Engineering Tools Research Articles

A 45-year updating wind and wave hindcast over the Oman Sea and the Arabian Sea

This study focuses on developing a comprehensive and reliable wind and wave hindcast for the Oman Sea and Arabian Sea, spanning a significant 45-year period (1979–2024). The objective is to capture the intricate wind and wave climate of the region, characterized by distinct monsoon cycles and occasional tropical cyclones. The availability of extensive wave data over four decades would be an irreplaceable tool for researchers and engineers, enabling improved accuracy in extreme value analysis, sediment transport studies, and wave-induced current simulations. Despite limited field observations, all available measured data within the region were collected, analyzed for configuration of the models and utilized for model calibration and validation. The hindcast data was generated using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model for winds and WAVEWATCH III (WW3) model for waves, and evaluated against observational and measured wind and wave parameters. A comprehensive statistical analysis of the hindcast model's performance reveals adequate agreement with measured data, as evidenced by root mean square errors (RMSEs) of 1.23 m/s for wind speeds and 0.37 m for significant wave heights in average. These results underscore the model's reliability for research and engineering applications, particularly in the Arabian Sea, with a focus on the northern coastlines of the Oman Sea. The specific model configuration employed in this study holds significant potential for future investigations in the northern Indian Ocean, offering a valuable tool for understanding and predicting climatical conditions in this region.

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE: TOMADA DE DECISÃO PARA MICROEMPRESÁRIOS, UMA IDEIA REVOLUCIONÁRIA PARA ALCANÇAR O SUCESSO

With the world economy and international trade increasingly integrated and diffuse. Companies find a competitive rivalry between competitors, and having good quantitative and qualitative methods for making decisions are some performance indicators. From small organizations to large multinationals in the world, they continually seek a predictable and profitable future scenario. So that they can control or anticipate any eventualities. In the commercial market there is a growing search by organizations for more information and data to assist in decision making. On the other hand, there is an increase in Information Technology (IT) tools, capable of managing, analyzing, generating reports and decisive graphics for decision making (whether for investments; purchases; contracting services; projects and events). Business Intelligence (BI) decision making is accurate, and its information (dice + evidence = strategic decision), based on dynamic statistical data and its environment meets business demands. Implementation project managers, both in BI and ERP, need to be aware of the impact of these systems, otherwise the implementation will fail, as in the Hershey’s case study. The benefits that ERP

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE: TOMADA DE DECISÃO PARA MICROEMPRESÁRIOS, UMA IDEIA REVOLUCIONÁRIA PARA ALCANÇAR O SUCESSO

With the world economy and international trade increasingly integrated and diffuse. Companies find a competitive rivalry between competitors, and having good quantitative and qualitative methods for making decisions are some performance indicators. From small organizations to large multinationals in the world, they continually seek a predictable and profitable future scenario. So that they can control or anticipate any eventualities. In the commercial market there is a growing search by organizations for more information and data to assist in decision making. On the other hand, there is an increase in Information Technology (IT) tools, capable of managing, analyzing, generating reports and decisive graphics for decision making (whether for investments; purchases; contracting services; projects and events). Business Intelligence (BI) decision making is accurate, and its information (dice + evidence = strategic decision), based on dynamic statistical data and its environment meets business demands. Implementation project managers, both in BI and ERP, need to be aware of the impact of these systems, otherwise the implementation will fail, as in the Hershey’s case study. The benefits that ERP and BI systems bring are numerous and the results are reflected positively within the

The Impact of Technological Innovations on Bank Performance in Emerging Economies

On a global scale, technological innovations have achieved great success in the process of economic development of national economies, especially in the banking sector. Technological innovation is largely used by the banking sector to create competitive intelligence and competitive advantage, as it helps banks improve their services and cost efficiency, as fewer employees and fewer traditional branches are needed. However, this current study focused on examining the impact of technological innovation on bank performance in 40 emerging markets from 2000 to 2021. Findings from the correlation results show that there are strong positive correlations between technological innovation and bank performance in emerging markets. Similarly, we also find the existence of cointegration between technological innovation and bank performance and the existence of a long-run relationship between technological innovation and bank performance in emerging markets, as implied by the results of tied tests. Our study also found from ARDL and GMM results that there are long-term significant relationships between technological innovation and emerging market bank performance. After making these discoveries, we recommended policies such as improving the technology hub of emerging markets and extending banking services to emerging markets' underbanked populations living in remote areas using technology tools to improve bank performance in emerging markets.

