articles+ search results

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

Advertising campaigns -- Analysis, Gums and resins industry -- Analysis, 3D printing -- Analysis, Polymethylmethacrylate -- Analysis, Raw materials -- Analysis, Microfluidics -- Analysis, Finite element method -- Analysis, Polymers -- Analysis, and Simulation methods -- Analysis

Keywords micro manufacturing; micro injection moulding; additive manufacturing; simulation; thermal behaviour Abstract One of the future challenges is to satisfy a manufacturing market in which the raw material and its storage are increasingly limited, while the need for product diversification is growing. In this context, the global market, especially in the biomedical sectors, sees a growing interest in the miniaturization of products and features for which micro injection moulding ([micro]IM) seems to be ready. Improvement in mould flexibility in terms of reconfigurability of the cavity mould and features is requested to [micro]IM. A tailored insert approach for the micro mould has been adopted to study different materials and micro manufacturing technologies to produce the inserts with such extreme features. Novel high temperature resins for additive manufacturing, able to withstand temperatures up to 250[degree]C, are used to realize inserts for [micro]IM prototyping and small batches. A numerical simulation of the process to produce a 400[micro]m thick thin plates of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a typical benchmark and polymer for microfluidic applications, has been conducted to evaluate the thermal behavior of the resin insert on the molten polymer with respect to the steel one. The results evidenced an isolating behavior of the resin which reduces the thermal dissipation with consequent lower viscosity also during the packing pressure. To validate the results an experimental campaign, was made using both a steel insert and a high-temperature resistance resin insert. The part produced with the resin insert presented diffused flash, a defect usually correlated to high melt temperature and high injection pressure. Author Affiliation: (a) Institute of Intelligent and Industrial Systems and Technologies for Advanced Manufacturing (STIIMA), National Research Council (CNR), via Paolo Lembo 38F, Bari, Italy (b) Advanced Prototype Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, via Branze 38, Brescia, Italy Byline: B. Stampone [benedetta.stampone@stiima.cnr.it] (a), M. Ravelli [m.ravelli009@studenti.unibs.it] (b), L. Giorleo [luca.giorleo@unibs.it] (b), G. Trotta [gianluca.trotta@stiima.cnr.it] (a)

Keywords Industry 4.0; digitalization; SMEs; condition-based maintenance Abstract As the pressure for companies to advance towards the Industry 4.0 paradigm increases, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still lack financial and human resources. Therefore, research should investigate how SMEs can digitalize their business operations. Through a literature review, three focus areas of digitalization in SMEs are determined: IT infrastructure, data collection and analysis, and prototyping. In combination with these, the previous literature shows that SMEs should innovate using their existing resources, consider the feasibility of their existing data, and optimize their IT infrastructure to improve their digital maturity. Moreover, companies should be able to develop their maintenance strategy by increasing their data maturity. Therefore, this paper investigates how a case company can use existing IT systems and data to advance its maintenance strategy. The results from the case study conclude that companies can indeed improve some of their maintenance activities by innovating using their existing IT infrastructure and data. Author Affiliation: (a) Aarhus University BTECH Herning, Birk Centerpark 40, 7400 Herning, Denmark Byline: Oliver Fuglsang Grooss [ofg@btech.au.dk] (a)

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

Computer software industry and Creative ability

Context: The use of Creativity and Design Thinking (C&DT) techniques favor the generation of new ideas based on the needs of users and stakeholders, and can support software developers during the process of requirements elicitation. Objectives: In this work, we aim to identify C&DT techniques to perform requirements elicitation proposed in the literature and in the industry and investigate the perception of software developers about using these techniques. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify the C&DT techniques in the literature and a regional survey with software development teams from several companies in Brazil to identify which techniques found in the literature are currently being used by organizations. The survey also investigated the level of knowledge that software developers have regarding the C&DT techniques, and whether they agree that the use of these techniques can help to achieve a more effective process of requirements elicitation. Results: In the SLR, we identified 86 C&DT techniques that support requirement elicitation activities. In the survey, most developers outlined that C&DT techniques facilitate requirements elicitation and stated that they have more knowledge and usage experience with DT techniques than creativity techniques. The most used DT techniques mentioned by survey participants were: interview, brainstorming, uses cases, activity analysis, user story, and rapid prototyping, whereas for creativity techniques were: analogies, creativity workshops, focus group, questions list, clarification, none and combining ideas. Conclusions: The results showed that despite the existence of a large number of techniques in the literature, the developers' lack of knowledge about these techniques makes them not used in the industry. However, the developers' responses showed that the use of C&DT techniques helps to make requirements elicitation more effective. Byline: Edna Dias Canedo, Angelica Toffano Seidel Calazans, Geovana Ramos Sousa Silva, Pedro Henrique Teixeira Costa, Rodrigo Pereira de Mesquita, Eloisa Toffano Seidel Masson

Neural network, Messenger RNA -- Analysis, Vaccines -- Analysis, and Neural networks -- Analysis

Keywords COVID-19; Vaccine; mRNA degradation; Convolutional neural networks; Graph convolutional neural networks Abstract Messenger RNA (mRNA) has emerged as a critical global technology that requires global joint efforts from different entities to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. However, the chemical properties of RNA pose a challenge in utilizing mRNA as a vaccine candidate. For instance, the molecules are prone to degradation, which has a negative impact on the distribution of mRNA among patients. In addition, little is known of the degradation properties of individual RNA bases in a molecule. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether a hybrid deep learning can predict RNA degradation from RNA sequences. Two deep hybrid neural network models were proposed, namely GCN_GRU and GCN_CNN. The first model is based on graph convolutional neural networks (GCNs) and gated recurrent unit (GRU). The second model is based on GCN and convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Both models were computed over the structural graph of the mRNA molecule. The experimental results showed that GCN_GRU hybrid model outperform GCN_CNN model by a large margin during the test time. Validation of proposed hybrid models is performed by well-known evaluation measures. Among different deep neural networks, GCN_GRU based model achieved best scores on both public and private MCRMSE test scores with 0.22614 and 0.34152, respectively. Finally, GCN_GRU pre-trained model has achieved the highest AuC score of 0.938. Such proven outperformance of GCNs indicates that modeling RNA molecules using graphs is critical in understanding molecule degradation mechanisms, which helps in minimizing the aforementioned issues. To show the importance of the proposed GCN_GRU hybrid model, in silico experiments has been contacted. The in-silico results showed that our model pays local attention when predicting a given position's reactivity and exhibits interesting behavior on neighboring bases in the sequence. Author Affiliation: (a) Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar 32160, Malaysia (b) Information Systems Department, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh 11586, Saudi Arabia (c) Research Department, Idenitive Mashable Prototyping, Banyumas 53124, Indonesia (d) Faculty of Bioinformatics, Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences, Jakarta Timur 13210, Indonesia (e) Department of Physics, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia * Corresponding author. Article History: Received 15 July 2021; Revised 29 August 2021; Accepted 5 October 2021 (footnote) Peer review under responsibility of King Saud University. Byline: Amgad Muneer [muneeramgad@gmail.com] (a,*), Suliman Mohamed Fati [smfati@yahoo.com] (b), Nur Arifin Akbar [arifin@idenitive.pro] (c), David Agustriawan [david.agustriawan@i3l.ac.id] (d), Setyanto Tri Wahyudi [stwayhudi@apps.ipb.ac.id] (e)

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

Robotics industry, Electrical engineering, Robot, Robotics industry -- Analysis -- Social aspects, Robots -- Analysis -- Social aspects, Electrical engineering -- Analysis -- Social aspects, Disabled children -- Social aspects -- Analysis, and Robotics -- Analysis -- Social aspects

