Attractive Research Articles

Comparing the Effectiveness of Dynamic Facades for Natural Daylight and Energy Usage in Buildings

Abstract In this research, we explore the integration of dynamic facades to enhance both aesthetics and energy efficiency in buildings. The study introduces two dynamic facade designs, one employing a triangular shape and the other inspired by origami folds, aiming to compare their effectiveness in optimising natural daylight and overall energy usage. The triangular facade features movable wings that dynamically regulate natural light, balancing visual appeal and practical functionality. Similarly, the origami-inspired design adapts to external conditions, creating a symbiotic relationship between form and function. The research employs Python and Rhino 7 with Honeybee and Pollination plug-ins for a comparative analysis. The evaluation includes Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA300,50) exceeding 55%, Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE1000,250) no more than 10%-20%, and optimal facade opening angles based on daylight factor (df) values. The dynamic facades are examined for their impact on energy efficiency, encompassing factors like natural daylight, and operational energy. Through this analysis, the study aims to determine which dynamic facade design, triangular or origami-inspired, proves superior in optimising natural daylighting and overall energy usage. This research contributes valuable insights into the balance of innovative architectural designs and sustainable energy practices, potentially influencing future building designs.

Physicochemical and sensory characterization of raw tuna muscle for plant-based fish analogs development purposes

Plant-based fish analogs are in trend for their potential to reduce overfishing and for providing enriched dietary options. Tuna is popular for raw food applications, especially the bluefin species group (Thunnus thynnus, T. orientalis and T. maccoyii) and yellowfin (T. albacares). The objective was to characterize the raw muscle of these species, identifying the most important traits and providing reference values for the development of plant-based analogs. Key factors to mimic in raw fish analogs include achieving a protein content of 25 %, emphasizing omega-3 DHA, and incorporating essential micronutrients. Visual attributes, such as color, translucency, and macrostructural aspects must be meticulously replicated. Additionally, capturing the subtle, delicate taste and aroma and replicating instrumental texture measurements are crucial yet challenging. This study highlights the importance of balancing nutrition, taste, texture, and visual appeal together to achieve consumer satisfaction, provides reference values, and establishes a pathway for developing plant-based raw tuna analogs.

Emotional design for pro-environmental life: Visual appeal and user interactivity influence sustainable consumption intention with moderating effect of positive emotion

As the public pursues sustainable consumption patterns, pro-environmental mobile applications are being developed to promote green lifestyles. Ant Forest has attracted a large number of users to participate due to its gamified interactive design. The objectives of this study are to understand the process by which visual appeal and user interactivity in pro-environmental mobile applications influence the user's sustainable consumption intention and to analyse the moderating effect of the user's positive emotion on this process. The researchers constructed a theoretical framework based on the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) theory in this study and used the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) for quantitative analysis with an online questionnaire survey of 586 Ant Forest users. Findings for this study include: 1) Visual appeal shows a large positive effect on the perceived usefulness of Ant Forest; 2) Ant Forest's perceived usefulness shows a significant positive effect on the user's sustainable consumption intention; 3) Ant Forest's perceived usefulness fully mediates the relationship between visual appeal and the user's sustainable consumption intention; 4) Positive emotion moderates the relationship between perceived usefulness and sustainable consumption intention. This study improves the application of the S-O-R theory in emotional design research, while emphasising the importance of optimising the visual appeal of design elements and guiding users' positive emotions in the development of pro-environmental mobile applications. The findings of this study highlight the importance of incorporating positive emotions into visual design for designers and developers of pro-environmental applications, further clarifying the focus of emotional design.

