Exchange Of Ideas Research Articles

"Fly to New World": Meeting report of the 16th Japanese Drosophila research conference (JDRC16).

The 16th Japanese Drosophila Research Conference (JDRC16) was held at the Sendai International Center from September 17 to 19 2024. It had been 2 years since the last JDRC15 held in Nagoya. The conference brought together 231 researchers, including 22 researchers from overseas, creating a vibrant and diverse platform for scientific exchange. Prof. Shigeo Hayashi of RIKEN BDR delivered a keynote lecture, and his groundbreaking ideas and research captivated the audience. Over the 3 days, the conference featured 53 oral presentations across 11 sessions and 2 special sessions, as well as 128 poster presentations, all of which fostered stimulating discussions and the exchange of innovative ideas. The reception provided an additional opportunity for researchers to engage in meaningful dialogue while enjoying Sendai's renowned specialties. Held under clear autumn skies in a great nature along the river, this conference painted a beautiful contrast to the heated discussions in the venue. Consequently, this conference fully contributed to the mission proffered by Prof. Hayashi, "Fly to New World," expanding the insights gained from flies into new and unexplored scientific areas.

Knowledge Spillovers, Labor Pooling, and Firms’ Agglomeration: A Case Study of Pakistan

Knowledge Spillovers, Labor Pooling, and Firms’ Agglomeration: A Case Study of Pakistan

Leadership in implementing innovative approaches to spiritual and intellectual education

The contemporary conditions of the educational process, marked by the dynamics of social changes and the impact of technological progress, pose challenges to the educational system that require innovative approaches to spiritual and intellectual upbringing. A special place in this process is dedicated to the development of communicative culture, which becomes not only a tool for pedagogical activity but also the basis for forming a well-rounded personality. This article is devoted to analyzing the impact of communicative culture on the effectiveness of spiritual and intellectual education in modern education. The research results demonstrate that systematic and targeted implementation of communicative culture in the pedagogical process significantly improves the level of understanding between educators and learners, fosters an open and trusting atmosphere, which is key to effective spiritual and intellectual upbringing. The author explores the potential challenges and limitations associated with interactive learning and highlights the role of digital technologies in supporting interactive education, especially in connection with the state of war and the transition to a distance learning format. The potential of interactive learning tools to stimulate active interaction and exchange of ideas among participants in the educational process is revealed, emphasizing their role in forming a culture of dialogue and cooperation. The importance of creating a safe communicative space where every participant can freely express their thoughts and ideas is separately highlighted, contributing to the development of independence and responsibility. The use of interactive forms of work as effective tools of communicative culture is considered through the prism of their impact on the formation of skills in critical analysis, empathy, and effective interaction. The study demonstrates that the use of interactive methods and digital technologies enhances the efficiency of the educational process, forming an open and trusting atmosphere, which is crucial for spiritual and intellectual upbringing.

The Naked Neurosurgeon and the Anatomy of a Complication.

IntroductionThe neurosurgeon is always poised precariously between the operation and the abyss of a complication. As Wilder Penfield sagaciously wrote in 1961, "I will faithfully record and analyze my failures in the care of the sick, seeking the cause, so that those who follow may be warned of the danger."AimThis paper seeks to briefly overview the literature on complications in surgery, neurosurgery in particular.Materials and MethodProgress in our specialty has been accomplished by the overcoming of complications via technique or technology. Dr. Samer Nashef commented sarcastically that surgeons are not, as a general rule, well known for their rapacious appetite for reading. But knowing the literature on complications from our field and others is essential for progress. We must know the anatomy of complications to avoid and manage them.In 1992, Michael Apuzzo published his magnus opus, Brain surgery: Complication avoidance and management, which was admirably followed by Edward Benzel's edited work Spine surgery: Techniques, complication avoidance and management, setting standards in the science of complication avoidance and management in 1999 for years to come. In 2001, Crossing the quality chasm: A new health system for the twenty-first century was published in the United States by the Institute of Medicine. Lucian Leape (a pediatric and thoracic surgeon) published Error in Medicine in JAMA in December 1994, and in 1991, he published the Harvard Medical Practice Study, defining essential terms like adverse event and negligence. Atul Gawande, a general surgeon at Harvard University, wrote "The Bell Curve: What happens when patients find out how good their doctors really are," in the New Yorker on December 6, 2004; he went on to pen Complications-A surgeon's notes on an imperfect science in 2002 and Better: A surgeon's notes on performance in 2007; and he peaked with his classic The Checklist Manifesto-How to get things right in 2009. In 2015, The Naked Surgeon-The power and peril of transparency in medicine appeared. Written by a cardiothoracic surgeon, Samer Nashef, the book takes the study of complication avoidance to a different level and describes how cardiac surgery blazed the trail in quality monitoring and improvement, leaving no scope for other specialties but to follow. The era of the naked neurosurgeon may be beginning anytime.ConclusionEver since E. C. Pearce delivered the 34th Rovenstine lecture, 40years behind the mask-Safety revisited, in 1996, the literature on complication avoidance and management has been growing exponentially. Cross-specialty discourse and the exchange of ideas are essential for neurosurgery to maintain its position as the emperor of all specialties.