Keywords Smart Toys; Smart Tangibles; Robots; Play Abstract Smart toys are regarded as able to offer possibilities to develop social, cognitive, and behavioural skills (among others); however, while appealing, such claims are not yet substantiated by rigorous and sufficient scientific evidence. The first edition of the workshop on Smart Toys, Smart Tangibles, Robots and other Smart Things for Children took place at the 19th Interaction Design and Children Conference (IDC'20), bringing together experts from different fields working on smart technologies for children. Following the workshop, participants were invited to submit their work to this Special Issue in the International Journal of Child Computer Interaction. Together, these contributions address relevant issues in the emerging areas of smart toys and interactive technologies for children, offering different approaches and perspectives, such us as guidelines for the prototyping of innovative Toy Interfaces; guidelines to support the design of inclusive technologies for children with special needs, design considerations about the social aspects of the experience with the technology, concerns of data protection and children's understanding of data. This editorial introduction draws attention to the great potential and need for furthering research on the field to unleash the potential that the new generation of smart toys and related devices may bring. Author Affiliation: (a) Research Centre on Child Studies/ ITI/LARSyS, University of Minho, Portugal (b) Degree Programme of Cultural Production and Landscape Studies (Digital Culture), University of Turku, Pori Laboratory of Play, Finland (c) Departamento de Electrónica e Computación, Centro Singular de Investigación en Tecnoloxías Intelixentes (CiTIUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain (d) Division of Robotics, Perception, and Learning, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden * Corresponding author. Byline: Cristina Sylla [cristina.sylla@ie.uminho.pt] (a,*), Katriina Heljakka [katriina.heljakka@utu.fi] (b), Alejandro Catala [alejandro.catala@usc.es] (c), Arzu Guneysu Ozgur [arzuo@kth.se] (d)

Analysis, Ergonomic aid, Ergonomics, Artificial intelligence, Artificial intelligence -- Analysis, Ergonomics -- Analysis, Elderly -- Analysis, and Aged -- Analysis

Author(s): Zhen Yu (corresponding author) [1] 1. Introduction Since 2014, China's population aged 60 years and above has been growing, and the aging process in China has accelerated, and the [...]
The ergonomic design study of artificial intelligence lower limb-assisted brace for the elderly is a new design standard of lower limb-assisted brace for the elderly with mobility problems. Based on human factors engineering, this study tested and analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of human lower limb motion mechanics, human gait motion law, and existing lower limb assisted brace design cases at home and abroad and concluded that the common external assisted method is less man-machine efficient than the internal assisted method. Therefore, a new brace joint rotation curvature, component parameters, and other key information were designed based on the structure of the medial assistance method. With the help of the engineering and scientific analysis methods in human factors engineering, the designed machines and systems are made more adaptable to the physiological and psychological characteristics of human beings. This study explores the interaction between humans and machines and the rationality of their mutual integration, which can effectively avoid repetitive strain injuries and other muscle diseases over time for users in the process of assistance and achieve efficiency, health, and safety. Subsequently, Rhino software was used for digital modeling, physical prototyping, experimental testing, and analysis of the design solution and continuous optimization of the design. At the same time, the perceptual engineering design method was utilized to meet the humanized aesthetic design requirements. The prototype of the design study was finally completed, which is more in line with the evaluation criteria of “human-machine-environment system” than the existing market design in terms of functional rationality, human-machine performance, and human experience. This demonstrates the validity of the design method and is an important reference for the design standard of the lower limb support for the elderly.

Electromagnetic fields, Antennas (Electronics), Wireless sensor networks, and Rapid prototyping

Keywords: metallization; radio frequency performance; SLA reflector; three-dimensional printed Abstract A novel high precision and lightweight reflector antenna is proposed. The fabrication process of the reflector adopted Stereo Lithography Apparatus (SLA) printed and metallization. The proposed SLA Reflector (SLAR) antenna structure adopts three-dimensional-printed, which can design complex geometric shapes flexibly and rapid prototyping. That is a good substitute for the traditional method of millimeter wave reflector processing. In order to realize radio frequency (RF) characteristics perfectly, the metallization process of photosensitive resin was elaborated, which realized by first electroless nickel plating, then copper electroplating, and finally chromium electroplating on the protective layer. For verification, the designed reflector antenna was manufactured and measured. The reflectivity of SLAR was measured well by the bow method, which validates excellent fabrication accuracy and reliability. The gain and pattern were measured in the anechoic chamber. The results show that the proposed reflector antenna achieves the gain of 25dBi and the 3dB gain bandwidth of 43% over the full Ka-band. A good agreement can be observed between measurement and simulation. Biographical information: Liwei Guo received the B.E. degree in from the Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, China in 2006. She is currently pursuing the PhD degree in Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, China. Her current research interests include metasurfaces, millimeter-wave reflector antenna. Simin Li received the B.S. degree in wireless communication engineering from Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, China, in 1984, and the M.S. and PhD degrees in electronics engineering from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China, in 1989 and 2007, respectively. Dr. Li is currently the President and a Professor with Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou, China. His current research interests include the design of electrically small antennas, antenna arrays for high-frequency communication systems, and wireless sensor networks. Xing Jiang received the Master's degree in electromagnetic field and microwave technology from Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China, in 1986. Since 2000, she has been a Professor with the Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, China. She was sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi. Her research interests include smart communication system design, conformal antenna array, and bioelectromagnetics. Xin Liao received the B.E. degree from Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China, in 1990. He is currently a Lecturer with the Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, China. His research interests include Electromagnetic Compatibility and antenna measurement. Ying Zhang received the B.E. degree in Harbin Institute of Technology of optical instrument. Now she is a researcher at Beijing Simulation Center. Her research interest is the simulation of visible light/infrared guidance and control systems. Bin Shi is an associate researcher- in Beijing Simulation Center. Her research interest is the simulation of radio frequency target accuracy. Article Note: Funding information Guangxi Innovation Driven Development Special Fund Project, Grant/Award Number: GUIKEAA19254012; Innovation Project of Guangxi Graduate Education, Grant/Award Number: YCBZ2019051; National Natural Science Foundation of China, Grant/Award Numbers: 61761012, 61661011 Byline: Liwei Guo, Simin Li, Xing Jiang, Xin Liao, Ying Zhang, Bin Shi

Algorithm, Sensors -- Analysis, Wireless sensor networks -- Analysis, and Algorithms -- Analysis

Keywords Tissue P System; Wireless Sensor Network; Multi-Objective problem; Task Assignment; Decision Support System; Parallel computing; Sustainable computing Abstract The contemporary wireless sensor applications employ a Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Network (HeWSN) to achieve its multi-objective missions. Modern wireless nodes constituting the HeWSN are more versatile in terms of its capabilities, functionalities, and applications. Assigning tasks in a dynamic HeWSN environment are challenging due to its inherent heterogeneous properties and capabilities. The investigation of existing task assignment algorithms reveals (i) the majority of the existing task assignment algorithms were designed for the homogeneous environment, (ii) most of the nature-inspired algorithms were built for centralized architecture. Scheduling tasks by existing task assignment algorithms lead to underutilization of resources as well as to the rapid depletion of network resources. To this end, a novel, distributed, heterogeneous task assignment algorithm adhering the modern sensors capabilities, functionalities and sensor application to attain sustainable computing is required. Based on the investigation, Tissue P-System inspired task assignment algorithm for the distributed heterogeneous WSN has been modelled. The experimental analyses of the proposed method have been self-evaluated as well as compared with the corresponding recent benchmark algorithms under various conditions and its performance metrics are analysed. Author Affiliation: Karunya Institute of Technology & Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641 114, India * Corresponding author. Article History: Received 18 November 2019; Revised 11 June 2020; Accepted 21 June 2020 (footnote) Peer review under responsibility of King Saud University. Byline: Titus Issac [titusissac@gmail.com] (*), Salaja Silas, Elijah Blessing Rajsingh

3D printing -- Case studies, Engineering schools -- Case studies, Labor market -- Case studies, and Mechanical engineering -- Case studies

Keywords: 3D digitizing; design skills; hands-on activities; redesign; reverse engineering Abstract Today's job market is seeking engineers with competencies to design innovative solutions that meet sophisticated customer needs. Engineering education is then challenged to equip future engineers with holistic engineering design skills, especially functional ones. A powerful means to strengthen these skills is the use of reverse-engineering-based activities, which consist of examining, extracting information, and redesigning existing products. However, most current education endeavours, based on reverse engineering, consist only of practicing simple teardowns that have circumscribed impact on the acquisition of skills. Therefore, there is a need for more elaborated authentic hands-on activities to gain a broad set of design skills. This study addresses this gap by the development of a concept of wide-ranging engineering activities that start with the study of an existing product and ends with an improved redesigned three-dimensional (3D) printed product. This concept of activities was developed to strengthen a conventional course on product design. Thus, a tailored comprehensive redesign process is proposed first, and expanded as a concept of a set of experiential activities, with associated measures for skills acquisition. This concept encompasses teardown, 3D digitizing and rapid prototyping, and aims mainly at facilitating the understanding of components' functionalities, the numerical reconstruction by 3D digitizing, the mechanical modelling and engineering analysis of parts and finally the 3D printing of the redesign output. To understand, experience, and weigh up the relevance of the proposed concept of activities, a preliminary implementation, and a case study are illustrated. Particularly, the relevance of the concept is demonstrated through the assessment of the activities' measures. In short, this study provides educators with an authentic education tool that leverages on a broader reverse engineering vision to boost the job's sought-after design skills. Byline: Mohammed Akerdad, Ahmed Aboutajeddine, Mohammed Elmajdoubi

