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3D printing (3DP) has emerged as a disruptive manufacturing technology that benefits both the manufacturing and educational sectors. The emergence of low-cost and affordable 3D printers has facilitated the widespread use of 3DP technology, particularly in higher education institutions (HEIs) in developing countries. Despite its promising benefits, 3DP is still poorly adopted in developing countries. While research has explored the use and adoption of 3DP in education within developed nations, little research has been conducted on the integration of 3DP to capitalize on its benefits in developing countries. Therefore, in this study, we aim to investigate the perspectives of students and faculty members in higher education (HE) regarding 3DP integration in the classroom. A survey was conducted with 307 participants (272 students and 35 faculty members) at 12 Vietnamese universities where 3DP education is offered. We found that a misaligned curriculum, lack of training for faculty members, the high cost of materials and equipment, English language barriers, and limited student exposure to 3DP technology were significant obstacles to 3DP education. Several recommendations have been provided to address these challenges; for instance, faculty members and industry professionals need collaboration to ensure that the curriculum is current and that faculty members receive adequate training to teach 3DP effectively. This study provides guidelines for faculty members and policymakers to reinforce 3DP education for sustainable development in developing countries.

Technological interventions are increasingly popular methods of targeting and preventing loneliness in older adults. Research has identified various factors that influence the willingness and propensity of older adults to integrate technology into their social lives and the ways in which this may enhance their social connectedness. Given prevalence rates and negative outcomes associated with loneliness for this population, further research is warranted to clarify the mechanisms through which technological interventions may decrease loneliness. This study aimed to better understand the perspectives of older adults on the role of technology in their social relationships in later life. Four focus groups were conducted with 27 older adults, aged 65–80 years. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis, and results were validated via written participant feedback. Participants reported technology as one of many tools used to maintain their social relationships. Their choice to use technology for social interaction was influenced by their estimation of effort required, likely quality of the interaction, and the privacy and security provided. These factors were the same as those that influenced decisions to use other methods (e.g. face-to-face meetings). Based on the results, we recommend that loneliness interventions should be technology-agnostic and multifaceted, providing a wide range of tools that recognise the technological competencies of older adults and supporting different interaction types to meet the preferences of the individual.

Additive manufacturing (AM), an enabler of Industry 4.0, recently opened limitless possibilities in various sectors covering personal, industrial, medical, aviation and even extra-terrestrial applications. Although significant research thrust is prevalent on this topic, a detailed review covering the impact, status, and prospects of artificial intelligence (AI) in the manufacturing sector has been ignored in the literature. Therefore, this review provides comprehensive information on smart mechanisms and systems emphasizing additive, subtractive and/or hybrid manufacturing processes in a collaborative, predictive, decisive, and intelligent environment. Relevant electronic databases were searched, and 248 articles were selected for qualitative synthesis. Our review suggests that significant improvements are required in connectivity, data sensing, and collection to enhance both subtractive and additive technologies, though the pervasive use of AI by machines and software helps to automate processes. An intelligent system is highly recommended in both conventional and non-conventional subtractive manufacturing (SM) methods to monitor and inspect the workpiece conditions for defect detection and to control the machining strategies in response to instantaneous output. Similarly, AM product quality can be improved through the online monitoring of melt pool and defect formation using suitable sensing devices followed by process control using machine learning (ML) algorithms. Challenges in implementing intelligent additive and subtractive manufacturing systems are also discussed in the article. The challenges comprise difficulty in self-optimizing CNC systems considering real-time material property and tool condition, defect detections by in-situ AM process monitoring, issues of overfitting and underfitting data in ML models and expensive and complicated set-ups in hybrid manufacturing processes.

Mobile apps have become increasingly prevalent in modern society, and persuasive technology has a broader market than ever. Mobile-based alcohol cessation apps can promote positive behaviour change in users and improve the overall health of our society. This research aimed to understand the various features users respond to and make design recommendations for alcohol cessation apps. This paper reports on three sources of feedback (user ratings, user reviews, MARS App Quality score) provided on 20 alcohol cessation apps in the Google Play Store. Our findings suggest that self-control type apps received much greater positive user reviews than motivational apps. In addition, this trend was not observed through numeric user ratings. We also speculate on design recommendations for apps that are meant to inhibit alcohol intake.

