Enhance Human Research Articles

The Role of Technology in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Integrated Performance Appraisal Frameworks

The role of technology in enhancing the effectiveness of integrated performance appraisal frameworks has become increasingly important in modern organizational management. As businesses strive for improved productivity, engagement, and employee satisfaction, traditional performance appraisal methods have shown limitations in providing real-time, accurate, and constructive feedback. This research explores how technological innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and cloud-based human resource management software contribute to the enhancement of performance appraisal systems. By integrating these technologies, organizations can automate data collection, reduce bias, offer personalized feedback, and continuously monitor employee progress. This study investigates the impact of such technological integration on the accuracy, efficiency, and overall effectiveness of performance appraisals, ultimately linking these improvements to organizational performance, employee development, and retention. The findings aim to provide organizations with actionable insights into adopting and leveraging technology to create more robust, fair, and dynamic performance appraisal systems.

Transhuman Communication: Human Augmentation Technologies through Co-Speculation Workshops

The advancement of human-computer integration as a research field promises to introduce transhumanistic ways of communicating through the enhanced abilities of augmented humans. Our work seeks to illuminate this experiential landscape, exploring a diverse set of human augmentation technologies (HATs) for communication purposes. We investigated this topic through four co-speculation workshops focusing on physical, cognitive, sensory and emotional augmentations with 35 participants. Through a reflexive thematic analysis of the workshop data, we outlined eight HAT speculations for transhuman communication, grouped into four overarching augmentation clusters: (1) Bodily Changes in/for Communication, (2) Communication with Transferrable and Collective Beings, (3) Communication through Emotion and Memory, and (4) Communication with Augmented/Altered Perception. By serving as a foundation for discussions on transhumanism and communication in CSCW and beyond, these speculations contribute to a design space highlighting design opportunities and challenges to developing and researching near-future communication technologies.

One-pot fabrication of sodium deoxycholate based supramolecular self-healing antibacterial double network hydrogels

Double network (DN) hydrogels have emerged as a significant technology for enhancement of mechanical strength of weak supramolecular gels. In the present study, we report the one-pot route for design of a low molecular weight gelator based DN hydrogel wherein sodium deoxycholate (NaDC) forms the primary network entangled with agar matrix. Various compositions of the reported agar-NaDC hydrogels were examined through FTIR, sol-gel transition temperature (Tsg), XRD, circular dichroism (CD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hydrophobicity probe studies, Zeta potential studies and rheology measurements. Analysis of all studies together reveal that 1 mg/ml agar-NaDC DN hydrogel is the optimum composition that exhibits dense networking with primarily β-sheet like structure, highest mechanical strength as well as self-healing characteristics with reversed optical activity and highest Tsg. Antibacterial activity studied using inhibition zone method suggests that 1 mg/ml agar-NaDC gel demonstrates significant bactericidal effect unlike the pure gel with an inhibition zone of ∼25 mm against E.coli after 24 h and ∼32 mm after 48 h incubation. The antibacterial activity was unique for this composition of the DN hydrogel which is attributed to its reversal in optical activity exhibiting positive cotton effect resulting in stronger interaction with the bacterial cell wall. Additionally, nearly 2 times reduced water absorption capacity of the 1 mg/ml agar-NaDC DN hydrogel compared to pure NaDC hydrogel ensures the retention of its mechanical strength as well as other properties in high moisture containing environment. Hence, the 1 mg/ml agar-NaDC DN hydrogel holds appreciable potential as a novel strong supramolecular self-healing antibacterial hydrogel with sustained release characteristics primarily important for biomedical applications.

Coal seam penetration enhancement technology integrating hydraulic fracturing fracture development theory

The development process of fractures in coal beds is influenced by many factors, and its development mechanism is complicated and difficult to be predicted accurately. The research addresses the problem of penetration enhancement technology in the process of coal bed methane mining, and designs a method that incorporates the theory of hydraulic fracturing fracture development. In the process, the coal seam structure was studied, the coal rock was cracked using water injection, the fracture development process during hydraulic fracturing was analysed, the numerical simulation model was constructed using the expanded finite element method, and the fluid flow process in the unit was designed. The experimental results show that when the research method is tested for the time-consuming generation of numerical simulation results, the maximum time-consuming generation of is only 92 ms when the fracture length is 10 m, which is shorter than that of other methods; when analysing the results of fracture initiation pressure calculations, the error between the calculation results generated by the research method and the actual measured results in a total of 14 sample points of the two mines is maintained at less than 0.5 MPa; in the analysis of the relationship between the fluid flow rate and the fluid flow rate, the error is kept at less than 0.5 MPa in the case of fluid flow rate exceeding 0.5 ms; the fracture length and the longest fracture radius decreased significantly with the increase of the injection flow rate after the injection flow rate exceeded 0.005 m3/s. It shows that the research method can effectively carry out coal seam penetration enhancement with good computational efficiency and higher accuracy.

