bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infrared thermographic evaluation of facemasks
Authors: Luximon Ameersing , Luximon Yan , Goonetilleke Ravindra
Published: June 2022

In the past only health care professionals wore facemasks daily, but in recent times almost all citizens of many countries are expected to wear facemasks to reduce infection at work and in public. Because of SARS and now COVID-19, facemasks have become an essential personal protective equipment to fight against infectious disease. Frequent use of mask has proven to provide significant protection in reducing infections, even though there are complaints about its long-term usage. Although there are many types of masks, the surgical mask and the N95 respirator are the common ones. In this study, the surgical mask and the N95 respirator were compared with a no-mask condition. Results indicated that participants wearing the N95 respirator had the most significant thermal discomfort. The surgical mask was also significantly uncomfortable when compared to the no mask condition. Infrared thermographic results indicated that the heat retained when wearing a mask is higher than without a mask. Results of this study show the importance in mask design to have sufficient protection, comfort and fit.
Evaluation of Systematically Developed Gamification Strategies with Game-Balance Simulation Tools
Authors: Kessing David , Löwer Manuel
Published: June 2022

is a modern method of motivational design. It aims to motivate people to perform Desired Actions in a specific context. The development of successful gamification strategies requires a consistent, systematic approach. This consists of context and user analysis, technology ideation, and mechanics design. Ultimately, in the practical application, the so-called testing, it must be examined what influence the gamification strategies actually have in order to make eventual adjustments before the implementation takes place in the target context. A prior, objective evaluation possibility does not exist and is therefore often limited to the empirical experience of gamification designers. The balancing of video games can be tested with digital simulation tools (e.g. machinations.io), which show the described relationships in flow charts. This research work shows that gamification strategies for products can be mapped and evaluated with the help of game balancing simulation tools to make better statements about the probability of success. Conclusions and requirements for the general simulation of gamification strategies with game balancing tools are drawn from an exemplary application. A structured process with instructions for the implementation of gamification strategies in game-balance simulation tools helps gamification developers in practical applications.
Emotion deep dive for designers: Seven propositions that operationalize emotions in design innovation
Authors: Desmet Pieter , Xue Haian , Xin Xin , Liu Wei
Published: June 2022

This paper presents a five-day intense course that teaches “emotion-driven design” (EDD) to graduate students with a broad variety of disciplinary backgrounds at the Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University. We introduce seven principles drawn from design-relevant emotion knowledge that informed the design of the course’s overall structure, and explain how they guided the development of learning activities and materials. We envision that this paper will interest design educators who aspire teaching how to operationalize emotions in creative design processes to students with little preexisting expertise in (or scientific knowledge about) emotion psychology.
Exploring the Underlying Entrepreneurial Competencies Essential for the Competitive Advantage of Indigenous Contractors in the Global South: A Ghana study
Authors: Kwaw Somiah Matthew , Aigbavboa Clinton , Didibhuku Thwala Wellington
Published: June 2022

This study identifies the underlying entrepreneurial competencies (ECs) essential for indigenous contractors’ competitive advantage in the construction industry in the Global South using Ghana as a case study. Structured questionnaire aided collection of research data from 667 indigenous building and civil engineering practitioners in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI). Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) reduced the underlying ECs into four underlying components namely: strategic competencies, self-trait competencies, acquired competencies, and market intelligence competencies. Market intelligence competencies was unique to this Ghana study. This study provides the main and sub-ECs useful in explaining and assessing ECs of indigenous contractors in the Ghanaian construction industry. It informs policymaking, and capacity building of indigenous contractors in Ghana and countries in the Global South whose construction industry shares characteristics with Ghana.
Creating New Blockchain Business Ideas using Morphological Analysis: A Case Study
Authors: Park Junseong , H. Han Sung , In Koh Young
Published: June 2022

This study suggests a methodology for creating blockchain business ideas using a morphological analysis method. A total of 521 blockchain businesses and Dapps were surveyed and analyzed to derive 6 representative business fields. In addition, the role that blockchain plays in the business and the customer problems that blockchain solves in the business were analyzed to derive customers’ generalized needs. A methodology for creating blockchain business ideas was developed by combining “fields” and “needs” through morphological analysis. A case study was conducted to make a new business model using the developed methodology.
The role of teaching advanced technological knowledge to enhance experimental creativity in knit design.
Authors: Motta Martina , Dumitrescu Delia
Published: June 2022

