MethodsX最新文献

{"title":"Decoding user experience in exergames: A systematic scoping review of assessment methods","authors":"Fabrízzio Martin Pelle Perez ,&nbsp;Ericles Andrei Bellei ,&nbsp;Juliana Rosa Nascimento ,&nbsp;Larissa Tumelero Bombarda ,&nbsp;Vitor de Farias Belger ,&nbsp;Ana Carolina Bertoletti De Marchi","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.103054","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.103054","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Exergames, which blend physical activity with digital gaming, are increasingly recognized for their potential to boost user engagement in exercise. The user perception of these games plays a critical role in sustaining this engagement. Therefore, understanding and effectively assessing user experience (UX) in exergames is crucial to maximizing their appeal and effectiveness. This study analyzes the methods and metrics for assessing UX in exergames through a systematic scoping review across multiple databases, including ACM, IEEE, ScienceDirect, Springer, and PubMed, considering publications up to November 2023. A total of 1,229 records were identified, of which 18 studies met the inclusion criteria for summarizing the assessment instruments and techniques used, the key constructs and elements discussed, and the times or settings where UX is assessed. The findings indicate a preference for validated questionnaires, underscoring a commitment to methodological soundness and enabling comparability. Additionally, the employment of motivational and physiological assessments reflects a commitment to capturing the holistic user experience. Tailored questionnaires and observational techniques underscore a customized assessment approach, attuned to the unique features of exergames and their audiences. The conclusions highlight the necessity for further longitudinal and cross-cultural studies to enhance understanding and improvement of UX in exergames.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 103054"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11764369/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143047238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of a risk assessment software for cumulative effect","authors":"Effah Kwabena Antwi ,&nbsp;Gifty Osei ,&nbsp;Wiafe Owusu-Banahene ,&nbsp;John Boakye-Danquah ,&nbsp;Prisca-Maria Okafor ,&nbsp;Kobina Korankye ,&nbsp;Akua Nyamekye Darko ,&nbsp;Priscilla Toloo Yohuno (Apronti)","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2025.103155","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2025.103155","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Regional Risk Assessment is essential for evaluating the environmental impacts of large-scale resource development projects. However, existing Regional Asessement (RA) frameworks often lack generalizability which hinders result standardization. To address these challenges, the Risk Assessment Framework for Cumulative Effects (RAFCE) was developed to provide a standardized approach for impact identification, prioritization, and mitigation during RA. Despite these strengths, the RAFCE's reliance on spreadsheet-based manual data entry and calculations, coupled with the absence of collaborative features, increases the risks of human error and inflates operational costs including time taken to complete an RA.</div><div>This paper proposes a software implementation of RAFCE to enhance efficiency and accuracy in the RA process. This is a novel approach that provides a platform unique of its kind for systematically evaluating the cumulative effects of resource exploration by multiple stakeholders. The development process involved three main steps:<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>Developing a NoSQL Database to efficiently store and retrieves RA data,</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Implementing an API and Backend with Java Spring Boot automates critical functionalities and</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Building a React-based Frontend Development: that provides a user-friendly interface, that simplifies data entry and software interaction.</div></span></li></ul>By automating calculations and improving the user interface, the proposed software mitigates the risks associated with manual processes and significantly reduces the cost and time required for the RA process, thereby enhancing its reliability and efficiency.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 103155"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11786697/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143080629","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Machine learning and Fuzzy logic fusion approach for osteoporosis risk prediction","authors":"Rabia Khushal,&nbsp;Dr. Ubaida Fatima","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.103152","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.103152","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The metabolic disorder osteoporosis has affected a humongous number of individuals globally. Its progression can be slowed down by modifying lifestyle risk factors and by following appropriate treatment. In this research work, modifiable risk factors of osteoporosis have been considered. All these variables are binary thus providing incomplete information. Machine learning implementation on these factors took a large computation time and has shown poor accuracy. Thus fuzzy concept has been introduced leading to the development of a fusion of machine learning and fuzzy logic approach. Three binary variables of the considered dataset have been compared thus fuzzy input is produced which also considers the uncertainty of these binary variables and since three input variables are transformed into one the number of features has also been reduced leading to optimization of computation time and accuracy. Moreover, it guides the individual to modify lifestyle factors to slow down the disease progression or reduce the risk of osteoporosis. The proposed model is validated on the diabetes risk prediction dataset.<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>The study examines modifiable binary risk factors for osteoporosis, such as diet, smoking, and exercise etc.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>A fusion of machine learning and fuzzy logic is introduced to improve accuracy and reduce computation time.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>The model, which condenses three binary inputs into one, is validated using a diabetes risk prediction dataset.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 103152"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11764049/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143046333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effectiveness of non-invasive brain stimulation in enhancing lower extremity function in children with spastic cerebral palsy: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Clàudia Arumí-Trujillo ,&nbsp;Francisco José Verdejo-Amengual ,&nbsp;Oriol Martínez-Navarro ,&nbsp;Jord J.T. Vink ,&nbsp;Fran Valenzuela-Pascual","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.103141","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.103141","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS<span><span>¹</span></span>) techniques have emerged as a promising non-pharmacological adjunct to neurorehabilitation. Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP<span><span>²</span></span>) exhibit altered cortical excitability, and while CP remains incurable, physiotherapy combined with other interventions is essential for managing motor dysfunction. Although some studies have examined NIBS using various stimulation parameters, there is limited evidence regarding its effects on the lower extremities and optimal administration protocols. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of NIBS techniques, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS<span><span>³</span></span>) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS<span><span>⁴</span></span>), for the treatment of motor function in spastic cerebral palsy, specifically in the lower extremity. A systematic search will be conducted in databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, EMBASE, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The search strategy will follow the PICO framework (Participants, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes), focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two independent reviewers will manage screening, selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and grading of evidence. This review will provide key insights into the effectiveness of NIBS for lower-extremity function in children with spastic CP, guiding future research and clinical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 103141"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11755019/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143028869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Technique for improving concrete characteristics with bacillus: Insights on strength and durability","authors":"Sayali Sandbhor,&nbsp;Sayali Apte,&nbsp;Shubham Puranik,&nbsp;Mansi Asati,&nbsp;Samyak Rai","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.103151","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.103151","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Numerous problems, including weathering, cracks, leaks, and bending, among others, appear in concrete after construction. The optimum procedure for treating concrete cracks is the subject of this study. The research goal is to find potential crack treatment materials and analyze the effect on the properties of concrete caused by the addition of bacterial solution to the concrete mix along with a particular method of preparation of bacterial solution. The principal results of the experimental testing showcased a successive growth in the compressive strength when the concrete cubes were casted with the bacterial addition from Bacillus family with a significant change in the quality of concrete. Following are the primary research outcomes of the method:<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>Use of Bacillus bacterial with direct addition in concrete improves concrete's performance.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>The proposed method of concrete mix with Bacillus Sphaericus Solution in 30 ml concentration, replacing partial water cement ratio, yields maximum compressive strength on 28th day curing. For expediting setting time with high compressive strength, adding Bacillus Sphaericus solution in 45 ml concentration is recommended.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>For achieving a homogenous mix with lesser cracks on 28th day, Bacillus Subtilis Spores in 30 ml concentration can be added to concrete with partial replacement of the water requirement.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 103151"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11758841/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143046581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development and validation of a species-specific environmental DNA (eDNA) primer for endangered Asian arowana, Scleropages formosus (Teleostei: Osteoglossidae) for law enforcement and wild population monitoring","authors":"Nurul Affiqah Edora Mohd-Azhar ,&nbsp;Haslawati Baharuddin ,&nbsp;Mohamad-Sufiyan Salmi ,&nbsp;Noor Faizah Ismail ,&nbsp;Amatul-Samahah Md. Ali ,&nbsp;Syazwan Saidin ,&nbsp;Adibah Abu-Bakar","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.103133","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.103133","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Asian Arowana, <em>Scleropages formosus</em> (Müller and Schlegel, 1844) is a large majestic freshwater teleost, crowned as the king of aquariums with its bright charismatic appearance and magnificent swimming performance. The most expensive Asian arowana is the Golden Blue-based Malayan Arowana which is endemic to the Bukit Merah Lake and Kerian River Basin, Perak, Malaysia. <em>S. formosus</em> has been listed as endangered by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), regulated under Appendix 1 of the Convention of International Trade on Endangered Species (CITES) for commercial trade. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has become widely accepted in biodiversity monitoring for the detection of rare and endangered species without harming any ecosystem or threatened species. Hence, the application of eDNA as wild population monitoring of <em>S. formosus</em> is possible for conservation and CITES enforcement program.<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>The species-specific primer of <em>S. formosus</em> was designed based on selected sequences obtained from GenBank</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>This report presents the potential application of eDNA in the management of the Malaysian 686 CITES Act for conservation monitoring of the Asian Arowana</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>The detection and wild population monitoring is possible through the eDNA method as complementary tools</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 103133"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11757771/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143047239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"MBCdeg4: A modified clustering-based method for identifying differentially expressed genes from RNA-seq data","authors":"Chiharu Ichikawa ,&nbsp;Koji Kadota","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.103149","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.103149","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>RNA-seq is a commonly employed methodology for the measurement of transcriptomes, particularly for the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between different conditions or groups. In a previous report, we described a clustering-based method for identifying DEGs, designated MBCdeg1 and MBCdeg2. and a modified version, MBCdeg3. This study presents a further improved version, designated MBCdeg4. The four versions of MBCdeg employ an R package, designated MBCluster.Seq, internally. The sole distinction between them is the manner of data normalization. MBCdeg4 employs normalization factors derived from a robust normalization algorithm, designated as DEGES. Seven competing methods were compared: the four versions of MBCdeg and three conventional R packages (edgeR, DESeq2, and TCC). MBCdeg4 demonstrated superior performance in a multitude of simulation scenarios involving RNA-seq count data. Therefore, MBCdeg4 is recommended for use in preference to the earlier versions, MBCdeg1–3.