Innovative Pathways Research Articles

The Preparation of Biomass-Derived Carbon Dots and Its Application Prospect in the Field of Vascular Stent Coating

Biomass material serves as one of the most advantageous carbon sources for the synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) due to its abundant availability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. Biomass-derived carbon dots (B-CDs), which are new zero-dimensional carbon nanomaterials, have presented broad application prospects in the medical field and have become a research focus. In recent years, the death rate caused by vascular diseases has been high, and interventional therapy is one of the important means to treat vascular stenosis. As a material with excellent biocompatibility and fluorescence properties, B-CDs have shown great potential in the field of vascular stents, and their unique properties provide new ideas and possibilities for improving the biocompatibility of vascular stents and realizing real-time tracer diagnosis. This paper reviews the preparation methods, modification techniques, and application prospects of B-CDs in the coating of vascular stents. It discusses current challenges and potential solutions while forecasting future development directions, thereby providing innovative insights and pathways for the research and development of a new generation of vascular stents.

Appraisal of Eco-friendly Innovation Pathways to Carbon Neutrality for Developed and Developing Nations

Appraisal of Eco-friendly Innovation Pathways to Carbon Neutrality for Developed and Developing Nations

Food and land system transformations under different societal perspectives on sustainable development

Abstract The future of food and land systems is crucial for achieving multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, given their essential role in providing adequate nutrition and their significant impact on Earth system processes. Despite widespread consensus on the need for transformation, discussed strategies vary widely, from technology-driven to sufficiency-focused approaches, emphasizing different agents of change and policy mixes. This study assesses the implications of a new generation of target-seeking scenarios incorporating such diverse sustainability perspectives. We apply two integrated assessment models to explore food and land futures under three whole-economy Sustainable Development Pathways (SDPs): Economy-driven Innovation, Resilient Communities, and Managing the Global Commons. Our assessment shows that all SDPs align sufficient food supply with progress towards planetary integrity, halting biodiversity loss, mitigating adverse impacts from irrigation, and significantly reducing nitrogen pollution. While all pathways comply with the Paris climate target, they diverge in the timing of climate mitigation efforts and focus on different greenhouse gases and emission sources. The Economy-driven Innovation pathway rapidly achieves net-negative CO2 emissions from the land system, whereas Resilient Communities and Managing the Global Commons significantly decrease agricultural non-CO2 emissions. Moreover, sustainability interventions attenuate trade-offs associated with narrowly focused mitigation pathways and reduce reliance on carbon dioxide removal strategies like re/afforestation and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage.

Bridging the AI Divide: Human and Responsible AI in News and Media Industries

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing media and journalism, reshaping processes, content, and audience relationship. This editorial report discusses the opportunities and challenges AI brings to these industries raised by this collection of studies, emphasizing the importance of integrating ethical principles and human-centric approaches to its development. These articles examine how AI reshapes content creation, distribution, and audience interaction while addressing the ethical, political, and economic implications of its integration. Key contributions include discussions on the ethical challenges posed by AI—such as bias, transparency, and accountability—and the need for robust governance structures to foster trust and fairness in AI-driven media systems. A recurring theme in this issue is the AI divide, highlighting the disparity in access to AI technologies between the Global North and South. The special issue offers insights into how this divide exacerbates existing inequalities in media production and consumption. It also advocates for interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative efforts to ensure AI's benefits are equitably distributed across geographical and socio-economic contexts. By exploring both the opportunities and perils of AI adoption in media and news industries, this special issue serves as a comprehensive examination of the evolving relationship between AI, media, and society, offering pathways for responsible innovation and inclusive AI adoption worldwide.

