Historical Challenges Research Articles

Toward characterization of perceptual specialization for faces in Multiracial contexts

This conceptual analysis focuses on opportunities to advance research and current hypotheses of perceptual development by examining what is presently known and unknown about perceptual specialization in a Multiracial context during the first year of life. The impact of being raised in a Multiracial family or community is discussed to further characterize the development of perceptual expertise for faces and languages. Historical and present-day challenges faced by researchers in defining what race is, identifying Multiracial individuals or contexts, and how to study perceptual and cognitive processes in this population are discussed. We propose to leverage current data from developmental Multilingual populations as a guide for future research questions and hypotheses characterizing perceptual specialization based on face race for Multiracial/Multiethnic individuals and contexts. Variability of input and the pattern of specialization are two factors identified from the developmental Multilingual literature that are likely useful for studying Multiracial contexts and development. Several methodological considerations are proposed in hopes of facilitating research questions and practices that are reflective of and informed by the diversity of experiences and social complexities within Multiracial populations.

An innovative phase 2 chronic pain master protocol design to assess novel mechanisms in multiple pain types.

The phase 2 chronic pain master protocol (CPMP) presented here provides a construct to accelerate the investigation of novel analgesics, broadly referred to here as mechanisms. Designed to address historical challenges in analgesic research and development, such as the choice of indication, this protocol enables the efficient evaluation of potential therapeutics with different mechanisms of action in 3 pain types: nociceptive pain (osteoarthritis), neuropathic pain (diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain), and mixed pain (chronic low back pain). The study design was determined before the identification of any specific molecule. Statistical simulations were conducted to optimize the methodology and design, the culmination of which were submitted to and accepted by the Complex Innovative Trial Design Pilot Meeting Program, a unique collaboration with the United States Food and Drug Administration. Benefits of the CPMP include limiting the number of study participants exposed to placebo and reducing the total sample size over time by leveraging placebo data across studies within a pain type and efficacy data across pain types for a specific molecule. The CPMP design enables: (1) efficient evaluation of multiple novel mechanisms of action; (2) the study of multiple molecules simultaneously or serially; (3) direct statistical comparison of molecules within a pain type; and (4) efficient planning and conduct of clinical studies. ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05986292. By evaluating novel mechanisms across different pain types, therapeutic potential can be assessed more efficiently compared with traditional individual clinical studies.

Exploring parental factors influencing low birth weight on the 2022 CDC natality dataset

Background and aimsLow birth weight (LBW), known as the condition of a newborn weighing less than 2500 g, is a growing concern in the United States (US). Previous studies have identified several contributing factors, but many have analyzed these variables in isolation, limiting their ability to capture the combined influence of multiple factors. Moreover, past research has predominantly focused on maternal health, demographics, and socioeconomic conditions, often neglecting paternal factors such as age, educational level, and ethnicity. Additionally, most studies have utilized localized datasets, which may not reflect the diversity of the US population. To address these gaps, this study leverages machine learning to analyze the 2022 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Natality Dataset, identifying the most significant factors contributing to LBW across the US.MethodsWe combined anthropometric, socioeconomic, maternal, and paternal factors to train logistic regression, random forest, XGBoost, conditional inference tree, and attention mechanism models to predict LBW and normal birth weight (NBW) outcomes. These models were interpreted using odds ratio analysis, feature importance, partial dependence plots (PDP), and Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) to identify the factors most strongly associated with LBW.ResultsAcross all five models, the most consistently associated factors with birth weight were maternal height, pre-pregnancy weight, weight gain during pregnancy, and parental ethnicity. Other pregnancy-related factors, such as prenatal visits and avoiding smoking, also significantly influenced birth weight.ConclusionThe relevance of maternal anthropometric factors, pregnancy weight gain, and parental ethnicity can help explain the current differences in LBW and NBW rates among various ethnic groups in the US. Ethnicities with shorter average statures, such as Asians and Hispanics, are more likely to have newborns below the World Health Organization’s 2500-gram threshold. Additionally, ethnic groups with historical challenges in accessing nutrition and perinatal care face a higher risk of delivering LBW infants.

