Innovative Method Research Articles

Manufacturing of Fe/C micro-electrolysis materials with the pyrite cinder towards the degradation of high-concentration organic wastewater

Large volumes of pyrite cinder (PyC) was produced about 12 million tons/a in China but the utilization rate is low. In this work, an innovate method has been developed to utilize the hazardous pyrite cinder for manufacturing Fe/C micro-electrolysis materials, which can be used to degrade high-concentration organic wastewater. The effects of preparation conditions on degradation performance of materials were investigated based on the removal rate of chemical oxygen demand (COD) from the simulated methylene blue wastewater containing 500 mg/L initial COD. The results demonstrated that the impressive COD degradation of ICMEM reached 94.37 % within 120 min under manufacturing at 950℃ for 75 min via carbothermal reduction of PyC pellets with 15 % carbon addition. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and chemical phase were used to reveal that the formation of Fe0 and Cu0 resulted in the creation of numerous galvanic cells with carbon and effectively facilitating the degradation of methylene blue. This research presents an innovative approach towards cost-effective PyC recycling and he degradation of methylene blue in wastewater.

Innovative methods of teaching used by contemporary teachers in grades I–III of primary schoolInnovative methods of teaching used by contemporary teachers in grades I–III of primary school

Współczesny system edukacyjny nastawiony jest na poszukiwanie metod pracy optymalnych zarówno dla ucznia, jak i nauczyciela. Mają one w pełni wykorzystać potencjał rozwojowy dzieci poprzez atrakcyjną i skuteczną organizację procesu dydaktyczno-wychowawczego. Podkreśla się zmianę organizacji pracy nauczyciela z uczniem. Odchodzi się od systemu tradycyjnego, który opierał się przede wszystkim na przekazywaniu wiedzy i kontroli stopnia jej opanowania, a wprowadza system bardziej przyjazny i otwarty dla dziecka, który opiera się na nowatorskich metodach aktywizujących, wykorzystujących nowoczesne technologie informacyjne. Istotą współczesnego kształcenia staje się wszechstronna aktywizacja ucznia poprzez kreatywną pracę nauczyciela. Na poziomie edukacji wczesnoszkolnej bardzo intensywnie kształtuje się charakter i osobowość każdej jednostki, dlatego ważnym zadaniem nauczycieli jest odpowiedni dobór treści wychowawczych i właściwy sposób ich realizacji, także dobór odpowiednich metod aktywizujących i działań innowacyjnych.

Interactomic exploration of LRRC8A in volume-regulated anion channels

Ion channels are critical in enabling ion movement into and within cells and are important targets for pharmacological interventions in different human diseases. In addition to their ion transport abilities, ion channels interact with signalling and scaffolding proteins, which affects their function, cellular positioning, and links to intracellular signalling pathways. The study of “channelosomes” within cells has the potential to uncover their involvement in human diseases, although this field of research is still emerging. LRRC8A is the gene that encodes a crucial protein involved in the formation of volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs). Some studies suggest that LRRC8A could be a valuable prognostic tool in different types of cancer, serving as a biomarker for predicting patients’ outcomes. LRRC8A expression levels might be linked to tumour progression, metastasis, and treatment response, although its implications in different cancer types can be varied. Here, publicly accessible databases of cancer patients were systematically analysed to determine if a correlation between VRAC channel expression and survival rate exists across distinct cancer types. Moreover, we re-evaluated the impact of LRRC8A on cellular proliferation and migration in colon cancer via HCT116 LRRC8A-KO cells, which is a current topic of debate in the literature. In addition, to investigate the role of LRRC8A in cellular signalling, we conducted biotin proximity-dependent identification (BioID) analysis, revealing a correlation between VRAC channels and cell-cell junctions, mechanisms that govern cellular calcium homeostasis, kinases, and GTPase signalling. Overall, this dataset improves our understanding of LRRC8A/VRAC and explores new research avenues while identifying promising therapeutic targets and promoting inventive methods for disease treatment.

