Innovative Directions Research Articles

Chitosan Oligosaccharide Modified Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoparticles for Improving Oral Bioavailability of Naringenin.

With the rapid development of nanotechnology, the research and development of nano-drugs have become one of the development directions of drug innovation. The encapsulation of the nanoparticles can change the biological distribution of the drug in vivo and improve the bioavailability of the drug in vivo. Naringenin is poorly soluble in water and has a low bioavailability, thus limiting its clinical application. The main purpose of this study was to develop a nano-sized preparation that could improve the oral bioavailability of naringenin. Chitosan oligosaccharide modified naringenin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (BSA-COS@Nar NPs) were prepared by emulsification solvent evaporation and electrostatic interaction. The nanoparticles were characterized by HPLC, laser particle size analyzer, transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffraction analysis. The release in vitro was investigated, and the behavior of nanoparticles in rats was also studied. The caco-2 cell model was established in vitro to investigate the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of nanoparticles. BSA-COS@Nar NPs were successfully prepared, and the first-order release model was confirmed in vitro release. In vivo pharmacokinetic results indicated that the area under the drug concentration- time curve (AUC) of BSA-COS@Nar NPs was 2.37 times more than free naringenin. Cytotoxicity and cellular uptake results showed that BSA-COS@Nar NPs had no significant cytotoxic effect on Caco- 2 cells and promoted cellular uptake of the drug. BSA-COS@Nar NPs could improve the in vivo bioavailability of naringenin.

Meeting Report: Controlled Human Influenza Virus Infection Model Studies: Current Status and Future Directions for Innovation.

On November 13-14, 2023, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in partnership with the Task Force for Global Health, Flu Lab, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention convened a meeting on controlled human influenza virus infection model (CHIVIM) studies to review the current research landscape of CHIVIM studies and to generate actionable next steps. Presentations and panel discussions highlighted CHIVIM use cases, regulatory and ethical considerations, innovations, networks and standardization, and the utility of using CHIVIM in vaccine development. This report summarizes the presentations, discussions, key takeaways, and future directions for innovations in CHIVIMs. Experts agreed that CHIVIM studies can be valuable for the study of influenza infection, immune response, and transmission. Furthermore, they may have utility in the development of vaccines and other medical countermeasures; however, the use of CHIVIMs to de-risk clinical development of investigational vaccines should employ a cautious approach. Endpoints in CHIVIM studies should be tailored to the specific use case. CHIVIM studies can provide useful supporting data for vaccine licensure but are not required and do not obviate the need for the conduct of field efficacy trials. Future directions in this field include the continued expansion of capacity to conduct CHIVIM studies, development of a broad panel of challenge viruses and assay reagents and standards that can be shared, streamlining of manufacturing processes, the exploration of targeted delivery of virus to the lower respiratory tract, efforts to more closely replicate natural influenza disease in CHIVIM, alignment on a definition of breadth to facilitate development of more broadly protective/universal vaccine approaches, and continued collaboration between stakeholders.

Mapping Digital Transformation of Municipalities through the Lens of Institutional Isomorphism

This paper examines the role of institutional isomorphism in influencing digital transformation (DT) within municipalities. It addresses the gap in understanding how coercive, mimetic, and normative pressures shape municipal strategies and operations as they adopt and implement digital technologies. Through a systematic literature review and thematic analysis, the study identifies key actors in municipal DT and maps out the domains of action in which institutional pressures are influential. The findings indicate that municipal DT can be seen as a bridging-issues field, where coercive pressures often stem from regulatory mandates requiring compliance with digital standards, where mimetic pressures arise from the need to emulate successful digital practices, and where normative pressures are related to professional standards and expectations within the administrative context. The study concludes that institutional pressures significantly dictate the pace and direction of digital innovation within municipalities. Understanding these pressures is crucial for municipal leaders to effectively manage and implement DT initiatives that are both compliant and innovative. Recommendations for future research include empirical studies to validate theoretical models and explore the variability in DT across different municipalities by considering their unique environments and challenges.

From ancient remedies to modern miracles: tracing the evolution of vaccines and their impact on public health.

