Everyday Items Research Articles

Transformable Soft Gripper: Uniting Grasping and Suction for Amphibious Cross-Scale Objects Grasping.

Robotic grasping plays a pivotal role in real-world interactions for robots. Existing grippers often limit functionality to a single grasping mode-picking or suction. While picking handles smaller objects and suction adapts to larger ones, integrating these modes breaks scale boundaries, expanding the robot's potential in real applications. This article introduces grasping modes transformable soft gripper capable of achieving amphibious cross-scale objects grasping. Despite its compact and fully scalable design (20 mm in diameter prototype), it morphs into two configurations, gripping objects from 10% (2 mm) to over 1000% (200 mm) of its size, spanning a vast 100-fold range. To enhance its grasping efficacy, we derived theoretical analytical models for the two distinct grasping modes. Subsequently, we present a detailed illustration of the gripper's fabrication process. Experimental validation demonstrates the gripper's success in attaching or detaching everyday items and industrial products, achieving high success rates in both air and underwater scenarios. Amphibious grasping and card manipulation demonstrations underscore the practicality of this transformative soft robotics approach.

Whisperings From The Ordinary: A Conversational Artificial Intelligence (AI) Approach To Bridging The Human-Object Divide

In a world increasingly dominated by connected devices, one realm remains silent: most inanimate objects that surround us. This stark contrast highlights a critical gap in human-environment interaction, one that the present work aims to bridge through the power of intelligent conversation and shared understanding. Traditional IoT methods, while efficient, raise crucial concerns regarding sustainability. Embedding electronics into every object risk exceeding costs and generating substantial e-waste. This necessitates exploration of alternative paradigms that unlock the communicative potential of everyday items without environmental burden. Enter the confluence of object detection and conversational AI. Object detection, encompassing techniques like image classification, empowers machines to perceive their surroundings and make informed decisions based on identified objects. Conversational AI refers to the ability of computers to engage in a natural, human-like dialogue. By fitting in object detection, conversational AI can transform lifeless objects into active and intelligent participants in our lives, fostering a richer relationship with the spaces we inhabit. This paper proposes an AI-powered mobile application that unlocks the communicative potential of everyday items, transforming them from passive elements into active participants in our lives. We are exploring to enhance domestic routines by streamlining daily tasks with object-initiated reminders, proactive maintenance suggestions, and personalized advice. This research delves into the technical aspects, potential applications, and ethical implications of granting voice to the voiceless.

Modified PVDF ultrafiltration membrane with host–guest supramolecular trapping for efficient separation of multiple organic contaminants

In our modern lifestyle, the cocktail of organic pollutants from everyday items, such as hair dyes, cloth dyes, food colours, hair oils, cooking oils, and agricultural proteins, enters water streams through household pipelines. This unnoticed contamination, growing alarmingly, poses a serious challenge beyond the scope of conventional separation techniques, calling for a comprehensive solution. While membrane technology offers a promising solution, it grapples with persistent surface fouling issues. This study introduces a novel approach through the development of extraordinary Polyvinylidene fluoride-Montmorillonite-Cucurbit[6]uril (PVDF-M-CB[6]) mixed matrix membranes, presenting a potential breakthrough in overcoming surface fouling challenges and offering a versatile solution for the separation of an array of organic contaminants. Powered by the synergistic host–guest supramolecular complexation of CB[6] onto montmorillonite (M) clay support, these membranes demonstrate swift and selective encapsulation, leading to superior cationic dye rejection. Adding to the allure, CB[6]’s structure encourages favorable carbonyl interactions with bovine serum albumin (BSA), effectively repelling the protein away from the membrane, while also promoting seamless oil–water emulsion separation with an underwater oil contact angle of 150 ± 3°, displaying its superoleophobic nature and enhancing remarkable antifouling properties. The PV-M-CB[6] membranes showcased 2x removal of cationic dyes, 1.3x removal of anionic dyes, 1.4x oil–water emulsion separation, and 2x BSA separation compared to the pristine polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane. These membranes displayed 98.3 % efficiency in oil–water emulsion separation and sustained a flux recovery ratio of over >75% after seven cycles. Overall, PV-M-CB[6] membranes represent an innovative solution with heightened hydrophilicity, remarkable antifouling performance, and exceptional proficiency in delivering one-stop organic foulant separation.