Program errors -- Analysis, Executives -- Analysis, and Computer science -- Analysis

Keywords Concolic testing; Virtual prototyping; SystemC; RISC-V; Internet of things Abstract Constrained Internet of Things (IoT) devices with limited computing resource are increasingly employed in security critical areas. Therefore, it is important for the firmware of these devices to be tested sufficiently. On non-constrained conventional devices, dynamic testing techniques (e.g. fuzzing, symbolic execution, or concolic testing) are successfully utilized to discover critical bugs in tested software. Unfortunately, the diverse ecosystem and the dependence on low-level details of a wide range of peripherals makes it difficult to use these techniques in the IoT context. In order to address these challenges, we present SymEx-VP an open source emulation-based approach for concolic testing of IoT firmware. SymEx-VP is a virtual prototype for RISC-V hardware platforms and allows concolic testing of RISC-V machine code. To support a wide range of different peripherals, SymEx-VP utilizes SystemC, a hardware modeling language for C++. By employing a SystemC extension mechanism, SymEx-VP can inject concolic inputs into the emulated firmware through the memory-mapped I/O peripheral interface of existing SystemC peripheral models. This allows us to support different operating systems and libraries used in the IoT with minimal integration effort. We provide an extensive description of SymEx-VP, illustrate peripheral modeling and firmware testing using it by example, and perform tests with four operating systems to demonstrate the advantages of our OS-agnostic firmware testing method. Author Affiliation: (a) Institute of Computer Science, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany (b) Cyber-Physical Systems, DFKI GmbH, Bremen, Germany * Corresponding author. Article History: Received 21 December 2021; Revised 25 February 2022; Accepted 2 March 2022 (footnote) The code (and data) in this article has been certified as Reproducible by Code Ocean: (https://codeocean.com/). More information on the Reproducibility Badge Initiative is available at https://www.elsevier.com/physical-sciences-and-engineering/computer-science/journals. (footnote)[white star] This work was supported in part by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) within the poject Scale4Edge under contract no. 16ME0127 and within the project VerSys under contract no. 01IW19001. Byline: Sören Tempel [tempel@uni-bremen.de] (a,*), Vladimir Herdt [vherdt@uni-bremen.de] (a,b), Rolf Drechsler [drechsler@uni-bremen.de] (a,b)

Visual perception and Rapid prototyping

Keywords Cerebral visual impairment; Visuoperceptual profile; Serious game-based therapy; Functional vision; Individualized; Adaptive Highlights * Individualized adaptive serious games were developed for cerebral visual impairment. * A multi-informant approach is crucial in serious game-based therapy development. * Visuoperceptual profiles serve as a basis for individualized entry-level difficulty. * Automatic in-game adaptivity can be preliminarily defined using handcrafted rules. * Iterative approach in different user testing groups supported fine-tuning of games. Abstract Children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) exhibit a very heterogeneous clinical visuoperceptual picture, which implies that a targeted individualized and adaptive therapy is necessary. Serious games for CVI are limited, especially those that train multiple visuoperceptual skills in an individualized and adaptive manner without the frequent manual input from clinicians. In this paper, we describe the design, development, and evaluation process of novel individualized and adaptive serious mini-games for visual perceptual skills. First, an informant-led design, including focus groups with relevant stakeholders implementing a participation-via-proxy and brainstorming sessions, was performed. This resulted in rapid prototypes of four mini-games (MatchMaker, Hurricane Chaos, Maze Explorer 2D, and Maze Explorer 3D), targeting six visuoperceptual skills commonly impaired in children with CVI: (1) visual discrimination and matching, (2) object or picture recognition, (3) visual spatial perception, (4) figure-ground perception, (5) motion perception, and (6) visual short-term memory. Therapeutic game content (selecting, manipulating, and rating images; defining entry-level difficulty and in-game adaptivity rules) was evaluated by clinical and research experts. Finally, formative testing and expert feedback, including usability and user experience by clinicians, researchers, and typically developing children, led to important modifications in the mini-games. Author Affiliation: (a) Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), O&N IV Herestraat 49, Box 805, 3000 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 3 August 2021; Revised 16 November 2021; Accepted 26 November 2021 (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 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,*), I. Franki (a), B. Jansen (b,c), K. Kostkova (b,c), J. Wagemans (d,e), E. Ortibus (a,f)

Government regulation, Augmented Reality -- Laws, regulations and rules, Children -- Behavior -- Laws, regulations and rules, Sensors -- Laws, regulations and rules, Medical colleges -- Laws, regulations and rules, Medical law, and Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder -- Laws, regulations and rules

Keywords ADHD; Self-regulation; Technologies; m-health; Wearables; Children Highlights * Technology has the potential to support self-regulation in children with ADHD. * Most prior research has used mobile and sensor technology to deliver intervention for ADHD. * Most technological interventions try to support children at school or at home. Abstract Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent childhood psychiatric condition. Children with ADHD display symptoms of inattention and hyperactive/impulsive behaviors. Behavioral interventions are promising as approaches for improving the control of attention and impulsivity and in developing self-regulation skills. Self-regulation involves controlling one's behavior, emotions, and thoughts to pursue long-term goals and is fundamental to adaptive developmental tasks at all stages of life. Innovative approaches for supporting children with ADHD include using both novel and consumer off-the-shelf technologies to support the self-regulation of emotions and behaviors. This review aims to provide a resource to summarize the current evidence for technological interventions that assist and assess the self-regulation of behaviors and emotions supporting children with ADHD. This review included 36 papers that used multiple technological emerging platforms (i.e., personal computers; mobile; sensors, wearables; virtual and augmented reality; robots) used by children with ADHD. Most technologies are suspended in the design and prototyping phases. However, studies that included robust enough technologies for deployment studies or pilot random control trials exhibit promising implications for supporting self-regulation in children with ADHD. Author Affiliation: (a) Fowler School of Engineering, Chapman University, United States of America (b) Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, United States of America (c) Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, United States of America (d) Department of Informatics, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Science, University of California, Irvine, United States of America * Corresponding author. Article History: Received 10 November 2020; Revised 1 October 2021; Accepted 4 October 2021 Byline: Franceli L. Cibrian [cibrian@chapman.edu] (a,*), Kimberley D. Lakes [kimberley.lakes@medsch.ucr.edu] (b), Sabrina E.B. Schuck [sabrina@uci.edu] (c), Gillian R. Hayes [gillianrh@ics.uci.edu] (d,*)

Computer science

Keywords Smart thing; Toolkit; Action research; Card; Game; Design; Reflection; Child Abstract Several workshops use toolkits to engage children in the design of smart things, that is, everyday things like toys enhanced with computing devices and capabilities. In general, the toolkits focus on one design stage or another, e.g., ideation or programming. Few toolkits are created to guide children through an entire design process. This paper presents a toolkit for smart-thing design with children. It revolves around SNaP, a card-based board game for children. The toolkit serves to frame the entire design process and guide them through their exploration, ideation, programming and prototyping of their own smart things. By embracing action research, the toolkit was adopted in actions with children, namely, design workshops. Results of actions were reflected over by considering children's benefits, and they were used to make the toolkit evolve across cycles of action, reflection and development. The paper reports on the latest evolution cycles, ending with the 2020 cycle for continuing smart-thing design during COVID-19 times. The paper concludes with general reflections concerning action research and design with children, toolkits for framing smart-thing design with children, on-going and future work. Author Affiliation: (a) Faculty of Computer Science, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Piazza Domenicani 3, 39100 Bolzano, Italy (b) DEIB, Politecnico di Milano, Via Ponzio, 34/5, 20133 Milan, Italy * Corresponding author. Article History: Received 25 October 2020; Revised 14 May 2021; Accepted 16 July 2021 Byline: Rosella Gennari [gennari@inf.unibz.it] (a,*), Maristella Matera [maristella.matera@polimi.it] (b), Alessandra Melonio [alessandra.melonio@unibz.it] (a), Mehdi Rizvi [syedmehdi.rizvi@polimi.it] (b), Eftychia Roumelioti [eftychia.roumelioti@stud-inf.unibz.it] (a)

