Digital Applications Research Articles

Process evaluation of a Structured E-parenting Support (STEPS) in the OPTIMA randomised controlled trial: a protocol.

Structured E-parenting Support (STEPS) is a digital application (app) designed to help parents manage behaviour of their children who are referred to mental health services and are waiting for an assessment or treatment. STEPS is currently being evaluated in the Online Parent Training for the Initial Management of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder randomised controlled trial. Alongside the examination of STEPS' clinical and cost-effectiveness, we are conducting a process evaluation to better understand the contextual factors that may influence study outcomes. The purpose of this protocol is to describe the aims, objectives and methodology of the process evaluation prior to it taking place to add to the fidelity and rigour of the trial process and outcomes. Our goal is to adapt STEPS to optimise its benefits in future applications. In line with the Medical Research Council guidelines for evaluating complex interventions, the process evaluation will adopt a mixed method design using qualitative data collected from clinicians and parent interviews and app usage data from participants assigned to the intervention arm. Qualitative data from semistructured interviews and free text box responses included in trial questionnaires will be analysed thematically using framework analysis to better understand how parents use STEPS, how it works and key factors that could aid or hinder its effective implementation in routine clinical practice. The application for ethical approval for the study was submitted to the North West-Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee and received a favourable opinion on further information on 26 November 2021, reference number 21/NW/0319. The process evaluation aims to explore how a digital app might support parents in managing their child's behaviour. Implications for policy and research will be explored and the clinical implications of offering the app to a wider audience to address the lack of support to parents as highlighted in this paper. We plan to publish findings in international, peer-reviewed journals as well as present at conferences. The trial has been prospectively registered on 18 November 2021; ISRCTN816523503. https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN16523503.

Connecting digital twins to control collections systems and water resource recovery facilities: From siloed to integrated urban (waste)water management

ABSTRACT The use of digital twins is a rapidly emerging field for improved real-time control (RTC) and decision support for the operation of collection systems and water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). Digital twins for collection systems can help minimize the impacts of flow variation due to extreme weather events, attenuate flows to the WRRF, and reduce sewer overflows and the associated effects. Similarly, digital twins for WRRFs can help improve process, energy, and cost efficiency, fully utilise plant volumes, reduce carbon footprint, and support operator training. The current study provides an overview of two digital twin applications for collection systems (Future City Flow) and WRRFs (TwinPlant) and presents a first example of digital twin integration for proactive collection system-WRRF operation under wet-weather conditions. Current applications of the integrated digital twin are described, including (i) proactive implementation of wet-weather operation mode in WRRF based on inflow forecast and (ii) evaluation of the impacts of RTC in collection systems on WRRF performance. Other potential application examples are described together with the challenges related to the use of this solution. Overall, this new approach has a wide potential to support the cooperation within water utilities towards the adoption of integrated wastewater management.

Enhancing sleep health in urban American Indian/Alaska Native adolescents: Implications for culturally tailored interventions.

Urban American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) adolescents are vulnerable to sleep and other health-related disparities due to numerous social drivers, including historical trauma and relocation to urban areas. This study aims to identify strategies to increase protective factors and culturally tailor sleep health interventions for this population. Using community-based participatory research, the NAYSHAW study conducted in-depth interviews with urban AI/AN adolescents aged 12-19 years to understand critical components needed for developing a culturally sensitive sleep health intervention. Data from two qualitative subsamples (N = 46) and parent surveys (N = 110) were analyzed, focusing on factors that affect sleep health behaviors, including parental involvement, technology, and traditional practices. Key findings include the detrimental impact of electronics use at night and protective effects of traditional practices on sleep. Parental involvement in sleep routines varied by adolescent's age. Adolescents desired sleep health education in interactive formats, whereas parents preferred workshops and digital applications for sleep health strategies. Findings suggest that interventions need to address electronics use and should also be culturally tailored to address the unique experiences of urban AI/AN adolescents. Results underscore the importance of utilizing community-based strategies to develop culturally tailored sleep interventions for underserved populations, specifically urban AI/AN adolescents. Integrating traditional practices with evidence-based sleep health strategies can provide a holistic approach to improving sleep and overall well-being. Parental education and involvement will be critical to the success of such interventions.

