Design Of Applications Research Articles

Characteristics and Functional Properties of Bioactive Oleogels: A Current Review

Oleogels have been a revolutionary innovation in food science in terms of their health benefits and unique structural properties. They provide a healthier alternative to traditional solid or animal fats. They have improved oxidative stability and nutritional value to maintain the desirable sensory qualities of lipid-based foods. Moreover, oleogels offer an ideal carrier for poorly water-soluble bioactive compounds. The three-dimensional structure of oleogels can protect and deliver bioactive compounds in functional food products. Bioactive compounds also affect the crystalline behavior of oleogelators, the physical properties of oleogels, and storage stability. Generally, different incorporation techniques are applied to entrap bioactive compounds in the oleogel matrix depending on their characteristics. These approaches enhance the bioavailability, controlled release, stability of bioactive compounds, and the shelf life of oleogels. The multifunctionality of oleogels extends their applications beyond fat replacements, e.g., food preservation, nutraceutical delivery, and even novel innovations like 3D food printing. Despite their potential, challenges such as large-scale production, cost efficiency, and consumer acceptance remain areas for further exploration. This review emphasizes the understanding of the relationship between the structure of oleogels and their functional properties to optimize their design in different food applications. It also highlights the latest advancements in bioactive oleogels, focusing on how they incorporate bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, essential oils, and flavonoids into oleogels. The impact of these compounds on the gelation process, storage stability, and overall functionality of oleogels is also critically examined.

The Impact of Digital Technology, Automation, and Data Integration on Supply Chain Performance: Exploring the Moderating Role of Digital Transformation

Background: This study investigates digital transformation as a moderating variable in determining the effect of digital technologies, automation, and data integration of upstream and downstream providers on supply chain performance. By filling the existing research gap, the study reveals that more research regarding how digital transformation interventions impact the effectiveness of these technologies for industrial supply chains must be understood. Methods: A structured survey was applied to 181 supply chain managers in manufacturing firms scattered across Jordan. Results: The findings using SmartPLS for statistical analysis indicated that automation has the strongest positive effect on supply chain performance, followed by data integration. But digital technology did not have a significant direct effect, unless it was accompanied by broader digital transformation initiatives. Conclusions: Theoretically, this study reinforces digital transformation theory as a vital framework, whereas in practice, it invokes the strategic deployment of automation and integrated data application designs to underpin supply chain efficiency and competitiveness. Finally, this study offers practical guidance for practitioners who seek to employ the use of digital transformation in the current dynamic business environment.

Heat transfer software for local materials in Cameroon (HTSLM 1.0): simplified building energy software based on local realities

We report in this work the overall design of a software application for calculating the indoor temperature in a room of a building constructed from local materials in Cameroon based on heat transfer modes. This software is intended to be simplified and at a lower cost for the user. We dubbed it LOBATIN/HTSLM 1.0 for the first release. We describe the physical modeling background based on the stationary aspect of the transfer of heat flow via conduction, convection and radiation from the outside to the inside of the supposedly uninhabited building. We present how we manage Cameroon’s meteorological data to implement them in LOBATIN/HTSLM 1.0 and we compare our results with pre-existing software such as EnergyPlus. The curves obtained for hourly indoor temperatures for the chosen days in the five climatic zones defined for the software, all show a realistic bell-shaped evolution, thus prefiguring a digital decision support tool for such admitted infrastructures to be made of materials from the Local Materials Promotion Authority of Cameroon.

Research on the Thermal Runaway Behavior and Flammability Limits of Sodium-Ion and Lithium-Ion Batteries

Batteries are widely used in energy storage systems (ESS), and thermal runaway in different types of batteries presents varying safety risks. Therefore, comparative research on the thermal runaway behaviors of various batteries is essential. This study investigates the thermal runaway characteristics of sodium-ion batteries (NIBs), lithium iron phosphate batteries (LFP), and lithium-ion batteries with NCM523 and NCM622 cathodes. The experiments were conducted in a nitrogen-filled constant-volume sealed chamber. The results show that the critical surface temperatures at the time of thermal runaway are as follows: LFP (346 °C) > NIBs (292 °C) > NCM523 (290 °C) > NCM622 (281 °C), with LFP batteries exhibiting the highest thermal runaway critical temperature. NIBs have the lowest thermal runaway triggering energy (158 kJ), while LFP has the highest (592.8 kJ). During the thermal runaway of all four battery types, the primary gases produced include carbon dioxide, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, ethylene, propylene, and ethane. For NCM622 and NCM523, carbon monoxide is the dominant combustible gas, with volume fractions of 35% and 29%, respectively. In contrast, hydrogen is the main flammable gas for LFP and NIBs, with volume fractions of 44% and 30%, respectively. Among these, NIBs have the lowest lower flammability limit (LFL), indicating the highest explosion risk. The thermal runaway characteristics of 50 Ah batteries provide valuable insights for battery selection and design in energy storage applications.

