bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DESK M.A.T.E.: Rapid Prototyped Desk for Teaching in Developing Countries and Emergency Situations
Authors: Di Nicolantonio Massimo , Rossi Emilio , D'Onofrio Alessio , Massacesi Raffaella
Published: June 2022

Issue of schooling in developing countries and in areas experiencing emergency conditions represents an important opportunity for the design research community. Contributing to the pupil’s growth, education and development, and increasing their potential, is part of the objectives of the human rights treaties, the United Nations Charter, and the values of the UN Convention about children’s rights. Disadvantaged communities require smart design interventions, sustainable and inclusive strategies, aimed at defining original and functional solutions, with account of the context, how these artefacts can be manage with respect to social, cultural and environmental backgrounds. Communities must look to the improvement of knowledge that goes from the aid of available or new technologies, the possibility of supplying and processing raw materials, know-how related to self-production, management, waste disposal; bad waste management in developing countries and in countries that are in emergency conditions represents one of the main problems that require clear lines of action to reduce the environmental impacts. Among the possible interventions, this research explored the concept of 3D rapid prototyping of sustainable furniture for teaching in developing countries and emergency situations – DESK M.A.T.E., which considers diversified insights from the student community ranging from 6 to 18 years, as well as elements from ergonomics, safety, and hygiene domains. It also brings attention on the purchasing factors affecting the school furnishing in these areas, which are almost exclusively guaranteed by humanitarian associations. Specifically, this paper focused on using natural fibres and vegetable resins, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) production processes, to adhere with the circular economic models.The result presented in the paper provides evidence and validity on the use of rapid prototyping technologies for sustainable design and production, as well as evidence on the development of intelligent solutions adaptable to those situational conditions affected by negative circumstances, with the aim of opening up to new research avenues for the design community.
'3D-Printed Inclusive Modular System for Underprivileged Communities
Authors: Rossi Emilio , Di Nicolantonio Massimo , D'Onofrio Alessio , Massacesi Raffaella
Published: June 2022

The term ‘underprivileged communities’ describes groups of people experiencing some form of restrictions, such as economic, social, and political, which later lead to producing extensive forms of social exclusion. Although this phenomenon is mainly visible in crisis scenarios (i.e.: refugee camps), or emerging countries (i.e.: slums), some relevant examples can also be found in western countries. Accordingly, horizontal interdisciplinary socio-economic factors may produce remarkable disabling conditions affecting communities and producing non-inclusive situations for present and future generations.Unprivileged communities require intensive design interventions, from services to products, from housing to logistics, from shared goods to networked systems. Therefore, the design research community can start using unprivileged communities as a testing ground to experiment sustainable-based and inclusive-oriented design strategies to improve the quality of life of people living at the margin of society, as well as providing original solutions to improve the economic, social, and environmental qualities of such living ecosystems.Among the possible interventions, we explored the concept of ‘Inclusive 3D Printing’ by applying recent theories developed within Sustainable 3D Printing studies. Thus, an inclusive 3D-printed modular system for unprivileged communities is presented and discussed as the result of a rigorous research process connecting the main data found within the socio-economic literature with promising design trajectories and experimentations allowed using this new manufacturing technology. The design results presented in the paper provide evidence and validity on the use of sustainable 3D printing to design smart solutions, alongside initial reflections on the design opportunities to make a change, beyond mainstream markets.Discussions and considerations are provided to reinforce the need to work holistically and through interdisciplinary design approaches to opening new research avenues for the design community.
Generative Design and 3D Printing to Develop a Hi-tech Cartesian Cutting Machine for Non-metallic Materials
Authors: Filippi Stefano , Zuliani Franco , Daniel Montoya Buteler Francisco
Published: June 2022

This paper describes the development of a Hi-tech Cartesian cutting machine for non-metallic materials in the laser converting field. The challenge stands in developing a better machine than the existing ones by speeding up the cutting process, allowing more formats of the material to cut and increasing versatility to better respond to different applications. Since extremely high accelerations, specific materials, sophisticated component shapes, critical mechanical properties, etc., are involved and required, state-of-the-art design tools, belonging to the collaborative design paradigm, come in real help to actors owning different competencies. Generative design allows defining the components of the core of the machine and 3D printing helps in evaluating the results in terms of dimensions, assembly, workspaces, etc. Other than starting to reach the expected result, this study highlights the added value of the design tools involved as well as some limitations and related expectations about possible upgrades of them in the future.
STEAM and Educational Applications with 3D Printing
Authors: Zapata Mireya , Arias-Flores Hugo , Alvarez Jorge
Published: June 2022

