Potential Paths Research Articles

Looking beyond “the tool itself”: Towards a political systems understanding of e-participation

In this paper, we argue that e-participation research is at a crossroads as its theories and empirical scope are increasingly detached from the contemporary relationship between information technology and political participation. We illustrate this challenge through two developments: (1) the dissolving boundaries between online and offline spheres of political participation and (2) the growing dissociation between ICTs and democracy. In light of these developments, we present a potential path forward for the field, inspired by the so-called "systemic turn" in research on deliberative democracy and democratic innovations. We argue for a perspective that emphasises the relationship between e-participation and the political system in which it is enacted. This allows us, in our conclusion, In our conclusion, this allows us to present alternative potential directions for future research within the field.

A Survey on Multimodal Large Language Models

Abstract Recently, Multimodal Large Language Model (MLLM) represented by GPT-4V has been a new rising research hotspot, which uses powerful Large Language Models (LLMs) as a brain to perform multimodal tasks. The surprising emergent capabilities of MLLM, such as writing stories based on images and Optical Character Recognition (OCR)-free math reasoning, are rare in traditional multimodal methods, suggesting a potential path to artificial general intelligence. To this end, both academia and industry have endeavored to develop MLLMs that can compete with or even outperform GPT-4V, pushing the limit of research at a surprising speed. In this paper, we aim to trace and summarize the recent progress of MLLMs. First of all, we present the basic formulation of MLLM and delineate its related concepts, including architecture, training strategy and data, as well as evaluation. Then, we introduce research topics about how MLLMs can be extended to support more granularity, modalities, languages, and scenarios. We continue with multimodal hallucination and extended techniques, including Multimodal ICL (M-ICL), Multimodal CoT (M-CoT), and LLM-Aided Visual Reasoning (LAVR). To conclude the paper, we discuss existing challenges and point out promising research directions.

Overcoming the Friction between the “Right to be Forgotten” and Blockchain Technology through a New Approach

Objective: this paper explores the challenges arising from the conflict between blockchain technology and the “right to be forgotten” as provided by the European data protection framework.Methods: in the First Section, the author provides a brief description of the evolution of blockchain technology and the most pressing issues between traditional blockchain models and UE’s legislations. Among the latter, the author analyzes the specific issue concerning the clash between the traditional blockchains (both private and public models), typically immutable, and the individual’s right to cancellation or modification of own personal data. This section emphasizes the importance of personal data protection, which has always been one of the main tasks for supranational legislators. The legal regulation of data protection and the relevant judicial practice of the European Court of Human Rights is analyzed. The author raises the problem of expressing the free self-determination of an individual in the form of controlling their personal data on the Internet. The Second Section of this contribution is dedicated to the study of probable ways to solve the existing incompatibility and to make the distributed ledger system compatible with the European data protection legislation. An emphasis is made on the model provided by “Traent” company, which ensures the right to data cancellation or modification. The capability of this model to solve the said contradiction is analyzed.Results: the study delves into the peculiar features of the new model to understand how it strategically utilizes the advantages of public and private blockchains guaranteeing not only the validity and authenticity of the chain where the transaction was performed, but, most importantly, the modification and granular cancellation of client’s personal data. This innovative solution offers a potential path forward for navigating the complex intersection of data privacy and blockchain innovation in the European context.Scientific novelty: Traent has implemented a “hybrid” model blockchain that, incorporating both public and private components, to achieve an effective compliance with the European Union regulations, especially those concerning data protection and privacy.Practical significance: the obtained conclusions and proposals can be taken into consideration in improving the compliance of blockchain technologies with the European Union General Data Protection Regulation.