This review traces the development of vaccines from ancient times to the present, highlighting major milestones and challenges. It covers the significant impact of vaccines on public health, including the eradication of diseases such as smallpox and the reduction of others such as polio, measles, and influenza. The review provides an in-depth look at the COVID-19 vaccines, which were developed at unprecedented speeds due to the urgent global need. The study emphasizes the ongoing potential of vaccine development to address future global health challenges, demonstrating the critical role vaccines play in disease prevention and public health. Moreover, it discusses the evolution of vaccine technology, from live-attenuated and inactivated vaccines to modern recombinant and mRNA vaccines, showcasing the advancements that have enabled rapid responses to emerging infectious diseases. The review underscores the importance of continued investment in research and development, global collaboration, and the adoption of new technologies to enhance vaccine efficacy and coverage. By exploring historical and contemporary examples, the article illustrates how vaccines have transformed medical practice and public health outcomes, providing valuable insights into future directions for vaccine innovation and deployment.

Unsteady-state entropy generation analysis of the counter-flow dew-point evaporative coolers

The surging demand for air conditioning, especially in hot climates, underscores the urgency of strategies aimed at curbing fossil fuel reliance and fostering energy saving strategy. Despite the longstanding utility and advantages of the conventional mechanical vapor compression refrigeration system, sustainability hurdles persist owing to its pronounced electricity demand. While evaporative cooling, harnessing water evaporation, emerges as a more efficient alternative, its efficacy is contingent upon environmental conditions. Addressing this, dew-point evaporative cooling (DPEC) presents an innovative direction, showcasing superior efficiency by directing supply air into a wet channel. This study delves into the thermodynamic losses within a counter-flow configured DPEC system, employing a transient entropy generation model rooted in the second law of thermodynamics to provide a comprehensive analysis of DPEC’s performance. Key findings that emerged from this study reveal that (1) the transient entropy generation is intricately distributed across different layers of the dew point evaporative cooling (DPEC) system, including dry air, wet air, the channel plate, and the water film; (2) Parametric analyses highlight the significant impact of factors on entropy generation, inlet air temperature has a minimal effect on system efficiency, but higher temperatures increase thermal losses. Excessive humidity limits evaporative potential, while low humidity significantly increases entropy generation. The system performs optimally at a working ratio of 0.3 and lower air velocities (within the inlet air velocity range of 0.6 to 2.2 m/s). Channel length has little impact, while the system is more sensitive to channel height, with a height of 2.5–3.5 mm being conducive to better performance. Experimental validation demonstrates the model’s accuracy in predicting system performance. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of DPEC systems, offering insights for achieving optimal operating conditions and enhancing overall efficiency in the pursuit of sustainable development.

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system: An old tree sprouts new shoots

The intricate physiological and pathological diversity of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) underpins its role in maintaining bodily equilibrium. This paper delves into the classical axis (Renin-ACE-Ang II-AT1R axis), the protective arm (ACE2-Ang (1–7)-MasR axis), the prorenin-PRR-MAP kinases ERK1/2 axis, and the Ang IV-AT4R-IRAP cascade of RAAS, examining their functions in both physiological and pathological states. The dysregulation or hyperactivation of RAAS is intricately linked to numerous diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), renal damage, metabolic disease, eye disease, Gastrointestinal disease, nervous system and reproductive system diseases. This paper explores the pathological mechanisms of RAAS in detail, highlighting its significant role in disease progression. Currently, in addition to traditional drugs like ACEI, ARB, and MRA, several novel therapeutics have emerged, such as angiotensin receptor-enkephalinase inhibitors, nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, aldosterone synthase inhibitors, aminopeptidase A inhibitors, and angiotensinogen inhibitors. These have shown potential efficacy and application prospects in various clinical trials for related diseases. Through an in-depth analysis of RAAS, this paper aims to provide crucial insights into its complex physiological and pathological mechanisms and offer valuable guidance for developing new therapeutic approaches. This comprehensive discussion is expected to advance the RAAS research field and provide innovative ideas and directions for future clinical treatment strategies.

Bildung, hermeneutics, divergence: learning in the dystopian university

Abstract In this article, I offer an account of the 2014 dystopian-fiction film Divergent, based on the novel by Veronica Roth. The film tells the story of Beatrice, a young woman living in a postapocalyptic Chicago, and her process of enrolment into the higher education system. I argue that Beatrice’s troubled story can help us to uncover the high tension between today’s university’s self-alienating mechanisms and the thirst for Bildung. I suggest that the notion of ‘divergence’ can help to develop an account of Bildung in an innovative direction. ‘Divergence’ is a term used in the film to define individuals—like Beatrice—who cannot fit into the categories established by the government to sort students into appropriate educational pathways. I link the notion of ‘divergence’ to an interpretation of Gadamer’s account of Bildung. First, I draw on Gadamer’s thinking to suggest the metaphor of the university as a ‘crossroads’ and outline the idea of the risks and possibilities that are attached to authentic learning experience. Then I explore the self-alienating mechanisms that Gadamer saw at work within the postindustrial structure of the university. In conclusion, I develop Gadamer’s notion of self-education along the lines of the idea of divergence. While some argue that the university can still be a place for human encounter and gathering, I aim to show that, without divergence, it remains a site of displacement, or a dystopia.

