User-friendly Design Research Articles

Do Cone Beam CT Picture Archiving and Communication Systems Viewer Interfaces Meet the Expectations of Dental Professionals From a Usability Perspective?

Background Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has revolutionized dental and maxillofacial imaging by providing high-resolution 3D visualizations, essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Despite its clinical advancements, the usability of CBCT viewer interfaces, which play a crucial role in the effective interpretation of imaging data, remains a critical concern. Objective This study aims to evaluate the usability of a CBCT viewer interfaceinclinical settings, focusing on theeffectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction perspectives, to identify potential areas for improvement. Methods Twenty-two participants (N=22) were assigned the task of locating the mental foramen in a mandible dataset, selected randomly, using the multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) mode of a CBCT viewer interface on a local network. The task's effectiveness was gauged by the completion rate, while efficiency was measured through the duration of the task, the number of mouse clicks, and the cursor's path in both pixels and meters. Satisfaction or perceived usability was evaluated using the system usability scale (SUS-TR), and computer system usability questionnaire (T-CSUQ), among other scales, with participants also providing open-ended feedback. Demographic characteristics served as classification variables. Results All participants completed the given task. No demography-related differences in efficiency were observed. Perceived usability (SUS-TR: 60.68±19.58, T-CSUQ: 43.63±16.34) was below the industry standards, categorizing the system as a detractor. Commonly reported issues included accessing the MPR window, cursor behavior, and unclear error messages. The mean SUS-TR score negatively correlated with efficiency-related variables (p<0.05 for each). Conclusions The study's findings indicate that the CBCT viewer interface does not fully meet dental professionals' usability expectations, as evidenced by the task's completion rate, efficiency metrics, and below-average usability scores. Despite the successful task completion by all participants, the identified issues in interface design, such as difficulties in accessing the MPR window and unclear error messages, highlight significant areas for improvement. To enhance user satisfaction and efficiency, future developments of CBCT viewer interfaces should incorporate feedback from end-users and prioritize user-friendly design principles.

Pycallingcards: an integrated environment for visualizing, analyzing, and interpreting Calling Cards data.

Unraveling the transcriptional programs that control how cells divide, differentiate, and respond to their environments requires a precise understanding of transcription factors' (TFs) DNA-binding activities. Calling cards (CC) technology uses transposons to capture transient TF binding events at one instant in time and then read them out at a later time. This methodology can also be used to simultaneously measure TF binding and mRNA expression from single-cell CC and to record and integrate TF binding events across time in any cell type of interest without the need for purification. Despite these advantages, there has been a lack of dedicated bioinformatics tools for the detailed analysis of CC data. We introduce Pycallingcards, a comprehensive Python module specifically designed for the analysis of single-cell and bulk CC data across multiple species. Pycallingcards introduces two innovative peak callers, CCcaller and MACCs, enhancing the accuracy and speed of pinpointing TF binding sites from CC data. Pycallingcards offers a fully integrated environment for data visualization, motif finding, and comparative analysis with RNA-seq and ChIP-seq datasets. To illustrate its practical application, we have reanalyzed previously published mouse cortex and glioblastoma datasets. This analysis revealed novel cell-type-specific binding sites and potential sex-linked TF regulators, furthering our understanding of TF binding and gene expression relationships. Thus, Pycallingcards, with its user-friendly design and seamless interface with the Python data science ecosystem, stands as a critical tool for advancing the analysis of TF functions via CC data. Pycallingcards can be accessed on the GitHub repository: https://github.com/The-Mitra-Lab/pycallingcards.

Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems: Features Journey for Tomorrow

Intelligent associated vehicles (ICVs) are accepted to completely change people sooner rather than later by making the transportation more secure, cleaner and more agreeable. Albeit numerous models of ICVs have been created to demonstrate the idea of independent driving and the plausibility of further developing traffic effectiveness, there actually exists a critical hole prior to accomplishing large scale manufacturing of undeniable level ICVs. The goal of this study is to introduce an outline of both the cutting edge and future viewpoints of key necessary advances for future ICVs. It is a moving undertaking to survey every connected work and foresee their future viewpoints, particularly for such a perplexing and interdisciplinary area of examination. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADASs) have become a salient feature for safety in modern vehicles. They are also a key underlying technology in emerging autonomous vehicles. State-of-the-art ADASs are primarily vision based, various type of features for ex. Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Traffic Sign Recognition, High Beam Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Driver Drowsiness Detection, Obstacle Aware Acceleration, Auto-steer etc. The paper aims at giving a complete picture focusing on the ADAS features for the user-friendly design of human-machine interfaces between driver and assistance system.

