1
|
Byrne T, Murray N, McDonnell-Naughton M, Rowan NJ. Perceived factors informing the pre-acceptability of digital health innovation by aging respiratory patients: a case study from the Republic of Ireland. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1203937. [PMID: 37942252 PMCID: PMC10628059 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1203937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
It is appreciated that digital health is increasing in interest as an important area for efficiently standardizing and developing health services in Ireland, and worldwide. However, digital health is still considered to be in its infancy and there is a need to understand important factors that will support the development and uniform uptake of these technologies, which embrace their utility and ensure data trustworthiness. This constituted the first study to identify themes believed to be relevant by respiratory care and digital health experts in the Republic of Ireland to help inform future decision-making among respiratory patients that may potentially facilitate engagement with and appropriate use of digital health innovation (DHI). The study explored and identified expert participant perceptions, beliefs, barriers, and cues to action that would inform content and future deployment of living labs in respiratory care for remote patient monitoring of people with respiratory diseases using DHI. The objective of this case study was to generate and evaluate appropriate data sets to inform the selection and future deployment of an ICT-enabling technology that will empower patients to manage their respiratory systems in real-time in a safe effective manner through remote consultation with health service providers. The co-creation of effective DHI for respiratory care will be informed by multi-actor stakeholder participation, such as through a Quintuple Helix Hub framework combining university-industry-government-healthcare-society engagements. Studies, such as this, will help bridge the interface between top-down digital health policies and bottom-up end-user engagements to ensure safe and effective use of health technology. In addition, it will address the need to reach a consensus on appropriate key performance indicators (KPIs) for effective uptake, implementation, standardization, and regulation of DHI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tara Byrne
- Saolta University Healthcare Group, HSE, Galway, Ireland
- Department of Nursing and Healthcare, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Athlone, Ireland
- Faculty of Engineering and Informatics, Technological University of the Shannon, (TUS), Athlone, Ireland
| | - Niall Murray
- Faculty of Engineering and Informatics, Technological University of the Shannon, (TUS), Athlone, Ireland
| | - Mary McDonnell-Naughton
- Department of Nursing and Healthcare, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Athlone, Ireland
| | - Neil J. Rowan
- Department of Nursing and Healthcare, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Athlone, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ghimire A, Ali S, Khan A. Does green innovation promote environmental efficiency from a global perspective? A hybrid approach (fuzzy DEA-SEM-ANN). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:104432-104449. [PMID: 37700135 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29761-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Green innovation is crucial for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and promoting environmental efficiency worldwide. However, there is a lack of scholarly research investigating the relationship between environmentally friendly innovations and improved environmental performance. To fill this knowledge gap, a comprehensive study was conducted using data from 64 countries spanning 2010 to 2018. The study employed a hybrid approach, combining fuzzy DEA, structural equation modeling (SEM), and artificial neural networks (ANN) to analyze the nexus between green innovation and environmental efficiency. The SEM analysis revealed that green innovation, green trade, green employment, and green investment significantly impact environmental efficiency. The ANN model achieves a perfect prediction rate for environmental efficiency and green growth, emphasizing the importance of incorporating various sources of green innovation to achieve long-term environmental goals. The study's findings have significant implications for policymakers and governments, highlighting the value of environmentally friendly technologies and the need to allocate resources toward their development. Regional collaboration and integrating green innovation throughout the development process are essential for achieving environmental efficiency. By embracing green innovation, nations can capitalize on its potential benefits while mitigating pollution and promoting sustainable development. Overall, this research serves as a cornerstone for decision-makers, providing insights into the importance of green innovation and guiding efforts to foster environmentally conscious technologies globally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amogh Ghimire
- School of Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
- National Research and Innovation Centre, Lalitpur, 44700, Nepal
| | - Sajjad Ali
- School of Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
| | - Adnan Khan
- University of Waikato, Management School Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tang Y, Qi Y, Bai T, Zhang C. Smart city construction and green technology innovation: evidence at China's city level. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:97233-97252. [PMID: 37589854 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29225-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
In the context of China's economic and social transformation, smart cities are becoming increasingly important for green development. Based on pilot smart cities and panel data from 274 prefecture-level cities in China from 2006 to 2018, this paper mainly evaluates the impact of smart city construction (SCC) on green technology innovation (GTI). To analyze SCC mechanisms and heterogeneity, we used China's smart city pilots as a quasi-natural experiment. In terms of the influencing mechanism, SCC can promote GTI by enhancing the digital economy level. Meanwhile, the optimization allocation of resources, including labor, land, and capital, can effectively foster the promoting effect of SCC on GTI. Moreover, SCC has a spatial diffusion effect; it will not only promote local GTI, but also improve the level of GTI in neighboring cities. In terms of the heterogeneity analysis, smart cities, which present a large scales, rich human capital, and high-level infrastructure, have a strongly positive effect on GTI. This study provides important empirical evidence for the development of SCC and GTI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Tang
- School of Business Administration, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110169, China.