The STEAM methodology is based on the integrated learning of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics disciplines in an interdisciplinary framework. Education seeks to promote the transversality of knowledge in children and young people to guarantee meaningful learning, which also involves the development of skills and types of thinking such as scientific, quantitative, visuospatial processing, among others. Its fundamental principle is experience-based learning, combined with project-based learning with an innovative approach to teaching. It involves the integration of learning with TICs, the appropriation of knowledge in scientific areas, it promotes creative capacity and imagination.In this sense, the learning spaces generated are collaborative spaces, which provide the conditions to develop mathematical thinking, computational thinking, emotional management skills in young people and enhance communication skills with their peers.Under this framework, 3D printing technology now more accessible and within the reach of children in educational institutions, allows venturing into rapid prototyping for the generation of physical models and the practical consolidation of ideas, achieving more interesting classes for students. Thus, three-dimensional printing technology is being used more and more in education at all levels. This paper discusses the different applications that can be given to rapid prototyping through 3D printing in education and how it can influence the STEAM skills acquired by students.
Building Trust and safety Correlates for Autonomous Systems using Physiological, Behavioral, and Subjective Measures
Authors: Zakeri Zohreh , Khalid Azfar , Omurtag Ahmet , Hilliard Greg , Breedon Philip
Published: June 2022

The use of collaborative robots (cobots) in the industrial setting has grown and continues to expand globally, especially in the context of the smart factory. Mistrust and stress results, as cobots don’t provide facial, auditory, and visual cues that workers normally use to predict behavior. For quantification of mental stress, physiological, behavioral and subjective measures are integrated, processed and analyzed in a smart factory lab setting. The impact on the human workers as mental stress and fatigue conditions are correlated with the task complexity, speed of work, length of collaborative task and cobot payload etc. Multimodal functional neuroimaging was used to record participants’ neural and cardiac activity, in addition to the standard subjective and behavioral measures as they collaborated with robots in multitasking contexts. Preliminary results show that task complexity is positively correlated with beta and gamma band power, left prefrontal cortex activation, and heart rate, while it is negatively correlated with alpha band power during task performance.
Does Acoustic Feedback Increase the Accuracy of Weight and Force Perception during Fine Motor Activities?
Authors: Prakash Kushvah Jai , Rinkenauer Gerhard
Published: June 2022

It is known from basic research that fine motor activities linked to object handling such as grasping and lifting are almost automatised and highly adapted to the properties of manipulated objects. Object surface properties influence the grip-lift force coupling at object-digit-surface and the object weight perception. Such force-coupling relies on visual and somatosensory processes along with the internal models. Limited or affected somatosensory mechanism could lead to disturbed force efforts and deterioration in object weight perception. Present study was aimed to evaluate the strategy to strengthen the somatosensory mechanism by implementing additional sensory channel (grip force related online acoustic feedback) during a standard weight discrimination task. Participants from both young and old age judged the heaviness of objects with different shapes, compared to a reference object using the precision grip. Results showed that object shape manipulation influenced grip force and weight perception. Integration of additional sense supported the forward model by reducing sensorimotor processing time in both age groups. This indicates the facilitatory impact of multisensory integration on motor control. Moreover, it lowered the discrimination threshold of weight perception and improved the accuracy level. Contrarily, the effect of assistive acoustic feedback on grip force application and weight perception was not significant. We clearly observed the overall aging effects for weight perception and grip force application.
Image Classification for Project-based Learning to Differentiate Diagram and Figures.
Authors: Safdar Asmara , Ali Sara , Sajid Muhammad , Asgher Umer , Ayaz Yasar
Published: June 2022

This paper describes creation of a dataset and addresses an image processing problem in the field of education. A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) based model is trained to classify the images extracted from academic documents. With the advent of distant learning mode and assessment criteria based on online submissions, there is a need to improve assessment approaches other than finding plagiarism. To enhance the understanding of the concepts, project-based learning (PjBL) in distant learning mode (DL) can be adopted. PjBL has proven successful even for complex engineering problems. It has been found out that PjBL of basic teaching assessment decreases the pressure on institutional resources while also making it easier and more practical for students. So, we are considering project reports or assignment as core source of evaluation. Extracting diagrams and software generated images (graphs and software generated object models) is focus for the current work as they reflect knowledge and main effort of a student especially in engineering academics. Here figures are referred as images of schematic representation to show the working or architecture of a work or a phenomenon. Software based images (sbi) include graphs, simulation images and software generated pictures or models. We aim to distinguish the diagrams and sbi from rest of the figures so it can be filtered out for further assessment. The data extracted is in the form of images. A CNN based classification model MobileNet is used to classify the images. The results show viability of the dataset and promising trend keeping in view the difficulty level of problem and size of dataset. Accuracy can be improved by adopting other approaches to train and clean data and by increasing the data set by extracting more images from same domain of problem.
Pupil Dilation Variability as an Indicator of Arousal Regulation: Towards Understanding Operator Functional State
Authors: Neilson Brittany , Devlin Shannon , Drollinger Sabrina , Brown Noelle , Sibley Ciara , Foroughi Cyrus , Coyne Joseph
Published: June 2022

