Future Challenges Research Articles

Multicolor Afterglow Carbon Dots: Luminescence Regulation, Preparation, and Application

AbstractAfterglow materials have attracted much attention owing to their long luminescence lifetimes, large Stokes shifts, and emission without real‐time excitation. Compared with traditional organic afterglow materials, carbon dots (CDs), as a new afterglow material, have superior properties such as easy preparation, low toxicity, and low cost. The emission color of afterglow CDs can be regulated by external factors such as excitation wavelength, temperature, and time, which is highly significant for expanding the diversified applications to make them available for biotechnology and information applications. This review summarizes the research progress of multicolor afterglow CDs in recent years, including luminescence regulation strategies, preparation methods, and applications. First, the multicolor afterglow CDs are classified into three strategies: multicolor room temperature phosphorescence (RTP), thermally activated delayed fluorescence converted to RTP, and delayed fluorescence based on Förster resonance energy transfer, and the strategies for regulating their luminescence properties are analyzed. Second, the preparation methods of achieving multicolor afterglow CDs are summarized in both matrix‐free and matrix‐confined aspects. Then, applications in anticounterfeiting and information encryption, sensing and bioimaging are introduced in detail. Finally, the future challenges and opportunities of multicolor afterglow CDs are prospected to provide ideas for their controlled design and wide application.

Machine Learning‐Enhanced Triboelectric Sensing Application

AbstractTriboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has become a promising candidate for wearable energy harvesting and self‐powered sensing systems. However, processing large amounts of data imposes a computing power barrier for practical application. Machine learning‐assisted self‐powered sensors based on TENG have been widely used in data‐driven applications due to their excellent characteristics such as no additional power supply, high sensing accuracy, low cost, and good biocompatibility. This work comprehensively reviews the latest progress in machine learning (ML)‐assisted TENG‐based sensors. The future challenges and opportunities are discussed. First, the fundamental principles including the working mode of ML‐assisted TENG‐based sensor and common algorithms are systematically and comprehensively illustrated, which emphasizes the algorithm definition and principle. Subsequently, the progress of ML methods in the field of TENG‐based sensors is further reviewed, summarizing the advantages and disadvantages of various algorithms in practical examples, and providing guidance and suggestions on how to choose the appropriate methods. Finally, the prospects and challenges of ML‐assisted TENG‐based sensors is summarized. Directions and important insights for the future development of TENG and AI integration is provided.

Dynamic Chemistry Toolbox for Advanced Sustainable Materials.

Developing dynamic chemistry for polymeric materials offers chemical solutions to solve key problems associated with current plastics. Mechanical performance and dynamic function are equally important in material design because the former determines the application scope and the latter enables chemical recycling and hence sustainability. However, it is a long-term challenge to balance the subtle trade-off between mechanical robustness and dynamic properties in a single material. The rise of dynamic chemistry, including supramolecular and dynamic covalent chemistry, provides many opportunities and versatile molecular tools for designing constitutionally dynamic materials that can adapt, repair, and recycle. Facing the growing social need for developing advanced sustainable materials without compromising properties, recent progress showing how the toolbox of dynamic chemistry can be explored to enable high-performance sustainable materials by molecular engineering strategies is discussed here. The state of the art and recent milestones are summarized and discussed, followed by an outlook toward future opportunities and challenges present in this field.

Magnetorheological fluid in prostheses: A state-of-the-art review

Magnetorheological fluids (MRF) are intelligent materials that can vary their yield stress in response to an applied magnetic field. This characteristic, combined with active and multifunctional control, allows the development of actuators with fast response time, low energy consumption, long service life, and reduced dimensions and weights. Various studies have been conducted to improve MR dampers in prosthetic applications, including knees, ankle-foot, hands, and sockets. Here, we present a critical review of the progress of MRFs in the prosthetic field. In addition, research in prostheses’ design, optimization, and control of magnetorheological actuators is investigated, along with MRF modeling, mode of operation, type of MR actuator, classification, and working principle of MRF-based devices. Although MRFs are considered promising materials for designing novel prosthetic devices, this review shows that applications have been predominantly focused on lower limb prostheses. We conclude by discussing possible future applications and challenges that must be faced to enable and improve commercial applications based on MRF technology.

Current and future state of pharmacological management of pediatric obesity.

