articles+ search results

Usability testing, Elementary school students, and Children -- Health aspects

Keywords Cerebral visual impairment; Individualized visuoperceptual profile; Adaptive serious game-based therapy; Usability; User experience; Gameplay log-data Abstract Developing a novel game-based therapy requires expert feedback as well as full participation by the eventual end-users of the therapy. In this pilot study, we aimed to investigate (1) usability, (2) user experience, and (3) gameplay log-data of newly developed visuoperceptual games in children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) (developmental age between 3-12 years) during three short sessions. The mini-games integrate three key features: (1) entry-level individualization defined by the child's visuoperceptual profile, (2) in-game adaptivity, and (3) gameplay log-data. We observed children's interaction with the mini-games and measured their user experience using the This-or-That method, the laddering technique, and the Relative Enjoyment Scale for Primary School Children adapted for children with CVI. Finally, we evaluated children's gameplay using their log-data. While children appreciated the games highly, several usability issues occurred regarding effectiveness, understandability, and game development. Importantly, integrating gameplay log-data optimized usability testing by providing fine-grained information on gameplay performance. By synthesizing information gained, we derive design implications for the further development, prototyping, and more thorough testing of similar games. Based on usability observations, we report nine design implications including tailored interactions/gestures/instructions, language, providing player control, time to familiarize, balancing help and challenge, autonomy, avoiding fine motor skills and multiple action sequences, and integrating visual consistency. Moreover, five design implications based on user experience and enjoyment highlight the importance of reward, challenge, immersive realistic experiences, immediate feedback, and a rich media experience, supporting 'flow' theory. Author Affiliation: (a) Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium (b) Department of Electronics and Informatics (ETRO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium (c) imec, Leuven, Belgium (d) Department of Brain & Cognition, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium (e) Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium (f) Child Youth, Institute (L-C&Y), Leuven, Belgium * Corresponding author. Article History: Received 7 September 2021; Revised 22 October 2022; Accepted 21 November 2022 (footnote)[white star] The views expressed in the submitted article are our own and not an official position of the institution or funder. This work is part of the iVision project which was supported by the Fund Scientific Research Flanders (FWO-project) (grant number T003817N). Author JW was supported by the Flemish Government (grant number METH/14/02). Byline: N. Ben Itzhak [nofar.benitzhak@kuleuven.be] (a,f,*), I. Franki (a), B. Jansen (b,c), K. Kostkova (b,c), J. Wagemans (d,e), E. Ortibus (a,f)

Workflow software, Sustainable development -- Methods, Founding -- Methods, Sand, gravel and stone industry -- Production processes, and Manufacturing costs -- Methods

Keywords: cost modeling system; knowledge database; sand casting process; Set-based concurrent engineering; User interface Abstract In recent years, the reliable, accurate, and timely estimate of product cost at the conceptual design stage can enhance the competitiveness of a casting part. Set-based concurrent engineering has emerged as an efficient solution to overcome this limitation as it provides simultaneous design procedures to positively assist the designer in achieving the required customer values in a short time and low cost. Therefore, this study attempts to integrate the set-based concurrent engineering methodology into the development of a cost modeling system for the metal casting process. The system architecture is comprised of a user interface, knowledge database, and CAD modeling system. A detailed working flow process of the developed cost modeling system has been proposed under the guidelines of set-based concurrent engineering. Further, the proposed methodology is demonstrated and validated by employing a real-time casting part that was manufactured using the sand casting process. The implementation of the system provided many tangible benefits to the collaborative company including a decrease in cost estimation time (â¼50%) and part rejection rate (â¼32.3%). Further, the developed cost modeling approach provided a cost estimate near the actual cost of the product (â¼4% deviation). It truly proves the significance of the developed system for the practitioners who believe that accurate and timely estimates of product manufacturing cost at the design stage can enhance the competitiveness of a product. Biographical information: Muhammad Sajid was born in Layyah, Punjab, Pakistan, in 1993. He received his PhD degree in Engineering Management from UET Taxila in 2020. He is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Industrial Engineering Department of the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Taxila, Punjab, Pakistan, and MSc, PhD supervisor. His research interests are in the field of Cost Engineering, Lean Thinking, and Metal Casting Processes. Currently, his research projects include the development of Rapid Prototyping Tooling Technology to Assist the Development of Low Cost Dies to realize sustainable developments in the manufacturing sector of Pakistan. Wasim Ahmad is professor at Industrial Engineering Department, University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Pakistan. He has received his PhD degree from Canfield University, United Kingdom. His research area is product design and development, Lean Thinking, Cost Engineering, optimization and manufacturing processes. Salman Hussain is Associate Professor at Industrial Engineering Department, University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Pakistan. He has received his PhD degree from University, United Kingdom. His research area is Automation and Robotics, Process Planning and CAM, optimization and manufacturing processes. Muhammad Huzaifa Raza is a PhD student at Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, The University of Hong Kong. His research area mainly includes mechanical characteristics analysis, cost analysis of manufacturing components. Professor Mirza Jahanzaib is chairman at Industrial Engineering Department, University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Pakistan. He has received his PhD degree from University of Engineering and Technology Taxila. His research area is Sustainable Manufacturing Systems, Advanced Manufacturing Processes, Metal Forming and Cutting Analysis, and Optimization. Byline: Muhammad Sajid, Ahmad Wasim, Salman Hussain, Muhammad Huzaifa Raza, Mirza Jahanzaib

