "green" energy trend. It serves as a "sober voice," advocating for a balanced evaluation, comprehensive risk assessment, and a shift from ideological approaches to scientificallygrounded, holistic analysis aimed at achieving genuine sustainability. This makes it a valuable contribution not only to academic discourse but also to the development of practical government policies and corporate strategies. THE PURPOSE . This paper conducts a comprehensive critical analysis of the modern trends, technological solutions, and systemic challenges within the green energy sector and decarbonization efforts. It aims to evaluate their actual effectiveness, economic viability, and full lifecycle environmental impacts, moving beyond the prevailing optimistic narratives to provide a balanced assessment. METHODS . The research employs a systematic review and comparative analysis of a wide range of scientific studies and technological case studies. The methodology critically examines wind, solar, and hydrogen energy, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, hybrid systems, and various energy storage solutions. The assessment incorporates key technological, economic, and environmental metrics, including energy return on investment (EROI), levelized cost of energy (LCOE), capital and operational expenditures (CAPEX/OPEX), and carbon footprint across the entire value chain. RESULTS . The study identifies significant contradictions and systemic challenges in the transition to renewables. It demonstrates that many promoted solutions, such as hydrogen economy and CCUS, remain at early development stages, characterized by high costs, low EROI, and unresolved end-of-life waste management issues for wind turbine blades, solar panels, and batteries. The analysis confirms the non-viability of renewable energy sources in regions with low natural potential without substantial government subsidies. Furthermore, the mass integration of inverter-based generation reduces the overall system inertia, creating substantial risks for grid stability and reliability. The research also highlights severe environmental and social costs associated with the extraction of critical materials like lithium and cobalt, revealing a hidden negative footprint of the green energy supply chain. CONCLUSIONS . The study concludes that the declared benefits of the green energy transition are often offset by a complex array of hidden technological, economic, and environmental problems. The radical transformation of energy systems is not an unequivocally positive process and presents multifaceted challenges. It necessitates a balanced approach, deep systemic analysis, and the development of comprehensive strategies involving the state, business, and scientific community, rather than merely following trends. A critical revision of current assessment methodologies is required to fully account for the entire lifecycle of green technologies and their true systemic costs.

The increasing frequency and severity of disasters worldwide have underscored the critical role of local governments (LGs), which are the political authority closest to local communities and are rooted at the local level where disasters occur. While many studies have conducted systematic literature reviews on disaster risk management (DRM), there is a lack of systematic reviews on the role of LGs across the entire DRM value chain in the Global South, despite the region's high disaster susceptibility. This study is the first systematic review of peer-reviewed literature on LGs’ role in DRM, aiming to synthesise findings and inform future research and policies. The systematic review of 32 peer-reviewed articles across three databases was guided by the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Analysis of articles was conducted using Atlas.ti, yielding 199 codes, which were grouped into six themes. The study reveals that while LGs in the Global South have made progress in establishing DRM units, significant challenges, including a lack of political will, reactive disaster responses, insufficient resources, and limited capacity building, persist. The findings indicate a bias towards pre-disaster measures, particularly disaster preparedness and community awareness, while other stages of the DRM value chain receive relatively less attention. The study calls on local-level policymakers to prioritize DRM by integrating it into LG programs and ensuring adequate resources and funding for all stages of the DRM value chain. Community resilience can be strengthened by moving beyond basic disaster awareness to community-led initiatives that empower local communities.

With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a reference, this study systematically examines the evolution, characteristics, achievements, and challenges of China–Africa agricultural cooperation. The study elaborates on how China–Africa agricultural cooperation has transitioned from a politically driven aid model to a comprehensive framework integrating aid, investment, trade, and technology transfer under the guidance of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Despite distinct positive achievements in food security, infrastructure construction, and technology transfer between China and Africa, the analysis identifies issues and challenges that affect the sustainability of future cooperation. These include limited impact on comprehensive regional development, scrutiny over trade imbalances and potential resource exploitation, and ineffective utilization of Africa’s diverse agricultural resources. To address these issues, the paper proposes future pathways such as maximizing the potential of Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centers (ATDCs), supporting the development of the entire agricultural value chain, and effectively leveraging digital technology. This study argues that it is necessary to adopt a more comprehensive, integrated, and sustainable approach to improve the China–Africa agricultural cooperation model and promote Africa’s achievement of the SDGs.

