Search Results (2,176)

The purpose of this study is to systematically examine the impact of technological innovation on the coordinated development of regional economies and its internal mechanism. It is aimed at revealing whether and how technological innovation promotes the coordinated development of regional economies, and further identifying its heterogeneity characteristics and boundary conditions in the space–time dimension. The research was conducted using panel data for 258 prefecture-level cities in China from 2011 to 2021. This study found that technological innovation significantly promoted the coordinated development of regional economies; this effect was more prominent in China’s eastern region and the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The mechanism test shows that technological innovation can optimize regional resource allocation and narrow the development gap by promoting industrial structure upgrades and rationalization. Further analysis shows that the level of marketization has a nonlinear regulatory effect on the coordination effect of technological innovation, with two threshold levels. A heterogeneity analysis reveals significant differences in the effects of technological innovation in different regions in China, especially in the western region and the northwest side of the Hu Changyong line. The research leads to four key policy recommendations. First, it is important to strengthen the core driving role of technological innovation and implement regionally differentiated innovation support policies. Second, industrial structure upgrades should be encouraged through industrial chain coordination. The third recommendation is to improve the market-oriented institutional environment and minimize barriers to factor flow. Fourth, supporting coordinated policies, such as optimizing human capital and introducing high-quality foreign capital, is necessary to establish a sustainable long-term mechanism for regional coordinated development. Full article

This study analyzed the intersection between Afrodescendant ethnoeducation and the school-to-work transition in three marginalized communities of the Colombian Caribbean: La Boquilla, Tierra Bomba, and Libertad-Sucre. Using a qualitative methodology, the research reconstructed, on the one hand, the institutional framework of Afro-Colombian ethnoeducation since the 1991 Constitution, highlighting public policies implemented and their impacts. On the other hand, it examined the educational dynamics in these localities and their link (or lack thereof) to local labor markets, identifying innovations, limitations, and structural barriers affecting young people’s transition from school to work. The findings show that the Colombian ethnoeducational model has introduced curricular and participatory innovations aimed at enhancing cultural relevance and preparing students for productive life. However, its implementation faces persistent barriers including inadequate infrastructure, the legacies of internal armed conflict, structural racism, limited employment opportunities, and chronic public disinvestment. Despite valuable local initiatives—such as technical training in collaboration with the SENA (National Learning Service, Colombia’s public technical education system) in sectors like fishing and tourism—Afrodescendant youth continue to experience limited labor market integration. Finally, the article offers policy and practical recommendations from a decolonial ethnoeducational perspective, inspired by the pedagogy for liberation, to strengthen the school-to-work transition in contexts of vulnerability. Full article

This study examines the transformative effects of gamification and active learning strategies in inclusive education, with a specific focus on students with disabilities. The objective was to explore how these methodologies can improve participation, motivation, and accessibility in post-pandemic educational contexts, where virtuality has become more relevant. A descriptive methodological approach was employed, consisting of three phases: data collection through surveys, analysis of results using descriptive statistics, and comparison with previous studies. The population consisted of 111 Ecuadorian teachers from different educational levels. The findings indicate that teachers between the ages of 31 and 35 are most likely to implement gamification, particularly in virtual environments. Barriers such as poor training and technological limitations were identified. It was concluded that gamification is an effective pedagogical tool for promoting inclusion, provided it receives institutional support and is tailored to individual needs. These results support the need to promote educational policies that strengthen teaching innovation in favor of a more equitable education. The findings should be interpreted with caution, as the study relied on a single-country sample of Ecuadorian teachers, which restricts the generalizability of results. Nevertheless, the outcomes suggest promising directions for future research, particularly through the application of multivariate analyses and longitudinal intervention studies to assess the sustained effects of gamification on inclusive education. Full article