Smart ICT Fusion Hub

An online e-learning platform for students is a dynamic digital environment designed to provide flexible, accessible, and engaging educational experiences beyond the traditional classroom. By harnessing the power of technology, these platforms offer a wide variety of resources—from interactive video lessons and real-time assessments to collaborative tools like discussion forums and group projects—tailored to different learning styles. Built with adaptability at their core, e- learning platforms personalize the educational journey, allowing students to progress at their own pace, revisit challenging concepts, and receive instant feedback on their performance. These platforms leverage data analytics and artificial intelligence to create a responsive learning environment, where course content can be customized to address individual strengths and areas for improvement. Moreover, e- learning platforms encourage lifelong learning and self-discipline, as student can access quality education from any location, breaking down barriers of geography and socioeconomic status. They foster a global learning community, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to interact, collaborate, and exchange ideas. As technology evolves, these platforms continue to integrate emerging tools like augmented reality, gamification, and virtual classrooms, making education more immersive and impactful. Overall, e- learning platforms empower students by providing them with the tools, flexibility, and support needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

ESPO AND NIA’S BUTLER WILLIAMS PROGRAM: RESOURCES AND SUPPORTS TO CULTIVATE THE FORTITUDE FACTOR

Abstract Aging research, education, and practice all continue to expand in their diversity across methods, scope, and reach. Navigating a career in any of one of these sectors requires many elements of fortitude – curiosity, discipline, collaboration, creativity, and resilience. The Gerontological Society of America’s Emerging Scholar and Professional Organization (ESPO) has long collaborated with the National Institute on Aging to support students, trainees, and emerging professionals in their scientific and professional development. The Butler Williams Scholars Program, hosted by the NIA’s Office of Special Populations, is an annual immersive program for advanced postdoctoral fellows and early career faculty. For many attendees, participating in this program is an opportunity to engage with Program Officers, exchange ideas among colleagues with diverse training and interests, and develop a national network of scientific and professional collaborators. This symposium features work by past Butler Williams participants, including reflections on how GSA and NIA have each helped to shape professional and research trajectories. Specifically, Dr. Matos-Moreno will discuss ongoing work around kinship structures in different migratory scenarios. Dr. Hughes will discuss a portfolio of interdisciplinary research focused on the scale and spread of health promotion programs for older adults. Dr. Dotson will discuss a career composed of diverse funding mechanisms and initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles and optimize brain health. The session will close with remarks by staff from NIA’s Office of Special Populations and other program areas.