Digitalization is one of the main grounds for discussion in the textile manufacturing industry. As in other creative fields, digitalization in textile design has brought craftsmanship together with work using digital tools and mechanical processes to creatively embed advanced knowledge in structural design and this dualism is even stronger in the field of knitwear design. For years, knitting technologies have been considered far from creativity and entirely delegated to the expertise of technicians, and design education has often focused on fostering artistic expression by teaching highly creative manual/mechanical processes. In the ongoing shift towards digitalization and the challenges of Industry 4.0, research and education in knitting design must redefine the programming of industrial machines as a tool for designers to push their experimental creativity together with their technical knowledge. This article reports an investigation made by the authors in the two different contexts of the School of Design of Politecnico di Milano and of the Swedish School of Textile in Borås. Using the method of constructive alignment (Biggs, J. B. & Tang, C. S., 2011), the investigation set up a comparison of two practice-based methods for training designers in programming industrial knitting machines. The authors mapped the teaching, learning activities and expected learning outcomes specific for each course and analysed quintessential aspects that occur in the learning process in the transition from manual to digital tools. The research had the aim of understanding what kind of knowledge should be transferred, in which way and with which purpose, to make programming an integral and effective part of the learning process for knit designers. The data collected have been used to highlight similarities and differences between the two programmes, identify impactful items and open future research that could foster improvements with shared solutions.
A comprehensive body sizing system for international fashion consumers and apparel manufacturing
Authors: Zhang Xin , Xie Ningrong , Fan Jin-Tu , Mok Tracy
Published: June 2022

Human body sizing standards are the foundation for apparel mass production. An effective sizing system is vital because it provides a consistent and accurate sizing reference for both manufacturers and consumers. This study aims to develop a comprehensive sizing system in a 3-step process by taking reference to all major national body sizing standards. Firstly, the primary and secondary dimensions are determined. Secondly, coverage of the body shapes, represented by drop vales for upper body (differences of bust and waist) and lower body (differences of waist and hip), are calculated. Thirdly, the size ranges, namely, the upper and lower limits of primary and secondary dimensions, are obtained from each size standard. In this paper, the sizing standards of US, Europe, China, Japan and some other countries were investigated. Based on the analysis results, we consolidated all sizing information into five size charts, from which a comprehensive sizing system covering two size charts for upper body and lower body were lastly constructed. The proposed sizing system covers very board body size ranges as well as a large variety of body shapes, which provide a basis for garment production and body shape classification.
The textile designer skills to face the emerging challenges of textile industry and the role of academia
Authors: Seixas Sonia , Montagna Gianni , João Felix Maria
Published: June 2022

This study aims to reflect on the role of different actors - industry, academia, designer, user - in the adoption of more sustainable production and consumption practices of textile products. Problems become more and more complex, due to the convergences of knowledge, and this affects the way textile designers work and consequently how textile design education should adapt. It is essential to prepare textile designers to face these new challenges that demand new ways of working. The methodology was carried out through literature review and data collection, to analyze the fundamental concepts and develop awareness strategies about sustainability and circular economy allowing to understand their importance between the different actors. The article concludes that there are fundamental skills for the textile designer to be able to respond to these challenges and that a transdisciplinary approach can be a way forward in a closer dialogue between industry and academia.
Infrared Thermal Mapping of Young Male Body following Different Physical Exercises
Authors: Wu Xinbo , Liu Rong , Mohiuddin Choudhury Mohammad , Kay Daniel Chow Hung , Ye Chongyang , Hung Ho Hoi
Published: June 2022

This study investigated the thermal mapping of the young male bodies following different physical exercises based on a designed experimental protocol. Thermal mappings of the male subjects when being resting, walking, and running for 48 minutes were recorded at the determined timelines using a digital infrared thermal detection system. The anterior and posterior body of the subject was divided into 54 specific zones. The experimental results indicated the body zones with the higher surface temperatures and the largest variations when performed protocoled exercises. The body sweating mapping was also visualized. The study method and outcomes provide a valuable reference for structure and material design of the functional / intelligent sensing garment system used for sports or physical exercises.
New skills for new designers: Fashion and Textiles
Authors: Montagna Gianni , Delgado Maria , Duarte De Almeida Isabel , Santos Luís
Published: June 2022