The Effect of Negative User-Generated Content Reviews in the Form of Testimonials on Interest in Visiting Borobudur Temple, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko Palace

Historical tourism in Indonesia, especially destinations such as Borobudur Temple, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko Palace, has great potential to attract both domestic and international tourists. However, negative reviews that come from user-generated content in the form of testimonials are often a factor that can affect the interest of tourist visits. This study aims to analyze the impact of negative reviews on interest in tourist visits to these historical destinations. This study aims to eval_uate the extent to which negative reviews affect interest in tourist visits to three main cultural destinations in Indonesia: Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, and Ratu Boko Palace. This study uses a descriptive quantitative method by collecting data through a survey of 58 respondents who have visited the three destinations. The data was processed using SPSS software to test the validity, reliability, and influence of negative reviews on the interest of tourist visits. The results of the analysis showed that negative reviews did not significantly affect the interest of tourists visiting Borobudur Temple, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko Palace. All three destinations remain the top choice for tourists, despite the negative reviews, mainly due to their strong historical reputation and visual appeal. This study concludes that negative reviews do not have a significant influence on the interest in tourist visits to the historical destinations of Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko Palace. Therefore, destination managers are advised to continue to pay attention to negative reviews as eval_uation material but do not need to worry too much about the impact on tourist visits.

VTUBER PERSONAS IN DIGITAL WAYANG: A REVIEW OF INNOVATIVE CULTURAL PROMOTION FOR INDONESIAN HERITAGE

This study investigates the integration of VTuber into Wayang Digital as a strategic initiative to promote Indonesian cultural heritage. By leveraging advanced technologies such as real-time motion capture and artificial intelligence (AI), the project aims to enhance the animation quality and interaction of VTuber, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for audiences. The research focuses on three key aspects: VTuber integration's effectiveness in attracting international audiences, optimizing real-time motion capture for high-quality animation, and applying AI algorithms to create adaptive, responsive interactions between VTubers and their viewers. Through these innovations, the study aims to enrich the narrative and visual appeal of Wayang Digital, making it more accessible and appealing to a diverse global audience. The findings show that integrating advanced technologies enhances Wayang Digital's storytelling, aesthetics, and effectiveness as a powerful tool for cultural promotion. AI-enabled adaptive interactions create a personalized viewer experience, deepening audience connections with the traditional art form. High-quality animation preserves and effectively communicates Wayang's cultural nuances to audiences, enhancing its impact and cultural promotion. This study underscores the importance of continuous technological innovation and strategic implementation in the preservation and globalization of Indonesian heritage through digital media, suggesting that the future of cultural preservation lies in the seamless integration of tradition with cutting-edge technology.

Blue in Food and Beverages—A Review of Socio-Cultural, Economic, and Environmental Implications

The presented review concerns the cross-disciplinary approaches to the subject of blue food and blue colourants, the socio-cultural aspects of blue food and beverage consumption, human health effects, environmental impact, and economic aspects. Blue colour in relation to food is not only about improving visual appeal, to which the addition of food colouring is usually limited when the food is coloured in some way that does not encourage eating. It is also the rich and complex sociological side related to food, that is, not only the food itself but also the background, dishware, and light, depending on whether we want to encourage—to increase consumption—or discourage—to, for example, reduce the amount of food eaten for dietary purposes. The negative side of consuming and disposing of synthetic dyes and the health-promoting aspects of natural dyes are also mentioned, with the economic and environmental aspects of sourcing natural dyes being discussed. The food industry uses blue dyes not only for consumption, but also for food quality control, taking advantage of the pH-dependent colour change properties of the compound.

The Spatial-Temporal Canvas That We Call the Stage: Text and Performance in Final Solutions

