Design Refinement Research Articles

Mandibular Reconstruction With a Patient-Specific Implant Following Surgical Excision of an Acanthomatous Ameloblastoma in a Dog.

Canine acanthomatous ameloblastoma (CAA) is an invasive benign epithelial odontogenic tumour most commonly affecting the mandible of large breed dogs. To the author's knowledge, this report describes the first computer-aided design patient-specific implant (PSI) that has been placed for a critical sized bone defect in mandibular reconstruction of a dog in the UK. The aim was to restore mandibular stability using a regenerative approach combining a titanium locking plate and compression-resistant matrix infused with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) to bridge the 85 mm mandibular defect created by a segmental mandibulectomy. A 7-year-old neutered crossbreed dog with a focal 60 × 45 × 30 mm3 mildly ulcerated mass on the left mandible was presented. Histopathology confirmed a CAA. A left segmental mandibulectomy was followed by a delayed (secondary) reconstructive surgery. The porous titanium scaffold was manufactured from the first computed tomography (CT) scan and was designed with a channel to be filled with a compression-resistant osteoconductive resorbable sponge material infused with an osteoinductive solution containing rhBMP-2. Follow-up CT scans were performed on the day of the second surgery, and 4 and 12 months after the second surgery. Filling the porous titanium scaffold with an osteoconductive strip mixed with rhBMP-2 promoted bone remodeling and stimulated partial osseous integration of the implant; however there was no evidence of complete osteosynthesis bridging the bone defect as initially expected. Twelve months after reconstruction, dorsal longitudinal implant exposure necessitated PSI explantation. This study reflects a recent surgical therapeutic approach that can be utilised to reconstruct mandibles. PSIs can help reduce the known postoperative complications inherent to large gap mandibulectomies. Therefore, their use has the potential to improve patient welfare by restoring mandibular and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) stability, preventing mandibular drift, improving prehension, and reducing the risk of secondary TMJ degenerative disease and pain. It is likely that some implant design refinement is required to achieve better success rates for these challenging cases.

Ozone-based advanced oxidation processes in water treatment: recent advances, challenges, and perspective.

Water pollution, driven by a variety of enduring contaminants, poses considerable threats to ecosystems, human health, and biodiversity, highlighting the urgent need for innovative and sustainable treatment approaches. Ozone-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have demonstrated significant efficacy in breaking down stubborn pollutants, such as organic micropollutants and pathogens, that are not easily addressed by traditional treatment techniques. This review offers an in-depth analysis of ozonation mechanisms, covering both the direct oxidation by ozone and the indirect reactions facilitated by hydroxyl radicals, emphasizing their effectiveness and adaptability across various wastewater matrices. Significant progress in the combination of ozonation with additional technologies, including UV irradiation, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), catalytic systems, and biological treatments, is examined, highlighting their effectiveness in enhancing pollutant breakdown, increasing biodegradability, and reducing secondary pollution. Hybrid methods, including catalytic ozonation and ozone-biological treatment, show significant enhancements in process efficiency and cost-effectiveness, while effectively tackling challenges associated with energy use and byproduct generation. Despite the promising possibilities, obstacles remain, such as scalability issues, high operational costs, and the risk of generating potentially harmful transformation products. Cutting-edge approaches, including the creation of sophisticated catalysts, integration of processes, and refinement of reactor designs, are suggested to address these challenges and improve the real-world implementation of ozone-based advanced oxidation processes. This review highlights the significant potential of ozone-based advanced oxidation processes as sustainable approaches for wastewater treatment, providing an essential route to environmental conservation and safeguarding public health.