Research on the impact of digital economic development level on ecological environment

PurposeExploring the intrinsic connection between the ecological environment and the digital economy and empirically testing how the level of digital economic development affects the ecological environment. Using the entropy weighting method to analyze the weights of the indicators in the digital economic development level and ecological environment system to explore the factors that have the greatest impact on the ecological environment in the indicator system of the digital economic development level so as to deepen the theoretical understanding of the relationship between the level of development of the digital economy and the ecological environment. Explore the regional heterogeneity of the level of development of the digital economy to promote the healthy development of China’s ecological environment proving the difference in the level of development of the digital economy in the east west and central regions of China and the difference in the effect on the ecological environment.Design/methodology/approachBased on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2013 to 2021 this paper fits the index system of digital economy development level with three factors. A digital infrastructure digital industry and digital application combines environmental pollution and energy consumption to construct ecological environment indicators and explored the impact of digital economy development level on the ecological environment by using the entropy weight method and the random effect model.FindingsThe findings indicate that the degree of digital economic development has a positive and significant impact on promoting the healthy development of the ecological environment, in which the digital industry has the greatest impact on the ecological environment. Meanwhile, the improvement of industrial structure also has a positive effect on the improvement of the ecological environment, whereas the level of human capital inhibits the healthy development of the ecological environment, and the governmental support fails to effectively and significantly promote the improvement of the ecological environment. Furthermore, the empirical research indicates that the level of digital economy development has obvious regional heterogeneity on the healthy development of the ecological environment: the eastern and central regions have a significant effect, while the western region has a less significant effect.Originality/valueAlthough domestic and foreign scholars and experts have conducted sufficient studies on the ecological environment and the development level of digital economy respectively, there are few studies on the empirical analysis of the positive significance and regional heterogeneity of the impact of the development level of digital economy on the ecological environment, which can be supplemented and referred to in this study. At the same time, it also provides intellectual support for our country to achieve high-quality development of digital economy and efficient governance of ecological environment.

Multifunctional Antimonene-Silver Nanocomposites for Ultra-Multi-Mode and Multi-Analyte Sensing, Parallel and Batch Logic Computing, Long-Text Information Protection.

To simulate life's emergent functions, mining the multiple sensing capabilities of nanosystems, and digitizing networks of transduction signals and molecular interactions, is an ongoing endeavor. Here, multifunctional antimonene-silver nanocomposites (AM-Ag NCs) are synthesized facilely and fused for molecular sensing and digitization applications (including ultra-multi-mode and multi-analyte sensing, parallel and batch logic computing, long-text information protection). By mixing surfactant, AM, Ag+ and Sodium borohydride (NaBH4) at room temperature for 5min, the resulting NCs are comprised of Ag nanoparticles scattered within AM nanosheets and protected by the surfactant. Interestingly, AM-Ag NCs exhibit ultra-multi-mode sensing ability for multiplex metal ions (Hg2+, Fe3+, or Al3+), which significantly improved selectivity (≈2 times) and sensitivity (≈400 times) when analyzing the combined channels. Moreover, multiple sensing capabilities of AM-Ag NCs enable diverse batch and parallel molecular logic computations (including advanced cascaded logic circuits). Ultra-multi-mode selective patterns of AM-Ag NCs to 18 kinds of metal ions can be converted into a series of binary strings by setting the thresholds, and realized high-density, long-text information protection for the first time. This study provides new ideas and paradigms for the preparation and multi-purpose application of 2D nanocomposites, but also offers new directions for the fusion of molecular sensing and informatization.

Impact of Enterprise Digital Transformation on the Efficiency of Total Factor Energy Utilization