Data warehousing/data mining, Algorithm, Optical radar, Sensors, Data mining, and Algorithms

Keywords: algorithm testing; complex ocean scenarios; data generation; sensors; simulation platform; unmanned surface vessel Abstract Unmanned surface vessels (USVs) have been fully used in the civilian and military fields in recent years, which dramatically expands protective capability and detection range. However, the marine environment's complexity and variability make that verification of various advanced USVs control algorithms face high costs and high risks. In this article, we present USVs-Sim, a novel high-fidelity general simulation platform for USVs autonomous navigation data generation and control strategy testing. USVs-Sim is a collection of high-level extensible modules that allows the rapid development and testing of USVs configurations and facilitates the construction of complex ocean scenarios. USVs-Sim supports the steering or thrusting limits of USVs, as well as unique dynamics profiles. The platform can specify specific USVs sensor systems and change the time of day and weather conditions to generate robust data. USVs-Sim facilitates training of deep-learning algorithms by enabling data export from USVs sensors, including vision data, lidar, relative positions of ocean targets. Therefore, USVs-Sim allows for the rapid prototyping, development, and testing of USVs autonomous control algorithms in a complex marine environment. In this article, we detail the general simulation platform and testing several representative USVs intelligent control algorithms on the platform. Article Note: Funding information Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China, MC-201920-X01; National Natural Science Foundation of China, 61991415; 91746203 Byline: Wei Wang, Han Zhang, Yang Li, Zhenyu Zhang, Xiangfeng Luo, Shaorong Xie

Ecosystems -- Environmental aspects

Keywords Digital transformation; Metrological processes; Administrative shell; Digital Calibration Certificate; DCC; Declaration of Conformity; DoC; Distributed software architecture; Weighing instruments; Legal Metrology Abstract In this paper a metrological quality infrastructure is introduced, that considers the strict legal framework and offers transparency, security and resilience. As a foundation, the AnGeWaNt platform is used to connect external infrastructures and foster digital transformation of processes. A fast and easy integration of a vacuum laboratory workflow is demonstrated by benefiting from the distributed service architecture and harmonized RESTful application interfaces. Furthermore, through the modular approach of the AnGeWaNt platform, a rapid service prototyping is enabled by a tool set of services. Providing a digital transformed conformity process to the service hub and avoiding expensive re-implementation. These two exemplary use cases are extensively described and their benefits to the metrological service ecosystem are shown. The main advantage of the interdependent service ecosystem is the flexibility to preserve specialized applications on site, while enabling innovative and custom-tailored services at the same time. Author Affiliation: (a) Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Abbestr. 2-12, 10587 Berlin, Germany (b) Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany Byline: Alexander Oppermann [alexander.oppermann@ptb.de] (a), Samuel Eickelberg (a), John Exner (a), Thomas Bock (a), Matthias Bernien (a), Rolf Niepraschk (a), Wiebke Heeren (b), Oksana Baer (b), Clifford Brown (b)

Virtual reality technology, Time to market, Manufacturing industry, Augmented Reality, Product development, and Virtual reality

Keywords Augmented reality; Virtual reality; Manufacturing Abstract Virtual and augmented reality technologies are gaining a stable presence in many industries, while supporting the efficiency and productivity of individual business processes. Education, virtual prototyping, production system design, remote maintenance, digital twin scenario simulations, digital tutorials are areas in which these technologies have found their place and at the same time record visible development. These are solutions that shorten product development time, reduce prototyping costs, streamline training and assembly processes, and can be used as a decision support tool through simulations of various production scenarios. Slovakia, as a pre-developed country, has the ambition to implement modern technologies in industry and education. Reflecting on this strategy, the aim of our paper was to quantify and analyze the level of knowledge and interest in these technologies in Slovak manufacturing companies. Author Affiliation: Faculty of Management, Comenius University in Bratislava, Odbojárov 10 P.O.BOX 95, Bratislava 25, 82005, Slovakia Byline: Peter Balco [peter.balco@fm.uniba.sk], Peter Bajzík, Klára Skovierová

3D printing -- Usage -- Models, Computer-aided design -- Models -- Usage, Mechanical engineering -- Usage, and Vibration -- Models -- Usage

Keywords vibrations; additive manufactoring; computer modeling; rapid prototyping Abstract The emerging concept of mechanical meta-materials has gained increasing attention in recent years, partly due to advances in additive manufacturing techniques (additive manufacturing, 3D printing) that have allowed the fabrication of materials with arbitrarily complex micro / nanostructures. The designed geometry of these structures gives rise to unprecedented or rare mechanical properties that can used to create advanced elements with new, unprecedented functions. This paper presents the method of prototyping a vibro-isolator made of a material that has the properties of storing and disposing of mechanical vibration energy and that can freely be shaped by modern manufacturing techniques. An example of a vibration isolator of the proprietary concept analyzed, using the concept of stepped and adding elements. The method is based on the use of two main tools. Mechanical properties verified by analyzing the frequency and mode of free vibrations of the prototype using the finite element method. The same CAD model of the vibro-isolator prototype produced by 3D printing. The paper presents one of the production techniques, which is 3D printing in SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) technology, and the SolidWorks and Comsol Multhiphysics software used in the CAD / CAE prototyping method. Author Affiliation: (a) Faculty of Mechanical Engineering,Koszalin University of Technology, Koszalin 75-453, Poland Byline: Remigiusz Knitter (a), Andrzej Blazejewski (a), Tomasz Królikowski [tomasz.krolikowski@tu.koszalin.pl] (a)

Keywords object-oriented programming; the EO programming language; elegant objects; collections, the ø-calculus Abstract Object-oriented programming (OOP) is one of the most popular paradigms used to build software systems. However, there is currently no object-oriented programming language using the pure idea of OOP. The EO programming language is an object-oriented language developed as a research solution, the purpose of which is to show that industrial programming in pure OOP ideas is practically possible. This work consists in analyzing the EO language, finding the optimally needed collection objects, as well as developing a library of collection objects. In the course of the research, the following tasks were formulated: domain analysis, overview of the basic concepts of the EO language, object analysis in Java, implementation of a library of collection objects, that characteristics objects should have and what tasks they should solve, prototyping in the EO language. Author Affiliation: (a) National Research University Higher School of Economics, 101000, Moscow, Russia (b) National Research Nuclear University of Moscow Engineering Physics Institute, 115409 Moscow, Russia Byline: Dmitry Yakuba [dsyakuba@edu.hse.ru] (a), Sergey Zykov (a,b)

Algorithm and Algorithms -- Mechanical properties

Tensile strength, warping degree, and surface roughness are important indicators to evaluate the quality of fused deposition modeling (FDM) parts, and their accurate and stable prediction is helpful to the development of FDM technology. Thus, a quality prediction method of FDM parts based on an optimized deep belief network was proposed. To determine the combination of process parameters that have the greatest influence on the quality of FDM parts, the correlation analysis method was used to screen the key quality factors that affect the quality of FDM parts. Then, we use 10-fold cross-validation and grid search (GS) to determine the optimal hyperparameter combination of the sparse constrained deep belief network (SDBN), propose an adaptive cuckoo search (ACS) algorithm to optimize the weights and biases of the SDBN, and complete the construction of prediction model based on the above work. The results show that compared with DBN, LSTM, RBFNN, and BPNN, the ACS-SDBN model designed in this article can map the complex nonlinear relationship between FDM part quality characteristics and process parameters more effectively, and the CV verification accuracy of the model can reach more than 95.92%. The prediction accuracy can reach more than 96.67%, and the model has higher accuracy and stability.
Author(s): Hai Dong [1]; Xiuxiu Gao (corresponding author) [2]; Mingqi Wei [2] 1. Introduction Additive manufacturing (AM) is a rapid prototyping technology born in the 1980s, which realizes the conversion [...]