Aligning strategic and participatory approaches to agri‐environment scheme design and implementation to enhance nature recovery outcomes

Abstract Nature recovery requires the provisioning of resources in the right place and in sufficient quantities to support wildlife populations and improve ecological processes. Agri‐environment schemes (AES) have been a major mechanism for delivering environmental management across EU‐farmed landscapes, but measured benefits to nature are often negligible in large part due to a lack of strategic spatial targeting of management actions. As an example, AES in England are often delivered using a participatory strategy, typically at individual farm scale, with types of management agreements and uptake reflecting the business model and interests of each farm. However, this implementation model can result in poorly distributed conservation resources and, consequently, a failure to recover nature across larger scales, even if individual agreements are delivered well. Achieving effective, large‐scale nature recovery through AES requires aligning its implementation with spatially targeted approaches that prioritise specific conservation goals. We discuss the rationale for, and major barriers to, aligning AES design and implementation to these approaches. We then highlight how, through the framework of systematic conservation planning, both the strategic and participatory components of AES could be aligned better to enhance nature recovery outcomes. To ensure AES help achieve nature recovery goals, clear and measurable targets must be set with the type and spatial configuration of actions designed to enable meeting targets. Strategic spatial targeting must also be carried out with the implementation phase in mind, accounting for socio‐economic opportunities and barriers to engagement and acknowledging that uncertainties around farm‐scale implementation mean plans must be adaptable. Participatory approaches for AES design and implementation that support the delivery of spatially targeted management actions are required, most notably by facilitating collaboration or cooperation across farm holdings. For AES to contribute effectively to nature recovery goals, aligning strategic and participatory approaches in its design and implementation is crucial. This requires uniting knowledge across disciplines and cultures and ensuring that information is shared to support progressive refinement of scheme design and guidance towards achieving overall nature recovery goals. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Penicillin G Acylase: A Multifunctional Catalyst with Broad Implications in Pharmaceutical Science and Industrial Applications

Abstract: Penicillin G Acylase (PGA) has emerged as a critical biocatalyst in pharmaceutical sciences, exceeding its traditional role in penicillin synthesis. Despite its industrial significance, challenges, including substrate specificity, stability under industrial conditions, and efficiency in immobilization, persist. Engineering enhanced enzyme variants and developing advanced immobilization techniques along with process optimization shall be possible solutions to further improve reaction efficiency and scalability. Green chemistry integration can make PGA-based processes more sustainable. Moreover, the use of computational tools, including AI-driven optimization, can guide enzyme design and reaction condition refinement. A review synthesizing these advancements not only consolidates existing knowledge but also identifies opportunities for further innovation, ensuring the enzyme’s continued industrial and scientific relevance. The review discusses the structure and functionality of PGA, highlighting its diverse applications beyond penicillin production. Beyond antibiotic synthesis, PGA's usefulness extends to ester synthesis, resolving racemic mixtures and peptide bond formation, underlining its importance in various bioconversions and synthetic reactions. This adaptability is crucial for green chemistry, promoting sustainable practices in industrial processes. The kinetic parameters of PGA are discussed, providing insights into its operational efficiency. Despite its significant potential, PGA faces limitations in commercial applications, primarily due to stability issues under industrial conditions. Efforts to enhance PGA's stability, including engineering approaches, are explored to improve its industrial applicability. The review concludes by emphasizing PGA's role as a catalyst with vast implications in science and medicine, particularly in an era of rising antibiotic resistance. It underscores the enzyme's interconnected roles in production and therapeutics, its broad spectrum of applications, and the shift from traditional penicillin synthesis to broad-spectrum bioconversions. The scope of PGA engineering is also highlighted, indicating future directions for research and application in the pharmaceutical industry.

