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A core focus of self‐regulated learning (SRL) research lies in uncovering methods to empower learners within digital learning environments. As digital technologies continue to evolve during the current hype of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, the theoretical, empirical and methodological nuances to support SRL are emerging and offering new ways for adaptive support and guidance for learners. Such affordances offer a unique opportunity for personalised learning experiences, including adaptive interventions. Exploring the application of adaptivity to enhance SRL is an important and emerging area of research that requires further attention. This editorial introduces the contributions of seven papers for the special section on adaptive support for SRL within digital learning environments. These papers explore various themes related to enhancing SRL strategies through technological interventions, offering valuable insights and paving the way for future advancements in this dynamic area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China holds the distinction of being the foremost global consumer of water resources and contends with a significant level of water scarcity. In light of this quandary, China has been assiduously endeavoring to foster water conservation practices with the ultimate objective of reaching a peak point in water use. In this paper, we construct a framework for forecasting China's total water use (TWU) peak path. In this framework, we select influencing factors in terms of both economy and technology to forecast the peak path of China's TWU under six different scenarios, and analyze the economic and technological circumstances at the peak. Our findings indicate that China's TWU will persist in its upward trend based on both the high growth and business as usual scenarios. The projected peak period is estimated to transpire in 2037, 2032, 2030, and 2028, respectively, with the corresponding peak levels amounting to 644.03, 633.93, 625.79, and 620.92 billion m3. However, in the low growth scenarios, China's TWU reached its peak in 2013. The extent of economic development plays a pivotal role in determining the timing and manner of water usage peaking. Early peaking of water usage could potentially result in a loss of gross domestic product (GDP). Furthermore, technological advancements hold the potential to facilitate a reduction in water use without requiring a significant trade‐off between resource conservation and economic development. The results of sensitivity analysis show that the average acreage of water used for irrigation on cropland, GDP, water use efficiency, and population contribute the most to TWU, while the increase in the proportion of industrial, service, and water‐saving irrigation area can reduce water use. Our analytical framework provides a commonly applicable solution for the water use forecast in areas seeking to reach the water use peak or to achieve sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable batteries that make renewable energy resources feasible for electrification technologies have been extensively investigated. Their corresponding performance is strongly dependent on the structural characteristics and chemical dynamics of internal electrode and electrolyte materials under operating conditions. To enhance battery performance and lifetime, a comprehensive understanding of the structure‐dynamics‐performance correlation of such materials under different working conditions is of great significance. Fortunately, in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) encompassing high‐resolution imaging, diffraction, and spectroscopic analysis, offers unprecedented insights into the nano/atomic scale structural changes and degradation pathways of rechargeable battery materials under operational conditions. Such insights are pivotal for a deep‐rooted understanding of reaction mechanisms and the structure‐activity interplay within battery materials. This work, therefore, highlights the advances in in situ TEM's utility in unveiling dynamic chemical and physical changes in real‐time within battery materials of rechargeable batteries. Electrochemical processes and degradation mechanisms are systematically explored and summarized. Moreover, the technical progress, challenges, and valuable insights provided by in situ TEM techniques for addressing critical issues in battery materials are underscored. The work concludes with a discussion of emerging research directions that hold the potential to revolutionize the renewable energy field in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research in energy storage and conversion is playing a critical role in energy policy as the innovation and technological progress are essential for achieving the energy transition and climate neutrality goals. Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology is considered a strategic element in the pursuit of sustainable and clean energy solutions. This technology is increasingly gaining attention in recent years as a potential substitute to conventional non‐renewable energy sources. Fuel cell technology can be employed for domestic/commercial use along with powering the transportation sector which currently employs the use of conventional battery systems. However, these systems pose severe limitations with respect to longer charging times and limited distance range. This review article aims at providing a comprehensive methodical overview of hydrogen‐based fuel cell technology along with key concepts, present day scenarios, including overview of the market and industry trends, government policies and initiatives, along with major stakeholders involved in scaling up the technology for mass consumption. The outlook of fuel cells, including their capability to revolutionise the energy sector is discussed. The technological advancements and breakthroughs on the horizon along with the challenges and safety concerns related to the widespread acceptance of fuel cells are analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acne scars present a complex challenge in dermatology and cosmetics, despite advancements in technological interventions such as fractional lasers, microneedling, and surgical procedures. Effective treatment remains elusive for many individuals. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of rotational fractional resection using 1 mm diameter rotating scalpels as a primary treatment for icepick and boxcar scars on the cheeks and glabella region. Methods: Three patients with acne scars underwent a single treatment session of rotational fractional resection. Evaluation occurred at the 2‐month post‐treatment mark to assess improvements in scar appearance and potential skin‐related side effects. Results: Following the treatment, significant improvements were observed in the targeted acne scars. Notable enhancements were noted without major skin‐related adverse effects, except for minor suture marks. Conclusion: The outcomes of this study underscore the potential of rotational fractional resection as an innovative and effective approach in treating acne scars. This single‐session cosmetic procedure shows promise in yielding lasting and quantifiable results, offering a hopeful solution for individuals seeking comprehensive acne scar treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramic membranes offer considerable promise for future industrial applications due to their superior chemical, mechanical, and thermal stabilities, resistance to harsh operating conditions, and long‐term operating processes. However, several bottlenecks still limit their commercial scale‐up in filtration and separation applications, including brittleness, the high costs of conventional ceramic materials, and fouling. Despite several articles in the literature on ceramic membranes, this review focuses on recent progress, technical strategies, and methods to mitigate these limitations that significantly impact their separation and filtration performance. The use of alternative naturally occurring ceramic materials to mitigate the high costs of conventional ceramic materials is discussed, as well as strategies to improve the mechanical strength of brittle