Virtual Reference Research Articles

Learning from a Distance

With the onslaught of the global COVID19 pandemic, universities were forced to quickly pivot to exclusively remote and virtual service options. To further complicate the situation, many international student populations at these institutions were forced to study remotely in their home countries due to the pandemic and visa restrictions. In Canada and Ontario, International students make up a major revenue source for post-secondary institutions, making the need to find viable solutions to continue to serve these populations essential to their financial stability.The Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) runs a shared virtual reference service called Ask a Librarian (Ask). This paper assessed the global pandemic's impact through a comparative study of the service before, during, and after the pandemic's height. Using IP addresses, this study evaluated the impact of geographical location on the user’s access to virtual library resources, as well as identified any barriers, shifts, or trends in the service. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the face of education and remote learning indefinitely. The hope of this study is to assess the overall success and pitfalls of our current virtual reference services and suggest future improvement areas.

Topic Modelling using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) to Investigate the Latent Topics of Mathematical Creative Thinking Research in Indonesia

In mathematics education, there is increasing interest in Mathematical Creative Thinking (MCT), and numerous scientific documents on this topic have been published in Indonesia. The availability of publication databases has made it easier to access these documents and collect large amounts of data related to MCT. This data has the potential to uncover latent topics within MCT research articles published in Indonesian journals. This study analyzed a dataset of 102 articles obtained from Garuda (Digital Reference Garda) published between 2010 and 2022 in six proceedings and 49 journals. The study applied text processing techniques and used topic modeling with Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and variational expectation maximization algorithm (VEM) to produce 23 topics. Each topic consisted of general and special words from the beta probability value. The study found 30 unique words from topic modeling, including learning, abilities, problems, skills, mathematics, tests, levels, answers, approaches, assessments, basics, classes, developing, values, ideas, instruments, materials, mathematics, moderate, models, motivation, open-ended, processes, questions, reasons, solving, styles, subjects, teaching, and worksheets. The study also used LDA to classify documents into discovered themes and found that the five MCT research focuses were learning approaches, student competencies, teacher competencies, assessments, and learning resources. The study's findings revealed a research gap, specifically, the need for more MCT studies that concentrate on enhancing teacher competency.

Adaptive event-triggered fault-tolerant consensus of linear heterogeneous multiagent systems via hierarchical approach

This article investigates the event-triggered fault-tolerant consensus problem for heterogeneous linear multiagent systems (MASs) with actuator failures. By introducing the hierarchical control scheme, a distributed adaptive event-triggered fault-tolerant control method is proposed. The upper layer and the lower layer comprise the hierarchical control structure. The upper layer is made up of a virtual reference system and a distributed cooperative controller with event-triggered mechanism, while the lower layer is composed of an actual system and a fault-tolerant tracking controller. The main contribution of this work is that the phenomena of fault propagation could be prevented employing presented control method when compared to the most commonly used distributed fault-tolerant control methods. And continuous transmission between agents can be eliminated due to the event-triggered mechanism. It is shown that the consensus error converges to zero asymptotically. Finally, the effectiveness of the theoretical result is illustrated by a simulation example.

Novel Control Theoretic Consensus-Based Time Synchronization Algorithm for WSN in Industrial Applications: Convergence Analysis and Performance Characterization

Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) depends heavily on the Internet of Things (IoT) and wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Through WSN, data in an industrial environment can be captured. Time synchronization is an important issue in WSN to ensure the correct sequence of the data collected. Besides, gauging on a common perceived time reference, local clocks on each node within any interconnected WSN should be able to initiate message exchanges. Referencing to an unsynchronized value of virtual global reference clock will render the nodes’ communication and applications in WSN useless. In this work, a newly improved control theoretic consensus-based time synchronization algorithm for WSN known as time synchronization using sliding-mode control and proportional, integral, and derivative (TSMPID) is proposed. The novel algorithm uses an augmented sliding-mode control (SMC) in the skew and relative skew estimation schemes, which is a useful switching action, to provide a salient feature in guaranteeing finite-time convergence in synchronized virtual time clock estimation. A proportional, integral, and derivative (PID) term has been introduced in the offset estimation to improve the estimation performance. The main purpose is to achieve global clock synchronization with lower computational effort and reduced synchronization error. TSMPID has the characteristics of being totally distributed, asynchronous, scalable across different network topological structures and robust to ad hoc nodes deployment. Ad hoc communication link node deployment scenarios are simulated comprising five, seven, and nine WSN nodes. TSMPID requires low energy and exhibits a much lesser consensus error spike in comparison to other recent prior-art time synchronization schemes.

