Aesthetic Quality Research Articles

Evaluation of Degree of Conversion and Microhardness of Activa Pronto and Beautifil flow plus - An Invitro Study

Introduction: The development of dental restorative materials has focused on improving mechanical and aesthetic qualities, with resin-based composites becoming widely used due to their ability to mimic natural teeth. These composites consist of a resin matrix, inorganic fillers, and a silane coupling agent, and their success depends on a high degree of polymerization. The degree of conversion (DC) affects the material's wear resistance, hardness, and longevity. To evaluate and compare the degree of conversion (DC) and microhardness of Activa Pronto and Beautifil Flow Plus composite resins.Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, specimens of Activa Pronto (Pulpdent, USA) and Beautifil Flow Plus (Shofu, Japan) were prepared according to ISO 4049 standards. The degree of conversion was assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and microhardness was measured using the Vickers hardness test. A total of 30 discs per material were subjected to both tests, and the results were statistically analysed.Results: The degree of conversion was significantly higher for Activa Pronto (16.09%) compared to Beautifil Flow Plus (13.81%). Similarly, Activa Pronto demonstrated a significantly greater mean microhardness (34.98 VHN) than Beautifil Flow Plus (23.53 VHN), with p < 0.001 for both comparisons.Conclusion: Activa Pronto exhibits superior polymerization and microhardness compared to Beautifil Flow Plus, suggesting that it is a more durable material suitable for stress-bearing restorations.

An Update on Taste, Odor, and Appearance Methods for Water Analysis

Key TakeawaysMany sensory methods are standardized, and new ones are being developed, to assess the aesthetic quality of source water and treated drinking water.In Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, sections 2110 and 2150 have been updated, and section 2150D, “Attribute Rating Test” (ART), has been added.ART is a technique for numerically rating water samples by sensory evaluation for the presence of taste and odor compounds.Sensory tests—screening panelists for their ability to smell compounds—should be part of a utility's sensory program.

Assessment of online pharmacy applications in India by employing the mobile application rating scale

IntroductionOver the past few years, the technology powering mobile devices such as smartphones has made significant progress. Furthermore, the healthcare industry is always progressing and actively embracing the latest technological advancements to achieve the highest level of efficiency. With the rising prevalence of smartphones and internet connection, customers are benefiting from reduced prices, convenient home delivery, and effortless accessibility through online pharmacies. Internet-based pharmacies facilitate the internet-based transaction of health-related products, such as drugs, dietary supplements, and various other wellbeing products.Objective of studyThe study assessed digital pharmacy applications in India using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) on Android and iOS devices, aiming to evaluate their quality.MethodsAn investigation examined the digital pharmacy applications in India that were accessible via the Android Market and App Store. The applications were assessed by two researchers using the MARS questionnaire, a tool that evaluates 23 variables categorized into five domains: Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, Information, and Subjective Quality. The grading system spanned from one to five for every category.ResultsA Google Play Store and App Store investigation revealed 40 online pharmacy apps in India, with 13 rejected. Seven were non-English language-related apps and seven were not downloaded. Thirteen were chosen and evaluated using the MARS Scale. The MARS demonstrated significant positive associations across its components, namely Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, and Information. Specifically, greater levels of user functionality were shown to be indicative of superior app aesthetics and engagement. The mean rating of the 13 apps fell between the range of 3.11 to 4.32 on a 5-point scale.ConclusionThis is the first study to utilize the MARS scale to assess the efficacy of online pharmacy applications in India. This research enhanced the functionality and quality of various online pharmacy applications utilized in India.

Sustainable micro renewal and renovation of arts town in China: Intermingling design of contemporary art and Chinese classical garden

<p>The gardening philosophy of Chinese classical gardens is an integral part of China’s rich traditional culture, reflecting ancient scholars’ understanding of nature and humanity and embodying aesthetic and philosophical values. With the progression of time, integrating the principles of Chinese classical garden gardening into contemporary space design has emerged as a critical issue in contemporary public space design. This study uses the Butong Arts Town in Qinhuangdao as a case study, focusing on applying Chinese classical garden gardening concepts in public space design and regional micro-renovation. Special attention is given to nodes that simultaneously serve interactive and recreational functions. In the micro-renovation of the Butong Arts Town area, Chinese classical garden gardening principles can be employed through greening, landscaping, and other means to enhance the quality of the space. Additionally, by integrating local cultural characteristics, it is possible to create public spaces with distinct regional features, providing a comfortable and pleasant environment for artists, designers, planners, and tourists. The design methods used in this study explore the behavioral characteristics and usage needs of various groups from multiple perspectives, aiming to optimize activity spaces. This research identifies the main issues within the target areas and proposes corresponding improvement measures to enhance the functionality and aesthetic quality of the space. The aim is to integrate people’s growing spiritual pursuits with public activity spaces, providing new references and ideas for future sustainable space design.</p>

