Complex Issues Research Articles

MISIOLOGI KONTEKSTUAL DI INDONESIA: SOLUSI TEOLOGIS DAN SOSIAL UNTUK MASYARAKAT PLURALIS

In Indonesia, a pluralistic society with diverse cultures, religions, ethnicities, and worldviews poses significant challenges to church missiology. Horizontal conflicts related to religion and ethnicity are a frequent occurrence in the course of the nation's journey. This article explores the theological and social approaches to dealing with the issue's complexity. It investigates how the church can be a positive change agent in promoting interfaith dialogue, building social harmony, and strengthening cross-cultural understanding. Using a research method that involves theological study and social analysis expressed in a descriptive qualitative method with a literature study approach to understand the church's and missionaries' role in contemporary society. The conclusion is the need for the church to understand the dynamics of pluralism in the context of missiology in Indonesia so that it can provide a theological approach strategy in missiology for multicultural societies and also the importance of social strategies in facing the challenges of missiology in contemporary society. Finally, it can provide social and cultural impacts and implications for the practice of missiology in Indonesia. hence highlighting the need for a holistic approach that integrates theology with the social context of society, so that missiology can play an effective role in facing contemporary challenges and expanding its positive impact in social and spiritual transformation in Indonesia.

Agglomeration phenomenon in graphene/polymer nanocomposites: Reasons, roles, and remedies

The addition of low-loading content of nanofillers may improve the material properties of polymer-based nanocomposites. This improvement directly corresponds to the density of well-dispersed nanofillers in the matrix. However, for higher nanofiller loadings, the nanocomposites' material properties not only may not be improved but also may be degraded due to agglomeration. This complex phenomenon, where nanofillers tend to form agglomerates with the enhancement of volume fraction, poses significant challenges in materials science and nanotechnology. It has been proven that agglomerations hinder the performance of the nanocomposites and thwart the unique properties of nanofillers in most aspects. Graphene, one of the most used nanofillers, plays a remarkable role in nanotechnology. Therefore, the key focus of the current review is to provide insight into the impact of agglomeration on the various material properties such as tensile, flexural, fracture, fatigue, thermal, electrical, and barrier characteristics of the polymer nanocomposites reinforced by graphene-based structures. A comprehensive review of the factors leading to the agglomeration of graphene in the nanocomposites was presented. It was concluded that agglomeration could be a barrier to developing polymer-based nanocomposites, and the challenges of controlling the nanofiller agglomerations were discussed in depth, highlighting the issue's complexity.

A wavefront processing coding metasurface with independent dynamic control of circularly and linearly polarized

To address the current issue of complex coding metasurface structure and deficiency of independent phase control for distinct polarized light within the broadband range, we present a wavefront processing coding metasurface with independent dynamic control of circularly and linearly polarized. The results demonstrate that when VO2 is in the metallic state and circularly polarized (CP) is incident, the metasurface can achieve efficient broadband circular polarization conversion in the 0.48–1.19 THz range, with a relative bandwidth of 85.02 %. It can achieve full 0-2π phase coverage by leveraging the P-B phase principle. When VO2 is in the dielectric state and linearly polarized (LP) is incident, x-LP can attain full 0-2π phase coverage in the range of 1.54–1.60 THz and y-LP can reach full 0-2π phase coverage in the range of 0.65–1.05 THz, which can be adjusted independently. Through encoding and arranging the metasurface, abnormal reflection and vortex beam generation of different polarized light in the same device are realized.

Printing amphotericin B on microneedles using matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation.

Transdermal delivery of amphotericin B, a pharmacological agent with activity against fungi and parasitic protozoa, is a challenge since amphotericin B exhibits poor solubility in aqueous solutions at physiologic pH values. In this study, we have used a laser-based printing approach known as matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation to print amphotericin B on the surfaces of polyglycolic acid microneedles that were prepared using a combination of injection molding and drawing lithography. In a modified agar disk diffusion assay, the amphotericin B-loaded microneedles showed concentration-dependent activity against the yeast Candida albicans. The results of this study suggest that matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation may be used to print amphotericin B and other drugs that have complex solubility issues on the surfaces of microneedles.

