Dedicated Software Tool Research Articles

Preliminary interdependency analysis: An approach to support critical-infrastructure risk-assessment

We present a methodology, Preliminary Interdependency Analysis (PIA), for analysing interdependencies between critical infrastructure (CI). Consisting of two phases – qualitative analysis followed by quantitative analysis – an application of PIA progresses from a relatively quick elicitation of CI-interdependencies to the building of representative CI models, and the subsequent estimation of any resilience, risk or criticality measures an assessor might be interested in. By design, stages in the methodology are both flexible and iterative, resulting in interacting CI models that are scalable and may vary significantly in complexity and fidelity, depending on the needs and requirements of an assessor. For model parameterisation, one relies on a combination of field data, sensitivity analysis and expert judgement. Facilitated by dedicated software tool support, we illustrate PIA by applying it to a complex case-study of interacting Power (distribution and transmission) and Telecommunications networks in the Rome area. A number of studies are carried out, including: 1) an investigation of how “strength of dependence” between the CIs’ components affects various measures of risk and uncertainty, 2) for resource allocation, an exploration of different, but related, notions of CI component importance, and 3) highlighting the impact of model fidelity on the estimated risk of cascades.

Functional Weibull-based models of steel fracture toughness for structural risk analysis: estimation and selection

A key input component of numerous reliability studies of industrial components or structures, steel fracture toughness is usually considered as a random process because of its natural variability. Moreover, toughness presents a high sensitivity to temperature which also plays a fundamental role, as an environmental forcing, in such studies. Therefore a particular attention has to be paid to the assessment of its stochastic functional modelling, conducted by a statistical analysis of indirect measures. While a Weibull shape arising from statistical physics is recognized as one of the most relevant approach to represent local variability, the selection of functional parameters requires an accurate methodology of fracture toughness modelling. This article provides such a methodology, that solves inconsistencies in former data treatments. The innovation consists in three improvements: (a) the thickness correction of the steel specimen is included throughout the calculation and not performed a priori; (b) nonstandard but informative data are included in the assessment as censored data; (c) a chi-square test is developed to assess the model quality relatively to fracture toughness data, indexed by temperature. Illustrated by the exploration of a database feed by several European manufacturers, this complete methodology is implemented in a dedicated software tool.

Software Dedicated to Virus Sequence Analysis "Bioinformatics Goes Viral".

Computer-assisted technologies of the genomic structure, biological function, and evolution of viruses remain a largely neglected area of research. The attention of bioinformaticians to this challenging field is currently unsatisfying in respect to its medical and biological importance. The power of new genome sequencing technologies, associated with new tools to handle “big data”, provides unprecedented opportunities to address fundamental questions in virology. Here, we present an overview of the current technologies, challenges, and advantages of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) in relation to the field of virology. We present how viral sequences can be detected de novo out of current short-read NGS data. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and applications of viral quasispecies and how secondary structures, commonly shaped by RNA viruses, can be computationally predicted. The phylogenetic analysis of viruses, as another ubiquitous field in virology, forms an essential element of describing viral epidemics and challenges current algorithms. Recently, the first specialized virus-bioinformatic organizations have been established. We need to bring together virologists and bioinformaticians and provide a platform for the implementation of interdisciplinary collaborative projects at local and international scales. Above all, there is an urgent need for dedicated software tools to tackle various challenges in virology.

Swarm accelerometer data processing from raw accelerations to thermospheric neutral densities 2. Aeronomy Swarm Science Results after two years in Space

The Swarm satellites were launched on November 22, 2013, and carry accelerometers and GPS receivers as part of their scientific payload. The GPS receivers do not only provide the position and time for the magnetic field measurements, but are also used for determining non-gravitational forces like drag and radiation pressure acting on the spacecraft. The accelerometers measure these forces directly, at much finer resolution than the GPS receivers, from which thermospheric neutral densities can be derived. Unfortunately, the acceleration measurements suffer from a variety of disturbances, the most prominent being slow temperature-induced bias variations and sudden bias changes. In this paper, we describe the new, improved four-stage processing that is applied for transforming the disturbed acceleration measurements into scientifically valuable thermospheric neutral densities. In the first stage, the sudden bias changes in the acceleration measurements are manually removed using a dedicated software tool. The second stage is the calibration of the accelerometer measurements against the non-gravitational accelerations derived from the GPS receiver, which includes the correction for the slow temperature-induced bias variations. The identification of validity periods for calibration and correction parameters is part of the second stage. In the third stage, the calibrated and corrected accelerations are merged with the non-gravitational accelerations derived from the observations of the GPS receiver by a weighted average in the spectral domain, where the weights depend on the frequency. The fourth stage consists of transforming the corrected and calibrated accelerations into thermospheric neutral densities. We present the first results of the processing of Swarm C acceleration measurements from June 2014 to May 2015. We started with Swarm C because its acceleration measurements contain much less disturbances than those of Swarm A and have a higher signal-to-noise ratio than those of Swarm B. The latter is caused by the higher altitude of Swarm B as well as larger noise in the acceleration measurements of Swarm B. We show the results of each processing stage, highlight the difficulties encountered, and comment on the quality of the thermospheric neutral density data set.