Vaginal Orthosis After Native Tissue Reconstructive Surgery: Design and Phase 0

Importance Pelvic organ prolapse recurrence following native tissue repair occurs with composite failure rates of 9–19% within 12 months, predominantly involving apical/anterior compartments. Objective The objective of this study was to develop a novel vaginal orthosis (NVO) device prototype through an iterative design process based on investigator and user feedback. Study Design The NVO was designed based on pelvic floor biomechanical principles to mitigate unopposed intra-abdominal pressure of the anterior vagina by absorbing and redirecting intra-abdominal forces to the levator ani and tailored to accommodate postoperative vaginal caliber and axis. Prototypes were fabricated by 3D-printing negative molds, cast, and cured with medical-grade biocompatible silicone. Ten healthy volunteers were recruited to provide qualitative feedback for iterative design refinement (phase 0). Results Through an iterative engineering design process, initial concepts were refined to align with the natural, resting H-shape of the vagina. Key features included a distal self-retaining feature, posterior curvature, proximal taper, and apical/anterior contact areas for support. A more rigid material to withstand intra-abdominal forces without folding was required; therefore, Shore A60 (medium soft) instead of A40 (soft) silicone was used. Based on participant feedback, the NVO retaining feature width range was reduced (47.5–63 mm to 45–50 mm) to decrease pressure on lateral vaginal walls and levator ani distally maintaining self-retaining function. Updates to the fitting and education process also provided increased descriptive instructions for insertion and removal. Conclusions A novel vaginal orthosis was designed specifically tailored to facilitate wound healing using an orthomedical model, improving the design through iterative feedback.

Color-Distortion Correction for Jilin-1 KF01 Series Satellite Imagery Using a Data-Driven Method

Color distortion is a common issue in Jilin-1 KF01 series satellite imagery, a phenomenon caused by the instability of the sensor during the imaging process. In this paper, we propose a data-driven method to correct color distortion in Jilin-1 KF01 imagery. Our method involves three key aspects: color-distortion simulation, model design, and post-processing refinement. First, we investigate the causes of color distortion and propose algorithms to simulate this phenomenon. By superimposing simulated color-distortion patterns onto clean images, we construct color-distortion datasets comprising a large number of paired images (distorted–clean) for model training. Next, we analyze the principles behind a denoising model and explore its feasibility for color-distortion correction. Based on this analysis, we train the denoising model from scratch using the color-distortion datasets and successfully adapt it to the task of color-distortion correction in Jilin-1 KF01 imagery. Finally, we propose a novel post-processing algorithm to remove boundary artifacts caused by block-wise image processing, ensuring consistency and quality across the entire image. Experimental results show that the proposed method significantly eliminates color distortion and enhances the radiometric quality of Jilin-1 KF01 series satellite imagery, offering a solution for improving its usability in remote sensing applications.

Comprehensive Analysis and Application Research of Advanced Computational Algorithms in Protein Folding Simulations

Protein engineering stands at the forefront of biotechnology, aiming to modify natural proteins or create new ones tailored to specific functional requirements. The three-dimensional structures of proteins, particularly their folding patterns, are critical in defining their biological roles. Accurate prediction and detailed examination of these protein folding structures are crucial in protein engineering. The close relationship between protein structure and function highlights the importance of understanding protein folding dynamics to successfully manipulate protein designs for intended uses. Genetic algorithms (GA), taking inspiration from natural evolutionary principles, employ a heuristic search approach that integrates elements of randomness. In contrast, simulated annealing (SA) leverages stochastic optimization techniques based on the Monte Carlo method, theoretically capable of approximating the global optimum with a high degree of accuracy. Additionally, generalized ensemble methods are increasingly used to explore protein folding processes. This paper explores the fundamental principles and practical applications of these algorithms in simulating protein folding dynamics, aiming to enhance the methodologies used in protein engineering. This exploration not only aids in the refinement of protein design but also extends the potential applications of engineered proteins in various scientific and industrial fields.

Enhancing UAV Propulsion: Insights into Toroidal Propeller Dynamics through CFD Simulations

Toroidal propellers have emerged as a transformative breakthrough in aeronautical propulsion, promising enhanced efficiency, maneuverability, and notably, noise reduction. Utilizing Fluent/ANSYS for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, this study endeavors to delve into the performance dynamics of toroidal propellers in aeronautical applications, with a specific focus on assessing thrust generation, efficiency, and acoustic pressure, especially pertinent in the context of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).The simulations meticulously modeled the intricate airflow dynamics around toroidal propellers, using Fluent/ANSYS's steady, turbulent flow solver, incorporating parameters such as airspeed, propeller rotational speed, and toroidal rotor geometry. The comprehensive three-dimensional computational domains accurately represented the propeller geometry and airflow interactions, facilitating a nuanced analysis of performance metrics.Through comparative analyses of toroidal propellers against a conventional design, aerodynamic advantages emerged, notably in noise reduction. The unique closed-loop structure of toroidal propellers minimizes drag effects from swirling air tunnels, significantly attenuating the propeller's acoustic signature. These findings represent a pivotal step forward in our understanding of toroidal propeller aerodynamics, underscoring their immense potential in UAV applications. Moreover, they serve as a compass for future design refinement and practical integration into aeronautical engineering practices. With the groundwork laid for experimental validation and real-world deployment, the prospect of using toroidal propellers in both commercial and military aviation appears increasingly tangible.