Design of a transistor‐based broadband high‐efficiency class‐F−1 rectifier

AbstractThis brief proposes an innovational method to design a broadband high‐efficiency transistor‐based rectifier with high rectification efficiency. The theory of the class‐F−1 rectifier with the input second harmonic component is explored. Moreover, the mathematical variations of rectification efficiency and load/source impedances versus several crucial design parameters are established. The variation relationships indicate that the rectification efficiency can roughly maintain constant across a large input second harmonic range, resulting in more available design impedances. Thus, this provides the possibility to design wideband rectifiers. For validation, a broadband high‐efficiency class‐F−1 rectifier (operating in 1.6–2.6 GHz) using a GaN transistor is designed, assembled, and measured. Measurements indicate a rectification efficiency of between 72.1% and 82.4% under the condition of Rdc = 67 Ω and Pin = 40 dBm. The realized rectifier exhibits the largest relative bandwidth compared with transistor‐based rectifiers reported before. The methodology presented in this brief provides a promising approach for broadband high‐efficiency GaN HEMT‐based rectifiers.

Lessons from Developing a Rubric for Evaluating Need Statements on Health Technology Innovation Projects

In design-oriented biomedical engineering courses, some instructors teach need-driven methods for health technology innovation that use a “need statement” to reflect a student team’s hypothesis about the most fruitful direction for their project. While need statements are of the utmost importance to the projects, we were not aware of any comprehensive rubric for helping instructors evaluate them. Leveraging resources such as the Biodesign textbook along with input from faculty teaching health technology design at our university, we created a rubric for evaluating the construction of need statements. We then introduced the rubric to undergraduate students in a 3-week intersession course in fall 2023. Afterward, we used the rubric to compare the de-identified final need statements from 2023 to the de-identified final need statements from students in the course in 2022 and 2021. Our assumption that need statements from 2023 would score better against the rubric than those from previous years proved not to be the case. However, we gleaned valuable lessons about the role of rubrics in supporting student learning and increasing alignment among faculty, as well as insights about rubric development and areas for future study. In this article, we also share the initial version of the rubric so that other instructors can adapt and improve upon it for their own courses.

A novel heat integrated double extractive divided-wall column avoiding vapor recompression system in water purification from petrochemical

The chemical plant produces wastewater with tetrahydrofuran (THF), methanol, and water, which form two energy-intensive binary azeotropes. With this aim, this research introduces a novel extractive divided-wall column (DWC) to efficiently separate water from the THF-methanol mixture. The study utilizes a combination of a solvent and steam, leading to the creation of a double extractive DWC (DEDWC) as the foundational model. A key innovation of this study is the recovery and reuse of waste heat from the column's top vapor through vapor recompression, which is used for further separation. While this method requires a significant initial compression ratio and, by extension, a considerable capital investment, the study introduces a heat integration system to mitigate these costs. This system raises the vapor temperature by combining it with the heated solvent (bottom product) and strategically employing intermediate steam-driven reboilers. This inventive method, known as the heat-integrated DEDWC (HiDEDWC), notably increases the vapor temperature by 15 K beyond the reboiler liquid. Impressively, HiDEDWC demonstrates a remarkable improvement in energy and cost efficiency over the standard DEDWC and the version with vapor recompression. Specifically, HiDEDWC achieves an impressive energy saving of 52.81% and reduces the total annual cost by 52.11% compared to DEDWC.

Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence Medical Waste Classification System and Method

There are four categories of medical waste that cannot be mixed as this will cause serious problems suchas environmental pollution or infection. In the past, the classification of medical waste often involved a lot ofhuman and material resources to process, with workers at risk of exposure to infectious substances. Therefore, an augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) medical waste classification system and method were developed. This innovative medical waste classification system and method combines AR and AI identification technology to reduce the risk of manual judgment errors by clinical staff when handling medical waste.