<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>MBCdeg4 is a method for both identification and classification of DEGs from RNA-seq count data.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>MBCdeg4 is available as an R function and performs well in a wide variety of simulation scenarios.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 103149"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11762142/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143046500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The game of language learning and rewiring biocognitive receptors","authors":"Sri Takshara K ,&nbsp;Bhuvaneswari G ,&nbsp;T.S. Pradeep Kumar","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.103143","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.103143","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study introduces a framework that integrates AI-driven Game-Based Language Teaching (GBLT) with advanced neuroscience to transform language education for visually impaired learners. Built on the principles of neuroplasticity and epigenetics, the approach leverages educational psychology with the help of adaptive AI to deliver personalized, gamified learning experiences that reshape neural pathways, improve memory retention, and strengthen emotional resilience. By fostering low-stress, immersive environments, it triggers positive epigenetic changes, enhancing long-term cognitive flexibility. This method article presents an interdisciplinary inclusive scientific framework that unites gamification, technology, epigenetics, and neuroscience, empowering learners and promoting sustainable well-being, while laying the groundwork for intergenerational academic and personal growth.<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>To propose a teaching methodology that aims to bridge gaps in traditional and game based language teaching by integrating neuroscience and epigenetics, creating an inclusive framework tailored to meet the unique needs of visually impaired learners.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>The method emphasizes creating stress-free, rewarding educational environments that induce neural and epigenetic changes. These changes optimize gene expression to improve retention, emotional resilience, and cognitive flexibility, ensuring both immediate academic success and lifelong developmental benefits for diverse learners.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>This framework promotes cognitive, emotional, social and biological development alongside language acquisition giving a holistic mode of growth.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 103143"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11751572/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143024091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A multi-dimensional student performance prediction model (MSPP): An advanced framework for accurate academic classification and analysis","authors":"V. Balachandar,&nbsp;K. Venkatesh","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.103148","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.103148","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forecasting student performance with precision in the educational space is paramount for creating tailor-made interventions capable to boost learning effectiveness. It means most of the traditional student performance prediction models have difficulty in dealing with multi-dimensional academic data, can cause sub-optimal classification and generate a simple generalized insight. To address these challenges of the existing system, in this research we propose a new model Multi-dimensional Student Performance Prediction Model (MSPP) that is inspired by advanced data preprocessing and feature engineering techniques using deep learning. We developed a method that targets the common issues associated with educational datasets over imbalanced and temporal settings which is also explainable through AI features. Moreover, through adaptive hyper-parameter tuning and advanced graph neural network layers in the MSPP model allow to make output more dense representation for predictions resulting more accurate classification. The experiments results show that MSPP outperforms the other EAI&amp;ML, MTSDA, XAI, DGNN and DLM with high accuracy 76 %, precision score of 0.79 and macro F1-score of 0.73. The model also helps to bring down the False Positive Rate (FPR) substantially at a 0.15 level, which ensures more reliable predictions for student classification.<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>The model of the MSPP includes contextual information and multi-layered analysis in order to improve prediction accuracy, placing a sound basis for predicting students in different performance categories such as distinction, pass, fail or withdrawn.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Our approach is obviously to generalize and extract those sparse, heterogeneous academic data in the form of structured training record using domain specific preprocessing integrating with multi-class classification mechanisms that improves on precision-recall across multiple categories.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 103148"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11761817/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143047236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Uniform hyperscanning paradigm to study cooperation and competition","authors":"Pablo A. Nogueira-Islas ,&nbsp;Paola V. Olguín-Rodríguez ,&nbsp;Hugo Tlahuext-Aca ,&nbsp;Markus F. Müller","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.103139","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.103139","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>It is assumed that social interaction like cooperation or competition takes place via synchronized interbrain activity, measurable via hyperscanning experiments. However, interbrain synchronization might also be due to common external stimuli without any genuine inter-personal interaction. In addition, a consistent experimental paradigm is required to distinguish between different modalities such as cooperation or competition. To facilitate retrospective analysis, it would also be desirable for the task that the participants have to perform not to be divided into short time intervals, but to be continuous over a longer period of time. Here we present an experimental protocol that allows<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>The same paradigm for different modalities</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Tasks demands a continuous interaction during a period of minutes</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Contains two different control conditions to differentiate between inter-brain synchronization provoked by genuine interpersonal interactions and accidental synchronization via common external stimuli.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 103139"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11755012/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143028991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}