Current Challenges Research Articles

Engineering models of head and neck and oral cancers on-a-chip.

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) rank as the sixth most common cancer globally and result in over 450 000 deaths annually. Despite considerable advancements in diagnostics and treatment, the 5-year survival rate for most types of HNCs remains below 50%. Poor prognoses are often attributed to tumor heterogeneity, drug resistance, and immunosuppression. These characteristics are difficult to replicate using in vitro or in vivo models, culminating in few effective approaches for early detection and therapeutic drug development. Organs-on-a-chip offer a promising avenue for studying HNCs, serving as microphysiological models that closely recapitulate the complexities of biological tissues within highly controllable microfluidic platforms. Such systems have gained interest as advanced experimental tools to investigate human pathophysiology and assess therapeutic efficacy, providing a deeper understanding of cancer pathophysiology. This review outlines current challenges and opportunities in replicating HNCs within microphysiological systems, focusing on mimicking the soft, glandular, and hard tissues of the head and neck. We further delve into the major applications of organ-on-a-chip models for HNCs, including fundamental research, drug discovery, translational approaches, and personalized medicine. This review emphasizes the integration of organs-on-a-chip into the repertoire of biological model systems available to researchers. This integration enables the exploration of unique aspects of HNCs, thereby accelerating discoveries with the potential to improve outcomes for HNC patients.

Data Protection Issues in Automated Decision-Making Systems Based on Machine Learning: Research Challenges

Data protection issues stemming from the use of machine learning algorithms that are used in automated decision-making systems are discussed in this paper. More precisely, the main challenges in this area are presented, putting emphasis on how important it is to simultaneously ensure the accuracy of the algorithms as well as privacy and personal data protection for the individuals whose data are used for training the corresponding models. In this respect, we also discuss how specific well-known data protection attacks that can be mounted in processes based on such algorithms are associated with a lack of specific legal safeguards; to this end, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is used as the basis for our evaluation. In relation to these attacks, some important privacy-enhancing techniques in this field are also surveyed. Moreover, focusing explicitly on deep learning algorithms as a type of machine learning algorithm, we further elaborate on one such privacy-enhancing technique, namely, the application of differential privacy to the training dataset. In this respect, we present, through an extensive set of experiments, the main difficulties that occur if one needs to demonstrate that such a privacy-enhancing technique is, indeed, sufficient to mitigate all the risks for the fundamental rights of individuals. More precisely, although we manage—by the proper configuration of several algorithms’ parameters—to achieve accuracy at about 90% for specific privacy thresholds, it becomes evident that even these values for accuracy and privacy may be unacceptable if a deep learning algorithm is to be used for making decisions concerning individuals. The paper concludes with a discussion of the current challenges and future steps, both from a legal as well as from a technical perspective.

Leveraging the Potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area: Logistics Challenges and Development Paths for Future Value Chains in Africa

Background: With a rapidly growing young population, the African continent provides a high but barely exploited economic potential. Creating an African free trade zone is one of the African Union’s major initiatives to increase prosperity. Even though the AfCFTA has already come into force, its potential has not yet been fully exploited. This study investigates the logistics challenges associated with the AfCFTA and potential solutions and development paths for future value chains. Methods: The study builds upon a two-stage research process. First, applying the Nominal Group Technique with a group of 19 industry experts, current challenges and strategies to deal with them are conducted, and statements about potential development paths emerging from the AfCFTA are synthesized. Second, a questionnaire among additional industry experts is done to assess the results of the first stage. Results: The article sheds light on the barely untapped field of logistics challenges hindering the AfCFTA to leverage its potential. Strategy fields to address current challenges are explained, and the first indications of how the AfCFTA will shape supply chains in the mid-term are outlined. Conclusions: The article underlines the importance of logistics in the development of pan-African value chains and highlights potential development paths that may arise in the medium term. It also emphasizes the growing need for cooperation between politics, business, and research to overcome current logistics challenges and leverage the potential of the AfCFTA.