Experience is central and connections matter: A Leximancer analysis of the research priorities of people with lived experience of mental health issues in Australia

Mental health research priority-setting has a long history internationally. Many of these studies use expert panels or consensus methods across multiple mental health stakeholder groups. Whilst such approaches are designed to produce agreed research priorities, there is a risk that the specific and nuanced priorities of less powerful groups, especially those with lived experience of mental health issues, are lost in translation. We aimed to develop Australian mental health research priorities from the perspectives of people living with mental ill-health and their carers, families and kinship group members. A cross-sectional, open-ended survey was conducted nationally in Australia during January and February 2022. We asked participants to list three priorities on which mental health research should focus. Responses were analysed using Leximancer, a text analytics tool, to examine the concepts and their connections across the data. A total of 365 people with lived experience of mental ill-health participated in the survey. The majority (57%) identified as consumers, with 14% identifying as carers and 29% reporting both types of lived experience. Participants were from all Australian states and territories and from metropolitan, regional and remote areas. The Leximancer analysis generated 30 concepts in six thematic priority areas. The most prominent themes were experience, treatment and impact, followed by stigma, peer and trauma. The concept maps displayed complex connections and interrelationships between specific concepts, with lived experience a large and central concept. Analysis of the textual responses emphasised the importance of examining specifics, as the nuanced research priorities traversed themes and concept across the maps. This project provides robust evidence on the central importance of experience as driving mental health lived experience research priorities. Further, it demonstrates that people with lived experience describe the key issues in complex, interrelated ways that require multi-factorial research approaches to address.

Categorization, Identification, and Management of Stakeholders in University Hospital of China Based on Public Value Theory

Public hospitals, particularly university hospitals, as the primary suppliers of high-quality healthcare services in China, play an indispensable role in encouraging the development of a healthy China. In the new historical period, university hospitals are faced with the challenge of the continuous development and change of the external environment, as well as the internal structure. The primary cause for this is a lack of understanding of the connotation and definition of hospital stakeholders, as well as neglecting stakeholder requests and failing to build and form a strategic awareness of improving stakeholder management in university hospital. This paper focuses on the stakeholders of university hospitals in China, investigates the classification and identification of stakeholders, five university hospitals designated as "Grade A tertiary hospitals" was carried out. Semi-Interviews were conducted with 33 participants including experts, university hospital leadership level, and basic level. The study revealed that there are ten (10) stakeholders influencing the development of university hospitals in China and discussed the importance of stakeholders for hospital management and operation in the current medical environment and doctor-patient relationship in China. The study revealed that certain stakeholders drive university hospitals to shift their development strategies. The classification and identification of stakeholders in the pattern of interactions is critical for understanding the complexity and dynamics inherent in stakeholder relationship management. A systemic vision is required to address the university hospital issue's complexity from a broader perspective, engage the system's numerous stakeholders, and allow long-term decision-making.

A Contemporary Review on the Critical Role of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents in Colorectal Cancer Therapy.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are widely recognized as effective pain relievers and function by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzyme (COXs). Moreover, they have been found to participate in various cellular processes through different signaling pathways, such as WNT, MAPK, NF-κB, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR. This makes them potential candidates for chemoprevention of several malignancies, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the use of NSAIDs in cancer prevention and treatment is a complex issue due to their adverse effects and gastrointestinal toxicity. Therefore, it is crucial to explore combination therapies that can minimize side effects while maximizing synergistic effects with other agents and to evaluate the success rate of such approaches in both pre-clinical and clinical studies. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the effects of NSAIDs in the prevention and treatment of CRC. We will focus on elucidating the possible mechanisms of action of these drugs, the signaling pathways involved in CRC, and the potential synergistic effects when combined with other therapeutic agents.