Background/Objectives: Food technology neophobia (FTN), defined as the reluctance to accept or consume foods produced with novel or emerging food technologies, represents a psychological barrier to the adoption of sustainable and innovative dietary practices. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of food technology neophobia and its associated factors among Italian university students. Methods: A total of 1788 undergraduates from 13 universities completed a validated online questionnaire between February and October 2024. The instrument included the Food Technology Neophobia Scale (FTNS), environmental attitude items, and demographic and dietary questions. Results: The mean FTNS score was 51.2 ± 14.0, suggesting moderate levels of neophobia. Multivariate logistic regression identified several factors inversely associated with neophobia: male gender (OR = 0.73, p = 0.003), paternal university education (OR = 0.73, p = 0.024), studying in Northern Italy (OR = 0.64, p < 0.001), dietary supplement use (OR = 0.74, p = 0.003), and pro-environmental attitudes (OR = 0.97, p < 0.001). Conversely, being a commuter student was associated with increased neophobia (OR = 1.29, p = 0.031). Conclusions: These findings highlight the influence of socio-demographic, behavioral, and attitudinal factors on the acceptance of new food technologies. Tailored strategies are recommended to address FTN in specific subgroups, particularly among female, commuter, and Southern Italian students, to enhance receptivity to food innovation and support sustainable dietary transitions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is improving dentistry through increased accuracy in diagnostics, planning, and workflow automation. AI tools, including machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), are being adopted in oral medicine to improve patient care, efficiency, and lessen clinicians’ workloads. AI in dentistry, despite its use, faces an issue of acceptance, with its obstacles including ethical, legal, and technological ones. In this article, a review of current AI use in oral medicine, new technology development, and integration barriers is discussed. Methods: A narrative review of peer-reviewed articles in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted. Peer-reviewed articles over the last decade, such as AI application in diagnostic imaging, predictive analysis, real-time documentation, and workflows automation, were examined. Besides, improvements in AI models and critical impediments such as ethical concerns and integration barriers were addressed in the review. Results: AI has exhibited strong performance in radiographic diagnostics, with high accuracy in reading cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan, intraoral photographs, and radiographs. AI-facilitated predictive analysis has enhanced personalized care planning and disease avoidance, and AI-facilitated automation of workflows has maximized administrative workflows and patient record management. U-Net-based segmentation models exhibit sensitivities and specificities of approximately 93.0% and 88.0%, respectively, in identifying periapical lesions on 2D CBCT slices. TensorFlow-based workflow modules, integrated into vendor platforms such as Planmeca Romexis, can reduce the processing time of patient records by a minimum of 30 percent in standard practice. The privacy-preserving federated learning architecture has attained cross-site model consistency exceeding 90% accuracy, enabling collaborative training among diverse dentistry clinics. Explainable AI (XAI) and federated learning have enhanced AI transparency and security with technological advancement, but barriers include concerns regarding data privacy, AI bias, gaps in AI regulating, and training clinicians. Conclusions: AI is revolutionizing dentistry with enhanced diagnostic accuracy, predictive planning, and efficient administration automation. With technology developing AI software even smarter, ethics and legislation have to follow in order to allow responsible AI integration. To make AI in dental care work at its best, future research will have to prioritize AI interpretability, developing uniform protocols, and collaboration between specialties in order to allow AI’s full potential in dentistry. Full article

Cancer remains a leading global health challenge, with conventional diagnostic and treatment methods often lacking precision and adaptability. This review explores transformative advancements that are reshaping oncology by addressing these limitations. It begins with an overview of cancer’s complexity, emphasizing the shortcomings of conventional tools such as imaging and chemotherapy, which frequently fail to deliver targeted care. The discussion then shifts to biomarkers, which represent a groundbreaking frontier in early detection, enabling the identification of unique biological signatures that signal the presence of cancer with heightened sensitivity. Building on this foundation, the review examines personalized molecular therapies, which target the specific genetic and molecular vulnerabilities of tumors. These therapies not only enhance treatment efficacy but also minimize adverse effects, offering patients improved outcomes and quality of life. By integrating biomarker-driven diagnostics with tailored therapeutic strategies, a new paradigm of precision oncology emerges, bridging the gap between early detection and effective intervention. Real-world case studies highlight both successes, such as significantly improved survival rates, and persistent challenges, including accessibility and cost barriers. Looking ahead, the review outlines pathways by which to scale these innovations, emphasizing the critical need for robust infrastructure, sustained research investment, and equitable healthcare policies. It concludes by envisioning a future where biomarkers and personalized therapies converge to redefine cancer care, offering earlier detection, precise interventions, and better patient experiences. This work underscores the urgency of adopting cutting-edge approaches to overcome cancer’s persistent threats, paving the way for a more effective and humane era in oncology. Full article