THE VHA’S GERIATRIC SCHOLARS PROGRAM IMPACT ON DEVELOPING AND DISSEMINATING CLINICAL INNOVATIONS

Abstract The Geriatric Scholars Program is an enterprise-wide VA workforce development project that has resulted in significant clinical improvements and innovations in care of older Veterans. The program has invested in the interdisciplinary primary care workforce with discipline-specific core training in geriatrics and in quality improvement. Each of the more than 1500 Scholars to date implements a quality improvement project to demonstrate transfer of new knowledge and skills in the care of older Veterans. Ove 15,000 VHA clinical employees regularly participate in interdisciplinary webinars, team training workshops, practica, and self-directed learning opportunities. There are over 5000 users of the resource website, www.gerischolars.org. This symposium explores some of the direct impacts of continuing professional education on the clinical care of older Veterans. Several program components will be discussed, including replication in Indian Health Service clinics, outcomes for caregivers of older Veterans, practice change for geropsychologists, and how the program’s quality improvement mentored program for Geriatric Scholars enhances outcomes for patients in VHA. The Geriatric Scholars Program has 15 Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) partners in its network that have worked together for over 15 years to build capacity in the VHA healthcare workforce through innovative education and clinical approaches. The national GRECC Director in VHA will serve as discussant for what promises to be a lively exchange of ideas and opportunities for replication.

The Utilization of Independent Teaching Platform to Improve Teachers’ Competencies

The Independent Teaching Platform is a digital media that provides various learning resources, training, and connections between teachers. Through this platform, teachers can access the latest learning content, collaborate with fellow teachers, and take professional training without space and time limits. With easy and quick access, teachers have the opportunity to continuously develop their knowledge and skills. This article discusses the concrete benefits of utilizing Independent Teaching Platform, such as improved understanding of the latest teaching methods, implementation of technology in learning, and improved creativity in delivering material. In addition, this platform also creates a collaborative space among teachers, enabling the exchange of ideas and experiences that can improve the quality of teaching collectively. The method in writing this article uses a systematic literature review in order to get the sources the researcher wants in detail. The results of the review of this article are that teachers get many benefits that are used to improve competencies in teaching and managing learning in the classroom more actively, innovatively and creatively. However, there are constraints in some remote or outermost areas/regions such as: limited access to qualified teachers, inadequate infrastructure, and geographical isolation.

Global Research Trends in Sustainability and Environmental Issues: A Sustainable Environment and Future Directions

Global rapid economic growth is a cause of significant environmental issues threatening the welfare of current and future generations in the 21st century. The issues show the need for sustainable environmental development, which correlates with the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) program. Therefore, this research aimed to identify and examine global trends in sustainability and environmental issues, as published in Scopus-indexed journals from 1982 to 2022. Data on sustainability and environmental issues over the past 40 years were collected from the Scopus database. These included 1,324 English-language documents examined through bibliometric analysis performed with VOSviewer. The analysis explored the evolution of publications over time, categorized by classification, citations, subject areas, document types, authors, countries, institutions, journals, documents, and keywords. The results provided insights and discussions on sustainability and environment investigations, guiding future publications. This research would serve as a resource for scholars interested in collaborative projects in environmental sustainability, facilitating the exchange of ideas and results with academics, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, and other stakeholders. The objective was to provide practical directions for advancing sustainability to ensure long-term social resilience and planetary health.

The Impact of Reverse Mentoring on Employees’ Innovative Behavior: Evidence from Chinese Technology Enterprises

Innovation is crucial for enterprises to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage. Reverse mentoring, as an emerging mentoring practice that promotes knowledge and idea exchange between junior employees and senior colleagues, is regarded as a crucial element in driving overall innovation within organizations and is gradually attracting the attention of scholars. However, empirical research on its potential benefits is still relatively scarce. Based on the cognitive appraisal theory of stress, this study investigates the relationship and internal mechanisms between reverse mentoring and employees’ innovative behaviors through a two-period follow-up survey of 528 employees in China’s science and technology-based enterprises. The hypotheses were verified using structural equation modeling and bootstrap analysis, and the findings indicated that reverse mentoring positively influenced employees’ innovative behaviors. Simultaneously, challenge stress appraisal and continuous learning serve as chain mediators between reverse mentoring and employees’ innovative behaviors. This study provides valuable references for organizations to effectively implement reverse mentoring practices and foster innovation, offering a new pathway for sustainable innovation among enterprise employees.