ABSTRACT This study explores how AI-native startups in the energy sector create, deliver, and capture value to shape their business models and value propositions. By analyzing 252 startups, the research classifies them according to their business model, ultimately identifying five business model archetypes. These clusters differ in whether they offer physical products or services, their position in the energy supply chain, and their key operational activities. The study builds on an existing taxonomy to systematically categorise AI-driven business models in the energy sector. It highlights that AI adoption remains diverse and exploratory, spanning the entire energy value chain without a single dominant trend. This taxonomy not only establishes a shared framework for future conceptual and empirical research but also offers strategic guidance for startups, incumbents, and policymakers. By emphasising AI’s role in driving efficiency, sustainability, and innovation, the paper underscores how digital transformation is reshaping the energy industry and supporting the transition toward an electrified, decarbonised future.

Microwave (MW) irradiation offers rapid, selective heating at the molecular scale and underpins two advanced methods—microwave-induced-oxidation (MIO) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). MIO is already deployed industrially, especially in wastewater treatment, where it achieves high-removal efficiency without generating secondary pollutants. This review summarizes recent MIO advances in wastewater remediation and highlights its emerging role in sludge pre-treatment that enhances the anaerobic digestion and boosts volatile fatty-acid (VFA) yields. VFAs can in turn serve as cost-effective substrates for microorganisms that accumulate polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). We also detail MAE as a green, efficient alternative to conventional PHA recovery. Taken together, current evidence reveals multiple integration points at which MW-based techniques can lower cost and improve the sustainability of the entire PHA value chain.

Abstract Cyber-Physical Production Systems (CPPS) enable Smart Production by linking physical processes with digital systems across the entire value chain. For a holistic integration both a vertical integration of production processes and a horizontal integration across Enterprise Information Systems (EIS) is necessary, which makes CPPS complex systems with a large number of constituents and connections. The goal is a flexible and intelligent production system based on a decentralized architecture that connects the entire value chain. Literature provides generalized reference architecture models, such as RAMI 4.0 or 5C, and a variety of specific architectures, that have mainly been implemented in academic environment. There is a lack of examples and guidelines on how to integrate the proposed generic high-level architectures and to achieve truly decentralized ones, which results in a scarcity in actual implementations of CPPS in reality. Historically, automation systems are based on the hierarchical ISA-95 automation pyramid with an intentional separation of layers, and the step for industrial companies towards decentralized CPPS architectures is large and full of uncertainties. This paper investigates actual reasons that impede industrial companies in adopting decentralized CPPS architectures. A case study assesses the situation in a large global manufacturing company based in Sweden by following ongoing activities towards a flexible and end-to-end connected production system. Findings concern the integration of ERP and PLM systems with the production system, architectural and technological constraints, and structural and organizational aspects.

Although responsible business practices offer substantial benefits to firms and their stakeholders, including children, evidence shows that only a minority of companies implement them. Despite growing private-sector interest in approaches that safeguard children’s rights, much of the existing literature remains narrowly focused on child labour. The extant literature overlooks the broader children’s rights and business agenda. In Tanzania, there has been limited understanding of the extent to which workplace practices are responsible. This study examined how private sector companies implement child-sensitive responsible business practices. The research questions sought to understand responsible business practices in the workplace and their impact on children, a unique stakeholder group. This study involved fifteen (15) companies across financial services, food and beverages, telecommunications, hospitality, and agro-processing sectors. Using an exploratory, interpretivist research design, the study employed multiple data collection methods, including 90–120-minute in-depth interviews with human resource and corporate affairs representatives. Data were analyzed using Template Analysis, comparing observed practices with the ideal standards of children’s rights. Findings show that most surveyed companies have internal policies and procedures that promote family-friendly work environments and discourage child labour. However, this commitment was not as evident in their supply chains. Suppliers and contractors who are not bound by responsible business requirements thus create risks for children’s rights. The study recommends a holistic, multi-stakeholder approach, including stronger government inspections, local community involvement, awareness-raising, and law enforcement, to effectively protect children across the entire value chain.