Dynamic analysis of natural supercavitating flow during acceleration and deceleration of an axis-symmetric projectile

Supercavitation is an effective drag reduction technology for high-speed underwater vehicles. However, the evolution of supercavitating flow becomes more complex during acceleration and deceleration compared to steady-state conditions. This paper examines the unsteady supercavitating flow around an axis-symmetric projectile with disk cavitation subjected to various speed transitions. By utilizing the volume of fluid method, the large eddy simulation turbulence model, and the Kunz cavitation model, the study simulates and validates the dynamic behavior of the multiphase flow against experimental and published data. The cavity evolution during acceleration and deceleration is observed in three distinct stages. In the case of acceleration, the stages include initial stabilization, merging of the leading edge and shoulder cavities, and full supercavitation. For deceleration, the stages involve cavity collapse, trailing-edge cavity separation, and shoulder cavity formation. The study also highlights the presence of cavitation hysteresis, especially at higher acceleration and deceleration rates, which influences flow stability and drag reduction. This research provides insights for optimizing the design and control of high-speed underwater vehicles, where stable cavity formation is crucial for minimizing drag. Understanding how acceleration and deceleration influence cavity evolution can guide the refinement of cavitation designs and control strategies, improving vehicle performance during dynamic maneuvers.

Assessing Learning in Mathematical Sensemaking Electromagnetism Instructions among Rwanda Polytechnic Students at Huye College

In the realm of electromagnetic (EM) courses in engineering, many studies have reported students’ learning difficulties related to mathematical frameworks representing physical phenomena. Students’ learning engagement and learning gains are not satisfying. The present study assessed first-year engineering students’ behavioural engagement and perceived learning gains in mathematical sensemaking electromagnetism instructions at RP-Huye College. Within a single-case research design, a six-weeks intervention incorporating mathematical sensemaking instructions, supported by physical experimentation and computer simulations, was implemented to 61 first-year engineering students who were enrolled in the department of electrical and electronics engineering. All enrolled students were purposively recruited to participate because this target population was less than 100. Data were collected through classroom observations, which used the behavioural engagement related to instruction (BERI) and a post-topic evaluation, which used a semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis involved the use of graphs, descriptive statistics and inductive thematic analysis. Findings revealed that students were mostly engaged during mathematical sensemaking by hands-on and simulation-based activities, particularly in topics related to electromagnets, where engagement levels peaked at 7.5 in average. Conversely, lecture-based tasks, especially on magnetic forces and electromagnetic induction, recorded the lowest engagement at 6.2 in average. The post-topic assessment on perceived learning gains showed that students had highly positive perceptions on their learning experiences (M=4.82, SD=0.48) and recognized the significance of EM in engineering (M=4.85, SD=0.38). These numerical results were complemented by students’ narrations, which indicated that they gained particular attention about specific EM formulas and how they can apply them in engineering. However, the present study also noted that further refinement in instructional design, particularly by incorporating specific dimensions of mathematical sensemaking, could optimize learning outcomes for EM courses in engineering. Additionally, formal assessments of students’ mastery and experimental studies can benefit future work.