Exploring the potential of disruptive innovation in the social sciences: A quantitative study of its impact on societal visibility

Scientific innovation serves as the driving force behind societal progress. In contrast to conservative innovation, disruptive innovation reshapes scientific paradigms and trajectories, significantly influencing both the scientific community and societal development. This study employs an extensive empirical dataset to explore the potential of disruptive innovation to enhance the societal visibility of scientific research. Our research reveals that disruptive innovation significantly enhances societal visibility, increasing it by 11.96% compared to consolidating innovation. Furthermore, disruptive innovation does not directly lead to early-stage "breakthroughs" in scientific endeavors, but it does have a notable "acceleration" effect on societal visibility. Particularly striking is its ability to promote visibility of scientific research on social media platforms such as Twitter and blogs. However, its influence is insignificant in news articles and policy documents. This phenomenon may be attributed to the high-risk nature of disruptive innovation, which conflicts with the high level of trust, professionalism, and certainty sought in news and policy. This study carries essential implications for selecting innovative directions, the channels through which innovation is disseminated, and the formulation of science policies.

Study on the Selection of Recycling Strategies for the Echelon Utilization of Electric Vehicle Batteries under the Carbon Trading Policy

Global climate change has prompted all sectors of society to take urgent action to reduce carbon emissions. Electric vehicles are the key to low-carbon transportation transformation, but their popularity has led to difficulties in disposing of used batteries. Improper handling will pollute the environment and violate the original goal of promoting low-carbon practices. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a sustainable battery-recycling and disposal system. This study uniquely incorporates the concept of battery echelon utilization into its analytical framework using a Stackelberg game model, exploring the equilibrium strategies for stakeholders in a closed-loop supply chain under carbon emission constraints. We analyzed the impact of multiple factors in the recycling process, as well as the influence of digital technology, on enterprise pricing, recycling efficiency, and the choice of recycling channels. The study found that the market pricing of batteries and electric vehicles is not influenced by recycling participants, but is instead related to the application of digital technology. Numerical simulations further reveal that the battery’s echelon utilization rate and carbon emission limit policies jointly motivate enterprises to be more proactive in recycling. In the joint recycling model, battery suppliers can achieve more substantial profit growth compared to electric vehicle manufacturers, providing new insights and directions for innovation and the development of collaborative models within the supply chain.

Reasonable Design and Deep Insight of Efficient Integrated Photorechargeable Li-Ion Batteries by Using a Cu/CuO/Cu2S Electrode.

Herein, Cu-foam-supported CuO nanowire arrays covered with Cu2S nanosheet substrates (Cu/CuO/Cu2S) are adopted as efficient photoelectrodes for photorechargeable lithium-ion batteries (PR-LIBs). The assembled PR-LIB exhibits remarkable solar energy conversion efficiency alongside superior lithium storage capabilities. Without an electrical power supply, the photocharged PR-LIB sustained a discharge process for 63.0 h under a constant current density of 0.05 mA cm-2. The corresponding solar-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency is 4.50%, which is an impressive achievement among recently reported contemporary technologies. Mechanism investigation shows that the Cu/CuO/Cu2S photogenerated carriers augment the extraction and insertion of Li+ according to different oxidation and reduction reactions in the charging and discharging reactions. This research delineates a refined model system and proposes innovative directions for developing efficient heterojunction photoelectrodes, significantly propelling the development of PR-LIB technology.