Double-pulse laser peening as a surface enhancement technology

In this paper, we discuss double-pulse laser peening (DPLP) as surface enhancement technology. Although single-pulse laser peening (SPLP) has yielded excellent results across various applications, its processing performance and efficiency are limited. The DPLP technique involves two laser pulses with a controlled irradiation interval and intensity, enhancing laser absorption through the plasma plume and generating high-amplitude laser-induced shock waves. This study involved conducting DPLP experiments on stainless steel, comparing the outcomes with those of conventional SPLP to assess DPLP’s functionality. After the initial prepulse irradiation, the subsequent main pulse was timed and irradiated onto the stainless steel. We evaluated the surface hardness to ascertain the impact of laser peening. The findings indicated that the surface hardness achieved with DPLP was up to 64% greater than that with SPLP. Additionally, the surface hardness achieved through DPLP depended on the delay time between the pulses and the intensity of the initial prepulse. These findings suggest that DPLP can significantly enhance surface hardness, providing a potential pathway for improving material performance in various industrial applications. Furthermore, simulation experiments of DPLP were performed using a one-dimensional simulation code that calculates the laser-matter interaction during the peening process. The pressure profiles generated by the simulation closely matched the experimentally derived hardness profiles, confirming the simulation’s ability to predict the mechanical effects induced by DPLP on the target sample and assist in further optimization of the DPLP process.

Comparison of Advanced Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System (FACTS) Devices with Conventional Technologies for Power System Stability Enhancement: An Updated Review

The continuously growing penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) in electrical networks provides increasing challenges and critical situations to be managed by worldwide system operators. Due to their features and variability, non-programmable RES power plants, whose increasing penetration reduces the inertia level of the power system, may determine the instability effects on the grids, especially from the frequency and voltage regulation standpoints. The present study focuses on the support that advanced FACTS (Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System) devices, such as STATCOMs (Static Synchronous Compensators), can provide to the power system operation in terms of system inertia improvement, frequency stability, and voltage stability. In particular, a review of the scientific literature and practice is performed, with the aim of benchmarking the ongoing evolution of these technologies, also comparing them with different options based on synchronous condensers, synchronous condensers integrated with flywheels, and STATCOMs with supercapacitors. The outcome of the analysis consists of an updated evaluation of the state-of-the-art technological development in the field and of a comparison between different FACTSs with the purpose of identifying the most suitable solutions for different practical situations, also taking account of synergies across various options. This study includes an updated overview regarding the status of STATCOM installation in the Italian power grid.

Machine learning approaches toward an understanding of acute kidney injury: current trends and future directions.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant health challenge associated with adverse patient outcomes and substantial economic burdens. Many authors have sought to prevent and predict AKI. Here, we comprehensively review recent advances in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to predict AKI, and the associated challenges. Although AI may detect AKI early and predict prognosis, integration of AI-based systems into clinical practice remains challenging. It is difficult to identify AKI patients using retrospective data; information preprocessing and the limitations of existing models pose problems. It is essential to embrace standardized labeling criteria and to form international multi-institutional collaborations that foster high-quality data collection. Additionally, existing constraints on the deployment of evolving AI technologies in real-world healthcare settings and enhancement of the reliabilities of AI outputs are crucial. Such efforts will improve the clinical applicability, performance, and reliability of AKI Clinical Support Systems, ultimately enhancing patient prognoses.

Ethical considerations for the use of brain-computer interfaces for cognitive enhancement.

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) enable direct communication between the brain and external computers, allowing processing of brain activity and the ability to control external devices. While often used for medical purposes, BCIs may also hold great promise for nonmedical purposes to unlock human neurocognitive potential. In this Essay, we discuss the prospects and challenges of using BCIs for cognitive enhancement, focusing specifically on invasive enhancement BCIs (eBCIs). We discuss the ethical, legal, and scientific implications of eBCIs, including issues related to privacy, autonomy, inequality, and the broader societal impact of cognitive enhancement technologies. We conclude that the development of eBCIs raises challenges far beyond practical pros and cons, prompting fundamental questions regarding the nature of conscious selfhood and about who-and what-we are, and ought, to be.