Immersive Haptic Technology to Support English Language Learning Based on Metacognitive Strategies

One of the most widely used strategies for learning support is the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), due to the variety of applications and benefits they provide in the educational field. This article describes the design and implementation of an immersive application supported by Senso gloves and 3D environments for learning English as a second language in Ecuador. The following steps should be considered for the app design: (1) the creation of a classroom with characteristics similar to a real classroom and different buttons to navigate through the scenarios; (2) the creation of a virtual environment where text, images, examples, and audio are added according to the grammatical topic; (3) the creation of a dynamic environment for assessment in which multiple choice questions are interacted with, followed by automatic grading with direct feedback. The results showed that the interaction between the physical and virtual environment through navigation tests with the glove in different 3D environments achieved a complete activation and navigation rate. Teachers showed a clear interest in using the application in their classes as an additional teaching tool to complement the English language teaching process, given that it can increase motivation and memorization in students, as it is an easy-to-use application, and the 3D environments designed are attractive, which would make classes more dynamic. In addition, the availability of the application at any place and time represents a support for the current academic community as it adapts to the needs of today’s world.

Rancang Bangun UI/UX dengan Metode Design Thinking pada Aplikasi Laundry Quick and Clean Berbasis Mobile

The purpose of this research is to develop a mobile-based laundry application with Design Thinking method and measure the level of user satisfaction through System Usability Scale (SUS) testing. As the popularity of laundry services increases, manual management becomes a significant challenge, such as inefficiency in recording and tracking orders. Therefore, this research offers an innovative solution by designing a Quick and Clean application that focuses on improving user experience (UI/UX) to simplify the management of laundry services. This research uses a Design Thinking approach that includes five stages: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. The empathize stage involved interviews with 15 laundry service users to identify key needs and problems. The define stage mapped out the functional and non-functional requirements that formed the basis of the application design. The ideate stage produced a 16-page wireframe design, while the prototype stage produced an application model with UI design using Figma. The novelty value of this research lies in the application of the Design Thinking method in the context of laundry services, which is rarely applied in similar studies, as well as the integration of UI/UX design that emphasizes ease of use and operational efficiency. SUS testing shows an average score of 85.6 which falls into the Excellent category. This result indicates that the application design not only meets user needs but also provides a satisfying experience, contributing to the development of UI/UX standards in laundry business applications. Overall, this research has made a significant impact by presenting an application model that can improve the efficiency and quality of moobile-based laundry services. And this development makes it easier for further development to develop further.

Recent Developments in the Design of Photoactivated Metal Oxide Gas Sensors and Application of Plasmonic Nanoparticles in Hydrogen‐Sensing Devices

Recent Developments in the Design of Photoactivated Metal Oxide Gas Sensors and Application of Plasmonic Nanoparticles in Hydrogen‐Sensing Devices

RSVP Keyboard with Inquiry Preview: mixed performance and user experience with an adaptive, multimodal typing interface combining EEG and switch input.

The RSVP Keyboard is a non-implantable, event-related potential-based brain-computer interface (BCI) system designed to support communication access for people with severe speech and physical impairments. Here we introduce Inquiry Preview, a new RSVP Keyboard interface incorporating switch input for users with some voluntary motor function, and describe its effects on typing performance and other outcomes. Four individuals with disabilities participated in the collaborative design of possible switch input applications for the RSVP Keyboard, leading to the development of Inquiry Preview and a method of fusing switch input with language model and electroencephalography (EEG) evidence for typing. Twenty-four participants without disabilities and one potential end user with incomplete locked-in syndrome took part in two experiments investigating the effects of Inquiry Preview and two modes of switch input on typing accuracy and speed during a copy-spelling task. For participants without disabilities, Inquiry Preview and switch input tended to worsen typing performance compared to the standard RSVP Keyboard condition, with more consistent effects across participants for speed than for accuracy. However, there was considerable variability, with some participants demonstrating improved typing performance and better user experience with Inquiry Preview and switch input. Typing performance for the potential end user was comparable to that of participants without disabilities. He typed most quickly and accurately with Inquiry Preview and switch input and gave favorable user experience ratings to those conditions, but preferred standard RSVP Keyboard. Inquiry Preview is a novel multimodal interface for the RSVP Keyboard BCI, incorporating switch input as an additional control signal. Typing performance and user experience and preference varied widely across participants, reinforcing the need for flexible, customizable BCI systems that can adapt to individual users. gov Identifier: NCT04468919.