Keywords: ab initio; electronic structure; FANCI; method development; Python Abstract Fanpy is a free and open-source Python library for developing and testing multideterminant wavefunctions and related ab initio methods in electronic structure theory. The main use of Fanpy is to quickly prototype new methods by making it easier to convert the mathematical formulation of a new wavefunction ansätze to a working implementation. Fanpy is designed based on our recently introduced Flexible Ansatz for N-electron Configuration Interaction (FANCI) framework, where multideterminant wavefunctions are represented by their overlaps with Slater determinants of orthonormal spin-orbitals. In the simplest case, a new wavefunction ansatz can be implemented by simply writing a function for evaluating its overlap with an arbitrary Slater determinant. Fanpy is modular in both implementation and theory: the wavefunction model, the system's Hamiltonian, and the choice of objective function are all independent modules. This modular structure makes it easy for users to mix and match different methods and for developers to quickly explore new ideas. Fanpy is written purely in Python with standard dependencies, making it accessible for various operating systems. In addition, it adheres to principles of modern software development, including comprehensive documentation, extensive testing, quality assurance, and continuous integration and delivery protocols. This article is considered to be the official release notes for the Fanpy library. Article Note: Funding information Canada Research Chairs; Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada; CANARIE; Compute Canada; Research Board of Ghent University; University of Florida Byline: Taewon D. Kim, M. Richer, Gabriela Sánchez-Díaz, Ramón Alain Miranda-Quintana, Toon Verstraelen, Farnaz Heidar-Zadeh, Paul W. Ayers

Electrochemical reactions -- Analysis, Sensors -- Analysis, Gases, Asphyxiating and poisonous -- War use, and Nerve gas -- Analysis

Keywords: Fused deposition modeling; 3D-printed nanocarbon electrodes; Organophosphates; Electrochemistry Abstract 3D-printing has revolutionized various industries and scientific research by its substantial benefits such as fast prototyping, high accuracy, durability, and customized shapes. Fused deposition modeling has been used in the fabrication of 3D-printed nanocarbon electrodes. Utilization of these 3D-printed nanocarbon electrodes in the identification of organophosphates (OPs) such as parathion, methyl parathion, paraoxon, and fenitrothion, has not been reported. These compounds are highly toxic and used as chemical warfare agents and pesticides. Herein, we show that 3D-printing can be utilized for low-cost and diagnosis of priority nerve agents. Supporting information: Additional Supporting Information may be found in the online version of this article As a service to our authors and readers, this journal provides supporting information supplied by the authors. Such materials are peer reviewed and may be re-organized for online delivery, but are not copy-edited or typeset. Technical support issues arising from supporting information (other than missing files) should be addressed to the authors. CAPTION(S): Supporting Information Byline: Jyoti, Edurne Redondo, Osamah Alduhaish, Martin Pumera

