Graphical Programming Research Articles

MAGI-Dock: a PyMOL companion to Autodock Vina.

Molecular docking simulation of small molecule drugs to macromolecules is valuable in structural biology and medicinal chemistry research. Its spread is supported by freely available software and databases. Like many resources in the free domain, docking software is command-line based, which comes to a limitation when defining the volume encompassing an active site, the so-called docking box. The box center and size, usually specified as cartesian coordinates, can be adjusted to correctly cover the active site only with a third-party molecular graphics program compatible with the docking input/output files, which reduces the choice to a few options. Moreover, the additional staff training may hamper the adoption of such software, e.g., in an enterprise environment. We exposed the functionality of Autodock and Autodock Vina into a graphical user interface extending upon that of PyMOL. Both the functionality of PyMOL and Autodock are merged, synergizing the capabilities of each program. To overcome such limitations, here we present MAGI-Dock. This graphical user interface combines the power of two of the most used free software for docking and graphics, Autodock Vina and PyMOL. MAGI-Dock is a free open-source software available under the GPL and can be downloaded from https://github.com/gjonwick/MAGI-Dock. The coupling of Autodock Vina with PyMOL through a graphical interface removes the molecular modeling limitations that come with Autodock. Therefore, MAGI-Dock could be conducive to lowering the learning curve for molecular docking simulation, with benefits for trainees in both academia and enterprise environments.

The impact of Game-Based Learning (GBL) strategy on cultivating learners' computational thinking

This paper focuses on the graphical programming field and what effects would be brought to computational thinking by the utilization of game-based learning strategies. Through rewiewing related and newly published literature it occurs that there has been a wide range of solid proofs for its efficiency. Additionally, researcher also widen paths not only from literature review but also from the perspective of affordances to discuss the advantages of GBL strategy. Computational thinking may be used in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) area since nowadays people with inter-disciplinary talent are greatly needed. And as technology develops in a fast pace, computational thinking is developing into an essential part of the age of artificial intelligence for us to use, recognize, and evaluate AI-based technologies.

An Architecture for a Tri-Programming Model-Based Parallel Hybrid Testing Tool

As the development of high-performance computing (HPC) is growing, exascale computing is on the horizon. Therefore, it is imperative to develop parallel systems, such as graphics processing units (GPUs) and programming models, that can effectively utilise the powerful processing resources of exascale computing. A tri-level programming model comprising message passing interface (MPI), compute unified device architecture (CUDA), and open multi-processing (OpenMP) models may significantly enhance the parallelism, performance, productivity, and programmability of the heterogeneous architecture. However, the use of multiple programming models often leads to unexpected errors and behaviours during run-time. It is also difficult to detect such errors in high-level parallel programming languages. Therefore, this present study proposes a parallel hybrid testing tool that employs both static and dynamic testing techniques to address this issue. The proposed tool was designed to identify the run-time errors of C++ and MPI + OpenMP + CUDA systems by analysing the source code during run-time, thereby optimising the testing process and ensuring comprehensive error detection. The proposed tool was able to identify and categorise the run-time errors of tri-level programming models. This highlights the need for a parallel testing tool that is specifically designed for tri-level MPI + OpenMP + CUDA programming models. As contemporary parallel testing tools cannot, at present, be used to test software applications produced using tri-level MPI + OpenMP + CUDA programming models, this present study proposes the architecture of a parallel testing tool to detect run-time errors in tri-level MPI + OpenMP + CUDA programming models.

Computer Graphics in Lighting Design: Course Work Results of Light and Engineering Students

3D graphics computer programs have long gone beyond interactive modelling and design tools. The programs allow real-time modelling of illumination in 3D scenes, which gives a unique opportunity to use them in education. Currently, the authors are trying to use computer graphics programs in teaching lighting design to students of engineering and humanities. The methodology developed by us has been evaluated in leading universities in Moscow. Based on the methodology, we managed to form a full-fledged course on teaching lighting design, which we conducted for students of Light and Engineering sub-department of the 3rd year at the NRU “MPEI”. This article gives a summary of the course, a description of the methodology, and presents the most striking works of students. Using examples of 3D modelling of illumination, the authors demonstrate how and because of which there are changes in engineering thinking towards creativity. Students move away from classical light and engineering and begin to take the first steps in the direction of lighting design. Conclusions are drawn about the expediency of introducing and further improving the methodology when studying the direction of lighting design in both engineering and humanities universities.