Photoactive fluorenyl-functionalized polypropylene for high-performance dielectrics

Reducing the impact of polyolefins on the environment is a difficult task not only because of its ubiquity in everyday items, but also because these polymers are used on a massive scale as high-performance materials, for example in electronics and automotive applications. This is the case for polypropylene that behaves as a robust and efficient dielectric in capacitors as a result of its high melting temperature and very low dielectric dissipation factor. The current challenge is to increase its low permittivity, in order to improve energy density and, at the same time, to contribute to the reduction of production, thus progressively increasing the miniaturization of devices.Low content functionalisation has been found to be an efficient route to rise the polypropylene (PP) permittivity, without compromising the mechanical and thermal stability of the material. Recent work has shown that decreasing chain mobility in the amorphous phase is key to maintaining dielectric loss into the low level of PP. This has been achieved by inserting carbazole or N-alkyl pyrrole groups. The former increases the Tg due to their characteristic π-π stacking interactions and both enable tailored crosslinking, UV and thermally activated respectively.The present study analyses the synthesis and thermal and dielectric stabilities of poly-(propylene-co-9-(undec-10-en-1-yl)-9H-fluorene), with fluorene contents up to 3 mol%, as another example of PP grade that has both enhanced Tg and crosslinking potential under UV radiation. Initial results reveal that these materials have a relative permittivity (ɛr) up to 3 and dielectric losses under 0.005. As in the case of carbazole, the strong π-π stacking between fluorene units improves the thermal, mechanical and dielectric responses and also, that further improvement in stability would be possible under appropriate post-processing irradiation conditions.

Conservation of Native American Indigenous collections: views from both sides of the Atlantic

ABSTRACT Originating communities have long contested the ownership, conservation, and care of cultural heritage in museums. From cultural sensitivity to repatriation, human remains to sacred belongings and everyday items to regalia, caring for these collections involves varying levels of controversy. This article focuses on the conservation frameworks in the United States and France, whose legal and administrative aspects differ tremendously. This has a major influence on the application of preservation procedures. The existing literature and some notable projects aimed at resolving such tensions between museums and so-called source communities will be briefly reviewed, directing the reader to previously published sources. The final section presents past and present conservation projects that deal with Native American collections in US and French museums, and assesses commonalities and variations in approaching these issues on either side of the Atlantic.

The Impact of Freeze-Dried Tenebrio molitor Larvae on the Quality, Safety Parameters, and Sensory Acceptability of Wheat Bread.

The research context involves analyzing the potential benefits derived from integrating insect protein into everyday food items. Utilizing methods consistent with established food science protocols, wheat bread was prepared with variations of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% Tenebrio molitor larvae powder, derived from larvae cultivated on brewery spent grain. A substrate selected for its superior nutritional content and a substrate with agar-agar gels were used. The tests included basic bread tests; sugar, acrylamide, amino, and fatty acid (FA) tests; and sensory acceptability. The results have shown that the acrylamide levels in bread with larvae remained below harmful thresholds, suggesting that using T. molitor can be a safe alternative protein source. The incorporation of powdered T. molitor larvae (p-TMLs) into bread was observed to increase certain sugar levels, such as glucose, particularly at higher larval concentrations. The addition of T. molitor significantly raised the protein and fat levels in bread. The inclusion of larvae enriched the bread with essential amino acids, enhancing the nutritional value of the bread significantly. The FA profile of the bread was altered by the inclusion of p-TMLs, increasing the levels of monounsaturated FAs. Despite the nutritional benefits, higher concentrations of larvae decreased the sensory acceptability of the bread. This suggests that there is a balance to be found between enhancing the nutritional content and maintaining consumer appeal. These findings highlight the potential for using p-TMLs as a sustainable, nutritious ingredient in bread making, although the sensory qualities at higher concentrations might limit consumer acceptance.

Pencil and paper electronics: an accessible approach to teaching basic physics concepts

This teaching article describes a simple and low-cost methodology for studying electrical transport and constructing basic sensor devices using everyday stationery items, including pencils, paper, and a handheld multimeter. The approach is designed for high school and undergraduate teachers and offers an easy-to-implement, hands-on method for teaching fundamental concepts in physical electronics. The materials and experiments outlined in this article are widely accessible and can be easily replicated in various teaching labs, even with limited budgets.