Vitamin D improves absorption of calcium; however, in animal studies vitamin D also increases the absorption of toxic metals, such as lead and cadmium. We examined maternal and neonatal cord blood levels of lead, cadmium, manganese, and mercury after supplementation with vitamin D during pregnancy. The Maternal Vitamin D for Infant Growth trial was a randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-arm study of maternal vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy in Dhaka, Bangladesh (NCT01924013). Women were randomized during their second trimester to blinded weekly doses of placebo or 4,200, 16,800, or 28,000 IU of vitamin D3 throughout pregnancy. Each group had 118-239 maternal blood specimens and 100-201 cord blood samples analyzed. Metals were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Unadjusted estimates from linear regression models were expressed as percentage differences. Cord blood cadmium was analyzed as detectable or undetectable with log-binomial regression. Maternal cadmium, mercury, and manganese levels were nearly identical across groups. Maternal lead levels were 6.3%, 7.4%, and 6.0% higher in the treatment groups (4,200, 16,800, and 28,000 IU, respectively) vs. placebo; however, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) showed that differences from 4.1% lower to 20% higher were compatible with the data. In treatment groups (4,200, 16,800, 28,000 IU) vs. placebo, neonatal cord blood lead levels were 8.5% (95% CI: , 22), 16% (95% CI: 3.3, 30), and 11% (95% CI: 0.4, 23) higher and had higher risk of detectable cadmium, relative risk (95% CI: 1.3, 3.7), (95% CI: 0.8, 2.5), (95% CI: 1.0, 2.9). Vitamin D supplementation from the second trimester of pregnancy did not influence maternal cadmium, mercury, or manganese levels at delivery. Vitamin D was associated with nonsignificant increases in maternal lead and with significant increases in cord blood lead and cadmium. These associations were not dose dependent. Given that there are no safe levels of metals in infants, the observed increases in cord blood lead and cadmium require further exploration. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7265.

As the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among older adults increases, so does the need to enhance social participation and cognitive functions through innovative interventions. Digital storytelling in group settings holds potential not only to foster social connections but also to integrate with traditional in-person activities, leveraging both for greater impact. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the Huiyou app in supporting group-based storytelling activities, aiming to enhance social participation for people with MCI. We focused on the app's ability to improve storytelling goal attainment, social connectedness, self-efficacy, and subjective happiness, comparing these outcomes between the experimental and control groups. We randomly assigned 20 participants with MCI to either an intervention group or a control group, engaging them in the use of the Huiyou digital storytelling app over 4 weekly sessions of 45 minutes each. We measured outcomes through the Assessment of Life Habits questionnaire (77 items), particularly outdoor activities and interpersonal relationships; the Social Connectedness Scale-Revised (20 items); the General Self-Efficacy Scale (10 items), focusing on coping self-efficacy; and the Subjective Well-Being Scale (SWBS; 20 items), with a special emphasis on self-acceptance. The sample had an average age of 69.7 (SD 3.21) years, with no significant (P=.23) baseline differences between groups in age, sex, or educational background. Cognitive function, assessed via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Chinese questionnaire, also showed no significant differences at baseline (P=.20). Specifically, significant enhancements in the outdoor activity (mean value difference 0.171, SD 0.353; Cohen d=1.046; P=.03) and interpersonal adaptation experience subscales of the SWBS (mean value difference 0.167, SD 0.247; Cohen d=1.290; P=.01) were noted. Notably, storytelling performance improved markedly, evidenced by increases in story sharing duration and complexity. Although overall improvements in Assessment of Life Habits (P=.14), Social Connectedness Scale-Revised (P=.59), and Subjective Well-Being Scale (P=.26) scores were not statistically significant, the large effect sizes observed suggest potential benefits of the Huiyou app that might be obscured by the study's small sample size. This study indicates that the Huiyou mobile storytelling app is feasible to enhance social participation and specific aspects of social functioning such as interpersonal adaptation for people with MCI. Despite the lack of significant changes in overall scores for key scales, observed effect sizes highlight a positive trend that merits further investigation. These results advocate for the continuation of digital intervention development to improve quality of life and social integration for individuals with MCI.

NOABSTRACTThis study investigates key factors contributing to research impact and their interactions with the Research Impact Quintuple Helix Model by Arsalan et al. (2024).Using data from a global survey of 630 scientists across diverse disciplines, genders, regions, and experience levels, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was employed to assess the influence of 29 factors related to researcher characteristics, research attributes, publication strategies, institutional support, and national roles.The study validated the Quintuple Helix Model, uncovering complex interdependencies. Institutional support significantly affects research impact by covering leadership, resources, recognition, and funding. Researcher attributes, including academic experience and domain knowledge, also play a crucial role. National socioeconomic conditions indirectly influence research impact by supporting institutions, underscoring the importance of conducive national frameworks.While the study offers valuable insights, it has limitations. Although statistically sufficient, the response rate was below 10%, suggesting that the findings may not fully represent the entire global research community. The reliance on self-reported data may also introduce bias, as perceptions of impact can be subjective.The findings have a significant impact on researchers aiming to enhance their work’s societal, economic, and cultural significance, institutions seeking supportive environments, and policymakers interested in creating favourable national conditions for impactful research. The study advocates for a strategic alignment among national policies, institutional practices, and individual researcher efforts to maximise research impact and effectively address global challenges.By empirically validating the Research Impact Quintuple Helix Model, this study offers a holistic framework for understanding the synergy of factors that drive impactful research.