This work arises as a reflection on what it means to be a designer of the future and their greater need for influence and collaboration with the team throughout the product creation cycle. The renewal of a culture of design and business innovation in the area of fashion and textile design is based on the establishment of bridges with different realities that, increasingly dynamic, change the landscape of different products and their creation processes, blurring the boundaries and limits of each area of intervention and its actors. From the small to the big industry we find new needs and professions that project themselves into the future reaching from the past, as in the case of new craft productions that value the identity, artistic and cultural heritage of each geography, supported by new materials and technologies of Industry 5.0. This new dynamic of integrated work, where everyone contributes to enhance the knowledge of each participant, enabling the renewal of knowledge and the development of innovation and social, cultural, and economic inclusion, needs greater support and connection between academia and the creative and productive reality on the ground. The present research group, sustained by the interpretation of the paths of work innovation in the coming decades, intended to provide a contribution to the industry and the culture of national or international design innovation, through research based on the identification of the knowledge and skills necessary for the future training of fashion designers.The adoption of a qualitative and quantitative methodology should allow the collection of data that can indicate trends of needs of future designers and the need to adapt the academy to these new realities. With this study we intend to establish a network of relationships between the different actors in the process of creation and innovation, as well as promote a greater connection between the different forms of creation and production that allow to satisfy the final consumer and their needs around fashion and textiles.
Interaction and Comfort for Children - Textiles and Composite Materials
Authors: Salvador Cristina
Published: June 2022

The study presented in this paper, is part of a product design research about children's material surroundings and is based on the review of literature and case study. In an architectural scale approach, a ceramic tile project was developed and prototyped, aiming to provide wall covering solutions, which may stimulate the interaction of the child with his/her surroundings through customization and imagination, following also concerns on sustainability. Glazed earthenware tiles, being popular mineral origin materials, have been used for centuries in households. It seemed necessary to search for information on other natural origin material possibilities that may complete a modular system, namely specific textile materials of animal origin (wool based) and other vegetable source composite materials (cork based), from Portugal. It was possible to achieve a wider view of the advantages and disadvantages of each material, its implications on human interaction and on sustainability. It helped provide directions for a suitable choice of materials in this wall covering project, bearing in mind children's interaction and comfort, but also innovation and playfulness in their development.
New Territories of Sustainable Fashion Proposals for the Transition towards sustainability and circularity
Authors: Montagna Gianni , Antonietta Sbordone Maria , Esposito Alessandra , Marques Ana , Amato Ilenia , Gaspar Rita
Published: June 2022

The paper presents the results of a research carried out in the clothing, footwear and leather goods sectors referring to the Italian territory. The survey was carried out through the collection of data on the field, with questionnaires administered to companies in the area: structured analysis on the company profile and brand identity; focus on sustainability with reference to the measures adopted by the company; technological assessment; collection of new needs expressed by each company. The result of the on-field research suggests, on the one hand, theoretical reflections relating to new sustainable approaches for the fashion sector, and on the other, technological innovation to implement value and profit for each company according to a sustainable and circular economic model. In Italy the local manufacturing systems have had their fulcrum in the industrial districts, which present themselves as centres of relations between multiple stakeholders. Generally, the openness and inclusion of stakeholders and systemic organization are essential for the sustainable development of the sector.The cultural tradition and the organization of Made in Italy production, in parallel with the Portuguese textile production systems, seem better prepared for a real ecological transition (Ricchetti & Frisa, 2011). This research proposes a model that accompanies companies on a transition path towards sustainable production.The methodology investigated, which starts from the enhancement of operational tools, contributes to promoting the adoption of new production processes and therefore to a more conscious consumption.The results achieved by SMEs in recent years, in the areas of ecological and digital transition, promise interesting developments, formulating a starting point to be used as an organizational and productive support to definitively move towards the suggested model. The discussion proposes a series of recommendations that can contribute to adopting a change in the entrepreneurial system of SMEs, vice versa, where there are contradictions and persisting barriers, it will be necessary to consider concrete and unanimously shared measures.
Clothing-as-a-service? – A research agenda towards a sustainable and socially accepted Circular Economy of Clothing
Authors: Brauner Philipp , Vervier Luisa , Ziefle Martina , Sachtleben Melina , Schlichter Stefan , Gries Thomas
Published: June 2022

Circular Economy approaches are increasingly recognized as a solution also in the textile industry to foster a world-wide call to action in terms of sustainable production, sale, use, and recycling of materials and products. When supported by technical, economic, and political systems, such efforts help to integrate more efficient process-es and production lines as well as to maintain valuable materials and components for re-use and re-cycling, to target closed material cycles, develop or re-arrange production chains, and reframe consumption behaviors. In this paper we focus on clothing from a circular economy perspective. Textiles are the number two consumer goods market worldwide. Production, sale, use, and recycling of clothing must be better synchronized to increase sustainability. However, social factors and existing behaviors often affect these sustainable endeavors on different levels. Clothing is progressively regarded as a low-quality single-use-like object in a fast fashion world, discarded after only a few wears. Whilst it is also generally considered a personal item with individual attributions, not easily shared, or borrowed. Individual attributions of value and sensitivity, as well as technical barriers conflict with the requirements of longest possible use and subsequent reuse, and recycling. New concepts of ownership, sharing, pricing, and renting such as deposit trousers challenge the market and consumer sensibilities. In this article, we describe the opportunities and challenges of socially accepted circular economy approaches for clothing, conflicting technical, economic, and social forces that limit their viability, and outline strategies and an interdisciplinary research agenda to overcome these challenges.
The effect of anti-itch fiber on the quality of sleeping
Authors: Mizutani Chiyomi , Hirota Ryoji , Kajiwara Kanji
Published: June 2022

