Challenges In Development Research Articles

The role of green ammonia in meeting challenges towards a sustainable development in China

The shift to a sustainable development has become an important issue in China. This paper discusses the role of green ammonia in promoting China's energy, environmental and economic sustainability which has not drawn enough attention. First, key challenges in China's energy transition, decarbonisation and regional sustainable development are explored. The coal-dominated energy consumption has placed great obstacles in achieving energy transition and led to massive CO2 emission since the large-scale industrialization. The high dependency on oil and gas import has threatened China's energy security. Imbalanced and unsustainable regional development is identified with data envelopment analysis. Second, the potential of green ammonia in meeting these challenges is analysed. Ammonia is examined to be a flexible and economic option for large-scale hydrogen transport and storage. Co-firing ammonia in coal power generation at 3 % rate is evaluated as an option for achieving low-carbon transition by 2030. Benefits of developing a green ammonia economy is discussed from energy, environmental and economic aspects. The practice can decline fossil energy consumption, enhance energy security, and facilitate renewable energy delivery and storage, industry decarbonisation, and regional development. We assume the findings and results contribute to addressing sustainability challenges and realizing a hydrogen economy in China.

Present Situation and Challenge of BlM Development in Construction Cost Industry

This paper analyzes the construction cost situation, BIM technology development, cost measurement methods, cost pricing system, cost control practice and cost management experience of our country and the United Kingdom, the United States and Japan. Finally, the outlook for the future development of engineering cost industry in our country is concluded. and the relevant suggestion is given, which provides a useful reference for the development of engineering cost industry in our country.

The role of family doctors in developing primary care systems in Asia: a systematic review of qualitative research conducted in middle-income countries 2010-2020.

The Asia Pacific Region's middle-income countries (MICs) face unique challenges in the ongoing development of primary care (PC) systems. This development is complicated by systemic factors, including rapid policy changes and the introduction of private healthcare services, as well as the mounting challenges associated with ageing populations and increasing rates of chronic diseases. Despite the widespread acknowledgement of the importance of family doctors in the development of PC services, relatively little is known about how these roles have developed in Asian MICs. To address this gap, this systematic review presents a synthesis of recent research focused on the role of family doctors within the PC systems of MICs in the Asia Pacific Region. We searched six electronic databases (CINAHL Complete, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and Index Medicus for the South-East Asia Region and Western Pacific) for peer-reviewed qualitative literature published between January 2010 and December 2020. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Eighteen articles were included in the analysis. Findings from these articles were extracted and synthesised using qualitative thematic synthesis. We used the Rainbow Framework to analyse the interconnections within health systems at the macro, meso and micro levels. Our analysis of the included articles showed that family doctors play a crucial role in bridging the gap between hospitals and communities. They are essential in adopting holistic approaches to health and wellbeing and are in a unique position to try and address social, psychological, and biological aspects of health. Our findings also highlight the influence of policy changes at the macro level on the role and responsibilities of family doctors at the meso (organisational) and micro (interpersonal) levels. Limited research has explored the role of family doctors in the ongoing development of primary care systems in MICs in the Asia Pacific Region. The findings of this review have significant implications for policymakers and healthcare administrators involved in ongoing improvements to and strengthening of PC systems. Areas of particular concern relate to policy linked with training and workforce development, insurance systems and public awareness of what primary care services are.

Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Models: Potential Tools for Advancing Drug Development for Rare Diseases.

Rare diseases, affecting millions globally, present significant drug development challenges. This is due to the limited patient populations and the unique pathophysiology of these diseases, which can make traditional clinical trial designs unfeasible. Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) models offer a promising approach to expedite drug development, particularly in rare diseases. QSP models provide a mechanistic representation of the disease and drug response in virtual patients that can complement routinely applied empirical modeling and simulation approaches. QSP models can generate digital twins of actual patients and mechanistically simulate the disease progression of rare diseases, accounting for phenotypic heterogeneity. QSP models can also support drug development in various drug modalities, such as gene therapy. Impactful QSP models case studies are presented here to illustrate their value in supporting various aspects of drug development in rare indications. As these QSP model applications continue to mature, there is a growing possibility that they could be more widely integrated into routine drug development steps. This integration could provide a robust framework for addressing some of the inherent challenges in rare disease drug development.