With the advent of the information age and the rapid progress of technology, it has become inevitable for enterprises to move towards digital transformation. Energy is one of the most vital material bases for national economic and social development, which plays a vital role in national economic growth. How to use energy efficiently has been the core factor to measure the sustainable development potential of an enterprise. Based on the data of listed companies in China, this paper empirically analyzes the impact of enterprise informatization on energy efficiency from different perspectives. Studies have shown that the degree of enterprise informatization has a direct relationship with its energy efficiency. At present, the overall informatization of enterprises in various regions of China is low. However, with the continuous popularization of digital technology and applications, it has a certain inhibitory effect on enterprise energy consumption, with the effect becoming more and more apparent. Especially during the digital transformation, the role of state-owned enterprises in promoting total factor energy consumption has been more significant. Therefore, from the perspective of digital transformation, it is of great significance to study the energy efficiency of state-owned enterprises. This research explores the significant differences in energy efficiency among various industries, and the adoption of digital transformation strategies will help narrow these differences and further promote energy efficiency improvement across the industry. In addition, through the analysis of typical cases, this topic reveals the main problems faced by enterprises in the process of digital transformation and their causes, which puts forward corresponding countermeasures and suggestions. This study can provide a solid theoretical basis for the positive role played by Chinese enterprises and related departments during the digital transformation.

The effect of digital game-based language learning mobile application on the development of complexity, accuracy, and fluency in foreign language monologic oral production among Chinese learners of English as a foreign language

The study reported the effect of a digital game-based language learning (DGBLL) mobile application “Speaking English Fluently – An Automated Scoring Artificial Intelligent Tutoring System on Spoken English” on the complexity, accuracy, and fluency in foreign language (FL) monologic oral production among 31 second year Chinese university learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). The participants’ monologic oral production was measured in the first (week 1) and last week (week 21) of a semester using the same narrative picture description task. The oral production was audio-recorded and transcribed. Both the transcripts and audio-files were analyzed on the complexity, accuracy, and fluency dimensions. The complexity was measured using the number of Mean (M) words per T-unit, the accuracy dimension was measured using the number of repairs and errors per 100 words; and the fluency dimension was measured via speech rate (i.e., number of words per minute), and M length of pauses. Students were required to download the mobile application and followed the monological practice section twice a week for 30 minutes each time. Using paired sample t-tests, we found that even though the participants’ repair rate and speech rate remained unchanged, they produced more complex monologic speech, had significantly fewer errors, and reduced average length of pauses after 20 weeks treatment using the mobile application, demonstrating a positive effect of the DGBLL mobile application on FL learners’ monologic oral production.

Multilayer knowledge graph construction and learning behavior routing guidance based on implicit relationships of MOOCs

As a mature model of open or distance education, MOOCs provide learners and teachers with flexible knowledge propagation and independent learning methods, facilitate the online resource sharing of teachers, learners and knowledge, and realize the digital management and application of entire learning processes, but also brought the key challenge, how to achieve the adaptive learning behaviors based on knowledge graphs? This study constructs one multilayer knowledge graph prediction model of MOOCs, and implements the implicit relationships to drive suitable learning behavior routes. Firstly, the knowledge graphs in MOOCs are analyzed and described; Secondly, we combine with data structures and relationships, define appropriate node semantics and relationship characteristics, as well as learning behavior scenarios and learning needs, PMIR-BG model based on improved bipartite graph is designed to predict the implicit relationships. Experiments show that the model is efficient and reliable for tracking implicit relationships and building multilayer knowledge graphs; Thirdly, the analysis conclusions of corresponding problems are demonstrated. Through visualizing the knowledge graphs of multilayer relationships, the learning behavior routing guidance is realized. The whole research has strong theoretical value and practical significance, and provides key technologies and decisions to construct and optimize the personalized and adaptive learning processes.

Application of Digital Twin in Electric Vehicle Powertrain: A Review

Digital Twin (DT) is widely regarded as a highly promising technology with the potential to revolutionize various industries, making it a key trend in the Industry 4.0 era. In a cost-effective and risk-free setting, digital twins facilitate the interaction and merging of the physical and informational realms. The application of digital twins spans across different sectors, including aerospace, healthcare, smart manufacturing, and smart cities. As electric vehicles have experienced rapid growth, there is a growing demand for the development of innovative technologies. One potential area for digital twins application is within the automotive sector. The powertrain system of electric vehicles (EVs) consists of three parts, power source, power electronic system, and electric motor, which are considered as the core components of electric vehicles. The focus of this paper is to conduct a methodical review regarding the use of digital twins in the powertrain of electric vehicles (EVs). While reviewing the development of digital twin technology, its main application scenarios and its use in electric vehicle powertrains are analysed. Finally, the digital twins currently encounter several challenges that need to be addressed, and so the future development of their application to electric vehicles are summarized.