The rapid rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ABR) presents an urgent global health challenge, necessitating the development of efficient and scalable diagnostic technologies. Electrochemical biosensors have emerged as a promising solution, offering high sensitivity, specificity, and adaptability for point-of-care applications. These innovative platforms utilize bio-recognition elements, advanced electrode materials, microbial enzymes, and redox-active metabolites to identify antibiotic resistance profiles at a molecular level. Recent progress in microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip systems has enabled real-time, high-throughput antimicrobial susceptibility testing, significantly improving diagnostic precision and speed. This review aims to critically evaluate recent advances in electrochemical biosensing strategies for detecting ABR, identify key challenges, and propose future directions to enhance clinical applicability. Key developments include bio-receptor-based detection strategies, novel electrode surfaces, and multiplexed platforms integrated with microfluidic systems. Additionally, this review examines essential biomarkers for detecting antibiotic resistance and explores key challenges, including variability in biomarker expression and sensor reproducibility. It also highlights practical barriers to clinical implementation, such as cost constraints and scalability concerns. By presenting innovative approaches, such as cost-effective material alternatives, advanced analytical techniques, and portable biosensing systems, this review outlines a strategic pathway for enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of electrochemical biosensors in antibiotic resistance management. Full article

The utilization of renewable energy, particularly solar panels, has rapidly developed as a solution to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and carbon emissions. This study examines the application of solar panels across various sectors, including transportation, residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural, using a systematic literature review (SLR) approach. The results indicate that solar panels provide significant benefits in supporting energy sustainability, such as high efficiency in electric vehicles, carbon emission reduction in the transportation sector, and energy cost savings in commercial buildings. In the agricultural sector, solar panels are used for irrigation and crop storage. Additionally, technological advancements such as bifacial panels and integration with energy storage systems enhance efficiency and application flexibility. However, challenges such as high initial costs, location limitations, and technological efficiency remain major barriers. Through an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of three types of solar panels (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film), this study provides strategic guidance for selecting the most suitable technology for specific needs. The study concludes that the adoption of solar panels can be accelerated through technological innovation, cost reduction, and government policy support. With optimal utilization, solar panels have significant potential to drive the transition toward sustainable energy in the future. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pain, anxiety, and distress are common yet frequently insufficiently managed issues for patients undergoing radiology and radiotherapy procedures. Immersive technologies, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), are emerging as innovative non-pharmacological approaches to alleviate such burdens through engaging interventions. This review, combining scoping and narrative methodologies, seeks to examine the current application, efficacy, and integration of these technologies to enhance patient care and wellbeing within diagnostic and oncological environments. Methods: Employing a mixed scoping and narrative review approach, this study conducted a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases (no date restrictions—search included studies up to May 2025) to identify relevant studies utilizing VR, AR, MR, or XR for mitigating pain, anxiety, or distress in patients undergoing radiology or radiotherapy. Two independent reviewers selected eligible papers, with data extracted systematically. The narrative analysis supplemented the scoping review by providing contextual insights into clinical relevance and technological challenges. Results: The screening process identified 76 articles, of which 27 were assessed for eligibility and 14 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies focused on oncology and primarily employed VR as the immersive technology. VR has shown promising effects in reducing anxiety and pain—particularly during radiotherapy sessions and invasive procedures—and in supporting patient education through engaging, immersive experiences, making it a valuable approach meriting further investigation. Patient acceptance was notably high, especially among those with elevated distress levels. However, findings in radiology were less consistent, likely due to shorter procedure durations limiting the effectiveness of VR. The variability in outcomes highlights the importance of tailoring immersive interventions to specific procedures and patient needs. The narrative component identified key barriers, such as regulatory hurdles, standardization issues, and implementation challenges, that need addressing for broader clinical adoption. Conclusions: Immersive digital therapeutics are evolving from preliminary research tools toward more structured incorporation into clinical practice. Their future success relies on harmonizing technological advancements with patient-focused design and robust clinical evidence. Achieving this will require collaborative efforts among researchers, industry stakeholders, and healthcare providers. The integration of scoping and narrative review methods in this study offers a comprehensive perspective on the current landscape and informs strategic directions for advancing immersive technologies in radiology and radiotherapy. Full article