Developing a Data Fellowship Program and Peer-to-Peer Support Model

Objectives: To support the library’s research data services program and provide opportunities for student employees to gain skills in supporting data science research and teaching, the author led the creation of a data fellowship program at their institution. The author describes the development of the program’s peer-to-peer support model and how that model was integrated into the library’s broader research data services program.Methods: There were two aspects to the fellowship’s peer-to-peer support model. First, the data fellows provided direct support to their peers—through instruction, reference support, and outreach—who were engaged in data-related research projects and class assignments. Second, the fellows engaged in professional development and learning opportunities led by library colleagues. Results: During the first year of the program, the data fellows provided virtual data reference support, developed two CANVAS modules, conducted an email outreach campaign, and authored several blog posts. Furthermore, the data fellows received data reference training and engaged in discussions with library experts on pertinent data-related topics. These discussions provide the fellows with knowledge and skills that can be utilized both during and after the fellowship.Conclusions: The first year of the STEM Data Fellowship program proved to be successful in establishing the foundation for a robust peer-to-peer learning and support model for research data services at the author’s institution. The author plans to further enhance and grow the program in future years by providing more opportunities for established and new data fellows to contribute to the library’s ongoing RDS efforts.

Control upgrade for the TCV coils power supplies

The Tokamak à Configuration Variable (TCV) coil converters are fed, during the plasma pulse, by a flywheel generator (FG) providing the AC voltages few seconds before the plasma pulse. The synchronization with the 120 Hz frequency delivered by the FG, varying rapidly during the plasma pulse (up to 25 Hz/sec) is therefore one of the two main challenges of this work. The second one being the extraction of the synchronization signal in presence of the notches on the AC voltages due to thyristors commutations, in order to ensure a proper and accurate firing sequence. This has been solved making use of an innovative implementation of a PLL. Another important feature of this ongoing upgrade is the ability of the controller to be driven by digital voltage references directly transmitted via EtherCAT [1] through the future digital calculator which will ensure the plasma equilibria. Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) [2] will be used as an upgraded protocol allowing for the TCV Control to interact with the converters interface (HMI).

Reconfigurable highly-sensitive interferometric sensor with Vernier effect and a virtually tunable reference cell

The optical Vernier effect is a powerful tool for increasing the sensitivity of an interferometer greatly. However, when the measurement range is large, the optical path difference between the sensing and reference cells becomes large too, which will cause a significant decrease in the sensitivity. To overcome this problem, we propose a novel method, which introduces a virtual reference cell instead of a real one in the measurement system, with a variable cavity length adapting to the measurement range. Both theoretical analysis and experiment measurement verified that by tuning the cavity length of the reference interferometer, LR, the Vernier effect based sensitivity can be maintained at a high level, although the cavity length of the sensing interferometer, LS, changes in a large range. A new formula presented in this paper also reveals that the Vernier effect induced sensitivity magnification factor M depends only on the ratio between the cavity lengths LS/LR in a more general way (denoted as factor g), instead of the absolute or difference between the two cavity lengths described in the previous literature. The experimental results of a large displacement measurement show that when the displacement changes from 0 to 100μm, g changes from 1.01 to 1.35, which results in M dropping from 110 to 4 as LR is fixed. However, M can be recovered back if LR is adjusted to make g equals 1.01 again when LS is changed. The proposed method provides a new approach to establish a highly sensitive interferometric sensor based on the Vernier effect, consisting of a single real sensing cell and a virtually variable reference cell, which can maintain the sensitivity at a high level even though the measurement range is large.