Integrating Vision: From Neuroscience to Artificial Intelligence

Abstract. This review article explores the complex interplay between neuroscience and artificial intelligence, focusing on vision processing and its applications. It starts by outlining the biological basis of vision, delving into how visual information is processed and encoded in the brain. The discussion then transitions to artificial intelligence, particularly machine vision, highlighting the advancements and technologies that mimic biological processes. A critical analysis compares how visual information is utilized in both biological organisms and artificial systems, with an emphasis on cognitive functions and neural encoding. The challenges of integrating vision across various sensory modalities are examined, underscoring the technological and cognitive limitations currently faced. The review culminates by identifying potential research paths aimed at closing the gap between neuroscience and AI. This involves enhancing the understanding and functionality of vision in multisensory contexts, striving to foster a more comprehensive approach to artificial intelligence that mirrors the complexity of human perception.

CRISPR spacers acquired from plasmids primarily target backbone genes, making them valuable for predicting potential hosts and host range.

In recent years, there has been a surge in metagenomic studies focused on identifying plasmids in environmental samples. Although these studies have unearthed numerous novel plasmids, enriching our understanding of their environmental roles, a significant gap remains: the scarcity of information regarding the bacterial hosts of these newly discovered plasmids. Furthermore, even when plasmids are identified within bacterial isolates, the reported host is typically limited to the original isolate, with no insights into alternative hosts or the plasmid's potential host range. Given that plasmids depend on hosts for their existence, investigating plasmids without the knowledge of potential hosts offers only a partial perspective. This study introduces a method for identifying potential hosts and host ranges for plasmids through alignment with CRISPR spacers. To validate the method, we compared the PLSDB plasmids database with the CRISPR spacers database, yielding host predictions for 46% of the plasmids. When compared with reported hosts, our predictions achieved 84% concordance at the family level and 99% concordance at the phylum level. Moreover, the method frequently identified multiple potential hosts for a plasmid, thereby enabling predictions of alternative hosts and the host range. Notably, we found that CRISPR spacers predominantly target plasmid backbone genes while sparing functional genes, such as those linked to antibiotic resistance, aligning with our hypothesis that CRISPR spacers are acquired from plasmid-specific regions rather than insertion elements from diverse sources. Finally, we illustrate the network of connections among different bacterial taxa through plasmids, revealing potential pathways for horizontal gene transfer.IMPORTANCEPlasmids are notorious for their role in distributing antibiotic resistance genes, but they may also carry and distribute other environmentally important genes. Since plasmids are not free-living entities and rely on host bacteria for survival and propagation, predicting their hosts is essential. This study presents a method for predicting potential hosts for plasmids and offers insights into the potential paths for spreading functional genes between different bacteria. Understanding plasmid-host relationships is crucial for comprehending the ecological and clinical impact of plasmids and implications for various biological processes.

How Does the “Shanghai-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connection Schemes” Impact the Excess Goodwill?

ABSTRACT Emerging capital markets are critical to global economic development and financial market stability. Therefore, with annual data of 2,701 listed firms from 2012 to 2020, the paper evaluates the effect of “Shanghai-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connection schemes” (SHSZ&HKSC) on excess goodwill with the quasi-natural experiment. The results show that the SHSZ&HKSC significantly reduces excess goodwill, where the potential paths of influence are analyst attention and foreign ownership. The in-depth analysis suggests that the reducing effect is more pronounced in firms with higher technological innovation and management quality.

Exploring the Impact of Resource Management Strategies on Simulated Edge Cloud Performance: An Experimental Study

Edge computing has emerged as a critical technology for meeting the needs of latency-sensitive applications and reducing network congestion. This goal is achieved mainly by distributing computational resources closer to end users and away from traditional data centers. Optimizing the utilization of limited edge cloud resources and improving the performance of edge computing systems requires efficient resource-management techniques. In this paper, we primarily discuss the use of simulation tools—EdgeSimPy in particular—to assess edge cloud resource management methods. We give a summary of the main difficulties in managing a limited pool of resources in edge cloud computing, and we go over how simulation programs like EdgeSimPy work and evaluate resource management algorithms. The scenarios we consider for this evaluation involve edge computing while taking into account variables like user location, resource availability, and network structure. We evaluate four resource management algorithms in a fixed, simulated edge computing environment to determine their performance regarding their CPU usage, memory usage, disk usage, power consumption, and latency performance metrics to determine which method performs better in a fixed scenario. This allows us to determine the optimal algorithm for tasks that prioritize minimal resource use, low latency, or a combination of the two. Furthermore, we outline areas of unfilled research needs and potential paths forward for improving the reliability and realism of edge cloud simulation tools.