Thin films, Nitrides, Dielectric films, and Aluminum compounds

Keywords: aluminum nitride (AlN); piezoelectric thin film; quartz; surface acoustic wave device Abstract In this paper, we have fabricated surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices with six sets of interdigital transducers (IDTs) on half-inch wafers of quartz with deposited thin films of aluminum nitride (AlN). Firstly, AlN thin films have been deposited by reactive sputtering in Ar-N.sub.2 gas mixture at 400°C with the high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) system which was developed for microfabrication process in the localized clean environment with half-inch wafer (Minimal Fab). After that, IDTs of Al thin films have been prepared on the AlN thin films. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the AlN thin films shows that the AlN films have c-axis (002) orientation. Furthermore, the frequency responses have been measured with four paired IDTs of the SAW devices, which were selected from six sets of IDTs as an input electrode and an output electrode. These results show device properties responding to the design of the IDTs and also suggest the potential of the fabricated SAW devices as the four-paralleled frequency filter and/or sensing system. Biographical information: Asahi Nagano, student member. In 2021 graduated from Kyushu Institute of Technology (School of Computer Sci. and Systems Eng., Mech. Information Sci. and Tech.). B.Eng. (Computer Eng.). Since 2021 postgraduate studies at the Grad. School (Grad. School of Computer Sci. and Systems Eng., Dept. of Interdisciplinary Informatics). Research in fabrication and application of SAW devices and micro-heaters. Kanato Kitamura, non-member. In 2019 graduated from Kyushu Institute of Technology (School of Computer Sci. and Systems Eng., Mech. Information Sci. and Tech.), 2019-2021 postgraduate studies at the Grad. School (Grad. School of Computer Sci. and Systems Eng., Dept. of Creative Informatics). When at the Grad. School, research in design, fabrication, and application of various micro-devices including SAW devices. M.Eng. (Computer Eng.). Shuichi Noda, non-member. In 1984 completed master's course at Niigata University (Grad. School of Eng., Dept. of Chem. Eng.), and was employed by Oki Electric. Development of processes and systems for micromachining using electron beams, SOR light, and plasma etching. 2005 completed doctorate at Tohoku University (Grad. School of Eng., Dept. of Mech. Eng. Intelligent Systems). D.Eng. In 2009 was employed by AIST (Nanoelectronics Research Center), 2015 Tohoku University (Micro System Integration Center), since 2017 invited senior researcher at AIST (Device Technology Research Institute). Development of various manufacturing processes and equipments for Minimal Fab. Sunao Murakami, member. In 2006 completed doctoral course at Kyushu University (Grad. School of Eng., Chem. Eng.). D.Eng. Was worked at National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, then post-doctoral research fellow at AIST, 2012 assistant professor at Kyushu Institute of Technology (Fac. of Computer Sci. and Systems Eng.), since 2018 associate professor. Design and prototyping of various microdevice and systems including SAW devices, research and education in micromachining of silicon glass and various thin films. Kohei Iguchi, non-member. In 2020 graduated from Kyushu Institute of Technology (School of Computer Sci. and Systems Eng., Mech. Information Sci. and Tech.), 2020-2022 postgraduate studies at the Grad. School (Grad. School of Computer Sci. and Systems Eng., Dept. of Interdisciplinary Informatics). When at the Grad. School, research microfabrication processes for SAW devices. M.Eng. (Computer Eng.). Sommawan Khumpuang, non-member. In 2002 completed master's course at University of Bristol (UK), 2006 completed doctorate at Ritsumeikan University (Grad. School of Sci. and Eng.), 2007 worked at University of Freiburg (Germany), 2011 employed by AIST to develop Minimal Fab together with S. Hara (see below), including launch of Minimal Fab systems and trial manufacture of various microdevices. Now senior researcher at AIST (Device Technology Research Institute). Shiro Hara, non-member. Assistant professor at Waseda University (Fac. of Sci. and Eng.), then post-doctral research fellow at RIKEN, 1993 employed by the Electrotechnical Laboratory. Now prime senior researcher at AIST (Device Technology Research Institute) and head of Minimal System Group. 2012-2015 project leader of Minimal Fab National Project (Minimal Fab). Now founded Minimal Fab Promotion Organization to promote industrialization. Article Note: Translated from Volume 142 Number 9, pages 248-253, DOI: 10.1541/ieejsmas.142.248 of IEEJ Transactions on Sensors and Micromachines (Denki Gakkai Ronbunshi E) Byline: Asahi Nagano, Kanato Kitamura, Shuichi Noda, Sunao Murakami, Kohei Iguchi, Sommawan Khumpuang, Shiro Hara