POINT: Pipeline for Offline Conversion and Integration of Geocodes and Neighborhood Data.

Geocoding, the process of converting addresses into precise geographic coordinates, allows researchers and health systems to obtain neighborhood-level estimates of social determinants of health. This information supports opportunities to personalize care and interventions for individual patients based on the environments where they live. We developed an integrated offline geocoding pipeline to streamline the process of obtaining address-based variables, which can be integrated into existing data processing pipelines. POINT is a web-based, containerized, application for geocoding addresses that can be deployed offline and made available to multiple users across an organization. Our application supports use through both a graphical user interface and application programming interface to query geographic variables, by census tract, without exposing sensitive patient data. We evaluated our application's performance using two datasets: one consisting of 1 million nationally representative addresses sampled from Open Addresses, and the other consisting of 3,096 previously geocoded patient addresses. A total of 99.4 and 99.8% of addresses in the Open Addresses and patient addresses datasets, respectively, were geocoded successfully. Census tract assignment was concordant with reference in greater than 90% of addresses for both datasets. Among successful geocodes, median (interquartile range) distances from reference coordinates were 52.5 (26.5-119.4) and 14.5 (10.9-24.6) m for the two datasets. POINT successfully geocodes more addresses and yields similar accuracy to existing solutions, including the U.S. Census Bureau's official geocoder. Addresses are considered protected health information and cannot be shared with common online geocoding services. POINT is an offline solution that enables scalability to multiple users and integrates downstream mapping to neighborhood-level variables with a pipeline that allows users to incorporate additional datasets as they become available. As health systems and researchers continue to explore and improve health equity, it is essential to quickly and accurately obtain neighborhood variables in a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant way.

The new U.S. graphic communication curriculum: an expanded taxonomy

Survey and analysis of changing curricula of existing Graphic Communication programs within various degree granting educational institutions within North America. While some programs have closed, others have shifted curricular focus to adapt to newer disciplines entering the traditional graphic communication space, most specifically in User-Interface (UI) and User-Experience design. This phenomenon has changed the direction of the Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications (ACCGC), an accreditation body in North America that reviews and provides accreditation to any participating programs in Graphic Communication. As such, the ACCGC has developed a Taxonomy of Disciplines that assist in determining criteria for accrediting newer and evolving Graphic Communication programs.

IMPROVING THE METHODS OF USING GRAPHIC PROGRAMS WHEN TEACHING DRAWING IN ENGINEERING GRAPHICS

This article describes the possibilities of teaching drawing in the subjects of engineering graphics using engineering computer graphics programs, making geometric figures using the AutoCAD program, volumetric modeling of objects, cutting, applying color schemes and showing dimensions.

Morphological Control of thin Dielectric Films Obtained by RF Magnetron Sputtering and Thermal Evaporation in Vacuum

Thin dielectric Al2O3 and SrO films obtained by thermal evaporation in vacuum, as well as Si3N4 and SiO2 films obtained by RF magnetron sputtering, were studied by atomic force microscopy. The metric and fractal parameters of dielectric layers are estimated using the Gwyddion graphical program for analyzing data from scanning probe microscopy. It has been established that the maximum values of the fractal dimension are characteristic of aluminum oxide films with a thickness of 0.5 μm, while the smallest root-mean-square roughness is characteristic of strontium oxide films. The prospects for using the analyzed dielectric films as insulating layer of sensitive elements of strain gauge pressure sensors with a conductive elastic element are demonstrated.