New frontiers in delivering public infrastructure

AbstractDelivering infrastructure in a timely and efficient manner to provide public value remains challenging despite the theoretical developments that have been made. What do we know that could help to deliver quality and energy‐efficient infrastructure, what are current challenges and how could we overcome them? This State‐of‐the‐Art Review article attempts to uncover underlying themes, including the governance of large infrastructure projects, the importance of innovation and contractual arrangements, and social and environmental acceptability. A current review of major Canadian contributions is offered, and promising research avenues are proposed.

Advances in growth, doping, and devices and applications of zinc oxide

Zinc oxide is a breakthrough multifunctional material of emerging interest applicable in the areas of electronics, computing, energy harvesting, sensing, optoelectronics, and biomedicine. ZnO has a direct and wide bandgap and high exciton binding energy. It is nontoxic, earth-abundant, and biocompatible. However, the growth and characterization of high-quality ZnO has been a challenge and bottleneck in its development. Efforts have been made to synthesize device-quality zinc oxide and unleash its potential for multiple advanced applications. ZnO could be grown as thin films, nanostructures, or bulk, and its properties could be optimized by tuning the growth techniques, conditions, and doping. Zinc oxide could be a suitable material for next generation devices including spintronics, sensors, solar cells, light-emitting diodes, thermoelectrics, etc. It is important and urgent to collate recent advances in this material, which would strategically help in further research and developments in ZnO. This paper provides a coherent review of developments in ZnO growth, leading to its advancing applications. Recent developments in growth technologies that address native defects, current challenges in zinc oxide, and its emerging applications are reviewed and discussed in this article.

Recent Advances in Nanomaterials for the Treatment of Acute Kidney Injury.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious clinical syndrome with high morbidity, elevated mortality, and poor prognosis, commonly considered a "sword of Damocles" for hospitalized patients, especially those in intensive care units. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, caused by the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), play a key role in AKI progression. Hence, the investigation of effective and safe antioxidants and inflammatory regulators to scavenge overexpressed ROS and regulate excessive inflammation has become a promising therapeutic option. However, the unique physiological structure and complex pathological alterations in the kidneys render traditional therapies ineffective, impeding the residence and efficacy of most antioxidant and anti-inflammatory small molecule drugs within the renal milieu. Recently, nanotherapeutic interventions have emerged as a promising and prospective strategy for AKI, overcoming traditional treatment dilemmas through alterations in size, shape, charge, and surface modifications. This Review succinctly summarizes the latest advancements in nanotherapeutic approaches for AKI, encompassing nanozymes, ROS scavenger nanomaterials, MSC-EVs, and nanomaterials loaded with antioxidants and inflammatory regulator. Following this, strategies aimed at enhancing biocompatibility and kidney targeting are introduced. Furthermore, a brief discussion on the current challenges and future prospects in this research field is presented, providing a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of nanotherapeutic interventions for AKI.

Perspectives of rural farmer households on food security through a qualitative study in Indonesia

In developing countries, rural farmers contribute significantly to food production, but their households are still vulnerable to poverty, food insecurity, malnutrition, and stunting. Although quantitative studies have explored the factors that influence farmers' dietary diversity, the data can be improved by integrating farmers' experiences and perspectives on whether and how these factors affect their dietary diversity. Malnutrition and food insecurity are more prevalent in developing and underdeveloped nations like Africa and Southeast Asia. Due to increased work, this country usually sees a rise in stunting, malnutrition, and increased physical activity. Stunting has a higher prevalence than other nutritional disorders, such as malnutrition, according to Nutrition Status Monitoring (NSM) data over the last three years. The frequency of stunting in children under five has risen from 27% in 2016 to 29% in 2017. This will assist in designing and implementing interventions. Forty rural farmers in Bone Regency, Indonesia, became informants in targeted interviews as part of the qualitative study (20 male and 20 female farmers). According to the research results, both male and female informants were concerned about the availability and variety of food. They feel that household food production is essential to achieve food security. Food sales are affected by prices, household income, distance to markets, and the range of food available. Household food production, knowledge, nutrition, availability, use of information, time, and household income are significant determinants of the variety of food consumed. In farming households, gender influences and variations on the distribution and use of food collected and income are explored. Men have more time to engage in agricultural endeavors that promote dietary diversity. Based on these findings, efforts to increase dietary diversity should address current food security and production challenges, support increased farm incomes and market access, utilize designs that address gender issues, and include nutrition capacity building, diverse practices, and social behavior change strategies. Key words: rural farmers, food security, food diversity, nutrition, market access, Indonesia

