Innovative Techniques Research Articles

Light on Alzheimer's disease: from basic insights to preclinical studies.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), referring to a gradual deterioration in cognitive function, including memory loss and impaired thinking skills, has emerged as a substantial worldwide challenge with profound social and economic implications. As the prevalence of AD continues to rise and the population ages, there is an imperative demand for innovative imaging techniques to help improve our understanding of these complex conditions. Photoacoustic (PA) imaging forms a hybrid imaging modality by integrating the high-contrast of optical imaging and deep-penetration of ultrasound imaging. PA imaging enables the visualization and characterization of tissue structures and multifunctional information at high resolution and, has demonstrated promising preliminary results in the study and diagnosis of AD. This review endeavors to offer a thorough overview of the current applications and potential of PA imaging on AD diagnosis and treatment. Firstly, the structural, functional, molecular parameter changes associated with AD-related brain imaging captured by PA imaging will be summarized, shaping the diagnostic standpoint of this review. Then, the therapeutic methods aimed at AD is discussed further. Lastly, the potential solutions and clinical applications to expand the extent of PA imaging into deeper AD scenarios is proposed. While certain aspects might not be fully covered, this mini-review provides valuable insights into AD diagnosis and treatment through the utilization of innovative tissue photothermal effects. We hope that it will spark further exploration in this field, fostering improved and earlier theranostics for AD.

Formulation and Characterization of Simvastatin-Loaded Nanosponges: An Innovative Technique for Colon-Targeted Drug Delivery

Background:: To enhance the solubility of simvastatin by improving the surface area of the drug particle by preparing nanosponges that are enclosed in a tablet and capsule oral solid dosage forms, which in turn helps maintain the drug's stability. Objective:: The present investigation aimed to develop a simvastatin nanosponge containing Eu-dragit as a polymer with different ratios of drug-to-polymer concentration to increase its solubility and further improve the oral bioavailability by using nanosponges’ formulation technique. Methods:: The emulsion solvent diffusion method was used to prepare simvastatin nanosponges by using Eudragit S 100, Eudragit L 100, and a combination of both in different drug-to-polymer ratios, i.e., 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:2. To characterize the conductivity, molecular changes, and size of the prepared nanosponges, a variety of evaluation parameters, including the compressibil-ity index, Hausner's ratio, angle of repose, microscopy, production yield, entrapment efficiency, drug content, in vitro drug release studies, DSC, XRD, FTIR, and SEM were evaluated. Opti-mized formulation was used to prepare colon-targeted tablets and capsules by taking nanosponges equivalent to 20 mg of simvastatin. Results:: The percentage yield, drug content, and entrapment efficiency of the final formulation were observed at 81 ± 0.26%, 92.4%, and 97 ± 0.56%, respectively. The in vitro drug release of the optimized formulations was 91.42 % at 12 hrs. The drug release followed the Peppas model with a super case II transport mechanism. Conclusion:: The use of the nanosponge delivery system increased the solubility of simvastatin seven times, which in turn increased the drug's bioavailability.

“Cup-in-Cup” for revision cup in total hip arthroplasty – An innovative technique

In a revision hip surgery with isolated poly-ethylene liner wear along with a stable acetabular shell involves difficult decision of revising the entire acetabular component or just the liner. However, unavailability of the similar poly liner in a high risk patient can be dealt with a novel technique of cup in cup by retaining the stable shell and cementing a polyethylene liner over it. A 77-year-old male came with complains of pain in the right hip and limp of 4 months duration after 17 years of a revision hip surgery. Poly-ethylene liner was found worn out intraoperative with both the metal shell and the stem very stable. Same company poly liner was not available. In order to prevent the extensive revision in a high surgical risk patient and to prevent the blood and the bone loss, a new Elite poly-ethylene cement cup was cemented over the old stable cementless metal shell. At 3 years short term follow up patient is able to walk pain free independently. The “cup-in-cup” technique with cemented PE cup into a retained well-fixed and well-positioned metal shell is a good technique in high surgical risk patients and gives promising result at short term follow up.