P27. Investigation of the influence of patient setup and anatomy variation on the dose reconstruction using two tomotherapy dedicated software tools: TomoGamma and TomoAdaptive

Introduction In helical tomotherapy workflow, for each treatment fraction, the planning kVCT image is compared with the daily MVCT image from the on-board detector. Both images have to match before starting treatment delivery. From one fraction to another, patient setup and anatomical variations may occur and lead to a non-negligible shift of the tumor position regarding the initial treatment plan. The daily MVCT is no longer in agreement with the kVCT on which the dose distribution has been planned. The purpose of this study is to investigate the sensibility of the software to detect these variations and in the end, be able to decide if a re-planning is necessary. Methods In this study, two tomotherapy dedicated software solutions are used: TomoGamma (21st Century Oncology), a transit dosimetry software that calculates a Gamma Index per fraction based on the MVCT detector data, and TomoAdaptive (21st Century Oncology), a radiotherapy adaptive software that reconstructs the dose distribution on the daily MVCT. The method consists of irradiating phantoms (TomoPhantom, RANDO phantom, and CIRS thorax) in helical tomotherapy with several levels of complexity (homogeneous phantom, heterogeneous phantom, with simple cylindrical PTV, complex dose distribution with avoidance area). For each case, several fractions are performed including the reference (correct setup and kVCT identical configuration), fractions with a shifted setup (in the three space directions from 5 to 20 mm, and in rotation from 5 to 20°) and anatomical variations (reduction of bolus from 3 cm to 0 cm, addition of heterogeneities). The software’s sensibility is evaluated in comparison with an ionization chamber (A1SL, Standard Imaging) absolute dose measurement. Results Preliminary results show a good agreement between the Gamma Index (2%/2 mm) and the absolute dose measurements for anatomical and geometrical variations in X and Z. However, TomoGamma seems to be less sensitive for Y shift and for rotation. At this stage, we succeeded to simulate the Gamma Index range of a typical group of breast tomotherapy treatments: a setup error of more than 5 mm in X and Z, 10 mm in Y direction, 5° in rotation and weight loss of more than 1 cm generate a less than 95% Gamma Index. TomoAdaptive shows huge sensibility as Dose-Volume histogram differences between the modified fraction and the reference fraction are significant. Conclusion The sensibility of the software tools has been investigated for different levels of complexity. These preliminary results already show the software’s capabilities to detect the variations as well as its limitations. Future work remains to improve precision with smaller step shifts, rotation and reduction of bolus measurements.

Comparison of T2* relaxation times of articular cartilage of the knee in elite professional football players and age-and BMI-matched amateur athletes

ObjectiveRecent investigation has underlined the potential of quantitative MR imaging to be used as a complementary tool for the diagnosis of cartilage degeneration at an early state. The presented study analyses T2* relaxation times of articular cartilage of the knee in professional athletes and compares the results to age- and BMI (Body Mass Index)-matched healthy amateur athletes. Materials and methods22 professional football players and 22 age- and BMI-matched individuals were underwent knee Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at 3T including qualitative and quantitative analysis. Qualitative analysis included e.g. meniscal tears, joint effusion and bone edema. For quantitative analysis T2* (22 ET: 4.6-53.6ms) measurements in 3D data acquisition were performed. Deep and superficial layers of 22 predefined cartilage segments were analysed. All data sets were postprocessed using a dedicated software tool. Statistical analysis included Student t-test, confidence intervals and a random effects model. ResultsIn both groups, T2* relaxation times were significantly higher in the superficial compared to the deep layers (p<0.001). Professional athletes had significantly higher relaxation times in eight superficial and three deep cartilage layers in the predefined cartilage segments (p<0.05). Highly significant differences were found in the weight-bearing segments of the lateral superficial femoral condyle (p<0.001). ConclusionElevated T2* values in cartilage layers of professional football players compared to amateur athletes were noted. The effects seem to predominate in superficial cartilage layers.