Virtual Bonds: A Systematic Review of Online Social Networks and Intellectual Disabilities

This systematic review investigates the intersection of online social networks and individuals with intellectual disabilities, with a focus on identifying the specific platforms and features used, exploring their impact on social inclusion and interaction, and offering practical recommendations for improved support mechanisms. The study reveals that individuals with intellectual disabilities commonly engage with mainstream social networking platforms. These platforms facilitate social connections, community building, and increased opportunities for participation. Additionally, individuals with intellectual disabilities benefit from empowerment through self-expression, as evidenced by the positive sharing of achievements and talents. The recommendations derived from the systematic review emphasize practical strategies to enhance support mechanisms, including improving accessibility features, implementing user-friendly design, promoting privacy controls, and providing educational resources. In conclusion, "Virtual Bonds" contributes valuable insights into the dynamic relationship between individuals with intellectual disabilities and online social networks. The findings underscore the positive impact of these platforms on social inclusion, while the recommendations provide actionable steps to optimize accessibility and support mechanisms, ultimately enhancing the digital experience for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

E-government quality from the citizen's perspective: the role of perceived factors, demographic variables and the digital divide

PurposeGovernments globally are adopting e-Government services to streamline administrative processes and meet citizens' expectations. This study investigates e-Government service quality from citizens' perspectives in 50 Greek municipalities, using the technology acceptance model (TAM) and cognitive theory.Design/methodology/approachThe data from 707 respondents across 50 Greek municipalities are analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM), ANOVA and moderation analysis. The study assesses the relationships between key factors and citizens' intentions to use e-Government services, examining the impact of demographics and the digital divide.FindingsThe study reveals that perceived attractiveness (PA), perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU) and awareness (AWA) significantly influence citizens' behavioral intentions (BINTs) toward municipal e-Government services. Interestingly, PEOU negatively impacts users' intentions, suggesting dissatisfaction with portal attractiveness and utility. The study explores the influence of demographic variables and the digital divide on citizens' BINTs, highlighting economic activity and income as crucial determinants.Practical implicationsThe study emphasizes the significance of user-friendly design, PU, PEOU and AWA campaigns for the development of effective e-Government platforms. Strategies to address the digital divide and promote citizen engagement are essential for enhancing user experience, service utility and AWA, ultimately fostering a positive attitude toward e-Government.Social implicationsAddressing demographic differences ensures inclusive e-Government systems, while bridging the digital divide promotes equitable service delivery and citizen engagement.Originality/valueThis research provides insights into factors influencing citizens' BINTs toward e-Government services. The study's examination of demographic attributes and the digital divide enhances understanding, contributing to the development of citizen-centric e-Government services and supporting inclusive digital transformations.

ОБЗОР РУССКОЯЗЫЧНЫХ ANDROID-ПРИЛОЖЕНИЙ ДЛЯ ПСИХОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО БЛАГОПОЛУЧИЯ

This paper analyzes Russian-language Android applications for psychological help, defines requirements and recommendations for the development of such apps. Psychological applications have been selected from the Google Play Market according to certain criteria. Therapeutic and engagement functions, goals, tags, number of downloads, and average score of each application have been recorded for the analysis. The aesthetics and usability of each application have also been evaluated on a five-point scale by 7 user-respondents. We found a variety of functional content in the applications. According to the respondents, most of the applications had an attractive and user-friendly design. However, only one study examined the experience of using one of these applications that indicates the topic is insufficiently studied in Russia. It is also emphasized that the adaptation of questionnaire using the MARS method can help evaluating the effectiveness of an application at the development stage. Research and analysis of mobile applications for psychological well-being can be useful for developers and specialists in the psychology to build more effective and user-friendly applications.