Food in a plate or food in a plate with a sustainable toy: A thematic analysis of parents’ perception and children behavior

BACKGROUND: Using innovative and creative marketing promotional techniques for the children food items along with freebies with eco-friendly or sustainable toys which attract them to consume foods that are not particularly good for health is the area of research which is most concerning these days considering the United Nations Sustainable development goals of Good well-being and responsible productions and consumption. OBJECTIVE: This paper is intended to explore and analyze the effectiveness of the innovative marketing techniques like the use of sustainable toys, tattoos, and stickers employed as toys with food by leading FMCG companies in India for influencing children behavior. METHODS: This research presents the results of in-depth interviews conducted and participants’ were selected through quota sampling from working mothers, non-working mothers, and other non-working mothers with full-time maid support. Grounded theory and inductive approach were used in the study. RESULTS: Five themes were evident across all the groups of mothers’ with respect to toys with food. Results showed that the themes underlying the gift in food for kids are portrayal of snacking, exaggerating the claims, enriching the moods, ameliorate the popularity and denigration of core foods. So, the results suggested that toys even though sustainable in nature with food marketing negatively affect the child behavior and health of kids. CONCLUSION: The study suggested that toys with food strategy can positively be presented /deliver a message to kids and companies can use healthy food items with these eco-friendly premiums which would benefit both the parties. The paper presents the concepts and themes that present the understanding of the mothers’ perspective of toys with food offered by companies in Indian perspective.

Digital economy and urban green development: A quasi-natural experiment based on national big data comprehensive pilot zone

As the engine of economic growth in the modern age, the digital economy plays an indispensable role in boosting the green development of cities. In this research, the difference in difference model and the spatial Durbin difference in difference (SDMDID) model are utilized to empirically examine the influence of digital economy on urban green development by employing the national big data comprehensive pilot zone as a quasi-natural experiment. In addition, its mechanism of action is further investigated from the standpoint of industrial structure upgrading, technical innovation, and human capital. The findings demonstrate that the degree of urban green development has consistently increased over the research sample, and there were clear disparities across areas; the implementation of the national big data comprehensive pilot zone has a significant role in promoting the green development of cities, and the policy effect on central cities and small and medium-sized cities is significantly higher than that of other types of cities; SDMDID model research found that the implementation of the national big data comprehensive pilot zone has a spatial effect; the mechanism test shows that the implementation of the national big data comprehensive pilot zone can promote the improvement of urban green development by promoting the upgrading of industrial structure and improving the level of technological innovation, while the mechanism of human capital has not yet emerged.

The role of strategic intelligence in enhancing the success of organizational innovation (An Analytical study at the Ministry of Industry and Minerals/General Company for Electronic Systems)

The current research aims to clarify the concept of strategic intelligence as an independent variable with its five dimensions (foresight, future vision, systems thinking, partnership, creativity), and the concept of organizational innovation success as a dependent variable with its three dimensions (administrative innovation, technical (technological) innovation, additional innovation), After that, the relationship of correlation and influence between them was determined, and for the purpose of achieving the research objectives, a questionnaire was designed consisting of (40) items, in the light of which data was collected and analyzed and hypotheses were tested by using the statistical program (SPSS). A purposive sample consisting of (50) managers was chosen. And an official in the Ministry of Industry and Minerals/General Company for Electronic Systems. Many statistical tools and methods were used, including: frequencies, percentages, arithmetic averages, standard deviations, correlation coefficient, and regression analysis. A number of main and subsidiary hypotheses were developed to address the research problem and answer. On its questions to prove or reject these hypotheses, the most prominent conclusions were: the existence of a significant correlation between the two variables, and a strong influence between strategic intelligence and organizational innovation.

