Innovative Platform Research Articles

Nanocomposite-modified nanopores: A promising platform for selective detection of copper ions

This research introduces an innovative platform designed for the selective detection of copper (II) (Cu2+) ions, employing a singular nanopore embedded within a 12 μ m-thick polyethylene terephthalate (PET) membrane. The track-etched nanopore was subsequently modified with nanomaterials in an allylamine hydrochloride (PAH)-modified asymmetric nanopore through electrostatic interactions. The nanomaterials included copper oxide (CuO), graphene oxide (GO), and their composite (GO/CuO), were synthesized using wet chemistry, and their structures and optical properties were thoroughly investigated using x-ray diffraction and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. In the distinctive feature of the platform, Cu2+ ions gain access to coordination sites across a broad surface covered by the immobilized nanomaterials, facilitating effective binding. The selective response of GO/CuO modified pores towards Cu2+ ions was notably observed through ion transportation (I –V) studies, surpassing the response of unmodified nanopores and those modified with CuO alone. This selective behavior was demonstrated in the presence of various monovalent and divalent competing ions. Quantitative assessment of I –V studies was conducted by evaluating the intrinsic rectification ratio of asymmetric nanopores, providing a robust measure of platform's efficacy. Furthermore, we identified the optimal pH for detecting Cu2+ ions as 7, enhancing the specificity and accuracy of our method.

Innovation management model for functional food ingredients and additives. Alignment with hype cycle, Python S-curves, and open innovation variables

ObjectiveThe objective of this article is to generate an innovation management model for organizations in the functional food ingredients and additives sector, based on prioritization of variables, stakeholder consultation, technology surveillance, HypeCycle for emerging technologies and S-curves. Method and analysisA literature review was conducted on innovation management models and associated articles were selected from which the relevant variables. Three surveys were used; one for the statistical analysis of 97 initial variables, prioritizing a total of 32 variables that were the input for survey II; survey III validated a graphical conceptual model of innovation management; the HypeCycle and S-curves Were used to analyze the emergence component as input for open innovation strategies. three possible innovation management models for the sector were validated by stakeholders of an organization in the sector, from a statistical point of view, mode, modal frequency and consensus percentages were used in the 3 surveys and non-linear regression models, T value, P value and Durwin Watson in the calculations of S curves. FindingsFrom the literature review, 97 variables were identified, prioritizing 32 of them by stakeholders in survey one. Excellent, good, average and poor states were generated on these variables in survey two, including analysis of relevance and congruence for each question, the Survey 3 presented three graphic concept models for prioritization, obtaining 1 MGI prioritized for the sector, in the Hypecycle methodology 13 emergency components related to nanoencapsulation were identified, in S curves 13 nonlinear regression models were applied in nanoencapsulation, mixing and drying obtaining inflection points in the years 2016 – 2020 for nanoencapsulation technology, 2020–2030 for mixing and 2033 – 2042 for drying technology. Finally, 7 open innovation platforms with previous innovation challenges in food and agribusiness were identified. ConclusionsThe MGI proposed for the sector under analysis corresponds to a structured one that facilitates the identification, development and commercialization of new ingredients and functional food additives, improving competitiveness and response to market and user demands.Furthermore, the alignment with the Hypecycle or over-expectation cycles with the proposed MGI allowed us to capture how this methodology helps manage the adoption of emerging technologies in nanoencapsulation, mixing and drying. Regarding the analysis variables, the research showed the importance of integrating these variables with external collaborations, such as collective collaboration, and with open innovation platforms, to promote the co-creation and expansion of knowledge in the food ingredients and additives industry. functional in Colombia, the complementary S-curve methodology allowed us to discover that the life cycle of the mixing and drying technology has not reached its inflection point, which constitutes an opportunity for organizations in the sector. This could be validated through of Python libraries and code to validate turning point calculations.This article is relevant to explore new alternatives for the co-development of innovation management models - MGI -, applied to specific sectors taking into account open innovation variables. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that the results obtained, aligned with the prioritization of variables, consultation with stakeholders, technological surveillance, Hypecycle and S-curves, become inputs for specific strategies and challenges of Open Innovation for ingredient and additive industries. functional foods and opportunities for R&D&i activities and projects in this sector.