Array Factor Optimization of an Active Planar Phased Array Using Evolutionary Algorithm

Evolutionary algorithms (EAs) have the potential to handle complex, multi-dimensional optimization problems in the field of phased array. Out of different EAs, particle swarm optimization (PSO) is a popular choice. In a phased array, antenna element failure is a common phenomenon and this leads to degradation of the array factor (AF) pattern, primarily in terms of increased side lobe levels (SLLs), displacement of nulls and reduction in the null depths. The recovery of a degraded pattern using a cost and time-effective approach is on demand. In this context, an attempt made to obtain an optimized AF pattern after fault in a 49 elements quasi-circular aperture equilateral triangular grid active planar phased array using PSO. In the paper, multiple cases on recovery are discussed having a maximum 20% element failure. Each recovery is also further evaluated by different statistical analyses. A dedicated software tool was developed to carry out the work presented in this paper.

Integrated Workflow for Structural Proteomics Studies Based on Cross-Linking/Mass Spectrometry with an MS/MS Cleavable Cross-Linker.

Cross-linking combined with mass spectrometry (MS) has evolved as an alternative strategy in structural biology for characterizing three-dimensional structures of protein assemblies and for mapping protein-protein interactions. Here, we describe an integrated workflow for an automated identification of cross-linked products that is based on the use of a tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) cleavable cross-linker (containing a 1,3-bis-(4-oxo-butyl)-urea group, BuUrBu) generating characteristic doublet patterns upon fragmentation. We evaluate different fragmentation methods available on an Orbitrap Fusion mass spectrometer for three proteins and an E.coli cell lysate. An updated version of the dedicated software tool MeroX was employed for a fully automated identification of cross-links. The strength of our cleavable cross-linker is that characteristic patterns of the cross-linker as well as backbone fragments of the connected peptides are already observed at the MS/MS level, eliminating the need for conducting MS(3) or sequential CID (collision-induced dissociation)- and ETD (electron transfer dissociation)-MS/MS experiments. This makes our strategy applicable to a broad range of mass spectrometers with MS/MS capabilities. For purified proteins and protein complexes, our workflow using CID-MS/MS acquisition performs with high confidence, scoring cross-links at 0.5% false discovery rate (FDR). The cross-links provide structural insights into the intrinsically disordered tetrameric tumor suppressor protein p53. As a time-consuming manual inspection of cross-linking data is not required, our workflow will pave the way for making the cross-linking/MS approach a routine technique for structural proteomics studies.

Determination of the Material Relative Permittivity in the UHF Band by Using T and Modified Ring Resonators

Abstract The complete methodology of designing T- and modified ring resonators in the UHF band are presented in the paper. On the basis of proposed algorithms, the dedicated software tool has been elaborated in order to determine material parameters of contemporary substrates. The program is implemented in the Mathcad environment and it includes the base of information on known materials used in electronic products. Also, test sample series for selected substrate materials (IS680, FR408, I-SPEED PCB ISOLA and A6-S LTCC FERRO) and operating frequencies from 1 GHz to 3 GHz are analyzed in details. The special test stand with a vector network analyzer has been applied in experiments. The obtained data of relative permittivity measurements and model calculations are described, discussed and concluded.

Swarm accelerometer data processing from raw accelerations to thermospheric neutral densities