Acceptability and Cost Benefits Analysis of Papaya Pickled Atchara Extractor Machine

This research evaluates the end-user acceptability and cost-benefit analysis of a fabricated prototype papaya pickled atchara extractor machine. The objective is to assess the feasibility of using these machines in papaya pickled Atchara production by evaluating their potential to enhance compatibility, functional suitability, maintainability, reliability, and usability, and improve overall cost benefits. The findings highlight the importance of key factors like simplicity, compatibility, and ease of use in driving user acceptance of the prototype machine. A user-friendly design was shown to reduce errors and improve overall user experience, increasing the likelihood of widespread adoption. Additionally, the cost-benefit analysis revealed a favorable outcome, with the total machine cost of Php 7,469.00 offset by a projected benefit of Php 25,200.00 in product sales, yielding a cost-benefit ratio of 3.37. This positive result indicates that the machine is financially feasible within the first year of use. Recommendations include the use of stainless steel for the plunger mechanism, cylinder housing, and funnel juice collector to enhance safety and hygiene.

SMARTSORT: YOLOv4-driven Smart Sorting for Household Waste Management

The current market offers smart bins, incorporating automatic door openings as a notable design feature for household cleanliness. While advanced and versatile waste management devices exist for business applications, the Philippines faces limited access to these innovations. The discrepancy is compounded by existing challenges in waste segregation techniques that demand attention and improvement. This project aims to address these issues by developing a system that automates the separation of household waste into three distinct categories: paper, plastic, and metal. Utilizing an Arduino Mega microcontroller, YOLOv4-based waste classification, and various models, the system offers efficient and hands-free waste disposal. Key features include real-time notifications, three-succession waste disposal, and LED bar indicators. The system’s potential lies in streamlining waste segregation, user-friendly design, and versatile applications beyond residential use. SMARTSORT aims to contribute to sustainable waste management practices.

Developing the First Digital Occupational Therapy Dictionary Worldwide: A Promising Mobile Application Model for Occupational Therapy Service Providers and Recipients.

The purpose of this study was to develop the first English-Arabic occupational therapy dictionary mobile application that could be used by occupational therapy service providers and recipients and help fill the gap in understanding and communicating occupational therapy services. Google Play Store and App Store application stores were searched first to identify any current electronic occupational therapy dictionary. While developing the dictionary concept and structure, end users' needs, language, and culture were taken into consideration applying a user-friendly design, functionalities, and an easy-to-understand language with illustrative visual representations. Our search for currently available electronic occupational therapy dictionaries did not identify any mobile application on the official application stores for iPhone and Android. As a result, a conceptual model was created to develop a mobile application aiming to develop a comprehensive and user-friendly mobile electronic dictionary with over 2400 scientific terms translated and annotated from English to Arabic, more than 350 illustrative pictures, and special features to assist occupational therapy professionals and occupational therapy services recipients in looking up and understanding terminology used in rehabilitation and occupational therapy in the most convenient, fastest, and easiest way possible. The occupational therapy dictionary mobile application has helped create a unified terminology and a common language of shared understanding, proved to be a helpful tool of communicating important messages between Arab occupational therapy professionals and community members through providing an easy access to up-to-date comprehensive English-Arabic lexicography in occupational therapy. It has become the first digital occupational therapy dictionary worldwide and has been made available for everyone to download from Google Play and App Store on their smartphones, computers, or tablets free of charge. Further research is urgently needed for quality improvement and to further enrich Arabic content in occupational therapy through developing evidence-based mobile tools to be used in occupational therapy practice by Arabic-speaking population.

The Role of Oracle HCM in Transforming HR Operations

Oracle Human Capital Management (HCM) stands out as a revolutionary force in the midst of the quickly changing world of Human Resources (HR). It is transforming conventional HR operations by using cutting-edge technology and strategic insights. It is the purpose of this abstract to investigate how Oracle Human Capital Management (HCM) helps to the modernisation of HR services, the enhancement of employee experiences, the drive of efficiency, and the alignment of HR practices with organisational objectives. A complete set of technologies that are meant to simplify human resource activities, including recruiting and onboarding, performance management, and employee development, is integrated into Oracle Human Capital Management (HCM). Using cloud-based solutions, Oracle Human Capital Management (HCM) provides scalability and flexibility, which enables businesses to quickly adjust their operations in response to changing market circumstances and business requirements. In today's highly competitive world, when agility and innovation are essential to maintaining development and success, this adaptability and flexibility is very necessary. One of the most important advantages of Oracle Human Capital Management is its data-driven approach, which offers insights that can be put into action by means of sophisticated analytics and reporting. Because of these skills, human resource managers are able to make choices based on accurate information, recognise patterns, and proactively handle possible problems. An example of this would be the ability of predictive analytics to foresee workforce demands, optimise talent management methods, and improve overall organisational performance of an organisation. Furthermore, the comprehensive data security measures implemented by Oracle Human Capital Management (HCM) guarantee the protection of sensitive employee information, therefore encouraging confidence and ensuring compliance with legal standards. Oracle Human Capital Management also places an emphasis on the significance of employee experience and engagement. Self-service choices for managing personal information, perks, and career development are made possible by its user-friendly design and mobile accessibility, which makes it more convenient for workers and increases their level of satisfaction. Not only does this emphasis on employee-centric features increase operational efficiency, but it also adds to greater staff retention rates and a more pleasant culture inside the organisation.