Pediatric obesity is a highly prevalent chronic disease, which has traditionally been treated with lifestyle therapy alone. Yet for many youth, lifestyle intervention as a monotherapy is often insufficient for achieving clinically significant and durable BMI reduction. While metabolic/bariatric surgery achieves robust and long-lasting outcomes, it is neither widely accessible nor wanted by most pediatric patients and families. In the past 3 years, this treatment gap between lifestyle therapy and metabolic/bariatric surgery has been filled with a number of landmark clinical trials examining the safety and efficacy of anti-obesity medication (AOM) for use in children and adolescents. These trials include studies of liraglutide, phentermine/topiramate ER, semaglutide, and setmelanotide, all of which have led to FDA and/or EMA approval. Concurrent with this developing evidence base, in 2023, the American Academy of Pediatrics published their first Clinical Practice Guideline on the assessment and management of childhood obesity. The Guideline includes the recommendation that pediatric health care providers should offer AOM to youth ages ≥12 years with obesity. Recognizing that AOM use in the pediatric population will likely become the standard of care and to provide perspective on the recently generated data regarding new AOM, this narrative review summarizes the published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the past 10 years that examine AOM for the pediatric population. This report additionally includes RCTs examining AOM for special populations of pediatric obesity including monogenic obesity, Bardet Biedl syndrome, Prader Willi syndrome, and hypothalamic obesity. Finally, the clinical application of AOM for children and adolescents, as well as future directions and challenges are discussed.

Exploring Higher Education Mobility through the Lens of Academic Tourism: Portugal as a Study Case

This study seeks to expand the understanding of international academic tourism by revisiting concepts and their associations with the internationalisation of higher education and analysing the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. This research takes Portugal as a study case, drawing on secondary data. From a theoretical standpoint, this work makes a significant contribution to addressing persistent conceptual ambiguities. In managerial terms, the findings hold significance for advancing Portugal as an academic tourism destination and raising awareness among tourism and educational stakeholders about the relevance and competitive advantages of international academic tourism. Finally, we reflect upon the pandemic effects and potential repercussions of future challenges on international academic tourism globally.

Implications for control systems in highly volatile energy markets: Using a high purity distillation electrification case study

The transition to increasingly renewable electricity grids and the electrification of industrial processes are two recent developments promising to be potential solutions towards net zero in industrial production processes. Generally, grid electricity is perceived as a stable and reliable resource that can be accessed on demand. However, that is not always the case for large industrial users (100 MW+), and a key future challenge that must be overcome is the inherent uncertainty of the electricity supply by renewable sources, as well as in pricing. In methanol production, the concept of using electrolysis and CO2 capture is being explored as a way of replacing reforming to produce syngas for “green” methanol production. With the omission of the reforming process which supplies energy as steam for the process, there is now a need to electrify the affected downstream unit operations. Distillation is a key unit operation in chemical operations that consumes large amounts of energy for reboiler duty and holds the key to making on-specification AA-grade methanol, a precursor chemical. With the volatility of the electricity market, hence supply, these columns must be able to withstand a sudden large reboiler duty drop. This paper developed a novel process operations and control principle to allow for the flexible operation of a high-purity methanol distillation column in volatile energy markets. At its core is the concept of using a distillation column as a “process battery”. Results obtained from a validated process simulation show that the novel “process battery” operations principle can withstand a supply-side change as great as 75% within a time span of 5 min without breaking complex quality and performance specifications of the column. This control philosophy is a major departure from the traditional process control and operating regimes that are focused on maintaining steady operations under all conditions.

Research Center and Olympics as a strategy for science education in the centers Educates More of Maranhão

This article addresses the implementation of the Research and Olympics Center (NPO) in the Educa Mais Centers in the State of Maranhão, part of the Full-Time Public Education Networks. The main objective was to analyze the results obtained by students and teachers after the introduction of the Center, focusing on participation and awards in knowledge olympiads and scientific events. The data collected revealed a significant increase in the engagement of Educa Mais Centers in challenging academic activities after the implementation of the NPO. The significant participation of students and teachers in Olympiads and scientific events indicated a clear interest in deepening knowledge and expanding educational horizons. Also noteworthy is the considerable increase in the number of awards, indicating not only recognition of merit, but also encouraging participation in other activities, with different methodologies. This positive scenario suggests that the Research and Olympics Center not only introduces an innovative approach to teaching, but also promotes a school culture that values academic excellence. The focus on research and participation in Olympiads not only challenges students intellectually, but also develops fundamental skills and competencies such as critical thinking, problem solving, networking and teamwork. When considering the longevity and effectiveness of this implementation, constant monitoring of results is essential, identifying areas for improvement and necessary adjustments. The dissemination of these positive results not only celebrates the success of the initiative, but also serves as an inspiring model for other educational institutions seeking to improve educational standards and encourage student participation in enriching activities beyond the conventional curriculum. This study highlights the importance of innovative pedagogical strategies to promote the academic and scientific development of students, contributing to the formation of a more capable generation to face future challenges.