Höhere Achsdynamik durch Mehrkoordinatenantriebe in Werkzeugmaschinen

Abstract The Institute of Production Engineering and Machine Tools (IFW) at Leibniz University Hannover has developed a novel linear-rotary direct drive for machine tools. This combines linear and rotary movements in a single drive. As a result, the overall dynamics of machine axes can be improved and the installation space reduced.

Demand Forecast Information Sharing in Low-Carbon Supply Chains

In view of the crucial role of consumer data concerning low-carbon preferences, a low-carbon supply chain was established, encompassing one manufacturer and one retailer. Both entities employed technological tools to predict consumer demand. This study assessed the profitability of supply chain participants under two strategies, “make-to-order” and “make-to-stock”, considering scenarios with and without demand forecast sharing information. Furthermore, we investigated how factors such as demand variability, forecast biases from the manufacturer and the retailer, and the forecast correlation coefficient affect the performance of the supply chain and the benefits of sharing information. Our findings indicate that the strategies of supply chain members remain unaffected by the chosen production models and that information sharing proves advantageous for the manufacturer and the retailer. Especially for manufacturers, profits in a “make-to-order” scenario surpass those in a “make-to-stock” scenario. Our numerical analysis showed that profits for the manufacturer and the retailer were consistently higher in scenarios where information was shared than in cases where it was not for “make-to-order” and “make-to-stock” strategies.

AI-Enhanced Epidemiology Education: Bridging Technology and Conceptual Understanding

This article explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative teaching methods in epidemiology education, emphasizing a balanced approach to enhance learning outcomes. While traditional teaching focuses on core concepts and rubric-based evaluation offers consistency, overreliance on these methods can lead to superficial understanding. Creative and experiential learning activities, such as poems, cartoons, and ungrading, foster deeper engagement and mastery. Technological tools such as simulated outbreak investigations, virtual epidemiology games, and augmented reality programs provide hands-on experience and inspire motivated learning. Emphasizing critical thinking and practical skills, a balanced approach leveraging rubrics, AI, and innovative methods is essential for comprehensive and effective epidemiology education.

Improving the Z3EV promoter system to create the strongest yeast promoter.

Promoters for artificial control of gene expression are central tools in genetic engineering. In the budding yeast S. cerevisiae, a variety of constitutive and controllable promoters with different strengths have been constructed using endogenous gene promoters, synthetic transcription factors and their binding sequences, and artificial sequences. However, there have been no attempts to construct the highest-strength promoter in yeast cells. In this study, by incrementally increasing the binding sequences of the synthetic transcription factor Z3EV, we were able to construct a promoter (P36) with approximately 1.4 times the strength of the TDH3 promoter. This is stronger than any previously reported promoter. Although the P36 promoter exhibits some leakage in the absence of induction, the expression induction by estradiol is maintained. When combined with a multicopy plasmid, it can express up to approximately 50% of total protein as a heterologous protein. This promoter system can be used to gain knowledge about the cell physiology resulting from the ultimate overexpression of excess proteins and is expected to be a useful tool for heterologous protein expression in yeast.

REVISITING PUPPETS TO TEACH ENGLISH TO CHILDREN: MODEL ACTIVITIES TO FOSTER CLASSROOM ORAL INTERACTION USING PUPPETS

<p>Puppetry, as an educational resource, has been used for years to create a dynamic and interactive learning environment that encourages creativity, active oral participation and language fluency development. In a world where the use of technological tools, digital materials, apps and virtual classrooms have changed the dimension of education, making classes more dynamic and obliquus, puppets are still valuable in the class, as multiple research works have shown. For that reason, we revisited the use of puppets as a pedagogical tool in the English classroom, specifically to foster oral interactions in the English classes of a group of pre-schooling students. In that group, we observed that even though the teacher used multiple resources and activities (such as games, songs, act outs and more), some students did not participate in the oral interaction activities. We decided to design a set of activities mediated by impersonated puppets to foster oral interaction in the class. In this work, we presented the steps for designing those activities and a theoretical foundation for that design. The findings of its application are a matter of further research.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0745/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Students’ use of technological tools to engage in collective mathematical proof activity

Students’ use of technological tools to engage in collective mathematical proof activity

Digital technology for the national sport development: Designing a database model to analyse elite sports data