PVA-enhanced green synthesis of CMC-based lithium adsorption films

The titanium-based lithium ion sieve (HTO), renowned for its exceptional adsorption performance and cyclic stability, was utilized in addressing the global shortage of lithium resources. However, the recovery and reuse efficiency of HTO in powder form is relatively low, which limits its application in industrial fields. To address this issue, this study utilized carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as the principal matrix material, while polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) played a dual function as both matrix and crosslinker, negating the necessity for supplementary crosslinking materials. Employing water as the only solvent, HTO was embedded into the CMC-PVA blended film matrix. It was observed that augmenting the CMC content substantially elevates the adsorptive capability of the film. However, this enhancement comes at the cost of reduced mechanical robustness and diminished stability in solution. Consequently, by balancing the influence of adsorptive capacity and stability through fine-tuning the CMC-to-PVA ratio. Even when HTO powder is encapsulated within the film, the adsorption film retains the excellent adsorption properties of HTO, achieving an adsorption capacity for lithium of 29.21 mg g−1 within 12 h. This study provides an innovative pathway and ideas for the large-scale, low-cost production of sustainable lithium-ion adsorption materials.

Pathways to innovation: How city pilots leverage digital technology to reduce carbon emissions

Technological innovation through various pathways is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality and peak carbon emissions. The Innovative City Pilot (ICP) initiative, a key effort to promote national innovation, has garnered increasing attention. However, most studies have not examined the effects of ICP on carbon emissions through diverse digital technologies. Using city-level data from 2000 to 2022, we constructed a staggered difference-in-differences (DID) model to analyze changes in carbon emissions before and after the ICP period in both ICP and non-ICP areas. The carbon emission reduction pathway of the ICP influences various forms of digital technology, which then empower local green product innovation, market-oriented innovation, and industrial innovation. The impact of ICP emission reduction through digital technology is more significant in western, first- and second-tier, sub-provincial, populous, and coastal cities. In conclusion, policymakers should tailor policies according to the action pathways of digital technology and specific city characteristics. We outline the specific pathways of green product innovation, market-oriented innovation, and industrial innovation enabled by digital technologies and provide policy recommendations for the sustainable development of China.

In situ formation SiC nanowires on loofah sponge-derived porous carbon for efficient electromagnetic wave absorption

A lightweight, heterogeneous, three-dimensional network-structured composite has been meticulously developed with the specific goal of optimizing impedance matching and elevating electromagnetic wave absorption properties. SiC nanowires-carbon composites were synthesized through a novel process involving combined carbothermal reduction and chemical vapor deposition, utilizing loofah sponge as the foundational material. Accessible and cost-effective organosilane waste was applied as the silicon source. The resulting composites manifest exceptional electromagnetic wave absorption performance with a minimum reflection loss of − 46.34 dB and a wide effective bandwidth of 3.84 GHz at a thin thickness of 1.9 mm. Superior electromagnetic wave absorption is attributed to synergistic interplay of multiple interfacial polarizations, dipole polarization, conductive losses, and multiple reflections and scattering. This work presents an innovative pathway toward fabricating highly efficient electromagnetic wave-absorbing materials while effectively repurposing recycled waste.

Ergotamine Targets KIF5A to Facilitate Anoikis in Lung Adenocarcinoma.

Kinesin family member 5A (KIF5A) has been reported to be closely related to cancer progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of KIF5A on lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and its potential molecular mechanisms. Using bioinformatics analysis methods and molecular experiments, the expression of KIF5A in LUAD was analyzed, with its expression in attached and detached tumor cells assessed. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of KIF5A was carried out. The small molecular drug with the highest affinity for KIF5A was screened out through molecular docking experiments, which was validated through cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to measure the expression levels of anoikis-repressing genes (BCL2, CAV1), as well as anoikis-inducing gene (PDCD4). CCK-8 assay was applied to examine cell viability. Cell colony formation experiments were utilized to evaluate cell proliferation ability. We observed that KIF5A was highly upregulated in LUAD tissues and cells, with a higher level detected in detached LUAD cells. By resorting to bioinformatics analysis, we discovered that KIF5A was abundant in the anoikis pathway. Knocking down KIF5A reinforced anoikis in LUAD. Further screening identified Ergotamine as the small molecular drug with the highest affinity for KIF5A. The CETSA confirmed the binding relationship between the two. In addition, Ergotamine has a promoting effect on the anoikis of LUAD, while overexpression of KIF5A reversed the effects of Ergotamine on LUAD cells. This project uncovered that the small molecular drug Ergotamine targets and inhibits the expression of KIF5A. Downregulated KIF5A can enhance the anoikis of LUAD. Our results supported the inhibition of KIF5A as an attractive therapeutic strategy for LUAD. This finding provides a new innovative pathway for the treatment of LUAD and offers a strong theoretical basis for the development of therapeutic drugs targeting KIF5A.