The pupil dilation of fifteen air traffic control students was recorded as they completed the mental counters working memory task. Standard deviation of pupil dilation for each of the 32 trials was computed for each individual and modeled as a growth curve. Pupil dilation variability fluctuated over time in a nonmonotonic manner. Interestingly, the magnitude and direction of pupil dilation variability differed across individuals, suggesting individual differences in arousal regulation. Performance measures of mental counters (i.e., accuracy and response time) were added as predictors to the growth curve model. Higher accuracy was associated with lower pupil dilation variability in general, suggesting better arousal regulation. Longer response times were associated with a greater fluctuation in pupil dilation variability, suggesting longer responses are associated with larger dysregulation of arousal. These findings are important to consider when developing real-time indicators of an operator’s functional state.
A Chain-Driven Live Roller Mechanism for Loading and Unloading Packages on Autonomous Mobile Robots in Warehouses
Authors: Ammar Muhammad , Moeed Ahmed Muhammad , Abdullah Younas Muhammad , Qayyum Khezar , Iqbal Khawaja Fahad , Asgher Umer , Ali Sara , Ayaz Yasar
Published: June 2022

Robots that can navigate through their environment are termed mobile robots. Mobile robots are being utilized in various fields, such as agriculture, transport, package delivery, disaster recovery, military, surveillance, and warehouse management. In warehouses, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) for intralogistics are becoming increasingly common in warehouses. AMRs for intralogistics allow a safer work environment, less need for manual labor, and minimal downtime which translates to optimized productivity. AMRs do not need any specialized infrastructure for guidance as they can be set up with the existing warehouse layout. Presently, AMRs in warehouses need assistance while loading and unloading packages in their storage compartments. Manual loading and unloading is a simple but time-consuming solution. Robotic manipulators are also commonly used for this purpose either mounted on the AMR or present at the conveyor station. Another possible solution is to make use of a tilting platform, or a plate installed on top of the AMR using a hydraulic system that drops off the load by banking the top to one side. This paper proposes an alternate solution for loading and unloading packages on AMRs in warehouses. A chain-driven live roller (CDLR) system is proposed which is installed on top of the AMR. The rollers are driven by a chain that is connected to the rollers via sprockets. The chain is driven by a motor powered by the robot’s battery, so no external power source is needed. The loading can be done by a conveyor belt dropping package to be transported on top of the robot. The robot prevents slippage of the package during transportation by using actuated braces that pop up as soon as the package starts moving over the live rollers. At the drop-off location, the braces drop down and the CDLR is driven automatically by the robot for the drop-off of the package. Chutes or containers can be used as the drop-off location. In addition to simplifying the loading and unloading process, the proposed mechanism optimizes the overall process as it can transport heavy loads without any torque reduction. The proposed system needs minimal human assistance and is more reliable and time-efficient as compared to existing systems.
Personality Prediction in Human-Robot-Interaction (HRI)
Authors: Jaffer Anum , Ali Sara , Iqbal Khawaja Fahad , Ayaz Yasar , Sajid Muhammad , Asgher Umer
Published: June 2022

For an efficient and smooth human-robot interaction, communication protocols such as verbal and non-verbal communication, emotions, and personality plays an important role. Human-Robot-Interaction is an emerging field and robots are now a part of daily life where it can grasp both verbal and non-verbal cues. Personality prediction is an important research area in Human-Robot Interaction (HRI). Several important question in personality prediction includes: which personality traits will be important and which specific phycology model and robot do researchers use? Secondly, how emotions, facial expression, paralanguage, and bodily movements are related to personality traits? And finally, how will we acquire data to train a robot and what kind of questionnaires can be used? With the support of prior research studies and experiments, this paper will contribute towards developing the ground basis for personality prediction using a robot.
Responding to the Loneliness in the New Era of the Internet: Exploring the Role of Hugging and Fitting in Alleviating Loneliness
Authors: Siying Song , He Xin
Published: June 2022