Perancangan Website Preloved

The emergence of the trend to purchase preloved items as a cost-effective alternative to meet needs, particularly among students and young people, is driven by a sustainable lifestyle. The aim of this study is to develop a web based application that is easy to use, secure, and cost-efficient for managing and purchasing second-hand goods. To support the application design, data collection methods were employed through observations of similar platforms and literature reviews.These features include the ability for sellers to upload items, for buyers to search and purchase goods, and a review and rating system. To ensure that transaction processes run smoothly and are well-organized, a database design was developed. This application not only provides practical solutions for users but also contributes to reducing waste from the fashion industry, supporting a modern lifestyle.

Machine Learning-Assisted Prediction of Photothermal Metal-Phenolic Networks.

Photothermal therapy (PTT) demonstrates significant potential in cancer treatment, wound healing, and antibacterial therapy, with its efficacy largely depending on the performance of photothermal agents (PTAs). Metal-phenolic network (MPN) materials are ideal PTA candidates due to their low cost, good biocompatibility and excellent ligand-to-metal charge transfer properties. However, not all MPNs exhibit significant photothermal properties, and the vast chemical space of MPNs (over 700,000 potential combinations) complicates the screening of high-photothermal materials. To address this challenge, this study introduces machine learning (ML) methods for predicting the photothermal performance of MPNs. A database of photothermal properties of 80 modular MPNs was constructed, and the ML process was optimized through feature engineering and model training. The selected extreme gradient boosting model (XGBoost) successfully identified 1,654 high photothermal MPNs from a virtual database of 44,438. Subsequent experimental validation revealed a remarkable success rate of 70% in predicting high photothermal MPNs. Additionally, several previously unreported high photothermal MPNs were discovered, demonstrating advantages in photothermal antibacterial applications. This study offers an innovative ML-driven approach for the efficient screening of MPN materials, providing a solid foundation for PTA design in PTT and other biomedical applications.

Creating Immersive Learning Experiences With AI: An Android App Approach

This paper explores the development of AI-powered Android-based learning media to enhance immersive learning experiences. Utilizing Design-Based Research (DBR), the study involved the iterative design, development, and evaluation of an interactive Android application. AI tools, including ChatGPT, Quizziz AI, and various image generation software, were embedded to personalize and support the learning process. The app's interactive features, such as quizzes and instant feedback mechanisms, aim to increase learner engagement and motivation. Preliminary testing among trainers highlighted the app's effectiveness in improving user experience and the potential for broader adoption in educational settings. The results suggest that integrating AI into mobile learning platforms can enhance the accessibility and adaptability of educational content. Future research will focus on further app refinements and assessing its long-term impact on student learning outcomes.

Impact of Digitalization in Dentistry on Technostress, Mental Health, and Job Satisfaction: A Quantitative Study.

Background: The utilization of digital technologies in the field of dentistry is becoming increasingly prevalent. Such technologies facilitate more precise and efficient dental treatment while also enhancing the overall quality of care. The advent of digitalization has brought with it a plethora of advantages, yet it has also given rise to a number of potential challenges. These have the potential to give rise to a variety of negative consequences, including an increase in stress perception. Objectives: This study identifies the digital demands and resources as well as the prevalence of digital stress perception among German dentists. Furthermore, the study examines the relationship between digital stress perception and work- and health-related outcomes, and it identifies potential preventive measures. Methods: The quantitative cross-sectional study involved a total of 325 German dentists. Data collection took place between January and April 2024. The questionnaire was validated using several established scales, including the Technostress Scale and the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). Multiple correlation and regression analyses were conducted to ascertain the reliability and validity of the data collected. Results: The study results demonstrated that the participating dentists exhibited a moderate level of digital stress (M = 3.73 (SD = 0.71). Regarding the individual technostress creators, the highest mean was observed for the constructs of techno-overload (M = 3.91; SD = 0.76), techno-complexity (M = 3.63; SD = 0.71), and techno-uncertainty (M = 2.01; SD = 0.75). The participants reported an average level of exhaustion symptoms (M = 3.21; SD = 0.91) and job satisfaction (M = 4.52; SD = 0.78). The association between technostress and emotional exhaustion (as a burnout symptom) showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.38; CI: 0.07, 0.52; p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was observed between the variables of technostress and job satisfaction, with a correlation coefficient of r = -0.33 (CI: -0.25, 0.07; p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study presents preliminary findings on the digital stress experience in dentistry and relevant associations. In the context of ongoing digitalization, there is a need for support and preventive measures to reduce technology-related stress. An optimized design of digital applications and the working environment are of crucial importance to improve the health of dentists and the quality of patient care.