Robot, Computer-based entertainment system, Computer entertainment systems, Social distancing (Public health), Rapid prototyping, Child behavior, Robots, Educational assessment, Distance education, Project-based learning, Data collection, Video game equipment, Children -- Behavior, Video games -- Equipment and supplies, Data entry, and Educational evaluation

Keywords Design Tools; Smart toys; Social robots; Rapid prototyping; Remote learning Highlights * Design tools to prototype toy user interfaces following privacy by design principles. * Design tools cover human-centered design stages, including data collection planning. * Qualitative project-based learning evaluation with interdisciplinary stakeholders. * 255 stakeholders implemented 67 paper-based, functional, and digital prototypes. * Adapted tools for remote teamwork and education during the social distancing context. Abstract A Toy User Interface (ToyUI) is a setup combination of one or more toy components with other hardware or software components. As part of new technologies that permeate the Child--Computer Interaction (CCI) domain, a ToyUI can combine physical toy components with social robots, smartphones, tablets, game consoles, among other computing artifacts. This paper compiles a collection of design tools that we develop to support interdisciplinary creators in prototyping innovative ToyUI setups. The design tools aim to help the CCI community understand the benefits of hardware and software integration while delivering solutions that can meet privacy by design principles. We apply the Design Science framework to assess the problem context and propose and evaluate the design tools following a Human-Centered Design (HCD) perspective. The tools cover steps from inspiration to ideation and implementation, including user research, brainstorming, data collection planning, and low to high-fidelity prototyping tools. We detail the current version of the design tools and six years of results through qualitative evaluation in an educational setting (with 255 creators in seven different institutions). We also propose novel versions of the tools to support remote teamwork and education, and we highlight training challenges during the social distancing context.

Keywords: fault detection; fault-tolerant control; hypersonic reentry vehicle; intermittent fault; rapid prototyping ***** No abstract is available for this article. ***** Byline: Matthias A. Müller, Frank Allgöwer, Fuyang Chen, Fan Jin, Zili Wang

Architectural design

Keywords: Architectural Design; Model-based Systems Engineering; Processes; Requirements Elicitation and Management; Systems Thinking Abstract Numerous systems engineering (SE) methods for the model-based and textual specification of systems focus on managing complexity solely by partitioning the system based on physical structures or by defining different views of the system and therefore reach their limits in agile development. The increasing demand for an agile system development requires an agile systems engineering procedure for the model-based and textual top-down specification of systems. Although function-based development, variant management, and product line development are well established in software engineering, previous work has failed to introduce methods for the agile specification of systems by combining established methods from systems and software engineering. For that purpose, this paper demonstrates a new SE methodology, which for the first time combines conventional SE methods with the agile development procedure of feature-driven development. The methodology is systematically developed based on theoretical analyses and its suitability for the application-specific definition of feature-driven development processes is demonstrated using the example of reference architectures for XiL simulation models of electric vehicles. By applying feature-driven development, the resulting CUBE methodology enhances collaboration in interdisciplinary development teams and enables companies to adapt development processes to a more agile top-down specification of systems. Biographical information: Christian Granrath, M.Sc. received the B.Sc. degree in mechanical engineering in 2014 and the M.Sc. degree in energy engineering in 2016 from RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany. From 2016 to 2021 he performed his doctoral studies at the Junior Professorship for Mechatronic Systems for Combustion Engines, Institute for Combustion Engines, RWTH University. Since 2021, he is working as a technical specialist for systems engineering at FEV Europe GmbH. His research interests include the fields of model- and feature-based systems engineering, agile software engineering, software architecture development and evaluation as well as simulation model development for XiL applications in automotive domain. Mr. Granrath's awards and honors include the Dean's List, representing the top 5% of the best students in each year. Christopher Kugler, M.Sc. received his master in Computer Science at the RWTH Aachen University in 2014. From 2015 to 2019 he performed his doctoral studies at the computer science chair 'Informatik 11 - Embedded Software' at the RWTH Aachen University. His doctorate thesis investigates how the increase in complexity in automotive product development can be handled by means of risk-based verification & validation approaches. Since 2019 he is working as a team leader for Systems Engineering & Test Management at FEV Europe GmbH. The focus of his work lies on the definition and implementation of model-based systems engineering practices as well as verification & validation concepts for automotive customers, where a feature-centric and risk-driven approach is promoted by him and his team. Sebastian Silberg, B.Sc. received the B.Sc. degree in Information Systems in 2016 from WWU University of Münster, Germany. He is currently pursuing a second study in Business Administration and Mechanical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University, Germany. In parallel, he is employed at FEV Europe GmbH within the business unit Intelligent Mobility & Software as member of the systems engineering department. He is involved in several projects and research with the emphasis on Systems Engineering. Max-Arno Meyer, M.Sc. received the B.Eng. degree in vehicle and propulsion technology in 2015 and the M.Sc. degree in international automotive engineering in 2018 from FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Aachen, Germany. He is currently pursuing the Ph.D. degree in software engineering at the Junior Professorship for Mechatronic Systems for Combustion Engines, Institute for Combustion Engines, RWTH Aachen University. His research interests include the fields of simulation-based testing of embedded systems, ADAS and autonomous driving, agile software engineering as well as model- and feature-based systems engineering. Mr. Meyer has been awarded the Honorary Plaque of FH Aachen for his academic achievements being among the top five percent of the best students in each year. Dr.-Ing. Philipp A. Orth received his Diploma Degree with distinction in Mechanical Engineering in 2000. In 2005, he obtained a Doctorate Degree in the same faculty of RWTH Aachen University at the Institute of Automatic Control. In his doctorate thesis, he investigated the applicability of Rapid Control Prototyping methods to Industrial Automation, bringing together control analysis and synthesis of discrete controllers with programming of programmable logic controllers (PLC) in an integrated SW tool chain. From 2006 to 2007, he worked at ABB corporate research on engineering efficiency and tool chains for process control systems and safety PLCs. Since 2007, he has worked as team lead at FEV until mid of 2014, responsible for model-based software development of embedded control systems for automotive and/or powertrain series applications, before changing to the position of a senior project manager for SW and systems engineering in the context of heavy-duty and passenger-car applications. Since 2019 he leads the department Systems Engineering within the Business Unit Intelligent Mobility & Software at FEV Europe GmbH, focusing on improvements in SE methodology and establishing SE within FEV as well as at - mainly automotive - OEM and Tier-1 customers. He is author and co-author of more than 30 articles, conference presentations and patents on the mentioned topics. Dr.-Ing. Johannes Richenhagen received the Diploma Degree in Industry Engineering & Management in 2009. In 2014, he obtained a Doctorate Degree in Mechanical Engineering, both from the RWTH Aachen University. In his doctorate thesis, he investigated the applicability of Agile Software Development methods to powertrain control software development to close the gap between engineering and computer sciences for future mobility applications. From 2013 to 2018, he was working as a technical specialist, team leader and department manager at FEV Europe GmbH. He focused on the design and test of embedded software for automotive systems. Since 2019, he leads the Business unit Intelligent Mobility & Software at FEV Europe GmbH. His responsibilities include connected mobility, automated and assisted driving, systems engineering, functional safety and cyber security, vehicle electronics, software development and Data Science. He is author and co-author of more than 50 articles and conference presentations around the mentioned topics. Since 2015, he is as guest lecturer at RWTH Aachen University for 'Software Development for Combustion Engines.' Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jakob Andert received his Dipl.-Ing. and Dr.-Ing. degrees at the RWTH Aachen University in 2007 and 2012, respectively. From 2012 to 2014, he was a project manager at FEV GmbH in the field of hybrid and electrical drive trains. Since 2014, he is Junior Professor for mechatronic systems in combustion engines at the Institute for Combustion Engines (VKA) at RWTH Aachen University. He received his Dr.-Ing. degree for a dissertation about a real time cycle-to-cycle control of homogeneous charge compression ignition engines. The Junior Professorship addresses mechatronic system in combustion engines, such as electrical cam timing actuators as well as real time systems, FPGA indication systems and Vehicle-to-X communication systems. Byline: Christian Granrath, Christopher Kugler, Sebastian Silberg, Max-Arno Meyer, Philipp Orth, Johannes Richenhagen, Jakob Andert