Evolving Corporate Social Responsibility Practices and Their Impact on Social Conflict

This study investigates Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, emphasising the shift from a state-owned business (SOE) to a multinational corporation (MNC) and its impact on community relations and social conflict. The research employs the CSR 2.0 strategy, transitioning from conventional charity to partnership-oriented efforts, using qualitative data obtained from semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders. The results indicate that while the multinational corporation has sought to enhance openness and community involvement, persistent concerns over environmental harm and unfulfilled development commitments continue to erode confidence and exacerbate social tensions. Moreover, the MNC's CSR initiatives often prioritise trained labour from external sources, resulting in local discontent and scepticism over the efficacy of CSR in addressing entrenched problems. Policy proposals emphasise the need for robust CSR rules, open reporting, and coordination among firms, governments, and civil society to facilitate sustainable community development. This study underscores that CSR programs must proactively confront historical challenges and be tailored to local situations. Additional study is required to investigate conflict-sensitive CSR strategies in diverse countries, with the objective of alleviating social tensions in resource-dependent communities and fostering more sustainable industrial practices.

Japan's Security Restoration: Evolution, Challenges, and Future Directions

ObjectivesThis study examines Japan's security policy evolution from post-World War II pacifism to its current assertive stance, analyzing historical context, key drivers, and challenges. It focuses on shifts under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, exploring implications for regional stability and international relations, including the U.S.-Japan alliance and emerging security threats.MethodsThe research employs a qualitative approach, combining comprehensive literature review with multiple theoretical frameworks (neorealism, constructivism, securitization theory, alliance theory). It incorporates historical and comparative analyses to contextualize Japan's security posture within regional dynamics.ResultsJapan's security policy has transformed significantly, driven by China's military modernization, North Korea's nuclear program, changing regional dynamics, and evolving U.S.-Japan alliance expectations. Key reforms include constitutional reinterpretation allowing limited collective self-defense, establishing the National Security Council, increased defense spending, and enhanced multi-domain military capabilities. Challenges persist in balancing security needs with constitutional constraints and managing regional relationships.ConclusionsJapan's security restoration marks a profound shift, balancing proactive defense with pacifist principles. This evolution impacts regional stability and the U.S.-Japan alliance, positioning Japan as a key player in maintaining peace while raising some neighbors' concerns. Japan's path forward requires a delicate equilibrium between enhancing military capabilities and prioritizing diplomacy and economic cooperation. Success depends on navigating historical legacies, fostering domestic consensus, and adeptly maneuvering through complex international imperatives in an increasingly challenging security environment.

Buddhist Discourse in Changing Times: The Significance of Buddhist Magazines in Early 20th-Century Korea with a Focus on Bulgyo

In early 20th-century Korea, Buddhist magazines emerged as vital extra-canonical sources, offering a modern platform that complemented traditional Buddhist texts. These publications navigated the complexities between succeeding Buddhist tradition and embracing modernity, addressing the historical challenges of the 19th century while also contributing to the preservation of national sovereignty and the formation of a modern Korean Buddhist identity. Serving as a forum for scholarly works on Buddhist translation, doctrine, and history, as well as literature, education, and propagation, these magazines became central to both intellectual and spiritual discourse. Of the more than 30 periodicals published during the Japanese occupation, Bulgyo stood out as the longest-running and most influential magazine, with its complete archive preserved. Bulgyo brought together various members of the Buddhist community as both contributors and readers, broadening the scope of Buddhism to include a diverse range of topics such as academia, literature, art, women, and children. This article explores the role and significance of Korean Buddhist magazines during the Japanese colonial period, with a particular focus on Bulgyo, and examines how the publication helped shape Buddhist modernity within Korea’s complex political and religious landscape.