Appraisal of Green Communication Technology Deployment in Nigeria

The idea behind “green” processes and technologies is the use of upgraded, ecologically friendly processes and technologies in a way that preserves natural resources and doesn’t disturb the environment. Clean technology and environmental technology are other names for green technology. These days, most governments take steps to promote these technologies because of their value. Governments therefore suggested a number of financial incentives that produce electricity using renewable resources. As its primary objective, green technologies seek to address societal demands while minimizing the use of natural resources and causing no harm to them. The idea is to create materials that are entirely recyclable or reusable. Green technology generates energy through novel and inventive methods. The goal of green communication is to explore sustainability in relation to energy efficiency, the environment, and communication goals. Green communications have an obligation to promote ecological network equipment and systems and to fortify corporate environmental responsibility. The paper presents Nigeria renewable green energy sources, green electronics, recycling, communication technology areas of application. The paper also presents a careful consideration of materials and methods to ensure the chosen deployment are environmentally sustainable. Despite the challenges, utilizing green ICT methods in Nigeria is not just a choice, it is essential for a number of advantageous causes as people throughout the world become more environmentally aware, implementing green ICT practices can improve Nigeria’s standing internationally. It will demonstrate the nation’s dedication to sustainability.

Exploring systemic design practices in public sector innovation

Many societal challenges need to be resolved through innovative solutions at system level. Previous scholars have argued that it may be wise to combine design practice and system theory to form a management method for public sector innovation. However, it appears that few scholars have developed innovation management methods based on that combination. The aim of this article is therefore to contribute with new knowledge about how design practice and system theory can be combined in order to drive public sector innovation. The article proposes the development of a previously proposed systemic design management model and presents a toolbox with twelve innovation management tools. Although there is a logic in using the tools in a certain order, this article emphasizes the need for a flexible use of the tools and to be open to moving back and forth between different tools. The results also indicate that an initial key tool is to ensure that the right people become involved in the different phases of the innovation process. It is more important to involve the right people in different phases than to follow a specific pre-designed process model. In order to successfully create and implement innovative solutions at system level, the innovation processes need to engage different human resources for different tools. Different resources that understand the needs can contribute with new perspectives and also possess the mandate to make systemic changes.

Management of Cardiovascular Diseases by Short-Chain Fatty Acid Postbiotics.

Global health concerns persist in the realm of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), necessitating innovative strategies for both prevention and treatment. This narrative review aims to explore the potential of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-namely, acetate, propionate, and butyrate-as agents in the realm of postbiotics for the management of CVDs. We commence our discussion by elucidating the concept of postbiotics and their pivotal significance in mitigating various aspects of cardiovascular diseases. This review centers on a comprehensive examination of diverse SCFAs and their associated receptors, notably GPR41, GPR43, and GPR109a. In addition, we delve into the intricate cellular and pharmacological mechanisms through which these receptors operate, providing insights into their specific roles in managing cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, and stroke. The integration of current information in our analysis highlights the potential of both SCFAs and their receptors as a promising path for innovative therapeutic approaches in the field of cardiovascular health. The idea of postbiotics arises as an optimistic and inventive method, presenting new opportunities for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases.

The Application of Bridge Monitoring Projects Exploiting Time Series Data of Structural Health Monitoring

Since the first attempts of Structural Health Monitoring the Vienna Consulting Engineers (VCE) have been involved to advance the BRIMOS technology which offers a wide range of services to engineers and operators of infrastructure networks. Over the last decade the dynamic behavior of hundreds of structures has been measured and evaluated. However, the current practice in Structural Health Monitoring is still a case to case approach which needs a lot of experience for proper interpretation and assessment of the investigated objects. The integration of new technologies is wanted to support and automate the evaluation process as well as increase the objectivity within the assessment routines. This paper shall indicate the need for innovate methods and tools from a user’s point of view and gives a short insight to the workflow and infrastructure of BRIMOS. The efforts which are undertaken within the BRIMOS infrastructure show the approach towards the application of data mining instruments to benefit for future and also from past monitoring projects. Datamining, Time Series Analysis, Knowledge Base, Structural Health Monitoring