Securing Tomorrow: The Intersection of AI, Data, and Analytics in Fraud Prevention

Aim: This research investigates the interconnections among Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and other cutting-edge technologies to enhance comprehension of fraud prevention. The advantages of integrating machine learning and data analytics into artificial intelligence systems for industry-wide fraud detection and prevention are examined in this study. Study Design: My approach involved conducting an extensive examination of existing literature and analysing numerous case studies to gather information on the role of artificial intelligence, data, and analytics in fraud prevention. Place and Duration of the Study: A broad spectrum of academic, corporate, and governmental sources is utilised to supply the research study with its international scope. This study examines publications and developments from 2019 to 2023. Methodology: The research procedure incorporated an exhaustive literature review. This assessment was composed of academic journals, conference proceedings, and official publications. A qualitative analysis was conducted to assess the data, identify commonalities, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of AI fraud protection solutions. A more comprehensive examination of practical implementations was facilitated by case studies, which enhanced comprehension of fraud prevention strategies propelled by AI. Results: The research revealed important findings concerning the various ways in which analytics, data, and artificial intelligence can be implemented to prevent fraudulent activities. An examination of comparisons between generative AI for social engineering, credit card analytics, and cyber-physical security for Internet of Things (IoT) networks illuminated the merits and demerits of different Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches. Conclusion: According to the findings of the study, AI, data, and analytics may alter system defences against fraud. The above-mentioned results underscore the significance of flexible fraud prevention strategies. Constant collaboration, innovative technology, and ongoing investigation are required to remain ahead of evolving fraud techniques. The paper concludes by emphasising the significance of future challenges and orientations.

A Survey on Video Streaming for Next-Generation Vehicular Networks

As assisted driving technology advances and vehicle entertainment systems rapidly develop, future vehicles will become mobile cinemas, where passengers can use various multimedia applications in the car. In recent years, the progress in multimedia technology has given rise to immersive video experiences. In addition to conventional 2D videos, 360° videos are gaining popularity, and volumetric videos, which can offer users a better immersive experience, have been discussed. However, these applications place high demands on network capabilities, leading to a dependence on next-generation wireless communication technology to address network bottlenecks. Therefore, this study provides an exhaustive overview of the latest advancements in video streaming over vehicular networks. First, we introduce related work and background knowledge, and provide an overview of recent developments in vehicular networking and video types. Next, we detail various video processing technologies, including the latest released standards. Detailed explanations are provided for network strategies and wireless communication technologies that can optimize video transmission in vehicular networks, paying special attention to the relevant literature regarding the current development of 6G technology that is applied to vehicle communication. Finally, we proposed future research directions and challenges. Building upon the technologies introduced in this paper and considering diverse applications, we suggest a suitable vehicular network architecture for next-generation video transmission.

The applications and prospects of intelligent services robots in medicine

With the rapid growth of the ageing population and the increasing demand for medical services, the medical market is facing great challenges and opportunities. Intelligent service robots can provide various medical services, such as patient monitoring, drug distribution, medical record management, etc., which can improve medical efficiency, reduce the burden of medical staff, and have the advantage of 24-hour uninterrupted service. However, the application of intelligent service robots in the medical field still faces some challenges, such as technical limitations, legal and ethical issues. In addition, there are also differences in patient acceptance and demand for intelligent service robots. Based on the summary of intelligent medical treatment, this paper will introduce the application of intelligent service robots, study the application and prospect of intelligent service robots in medical treatment and the innovation of intelligent service robots in business models. Through literature review, SWOT analysis and data, the paper explains the wide application of intelligent service robots and their future opportunities and challenges.

Research on Data Security and Privacy Protection in the Context of Big Data

The "Big Data" era brings massive data inflows from diverse sources, creating opportunities and privacy/security challenges. With rising public concern due to frequent data breaches, protecting privacy and data security has become crucial. This paper summarizes current academic research and developments in data protection technologies, including encryption, anonymization, and access control. It aims to provide insights into data security and privacy in big data, examining future technological prospects and challenges.

Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Foods, Herbal Drugs, and Food Supplements: Chemistry, Metabolism, Toxicological Significance, Analytical Methods, Occurrence, and Challenges for Future.

Consumers are increasingly seeking natural alternatives to chemical compounds, including the use of dried aromatic plants as seasonings instead of salt. However, the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in food supplements and dried plants has become a concern because of their link to liver diseases and their classification as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Despite European Union (EU) Regulation (EU) 2023/915, non-compliance issues persist, as indicated by alerts on the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) portal. Analyzing PAs poses a challenge because of their diverse chemical structures and low concentrations in these products, necessitating highly sensitive analytical methods. Despite these challenges, ongoing advancements in analytical techniques coupled with effective sampling and extraction strategies offer the potential to enhance safety measures. These developments aim to minimize consumer exposure to PAs and safeguard their health while addressing the growing demand for natural alternatives in the marketplace.

Students’ perception of the impact of a Geotechnical Engineering field activity on their competences development

The need to develop several students’ competencies is one of the leading challenges for Engineering instructors in undergraduate courses. It has been quite exhausting in many cases, mainly due to the lack of professors’ expertise in engineering education. Case studies may provide examples and help develop professors’ ability to design effective learning experiences. In this context, this paper presents a case study of implementing an in-class/ ex-class activity conducted in the Soil Mechanics-I course at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. Additionally, it aims to discuss students’ perception regarding development of the proposed activity and competences. The activity comprised three phases: selection of Geotechnical Engineering problems on university campus, documentation and analysis of each situation, and presentation of solutions considering technical, environmental, and social aspects. Students’ perceptions were assessed using an anonymous online survey (18 Likert and open-ended questions), divided into three categories: general impressions, competencies development, and open statements. General impressions and competencies development were mostly positive, with deadlines reported as the most challenging aspect. Open questions responses provided positive feedback, emphasizing the main developed competencies, according to students’ perspective (e.g. leadership, interpersonal relationship, and analytical view of the problem). The need of dealing with real problems and work in groups appears to be a successful approach for teaching Geotechnical Engineering courses and developing competences in Engineering undergraduate courses. This case study can support innovation in teaching any engineering course and help students face future professional challenges.

Regeneration of the Retina Using Pluripotent Stem Cells: A Comprehensive Review.

Retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration are the most frequent causes of irreversible visual impairment in the world. Existing therapeutic methods could be more effective, underscoring the necessity of new treatments. Reconstructing the retinal photoreceptors through the transplantation of human pluripotent stem cells, representing an attractive approach for restoring vision, has gained momentum. This paper gives an exhaustive account of what has been known in this field, the discoveries made, and the recent progress. This review paper outlines the retina's organisation, cell types, the pathophysiology of retinal injury/degeneration, and the reasoning behind using pluripotent stem cells in retinal regeneration. This article investigates differentiation strategies, molecular components that dictate cell type specification, and the recreation of retinal development in vitro, genetically engineering and manipulating epigenetic marks using various techniques for driving specific cell fates and improving therapy efficacy. Subretinal injection methods, cell encapsulation techniques, scaffold-based approaches, cell sheet transplantation, and their impact on integrating implanted cells into a functional retina are thoroughly reviewed. Using bioengineering approaches, biomaterials and growth factors form a favourable micro-ambience for grafted cells. Issues around safety and efficacy (tumorigenicity, immunological rejection, and long-term integration/functionality) are explored. Moreover,the paper emphasises the significance of rigorous characterisation, immunomodulatory strategies, and clinical and pre-clinical studies to ensure the safety and effectiveness of retinal regeneration therapy. Future perspectives and challenges are presented, looking at fine-tuning differentiation strategies, improving functional integration and regulatory aspects, and using co-therapy and supportive treatments.

A green and environmentally benign route to synthesizing Z-scheme Bi2S3-TCN photocatalyst for efficient hydrogen production.