Transceiver and Transceivers -- Methods

Keywords Next-generation wireless; Millimeter-wave; Software-defined-radio; Prototyping; Beamforming; Calibration Abstract The Pi-Radio v1 software-defined radio (SDR) platform incorporates a 4-channel fully-digital transceiver board that operates in the 57--64 GHz band and connects to the powerful Xilinx RFSoC-based ZCU111 evaluation board. This paper illustrates various calibration procedures that have been implemented to avoid relying on expensive laboratory equipment and infrastructure like spectrum analyzers, signal generators, or even anechoic chambers. We conclude this paper with a demonstration of beamforming enabled through geometrically determined beamforming weights, thereby demonstrating that the SDR nodes have been calibrated correctly. Author Affiliation: (a) Pi-Radio Inc., 155 Water Street Unit 4/10, Brooklyn, 11201 NY, USA (b) University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr. La Jolla, CA 92093, USA (c) Nokia, 171 Madison Ave Suite 1100, 10016 NY, USA (d) New York University, 370 Jay Street, Brooklyn, 11201 NY, USA * Corresponding author. Article History: Received 13 November 2020; Revised 22 April 2021; Accepted 31 May 2021 Byline: Aditya Dhananjay [aditya.dhananjay@pi-rad.io] (a,d,*), Kai Zheng [kai.zheng@ucsd.edu] (b), Marco Mezzavilla [mezzavilla@nyu.edu] (a,d), Lorenzo Iotti [lorenzo.iotti@nokia.com] (c), Dennis Shasha [shasha@cims.nyu.edu] (a,d), Sundeep Rangan [srangan@nyu.edu] (a,d)

Robotics industry, Robotics industry, Architecture, and Robotics -- Design and construction

Keywords: architecture; building design; design technology; kinetic architecture; robotics Abstract This study reports and analyzes the first architectural robotics class regularly organized in a professional college in South Korea. The course consists of two modules: (i) design experimentation with kinetic (responsive) building prototyping and (ii) construction automation of a complex building form using an industrial robot arm. Both modules are structured to provide undergraduates with applied knowledge of kinematics and mechanisms. Along with introducing tools and content of robotics learning in architecture, the course development and students' perception of learning progress and intellectual achievement have been systematically assessed by adapting theoretical course analysis models (of Richards and of Kirkpatrick). The results reveal that learning motivation affects self-satisfaction and achievement. This suggests that the background, goals, and methods of teaching robotics engineering need to be carefully coordinated over the entire curricular context of building design education. Byline: Hwang Yi

Programmable logic array, Electrical engineering, Computer-aided design -- Analysis, Digital integrated circuits -- Analysis, and Electrical engineering -- Analysis

Keywords: computer-aided design; control theory; electrical engineering; laboratory; rapid prototyping Abstract The laboratories of control theory are often limited to simulations and a few or none experimental tests. As in other technical subjects, practical experiments really help to understand the theory but need much time and the experimental platforms are usually expensive. This paper describes a platform that implements a universal third-order discrete controller based on field programmable gate array (FPGA). The controller is implemented using fixed-point arithmetic, with 17-bit coefficients, but students can reduce the number of bits to find the resolution problems that may arise. This low-cost platform, based on a Xilinx Spartan FPGA, allows students to try controllers just by configuring the coefficients of the controller through a computer application and a USB port. It drastically reduces the implementation time, allowing more time for design and testing. Therefore, students can try many controllers in the same laboratory session so that they can check experimentally their behavior in real prototypes and see the differences between simulations and physical systems. This platform has been applied in a real course over two academic years. The student opinion survey shows that the survey respondents consider the platform useful for more deeply understanding the subject, with an average score of 4.47/5.00 on a Likert scale (with a margin of error of 15.56% with a 95% confidence level). Besides this, the platform records the usage statistics showing that there is a relationship between the application usage and the marks in both the theory and laboratory parts. Byline: Alberto Sanchez, Angel Castro, Jorge Benedicto, María Sofía Martínez-García

This paper presents an approach to rigid flat origami design, with applications including a portable boat and travel-size musical instrument. The conditions for rigid flat folding are summarised, and a set of procedural design guidelines are presented systematically to apply these principles, including a symmetry-based strategy for achieving additional compactness, a corner-fold insertion technique to achieve constraint in the desired shape while preserving mobility for transition to the flat configuration, and a plane-assignment algorithm for the flat configuration. The portable boat is developed from a symmetric, four-vertex origami pattern, and a simplified construction is identified through eliminating the panels which remain adjacent in the open and flat-folded configurations. The musical instrument is a modified box in the shape of an octagonal right prism, and is designed using methods similar to those used in the boat construction. Prototyping methods for both objects, and light testing, are presented. Byline: Carl A. Nelson

Sensors

Keywords Raspberry Pi; BeagleBone; Sharks Cove; Waspmote Abstract Arduino, an open-source electronics platform, has become the go-to option for anyone working on interactive hardware and software projects. An Arduino board (such as the Uno) connected to a breadboard with plugins such as inputs, sensors, lights, and displays can be controlled by a code written in the Arduino development environment. How to achieve this is by prototyping with Arduino. Prototyping with Arduino has grown in popularity with the increased use of the Arduino platform. Prototyping with Arduino, however, is not an easy task for nonprogrammers with interest in the field. With increased public interest in the field will come a need for accessible information. This paper presents a methodical literature review intended to intensively analyze and compare existing primary studies on prototyping with Arduino. We found about 130 of such studies, all peer-reviewed and published within the last 15 years, including these years (2015--2020). These studies were tediously and carefully chosen through a three-step process. In this paper, a cautious analysis of selected studies was followed by a clear description of the methods applied. The methods were categorized according to the success rate of the studied prototypes. Results obtained can be used in researches on the best technique to adopt while prototyping with Arduino. They can also be used in electronics researches and by individuals who wish to obtain a guide on prototyping with Arduino despite lacking grounded knowledge of the subject matter. Author Affiliation: (a) School of Computer Science & Engineering, VIT-AP University, Beside AP Secretariat, Near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India (b) School of Electronics Engineering, VIT-AP University, Beside AP Secretariat, Near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India * Corresponding author. Article History: Received 22 September 2020; Accepted 13 January 2021 Byline: Hari Kishan Kondaveeti [kishan.kondaveeti@vitap.ac.in] (a,*), Nandeesh Kumar Kumaravelu (b), Sunny Dayal Vanambathina (b), Sudha Ellison Mathe (b), Suseela Vappangi (b)

Knowledge -- Models and Mechanical engineering -- Models

Keywords: cognitive psychology; knowledge management; model-based systems engineering (MBSE); robotic space systems; system architecture Abstract This study compares the types and quantities of knowledge that are captured by a model-based systems engineering (MBSE) approach and a traditional architecting approach to measure the benefits of the MBSE approach in managing the complexity of a robotic space system. The MBSE approach was implemented with Cameo Systems Modeler using Systems Modeling Language (SysML) and applied to architecting an orbiting sample Capture and Orient Module (COM) system concept for a Capture, Containment, and Return System payload concept for potential Mars Sample Return. An architecture framework was established, covering system, subsystem, and assembly levels, along with structure, behavior, data, and requirements perspectives. The COM system architecture was captured in parallel using both the MBSE and non-MBSE approaches in order to provide a side-by-side comparison of the approaches. The approaches were evaluated based on how well each represented the information content of the COM system architecture. A total of 4389 knowledge elements were classified using the Revised Bloom's Taxonomy knowledge dimension and used to quantitatively compare the two approaches. The MBSE approach more completely captured architectural knowledge than the non-MBSE approach. Limitations to the SysML-based MBSE approach were also identified, including its ability to fully represent certain high-level conceptual, procedural, and metacognitive knowledge such as design principles, design approaches and rationales, risks, development strategies and rationales, organizational core competencies, and requirement verification methods. The overall results demonstrate the benefits of MBSE in managing the complexity of robotic space systems and strengthen the case for adopting MBSE within the systems engineering community. Biographical information: Jessica E. Cameron is an undergraduate student at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, currently working towards a BS in Aerospace Engineering. Previously, she worked at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory executing various tests and prototyping for Axel and DuAxel robots. Currently, she is thrilled to be assisting with Systems Engineering and Program Management for the Mars Sample Return Campaign. Paulo J. Younse is a robotics engineer in the Robotic Systems Group at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA. His experience resides in mechanical design, machine vision, systems engineering, system architecting, and planetary sample collection. Previous experience includes development of the Mars 2020 rover sample caching architecture and sample tube hermetic seals, work on unmanned underwater vehicles at the Boeing Company, and visual navigation and control for agricultural robots at the University of Florida. He is currently leading development of the Robot Transfer Arm for the Mars Sample Return Capture, Containment, and Return System. He received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and an ME in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Florida. Thomas H. Bradley is Department Head and Woodward Endowed Professor of Systems Engineering in the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering at Colorado State University, where he conducts research and teaches a variety of courses in system engineering, multidisciplinary optimization, and design. Dr Bradley's research interests are focused on applications in Automotive and Aerospace System Design, Energy System Management, and Lifecycle Assessment. Byline: Paulo J. Younse, Jessica E. Cameron, Thomas H. Bradley