Comparative Study of Modern Music Education in China and the West from the Perspective of Comparative Musicology

Abstract: This paper aims to conduct an in-depth study of modern music education in China and the West from the perspective of comparative musicology, revealing similarities and differences in educational goals, curriculum design, teaching methods, evaluation methods, and teacher training. By analyzing the historical background, practical experiences, and challenges of music education in China and the West, this study explores the impact of cultural, social, policy, and economic factors on music education systems. Using a comparative research method, the study contrasts the main characteristics and development trends in music education between China and Western countries, summarizing their respective strengths and weaknesses. The results show significant differences in the concepts, methods, and practices of music education between China and the West, which not only affect the quality of education but also influence the musical literacy and development of students. Ultimately, the paper provides suggestions for improving music education in both regions, aiming to offer references for future educational practices and policy-making.

Enseñanza y aprendizaje del español en las universidades japonesas

Since the Japanese people’s first encounter with the Spanish language in the 16th century, the teaching and learning of Spanish has been evolving in response to the needs of each era. Despite numerous historical challenges, interest in the Spanish language and everything related to it has increased over the years. This article examines the situations of differing historical periods to better understand the objectives for which Spanish has been studied, as well as the numerous types of teachers, students, and commonly used methodologies. To do this, various academic articles and books offering testimonies from people who lived through those periods are examined. The corpus developed by this article’s author, which includes textbooks published since the early 20th century, will also be analyzed in this article. The initial contact with the Spanish language in the 16th century was through missionary work. After a stagnation in language studies due to a period of isolationism, the need to pursue Spanish as a language resumed in the 20th century for the purposes of foreign trade and migration. The idea of learning a foreign language to enrich general culture also became important in the 20th century. The change in the type of students greatly influenced learning objectives and methodologies. We are now in a transitional period with the emergence of new technologies. However, it is important to know our history in order to reflect on the direction which Spanish teaching and learning should take in the future.

Advanced Imaging of the Peripheral Nerves, From the AJR "How We Do It" Special Series.

Advanced imaging of peripheral nerves is occupying an increasingly important role in the diagnostic workup of peripheral nerve disorders. Advances in MR neurography (MRN) and high-resolution ultrasound have addressed historical challenges in peripheral nerve imaging related to nerves' small size and nonlinear course and difficult differentiation from surrounding tissues. Modern MRN depicts neuromuscular anatomy with exquisite contrast resolution, and MRN has become the workhorse imaging modality for peripheral nerve evaluation. MRN protocols vary across institutions and are adjusted in individual patients, although they commonly include nerve-selective sequences and diffusion-tensor imaging tractography. Ultrasound offers a dynamic real-time high-resolution assessment of peripheral nerves and is widely accessible and less costly than MRN. Ultrasound has greater ability to examine peripheral nerves at the fascicular level and provides complementary information to MRN. However, ultrasound of peripheral nerves requires substantial skill and experience and is operator-dependent. The two modalities have distinct advantages and disadvantages, and the selection between these depends on the clinical context. This article provides an overview of advanced imaging techniques used for evaluation of peripheral nerves, with attention to MRN and high-resolution ultrasound. We draw on our institutional experience in performing both modalities to highlight technical considerations for optimizing examinations.

Value-Based Healthcare in Practice: IDEATE, a Collaboration to Design and Test an Outcomes-Based Agreement for a Medicine in Wales.

