Innovative Ideas Research Articles

3D Printed Personalized Colon-targeted Tablets: A Novel Approach in Ulcerative Colitis Management.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are two types of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that are increasing in frequency and incidence worldwide, particularly in highly industrialized countries. Conventional tablets struggle to effectively deliver anti-inflammatory drugs since the inflammation is localized in different areas of the colon in each patient. The goal of 3D printing technology in pharmaceutics is to create personalized drug delivery systems (DDS) that are tailored to each individual's specific needs. This review provides an overview of existing 3D printing processes, with a focus on extrusion-based technologies, which have received the most attention. Personalized pharmaceutical products offer numerous benefits to patients worldwide, and 3D printing technology is becoming more affordable every day. Custom manufacturing of 3D printed tablets provides innovative ideas for developing a tailored colon DDS. In the future, 3D printing could be used to manufacture personalized tablets for UC patients based on the location of inflammation in the colon, resulting in improved therapeutic outcomes and a better quality of life.

Development Of Student Entrepreneurship Skills Through The Independent Entrepreneurship Program At Gadjah Mada University 2023

Entrepreneurship plays an important role in driving economic growth and creating new jobs. Therefore, the development of entrepreneurial skills among students is very important. This study aims to analyze the development of student entrepreneurship skills through the Wirausaha Merdeka program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in 2023. The Wirausaha Merdeka program is a national program that aims to create resilient and financially independent young entrepreneurs. This research uses a qualitative approach method. Data were collected through observation and in-depth interviews with students participating in the Wirausaha Merdeka program at UGM. The results showed that this program has successfully developed various entrepreneurial skills of students, such as managerial, marketing, financial, leadership, and communication skills. Through a series of training, mentoring, and hands-on practice in building a business, students can apply the knowledge gained in real terms. The positive impact of this program can be seen from the increase in students' interest and motivation for entrepreneurship, as well as the emergence of new innovative business ideas. However, there are also challenges such as lack of initial capital and difficulties in reaching a wider market. This research contributes to providing insight into the role of the Wirausaha Merdeka program in developing students' entrepreneurial skills and provides recommendations for future program improvements.

Driving innovation in primary healthcare though co-creation with stakeholders in Switzerland

Abstract Issue/problem Primary healthcare systems worldwide face challenges such as socio-demographic shifts, increasing chronic diseases, rising costs, and workforce shortages, demanding innovative solutions for the future of primary care. Description of the problem Addressing the complex challenges of creating a resilient primary healthcare model involves considering interdependent factors such as health policies, funding, workforce training, technology, and evolving diseases, alongside diverse stakeholder interests. To tackle this, the ‘Health2040: Co-creation of a Future Outpatient Primary Healthcare Model in Switzerland’ project was launched in 2023 to develop a forward-looking model by integrating insights from various stakeholders. Results The project involved 40 stakeholders, including patients, researchers, healthcare professionals, policy-makers, and insurers, in two full-day workshops aimed at co-creating a vision and actionable framework for Switzerland’s future primary care. The first workshop focused on developing and visualizing potential models, while the second targeted the transition to these new models and the creation of an implementation plan. These sessions were underpinned by a comprehensive literature review on emerging primary care models, providing a scientific foundation for the discussions. Lessons Successful co-creation requires significant preparatory efforts and innovative creativity techniques, such as Future Newspapers, brainstorming, games, and user personas. Engaging stakeholders throughout various stages of the project helped to enhance relevance. Feedback from a steering group on the workshop’s concept, methodologies, and evidence synthesis was instrumental. Healthcare practitioners also contributed their insights on patient personas, ensuring the models developed were pertinent to actual healthcare practices. Stakeholder engagement process was essential for fostering innovative ideas and ensuring stakeholder buy-in for the developed solutions. Key messages • Co-creation with stakeholders is a promising way to develop innovative solutions for health systems. • Integrating stakeholder input is crucial at all the project stages, from preparation to evaluation.