Research and Application of Chinese Auspicious Animal Images in Contemporary Clothing Design—Take “The Classic of Mountains and Seas” as Research Example

This thesis aims to investigate the auspicious animal images in “The Classic of Mountains and Seas”, exploring the profiling features and evolution of the auspicious animal patterns through cross verification of images, literature and cultural relics, and based on the research, the images are applied on the China-Chic clothing design. Ancient Chinese took the auspicious animals as things of blessing, which were endowed with many beautiful meanings to express our ancestors’ longing for a better life. Based on the concept of innovative design derived from the traditional culture, this thesis takes the images of auspicious animals in “The Classic of Mountains and Seas” as its research object to analyze their origins and evolution in China-chic fashion and, together with the case study of modern clothing design and a certain extent summary, to promote the inheritance, development and application of traditional culture in modern social life. The thesis will delve deep into the cultural connotations and aesthetic characteristics of the auspicious animal images, analyze and investigate the types, characteristics and implied meanings of such image to extract representative visual element symbols, which are then integrated into the modern fashion design, fulfilling the inheritance, development and application of traditional culture in modern social life.

Photovoltaic Integrated Shading Devices in the Retrofitting of Existing Buildings on Chinese Campuses Within a Regional Context

Retrofitting existing buildings to be more energy-efficient is a tremendous contribution to the sustainability of society. The application of photovoltaic integrated shading devices (PVSDs) accords with this ambition by blocking out unwanted radiant heat gain and generating clean electricity. The deployment of PVSDs needs sensible design strategies to optimize the production of renewable energy while retaining the aesthetic quality of the built-up environment, especially in historic campuses. The concept was tested in a case study of buildings in South China University of Technology (SCUT) using Ladybug 1.4.0 and PVsyst 7.2, utilizing the existing “Xia’s shading” design method in historical environments and optimizing the design from the perspective of photovoltaic performance. Firstly, the photovoltaic (PV) panels were integrated as architectural components, and the parameters were incorporated into a mathematical equation based on “Xia’s shading” design method. This was followed by the assessment of the solar energy harvesting potential based on simulated annual solar irradiation values. Lastly, the PV panels’ solar irradiation potential under these different parameters was shown in figures to identify the optimum parameters combination for PVSD applications. The proposed methodology could evolve as a design tool and thus further assist in promoting the large-scale adoption of PVSDs in retrofit projects.

Togetherness in musical interaction

This paper presents a model of musical togetherness (MT), defined as the sense of musical connection that arises during real-time interaction and results in feelings of social connection, pleasure, and trust. The model comprises three layers. The first layer, which provides a backdrop for subsequent layers, comprises players’ knowledge and expectations about what will unfold during an interaction. The second layer comprises five processes that build upon one another: Belief in intentional partners in a shared musical environment, perceived liveness, and perceived responsivity mainly strengthen the social dimension of MT, while perceived embodied alignment and joint agency mainly strengthen the positive valence dimension. The third layer comprises rewarding feelings of social connection, pleasure and trust. These feelings feed back to affect the second layer processes, effectively guiding players’ musical decision-making and behaviour. They also feed back to affect the first layer, creating lasting effects on the way players approach musical interactions and relate to their interaction partners. MT should be seen as a fluid aspect of interaction that fluctuates alongside the aesthetic quality of the music. Players will sometimes sacrifice MT in the short term in order to improve the quality of their playing and strengthen their sense of MT in the long term. The MT model provides structure for a construct that has been used casually in the music psychology literature and has implications for how the performance behaviour of ensemble musicians is understood.

Guest experience and unique accommodation features in Göreme, Cappadocia: An Airbnb review analysis

This study investigates the influence of unique accommodation features on guest experiences in the Göreme town of Cappadocia, focusing on Airbnb reviews. By analyzing 5,677 reviews from 122 Airbnb listings, the research identifies key features such as cave dwellings, panoramic views, and hot air balloon experiences, which significantly contribute to guest satisfaction. A mixed-method approach has been used, combining frequency analysis and sentiment analysis, to evaluate how these unique elements shape guests' perceptions and overall satisfaction. The findings highlight the critical role of both aesthetic qualities and service standards, emphasizing the need for hosts to balance unique architectural features with essential hospitality services like cleanliness and maintenance. This research provides insights for Airbnb hosts and destination marketers to enhance the appeal of Cappadocia as a premier destination for immersive, authentic tourism experiences. The study also offers strategic recommendations for improving marketing efforts and destination management by leveraging Cappadocia's cultural and natural heritage to create memorable guest experiences. As a suggestion for future research, it may be useful to extend the findings of this study to a wider geographical area and examine different tourist profiles.

