User Appeal Research Articles

Development of an innovative microvehicle for urban mobility

This paper presents the development of a novel microvehicle concept under the H2020 LEONARDO project, which targets the limitations of current micromobility solutions. By combining the features of a monowheel and a kick scooter, the vehicle is designed to enhance safety, comfort, and convenience for urban transport. It employs an innovative control mechanism, where pushing the steering column accelerates and pulling it decelerates, thereby improving user experience. The design integrates advanced fast-charging energy storage with a lightweight, compact build, facilitating easy maneuverability and storage, making it suitable for urban environments. The development process includes extensive re-design efforts; in-house testing; and detailed structural, electrical, and regulatory analyses, ensuring compliance with existing standards. A large-scale demonstration in a real urban setting validates the practicality and effectiveness of vehicles. This microvehicle emphasizes ease of use, merging the best aspects of a kick scooter and a monowheel to overcome challenges related to range, safety, and integration with public transportation. A key innovation is the potential inclusion of a battery-sharing system that enhances versatility and user appeal. By focusing on a seamless blend of intuitive control, compact design, and efficient energy use, this vehicle addresses the significant limitations of the current micromobility solutions. This paper highlights the potential of vehicles to significantly improve urban transportation by offering a practical, environmentally friendly, and user-friendly alternative that enhances the efficiency and attractiveness of urban mobility options.

A novel DAG-blockchain structure for trusted routing in secure MANET-IoT environment

Different physical objects can be employed in the modern technological environment to facilitate human activity. In order to connect physical objects with the universe of digital using a variety of networks and communication technologies, an IoT, the cutting edges technological and effective solution, is deployed. Mobile ad hoc networks (MANET) interact with the IoTin smart settings, enhancing its user appeal and boosting its commercial viability. The new system of MANET based IoT and IT-network may be created by integrating wireless sensor and MANET with the Internet of Things. A solution like this increases user mobility while lowering network deployment costs. However, it also raises new, difficult problems in terms of networking considerations. In this, we presented a novel DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph)-Blockchain structure for MANET-IoT security. The network is secured through Multi-Factor PUF (MF-PUF) authentication scheme. With all authorized nodes, the network is segregated into cluster topology. For trusted data transmission, we proposed Jelly Fish Optimization (JFO) algorithm with the consideration of multiple criteria. For deep packet inspection, we proposed a Fully Connected Recurrent Neural Network (FCRNN). Through deep packet inspection, the intrusions are detected and mitigated through blocking system.With help of merged algorithm, the suggested method obtained improved ability in the PDR (Packet Delivery Ratio), production, analysis of time, detection accuracy also security levels. The comparison results clearly indicate that the proposed study outperforms all previous studies in various aspects. Particularly, the suggested methods for cluster creation, data aggregation, routing, encryption, and authentication significantly improve the system of DAG-IDS. Additionally, the planned task exhibits an exceptionally low standard deviation, making the suggested approach highly suitable for a WSN-IoT environment.

Development and Perceived Usability Evaluation of a Mobile application for Notetaking

