Navigating interdisciplinary research:Historical progression and contemporary challenges

Interdisciplinary research plays a crucial role in addressing complex problems by integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines.This integration fosters innovative solutions and enhances understanding across various fields.This study explores the historical and sociological development of interdisciplinary research and maps its evolution through three distinct phases:pre-disciplinary,disciplinary,and post-disciplinary.It identifies key internal dynamics,such as disciplinary diversification,reorganization,and innovation,as primary drivers of this evolution.Additionally,this study highlights how external factors,particularly the urgency of World War II and the subsequent political and economic changes,have accelerated its advancement.The rise of interdisciplinary research has significantly reshaped traditional educational paradigms,promoting its integration across different educational levels.However,the inherent contradictions within interdisciplinary research present cognitive,emotional,and institutional challenges for researchers.Meanwhile,finding a balance between the breadth and depth of knowledge remains a critical challenge in interdisciplinary education.

Assessment of Barriers and Challenges to the Screening and Linkages of Non-Communicable Diseases by Community Health Volunteers in Nyeri County, Kenya

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a significant global health challenge, contributing to 50% of worldwide morbidity and 63% of mortality. The burden is particularly substantial in low—and middle-income countries (LMICs), where 80% of NCD-related deaths occur. A quasi-experimental study addressed this challenge from May 2022 to March 2023. This study utilized a non-equivalent pre-and post-test design, with 300 participants in the quantitative and 70 in the qualitative. The study employed multistage cluster and random sampling to select ten community units, resulting in 150 community health volunteers (CHVs) in the control unit and 150 in the intervention group. Data collection was facilitated through the KOBO app. Qualitative data analysis involved six homogeneous focus group discussions (FGDs) and ten key informant interviews (KIIs), audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using N-Vivo 12. Despite efforts to implement screening programs and improve linkages to care, significant barriers persist. This article reviews these barriers, drawing on current literature and empirical evidence. Key obstacles identified include limited awareness, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, cultural beliefs, financial constraints, fragmented healthcare systems, and challenges linking individuals to appropriate care services. The article explores strategies to overcome these barriers, emphasizing the importance of collaborative approaches involving stakeholders at various levels. Addressing these challenges aims to strengthen NCD screening and linkages to care, ultimately improving health outcomes for populations globally. Several recommendations emerge from the study’s findings and literature review. Raising awareness about NCDs and preventive measures is crucial and can be achieved through targeted health education campaigns and community outreach programs. Addressing healthcare infrastructure deficiencies, such as inadequate facilities and workforce shortages, is essential to ensure access to quality care. Cultural beliefs and practices also play a significant role in shaping health-seeking behavior. Engaging with local communities and incorporating cultural sensitivity into healthcare delivery can help bridge the gap between traditional beliefs and modern healthcare practices. Financial constraints pose a significant barrier to healthcare services, particularly in LMICs. Innovative financing mechanisms, such as health insurance schemes or subsidies, can help alleviate this burden and improve access to care. Furthermore, the fragmented nature of healthcare systems can hinder effective NCD management. Enhancing coordination and integration between primary care providers, specialists, and community health workers is essential to ensure seamless care delivery and patient follow-up. Finally, strengthening linkages between screening programs and care services is critical for the timely diagnosis and management of NCDs. This requires establishing robust referral systems and ensuring continuity of care for patients throughout their healthcare journey. In conclusion, addressing the multifaceted barriers to NCD screening and care linkage is essential for improving health outcomes globally. By implementing targeted interventions and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, progress can be made towards reducing the burden of NCDs and promoting population health.

Conversion therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma:Advances and challenges

Recently,the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology published an article entitled“Pathologically successful conversion hepatectomy for advanced giant hepatocellular carcinoma after multidisciplinary therapy:A case report and review of the literature”,in which the authors shared their successful experience with complete surgical resection after multidisciplinary conversion therapy.The study by Chu et al demonstrates the great challenges that the advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)poses to surgical oncology,reveals the complexity of conversion therapy for unresectable HCC,emphasizes the important role of a multidisciplinary management model in conversion therapy,and enriches our understanding of the dynamics of personalized treatment for different patients.At present,conversion therapy is a hot research topic in the treatment of unresectable HCC,which has brought new hope to many patients with moderately advanced HCC.However,there are still many urgent problems to be solved in conversion therapy.Here,we would like to further discuss the advances and challenges of conversion therapy for unresectable HCC with the authors and the general readers.