The Swarm satellites were launched on November 22, 2013, and carry accelerometers and GPS receivers as part of their scientific payload. The GPS receivers do not only provide the position and time for the magnetic field measurements, but are also used for determining non-gravitational forces like drag and radiation pressure acting on the spacecraft. The accelerometers measure these forces directly, at much finer resolution than the GPS receivers, from which thermospheric neutral densities can be derived. Unfortunately, the acceleration measurements suffer from a variety of disturbances, the most prominent being slow temperature-induced bias variations and sudden bias changes. In this paper, we describe the new, improved four-stage processing that is applied for transforming the disturbed acceleration measurements into scientifically valuable thermospheric neutral densities. In the first stage, the sudden bias changes in the acceleration measurements are manually removed using a dedicated software tool. The second stage is the calibration of the accelerometer measurements against the non-gravitational accelerations derived from the GPS receiver, which includes the correction for the slow temperature-induced bias variations. The identification of validity periods for calibration and correction parameters is part of the second stage. In the third stage, the calibrated and corrected accelerations are merged with the non-gravitational accelerations derived from the observations of the GPS receiver by a weighted average in the spectral domain, where the weights depend on the frequency. The fourth stage consists of transforming the corrected and calibrated accelerations into thermospheric neutral densities. We present the first results of the processing of Swarm C acceleration measurements from June 2014 to May 2015. We started with Swarm C because its acceleration measurements contain much less disturbances than those of Swarm A and have a higher signal-to-noise ratio than those of Swarm B. The latter is caused by the higher altitude of Swarm B as well as larger noise in the acceleration measurements of Swarm B. We show the results of each processing stage, highlight the difficulties encountered, and comment on the quality of the thermospheric neutral density data set.

Abstract WP67: VESCA: Semi-Automated Segmentation of Cerebral Vasculature in Angiograms

Background: Imaging the cerebrovasculature using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is a critical step in the diagnosis and treatment of acute stroke. Interpretation and scoring of these DSA images is usually performed by visual review, introducing inter-reader variability that causes inconsistency in clinical trials. Recently, methods have been introduced to automatically quantify various metrics in DSA images, such as revascularization and blush score, and vessel extraction algorithms are often used as part of these methods. However, the results of those algorithms have not been thoroughly evaluated against manually determined groundtruth extraction results, due to a lack of tools for determining the ground truths. Methods: We present a dedicated software tool, VESCA (Vessel Segmentation for Cerebral Angiograms), for manually determining the groundtruths of DSA images to better evaluate vessel detection methods. VESCA interface allows the user to view and segment DSA images, producing a segmented, binary representation of the vasculature. The segmentation process is semi-automated thanks to the livewire segmentation technique, whereby user-selected points along vessel boundaries are automatically connected via the lowest cost path. Results: We have segmented angiograms from a database of 115 biplane DSA, resulting in a set of binary representations of the vessels. We are constructing a web-based system through which other researchers may access the database, and through which they may use the software to contribute segmented images. Conclusion: VESCA is simple to operate and requires minimal instruction. We anticipate that it will facilitate the development and improvement of automatic methods for quantitative DSA image analysis.

Exploiting Performance of Different Low-Cost Sensors for Small Amplitude Oscillatory Motion Monitoring: Preliminary Comparisons in View of Possible Integration

We address the problem of low amplitude oscillatory motion detection through different low-cost sensors: a LIS3LV02DQ MEMS accelerometer, a Microsoft Kinect v2 range camera, and a uBlox 6 GPS receiver. Several tests were performed using a one-direction vibrating table with different oscillation frequencies (in the range 1.5–3 Hz) and small challenging amplitudes (0.02 m and 0.03 m). A Mikrotron EoSens high-resolution camera was used to give reference data. A dedicated software tool was developed to retrieve Kinect v2 results. The capabilities of the VADASE algorithm were employed to process uBlox 6 GPS receiver observations. In the investigated time interval (in the order of tens of seconds) the results obtained indicate that displacements were detected with the resolution of fractions of millimeters with MEMS accelerometer and Kinect v2 and few millimeters with uBlox 6. MEMS accelerometer displays the lowest noise but a significant bias, whereas Kinect v2 and uBlox 6 appear more stable. The results suggest the possibility of sensor integration both for indoor (MEMS accelerometer + Kinect v2) and for outdoor (MEMS accelerometer + uBlox 6) applications and seem promising for structural monitoring applications.

Milestones for Computing Future

Computer applications expand continuously as problem solvers in all areas of human life. Yet, computer scientists have difficulties in calling computer science the “science of computer based problem solving methodology”. This is probably caused by the development of software technology as a collection of tools dedicated to computer experts. The paper proposes a new methodology for computer based problem solving based on problem domain dedicated software tools. This prevents the exponential growth of software tool complexity and does not require computer user to be a computer expert.