INTRODUCTION: Notetaking is considered, by many educators, as one of the critical actions of learning. There are several note-taking methods and approaches. Based on these methods and approaches, various applications, whether mobile, desktop or -Web-based, were developed.OBJECTIVES: In this paper, a novel note-taking application based on Cornell Technique, is presented. Its development process and user acceptance trend are exhibited and results for user evaluation based on user satisfaction are presented. METHODS: For the software development process, Incremental Model was adopted. Requirement Analysis included, aside from examining principles and related note-taking structure of Cornell Technique, investigating (i) how to perform notetaking as an activity of learning, (ii) its product and (iii) relationship of notes for the purpose of storage. Models containing sub-activities, such as reviewing note have been identified and some were selectively adopted and related functions such as review alert (tickler) and collaboration on notetaking have been implemented. To the purpose of storage, a tree-based scheme called collection was modelled. User interfaces were first designed as mockups and click-through pro-totype using Adobe XD. The mobile application was implemented in Dart programming language. Google’s Firebase Service and Flutter Framework was adopted. The mobile application was compared with its equivalents in the Google Play Store and user statistics were investigated. To evaluate perceived usability, the System Usability Scale is adopted and applied to 14 university students conforming to determined persona.RESULTS: The application has been published in Google Play Store for users to install for free on 18th March 2022. As of 10th September 2023, total number of downloads is 5K and the Cornell Note mobile app is currently installed on 1108 devices. For the last three-month period (from 11th June to 10th September 2023), the active users per month changed in an increasing trend from 450 to 589. The average engagement time on 11th of April 2023 was 28 minutes 00 seconds. As the number of monthly active users increased, the average engagement time measured on 10th September 2023 decreased to 23 minutes 31 seconds. However, engagement rates measured were 76.91% and 77.19%, respectively. The mean SUS score was found to be equal to 79.5.CONCLUSION: The user statistics and comparison with equivalent mobile applications reveal that Cornell Note has potential to grow as a mobile application for notetaking since it has a good perceived usability, however, there is room for improvement. Considering any extra marketing effort was not spent for the application such as application store optimization, the statistics are another evidence for user appeal and acceptance. However, it is important to add new functionality without complicating the user experience so that user appeal and acceptance boosts.

Effects of ‘Ice’ flavoured e-cigarettes with synthetic cooling agent WS-23 or menthol on user-reported appeal and sensory attributes

BackgroundThis clinical experiment tested the effects of exposure to e-cigarettes with WS-23 or menthol cooling additives on user appeal and sensory attributes, and, secondarily, whether WS-23 effects generalised across base...

DHM-viewer: Comprehensive, open-source image processing suite for digital holographic microscopy.

In recent years, digital holographic microscopy (DHM) has witnessed extensive use in quantitative phase imaging (QPI) applications such as live cell dynamics imaging, and 3D particle tracking owing to its ability to reconstruct optical fields based on a single exposure. As a computational imaging technique, DHM is highly specific to the processing pipeline depending on optical configuration and processing requirements. Commercial DHM systems additionally rely on proprietary user interfaces and specific workflows that prohibit user modification, limiting their appeal for users who wish to explore different optical configurations or implement the latest processing algorithms. To address these demands, we present a comprehensive open-source software suite (DHM-viewer) compatible with most commercially available and bespoke DHM systems. DHM-viewer provides user-facing functionalities such as optical alignment assistance, stage actuation control, real-time live image acquisition, and post-processing visualization with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) system. Notably, the GUI is driven by a Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) processing layout that assist users and can accommodate various optical configurations and operating modes. From a system control perspective, DHM-viewer exploits the Micro-Manager framework to ensure compatibility with many existing microscope automation toolkits. From a post-processing perspective, the core software supports a variety of state-of-the-art phase aberration correction and Fourier filtering algorithms as well as deep learning-accelerated phase unwrapping and 3D tracking functionality leveraging the computational power of GPU-based processing. Finally, the DHM-viewer backend supports large batch offline processing through dedicated server-side distribution. The functionality and usability of the software were verified on three different DHM platforms, including one hybrid DHM-fluorescence system.

Android applications classification with deep neural networks

Currently, Android is the most widely used mobile operating system globally. This platform has become a target for malware activities due to its technological and user appeal, open-source code, and the possibility of installing apps from third-party vendors without much restrictions or centralized control. Although it has security features, recent reports of malicious activities and Android’s vulnerabilities have heightened the need for robust frameworks and approaches to improve its security. Recent studies have proposed many security methods, using static analysis, dynamic analysis, and artificial intelligence techniques to prevent malware attacks. Current sophistication of Android malware infections has made the detection of malicious apps a significant challenge. In this study, deep-learning techniques for categorizing Android applications are examined. Initially, we suggested a deep belief neural network-based applications categorization approach. With clearly defined training and testing splits from the CIC-AAGM2017 Android datasets, we further trained and assessed our neural network’s classification performance against four conventional deep feed-forward neural networks and seven baseline models based on machine-learning algorithms. The experimental results showed that the proposed neural network could classify Android apps into benign and malicious categories with 98.7% accuracy. The classification accuracy of the DBN-based model is 1.86% higher than that of other deep learning-based models studied by recent research contributions.