Students' Perceptions on the Use of ELSA Speak Application to Improve English Speaking Skills

Students encounter various challenges when striving to enhance their English-speaking abilities, one of which is the lack of sufficient learning tools, which might impede the progress of these talents. It's possible that some pupils won't have enough time to focus on their English skill. In the modern era, there exists a multitude of technologies and programs that might enhance one's English speaking proficiency. Among these options is the utilization of the ELSA Speak application. The goal of this study is to investigate students' viewpoints regarding the effectiveness of the ELSA Speak application in improving their English speaking skills. The study aims to evaluate students' perspectives regarding the efficacy of ELSA Speak as a means of enhancing their English speaking abilities. Additionally, it aims to investigate the extent to which students believe that the utilization of ELSA Speak can yield beneficial outcomes. A positive perspective on their proficiency in English communication, as well as factors that could influence their opinion of the application. This study employed simple random sampling methodology, wherein a sample of 60 individuals was chosen from a population of 100. Utilizing a survey instrument to gather information. The data was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS 16.0, which involved calculating the mean correlation and average. Quantitative descriptive analysis employing Pearson correlation and Cronbach's alpha. The results of the questionnaire validation indicate that each statement item has passed due to the fact that the rcount value is greater than the rtable value. The Cronbach's alpha test yielded a high value of 0.955, indicating a strong level of reliability for the instrument. The study's findings suggest that the participants had a positive view on improving English speaking abilities using the ELSA speak application as a learning tool. In addition, pupils expressed positive experiences with the application. The users highlighted the user-friendly design, extensive range of materials, and significant improvement in their oral communication skills with frequent use of ELSA Speak. The research supports the use of this program as an effective tool for improving English speaking skills

How do Employees Experience Digital Monitoring and Coaching to Better Cope with Their Pain: A Pilot Study with a Smartphone Application

Background: Pain complaints are an important problem for employees, employers, and society. Up to 60% of the working population suffers from pain and these complaints are responsible for a third of all absenteeism. Pain is a complex phenomenon influenced by physical and psychosocial factors. Digital technologies such as smartphone applications offer opportunities to empower employees and help them manage and cope with their pain. However, lack of empirical evidence and user-friendly design hinder the adoption of these technologies in practice. This one group open label pilot aimed at evaluating the impact and user experience of an innovative smartphone application that includes monitoring as well as coaching to help employees manage their pain.&#x0D; Methods: An extensive co-design process including 262 end-users and seven domain experts was used to develop an app that contains 1) a monitoring part with questionnaires and integration with an activity tracker and 2) a coaching part including online information and exercises to help improve pain-related cognitions and other pain-management skills. Afterwards, 66 employees (experiencing pain for at least six weeks) of a large Belgian hospital used the smartphone app for six months. Every six weeks, participants were asked to complete a standardized questionnaire measuring work expectations, pain-related perceptions, and pain behavior. Finally, 12 employees participated in a semi-structured interview to help understand the quantitative findings, evaluate the user experience, and formulate recommendations towards the use of pain-management apps for employees. Quantitative and qualitative analyses by means of SPSS (version 28.0.1.0) and NVivo (version 1.0) were conducted to test the hypotheses. &#x0D; Results: Forty-eight participants had complaints, mostly located in the back (80%) and neck (74%), for at least one year. Only pain catastrophizing (χ2=15.934, p = .001) and fear avoidance (χ2=8.934, p = .030) were improved after using the app for six months. Participants experienced the app as useful and well elaborated. Based on the thematic analysis, seven recommendations emerged: 1) awareness and education about pain and pain perceptions stimulates behavior change, but make sure that the focus is on coping with pain and valued activities and not on the pain itself, 2) monitoring should be user friendly, accurate, and relevant, 3) the ability to explore and learn at your own pace is a must, 4) app functionalities should be attractive and provide maximal reward while requiring minimal effort from the user, 5) personalized and job-specific content is a must, 6) a blended approach, i.e. digital tools combined with human contact with a professional expert, is recommended, and 7) integration within a broader well-being policy at work is required.&#x0D; Conclusion: A smartphone application may help employees to monitor and cope with their pain at work. Provided that it meets some specific requirements: 1) an app is not used as a standalone but integrated within a broader wellbeing policy at work, 2) there is the possibility to interact with a professional, and 3) an app contains personal and job-specific recommendations tailored to the workplace and specific needs of the user.