Co-designing a nutritional navigation guide for people with psoriasis: a user-centred design approach

In the absence of specific dietary guidelines and perceived inadequate dietary support from healthcare professionals (HCPs), people living with psoriasis (PLwP) often make restrictive or misinformed dietary changes(1) Following self-prescribed dietary modifications without the guidance of HCPs could negatively impact health and well-being (2). There is high demand for dietary advice among both HCPs involved in psoriasis care and PLwP(3). Research suggests that online content about psoriasis treatment is frequently inaccurate and typically not produced by HCPs(4). Therefore, PLwP need easily accessible support to help them navigate the nutritional information they may encounter, to enable them to make evidence-based informed decisions. This study aimed to develop a user-friendly and evidence-based guide to help PLwP in the UK navigate nutritional information.A 4-phase User-Centered Design (UCD) approach was employed, utilising the UCD-11(5) framework, to co-design a guide that provides evidence-based information for nutritional navigation support for PLwP. Phase 1 involved the establishment of an expert panel which included experts in dermatology, nutrition and individuals with lived experience of psoriasis. The expert panel defined the scope and focus of the guide and from this the initial version of the guide was developed. The subsequent phases involved iterative design and content refinement, incorporating feedback from potential users through think-aloud methodology. Subsequently, the expert panel reviewed and provided input to complete the formation of the final guide.The UCD-11 framework effectively engaged prospective users in the design and development of the guide and ensured a user-centered focus. The expert panel provided insights that enhanced the accuracy and relevance of the guide. Iterative design phases incorporated continuous user feedback, improving the quality, usability and visual design of the guide. The think-aloud methodology provided real-time insights into the guide’s clarity and functionality. Participants found the format clear and wording easy to read but made suggestions to improve usefulness. This included: “It would be useful to have more information on what dairy alternatives are and further sign-posting” and “explain what nightshades actually are”. Furthermore, participants highlighted other dietary recommendations they commonly see, and the need for clearer information on these. This feedback facilitated further refinements based on user insights.Developing evidence-based dietary support materials using a co-design approach and UCD framework, resulted in a tailored guide that met the needs of service users. This approach facilitated the creation of user-friendly, evidence-based advice with input from experts and key stakeholders in psoriasis care. Future research should focus on exploring the value of the guide to healthcare professionals involved in psoriasis care. Additionally, monitoring effectiveness and use of the guide, by PLwP and HCPs, will help improve implementation, identify barriers to effective use and inform any necessary updates to the guide.

Carbohydrate intakes, food sources and tracking in Australian young children.

Carbohydrate intake and key food sources of carbohydrates in early childhood are poorly understood. The present study described total carbohydrate intake and subtypes (i.e. starch, sugar), their primary food sources and their tracking among young Australian children. Data from children at ages 9 months (n 393), 18 months (n 284), 3·5 years (n 244) and 5 years (n 240) from the Melbourne InFANT Program were used. Three 24-hour recalls assessed dietary intakes. The 2007 AUSNUT Food Composition Database was used to calculate carbohydrates intake and food groups. Descriptive statistics summarised total carbohydrate and subtype intake and their main food sources. Tracking was examined using Pearson correlations of residualised scores between time points. Total carbohydrate, starch and sugar intakes (g/d) increased across early childhood. The percentage of energy from total carbohydrates (% E) remained stable overtime (48·4-50·5 %). From ages 9 months to 5 years, the %E from total sugar decreased from 29·4 % to 22·6 %, while the %E from starch increased from 16·7 % to 26·0 %. Sources of total carbohydrate intake changed from infant formula at 9 months to bread/cereals, fruits and milk/milk products at 18 months, 3·5 and 5 years. Across all time points, the primary sources of total sugar intake were fruit, milk/milk products and cakes/cookies, whereas main food groups for starch intake included bread/cereals, cakes/cookies and pasta. Weak to moderate tracking of total carbohydrates, total sugar and starch (g/d) was observed. These findings may have the potential to inform the refinement of carbohydrate intake recommendations and design of interventions to improve children's carbohydrate intake.