Research on the Pass Capacity Model of Logging Tools for Complex Horizontal Wells

Shale gas, which exists in organic-rich shale or mud shale formations primarily in adsorbed or free states, poses significant development challenges due to the low permeability of shale formations. Traditional vertical wells are ineffective for shale gas extraction, making horizontal wells and large-scale hydraulic fracturing essential for efficient development. However, the complexity of the formation can lead to casing deformation, severely impacting the pass capacity of plug and perforation gun strings in the wellbore. This study analyzes the causes of casing deformation and discusses the rapid development of the cluster perforating technology in perforation operations, and discusses the challenges that might encountered during the process of wireline conveying or pumping. The irregular trajectory of horizontal wells and the high dogleg deflecting severity in the deviated sections can cause cluster perforating strings to suddenly get stuck during the downhole process, leading to a sudden increase in pumping pressure, which may result in premature seating of the fracturing bridge plug, or pull-off accidents at the weak point of the wireline. This research aims to improve engineering efficiency and prevent engineering accidents by conducting a pass capacity analysis of the perforating tool string, which is of significant engineering importance for shale gas development.

Obstacles and Challenges of Rural Development in Afghanistan: Examining Problems and Solutions: A Comprehensive Study

Rural development in Afghanistan faces a range of complex and interrelated challenges, which hinder sustainable growth in the region. This research aims to identify the main obstacles hindering rural development and provide strategic recommendations to achieve sustainable growth. The research utilizes a theoretical approach method with comprehensive document analysis, critical review, and literature review of current sources covering the period 2020 to 2024. Institutional, socio-cultural, economic, environmental and infrastructural factors affecting rural development were analyzed. The results show that rural development in Afghanistan is hampered by various challenges, including ineffective governance, centralized planning, and lack of a cohesive development strategy. Socio-cultural issues such as massive rural-to-urban migration, low education levels, gender inequality, and lack of community participation are also significant obstacles. Economically, poverty, unemployment, low agricultural productivity and limited access to markets and financial services hinder progress. Environmental issues such as land degradation, water scarcity and vulnerability to natural disasters worsen the situation. In addition, poor physical infrastructure, including inadequate transportation networks, limited access to clean water and sanitation, and minimal health and education facilities, further slow progress. The implications of this study emphasize the importance of a holistic and integrated approach that includes decentralization and improved governance structures, increased community participation in planning and implementation processes, and significant investment in infrastructure development.

Double-edged sword of industrial internet of things: Empirical evidence from green transformation of enterprises

The industrial revolution based on the Internet of Things brings new opportunities and challenges for enterprises' green and sustainable development. Therefore, this study explores the relationship between the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) and the Green Transformation of Enterprises (GT) based on the data of China's A-share listed companies from 2009 to 2023 using two-way fixed, mediated effect, and moderated effect models. The results show that for every unit increase in IIOT, the GT increases by 28.89 percent on average, indicating that IIOT can break down information barriers and effectively promote GT. However, after disaggregating the GT, it was found that the IIOT guided companies to implement the Symbolic Green Transformation (SGT) instead of adopting the Realistic Green Transformation (RGT). This strategic choice preference is more pronounced among firms that are larger, in energy-intensive industries, in regions with weaker environmental regulations and higher levels of development. The intermediary mechanism test proved that the IIOT can drive firms to implement comprehensive GT through paths that enhance investment attractiveness, productivity, technological innovation, and pay gaps. In particular, the masking effect reminds us that smart technology is a “double-edged sword”. The negative effects of smart technologies hinder the implementation of RGT. Further analysis reveals an inverted U-shaped relationship between IIOT and RGT preferences. In addition, in companies that focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance and avoid financial speculation, the dark side of intelligent technology is suppressed. The findings of this study enrich the research scope of smart technology, GT, and provide important insights for enterprises in emerging economies to rationally utilize IIOT to seek green and sustainable development under the wave of rapid development of smart technology.

Thermal runaway prevention through scalable fabrication of safety reinforced layer in practical Li-ion batteries

Integrating safety features to cut off excessive current during accidental internal short circuits in Li-ion batteries (LIBs) can reduce the risk of thermal runaway. However, making this concept practical requires overcoming challenges in both material development and scalable manufacturing. Here, we demonstrate the roll-to-roll production of a safety reinforced layer (SRL) on current collectors at a rate of 5 km per day. The SRL, made of molecularly engineered polythiophene (PTh) and carbon additives, interrupts current flow during voltage drops or overheating without adversely affecting battery performance. Impact testing on 3.4-Ah pouch cells shows that the SRL reduces battery explosions from 63% to 10%. This work underscores the potential of integrating material science with manufacturing technology to enhance battery safety.