High Temperature Effects on Global Heritage Stone Resources: A Systematic Review

Throughout history, natural stone has been a crucial building material due to its strength, durability, and aesthetic qualities. Today, it continues to be a valuable resource, representing both a cultural heritage asset and a significant economic material. However, the increasing frequency of heat waves and fires driven by climate change poses a growing threat to stone building materials. This paper reviews the scientific attention given to the effects of high temperatures on Global Heritage Stone Resources (GHSRs), an international classification designed to enhance the recognition and status of building stones. Through a systematic SCOPUS search with refined filtering criteria, the study aims to quantify the existing research on these heritage stones. The search applied the standardized lithotype terms from GHSR publications to ensure consistency, followed by the exclusion of irrelevant terms when identified. Additionally, a relevance filter was applied to restrict the number of articles per lithotype and ensure that only the most pertinent studies were considered. Key findings from the literature reveal that exposure to high temperatures (ranging from 200 °C to 900 °C) significantly affected the studied GHSRs, leading to thermal micro-fissuring, increased porosity, and changes in water absorption, which compromise the mechanical properties of the stones. Moreover, these conditions can result in irreversible chemical transformations, exacerbating the deterioration of cultural heritage assets. The study emphasizes the critical need for research to better understand how these stone materials behave when exposed to high temperatures. It also provides a relevant framework for future investigations aimed at predicting and mitigating the effects of external threats such as fires.

Laboratory X-ray powder micro-diffraction in the research of painted artworks

Painted artworks represent a significant group of cultural heritage artifacts, which are primarily admired because of their aesthetic quality. Nevertheless, the value of each particular painting depends also on what is known about it. Material investigation of paintings is one of the most reliable sources of information. Materials in painted artworks (i.e. panel, easel and miniature paintings, wall paintings, polychromed sculptures etc.) represent an extensive set of inorganic and organic phases, which are often present in complicated mixtures and exhibit characteristics reflecting their geological genesis (mineral pigments), manufacturing technology (artificial pigments), diverse biological nature (binders or dyes) or secondary changes (degradation or intentional later interventions). The analyses of paintings are often made challenging by the heterogeneous nature and minute size of micro-samples or, in some cases, even by the impossibility of sampling due to the preciousness, fragility or small dimensions of the artwork. This review demonstrates the successful implementation of laboratory X-ray powder micro-diffraction for material investigation of paintings, illustrating its efficiency for mineralogical analysis of (i) earth-based materials indicating the provenance of paintings, (ii) copper-based pigments pointing to their origin, and (iii) products of both salt corrosion and saponification enabling one to reveal the deterioration and probable original appearance of artworks.

Peculiarities Of Parallel Construction and Chiasmus In English And Uzbek Poetry

This study explores the use of parallel construction and chiasmus in English and Uzbek poetry, examining how these rhetorical devices enhance rhythm, meaning, and aesthetic quality. A comparative analysis highlights distinct cultural influences and linguistic structures that shape their application in each poetic tradition. Findings reveal that while parallelism is commonly used in both traditions for emphasis and symmetry, chiasmus serves unique functions, reflecting contrasting values and linguistic characteristics. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of how culture and language influence poetic form

INVESTIGATION OF THE POSSIBILITIES OF ENAMEL GRAINS FOR THE FORMATION OF MICROMOSAICS

The paper investigates the possibilities of grains from hot enamels for the formation of micromosaics. Enamel grain with a diameter of 0.4…5.0 mm is made from pieces of crushed hot enamels that acquire a spherical shape during firing in a muffle furnace or with the help of a gas burner flame. The mosaic image is formed by densely laying out on a metal base with an applied adhesive layer of enamel grains of the same or different diameter in accordance with the artistic idea. Enamel grain from hot enamels has high techno-logical and aesthetic characteristics characteristic of hot enamels: hardness, durability, wide colour palette, beautiful shine, etc. All this makes enamel grain a promising material for mosaic work. The technique of mi-cromosaic from enamel grains has the widest potential for decorating jewellery and art products, as it al-lows you to embody any design ideas.