Monetizing Animal Welfare Impacts for Benefit–Cost Analysis

Abstract Animal welfare is often ignored in decision-making, despite widespread agreement about its importance. This is partly because of a lack of quantitative methods to assess the impacts of policies on humans and nonhumans alike on a common scale. At the same time, recent work in economics, philosophy, and animal welfare science has made progress on the fundamental theoretical challenge of estimating the well-being potential of different species on a single scale. By combining these estimates of each species’ well-being potential with assessments of how various policies impact the quality of life for these species, along with the number of animals affected, we can arrive at a framework for estimating the impact of policies on animal health and well-being. This framework allows for a quantifiable comparison between policies affecting humans and animals. For instance, it enables us to compare human QALYs to animal QALYs tailored to specific species. Hence, the intrinsic value of animal welfare impacts of policies can be monetized on the same scale as market and non-market impact for humans, facilitating benefit–cost analysis. Many challenges remain though, including issues of population ethics, political feasibility, and new complexities in addressing equity and uncertainty.

Sustainable Consumption and Social Justice: Should Countries Take Action to Ban the Sale of Products Made under Sweatshop Conditions?

This paper investigates the subject of sweatshop labour and the debate over whether countries should prohibit the sale of products produced under such conditions. The introduction emphasises the importance of better working conditions and minimal standards in sweatshop factories, while also admitting that customers may be ready to pay slightly higher costs to support better working circumstances for sweatshop workers. However, economists say that sweatshop labour is preferable than not working or working for extremely low wages, and that a blanket ban on sweatshop products could result in job losses and other negative repercussions. The literature study explores a range of viewpoints on sweatshop labour, including moral and financial grounds. Additionally, it highlights how consumer movements and market pressure influence businesses to improve working conditions. The paper also emphasises the issue's complexity and the need for a fair policy that considers employees' rights and practical factors. To improve the working circumstances of sweatshop workers, a multi-pronged strategy is recommended. This method includes consumer pressure, government regulation, and voluntary codes of conduct. The importance of striking a compromise that takes into account differing points of view and deals with the complexities of the sweatshop labour issue is emphasised in the conclusion. Overall, the study provides a thorough assessment of the subject, emphasising the necessity for ethical manufacturing processes and improved working conditions while taking into account economic ramifications and unexpected consequences.

Balancing Awareness Fast Charging Control for Lithium-Ion Battery Pack Using Deep Reinforcement Learning

Minimizing charging time without damaging the batteries is significantly crucial for the large-scale penetration of electric vehicles. However, charging inconsistency caused by inevitable manufacture and usage inconsistencies can lead to lower efficiency, capacity, and shorter durability due to the “cask effect”. This goal can be achieved by solving a series of constrained optimization problems with the model-based framework. Nevertheless, the high computational complexity, identifiability, and observability issues still limit their fidelity and robustness. To overcome these limitations and provide end-to-end learning strategies, this paper proposes a balancing-aware fast-charging control framework based on deep reinforcement learning. In particular, a cell-to-pack equalization topology is first introduced to dispatch energy among in-pack cells. Then, the balancing awareness fast charging problem is formulated as a multiobjective optimization problem by considering charging time, consistency, and over-voltage safety constraints. Thirdly, a deep reinforcement learning framework using a deep Q-network is established to find the optimal policy. By using the generalization of a neural network, the learned policies can be transferred to real-time charging and balancing control, thus improving the applicability of the proposed strategy. Finally, numerous comparative simulations and experimental results illustrate its effectiveness and superiority in terms of charging rapidity and balancing.

Policy Learning for Nonlinear Model Predictive Control With Application to USVs

The unaffordable computation load of nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) has prevented it for being used in robots with high sampling rates for decades. This paper is concerned with the policy learning problem for nonlinear MPC with system constraints, where the nonlinear MPC policy is learned offline and deployed online to resolve the computational complexity issue. A deep neural networks (DNN) based policy learning MPC (PL-MPC) method is proposed to avoid solving nonlinear optimal control problems online. The detailed policy learning method is developed and the PL-MPC algorithm is designed. The strategy to ensure the practical feasibility of policy implementation is proposed, and it is theoretically proved that the closed-loop system under the proposed method is asymptotically stable in probability. In addition, we apply the PL-MPC algorithm successfully to the motion control of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). It is shown that the proposed algorithm can be implemented at a sampling rate up to <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\rm{5}~Hz$</tex-math></inline-formula> with high-precision motion control.