Christian Transhumanism and Transhumanist Christianity

What might a Christian Transhumanism or, better, a Transhumanist Christianity, look like? Might conscientious Christians today absorb transhumanist zeal and enhancement technology into holy goals of enriching the individual soul and transforming the social fabric? As stewards of human creativity, public theologians and cybertheologians are provided an opportunity by their transhumanist friends to contribute to wider human flourishing and global wellbeing. Yet, realism regarding original sin heightens the challenge to discern what is good while avoiding the pitfalls of messianic hubris.

The Impact and Future of Generative Pre-trained Transformers: A Study of GPT in Enhancing Business and Technology

With the development of artificial intelligence (AI), natural language processing (NIP) has clearly become the key to enhancing AI capabilities, especially through the deployment of GPT. This paper explores the major advances and related commercial applications of GPT, as it is at the cutting edge of AI technology with far-reaching capabilities in terms of text generation, language understanding, and human-machine interaction. Developed by OpenAI, GPT uses innovative transformer architecture to make breakthroughs in a variety of language tasks, marking a major evolution in the potential applications of AI in various industries. This research explores the integration of GPT in sectors, highlighting how its complex text processing capabilities can be utilized to improve efficiency and innovative service delivery. The study highlights the transformative impact of GPT on business efficiency, strategic decision-making, and customer engagement, thanks to its scalable and adaptable AI framework. Finally, the document reflects the need for a strong ethical framework and regulatory supervision to guide the deployment of GPT technologies. As the Global Trade Agreement evolves, it is committed to shaping the future of global industry by promoting innovation while calling for a balanced approach to ethical considerations and social impacts.

Determination of Seed Physiological Maturity and Invigoration using Plasma-Activated Water and Ultrafine Bubble Water on Okra Seeds

Seeds physical and physiological qualities are primarily determined by seed physiological maturity. Seed enhancement technology has developed rapidly, including using ultrafine bubbles (UFB) and plasma-activated water (PAW) to increase seed viability. This study aimed to determine seed physiology maturity on okra seed to get the optimal harvesting period seeds and to examine the most effective seed enhancement plasma-activated water and ultrafine-bubble Water. The first experiment was arranged using completely randomized design with fruit maturity as the single factor, harvested at 3, 4, 5, or 6 weeks after anthesis (WAA), with three replications. The second experiment used factorial completely randomized design; the first factor is seed lots with different storage times (fresh seed and one-year storage seed), and the second factor seed invigoration using UFB (20 ppm dissolved oxygen) and PAW (10-, 20-, and 30-min exposure) as the second factor. Untreated seeds were used as control. Fifty seeds were used in each treatment. Okra seed physiological maturity was reached at 5 WAA based on seed dry weight, germination capacity, seedling vigor, and speed of germination. The pod color at 5 WAA is olive brown, and seed testa has dark greyish purple. Plasma-activated water at 10 minutes exposure increased the vigor index of seed lots stored for one year by 86% and PAW20 by 87%. Plasma activated water at 10-, 20- and 30-minutes exposures significantly increased the seedling vigor index and germination speed of fresh seeds harvested at 5 WAA.

Image Processing in Improving the Scan Results of Identity Cards and Family Cards with Noise with the Median Filtering Method

In the digital era, identity documents such as Identity Cards and Family Cards play a crucial role in administration and public services. The process of scanning these documents often results in images with noise that can interfere with data accuracy and identification. This research aims to improve the quality of scanned images by using the median filtering method to reduce salt and pepper noise. Median Filtering was chosen for its ability to preserve edges and details in images, which is crucial for identity documents such as Identity Cards and Family Cards. In this study, the system developed to enhance scanned images was implemented and tested. Evaluation results show that the Median Filtering method is effective in removing noise without damaging the edges and fine details of the images. The evaluation indicates that this system is effective in producing images that meet the quality standards required for official administration and identification. This research is expected to contribute to the development of digital image enhancement technology for identity documents, thus improving accuracy and reliability in public services.