A Feasibility Study on the Application of Artificial Intelligence on the Human Resource Practices among Manufacturing Companies in China

This paper presents a feasibility study on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into human resource (HR) practices within the manufacturing sector of China. With the rapid advancement of AI technologies, industries worldwide are exploring its potential applications to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. However, the adoption of AI in HR functions, particularly within manufacturing companies in China, remains relatively unexplored. This study aims to assess the feasibility of implementing AI-driven solutions in various HR processes such as recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and employee engagement. The research methodology involves a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Primary data will be collected through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions with HR professionals, managers, and employees from a diverse range of manufacturing companies across different regions in China. Additionally, secondary data from relevant literature, industry reports, and case studies will be analysed to gain insights into current trends, challenges, and best practices associated with AI adoption in HR. Key factors influencing the feasibility of AI integration will be examined, including technological readiness, organizational culture, regulatory environment, cost-benefit analysis, and potential socio-economic implications. The study will also explore the perceived benefits and concerns regarding the use of AI in HR practices, such as improved recruitment accuracy, enhanced employee productivity, data privacy concerns, and ethical considerations. Furthermore, the research will identify potential barriers and enablers to successful AI implementation and provide recommendations for policymakers, HR practitioners, and organizational leaders to navigate the challenges and leverage the opportunities presented by AI in the manufacturing sector. By shedding light on the feasibility and implications of AI adoption in HR practices, this study seeks to contribute to the ongoing discourse on the future of work and technological innovation in China's manufacturing industry.

Human-Computer Interaction in Agricultural User Interfaces

This study explores the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and agricultural user interfaces, aiming to enhance the efficiency and user experience within the agricultural domain. A thorough literature review identifies current trends, challenges, and gaps in HCI research specific to agricultural interfaces. The research objectives encompass the proposal of HCI design principles tailored to the unique characteristics of the agricultural environment. Methodologically, the study employs user surveys, interviews, and usability testing to gather insights into user preferences and challenges. The paper presents case studies highlighting successful implementations of HCI principles in agricultural settings, providing tangible examples of improved user engagement and task performance. Challenges and limitations in HCI adoption in agriculture are discussed, along with user feedback and evaluations shaping interface design. The implications of the research extend to HCI practitioners, agricultural technology developers, and policymakers, offering practical insights for future developments. This paper contributes valuable knowledge to the evolving field of HCI in agricultural contexts, emphasizing the importance of user-centered design.

A Study on the Public Service Capability of Township Governments in LaiBin City under the Background of Rural Revitalization Strategy

This study aims to explore in depth the current situation, challenges, and improvement strategies of the township government in Laibin City in terms of public service capacity under the background of rural revitalization strategy. Through literature review, field investigation, and in-depth interviews, this study comprehensively analyzes the public service capabilities of township governments in areas such as infrastructure construction, education, healthcare, and environmental protection, in order to provide theoretical and practical basis for improving the public service capabilities of township governments.

Editorial — Human-Like Locomotion and Manipulation: Current Achievements and Challenges (Part I)

Editorial — Human-Like Locomotion and Manipulation: Current Achievements and Challenges (Part I)

Huntington’s Disease-Emerging Therapeutic Methods and Potential Utilisation of Bacteriophage to Overcome Current Challenges

Abstract: Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative trinucleotide repeat disorder resulting from abnormal CAG repeat length within Huntingtin gene (Htt). Onset of the disease usually starts in middle age, with symptoms including chorea, depression, and irritability. There are currently no cure for HD. Current treatments have limited effectiveness and does not target the pathology of the disease, only alleviating symptoms. New therapeutic methods such as CRISPR, antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) and stem cell therapies all offer potential curative and disease-modifying therapies for Huntington’s Disease. However, a major problem for all these new therapeutic methods is their route of administration. Here, I present a brief overview of the recent advancements in bacteriophage engineering and propose a novel solution of using bacteriophages to treat HD.