An INS-aided MASS autonomous navigation algorithm considering virtual motion constraints and the leeway and drift angle

Autonomous navigation is one of the critical enabling technologies in developing MASS or intelligent ships. This study proposes an autonomous navigation algorithm with INS-aided shipborne GNSS. The proposed algorithm constructs the ship's virtual motion attitude by considering the leeway and drift angle, and takes into account the one-dimensional speed constraints in the virtual ship body reference frame. This approach addresses the issue that the conventional INS and shipborne GNSS integrated navigation scheme can utilize the three-dimensional position information only, without considering the measurement update from the one-dimensional speed obtained by shipborne GNSS. The algorithm is verified by actual ship departure and cruising experiments in natural marine environments. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has a higher accuracy than the conventional algorithm when the GNSS speed and position information are available. In the scenario when the GNSS position information is temporarily lost, the proposed algorithm can continue to derive relatively reliable navigation parameters for the safe navigation of ships with only one-dimensional speed measurement.

The development of a digital twin concept system

Background: Digital twins are gaining ever-increasing attention from academies and industries to standardization bodies worldwide owing to their great capabilities and fundamental values in the coming fourth industrial revolution. However, there is no consistent set of definitions or concept system of the digital twin domain yet. Especially, the polysemy problem of the term “digital twin” is leading to ambiguities and an obstacle to standardization. Methods: This paper summarizes the principles and guidelines of developing a concept system mentioned in two international standards, enriches them to a methodology of developing a concept system with (1) system thinking viewpoints and systems engineering methods, (2) procedures for analyzing the semantic relationships among candidate superordinate concepts, and (3) a three-dimensional taxonomy framework with procedures of developing a taxonomy, and proposed a maturity level model for terminology work which offers a high-level vision of digital twin terminology work. Results: This paper analyzes the polysemy phenomenon of the term "digital twin” and identifies the necessity to differentiate digital twin entity and digital twin system from the general term “digital twin”. After analyzing twenty-one definitions of digital twin and summarizing ten superordinate concepts from them, this paper proposes that a digital twin entity is a kind of digital asset rather than digital representation. Based on the new superordinate concept and definition of digital twin entity, a systematic digital twin concept system is developed with one hundred concepts and fifty definitions. Conclusions: This work resolves the polysemy problem of the term “digital twin” and demonstrates the effectiveness of the enhanced methodology of developing a concept system. The proposed digital twin concept system could be a benchmark for future digital twin terminology work and useful input to the development of digital twin system reference architecture standard and lays a solid foundation for future concept systems development of other domains.

Improvement in hole-pose error for aerospace drilling applications based on Hermite surface reconstruction and manifold error similarity

Hole position accuracy and perpendicularity are significant factors in aerospace drilling. This study presents a novel compensation method with reference holes to reduce the hole position error and initial normal deviation for automated drilling systems. The hole-pose error and related generalized addition and subtraction methods are first defined using quaternions. Subsequently, approaches for accurately measuring the pose of the reference hole and calibrating the coordinate system are proposed. On this basis, the position error and initial normal error are estimated by bilinear interpolation based on the error similarity on the two-dimensional manifold, where the manifold coordinates are obtained by Hermite surface reconstruction. Subsequently, the hole-pose error is compensated for by generalized addition. For the initial normal modification, a compensation strategy utilizing the data of processed adjacent holes for interpolation was adopted. In addition, for situations in which it is inconvenient to arrange real reference holes on the product, a compensation approach employing virtual reference holes was designed. Finally, simulations and experiments are conducted, and the results demonstrate that the position error and initial normal deviation are effectively reduced by at least 42.25% and 74.68% with the proposed method, which further ensures that the indicators meet the requirements of aerospace drilling.