Leveraging mHealth to Mitigate the Impact of COVID-19 in Black American Communities: Qualitative Analysis.

COVID-19 remains an ongoing public health crisis. Black Americans remain underrepresented among those vaccinated and overrepresented in both COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Medical misinformation, specifically related to COVID-19, has exacerbated the impact of the disease in Black American communities. Communication tools and strategies to build relationships and disseminate credible and trustworthy diagnostic and preventative health information are necessary to improve outcomes and equity for historically oppressed populations. As the initial phase of a larger mixed methods project to develop, pilot, and evaluate a mobile health (mHealth) intervention among a population at high risk for COVID-19 and cardiovascular comorbidities, this study sought to explore COVID-19 information behavior among Black Americans. Specifically, this study examined (1) preferences for COVID-19 education via mHealth, (2) barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 education and diagnostic testing and routine care for associated cardiovascular and respiratory comorbidities in the local community, and (3) key content for inclusion in a COVID-19 mHealth app. This qualitative study used principles of community-based participatory research and information systems research to conduct 7 focus groups across 3 sites. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis using an abductive approach. The study sample included 54 individuals across sites with a mean age of 50.24 (SD 11.76; range 20-71) years. Participants were primarily female (n=42, 78%) and Black (n=54, 100%) with varied education levels. Over half (n=29, 54%) of the participants were employed full-time, and nearly three-fourths (n=40, 74%) had household incomes <US $65,000. Participants used both Android (n=23, 43%) and iOS devices (n=29, 54%) and were "very comfortable" (n=37, 69%) using their mobile devices. Participants reported using a variety of sources for health information. Content-related preferences reported focus on visual presentation, user-friendly design, and privacy and highlighted the importance of community relevance, access, and community-specific content. Key barriers identified included health literacy-limiting app use, access to technology and information, and lack of trust. Increasing community relevance through community-specific messaging and the inclusion of Black providers were noted as facilitators that may increase credibility and trust. Key content identified included user-specific information such as where to get vaccines and tests, updated local COVID-19 data, travel protocols, information about long COVID-19 (post COVID-19 condition), comorbidities, frequently asked questions, and testimonials or personal stories. Increasing transparency and building trust are 2 key strategies that may improve the impact of health information messaging in Black communities. Focusing on content over context fails in the provision of critical health information and perpetuates health inequities by reinforcing systemic and structural racism. COVID-19 messaging must consider contextual information, patient needs and preferences, and patient information-seeking and information-search behaviors to establish trust and credibility, positively impact patient health outcomes, and improve health equity.

STRATEGIES FOR OPTIMIZING THE "EKSUS SMART" APPLICATION FOR THE COMMUNITY TO INCREASE TRANSPARENCY IN THE PERFORMANCE OF INVESTIGATORS IN HANDLING CRIMINAL ACTS

The Indonesian National Police (POLRI) confront a myriad of challenges in criminal investigations, contending with dynamic crime scenes and the need for prompt decision-making. Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo leads the charge in operational transformation through the 6th program, the POLRI Transformation Road Map, focusing on elevating law enforcement performance. At the core of this initiative is the "EKSUS SMART" application, developed to streamline investigations. While holding promise for enhancing POLRI investigators' performance, practical obstacles necessitating optimization have emerged. This study aims to evaluate the utilization of "EKSUS SMART" in criminal investigations by POLRI investigators, proposing strategies to boost public participation in reporting crimes. Optimization goals encompass efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency in crime handling, coupled with fostering public trust in law enforcement. Employing qualitative research and drawing on theories like Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the study underscores the intricate nature of criminal case management, requiring high levels of expertise and professionalism. While "EKSUS SMART" contributes positively to efficiency and transparency, resolving technical, legal, and social challenges is crucial for its optimal application in upholding public safety. Specific optimization strategies, including heightened public awareness, user-friendly design, and instilling trust in reporting processes, are deemed essential. Improvements in investigator services, training, and communication skills are identified, along with the need for enhanced coordination and collaboration among investigators, government, and the public, achievable through improved information infrastructure and increased public interest in transparency and investigations.

