This is our latest selection of worldwide publications and patents in english on Frugal Innovation, between many scientific online journals, classified and focused on frugal innovation, jugaad, open innovation, DIY, crowdsourcing and upcycling.
Comparative Analysis of Soil Moisture- and Weather-Based Irrigation Scheduling for Drip-Irrigated Lettuce Using Low-Cost Internet of Things Capacitive Sensors
Published on 2025-03-04 by Ahmed A. Abdelmoneim, Christa M. Al Kalaany, Giovana Dragonetti, Bilal Derardja, Roula Khadra @MDPI
Abstract: Efficient irrigation management is crucial for optimizing water use and productivity in agriculture, particularly in water-scarce regions. This study evaluated the effectiveness of soil-based and weather-based irrigation management using a low-cost (DIY) Internet of Things (IoT) capacitive soil moisture sensor on drip-irrigated lettuce. A field experiment was conducted to compare water productivity and water use efficiency between the two management approaches. The soil-based system utilized rea[...]
Our summary: Comparative analysis of soil moisture- and weather-based irrigation scheduling for drip-irrigated lettuce using low-cost Internet of Things capacitive sensors. Evaluation of effectiveness of soil-based and weather-based irrigation management. Comparison of water productivity and efficiency between management approaches.
Soil Moisture, Weather-Based Irrigation, Internet of Things, Capacitive Sensors
Publication
A Sustainable Approach to Waste Valorisation
Published on 2025-02-27 by Dongyang Sun, Thomas Henthorn, Carmen-Mihaela Popescu, Reza Salehiyan @MDPI
Abstract: This study explores the valorisation of alum sludge, a byproduct of water treatment processes, as a sustainable reinforcement material in Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) composites. The research aims to address industrial waste challenges by developing eco-friendly composite materials while promoting circular economy principles. Alum sludge particles, classified into two size distributions (<63 µm and <250 µm), were incorporated in[...]
Our summary: Valorisation of alum sludge in PBAT composites for sustainable waste management and circular economy promotion. Improved mechanical properties and controlled compostability potential demonstrated through soil burial tests. Upcycling of industrial waste into functional materials for eco-friendly composite manufacturing.
sustainable, waste valorisation, composite materials, alum sludge
Publication
A Fuzzy Cluster Analysis Based on the Antecedents of Their Collaboration
Published on 2025-02-26 by Marius B?ban, C?lin Florin B?ban @MDPI
Abstract: Competing in a complex and interconnected environment, firms are increasingly employing open innovation to search for and collaborate with different partners for better performance. While universities are considered an important source of knowledge for industry, there has been limited literature that investigates patterns of their collaboration in an open innovation context. Moreover, the influence of contextual characteristics such as size and industry classes on these patterns has also receive[...]
Our summary: Firms employ open innovation to collaborate with partners for better performance. This study uses fuzzy cluster analysis to categorize firms based on their collaboration with universities. The influence of firm size and industry type on collaboration patterns is explored through econometric modeling.
Cluster Analysis, Open Innovation, Fuzzy C-Means, Multinomial Logistic Regression
Publication
A Sustainable Approach for Dye Removal and Wastewater Treatment
Published on 2025-02-26 by Beatriz Alvez-Tovar, Paulo Sergio Scalize, Giovanny Angiolillo-Rodr�guez, Antonio Albuquerque, Malorie Ndemengane Ebang, Tatianne Ferreira de Oliveira @MDPI
Abstract: The increasing generation of agro-industrial waste has intensified soil and water contamination, as well as the eutrophication of water bodies, impacting biodiversity and human health. This highlights the need for responsible management to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 6, 12, 13, 14, and 15, which promote health, access to clean water, responsible consumption, climate action, and the protection of life on land and below water. This study aimed to produce activated carbon from coco[...]