Deep Inter Prediction with Error-Corrected Auto-Regressive Network for Video Coding

Modern codecs remove temporal redundancy of a video via inter prediction, i.e., searching previously coded frames for similar blocks and storing motion vectors to save bit-rates. However, existing codecs adopt block-level motion estimation, where a block is regressed by reference blocks linearly and is doomed to fail to deal with non-linear motions. In this article, we generate virtual reference frames (VRFs) with previously reconstructed frames via deep networks to offer an additional candidate, which is not constrained to linear motion structure and further significantly improves coding efficiency. More specifically, we propose a novel deep Auto-Regressive Moving-Average (ARMA) model, Error-Corrected Auto-Regressive Network (ECAR-Net), equipped with the powers of the conventional statistic ARMA models and deep networks jointly for reference frame prediction. Similar to conventional ARMA models, the ECAR-Net consists of two stages: Auto-Regression (AR) stage and Error-Correction (EC) stage, where the first part predicts the signal at the current time-step based on previously reconstructed frames, while the second one compensates for the output of the AR stage to obtain finer details. Different from the statistic AR models only focusing on short-term temporal dependency, the AR model of our ECAR-Net is further injected with the long-term dynamics mechanism, where long temporal information is utilized to help predict motions more accurately. Furthermore, ECAR-Net works in a configuration-adaptive way, i.e., using different dynamics and error definitions for the Low Delay B and Random Access configurations, which helps improve the adaptivity and generality in diverse coding scenarios. With the well-designed network, our method surpasses HEVC on average 5.0% and 6.6% BD-rate saving for the luma component under the Low Delay B and Random Access configurations and also obtains on average 1.54% BD-rate saving over VVC. Furthermore, ECAR-Net works in a configuration-adaptive way, i.e., using different dynamics and error definitions for the Low Delay B and Random Access configurations, which helps improve the adaptivity and generality in diverse coding scenarios.

Development of highly accurate digital PCR method and reference material for monkeypox virus detection.

Human monkeypox has attracted attention recently. Monkeypox virus (MPXV) keeps evolving as it spreading around the world rapidly, which may threaten the health of more and more people. Here, we have developed ahigh order reference method based on digital PCR (dPCR) for MPXV detection, of which the limits of quantification (LoQ) and detection (LoD) are 38 and 6 copies/reaction, respectively. Pseudovirus reference materials (RM) containing the conserved F3L gene has been developed, and the homogeneity assessment showed that the RM was homogeneous. The reference value with its expanded uncertainty determined by the established dPCR is (2.74 ± 0.46) × 103 copies/μL. Six different MPXV test kits were accessed by the RM. Four out of six test kits cannot reach their claimed LoDs. The poor analytical sensitivity might cause false-negative results, which lead to incorrect diagnosis and treatment. The establishment of ahigh order reference method of dPCR and pseudovirus RM is very useful for improving the accuracy and reliability of MPXV detection.

Accuracy of four recent intraoral scanners with respect to two different ceramic surfaces