Research on the Development Dilemma and Path of the Commercial Operation Mode of High-Level Sports Events in China under the Background of New Quality Productivity

This paper deeply discusses the development dilemma and the potential breakthrough path encountered by the commercial operation mode of high-level sports events in China under the background of the emerging concept of new quality productivity. Through detailed analysis of the core essence of new productivity and its diversified application in the sports industry, such as information technology in live broadcast and data analysis, biotechnology in the scientific application of athletes training and recovery, and new material technology in sports equipment innovation, this paper comprehensively examines the present situation of high level sports commercial operation in China. On this basis, the paper further analyzes the current challenges in policy environment, management experience, product development and profit distribution, and at the same time also reveals the new opportunities brought by new quality productivity for the commercialization of sports events. Finally, in view of the above difficulties, this paper puts forward a series of forward-looking and operable optimization paths, aiming to promote the commercial operation mode of high-level sports events in China to a more mature and efficient direction.

Assessing the Microplastic Pandemic: Prevalence, Detection, and Human Health Impacts in Asian Aquatic Environments

Microplastics pose a major threat to the globe due to their increased pollution and concerning effects on biota and humans. Presently, every terrestrial and marine region is affected diversely by microplastic contamination. The most polluted locations are industrialized metropolitan areas and coastal regions with considerable human activity. In this study, we choose representative samples of freshwater, marine, and biota in water, as well as sediments with different levels of microplastic pollution and distinct geographical conditions. For individually chosen aquatic areas and matrices, we reviewed, assessed, and summarized the current microplastic pollution and various methods of microplastic pollution assessment. The highest concentration of microplastics in data collected in Asia was found to be 372 ± 14.3 item/L and 9630 ± 2947 item/kg in the water and sediments of the Mumbai, India, coast. This huge abundance might be generated by human activities near the coastal areas as well as due to migration and tourism. This could also be due to sewage discharge and untreated domestic wastewater that is being dumped into the environment. Consuming of microplastic particles can put humans at risk for cytotoxicity, hypersensitivity, an unwanted immune response, and acute responses such as haemolysis, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and neurological conditions. Focusing on pollution status and potential mitigation path for microplastics from freshwater to oceans, we compared the distribution and important characteristics of microplastics in different locations. This study leads researchers to emphasis the reduction of MP pollution in densely populated areas like Asia.

Highly Multiplexed Tissue Imaging in Precision Oncology and Translational Cancer Research.

Precision oncology tailors treatment strategies to a patient's molecular and health data. Despite the essential clinical value of current diagnostic methods, hematoxylin and eosin morphology, immunohistochemistry, and gene panel sequencing offer an incomplete characterization. In contrast, highly multiplexed tissue imaging allows spatial analysis of dozens of markers at single-cell resolution enabling analysis of complex tumor ecosystems; thereby it has the potential to advance our understanding of cancer biology and supports drug development, biomarker discovery, and patient stratification. We describe available highly multiplexed imaging modalities, discuss their advantages and disadvantages for clinical use, and potential paths to implement these into clinical practice. Significance: This review provides guidance on how high-resolution, multiplexed tissue imaging of patient samples can be integrated into clinical workflows. It systematically compares existing and emerging technologies and outlines potential applications in the field of precision oncology, thereby bridging the ever-evolving landscape of cancer research with practical implementation possibilities of highly multiplexed tissue imaging into routine clinical practice.