The development of the new era has given the new generation new psychological characteristics of loneliness. The purpose of this paper is to explore a new way to relieve loneliness, and to demonstrate that the interaction method and form of hugging with objects is useful for relieving loneliness.The new design and analysis method is used to verify that the ergonomic design of human fit and inductive hugging interaction function are useful for alleviating loneliness, proving that the emotional needs of users can be addressed by attaching hugging function and ergonomic redesign to specific products, providing a new direction for alleviating the psychological situation of contemporary lonely people and creating better products for alleviating loneliness.In this paper, a literature review is conducted in the early stage to outline the current research on the Internet and loneliness. Based on the starting point of hugging and fitting to relieve loneliness, a human-computer pillow with hugging function is designed. University students who meet the characteristics of the target user group are selected as the experimental research objects, and the questionnaire method is used to collect objective intelligence information by distributing online questionnaires to the research target group, and the interview method is used to conduct in-depth research on the target user group so as to deeply understand the users' psychology and identity. After collecting the relevant data, the data were statistically processed using mathematical tools, analyzed using SPSS and other analytical tools, and considered for its credibility, so as to verify the effect of hugs on alleviating loneliness. The experimental method and interview method were used to ask the test subjects about their feelings, so as to prove that the feeling of closeness has an effect on alleviating loneliness.This paper finds that the interaction action of hugging with objects and the ergonomically based sense of fit are useful for alleviating loneliness and can alleviate people's inner loneliness to a certain extent, which helps to focus on the new trend of loneliness psychology among young people based on the contemporary Internet society, design better loneliness relief products for lonely people and pay attention to the deep needs of users.Keywords: ergonomics, psychology, SPSS, loneliness, Internet, z era, interaction
Elicitation of Diagnosis Strategy During Scanning Chest X-Rays from Eye Tracking Stimulated Retrospections
Authors: Aoki Hirotaka , Morishita Koji , Takahashi Marie , Machida Rea , Hirata Kousuke , Kudoh Atsushi , Shirai Tsuyoshi
Published: June 2022

In the present paper, we apply a debriefing technique aided by eye movement recordings to elicitation of clinical reasoning processes during chest x-rays diagnosis. It can be expected that this technique allows us to obtain elaborated information regarding hidden cognitive processes compared to conventional verbal protocol approach. Two experiments where medical tasks of 20 medical doctors (10 majoring in radiology/ respiratology and 10 majoring in surgery/acute medicine) on diagnosis of chest x-rays images were recorded with a video camera and an eye tracking system were performed. In the first experiment, each one of 5 chest x-rays having four patterns of cancer, pneumonia, normal and others were shown. A participant was asked to make his/her diagnosis decisions about whether each of chest x-rays. Immediately afterwards, a debriefing where each eye tracking recording was used as a cue to verbalize the participant’s implicit diagnosis processes was conducted. In the second experiment, a comparative diagnosis on the current patient’s status was carried out. Five pairs of x-rays images were shown to each participant. In each pair, one was a current image and the other one was an image taken a year ago. The participant examined the current patient’s status by identifying small changes with time. The debriefing stimulated by eye movement recordings was performed just after the task. Based on the verbal protocols form the debriefing session, each participant’s reasoning processes were traced. The results indicated that there were mainly four effective reasoning strategies as followings: Postponement of lung field interpretation, avoidance of preconception by applying redundant scanning rule, critical area revisited, and complying with one’s mental check-list at any moment. At the same time, one problematic strategy was also identified that can be named as “single lesion focusing strategy.” Based on all results as well as implications obtained, we discuss insights relating to effective medical reasoning processes as well as validity of verbal protocols/comments on eye mark recordings.
Augmented Reality-based Programming of Robot Arms
Authors: Kutscher Vladimir , Bassauer David , Dasbach Thomas , Anderl Reiner
Published: June 2022

Programming of production systems depends on highly specialized personnel and proprietary development environments. This can hinder the evolution towards flexible production. In this paper we present a concept for an intuitive way of human-machine interaction by utilizing the augmented reality technology. This involves a method of programming a machine using an augmented reality headset. All desired machine operations can be predefined via a virtual user interface and by arbitrary placement of virtual working points. We further show how the referencing of the coordinate systems of the augmented reality environment and the robot can be accomplished. We prototypically apply the concept to a robotic arm with 6 degrees of freedom and employ a Microsoft HoloLens 2 optical head-mounted display to interact with robotic arm in the virtual world.
The Competitive and Productivity Challenges in developing nations: a case study of South African Automotive Industry
Authors: M Ikome John , Laseinde Timothy , M Kanakana Katumba Grace
Published: June 2022