Keywords: free-flow prototype; MANET; MCC; queueing-up prototype; stochastic Prototyping; VANET; VCC; vehicular cloud Summary Empowering vehicular cloud can be done by having certain snapshot of the quantity of vehicles and their accessibility in a given lane through a model, and in addition, some additional framework, including movement of vehicles. The quantity of vehicles determines the calculation abilities accessible in this area and the traveling time shows the time of validity for a particular lane. Accordingly, in this paper, we do research using stochastic investigation of a few traffic attributes identified with the usage of cloud computing in a street portion to embrace appropriate activity prototypes. In particular, we have two sorts of activity situations that are considered: free-flow movement and queueing- up activity. We utilize a perceptible traffic model to explore the free-flow activity and examine some parameters, for example, activity thickness, vehicles quantity, and living arrangement time. Likewise, we use the queueing- up hypothesis to demonstrate the queue movement; the line length and the holding up time in the line are investigated. The outcomes will be presented for the customers who got struck in road traffic a common problem in all countries to get rid of traffic conditions. By using this, an alternate route will be predicted for the customer which is traffic free while driving. Byline: M. Ramya Devi, Sivakumar Krishnan, S. Lokesh

Embedded system, System on a chip, Programmable logic array, Embedded systems -- Analysis, and Digital integrated circuits -- Analysis

Keywords: FPGA; low-power design; multicrossbar; network-on-chip; priority-based router Summary High performance system-on-chip (SoCs) designs have led to high-density integrated circuits using field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for rapid prototyping and reconfigurable digital circuits. Using FPGA reconfigurability, it is possible to design a configurable network-on-chip (NoC) for different applications. NoC architectures provide efficient communication infrastructures for implementing very large SoCs. In this article, we propose HiFMP, a high-performance FPGA-based multicrossbar prioritized NoC router. The aim followed by the proposed router is designing a low-power NoC router with high performance in terms of energy-efficiency, network throughput, area, and latency for efficient FPGA realization. HiFMP is a parameterizable router, and is effectively used for an FPGA-based NoC with mesh topology. Performance evaluations include network-level analysis and hardware exploration; the results demonstrate the effectiveness and high performance of HiFMP in terms of latency, throughput, power consumption, and area, comparing with the existing related architectures. Byline: Mohammad Alaei, Fahimeh Yazdanpanah

Programmable logic array, Electric current converter, Semiconductor device, Capacitors, Digital integrated circuits, Electric current converters, Green technology, Solar energy, and Circuit components

Keywords: AC module; coupled inductor and capacitor multiplier; grid interconnection; high step-up converter; renewable energy; solar power generation system Abstract The solar power generation system is being increasingly connected to the low power distribution system due to its low cost and abundant availability. The interconnection of the solar power generation system demands new and efficient power converters to provide sufficient boost factor for the solar panel output voltage. This paper presents a Modified Coupled Inductor, Capacitor Multiplier (MCICM) direct current (DC)-DC boost converter to provide high boost factor for the solar panel output voltage and to maximize the benefits of the grid-interfacing three-phase three-wire inverter. The fuzzy logic-based DC-link voltage controller and hysteresis current controller (HCC) are also proposed to enhance the power transfer ability of the small power grid-connected inverter. The new topology of boost converter constructed with the coupled inductors, capacitor, and high-frequency transformers is demonstrated through the series of tests carried out with extensive MATLAB/Simulink simulation studies. The SPARTAN 3 field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based prototyping model validated the performance of the proposed topology, experimentally. Byline: Rathika Kannan, Srinath Subbaraman

Computer science -- Analysis and Computer science -- Statistics

Keywords vehicle routing problem; milk-run systems; ordered fuzzy numbers; fuzzy constraint satisfaction problem Highlights * An ordered-fuzzy-number-driven model of a milk-run routing and scheduling problem is proposed. * The sufficient conditions developed allow the possibility to effectively search for admissible solutions. * The proposed model makes it possible to search for congestion-free train routes. * The computer simulation methods used for route prototyping can be replaced by the proposed analytical method. Abstract Internal logistics systems aim at supplying the right materials at the right locations at the right time. This fact creates the need for the design of logistic-train-fleet-oriented, distributed and scalability-robust control policies ensuring deadlock-free operations. This paper presents a solution to a milk-run vehicle routing and scheduling problem subject to fuzzy pick-up and delivery transportation time constraints. Since this type of problem can be treated as a fuzzy constraint satisfaction problem, an elegant solution can be determined using both computer simulation and analytical ordered-fuzzy-number-driven calculations. In contrast to standard fuzzy numbers, the support of a fuzzy number obtained by algebraic operations performed on the ordered fuzzy numbers domain does not expand. The possibility of carrying out algebraic operations is limited to selected domains of the computability of these supports. The proposed sufficient conditions implying the calculability of arithmetic operations guarantee interpretability of the results obtained. Consequently, they confirm the competitiveness of the analytical approach in relation to time-consuming computer-simulation-based calculations of logistic train fleet schedules. Finally, it is demonstrated on the basis of the results obtained in the study that the proposed approach constitutes an effective solution to the problem discussed. In this context, the proposed paper is a continuation of the authors' recent research presented at the International Conference on Computational Science 2020. Author Affiliation: (a) Faculty of Electronics and Computer Science, Koszalin University of Technology, Poland (b) Faculty of Electronics, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland (c) Faculty of Production Engineering and Logistics, Opole University of Technology, Poland (d) Institute of Control and Computation Engineering, University of Zielona Gora, Poland * Corresponding author. Article History: Received 19 September 2020; Revised 5 December 2020; Accepted 24 December 2020 Byline: Grzegorz Bocewicz [grzegorz.bocewicz@tu.koszalin.pl] (a), Zbigniew Banaszak [zbigniew.banaszak@tu.koszalin.pl] (a), Katarzyna Rudnik [k.rudnik@po.opole.pl] (c), Czeslaw Smutnicki [czeslaw.smutnicki@pwr.edu.pl] (b), Marcin Witczak [m.witczak@issi.uz.zgora.pl] (d), Robert Wojcik [robert.wojcik@pwr.edu.pl] (b)

Rapid prototyping -- Analysis

Intensive development of manufacturing technologies, in particular additive technologies, resulted in new possibilities of making cellular structure models. In this paper the cellular structure samples made of polymer resins in the PolyJet Matrix additive technology were investigated. Relaxation tests according to ISO 3384 were carried out. The influence of geometric structure shape on rheological properties was determined and the most favourable geometric variants of cellular structure models were determined. Using Mathematica and Origin software, a statistical analysis of test results was carried out, along with the determination of five-parameter functions approximating the relaxation curves. The rheological model was adopted and its parameters were determined. Keywords: cell structures; PJM; rapid prototyping; rheological properties
1 INTRODUCTION Due to their complex internal structure cellular structures are characterized by good strength properties, both static and dynamic. Moreover, cellular structures exhibit good energy absorption and mechanical vibration [...]