Активизация пластовой микрофлоры для повышения нефтеотдачи

Constant optimization of technological processes of oil production is one of the integral parts of rational subsurface use. The study and implementation of new developments and technologies in the oil production process is primarily due to the economic effect. Methods of increasing oil recovery are of particular interest in the practical implementation of innovative technologies in the oil and gas industry. To date, a huge number of technologies have been developed and tested in field conditions aimed at preserving and increasing the volume of produced products, the classification of which is very diverse. The primary criteria for choosing a method or combination of methods of influencing a productive reservoir in order to increase oil recovery are the geological conditions of the productive horizon, as well as the composition and physico-chemical properties of reservoir fluids. Currently, of all the many methods of increasing oil recovery, the microbiological method is the least studied, as a result of which it is extremely rarely used in enterprises. The relevance of research on the effects of microorganisms on the reservoir rock is beyond doubt. The possibility of widespread application of oil recovery enhancement technology based on bacterial life processes is interesting both from the point of view of environmental safety and economic efficiency. One of the microbiological methods of increasing oil recovery is the activation of the existing reservoir microflora by feeding a nutrient medium into the reservoir. In the course of their vital activity, some types of bacteria are capable of destroying clay rocks, which entails changes in the filtration and capacitance properties of the reservoir rock and, as a result, the volume of products produced increases significantly. The advantage of this method is the absence of the need for forced “contamination” of the reservoir formation, since the necessary bacteria are already in it.

Towards effective web-based learning: An investigation of the management of learning management system at a university of technology

The effectiveness of web-based learning has garnered significant attention in the global educational landscape, with numerous studies providing invaluable insights to transform education through technology. These research endeavors have generated theoretical frameworks that underpin the implementation and utilization of technology for educational enhancement. However, despite the remarkable contributions of these studies, concerns persist regarding the adept management of web-based Learning Management Systems (LMS). Hence, this paper addresses this critical concern by conducting an analysis of LMS management at a South African University of Technology. Utilising a mixed-methods approach, this study combines qualitative interviews with lecturers and quantitative analysis involving students to comprehensively assess the management of web-based LMS. By triangulating these diverse data sources, this research offers a holistic perspective on LMS management, thereby enriching the understanding of this multifaceted field. The findings of this study indicate that the University of Technology has made significant strides in adopting and implementing web-based learning technologies via Think Learn Zone (TLZ) Moodle platform. However, certain challenges were identified. Notably, inconsistencies in lecturer training, concerns about accessibility, and the demand for enhanced technical support for students. Moreover, the study highlights that while the LMS serves as a pivotal tool for disseminating educational content, its effectiveness hinges on the synergy between administrative decisions and faculty practices.

MobileNet-CAL: Tomato pest and disease classification method based on transfer learning and attention mechanism

Based on the MobileNetV3 model, this paper introduces the Coordinate attention (CA) attention mechanism and transfer learning to propose the MobileNet-CAL model to solve the problems of insufficient attention to model channel information, long classification training time, high training cost, and weak generalization ability. The model combines data enhancement, attention mechanism and transfer learning technology to improve the classification effect of the model, and updates the fully connected layer at the same time. Finally, the model is optimized by combining the Auxiliary loss function and the ASGD optimizer to improve the classification accuracy of the model, speed up the collection speed, and enhance the robustness of the model. Finally, the model is evaluated from multiple angles such as Accuracy, F1-score, Precision, Recall, and Specificity in the tomato pest and disease leaf dataset. Its Accuracy reaches 98.59% an accuracy of, which is improved by, and by, 4.47%respectively, compared with the original model. Experiments show that MobileNet-CAL can improve the classification accuracy to a certain extent, verifying that the model proposed 4.05%、3.43%、16.57% in 4.13%this paper is effective in the classification task of tomato pest and disease leaves.

Emphasizing the innovation of urological robotic-assisted surgical instruments and technology driven by new quality productivity forces

New quality productivity force is an advanced form of productive force that is innovation-driven, characterized by high technology, high efficiency, and high quality. It aligns with the new development philosophy and represents an advanced state of productivity. Within the medical sphere, this concept is epitomized by the progressive evolution of surgical instruments and techniques. In recent years, the rapid development of new quality productivity forces in the medical field has generated significant anticipation for innovations in urological robotic surgery instruments and techniques. Advancements in domestically produced robotic surgery systems, remote robotic surgery, single-port robotic surgery, and pediatric-specific robotic surgery exemplify the critical application of new quality productivity forces in urology. The integration of artificial intelligence, haptic feedback technology, and sensory enhancement technologies has further enhanced the safety and precision of surgeries. Driven by these new quality productivity forces, the development of urological robotic surgery instruments and techniques has reached a new milestone, potentially setting a new gold standard for urological surgeries and providing patients with safer, more efficient, and personalized medical care. However, certain emerging technologies still face challenges in their application, necessitating further research and clinical validation.