For humans, sleeping has a role of restoring mind and body, and is an important function for recovery from fatigue. In recent years, more focus has been put on the quality of sleep rather than the quantity of sleep, and it has been found that the bedding and sleeping garments could disturb the quality of sleep.　There are many factors disturbing sleep, and itching during sleep deteriorates the quality of sleeping. Patients with atopic dermatitis are particularly suffering from poor sleep due to itching. Based on the results of our research so far, we have found that weak-acidic polyester, which possesses weak-acidic groups, suppresses itching due to atopic dermatitis. In this study, we adapt weak-acidic polyester to sleeping garments which contact directly with skin and aim to investigate whether the quality of sleeping is improved by suppressing itchiness during sleep. The sleeping garments were prepared with the weak-acidic polyester and untreated polyester fabrics. We asked 7 females with atopic dermatitis in their twenties and 7 healthy females in their twenties as subjects to wear the prepared sleeping garments at home. The quality of sleep was assessed by an electroencephalograph and the Athens insomnia scale, and the degree of itching was scored on a scale of 100 according to the visual analog scale (VAS). Sleep is specified by REM sleep and non-REM sleep according to brain activity at sleep. In REM sleep, the brain is still actively working and memory is organized and established. In non-REM sleep, the cerebrum is considered to be resting and is important for recovery from fatigue of the brain and body. Good sleep is determined by the amount of non-rem sleep. The wear tests confirmed that the weak-acidic polyester scored a higher rate of non-REM sleep than that of the untreated polyester in summer season. All the subjects wearing the weak-acidic polyester had a lower degree of itchiness and a higher proportion of non-REM sleep, confirming the effect of weak-acidic polyester.
Assessment of the Mechanical Behaviour of the Maritime Signaling Systems Based on Textiles Using Descriptive Statistics
Authors: Mihai Carmen , Gabriela Ene Alexandra , Jomir Mihaela
Published: June 2022

The maritime signaling systems with textile components are light, flexible and efficient solutions [1, 4] and for their digital construction the researches were focused both on the prediction of the DB medium values and of those of the technical and functional characteristics. The designed and developed testing programme generated data on the system, by reaching the critical parameters; effectiveness; responsiveness; compatibility by evaluating the system in real interoperability conditions. Evaluation was a continuous, intensive process that involved: data analysis; defining the decisive parameters according to the operational requirements; establishing the degree of fulfillment of the technical performances; issuing hypotheses and conclusions regarding the progress registered in the technique and costs. It was demonstrated that the analised outliers, represented by the mechanical characteristics of the composite materials, component of the signaling system (braking resistance, tear resistance, braking elongation) and their joints (material-material and material – grain-gross band) do not have a negative impact on the textile structure, because they have values higher than the average for each set, so they will not influence the behavior and the functionality of the system in ground or open sea experimentation conditions.
Adapting the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System for Commercial Fishing Vessel Accidents
Authors: Zohorsky Peter , Handley Holly
Published: June 2022