Canada

Keywords Alternatives; Visual programming; Creativity support; Unreal engine; Blueprints; Game development Abstract We present BPAlt -- a system which allows game developers to create and manage alternatives for Unreal Engine's Blueprints Visual Scripting System. BPAlt allows the user to create, save, organize and swap Blueprint alternatives for rapid testing and experimentation. BPAlt also supports level alternatives, alternatives of alternatives through alternative scenarios, and allows merging of alternatives. We conducted a preliminary user study with 10 moderately skilled participants where we compared the usability, usefulness and creativity support of BPAlt to Unreal Engine alone for prototyping alternatives of game objects and mechanics in four different games. The findings suggest that the support for alternatives with the main features of BPAlt is beneficial in the game developers' workflow as it supports exploration particularly well. Author Affiliation: (a) Ubisoft Toronto, Canada (b) Ontario Tech University, Canada * Corresponding author at: Faculty of Business and Information Technology, Ontario Tech University, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5, Canada. Article History: Received 27 February 2020; Revised 18 July 2020; Accepted 9 September 2020 Byline: Eric Chu (a), Loutfouz Zaman [loutfouz.zaman@ontariotechu.ca] (b,*)

Keywords Gamification; Game design; Personalized design; Player typology; Tailored game play; GEM Framework; Game element; Game mechanic Highlights * Exploratory factor analysis found factors among player preferences for game elements. * The GEM Framework is based on player's preferences for game elements and mechanics. * This research demonstrates the use of GEM Framework during the game design process. Abstract Existing research in player typologies has presented theories to try and explain players' behavior during gameplay. Many typologies are context or genre specific and therefore are potentially limiting their practicality in other contexts. To date, no existing research categorizes players based on their explicit preferences for game elements and mechanics (GEMs). To this end, an analysis of three surveys (n = 279, n = 231, n = 162), using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed practical insights towards players' preferences for GEMs, specifically three game elements and four game mechanic factors. These results provide the foundation for what is described as the GEM Framework. To investigate their practical use, a game design tool known as Gamicards was modified to accommodate the GEM Framework. Lastly, a workshop (n = 47) assessed the use of the GEM Framework with Gamicards as a tool during the game design and prototyping process. This work extends the current understanding of what GEMs players prefer and discusses the practical implications of using the GEM Framework with Gamicards and player modelling techniques. Author Affiliation: Sapienza University of Rome, Italy Article History: Received 16 April 2018; Revised 4 July 2020; Accepted 21 July 2020 (footnote)[white star] This paper has been recommended for acceptance by Pieter Spronck. (Where Pieter Spronck.is the name of the Handling Editor). Byline: Lauren S. Ferro

Algorithms -- Analysis and Algorithm

Visualization (Computers)

Keywords Visual programming language; data visualisation; visual grammar Abstract This paper describes a visual programming language for data visualization. This language is designed for students and to prototyping different data visualizations. This language allows to create a graphs by connecting nodes with multiple typed inputs and outputs. Nowadays there are no tools for construction complex data visualizations with understandable user interface. The scope of this paper is to describe a visual programming language for complex data visualizations to address those goals. Author Affiliation: (a) ITMO University, 49, Kronverksky, 197101 Saint-Petersburg, Russia Byline: Egor Ivanov [Egor.Ivanov@institute.xxx] (a), Andrey Karsakov (a)

Machine learning -- Analysis

Keywords Production; Lead Time Prediction; AutoML; Machine Learning Abstract Many Small and Medium Enterprises in the domain of Make-To-Order- and Small-Series-Production struggle with accurately predicting lead times of highly customisable orders. This paper investigates an approach using AutoML integrated into existing enterprise systems in order to enable Lead Time Prediction based on Machine Learning models. This prediction is based on both order data from an ERP system as well as real-time factory state informed by an IIoT platform. We used simulation data to feed the AutoML model generation and developed a lightweight web-based microservice around it to infer lead times of incoming orders during live production. Using industry standards, this microservice can be seamlessly integrated into existing system landscapes. The simplicity of AutoML systems allows for swift (re)training and benchmarking of models but potentially comes at the cost of overall lower model quality. Author Affiliation: (a,b) FZI Research Center for Information Technology, Haid-und-Neu-Strasse 10-14, 76135 Karlsruhe, Germany Byline: Janek Bender [bender@fzi.de] (a), Jivka Ovtcharova (b)

Coronaviruses and COVID-19

Keywords Memory Game; Game Based Learning; Game Design Abstract The gaming industries growths are currently accelerating at a very fast pace and one could say it's already become one of the most impactful industries in the world. In this study, we created a prototype designed to improvise usability, enjoyment, and difficulty game design and to find out whether memory games with a spice of COVID-19 information can provide some fun and to give others awareness in this pandemic event to stay healthy. In current work we did a few steps to achieve the following results, we did study literature to get to know what on current research we gathered a few papers that supported our current work. We did a questionnaire so we can gather the user requirement and we did the prototyping step to purpose our design, and finally, we do the prototype so the audience can get the picture of what writers try to purpose, so hopefully, our target audience can use it and feel the benefit. Finally, our target is to aim for the user who can use our purpose so they can feel the benefit of improving their habit aware of their own hygiene so we can stay healthy in the middle of this Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Finally, our target is to aim for the user who can use our purpose so they can feel the benefit of improving their habit aware of their hygiene so we can stay healthy in the middle of this Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Mobile gaming

Keywords color blind; educational game; gaming experience; mobile game Abstract The purpose of this research was to escalate players' knowledge on color blindness by designing an educational video game which design was oriented to dichromatism color blind. The topic selection was based on the lack of players' deeper knowledge on color blindness. The graphic and gameplay selection on this research was adjusted to the chosen color blind category. Research methods were conducted by analysis, development, and evaluation. Analysis was done by questionnaire. Development was done by game design document, UML, storyboard, and was implemented using Unity Game Engine. Evaluation on 35 players, which are 32 with normal eyes and 3 with color blindness, was done by two approaches, which are t-test and questionnaire. The result of t-test was t(34) = -7.704, p < 0.05 and Enjoyment score on CEGE is 0.763 for normal eyes and 0.651 for colorblind. To conclude, there was an improvement on knowledge from the video game and the design was enjoyable. Author Affiliation: (a,b,c) Computer Science Department, School of Computer Science, Bina Nusantara University, Jl. Kebon Jeruk Raya No. 27 Kemanggisan, Jakarta 11480, Indonesia Byline: Ivan Reinaldo [reinaldoivan30@gmail.com] (a), Nadia Sarah Pulungan [nadiasarahp@gmail.com] (b), Herru Darmadi [hdarmadi@binus.edu] (c)

Company legal issue

The growing complexity of System-on-a-Chips (SoCs) and rapidly decreasing time-to-market have pushed the design abstraction to the electronic system level in order to increase design productivity. SystemC is a widely used electronic system level modeling language that enables quick prototyping and early verification in the SoC design process. The functional correctness of SystemC designs is often one of the greatest concerns in the SoC design process, since undetected design errors may propagate to low-level implementations or even final silicon products, which are costly to fix. However, SystemC verification is a challenging task due to its complex language features such as object-oriented constructs, hardware-oriented data types and concurrency. A variety of approaches have been proposed for SystemC verification in the past two decades. This work systematically investigates the state-of-the-art SystemC verification approaches by discussing their methodologies, advantages, and limitations, as well as presenting comparison among various approaches. Byline: Bin Lin, Fei Xie

Robotics industry, Protocol, Algorithm, Robot, Robotics, Robotics industry, Sensors, Computer network protocols, Algorithms, and Robots

Keywords modular robotics; Swarm robotics; Concurrent control and monitoring; Event scheduling; Centralized/decentralized communication Abstract Rapid prototyping, real-time control and monitoring of various events in robots are crucial requirements for research in the fields of modular and swarm robotics. A large quantities of resources (time, man power, infrastructure, etc.) are often invested in programming, interfacing the sensors, debugging the response to algorithms during prototyping and operational phases of a robot development cycle. The cost of developing an optimal infrastructure to efficiently address such control and monitoring requirements increases significantly in the presence of mobile robots. Though numerous solutions have been developed for minimizing the resources spent on hardware prototyping and algorithm validation in both static and mobile scenarios, it can be observed that researchers have either chosen methodologies that conflict with the power and infrastructure constraints of the research field or generated constrained solutions whose applications are restricted to the field itself. This paper develops a solution for addressing the challenges in controlling heterogeneous mobile robots. A platform named Quanta - a cost effective, energy efficient and high-speed wireless infrastructure is prototyped as a part of the research in the field of modular robotics. Quanta is capable of controlling and monitoring various events in/using a robot with the help of a light-weight communication protocol independent of the robot hardware architecture(s). Author Affiliation: E.E.E Department, BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, Goa, 403726, India * Corresponding author. Article History: Received 14 November 2017; Revised 19 August 2019; Accepted 3 January 2020 Byline: CH. S. Sankhar Reddy [sankharreddy@outlook.com] (*), Anita Agrawal [aagrawal@goa.bits-pilani.ac.in], K.R. Anupama [anupkr@goa.bits-pilani.ac.in]