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

Identifying health and healthcare priorities in rural areas: A concept mapping study informed by consumers, health professionals and researchers

BackgroundIt is vital that health service delivery and health interventions address patients’ needs or preferences, are relevant for practice and can be implemented. Involving those who will use or deliver healthcare in priority-setting can lead to health service delivery and research that is more meaningful and impactful. This is particularly crucial in rural communities, where limited resources and disparities in healthcare and health outcomes are often more pronounced. The aim of this study was to determine the health and healthcare priorities in rural communities using a region-wide community engagement approach.MethodsThis multi-methods study was conducted in five rural communities in the Grampians region, Western Victoria, Australia. It involved six concept mapping steps: (1) preparation, (2) generation (brainstorming statements and identifying rating criteria), (3) structuring statements (sorting and rating statements), (4) representation of statements, (5) interpretation of the concept map and (6) utilization. Community forums, surveys and stakeholder consultations with community members and health professionals were used in Step 2. An innovative online group concept mapping platform, involving consumers, health professionals and researchers was used in Step 3.ResultsOverall, 117 community members and 70 health professionals identified 400 health and healthcare issues. Six stakeholder consultation sessions (with 16 community members and 16 health professionals) identified three key values for prioritizing health issues: equal access for equal need, effectiveness and impact (number of people affected). Actionable priorities for healthcare delivery were largely related to access issues, such as the challenges navigating the healthcare system, particularly for people with mental health issues; the lack of sufficient general practitioners and other health providers; the high travel costs; and poor internet coverage often impacting technology-based interventions for people in rural areas.ConclusionsThis study identified actionable health and healthcare priorities from the perspective of healthcare service users and providers in rural communities in Western Victoria. Issues related to access, such as the inequities in healthcare costs, the perceived lack of quality and availability of services, particularly in mental health and disability, were identified as priorities. These insights can guide future research, policy-making and resource allocation efforts to improve healthcare access, quality and equity in rural communities.

LSPR-susceptible metasurface platform for spectrometer-less and AI-empowered diagnostic biomolecule detection

In response to the growing demand for biomolecular diagnostics, metasurface (MS) platforms based on high-Q resonators have demonstrated their capability to detect analytes with smart data processing and image analysis technologies. However, high-Q resonator meta-atom arrays are highly sensitive to the fabrication process and chemical surface functionalization. Thus, spectrum scanning systems are required to monitor the resonant wavelength changes at every step, from fabrication to practical sensing. In this study, we propose an innovative dielectric resonator-independent MS platform that enables spectrometer-less biomolecule detection using artificial intelligence (AI) at a visible wavelength. Functionalizing the focused vortex MS to capture gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based sandwich immunoassays causes the resulting vortex beam profiles to be significantly affected by the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) occurring between AuNPs and meta-atoms. The convolutional neural network algorithm was carefully trained to accurately classify the AuNP concentration-dependent focused vortex beam, facilitating the determination of the concentration of the targeted diagnostic biomolecule. Successful in situ identification of various biomolecule concentrations was achieved with over 99 % accuracy, indicating the potential of combining an LSPR-susceptible MS platform and AI for continuously tracking various chemical and biological compounds.

Tips plus a national experience for developing a smart university in medical sciences education

The increase in technological developments in recent years and its effects on university systems have compelled countries to rethink higher education structures. Due to these developments, universities of medical sciences are now faced with complex conditions that render the traditional models of higher education ineffective. In this article, the authors present twelve tips based on their experience in creating and developing a smart university (SmU) in the medical sciences. To demonstrate the applicability of these tips, they provide a national example at the end. Shifting from a traditional university to an SmU depends on developing hardware infrastructure, advanced software, and innovative technical applications and platforms. It also requires inter-professional collaboration and the formation of smart learning communities, leadership, and interaction of potential physical, human, financial, intellectual, informational, and technological resources. Additionally, it requires the planning of strategies that guarantee this transformation. Moreover, maintaining such a university requires incorporating social accountability into smart education (SmE) processes and promoting an organizational culture that supports smartization and integrating technology into higher education.