Impact of Social Media Challenges on Pediatric Single-Use Detergent Sacs and Diphenhydramine Ingestions Reported to United States Poison Control Centers

Background: Social media platforms are popular among children and often feature challenges that become viral. Notably, the Tide Pod® and Benadryl® challenges encouraged viewers to ingest these substances for their visual appeal and hallucinogenic effects, respectively. This study aimed to assess the clinical impact and outcomes of single-use detergent sacs (SUDS) and diphenhydramine challenges on pediatric ingestions reported to United States (U.S.) Poison Control Centers (PCCs). Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of pediatric exposures reported to U.S. PCCs using data from the National Poison Data System (NPDS). The study included intentional single-substance ingestions of both brand-name and generic forms of SUDS and diphenhydramine among children ≤ 19 years. We compared the number of calls, clinical effects, disposition, and management strategies for SUDS (pre: 01/01/17 to 12/31/17 vs. post: 01/01/18 to 12/31/18) and diphenhydramine (pre: 08/01/19 to 07/31/20 vs. post: 08/01/20 to 07/31/21) ingestions 12 months before and after the introduction of the respective social media challenges. Differences in proportions were compared using the Chi-square test. Results: During the study period, 469 ingestions of SUDS and 5,702 ingestions of diphenhydramine were reported. Post-challenge periods saw an increase in both SUDS (pre: 82 vs. post: 387;372% increase) and diphenhydramine ingestions (pre: 2,672 vs. post: 3,030;13% increase). While there were no significant changes in moderate or major clinical outcomes, hospitalizations increased post-challenge for both SUDS [pre: 4 (4.9%) vs. post: 33 (8.5%);p = 0.25] and diphenhydramine [pre: n = 904 (33.8%) vs. post: 1,190 (39.3%);p Conclusion: Pediatric ingestions reported to U.S. PCCs and hospitalizations increased coinciding with the introduction of Tide Pod® and Benadryl® challenges. While causality cannot be definitively established, it is essential for pediatricians and parents to be aware of these challenges and educate vulnerable children about the harmful effects of participation in such challenges.

Challenges to establishing and maintaining kidney transplantation programs in developing countries:What are the coping strategies?

Kidney transplantation(KT)is the optimal form of renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal diseases.However,this health service is not available to all patients,especially in developing countries.The deceased donor KT programs are mostly absent,and the living donor KT centers are scarce.Single-center studies presenting experiences from developing countries usually report a variety of challenges.This review addresses these challenges and the opposing strategies by reviewing the single-center experiences of developing countries.The financial challenges hamper the infrastructural and material availability,coverage of transplant costs,and qualification of medical personnel.The sociocultural challenges influence organ donation,equity of beneficence,and regular follow-up work.Low interests and motives for transplantation may result from high medicolegal responsibilities in KT practice,intense potential psychosocial burdens,complex qualification protocols,and low productivity or compensation for KT practice.Low medical literacy about KT advantages is prevalent among clinicians,patients,and the public.The inefficient organizational and regulatory oversight is translated into inefficient healthcare systems,absent national KT programs and registries,uncoordinated job descriptions and qualification protocols,uncoordinated on-site investigations with regulatory constraints,and the prevalence of commercial KT practices.These challenges resulted in noticeable differences between KT services in developed and developing countries.The coping strategies can be summarized in two main mechanisms:The first mechanism is maximizing the available resources by increasing the rates of living kidney donation,promoting the expertise of medical personnel,reducing material consumption,and supporting the establishment and maintenance of KT programs.The latter warrants the expansion of the public sector and the elimination of non-ethical KT practices.The second mechanism is recruiting external resources,including financial,experience,and training agreements.

Navigating the challenges of Bangladesh's garment industry to reach $100 bn by 2030

The garment industry in Bangladesh is a pivotal sector that drives the country's economy,contributing significantly to its foreign exchange earnings.However,the path to sustaining and growing this industry is fraught with challenges,particularly in the context of order completion,financial management,and secto rwide suppo rt.With the strength of its three pillars,the industry is moving forwa rd with an ambitious vision of achieving a$100 billion export target by 2030.This goal,however,seems impossible without ro bust government support.