Damage and Crack Propagation Mechanism of Q345 Specimen Based on Peridynamics with Temperature and Bolt Holes

With the increasing demand for the performance and design refinement of steel structures (including houses, bridges, and infrastructure), many structures have adopted ultimate bearing capacity in service. The design service lives of steel building structures are generally more than 50 years, and most of them contain bolted connections, which suffer from extreme conditions such as fire (high temperature) during service. When the structure contains defects or cracks and bolt holes, it is easy to produce stress concentration at the defect location, which leads to crack nucleation and crack propagation, reduces the bearing capacity of the structure, and causes the collapse of the structure and causes disasters. In the process of structural damage and crack propagation, the traditional method has some disadvantages, such as stress singularity, the mesh needing to be redivided, and the crack being restricted to mesh; however, the integral method of peridynamics (PD) can completely avoid these problems. Therefore, in this paper, the constitutive equation of PD in high temperature is derived according to the variation law of steel material properties when changed by temperature increase and peridynamics parameters; the damage and crack expansion characteristics of Q345 steel specimens with bolt holes and a central double-crack at 20 °C, 200 °C, 400 °C, and 600 °C were analyzed to clarify the structural damage and failure mechanism. This study is helpful for providing theoretical support for the design of high-temperature steel structures, improving the stability of the structure, and ensuring the bearing capacity of the structure and the safety of people’s lives and property.

Game-design Workshops with Co-creation Toolkit to Support Game-based Learning for Heritage Museum

In the context of heritage museums, the integration of game-based learning and gamification has garnered significant interest from academia and educational stakeholders. However, barriers such as high costs and lengthy development cycles hinder wider adoption of game-based learning, particularly among educators who lack of software development skills. This paper introduces a series of game design workshops supported by a card-based toolkit aimed at simplifying the process of creating location-based games. These workshops serve a dual purpose: providing educators and museum stakeholders with an accessible toolkit for data collection and offering engaging game-based learning activities for young museum visitors aged 15-30. To achieve this goal, a pilot study was conducted in collaboration with the Guangzhou Maritime Museum, focusing on 48 university students aged 18-26 and 10 museum staff members visiting the Sea God Temple, a heritage site with a 1400-year history. Qualitative and quantitative data collected from this study indicated positive feedback on the value of a co-creation toolkit acting as the instructional scaffolding to support informal learning. Insights gained from this research informed the refinement of the toolkit design, while the game ideas from workshops served as a foundation for mobile game development tailored to young museum visitors.

Enhancing Public Service Efficiency through Agile Governance: A Case Study in Surabaya

This research aims to analyze the application of Agile Governance principles in the Pakis Subdistrict Office, Surabaya City in order to improve the quality of public services at the Surabaya City Population and Civil Registration Service. The proposition of this research is that implementing Agile Governance can increase efficiency and public satisfaction with public services. The research method used is a case study with a qualitative descriptive approach. The research results show that the application of Agile Governance principles, such as Good Enough Governance, Human Focused, Based on Quick Wins, and Simple Design and Continuous Refinement, has been quite effective in providing fast and efficient services to the community. However, the main findings reveal that the application of the Human Focused dimension is not optimal. The existing public complaint space does not always receive an adequate response, so it does not fully meet community expectations.

The start-up characteristics of a novel loop heat pipe with stainless steel capillary wick

Loop heat pipe (LHP) is an advanced thermal management technology that utilizes liquid–vapor phase change and capillary action to achieve efficient heat transfer across long distances and in various directions. The start-up of an LHP is crucial for its reliable and stable operation. This study aims to explore the start-up characteristics and temperature variations of various components under different heating conditions by designing a cost-effective flat plate evaporator LHP with a stainless-steel casing and acetone as the working fluid. The experimental analysis examined the performance of the LHP under varying heating powers from 28 to 60 W, positions, and gravity angles. The findings revealed that the LHP successfully started at 28 W, and a temperature overshoot occured when the heating position was near the compensation chamber. Notably, the start-up time was 400 s faster compared to the heating condition near the mean pressure chamber. When the evaporator was tilted such that the compensation chamber was above the evaporator’s pressure equalization chamber, circulation within the LHP could not be established. The thermal resistance of the LHP decreased with increasing heating power, achieving a maximum reduction of 51.51 %. When both the compensation chamber and the mean pressure chamber were heated simultaneously, the impact of the gravity inclination angle on thermal resistance was minimized. This study introduces an innovative capillary wick LHP with high start-up success rates and cost-effectiveness, providing both empirical data and theoretical insights for the refinement and optimization of civilian LHP designs.