Strategies to advancing digital health equity: perspectives from underserved groups

Abstract Digital Health Technologies (DHTs) are revolutionizing healthcare. However, there is a lack of demonstrable health benefits across all populations. To advance digital health equity, we explored the perspectives of underserved groups on strategies to support digital inclusivity. Participants belonged to two or more CLEARS (Culture (ethnicity, language, religion), Limiting conditions (visual or hearing), low Educational attainment, older Age, Residence (rural, deprived or no fixed address), low Socioeconomic status) groups. This framework encompassed sociodemographic factors associated with digital exclusion and recognizes the role of intersectionality.(1) Twenty-nine individuals participated in focus groups (n = 4) or interviews (n = 11) and shared their perspectives on the barriers to DHTs, innovative ideas to improve inclusivity, and perceived feasibility of implementing changes. An inductive reflective thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcripts, assisted by N-Vivo. Participants experienced fragmented communication with healthcare providers when using DHTs, explaining how they received a no-reply SMS message asking them to confirm an appointment via a link but were unable to access the link. Current solutions to overcoming such barriers included using non-digital routes (e.g., visiting a pharmacy) or calling non-emergency healthcare services. Many participants expressed the need for DHT support services to be implemented to provide educational support and access to devices. However, some participants raised concerns about the financial strain this might place on healthcare systems. Future research should evaluate the feasibility of implementing different DHTs support services across different settings to advance digital health equity. (1)Wilson et al. (2023). Strategies to develop, design, implement and support digital health equity in key underserved groups: protocol for a systematic review. Alzheimer’s & Dementia. Key messages • Strategies to mitigating digital exclusion within healthcare should be designed with underserved groups. • Future research should evaluate the feasibility of implementing different DHTs support services across different settings to advance digital health equity.

All Roads Lead to Rome: Isomers with Divergent Cathode Modification Mechanisms toward Ohmic Contact.

Cathode interfacial layers (CILs) hold utmost importance for achieving ohmic contact at the organic semiconductor-cathode interface of organic photovoltaic devices. Delving deep into diverse design principles and working mechanisms is of great significance for designing novel CILs with high performance. Herein, two novel nonamine-based CILs are designed: one featuring a cyclopentadiene unit, designated as CIL-cp; while the other, lacking cyclopentadiene, is referred to as CIL-ph, which is an isomer of CIL-cp. The subtle changes in chemical structures result in distinct modification mechanisms toward ohmic contact. On one hand, the robust electron-withdrawing characteristic of cyclopentadiene endows CIL-cp with lower energy levels, resulting in an interfacial dipole at the active layer-CIL-cp interface due to electron transfer from D18 to CIL-cp. On the other hand, CIL-ph exhibits a strong interfacial dipole at the CIL-Ag interface, which significantly reduces the work function (WF) of the silver electrode. Both CIL-cp and CIL-ph demonstrate excellent interfacial modification capability, whereas CIL-cp possesses a stronger electron extraction ability, thus leading to a high power conversion efficiency of 19.31% in the D18:L8-BO system. Our results reveal the distinctive operational mechanism of cyclopentadiene-based CILs, thus offering innovative design ideas for CIL materials.

Properties and Factors of CsxWO3 Slurry for Building Glass with High Visible Light Transmission and Outstanding Near-Infrared Insulation

This study is dedicated to the development of a new type of cesium tungsten bronze energy-saving laminated glass and explores its application in insulating glass combinations, offering innovative ideas and practical solutions for advancing energy-saving glass technology. Experimental results show that both CsxWO3 (CWO) dispersions exhibit good visible light transmittance and near-infrared shielding properties, with CWO1 demonstrating superior shielding in the 650–950 nm range, attributed to differences in shape and size distribution and verified by simulations using the Drude–Lorentz model and the finite element method.