Trends and Challenges in the Application of Artificial Intelligence in the Healthcare Sector

The integration of Artificial Intelligence(AI)in healthcare is setting the stage for a transformative shift in how patient care is delivered,research is conducted,and operations are managed.Propelled by the exponential growth of data,computational advancements,and AI innovations,this integration promises a new era of precision medicine with highly personalized and effective treatment strategies.However,the journey towards seamlessly embedding AI into healthcare systems is complex,marked by challenges such as ensuring data privacy and security,addressing ethical considerations,and overcoming barriers to technology integration and adoption.This paper delves into the current trends driving AI in healthcare,including machine learning,natural language processing,robotics,and the Internet of Medical Things,while also tackling the significant challenges these innovations present.It further explores strategies for navigating these obstacles,aiming to pave the way for the successful adoption of AI technologies that enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.In doing so,this work underscores the critical role of collaborative efforts among stakeholders and the need for robust frameworks to ensure AI's ethical,secure,and effective integration into healthcare.

Photoshop软件在陶瓷花纸设计中的运用研究

笔者探讨了Photoshop在陶瓷花纸设计中的应用及相关挑战,并提出了解决策略。Photoshop作为图像处理工具,在陶瓷花纸设计中的图像编辑、修复、色彩管理、图案和纹理设计以及设计稿制作方面具有广泛的应用。然而,设计师面临技术要求、数据格式兼容性、艺术与工艺的平衡和知识产权保护等挑战。为解决这些挑战,建议进行高级技术培训、数据格式标准化、加强合作与沟通、艺术与工艺的协调、知识产权保护和持续创新。这些策略有助于提高陶瓷花纸设计的质量和效率,推动该领域的发展。

Corrigendum to“Achievements,challenges,and recommendations for waterbird conservation in China's coastal wetlands”[Avian Res.14(2023)100123]

The authors regret that Fig.1 and its caption should be replaced as below.

Microneedles for Enhanced Topical Treatment of Skin Disorders:Applications,Challenges,and Prospects

Microneedles(MNs)can be used for the topical treatment of skin disorders as they directly deliver therapeutics to the site of skin lesions,resulting in increased therapeutic efficacy while having minimum side effects.MNs are used to deliver different kinds of therapeutics(e.g.,small molecules,macromolecules,nanomedicines,living cells,bacteria,and exosomes)for treating various skin disorders,including superficial tumors,wounds,skin infections,inflammatory skin diseases,and abnormal skin appearance.The therapeutic efficacy of MNs can be improved by integrating the advantages of multiple therapeutics to perform combination therapy.Through careful designing,MNs can be further modified with biomimetic structures for the responsive drug release from internal and external stimuli and to enhance the transdermal delivery efficiency for robust therapeutic outcomes.Some studies have proposed the use of drug-free MNs as a promising mechanotherapeutic strategy to promote wound healing,scar removal,and hair regeneration via a mechanical communication pathway.Although MNs have several advantages,the practical application of MNs suffers from problems related to industrial manufacture and clinical evaluation,making it difficult for clinical translation.In this study,we summarized the various applications,emerging challenges,and developmental prospects of MNs in skin disorders to provide information on ways to advance clinical translation.

Endoscopic transluminal drainage and necrosectomy for infected necrotizing pancreatitis:Progress and challenges

Infected necrotizing pancreatitis(INP)represents a severe condition in patients with acute pancreatitis.Invasive interventions are recommended in symptomatic INP.Growing evidence has suggested interventional strategies of INP evolving from traditional surgery to minimally invasive step-up endoscopic procedures.However,there is still no standardized protocol for endoscopic interventions.Recently,various studies have been published about the endoscopic management of INP.This article reviews published articles and guidelines to present the progress and challenges of endoscopic transluminal drainage and necrosectomy in INP.

Review on the challenges and strategies in oil and gas industry's transition towards carbon neutrality in China

In light of carbon-neutral pledge, the oil and gas industry has been facing several critical new challenges in China. The current status and new challenges in terms of market mechanism reform, supply-consumption balance and key technology innovation in China's oil and gas industry are reviewed in the present study, and new strategies and roadmaps are proposed to cope with the challenges. The study found that (i) the oil and gas market faces challenges such as incomplete pricing mechanisms, unclear subject rights, and the lack of recognition and trading of carbon assets. (ii) the trade-off between short-term supply security and long-term low-carbon supply is the most critical issue. (iii) in addition to typical challenges such as immature technology and lack of funding support, the unclear multiple technology coupling development mode also poses problems for the low-carbon transformation of the oil and gas industry. To address these new challenges, comprehensive strategies and roadmaps for China's oil and gas industry towards carbon neutrality are proposed and discussed in the aspects of participating in market transactions, restructuring production and consumption, deploying key technology innovations, and planning enterprise strategies. The present study is expected to provide a blueprint for the future development of China's oil and gas industry towards carbon neutrality.