Research on the Development and Policies of the Port of Singapore Harbor

The Port of Singapore has long been renowned for its outstanding development and effective policies. This paper delves into a comprehensive study of the key characteristics, infrastructure development, and critical policies formulated by the government for the Port of Singapore. Through both quantitative and qualitative analyses of port development, it reveals the factors contributing to its success as well as the challenges it faces. The paper explores innovative initiatives taken by the Singaporean government in port management, including trade facilitation, digital technology applications, and sustainable development. Emphasizing flexibility in response to changes in the global trade environment highlights the Port of Singapore's ability to maintain competitiveness. Finally, the paper puts forth recommendations to further enhance the competitiveness of the Port of Singapore and foster its position in the global supply chain. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the success of the Singaporean port model, providing valuable insights for the sustainable development of other ports.

A look into the neighboring discipline: eHealth in oncology

Digitalization is dramatically changing the entire healthcare system. Keywords such as artificial intelligence, electronic patient files (ePA), electronic prescriptions (eRp), telemedicine, wearables, augmented reality and digital health applications (DiGA) represent the digital transformation that is already taking place. Digital becomes real! This article outlines the state of research and development, current plans and ongoing uses of digital tools in oncology in the first half of 2024. The possibilities for using artificial intelligence and the use of DiGAs in oncology are presented in more detail in this overview according to their stage of development as they already show anoticeable benefit in oncology.

Sustainability in the Digital Age: Mobile Apps' Role in Food Waste Management

The purpose of the review is to introduce to the latest scientific research about food waste arising and summarize digital technologies and mobile applications’ (apps’) impact on sustainability and how it can be used to minimize food waste throughout consumption stage.

Digital applications for diet monitoring, planning, and precision nutrition for citizens and professionals: a state of the art.

The objective of this review was to critically examine existing digital applications, tailored for use by citizens and professionals, to provide diet monitoring, diet planning, and precision nutrition. We sought to identify the strengths and weaknesses of such digital applications, while exploring their potential contributions to enhancing public health, and discussed potential developmental pathways. Nutrition is a critical aspect of maintaining good health, with an unhealthy diet being one of the primary risk factors for chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Tracking and monitoring one's diet has been shown to help improve health and weight management. However, this task can be complex and time-consuming, often leading to frustration and a lack of adherence to dietary recommendations. Digital applications for diet monitoring, diet generation, and precision nutrition offer the promise of better health outcomes. Data on current nutrition-based digital tools was collected from pertinent literature and software providers. These digital tools have been designed for particular user groups: citizens, nutritionists, and physicians and researchers employing genetics and epigenetics tools. The applications were evaluated in terms of their key functionalities, strengths, and limitations. The analysis primarily concentrated on artificial intelligence algorithms and devices intended to streamline the collection and organization of nutrition data. Furthermore, an exploration was conducted of potential future advancements in this field. Digital applications designed for the use of citizens allow diet self-monitoring, and they can be an effective tool for weight and diabetes management, while digital precision nutrition solutions for professionals can provide scalability, personalized recommendations for patients, and a means of providing ongoing diet support. The limitations in using these digital applications include data accuracy, accessibility, and affordability, and further research and development are required. The integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain technology holds promise for improving the performance, security, and privacy of digital precision nutrition interventions. Multidisciplinarity is crucial for evidence-based and accessible solutions. Digital applications for diet monitoring and precision nutrition have the potential to revolutionize nutrition and health. These tools can make it easier for individuals to control their diets, help nutritionists provide better care, and enable physicians to offer personalized treatment.