Entropy engineering activation of UiO-66 for boosting catalytic transfer hydrogenation

High-entropy metal-organic frameworks (HE-MOFs) hold promise as versatile materials, yet current rare examples are confined to low-valence elements in the fourth period, constraining their design and optimization for diverse applications. Here, a novel high-entropy, defect-rich and small-sized (32 nm) UiO-66 (ZrHfCeSnTi HE-UiO-66) has been synthesized for the first time, leveraging increased configurational entropy to achieve high tolerance to doping with diverse metal ions. The lattice distortion of HE-UiO-66 induces high exposure of metal nodes to create coordination unsaturated metal sites with a concentration of 322.4 μmol/g, which increases the abundance of Lewis acid-base sites, thereby achieving a significant improvement in the performance of the catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) reaction. Systematic investigation manifests that the special electronic structure of HE-UiO-66 enhances the interaction and bonding with substrate molecules and reduces the energy barrier of the hydrogen transfer process. Our approach offers a new strategy for constructing coordination unsaturated metal sites in MOFs.

Implementation of EMS Clinician Feedback Tool Encourages Patient Feedback Requests and Professional Development: A Mixed-Methods Study

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES Emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians express dissatisfaction with the quality and quantity of clinical feedback received from hospitals, which is exacerbated by the absence of standardized feedback processes. A reported lack of regular feedback impedes their ability to learn and improve care. We evaluated a newly implemented feedback tool's utilization and perceived impact on EMS clinicians and our health system. METHODS We employed a mixed-methods study design in a single academic medical center emergency department. Quantitative data collected focused on patients’ clinical characteristics and characteristics of utilizers of the feedback tool during implementation (September 2023-July 2024). Qualitative data involved semi-structured interviews with EMS clinicians who had diverse experiences with the feedback tool and years of EMS service Semi-structured interviews applied a phenomenological framework, and were videorecorded, transcribed, and independently coded to identify key themes surrounding the utilization and impact of the implemented tool. RESULTS Among the 381 feedback requests, 139 (36.5%) pertained to patients aged ≥65 years, while 44 (11.5%) included patients <18 years; 343 (90%) had an Emergency Severity Index score of ≥2. Major complaints included traumatic (n = 165; 43.3%), neurologic (n = 90; 23.6%), and cardiac (n = 82; 21.5%). Emergency responder agencies included ground ambulance 227 (59.6%), air medical 90 (23.6%), public safety answering points 37 (9.7%), and fire service 27 (7.1%). The primary response method was e-mail 353 (93.7%). There was an average of 35 feedback requests per month (interquartile range: 27-59). EMS clinicians from multiple agencies with varying levels of knowledge of the feedback mechanism provided qualitative insights regarding the feedback tool, which covered several key areas: application and technological design, utilization, utility of feedback provided, barriers, comparisons to other systems, and areas for improvement. CONCLUSIONS The standardized feedback mechanism implemented for EMS clinicians showed engagement, especially among ground responders caring for high-acuity patients, highlighting its importance in patient care. The preference for email emphasizes the need for efficient communication channels. Clinicians found the system accessible and user-friendly. The feedback tool was perceived as crucial for professional development and personal growth, allowing clinicians to gain closure on patient cases and potentially improve future patient care practices.

Osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cell on poly sorbitol sebacate scaffold under shear stress in a bioreactor.