The South African automotive industry is a key player to the economic growth of the nation and due to the global competitiveness, it is facing a lot of pressure. After the application of productivity methodology which a very important tool in measuring the efficiency of a system, it is evident that more still need to be done in order for this industry to be globally competitive within the constantly changing customers demand.
Barriers for implementing reverse logistics in South African construction organizations
Authors: Makalima Unathi , Aigbavboa Clinton , Ohiomah Ifije , Sukdeo Nita
Published: June 2022

this papers aims to present a survey of the perception of the barriers to implementing reverse logistics practices in South African construction organisations. Despite the extensive research on forward logistics and RL, there is a paucity of studies that examine the barriers to implementing RL particularly within the South African construction industry that hinders the implementation of RL. Data were collected by utilising the use of questionnaires. The quantitative survey data were subjected to descriptive analysis. The following barriers were indicated as most significant; lack of awareness of reverse logistics practices, lack of knowledge of the revenue reverse logistics brings. The least ranked barriers are limited forecasting and planning in reverse logistics, lack of pressure from community and perceived idea that the cost of adopting RL is high. First, the reported findings are focussed on one study that used questionnaire surveys within the construction industry; therefore, the results may not be generalisable to other contexts. The barriers identified could be used as a road map for the development of appropiate solutions for the successful implementation of RL.
The influence of ergonomics as a quality parameter on the evaluation of manual assembly processes
Authors: Rybnikár Filip , Šimon Michal , Vránek Pavel , Kačerová Ilona
Published: June 2022

Current trends in the development of automation and digitalization of production processes allow new approaches to data collection and processing. The development of technology and the speed of change mean that companies are not always able to take advantage of the benefits of applying these modern possibilities. New tools make it possible to increase the efficiency of manufacturing processes while at the same time optimizing them. Various classical methodologies for evaluating production processes are used for this purpose. However, these methodologies often fail to respond to the development of the industry and are not sufficient for objective evaluation of production processes. A significant shortcoming is the difficulty of standardizing the general analysis of the production process or of including qualitative evaluation parameters among the quantitative ones. This is reflected in inaccurate evaluation outputs, especially in the manual processes of larger assembly units with a high proportion of human labor. Due to the higher proportion of human labor, errors and shortcomings often occur in these processes, which can be linked precisely to qualitative parameters that cannot be easily determined from the database of quantitative parameters.One such parameter is the ergonomics of the tasks performed, particularly in terms of inappropriate working positions. The identification of these parameters and their influence on the evaluation of production processes is critical for the competitiveness of manufacturing companies. The development of modern technologies, specifically Motion Capture suits, allows these parameters to be monitored, recorded, evaluated, and subsequently included in a comprehensive evaluation of manufacturing processes. Motion Capture technology enables the recording of working motion and ranges of limb angles relative to a specified plane of the person being measured at any given time. Work movements are recorded in real-time and the resulting data can then be processed and evaluated. This data in the form of qualitative indicators are used to support and objectify the evaluation of production processes. The approach allows for higher evaluation accuracy and helps manufacturing companies optimize other business processes to ensure greater competitiveness. This paper deals specifically with the process of using the Motion Capture suit to identify quality parameters for the evaluation of manufacturing processes.
Construction Project Planning Techniques: Awareness, Usage and Suitability
Authors: Akinradewo Opeoluwa , Aigbavboa Clinton , Fatai Ogunbayo Babatunde , Thwala Didi , Tanga Ornella , Akinradewo Olushola
Published: June 2022

Every project is unique on its own with predetermined commencement and delivery dates. The constraints imposed on the project make it necessary to plan its execution to keep it within those constraints. The checks and balances put in place in the construction industry to facilitate the completion of projects within the contractor’s schedule and to the client’s desired time, quality and cost as planning techniques are applied in varying degrees depending on the stage at which it is carried out. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the various construction project planning techniques employed in the Nigerian construction industry and the suitability of these techniques. To achieve the objectives of the study, a quantitative research method was utilised and a well-structured questionnaire was contrived using variables obtained from reviewed literature. The respondents chosen are Quantity Surveyors, Builders, Engineers, and Architects. Analysis of retrieved data was done using Percentile, Frequency, Mean Item Score (MIS). Findings of the study revealed that Bar/Gantt chart is the widely used planning technique as it is efficient while the Critical Path Method is more accurate in ensuring a project is delivered to the scheduled time and predetermined cost. From the result of this study, it is concluded that awareness level and recognition of planning techniques in the Nigerian construction industry is low and proper project planning is seldomly practised which requires urgent professional attention. This will help in ensuring that construction project time and cost overrun are addressed from the commencement of the project.
Product Data Quality in e-Commerce: Key Success Factors and Challenges
Authors: Niemir Maciej , Mrugalska Beata
Published: June 2022