The commercial fishing industry is frequently described as one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States. Their objective, to maximize their catch, is routinely challenged by a variety of elements due to the environment, the vessel, the crew, and a number of external considerations and how they interact with each other. The analysis of fishing vessel accidents can be difficult due to the diverse nature of the industry including the species they catch, the type and size of boat that is employed, how far they must travel from their home port, and the adequacy of their support organizations ensuring safe and uninterrupted operations. Using ten years of data documenting the causes of fatal accidents in the commercial fishing industry, this study developed and evaluated a version of Wiegmann and Shappell’s (2003) Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS), specifically for commercial fishing industry vessels, HFACS-FV. HFACS has previously been adapted for transportation, industrial, and healthcare applications and was originally designed for naval aviation accidents. HFACS-FV focuses on the particular differences and vulnerabilities within the fishing industry. In contrast to other commercial maritime operations, the fishing industry is challenged by minimal crew and vessel safety standards in a highly competitive field that rewards working in all weather and sea conditions. For this study, the accident investigation information was converted into the HFACS-FV format by independent raters and measured for inter-rater reliability. The results were analyzed for the frequency of the human factors identified by the raters and their relationship with vessel and accident demographic information. The leading categories were found to be physical environment, equipment acquisitions and support, decision error, technical readiness of the crew, and allowing unsafe operations. HFACS-FV provides significant insight on the human factors that contribute to fatal fishing vessel accidents and areas of focus for preventative efforts. Since many fishing vessel organizations are small businesses that employ a fraction of personnel compared to large companies, employees must fulfill numerous job responsibilities with regard to management, supervision, and operation which indicates that the HFACS-FV categories are more relevant than HFACS-FV tiers compared to other HFACS applications. This HFACS modification offers prospective utilization for accidents in the transportation, construction, and industrial sectors involving small companies or organizations.
Increasing the Usability of Audio Alerts with Voice Instructions on Ship’s Bridges
Authors: - Marcel Petermann Felix , Andreas Alsos Ole , Styhr Petersen Erik , Liavaag Malene , Karine Schmidt Solberg Julie
Published: June 2022

The goal of this study was to determine how audio alarms with voice instructions affect the time required for the cause of an alarm message to be recognised by operators on a ship's bridge compared with presently used alarm signals. [Method]Four distinct alert messages with speech cues was created for this study. These were evaluated in a ship simulator where a team of two operator was directing a high-speed catamaran in sheltered waters. At irregular intervals, the operators were presented with four different error messages to which they had to respond. The intervention group (n=12) was given alarm messages with speech cues and conventional alerts with signal tones. All participants performed identical navigation scenarios, and the times required by operators to discover and identify the alarms and correct the problem was measured. In a post-testing interview a subjective estimation of the test participants were collected. [Results]The preliminary findings indicate that a combination of sound and voice commands (1) gives more information about what is wrong, (2) are faster to locate and respond to, (3) have a higher degree of memorability, (4) have a higher degree of user satisfaction, and (5) increases the users situation awareness. The test participants who just received the alarm tones took longer to locate the source of the problem since they had to go around the bridge to discover the precise location because the tones are only distinguishable to a limited extent. Some people were irritated by the auditory tones, while others just disregarded them for a short period of time. Voice instructions were seen to be useful by the test subjects, especially when many warning messages were obtained at the same time, according to their subjective evaluation. The voice commands assist in determining the severity of the problem and its location, as well as determining which issues require immediate attention. [Conclusion]In this study, we compared traditional alerts with the use of augmented alerts with voice instructions in a ship simulator with a crew of nautical students (N = 12) playing out a complex navigation scenario. We found that alerts with voice instructions were easier to learn and understand, and they made it faster and easier to locate the equipment that caused the alert, thus allowing the crew to direct more attention to navigational procedures.
Exploring Multitasking Performance and Fatigue with the MAT-B II: A Narrative Review
Authors: Ngo Melissa , Rauffet Philippe , Banks Siobhan
Published: June 2022

Multitasking and switching between tasks is a universal function in many occupations as juggling tasks simultaneously can increase task productivity especially with, factors such as workload that can lead to decrements and impair human performance. Fatigue can refer to the effects or after-effects of exerting mental and or physical effort on a task. Fatigue inducing factors such as high workload and time-on-task can impact task management, optimization and prioritization which can lead to performance decrements. Despite the universality of multitasking, from aviation to driving a car whilst talking simultaneously, it is unclear as to what underlying cognitive processes are affected by induced fatigue. This brief narrative review explores the dynamics of cognitive processes with induced fatigue on individual operator and task contexts. With an interest in cognitive-behavioral models and the Multi-Attribute Task Battery II (MAT-B II), this review aims to provide a conceptual background of the MAT-B II and its diverse use in modelling multitasking environments. By describing and investigating fatigue with multidisciplinary expertise, the development and implementation of countermeasures can enhance performance to mitigate the deleterious effects of workload and time-on-task.
Implications of Human Reliability Analysis for Human Readiness Levels
Authors: Boring Ronald
Published: June 2022