Mathematical Modeling and Indirect Carbon Emission Reduction Analysis of Urban Wastewater Treatment Systems Under Different Temperature Conditions

In the context of achieving the two-carbon target, this study utilized a wastewater treatment plant in Shenyang City as a case study to accurately calculate indirect emissions related to energy and chemical consumption within the energy-intensive wastewater treatment industry. Sumo software was employed for precise mathematical modeling. Considering the operational characteristics of wastewater treatment plants in cold regions, this study innovatively divided the annual operation cycle into two periods, namely normal temperature and low temperature, and determined the optimal operational parameters under a low-carbon mode. The results indicate that precise regulation of dissolved oxygen concentration to 0.5–1.5 mg/L (normal temperature period) and 1–2 mg/L (low temperature period) can significantly reduce carbon emissions related to electricity consumption by 13,781.9 t CO2-eq. From the perspective of chemical consumption, adjusting the dosage of polyaluminum chloride (PAC) to 75% and sodium acetate to 70% during the normal temperature period can lead to a reduction in indirect carbon emissions of 1614.4 t CO2-eq compared to the same period last year. During the low-temperature period, by reducing the dosage of polyaluminum chloride to 80% and sodium acetate to 75%, the indirect carbon emissions can be reduced by 1557.3 t CO2-eq compared to the corresponding period last year. After optimization, USD 1.49 million can be saved. This study simulated the operation conditions of cold-region urban wastewater treatment plants at different times to effectively control carbon emissions resulting from energy and chemical consumption in wastewater treatment. This result can provide innovative ideas for energy saving and carbon reduction in cold-region wastewater treatment plants.

Artificial Intelligence Assistance and Cognitive Abilities: Harnessing AI-Assisted Heuristic Methods for Transitioning from Critical to Creative Thinking in English Language Learning

Transitioning from critical to creative thinking is an essential component of English language learning, fostering problem-solving abilities, innovative idea generation, and effective communication skills. Purpose. This study examines the potential of AI-assisted heuristic methods in facilitating this cognitive shift. Methodology. Three distinct AI-driven approaches are investigated: adaptive learning systems, intelligent tutoring, and data-driven feedback. A mixed-methods approach is employed to evaluate the effectiveness of the AI-assisted heuristic methods and learners' experiences during the intervention. The study involves 60 participants, divided into three groups of 20, each exposed to one of the three AI-driven methods. English language learning resources, including reading passages, audio recordings, and interactive exercises, are integrated with the AI-assisted techniques. The 8-week intervention commences with a pre-test assessing participants' initial critical and creative thinking skills. Post-tests and surveys are administered following the intervention to measure cognitive development and gather feedback on learners' experiences. Results. Results demonstrate significant improvements in problem-solving and originality of idea generation among participants. Furthermore, learners report positive experiences and recognize the value of AI-driven approaches in personalizing learning and promoting cognitive growth. However, challenges such as technological barriers and teacher training needs are highlighted. The current research underscores the potential of AI-assisted heuristic methods in English language learning, offering valuable insights into effective teaching strategies, learning tools, and platforms. Conclusion. Findings contribute to the development of innovative interventions supporting learners in acquiring essential thinking skills amidst rapid technological advancements, ultimately empowering them to succeed in today's interconnected and knowledge-driven world.

Female-led teams produce more innovative ideas yet receive less scientific impact

Abstract Despite longstanding concerns about gender bias in science, there remains a lack of understanding regarding the performance of female scientists as team leaders compared to their male counterparts. This study explores differences between female-led and male-led teams in terms of scientific impact, novelty, and disruption, utilizing a comprehensive dataset of journal articles spanning from 1980 to 2016 across STEM fields. We employed Coarsened Exact Matching (CEM) to match female and male scientists based on their characteristics. Subsequently, we applied multivariable logistic regression models to compare the outcomes of journal articles produced by female-led and male-led teams. Our analysis reveals that female-led teams generate more novel and disruptive ideas. However, they tend to produce articles with fewer scientific impact compared to their male-led counterparts. This suggests a systemic undervaluation of the contributions of female scientists. Further analysis indicates that this gender bias intensifies in later career stages and with larger team sizes. Additionally, significant field-specific heterogeneity is observed, with the most pronounced bias found in Biology and Medicine. These findings highlight the urgent need for policy adjustments to address these biases and promote a more equitable evaluation system in scientific research. Peer Review https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway/wos/peer-review/10.1162/qss_a_00335