User perceptions on the adoption of smart energy management systems in the workplace: Design and policy implications

Smart energy management systems equipped with advanced sensing and Internet of Things technologies allow users to monitor and manage their energy consumption through different control and automation features. While the success of existing systems has led to significant energy savings in the residential context (i.e., smart homes), recent field implementations of such technologies in the workplace continue to experience significant challenges in gaining user acceptance, resulting in limited success. Our study attempts to gain a more holistic understanding of users’ perceptions on adopting smart energy management systems in the workplace through a mixed-methods approach consisting of a series of focus group discussions, online surveys, and laboratory studies. Through a comprehensive analysis of the responses obtained, the findings are grouped into seven high-level categories: External and Internal Influence, User Appeal, User Control, Reliability, Ease of Use, Personalised and Contextualised Information, and Data Privacy. Based on these findings, we proposed several design implications and organisation-level policies to help guide the design of future systems in the workplace and ensure a successful company-wide technology roll-out. These policies include adjusting existing workflows to encourage collective technology adoption in the company, educating employees on system features, and assuring users of the usage of their private data.

A Handheld Gyroscopic Device for Haptics and Hand Rehabilitation.

We propose a novel, gyroscopic device for haptics and hand rehabilitation, named Gymball. It consists of a fully actuated rotor-gimbal assembly encased in an easy-to-grip appealing design. When held, the device generates a gyroscopic torque which causes the user's hand to move about the wrist. Interviews with occupational therapists, simulations, and proof-of-concept models helped determine the design specifications of Gymball. Compared to the existing gyroscopic devices, Gymball has the following advantages. (i) A smaller form-factor with better user appeal while achieving 0.5 Nm torque. (ii) A wire entanglement-free design allowing complete rotations of the rotor-gimbal assembly. (iii) Negligible rotary imbalances owing to a symmetrical design, resulting in haptic signals with minimal vibratory noise. In this paper, we detail the design and analysis of the device. A feasibility study was conducted to validate prospect of using the device for haptic feedback or therapy. Specifically, the study focused on (i) whether the gyroscopic torque generated by the device can passively move the user's hand about the wrist and (ii) whether the produced hand motion can be controlled. The results show that Gymball can successfully generate about 7° of hand oscillations. The amplitude and frequency of the hand oscillations can be controlled using the speed of rotor and gimbal.

MHealth for pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence by young adult men who have sex with men.

Young adult men who have sex with men (YMSM) are at increased risk for HIV, especially minority YMSM. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a breakthrough daily pill to prevent HIV. Consistent adherence is key to PrEP effectiveness, which is why the CDC recommends adherence support be provided to all PrEP patients. Mobile health can overcome barriers to the delivery of adherence support, particularly for YMSM who may be most in need of it due, at least in part, to their young age. We created a culturally- and developmentally-sensitive PrEP adherence mobile app (called "Dot") that was tailored for culturally-diverse young adult MSM. After formative research and usability testing, we conducted a 6-week pre-post study to evaluate the impact of Dot on self-reported PrEP adherence, PrEP treatment self-efficacy, PrEP knowledge, and intention to practice safe sex among culturally-diverse YMSM, age 20-29. At 6 weeks, there were significant improvements in PrEP adherence, PrEP self-efficacy, and intention to practice safe sex. PrEP knowledge scores did not significantly change. The Dot app proved feasible and effective at improving PrEP adherence among culturally-diverse YMSM. Moreover, the app had a high-degree of user appeal, which is foundational to success of an mhealth intervention.