Relational database models offer a pathway for the storage, standardization, and analysis of factors influencing national sports development. While existing research delves into the factors linked with sporting success, there remains an unexplored avenue for the design of databases that seamlessly integrate quantitative analyses of these factors. This study aims to design a relational database to store and analyse quantitative sport development data by employing information technology tools. The database design was carried out in three phases: (i) exploratory study for context analysis, identification, and delimitation of the data scope; (ii) data extraction from primary sources and cataloguing; (iii) database design to allow an integrated analysis of different dimensions and production of quantitative indicators. An entity-relationship diagram and an entity-relationship model were built to organize and store information relating to sports, organizations, people, investments, venues, facilities, materials, events, and sports results, enabling the sharing of data across tables and avoiding redundancies. This strategy demonstrated potential for future knowledge advancement by including the establishment of perpetual data updates through coding and web scraping. This, in turn, empowers the continuous evaluation and vigilance of organizational performance metrics and sports development policies, aligning seamlessly with the journal’s focus on cutting-edge methodologies in the realm of digital technology.

Investigation on Understanding the Numeracy Capacity of Intellectual Disabled Students using Enabling Technology Tools: Web Application, AR and UI/UX

The population of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) is increasing, necessitating assistance with a wide range of daily activities. Acquiring and assessing numeracy and communication skills are critical for this demographic, requiring tools and techniques tailored to their specific needs. Effective educational tools must employ multi-modal and multi-sensory approaches to cater to diverse learning styles and incorporate assistive technological solutions. Despite the availability of numerous tools, there is a need to enhance their utility and effectiveness. This study aims to identify and refine the requirements for an innovative educational tool that employs Two-dimensional (2D) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies. To achieve this, we conducted semi-structured interviews and surveys with teachers working with students with ID, gaining insights into the current solutions, advantages, and limitations. Additionally, we used physical props as design probes in a co-design methodology to better understand and elicit the true needs of individuals with ID. The findings from this research will inform the development of a 2D/AR tool designed to make learning mathematics more engaging and effective for individuals with ID, contributing to the advancement of inclusive education practices. Enabling Technology plays a significant role in the numeracy ability among people with ID. Generative AI and Explainable AI shall further improve learning ability in the years to come.

Dark web and internet freedom: navigating the duality to facilitate digital democracy

ABSTRACT Internet freedom and the dark web are complex concepts riddled with misunderstanding. While the dark web is perceived as a negative space/state, internet freedom is seen as a positive space/state that many Western nations support. However, in practice, these perceptions are incomplete and overlook the close relationship between the tools and infrastructure that facilitate both the dark web and internet freedom. While the term dark web engenders fear and curiosity in the public and policymakers’ minds, the term internet freedom fails to describe the modern internet in a manner for effective governance to protect and empower citizens. Reframing how policymakers and the general public understand these terms will be essential for ensuring that future policies are effective, comprehensive and strive to facilitate digital democracy. This paper represents an extension of knowledge and a first step in technological policymaking by analysing and emphasising the relationship and duality between the dark web and internet freedom and their stakeholders from the cyberinfrastructure perspective. Furthermore, we propose new framing definitions for anonymous technology tools in the interest of facilitating digital democracy. We conclude by suggesting how to effectively integrate the redefined terminology into the framework of policy creation.

Reduction in Optical Feedback Noise of Atomic Force Microscopy by High-Frequency Current Modulation

Introduction: With the advancement of technology, nanotechnology has emerged as a prominent research field. The Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) serves as a vital tool in nanoscience and technology, playing an indispensable role across various domains. Method: However, in the AFM photoelectric sensing system, the optical feedback noise from the beam deflection method can lead to inaccuracies in signal identification and analysis, impacting the accuracy and reliability of AFM measurements. To mitigate this interference, this study proposes a highfrequency current superposition system aimed at reducing optical feedback noise. By superimposing high-frequency currents, the semiconductor laser transitions from a single-mode to a multi-mode operational state, thereby altering its mode of operation and consequently reducing optical feedback noise during sensing. Initially, mathematical modeling and simulation analysis were conducted on the high-frequency current superposition noise reduction system to examine the impact of high-frequency current on the intensity noise of the semiconductor laser. Subsequently, the design of the high-frequency current superposition noise reduction system was outlined, encompassing the development of a constant current drive circuit, a voltage-controlled oscillator circuit, and a biasing circuit. Finally, the high-frequency current superposition noise reduction system underwent testing. Results: During the high-frequency current superposition noise reduction test, the system's Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) increased from 15.57 dB to 17.81 dB, and the system's noise peak-to-peak value decreased from 8 mV to 6 mV. Analysis of the superposition frequency and noise reduction effect determined the optimal superposition frequency of the AFM photoelectric sensor system to be 400 MHz. Characterization experiments of the high-frequency superposition noise reduction system compared the clarity of Escherichia coli images before and after noise reduction. Conclusion: The aforementioned experimental results demonstrated that high-frequency current superposition is an effective noise reduction method capable of mitigating optical noise in the AFM photoelectric sensing system.