Mathematical Lens on Administrative Services: A mathematical perspective on the administrative services of certain staffers in certain institution

The application of mathematics in administrative services is multifaceted, enhancing decision-making, operational efficiency, and strategic planning. Mathematical techniques are crucial in formulating and solving both theoretical and practical problems across various fields, including business and management. This paper explores the complex issues of unfairness or bureaucracy within the administrative services of certain staffers of a certain institution. By employing advanced mathematical concepts, we model and analyze these problems to gain deeper insights into their causes and potential solutions. The paper introduces novel mathematical frameworks to quantify and assess the impact of these issues on the overall functioning of the institution.

Viscous dissipation and Joule heating effects on the unsteady micropolar fluid flow past a horizontal surface of revolution

This study aims to investigate the Joule effect, thermal radiation, and Coriolis effects in unsteady magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) micropolar flow over a 3-D unstable sheet. A magnetic field is typically applied to the surface; additionally, it is assumed that the fluid is conducting electricity. Other micro-rotations are also considered. The physical issue is resolved with the help of the fundamental equations, and the issue's complexity is reduced with the use of similarity variables. In the present approach, the homotopy analysis method (HAM) is employed. The heat, skin's friction factor, temperature, micro movements, and velocity associated with the emerging parameters and transfer rates are considered. The boundary layer thickness is increased as the parameter of vorticity increases. When the magnitude of the magnetic field increases, the skin friction coefficient decreases. The state variables are approximated up to six decimal places numerically. The numerical values of −f″(0) and −θ′(0) are computed to higher decimal places and compared with the available literature to validate the results. The outcomes obtained are compared with the available literature; the results here are corroborated, and the performance of the HAM is demonstrated.

Sustainable and Resilient Land Use Planning: A Multi-Objective Optimization Approach

Land use allocation (LUA) is of prime importance for the development of urban sustainability and resilience. Since the process of planning and managing land use requires balancing different conflicting social, economic, and environmental factors, it has become a complex and significant issue in urban planning worldwide. LUA is usually regarded as a spatial multi-objective optimization (MOO) problem in previous studies. In this paper, we develop an MOO approach for tackling the LUA problem, in which maximum economy, minimum carbon emissions, maximum accessibility, maximum integration, and maximum compactness are formulated as optimal objectives. To solve the MOO problem, an improved non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm III (NSGA-III) is proposed in terms of mutation and crossover operations by preserving the constraints on the sizes for each land use type. The proposed approach was applied to KaMavota district, Maputo City, Mozambique, to generate a proper land use plan. The results showed that the improved NSGA-III yielded better performance than the standard NSGA-III. The optimal solutions produced by the MOO approach provide good trade-offs between the conflicting objectives. This research is beneficial for policymakers and city planners by providing alternative land use allocation plans for urban sustainability and resilience.

Power imbalances and equity in the day-to-day functioning of a north plus multi-south higher education institutions partnership: a case study