Optimizing Digital Tools for the Field of Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders: Backcasting Exercise.

Substance use trends are complex; they often rapidly evolve and necessitate an intersectional approach in research, service, and policy making. Current and emerging digital tools related to substance use are promising but also create a range of challenges and opportunities. This paper reports on a backcasting exercise aimed at the development of a roadmap that identifies values, challenges, facilitators, and milestones to achieve optimal use of digital tools in the substance use field by 2030. A backcasting exercise method was adopted, wherein the core elements are identifying key values, challenges, facilitators, milestones, cornerstones and a current, desired, and future scenario. A structured approach was used by means of (1) an Open Science Framework page as a web-based collaborative working space and (2) key stakeholders' collaborative engagement during the 2022 Lisbon Addiction Conference. The identified key values were digital rights, evidence-based tools, user-friendliness, accessibility and availability, and person-centeredness. The key challenges identified were ethical funding, regulations, commercialization, best practice models, digital literacy, and access or reach. The key facilitators identified were scientific research, interoperable infrastructure and a culture of innovation, expertise, ethical funding, user-friendly designs, and digital rights and regulations. A range of milestones were identified. The overarching identified cornerstones consisted of creating ethical frameworks, increasing access to digital tools, and continuous trend analysis. The use of digital tools in the field of substance use is linked to a range of risks and opportunities that need to be managed. The current trajectories of the use of such tools are heavily influenced by large multinational for-profit companies with relatively little involvement of key stakeholders such as people who use drugs, service providers, and researchers. The current funding models are problematic and lack the necessary flexibility associated with best practice business approaches such as lean and agile principles to design and execute customer discovery methods. Accessibility and availability, digital rights, user-friendly design, and person-focused approaches should be at the forefront in the further development of digital tools. Global legislative and technical infrastructures by means of a global action plan and strategy are necessary and should include ethical frameworks, accessibility of digital tools for substance use, and continuous trend analysis as cornerstones.

A novel on-a-chip system with a 3D-bioinspired gut mucus suitable to investigate bacterial endotoxins dynamics

The possible pathogenic impact of pro-inflammatory molecules produced by the gut microbiota is one of the hypotheses considered at the basis of the biomolecular dialogue governing the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Among these molecules, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) produced by Gram-negative gut microbiota strains may have a potential key role due to their toxic effects in both the gut and the brain.In this work, we engineered a new dynamic fluidic system, the MINERVA device (MI-device), with the potential to advance the current knowledge of the biological mechanisms regulating the microbiota-gut molecular crosstalk. The MI-device supported the growth of bacteria that are part of the intestinal microbiota under dynamic conditions within a 3D moving mucus model, with features comparable to the physiological conditions (storage modulus of 80 ± 19 Pa, network mesh size of 41 ± 3 nm), without affecting their viability (∼ 109 bacteria/mL). The integration of a fluidically optimized and user-friendly design with a bioinspired microenvironment enabled the sterile extraction and quantification of the LPS produced within the mucus by bacteria (from 423 ± 34 ng/mL to 1785 ± 91 ng/mL). Compatibility with commercially available Transwell-like inserts allows the user to precisely control the transport phenomena that occur between the two chambers by selecting the pore density of the insert membrane without changing the design of the system. The MI-device is able to provide the flow of sterile medium enriched with LPS directly produced by bacteria, opening up the possibility of studying the effects of bacteria-derived molecules on cells in depth, as well as the assessment and characterization of their effects in a physiological or pathological scenario.

Validating the Reliability and Clinical Relevance of a Nasolabial Fold Photonumeric Scale.