Mechanical loading plays a pivotal role in regulating bone anabolic processes. Understanding the optimal mechanical loading parameters for cellular responses is critical for advancing strategies in orthopedic bioreactor-based bone tissue engineering. This study developed a poly (sorbitol sebacate) (PSS) filmscaffold with a sorbitol-to-sebacic acid molar ratio of 1:4. The scaffold underwent extensive characterization, including physical and mechanical property evaluations, biocompatibility assessments, and cell adhesion analysis. The Young's modulus of the PSS polymer was determined to be 6.81 ± 0.44 MPa under dry conditions, 6.37 ± 1.09 MPa in a wet state, and 6.38 ± 0.71 MPa after ethanol washing (70 %). The average contact angle of the PSS film was measured at 88.806 ± 1.644°, indicating moderate hydrophilicity. To investigate the osteogenic potential, a fluid flow inducing a shear stress of 1 Pa at a frequency of 1 Hz was applied to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) cultured on the PSS scaffold. Cells were exposed to dynamic fluid flow for one hour daily on days 4, 5, 6, and 7 of culture, followed by a static culture period of 14 days. The expression of osteogenic differentiation markers, including osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin (OCN), type I collagen, and calcium deposition, was significantly elevated under dynamic conditions compared to static culture. This study highlights the importance of mechanical stimulation in enhancing MSC osteogenesis and underscores the osteoconductive properties of the PSS scaffold. These findings provide valuable insights into scaffold design and mechanical loading strategies for laboratory-based bone tissue engineering applications.

Controlled Tensile Behavior of Pre-Cured PDMS via Advanced Bonding Techniques.

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is extensively employed in applications ranging from flexible electronics to microfluidics due to its elasticity, transparency, and biocompatibility. However, enhancing interfacial adhesion and tensile properties remains a challenge for applications demanding high mechanical stability. To this end, this study introduced a novel bonding technique using crosslinkers as adhesive layers to improve the mechanical performance of PDMS. By adjusting the crosslink density at the PDMS-PDMS interfaces, we achieved substantial improvements in tensile properties and interfacial adhesion. Our findings revealed that, under specific conditions, a particular mixing ratio significantly enhances the elastic modulus and interfacial stability. Notably, the elastic modulus of PDMS with a tailored crosslink density increased by approximately 760% compared to that achieved with a simple bonding method. This study demonstrated an effective strategy for tailoring the interfacial properties of PDMS by adjusting the crosslink density, offering a pathway to enhance material design for applications requiring advanced mechanical performance and stability.

Innovative virtual reality solutions for technical training in heavy construction equipment repair and maintenance

The construction industry is significantly impacted by heavy construction equipment, including bulldozers, excavators, and vehicles. This equipment speeds up building, moves supplies, and builds infrastructure. Using heavy construction equipment correctly can boost productivity and shorten project timelines. Due to their complexity and scale, this equipment must be maintained and repaired. Poor maintenance and repair of heavy construction equipment can reduce performance, damage, and even cause accidents. Due to these problems, this study focuses on the design and development of a simulation training application to enhance the technical skills of workers in maintaining and repairing heavy construction equipment using virtual reality (VR) technology, the development of this application will be carried out using Unreal Engine 5 and thereafter tested and implemented at PT Menara Indonesia or M-Knows Consulting, Indonesia. At the end of this study, the design and development of a VR training simulation application for heavy equipment repair has been successfully completed. After testing the VR application and conducting user acceptance tests, it was concluded that the created VR application greatly assists M-Knows Consulting in training workers to perform maintenance and repair on heavy equipment, with a user acceptance rate of 84%.

A CMOS-based image sensor pixel structure and application design

A CMOS-based image sensor pixel structure and application design

Application design and potential analysis of recover heat from sand mold surface in sand casting cooling stage by using thermoelectric power generation

Application design and potential analysis of recover heat from sand mold surface in sand casting cooling stage by using thermoelectric power generation

Steady state and transient absorption spectroscopy in metal halide perovskites.

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have emerged as the most promising materials due to superior optoelectronic properties and great applications spanning from photovoltaics to photonics. Absorption spectroscopy provides a broad and deep insight into the carrier dynamics of MHPs, and is a critical complement to fluorescence and scattering spectroscopy. However, absorption spectroscopy is often misunderstood or underestimated, being seen as UV-vis spectroscopy only, which can lead to various misinterpretations. In fact, absorption spectroscopy is one of the most important branches of spectroscopic techniques (others including fluorescence and scattering), which plays a critical role in understanding the electronic structure and optoelectrical dynamics of MHPs. In this tutorial, the basic principles of various types of absorption spectroscopy as well as their recent developments and applications in MHP materials and devices are summarized, covering comprehensive advances in steady state and transient absorption spectroscopy. Given the significance of absorption spectroscopy in directing the design of different optoelectronic applications of MHPs, this tutorial will comprehensively discuss absorption spectroscopy, covering wavelengths from optical to terahertz (THz) and microwave, and timescales from femtoseconds to hours, and it specifically focuses on time-dependent steady-state and transient absorption spectroscopy under light illumination bias to study MHP materials and devices, allowing researchers to select suitable characterization techniques.