Neurotoxicity is a serious health problem of patients chronically exposed to arsenic. There is no specific treatment of this problem. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathological process of neurotoxicity. Polyphenolics have proven antioxidant activity, thereby offering protection against oxidative stress. In this study, we have isolated the polyphenolics from Acacia nilotica and investigated its effect against arsenic-induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice. Acacia nilotica polyphenolics prepared from column chromatography of the crude methanol extract using diaion resin contained a phenolic content of 452.185 ± 7.879 mg gallic acid equivalent/gm of sample and flavonoid content of 200.075 ± 0.755 mg catechin equivalent/gm of sample. The polyphenolics exhibited potent antioxidant activity with respect to free radical scavenging ability, total antioxidant activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Administration of arsenic in mice showed a reduction of acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain which was counteracted by Acacia nilotica polyphenolics. Similarly, elevation of lipid peroxidation and depletion of glutathione in the brain of mice was effectively restored to normal level by Acacia nilotica polyphenolics. Gallic acid methyl ester, catechin and catechin-7-gallate were identified in the polyphenolics as the major active compounds. These results suggest that Acacia nilotica polyphenolics due to its strong antioxidant potential might be effective in the management of arsenic induced neurotoxicity.

Background The current digital storytelling applications present advantages for individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI); however, there exists a notable oversight regarding their potential to facilitate group-based storytelling activities with this population. This study endeavors to identify design requirements for a more inclusive and accessible digital storytelling tool for people with MCI. Method The methodological framework encompasses distinct stages, commencing with focus groups and interviews (Stage 1), followed by prototyping workshops (Stage 2) and qualitative prototype testing (Stage 3). The comprehensive three-stage research involved participants residing in Beijing, China, including 43 people with MCI aged 65–95 years (M = 79.09, SD = 8.99), with a mean Montreal Cognitive Assessment score of 21.91 (range = 18–26, SD = 2.40). Additionally, 17 care partners and 10 occupational or clinical therapists actively participated. Result The culmination of the three-stage research process has yielded 12 discernible key design requirements. Preferred storytelling themes center around narratives designed to elicit positive emotions. The narrative material generation process involves a systematic approach, unlocking memories through carefully formulated questions. In memory retrieval, users are provided with hints, bolstering confidence and perpetuating a semblance of face-to-face interaction. The focus in story sharing lies in transcending mere narration and extending it to a wider audience. Conclusion This case study centers on crafting a digital storytelling application to enhance social connections for people with MCI. It delves into crucial design requirements addressing memory challenges, emphasizing individual preparation and group sharing. The developed digital storytelling application demonstrates potential to offer valuable memory support and foster personal and collective connections. Future research will focus on formal testing to evaluate these outcomes.

To estimate energy use efficiency for sweet potato production in Bangladesh under subtropical climatic conditions, a study was conducted with 60 individuals (12 producers for each sweet potato variety) by using a structural questionnaire. The results revealed that the majority of the energy input was consumed by the pre-harvest activities (22,313.55 MJ ha−1 or 90.85%), of which fertilizer application (36.84%) and irrigation (35.24%) consumed the most energy input, with only 9.15% (2,248.42 MJ ha−1) consumed by the post-harvest activity for sweet potato production. The energy input involved in the production system was similar to the direct (12,149.76 MJ ha−1 or 49.47%) and indirect (12,412.21 MJ ha−1 or 50.53%) sources, while it was much higher in non-renewable sources (22,884.21 MJ ha−1 or 93.17%) with a minimum (1,677.76 MJ ha−1 or 6.83%) from renewable sources. The average energy use efficiency, energy productivity, specific energy, net energy, energy profitability and water-energy productivity of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) varieties 4.36, 1.22 kg MJ−1, 0.83 MJ kg−1, 82,511.73 MJ ha−1, 3.36 and 1.32 g m−3 MJ−1, respectively. The OFSP varieties showed better performance in respect of all the energy and water use indicators.