Biogenic amines, Microfluidics, Polyamines, Dimethylpolysiloxane, and Rapid prototyping

Keywords: electrochemiluminescence; microfluidics; biogenic amines; tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II); carbon electrodes Abstract A simple, sensitive, and rapid electrochemiluminescent (ECL) method was developed for the detection of several polyamines on a microfluidic chip. Rapid prototyping of poly(dimethylsiloxane) was used to fabricate flow channels and carbon paste microelectrodes. These devices are easily fabricated and amenable to ECL detection due to their planar and optically transparent nature. The ECL reaction between tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) and amine-containing co-reactants was used to generate the ECL signal. Experimental parameters were optimized and low micromolar limits of detection (S/N=3) were determined for four different polyamines. The method was successfully used to determine the concentration of spermine in milk samples. Supporting information: Additional Supporting Information may be found in the online version of this article As a service to our authors and readers, this journal provides supporting information supplied by the authors. Such materials are peer reviewed and may be re-organized for online delivery, but are not copy-edited or typeset. Technical support issues arising from supporting information (other than missing files) should be addressed to the authors. CAPTION(S): Supporting Information Byline: Erin M. Gross, Emily R. Lowry, Leah V. Schaffer, Charles S. Henry

Mineral industry -- Surveys and Mining industry -- Surveys

Keywords: activity recommendation; process mining; process-aware recommender systems; resource recommendation; survey Summary Recommender systems have been widely applied in several domains to make informed decisions by recommending items that might be of interest. Considering recommendation during business process execution is also highly advantageous as the efficient suggestions about possible activities or resources can impact process performance. However, the deployment of the recommendation frameworks in process mining still needs more investigations to identify the current challenges to enable the practical application of research findings and ensure a large-scale adoption of this technique. Accordingly, a systematic review is conducted to provide a taxonomy of the published studies on process-aware recommender systems based on specified criteria, including the type and perspective of recommendation, a list of datasets and evaluation metrics used in the setting of PARS, implementation environments, and different algorithms used in PARS. In this regard, there are various insights extracted from this study: (i) Most studies in the business process analysis domain are of descriptive and predictive nature, (ii) recommendation in process mining is an emerging research area that is being evolving; the majority of proposals relate to 2015 and after that, and (iii) due to the lack of common evaluation protocol, datasets, and metrics, most studies are validated through experiments and prototyping, with less tendency to the practical implementation of a solution regarding real scenarios. Byline: Mansoureh Yari Eili, Jalal Rezaeenour

Printed circuit board, Electrical engineering, 3D printing -- Analysis, Antennas (Electronics) -- Analysis, Microwave devices -- Analysis, Electrical engineering -- Analysis, Printed circuits -- Analysis, Power electronics -- Analysis, and Circuit printing -- Analysis