Detecting the provenance of price hike in agri-food supply chain using private Ethereum blockchain network

The rise in the cost of essentials affects every nation around the world, but it has become a major concern for developing nations. It is getting increasingly difficult to keep up with rising prices for everyday items in these countries, where the majority of the population is from the middle class or lower middle class. Inflation, pandemics, wars, and other important variables all contribute to price increases. There may be another significant factor at play, which is supply-chain corruption. The supply chain's unreliable, chaotic, and opaque nature is to blame for this corruption. We are concentrating on the agri-food supply chain in our study. Because many of the current agri-food supply chains are intricate and challenging to monitor, dishonest parties can exploit the situation. Therefore, we suggested a thorough blockchain-based agri-food supply chain to identify the source of price increases. The private Ethereum blockchain was used in the suggested system. Since the private Ethereum blockchain is more efficient, safe, and fast, it was chosen. Smart contracts were created to describe the system and its underlying rules and laws. Furthermore, in order to showcase the usefulness of our smart contracts, we exhibited a sample decentralized application to support our hypothesis. We also gave the system a complete security and vulnerability assessment to make sure it is operating properly and is protected from threats and attacks. Due to the use of blockchain, the system is immutable, transparent, and simple to track and monitor. The proposed system has demonstrated greater transparency, traceability, reliability, speed, security, and cost-efficiency compared to conventional systems. It effectively traces the origin of corruption in the supply chain, providing a more straightforward means to tackle concerns related to price hikes.

Edutainment on Display: Enhancing Learning Experiences Through Scientific Dramatizations of Gas Transport

Background: Edutainment describes the confluence of education and entertainment. Also termed dramatization, each participant imitates specific content elements, while the entire group embodies a fundamental concept. It harnesses the engaging nature of theater and enhances learning experiences with gamification. OBJECTIVE: This pilot study aims to use edutainment, in the form of dramatization, to teach cardiovascular topics to young learners and evaluate their engagement in science. HYPOTHESIS: We posit that applying this approach to education will better engage learners of all ages and enhance science learning. Methods: Kids’ Tech University (KTU) is an annual four-day program hosted by Virginia Tech in which children (ages 8-12) participate in interactive sessions about science and technology. During the 2023 event, six groups of four to eight students attended small group discussions to assess understanding of gas transport and learn about the circulatory system. Learners then took part in an activity where they represented red blood cells and traced blood flow through parts of the circulatory system marked by signs in the room (i.e., left atrium, brain). Everyday items—cotton balls and recycled paper—symbolized biological components—oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), respectively. Donning of red and blue party hats symbolized the oxygenation state of blood, enabling visual differentiation and providing more recognizable cues for learning diffcult concepts. The walking speed mirrored blood flow rates across various vessels, resembling arterial (fast) and venous (slow) velocities. Initially, students moved slowly towards the right side of the heart before swiftly transitioning to the lungs for CO2-O2 exchange. Afterward, they moved slowly to the left side of the heart and were propelled to different organs (brain, gallbladder, eyes, etc.) where they facilitated O2-CO2 exchange, and were returned as deoxygenated. The cycle repeated as the students continually discussed the science behind their dramatization. DATA/RESULTS: When studied at the 2023 event, enhanced learning was observed through qualitative assessments, as students were allowed to go through the simulation—first guided and then independently—to reinforce concepts, supplemented by additional discussions. Furthermore, students continued to remain engaged throughout the duration of the activity and expressed positive sentiments about their experience with dramatizations. Additional data will be gathered during another trial of this activity in January at the 2024 KTU to further add to our findings. CONCLUSION: The use of dramatization in teaching the intricacies of the circulatory system to a group of students is effective in cultivating interest and engagement in science learning. Reenacting core concepts using everyday items is an effective teaching tool that should continue to be explored in other settings and areas. This study will continue into 2024 to allow additional data collection. VTCSOM. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Into the wonder – exploring the design of playables

AbstractThis paper explores the concept of 'playables,' defined as tangible objects intentionally designed for immersive play, distinct from traditional utilitarian objects. It delves into how playables, unlike everyday items, transcend functionality, fostering creativity and curiosity in immersive play. It explores how playables differ from acknowledged design principles, drawing upon Dieter Rams and Don Norman. By recognizing the need for distinct design perspectives for playables, the paper contributes to unlocking their potential to enable wonder in immersive play experiences.

Limitations to optimal search in naturalistic active learning.