To develop a sustainable, scalable methodology for the design of outcome-based agreements (OBAs) that works on the ground and dynamically overcomes historical challenges. Project IDEATE co-created solutions to known (and emergent) challenges via iterative workshops and real-world data analysis to develop and refine a hypothetical model for an OBA in a trusted research environment. A cross-disciplinary collaboration between National Health Service (NHS) Wales, industry and academia was developed. Data were collected from Welsh national datasets and used to construct a novel linked dataset. OBA scenarios, with different contract parameters, were analysed to assess impact on the proportion of contract payment due and the volatility of payments. An approved, in market, locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer treatment was selected as the test case. The total number of patients in the treatment cohort (2017-2020) was n = 99, and 286 in the control cohort (2014-2016). The final outcome variables selected were: (1) 1-year survival,( 2) intolerance to treatment (deferral), and (3) the total days disrupted by care. The primary scenario included all three outcomes measured at the population level and used a linear payment model. Volatility analyses demonstrated contract parameters can dramatically alter the contract output with greatest risk from a single, binary outcome contract design. The design of an OBA is a complex process that requires a multi-disciplinary approach. By assessing solutions to data, outcomes and contracting challenges, IDEATE provides a strong foundation for future success of OBAs in the UK. Outcome-based agreements (OBAs) are a way to pay for medicines if they help patienthealth in a specific way over time. These agreements can make it faster for people to get new medicines, but they also have challenges, like needing a lot of time and effort to manage them. A team from the NHS Wales, life sciences, and Swansea University created Project IDEATE to find a better way to design OBAs and solve some of these problems. Welsh datasets were used to create a new breast cancer dataset to test different OBAs and see how payments would change. A breast cancer treatment was used for the project. The project had 99 patients who got the medicine (2017-2020) and 286 patients who had breast cancer but did not get the medicine (2014-2016). Three health outcomes were measured: (1) living for one year after treatment, (2) patients needing to stop the medicine, and (3) days spent in care. The main OBA option we tested used all three health outcomes; the more the outcomes improved, the more the payments could go up until they hit the highest amount agreed. The analysis showed that the way an OBA is designed can make a big difference in how stable or risky it is, especially if one ofthe health outcomes has only two options. Project IDEATE showed that making an OBA can be hard, but when people from different fields work together, they can overcome many challenges and succeed.

Complexity data science: A spin-off from digital twins.

Digital twins offer a new and exciting framework that has recently attracted significant interest in fields such as oncology, immunology, and cardiology. The basic idea of a digital twin is to combine simulation and learning to create a virtual model of a physical object. In this paper, we explore how the concept of digital twins can be generalized into a broader, overarching field. From a theoretical standpoint, this generalization is achieved by recognizing that the duality of a digital twin fundamentally connects complexity science with data science, leading to the emergence of complexity data science as a synthesis of the two. We examine the broader implications of this field, including its historical roots, challenges, and opportunities.

Neurobiology of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: historical challenges and emerging frontiers.

Extensive investigations spanning multiple levels of inquiry, from genetic to behavioural studies, have sought to unravel the mechanistic foundations of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with the aspiration of developing efficacious treatments for this condition. Despite these efforts, the pathogenesis of ADHD remains elusive. In this Review, we reflect on what has been learned about ADHD while also providing a framework that may serve as a roadmap for future investigations. We emphasize that ADHD is a highly heterogeneous disorder with multiple aetiologies that necessitates a multifactorial dimensional phenotype, rather than a fixed dichotomous conceptualization. We highlight new findings that suggest a more brain-wide, 'global' view of the disorder, rather than the traditional localizationist framework, which asserts that a limited set of brain regions or networks underlie ADHD. Last, we underscore how underpowered studies that have aimed to associate neurobiology with ADHD phenotypes have long precluded the field from making progress. However, a new age of ADHD research with refined phenotypes, advanced methods, creative study designs and adequately powered investigations is beginning to put the field on a good footing. Indeed, the field is at a promising juncture to advance the neurobiological understanding of ADHD and fulfil the promise of clinical utility.

Advancements in the Treatment of Diuretic Resistance in Congestive Heart Failure.