Assessing the Role of Social Studies Curricula in Enhancing Tourism Awareness among High School Students: A Student Perspective

Tourism awareness plays a pivotal role in promoting cultural understanding and supporting economic growth, especially in regions with rich heritage and tourism potential. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of social studies curricula in fostering tourism awareness among high school students in the Irbid region of northern Jordan. The research addresses the problem of limited integration of tourism-related topics within the existing curricula, which tend to prioritize general knowledge over specialized subjects such as sustainable tourism and cultural diversity. A total of 979 students were randomly selected to participate in the study, and data were gathered using a structured survey designed to assess how well the curricula promote tourism awareness. The research employed a quantitative approach to examine relationships between tourism awareness and variables such as gender, residence, and academic achievement. The results showed significant gaps in the curricula, with minimal focus on hands-on learning experiences like field trips or interactive projects, leading to generally low levels of tourism awareness among students. Furthermore, the lack of career guidance related to tourism hinders students from exploring potential tourism-related career paths. There were no significant differences in tourism awareness based on gender, residence, or academic performance. The study concludes by recommending a comprehensive revision of the social studies curricula to include more specialized tourism concepts, practical learning opportunities, and career exploration activities. Such changes would enhance students’ understanding of the tourism industry and its importance, preparing them for future roles in this sector.

Economic Growth Targets, Innovation Transformation, and Urban Carbon Emissions: An Empirical Study of the Yangtze River Delta

In the face of carbon emissions reduction efforts, which are a common but differentiated global responsibility, it is crucial to explore the potential synergistic path between economic growth and carbon emissions reduction. This study integrates economic growth management and carbon emissions into a theoretical framework, based on city-level panel data from 2005 to 2019 in the Yangtze River Delta and the fixed effects model. We explore the impact of economic growth targets on urban carbon emissions. Then, we explore the mechanism by which economic growth target affects carbon emissions with the mediation effect model and moderation effect model. The results reveal that economic growth targets are beneficial for carbon reduction, and innovation development from innovation transformation is an important mechanism driving carbon emissions reduction, but the effects of different innovation outputs exhibit notable variations. In addition, marketization and industrial structure affect the relationship between economic growth targets and carbon emissions. The heterogeneity analysis reveals substantial spatial and temporal differences. Based on the realities of developing countries’ ongoing economic targets, this study provides a new explanation for the relationship between government policies and carbon emissions, establishing a scientific basis for policymakers to formulate strategic green development policies.

E-learning and sustainability of higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review and synthesis

Purpose This study aims to examine the state of literature on the role of e-learning in the sustainability of higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the goal of identifying explored thematic areas, finding out the deficiencies in extant literature and recommending areas of future research work. Design/methodology/approach The research used a systematic literature review, examining articles published between 2012 and 2022. In total, 52 publications were identified and subjected to analysis. Findings The findings reveal that few studies have explored the relationship between e-learning and the sustainability of higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa, with larger economies in the region dominating research output. In addition, traditional technology adoption and social learning theories dominate the theoretical frameworks in this area. Moreover, the authors observed limited adaptation of these theories to local contexts, leading to outcomes with limited contextual details or lack of the same. Despite its potential, e-learning has yet to be fully embraced as a strategic tool for the sustainability of higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa. Originality/value Although various systematic literature reviews exist in the field of sustainability in higher education, there seem to be no reviews specifically focused on e-learning within the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. This review sheds some light on potential future research paths regarding the theory, content and context of e-learning for the sustainability of higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa, and by extension, in developing countries worldwide.

Remedies of Online Gendered Violence against Women in the Digital Context

Online gendered violence (OGV) is a range of harmful behaviors committed through the use of technology as a means of enforcing gender norms that result in mainly sexual and psychological harm or suffering to women. Based on psychological studies, OGV can be classified into four distinct categories: digital sexual harassment, appearance-based violence, gender role-based violence, and anti-feminism violence. The impact of OGV on women is amplified by the systemic discrimination they face in society, making their experiences of online violence unique and especially harmful. This paper explores the legal recognition of OGV, the mechanisms for holding perpetrators accountable, and the potential relief paths available to victims. Through a detailed analysis of these issues, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the legal system can be enhanced to more effectively respond to OGV. It argues that a multifaceted approach—one that includes legal reforms, algorithmic transparency, and stronger social support systems—is essential in mitigating the effects of OGV and ensuring justice for women in digital spaces.