Assessing innovative and responsive young leaders in public service: Lens from community clientele

Youth leadership brings new perspectives, innovative ideas, and a dynamic approach to addressing contemporary issues. Young leaders often possess a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by their generation, enabling them to develop solutions that are relevant and impactful. Their involvement in public service fosters a sense of responsibility and civic engagement, encouraging a culture of active participation and community building. This study examined the innovative and responsive characteristics of young leaders in the Philippines. This exploratory paper expected to provide understanding on how community clientele like community residents, elderly people, persons with disability, perceived innovative and responsive traits of community youth leaders. Convenience sampling (n=12) was carried out to select the participants seeking assistance from barangays leaders. Findings indicated that the community clienteles described these young leaders as possessing creative minds capable of ‘thinking outside the box’ to address evolving challenges and meet community needs. Youth leaders were noted for their commitment to effective communication, gathering feedback, and working collaboratively with the community to resolve issues. They are accessible and approachable, demonstrating empathy and attentiveness to the concerns of those they serve. The perception of community clientele emphasized how young leaders integrate creative and innovative approaches to problem-solving with proactive and empathetic engagement to the community, and their commitment to transparency and effective communication. These qualities collectively contribute to the community's positive view of youth leadership, recognizing the potential of young leaders to bring about meaningful and lasting change.

Trap cropping for insect pests in the Canadian Prairies: a review and a case study

AbstractThe Canadian Prairies are one of the major agricultural regions of the world in terms of cereal, oilseed and pulse crop production. With few exceptions, major insect pests like grasshoppers, flea beetles, Lygus bugs, wireworms and pea leaf weevils are controlled with insecticides. Wheat stem sawfly is managed through host plant resistance and endemic natural enemies, whereas cereal leaf beetle is managed through classical biological control. Large farms and short growing seasons in the region present logistical challenges to adopt time intensive pest management systems such as trap crops. Therefore, there is no adoption of trap crops even though some research has demonstrated their potential. In this article we present a brief overview of the pest status and management, and we summarize research on trap crops in the Prairies Ecozone and adjacent ecoregions. We conclude the review with some innovative research ideas to make trap cropping a more appealing pest management system in our quest to reduce dependency on chemical insecticides and increase the environmental resilience of Canadian agroecosystems.

Enhancing fieldwork readiness in occupational therapy students with generative AI

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into health professions education is revolutionizing traditional teaching methodologies and enhancing learning experiences. This study explores the use of generative AI to aid occupational therapy (OT) students in intervention planning. OT students often lack the background knowledge to generate a wide variety of interventions, spending excessive time on idea generation rather than clinical reasoning, practice skills, and patient care. AI can enhance creative ideation but students must still adhere to evidence-based practice, patient safety, and privacy standards. Students used ChatGPT v. 3.5 in a lecture and assignment to integrate generative AI into intervention planning. Students analyzed a case study, generated ideas with ChatGPT, selected interventions that aligned with the client’s needs, and provided a rationale. They conducted evidence-based searches and wrote an analysis on how the research influenced their decisions. The results demonstrate generative AI’s potential as a valuable tool for OT students, enhancing their comfort with AI and understanding of ethical and safety considerations. Qualitative feedback highlighted AI’s role in boosting efficiency and creativity in intervention planning, with most students expressing strong intent to use ChatGPT in clinical practice due to its ability to reduce cognitive load and generate innovative ideas. These findings suggest that integrating generative AI into the OT curriculum could enhance intervention planning and improve clinical readiness.