Revealing Enhanced Optical Nonlinearity and Robust Ferromagnetism in Atomically Sharp Stacking Binary-Ternary Magnetic Heterostructures.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials provide a versatile platform for the integration of diverse crystals, enabling the formation of heterostructures with intriguing functionalities. Coherently growing 2D heterostructures are highly desirable for property manipulation due to their strong interfacial interaction. In this work, we propose a general synthesis approach and provide insight into well-designed 2D binary-ternary magnetic heterostructures. Atomically sharp interfaces were achieved in typical lateral and vertical Cr1+mSe2(001)/CuCr2Se4(111) heterostructures owing to their similar lattice arrangement, with the observation of a significant enhancement of optical second-harmonic generation. Further magnetism measurements revealed a Curie temperature up to 360 K and thickness- and temperature-dependent magnetism in this heterostructure. Additionally, we synthesized three analogous 2D magnetic heterostructures in Fe-Cr-S, Co-Cr-S, and Cu-Cr-S systems, demonstrating the ubiquitous nature of the coherent heteroepitaxy. Our work involves the development of an innovative platform for investigating the underlying physics and potential applications of 2D binary-ternary heterostructures as well as the fabrication of associated functional devices.

The Integrated Teaching Platform of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Moral Education in Colleges via Multimedia Network

The Integrated Teaching Platform of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Moral Education in Colleges via Multimedia Network

Maturity quantification and evaluation of R&I needs of the smart grid

The European Technology and Innovation Platform Smart Networks for Energy Transition (ETIP SNET) roadmap has proposed the development of a set of high-level use cases serving the Power Grids of the future as a decisive need calling for research, small to large-scale demonstrations and deployment of services and products leading to replication and scaling-up to realize real-world implementation. R&I Projects orchestrate these developments and thus the evolution of technologies, solutions and systems are their valuable deliverable that respond to calls for contribution. As such in this publication we use this linking chain of evolution to develop a sound methodology starting from the evaluation of project results and leading to sound quantification of research needs. Specifically, by keeping track of technologies / solutions / systems advancement, the quantification of the maturity of high-level use cases can be induced following a universal approach and thus the whole smart grid system readiness can be evaluated as a valuable input to gap analysis and identification of R&I needs enabling appropriate policy decisions.

Standardization of a Novel Semi-Automatic Software for Neurite Outgrowth Measurement.

Effective live-imaging techniques are crucial to assess neuronal morphology in order to measure neurite outgrowth in real time. The proper measurement of neurite outgrowth has been a long-standing challenge over the years in the neuroscience research field. This parameter serves as a cornerstone in numerous in vitro experimental setups, ranging from dissociated cultures and organotypic cultures to cell lines. By quantifying the neurite length, it is possible to determine if a specific treatment worked or if axonal regeneration is enhanced in different experimental groups. In this study, the aim is to demonstrate the robustness and accuracy of the Incucyte Neurotrack neurite outgrowth analysis software. This semi-automatic software is available in a time-lapse microscopy system which offers several advantages over commonly used methodologies in the quantification of the neurite length in phase contrast images. The algorithm masks and quantifies several parameters in each image and returns neuronal cell metrics, including neurite length, branch points, cell-body clusters, and cell-body cluster areas. Firstly, we validated the robustness and accuracy of the software by correlating its values with those of the manual NeuronJ, a Fiji plug-in. Secondly, we used the algorithm which is able to work both on phase contrast images as well as on immunocytochemistry images. Using specific neuronal markers, we validated the feasibility of the fluorescence-based neurite outgrowth analysis on sensory neurons in vitro cultures. Additionally, this software can measure neurite length across various seeding conditions, ranging from individual cells to complex neuronal nets. In conclusion, the software provides an innovative and time-effective platform for neurite outgrowth assays, paving the way for faster and more reliable quantifications.