棉花精量播种机铺膜质量监测系统设计与试验

To realize real-time monitoring of film laying process of cotton precision planter and improve intelligent level of cotton precision planter, based on advanced morphological filtering method and graphical programming of Labview software, a film laying quality monitoring system of cotton precision planter is designed. Using the Vision Assistant visual assistant, the system uses a color extraction function to convert colors to grayscale images. It uses LOOKup Table function and FFT filter function to perform grayscale transformation, binarization and advanced morphological filtering on it respectively. It then uses basic morphology to acquire various components in the plastic film image. It realizes the monitoring of parameters such as the width of the daylighting surface, the side length or seam length of the mechanical damaged part, and the width of the film edge covering soil. The performance test results of the film laying quality monitoring system showed that the system worked stably and reliably, the average monitoring accuracy of the width of the lighting surface and the width of the film edge covering soil reached more than 95%, and the average monitoring accuracy of the side length or the length of the seam at the mechanical damage part reached more than 88%. It solved the problems of difficulty in recognizing the similarity between the plastic film and the background interferer (soil, etc.) and could accurately detect the quality of the cotton film in real time. It effectively improved the operation quality and working efficiency of the cotton precision planter and met the practical requirements of film laying monitoring.

Evaluation of Lighting Quality Based On Visibility

This article discusses the issues of modelling the human centric lighting environment using computer graphics methods. Modern computer graphics programs allow for the calculation of spatial-angular distribution of luminance, a fundamental characteristic that shapes the visual perception of a scene. Richard Kelly, the founder of lighting design, states in his works that the main aspect of the comfortable visual luminous environment creating is the distribution of luminance in space. Analysing the spatial-angular distribution of luminance allows for a new stage in the evolution of assessing the quality of lighting in a simulated or real environment. By solving the task of forming a set of photometric parameters for human centric lighting (HCL) within this research, the possibility of designing a lighting installation for a specified lighting quality using computer graphics methods is demonstrated. The term human centric lighting refers to lighting that considers both the visual and non-visual effects of light on humans, starting from the visual representation of the environment and visual comfort, and extending to the impact on sleep quality, wakefulness, mood, and human behaviour. This article presents a lighting quality criterion based on spatial-angular distribution of luminance and a developed psychophysical scale, which together allow for the assessment of lighting quality using computer graphics methods.

Recycled Waste Materials in Landscape Design for Sustainable Development (Al-Ahsa as a Model)

When we think about sustainability, the most common understanding relates to the environment, economy, and social issues. Environmental art is increasingly becoming a medium to address environmental challenges that offer many opportunities when included in the work of sustainable development. The research methodology explores the relevance of art and design projects using recycled or waste materials in landscape park architecture for sustainability, helping to preserve natural resources and protect the environment. Additionally, designing a landscape park in Al-Ahsa Governorate using recycled waste materials will educate society about sustainability via artistic creativity. The applied side, designing a group of artworks, was completed using computer graphic programs and AI systems to improve the visual landscape’s architectural aesthetics through sculpture parks, public sets, etc. The result provides evidence that parks in Al-Ahsa lack artwork, color, and the application of recycled materials in landscape facilities which make a negative contribution to the quality of life of society. Using recycled and waste materials in artwork will contribute to a healthy ecological system and preserve natural resources. Urban landscape designers should consider the addition of parks, land formation, growing plants, artwork, and cheerfully colored furniture with other landscape architecture facilities, which will improve people’s moods and the appearance of cities.

Program Analysis and Machine Learning–based Approach to Predict Power Consumption of CUDA Kernel

The General Purpose Graphics Processing Unit has secured a prominent position in the High-Performance Computing world due to its performance gain and programmability. Understanding the relationship between Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) power consumption and program features can aid developers in building energy-efficient sustainable applications. In this work, we propose a static analysis-based power model built using machine learning techniques. We have investigated six machine learning models across three NVIDIA GPU architectures: Kepler, Maxwell, and Volta with Random Forest, Extra Trees, Gradient Boosting, CatBoost, and XGBoost reporting favorable results. We observed that the XGBoost technique-based prediction model is the most efficient technique with an R 2 value of 0.9646 on Volta Architecture. The dataset used for these techniques includes kernels from different benchmarks suits, sizes, nature (e.g., compute-bound, memory-bound), and complexity (e.g., control divergence, memory access patterns). Experimental results suggest that the proposed solution can help developers precisely predict GPU applications power consumption using program analysis across GPU architectures. Developers can use this approach to refactor their code to build energy-efficient GPU applications.