Designing and developing photocatalysts with excellent performance in order to achieve efficient hydrogen production is an important strategy for addressing future energy and environmental challenges. Traditional single-phase photocatalytic materials either have a large bandgap and low visible light response or experience rapid recombination of the photogenerated carriers with low quantum efficiency, seriously hindering their photocatalytic applications. To solve these issues, an important solution is to construct well-matched heterojunctions with highly efficient charge separation capabilities. To this end, an in situ sulfurization reaction was adopted after the deposition of Bi3+ supramolecular complex on a layered supramolecular precursor of tubular carbon nitride (TCN). X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed that the as-prepared sample has a good crystalline structure without any other impurities, while high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) revealed that the heterojunction possesses a 2D structure with a layer of nano-array on its surface. Combined Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) revealed the interfacial interactions. Owing to the formation of the Z-scheme heterojunction, the visible light adsorption and the separation efficiency of the photo-generated carriers are both obviously enhanced, leaving the high energy electrons and high oxidative holes to participate in the photocatalytic reactions. As a result, the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of Bi2S3-TCN achieves 65.2μmolg-1·h-1. This proposed green and environmentally benign route can also be applied to construct other sulfides with 2D TCN, providing some important information for the design and optimization of novel carbon-nitride-based semiconductors.

Mindware: Critical Thinking in Everyday Life.

Humans make many decisions in everyday life, some of which require careful use of evidence. Because emotional and heuristic mental processes dominate human cognition, it is common to suggest that there is little hope that critical thinking tools will be widely used. However, the concept of "mindware" gives hope to the idea that critical thinking skills may be more widely deployed than they currently are. This article reflects on some impediments to critical thinking, assesses some future challenges to critical thinking being more widely used, and suggests that "mindware" modules can be used widely both in and out of educational settings to significantly enhance critical thinking in everyday life.

6G THz Propagation Channel Characteristics and Modeling: Recent Developments and Future Challenges

The terahertz (THz) band is expected to play a more important role in the sixth generation (6G) communication networks. It can provide large bandwidth and high-speed transmission rate to support prospective 6G scenarios from space to ground and from macro-scale to nano-scale. However, the THz channel characteristics vary greatly for different scenarios. This paper presents a multi-dimensional overview of propagation channel characteristics and modeling for potential THz communication scenarios, including ground, space, and nano-scale communications. The atmospheric attenuation and propagation mechanisms are firstly discussed for ground scenarios. Then, the channel measurements, characteristics, and models for specific ground scenarios, including indoor office, data center, kiosk, smart rail, and massive MIMO are investigated. Following this, the THz space communication channels are summarized according to the satellite altitude. Futhermore, THz nano-scale communication channels including on-chip and body centric are analyzed. Finally, future research challenges are outlined.

Poly (Ethyl Methacrylate) (PEMA) and its Composites for Various Applications: Background, Recent Progress, and Future challenges

AbstractThis overview looks critically at the present prospects and future challenges in development of polyethyl methacrylate (PEMA) and its composites. It is shown herein to be a promising candidate for various applications, including energy storage, textile, electronics, biomedical, packaging, coatings and adhesives, etc. Due to its high ionic conductivity, thermal stability, and low cost of synthesis, PEMA is also used as a solid electrolyte in supercapacitors. This polymer has the ability to transport ions efficiently between the two electrodes of the supercapacitor, thereby leading to improved performance and efficiency. Additionally, PEMA can withstand high temperatures without breaking down, thus making it suitable for a range of applications. Further, it is shown due to its unique properties and versatility, PEMA has significant potential for a range of biomedical applications. This review of existing literature strongly suggests that the use of PEMA as a solid electrolyte in supercapacitors can be of significant potential for advancing energy storage technology. It also warrants further research to optimize its use in many other challenging practical applications.

Digital Twin Approach in Buildings: Future Challenges via a Critical Literature Review

In 2011, the term Digital Twin was originally introduced by Michael Grieves to define the synchronization between two realities: physical objects placed in a real space and virtual objects within in virtual space, linked through the mutual exchange of data throughout the entire lifecycle, both in real-time and asynchronously. Nowadays, Digital Twin is among the principal and emerging technological innovations of both Industry 4.0 and the emerging Industry 5.0, enabling an interaction between physical and virtual objects, Big Data, Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence. The construction sector, too, is now exploring the potentialities offered by the Digital Twin approach in enhancing innovative, responsible, and sustainable governance of buildings’ lifecycles. Concerning these issues, this paper proposes visualizing future challenges with a specific focus on the operation and maintenance phase and its related impact on decarbonization via a critical literature review of the current statements. The applied methodology is based on three different questions related to certain research issues performed in the Scopus database. The selected findings were filtered, classified, and discussed. Some future challenges on specific issues have been identified, defining and promoting novel research ideas.