This paper discusses basic attributes which are entered to product data in selected e-commerce platforms. For this aim, we selected and analyzed a group of attributes such brand name, product image, net content, product classification and sale country. We also reviewed the platform developers which are commonly used in e-commerce. It allowed us to provide their best practices. Furthermore, for each of the selected product attributes, an analysis was carried out in reference to presence, mandatory field and data input validators. The research results point out inconsistencies in the basic attributes of the product which lead to low product quality data. The lack of commonly available and standardized data, which could describe products, makes manufacturers create own recommendations for the e-commerce market. Furthermore, they even generate and develop their own meaning of some data. Therefore, it is urgent to undertake steps to be able to recognize correctly e-product data as this market is still new one. On the other hand, the meaning of e-product data can be greater or even different in comparison to a traditional trade. This paper provides recommendations for managers of e-commerce platforms how to cope with e-product data using a single standard for product master data and common product identifier to increase quality of e-product data.
Optical Diagnostics of the Dispersion Composition of Fuel-Air Flare
Authors: Isaeva Oksana , Boronenko Marina , Boronenko Yura
Published: June 2022

One of the central problems of using heavy hydrocarbons as fuel for thermal burners and internal combustion engines is mixture formation. The purpose of this article is to present the results of optical diagnostics of the dispersion composition of a fuel-air torch according to the developed method. The technical means of the information acquisition and processing system can be a high-speed micropyrometric complex for measuring temperature and flame propagation velocity, the main elements of which are a personal computer and a VideoSprint high-speed video camera. The software includes the Origin data analysis package and ImageJ, a free image processing program. The peculiarity of the video camera is that it can detect low-intensity radiation due to amplification in microchannel plates, and the speed and multi-frame exposure is provided by an electronic shutter. To use video cameras as high-speed pyrometers, their preliminary calibration is necessary. During the calibration of the video camera, the non-linearity of the response of the measuring system depending on the exposure time was revealed. The study of the injection process in diesel mixture formation requires reliable information on the relationship between the speed characteristics of the fuel jet and the dynamics of the fuel supply cycle. Optical research methods do not destroy the structure of the fuel plume and allow obtaining information about the structure and dynamics of the flame development. The technique also makes it possible to obtain data on the root angles of fuel plumes and to estimate the distribution of aerosol particles along their length. For analysis, an experimental frame of the fuel atomization process was taken, made in the Videoscan VS-SST-285 system with an exposure of 39 µs, the delay time of the sync pulse from the pressure sensor was 300 µs. From the analysis of the fuel jet, it was found that the maximum fuel concentration is observed at the atomizer, in the initial zone of the jet and in the front (less than at the atomizer), and there is also a deviation of the torch core axis from the nozzle axis. As experiments show, a change in the angle of the spray cone by 10° and a deviation of the axis of the cone from the axis of the nozzle are permissible by 3-5°. Obtaining data for processing using a high-speed micropyrometric complex can greatly improve the quality of diagnostics. The result of experimental data processing according to the proposed method is consistent with the previously obtained results, which indicates great prospects for further development of this express diagnostic method to obtain numerical characteristics of fuel jet dispersity and improve the ecology of heavy hydrocarbon combustion processes.
Measuring the Velocity and Temperature of Particles in a Low-Temperature Plasma Flow
Authors: Isaeva Oksana , Boronenko Marina , Gulyaev Pavel
Published: June 2022