A tailored phytosomes based nose-to-brain drug delivery strategy: Silver bullet for Alzheimer's disease

With the aging of the population, the incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has increased dramatically, causing severe medical, care, and economic burdens on society and families. The efficacy of rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate (RHT), the first-line clinical treatment, is severely limited by the complex and multiple pathogenesis of AD and low brain bioavailability caused by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Confronting such two bottlenecks, the development of multi-target agents encapsulated BBB-bypassing drug delivery systems offer tremendous therapeutics possibilities for AD. In this study, a tailored phytosomes based nose-to-brain drug delivery system with appropriate plume was successfully designed and developed. On the one hand, Ginseng RG3-based phytosomes loaded with RHT was designed for the co-delivery of GRg3 and RHT, achieving the multi-target pharmacology for AD treatment. On the other hand, a tailored nose-to-brain drug delivery system was established for the satisfactory nose-to-brain delivery efficiency, avoiding the obstacle of BBB through bypassing it. In the pharmacodynamic study based on AD rat model, GRg3@RHT exhibited obviously synergic effect, effectively break the vicious cycle of AD progression, ultimately markedly ameliorating learning and memory ability as well as behavioral dysfunctions, and delaying the neurodegenerative process associated with AD. In addition, the strong correlation of viscosity-droplet size-plume geometry-olfactory deposition was also established, and further proved by the in vivo pharmacokinetic study, which is proposed to provide evidence to enhance nose-to-brain delivery efficiency. This study is anticipated to provide novel insights into AD treatment strategies while offering innovative ideas for drug delivery approaches targeting nervous system disorders.

Role of Social Media Platforms in Dissemination of Knowledge, Ideas, and Innovation among Employees within Governmental Organizations- A Sociological Study in Southern Punjab

This study aims to assess how social media platforms contribute to the information, ideas, and innovations that are shared among employees of government organizations. The following will be the research's main purposes; (A) To evaluate the degree to which social media platforms increases knowledge and ideas between employees in organizations (B) To access how social media platforms encourage ideas generation procedure between employees within organizations. (C) To scrutinize how social media platforms encourage innovation procedure between employees within organizations. 210 employees in total will be chosen as sample from various South Punjab government organizations. At the first stage, three divisions of South Punjab will be chosen purposefully. At the second stage, two districts will be selected from each division. In the third stage, five government organizations will be selected using a simple random sample method. At the fourth stage, seven (7) employees will be chosen from each district's government departments, to complete a total of two hundred and ten employees’ sample, so that the conclusion derived from the sample may be general to the full population. Data will be collected using a digital survey questionnaire (created and distributed using Google Forms). After gathering the data, the investigator will utilize the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software to perform various statistical analyses. The data demonstrates that 52.9% of government office personnel utilized social media to a great extent and 47.1% who used it to some extent. According to collected data it was determined that 61.0% of the respondents used social media. primarily for learning purposes. The bi-variate investigation hypothesis outcomes demonstrates that there is helpful connection among the utilization of social media platforms by employees and openness and Flexibility during interactions. There is a helpful association among official communication and information sharing and employees are motivated and connected. There is the positive Association between social media sites help to overcome communication obstacles and organization work together and share knowledge. Results show that there is a positive correlation between time spent on social media and employees are allowed to express their innovative ideas. Results show that there is a positive link among the use of social media for sharing updates and announcements and employees engage in work-related conversations and discussions. Results show that there is an optimistic link among time spend on social media and opportunities to employees for sharing ideas and expertise.