Optimality in active learning is under intense debate in numerous disciplines. We introduce a new empirical paradigm for studying naturalistic active learning, as well as new computational tools for jointly modeling algorithmic and rational theories of information search. Participants in our task can ask questions and learn about hundreds of everyday items but must retrieve queried items from memory. To maximize information gain, participants need to retrieve sequences of dissimilar items. In eight experiments (N = 795), we find that participants are unable to do this. Instead, associative memory mechanisms lead to the successive retrieval of similar items, an established memory effect known as semantic congruence. The extent of semantic congruence (and thus suboptimality in question asking) is unaffected by task instructions and incentives, though participants can identify efficient query sequences when given a choice between query sequences. Overall, our results indicate that participants can distinguish between optimal and suboptimal search if explicitly asked to do so, but have difficulty implementing optimal search from memory. We conclude that associative memory processes may place critical restrictions on people's ability to ask good questions in naturalistic active learning tasks. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Nordic Bioproducts Group and PTT MCC Biochem team up to advance bioplastics for everyday items

Nordic Bioproducts Group and PTT MCC Biochem team up to advance bioplastics for everyday items

OBT-Trace: An approach to trace and recognition object motion through prosthetic hand gestures

The development of prosthetic hands has advanced significantly in recent years, aiming to provide more intuitive and functional solutions for individuals with upper limb amputations. This research presents a novel approach to prosthetic hand control by integrating 3D hand gesture recognition with object manipulation and recognition capabilities. Our proposed system utilizes a pre-trained object recognition model, based on transfer learning, to enable the prosthetic hand to perceive and identify objects in its vicinity. The model leverages a vast dataset of objects, enabling the prosthetic hand to recognize a wide array of everyday items, thus enhancing its versatility.In addition, the prosthetic hand incorporates a sophisticated 3D hand gesture recognition system, allowing users to control the hand's movements and actions seamlessly. By recognizing specific gestures, such as grasping, lifting, and releasing, users can intuitively interact with their environment and perform various tasks with ease. This research leverages the synergy between gesture recognition and object recognition, creating a powerful framework for prosthetic hand control. The system's adaptability and versatility make it suitable for a broad range of applications, from assisting with daily tasks to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with upper limb amputations.The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of combining 3D hand gesture recognition with pre-trained object recognition through transfer learning. This approach opens up new possibilities for enhancing prosthetic hand functionality and usability, ultimately improving the lives of those who rely on these devices for daily living. The proposed model combines the features of YOLO V7 object detection with pre-trained models. The proposed model achieves 99.8% of accuracy compared to the existing models.

Exposure to the phthalate metabolite MEHP impacts survival and growth of human ovarian follicles in vitro

Phthalates are found in everyday items like plastics and personal care products. There is an increasing concern that continuous exposure can adversely affect female fertility. However, experimental data are lacking to establish causal links between exposure and disease in humans. To address this gap, we tested the effects of a common phthalate metabolite, mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), on adult human ovaries in vitro using an epidemiologically determined human-relevant concentration range (2.05 nM – 20.51 mM). Histomorphological assessments, steroid and cytokine measurements were performed on human ovarian tissue exposed to MEHP for 7 days in vitro. Cell viability and gene expression profile were investigated following 7 days of MEHP exposure using the human granulosa cancer cell lines KGN, and COV434, the germline tumor cell line PA-1, and human ovarian primary cells. Selected differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were validated by RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence in human ovarian tissue. MEHP exposure reduced follicular growth (20.51 nM) and increased follicular degeneration (20.51 mM) in ovarian tissue, while not affecting steroid and cytokine production. Out of the 691 unique DEGs identified across all the cell types and concentrations, CSRP2 involved in cytoskeleton organization and YWHAE as well as CTNNB1 involved in the Hippo pathway, were chosen for further validation. CSRP2 was upregulated and CTNNB1 downregulated in both ovarian tissue and cells, whereas YWHAE was downregulated in cells only. In summary, one-week MEHP exposure of human ovarian tissue can perturb the development and survival of human follicles through mechanisms likely involving dysregulation of cytoskeleton organization and Hippo pathway.

Unravelling the microplastic contamination: A comprehensive analysis of microplastics in indoor house dust

Microplastics (MPs), measuring less than 5 mm, have been causing environmental concerns in aquatic ecosystems, and less work has been done in indoor environments, where humans spend most of their lives. This finding revealed a diverse range of MPs within indoor house dust samples. These MPs encompassed fibres, fragments, foams, pellets and films. Due to the ubiquity of textile-based items, fibres are the most common indoor MP. The MPs have different colours like black, red, blue, yellow, white and brown. The study revealed there were substantial differences in MP sizes across different households. The average size range was 178.87–3713.99 µm. One hundred eighteen particles were identified as MPs. The study identified 22 types of MPs, shedding light on these materials’ extensive sources and applications in everyday household items. MPs in indoor environments raise concerns about potential human exposure and underscore the need for further research into their health implications. The MPs found in most indoor house samples were low-density polyethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, high-density polyethylene and polystyrene. Carbon, nitrogen, fluorine, sodium, sulphur, potassium, calcium, zinc, oxygen and magnesium were the common elements in all indoor house dust samples. Compared with the active sampling, slightly more work has been done on the indoor house dust samples.