TG-SPRED: Temporal Graph for Sensorial Data PREDiction

This study introduces an innovative method aimed at reducing energy consumption in sensor networks by predicting sensor data, thereby extending the network’s operational lifespan. Our model, Temporal Graph Sensor Prediction (TG-SPRED), predicts readings for a subset of sensors designated to enter sleep mode in each time slot, based on a non-scheduling-dependent approach. This flexibility allows for extended sensor inactivity periods without compromising data accuracy. TG-SPRED addresses the complexities of event-based sensing—a domain that has been somewhat overlooked in existing literature—by recognizing and leveraging the inherent temporal and spatial correlations among events. It combines the strengths of Gated Recurrent Units and Graph Convolutional Networks to analyze temporal data and spatial relationships within the sensor network graph, where connections are defined by sensor proximities. An adversarial training mechanism, featuring a critic network employing the Wasserstein distance for performance measurement, further refines the predictive accuracy. Comparative analysis against six leading solutions using four critical metrics—F-score, energy consumption, network lifetime, and computational efficiency—showcases our approach’s superior performance in both accuracy and energy efficiency.

Elevating metaverse virtual reality experiences through network‐integrated neuro‐fuzzy emotion recognition and adaptive content generation algorithms

AbstractInteractions between individuals and digital material have completely changed with the advent of the Metaverse. Due to this, there is an immediate need to construct cutting‐edge technology that can recognize the emotions of users and continuously provide material that is relevant to their psychological states, improving their overall experience. An inventive method that combines natural language processing adaptive content generation algorithms and neuro‐fuzzy‐based support vector machines natural language processing (SVM‐NLP) is proposed by researchers to meet this demand. With this merging, the Metaverse will be able to offer highly tailored and engaging experiences. Initially, a neuro‐fuzzy algorithm was developed to identify people's emotional moods from their physiological reactions and other biometric information. Fuzzy Logic and Support Vector Machine work together to manage the inherent ambiguity and unpredictability, which results in a more exact and accurate categorization of emotions. A key component of the ACGA is NLP technology, which uses real‐time emotional data to dynamically modify and personalize characters, stories, and interactive features in the Metaverse. The novelty of the proposed approach lies in the innovative integration of neuro‐fuzzy‐based SVM‐NLP algorithms to accurately recognize and adapt to users' emotional states, enhancing the Metaverse experience across various applications. The proposed method is implemented using Python software. This adaptive approach significantly enhances users' immersion, emotional involvement, and overall satisfaction within the augmented reality environment by tailoring information to their responses. The findings show that the SVM‐NLP emotion identification algorithm based on neuro‐fuzzy, has a high degree of accuracy in recognizing emotional states, which holds promise for creating a Metaverse that is more emotionally compelling and immersive. Stronger human–computer interactions and a wider range of applications, including virtual therapy, educational resources, entertainment, and social media networking, might be made possible by integrating SVM‐NLP. These sophisticated systems are around 92% accurate in interpreting the emotions.

Innovative learning methods of Islamic education subject in Indonesia: a meta-analysis

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of innovative learning methods in the Islamic education (ISE) subject on learning motivation, learning activity, and learning achievement of students in the elementary and secondary schools in Indonesia. This study employed the meta-analysis method which is among the quantitative research approach. There were 47 literatures that eligible to be included in the database. Results revealed that, for the learning motivation variable, effect size value in the form of odds ratio was significantly higher than 1.0 (average 3.008 [2.020-4.480]; P<0.001). For the learning activity variable, effect size value was significantly higher than 1.0 (average 2.905 [2.113-3.994]; P<0.001). For the learning achievement variable, effect size value was significantly higher than 1.0 (average 4.941 [4.136-5.903]; P<0.001). These indicated that innovative learning methods were able to elevate learning motivation, activity and achievement. There were no significant differences among the categories within most of the sub-groups, except for the sub-group of cycle, in which cycle 2 showed higher learning achievement than that of cycle 1 (P<0.05). It can be concluded that innovative learning methods are able to elevate learning motivation, learning activity, and learning achievement of students at elementary and secondary schools to study the Islamic education subject. Future work should address the interaction between each particular innovative learning method and the ISE specific topic.