Deep-learning optimization using the gradient of a custom objective function: A full-waveform inversion example study on the convolutional objective function

The integration of conventional high-performance full-waveform inversion (FWI) algorithms with deep-learning frameworks is an innovative and promising research direction with the potential to enhance and broaden the application prospects of this field significantly. Automatic differentiation with backpropagation techniques can derive the gradients of model parameters in an equivalent manner to that of adjoint methods; however, it requires a substantial amount of computer memory, particularly when considering the time-step layers. In addition, some excellent objective functions suitable for FWI are not available in deep-learning frameworks. In comparison, the adjoint method, based on effective boundary storage technology, offers greater practicality for calculating the gradients of various objective functions. Therefore, this paper develops a novel approach toward FWI that integrates deep-learning optimization with high-performance gradient computation. In particular, our method inputs model parameter gradients from a custom objective function into the deep-learning framework. Herein, we use the acoustic equation with variable density as an example to demonstrate how a convolutional objective function, along with its corresponding velocity and density gradients, can be used for optimized inversion, multiscale inversion, and deep network parameterization-based multiscale inversion within the deep-learning framework. This approach provides a paradigm for deep-learning-optimized FWI, which we apply to synthetic and field data scenarios.

Direction of Innovation in the Use of Smart Beauty Device for Sustainability of Korea’s Beauty Industry

Direction of Innovation in the Use of Smart Beauty Device for Sustainability of Korea’s Beauty Industry

마이크로 모빌리티를 위한 접이식 헬멧 디자인 연구

Micro mobility, powered by electric energy for first and last mile transportaton, represents a futuristic mode of transport tailored to urban needs. Despite its innovation, helmets designed for micro mobility users have failed to depart from traditional norms. This study aims to explore the requirements for helmets within the context of micro mobility and propose innovative directions. Through preliminary research on micro mobility and its users, an investigation and analysis of currently available foldable helmets revealed insufficient volume reduction capabilities, posing portability issues. Consequntly, a design study was undertaken to address these shortcomings. This research underscores the potential coomercial viability of foldable helmets with significant volume reduction suitable for storage and portability in the context of micro mobility.

A Study on Cultural Tourism Development in Historic Districts from the Viewpoint of Social Innovation

The rapid rise of the cultural tourism industry has benefited from the strategic promotion of the integration of culture and tourism, a process that plays an indispensable and important role in enhancing the comprehensive competitiveness of the local economy, the cultural industry and the image of the city. The core of the charm of the historic district lies in the living inheritance and presentation of culture, which not only meets the aesthetic needs of the modern society, but is also closely related to the profound humanistic and historical development of the historic district. This study takes Taipei Dadaocheng Dihua Street as the main research object, adopts literature exploration and field observation method to conduct the study, and employs graphical inductive analysis to discover the humanistic landscape of Dihua Street in which the old and the new are intertwined. And using the social innovation theory as the theoretical support, it discusses in depth the innovative development direction of the historical district from the point of view of cultural and tourism integration.

Fantastic Photons and Where to Excite Them: Revolutionizing Upconversion with KY3F10-Based Compounds

This review delves into the forefront of upconversion luminescence (UCL) research, focusing on KY3F10-based compounds, particularly their cubic α-phase. These materials are renowned for their exceptional luminescent properties and structural stability, making them prime candidates for advanced photonic applications. The synthesis methods and structural characteristics of the existing works in the literature are meticulously analyzed alongside the transformative effects of various doping strategies on UCL efficiency. Incorporating rare earth (RE) sensitizer ions such as Yb3+, along with activator ions like Er3+, Ho3+, Nd3+, or Tm3+, researchers have achieved remarkable enhancements in emission intensity and spectral control. Recent and past breakthroughs in understanding the local structure and phase transitions of single-, double-, and triple-RE3+-doped KY3F10 nanocrystals are highlighted, revealing their pivotal role in fine-tuning luminescent properties. Furthermore, the review underscores the untapped potential of lesser-known crystal structures, such as the metastable δ-phase of KY3F10, which offers promising avenues for future exploration. By presenting a comprehensive analysis and proposing innovative research directions, this review aims to inspire continued advancements in the field of upconversion materials, unlocking new potentials in photonic technologies.

Innovation in Education Management and Talent Cultivation Models for New Quality Productivity: Based on Data Driven and Intelligent Teaching Management

The rapid development of information technology and the emergence of new quality productivity, the education management and talent cultivation models that meet the needs of modern society have to be innovated. Data-driven education management combined with intelligence, is an important innovation direction that improves the utilization of teaching resources, optimizes the teaching process, and provides customized learning support for students by leveraging data analysis and intelligent algorithms, has become an important innovation direction. This paper elaborated the key concepts and principles of data-driven, intelligent-based teaching management mode, and analyzed the realization and roles of data-driven, intelligent-based teaching management mode in terms of education management, and talent cultivation. The application of intelligent teaching management model based on data has achieved positive results. Teachers have given a positive evaluation of the model proposing that it can improve the utilization efficiency of teaching resources, optimize the teaching process, and personalize the support of student learning.