BackgroundPartnerships between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the global north and south have commonly been used as a vehicle to drive global health research and initiatives. Among these initiatives, include health system strengthening, research capacity building, and human resource training in developing countries. However, the partnership functioning of many global north-south partnerships still carry legacies of colonialism through unrecognized behavior patterns, attitudes, and belief systems in how they function. Even with research literature calling for a shift from equality to equity in the functioning of these partnerships, many still struggle with issues of complex and unspoken power dynamics. To understand the successes and challenges of north-south partnerships, this paper explored partnership development and functioning of a northern and multi-southern HEIs partnership focused on nutrition education and research.MethodsA qualitative research approach was used; data were collected through in-depth interviews (IDIs) with questions developed from the Bergen Model of Collective Functioning (BMCF). Thirteen IDIs were conducted with partners from all institutions including stakeholders.FindingsThe partnership was built on the foundation of experiences and lessons of a previous partnership. Partners used these experiences and lessons to devise strategies to improve partnership inputs, communication, leadership, roles and structures, and maintenance and communication tasks. However, these strategies had an impact on partnership functioning giving rise to issues of inequitable power dynamics. The northern partner had two roles: one as an equal partner and another as distributor of project funds; this caused a conflict in roles for this partner. The partners distinguished themselves according to partner resources – two partners were named implementing partners and two named supportive partners. Roles and partner resources were the greatest contributors to power imbalances and caused delays in project activities.ConclusionUsing the BMCF to examine partnership dynamics illuminated that power imbalances caused a hierarchical stance in the partnership with northern partners having overall control and power of decision-making in the partnership. This could impact the effectiveness and sustainability of project in the southern institutions going forward.

Three-Dimensional-Printed Spherical Hollow Structural Scaffolds for Guiding Critical-Sized Bone Regeneration.

The treatment of bone tissue defects continues to be a complex medical issue. Recently, three-dimensional (3D)-printed scaffold technology for bone tissue engineering (BTE) has emerged as an important therapeutic approach for bone defect repair. Despite the potential of BTE scaffolds to contribute to long-term bone reconstruction, there are certain challenges associated with it including the impediment of bone growth within the scaffolds and vascular infiltration. These difficulties can be resolved by using scaffold structural modification strategies that can effectively guide bone regeneration. This study involved the preparation of biphasic calcium phosphate spherical hollow structural scaffolds (SHSS) with varying pore sizes using 3D printing (photopolymerized via digital light processing). The chemical compositions, microscopic morphologies, mechanical properties, biocompatibilities, osteogenic properties, and impact on repairing critical-sized bone defects of SHSS were assessed through characterization analyses, in vitro cytological assays, and in vivo biological experiments. The results revealed the biomimetic properties of SHSS and their favorable biocompatibility. The scaffolds stimulated cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and migration and facilitated the expression of osteogenic genes and proteins, including Col-1, OCN, and OPN. Furthermore, they could effectively repair a critical-sized bone defect in a rabbit femoral condyle by establishing an osteogenic platform and guiding bone regeneration in the defect region. This innovative strategy presents a novel therapeutic approach for assessing critical-sized bone defects.

Collegiate student-athlete mental health symptom trajectories across a competitive season: do training load and resilience matter?

ABSTRACT Student-athlete mental health is an important and complex issue necessitating examination of variables that may explain changes in key outcomes during training and competition periods. Further, in-season changes in mental health may be predicted by student-athlete training load or psychological resilience and should be examined further. This longitudinal study assessed changes in mental health symptoms of depression, anxiety, and subjective well-being across a competitive season and examined potential interactive effects of resilience and training load in predicting mental health symptoms over time. Participants were 160 NCAA Division I student-athletes between 18–23 years old (mean age = 19.9 ± 1.3). We measured mental health symptoms and resilience at 3 timepoints (across 12 weeks) throughout a competitive season with psychometric questionnaires. Daily training loads were also collected and then used to calculate average acute to chronic workload ratios (ACWR). Positive mental health symptoms did not change across student-athletes; whereas, negative symptoms changed over time with the highest levels of symptoms occurring in the middle of the season. Resilience was positively associated with subjective well-being and negatively associated with anxiety and depression across the study period. ACWR was not associated with depression or anxiety symptom scores but a significant interaction between ACWR and resilience was found for subjective well-being symptoms. Specifically, resilience buffered against ACWR’s negative effect on positive mental health. Results suggest the importance of student-athlete resilience during the competition season and evaluation of depression and anxiety at pre-season with mid-season re-evaluation.