Investigating the impact of the internet on managing green financial innovation and improving agricultural conditions in water-scarce Asian regions using ANN modeling

This research focuses on the importance of management strategies, green innovation, and sustainable practices in the agricultural sector. These factors are crucial for job creation, food security, and environmental conservation. Particularly in water-scarce regions, effective management is necessary to overcome natural resource constraints and encourage a shift towards digital agriculture (AGRI). The study aims to identify and analyze the challenges and issues related to agricultural research and technology in Asian countries. The collected data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis in the SPSS software. The analysis revealed a range of issues and challenges for agricultural development, including those related to the structure and policy framework, the availability and quality of resources and infrastructures, and the provision of effective support services, all of which encompassed factors such as research and technology investment, research management, productivity, research culture, networking, and the integration of higher education and agricultural research. To estimate the efficiency of technology development, agricultural development, and support services for AGRI, an artificial neural network (ANN) was utilized. The ANN was trained by incorporating changes in management strategies, green innovation, and sustainability across a broader range of experimental scenarios. The evaluation of the ANN's predictions showed that improvements in management strategies and the adoption of green innovation and sustainability significantly impacted the productivity of technology development, agricultural development, and support services for AGRI. The accuracy of the ANN's predictions was further assessed using linear regression. The results indicated an acceptable level of error when compared to the target results obtained from experimental tests. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of effective management, green innovation, and sustainable practices in driving advancements in technology and agricultural development.

Automated ventricular segmentation and shunt failure detection using convolutional neural networks.

While ventricular shunts are the main treatment for adult hydrocephalus, shunt malfunction remains a common problem that can be challenging to diagnose. Computer vision-derived algorithms present a potential solution. We designed a feasibility study to see if such an algorithm could automatically predict ventriculomegaly indicative of shunt failure in a real-life adult hydrocephalus population. We retrospectively identified a consecutive series of adult shunted hydrocephalus patients over an eight-year period. Associated computed tomography scans were extracted and each scan was reviewed by two investigators. A machine learning algorithm was trained to identify the lateral and third ventricles, and then applied to test scans. Results were compared to human performance using Sørensen-Dice coefficients, calculated total ventricular volumes, and ventriculomegaly as documented in the electronic medical record. 5610 axial images from 191 patients were included for final analysis, with 52 segments (13.6% of total data) reserved for testing. Algorithmic performance on the test group averaged a Dice score of 0.809 ± 0.094. Calculated total ventricular volumes did not differ significantly between computer-derived volumes and volumes marked by either the first reviewer or second reviewer (p > 0.05). Algorithm detection of ventriculomegaly was correct in all test cases and this correlated with correct prediction of need for shunt revision in 92.3% of test cases. Though development challenges remain, it is feasible to create automated algorithms that detect ventriculomegaly in adult hydrocephalus shunt malfunction with high reliability and accuracy.

A scalable, high-throughput neural development platform identifies shared impact of ASD genes on cell fate and differentiation.

Deleterious mutations in hundreds of genes confer high risk for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), posing significant challenges for therapeutic development. Identifying convergent pathways shared across NDD genes could reveal high-impact therapeutic targets. To identity convergent pathways in NDD genes, we optimized Perturb-seq, a method combining CRISPR perturbation with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and applied structural topic modeling (STM) to simultaneously assess impact on cell fate and developmental stage. We then studied a subset of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) genes implicated in regulation of gene expression using these improved molecular and analytical approaches. Results from targeting 60 high-confidence ASD risk genes revealed significant effects on neural development. As expected, ASD risk genes impacted both progenitor fate and/or neuronal differentiation. Using STM, we could identify latent topics jointly capturing cell types, cell fate, and differentiation stages. Repression of ASD risk genes led to changes in topic proportions and effects of four genes (DEAF1, KMT2A, MED13L, and MYT1L) were validated in an independent dataset. Our optimized Perturb-seq method, combined with a novel analytical approach, provides a powerful, cost-effective framework for uncovering convergent mechanisms among genes involved in complex neurodevelopmental processes. Application of these methods advanced understanding of the impact of ASD mutations on multiple dimensions of neural development, and provides a framework for a broader examination of the function of NDD risk genes.