Portable smart attendance system on Jetson Nano

The masked face recognition-based attendance management system is an important biometric-based attendance tracking solution, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the use of various methods and techniques for face detection and recognition, there currently needs to be a system that can accurately recognize individuals while they are wearing a mask. This system has been designed to overcome the challenges of widespread mask use, impacting the effectiveness of traditional face recognition-based attendance systems. The proposed system uses an innovative method that recognizes individuals even while wearing a mask without the need for removal. With its high compatibility and real-time operation, it can be easily integrated into schools and workplaces through an embedded system like the Jetson Nano or conventional computers executing attendance applications. This innovative approach and its compatibility make it a desirable solution for organizations looking to improve their attendance-tracking process. The Experimental results indicates using maximum resources possible the execution time needed on Jetson Nano is 15 to 22 seconds and 14 to 18 seconds respectively and the average frame capture if there are at least one face detected on Jetson Nano is 3-4 frames.

Exploring the synergy between instructional design models and learning theories: A systematic literature review

To enhance education, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into integrating instructional design models (IDMs) and learning theories in this systematic literature review. We methodically selected and analyzed 25 publications from a pool of 1,102 documents using the preferred reportinfg items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses framework to guarantee a rigorous and systematic approach to literature selection. Our results demonstrate the worldwide span of study on this topic, including contributions from prestigious academic institutions and scholarly journals. This examination explores both the benefits and drawbacks of combining IDMs with learning theories. Noteworthy positives include increased student motivation, support for innovative teaching methods, and the development of complex and diverse learning environments. However, several shortcomings were observed. most notably relating to accessibility problems, evaluation difficulties, and questions about the adaptability of such integrated techniques. Our findings have implications for a broad range of stakeholders, including educators, instructional designers, and students functioning in a variety of educational contexts. The increase of learner motivation, the creation of novel pedagogical tools, the refining of teacher training programs, and the promotion of interdisciplinary learning methods are significant areas of focus. In addition, our evaluation uncovered a number of gaps in the current literature, indicating intriguing possibilities for future research. The examination of holistic learning environments, the untapped potential of integrated systems, the incorporation of educational robots into pedagogical tactics, and the refining of schema assessment approaches are notable research fields. By providing these insights, this systematic review not only adds to the current body of knowledge, but also has the potential to shape the future trajectory of educational practices, so acting as a significant resource for boosting learning outcomes in a variety of educational environments.

Assessing an innovative method to promote learning from patient narratives: Findings from a field experiment in ambulatory care.

To assess whether an online interactive report designed to facilitate interpretation of patients' narrative feedback produces change in ambulatory staff learning, behavior at the individual staff and practice level, and patient experience survey scores. We studied 22 ambulatory practice sites within an academic medical center using three primary data sources: 333 staff surveys; 20 in-depth interviews with practice leaders and staff; and 9551 modified CG-CAHPS patient experience surveys augmented by open-ended narrative elicitation questions. We conducted a cluster quasi-experimental study, comparing 12 intervention and 10 control sites. At control sites, narratives were delivered free-form to site administrators via email; at intervention sites, narratives were delivered online with interactive tools for interpretation, accompanied by user training. We assessed control-versus-intervention site differences in learning, behavior, and patient experience scores. Staff surveys and interviews were completed at intervention and control sites, 9 months after intervention launch. Patient surveys were collected beginning 4 months pre-launch through 9 months post-launch. We used control-versus-intervention and difference-in-difference analyses for survey data and thematic analysis for interview data. Interviews suggested that the interface facilitated narrative interpretation and use for improvement. Staff survey analyses indicated enhanced learning from narratives at intervention sites (29% over control sites' mean of 3.19 out of 5 across eight domains, p < 0.001) and greater behavior change at staff and practice levels (31% and 21% over control sites' means of 3.35 and 3.39, p < 0.001, respectively). Patient experience scores for interactions with office staff and wait time information increased significantly at intervention sites, compared to control sites (3.7% and 8.2%, respectively); however, provider listening scores declined 3.3%. Patient narratives presented through structured feedback reporting methods can catalyze positive changes in staff learning, promote behavior change, and increase patient experience scores in domains of non-clinical interaction.