ceramic membranes by increasing sintering temperatures and using support materials. Additionally, advanced techniques to mitigate fouling accumulation and wetting in the pores and on the ceramic membrane surface, such as increasing membrane hydrophilicity and surface modification, are addressed. Despite progress in technical solutions for mitigating the bottlenecks of ceramic membranes, these limitations persist. Therefore, the present limitations and future research directions are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cleansing is an important human ritual practised for hygiene, well‐being and relaxation over centuries. As part of body care it is often taken for granted, yet its relevance cannot be underestimated. Although cleansing the skin may seem trivial to some, it is accepted, that this fundamental function of skin cleansing products is highly complex, diverse and crucial for a variety of reasons in the personal, public, healthcare and dermatological settings. Employing a comprehensive and strategic approach in viewing cleansing and its rituals, supports innovation, understanding and development. Apart from being a fundamental function, as far as we know, there is no comprehensive presentation of skin cleansing with all its effects besides 'removing dirt'. To our knowledge, comprehensive analyses on the multi‐dimensional facets of skin cleansing are either rare or not published. Against this background, we examine the importance of cleansing in terms of function, relevance and concepts. First, the key functions and efficacies of skin cleansing were investigated by literature research. Based on this survey, the functions were analysed, sorted and merged and a novel approach to skin cleansing 'dimensions' was developed. Herewith, we took into consideration the evolution of skin cleansing in terms of concept evolution, complexity and testing methods for cleansing products and their claims. Several multi‐dimensional functions of skin cleansing were identified and then established into five skin cleansing dimensions, namely: hygienic and medical importance; socio‐cultural and interpersonal relevance; mood, emotion and well‐being; cosmetic and aesthetic function; corneobiological interactions. It became obvious, that these five dimensions with their corresponding 11 sub‐dimensions, are influenced by each other throughout history by culture and society, technical progress, scientific knowledge and consumer trends. This article presents the enormous complexity of skin cleansing. Skin cleansing has evolved from basic care up to a highly complex and diverse cosmetic product category in terms of technology, efficacy and usage routine(s). In view of future challenges, such as the effects of climate and associated lifestyle changes, the development of skin cleansing will remain an exciting and important topic and thus will finally, again, further increase the complexity of skin cleansing itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proton exchange membrane water splitting (PEMWS) technology has high‐level current density, high operating pressure, small electrolyzer‐size, integrity, flexibility, and has good adaptability to the volatility of wind power and photovoltaics, but the development of both active and high stability of the anode electrocatalyst in acidic environment is still a huge challenge, which seriously hinders the promotion and application of PEMWS. In recent years, researchers have made tremendous attempts in the development of high‐quality active anode electrocatalyst, and we summarize some of the research progress made by our group in the design and synthesis of PEMWS anode electrocatalysts with different nanostructures, and makes full use of electrocatalytic activity points to increase the inherent activity of Iridium (Ir) sites, and provides optimization strategies for the long‐term non‐decay of catalysts under high anode potential in acidic environments. At this stage, these research advances are expected to facilitate the research and technological progress of PEMWS, and providing some research ideas and references for future research on efficient and inexpensive PEMWS anode electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The region's natural resources have been significantly depleted due to the accelerating speed of technological development and rising energy demand. Investigating the connection between these variables and how they affect natural resource management is vital. The combined effects of energy consumption and technological innovation on the management of natural resources in the growing Asian area are examined in this research. The research uses the panel and ARDL models to analyse the data gathered from emerging Asian nations between 2000 and 2020 to achieve this goal. The panel model enables the analysis of the individual and collective impacts of energy use and technological advancement on managing natural resources. The long‐term link between these factors is investigated using the ARDL model. The findings show that the management of natural resources is significantly impacted by both technical innovation and energy use. The panel model's findings indicate that although energy consumption has a detrimental influence on natural resource management, technological innovation has a favourable impact. Additionally, the outcomes of the ARDL model demonstrate that these factors have a long‐term association. The research also reveals that technological innovation's impact on managing natural resources becomes increasingly apparent with time. The study's main finding is that effective natural resource management requires politicians in the growing Asian area to implement sustainable development methods that encourage technological innovation and cut energy use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of groundwater–surface water interaction has attracted growing interest among researchers in recent years due to its wide range of implications from the perspectives of water management, ecology and contamination. Many of the studies shed light on conditions on a local scale only, without exploring a regional angle. To provide a broad and historical overview of groundwater–surface water interaction, a review of research carried out in Denmark was undertaken due to the high density of studies conducted in the country. The extent to which this topic has been investigated is related to Denmark's physiography and climate, the presence of numerous streams and lakes combined with shallow groundwater, and historical, funding, and administrative decisions. Study topics comprise groundwater detection techniques, numerical modeling, and contaminant issues including nutrients, ranging from point studies all the way to studies at national scale. The increase in studies in recent decades corresponds with the need to maintain the good status of groundwater‐dependent ecosystems and protect groundwater resources. This review of three decades of research revealed that problems such as the difference in scales between numerical models and field observations, interdisciplinary research integrating hydrological and biological methods, and the effect of local processes in regional systems remain persistent challenges. Technical progress in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, distributed temperature sensing, and new cost‐effective methods for detecting groundwater discharge as well as the increasing computing capacity of numerical models emerge as opportunities for dealing with complex natural systems that are subject to modifications in future triggered by climate change. This article is categorized under:Science of Water > Hydrological ProcessesScience of Water > Water and Environmental ChangeWater and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous flow batteries are considered very suitable for large‐scale energy storage due to their high safety, long cycle life, and independent design of power and capacity. Especially, zinc‐iron flow batteries have significant advantages such as low price, non‐toxicity, and stability compared with other aqueous flow batteries. Significant technological progress has been made in zinc‐iron flow batteries in recent years. Numerous energy storage power stations have been