Researching on the Implementation of Graphic Programming

Researching on the Implementation of Graphic Programming

Visual Low-Code Language for Orchestrating Large-Scale Distributed Computing

Distributed, large-scale computing is typically performed using textual general-purpose programming languages. This requires significant programming skills associated with the parallelisation and distribution of computations. In this paper, we present a visual (graphical) programming language called the Computation Application Language (CAL) to raise abstraction in distributed computing. CAL programs define computation workflows by visualising data flowing between computation units. The goal is to reduce the amount of traditional code needed and thus facilitate development even by non-professional programmers. The language follows the low-code paradigm, i.e. its implementation (the editor and the runtime system) is available online. We formalise the language by defining its syntax using a metamodel and specifying its semantics using a two-step approach. We define a translation of CAL into an intermediate language which is then defined using an operational approach. This formalisation was used to develop a programming and execution environment. The environment orchestrates computations by interpreting the intermediate language and managing the instantiation of computation modules using data tokens. We also present an explanatory case-study example that shows a practical application of the language.

Experimental Investigation for a Small Helicopter in Hovering and Forward Flight Regimes

In this effort, experiments are conducted for a small-scale remotely controlled (RC) helicopter in both hovering and forward flight modes. An open wind tunnel type is used as a source of forward airflow for the helicopter model with flow speed (v∞) ranges from 3 to 12 m/s. A test rig was designed and manufactured to provide safe and reliable averaged thrust measurement in hovering and forward flight regimes. The helicopter is controlled via an adhoc-designed graphical user interface program using a microcontroller along with sensors to measure the blade collective pitch (θ0), rotational speed (Ω), and shaft angle of attack (αs). The averaged thrust for the helicopter is measured and compared with blade element theory and an unsteady model based on strip theory. Measurements are conducted for six rotational speeds and five collective pitch angles in hovering mode. Additionally, forward flight measurements were conducted for five rotational speeds, five collective pitch angles, two forward airflow speeds, and two shaft angles of attack. Uncertainty analysis is performed to certify a statement of the obtained results by combining both bias uncertainty from measuring instrument specifications and precision uncertainty through experimental repeatability. Results can be used for preliminary sizing of rotors for such small helicopters in both flight modes.

Can Artificial Intelligence Reconstruct Ancient Mosaics?

ABSTRACT A large number of ancient mosaics are no longer available to us because they have been destroyed by erosion, earthquakes, looting, or even used as materials in newer construction. To make things worse, among the small fraction of mosaics that have been recovered, many are damaged or incomplete. Therefore, it is of interest to explore how the mosaics may have appeared originally by using virtual reconstruction. This has traditionally been done manually and more recently using computer graphics programs but always by humans. In the last few years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made impressive progress in the generation of images from text descriptions and reference images. State-of-the-art AI tools such as DALL-E2 can generate high-quality images from text prompts and can take a reference image to guide the process. In August 2022, DALL-E2 launched a new feature called outpainting that takes as input an incomplete image and a text prompt and then generates a complete image filling in the missing parts. In this paper, we explore whether this innovative technology can be used to perform virtual reconstruction of mosaics with missing parts. Hence, a set of ancient mosaics have been selected and DALL-E2 has been used to create virtual reconstructions; the results are promising, showing that AI is able to interpret the key features of the mosaics and is able to produce virtual reconstructions that capture the essence of the scene. However, in some cases AI does not reproduce some details or geometric forms or introduces elements that are not consistent with the rest of the mosaic. This suggests that when AI image generation technology matures in the next few years, it could be a valuable tool to create virtual reconstructions of mosaics in the future.

Students' Readiness for the Study of Multimedia: The Case of UEW's Department of Graphic Design