The use of tissue fillers to treat age-related deepening of the nasolabial fold (NLF) has increased and become the standard clinical approach, creating a need for evidence-based, objective evaluation for pre- and post-procedure assessment of the NLF. A 5-point rating scale was developed to assess the NLF, specifically the presence of depression and shadowing. Live validation of the scale was performed with a total of 73 participants representing the full range of NLF severities. Physicians board-certified in a core aesthetic specialty (3 trained raters) performed the scale validation over 2 rounds, 2 weeks apart. Training was carried out, and test-retest reliability was quantitated through the determination of intra- and inter-rater reliability by percentage of agreement, weighted kappa statistic with 95% confidence interval (CI), and intraclass correlation coefficient with 95% CI. To evaluate the clinical relevance of a 1-grade difference, rater assessments of 90 photo pairs were compared with previous designations of clinically different or not clinically different. The NLF scale achieved near-perfect intra- and inter-rater reliability when utilized by trained raters to assess a diverse group of live participants. Furthermore, clinically relevant differences between grades were established, and a 1-point difference was detectable by trained evaluators using the NLF scale. The clinically relevant and highly reliable validated NLF scale provides a standardized grading system with a user-friendly design for objectively assessing NLF in clinical practice and as a research tool for clinical approval studies of new aesthetic products and technologies. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(1):1284-1291.&nbsp;&nbsp; doi:10.36849/JDD.7316.

ShopWisely - The Ultimate Price Comparer

Abstract: Customers are faced with an abundance of options in the quickly changing world of online shopping and food delivery, which makes it difficult and time-consuming to find the best offers and affordable solutions. ShopWisely has come to light as a trailblazing answer to this problem, providing consumers with a thorough platform for comparing costs from top e-commerce sites like Amazon and Flipkart as well as popular meal delivery services like Zomato and Swiggy. ShopWisely is an online project that makes it easy for people to make educated purchases. It accomplishes this by compiling real-time pricing information from several sources, giving consumers a comprehensive picture of their choices. With an attractive and userfriendly design, the platform's main objective is to expedite the online shopping and meal ordering process, eventually

Healthy adults' views and experiences on behavior change strategies in mobile applications for diet monitoring: A single centre qualitative study.

Mobile diet apps assist in tracking nutritional intake and managing healthy eating diets. Effective diet apps incorporate specific population-tailored behavior change strategies (BCS) for user engagement and adherence to healthy diets. Malaysians have their unique behaviors and customs surrounding food and diet. This study aims to explore the perceptions, views, and experiences of healthy Malaysian adults with diet monitoring apps, by focusing on the BCS that engages users to use diet mobile apps and adhere to a healthy diet. A qualitative approach utilizing semi-structured in-depth interviews was conducted using a topic guide based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and trigger materials. Twenty interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Five themes emerged from the data, which are; instilling self-awareness, closed online group support, shaping knowledge, personalization, and user-friendly design. Influence by one's social circle and attractiveness of app features may initiate users' interest and help them engage with mobile diet apps, but the app's ability to raise awareness of progress and impart useful knowledge help them adhere and comply to a healthier diet in the long run. The results from this study may help improve the behavior change strategy features of mobile diet apps for Malaysian adults.

Investigating factors that affect the willingness to adopt peer-to-peer short-term insurance in South Africa

PurposeThis study aims to identify the propensity for clients (legal and natural persons) to adopt peer-to-peer (P2P) short-term insurance policies as opposed to traditional and/or centralized short-term.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper data was collected through a survey of 102 sampled short-term insurance clients using convenience sampling. The TAM2 questionnaire was adapted to evaluate the intention to adopt a P2P insurance policy.FindingsThe findings of this study shed light on the factors influencing the adoption and (dis)continuation of short-term insurance products, both traditional and digital, among South African consumers. The results demonstrate that perceived usefulness, ease of use, trust, risk perception and subjective norm play crucial roles in individuals' intention to use or (dis)continue the use of these insurance products.Practical implicationsThe study's findings provide actionable insights for practitioners in the short-term insurance sector, with a focus on marketers and e-commerce professionals. These insights emphasize the need to prioritize user-friendly design and trust-building measures in the development of P2P insurance systems. Additionally, practitioners should consider harnessing the power of social influence and carefully balancing innovative features with familiarity in their marketing efforts. These strategies are poised to enhance the adoption and competitive positioning of P2P insurance solutions amidst the evolving landscape of digital transformation.Originality/valueThis study makes a substantial contribution by employing the technology acceptance model (TAM) in a novel and unconventional manner. It not only explicates the intricate dynamics governing the adoption and discontinuation of short-term insurance products, encompassing both conventional and digital alternatives, within the South African consumer milieu but also extends its purview to infer the reasons behind the limited widespread adoption of the digital counterpart, despite its superior value proposition compared to the traditional offering. The findings elucidate the critical determinants shaping individuals' decisions in this dynamic market segment. This research enhances the global discourse on insurance adoption with a unique South African perspective and furnishes insurers and marketers with empirically grounded insights to optimize their strategies and cultivate substantive connections with their target demographic.