The Self-Powered Thermoelectric System Driving an Electric Field for Raman-Spectrum Glucose Quantitative Analysis

For a long time, blood glucose monitoring has been a challenging issue in the field of medicine. Although it is possible to visit a hospital for regular blood tests to track blood sugar concentration, the physiological reactions triggered by blood collection might lead to feeling weak, dizzy, or even vomiting. Therefore, especially for diabetic patients, they need to frequently monitor their blood sugar concentration in their daily lives to ensure their health. Currently, the primary methods for blood glucose testing still rely on invasive techniques, such as using fingertip glucose meters and other methods which require skin puncture to obtain blood samples. Although these methods provide a quick assessment of current blood glucose concentration, they come with the pain and discomfort of blood collection process and the potential risk of infection. As a result, in recent years, many researchers have been dedicated to developing non-invasive blood glucose monitoring methods. However, accurately measuring glucose concentration inside the human body remains a challenging task. One of the primary issues is the presence of strong noise and background noise. To avoid this challenge, we have developed an innovative detection platform that is combines surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and external electric field sensing technology. With the electromagnetic effect, we add external electric field in our platform to excite more the surface plasmon resonance. By using this method, we can achieve signal amplification to detect lower concentrations of glucose. Now, we can detect down to 0.001mM of glucose. We also exhibit self-powered electric field system, using the flexible themoelctric device to combine our platform. By the property of self-powered, we success to create a self-powered electric field system. We focus on driving themoelectric through the temperature different between body temperature and environment. The approach is aimed at generating power from the human body, providing a self-powered thermoelectric system for Raman-spectrum glucose sensors. This innovative approach holds promise for advancing non-invasive blood glucose monitoring and benefiting a larger population of diabetes patients in the future.

Cracks in Polycrystalline Li(NiMnCo)O2 Particles Enable Rapid Discharging of Li-Ion Batteries

The degradation of capacity in Li-ion batteries during charging and discharging cycles has been a persistent challenge in advancing battery lifetime. Among the commonly accepted causes of capacity degradation is the formation of cracking along the grain boundaries of polycrystalline NMC particles. These cracks are known to occur from the anisotropic expansion and contraction of the crystal lattice induced by the (de)intercalation of lithium.To address this issue, single crystalline NMC particles were introduced, lacking grain boundaries and seemingly less prone to developing cracks. batteries utilizing single crystalline particles exhibited improved capacity retention. However, in terms of rapid charging and discharging, these single particle batteries experienced a sudden increase in overpotential compared to polycrystalline particle batteries. Yet, a clear explanation for this abrupt rise in overpotential during rapid charging and discharging in single crystalline particle batteries has remained elusive.In this study, we investigated the rate-capability of individual single and polycrystalline NMC particles using an innovative high-throughput single-particle electrochemistry platform. Based on our rate-capability findings, we argue that the cracks, previously identified as a factor contributing to capacity degradation, are actually a crucial element enabling rapid charging and discharging in polycrystalline particles.

How Perceived Humor Motivates and Demotivates Information Processing of TikTok Videos: The Moderating Role of TikTok Gratifications

ABSTRACT TikTok has been an innovative platform for distributing health messages with its wide appeal to younger audiences. The current study examines how the perceived humor of TikTok videos that promote COVID-19 vaccination influences persuasion through cognitive and affective mechanisms. In a survey study (N = 186), perceived humor was a positive predictor of source liking and happiness but was also associated with message discounting. Both source liking and happiness indirectly encouraged pro-vaccination attitudes by motivating message elaboration. In contrast, message discounting reduced elaboration, which discouraged pro-vaccination attitudes. Especially, those who watch TikTok for information gratification counterargued more as perceived humor increased.

Harnessing the power of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) based microfluidics for next-generation molecular diagnostics.

CRISPR-based (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-based) technologies have revolutionized molecular biology and diagnostics, offering unprecedented precision and versatility. However, challenges remain, such as high costs, demanding technical expertise, and limited quantification capabilities. To overcome these limitations, innovative microfluidic platforms are emerging as powerful tools for enhancing CRISPR diagnostics. This review explores the exciting intersection of CRISPR and microfluidics, highlighting their potential to revolutionize healthcare diagnostics. By integrating CRISPR's specificity with microfluidics' miniaturization and automation, researchers are developing more sensitive and portable diagnostic tools for a range of diseases. These microfluidic devices streamline sample processing, improve diagnostic performance, and enable point-of-care applications, allowing for rapid and accurate detection of pathogens, genetic disorders, and other health conditions. The review discusses various CRISPR/Cas systems, including Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13, and their integration with microfluidic platforms. It also examines the advantages and limitations of these systems, highlighting their potential for detecting DNA and RNA biomarkers. The review also explores the key challenges in developing and implementing CRISPR-driven microfluidic diagnostics, such as ensuring robustness, minimizing cross-contamination, and achieving robust quantification. Finally, it highlights potential future directions for this rapidly evolving field, emphasizing the transformative potential of these technologies for personalized medicine and global health.