This narrative evaluates the dynamic developments that have significantly transformed treatment strategies in the constantly evolving domain of diuretic resistance (DR) management in congestive heart failure (CHF). The discourse explores historical challenges and the current state of therapeutic approaches as it investigates the crucial matter of DR in patients with CHF. An introduction provides a synopsis of the pivotal function diuretics performed in the management of fluid excess and the intricacies associated with CHF. The narrative explores the progressive exposure of the constraints that traditional treatments face, thus underscoring the persistent issue of DR and the imperative for innovative methodologies. The text underscores advancements in pharmacotherapy that demonstrate efficacy in surmounting resistance, including innovative diuretics and combination therapies. Furthermore, it outlines the pivotal shift towards personalized medicine, an approach that transforms the results of treatments through the integration of genetic knowledge and individualized strategies. Furthermore, the text delves into nonpharmacological strategies, including ultrafiltration and renal denervation, that enhance the overall comprehension of the intricate battle against diuretic resistance. In summary, this narrative exemplifies resolute perseverance in the pursuit of solutions, presenting a promising future wherein various developments converge to restore hope in regard to the control of DR and the improvement of the health status of chronic heart failure patients.

Nepal’s Geostrategic Location: Realist Imperatives on Foreign Policy

Realist imperatives in foreign policy emphasize the pursuit of national interests, power balance, and pragmatic decision-making in an anarchic international system. This study aims to analyze Nepal's foreign policy through a realist perspective, focusing on its historical evolution, challenges, and opportunities. An exploratory research design is employed, using secondary data from peer-reviewed journals, historical records, academic books, policy reports, and governmental publications. The publication period of the sources ranges between 1963 and 2023. The study finds that Nepal’s foreign policy decisions are significantly influenced by its geopolitical position and the need to balance relationships with neighboring powers India and China. The implication of this study is that realist theory provides a valuable framework for understanding how small states like Nepal navigate complex international dynamics to safeguard their national interests.

Forest Engineering: Genesis, Transformation, and Development Prospects in the Context of Sustainable Forestry

The historical development and establishment of forest engineering as a knowledge-intensive field within the forestry production have been examined, showing how it evolved in response to the economic needs of many developed countries and historical challenges faced by the forestry sector at various stages of development. Special attention is paid to the development of forest engineering education in Ukraine, from the establishment of the Regional School of Forestry in Lviv to the functioning of the National Forestry University of Ukraine – the country's only multifunctional higher education institution specializing in forestry technology. The contributions of prominent forest engineering scientists and the graduate department's systematic work in professional training for the forestry sector are highlighted. The material outlines current trends in forest engineering development, its decisive role in the technical and technological support of sustainable forestry development, and the efficient forest resource utilization.

Expanding experiences and anxieties: gender-identity and sexual-orientation differences in attitudes toward synthetic pornography

ABSTRACT Media-technology innovations have long been animated by demand for sexual content, and generative artificial intelligence (AI) is no exception. Synthetic pornography (SP) (distinct from deepfakes) comprises machine-generated visual media depicting non-actual bodies engaging in sexual activities. SP represents a complex convergence of pornography and AI with their historical challenges and opportunities for people of varied gender identities and sexual orientations. This descriptive study offers a baseline account of attitudes toward SP compared across social groups. Leveraging an online survey and a clear definition of SP, we observed quantitative and qualitative differences in attitudes among people with differing gender identities and sexual orientations. The findings indicate idiosyncratic concerns and hopes that may be interpretable in relation to gendered anxieties; observations indicate that attitudes toward SP may not be stable or well formed at this stage in the technology’s emergence.