Direct in vivo cardiac reprogramming with circular RNA of single transcription factor delivered by fibroblast-targeting lipid nanoparticles

Abstract Background Adult mammalian cardiomyocytes (CMs) hold limited capacity for self-regeneration, thus leading to permanent loss of functional myocardium once suffering from injury, especially myocardial infarction (MI). Therefore, cardiac regeneration therapy has been regarded as a potential path to help restore damaged tissue. Direct cardiac reprogramming is one of the most promising ways to boost cardiac regeneration as it could convert resident cardiac fibroblasts into functional induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs). However, difficulty of delivery has been one of the biggest problems that hinder the further clinical translation of this technique such as concerns of mostly used retrovirus vectors and lack of fibroblast-specific targeting ability. In our previous research, we have found that after knocking down of Ybx1 gene, single transcriptional factor Tbx5 could induce cardiac reprogramming of fibroblasts without adding traditional Mef2c and Gata4. But whether this cocktail could achieve in vivo direct cardiac reprogramming still remains to be explored. Objective We planned to develop fibroblast-targeting lipid nanoparticles (LNP) to delivery circular RNA(circRNA) of Tbx5 and small interfering RNA(siRNA) of Ybx1 to realize in vivo cardiac reprogramming in a mouse model of myocardial infarction. Results We first screened different formulations of tdTomato mRNA delivered-LNP both in primary neonatal cardiac fibroblasts and in the myocardial infarction model and found that formulation XF4d could realize specific selectively uptake by cardiac fibroblasts instead of cardiomyocytes. Then we succeeded in synthesizing XF4d LNP delivering Tbx5 circRNA and Ybx1 siRNA (LNPXF4d@Tbx5+siYbx1) and validated its stability at 4°C. Next, after infecting LNPXF4d@Tbx5+siYbx1, primary neonatal CFs and mouse embryonic fibroblasts could be reprogrammed into functional iCMs. We further measured the protein expression of Tbx5 and Ybx1 in CFs after LNPXF4d@Tbx5+siYbx1 treatment. What’s more, we used fibroblast-specific lineage tracing mice (Fsp1Cre/tdTomato mice) to prove the successful conversion of resident CFs into iCMs in the mouse model of myocardial infarction by intramyocardial injection of LNPXF4d@Tbx5+siYbx1. At last, we found that LNPXF4d@Tbx5+siYbx1 could help improve cardiac function after injury and reduce fibrosis, as measured by echocardiography and Masson’s trichrome staining. Conclusion We suggest that our fibroblast specific LNPs delivering single transcriptional factors could a promising method to realize in vivo cardiac reprogramming and help treat myocardial injury, with high possibility of clinical translation and less biosafety concerns.Graphical Abstract

Nitrogen‐Nitrogen Bond Breaking in Irradiation Products of Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL‐20)

AbstractWhile the primary result of an interaction of ionizing radiation with an organic material is the ejection of electrons from molecular orbitals producing cations, the free electrons can further interact, yielding excited states; and, potentially, anions. In this work, we computed reaction barriers and energies for N−N bond breaking in the CL‐20 cation, anion, and excited state to investigate if CL‐20 degradation is accelerated after radiation exposure. We focused on N−N bond dissociation because it is the rate‐determining step in the thermal degradation of CL‐20. We found that N−N cleavage rapidly takes place in the CL‐20 cation and anion with greatly reduced reaction energies as compared to CL‐20. We also outlined a potential path for photodissociation of the N−N bond. While CL‐20 is kinetically stable, initial degradation occurs readily in its irradiation products. This is of importance for the performance of the explosive after high‐dose exposure and influences aging if CL‐20 is irradiated at a low dose over extended periods of time.