MiRNA interplay: Mechanisms and therapeutic interventions in cancer

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key molecules that regulate gene expression. miRNAs regulate protein synthesis by binding to mRNA, influencing processes such as cell proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis. They play a pivotal role in cancer development. Current research mainly explores miRNA mechanisms and applications, and the techniques underpinning this research are foundational to both basic science and clinical translation. However, no review has comprehensively examined miRNA mechanisms and applications from a technical perspective, creating a need for this work. Advances in RNA sequencing technology, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and bioinformatics tools have deepened our understanding of miRNA interactions. miRNA can serve as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, with significant clinical potential. The development of miRNA mimics and inhibitors has brought new hope for cancer treatment, especially in reversing cancer drug resistance. This article reviews the vital role of miRNA interactions in cancer occurrence, development, diagnosis, and treatment, providing new perspectives and strategies for personalized medicine and cancer therapy.

Promising tools for future drug discovery and development in antiarrhythmic therapy.

Arrhythmia refers to irregularities in the rate and rhythm of the heart, with symptoms spanning from mild palpitations to life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). The complex molecular nature of arrhythmias complicates the selection of appropriate treatment. Current therapies involve the use of antiarrhythmic drugs (class I-IV) with limited efficacy and dangerous side effects and implantable pacemakers and cardioverter-defibrillators with hardware-related complications and inappropriate shocks. The number of novel antiarrhythmic drug in the development pipeline has decreased substantially during the last decade and underscores uncertainties regarding future developments in this field. Consequently, arrhythmia treatment poses significant challenges, prompting the need for alternative approaches. Remarkably, innovative drug discovery and development technologies show promise in helping advance antiarrhythmic therapies. Here, we review unique characteristics and the transformative potential of emerging technologies that offer unprecedented opportunities for transitioning from traditional antiarrhythmics to next-generation therapies. We assess stem cell technology, emphasizing the utility of innovative cell profiling using multi-omics, high-throughput screening, and advanced computational modeling in developing treatments tailored precisely to individual genetic and physiological profiles. We offer insights into gene therapy, peptide and peptibody approaches for drug delivery. We finally discuss potential strengths and weaknesses of such techniques in reducing adverse effects and enhancing overall treatment outcomes, leading to more effective, specific, and safer therapies. Altogether, this comprehensive overview introduces innovative avenues for personalized rhythm therapy, with particular emphasis on drug discovery, aiming to advance the arrhythmia treatment landscape and the prevention of SCD. Significance Statement Arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death account for 15-20% of deaths worldwide. However, current antiarrhythmic therapies are ineffective and with dangerous side effects. Here, we review the field of arrhythmia treatment underscoring the slow progress in advancing the cardiac rhythm therapy pipeline and the uncertainties regarding evolution of this field. We provide information on how emerging technological and experimental tools can help accelerate progress and address the limitations of antiarrhythmic drug discovery.

Technological Transformation and Student Engagement in Tennis Training: Basis for Strengthening Sports Educational Program

The researcher aimed to examine how technological transformations impacted student engagement in tennis training at selected Chinese schools and strengthened sports educational programs. They sought to evaluate respondents' profiles, their assessment of technological transformations in tennis training, and the influence of these changes on student engagement, while also exploring potential differences based on respondent profiles and designing effective sports programs based on the study's findings. The researcher used a descriptive correlational research and quantitative method and utilized teachers or coaches and students of the selected universities and colleges in China such as the Yulin Normal University, Guilin Normal College and Guangxi Normal University. The study found that while technological transformations in tennis training were only slightly implemented and had a moderate impact on student engagement, there were notable differences in assessments based on gender, role, and age. To enhance student engagement, it is crucial to design a more comprehensive sports educational program that effectively integrates technology. Furthermore, to improve student engagement in sports education, schools should design and implement targeted, inclusive technology integration strategies that address the needs of diverse demographics, provide effective training, and continuously assess and adapt technological tools based on feedback.