The improvement of optical methods for diagnosing fast processes in plasma deposition technologies is associated with the solution of a well-known contradiction between an increase in the speed of recording a track of a moving particle and a decrease in the signal level to a critical noise threshold. Improving the accuracy of measuring the temperature of the condensed phase of the flow, under the conditions of plasma background radiation, is possible with the transition from the brightness pyrometry of individual particles to spectral methods for determining the temperature distribution of a large group of particles by their thermal spectrum. The purpose of this study is to experimentally verify the effectiveness of using microchannel photomultipliers and nanosecond electron-optical switches to improve the accuracy and speed of time-of-flight anemometry and brightness pyrometry methods. The experimental technique for detecting tracks of self-luminous heated particles in plasma is based on the use of specialized high-speed video cameras with parallel signal reading. The technical possibilities of using high-speed video cameras for registration of particles in the technological process of plasma spraying of coatings are shown. The use of an optical shutter with a nanosecond resolution makes it possible to measure the particle velocity in the range from 10 to 350 m/s with an accuracy that ensures the calculation of the dynamic parameters of particle acceleration in the jet. The use of a microchannel photomultiplier makes it possible to measure the brightness temperature of particles even at high speeds. The set of experimental data makes it possible to determine the form of the fundamental diagram of a two-phase plasma jet by the value of the particle transfer velocity in the idle mode and the maximum load capacity of the flow. The considered experimental technique makes it possible to measure the dynamic constants of motion and heating of both individual particles in a plasma flow and the fundamental diagram of interaction during collective motion. The proposed diagnostic method is recommended to be used to study the load capacity of two-phase flows, as well as an indicator of the limiting technological state of the plasma torch and the transition to unstable spraying modes.
Implementation of an IoT-Based Environment to Control an Industrial Process by Voice Commands using a Virtual Assistant
Authors: Guachun- Arias John , Serpa-Andrade Luis
Published: June 2022

In recent years the use of virtual assistants has been extended in a large number of applications to provide comfort to the user. This article proposes the development of an IoT (Internet of Things) environment to control an industrial process through voice commands using these devices, where the operator can interact and control the process using his voice. In the first part, a review of works where virtual assistants are used for automation and control processes is made, then the proposed architecture is presented, where we detail the protocols and media used. Next, the development of the system and the validations carried out in an industrial environment are presented, considering its own characteristics. Finally, we detail the conclusions of the project focused on minimizing access times to a control interface, and the growing use of these technologies at different levels of the automation pyramid considering its benefits and limitations
Principal Component Analysis of Inhibiting Factors to the Espousal of Lean Construction in Developing Economies
Authors: Ikuabe Matthew , Aigbavboa Clinton , Aghimien Douglas , Ramaru Pretty , Oke Ayodeji , Akinradewo Opeoluwa
Published: June 2022

The inefficiencies plaguing construction processes have negatively impacted the delivery of construction projects. The South African construction industry is not exempted from this as it is still characterized with overwhelming ineffectiveness in construction project actualization. Lean construction offers a variety of innovative concepts that aids the optimization of construction activities. Despite the benefits of the implementation of lean construction, its adoption is clearly not evident in developing economies. This study empirically assesses the inhibiting factors to the adoption of lean construction in the South African construction industry. Data was collected from construction professionals and was analysed with Exploratory Factor Analysis which revealed four constructs as the barriers to the implementation of lean construction. Conclusively, the study recommended that lean construction should be inculcated in the curricular of higher institutions of learning offering built environment related courses; also construction professional bodies should encourage the mandatory training of professionals as an area of competence in judging registration of professionals. The findings from this study brings to the fore the hurdles faced in the construction industry in the adoption of lean construction, hence giving a clear direction on how best to abate these challenges for the attainment of the benefits of its espousal.
Low-code Development Platform for Business Process Automation: Aurea BPM
Authors: Waszkowski Robert
Published: June 2022

The paper introduces overall low-code platform architecture for business process automation. The architecture assumes the division of the platform into subsystems organized in the substantive layer, as well as in the layers of system management and integration. The substantive layer consists of the Design and Development, Metadata Repository, Deployment, and Runtime subsystems. The most important of them are Design, Development, and Runtime. The former allows for the development of process models in the form of diagrams and metadata, while the latter is responsible for running applications in the target environment and delivering them to end-users. Models developed in the Design and Development subsystem are stored in the Metadata Repository subsystem, which is additionally responsible for providing users with controlled user access to system resources.Designed and approved process models are made executable in the Deployment subsystem. The models prepared in this way are used by the Runtime subsystem, delivering a ready-to-use application to end-users.The article presents the architecture of the solution and the individual steps of implementing an exemplary business process.
Process Safety in electrolytic green hydrogen production
Authors: Dominguez Rodrigo , Calderón Enrique , Bustos Jorge
Published: June 2022