built worldwide using zinc‐iron flow battery technology. This review first introduces the developing history. Then, we summarize the critical problems and the recent development of zinc‐iron flow batteries from electrode materials and structures, membranes manufacture, electrolyte modification, and stack and system application. Finally, we forecast the development direction of the zinc‐iron flow battery technology for large‐scale energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been extensively used in drug formulation and delivery as designer solvents and other components because of their inherent tunability and useful physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties. ILs can be used to manage some of the operational and functional challenges of drug delivery, including drug solubility, permeability, formulation instability, and in vivo systemic toxicity, that are associated with conventional organic solvents/agents. Furthermore, ILs have been recognized as potential solvents to address the polymorphism, limited solubility, poor permeability, instability, and low bioavailability of crystalline drugs. In this account, we discuss the technological progress and strategies toward designing biocompatible ILs and explore potential biomedical applications, namely the solubilization of small and macromolecular drugs, the creation of active pharmaceutical ingredients, and the delivery of pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological progress has accelerated the researches into broadband near‐infrared (NIR) luminescent materials as next‐generation intelligent NIR light sources; however, poor thermal stability restricts the applications of NIR phosphors. Herein, new insights into Cr3+‐activated NIR phosphors with improved thermal stability are provided. The photoluminescence intensity originating from the 4T2→4A2 broadband emission of CaLu2Al4SiO12:Cr3+ (CLAS:Cr) with optimal electron occupation (4T2/2E) increases up to 118% at 475 K compared with that at room temperature, which is the best for Cr3+‐activated broadband NIR phosphor. Accordingly, new ideas for the design of thermally stable phosphors are proposed by optimizing the thermal population between 4T2 and 2E states and electron migration from 2E to 4T2 state. Finally, multifunctional applications of CLAS:Cr in NIR fluorescence intensity ratio thermometry, X‐ray detection, NIR phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diodes, and bio‐imaging are demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As the technology of next generation sequencing rapidly develops and costs are constantly reduced, the clinical availability of whole genome sequencing (WGS) increases. Thereby, it remains unclear what exact advantage WGS offers in comparison to whole exome sequencing (WES) for the diagnosis of genetic diseases using current technologies. Methods: Trio‐WGS was conducted for 20 patients with developmental or epileptic encephalopathies who remained undiagnosed after WES and chromosomal microarray analysis. Results: A diagnosis was reached for four patients (20%). However, retrospectively all pathogenic variants could have been detected in a WES analysis conducted with today's methods and knowledge. Conclusion: The additional diagnostic yield of WGS versus WES is currently largely explained by new scientific insights and the general technological progress. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that whole genome sequencing has greater potential for the analysis of small copy number and copy number neutral variants not seen with WES as well as variants in noncoding regions, especially as potentially more knowledge of the function of noncoding regions arises. We, therefore, conclude that even though today the added value of WGS versus WES seems to be limited, it may increase substantially in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalent-organic frameworks (COFs) are emerging organic crystalline materials with a porous framework that extends into two or three dimensions. Originating from their versatile and rigorous synthesis conditions, COFs have abundant and tunable pores, large and easily accessible surfaces, and plenty of redox-active sites, making them promising material candidates for various energy storage applications. One important area is to serve as capacitive electrode materials in supercapacitors. This review provides a timely and comprehensive summary of the recent progress in the design and synthesis of COF-based or COF-derived materials for capacitive energy storage applications. The review starts with a brief introduction to COFs' structural features and synthesis methods. Next, recently reported literature is categorized and introduced following their different energy storage mechanisms and material assembly or treatment approaches. Finally, the existing challenges and future directions for realizing practical COF-based supercapacitors are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The visibility of transhumanism in pop culture reveals its dramatic advance in twenty‐first‐century life. The more widespread the movement becomes, the more important it is to consider how transhumanism might be made relevant to global humanity. This article orients technological progress by drawing transhumanism into conversation with minjung theology from Korea. Minjung theology offers global tech culture—and its pursuit of technological salvation—an ethical foundation through attention to Han (an emotion specific to those who suffer from individual, sociopolitical, economic, and cultural oppression but have been unable to express it adequately) and the lived reality of those who are often excluded from benefits of technological society. Working in the other direction, transhumanist perspectives on technology offer minjung theology an opportunity to expand its reach through the development of a transcendent theological perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological advances—for example, from hand milking to robotic milking—are at the heart of economic transformation and have significantly shaped the agri‐food industry and economic growth throughout history. A look at the lead article of the first issue (and the first volume, 1952) of the Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics (CJAE) 70 years ago reveals an ongoing inquiry within the discipline about how technological progress has shaped how we manage our farms with the implications on aggregate industry productivity and food prices. The topics discussed along these lines in the first issue of the CJAE are still relevant today—for example, challenges with measuring productivity and innovation, diffusion of innovation, technological unemployment, demand for skilled workers, financing innovations, climate change and food security. Science, technology, and innovation for the 21st century hold the potential to foster resilient and sustainable intensification of farm production and productivity growth for the agri‐food industry. In this address, I reflect on the past, present, and future impacts of technological innovations and productivity growth on the agri‐food industry and discuss the implications for future research, welfare, and policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty years after the birth of medical imaging from Röntgen's 1895 discovery, military authorities understood the advantage of visualising injuries of wounded soldiers and monitoring their treatment. In World War One, medical imaging equipment was difficult to use and had to be operated in challenging environments. The most common use of x‐rays was the imaging of metallic foreign bodies such as bullets and shrapnel lodged within a soldier's body. The need to diagnose, manage war injuries and return soldiers to battle, led to medical imaging innovations including alternate means to record an image, better x‐ray tubes and an early form of tomography. Such technological advancements were made by scientists serving their respective countries. With information sourced from the Australian War Memorial archives, this paper also focusses on the experiences of an Australian wartime radiographer. This investigation demonstrates the importance, sacrifice and skills of men and women who took on the