ObjectivesTo investigate the complete arch accuracy of intraoral scanners (IOS) on two different ceramic surfaces. MethodsTwo maxillary master cast samples were prepared. The bases of both the master casts were made from zirconium oxide. The difference between the two casts was that the teeth of the [ZR] cast were produced from zirconium oxide and that of the [LD] cast were made of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic. Unlike the zirconia teeth of the [ZR] cast, the lithium disilicate teeth of the [LD] cast were glazed. The two master casts were digitized using a high-resolution scanner (Atos Compact Scan 5 M, GOM GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany) to obtain digital reference casts. Subsequently, each master cast was scanned 15 times using four IOSs. The IOSs were the Cerec Omnicam [OM], Primescan [PR], Trios 4 [TR4], and VivaScan [VS]. On surface comparison, the absolute mean deviation values were obtained for trueness and precision. For multiple comparisons, statistically significant differences were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis H test. The p-value was adjusted to control for the increased risk of type I error (p < 0.0083). To compare the two means, the t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used (p < 0.05). ResultsTrueness values for [ZR] ranged from 24.6 (±6.3) µm for [PR] and 77.1 (±8.3) µm for [OM]. Trueness values for [LD] were between 28.3 (±6.3) µm for [PR] and 72.8 (±15.6) µm for [OM]. Precision values for [ZR] ranged from 17.6 (±3.7) µm for [PR] to 37.3 (±9.9) µm for [OM]. Precision values for [LD] ranged from 17.5 (±3.6) µm for [PR] to 41.8 (±8.7) µm for [OM]. Statistically significant differences were found among all the IOSs (p < 0.0083). The trueness values of the four IOSs did not differ significantly (p < 0.05) with respect to either the [ZR] or [LD] cast. The precision values of [OM] and [VS] differed significantly with respect to the scanned surface. ConclusionsComplete arch scans achieved with the four IOSs showed significantly different trueness and precision results. [VS] and [OM] were more sensitive in terms of the scanned material. Clinical significanceThe latest IOSs showed the required accuracy for complete arch digital impressions in-vitro investigations. These findings should be implemented under conditions relevant to complete arch deviations, such as the construction of occlusal splints, analysis of occlusal relationships, and long-span restorations. Clinicians should be aware that the clinically acceptable threshold varies depending on the purpose of the IOS.

Improving a Library FAQ: Assessment and Reflection of the First Year’s Use

ABSTRACT In 2020, the Leonard Lief Library created a searchable online knowledge base (FAQs) as a complement to virtual reference during the library’s pandemic-related closure. One year of search query data was used to assess the online knowledge base. This paper discusses the assessment’s findings and planned improvements to the FAQs. A content analysis of user queries revealed what users are seeking in the knowledge base. The study examined the actions taken by users after conducting a search to determine the knowledge base’s success rate. The knowledge base was successful in answering user questions almost half of the time. The top three query categories were access, non-library, and instructional. The frequency of access-related queries was expected, due to COVID-19 library building closure. The prevalence of questions about other campus units was unexpected. This finding suggests a perception of the academic library as a source of campus information and supports including this type of information in the library FAQs. This study adds to the body of assessment research within reference services, an area not well represented in the LIS literature. The methodology employed provides a model for assessment of online FAQs that can be adopted by other libraries.

An ST 2110 Network-Attached Display Adapter for Virtualizing Production

Graphics processing unit (GPU) installations in post-production and broadcast facilities require video to be sent remotely conforming to the SMPTE ST 2110 standards for plug-and-play device connectivity. Furthermore, in such facilities, workstations are now being virtualized and hosted in the data center with what would have previously been a physically attached serial digital video (SDI) reference display replaced by an Internet Protocol (IP) network connection. We present a SMPTE ST 2110 virtual network-attached reference display adapter using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware that presents the GPU and network interface card (NIC) as a display on the computer workstation desktop. Color-accurate rendered video frames are transmitted directly from GPU device memory. Alignment of the GPU display of the rendered frame and the synchronization of the audio, video, and ancillary data streams are maintained by precision time protocol (PTP). Advanced Media Workflow Association Networked Media Open Specifications (AMWA NMOS) integration permits the discovery and registration of the virtual network-attached reference display adapter as a source node on the media network such that it can be remotely managed and controlled by software greatly simplifying the administration compared with a physically connected display and associated cables. Content creation applications send ST 2110-compliant video, audio, and ancillary data flows on the media network from a virtualized computer workstation desktop without the cost of directly integrating ST 2110 transmission capabilities.