Innovation on the Integration of AIGC and Ideological-political Education in Vocational English Curriculum

The integration of Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) technology in vocational English curriculum offers innovative pathways for enhancing educational experiences and embedding ideological-political education. This paper examines the potential of AIGC to transform vocational English education by personalizing content, fostering interactive learning, and promoting specific values and beliefs. The study explores the innovative applications of AIGC in vocational settings, drawing on theoretical frameworks. The findings suggest that AIGC can significantly improve student engagement and ideological alignment when integrated thoughtfully into the curriculum.

Exploration of Collaborative Innovation Pathways in the Development of Clinical Pharmacy Faculty Teams

Objective: To explore the collaborative innovation pathways for the development of clinical pharmacy faculty teams. Methods: Taking clinical pharmacy faculty in Shaanxi Province as the research subjects, the study investigates their current status and identifies existing issues. Based on these findings, collaborative innovation pathways for building clinical pharmacy faculty teams are proposed. The pathways are then implemented and evaluated to determine the final approach. Results: The proposed pathways include the establishment of collaborative bases for clinical pharmacy talent training, the creation of an internal mechanism for the collaborative development of clinical pharmacy faculty across multiple units, the development of a faculty training mechanism for instructors at clinical pharmacy internship bases, and the establishment of a collaborative incentive and competition mechanism combining universities and hospitals. Conclusion: This collaborative pathway meets the urgent needs of resource sharing, complementary strengths, cooperative problem-solving, and collaborative innovation. It aims to improve teaching quality and cultivate clinical pharmacy talents for society.

Advances in the Neuro-Rehabilitation of Parkinson’s Disease: Insights from a Personalized Multidisciplinary Innovative Pathway

Background/Objectives: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that requires comprehensive and personalized rehabilitation. This retrospective study focused primarily on the usability and patient acceptability of the innovative pathway. In addition, the secondary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized and multidisciplinary rehabilitation pathway on cognitive function, especially executive functions. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on 80 patients with PD (Hoehn and Yahr scores 1–3). Patients were divided into an experimental group (EG), which received the innovative pathway, and a control group (CG), which received traditional therapy. The rehabilitation program included three phases: initial outpatient assessment, a two-month inpatient program, and a telerehabilitation phase in a day hospital (DH) or home environment. Interventions combined traditional therapies with treatments based on robotic and virtual reality. Cognitive assessments (Mini Mental State Examination—MMSE—and frontal assessment battery—FAB), mood (Hamilton Rating Scale—Depression—HRS-D), anxiety (HRS-Anxiety—HRS-A), and goals achievement (GAS) were the primary outcome measures. Results: At baseline, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, gender, education, or test scores. After rehabilitation, EG showed significant improvements in all measures (p < 0.001), particularly in cognitive tests and goal achievement. CG improved in GAS (p < 0.001) and mood (HRS-D, p = 0.0012), but less than EG. No significant changes were observed in the MMSE of CG (p = 0.23) or FAB (p = 0.003). Conclusions: This study highlights the high usability and acceptability of VR and robotics in PD rehabilitation, contributing to improved adherence and patient engagement. The experimental group showed greater cognitive benefits, particularly in executive functions. These results are in line with the existing literature on personalized technology-based rehabilitation strategies for PD.