Growing liveable cities: an indicators study of Melbourne’s fast-growing metropolitan area

Building liveable cities is challenging; ensuring we keep building liveable cities with growing populations is more difficult, but it's a task that we can tackle together. The Metropolitan Growth Area Councils (MGACs) in Greater Melbourne are experiencing rapid growth, which presents development opportunities and challenges for building liveable communities. This article examines the correlations between MGACs and other metropolitan councils on key indicators such as population, council representation, household characters, education, employment, transport, and safety. It concludes that MGACs tend to have larger populations, more children, younger communities, and lower mortgage payments but are less likely to own their homes outright, more commuters by car and large gaps in community infrastructure such as schools and libraries. Crimes such as burglaries, housebreaking, and arson are also problems. As decision-makers, urban planners, community stakeholders, and researchers involved in urban development and community planning, it is crucial to target resources at these challenges to make communities in growth areas more liveable.

Integrating toyota production system for sustainability and competitive advantage in medical device software design

This research explores the integration of the Toyota Production System (TPS) and sustainability into the software design and development processes of a medium-sized medical device company dealing with resource constraints and evolving customer requirements. Through an analysis of TPS principles and how they relate to manufacturing and software development challenges, the research seeks to strengthen efficiency and competitiveness. It provides an adaptable implementation plan that fosters a competitive strategy and promotes sustainability through efficient software practices. The paper presents a roadmap for systematically integrating TPS and sustainability in alignment with international best practices, positioning the company to thrive in the expanding medical software market. This framework addresses immediate operational issues while laying the groundwork for long-term success and compliance with industry standards.

Advancements in mammalian display technology for therapeutic antibody development and beyond: current landscape, challenges, and future prospects.

The evolving development landscape of biotherapeutics and their growing complexity from simple antibodies into bi- and multi-specific molecules necessitates sophisticated discovery and engineering platforms. This review focuses on mammalian display technology as a potential solution to the pressing challenges in biotherapeutic development. We provide a comparative analysis with established methodologies, highlighting key aspects of mammalian display technology, including genetic engineering, construction of display libraries, and its pivotal role in hit selection and/or developability engineering. The review delves into the mechanisms underpinning developability-driven selection via mammalian display and their broader implications. Applications beyond antibody discovery are also explored, alongside advancements towards function-first screening technologies, precision genome engineering and AI/ML-enhanced libraries, situating them in the context of mammalian display. Overall, the review provides a comprehensive overview of the current mammalian display technology landscape, underscores the expansive potential of the technology for biotherapeutic development, addresses the critical challenges for the full realisation of this potential, and examines advances in related disciplines that might impact the future application of mammalian display technologies.

Negative expansion induced anti-abrasive self-cleaning coatings for enhancing output of solar panels

Pollutants on solar panels impede sunlight absorption, leading to a reduction in their output power. Superhydrophilic coatings exhibit effective self-cleaning performance as droplets fully spread on their surfaces. However, one challenge for the commercial development of transparent superhydrophilic coatings is poor abrasion resistance. Frictional heating on the coatings’ surface causes the abrasion force to rise uncontrollably, which in turn causes the coatings to either fracture or wear catastrophically. A promising alternative is utilizing novel adaptive materials with a negative thermal expansion coefficient in the coating. The compressive stress on the surface of the coating with negative expansion will enhance its abrasion resistance. Here, we demonstrate a method to achieve compressive stress in the coating by incorporating halloysite (HNTs) nanotubes due to their negative expansive behavior. Hydrolyzed tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) combines HNTs nanotubes with SiO2 nanoparticles, thus forming a hard nano-composite unit. Meanwhile, amino resin and acrylic resin as adhesives participate in constructing the coating’s three-dimensional network structure. The surfactant sodium alkenyl sulfonate (AOS) endows the coating with superhydrophilicity. As a result, the nano-composite (NC) coating shows superior superhydrophilicity and anti-abrasive properties. The NC coating retains good hydrophilicity and self-cleaning properties after 2000 cycles of Taber abrasion loading 250 g or 1000-line cycles of steel wool friction loading 500 g. The self-cleaning performance of the robust NC coating on solar panels can improve the output power by up to 33.65 % after 296 days. Hence, introducing shrinkage components such as HNTs may provide a general strategy for developing robust superhydrophilic coatings.

Development of DuoMYC: a synthetic cell penetrant miniprotein that efficiently inhibits the oncogenic transcription factor MYC.