| | - Yong Qi
- School of Business Administration, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110169, China
| | - Tingting Bai
- School of Business Administration, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110169, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- School of Business Administration, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110169, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
O'Neill EA, Rowan NJ. Potential disruptive effects of zoosporic parasites on peatland-based organic freshwater aquaculture: Case study from the Republic of Ireland. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 868:161495. [PMID: 36634789 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Irish freshwater aquaculture holds great potential for aiding food security. However, its necessary expansion has been hampered by the adoption of important environmental EU directives. A novel peatland-based recirculating aquaculture multi-trophic pond system (RAMPS) was developed to assess its potential to assist in the sustainable development of industry whilst remaining aligned with environmental protection by adhering to organic aquaculture practices. Microalgae play a pivotal role in the farms' wastewater bioremediation. However, a collapse of the algal population within the system towards the end of the pilot study was observed. No relationship between physicochemical fluctuations and the collapse were indicated. Further investigations into the potential presence of biological agents were then conducted and fourteen species of zoosporic parasites from five different genera (Labyrinthula, Vampyrella, Amoeboaphelidium, Paraphelidium and Aphelidium) were identified after conducting next-generation sequencing (MinION). The presence of these species indicated the potential cause of algal collapse. Additionally, changes in weather conditions may have also contributed to the issue. Given the lack of data available on zoosporic parasites and their potential impact on organic aquaculture practices, additional research needs to be conducted. Developing a means to monitor and mitigate against these complex zoosporic parasites will inform food security, it will particularly help safeguard "organic" freshwater aquaculture where there is a reliance on using natural-based approaches to address disease mitigation. This information will in turn inform the replication of this RAMPs system in peatlands internationally creating local employment in green technologies, as communities' transition away from burning peat as fossil fuel. Also, zoosporic parasites may reduce important microalgae in peatland-based culture ponds that serve as exceptional sequesters of carbon. Findings of this study will inform related research that focus on the emergence of microbial pathogens in local aquatic ecosystems brought on by variances in climate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emer A O'Neill
- Centre for Sustainable Disinfection and Sustainability, Bioscience Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, Athlone Campus, University Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland; Faculty of Science & Health, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, Athlone Campus, University Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland.