The Influence of Learning-Oriented Organizational Culture on Innovation and Firm Performance in The Creative Industry

The creative industry is an important sector in the Indonesian economy. This industry has great potential to increase economic growth, job creation and national competitiveness. However, to achieve this potential, companies in the creative industries need to continue to innovate and improve their performance. One of the factors that can encourage innovation and company performance is a learning-oriented organizational culture. This research aims to analyze the influence of learning-oriented organizational culture on innovation in creative industry companies. This research uses quantitative research methods. Data was collected through surveys using questionnaires and literature studies. The data that has been collected is then analyzed using a regression test using the SPSS program. The research results show that a learning-oriented organizational culture has a positive influence on innovation and company performance in the creative industries. This culture creates an environment that encourages employees to continuously learn and develop, facilitates the exchange of ideas, and adopts new approaches to their work. In addition, a learning-oriented culture also improves overall company performance by improving operational efficiency, increasing employee satisfaction, and producing better and more innovative products or services.

Recent Trends in Improving Resistance against Diseases Using Molecular Genetics and Omics Tools

CHIEF ORGANIZER AND FOCAL PERSON MESSAGE Dear Participants, It is with immense pleasure and excitement that I extend my warmest welcome to you for the upcoming 1st International Conference on Recent Trends in Improving Resistance Against Diseases Using Molecular Genetics and OMICS Tools. As the Chief Organizer and Focal Person, it is truly an honor to host this groundbreaking event at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan in the picturesque city of Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Our conference aims to bring together a diverse and accomplished group of researchers, scholars, and practitioners who share a common passion for advancing the frontiers of science, particularly in the crucial areas of One Health, Combatting Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Livestock Improvement, and OMICS: The Future. Over the course of two enriching days, we anticipate dynamic discussions and thought-provoking presentations that will not only deepen our understanding of the challenges we face but also inspire innovative solutions. Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, nestled in the heart of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, provides a fitting backdrop for this collaborative exchange of ideas. The themes of the conference are not just topics of conversation; they represent the core issues that demand our attention and collective effort. One Health emphasizes the interconnectedness of various facets of health, underscoring the need for collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches. Combatting Diseases and addressing Antimicrobial Resistance are critical in safeguarding public health globally, and discussions on Livestock Improvement are integral to the sustainability of agricultural systems. OMICS: The Future heralds a new era of scientific exploration and discovery, powered by advanced technologies. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the organizing committee, esteemed keynote speakers, and all contributors who have worked tirelessly to make this conference a reality. Your commitment to advancing knowledge and promoting collaboration is truly commendable. As the Chief Organizer and Focal Person, I encourage you to actively engage in the sessions, network with fellow participants, and seize the opportunity to shape the future of scientific research in these vital areas. The abstracts presented at the conference will not only be published in the abstract book but will also contribute significantly to the global scientific discourse. Once again, welcome to the 1st International Conference on Recent Trends in Improving Resistance Against Diseases. Let us make these two days a memorable and transformative experience for us all. Best Regards, Dr. Tahir Usman Chief Organizer and Focal Person

Introducing accounting small talk: on genres of accounting talk

PurposeThe purposes of this paper are to explore accounting talk events and to contribute to the literature by presenting a model of accounting talk genres.Design/methodology/approachIn the qualitative tradition, interviews were conducted with accountants in both private and public sector. The pandemic provided a natural experiment, as the implemented restrictions gave rise to a situation in which accountants had to prepare and communicate numbers while working remotely. Using sociolinguistics, the paper analyzes the interactions between accountants and other organizational members when remotely preparing and communicating reports.FindingsThis study develops a conceptual model that illustrates the significant influence of accounting small talk on the production and presentation of financial information. The analysis reveals various genres of accounting talk in the everyday practice of management accountants. In so doing, the study makes three contributions. First, it provides a conceptual model of accounting talk. Second, it highlights the role of accounting small talk in creating a less risky environment for reflection, which facilitates the exchange of thoughts and ideas. Third, it offers an explanation of why even so-called bean counters can benefit from accounting small talk. It suggests that such informal communication can not only enhance efficiency by helping to ensure accurate accounts but also improve quality by aligning the numbers with more realistic forecasts.Research limitations/implicationsWe encourage future studies of accounting discourse in settings that are more similar to everyday work environments. Additional insights could also be gained by drawing upon other methods, such as conversation analysis and ethnographic studies. This paper may help controllers to be more aware of how they use talk in addition to numbers. The knowledge provided here is also important for the education of future controllers.Originality/valueThe paper provides a conceptual model of how organizational members talk about accounting, which may enable a more detailed analysis of accounting talk. The study also highlights the importance of accounting small talk, which has been largely overlooked in accounting literature.