Effective Determinants of Consumer Buying Decision on OTC Medications: Digital Marketing, Brand Experience, and Reference Groups

The growing over-the-counter (OTC) medication sector within the pharmaceutical industry gains competitive advantages through digital marketing where the companies must reevaluate their infrastructure and their marketing techniques to get through this evaluation. This study aims to analyze the influence of developing pharmaceutical marketing on consumer purchase decision of OTC medication. An empirical online survey was conducted based on a self-administrated questionnaire to assess the impact of pharmaceutical digital marketing, reference groups, and brand experience toward consumer decision on OTC purchase. Primary data were collected using the questionnaire from 158 pharmacies’ consumers in North Cyprus (Famagusta, Nicosia, and Kyrenia), and SPSS software is used to analyze the data. Eventually, the findings indicated that consumers in North Cyprus are aware of the use of OTC medications for common ailments and that pharmaceutical companies, the government, and other health stakeholders have a responsibility to increase consumer knowledge and awareness about the safe and effective use of OTC medications, particularly through the digital channels.

Self-adaptive digital twin reference architecture to improve process quality

The aim of software-defined manufacturing is a more adaptable production through software. This requires highly adaptive, versatile cyber-physical production systems (CPPSs), which react flexibly to changes and perform crucial adjustments. Self-adaptive digital twins (DTs) enable adaptability through monitoring the behavior of a CPPS, identifying problems, and determining adjustments for the optimization of processes. DTs work with an idealized representation of the CPPS. Changes in system behavior that negatively impact the process execution, e.g., caused by tool wear or variations of environmental influences, and, thus, the quality of the resulting product, are ignored. This ignorance leads to defective products, sub-optimal product quality, and hazardous CPPS states. To mitigate this, we present an approach to incorporate quality awareness into a model-driven reference architecture of a self-adaptive DT. The devised concept automatically analyzes and optimizes system behavior. To this end, a component for quality evaluation extends the reference architecture. The DT and CPPS are connected via OPC UA. To validate the approach, a fiber laser machine is utilized. The DT can operate both on a physical and a virtual laser machine.

A digital twinning reference model to facilitate multi-stakeholder decision-making

In product development, stakeholders aim to make decisions based on the available information. This information is not always complete, coherent, unambiguous, or reliable. By contextualising the information content, stakeholders from various perspectives are supported in decision-making. Currently, the available information is often process-centred, which originates from legacy systems and interfaces. The information needs to become perspective dependent to be relevant for all stakeholders involved. Perspective dependent information usage allows for adequate filtering and selection. To ensure sufficient flexibility in the uncertain context of product development, the digital twinning approach can be instrumental. This digital twinning approach supports in facilitating contextualised and unambiguous information for multiple perspectives. To allow for a structured and transparent digital twinning approach a sound foundation is required, for which this paper introduces a reference model. It facilitates a function-oriented development of digital twinning solutions, ensuring the integration of multiple perspectives. A use case scenario is used to verify and validate the reference model.

Organizational variables as predictors of implementation of digital reference services in university libraries in North-East, Nigeria

This study was designed to determine the extent to which organizational factors predict implementation of digital reference services in federal university libraries in North-East, Nigeria. Eight research questions and four null hypotheses guided the study. The design of the study was correlational, and the area of the study was North-Eastern Nigeria. The population of the study was 201 comprising of the entire professional (102) and paraprofessional (99) staff of the federal university libraries in the North-East, Nigeria. The study used a structured questionnaire for the respondents, oral interview for the university librarians and observation checklist for data collection. The instruments were face validated by three specialists, and Cronbach’s alpha was used to obtain the reliability of the instrument which an overall score of 0.94, indicating that the instrument had internal consistency. The Hypotheses were tested using ANOVA at 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that leadership style, management of staff, fund management and infrastructural provision significantly predicted implementation of digital reference services in federal university libraries in North-East, Nigeria. It was recommended that library managers in the region should come up with policies to ensure that effective implementation of digital references services.

Using ChatGPT as a Digital/Smart Reference Robot: How May ChatGPT Impact Digital Reference Services?

Using ChatGPT as a Digital/Smart Reference Robot: How May ChatGPT Impact Digital Reference Services?