Pathways to corporate green technological innovation: An analysis from the perspective of dynamic capabilities

Green technological innovation has become a pivotal tool for driving economic restructuring and achieving environmental sustainability. However, in the face of complex and volatile market and policy environments, a critical question remains: how can enterprises effectively select and implement innovation pathways to address environmental turbulence? Drawing on data from 14,751 Chinese listed companies from 2012 to 2022, this study employs dynamic capabilities theory and a fixed-effects panel model to examine the impact of dynamic capabilities on firms’ choice of green innovation pathways. Results show a significant positive influence of dynamic capabilities on green innovation, although this effect varies depending on the research and development model and the level of environmental turbulence. Firms with high dynamic capabilities tend to favor independent research and development, with an effect coefficient of 0.778 (p<0.01); firms with moderate dynamic capabilities benefit more from cooperative research and development, with a coefficient of 0.045 (p<0.01); and firms with lower dynamic capabilities primarily pursue green innovation through technology transactions, with a coefficient of 0.052 (p<0.01). Furthermore, environmental turbulence significantly moderates the relationship between dynamic capabilities and green innovation negatively, with an interaction coefficient of -0.088 (p<0.05), indicating that environmental uncertainty weakens the positive impact of dynamic capabilities.These findings suggest that firms can select suitable research and development models aligned with their level of dynamic capabilities and adopt flexible innovation strategies to effectively manage environmental turbulence. This study proposes the following policy recommendations: enterprises should strengthen their dynamic capabilities, particularly in knowledge acquisition, resource integration, and adaptability to environmental changes, to enhance their green innovation capacity. Additionally, the government should increase policy support for green technological innovation by offering financial subsidies, tax incentives, and intellectual property protections, helping enterprises maintain their innovation momentum amid environmental turbulence.

Enhanced Energy Storage Properties of Four-Layer Composite Films via Strategic Macrointerface Modulation.

Dielectric capacitors play a crucial role in the field of energy storage; however, the low discharged energy density (Ue) of existing commercial dielectrics limits their future applications. Currently, further improvement in the Ue of dielectrics is constrained by the challenge of simultaneously achieving high permittivity (εr) and high breakdown electric field strength (Eb). To address this issue, we designed a series of four-layer poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-based composite films comprising three functional layers: a sodium bismuth titanate (NBT) plus PVDF composite (NBT&PVDF) layer to achieve high εr values and a pure PVDF layer and a boron nitride (BN) plus PVDF composite (BN&PVDF) layer to achieve high Eb values. This design synergistically enhanced the εr and Eb values of the composite films by exploiting low-loss macrointerface polarization via adjustment of the functional layer stacking order, as supported by simulation analyses. Ultimately, the composite film with a topmost layer of pure PVDF, followed by an NBT&PVDF layer, another pure PVDF layer, and a BN&PVDF layer achieved an enhanced Ue value of 26.42 J·cm-3 and excellent efficiency of 80.03% at an ultrahigh Eb value of 770 MV·m-1. This approach offers an innovative pathway for developing advanced energy storage composite dielectrics via macrointerface manipulation.

Directing innovation through confrontation and democratisation: the case of platform cooperativism

ABSTRACT Technological innovation can serve a multitude of conflicting and diverse interests, often reflecting prevailing worldviews and ideologies. This article focuses on the shaping of innovation directionality in the context of digital platform capitalism, which has emerged as a powerful innovation paradigm. Simultaneously, digital platforms have sparked significant concerns regarding labour rights, economic inequalities, and injustices. We investigate the strategies of resistance, appropriation, and re-direction of digital platform technology in the case of CoopCycle, a food delivery riders’ platform cooperative. The case consists of a digital platform co-owned and governed by a federation of 70 rider cooperatives worldwide. The case study reveals that, under certain conditions, existing and well-established innovation pathways might be steered in different and more responsible directions through contestation and experimentation driven by social demands for equality, democracy and participation.

Exploration of Implementation Pathways for Ideological and Political Education in Mechanical Design Courses within the Context of Vocational Education

With the continuous development of vocational education, mechanical design courses have increasingly integrated ideological and political education (IPE) to achieve the goal of comprehensive education. However, effectively incorporating IPE into mechanical design courses still faces numerous challenges. This paper aims to explore the implementation paths of IPE in mechanical design courses within the context of vocational education by analyzing existing teaching goals and the current application of IPE in vocational education, identifying both advantages and shortcomings in the implementation of IPE in courses. Furthermore, based on the theoretical framework of IPE, the paper discusses its application in vocational education and the specific value it brings to mechanical design courses. Finally, strategies for integrating IPE content, innovative teaching methods and approaches, as well as innovative pathways for teacher roles and team building are proposed, providing theoretical support and practical guidance for the effective implementation of IPE in mechanical design courses.