Correlating FDM printing parameters with mechanical properties and surface quality of PLA printouts

Abstract This study explores the correlation between four critical Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) parameters—extrusion temperature, layer height, print speed, and infill density—and the mechanical properties and surface quality of PLA (Polylactic Acid) printouts. The mechanical properties, including Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and bending strength, were evaluated alongside surface roughness and dimensional accuracy. The results indicate that extrusion temperatures between 200°C and 220°C optimize mechanical performance, enhancing tensile strength and bending strength, while smaller layer heights (0.1 mm) improve surface smoothness but increase print time. Moderate print speeds (around 60 mm/s) offer the best balance between strength and efficiency, while higher infill densities (above 80%) enhance mechanical properties, increasing both tensile and bending strength by up to 25%. These findings provide key insights into optimizing FDM printing parameters to achieve improved structural integrity and aesthetic quality in PLA prints.

Research on the Transformation of Aesthetic Paradigms in Chinese Animation in the New Media Era

With the advent of the new media era, the platforms for disseminating animation art have expanded, raising higher demands for the precision of animation itself. This expansion has, to a certain extent, enriched and altered the aesthetic characteristics of animation, leading to a fundamental shift in its aesthetic paradigms. A paradigm refers to an example or model that possesses temporality, universality, and normativity. In the history of aesthetics, aesthetic paradigms are not static; they evolve in response to societal influences. New aesthetic paradigms integrate and transcend old ones, creating a continuous cycle. This paper first elaborates on the concepts of the new media era and aesthetic paradigms, then analyzes the evolution of aesthetic paradigms in Chinese animation in the new media era. The study aims to enhance the international cultural competitiveness of Chinese animation and provide a reference for promoting national spirit and unique Eastern aesthetics.

A clinical approach for no prep direct composite veneers with opaquer/ tint to reshape a smile: a case report

Dental aesthetic has a profound influence on both self-esteem and social interactions. Patients desire changes in their smiles, while dentists aim for the preservation of dental and adjacent structures, as well as durability. In this context, no-prep resin veneers emerge as a potential solution, as they allow for the preservation of the maximum amount of healthy dental structure, pulp integrity, and dental strength. Nevertheless, treating darkened substrates poses a challenge, and conservative options like composite resins have gained recognition as restorative materials due to their aesthetic qualities and ability to preserve healthy dental tissue. A protocol can help dentists, especially by describing the stages of making direct no-prep veneers, achieving better clinical success. This article presents a clinical step-by-step guide approach to fabricating light-cured composite prepless veneers, using opaque and tints to mask dark backgrounds, and preserving the dental substrate in a patient with multiple restorations, changes in color, and shape. Light-cured composite prepless veneers comply with the principles of biomimetics and offer advantages such as conservation of dental structures, versatility, one-session preparation, cost, mechanical properties, and excellent aesthetics, however, skill with this technique is required.

Anti-hero, Anti-drama and Surreal ——On the Poetic Presentation of Jia Zhangke's Films

Jia Zhangke, a prominent figure among the sixth generation of directors, is known for his works that embody strong poetic aesthetic qualities. His films are rooted in realistic documentation, while poetic expression serves as the hallmark of his cinematic style. This paper aims to analyze and synthesize the methods of poetic depiction employed in Jia Zhangke's oeuvre. Through meticulous film screenings and literature reviews, several recurring features have been identified. Firstly, his narratives often revolve around anti-heroic, marginal characters, observing the lives of various beings amidst shifting times. Secondly, he eschews the conventional "four-act" narrative structure, exhibiting an anti-dramatic tendency, and employs block narration. By steering away from suspenseful plot devices and softening the logical coherence of his film stories, he cultivates a poetic narrative akin to prose poetry. Lastly, Jia Zhangke incorporates open-ended conclusions and surreal scenes laden with poetic metaphors into his films, thereby constructing narratives with symbolic implications. This approach elicits empathy from viewers, imbuing Jia Zhangke's films with a profound sense of poetry and offering inspiration for filmmakers seeking to incorporate poetic elements into their creations.

Water safety planning application for aesthetic quality of drinking water

ABSTRACT The World Health Organization considers water quality aesthetic parameters affecting taste, odor, and appearance, as factors to be monitored to determine the overall safety of water. Water safety plans (WSPs) can be used by utilities to proactively identify aesthetic hazards, rank them by likelihood of occurrence and consequence to the utility, generate risk scores, and provide direction on how to monitor, mitigate, and verify that controls are in place. The City of Wichita Falls Public Water System (CWF PWS) used the water safety planning approach to outline how aesthetics may negatively affect the system from source water, in-plant processes, and into the distribution system. By proactively identifying these hazards and outlining what to do using a WSP, the utility has put measures in place to ensure that aesthetically acceptable water is delivered to their customers. This article outlines the water safety planning process for water quality aesthetics and how the CWF PWS developed and implemented its WSP.