| | - Neil J Rowan
- Centre for Sustainable Disinfection and Sustainability, Bioscience Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, Athlone Campus, University Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland; Faculty of Science & Health, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, Athlone Campus, University Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wan-Mohtar WAAQI, Ilham Z, Rowan NJ. Editorial: “The value of microbial bioreactors to meet challenges in the circular bioeconomy”. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1181822. [PMID: 37091340 PMCID: PMC10113628 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1181822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wan Abd Al Qadr Imad Wan-Mohtar
- Functional Omics and Bioprocess Development Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Empower Eco Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, Athlone, Ireland
- *Correspondence: Wan Abd Al Qadr Imad Wan-Mohtar, ; Zul Ilham, ; Neil J. Rowan,
| | - Zul Ilham
- Environmental Science and Management Program, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Wan Abd Al Qadr Imad Wan-Mohtar, ; Zul Ilham, ; Neil J. Rowan,
| | - Neil J. Rowan
- Empower Eco Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, Athlone, Ireland
- *Correspondence: Wan Abd Al Qadr Imad Wan-Mohtar, ; Zul Ilham, ; Neil J. Rowan,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rowan NJ. Challenges and future opportunities to unlock the critical supply chain of personal and protective equipment (PPE) encompassing decontamination and reuse under emergency use authorization (EUA) conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic: Through a reflective circularity and sustainability lens. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 866:161455. [PMID: 36621483 PMCID: PMC9815879 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the resulting coronavirus disease (COVID-19), was declared a public health emergency of global concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the early months of 2020. There was a marked lack of knowledge to inform national pandemic response plans encompassing appropriate disease mitigation and preparation strategies to constrain and manage COVID-19. For example, the top 16 "most cited" papers published at the start of the pandemic on core knowledge gaps collectively constitute a staggering 29,393 citations. Albeit complex, appropriate decontamination modalities have been reported and developed for safe reuse of personal and protective equipment (PPE) under emergency use authorization (EUA) where critical supply chain shortages occur for healthcare workers (HCWs) caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Commensurately, these similar methods may provide solutions for the safe decontamination of enormous volumes of PPE waste promoting opportunities in the circular bioeconomy that will also protect our environment, habitats and natural capital. The co-circulation of the highly transmissive mix of COVID-19 variants of concern (VoC) will continue to challenge our embattled healthcare systems globally for many years to come with an emphasis placed on maintaining effective disease mitigation strategies. This viewpoint article addresses the rationale and key developments in this important area since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and provides an insight into a variety of potential opportunities to unlock the long-term sustainability of single-use medical devices, including waste management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neil J Rowan
- Department of Nursing and Healthcare, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Ireland; Centre for Disinfection and Sterilization, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Ireland; School of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Galway, Ireland; CURAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, University of Galway, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Massenberg JR, Schiller J, Schröter‐Schlaack C. Towards a holistic approach to rewilding in cultural landscapes. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julian R. Massenberg
- Department Economics Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research—UFZ Leipzig Germany
| | - Johannes Schiller
- Department Economics Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research—UFZ Leipzig Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
O'Neill EA, Fehrenbach G, Murphy E, Alencar SA, Pogue R, Rowan NJ. Use of next generation sequencing and bioinformatics for profiling freshwater eukaryotic microalgae in a novel peatland integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system: Case study from the Republic of Ireland. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158392. [PMID: 36055498 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Development of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems constitutes a step change in the sustainable production of freshwater fish to meet emerging needs for high-protein foods globally. Recently, there has been a paradigm shift away from harvesting peat as a fuel towards the development of wettable peatland innovation (termed 'paludiculture'), such as aquaculture. Such eco-innovations support carbon sequestration and align with a balanced environmental approach to protecting biodiversity. This novel peatland-based IMTA process in the Irish midlands relies upon natural microalgae for waste treatment, recirculation and water quality where there is no use of pesticides or antibiotics. This novel IMTA system is powered with a wind turbine and the process has 'organic status'; moreover, it does not discharge aquaculture effluent to receiving water. However, there is a significant lack of understanding as to diversity of microalgae in this 'paludiculture'-based IMTA processes. This constitutes the first case study to use conventional microscopy combined with next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics to profile microalgae occurring in this novel IMTA system from pooled samples over a 12 month period in 2020. Conventional microscopy combined with classic identification revealed twenty genera of algae; with Chlorophyta and Charophyta being the most common present. However, algal DNA isolation, 16 s sequencing and bioinformatics revealed a combined total of 982 species from 341 genera across nine phyla from the same IMTA system, which emphasized a significant underestimation in the number and diversity of beneficial or potentially harmful algae in the IMTA-microbiome. These new methods also yield rich data that can be used by digital technologies to transform future monitoring and performance of the IMTA system for sustainability. The findings of this study align with many sustainability development goals of the United Nations including no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, responsible consumption and production, climate change, and life below water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emer A O'Neill
- Bioscience Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, University Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland.