PID PATH FOLLOWING CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN ON UNMANNED AUTONOMOUS FORKLIFT PROTOTYPE

One of the technologies often used in material handling and material transport is forklift. Conventionally forklifts are operated by human operators. For efficiency, to improve security, safety, and occupational health and to minimize the risk of operators, forklifts can be automated. Therefore, the idea of unmanned autonomous forklift innovation was introduced. In this final project, a motion control system was designed for an unmanned autonomous forklift prototype both in simulation and hardware using PID control techniques, and the odometry system was equipped with a rotary encoder. In the simulation, the controlled variable was the distance and the manipulated variable was the force on the vehicle. Meanwhile, in the prototype, the controlled variable was distance and the manipulated variable was the motor pulse. In the simulation stage the PID control parameters were applied . with an error of 0.32% in the simulation. The PID control parameters were applied to the prototype, that is, . The distance tests were done with variation of 50 cm to 200 cm (25 cm intervals). One variation of the distance experiment was done 5 times. The average absolute error resulted was 2.36 cm.

Even if you build it, they may not come: challenges in the uptake of workplace mental health toolkits

BackgroundStrategies to promote workplace mental health can target system, organization, team, and individual levels exclusively or in concert with each other. Creating toolkits that include these different levels is an emerging innovative strategy to support employees working in various sectors. Our paper describes the development, implementation, and refinement of two different online toolkits: the Healthy Professional Worker Toolkit for Education Workers and the Health Worker Burnout Toolkit.MethodsThe Knowledge to Action Framework guided the team during the development and early interventions phases of toolkit development. Stakeholder engagement regarding the intended use of the toolkit of promising practices for workplace interventions was integrated throughout with different forms of feedback in a research capacity between 2022 and 2024.ResultsReflecting on the different phases of the KTA Framework, we describe first the engagement involved in building the toolkits and then on their utilization. Our toolkits were built to include different resources aimed at empowering workers, teams, and employers offering innovative ideas to address the mental health-leaves of absence and return to work cycle in one case and the different forms and consequences of burnout in the other. Criteria for inclusion were informed by ongoing research with a range of stakeholders and other intended toolkit users including managers, supervisors, executives, human resource specialists, staff, and others in healthcare and educational organizations and settings. In the implementation phase, the volume of resources available in each toolkit considered a strength by some was overwhelming for some partners and individual workers to navigate. Capacity, engagement, time, and readiness for change, are themes that heavily influenced if and when organizations interacted with each toolkit, and how much time they spent exploring the resources provided.ConclusionIt is critical to ground toolkits in the experiential evidence of workplace mental health as is linking these to evidence-informed interventions that correspond to workplace concerns. Organizational readiness to adopt and adapt resources and implement changes is a key consideration. Ultimately, user engagement is what brought these toolkits to life.

Aggregation-Induced Emission Luminogen: Role in Biopsy for Precision Medicine.

Biopsy, including tissue and liquid biopsy, offers comprehensive and real-time physiological and pathological information for disease detection, diagnosis, and monitoring. Fluorescent probes are frequently selected to obtain adequate information on pathological processes in a rapid and minimally invasive manner based on their advantages for biopsy. However, conventional fluorescent probes have been found to show aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) properties, impeding greater progresses in this area. Since the discovery of aggregation-induced emission luminogen (AIEgen) have promoted rapid advancements in molecular bionanomaterials owing to their unique properties, including high quantum yield (QY) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), etc. This review seeks to present the latest advances in AIEgen-based biofluorescent probes for biopsy in real or artificial samples, and also the key properties of these AIE probes. This review is divided into: (i) tissue biopsy based on smart AIEgens, (ii) blood sample biopsy based on smart AIEgens, (iii) urine sample biopsy based on smart AIEgens, (iv) saliva sample biopsy based on smart AIEgens, (v) biopsy of other liquid samples based on smart AIEgens, and (vi) perspectives and conclusion. This review could provide additional guidance to motivate interest and bolster more innovative ideas for further exploring the applications of various smart AIEgens in precision medicine.

Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikiri Kritis dan Kreatifitas Siswa dengan Model Problem Base Learning (PBL) pada Siswa Kelas IV Fase B di SD Negeri 12 Sungai Risap

This research aims to describe the application of the Problem Base Learning (PBL) model in improving the critical and creative thinking abilities of class IV phase B students at SD 12 Sungai Risap. As well as describing how the critical thinking skills and creativity of class IV phase B students at SD 12 Sungai Risap increased after implementing PBL. The type of research is Classroom Action Research (PTK), entitled "Improving Students' Critical Thinking Abilities and Student Creativity with the PBL Model in Class IV Phase B Students at SD Negeri 12 Sungai Risap." This research was carried out at SDN 12 Sungai Risap, Binjai Hulu District, Sintang Regency from 13 to 19 September 2024. This research was carried out using the Problem Based Learning model. The research subjects were students of class IV Phase B at SDN 12 Sungai Risap. The research object was the application of the Problem Base Learning (PBL) model in improving the critical and creative thinking abilities of class IV phase B students at SD 12 Sungai Risap. The research was carried out in two classroom actions. The activity stages include planning, implementation, observation, analysis and reflection which are carried out face to face. Data collection was carried out by making direct observations and distributing questionnaires to students. Data analysis techniques are carried out through data collection, data condensation, presentation and drawing conclusions. The research results show that the application of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model can improve the critical thinking skills of class IV Phase B students at SD 12 Sungai Risap. Overall, PBL forces students to be active in their learning process, thereby improving critical thinking skills by teaching them to analyze, evaluate, and make better decisions. The application of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model can increase the creativity of class IV Phase B students at SD 12 Sungai Risap. Use of Innovative Ideas, Diverse Learning Outcome Products, Alternative Approaches to Problem Solving, Deeper Exploration. Overall, PBL facilitates increased critical thinking and creativity in students by placing them in learning situations that require complex and innovative problem solving.

Advances in Colon-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Innovative Strategies for Treating Colonic Disorders and Prospects for the Future.

Colon-specific targeting delivery systems have drawn a great deal of attention because they represent potential vehicles for treating colonic disorders like diverticulitis, colitis, salmonellosis, Crohn's disease, etc. with less systemic adverse effects as well as for the better oral delivery of many therapeutics that are prone to enzymatic and acidic deterioration in the upper GI tract. Smart polymeric delivery systems in particular have been investigated as "intelligent" delivery systems capable of releasing entrapped pharmaceuticals at the proper time & site of action in response to certain physiological stimuli. The creation of novel polymers & crosslinkers with improved biodegradability and biocompatibility would expand and enhance applications now in use. The development of polymeric systems could result in more precise and programmable drug delivery/therapies. In addition, newer advancements have led to the development of numerous ground-breaking techniques for directing a medication molecule to the colon. This review highlighted formulation techniques pH-dependent, time-dependent, enzyme sensitive, magnetically dependent, ligand-receptor mediated, and microflora-activated systems. Moreover, several methods have been put forth that make use of the innovative idea of such delivery systems, and mechanisms in which the release of drugs is regulated by pH and time as well as pH and the colon's bacteria.

Innovation Through Conceptual Research: Tips for Stoking Curiosity

ABSTRACTConceptual research represents a critical step in the theory‐building process and contributes innovative ideas that inspire empirical studies. This feature article highlights the importance of such research in academia with examples drawn from the tourism literature. It also critically discusses issues related to publishing conceptual research in premier journals. By using a five‐dimension framework of curiosity (i.e., deprivation sensitivity, joyous exploration, social curiosity, stress tolerance, and thrill seeking), scholars can assess researchers’ conceptual topics and readers’ responses when contemplating “what's new” to gauge a paper's publication potential. Several tips are offered to guide like‐minded scholars in conducting sound conceptual research: (1) interdisciplinary work offers sterling opportunities for investigators to collaboratively address pain points in society, highlighting tourism as part of the solution; (2) writing science is an art meant to communicate insights to interested parties, and effective message delivery helps to ensure impactful research that will engage stakeholders; and (3) with the proliferation of artificial intelligence, conceptual research presents a chance to bring human (and humanity)‐oriented issues to life. Overall, conceptual research opens an avenue through which scholars can make a difference in their and other disciplines as well as for society.