This paper systematically examines the key developmental stages of China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) charging and battery swapping industry, analyzing technological breakthroughs, market expansion, and policy support in each phase. The study identifies three distinct stages: the initial exploration phase (before 2014), the comprehensive deployment phase (2014–2020), and the high-quality development phase (since 2021). The industry has established a diverse energy replenishment system centered on charging infrastructure, with battery swapping serving as a complementary approach. Policy implementation has yielded significant achievements, including rapid infrastructure expansion, continuous technological upgrades, innovative business models, and improved user experiences. However, persistent challenges remain, such as insufficient standardization, unprofitable business models, and coordination barriers between stakeholders. The paper forecasts future development trajectories, including the widespread adoption of high-power charging technology, intelligent charging system upgrades, integration of Solar Power, Energy Storage, and EV Charging, diversified operational ecosystems for charging/swapping facilities, deep integration of virtual power plants, and the construction of comprehensive energy stations. Policy recommendations emphasize strengthening standardization, optimizing regional coordination and subsidy mechanisms, enhancing participation in virtual power plant frameworks, promoting the interoperability of charging/swapping infrastructure, and advancing environmental sustainability through resource recycling. Full article

In China, weir-gully-type debris flows pose severe threats to transportation infrastructure, yet existing studies lack systematic analysis of their dynamic processes and early-warning strategies. This study innovatively integrates depth-integral modeling and field monitoring to investigate two unstable weirs upstream of the Zangyinggou Tunnel on the G30 Saiguo Expressway. The main research conclusions are as follows: (1) the influence of terrain and water source conditions on the weir-valley debris flow plays a dominant role; (2) the debris flows triggered by Weir I and II collapses reach the G30 Saiguo Expressway at 3560 s and 4000 s, respectively, with peak destructive capacities (cross-sectional sweep areas of 10.26 m²/s and 11.69 m²/s); (3) a three-level early-warning strategy was proposed, mainly based on water-level gauge monitoring and early warning, supplemented by video surveillance and regular measurement by small unmanned aerial vehicles. This study has established a brand-new idea for the monitoring and early warning of debris flow disasters induced by the collapse of barrier lakes along the G30 km line in Xinjiang. These achievements provide feasible insights for disaster reduction in mountainous transportation corridors, thus having significant practical value for promoting the sustainable development of infrastructure under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Full article

Neurosurgery is undergoing a significant transformation driven by advances in biomaterials and tissue engineering. These interdisciplinary innovations address challenges in repairing and regenerating neural tissues, integrating cranial and spinal implants, and improving patient outcomes. The incidence of neurological injuries such as traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury remains high, underscoring the need for improved therapeutic strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current biomaterial and tissue engineering approaches in neurosurgery, highlighting developments in neural tissue repair, cranial and spinal implants, spinal cord injury treatment, and peripheral nerve regeneration. Key challenges—such as ensuring biocompatibility, modulating the immune response, and bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical application—are discussed. Emerging technologies including 3D bioprinting, nanotechnology (removing microfluidics), and microfluidics are examined for their potential to revolutionize neurosurgical treatments. The need for interdisciplinary collaboration among neurosurgeons, material scientists, and biologists is emphasized as critical for overcoming translational barriers and accelerating the clinical translation of these promising technologies. Full article