| | - Gustavo Fehrenbach
- Bioscience Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, University Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland
| | - Emma Murphy
- Bioscience Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, University Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland
| | - Sérgio A Alencar
- Universidade Católica de Brasilia, QS 7 LOTE 1 - Taguatinga, Brasília, DF 71966-700, Brazil
| | - Robert Pogue
- Bioscience Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, University Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland; Universidade Católica de Brasilia, QS 7 LOTE 1 - Taguatinga, Brasília, DF 71966-700, Brazil
| | - Neil J Rowan
- Bioscience Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, University Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Garvey M, Meade E, Rowan NJ. Effectiveness of front line and emerging fungal disease prevention and control interventions and opportunities to address appropriate eco-sustainable solutions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158284. [PMID: 36029815 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens contribute to significant disease burden globally; however, the fact that fungi are eukaryotes has greatly complicated their role in fungal-mediated infections and alleviation. Antifungal drugs are often toxic to host cells and there is increasing evidence of adaptive resistance in animals and humans. Existing fungal diagnostic and treatment regimens have limitations that has contributed to the alarming high mortality rates and prolonged morbidity seen in immunocompromised cohorts caused by opportunistic invasive infections as evidenced during HIV and COVID-19 pandemics. There is a need to develop real-time monitoring and diagnostic methods for fungal pathogens and to create a greater awareness as to the contribution of fungal pathogens in disease causation. Greater information is required on the appropriate selection and dose of antifungal drugs including factors governing resistance where there is commensurate need to discover more appropriate and effective solutions. Popular azole fungal drugs are widely detected in surface water and sediment due to incomplete removal in wastewater treatment plants where they are resistant to microbial degradation and may cause toxic effects on aquatic organisms such as algae and fish. UV has limited effectiveness in destruction of anti-fungal drugs where there is increased interest in the combination approaches such as novel use of pulsed-plasma gas-discharge technologies for environmental waste management. There is growing interest in developing alternative and complementary green eco-biocides and disinfection innovation. Fungi present challenges for cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of reusable medical devices such as endoscopes where they (example, Aspergillus and Candida species) can be protected when harboured in build-up biofilm from lethal processing. Information on the efficacy of established disinfection and sterilization technologies to address fungal pathogens including bottleneck areas that present high risk to patients is lacking. There is a need to address risk mitigation and modelling to inform efficacy of appropriate intervention technologies that must consider all contributing factors where there is potential to adopt digital technologies to enable real-time analysis of big data, such as use of artificial intelligence and machine learning. International consensus on standardised protocols for developing and reporting on appropriate alternative eco-solutions must be reached, particularly in order to address fungi with increasing drug resistance where research and innovation can be enabled using a One Health approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Garvey
- Department of Life Science, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland; Centre for Precision Engineering, Materials and Manufacturing Research (PEM), Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Elaine Meade
- Department of Life Science, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland; Centre for Precision Engineering, Materials and Manufacturing Research (PEM), Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Neil J Rowan
- Bioscience Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Athlone, Ireland; Centre for Decontamination, Sterilization and Biosecurity, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Athlone, Ireland; Empower Eco Sustainability Hub, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Athlone, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Low-Carbon Collaboration in the Supply Chain under Digital Transformation: An Evolutionary Game-Theoretic Analysis. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10101958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the face of the challenges posed by the need to drastically decrease carbon emissions, all agents in the supply chain need to strengthen low-carbon collaboration with the support of digital transformation. This study sets up a low-carbon collaboration evolutionary game model of the supply chain based on benefit sharing by introducing digital transformation. The equilibrium-point stability of the supply chain is then analyzed under two separate conditions—i.e., less and more government rewards and punishments compared to supply-chain agents’ strategic risk cost. Furthermore, based on the evolutionary game model, this study draws the system dynamics (SD) flow diagram to analyze the research problem quantitatively. The main results show that: (1) low-carbon benefit-driven effects promotes collaboration benefit sharing, thereby increasing the probability of low-carbon collaboration; (2) digital transformation is an essential regulator of low-carbon collaboration in the supply chain and can amplify the low-carbon benefit-driven effect; (3) collaboration benefit sharing can perfectly coordinate the vertical supply chain under low-carbon collaboration; and (4) government support and management are critical links in the low-carbon collaboration formation path of the supply chain. This research provides theoretical support for low-carbon collaboration in the supply chain under digital transformation.
Collapse
|
11
|
Rowan NJ. The role of digital technologies in supporting and improving fishery and aquaculture across the supply chain – Quo Vadis? AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|