Technology readiness levels (TRLs) were developed to gauge the maturity of new technologies. TRLs are effective for determining suitability for procurement and guiding the evolution of novel research and development efforts from the conceptual stage, through demonstration, to implementation and deployment. A recent augmentation to TRLs is human readiness levels (HRLs). HRLs are anchored to human factors and map suitability for human use. A low HRL may suggest that a technology is early in its human-system interface development, while a high HRL confirms that a technology is fully usable by humans interacting with it. HRLs provide a measure of technology maturity not just according to the hardware or software captured in the TRLs but also the human end users. Ideally, TRLs and HRLs should align, especially as a system reaches maturity and approaches deployment. To date, the relationship between human reliability analysis (HRA) and HRLs has not been explored. HRA seeks to map the rate and nature of human errors when using a system. This paper explores the relationship between human reliability and HRLs. HRA can support the HRL determination by providing acceptable performance criteria and a process for quantifying the appropriate level. HRA can also provide predictive measures to complement empirical usability and maturity assessments.
Design of Conversation Interaction Between Users and Systems to Prevent Human Misunderstanding
Authors: Nakata Toru
Published: June 2022

Human ability on thinking is considered as imperfect. Our logic is intuitive and not logically strict. Also, capacity of our memory is limited. We often fail to make correct judgement. Therefore, agents interacting with human users, which may be user interfaces of computer systems and instruction documents, should guide the users to avoid their logical defects. When a system accepts the order from a user, it questions to the user several times to clarify user’s demand. Such conversation should be designed with considerations on questioning style, order of questions, concreteness of question, and so on.This paper proposes three principles on questioning design.2. Principle of positive wording and avoiding negative conditioningEven though logical denial forms are often used in questioning sentences, they should not be used. In general, logical negative expressions hide what you really want to mean and state unimportant things instead. Instead of them, positive and explicit expression are proper for the interaction. For example, an instruction of "If not, do X." has a disadvantage, since users have to pay effort to image what "not A" means. Explicit questioning, such as "If B or do X." is much clearer and reliable to guide the user’s thinking.3. Principle of independency from user’s memoryThe question should be answered by a user without remembering things in the past. One of typical bad questions is to inquire the experience memory of user’s actions. For example, "If you have put salt and sugar in, the operation is completed." Memory is unstable, and actions are not physical objects. So, remembering action experiences are rather difficult for users. The user’s answer might be incorrect. The system should inquire on evidence not memory like "Put salt and sugar in. Then, taste the object to check its completeness." 4. Principle of elimination of logical dependencyA conversation should go smoothly without stepping back, but sometimes it happens due to logical dependencies among the questions. Suppose a situation as follows. The first question is "Which do you like A or B?" Then, the second question is "A has an option X. Do you want it?" The user never finds the possibility of X when he selected B at first. Or the user will cancel his choice of B to step back the first question. It wastes user’s effort and time.An unsophisticated solution is to flatten all questions into a list of alternatives (disjunctive normal form, DNF) like "There are three alternatives:, A with X, or B." But, in general, DNS becomes a too long list for practical use.Another solution is to reform the order of the question in respect to importance. If Option X is the most important, it should be confirmed first. The system should ask a question on user’s demand of X at the first question.The proper reform is elimination of logical dependency. If Option B can have X too, the order of the questions does not constrain the conversation.
Evaluating Human Performance in a Complex Search-and-Retrieve Task
Authors: Uttrani Shashank , Kanekar Bhavik , Gupta Aadhar , Katakwar Harsh , Dutt Varun
Published: June 2022

Prior research has investigated human performance in simple psychological tasks with a smaller cognitive workload. However, little is known about how humans learn in complex search-and-retrieve simulated environments. The primary objective of our research was to evaluate human performance in a complex search-and-retrieve environment. We developed a complex simulated environment, mimicking a military on-ground operation, using Unity 3D with targets and distractors. Fifty human participants were recruited to play the simulated game for 25 minutes. Participants were tasked to maximize their score by collecting targets items and avoiding distractor items available within the environment. The game's duration was divided into training and testing phases, which differed in terms of availability of feedback and the time duration (15 minutes for the training phase and 10 minutes for the test phase). In the training phase, the participants were allowed to navigate the environment to collect the items (14 targets and 7 distractors) with scores as feedback. Participants had to navigate the environment while collecting the items (28 targets and 14 distractors) to maximize their score without feedback. Results revealed a significant difference in the performance of human participants from the training phase to the test phase. The participants scored significantly more in the test phase without feedback than the training phase with feedback. Also, there was a significant increase in the proportion of targets collected over the time in both the train and test phases. We highlight the implications of developing simulation tools for training personnel in different tasks.
Can Vigilance be Enhanced by Flashing Visual Stimuli? An EEG Study
Authors: De Barnier Thibaud , Causse Mickael
Published: June 2022