difficult task of medical imaging in the first truly world‐based conflict. It highlights how a new profession and associated technology emerged as an important tool in military medicine. Importantly, our profession's history within the context of military history should be preserved, while also honouring the legacy of individuals who contributed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Labour productivity change at constant prices is the mainstream indicator of regional competitiveness. However, it hides and overlooks some relevant sources of competitiveness that may partly explain the Solow paradox. First, it mixes productivity improvements from technological progress with those from relocating activities to more productive sectors. Second, it partially overlooks novelties and qualities embedded in new products and the effects of market power. This paper proposes a methodology to disentangle the different effects and to apply it to recent development of European regions. Results highlight the highly heterogeneous competitive strategies of regions, and the persistent discrepancy between Eastern and Western ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inner ear is a complex organ that encodes sound, motion, and orientation in space. Given the complexity of the inner ear, it is not surprising that treatments are relatively limited despite the fact that, in 2015, hearing loss was the fourth leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide. Inner ear organoid models are a promising tool to advance the study of multiple aspects of the inner ear to aid the development of new treatments and validate drug‐based therapies. The blood supply of the inner ear plays a pivotal role in growth, maturation, and survival of inner ear tissues and their physiological functions. This vasculature cannot be ignored in order to achieve a truly in vivo‐like model that mimics the microenvironment and niches of organ development. However, this aspect of organoid development has remained largely absent in the generation of inner ear organoids. The current review focuses on three‐dimensional inner ear organoid and how recent technical progress in generating in vitro vasculature can enhance the next generation of these models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regulation of DNA replication is a fascinating biological problem both from a mechanistic angle—How is replication timing regulated?—and from an evolutionary one—Why is replication timing regulated? Recent work has provided significant insight into the first question. Detailed biochemical understanding of the mechanism and regulation of replication initiation has made possible robust hypotheses for how replication timing is regulated. Moreover, technical progress, including high‐throughput, single‐molecule mapping of replication initiation and single‐cell assays of replication timing, has allowed for direct testing of these hypotheses in mammalian cells. This work has consolidated the conclusion that differential replication timing is a consequence of the varying probability of replication origin initiation. The second question is more difficult to directly address experimentally. Nonetheless, plausible hypotheses can be made and one—that replication timing contributes to the regulation of chromatin structure—has received new experimental support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although psychotherapy has shown to be effective for most patients, about one‐third of patients do not benefit or deteriorate during treatment. Technical progress has allowed the integration of routine outcome monitoring (ROM) into treatment, helping therapists detect patients at risk for a nonresponse or poor outcome early on. Psychological therapy can be enhanced by providing therapists with individual treatment recommendations for these at‐risk patients. One example of such a comprehensive feedback system is the Trier Treatment Navigator (TTN). Objective/Method: This clinical case study aims to illustrate the implementation of the TTN in a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) outpatient clinic in the treatment of a 30‐year‐old patient called Ms. Daun, who has a recurrent depressive disorder. Based on this case, the benefits of applying information from ROM in psychotherapy, important context factors, and possible implementation issues are discussed. Results/Conclusion: We conclude by encouraging practitioners to integrate ROM into their clinical thinking and daily practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological advancements are dramatically changing the landscape of therapeutic development. The convergence of advances in computing power, analytical methods, artificial intelligence, novel digital health tools, and cloud‐based platforms has the potential to power an exponential acceleration of evidence generation. For regulatory agencies responsible for evidence evaluation and oversight of medical products, these advances present both promises and challenges. Ultimately, realizing the translation and impact of these innovations that could potentially enhance therapeutic development and improve the health of individuals and the public will require a nimble and responsive regulatory approach. Supporting an adaptive policy‐making infrastructure that is poised to address novel regulatory considerations, creating a workforce to ensure relevant expertise, and fostering more diverse collaborations with a broader group of stakeholders are steps toward the goal of modernizing the regulatory ecosystem. This article outlines approaches that can help provide the flexibility and tools needed to foster innovation, while ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medical products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cost‐effective production of green hydrogen is a major challenge for global adoption of a hydrogen economy. Technologies such as photoelectrochemical (PEC) or photocatalytic (PC) water splitting and photovoltaic + electrolysis (PV+E) allow for sustainable hydrogen production from sunlight and water, but are not yet competitive with fossil fuel‐derived hydrogen. Herein, open‐source software for techno‐economic analysis (pyH2A) along with a Monte Carlo‐based methodology for modelling of technological progress are developed. Together, these tools allow for the study of required technological improvement to reach a competitive target cost. They are applied to PEC, PC, and PV+E to identify required progress for each and derive actionable research targets. For PEC, it is found that cell lifetime improvements (>2 years) and operation under high solar concentration (>50‐fold) are crucial, necessitating systems with high space‐time yields. In the case of PC, solar‐to‐hydrogen efficiency has to reach at least 6%, and lowering catalyst concentration (<0.2 g L−1) by improving absorption properties is identified as a promising path to low‐cost hydrogen. PV+E requires ≈two or threefold capital cost reductions for photovoltaic and electrolyzer components. It is hoped that these insights can inform materials research efforts to improve these technologies in the most impactful ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the loss of species is a well‐known phenomenon drawing much attention, the loss of traditional ecological knowledge is more insidious and goes unnoticed. India, a mega‐biodiverse country, is home to many indigenous communities known for their historical conservation strategies entwined in traditional beliefs. Using focus groups, questionnaire surveys, in‐depth interviews, and in‐class test, this study explores the differences in knowledge and attitudes towards conserving biodiversity amongst four stakeholder groups living around two national parks in the state of Uttarakhand. Forest officers highlight lack of documentation of traditional practices and its coverage in school curricula. School children's test results show lowest scores in biodiversity amongst all science subjects. Village elders' responses show alienation, with some having to change their traditional means of livelihood due to environmental degradation. General public showed interest, awareness and admiration for ancestral ways of living in co‐existence with nature. Along with its