Сенсорный маркетинг в условиях диджитал-экономики

In the context of the increasing complexity of marketing relations associated with the transformation of understanding the role of the consumer, the issues of a deeper study of consumer behavior and its features in the “black box” model are of particular importance, since understanding consumer motives and reactions to marketing incentives will contribute not only to sustainable production and sale of goods, increasing the effectiveness of marketing solutions and maximizing profits in the long run, but also to the fast search and selection of goods by consumers that really meet their needs. The development of sensory marketing, taking into account the emergence of new neuromarketing technologies, meets the challenges of modern society. Previous studies of the influence of sensory stimuli on consumer behavior, as a rule, focused on the use of traditional marketing tools (observation, survey, focus groups, etc.), as a result of which only one-sided results of visible consumer reactions were obtained, which do not always reflect their true intentions to purchase a product. Marketing concepts in the context of changing market relations during the transition to a post-industrial society are examined; identifies the place of sensory marketing in the digital economy and its importance in the transformation of society into a humane community, shows the relationship between sensory marketing and neuromarketing, the use of technological tools which will allow to obtain hidden neurophysiological reactions of consumers to marketing incentives, which will provide a comprehensive an approach to evaluating incentive triggers in the purchase decision-making process. The role of neuroethics in conducting these studies is indicat.

Low-temperature photoluminescence and Raman study of monolayer WSe2 for photocarrier dynamics and thermal conductivity

Low-temperature PL analysis reveals an intriguing temperature-dependent emission pattern in WSe2: excitonic dominance above the 150 K Debye temperature, a balance between excitonic and trionic emissions at 150 K, and trionic dominance below this threshold. At lower temperatures, both excitons and trions display linearly polarized emissions, with polarization increasing from 0% at 300 K to 23% (excitons) and 7% (trions) at 150 K, and 12% for trions at 90 K. Moreover, the synthesized monolayer of WSe2 exhibits high thermal conductivity (246 W m−1 K−1 for A1g and 185 W m−1 K−1 for E2g1 modes). This property is attributed to Se vacancies and defects at triangle edges, which redirect phonons, reducing scattering and enabling efficient heat transport along boundaries. The unveiling of these novel insights within the synthesized 2D WSe2 material holds significant promise for its potential applications in nano-optoelectronics. Its demonstrated efficiency in dissipating heat, coupled with improved thermal stability, suggests the possibility of employing it in future devices. This could facilitate compact designs and the miniaturization of advanced technological tools, showcasing the material's potential for practical implementation.

Enhancing speaking agility: unveiling Indonesian lecturers’ hybrid teaching experiences in oral communication skills

Abstract In the rapidly evolving educational landscape, this study investigates the effectiveness of hybrid teaching methods in enhancing oral communication skills in Indonesian higher education, marking a critical exploration at the intersection of digital and traditional pedagogies. Anchored in a qualitative research methodology, it seeks to unpack the complex experiences of Indonesian lecturers using hybrid teaching methods to enhance university students’ oral communication skills. Data were meticulously gathered through a Google Forms survey consisting of 12 open-ended questions. The survey, conducted from March to August 2023, targeted lecturers from diverse geographical regions of Indonesia, ensuring a wide range of teaching experiences. Results reveal that lecturers are motivated by the need to adapt to pandemic restrictions, expand educational accessibility, and integrate technology into teaching. They employ a variety of hybrid teaching methods, including live online lectures, in-person workshops, flipped classrooms, and project-based learning. These strategies are supported by various technological tools such as Zoom, Google Classroom, Slack, Padlet, and Mentimeter. Despite the benefits, lecturers face challenges such as varying levels of technological access and proficiency among students, maintaining engagement, and managing increased workloads. The study highlights the importance of culturally responsive teaching practices, integrating culturally relevant materials, and using interactive digital tools to enhance oral communication skills. Continuous professional development and institutional support are essential for the success of hybrid teaching methods. This research offers valuable insights and recommendations for optimizing oral communication skills in hybrid learning, with lessons adaptable to multicultural and multilingual contexts worldwide.