Applying the PRECEDE-PROCEED model to develop MommaConnect: a digital healthcare platform for addressing postpartum depression and improving infant well-being.

The PRECEDE-PROCEED model is a comprehensive planning and theoretical framework that incorporates epidemiological, environmental, behavioral, and social factors systematically to design, implement, and evaluate health promotion programs. As such, PRECEDE-PROCEED is a highly effective tool for addressing complex and significant public health concerns like postpartum depression (PPD). PPD negatively impacts mothers and their infants, with studies showing that approximately one in eight mothers experience PPD, leading to adverse effects on maternal functioning and infant development. However, access to specialized evidence-based treatment remains significantly limited due to barriers including social determinants of health. This paper explores the application of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model as a planning and theoretical framework for the design and development of MommaConnect, an innovative digital healthcare platform aimed at reducing PPD symptoms and improving maternal-infant interaction while overcoming barriers to treatment. Key components of the MommaConnect design and development process are mapped onto the steps of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model. MommaConnect features are aligned with specific stages of the model, from assessing, predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors to designing, implementing, and evaluating the intervention. By leveraging this model, MommaConnect represents a promising innovative approach to address PPD to improve maternal functioning and infant health in a digitally-enabled era. This paper underscores the importance of utilizing a framework like the PRECEDE-PROCEED model in the design and development of innovative healthcare solutions.

Determinant factors for online cash waqf intention among Muslim millennial generation

Purpose This study aims to examine the factors influencing the intention of Muslim Millennial Generation in Indonesia to donate cash waqf digitally. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative approach was employed, surveying 284 Muslim Millennial Generation in Indonesia. The study integrated the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior (DTPB) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to investigate the key factors driving the intention to contribute to cash waqf digitally. The researcher analyzed data using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings The findings of this study indicate that all hypotheses related to the variables are supported, including both direct and indirect correlations, except for perceived religiosity. This study confirms that the decision of millennials to donate cash waqf online is influenced by various factors, including their attitudes, the environment they are in, their ability to control their behavior, their perception of the ease and usefulness of technology and the availability of suitable facilities. Knowledge of technology is also a decisive component. Nevertheless, this study yielded intriguing findings that the perceived level of religious devotion does not impact the millennials’ willingness to make online cash waqf donations. Practical implications This study’s findings offer valuable insights for waqf institutions, providing a better understanding of Muslim millennials’ characteristics and preferences regarding spending, donations and waqf activities. This understanding can be instrumental in enhancing innovative digital platforms for cash waqf in the digital economy era. Originality/value This study uniquely explores the determinants of digital cash waqf donations among Muslim Millennial Generation in Indonesia. Contributions include integrating the DTPB and the TAM for a comprehensive analysis. Cross-disciplinary perspectives from behavioral economics and digital marketing enrich the research. Comparative studies and potential longitudinal analysis enhance depth, providing nuanced insights into the dynamic factors shaping digital donation behavior among Muslim millennials.

VHDvDB 2.0: Database and Group Comparison Server for Hepatitis Delta Virus.

The hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a unique pathogen with significant global health implications, affecting individuals who are coinfected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HDV infection has profound clinical consequences, manifesting either as coinfection with HBV, resulting in acute hepatitis and potential liver failure, or as superinfection in chronic HBV cases, substantially increasing the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Given the complex dynamics of HDV infection and the urgent need for advanced research tools, this article introduces vHDvDB 2.0, a comprehensive HDV full-length sequence database. This innovative platform integrates data preprocessing, secondary structure prediction, and epidemiological research tools. The primary goal of vHDvDB 2.0 is to consolidate HDV sequence data into a user-friendly repository, thereby facilitating access for researchers and enhancing the broader scientific understanding of HDV. The significance of this database lies in its potential to streamline HDV research by providing a centralized resource for analyzing viral sequences and exploring genotype-specific characteristics. It will also enable more in-depth research within the HDV sequence domains.