Instance segmentation stands as a foundational technology in real-world applications such as autonomous driving, where the inherent trade-off between accuracy and computational efficiency remains a key barrier to practical deployment. To tackle this challenge, we propose a dual-path enhanced framework based on YOLO11l. In this framework, two improved models, YOLO-SA and YOLO-SD, are developed to enable high-performance lightweight instance segmentation. The core innovation lies in balancing precision and efficiency through targeted architectural advancements. For YOLO-SA, we embed the parameter-free SimAM attention mechanism into the C3k2 module, yielding a novel C3k2SA structure. This design leverages neural inhibition principles to dynamically enhance focus on critical regions (e.g., object contours and semantic key points) without adding to model complexity. For YOLO-SD, we replace standard backbone convolutions with lightweight SPD-Conv layers (featuring spatial awareness) and adopt DySample in place of nearest-neighbor interpolation in the upsampling path. This dual modification minimizes information loss during feature propagation while accelerating feature extraction, directly optimizing computational efficiency. Experimental validation on the Cityscapes dataset demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach: YOLO-SA increases mAP from 0.401 to 0.410 with negligible overhead; YOLO-SD achieves a slight mAP improvement over the baseline while reducing parameters by approximately 5.7% and computational cost by 1.06%. These results confirm that our dual-path enhancements effectively reconcile accuracy and efficiency, offering a practical, lightweight solution tailored for resource-constrained real-world scenarios. Full article

The implementation and impact of inclusivity and accessibility in the banking sector are crucial to the banking sector’s participation of any country in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 16 and 17. This study examines the implementation and impact of inclusivity and accessibility in the South African banking sector, with a focus on the Free State province. Guided by the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) and Institutional Theory, this research employs a quantitative, deductive approach to assess two core objectives: (1) the alignment of fintech banking practices with selected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and (2) the identification of barriers to inclusivity and accessibility for women and youth. A stratified random sample of 208 banking professionals—comprising front-line employees, supervisors, and managers—was surveyed using a Likert-type questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21. The findings reveal significant progress toward SDGs 1, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 16, and 17, reflected in a female-majority workforce, a youthful and educated employee base, and a nationally oriented employment strategy. These attributes signal a strong institutional commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development. The sector also demonstrates readiness for fintech innovation, supported by high levels of training adequacy, relevance, and accessibility, indicating robust human capital and institutional adaptability to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and AI-driven transformation. However, persistent structural barriers—particularly in leadership representation and digital access for women and youth—highlight the need for targeted policy interventions. Integrating inclusive fintech strategies, equitable training frameworks, and development programs is essential to sustaining progress and achieving the goals of the National Development Plan (NDP) and the SDGs. The Free State banking sector offers a promising model for inclusive institutional transformation aligned with global sustainability agendas. Full article

Skin wound healing and barrier restoration are complex, tightly regulated processes critical for maintaining skin integrity, particularly in aged or compromised skin. This study investigated the wound healing efficacy and epidermal barrier-restoring effects of ε-Viniferin, a bioactive resveratrol dimer, and Vino Chocolate™, a grape flower-derived extract from Vitis labruscana ‘Campbell Early’ cell cultures enriched with ε-Viniferin. An HPLC analysis confirmed a high concentration of ε-Viniferin (547.58 ppm) in the cell culture-derived extract. In vitro assays conducted on HaCaT keratinocytes and HDFn fibroblasts demonstrated that the treatment with ε-Viniferin and Vino Chocolate™ significantly enhanced fibroblast migration. ELISA analyses showed that both treatments induced a dose-dependent increase in pro-collagen type I (COL1A1), with ε-Viniferin at 1 ppm demonstrating superior efficacy compared to TGF-β1. Additionally, these compounds notably suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-1 and MMP-3, displaying effects comparable to or greater than retinoic acid. The Western blot analysis further revealed an increased filaggrin expression in keratinocytes, suggesting an improved epidermal barrier function. Collectively, these results indicate that ε-Viniferin and Vino Chocolate™ effectively promote extracellular matrix remodeling, modulate inflammatory responses, and enhance epidermal barrier integrity. These findings highlight their potential as multifunctional bioactive agents for cosmeceutical applications and emphasize the advantages of plant cell culture technology as a sustainable, innovative platform for advanced skincare ingredient development. Full article