Hydropower Plants and Ichthyofauna in the Tocantins–Araguaia River Basin: Challenges for Planning and Approaches to Ichthyofauna Conservation

The management of water resources is a complex issue, and the conservation of fish and fishery resources is a growing challenge given the increase in the number of hydroelectric projects in Brazilian river basins. This study describes the fragmentation of the Tocantins–Araguaia River Basin resulting from the installation of hydroelectric plants in operation and planned by the electricity sector until 2050, as well as its relationship with the conservation of fish fauna, especially long-distance migratory species. The hydroelectric projects in operation and planned were analyzed using data obtained from the National Electric Energy Agency. A literature review was carried out to assess the fish species of the Tocantins–Araguaia ecoregion, with an emphasis on long-distance migrants. In general, 75 hydroelectric dams are in operation, and a further 119 projects are in the electricity sector’s plans for construction by 2050 in the Tocantins–Araguaia ecoregion, including a stretch of the basin above the Tucurui dam, which will accentuate the fragmentation in the area. Of the 702 species found in the region, 31.1% are endemic, 6.1% are endangered, and several long-distance migratory species have had their populations restricted. Analysis of this information highlights the widespread impact on the ichthyofauna, affecting both species with a restricted distribution and migratory species with a long-distance distribution. The studies associated with the projects contribute to the advancement of knowledge, but they are only carried out after the works have been defined, which makes it difficult to plan conservation in advance. Transformations in the basin are imminent given the current changes and those expected in the coming years because of the electricity sector’s planning for the region. Considering the inseparable relationship between biodiversity and socio-environmental and cultural diversity, fish conservation is intrinsically linked to the conservation of socio-diversity and the effective participation of local communities from the start of the process. Fish depend on water, and people need both water and aquatic diversity. In conclusion, a well-structured and adaptative conservation plan, combined with the integration of effective fish routes, can contribute to the sustainable development of hydroelectric projects while safeguarding the biodiversity and ecological integrity of the Tocantins–Araguaia Basin.

Cardiothoracic operating room blood gas workflow performance improvement initiative.

To evaluate the current workflow of blood gas ordering and testing in a cardiothoracic operating room to identify opportunities to streamline the process, using performance improvement methodologies. Issues with specimen relabeling were identified that lead to delayed results and potential patient safety concerns. Blood gas specimen relabeling was evaluated for operating room cases from August 2018 to December 2022. An OpTime Epic Sidebar button for arterial blood gas and venous blood gas orders was created in January 2019 to streamline the ordering process so that laboratory barcode labels were then printed in the operating room and attached to the specimen, eliminating the need for relabeling by the technologists. This Epic Sidebar intervention led to a drastic improvement of appropriate labeling, which has been sustained. From March 2019 to January 2023, with our new workflow, over 95% of blood gas specimens arrived barcode labeled compared to less than 1% in the preintervention era. A multidisciplinary team with key stakeholders is important to address complex care issues. Performance improvement methodology is critical to develop interventions that hardwire the process. This intervention led to a sustained reduction in secondary relabeling of patient samples and improved timeliness of reporting of blood gas results.

The Integration of Complex Systems Science and Community-Based Research: A Scoping Review

Complex systems science (CSS) and community-based research (CBR) have emerged over the past 50 years as complementary disciplines. However, there is a gap in understanding what has driven the recent proliferation of integrating these two disciplines to study complex and relevant issues. In this review, we report on the results of a scoping review of articles that utilized both disciplines. After two levels of reviewing articles using DistillerSR, a web-based platform designed to streamline and facilitate the process of conducting systematic reviews, we used two forms of natural language processing to extract data. We developed a novel named entity recognition model to extract descriptive information from the corpus of articles. We also conducted dynamic topic modeling to deductively examine in tandem the development of CSS and CBR and to inductively discover the specific topics that may be driving their use in research and practice. We find that among the CSS and CBR papers, CBR topic frequency has grown at a faster pace than CSS, with CBR using CSS concepts and techniques more often. Four topics that may be driving this trend are collaboration within social systems, business management, food and land use and knowledge, and water shed management. We conclude by discussing the implications of this work for researchers and practitioners who are interested in studying and solving complex social, economic, and health-related issues.