Producing p‐tolylmethanol derivatives through an eco‐friendly electro‐organic method: A highly efficient Grignard reaction utilizing a magnesium electrode

This research introduces an eco‐friendly and innovative technique for efficiently producing p‐tolylmethanol derivatives 4(a–k) using electro‐organic synthesis based on the Grignard reaction. By employing electrochemical methods, this approach offers several advantages, including enhanced reaction efficiency and reduced environmental impact. The process involves the electrochemical generation of the Grignard reagent, followed by its reaction with appropriate substrates to yield the desired p‐tolylmethanol derivatives. Our team optimized various reaction parameters like choice of solvent, electrode material, and reaction conditions to achieve high yields and selectivity. The developed electro‐organic method demonstrated outstanding efficiency and presents a fresh and environmentally conscious approach to synthesizing p‐tolylmethanol derivatives from benzaldehyde 1(a–e) and bromobenzene 2(a–h) via the Grignard reaction, yielding excellent results (85–93%). The resulting compounds were comprehensively characterized using melting point, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and CHN analysis to verify their structures. This electro‐organic approach holds significant potential as a sustainable strategy for synthesizing valuable organic compounds.

Narrative-guided synthesis: Revolutionizing text-to-image translation based on Generative Adversarial Networks

Synthesizing images from textual descriptions remains an intricate yet essential task in the field of artificial intelligence. However, this process often encounters challenges related to intricacy and time consumption. This study introduces a pioneering approach known as narrative-guided synthesis, harnessing the power of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) in conjunction with platforms such as Midjournary. This innovative technique transforms abstract narratives into stunning visual creations, streamlining the image generation process by providing real-time feedback and guidance. This research showcases an optimized framework that integrates diverse modules into a unified system, effectively reducing computational complexity and boosting overall efficiency. Central to this framework is an attention-guided mechanism that emphasizes semantic nuances within the text, ensuring greater fidelity in the generated images. This is complemented by spatially adaptive normalization techniques that maintain contextual relevance within the visual outputs. Preliminary results indicate that this approach not only competes with existing models but potentially surpasses them in producing visually and contextually accurate images, heralding a new era of digital innovation where technology and creativity converge seamlessly. Furthermore, this study underscores the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing content production, interactive design, and user interfaces, promising a future where textual narratives can be visualized with unprecedented accuracy and creativity.

Economic, environmental, and technical gains from the Kyoto Protocol: Evidence from cement manufacturing

The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement signed in 1997 to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and mitigate the consequences of global climate change. Early studies of the effectiveness of the Kyoto Protocol have attributed it to approximately a 7%–10% reduction in global carbon dioxide emissions. Given the carbon intensity of cement manufacturing, we examine the impact of the Kyoto Protocol on cement manufacturing output and carbon dioxide emissions. We are especially concerned about whether the Kyoto Protocol may have led cement manufacturing to move to places without binding emissions targets, thus resulting in carbon leakage. We find that nations with binding emissions targets under the Kyoto Protocol saw a 5% reduction in both cement manufacturing and carbon dioxide emissions from cement manufacturing compared to other nations, suggesting that the Kyoto Protocol may have led to technological innovation in cement manufacturing. Using data on carbon intensities for cement manufacturing, we support this notion and find further evidence that it fostered diffusion of existing, cleaner technologies from relatively more developed nations during the first phase, and technical innovation by these nations during the second phase, resulting in significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions.

How top leaders’ support affects open government data (OGD)-driven innovation capacity of firms: Based on the TOE framework perspective

Abstract The innovation value of open government data (OGD) drives firms to the participation in OGD-driven innovation. However, to fully excavate the innovation value of OGD for firms, it is essential to explore the factors and mechanisms that affect OGD-driven innovation capacity. On the basis of the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework, a theoretical model affecting OGD-driven innovation capacity is proposed for analysis by partial least squares structural equation modeling with 236 sample data from China. The results indicate that top leaders’ support positively impacts on OGD-driven innovation capacity in firms. And we also prove that technical competence, organizational arrangement, and innovation support partially mediate the relationship between top leaders’ support and OGD-driven innovation capacity on the basis of the TOE framework. Consequently, the findings provide new research perspectives and practical guidance for promoting OGD-driven innovation capacity in firms.