The article studies the significance and function of stage directions in Mahesh Dattani’s Final Solutions (1993). The stage directions propel the play-text to transcend into a performative script. Scholars Jisha Menon (2013) and Aparna Dharwadker (2005) commend Dattani’s ‘innovative’ dramaturgy for realistically representing the urban-middle-class home along with the complex social issues pervading this social milieu. This article argues for their assertion and extends their studies by examining the source of Dattani’s inventive stagecraft – his stage directions. It argues that Dattani challenges the label of dramatic text through his stage construction and stage directions. These directions add theatricality and render a visual appeal to the written text, which acts as a ‘drama’ for the students and critics of literature and a ‘fabel’ or a blueprint for other directors. The ostension of multiple levels of space-time in the text through stage directions reifies the mise-en-scene in the readers’ minds and also foregrounds Dattani’s reformist method of creating a conflict in his readers/audiences’ minds. Using a comparative analysis of the stage directions in the play-text by Dattani and a stage production by the Delhi-based Asmita Theatre under the direction of Arvind Gaur, it foregrounds Dattani’s extravagant and complex construction of the stage. It studies his distinct usage of the stage as a ‘spatial-temporal’ entity and establishes that Dattani’s stage directions are quintessential to his reformist agendas.

Tailoring hydrophobicity and strength in spider silk-inspired coatings via thermal treatments

The advent of advanced coatings has transformed material functionalities, extending their roles from basic coverage and visual appeal to include unique properties such as self-healing, superior hydrophobicity, and antimicrobial action. However, the traditional dependency on petrochemical-derived materials for these coatings raises environmental concerns. This study proposes the use of renewable and alternative materials for coating development. We present the use of bioengineered spider silk-inspired protein (SSIP), produced through recombinant technology, as a viable, eco-friendly alternative due to their ease of processing under ambient pressure and the utilization of water as a solvent, alongside their exceptional physicochemical properties. Our research investigates the effects of different thermal treatments and protein concentrations on the mechanical strength and surface water repellency of coatings on silica bases. Our findings reveal a direct correlation between the temperature of heat treatment and the enhancements in surface hydrophobicity and mechanical strength, where elevated temperatures facilitate increased resistance to water and improved mechanical integrity. Consequently, we advocate SSIPs present a promising, sustainable choice for advanced coatings, providing a pathway to fine-tune coating recipes for better mechanical and hydrophobic properties with a reduced ecological footprint, finding potential uses in various fields such as electronics.

Impacts of government social media on public engagement in low-carbon practices focusing on Japan

This study investigates the role of Government Social Media (GSM) in enhancing public engagement with Low-Carbon Practices (LCP) in Japan. Motivated by the need to foster sustainable development and mitigate climate change impacts, this research utilizes negative binomial regression model analyzing 1022 posts from nine Japanese government social media accounts. Our findings reveal that increased media richness negatively correlates with engagement, suggesting that content depth over visual appeal is more effective for LCP-related communication. Surprisingly, the dialogic loop reduces engagement, indicating complex public reactions to governmental initiatives. Content themes related to governmental actions and LCP information significantly enhance engagement, while emotional valence shows minimal impact. The study introduces 'social media capital' as a moderating factor, which mitigates the negative effects of dialogic loops and media richness on engagement, and influences the impact of content themes. These insights provide a foundation for future research and guide the development of effective public engagement strategies in environmental policy. The study highlights the need for nuanced GSM strategies that prioritize information quality and relevance to increase public participation in low-carbon initiatives.

The indoor thermal environment performance of various air-conditioning system configurations and airflow modes in a large space museum building

Optimizing air distribution in site museums is crucial for the long-term protection of heritage sites and the thermal comfort of visitors and staff. This study examined a site museum, analyzing the traditional suspended ceiling air-conditioning system and proposing a more rational renovation. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulations, the study evaluated the effects of both systems on site protection and thermal comfort. The results indicated that the retrofit scheme could significantly reduce the indoor air velocity and temperature with the same air supply parameters, which would improve human thermal comfort and also reduce the negative impact of temperature and wind speed on the site. Additionally, the retrofit scheme cut air-conditioning energy consumption by 40% and reduced initial investment costs for a unit with a rated airflow of 62,000 m³/h. The optimization of the air-conditioning system ends was also carefully considered, resulting in a safer and easier installation and maintenance process, as well as enhancing the visual appeal of the museum’s interior. The proposed retrofit scheme can provide a reference for the design of air-conditioning systems in similar types of buildings.