Real estate investment funds: a proposal for dividend distribution in Brazil

This article discusses the current challenges faced by Real Estate Investment Funds (REITs) in Brazil, particularly regarding the mandatory dividend distribution based on the "cash" result, which can pose financial risks for managers, especially when future obligations exist. While this practice benefits passive income for investors, it may jeopardize the financial health of the funds. The Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM) is keen on revising the current model but will have to overcome resistance from parts of the market. This article suggests a technological solution inspired by models used in developed countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Spain, where dividends are distributed according to accounting profits with the option for dividend reinvestment. Implementing this model in Brazil would necessitate changes in market regulation and investors adapting to the investment platforms' modus operandi—proper accounting of distributions. This model would enhance transparency in resource management and financial stability for REITs. The article emphasizes the role of technological innovation in evolving Brazil's REIT market.

Advancements and developments in the detection and control of invasive weeds: a global review of the current challenges and future opportunities

AbstractWeed invasion has become increasingly recognized as a major threat to the practice of sustainable agriculture and the maintenance of natural ecosystems around the world. Without effective and ongoing management strategies, many weed species have the aggressive capacity to alter ecosystem functions and reduce the economic potential of the land into which they have been introduced. Although traditional weed management strategies can be useful in eliminating certain weeds, these approaches can be costly, economically damaging, and laborious and can result in variable long-term success. To further add to these challenges, several weed species have now developed resistance to a range of herbicide modes of action, which, to date, have been the major mechanism of weed control. As a result, it is anticipated that the use of emerging technology will help to provide a solution for the economical and environmentally sustainable management of various weeds. Of particular interest, emerging technology in the areas of weed detection and control (chemical, mechanical, electrical, laser, and thermal) has shown promising signs of improving long-term weed management strategies. These methods can also be assisted by, or integrated alongside, other technology, such as artificial intelligence or computer vision techniques for improved efficiency. To provide an overview of this topic, this review evaluates a range of emerging technology used for the detection and control of various weeds and explores the challenges and opportunities of their application within the field.

A renewable approach to electric vehicle charging through solar energy storage.

Developing novel EV chargers is crucial for accelerating Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption, mitigating range anxiety, and fostering technological advancements that enhance charging efficiency and grid integration. These advancements address current challenges and contribute to a more sustainable and convenient future of electric mobility. This paper explores the performance dynamics of a solar-integrated charging system. It outlines a simulation study on harnessing solar energy as the primary Direct Current (DC) EV charging source. The approach incorporates an Energy Storage System (ESS) to address solar intermittencies and mitigate photovoltaic (PV) mismatch losses. Executed through MATLAB, the system integrates key components, including solar PV panels, the ESS, a DC charger, and an EV battery. The study finds that a change in solar irradiance from 400 W/m2 to 1000 W/m2 resulted in a substantial 47% increase in the output power of the solar PV system. Simultaneously, the ESS shows a 38% boost in output power under similar conditions, with the assessments conducted at a room temperature of 25°C. The results emphasize that optimal solar panel placement with higher irradiance levels is essential to leverage integrated solar energy EV chargers. The research also illuminates the positive correlation between elevated irradiance levels and the EV battery's State of Charge (SOC). This correlation underscores the efficiency gains achievable through enhanced solar power absorption, facilitating more effective and expedited EV charging.

Cellular Seafood: Current Challenges to Overcome in The Development of Cellular Seafood

Cellular Seafood: Current Challenges to Overcome in The Development of Cellular Seafood

The Compliance Risk Assessment of EU REACH SVHC in Articles of IC Package by Studies of Analysis Methodology

Companies may have legal obligations resulting from the inclusion of the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC) in a concentration above 0.1% w/w in an Article, as defined under EU REACH Regulation and Waste Framework Directive (SCIP Database) if they place articles on the EU market. Only a few studies have so far been made on how to determine the contents of the Chemical in Product (CiP). The approach to identifying the risk associated with the SVHC in the IC package is mainly to collect and review large information from the supplier chain or by chemical analysis. This article tries to discuss the current challenges for data collection and identifying risks with chemical substances in the IC package. Based on the chemical test results of 2-benzyl-2-dimethylamino-4’-morpholinobutyrophenone and bisphenol A, it was found that the test results of SVHC could be affected by numerous factors such as tested sample form (e.g., powder or flaky shaped), tested sample curing conditions, and chemical analytical methods. Although chemical analysis provides more accurate information for SVHC, when utilizing chemical analysis for checking legal compliance, we still need to compare and analyze the result of chemical substances analysis with the materials self-declaration provided by suppliers to judge whether the data are reasonable.