Analysing brand attachment for restaurant table booking mobile application

PurposeRestaurant table booking (RTB) mobile apps are transforming how consumers reserve tables in the restaurants of their choice. This study analyses how RTB mobile apps influence brand attachment (BA) and brand commitment (BC), highlighting the moderation effect of desire for uniqueness (DU) by integrating visual content theory and social exchange theory.Design/methodology/approachData [N = 414] were collected through the survey method from consumers having experience in using RTB mobile apps. The data were analysed through structural equation modelling using AMOS and SPSS PROCESS macro to examine moderated relationship.FindingsThe results confirm that content aesthetic quality, perceived technical interactivity and brand investments influence BA and BC in the RTB mobile app and also confirm the moderating role of the DU.Originality/valueThe present work is among the first to study the sources of BA in the RTB mobile app domain. Thus, it contributes to the literature on the restaurant industry to understand consumers' BA behaviour to achieve BC.

Am I attached? A patient-partnered approach to creating infographics about attachment to primary care in Ontario, Canada

BackgroundHaving a primary care provider is associated with better care experiences and lower care costs. In 2021, INSPIRE-PHC released Primary Care Data Reports - publicly available summaries of administrative billing data about how populations in each of Ontario’s 60 health teams use primary care services. Given the characterization of Canadian primary care systems as ‘in crisis’, publicly available data about primary care at the regional level presented a significant opportunity for knowledge mobilization. An understandable resource could ground the public conversation about primary care access in data. Recognizing the role that lived experience plays in ensuring the public understands research findings, a partnership between patient advisors, Ontario Health Team representatives, researchers, and trainees was established to co-produce public-facing infographics based on primary care data.MethodsEvidence-based guidelines for public health infographic creation and elements of transformative action research guided a six-meeting process to engage up to 14 patient advisors, three Ontario Health Team staff and two primary care trainees. Patient advisors were affiliated with a provincial patient-oriented primary health care research group or a Hamilton-based Ontario Health Team. Ninety-minute meetings were conducted virtually, and notes were shared with attendees to ensure they accurately reflected the conversation. Two consultations with Ontario Health Team-affiliated primary care providers provided direction and ensured project outputs aligned with local priorities.ResultsProject partners shared feedback on draft infographics, audience identification, priority elements from Primary Care Data Reports to include in the infographics, and aesthetic features (e.g., headings, colour scheme, charts). Project partners felt the most important metrics to convey to the public were those that simultaneously reinforced the benefits of primary care on individual health outcomes and health system costs.ConclusionsPatient engagement in research is becoming widespread, but co-developing knowledge products with patient and health system partners is less common. Our approach to engaging patients prevented both oversimplification and unnecessary complexity in a public-facing visual about attachment to primary care.

Immortalization of patient-derived lip cells for establishing 3D lip models

IntroductionThe lips fulfill various critical physiological roles besides being viewed as a fundamental aesthetic feature contributing to the perception of health and beauty. Therefore, any lip injury, abnormality, or congenital malformation, such as cleft lip, needs special attention in order to restore proper lip function and aesthetics. To achieve this goal, a better understanding of the complex lip anatomy, function, and biology is required, which can only be provided by basic research endeavors. However, the current lack of clinically relevant human lip cells and three-dimensional in vitro lip models, capable of replacing ethically questionable animal experimentations, represents a significant limitation in this area of research.MethodsTo address these limitations, we aimed to pioneer the introduction of immortalized healthy lip- and cleft lip-derived keratinocytes. Primary keratinocytes were isolated from patients’ samples and immortalized by introducing the catalytic domain of telomerase, combined with the targeted knockdown of the cell cycle inhibitor gene, p16INK4A. We then focused on validating the newly established cell lines by comparing their genetic stability and key phenotypic features with their primary keratinocyte counterparts.ResultsThe newly established immortalized keratinocyte cell lines demonstrated genetic stability and preserved the main phenotypic characteristics of primary keratinocytes, such as cellular morphology and differentiation capacity. Three-dimensional lip models, generated using these cell lines, proved to be effective and convenient platforms for screening applications, including wound healing and microbial infection of the lip epithelium.DiscussionThe establishment of immortalized keratinocytes derived from healthy and cleft lips represents a significant achievement in lip research. These cell lines and the associated three-dimensional lip models are valuable tools that can be used as convenient screening platforms for various assays in a multitude of lip-related research areas, including dermatology, skin care, wound healing, tissue engineering, and craniofacial anomalies. This work opens new avenues in studying lip abnormalities and provides unique tools for personalized medicine approaches beneficial to patients.