Bariatric surgery and diabetes:Current challenges and perspectives

Diabetes mellitus(DM)and obesity have become public issues of global concern.Bariatric surgery for the treatment of obesity combined with type 2 DM has been shown to be a safe and effective approach;however,there are limited studies that have systematically addressed the challenges of surgical treatment of obesity combined with DM.In this review,we summarize and answer the most pressing questions in the field of surgical treatment of obesity-associated DM.I believe that our insights will be of great help to clinicians in their daily practice.

Deep Learning Driven Arabic Text to Speech Synthesizer for Visually Challenged People

Text-To-Speech(TTS)is a speech processing tool that is highly helpful for visually-challenged people.The TTS tool is applied to transform the texts into human-like sounds.However,it is highly challenging to accomplish the TTS out-comes for the non-diacritized text of the Arabic language since it has multiple unique features and rules.Some special characters like gemination and diacritic signs that correspondingly indicate consonant doubling and short vowels greatly impact the precise pronunciation of the Arabic language.But,such signs are not frequently used in the texts written in the Arabic language since its speakers and readers can guess them from the context itself.In this background,the current research article introduces an Optimal Deep Learning-driven Arab Text-to-Speech Synthesizer(ODLD-ATSS)model to help the visually-challenged people in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.The prime aim of the presented ODLD-ATSS model is to convert the text into speech signals for visually-challenged people.To attain this,the presented ODLD-ATSS model initially designs a Gated Recurrent Unit(GRU)-based prediction model for diacritic and gemination signs.Besides,the Buckwalter code is utilized to capture,store and display the Arabic texts.To improve the TSS performance of the GRU method,the Aquila Optimization Algorithm(AOA)is used,which shows the novelty of the work.To illustrate the enhanced performance of the proposed ODLD-ATSS model,further experi-mental analyses were conducted.The proposed model achieved a maximum accu-racy of 96.35%,and the experimental outcomes infer the improved performance of the proposed ODLD-ATSS model over other DL-based TSS models.

Bird species composition and conservation challenges in the Gaoligong Mountains, one of the most diverse bird areas in the world

The Gaoligong Mountains(GLGM),located in southwestern China,extend north to south along the western border of the Hengduan Mountains,spanning approximately 600 km.In this study,we consolidated findings from 17 bird surveys conducted in the GLGM between 2010 and 2022.We found that the GLGM harbors tremendous bird diversity,with a total of 796 documented bird species in the region.Nearly a quarter(23.0%)of these species are listed as state key protected species or as Chinese and global threatened species.Analysis of species richness at the county level showed a decreasing trend with increasing latitude,with the greatest diversity in Yingjiang(661 species).Observations indicated that the GLGM belongs to the Oriental realm,primarily composed of bird species from southern and southwestern China.The GLGM plays an important role in avian conservation by sheltering exceptional bird diversity,providing corridors and flyways for bird migration and dispersal,and mitigating the effects of climate change.In response to the conservation needs of birds and other wildlife,the Chinese government has established numerous protected areas within the GLGM.Despite these efforts,avian conservation still faces considerable challenges in the GLGM due to limitations in the protected area network,transboundary nature of the regions,and existing gaps in monitoring and research.

Potential applications of 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging in paediatric neuroimaging:Feasibility and challenges

The integration of 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging(7 T MRI)in adult patients has marked a revolutionary stride in radiology.In this article we explore the feasibility of 7 T MRI in paediatric practice,emphasizing its feasibility,applications,challenges,and safety considerations.The heightened resolution and tissue contrast of 7 T MRI offer unprecedented diagnostic accuracy,particularly in neuroimaging.Applications range from neuro-oncology to neonatal brain imaging,showcasing its efficacy in detecting subtle structural abnormalities and providing enhanced insights into neurological conditions.Despite the promise,challenges such as high cost,discomfort,and safety concerns necessitate careful consideration.Research suggests that,with precautions,7 T MRI is feasible in paediatrics,yet ongoing studies and safety assessments are imperative.