The scars beyond bullets: Recognizing the environmental toll of war

Warfare, throughout history, has not only shaped geopolitical landscapes but has left an indelible mark on the environment. The unintended consequences of armed conflicts extend far beyond the immediate theater of war, affecting ecosystems, biodiversity, and human wellbeing. We therefore need to delve into the complex and lasting environmental impact of wars, exploring case studies, international frameworks, and mitigation strategies aimed at addressing and preventing further ecological devastation which is what this paper is about. As conflicts continue to arise globally, understanding the environmental implications becomes crucial for sustainable development and international cooperation. This study aims to synthesize existing knowledge, analyze case studies, and propose viable solutions to minimize the environmental toll of armed conflicts. By examining historical examples and current challenges, we seek to contribute to a broader discourse on the intersection of warfare and environmental conservation. And essentially, provide a comprehensive overview of the environmental consequences of war and propose effective strategies for mitigating these impacts. By assessing case studies such as the Gulf War oil spills, Vietnam Agent Orange use, and Ukraine's agricultural land destruction, we aim to uncover patterns and lessons learned. Additionally, we scrutinize the role of international frameworks, environmental impact assessments, and post-conflict restoration efforts in alleviating the environmental aftermath of warfare. This paper contends that the environmental impact of war is multifaceted, persisting long after hostilities cease. By examining historical cases, current challenges, and mitigation strategies, we underscore the urgency of integrating environmental considerations into military planning and international conflict resolution efforts.

Highlights in Interface of Wastewater Treatment by Utilizing Metal Organic Frameworks: Purification and Adsorption Kinetics.

Polluted water has become a concern for the scientific community as it causes many severe threats to living beings. Detection or removal of contaminants present in wastewater and attaining purity of water that can be used for various purposes are a primary responsibility. Different treatment methods have already been used for the purification of sewage. There is a need for low-cost, highly selective, and reusable materials that can efficiently remove pollutants or purify contaminated water. In this regard, MOFs have shown significant potential for applications such as supercapacitors, drug delivery, gas storage, pollutant adsorption, etc. The outstanding structural diversity, substantial surface areas, and adjustable pore sizes of MOFs make them superior candidates for wastewater treatment. This Review provides an overview of the interaction science and engineering (kinetic and thermodynamic aspects with interactions) underpinning MOFs for water purification. First, fundamental strategies for the synthesis methods of MOFs, different categories, and their applicability in wastewater treatment are summarized, followed by a detailed explanation of various interaction mechanisms. Finally, current challenges and future outlooks for research on MOF materials toward the adsorption of hazardous components are discussed. A new avenue for modifying their structural characteristics for the adsorption and separation of hazardous materials, which will undoubtedly direct future work, is also summarized.

A Digital 4D Information System on the World Scale: Research Challenges, Approaches, and Preliminary Results

Numerous digital media repositories have been set up during recent decades, each containing plenty of data about historic cityscapes. In contrast, digital 3D reconstructions of no longer extant cityscapes have so far almost solely been performed for specific cases and via manual modelling techniques. Within the Jena4D research group, we are investigating and developing methods and technologies for transferring historical media and their contextual information into 4D models. The next step will be to automate this process and extend it to the world scale. Our team are working on different facets of that endeavor: retrieving images, text, and object data from public sources; crowdsourcing and collecting qualitative data from contests and pupil labs; processing historical plans and photographs to extract spatial data; location-based mobile visualization; and collection-browsing interfaces. This article is intended to highlight (1) current challenges, (2) the state of the art, (3) our approach to 4D modelling and visualization on the world scale, and (4) results from testing demo cases in Dresden, Jena, and Amsterdam.