Re‐orienting the Statement of Cash Flows Around Cash Flows to Equity Holders

This paper argues that the Statement of Cash Flows should be re‐oriented around the concept of Cash Flows to Equity Holders. This re‐orientation seems attractive for conceptual and internal consistency reasons. The Income Statement and the Balance Sheet are already oriented around reporting the residual claim of equity holders. Thus, re‐orienting the Statement of Cash Flows around Cash Flows to Equity Holders naturally aligns it with the other two principal financial statements. The change also has considerable practical appeal for major users of financial reporting, especially investors who are interested in equity cash flows for forecasting and valuation. Finally, the proposed change is unusually easy to implement, essentially limited to different presentation of already existing information.

The Sharing Economy: Rhetoric and Reality

The sharing economy is transforming economies around the world, entering markets for lodging, ride hailing, home services, and other sectors that previously lacked robust person-to-person alternatives. Its expansion has been contentious and its meanings polysemic. It launched with a utopian discourse promising economic, social, and environmental benefits, which critics have questioned. In this review, we discuss its origins and intellectual foundations, internal tensions, and appeal for users. We then turn to impacts, focusing on efforts to generate user trust through digital means, tendency to reconfigure and exacerbate class and racial inequalities, and failure to reduce carbon footprints. Though the transformative potential of the sharing economy has been limited by commercialization and more recently by the pandemic, its kernel insight—that digital technology can support logics of reciprocity—retains its relevance even now.

Assessing Opportunities for Solar Lanterns to Improve Educational Outcomes in Off-Grid Rural Areas: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Solar lanterns are promoted across rural Sub-Saharan Africa as a way to improve educational outcomes. A randomized controlled trial in Zimba District, Zambia, evaluates whether solar lanterns help children study and improve academic performance. The research design accounts for potential income effects from receiving a lantern and also “blinds” participants to the study's purpose. There is no relationship detected between receipt of a solar lantern and improved performance on key examinations. Impacts on self-reported study habits are also not observed. A cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that solar lanterns are not an efficient way to improve educational outcomes in developing countries relative to other available options. Two phenomena, both of which are likely observed in other developing regions, may explain these results. First, flashlights have become the dominant lighting source in rural Zambia, so solar lanterns may have only limited appeal for prospective users who no longer rely on traditional lighting options like kerosene lamps. Second, improved energy access – whether through solar lanterns or other technologies – appears to be a relatively unimportant educational input in settings like Zimba.

Hand hygiene innovation for low income households in India

Abstract Our objective was to explore and prototype new products to facilitate improved hand hygiene after defecation by overcoming the constraints associated with soap use in low income settings, specifically urban slums in India. We used a systematic user-centred innovation process which led to the design of two products with user appeal ready for market trials, and one further concept ready for feasibility testing and further product development.

E-cigarette device power moderates the effects of non-tobacco flavors and nicotine on product appeal in young adults

BackgroundIdentifying e-cigarette product characteristics that moderate the effects of non-tobacco flavors and nicotine on user appeal can inform regulations issued in tandem with e-cigarette nicotine and flavor policies aimed to protect young adult health. An e-cigarette device’s electrical power affects the amount of solution aerosolized per puff, leading to more concentrated or diluted aerosol, which may alter product appeal. This laboratory experiment tested whether e-cigarette device power moderated the independent and interactive effects of non-tobacco flavors and nicotine on appeal in young adults. MethodIn a within-subject design single-visit protocol, young adult e-cigarette users (N = 100) administered standardized doses of e-cigarette solutions varying in flavor (fruit, menthol, tobacco) and nicotine (nicotine-containing [6 mg/mL], nicotine-free). Solutions were administered via a variable-voltage tank-style device at low (7.3 W[3.3 V@1.5 Ω resistance]) and high (12.3 W[4.3 V@1.5 Ω resistance]) power settings. Participants rated each dose’s appeal (0–100 scale). ResultsThe high (vs. low) power setting attenuated the appeal-enhancing effects of menthol (vs. tobacco) flavors (Menthol × Power, estimate = −5.44, P = .03). Power did not moderate the appeal-enhancing effects of fruit flavors. High (vs. low) power amplified the appeal-reducing effects of nicotine-containing (vs. nicotine-free) solutions (Nicotine × Power, estimate = 6.69, P < .001) and augmented the extent to which fruit and menthol flavors suppressed nicotine’s appeal-reducing effects (Flavor × Nicotine × Power, estimates = 9.40–14.85, Ps≤0.03). ConclusionE-cigarette device power appears to moderate flavor- and nicotine-induced changes in product appeal in nuanced ways, including by augmenting the ability of non-tobacco flavors to mask nicotine’s appeal-reducing effects. Regulatory restrictions on high-powered e-cigarette devices warrant consideration in efforts to protect young adult health.