The online attention analysis on orthognathic surgery research

ObjectivesAltmetrics is one of the fields of bibliometrics that seeks to assess the impact and interest of a given subject through Internet users. The aim of this study is to make an altmetric analysis of the orthognathic surgery literature. MethodsA literature search was conducted using Dimensions app up to December 2023. A list of the 100 most mentioned articles on the topic was compiled. A Google Trends search was performed with same strategy to visualize important data regarding internet search. Charts and tables were created using Microsoft Excel and VOSviewer software to allow bibliometric visualization. ResultsThere was a very poor correlation between the number of mentions and the number of citations (r = 0.0202). Most articles discussed on technical innovations associated to orthognathic surgery, majority related to virtual planning (n = 26). Other topics considered interesting to internet readers were complications (n = 18), surgical technique (n = 14), and psychological aspects/quality of life (n = 13). ConclusionOnline interest in orthognathic surgery closely aligns with the level of academic interest but is also influenced by factors such as location and economic status. The internet is a powerful tool for disseminating scientific research to a broad audience, making it more accessible and engaging than traditional academic channels.

Exploring the link between technological innovation, economic development, and CO2 emissions in the US. Application of the ANN and EKC techniques

The developed world, which includes the United States of America (US), constantly works to reduce carbon dioxide emissions for the benefit of its people's health while advancing technical innovation to achieve impressive economic development. This motivates this study to use artificial neural network (ANN) and the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) technique to explore the relationship between technological innovation, economic development, and CO2 emissions in the US in order to add to the body of knowledge already in existence. For this study, secondary data from 1990 to 2023 was gathered from the World Bank and globaleconomy.com. The results show that, whereas the artificial neural network shows that economic development contributes more to C02 emissions, the Environmental Kuznets Curve shows that higher levels of technical innovation and economic development lower C02 emissions. Hence, in order to maintain C02 emissions at the lowest possible level and improve the nation's atmospheric conditions, the US government should guarantee sustainable policies that will promote economic development and technological innovation.

Three Key Submuscular Points for Nonsurgical Rejuvenation of the Midface in Caucasian Patients: A Methodological Approach Using Injectable Hyaluronic Acid Fillers.

Since aesthetic medical treatments providing natural results are becoming increasingly popular, we developed an innovative hyaluronic acid infiltration technique for midface rejuvenation. In this prospective study, only patients with a negative or neutral lower eyelid vector were included. Treatment consisted in injecting three hyaluronic acid boluses at the cutaneous projections of the levator labii superioris, zygomatic major and minor muscles insertions. All patients were administered before treatment the FACE-Q questionnaire, whereas after treatment, they were administered the FACE-Q questionnaire and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). All treatments were documented with standardized photographs. A plastic surgeon from another Institution reviewed the photos and scored the treatments according to the GAIS scale. We included 567 patients (101 males and 466 females) who met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 41 years, and mean follow-up time was four months. The FACE-Q scores after treatment were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in every domain investigated. The GAIS scores demonstrated significant improvement posttreatment in 89.8% of patients. An average of 1.5 ml of hyaluronic acid (VYC-20) was used for each zygomatic region. No major complications were reported; only 27 patients reported bruising, which resolved spontaneously. In all patients, there was an inversion of the lower eyelid vector, which had transitioned from neutral or negative to positive. Lifting the insertions of three selected muscles with hyaluronic acid allows a midface upward repositioning. This technique provides a reproducible and safe approach for midface rejuvenation through tissue repositioning rather than augmenting facial volume. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Motivate students for better academic achievement: A systematic review of blended innovative teaching and its impact on learning