Compositional Elements of Photographic Coverage of the Westgate Mall Terrorist Attack

Purpose: Terrorism is a global threat that has prompted extensive research, with mass media playing a crucial role in reporting such events. This study investigated the compositional elements of photographic coverage of the Westgate Mall terrorist attack in Nairobi, Kenya, on September 21, 2013. Methodology: Photographs from the Daily Nation, Standard, and New York Times were analysed. Using qualitative descriptive research and content analysis through MaxQDA software, the study identified patterns and themes in the images, focusing on denotative, stylistic-semiotic, connotative, and ideological representations. Findings: It was found that camera angles, shot proximity, and image sizes were strategically used by photojournalists to convey messages and emotions. Large images on front pages provided visual appeal, while medium and small images added content and facilitated sensationalized storytelling. Shot proximity varied to deliver specific messages, with few close-ups used to avoid evoking sombre emotions or aiding terrorist propaganda. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study contributes to the existing mass media research by highlighting the importance of thoughtful image selection and composition in responsible photojournalism to balance accurate reporting with mitigating potential harm.

A Qualitative Study on Counterfeit Consumption in Kuwait

Purpose: This study explores the phenomenon of counterfeit luxury goods consumption in Kuwait, influenced by high disposable incomes, social status importance, and Islamic norms. The research aims to understand the socio-psychological motivations behind purchasing counterfeit luxury products.Study design/methodology/approach: Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and netnography. Semi-structured interviews provided in-depth exploration of participants' experiences, while netnography captured real-time online interactions and discussions.Sample and data: The study involved semi-structured interviews with 21 participants familiar with counterfeit luxury brands, predominantly under 30 years old. Additionally, 372 comments were collected from Instagram for the netnographic analysis to understand consumer behaviors and attitudes.Results: The study reveals that socio-psychological factors significantly impact counterfeit product consumption. Social conformity and public image influence counterfeit luxury consumption in Kuwait. Fashion consciousness and financial considerations, prioritizing visual appeal and cost savings over authenticity, are also highlighted. The hedonic experience associated with buying and using counterfeit products emerged as a significant motivator.Originality/value: This research provides a nuanced understanding of counterfeit consumption within a unique cultural and religious context, contributing to the limited literature on the subject in the Middle East. It offers insights for policymakers and brand managers to develop strategies addressing this issue.Research limitations/implications: The qualitative nature and convenience sampling limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research could expand to include different socio-economic backgrounds for a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.

Integrated high-precision real scene 3D modeling of karst cave landscape based on laser scanning and photogrammetry

In recent years, the application of real scene 3D technology has become widespread in urban planning and cultural heritage protection. However, there has been relatively little attention paid to the construction of real scene 3D models for special natural landscapes such as caves. Given the global distribution of karst topography and the large number of naturally developed caves with diverse types, unique landscape styles, and significant scientific value, this paper enriches the research in this field. By combining ground-based and aerial remote sensing techniques, and based on 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry, we have successfully constructed a real scene 3D model of the internal structure of a karst cave with a precision better than 4 cm. Utilizing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) oblique photography, we established a real scene 3D model of the external karst landform with a precision better than 2 cm. We also integrated the internal and external 3D models of the cave, developing a new, complete, and high-precision method for constructing real scene 3D models of karst cave landscapes. Furthermore, we proposed a method for texture reproduction in the dark environment inside the caves, enhancing the reproduction and visual appeal of the real interior. The establishment of high-precision real scene 3D models can not only serve as an effective tool for scientific research on caves but also, as replicas of the real world, play a crucial role in public dissemination and education, thereby enhancing public understanding of cave geological landscapes.