A semantic approach for XML document warehousing and OLAP analysis

The nature of data sources together with the multiple alternative descriptions for the documents available in these sources are continuously evolving. Furthermore, these changes are speeded up by the spreading out of the web and the intensive use of XML documents. However, the main drawback of the logical structure of XML documents is its poorness of the semantics incarnated in documents. Consequently, the need of an approach for determining a semantic structure for an XML document as well as the development of dedicated software tools to handle this structure reveals as an urgent requirement. This paper attempts to alleviate these drawbacks. Thus, it proposes a new approach for determining a semantic structure for an XML document. This structure helps to get much more benefits from the content of documents especially for the decision-making process that should be enhanced with semantic-OLAP for documents.

The Extended ToxTracker Assay Discriminates Between Induction of DNA Damage, Oxidative Stress, and Protein Misfolding.

Chemical exposure of cells may damage biomolecules, cellular structures, and organelles thereby jeopardizing cellular homeostasis. A multitude of defense mechanisms have evolved that can recognize specific types of damaged molecules and will initiate distinct cellular programs aiming to remove the damage inflicted and prevent cellular havoc. As a consequence, quantitative assessment of the activity of the cellular stress responses may serve as a sensitive reporter for the induction of specific types of damage. We have previously developed the ToxTracker assay, a mammalian stem cell-based genotoxicity assay employing two green fluorescent protein reporters specific for DNA damage and oxidative stress. We have now expanded the ToxTracker assay with an additional four reporter cell lines to include monitoring of additional stress signaling pathways. This panel of six green fluorescent protein reporters is able to discriminate between different primary reactivity of chemicals being their ability to react with DNA and block DNA replication, induce oxidative stress, activate the unfolded protein response, or cause a general P53-dependent cellular stress response. Extensive validation using the compound library suggested by the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) and a large panel of reference chemicals shows that the ToxTracker assay has an outstanding sensitivity and specificity. In addition, we developed Toxplot, a dedicated software tool for automated data analysis and graphical representation of the test results. Rapid and reliable identification by the ToxTracker assay of specific biological reactivity can significantly improve in vitro human hazard assessment of chemicals.

Application of Pattern Recognition Techniques to the Classification of Full-Term and Preterm Infant Cry

Scientific and clinical advances in perinatology and neonatology have enhanced the chances of survival of preterm and very low weight neonates. Infant cry analysis is a suitable noninvasive complementary tool to assess the neurologic state of infants particularly important in the case of preterm neonates. This article aims at exploiting differences between full-term and preterm infant cry with robust automatic acoustical analysis and data mining techniques. Twenty-two acoustical parameters are estimated in more than 3000 cry units from cry recordings of 28 full-term and 10 preterm newborns. Feature extraction is performed through the BioVoice dedicated software tool, developed at the Biomedical Engineering Lab, University of Firenze, Italy. Classification and pattern recognition is based on genetic algorithms for the selection of the best attributes. Training is performed comparing four classifiers: Logistic Curve, Multilayer Perceptron, Support Vector Machine, and Random Forest and three different testing options: full training set, 10-fold cross-validation, and 66% split. Results show that the best feature set is made up by 10 parameters capable to assess differences between preterm and full-term newborns with about 87% of accuracy. Best results are obtained with the Random Forest method (receiver operating characteristic area, 0.94). These 10 cry features might convey important additional information to assist the clinical specialist in the diagnosis and follow-up of possible delays or disorders in the neurologic development due to premature birth in this extremely vulnerable population of patients. The proposed approach is a first step toward an automatic infant cry recognition system for fast and proper identification of risk in preterm babies.

Changes in the radiological depth correlate with dosimetric deterioration in particle therapy for stage I NSCLC patients under high frequency jet ventilation