Novel Conductive and Redox-Active Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for Direct Quantification of Perfluorooctanoic Acid.

This study developed a novel molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) that is both conductive and redox-active for directly quantifying perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) electrochemically. We synthesized the monomer 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy (EDOT-TEMPO) for electropolymerization on a glassy carbon electrode using PFOA as a template, which was abbreviated as PEDOT-TEMPO-MIP. The redox-active MIP eliminated the need for external redox probes. When exposed to PFOA, both anodic and cathodic peaks of MIP showed a decreased current density. This observation can be explained by the formation of a charge-assisted hydrogen bond between the anionic PFOA and MIP's redox-active moieties (TEMPO) that hinder the conversion between the oxidized and reduced forms of TEMPO. The extent of the current density decrease showed excellent linearity with PFOA concentrations, with a method detection limit of 0.28 ng·L-1. PEDOT-TEMPO-MIP also exhibited high selectivity toward PFOA against other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at environmentally relevant concentrations. Our results suggest electropolymerization of MIPs was highly reproducible, with a relative standard deviation of 5.1% among three separate MIP electrodes. PEDOT-TEMPO-MIP can also be repeatedly used with good stability and reproducibility for PFOA detection. This study provides an innovative platform for rapid PFAS quantification using redox-active MIPs, laying the groundwork for developing compact PFAS sensors.

Talking Tourist Places, as the Innovative Platform in Tourism (Marneuli Municipality)

The project EU4Business-Connecting Companies, managed by Euro-chambers and funded under the EU4Business initiative of the European Union, launched in 2009 to deepen and strengthen relations between the European Union (EU), its Member States, and its six Eastern neighbors (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine) (EU4Business, n.d.) The project involved collaborating with two organizations: "Travel Agency Saba" in Tbilisi, Georgia, and "Movimento Life Beyond Tourism-Travel to Dialogue Srl Soc. Ben" in Florence, Italy. The primary goal of this collaboration was to promote cross-border cooperation and create a platform for joint activities and projects aimed at promoting tourism products at both local and international levels. One specific initiative mentioned was the implementation of the "Talking Places" program in specific Georgian heritage sites. The project also involved establishing agreements with local administrations to support these initiatives. The research project titled "Marneuli Municipality Talking Tourist Places as a Tool for Green Economy of the Community" was oriented on the Kvemo Kartli region (Marneuli Municipality). The project included various research activities, such as conducting a needs assessment in the tourism sector. The ultimate aim was to encourage the local community to follow Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), create an eco-friendly environment, use a storytelling platform to promote local culture, and contribute to the international attractiveness of the region. Financial support for this initiative was guided by HEKS-EPER Georgia and the European Union. The project aimed to increase the average stay of visitors, enhance the visibility of less-known destinations, and promote cultural mindfulness and typical local products. Overall, it appeared to be a comprehensive effort to foster sustainable tourism development and economic growth in the target region.

Dissemination of agricultural knowledge using a collaborative multidisciplinary co-creation platform: a case study

ABSTRACT This work defines a framework for agricultural learning based on university-led collaborative co-creation vehicles such as multidisciplinary innovation platforms. This work compares the scope of dissemination and learning strategies of European research projects with the use of an innovation and co-creation training platform boasting an attractive central theme that integrates different online activities, social media, webinars, podcasts, slack channel, online courses and, after COVID-19, face-to-face field days. The materials to be disseminated are created and transmitted by farmers, technicians, researchers, … The farmer is linked to a platform of a current topic, which involves coordination from the university, with no commercial aspects and free for users. The platform, after 3 years in operation, has more than 90,000 annual views from 10 countries. Comparing with the best answer in research project dissemination, the platform has 94%, 25% and 50% more users in LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, respectively. Users value the usefulness of the webinars and blog. With these results, we want to show agricultural communicators and dissemination agents of research projects, that there are more efficient ways of dissemination, not only social media or conferences focused only on project results.