Genome-wide association study of appearance quality traits and development of KASP makers in vegetable soybean

Vegetable soybean [(Glycine max (L.) Merr.], commonly referred to as edamame, holds significant agricultural importance in China as a legume vegetable harvested at the pod-filling stage (R6). The visual appeal of vegetable soybeans, crucial for consumer preference and marketability, depends on factors such as pod length, pod width, and pod color. This study cultivated 264 vegetable soybeans in Nanjing, Huai'an, and Nantong to assess pod traits using PlantPhenoM, a system for pod phenotypic identification and analysis. Results revealed a variability range of 8.64 to 30.00% in appearance quality traits among vegetable soybeans. Leveraging phenotypic data and employing a genome-wide association study (GWAS) we identified 525 SNPs significantly linked to appearance quality traits in different regions. In addition, candidate genes (Glyma.04G004700, Glyma.15G051600, Glyma.18G225700, Glyma.18G225900, and Glyma.18G272300) associated with target traits were identified, and KASP markers for S04_372771 (pod length), S18_51477324 (pod width), and S18_55553200 (pod color) were developed, respectively. This research offers valuable insights for breeding superior vegetable soybean varieties and lays the groundwork for exploring candidate genes and molecular markers related to appearance and quality traits in vegetable soybeans.

Exploring the Effects of Intercropping Ornamental Plants on Soil Fertility and Microbial Community in Tea Gardens: Implications for Sustainable Growth and Ecosystem Functioning

Intercropping of ornamental flowering plants like Lycoris radiata Herb. and Cuphea hookeriana Walp. with tea trees can enhance the visibility and esthetic appeal of tea gardens. However, there has been limited research of the impact of intercropping ornamental flowering plants with tea trees on the soil in tea gardens. During this study, our objective was to analyze the effects of intercropping systems on tea garden soil by examining the physicochemical properties of rhizosphere soil samples from tea gardens intercropped with L. radiata and C. hookeriana. We also performed rhizosphere microbial metagenomic sequencing to assess the microbial community structure. The results revealed significant improvements in soil physicochemical indicators, particularly pH. Although intercropping systems had minor impacts on bacterial diversity and abundance, they had more pronounced effects on the community structure of microorganisms at the phylum and genus levels. Furthermore, an analysis of microbial functions using Functional Annotation of Prokaryotic Taxa (FAPROTAX) revealed enrichment of carbon and nitrogen cycling pathways in the tea garden soil. Our findings indicated that intercropping practices have the potential to enhance the visual appeal of tea gardens while improving soil fertility and modulating the microbial community structure. These results contribute to our understanding of intercropping strategies and the implications of intercropping for tea tree growth and ecosystem functioning.

Effects of different fermentation processes on cooking and eating quality of brown rice noodles

While brown rice noodles are nutritionally dense, their subpar cooking and eating attributes render them unpalatable to consumers. Fermentation serves as a viable method to enhance food quality and taste. In our previous study, the quality of brown rice noodles was notably enhanced through solid-state fermentation of rice flour (SFRF) with Limosilactobacillus fermentum. In this study, we investigated the impact of SFRF, solid-state fermentation of rice grains (SFRG), and liquid-state fermentation of rice grains (LFRG) on the cooking attributes, sensory qualities, and processing characteristics of brown rice noodles (BRN). The findings indicated that the quality of brown rice noodles (BRN) could be notably enhanced through the application of these three fermentation techniques. In comparison to the BRN produced via SFRF and LFRG, the rice noodles processed using SFRG exhibited superior visual appeal, reduced cooking losses (4.87%), minimal breakage rates (4.00%), and enhanced taste profile. Following fermentation, the gelatinization temperature (Tp) and peak viscosity of rice flour decreased, with SFRG demonstrating the lowest gelatinization temperature. Pasting and rheological assessments revealed that solid-state fermentation of rice grains led to a reduction in the pasting viscosity of rice flour by hindering starch granule swelling and disintegration. In summary, noodles processed through SFRG exhibited enhanced cooking and sensory characteristics, luminosity (L*), and superior gel structure.