ethical, cultural and societal dimensions, biodiversity plays a critical role in sustaining ecosystems and supporting livelihoods. In times of environmental uncertainty when the experiences of the living past may not be directly applicable, its recognition as a tried and tested inventory could be a beneficial resource that needs capturing before it is lost forever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic media or "deepfakes" are making great advances in visual quality, diversity, and verisimilitude, empowered by large‐scale publicly accessible datasets and rapid technical progress in deep generative modeling. Heralding a paradigm shift in how online content is trusted, researchers in digital image forensics have responded with different proposals to reliably detect AI‐generated images in the wild. However, binary classification of image authenticity is insufficient to regulate the ethical usage of deepfake technology as new applications are developed. This article provides an overview of the major innovations in synthetic forgery detection as of 2020, while highlighting the recent shift in research towards ways to attribute AI‐generated images to their generative sources with evidence. We define the various categories of deepfakes in existence, the subtle processing traces and fingerprints that distinguish AI‐generated images from reality and each other, and the different degrees of attribution possible with current understanding of generative algorithms. Additionally, we describe the limitations of synthetic image recognition methods in practice, the counter‐forensic attacks devised to exploit these limitations, and directions for new research to assure the long‐term relevance of deepfake forensics. Reliable, explainable, and generalizable attribution methods would hold malicious users accountable for AI‐enabled disinformation, grant plausible deniability to appropriate users, and facilitate intellectual property protection of deepfake technology. This article is categorized under:Commercial, Legal, and Ethical Issues > Security and PrivacyAlgorithmic Development > Multimedia [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is composed of three independent commentaries about the state of Integrated, Coordinated, Open, Networked (ICON) principles in the American Geophysical Union Biogeosciences section, and discussion on the opportunities and challenges of adopting them. Each commentary focuses on a different topic: (a) Global collaboration, technology transfer, and application (Section 2), (b) Community engagement, community science, education, and stakeholder involvement (Section 3), and (c) Field, experimental, remote sensing, and real‐time data research and application (Section 4). We discuss needs and strategies for implementing ICON and outline short‐ and long‐term goals. The inclusion of global data and international community engagement are key to tackling grand challenges in biogeosciences. Although recent technological advances and growing open‐access information across the world have enabled global collaborations to some extent, several barriers, ranging from technical to organizational to cultural, have remained in advancing interoperability and tangible scientific progress in biogeosciences. Overcoming these hurdles is necessary to address pressing large‐scale research questions and applications in the biogeosciences, where ICON principles are essential. Here, we list several opportunities for ICON, including coordinated experimentation and field observations across global sites, that are ripe for implementation in biogeosciences as a means to scientific advancements and social progress. Plain Language Summary: Biogeosciences is an interdisciplinary field that requires multiscale global data and concerted international community efforts to tackle grand challenges. However, several technical, institutional, and cultural hurdles have remained as major roadblocks toward scientific progress, hindering seamless global data acquisition and international community engagement. To bring a paradigm shift in biogeosciences, there is a need to implement integrated, coordinated, open, and networked efforts, collectively known as the Integrated, Coordinated, Open, Networked (ICON) principles. In this article, we present three related commentaries about the state of ICON, discuss needs to reduce geographical bias in data for enhancing scientific progress, and identify action items. Action items are primarily people‐centric and include but are not limited to: longer‐term funding priorities to institutionalize capacity and reduce entry costs, engagement of local stakeholders across the globe, incentivization of collaborations, and development of training and workshops for capacity building. Key Points: Biogeosciences needs Integrated, Coordinated, Open, Networked (ICON) principles to address multiscale global problems and reduce geographical bias in scientific progressMuch potential exists for emphasizing people‐centric capacity building, involving relevant stakeholders within an ICON frameworkGlobally coordinated experimental and field data provide challenges and opportunities for scientific advancement in biogeosciences [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article evaluates the productivity growth of Indian banks during the pre‐ and post‐global financial crisis of 2008. Productivity is calculated across banking groups, such as public, private, and foreign peers, using Malmquist Productivity Index through data envelopment analysis. Empirical findings indicate that the efficiency and productivity growth of Indian banks have declined in the post‐global financial crisis as compared with the pre‐financial crisis. We observe efficiency differences across ownership groups; further results clarify that the total factor productivity growth of public banks is lower than that of private and foreign players, mostly due to the change in technical progress though not driven by technical efficiency. The study suggests that having a base in technological advances might help perform better when encountering a crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article highlights key moments in the history of the development of loose material micromorphological analysis, analysing its current position in the context of lithological facies studies. This method was developed to reconstruct the conditions of transport and deposition of Quaternary deposits. Since the 1970s, the study of grain surfaces has been used to study the features of cryogenesis formation in deposits. The development of the method was facilitated by the technical progress of the twentieth century, and the development of electron microscopy has brought the method to a completely new level. Currently, micromorphological analysis remains the most widely used method of analysing the surface of grains. However, modern methods for studying the surface of particles, such as computed tomography, are now being introduced into the research methodology. This in turn significantly expands the research scope: in recent years, the shape and degree of roundness of grains has been used to analyse the properties of soils for construction. As of today, the volume of publications abroad significantly exceeds the number of publications in Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The idea that tumour microenvironment (TME) is organised in a spatial manner will not surprise many cancer biologists; however, systematically capturing spatial architecture of TME is still not possible until recent decade. The past five years have witnessed a boom in the research of high‐throughput spatial techniques and algorithms to delineate TME at an unprecedented level. Here, we review the technological progress of spatial omics and how advanced computation methods boost multi‐modal spatial data analysis. Then, we discussed the potential clinical translations of spatial omics research in precision oncology, and proposed a transfer of spatial ecological principles to cancer biology in spatial data interpretation. So far, spatial omics is placing us in the golden age of spatial cancer research. Further development and application of spatial omics may lead to a comprehensive decoding of the TME ecosystem and bring the