Low-Light Image Enhancement Technology Based on Image Categorization, Processing and Retinex Deep Network

Low-Light Image Enhancement Technology Based on Image Categorization, Processing and Retinex Deep Network

IC-IE-AKS-O: an automatic recognition method for coastal slope landslide areas

Automatically and accurately identifying the deformation zone of coastal slope landslides is crucial for exploring the mechanism of landslides and predicting landslide disasters. To this end, this study proposes an integrated automatic recognition method combining Image Clipping (IC), Image Information Enhancement (IE), Adaptive K-means Clustering Segmentation (AKS), and Optimization (O): IC-IE-AKS-O, which achieves precise extraction of the deformation area in coastal slope landslide images. Firstly, due to the more complex natural environment of field slopes, to extend the monitoring duration, we introduce a hierarchical operation algorithm based on the HSV color model, which effectively mitigates the impact of sunlight, rain, and foggy weather on image recognition accuracy. Secondly, this study proposes a 2D landslide image segmentation technique that combines K-means clustering with global threshold segmentation for landslide images, enabling the segmentation of small image regions with precision. Finally, we combine image information enhancement technology with image segmentation technology. To verify its effectiveness, we identify a landslide image of a coastal slope in Pingtan. The method displays an average relative error of 5.20% and 5.14% in the X and Y directions, respectively. Its advantages are threefold: (1) The combination of image information enhancement and segmentation techniques can more accurately identify landslide areas that appear blurred in the image; (2) expanding the temporal dimension of coastal slope monitoring; (3) providing excellent boundary conditions and segmentation results. The practical application of this method ensures the stable and accurate operation of the coastal slope monitoring system, providing a safeguard for the sustainable development of marine safety.

Internet of Things and the Evolution of Human 2.0: An Analytical Study on Enhancing Human Capabilities

The Internet of Things (IoT) technology has introduced new tools for enhancing human capabilities, promising improved quality of life and professional efficiency. The concept of "Augmented Human" (AH) refers to using technology to enhance and improve natural human abilities, whether physical or cognitive, through devices and technologies that boost sensory perception, physical strength, and cognitive performance. However, the integration of IoT with human augmentation technology has expanded the scope of IoT-related challenges beyond current boundaries. So far, these potential challenges associated with IoT-enabled human augmentation have not investigated. Therefore, this article aims to introduce readers to the concept of human augmentation (AH) and to summarize the key research challenges posed by such systems, thereby encouraging readers' interest in this topic. The article explores emerging IoT applications in human augmentation, along with devices and design principles, connectivity requirements, and security aspects. Keywords: Internet of Things, human capabilities, flexible hybrid electronics.

The Role of Financial Technology in Enhancing the Efficiency of Legal Services

With the rapid development of financial technology (FinTech), its application in the legal service sector is gradually becoming a key force in driving industry innovation. This paper uses both qualitative and quantitative research methods to explore the interaction and synergistic effects of financial technology, regulatory technology (RegTech), and intellectual property protection (IP Protection) in the legal service industry. The study analyzes the current status of financial technology in contract law, compliance checks, and dispute resolution, and evaluates its actual effect on improving the efficiency of legal services. The study found that financial technology has optimized the contract execution process through technologies such as smart contracts and blockchain, improved the level of automation in compliance work, and provided new ways for dispute resolution. Although facing challenges such as technology integration, data security, and legal regulation, these challenges can be effectively controlled through effective risk management and strategic response. The study proposes a series of strategic recommendations, including technological innovation, policy support, education, and training, to promote the collaborative development of financial technology, regulatory technology, and intellectual property protection in the legal service industry. (Beck, R., Bugnion, F., & Pohl, M., 2018) The conclusion of this paper emphasizes the positive role of financial technology in enhancing the efficiency of legal services and points out strategies to cope with challenges, providing valuable insights and suggestions for legal service providers, technology developers, and policy makers to promote the modernization and digital transformation of the legal service industry.