Research on the Application of Digital Technology in Environmental Art Design

In the context of rapid development within the global education system, the widespread application of digital technology is profoundly changing the educational environment, particularly in the field of environmental art design. The use of digital tools has significant impacts on teaching effectiveness and innovative practices. This paper analyzes the current application of digital tools, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other technologies in environmental art design, exploring how digital technology enhances students' design abilities and innovative thinking. Additionally, by integrating intelligent design tools and interdisciplinary innovation pathways, this paper examines the transformative effects of digital technology on teaching models and proposes strategies for teaching feedback and improvement based on data analysis. The research results indicate that effective application of digital technology not only improves teaching quality but also offers greater possibilities for future educational innovation. In the future, the application of digital technology in educational environments will further deepen, leading to ongoing impacts and transformations in environmental art design education.

A sociotechnical history of an AI video chatbot: Mapping AI chatbot innovation trajectory for information policy design

This study traces the patent citation network of U.S. Patent 11,107,465 Natural Conversation Storytelling System (Gustman et al, 2021) to map the innovation trajectory of AI Chatbots. This patented AI video chatbot enables the reanimation or digital resurrection of humans in video form. As GLAMs continue to experiment with new technologies such as historical figure chatbots to increase engagement through gamification and empathy, a critical examination of technologies that are designed to appear human-like is warranted as they often skirt credibility, accuracy, and likely insert bias. Furthermore, the rise of generative AI tools and the propensity for producing hallucinations (Christensen et al, 2024) increases ethical issues for the implications on humans and truth (Ranalli, 2022; Stahl and Eke, 2024). Patent citation network analysis is frequently conducted as a competitive strategy for mapping the trajectory of technological development and patented inventions (Érdi et al, 2013; Jain et al, 2020). Drawing from this method, innovation trajectory routes or pathways will be traced through the patent citations to identify the most prominent or critical patents in the AI video chatbot innovation trajectory and analyze which features of technical innovation are retained across its pathway. These methods are frequently utilized to understand changes, patterns, and development in innovation to predict economically viable futures and can be utilized to predict the needs for information policy (Frohmann, 1995) by understanding the implications asymmetrical power on society.

Outcomes of Accelerated 3-Year MD Graduates at NYU Grossman School of Medicine During Medical School and Early Residency.

For accelerated 3-year MD (3YMD) pathways to be fully adopted in medical education, a comprehensive analysis of outcome data is needed. This study includes 7 accelerated 3YMD graduating classes at NYU Grossman School of Medicine (NYUGSOM) and reports on outcomes from both medical school and internship compared to their 4-year MD (4YMD) counterparts. Outcomes across the undergraduate-graduate medical education continuum for the first 7 classes of NYUGSOM graduates (matriculated from 2013-2019) from the accelerated 3YMD (n = 136) and 4YMD pathways (n = 681) were compared. For the internship outcomes, 3YMD interns were compared with 4YMD interns who graduated from NYUGSOM and all 4YMD interns (4YMD graduates from NYUGSOM and any other medical school) at NYUGSOM residencies. Accelerated 3YMD students were approximately 5 months older at admission and had higher multiple mini-interview scores than 4YMD students. Overall, accelerated 3YMD students performed similarly to 4YMD students during medical school and internship. Significant differences included higher performance by 3YMD students on preclerkship exams and lower performance on Steps 1 and 2 (average: 5.6 and 8.3 fewer points, respectively) and the physical examination portion of the NYUGSOM Comprehensive Clinical Skills Exam. Internship data indicated comparable team assessments across all residencies, statistically significant higher performance on Step 3 when compared to all 4YMD interns, and, in internal medicine, comparable clinical reasoning between 3YMD and all 4YMD interns. When comparing 3YMD interns to all 4YMD interns in the internal medicine residency program, 3YMD interns had a statistically significantly higher performance on milestones. The outcomes from 7 years of graduating accelerated 3YMD students at NYUGSOM show similar performance in medical school and early residency to 4YMD graduates. Long-term study of accelerated 3YMD students from NYUGSOM and other medical schools is needed to further validate the success of this innovative medical education pathway.