Pore-Free Single-Crystalline Particles for Durable Na-Ion Battery Cathodes.

The O3-type Na[Ni1-x-yCoxMny]O2 cathodes have received significant attention in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their high energy density. However, challenges such as structural instability and interfacial instability against an electrolyte solution limit their practical use in SIBs. In this study, the single-crystalline O3-type Na[Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2]O2 (SC-NCM) cathode has been designed and synthesized to effectively relieve the degradation pathways of the polycrystalline O3-type Na[Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2]O2 (PC-NCM) cathode for SIBs. The mechanically robust SC-NCM due to the absence of pores in the particles enhances tolerance to particle cracking, resulting in stable cycling performance with a cycle retention of 73% over 350 cycles. Moreover, the proposed SC-NCM is synthesized using a simple and cost-effective molten-salt synthetic route without the complex quenching process typically associated with PC-NCM synthesis methods, showing good practical applicability. This study will provide an innovative direction for the development of advanced cathode materials for practical SIBs.

FPGA-Based Vit Inference Accelerator Optimization

In the AI era, the emergence of the transformer model contributes to a significant shift in the natural language processing field. Its derivative, the Vision Transformer (ViT), adapts these principles for image recognition and demonstrates superior performance over traditional Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). Despite its excellent performance, deploying these models on edge devices is impeded by their extensive computational demands and large memory requirements, which poses challenges for the limited resources and real-time processing needs at the edge. Hence, it is necessary to develop a new hardware accelerator to optimize ViT architecture. This paper reviews the development of Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based ViT inference accelerators, focusing on their architectures and applications in solving the dilemmas of ViT model deployment. Additionally, it explores the optimization approaches on both algorithm and hardware and traces the advancements in deploying AI models at the edge using FPGAs. It summarizes the current trends in research on FPGA-based ViT accelerators and provides insights into future directions for innovations in hardware-accelerated AI. Generally, by tracing the related works for FPGA-based ViT inference accelerator optimization, this article presents a useful snapshot of current research in ViT hardware accelerators and contributes to clarifying future research directions in this area.

Transesophageal echocardiography: Revolutionizing perioperative cardiac care.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major challenge in global health. Despite significant advances in treatment and management, the incidence and mortality rates of CVDs have been rising in recent years, particularly in the United States. With continuous advancements in medical technology, perioperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has become a key technology in cardiac surgery, enhancing surgical success rates and patient safety. The application of TEE spans preoperative planning, intraoperative monitoring, and postoperative evaluation, especially in complex procedures such as mitral valve repair and aortic valve replacement, where it plays an indispensable role. Simultaneously, the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) brings new prospects for TEE image analysis and diagnostic support, significantly improving diagnostic accuracy and real-time decision-making capabilities. However, the application of TEE technology faces challenges such as high costs, uneven technological diffusion, and the high skill requirements for medical personnel. Therefore, establishing standardized training protocols and strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration are crucial. This paper reviews the application of TEE in cardiac surgery and its path toward educational and practical standardization from a global perspective, emphasizing its importance in improving the postoperative quality of life for patients and exploring future directions in technological innovation and educational optimization.

Enhancing Dissolution and Bioavailability: A Review on Co-Processed Superdisintegrants in Pharmaceutical Formulations

Co-processed superdisintegrants have emerged as key excipients in pharmaceutical formulation development, offering solutions to challenges related to poor solubility, bioavailability, and patient compliance. This comprehensive review article provides an in-depth analysis of the principles, mechanisms, manufacturing techniques, and applications of co-processed superdisintegrants in drug delivery systems. The review highlights the role of co-processed excipients in enhancing dissolution kinetics, improving formulation efficiency, and enabling innovative drug delivery platforms such as personalized medicine and combination therapies. Regulatory considerations, quality standards, and future directions for research and innovation in this field are also discussed. Through a synthesis of current literature and insights into emerging trends, this review aims to provide researchers, formulation scientists, and pharmaceutical professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the potential and challenges associated with co-processed superdisintegrants in pharmaceutical formulations. Ultimately, the integration of co-processed excipients into formulation development holds promise for advancing drug delivery technology, improving therapeutic outcomes, and addressing unmet medical needs in patient care. Keywords: Co-processed superdisintegrants, Dissolution enhancement, Bioavailability, Pharmaceutical formulations, Drug delivery systems, Excipients, Formulation optimization, Manufacturing techniques, Regulatory considerations, Future directions