Keywords: additive manufacturing; conformal; frequency selective surface; printed monopole antenna Abstract This article demonstrates the advantages of prototyping microwave components using additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. For corroboration, a frequency selective surface (FSS) with meandered square loop and a monopole antenna are manufactured using AM and printed circuit board (PCB) technologies. The performance of these prototypes designed for sub-6 GHz applications are comparatively analyzed. A parametric study further explicates the high design flexibility supported by AM. The proposed FSS has a unit cell dimension of 0.15[LAMDA].sub.0×0.15[LAMDA].sub.0×0.02[LAMDA].sub.0, where [LAMDA].sub.0 stands for free space wavelength at the lower cut-off frequency. It works as a reflector in the frequency range of 2.96-4.17GHz. The gain of the monopole antenna manufactured with the same technology is improved using the proposed FSS. The average gain is increased by 3 dBi over the operational frequency range. The proposed FSS was verified with a circuit model and also analyzed for conformal conditions. The measured values of all the AM and PCB prototypes shows good concordance with the simulated response. The results support the positive impact of the rapidly progressing AM technology in future RF prototyping. Biographical information: Adeline Mellita Retnam is currently pursuing her PhD degree with the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, at Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Technology, Kancheepuram, India. Her research interests include frequency selective surfaces, metamaterial absorbers, antennas, and microwave passive components. Karthikeyan Sholampettai Subramanian received the BE degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Bharathidasan University, Trichy, in 2001 and ME in Applied Electronics from Sathyabama University, Chennai, in 2005. He obtained his doctoral degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India in 2011. He is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, India. His research interests include electromagnetic bandgap substrates, microwave filters, metamaterials, microwave sensors, and so forth. Damodharan Perumal received the BE degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India, in 1996, the ME degree in Power Electronics and Drives from the College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, India, in 2001, and the PhD degree in Electrical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology. Madras, Chennai, in 2008. He is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Kancheepuram, India. His research interests include power electronics and drives. Article Note: Funding information MHRD and DST-the GoI, Grant/Award Numbers: IMP/2018/001932, IMP/2018/002127 Byline: Adeline Mellita Retnam, Damodharan Perumal

Printing industry, 3D printing, Control systems, Commercial printing industry -- International economic relations, and Printing industry -- International economic relations

As the main component of the 3D printing industry, the fused deposition process covers all aspects of the industry with its advantages of low R&D investment, high practicability, and open source programs. However, due to process problems, problems have arisen in terms of printing efficiency and molding quality. To this end, we designed a large-scale multinozzle FDM printing device using the high-current fused deposition (FDM) printing principle. The defects of small size, slow printing speed, and low precision are deeply studied, and the machine structure is optimized according to the structural strength analysis. In this paper, the theoretical design and static analysis of the overall mechanical part of the large-scale FDM device are carried out, and then, the selection of the movement organization structure and movement method is theoretically analyzed. A modular flow chart is designed for the control system to coordinate and control the parallel and precise operation of multiple nozzles, and the relationship function between the main controller, power driver, and heating module is designed. By modifying the firmware parameter command, we can find out the optimal method running on the platform and discuss the function usage of the slicing software in detail. According to the current problems of FDM printing equipment, various factors affecting printing speed were analyzed from the perspective of printing accuracy, and the process parameters of 3D printer were studied through orthogonal experiments. Speed, nozzle temperature, idling speed, and fill rate were studied, and the relationship between factors affecting printing speed and printing accuracy was obtained. Use a simple model print to measure the overall performance of your product. The stability of the system is verified by short-term and long-term printing tests. The analysis results show that the forming performance and stability of the large-scale FDM are improved significantly.
Author(s): Guozhu Li (corresponding author) [1,2] 1. Introduction There are many professional explanations for 3D printing technology, such as manufacturing free solids, additive manufacturing (AM), and rapid prototyping [1]. 3D [...]

Entrepreneurship -- Analysis, Universities and colleges -- Analysis, and Online education -- Analysis

Keywords: design thinking; Entrepreneurial University; innovation; lean startup; prototyping Abstract Innovation and entrepreneurship are factors that can empower and boost a country. One approach to managing these factors is innovation ecosystems, which only work with innovative approaches such as Lean Startup and Design Thinking. Fostering an entrepreneurial university is essential for solving society's problems by developing innovative and sustainable solutions. In this context, this study aims to present a pilot event called 'Entrepreneurial View' for the dissemination of entrepreneurship and innovation in Brazilian universities through a web-based course. To this end, this empirical study employs structured interviews with 22 participants on the second day using Cronbach's [alpha] to assess consistency, in addition to descriptive statistics and content analysis. The main results are the development of two products, two services, and two applications aimed at solving problems for society and other stakeholders. The main contribution of this study is the use of methodologies for the development of innovative offers is highlighted and promotes entrepreneurial thinking at different levels of training through a web-based course. Byline: Nathalya Albina Da Silva Pereira, Roselis Natalina Mazzuchetti, Fernando Henrique Lermen