Strategic easing of height restrictions: Unveiling the intersection of free market principles and colonial mentality in Hong Kong’s urban densification

ABSTRACT High-density housing development is considered a pragmatic response to the conflicts between land scarcity and population growth. Under the rhetoric of (neo)liberalism, the flourishing private housing market narrative was anchored throughout the last century, along with significant contributions from government regulations. The 1955 Buildings Ordinance, which eased height limits, laid the groundwork for Hong Kong’s high-density foundations. The existing historiographical literature examines this from a technical perspective. However, it overlooks the decision-making processes behind these regulations and their alignment with or deviation from free market principles. This study examines colonial archives to scrutinize the colonial government’s approach to building regulations, revealing that easing height restrictions was not merely a technical adjustment but a calculated response to broader economic and demographic challenges. It was a strategy to stimulate private housing development and manage population growth without significantly increasing government spending. This raises concerns regarding prevailing assumptions that the colonial government supported a free-market approach to housing rather than exploring the debates and deliberations that shaped these policies. By comparing colonial experiences in Hong Kong and London, historical analysis challenges the conventional understanding of Hong Kong’s urban development, thereby highlighting the contentious relationship between liberal economic policies and the colonial administrative framework.

Towards Good Governance in the Management of Educational Institutions in Cameroon: Importance, Challenges and Opportunities

Purpose: This conceptual paper explored the path toward institutionalisation of good governance in the management of educational institutions in Cameroon. Aim was to identify key principles, assess challenges to effective governance, and explore opportunities for improvement, with the view to offer actionable recommendations that could help enhance educational management in Cameroon. Materials and Methods: A qualitative approach that combines personal observations with a comprehensive textual review was employed. The review examined national and international policy documents, strategic plans, reports and academic articles to clarify theoretical constructs and practical applications of good governance in education. Recommendations were based on personal reflections and literature analysis. Findings: The education sector has evolved from being simpler and less competitive to a complex, competitive and more demanding landscape, requiring technology and advanced management strategies centered on governance principles like transparency and accountability. In Cameroon, historical, socio-economic, political, and structural challenges hinder the establishment of good governance in education. However, there is room for educational managers to navigate these realities and promote effective governance, which is essential for unlocking education’s transformative potential and achieving socioeconomic development goals. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The various ministries of education should work in synergy with the other stakeholders to implement a comprehensive training programme for educational managers; invest more resources in educational technology for better administrative efficiency; strengthen monitoring and auditing of expenditures; and enhance the capacity of decentralised management structures to effectively address local needs. These strategies should help create a more accountable and responsive education management framework for Cameroon.

Estimating adolescent mental health in the general population: current challenges and opportunities.

Adolescence is a period of change and increased mental health difficulties, which are important for lifetime outcomes. Adolescent mental health is therefore an active research area, with large samples often drawing on self-report general measures (ie, not disorder-specific or focused on a narrow outcome). We argue that these measures have a key role in our understanding of issues such as prevalence, antecedents, prevention, and intervention, however, measurement has been given little attention and high-quality measures do not tend to be available or used. We offer insights into historical and psychometric challenges that have contributed to current problems and highlight the implications of relying on poor measures, which at their worst can be biased and unethical. We make recommendations for research and practice on selecting measures and improving the evidence base and make a call to action to reject low-quality measurement in this field.

Етнічні меншини України: роль греків Приазов'я у формуванні національної ідентичності

The purpose of the article is to explore the role of the Greeks of the Azov region in shaping the national identity of Ukraine, as well as to analyze the impact of their ethnocultural heritage on the development of modern Ukrainian society. The methodology of the research is based on a combination of historical-ethnographic and cultural-anthropological approaches, as well as the use of interdisciplinary methods of analysis, including comparative analysis, data systematization, and synthesis. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the fact that, for the first time, a comprehensive analysis of the transformation of the national identity of the Greeks of the Azov region has been carried out, from their resettlement from Crimea to the modern period, particularly in the context of socio-political changes in Ukraine and the influence of external factors, such as the war in Donbas. Conclusions. The article concludes that the Greeks of the Azov region have played a significant role in forming the multinational identity of Ukraine. Their cultural heritage, preservation of language, and traditions in the face of historical challenges serve as an example of the resilience and adaptability of an ethnic minority within the context of modern Ukrainian society. Further research in this direction may contribute to a deeper understanding of the processes of ethnic and national identification in Ukraine.