current spatiotemporal molecular medical research into an entirely new paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, I aim to convey the history of ecopsychology's changing conceptualizations of science and technology and their role in facilitating engagement with the ecology movement. To do so, I compare ecopsychology's treatment of science and technology in two important publications: Gatherings, a non‐peer‐reviewed digital journal of the early 2000s that portrayed ecopsychology in humanistic, socially critical, and artistic terms; and Ecopsychology, a scholarly journal founded in 2009 that regarded ecopsychological questions as testable hypotheses, and distinguished itself from prior ("first generation") ecopsychology on the basis of its embrace of technological progress and the scientific method. As a part of this shift, ecopsychologists of the "second generation" championed the notion that humans are a "Technological Species," an ontological statement that naturalized the increasing sophistication of high technology as the result of inherent human drives, and established conceptual groundwork for studies that used consumer technology such as computers to mediate experiences of nature. In the final part of the paper, I critique the "Technological Species" proposition for obscuring the historical and material conditions that make the existence of consumer technology possible, such as the ecologically devastating mining of rare‐earth metals on colonized land in Central and South America. I argue that, to be socially and ecologically accountable, ecopsychology should turn toward practices that help us make sense of consumer technology's place in systems of colonialist and ecological violence, process our place within these systems as users of consumer technology, and build community less dependent on technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both conventional and mechanized tunnelling have a fantastic tradition. The technical progress of the industry moved in step with social developments, characterized by crises and leaps in innovation. In the field of mechanized tunnelling, the driving force for some years now has been the desire to excavate heterogeneous construction sites with changes in tunnelling modes without the need for costly conversions underground. In addition, two innovation surges are currently discernible. On the one hand, the demands on innovation and technology management again follow a societal challenge, namely the goal of climate neutrality. On the other hand, digital processes and tools are changing all areas of our lives at an enormous speed, which means that the construction industry will also undergo a transformation in the coming years. Automation, robotics, the Internet of Things, machine learning, or artificial intelligence are all gradually encroaching on current processes and methods. Tunnelling jobsites in general, and largescale construction projects in particular, are inherently complex in their operation and are subject to major challenges. Current and future developments will add another necessity, namely the integration of digital applications into an overall system consisting of people and machines while enabling high‐performance construction processes. This calls for intelligent systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article seeks to explore how technology affects the way we understand and practise love, against the background of the theme of the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, "Christ's love moves the world to reconciliation and unity." The article argues that we need a deeper, theologically informed interdisciplinary engagement about new understandings of technology and how technology might contribute to human flourishing. It concludes that dialogue between theology, ethics, and technology is crucial to prevent the negative effects of the digital‐technological revolution on how we love and relate to one another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) based light–matter interactions play a major role in photonic sensor applications. In order to implement such sensors in microchip devices or reduce the fabrication costs, a method with high flexibility and large‐scale capabilities must be developed. Here, the formation of large‐scale gold microbumps arrays by using a direct laser writing technique is presented. The fabricated arrays exhibit the hybrid lattice plasmon polaritons in the Vis–NIR range, in the same range as metallic gratings fabricated by lithography‐based techniques. The peak of hybrid lattice plasmon resonance depends on the period of the fabricated arrays, the thickness of the gold film, coupled light polarization, and sample orientation. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical estimation. The demonstrated method shows relevant technological progress in the formation of large‐scale metallic gratings by using a cost‐effective laser‐based technique. It provides new opportunities for hybrid lattice plasmon polariton (HLPP)‐based applications in biotechnology, photonics, plasmonics, and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mega‐city regions (MCRs) have emerged as the main spatial form of China's new urbanization strategy and become the basic spatial units participating in global and regional competition. However, MCRs are not equally capable of boosting regional economic development due to their different levels of development. Therefore, this paper adopts the concept of competitiveness as both a theoretical framework and an empirical model to evaluate the development status of China's MCRs. Based on a review of the existing literature, this paper proposes a multi‐tier evaluation system to calculate the competitiveness of 13 MCRs. The chosen indicators come from the six perspectives of economic development, human resources, infrastructural accessibility, integration into the global economy, capacity for scientific and technological innovation, and sustainable development. The results show that there are great disparities and regional inequalities in competitiveness across different MCRs. The Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, and Beijing–Tianjin–Tangshan MCRs are the first‐tier MCRs with the highest levels of development and have significant global influence as well. Chengdu–Chongqing, Shandong Peninsula, South‐central Liaoning, and Wuhan belong to the second‐tier of MCRs that show partial advantages and have significant regional influence. The remaining regions belong to the third‐ or fourth‐tier of MCRs that have relatively weak competitiveness. The competitiveness of MCRs largely depends on the concentration of core elements in core cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burgeoning interdisciplinary advances and commercial activities in micro-nanotechnologies have already generated the basic knowledge, and early-stage or matured breakthroughs in a diverse landscape of progressive and desirable applications at the forefront of modern research and technology, including medical technology. The work opens up a new paradigm for ultrathin materials in high-sensitivity x-ray detection. The first is the development of new, cost-efficient, and easily implemented micro- and nanofabrication routes that are essential for seamless integration of micro- and nanomaterials in bioelectronics, optoelectronics, and biosensing, and therapeutic and theranostics technologies. [Extracted from the article]