The article objective is to analyze the electrolytic process of green hydrogen production from process safety and process safety management (PSM) points of views. The green hydrogen through water electrolysis production of is emerging as one of the main and best alternatives to replace the use of fossil fuels and thus mitigate environmental pollution and its consequences to the planet. For this purpose, the principles of the electrolysis process were established, as well as the different ways to carry it out, among which are: Alkaline electrolysis (AE); Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis and High-Temperature electrolysis (HTE). Its associated hazards and risks were mentioned, and the Dow Fire and Explosion Index (F&EI) was calculated for the three electrolysis methods, obtaining similar results with each other. In addition, the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering (CSChE) PSM standard and the main international standards must be applied to electrolytic hydrogen production systems, such as: ISO 31000:2018 ; ISO 15916:2015 and ISO 22734:2019, was observed. Like other fuels, hydrogen processes production must be managed with preventive measures avoid events may have negative consequences to people, structures, and surrounding environment.
Verifying screen reader accessibility of apps developed using Google Flutter
Authors: Darvishy Alireza
Published: June 2022

This paper presents the results of a study to verify whether the Google UI framework Flutter can create accessible apps for iOS and Android platforms simultaneously. Flutter provides mechanisms such as semantic classes to optimise accessibility during app development. Optimising accessibility for mobile apps and especially for screen readers is a major challenge for many app developers. One key reason for this is that optimisations should ideally always be made for both Apple and Android. A possible solution is offered by the UI framework Flutter, which aims to enable development in only one codebase. This means that accessibility optimisations made in the Flutter codebase should take effect in both Apple and Android platforms simultaneously as well as with their respective screen readers, so that users are provided with a consistent and accessible user experience, regardless of the platform chosen. The purpose of this study was to test this hypothesis. To this end, a sample app was developed using Flutter and a usability test was conducted with six visually impaired screen reader users. Based on the initial test results, the app was then optimised in terms of accessibility using Flutter's semantics classes, and then tested and evaluated again with the same test group. The results showed that some user interface elements were still not accessible. In order to overcome these accessibility issues, workarounds such as writing additional code for each specific platform were implemented, before a final usability test showed that the sample app was fully accessible.
Head-Up Displays: Analysis of automotive use considerations
Authors: Korentsides Jenna , St Clair Andi , Dyapa Meghana , Chaparro Alex
Published: June 2022

Head-Up Displays (HUDs) were developed to provide primary sensor data during flight at the pilot's customary view. The positioning of flight instrument data in the forward field of vision allows pilots to concurrently view this information and the external scene. The potential benefits of HUDs have also been recognized by the automotive industry with approximately 30 automobile brands offering HUDs as optional equipment in vehicles. By projecting driving information directly into the driver's line of view, the HUD reduces the number and length of the driver's eye movements away from the road, decreasing distraction and improving driver awareness. The purported benefits of automotive HUDs include decreasing cognitive workload, visual scanning, and by providing cues to guide their eyes to hazards or other pertinent information. The aim of this paper is to review how HUDs and their design properties affect pilot performance and attention in order to identify implementation issues relevant to the automotive industry.
Most common accessibility barriers in native mobile applications used in Ecuador
Authors: Acosta-Vargas Gloria , Andrade Juan , Lucano Carlos , Rodriguez Aldaz Jose , Jadán-Guerrero Janio , L. Nunes Isabel , Acosta-Vargas Patricia
Published: June 2022

Aware that a significant portion of the world's population suffers from some form of disability, a test was designed to evaluate the level of compliance with accessibility requirements of Android mobile apps randomly taken from the Google Play Store available in Ecuador. The seven-phase manual method was used to evaluate the apps, the results revealed that the most significant number of accessibility problems were: 1) the size and space of the touch target (47.5%); 2) the instructions for custom gestures in the manipulation of the touch screen (28.2%), and 3) contrast problems (9.2%). The limiting factors in this research were the number of applications evaluated by the proposed method and the tests with end-users with some disabilities. Based on this analysis, applying this method is recommended to complement the automatic review method for future work. The study also suggests that there is still much to be done regarding public policies, regulations, and initiatives to improve the accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities.
A comparison of accessibility assessment tools in the inspection of an informative government website on the situational status of COVID-19
Authors: Paz Freddy , Asrael Paz Freddy , Moquillaza Arturo , Falconi Fiorella , Aguirre Joel
Published: June 2022

Accessibility is considered a highly relevant quality aspect of software products. However, few websites are designed considering minimum standards that make applications accessible to all people regardless of their capabilities and abilities. Considering that there is a representative percentage of people who experience some form of disability, it is a requirement that government websites that provide information to their citizens meet an appropriate level of compliance. In this study, we report the results obtained from using three accessibility evaluation tools to examine an informative Peruvian government website on the situational status of COVID-19. In addition, the results were compared to determine the differences between the tools. Despite covering the same WCAG standard, the findings demonstrate that the tools evaluate different aspects. Likewise, despite being a government site and being required to comply with a minimum standard of accessibility, the evaluated website lacks some attributes to be accessed by any citizen.