AbstractThis systematic literature review explores the impact of innovative teaching approaches on student motivation and academic achievement in online blended learning. A thorough search of five electronic databases for studies published between January 2009 and May 2023 yielded 1468 records. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) and Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome and Study‐design (PICOS) frameworks as the basis for the eligibility criteria, 47 studies were eligible and reviewed. The findings revealed that the effects of motivation were influenced by various factors, such as the blended course design, instructor's support, learning environment and the student's characteristics. The common innovative teaching and learning techniques and tools which advanced better teaching and learning were found to be interactive lessons, the use of virtual reality technology, artificial intelligence, project‐based learning, inquiry‐based learning, jigsaw, cloud computing, flipped classroom, peer teaching, peer feedback, crossover teaching and personalised teaching. These techniques positively and significantly affected motivation and academic achievement. Furthermore, results also suggest that educators should carefully consider the needs and preferences of their students when designing their courses and curricula to motivate and support students to achieve their full potential. Based on these findings, instructor support through innovative teaching and learning is vital to sustaining meaningful, innovative interactions that motivate students and promote better academic achievements in innovative online blended learning. Therefore, this study proposed a framework that illustrates that when students are well motivated, they develop personal and academic qualities such as interest, confidence, belonging, cooperation and trust in the educational experiences, resulting in better academic achievement.

Development and Optimization of a Multiplex Real-Time RT-PCR to Detect SARS-CoV-2 in Human Samples.

PCR and its variants (RT-PCR and qRT-PCR) are valuable and innovative molecular techniques for studying nucleic acids. qPCR has proven to be highly sensitive, efficient, and reproducible, generating reliable results that are easy to analyze. During the COVID-19 pandemic, qPCR became the gold standard technique for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus that allowed to confirm the infection event, and those asymptomatic ones, and thus save millions of lives. In-house multiplex qPCR tests were developed worldwide to detect different viral targets and ensure results, follow the infections, and favor the containment of a pandemic. Here, we present the detailed fundamentals of the qPCR technique based on fluorogenic probes and processes to develop and optimize a successful multiplex RT-qPCR test for detecting SARS-CoV-2 that could be used to diagnose COVID-19 accurately.

Direct Observation of All Open-Shell Intermediates in a Photocatalytic Cycle.

Molecular photocatalysis has shown tremendous success in sustainable energy and chemical synthesis. However, visualizing the transient open-shell intermediates in photocatalysis is a significant and long-standing challenge. By employing our recently developed innovative time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance technique, we directly observed all radicals and radical ions involved in the photocatalytic addition of pempidine to tert-butyl acrylate. The full picture of the photocatalytic cycle is vividly illustrated by the fine structures, chemical kinetics, and dynamic spin polarization of all open-shell intermediates directly observed in this prototypical system. Given the universality of this methodology, we believe it greatly empowers the research paradigm of direct observation in both photocatalysis and radical chemistry.

Entrepreneurial culture in small businesses in Sinaloa

This research work aimed to analyse the conditions of entrepreneurial activity and culture in the environment of small businesses in Sinaloa, considering the relevance and correlation between success stories and their processes. The importance of this topic is that there is a requirement for administrative orientation since the functions of the partners are related to the administrative role, and they have been updating themselves in the processes and management of local and international transactions that mark the new orientations. In this way, innovative techniques and strategies are required to deal with conflicts in relation to the above. Likewise, this will enable them to develop and implement strategies and actions aligned with the technological and sustainable (social, economic, and environmental) advances that are demanded today in the rules of world trade. Hypothesis. Adequate management is considered a pillar for the long-term success of small businesses, motivating the innovative spirit of an organisation's partners, and creating competitive advantages for the organisation over its competitors.