Abstract P067: A Co-Design Approach to Validate a Text Message Bank for Use With Older Adults at Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Purpose/Aims: To describe the design and validation of a text message bank that will be used for an mHealth behavioral change intervention -- Fitness Intensive Therapy ( Get FIT+ ) in order to improve healthy eating and enhance physical activity in a sample of older adults (≥ 60 years) at risk for cardiovascular disease. Background: Short message service (SMS) has been widely used in patient follow-up and disease management, showing improvements in medication adherence, symptom monitoring, appointment attendance and satisfaction with health services. However, most studies usually focus on the effectiveness of SMS and lack information regarding the development and validation of their content to guarantee adequate understanding and appeal of SMS strategies by end users. Methods: An initial bank of 68 SMS text messages was developed to focus on healthy eating, physical activity and provide motivational feedback through an extant literature review for promoting behavior change to engage in healthy lifestyles. The messages were organized into three subsets [e.g., healthy eating (24 messages), physical activity (24 messages), other goals and compliance (20 messages)] for field validation. An expert panel (N = 5) evaluated each subset of SMS text messages. Consistent with the Get FIT+ project that will utilize the text messages, additional validation was conducted with 5 older adults (≥ 60 years old) from diverse ethnic backgrounds representative of the population in Orange County. Two to three people evaluated each of the three SMS text message subsets (N = 5, 40% male). User demographics, phone literacy, understanding and appeal of each SMS text message was assessed using a 27-item questionnaire. Results: The text message content included educational, motivational and goal progress feedback on the topics of nutrition, physical activity and compliance/other goals. Overall, the three SMS datasets received a total of 10 evaluations each. All evaluations—10 out of 10 (100%) valid responses—revealed an adequate understanding of the key idea contained in the SMS text message. The older adults’ average appeal score of the three datasets was 9.0 (SD±0.2) of 10 points. Participants did not make significant suggestions to change the wording of the messages, but provided excellent and useful feedback to optimize the messaging. Implications: The final set of SMS text messages produced had very high rates of understanding and appeal among an expert panel and older adults who represented the potential recipient. This study highlights the importance of developing and validating a database of simple, feedback-oriented SMS text messages, grounded in evidence and theory, with an expert panel and active engagement of potential end users.

Assessing Opportunities for Solar Lanterns to Improve Educational Outcomes in Rural Off-Grid Regions: Challenges and Lessons from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Solar lanterns are promoted across rural Sub-Saharan Africa to improve both lighting in homes and educational outcomes. We undertake a randomized controlled trial in Zimba District, Zambia, to evaluate whether solar lanterns help children study more effectively and improve academic performance. Our research design accounts for potential income effects arising from the giveaways of lanterns and also “blinds” participants to the study’s purpose. We find no evidence that receipt of a lantern improved performance on important national examinations (even though an ex post statistical power analysis demonstrates that the research should detect economically significant impacts, if present). We also do not observe impacts on self-reported study habits. Several features of Zimba District that are likely to exist in other developing regions appear to drive our results. First, flashlights are the dominant lighting source in rural Zambia rather than traditional options like kerosene lamps or candles. In such environments, solar lights may hold only limited appeal for prospective users. Second, our survey data suggests that other major barriers to educational attainment likely render improved energy access (whether through solar lanterns or otherwise) a relatively unimportant educational input.