Beyond the Dusty Fog: Local Eye Drop Therapy and Potentially New Treatment Alternatives in Pseudoexfoliative Glaucoma.

Pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEG) is a type of secondary open-angle glaucoma characterized by the accumulation of whitish-gray material on the trabecular meshwork and lens, leading to an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) and optic nerve damage. Local eye drop therapy is one of the first-line treatments for PEG, which include prostaglandin analogues, beta-blockers, and alpha-adrenergic agonists to lower IOP. New treatments beyond conventional techniques, however, are constantly being developed. One potential treatment proposed for PEG is based on magnetic phage display, which involves using magnetic nanoparticles conjugated to specific peptides or proteins selected using phage display techniques to remove aggregates in the anterior chamber of the eye or inflammatory cells and cytokines that contribute to PEG pathogenesis. Other potential treatments include microRNAs (miRNAs) that are involved in the regulation of gene expression at the post-transcription stages. Gene therapies, nanotechnology, immunotherapy and methods based on stem cells can also be potentially used to target and treat specific tissues and cells responsible for regulating IOP. In addition, photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), a non-invasive procedure that utilizes low-level laser therapy to improve cellular function and promote tissue repair, can prove an interesting alternative in treating PEG. The aim of our mini-review is to provide a brief overview of these innovative methods that appear to offer potentially promising treatment options for PEG.

Unveiling Business Activity Patterns of Digital Transformation through K-Means Clustering with Universal Sentence Encoder in Transport and Logistics Sectors

Digital transformation brings several key benefits to transportation and logistics firms, such as operational efficiency, improved customer experience, and supply chain visibility. This study seeks to identify and categorize business activities within the transportation and logistics sector, focusing on themes related to digital transformation. Additionally, it analyses the impact of firm size and sales performance. Data were sourced from 24 annual reports of four firms listed in the SET, covering the study period of 2017-2022. The study used context-free grammar-based verb patterns and a custom-made dictionary to extract business activities. The study used the Universal Sentence Encoder to represent the text and relied on the Dunn-Index and Silhouette score to determine the optimal number of clusters (both 8 clusters). Subsequently, K-means clustering was performed using these 8 clusters, leading to the categorization of eight digital transformation themes. Among these themes, profit management and regulation compliance are interesting discoveries, as they are rarely mentioned in previous studies. A total of 104 business activities were extracted as a result. The study also found that Online-to-Offline activity is an effective method for business model innovation, as well as a contemporary marketing tool.

Exploring real estate valuation practices in an informal market

This study investigates the intricate realm of real estate valuation in the Palestinian neighborhoods of East Jerusalem. Drawing on 27 interviews with real estate appraisers and an analysis of betterment tax valuations, arbitration reports, and court minutes spanning the years 1991–2023, we unpack the distinct valuation practices in this informal urban setting. We discuss the unique challenges involved in valuations in informal real estate markets and how appraisers address them, suggesting that appraisers in East Jerusalem grapple with structural, top-down challenges—arising from inconsistent Israeli planning regulations, geopolitical instability, and an underdeveloped mortgage market—and bottom-up obstacles stemming from limited transaction reporting by local Palestinian residents. To navigate these challenges, appraisers employ creative solutions, such as a 'copy & paste' strategy, referencing older arbitration verdicts, and creating complementary databases. They also rely on local knowledge and their familiarity with the field. Our research sheds light on the innovative methods appraisers utilize to assess land value in the complex and dynamic environment of East Jerusalem, and in informal areas more broadly.