In aviation, poor vigilance has been cited as an important factor of incidents and accidents. Consequently, many studies are conducted in order to detect the level of vigilance and thus reduce the risk of occurrence of low task engagement or low awareness. Being able to enhance someone’s level of vigilance could be useful in many fields, such as aviation or the navy, in particular when a particularly high level of awareness is required (critical maneuvers, occurrence of warning alarms etc.). With the evolution of the knowledge about brain waves, it seems now possible to influence cortical activity by inducing specific wave patterns, using stimuli such as binaural sounds or visual flashes. In this study, we assessed the possibility of artificially increasing the level of vigilance by stimulating brain activity using flashing visual stimuli. Twelve participants performed a vigilance test (Mackworth clock test) while visual flashing stimuli were displayed around the task on the screen border, and at different flashing frequencies (0 Hz, 4 Hz, 8 Hz, 40 Hz). Brain waves were recorded continuously with a 32-channel electroencephalogram (EEG). Results revealed that reaction times during the vigilance task were shorter with the 40 Hz flashing stimuli. However, subjective mental workload was increased by the presence of each type of visual flash. With the 40 Hz flash, gamma activity (roughly oscillating to the frequency of the 40 Hz flash) in the visual cortex was much higher than with the other flashing frequencies. Interestingly, this increased gamma activity was extended to the frontal regions. In addition, the theta/beta ratio was generally higher on frontal electrodes with lower flashing frequency (4 Hz) than with faster flashing frequencies (8 Hz and 40 Hz). It suggests that the vigilance level was poorer with lower flashing frequency. Indeed, higher theta/beta ratio has been associated with lower vigilance levels and mind wandering episodes. Despite these rather encouraging results, replications of such studies are needed to confirm that visual flashing stimuli can modulate vigilance level and elicit specific brain waves, in particular in regions outside the visual cortex.
Adaptation Patterns to Cope with Burn Mass Casualty Incidents
Authors: Chuang Sheuwen , D Woods David , Hou Sen-Kuang
Published: June 2022

Understanding and learning from hospitals’ resilient behavior or adequate responses to beyond-surge capacity incidents to be better prepare staff for offering patients the appropriate, timely care is imperative. The study adopted the previous findings from the Formosa-Fun-Coast-Dust-Explosion studies as the base of data analysis. We synthesized the past discoveries and identified nine adaptation patterns. The results systematically organized how two initial receiving hospitals’ responsive adaptations changed over time to cope with the difficulties in the emergency departments in the aftermath of the mass burn casualty incidents. The benefit of the pattern approach can in-crease the efficiency and effectiveness of the learning process.
A Systematic Literature Review and Prospects for the Additive Manufacturing in the Creative Industries
Authors: Adebola Abisuga Oluwayemisi , De Beer Deon
Published: June 2022

In the Creative Industries (CI), Additive Manufacturing is one of the new areas of investigation and without doubt has the potential for disruptive innovation capable to transform the traditional manufacturing paradigm and increase the largely accepted and required shift towards the design, conceptualisation, and adoption of sustainable Additive Manufacturing (AM) process. The objective of this study is to conduct a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to identify and describe different publications that can contribute to additive manufacturing in the creative industry’s knowledge base. The purpose is to identify the publication trends that largely explain the adoption the additive manufacturing in the manufacturing process of handicraft industry product literature through the description of the main discourse rising newly in the field. This research contributes to filling the gap in terms of SLR on the importance of CI and AM for industrial development conducted by bibliometric analysis. The results of this systematic review revealed that: notwithstanding the increasing concern about the growth of the CI, issues related to product innovation and technological development of the industries are understudied; there is promising literature for the development of contextual creative industry practice which researchers are dedicating their works. However, a further focus of research on the fashion, textile, architecture, sculpture, and archeological sites has emerged in the more specialised literature.
FlexKeys: Rapidly Customizable 3D Printed Tactile Input Devices with No Assembly Required
Authors: Greenspan Ben , Gallo Eric , Danielescu Andreea
Published: June 2022

Physical input devices serve as a tactile interface between users and computing systems. These devices are often complex assemblies that consist of both electrical and mechanical components making customization difficult and out of reach for non-engineers. While these components can now be 3D printed on demand, they must still be independently designed and assembled. We present FlexKeys, an approach in which devices that include both electrical and deformable components can be created in a single print on a multi-material 3D printer, requiring no assembly. Designers can customize devices including the input type, travel distance and layout of keys, textures of surfaces, and route all electrical signals directly to a microcontroller socket. In many instances, these devices require no support material, producing a functional device the moment a print finishes. We demonstrate this approach by creating a customized keyboard and report on validation measurements of individual input keys as well as highlighting additional designs. This work provides the first step towards lowering the barrier to entry for non-engineers to design custom tactile inputs, enabling occupational and physical therapists, clinicians, and educators to design and create devices directly based on their assessments of individual user needs.
The Influence of Filament Type and Number of Layers on Mechanical Resistance: Contributions for the Development of 3D Printed Prosthesis
Authors: Coelho Figliolia Amanda , Tobaro Erica , Gonçalves Gilberto , Mello Hamilton , Eika Sandnes Frode , Orsi Medola Fausto
Published: June 2022