Innovation Networks and Knowledge Diffusion Across Industries: An Empirical Study from an Emerging Economy

This study investigates the impact of innovation networks on knowledge diffusion, aligning with the Knowledge Spillover Theory of Entrepreneurship (KSTE). It explores how these networks promote sustainability-oriented innovation and enhance corporate performance across industries, focusing on the Ghanaian context. A theoretical framework was developed using a two-dimensional fixed effects model and instrumental variable estimations. The analysis utilized longitudinal data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) via the PENTSCOPE database from 2000 to 2023. The study reveals that robust innovation networks significantly enhance knowledge diffusion. Absorptive capacity plays a crucial mediating role, enabling firms to assimilate and apply external knowledge effectively. Additionally, organizational culture is a critical moderator, with adaptive and collaborative cultures fostering more efficient knowledge integration. The results highlight the pivotal role of innovation networks in transforming technological advancements into measurable performance outcomes, driving sustainable innovation and competitive advantage. This research extends the KSTE framework by integrating the network theory to examine how firms exploit external knowledge. It provides empirical evidence from the Ghanaian context, offering novel insights into how innovation networks can foster knowledge diffusion and sustainable development. This study’s findings contribute to theoretical discourse and practical applications, emphasizing the importance of strategic engagement in innovation networks and adaptive organizational cultures for long-term success. This research provides insights applicable to other emerging economies, highlighting how robust innovation networks can drive knowledge diffusion and sustainable development beyond the Ghanaian context.

Social Media Savvy, It's More Than Just the #Hashtags: How the Use of Social Media in Transplant Infectious Diseases Can Impact the Field and Patients.

Social media provides platforms for transplant infectious diseases (TIDs) clinicians to network, exchange ideas, and educate each other and the broader public. A #TxIDChat on the social media platform X was conducted on the perceptions of social media in TID by the account @TxID_Fellows. This article examines the current usage of social media by TID clinicians, and its role in education, patient outreach, and networking. Guidance is also provided for trainees to help navigate a public space at the intersection of professional and social platforms.

Transition to circular economy of urban areas and communities with special attention to lifestyles

Cities are important hubs of consumption and public services. But also, for exchange of goods and ideas among people, institutions and businesses. As current literature suggests regarding the enforcement of SDG12, Sustainable Consumption and Production in cities is supported by the promotion of circular economy (CE). There is a growing number of circular businesses, but this does not guarantee the spread of circular lifestyles in the whole society. In addition, the effects of awareness raising activities and any actions aiming to change the behavioural patterns of consumers can be limited if people cannot find sufficient offers for sustainable consumption. Therefore, in our research we aim to answer the following questions: 1. What kind of circular offers and initiatives are available which enable consumers to implement circular lifestyles in cities? 2. What kind of methodologies and forms can support engaging consumers to circular lifestyles in urban areas? In this study, we aim to enrich the knowledge base connected to encouraging CE citizenship in urban areas by providing an overview of circular offer types based on the analysis carried out in three examined cities (Bologna, Italy; Budapest, Hungary and Würzburg, Germany). Circular offers and initiatives have been examined by desk research to foster urban portfolios. 101 good examples have been collected and analysed with self-developed typology for circular lifestyle enablers. Results indicate that in the examined cities special attention is devoted on forming behavioural patterns of inhabitants. In this context, the Living Lab approach as a specific form for community engagement and awareness raising has high importance for the facilitation of circular lifestyles. Moreover, care should be taken to ensure that the important activities for a circular lifestyle and sustainable consumption, the Big Points, are considered and included within the different initiatives and offers.