The Future of Marathon

Abstract: Reflecting societal developments, marathons have changed from being endurance tests to become venues for inclusivity and creativity. While COVID-19 has made virtual marathons more popular, advanced footwear such as carbon-plated shoes has sparked discussions about fairness. The future of the marathon depends on striking a balance between technological progress, ethics, and the environment. This essay looks at the current patterns and potential future paths of marathon running. The first section of the essay describes how advanced footwear and wearable technology have enhanced athlete performance and how new technology has changed marathon gear. The article also discusses the impact of the epidemic on virtual and online marathons, indicating that these race formats may become popular in the future. Finally, the environmental impact of the marathon is examined along with sustainable measures to mitigate it. In conclusion, this essay provides insightful viewpoints on future developments in marathon running. Maintaining the appeal of marathons and promoting fairness can be achieved by standardizing footwear technology. Creating interesting online venues for virtual marathons can increase participation. Setting high sustainability goals can help reduce ecological footprints. Marathons can benefit from positive environmental change through promoting information sharing and community involvement, which links them to broader sustainability objectives.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa-mediated cr(VI) bioremediation: mechanistic insights and future directions

Contamination of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a major environmental issue since it has the ability to cause cancer and genetic mutations. Bioremediation techniques using Pseudomonas aeruginosa have emerged as potential methods to tackle this problem. This study offers a thorough examination of the underlying mechanisms and potential future paths in the process of P. aeruginosa-mediated Cr(VI) remediation. Herein, the strategies used by P. aeruginosa were examined for the removal of Cr(VI) via processes such as biosorption, intracellular reduction, and extracellular metabolism. In addition, the function of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in capturing and isolating Cr(VI) was studied and the possibility of using genetic engineering techniques to improve P. aeruginosa’s ability to remove Cr(VI) from the environment was explored. In addition, we investigate the difficulties related to the use of P. aeruginosa for Cr(VI) bioremediation, such as environmental conditions and the presence of other microorganisms, and suggest potential areas for further study. These include the development of bioremediation strategies using consortia of microorganisms and the incorporation of nanomaterials to improve the removal of Cr(VI). This study seeks to enhance the development of sustainable solutions for remediating Cr(VI) by integrating existing information and identifying future research directions, with a focus on employing P. aeruginosa.

Graphene oxide in low concentrations can change mitochondrial potential, autophagy, and apoptosis paths in two strains of invertebrates with different life strategies

Nanoparticles, like graphene oxide (GO), are particles with unique physiochemical properties that enable their wide application in various areas of life. The effects of GO on individual cell organelles like mitochondria and the effects of interactions are worth investigating, as they can activate multiple cellular processes, such as autophagy or apoptosis. Mitochondrial injury plays an essential role in the majority of cell death routines. In the project, we investigated cell health status measured as mitochondrial inner membrane depolarization, autophagy, and apoptosis induction during long-term GO administration in food (0.02 μg g−1 and 0.2 μg g−1 of food). Two unique Acheta domesticus strains that differ in life strategy were used: wild-type and long-lived at three different life stages (larva, young adult, mature adult). The changes in mitochondrial trans-membrane potential were marked in the wild-type strain. The autophagy was lower in all GO-treated groups in both strains, and the apoptosis was lower in both strains in the mature adult crickets. Low GO concentrations treatment for the whole life, despite mitochondrial dysfunction, may lead to inhibition of autophagy and apoptosis by arresting the cell cycle for the duration of repair, and other repair tools are involved in the process of restoring homeostasis.

Accountability from the periphery to the centre of local government research agenda

ABSTRACT Accountability is a familiar concept, taken for granted most of the time. This article underscores the need to bring accountability to the centre of empirical analysis in local government studies. A systematic literature review was conducted to revise how accountability as a process or outcome is being explored in Local Government Studies. After a spirited debate in the 90s involving practitioners, accountability has consistently been mentioned and discussed, albeit often on the periphery of the empirical analysis. As local governments are a key dimension for local-level democratic governance worldwide, it is crucial to invigorate research on accountability and bring it to the forefront of our research agenda connected to the digitalisation of society, political distrust, and non-financial drivers of society (humanitarian and environmental agendas). The paper outlines potential paths for a future research agenda on accountability for local governments.