Previous studies pay little attention to the role of technological progress in measuring urban land use efficiency, and ignore the interactions among total factor productivity, technological progress, pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency in the process of urban land use. To narrow the gaps, this research uses the Malmquist index approach to measure and decompose urban land use total factor productivity and a panel vector autoregressive model (PVAR) to investigate the interactions among urban land use total factor productivity, technological progress, pure technical efficiency, and scale efficiency in China from 2003 to 2016. This study shows that the overall urban land use efficiency increased at an annual growth rate of 0.7% in China from 2003 to 2016 while the growth rate of urban land use efficiency has generally decreased, which is reflected by the total factor productivity of urban land use. The total factor productivity fluctuates between 0.952 and 1.083 with a downward trend in 2003–2016. Technological progress, pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency all have positive effects on the improvement of urban land use efficiency, and there are differences in the order and degree of promotion. The improvement of scale efficiency is the most important measure to ensure the efficient use of urban land resources in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a consequence of technological progress, nowadays, one is used to the availability of big data generated in nearly all fields of science. However, the analysis of such data possesses vast challenges. One of these challenges relates to the explainability of methods from artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning. Currently, many of such methods are nontransparent with respect to their working mechanism and for this reason are called black box models, most notably deep learning methods. However, it has been realized that this constitutes severe problems for a number of fields including the health sciences and criminal justice and arguments have been brought forward in favor of an explainable AI (XAI). In this paper, we do not assume the usual perspective presenting XAI as it should be, but rather provide a discussion what XAI can be. The difference is that we do not present wishful thinking but reality grounded properties in relation to a scientific theory beyond physics. This article is categorized under:Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Explainable AIAlgorithmic Development > StatisticsTechnologies > Machine Learning [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliably detecting focal seizures without secondary generalization during daily life activities, chronically, using convenient portable or wearable devices, would offer patients with active epilepsy a number of potential benefits, such as providing more reliable seizure count to optimize treatment and seizure forecasting, and triggering alarms to promote safeguarding interventions. However, no generic solution is currently available to reach these objectives. A number of biosignals are sensitive to specific forms of focal seizures, in particular heart rate and its variability for seizures affecting the neurovegetative system, and accelerometry for those responsible for prominent motor activity. However, most studies demonstrate high rates of false detection or poor sensitivity, with only a minority of patients benefiting from acceptable levels of accuracy. To tackle this challenging issue, several lines of technological progress are envisioned, including multimodal biosensing with cross‐modal analytics, a combination of embedded and distributed self‐aware machine learning, and ultra–low‐power design to enable appropriate autonomy of such sophisticated portable solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exosomes are critical intercellular messengers released upon the fusion of multivesicular bodies with the cellular plasma membrane that deliver their cargo in the form of extracellular vesicles. Containing numerous nonrandomly packed functional proteins, lipids, and RNAs, exosomes are vital intercellular messengers that contribute to the physiologic processes of the healthy organism. During the post‐genome era, exosome‐oriented proteomics have garnered great interest. Since its establishment, mass spectrometry (MS) has been indispensable for the field of proteomics research and has advanced rapidly to interrogate biological samples at a higher resolution and sensitivity. Driven by new methodologies and more advanced instrumentation, MS‐based approaches have revolutionized our understanding of protein biology. As the access to online proteomics database platforms has blossomed, experimental data processing occurs with more speed and accuracy. Here, we review recent advances in the technological progress of MS‐based proteomics and several new detection strategies for MS‐based proteomics research. We also summarize the use of integrated online databases for proteomics research in the era of big data. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Mass Spec Rev [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is the largest producer and consumer of cement worldwide, and cement production entails the release of substantial carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. As the cement sector is a crucial sector of the Chinese economy, understanding the role of supply‐ and demand‐side factors may help accelerate efforts to mitigate CO2 emissions. However, few studies have analyzed the critical factors affecting CO2 emissions in the sector based on a combined supply‐ and demand‐side perspective. In this study, we developed an integrated framework that included eleven indicators covering both the supply and demand sides. Results revealed that improving cement production technology cannot offset CO2 emissions from the growth in demand for cement. Improving technology on the supply side would considerably reduce CO2 emissions from Chinese cement production; nevertheless, the combination of rapid urbanization, GDP growth, and an ultra‐high fixed capital formation ratio on the demand side increased CO2 emissions nearly 25‐fold from 1990 to 2015. Notably, some demand‐side factors also had an effect that reduced CO2 emissions. The in‐use stock per unit of fixed capital formation and output per in‐use stock reduced CO2 emissions by 332 million metric tons, which is comparable to the contribution of technological progress. Based on these results, we examine why these demand‐side factors substantially influence CO2 emissions in the Chinese cement sector, and we provide recommendations for policy‐makers on carbon‐reduction measures in this CO2‐intensive sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus Containing Coatings (PCCs) are an interesting class of materials that attracted considerable attention for use in different domains. A variety of PCCs characterized by outstanding electrical, biological, and chemical properties have been manufactured using various physical and chemical deposition processes. Thanks to developments in thin film and surface deposition technologies, it has become possible to manipulate the formation of PCCs according to the desired application, which has therefore been a mean of promoting this type of material towards new products and processes. This review explores the potential of the PCCs and deposition methods which can be used for their fabrication. Highlights on the connections between processing methods and the resulting film characteristics will be provided. The resulting coatings' properties are discussed in the context of the characteristics necessary for achieving high‐performance PCCs in different sectors. Important prospects for PCCs research and their practical use in different fields will also be provided, and light will be shed on the future research directions for further progress of promising PCCs for the next film technology generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, relying on the human immune system to kill tumour cells has become an effective means of cancer treatment. The development of peptide vaccines, which not only break the immune tolerance of a tumour but also attack malignant cells via specific antitumour immunity, has received increased attention in tumour immunization therapy due to their safety and easy preparation. The use of large‐scale sequencing technology enables the continuous discovery of new tumour antigens. With improved accuracy of epitope prediction by computer simulation and the usage of a tetramer assay, cytotoxic lymphocyte epitopes can be screened and identified more easily. Transmembrane peptide and nanoparticle technologies promote more effective intake and delivery of antigens. Consequently, considerable evolution from universal to personalized peptide vaccines has taken place, and such vaccines induce an efficient and specific immune response targeting tumour neoantigens. Recently, genomic analysis and bioinformatics approaches have greatly facilitated