Sanctions against russian science: Pros and cons

This paper examines the advantages and disadvantages of imposing sanctions on russian science, along with the measures enacted to penalize or restrict it. Proponents of sanctions argue that accountability is essential, and a tangible cost must be imposed for russia’s actions. Sanctions can serve as a signal to end war and aggression, weaken russia’s economic foundation, and exacerbate brain drain, potentially hindering the development of military technologies and reducing russia’s capacity to sustain its aggression. Furthermore, some russian academics openly support the war and should be held accountable for their stance. However, significant opposition to sanctions exists. A prevailing argument, often mirrored in fields like sports and culture, is that science should remain apolitical. Critics contend that sanctions disrupt the free exchange of ideas, penalize innocent individuals, and may harm global scientific progress and human development, given russia’s integral role in international research. Additionally, sanctions are often criticized as costly and inefficient. Despite these debates, a variety of restrictive measures targeting russian science have been implemented. These include funding cuts, suspension of collaborations, termination of joint projects, and exclusion of academics linked to the russian regime. Other measures involve companies closing R&D facilities in russia, restrictions on scientific equipment and reagents, boycotts of russian-organized conferences, and the suspension of international research partnerships. This study synthesizes the arguments for and against sanctions on russian science and provides an analytical discussion to shape a nuanced perspective on this complex issue.

Distance‐Based Agglomeration Externalities and the Survival of Logistics Firms: Evidence From a Publicly Developed Logistics Park

ABSTRACTNumerous studies have shown that agglomeration externalities play a crucial role in the survival prospects of logistics firms. However, previous studies have largely ignored the role that agglomeration externalities play at a more granular level. Therefore, this paper used Chengdu International Railway Port as a case study, constructed a distance‐based agglomeration measure to explore the impact of agglomeration externalities on the survival of logistics firms located within a publicly developed logistics park (PDLP). The results show that the three types of agglomeration externalities coexist and are highly localized in the PDLP, and their effects change with distance from the logistics firm. Specifically, the specialization externalities operate within 1.5 km of the logistics firm and produce competitive effects within immediate proximity (0.5 km). Second, while diversification externalities cause significant congestion effects, interindustry knowledge spillovers arising from related diversification externalities play a key role in the 0.5 km proximity of logistics firms, and unrelated diversification externalities play a positive role in reducing the market transaction costs of logistics firms outside the 0.5 km range.

JAMS@AX24 Conference Report

The JAMS@AX Academic Symposium, an academic conference inside of Anime Expo 2024, brought together scholars, librarians, educators, and enthusiasts from around the world to explore the academic study of anime, manga, and Japanese culture. The Journal of Anime and Manga Studies partnered with Anime Expo to co-host this conference for the second time following last year’s MechaJAMS symposium, continuing to offer this unique opportunity to delve deeper into the world of Japanese pop culture on a scholarly level. This year, the symposium embraced the “Edo Japan” theme and encouraged presenters to discuss how anime presents Japanese history and culture, especially during this period. The symposium offered a diverse array of panels and presentations that delved into various aspects of anime and manga studies, from historical reinterpretations and cultural critiques to the impact of music and the integration of traditional art forms. This report provides an overview of the key discussions and insights shared during the symposium, highlighting the scholarly contributions and the vibrant exchange of ideas that marked the event.

Sraffa Goes to Space: Spatial Elements of Political Economy

ABSTRACT The Sraffian tradition has mostly overlooked the role of space, treating it as a static and abstract concept. This work introduces a fresh perspective, with a reappraisal of its significance in economic modeling and the examination of the locational distribution of economic agents. Our research bridges the gap in economic theories between the Surplus approach and the Critical Quantitative Geography literature. This study has multiple objectives. First, the reappraisal of the linkages between these two theories occurred from the publication of Sraffa's seminal contribution. Second, novel concepts such as space capacity, the physical location of workers, and its simple graphical representation are introduced. Third, a demand-side closure of the model in line with the Sraffian Supermultiplier tradition. In conclusion, our research introduces a novel possibility to incorporate space into economic analysis, shedding light on how the spatial distribution of economic agents affects prices, distribution, and growth. Space as much as institutions, should play a central role in economic analysis. The direction taken in this work promises to facilitate the exchange of ideas between Critical Geography and the Surplus Approach literature, offering valuable insights for policy-making and a better understanding of regional economic dynamics.