Our summary: Production of activated carbon from agro-industrial waste for dye removal and wastewater treatment, Characterization and adsorption capacity of carbonized materials, Potential for sustainable removal of organic dyes
Activated carbon, Dye removal, Wastewater treatment, Sustainable approach
Publication
A Cross-Sectional Study of Small and Medium Enterprises in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia
Published on 2025-02-23 by Masahina Sarabdeen, Shafinar Ismail, Putri Aliah Mohd Hidzir, Hind Alofaysan, Suharni Rahmat @MDPI
Abstract: This study intends to investigate the role of social financing in supporting sustainable development and fostering entrepreneurship within small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and its future directions and opportunities in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. SMEs are increasingly implementing sustainable business models to tackle resource constraints and environmental issues to foster long-term social and environmental impact. A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected through questi[...]
Our summary: This cross-sectional study examines the role of social financing in supporting sustainable development and entrepreneurship in SMEs in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. Data was collected through questionnaires and analyzed using SEM, revealing the positive effects of financial institutions and globalization on waqf in SME development. Open innovation is highlighted as crucial for collaboration between SMEs, Islamic endowments, and external stakeholders to address environmental challenges and promote long-term growth.
social financing, sustainable development, SMEs, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia
Publication
An Extended TAM-TOE Model with PLS-SEM Analysis
Published on 2025-02-22 by Chen Qu, Eunyoung Kim @MDPI
Abstract: The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed industries, positioning the fashion sector as a critical area of study due to its mass production and pressing sustainability challenges. As the world’s largest apparel producer, China faces unique hurdles in terms of integrating AI technologies, highlighting the intersection of technological innovation and sustainability within this industry. In this context, this study aims to provide the initial ex[...]
Our summary: This study explores the correlation between AI adoption and open innovation in the fashion industry, using an extended TAM-TOE model with PLS-SEM analysis. It identifies the significant impacts of knowledge absorptive capacity (KACAP) and provides insights for MSMEs managers. The results show a strong explanatory capacity of the model and highlight the influence of AI on open innovation through KACAP.
AI adoption, PLS-SEM, TAM-TOE model, sustainability
Publication
Water-soluble film based delivery systems for colorants, glitter, and other chemistries
Patent published on the 2025-02-19 in GB under Ref GB2632757 by CRAYOLA LLC [US] (Michael G Moskal [us], Jacqueline Dyszel [us], Jane Patriarca [us], Keith J Allison [us], Regan Johnson [us], Lee Sokolowski [us], Joseph Moll [us], Robert Henry [us])
Abstract: Casings, dye tablets, DIY activity-kits include one or more casings, one or more encased dye tablets, or a combination thereof, that are configured to impart an artistic effect to an article, hydrographic sheets, and dip and decorator activity-kits including one or more hydrographic sheets and an instruction for imparting an artistic effect to the article using the one or more hydrographic sheets. The casings include at least one compartment formed of a water-soluble film, and one or more agents[...]
Our summary: Casings and dye tablets for DIY artistic effects, hydrographic sheets for decorating articles, water-soluble film compartments with colorant formulations and fixatives
water-soluble film, delivery systems, colorants, hydrographic sheets
Patent
Antibody-conjugates for targeting of tumours expressing ptk7.
Patent published on the 2024-09-24 in MX under Ref MX2024011518 by SYNAFFIX BV [NL] (Lelieveldt Lianne [nl], Van Geel Remon, Van Berkel Sander Sebastiaan, Van Delft Floris Louis)
Abstract: The present invention concerns antibody-conjugates which are especially suitable for the targeting of PTK7-expressing cells, in particular tumour cells. The antibody-conjugates according to the invention have structure: AB-[(L<sub>6</sub>)<sub>b</sub>ÍY-{Z-L-D}<sub>x</sub>]<sub>y</s ub> Herein, AB is an antibody capable of targeting PTK7-expressing tumours; L is a linker that links Z to D; Z is a connecting group; L<sup>6</sup> is â¿[...]
Our summary: Antibody-conjugates for targeting PTK7-expressing tumour cells have a specific structure and method for preparation and application.
antibody-conjugates, tumour targeting, PTK7-expressing cells, structure
Patent
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