the breakthrough of personalized peptide vaccines targeting neoantigens, resulting in a renewed interest in this field. Further, the combination of tumour peptide vaccines with checkpoint blockades may improve patient outcomes. In this review, we discuss the development of tumour peptide vaccines and the new technological progress, from universalization to personalization, to highlight the substantial promise of tumour peptide vaccines in clinical cancer immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental regulation has been recognized as an important way to directly improve environmental performance or indirectly impact environmental performance through increasing environmental innovation. The present paper constructs an energy and carbon emission total factor productivity index using the Malmquist–Luenberger productivity index and data envelopment analysis. The proposed technique is used to measure the environmental performance of 30 Chinese provinces during the period 2010–2015. The energy and carbon emission total factor productivity measure is divided into a pure technical efficiency index and a technical progress index to provide detailed environmental performance information. Then an ordinary least squares model is adopted to analyse the impact of environmental regulation on environmental innovation operation and environmental performance by hypothesis testing. The empirical results show that environmental regulation and environmental innovation have positive direct effects on environmental performance and that market‐based environmental regulation has a positive indirect effect on environmental performance by increasing environmental innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article emphasizes the role of the technological progress in changing the landscape of epilepsy surgery and provides a critical appraisal of robotic applications, laser interstitial thermal therapy, intraoperative imaging, wireless recording, new neuromodulation techniques, and high‐intensity focused ultrasound. Specifically, (a) it relativizes the current hype in using robots for stereo‐electroencephalography (SEEG) to increase the accuracy of depth electrode placement and save operating time; (b) discusses the drawback of laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) when it comes to the need for adequate histopathologic specimen and the fact that the concept of stereotactic disconnection is not new; (c) addresses the ratio between the benefits and expenditure of using intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), that is, the high technical and personnel expertise needed that might restrict its use to centers with a high case load, including those unrelated to epilepsy; (d) soberly reviews the advantages, disadvantages, and future potentials of neuromodulation techniques with special emphasis on the differences between closed and open‐loop systems; and (e) provides a critical outlook on the clinical implications of focused ultrasound, wireless recording, and multipurpose electrodes that are already on the horizon. This outlook shows that although current ultrasonic systems do have some limitations in delivering the acoustic energy, further advance of this technique may lead to novel treatment paradigms. Furthermore, it highlights that new data streams from multipurpose electrodes and wireless transmission of intracranial recordings will become available soon once some critical developments will be achieved such as electrode fidelity, data processing and storage, heat conduction as well as rechargeable technology. A better understanding of modern epilepsy surgery will help to demystify epilepsy surgery for the patients and the treating physicians and thereby reduce the surgical treatment gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological progress has widely been acknowledged as a key driver in the achievement of environmental sustainability, and a new concern has recently arisen for assessing the role of differences in regional innovation performances with respect to the pursuit of pollution targets. We investigate the impact of innovative activities on environmental efficiency at the regional level, adopting a spatial panel data approach to account for dependence between geographical observations and to get deeper insights into spatial knowledge spillovers arising from agglomeration economies. The spatial panel analysis covers 103 Italian provinces (equivalent to NUTS3 regions) on four major air pollutants (i.e., CO2, CH4, NMVOC, CO) over the 1995–2010 period. Our findings show that the state of local technology development, proxied by patents, has a positive impact on GDP emission efficiency and that its magnitude is higher for more localized pollutants as a result of larger spillover effects. Finally, to analyze the Italian North‐South dualism of emission levels of pollutants, we offer a spillover effect study to emphasize the remarkable difference among effects in the territory. This calls for closer attention to the local relevance of the pollution damage when environmental impact of innovation strategies is to be evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern medicine, prenatal diagnosis can no longer be sufficient by ultrasound examination. The genetic technical progress and its contribution may remain a challenge in isolated sites with the consequences that this implies in perinatal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between collaborative innovation and innovation efficiency has attracted the attention of researchers in recent years. However, few studies have integrated intra‐regional and inter‐regional collaborative innovations (IRCI) into a unified framework to analyze the overall impact of regional innovation efficiency. To fill this gap, this paper uses an improved Data Envelopment Analysis Model to measure the innovation efficiency of Chinese cities from 2003 to 2016 based on the regional innovation capability. Using the Coupling Coordination Degree Model to measure the degree of intra‐regional collaborative innovation, we constructed a Capability Structure Model to measure the degree of IRCI, then used the Spatial Durbin Model to empirically analyze the influence of intra‐regional and IRCI on regional innovation efficiency. The results show that: (a) both intra‐regional and IRCI promote regional innovation efficiency, but the internal factors are the primary influences on regional innovation efficiency; (b) intra‐regional collaborative innovation not only promotes local regional innovation efficiency but also promotes innovation efficiency in other regions effectively, although its driving effect on the local region is higher than on other regions; (c) there is a time lag in promoting regional innovation efficiency through the cooperation and interaction among innovation in knowledge, technological, industrial, and service, and environment capabilities. The regional innovation capacities can result in good collaborative innovation effects only after a certain period of cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on industrial panel data from 11 prefecture‐level cities in Shanxi Province from 2008 to 2016, two kinds of total factor productivity (TFP) are measured: With and without the consideration of environmental factors. The specific decomposition of TFP under these two conditions is then discussed. Finally, the factors of TFP are studied in a green industry context. The results indicate the following: (a) The TFP's annual growth rate considering environmental conditions is higher than that without such consideration; (b) if environmental factors are neglected, TFP improvements primarily depend on technological progress; (c) when considering environmental factors, both technological progress and improved technological efficiency promote the growth of green TFP (GTFP), but this still primarily depends on substantial technological progress, with an annual average growth rate that reaches 10.2%; and (d) among factors, the economic development level, degree of openness, and urbanization positively correlate with the GTFP, while the industrial structure and degree of informatization significantly and negatively correlate with GTFP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]