International online mentorship for translational researchers

BackgroundTranslational researchers (TRs) fulfill various roles across clinical, educational, and research domains with the ultimate goal of positively impacting patients. Mentorship has been recognized as an important means of career support for TRs, particularly when navigating the complex translational research pipeline and adapting to evolving roles. In response, the Erasmus + PATHWAY project developed and piloted an extra-curricular online preparatory course and mentorship program in 2019 and 2020 to help TRs build mentorship skills, develop their careers, and create online peer-to-peer learning opportunities.MethodsTo assess the pilot online mentorship program, a longitudinal exploratory mixed method study was conducted.ResultsMentees and mentors from both years reported that they joined the program to learn mentorship skills, gain career support, and expand their (international) network. Analysis of evaluation forms indicated that the online preparatory course was evaluated largely positively, with participants suggesting improvements for future iterations. Results of a follow-up survey in 2022 revealed that mentorship was considered helpful in supporting TRs’ work in translational research, and an online mentorship program was useful, provided it included interactive online training, multiple mentee-mentor matching rounds, compatible time zones and professional experience for matched pairs, active program moderation with offline activities, and effective online tools.ConclusionsThis study revealed the mentorship needs of TRs and their recommendations for international online mentorship. The innovative PATHWAY program’s online format, mentee-driven matching, and preparatory training for both mentees and mentors contribute to the development of mentorship for the general translational community that could potentially have broader applications, especially in a post-COVID-19 environment.

Outcomes of Patients With Early and Locally Advanced Lung Cancer: Protocol for the Italian Lung Cancer Observational Study (LUCENT).

Lung cancer, predominantly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), remains a formidable challenge, necessitating an in-depth understanding of evolving treatment paradigms. The Italian Lung Cancer Observational Study (LUCENT) addresses this need by investigating the outcomes of patients with early and locally advanced lung cancer in Italy. With a focus on real-world data and patient registries, this study aims to provide comprehensive insights into clinical, psychosocial, and economic impacts, contributing to informed decision-making in health care. LUCENT is a prospective observational multicenter cohort study enrolling patients eligible for minimally invasive manual, robot-assisted, or traditional open surgery. The study will develop a web-based registry to collect longitudinal surgical, oncological, and socioeconomic outcome data. The primary objectives include performance assessment through the establishment of national benchmarks based on risk-adjusted outcomes and processes of care indicators. The secondary objectives encompass economic and psychosocial impact assessments of innovative technologies and treatment pathways. The multicenter design ensures a diverse and representative study population. The evolving landscape of NSCLC treatment necessitates a nuanced approach with consideration of the dynamic shifts in therapeutic strategies. LUCENT strives to fill existing knowledge gaps by providing a platform for collecting and analyzing real-world data, emphasizing the importance of patient-reported outcomes in enhancing the understanding of the disease. By developing a web-based registry, the study not only facilitates efficient data collection but also addresses the limitations of traditional methods, such as suboptimal response rates and costs associated with paper-and-pencil questionnaires. Recruitment will be conducted from January 01, 2024, to December 31, 2026. Follow-up will be performed for a minimum of 2 years. The study will be completed in the year 2028. LUCENT's potential implications are substantial. Establishing national benchmarks will enable a thorough evaluation of outcomes and care processes, guiding clinicians and policymakers in optimizing patient management. Furthermore, the study's secondary objectives, focusing on economic and psychosocial impacts, align with the contemporary emphasis on holistic cancer care. Insights gained from this study may influence treatment strategies, resource utilization, and patient well-being, thereby contributing to the ongoing refinement of lung cancer management. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05851755; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05851755. ISRCTN 67197140; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN67197140. PRR1-10.2196/57183.