ABSTRACTBackground. Particle dose distributions are highly sensitive to anatomy changes in the beam path, which may lead to substantial dosimetric deviations. Robust planning and dedicated image guidance together with strategies for online decision making to counteract dosimetric deterioration are thus mandatory. We aimed to develop methods to quantify anatomical discrepancies as depicted by repeated computed tomography (CT) imaging and to test whether they can predict deviations in target coverage.Material and methods. Dedicated software tools allowed for voxel-based calculations of changes in the water equivalent path length (WEPL) in beam directions. We prepared proton and carbon ion plans with different coplanar beam angle settings on a series of lung cancer patients, for which planning and localization CT scans under high frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) for tumor fixation were performed. We investigated the reproducibility of target coverage between the optimized and recalculated treatment plans. We then studied how different raster scan and planning settings influence the robustness. Finally, we carried out a systematic analysis of the variations in the WEPL along different coplanar beam angles to find beam directions, which could minimize such variations.Results. The Spearman's correlations for the GTV ΔV95 and ΔV98 with the ΔWEPL for the proton plans with a 0° and −45° two-field configuration were 0.701 (p = 0.02) and 0.719 (p = 0.08), respectively. For beam configurations 0° and −90°, or 0° and + 45°, with lower ΔWEPL, the correlations were no significant. The same trends were observed for the carbon ion plans. Increased beam spot overlap reduced dosimetric deterioration in case of large ΔWEPL.Conclusion. Software tools for fast online analysis of WEPL changes might help supporting clinical decision making of image guidance. Raster scan and treatment planning settings can help to compensate for anatomical deviations.

Consensus and differences in primary radiotherapy for localized and locally advanced prostate cancer in Switzerland: A survey on patterns of practice.

External beam radiotherapy (EBRT), with or without androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), is an established treatment option for nonmetastatic prostate cancer. Despite high-level evidence from several randomized trials, risk group stratification and treatment recommendations vary due to contradictory or inconclusive data, particularly with regard to EBRT dose prescription and ADT duration. Our aim was to investigate current patterns of practice in primary EBRT for prostate cancer in Switzerland. Treatment recommendations on EBRT and ADT for localized and locally advanced prostate cancer were collected from 23 Swiss radiation oncology centers. Written recommendations were converted into center-specific decision trees, and analyzed for consensus and differences using a dedicated software tool. Additionally, specific radiotherapy planning and delivery techniques from the participating centers were assessed. The most commonly prescribed radiation dose was 78 Gy (range 70-80 Gy) across all risk groups. ADT was recommended for intermediate-risk patients for 6 months in over 80 % of the centers, and for high-risk patients for 2 or 3 years in over 90 % of centers. For recommendations on combined EBRT and ADT treatment, consensus levels did not exceed 39 % in any clinical scenario. Arc-based intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is implemented for routine prostate cancer radiotherapy by 96 % of the centers. Among Swiss radiation oncology centers, considerable ranges of radiotherapy dose and ADT duration are routinely offered for localized and locally advanced prostate cancer. In the vast majority of cases, doses and durations are within the range of those described in current evidence-based guidelines.

Dedicated random telegraph noise characterization of Ni/HfO2-based RRAM devices

In this work, random telegraph noise (RTN) associated to discrete current fluctuations in the high resistive state of Ni/HfO2-based RRAM devices is investigated. For this purpose, a dedicated software tool has been developed to control the instrumentation and to perform successive and smart RTN measurements in the time domain. After data acquisition, the advanced Weighted Time Lag (WTL) method is employed to accurately identify the contribution of multiple electrically active defects in multilevel RTN signals. Finally, the internal dynamics of trapping and de-trapping processes through the defects close to the filamentary path and its dependence on voltage and time are analyzed.

Mechatronic Design and Optimization Using Knowledge Based Engineering Applied to an Inherently Unstable and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

A novel design method for mechatronic systems, based on knowledge-based engineering techniques, is proposed in this research study. The method is particularly suited for mechatronic vehicles which are inherently unstable and require control systems for stabilization. The method is implemented in a dedicated software tool in which physical entities of the product are defined as classes with attributes. Nonphysical elements of the system and procedures for the design and analysis of the system are defined as functions with variables. The method has two key features. First, multiphysics simulation models and associated analysis functions are generated automatically within a multidisciplinary analysis and optimization framework. These models are not restricted to geometrical aspects for mechanical design, but also include the system architecture, dynamics, aerodynamics, electronic control systems and associated software codes. Second, for each representation of a design, a dedicated control system is developed completely automatically, based on the multiphysics simulation model, using model inversion control. These two features make it possible to analyze the dynamics and performance of inherently unstable mechatronic vehicles already in the early design phases when the vehicle is still subject to large configuration design changes. The method is demonstrated for the design of a multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle. Thirty thousand possible design solutions are evaluated by the system without manual interference. For each design, a dedicated control system is created and five flight test maneuvers are simulated in order to assess the aircraft performance and flying qualities. A global optimization process is applied for two conflicting requirements and the process is convergent at two optimum solutions.