Effect of Co-working Space Designs to Business Development and Increasing User Interest

The purpose of this research is to know about the ambiance of the workspace that will affect a person in doing his work in order to create a flexible workspace but still provide a high level of productivity for users. In addition, the readers can know the criteria of design co-working space that can increase the user attraction to use the facilities and co-working space facilities that benefit from good co-working space design for users to give influence to the user on business development and financial aspects. Writing this research begin from several definitions of co-working space, type and typology, and facilities that are in co-working space. The research method is using literature study approach method which is used to analyze how and what are the criteria of good co-working space design as to increase user appeal and develop business from the financial side. The results of this analysis will show that the design of good co-working space will increase the attractiveness of the user so it has the potential to be used as a business space that can be used as a rental office for its users.

Emollient product design: objective measurements of formulation structure, texture and performance, and subjective assessments of user acceptability.

The choice of prescribed emollients is usually based on cost and patient preference. Differences in formulations can affect user acceptability. To compare the physical performance, user acceptability and various product design features of two emollient gels that are prescribed in the UK and alleged to be therapeutically interchangeable because their formulations are described as having the same contents of oily ingredients. We found that here are in fact significant measurable differences between the structure and performance of the two formulations, which materially affect their user acceptability. These differences are attributed to the use of different types of gelling agents and other ingredients of differing grades/quality and concentrations, and probably due to the formulations being made by different manufacturing processes. We also identified other product design features that are important to user appeal, including the type of container in which the formulations are presented, the type of dispensing devices provided, and the nature and form of the supplied user instructions. Patients and prescribers should be aware that there can be important differences in performance and user appeal between emollients, even between products that, superficially, may appear to be very similar. These important performance aspects should be characterized for new emollient introductions to encourage better informed product selection.

Re-Orienting the Statement of Cash Flows around Cash Flows to Equity Holders

This paper argues that the Statement of Cash Flows should be re-oriented around the concept of Cash Flows to Equity Holders. This re-orientation seems attractive for conceptual and internal consistency reasons. The Income Statement and the Balance Sheet are already oriented around reporting the residual claim of equity holders. Thus, re-orienting the Statement of Cash Flows around Cash Flows to Equity Holders naturally aligns it with the other two principal financial statements. The change has also considerable practical appeal for major users of financial reporting, especially investors who are interested in equity cash flows for forecasting and valuation. Finally, the proposed change is unusually easy to implement, essentially limited to different presentation of already existing information.

Effects of sweet flavorings and nicotine on the appeal and sensory properties of e-cigarettes among young adult vapers: Application of a novel methodology

IntroductionProduct characteristics that impact e-cigarette appeal by altering the sensory experience of vaping need to be identified to formulate evidence-based regulatory policies. While products that contain sweet flavorings and produce a “throat hit” (i.e., desirable airway irritation putatively caused by nicotine) are anecdotally cited as desirable reasons for vaping among young adults, experimental evidence of their impact on user appeal is lacking. This experiment applied a novel laboratory protocol to assess whether: (1) sweet flavorings and nicotine affect e-cigarette appeal; (2) sweet flavorings increase perceived sweetness; (3) nicotine increases throat hit; and (4) perceived sweetness and throat hit are associated with appeal. MethodsYoung adult vapers (N=20; age 19–34) self-administered 20 standardized doses of aerosolized e-cigarette solutions varied according to a 3 flavor (sweet [e.g., cotton candy] vs. non-sweet [e.g., tobacco-flavored] vs. flavorless)×2 nicotine (6mg/mL nicotine vs. 0mg/mL [placebo]) double-blind, cross-over design. Participants rated appeal (liking, willingness to use again and perceived monetary value), perceived sweetness and throat hit strength after each administration. ResultsSweet-flavored (vs. non-sweet and flavorless) solutions produced greater appeal and perceived sweetness ratings. Nicotine produced greater throat hit ratings than placebo, but did not significantly increase appeal nor interact with flavor effects on appeal. Controlling for flavor and nicotine, perceived sweetness was positively associated with appeal ratings; throat hit was not positively associated with appeal. ConclusionsFurther identification of compounds in e-cigarette solutions that enhance sensory perceptions of sweetness, appeal, and utilization of e-cigarettes are warranted to inform evidence-based regulatory policies.