Teachers' Challenges Relating to the Participation of Students with Visual Impairment in Inclusive Education in China

Inclusive education specialists in China hold that,inclusive education,generally speaking,is to break the fence of the traditionally segregated special education,to integrate students with disabilities in regular schools and to enable them study and live together with students without disabilities (Lei,2001).However,it is not always the case.Even if some students with disabili ties have entered regular schools,their genuine participation in education is less likely to be ensured.In some cases,schools place a high value on the quantity rather than quality of inclusive education.Though some students with disabilities attend class,they just sit alone during the whole class period without any participation in the classroom activities or interaction with other classmates.Unfortunately,others are just remained at home in spite of their names on the list.Tang (as cited in Pang & Richey,2006) stated that,"researchers have pointed out that without close,professional supervision,students with disabilities could easily be neglected in general classrooms" (p.85).As is readily seen,students with disabilities under such cir cumstance will not get any benefit from inclusion though its starting point is to provide equal opportunities for them to partici pate in education.When it comes to the students with visual impairments,regular schools fail to meet their special needs since there are not enough special educators and facilities available.So if those students with visual impairments enter such a regular school,they will not get much benefit from inclusion;instead,they will lose opportunities to take genuine participation in education.Therefore,teachers still encounter several challenges relating to students with visual impairments'genuine participation in inclusive educa tion.

Biological,pathological,and multifaceted therapeutic functions of exosomes to target cancer

Exosomes,small tiny vesicle contains a large number of intracellular particles that employ to cause various diseases and prevent several pathological events as well in the human body.It is considered a“double-edged sword”,and depending on its biological source,the action of exosomes varies under physiological conditions.Also,the isolation and characterization of the exosomes should be performed accurately and the methodology also will vary depending on the exosome source.Moreover,the uptake of exosomes from the recipients’cells is a vital and initial step for all the physiological actions.There are different mechanisms present in the exosomes’cellular uptake to deliver their cargo to acceptor cells.Once the exosomal uptake takes place,it releases the intracellular particles that leads to activate the physiological response.Even though exosomes have lavish functions,there are some challenges associated with every step of their preparation to bring potential therapeutic efficacy.So,overcoming the pitfalls would give a desired quantity of exosomes with high purity.

Review on inorganic and polymeric materials-coordinated metal-organic-framework photocatalysts for green hydrogen evolution

Metal-organic frameworks(MOFs)possess a distinct advantage over conventional heterogeneous photocatalysts because of their carefully defined architecture and particular pores,which facilitate the targeted incorporation of other efficient cocatalysts or semiconductor materials.The integration of MOFs with other materials has resulted in significant breakthroughs,as the coupled materials improve the performance due to the combined effect.The unique MOF structures allow them to host foreign materials,which results in harvesting the visible region of the solar spectrum and effectively mitigating charge recombination by promoting charge separation.The review presents an evaluation of the latest developments in the utilization of surface and/or pore chemistry of MOF-supported heterojunctions for photocatalytic green-hydrogen generation with a basic understanding of the mechanism involved.The review begins with the basic principles of photocatalysis,the significance of MOFs,their optical properties,the methods used for synthesizing MOFs,and their coordination with other inorganic and polymeric materials.Furthermore,methods to increase photocatalytic H2 evolution using MOF-supported heterojunction have been proposed as standard practice.Lastly,to address environmental challenges,we highlight the future potential of MOF-supported heterojunctions for use in green-energy production.We hope that this review provides guidance to researchers in the development of effective heterojunctions based on MOFs to address challenges in energy applications and catalytic processes.

Metaverse for mental health disorders:Opportunities and challenges

Several articles on the mental health impact of the metaverse and the need to balance its potential benefits with the risks of metaverse use has recently published.The metaverse consists of a combination of immersive technologies and artificial intelligence algorithms.The metaverse differs from the preceding digital psychiatric interventions due to its complex structure and interactions between components.The diverse functions of the metaverse ensure that it may have a substantial impact on mental health.However,the evidence for its efficacy in treating mental health disorders is limited to a few trials.The mental health benefits of immersive technologies are well-documented and suggest that metaverse-based psychiatric treatment may be similarly efficacious.The mental health risks of the metaverse are largely unknown,and it is not clear whether they will be greater than other digital psychiatric interventions.Much more research is needed to determine whether metaverse-based psychiatric treatment will meet the standards of appropriate mental healthcare.