Design and Construction of a 500–800 MHz Square Spiral Dipole Microstrip Antenna Structure

An antenna can be used to detect an object. The dimensions of the antenna also affect the working frequency, the smaller dimensions, the higher the working frequency and the closer the antenna range to radiate waves. Therefore, a microstrip antenna with a small dimension size is needed, but the antenna radiation distance capability for radar systems still needs to be reduced. A microstrip dipole antenna with a spiral shape, measuring 5 cm, was meticulously designed and fabricated. The square dipole antenna, featuring an optimal design with the arm structure rotated in a clockwise direction, achieved an impressive return loss of -27.54dB with a VSWR of 1.83. The engineering refinement of the antenna design involved the addition of a square shape, which led to a significant and impressive improvement in performance. The second spiral antenna, operating at a frequency of 805MHz with an impressive bandwidth of 57MHz, exhibited a remarkable return loss of -30.83dB and a VSWR of 1.07.

HealthCheck: A method for evaluating persuasive mobile health applications.

Objectives: This paper introduces HealthCheck, a novel evaluation method for persuasive mobile health applications, aiming to fill the critical gap in quick and effective evaluation tools for this domain. Methods: Following Design Science Research, HealthCheck was developed through problem identification, solution design, implementation, evaluation, and iterative refinement. The implementation involved testing with seven experts to assess its applicability and effectiveness. Results: Feedback from the evaluators indicated that while a few heuristics in HealthCheck were considered irrelevant by some, the majority found the heuristics to be both pertinent and beneficial, especially within the caregiving context. This feedback highlights the practical value of HealthCheck and its potential to offer meaningful insights into improving the usability of persuasive eHealth applications. Conclusion: The study shows HealthCheck effectively evaluates persuasive mobile health applications, offering actionable insights to enhance usability. This validates the relevance and robustness of HealthCheck's heuristics, advancing information systems and human-computer interaction research.

Promoting Plant-Based Sustainable Diet to Support Future Development: Emotional Design Card Development

The quest for a plant-based sustainable diet has significant value for promoting future development, posing novel challenges for designers. This study involved a five-step design process, encompassing a case study, an experimental study, prototype conception, user testing, and design refinement, with the aim of developing a “Plant-based Sustainable Diet 3P Emotional Design Method” card set that enables individuals to devise personalized sustainable diet plans. The results demonstrated that the instinctive level originates from the product itself, signifying the efficacy of sensory design cues for plant-based foods. The behavioral level stems from the interactive content generated by the product, denoting the efficacy of design cues and highlighting the advantages of transitioning to healthier ingredients for the body. The reflective level arises from the reflection and contemplation of the product, signifying the efficacy of value perception and design cues pertaining to economic, environmental, and social sustainability knowledge. The study analyzed the influencing factors of diet choices through emotional design and provided insights into the underlying psychological mechanisms. The theoretical contribution of this study lies in the novel integration of emotional design and sustainable diet research, while its practical contribution is the introduction of methods and tools that facilitate the adoption of plant-based sustainable diet practices at the individual level.

User Experience and Usability of Voice User Interfaces: A Systematic Literature Review

As voice user interfaces (VUIs) rapidly transform the landscape of human–computer interaction, their potential to revolutionize user engagement is becoming increasingly evident. This paper aims to advance the field of human–computer interaction by conducting a bibliometric analysis of the user experience associated with VUIs. It proposes a classification framework comprising six research categories to systematically organize the existing literature, analyzes the primary research streams, and identifies future research directions within each category. This systematic literature review provides a comprehensive analysis of the development and effectiveness of VUIs in facilitating natural human–machine interaction. It offers critical insights into the user experience of VUIs, contributing to the refinement of VUI design to optimize overall user interaction and satisfaction.