3D printing has revolutionized the product development process in several areas including the healthcare field. In the context of assistive technologies, one of the main contributions includes personalizing the design of devices such as prostheses and orthotics. Assistive devices with personalized design may benefit users' acceptance and engagement to use, thus contributing to reducing product abandonment. Many studies have reported on the application of 3D printing (mainly FFF technology) in the design of prosthetics and orthotics, with a wide variation of filament materials and printing parameters. Understanding how these influence the mechanical resistance of the printed piece is therefore important as it may support the decision regarding the most appropriate printing parameters. This study was aimed at evaluating the mechanical properties of different types of filament and printing parameters applied in the manufacturing of 3D printed upper limb prosthesis. For this purpose, specimens were 3D printed in accordance with the international ASTM standards in six different conditions, varying the filament material (ABS, PLA and PETG) and number of layers (3 and 5). The specimens were subjected to mechanical tests to evaluate the flexural resistance and tensile strength. The results indicate that the mechanical performance of the parts was influenced by both the type of material and the number of layers, and PLA demonstrated higher mechanical properties compared to PETG and ABS. This study contributes to the design of 3D printed prosthetics by providing information that may support decision about filament type and printing parameters.
Development of an Information Model for the Pre-process of Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Arnold Fabian , Krückemeier Slim , Anderl Reiner
Published: June 2022

Additive manufacturing has a variety of benefits that make it an exciting alternative to conventional manufacturing processes. For example, it is possible to manufacture customized, small volume parts with complex geometry in a short time to market. This ensures a steadily growing spread of additive manufacturing beyond its use in prototyping. However, it is difficult for additive manufacturing to compete with conventional manufacturing processes in terms of cost with growing batch sizes.The additive manufacturing process has to be optimized to improve economic efficiency while maintaining or increasing part quality. One approach is focusing on the pre-process. The AM pre-process comprises the determination of part orientation, the setting of manufacturing parameters, and the toolpath generation. Since all decisions made during this process step affect the subsequent manufacturing process, there is a lot of optimization potential.This paper develops an information model of the AM pre-process to map all information and its complex interdependencies. Therefore, a process model is developed and used to determine all input and output information describing the process steps and their relation to other process steps. It is tested for validation by performing the AM pre-process steps with a demonstrator part, ensuring all relevant information can be represented in the information model.
Design and Manufacturing Considerations of a Constant-Force Mechanism for Low Force Regimes
Authors: Alexandru Popa Andrei , Krzysztof Nowakowski Olgierd , Holmetoft Lyder Andreas , Duggen Lars
Published: June 2022

The evolution of rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing technologies has triggered the return of constant-force mechanisms (CFMs) among trending research topics over the past decade. Moreover, CFMs represent functional, cost-efficient alternatives to more complicated force sensing setups widely used in precision manipulation systems. Delivering essentially constant force response over a prescribed displacement range solely due to their mechanical structure, CFMs lend themselves towards a damage-free interaction between actuators and their environment. Mechanical overload protection may be granted to robot end-effectors, with CFMs compensating for absent or costly force feedback. Targeting low forces such as those typically required in the biomedical sector has proven problematic due to the increased relative impact of friction during operation. This effort proposes a low force device which also acts as a safety release mechanism. Intended for oropharyngeal swabbing, the design employs standard mechanical components and 3D printed fixtures, thusly distinguishing itself from compliant mechanism counterparts, more sensitive to manufacturing tolerances.This paper encompasses the mathematical modeling of a curved surface which engages rollers, in turn connected to compression springs. The tailored use of bearings and contact surface materials reduces the impact of friction on the response. The formulation of the curve is also valid for forces far above the goal and may be used as a design guide for parabolic rolling. After numerically validating the mathematical model, a prototype was manufactured and tested. The repeated testing of the physical setup exhibited a maximum deviation of within +/- 13% from the 1 N target force. The findings are subsequently leveraged towards a case study of a hand-held throat swabbing device, manufactured and successfully tested within patient-acceptable swabbing force ranges.The presented procedure is helpful as a design guide for creating constant force mechanisms targeting low forces, manufactured from 3D printed parts and off-the-shelf mechanical components.