Qiang Costumes in Maoxian, Sichuan Province: The Revival of Chinese Minority Identity for Application in Design

The purpose of this investigation was to fulfill three objectives: (1) to study the characteristics, connotations and reflected history and social development of Qiang costumes; (2) to study and analyze the cultural identity of Qiang Costumes for development into local products and (3) to design products inspired by Qiang Costumes in Maoxian County, Sichuan. The focus community was the Qiang people in Maoxian County, Sichuan Province, with the research population including local government workers, product sellers, design experts, and target consumers. Using a mixed-methods approach that combined qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the researchers gathered data through surveys, interviews, observations, and questionnaires. Results show that Qiang fabrics in Maoxian County are characterized by a number of local patterns, including fire, clouds, and flowers. These are incorporated into a rich and distinctive ethnic clothing identity. The researchers designed five everyday items based on the symbolism of Qiang clothing: a keychain, tableware, a bookmark, a fridge magnet, and a phone case. A questionnaire distributed to the target group found that the general level of consumer satisfaction with the products was at a very good level (x = 4.83). This investigation provides invaluable insights into the interplay between cultural preservation and economic development, highlighting the crucial role of integrating traditional Qiang culture into modern product design strategies.

Nanostructured Materials, Structures and Mechanical Properties, Processing and Applications

Nanomaterials are becoming an integral part of high-performance products and services. As technology advances, the possibilities for engineering components with nanomaterials are more numerous, taking advantage of the benefits that these materials have the potential to provide. Nanostructured materials have bulk dimensions with a structure that includes nanoscale features, and have been around for quite some time, hidden in everyday items. More recently, they have been made possible to be analysed and manipulated with increasingly sophisticated instruments and processes. This ability has made them more accessible, however, challenges still remain in the more widespread adoption of these materials for exploiting their advantages. The present paper outlines the position and emergence of nanostructured materials in the broader context of nanomaterials, examining their mechanical properties, production methods and applications.

Hometronics – accessible production of graphene suspensions for health sensing applications using only household items

Nanoscience at times can seem out of reach to the developing world and the general public, with much of the equipment expensive and knowledge seemingly esoteric to nonexperts. Using only cheap, everyday household items, accessible research with real applications can be shown. Here, graphene suspensions were produced using pencil lead, tap water, kitchen appliances, soaps and coffee filters, with a children’s glue-based graphene nanocomposite for highly sensitive pulse measurements demonstrated.

The hidden diet: Synthetic antioxidants in packaged food and their impact on human exposure and health

Synthetic antioxidants (AOs) are commonly used in everyday items and industrial products to inhibit oxidative deterioration. However, the presence of AOs in food packaging and packaged foods has not been thoroughly documented. Moreover, studies on human exposure to AOs through skin contact with packaging or ingesting packaged foods are limited. In this study, we analyzed twenty-three AOs—including synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) and organophosphite antioxidants (OPAs)—along with six transformation products in various food samples and their packaging materials. We found AOs in food products at concentrations ranging from 1.30 × 103 to 1.77 × 105 ng/g, which exceeded the levels in both outer packaging (6.05 × 102–3.07 × 104 ng/g) and inner packaging (2.27 × 102–1.09 × 105 ng/g). The most common AOs detected in foodstuffs were tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate (AO168O), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate (AO1076), together constituting 95.7 % of the total AOs found. Our preliminary exposure assessment revealed that dietary exposure—estimated at a median of 2.55 × 104 ng/kg body weight/day for children and 1.24 × 104 ng/kg body weight/day for adults—is a more significant exposure route than dermal contact with packaging. Notably, four AOs were identified in food for the first time, with BHT making up 76.8 % and 67.6 % of the total BHT intake for children and adults, respectively. These findings suggest that food consumption is a significant source of BHT exposure. The estimated daily intakes of AOs via consumption of foodstuffs were compared with the recommended acceptable daily intake to assess the risks. This systematic investigation into AOs contributes to understanding potential exposure and health risks associated with AOs in packaged foods. It emphasizes the need for further evaluation of human exposure to these substances.

The British Royals in Australia

The British Royals in Australia