Second Language Learning Strategy for Young Learners: Learning Hiragana as A Process in Japanese Language Acquisition

Abstract. Learning strategies in the Japanese language for young learners tend to be applied to children in Japanese mixed-married families or foreign children in Japan. However, this study tried to apply a learning strategy for a young learner who does not have a background in the Japanese environment or experience with Japanese people and culture. This study aims to describe a learning strategy by applying mnemonics to young learners in Japanese language acquisition, particularly in the Japanese character Hiragana. This research used qualitative descriptive design, with research instruments that include researchers, observation forms, and literature sources. The data collected in this study were analyzed using an interpretive approach. This study used a mnemonics-based digital tool application was used to assist the young learner in learning the Japanese character, Hiragana. This study shows that mnemonics can improve young learners' Hiragana acquisition. Learning strategy by applying mnemonics helps the young learner memorize each character and improves associative skills and Japanese vocabulary as a language acquisition process. Some characters are similar and confusing for beginners, and some Japanese characters do not exist in Indonesian, which makes it difficult for learners to pronounce them. The application greatly helps the subject memorize each character and improves associative skills and Japanese vocabulary as a language acquisition process. Through continuous reading practice, the subject can distinguish almost similar characters and help pronounce vocabulary. This application is very effective for parents who want to introduce Hiragana characters to young learners, with intensive reading practice and creating an environment that uses Hiragana.Keywords: learning strategy, mnemonics, Hiragana, young learner, language acquisition

Virtual reality-based training may improve visual memory and some aspects of sustained attention among healthy older adults – preliminary results of a randomized controlled study

Background/AimsOlder age and cognitive inactivity have been associated with cognitive impairment, which in turn is linked to economic and societal burdens due to the high costs of care, especially for care homes and informal care. Emerging non-pharmacological interventions using new technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) delivered on a head-mounted display (HMD), might offer an alternative to maintain or improve cognition. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a VR-based Digital Therapeutics application for improving cognitive functions among healthy older adults.MethodsSeventy-two healthy seniors (experimental group N = 35, control group N = 37), aged 65–85 years, were recruited by the Medical University of Lodz (Poland). Participants were randomly allocated to the experimental group (a VR-based cognitive training which consists of a warm-up module and three tasks, including one-back and dual-N-back) or to the control group (a regular VR headset app only showing nature videos). The exercises are performed in different 360-degree natural environments while listening to a preferred music genre and delivered on a head-mounted display (HMD). The 12-week intervention of 12 min was delivered at least three times per week (36 sessions). Compliance and performance were followed through a web-based application. Primary outcomes included attention and working memory (CNS-Vital Signs computerized cognitive battery). Secondary outcomes comprised other cognitive domains. Mixed linear models were constructed to elucidate the difference in pre- and post-intervention measures between the experimental and control groups.ResultsThe users performed, on average, 39.8 sessions (range 1–100), and 60% performed more than 36 sessions. The experimental group achieved higher scores in the visual memory module (B = 7.767, p = 0.011) and in the one-back continuous performance test (in terms of correct responses: B = 2.057, p = 0.003 and omission errors: B = -1.950, p = 0.007) than the control group in the post-test assessment. The results were independent of participants’ sex, age, and years of education. The differences in CNS Vital Signs’ global score, working memory, executive function, reaction time, processing speed, simple and complex attention, verbal memory, cognitive flexibility, motor speed, and psychomotor speed were not statistically significant.ConclusionsVR-based cognitive training may prove to be a valuable, efficacious, and well-received tool in terms of improving visual memory and some aspect of sustainability of attention among healthy older adults. This is a preliminary analysis based on part of the obtained results to that point. Final conclusions will be drawn after the analysis of the target sample size.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov ID NCT05369897.

Multi-stage cyber-physical fusion methods for supporting equipment’s digital twin applications

Multi-stage cyber-physical fusion methods for supporting equipment’s digital twin applications

Evaluating the integration of traditional gong methods in smart home environment for the recovery of health functions of stroke patients

Since the 21st century, network and mobile communication technology are gradually entering the medical and health services field. Combining body area networks, broad-generation mobile communications, and cloud platforms has made various medical applications for large-scale populations possible. The development of digital medical technology, especially digital telemedicine, is increasingly proving to be an important means of significantly reducing the cost of medical care and access, changing the distribution of medical resources, and improving the overall level of care. To observe the effects of traditional Chinese medicine gongfu combined with rehabilitation therapy on mild depression, anxiety, and functional recovery of activities of daily living (ADL) in patients recovering from stroke, and to provide new treatment methods to improve the function and daily living ability of the group who develop mild depression and anxiety after stroke. In this paper, the digital medical engineering application combining information technology and medical treatment integrates various high-end information technologies such as body domain network and cloud computing to solve the difficulties in the current application one by one, to provide the national people with the system provides “timely”, “local” and “bottomless” remote digital health services to the Chinese people.

