ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a situation where wearing personal protective masks is a must for every human being and introduced them as a part of everyday life. This work demonstrates a new functionality embedded in single-use face masks through an embroidered humidity sensor. The design of the face mask humidity sensor is comprised of interdigitated electrodes made of polyamide-based conductive threads and common polyester threads which act as a dielectric sensing layer embroidered between them. Therefore, the embroidered sensor acts as a capacitor, the performance of which was studied in increasing humidity conditions in the frequency range from 1 Hz to 100 kHz. The moisture adsorbed by sensitive hygroscopic polyester threads altered their dielectric and permittivity properties which were detected by the change in capacitance values of the face mask sensors at different relative humidity (RH) levels. The calculated limit of detection (LOD) values for the two proposed sensors at different frequencies (1, 10, and 100 kHz) were found in the range from 11.46% RH-27.41% RH and 29.79% RH-38.65% RH. The tested sensors showed good repeatability and stability under different humidity conditions over a period of 80 min. By employing direct embroidery of silver-coated polyamide conductive threads and moisture-sensitive polyester threads onto the face mask, the present work exploits the application of polymer-based textile materials in developing novel stretchable sensing devices toward e-textile applications.
ABSTRACT
This paper presents an application of the multi-attribute decision making (MADM) methodology, intended to determine the levels of the adoption of autonomous vehicles (AV). We have used results of the survey conducted in Saudi Arabia as inputs for MADM. Our approach is based on fuzzy logic, and it incorporates criteria identified by survey responses that influence degree of the new technology acceptance. These criteria are related to the positive outcomes, like reduction of air pollution, environmental sustainability, efficiency and effectiveness of new transport systems and negative issues like high cost and associated risks of the automation. The survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia, where a new futuristic, smart, megacity is being launched. It will be powered by renewable energy with zero emission. We aim to establish if the community, businesses and government are ready to adopt new autonomous driving technology. The model can be used in various applications reliant on multi-attribute constraints, envisioned to obtain a resolution that satisfies all restraints. Results attained by using this methodology and survey were updated considering COVID-19 outbreaks, trends and known impacts on this adoption which is expected to have. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: The purpose of this research is to analyze the changes in Croatian Generation Z buying behavior due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the pandemic, all governments have imposed different measures that directly and indirectly impact consumer behavior. Recent studies have mostly recorded a dynamic increase in online shopping, stockpiling, and change in priorities from luxury to basic goods. This study will specifically look into the relation between Generation Z buying behavior change and their exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as its impact on their perception of the quality of life. Methodology: A sample of 442 Generation Z respondents from Croatia was analyzed using ANOVA to identify buying behavior changes concerning the level of their exposure to COVID-19. The analysis also included a potential correlation between buyer behavior change and their perception of the quality of life. Results: The statistical analysis has confirmed the increase of online shopping and stockpiling in the group of respondents who were exposed to self-isolation and those who have not been exposed to COVID-19, but there was no correlation with their perception of the quality of life change as a result of forced buying behavior change. Conclusion: Generation Z is identified as an e-generation, born and brought up in a digital environment. Although the pandemic has forced them to switch even more to online shopping, they do not perceive the exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic to impact their quality of life.
ABSTRACT
With the appearance of the first cases of COVID-19 infection, which had a severe clinical picture accompanied by respiratory insufficiency, as well as multiorgan dysfunction, mesenchymal stem cells became the subject of intensive research. The main cause of tissue and organ damage in patients with COVID-19 infection is thought to be a cytokine storm, which is the result of an imbalance in the regulation of the host immune system. Previous studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells have an immunomodulatory effect and can prevent and reduce the cytokine storm triggered by the SARS-Cov-2 virus. Numerous clinical studies on the use of mesenchymal stem cells in patients with a severe clinical picture of COVID-19 are underway. Undoubtedly, cell therapy could be of great importance in the treatment of patients with a severe clinical picture of COVID-19, but it takes time to consider the efficacy and safety of such therapy, which is possible only through controlled multicenter clinical studies.