The master regulator transcription factor MYC is implicated in numerous human cancers, and its targeting is a long-standing challenge in drug development. MYC is a typical 'undruggable' target, with no binding pockets on its DNA binding domain and extensive intrinsically disordered regions. Rather than trying to target MYC directly with classical modalities, here we engineer synthetic miniproteins that can bind to MYC's target DNA, the enhancer box (E-Box), and potently inhibit MYC-driven transcription. We crafted the miniproteins via structure-based design and a combination of solid phase peptide synthesis and site-specific crosslinking. Our lead variant, DuoMYC, binds to E-Box DNA with high affinity (KD ~ 0.1 µM) and is able to enter cells and inhibit MYC-driven transcription with submicromolar potency (IC50 = 464 nM) as shown by reporter gene assay and confirmed by RNA sequencing. Notably, DuoMYC surpasses the efficacy of several other recently developed MYC inhibitors. Our results highlight the potential of engineered synthetic protein therapeutics for addressing challenging intracellular targets.

Development of DuoMYC: a synthetic cell penetrant miniprotein that efficiently inhibits the oncogenic transcription factor MYC

The master regulator transcription factor MYC is implicated in numerous human cancers, and its targeting is a long‐standing challenge in drug development. MYC is a typical ‘undruggable’ target, with no binding pockets on its DNA binding domain and extensive intrinsically disordered regions. Rather than trying to target MYC directly with classical modalities, here we engineer synthetic miniproteins that can bind to MYC’s target DNA, the enhancer box (E‐Box), and potently inhibit MYC‐driven transcription. We crafted the miniproteins via structure‐based design and a combination of solid phase peptide synthesis and site‐specific crosslinking. Our lead variant, DuoMYC, binds to E‐Box DNA with high affinity (KD ~ 0.1 µM) and is able to enter cells and inhibit MYC‐driven transcription with submicromolar potency (IC50 = 464 nM) as shown by reporter gene assay and confirmed by RNA sequencing. Notably, DuoMYC surpasses the efficacy of several other recently developed MYC inhibitors. Our results highlight the potential of engineered synthetic protein therapeutics for addressing challenging intracellular targets.

Circular Economy and Sustainability in Nigeria: Opportunities and Challenges for Development

Circular Economy and Sustainability in Nigeria: Opportunities and Challenges for Development

Robust variable selection methods with Cox model-a selective practical benchmark study.

With the advancement of biological and medical techniques, we can now obtain large amounts of high-dimensional omics data with censored survival information. This presents challenges in method development across various domains, particularly in variable selection. Given the inherently skewed distribution of the survival time outcome variable, robust variable selection methods offer potential solutions. Recently, there has been a focus on extending robust variable selection methods from linear regression models to survival models. However, despite these developments, robust methods are currently rarely used in practical applications, possibly due to a limited appreciation of their overall good performance. To address this gap, we conduct a selective review comparing the variable selection performance of twelve robust and non-robust penalised Cox models. Our study reveals the intricate relationship among covariates, survival outcomes, and modeling approaches, demonstrating how subtle variations can significantly impact the performance of methods considered. Based on our empirical research, we recommend the use of robust Cox models for variable selection in practice based on their superior performance in presence of outliers while maintaining good efficiency and accuracy when there are no outliers. This study provides valuable insights for method development and application, contributing to a better understanding of the relationship between correlated covariates and censored outcomes.

Risk society and the challenge of sustainable rural development in the era of pesticides

This study addresses the issue of pesticides in agriculture from the perspective of risk society theory. Through a comprehensive literature review, the study explores the central concepts of the theory, such as manufactured uncertainty, individualization of risks, and the globalization of effects. Pesticides are an emblematic example of modernity's risks. Their widespread use, driven by the pursuit of high productivity, conceals dangers to human health, biodiversity, and ecosystems. The complex and often invisible nature of the impacts of pesticides makes it difficult for society to perceive the risks. This invisibility, combined with unequal access to information and the lack of transparency from the industry, exacerbates the problem. Methodologically, this article presents itself as an exploratory narrative literature review. The final considerations point to ecological-based agriculture as a promising path for building a fairer, more sustainable, and safer agricultural system. Furthermore, Ulrich Beck's risk society theory underscores the urgency of seeking sustainable alternatives for agriculture and public policies that promote social and environmental justice, focusing on agroecology and organic production. This is essential to building a fairer and more sustainable future for the next generations. Additionally, it is important to highlight the need to bring this debate into the realm of public security, as this area plays a crucial role in promoting more sustainable societies with fewer individual and collective risks.