Structure from Motion Photogrammetry as an Effective Nondestructive Technique to Monitor Morphological Plasticity in Benthic Organisms: The Case Study of Sarcotragus foetidus Schmidt, 1862 (Porifera, Demospongiae) in the Portofino MPA

Porifera are essential components of marine ecosystems, providing valuable ecological functions. Traditional approaches to estimating sponge growth and biomass are destructive and often not suitable for certain morphologies. The implementation of new innovative techniques and nondestructive methodologies have allowed for a more sustainable approach. In this study, a population of Sarcotragus foetidus Schmidt, 1982 (Demospongiae, Dictyoceratida, Irciinidae), thriving inside the Portofino Marine Protected Area, was monitored using Structure from Motion photogrammetry over a period of 6 years, from September 2017 to October 2023. Of the 20 initial individuals, only 12 were still in place during the last monitoring, indicating 40% mortality. Through photogrammetry, the overall volume change and biomass production were estimated to be 9.24 ± 5.47% year−1 and 29.52 ± 27.93 g DW year−1, respectively, indicating a general decreasing trend between 2021 and 2023. Signs of necrosis were observed in some individuals, potentially related to the high temperature occurring during summer 2022 and 2023. Considering the current climate crisis, long-term monitoring efforts must be made to better understand the dynamics of this species, and photogrammetry has the potential to be a versatile monitoring tool that will contribute to the standardization of methodologies for sponge growth studies.

Thoracic endovascular repair of descending thoracic aorta aneurysm using thoracic stent graft in a challenging complex patient: An innovative access technique during an emergency using a mini-thoracotomy approach.

Repairing thoracic aortic aneurysms with endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a safe and minimally invasive method with low morbidity and short postoperative recovery. We developed a novel method to treat descending thoracic aortic aneurysms using a mini-thoracotomy approach in complex patients with difficult access. A 56-year-old male patient presented with a 3-day history of chest pain. His past surgical history included infrarenal aortic ligation and right axillobifemoral bypass. Thoracic computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed a saccular aortic aneurysmal dilatation at zone 2 measuring 4.4 × 4cm. Owing to his surgical history, vascular access through the femoral and iliac arteries or abdominal aorta was impossible. We developed a new technique using a left posterolateral mini-thoracotomy approach to gain vascular access and perform TEVAR, avoiding the need for an open thoracotomy repair. Thoracic CTA performed before discharge revealed complete aneurysmal exclusion and no endoleaks. Postoperative follow-up CTA (6months and annually thereafter) revealed no aneurysm formation or aortic restenosis. The femoral artery, followed by the iliac artery, is the traditional access route for TEVAR. Left posterolateral mini-thoracotomy may be required as an alternative access in complex patients.

Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging with Intravenous Indocyanine Green Method in Segmentectomy for Infants with Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is a commonly used procedure for treating congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) in infants, particularly when performing segmentectomy for segmental lesions. An innovative technique employing near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging with intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) has been utilized to delineate the intersegmental demarcation during surgery. However, no previous reports have investigated this method's application, specifically in infants. The primary aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the NIRF imaging with ICG approach in this context. Between January 2021 and April 2022, a total of 19 consecutive segmentectomies were conducted using the NIRF imaging with ICG method to precisely identify the intersegmental plane. The results were concurrently compared with those obtained using the modified inflation-deflation technique. Comprehensive imaging and clinical data were gathered and analyzed to assess the safety and accuracy of the NIRF imaging with ICG approach. The study involved infants with a median age of 5.12 months (mean body weight of 8.08 g). All segmentectomies were performed successfully without any ICG-related complications. The mean operating time for the surgeries was 88.47 ± 7.94 minutes. Notably, no intraoperative conversions or significant complications were observed in any of the patients. The average hospital stay after surgery was 4.0 ± 0.82 days. During the follow-up period, extending beyond 1-year of postoperation, all patients exhibited excellent recovery with no cases of recurrence. Based on our experience, the NIRF imaging with intravenous ICG method proved to be both safe and effective when performing segmentectomy for infants with CPAM. Low doses of ICG did not hinder the accurate identification of the intersegmental plane.