Beyond Clicks: Enhancing Live Shopping Experiences with Visual Appeal, Social Support, and Purchase Intent Sparks

Beyond Clicks: Enhancing Live Shopping Experiences with Visual Appeal, Social Support, and Purchase Intent Sparks

Assessment of cantilevered curtain wall system supported by tension rods for an enclosed circular building

Curtain wall systems have undergone significant advancements to meet the evolving architectural requirements and achieve aesthetic appeal and functionality in buildings worldwide. These non-structural enclosures, typically constructed with lightweight materials like glass or metal panels, contribute to the visual appeal of high-rise structures while providing numerous benefits, such as ample natural light and unobstructed views. The current paper focuses on analyzing and designing a cantilevered curtain wall system supported by tension rods for the auditorium façade at a simulation centre. The curtain wall surrounds the entire primary structure of the building, which has a circular layout. The study uses numerical modeling with the Robot software to analyze stresses and deflections in the glass, tension rods, mullions, and transoms while considering a wind load of 1.6 kPa. According to the findings, tempered laminated glass that is 19.52 mm thick satisfies the Ultimate Limit States (ULS) and Serviceability Limit States (SLS). Under the limit states, the Technal system (FM169) reinforced with steel tubes can transfer the design loads. The steel framing system that supports the tension rods and transfers the load of the curtain wall to the main structure is likewise considered safe. The structural integrity of the curtain wall is ensured by the prescribed requirements for the connections, which include a 5 mm fillet weld with a throat thickness of 3.5 mm, 20 mm diameter tension rod (Kin long system), and 8 mm thick MS plates with channel brackets. This research expands the practical application of cantilevered curtain wall systems of buildings with enclosed circular layouts.

Authenticity matters: investigating virtual tours’ impact on curiosity and museum visit intentions

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of virtual museum tours on intentions to visit on-site museums. Furthermore, the role of an authentic virtual tour experience and its drivers is examined.Design/methodology/approachThe results of two studies, a field study in collaboration with one of the most renowned museums in Austria (n = 227) and an online survey (n = 153), were analyzed with a series of mediation models.FindingsVisual appeal and narrative quality were significant drivers of an authentic virtual tour experience. Curiosity mediated the positive effect of virtual tour usage intention on on-site museum visit intention.Originality/valueAlthough virtual reality has been considered a promising marketing tool in tourism, no research has explored the drivers of an authentic virtual tour experience. The findings of this study not only add new insights into the role of a virtual tour’s visual appeal and narrative quality in generating authentic experience and thus prompting virtual tour usage intentions but also demonstrate that virtual tours positively impact on-site visit intentions driven by curiosity.

Advancements in Non-Thermal Processing Technologies for Enhancing Safety and Quality of Infant and Baby Food Products: A Review.

Breast milk is the main source of nutrition during early life, but both infant formulas (Ifs; up to 12 months) and baby foods (BFs; up to 3 years) are also important for providing essential nutrients. The infant food industry rigorously controls for potential physical, biological, and chemical hazards. Although thermal treatments are commonly used to ensure food safety in IFs and BFs, they can negatively affect sensory qualities, reduce thermosensitive nutrients, and lead to chemical contaminant formation. To address these challenges, non-thermal processing technologies such as high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, radio frequency, and ultrasound offer efficient pathogen destruction similar to traditional thermal methods, while reducing the production of key process-induced toxicants such as furan and 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (HMF). These alternative thermal processes aim to overcome the drawbacks of traditional methods while retaining their advantages. This review paper highlights the growing global demand for healthy, sustainable foods, driving food manufacturers to adopt innovative and efficient processing techniques for both IFs and BFs. Based on various studies reviewed for this work, the application of these novel technologies appears to reduce thermal processing intensity, resulting in products with enhanced sensory properties, comparable shelf life, and improved visual appeal compared to conventionally processed products.