Do political connections facilitate or inhibit firms' digital transformation? Evidence from China's A-share private listed companies.

Given the advent of the digital era, digital transformation has become necessary for enterprise development. Political connections are the most important resources for enterprise development in most countries. However, the impact of political connections on corporate digital transformation has yet to be verified. This study uses ERNIE, a large language model, to construct a measurement of corporate digital transformation from the perspective of digital technology application through a textual analysis of the annual reports of A-share privately listed companies from 2008 to 2020 and analyzes the impact of political connections on corporate digital transformation and its mechanism of action. The findings demonstrate that political connections have a significant inhibitory effect on corporate digital transformation. This conclusion still holds after a series of robustness and endogeneity tests. The mechanism analyses demonstrate that political connections primarily affect corporate digital transformation through three mechanisms: weakening risk, inhibiting innovation, and enhancing resource crowding. We theoretically expand the understanding of the economic impact of political connections and provide new ideas for accelerating enterprise digital transformation from the perspective of policy makers.

An evaluation of intelligent and immersive digital applications in eliciting cognitive states in humans through the utilization of Emotiv Insight

The amalgamation of Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) results in the development of many promising applications that are helpful for society in many aspects. This research was done to study the effect of immersive and non-immersive applications on user's psychological parameters. In this paper, an intelligent, interactive, and immersive digital application was designed, and the various psychological parameters of users while using the application were analyzed through the brain computer interactive device, Emotiv. The impact of these robust and immersive applications on the emotions of human beings was analyzed. According to the observations, the stress and relaxation levels are getting minimally affected, whereas the engagement levels are high for an immersive application rather than a non-immersive application. Hence, it can be concluded that immersive applications put users “in” the application environment and provide a near-realistic experience by blurring the line between the real and virtual worlds. Deeper immersion results from the increased sensation of presence, which in turn is helpful in increasing motivation and emotional investment.•This paper demonstrates the implementation of the A* algorithm within the Unity 3D Game Engine to develop an intelligent digital application, fostering interactivity and depth.•This paper explores the integration of VR technology to transform the digital application into an immersive and interactive experience, enhancing user engagement and realism.•This paper investigates the utilization of the Emotiv Insight device to analyze cognitive parameters within both non-immersive AI-based and immersive AI & VR-based applications, providing insights into user experiences.

A Personalized and Interactive Web-Based Advance Care Planning Intervention for Older Adults (Koda Health): Pilot Feasibility Study

Abstract Background Advance care planning (ACP) is a process that involves patients expressing their personal goals, values, and future medical care preferences. Digital applications may help facilitate this process, though their use in older adults has not been adequately studied. Objective This pilot study aimed to evaluate the reach, adoption, and usability of Koda Health, a web-based patient-facing ACP platform, among older adults. Methods Older adults (aged 50 years and older) who had an active Epic MyChart account at an academic health care system in North Carolina were recruited to participate. A total of 2850 electronic invitations were sent through MyChart accounts with an embedded hyperlink to the Koda platform. Participants who agreed to participate were asked to complete pre- and posttest surveys before and after navigating through the Koda Health platform. Primary outcomes were reach, adoption, and System Usability Scale (SUS) scores. Exploratory outcomes included ACP knowledge and readiness. Results A total of 161 participants enrolled in the study and created an account on the platform (age: mean 63, SD 9.3 years), with 80% (129/161) of these participants going on to complete all steps of the intervention, thereby generating an advance directive. Participants reported minimal difficulty in using the Koda platform, with an overall SUS score of 76.2. Additionally, knowledge of ACP (eg, mean increase from 3.2 to 4.2 on 5-point scale; P<.001) and readiness (eg, mean increase from 2.6 to 3.2 on readiness to discuss ACP with health care provider; P<.001) significantly increased from before to after the intervention. Conclusions This study demonstrated that the Koda Health platform is feasible, had above-average usability, and improved ACP documentation of preferences in older adults. Our findings indicate that web-based health tools like Koda may help older individuals learn about and feel more comfortable with ACP while potentially facilitating greater engagement in care planning.