The purpose of this study, which is based on a mixed-method design and descriptive analysis, is to examine the readiness of twenty-five students in multimedia, which is a key pathway in the study of Graphic Design at the University of Education in Winneba's Department of Graphic Design. The research will be conducted at the University of Education in Winneba's Department of Graphic Design. Students do not have access to the fundamental instruction or the resources that are necessary to complete their schoolwork or projects. As a result, the goal of this study was to investigate the effects of students' unprepared attitudes toward their inability to obtain tools for their studies in Multimedia as part of the Bachelor of Art in Graphic Design Programme at the University of Education, Winneba. This programme is offered at the University of Education, Winneba. To investigate how the current circumstances impact the teaching and learning of Multimedia as a primary area of study within the department, the researchers concentrated their efforts on two unique level groups. To collect data for this study through unstructured interviews and observations, a total of twenty-five students and five senior members of the organization were purposefully recruited. An analysis utilizing descriptive and narrative methods was performed on the primary data that was obtained. Students at the Department of Graphic Design who were majoring in Multimedia were unable to purchase the essential instruments, which meant that they were unable to properly acquire the knowledge and abilities necessary for their field of study. It was discovered that the percentage of pupils who lacked access to resources that may help them with their academics rose with each successive year group. This was the case for both public and private schools. The researchers have proposed, as a potential solution that the Department of Graphic Design at the University of Education, Winneba, in collaboration with a private business, sell high-end tools on credit, with a payment plan to be spread out throughout their studies through the use of a signed contract. This would be done to make the purchase more affordable for the students.

Research hotspots and trends in internal fixation of femoral neck fractures from 2010 to 2022: A 12-year bibliometric analysis.

This study endeavors to scrutinize the hotspots and trends in the literature concerning the internal fixation of femoral neck fractures (INFNF) through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. Notably, this analytical process encompasses both qualitative and quantitative components. The present study has utilized the Science Citation Index-Expanded from the Web of Science Core Collection to extract datasets ranging from January 1, 2010, to August 31, 2022. Quantitative analysis was carried out using sophisticated analytical tools such as the Bibliographic Item Co-Occurrence Matrix Builder, the Online Analysis Platform of Literature Metrology, and CiteSpace software. Further, the major Medical Subject Headings terms and their subheading counterparts associated with INFNF were extracted from the PubMed2XL website using the corresponding PMIDs. These Medical Subject Headings terms were employed in conducting a co-word clustering analysis. Ultimately, the Graphical CLUstering TOolkit program was utilized to execute a co-word biclustering analysis to discern the prevailing hotspots in this domain. Between January 1, 2010, and August 31, 2022, a total of 463 publications were issued on INFNF. The INJURY-INTERNAL JOURNAL OF THE CARE OF THE INJURED stood out as the most extensively perused journal in this area. Notably, China emerged as the foremost contributor to publishing articles within the last 12 years, followed by the United States and Canada. McMaster University was identified as the leading institution in INFNF research, while Bhandari M emerged as the most prolific author in this field. Moreover, the study identified five notable research hotspots within the domain of INFNF. This study has identified five critical areas of research in the field of INFNF. It suggests that the primary focus of future research is likely to center on advancing internal fixation methods and robot-assisted instrumentation for femoral neck fractures. As such, this study provides valuable insights into future research directions and ideas for those working in this field.

Program Reconditioning: Avoiding Undefined Behaviour When Finding and Reducing Compiler Bugs

We introduce program reconditioning, a method for allowing program generation and differential testing to be used to find miscompilation bugs, and test-case reduction to be used to simplify bug-triggering programs, even when (a) the programming language of interest features undefined behaviour (UB) and (b) no tools exist to detect and avoid this UB. We present two program generation tools based on our reconditioning idea: GLSLsmith for the OpenGL Shading Language (GLSL), a widely-used language for graphics programming, and WGSLsmith for the WebGPU Shading Language (WGSL), a new language for web-based graphics rendering. GLSL features many UBs, but unlike for languages such as C and C++ no tools exist to detect them automatically. While the WGSL language specification features very limited UB, early WGSL implementations do exhibit UB, for reasons of initial implementation simplicity, making it challenging to test them to quickly detect and eliminate unrelated miscompilation bugs. Thanks to reconditioning, we show that GLSLsmith and WGSLsmith allow differential testing and test-case reduction to be applied to compilers for GLSL and WGSL for the first time, despite the unavailability of UB detection techniques for these languages. Through a large testing campaign, we have found 24 and 33 bugs in GLSL and WGSL compilers, respectively. We present experiments showing that when reconditioning is disabled, compiler testing leads to a high rate of test programs that appear to trigger miscompilation bugs, but actually just feature UB. We also present a novel approach to managing floating-point roundoff error using reconditioning, implemented for both GLSL and WGSL.

EXAMPLES OF INNOVATIVE METHODS OF TEACHING COMPUTER GRAPHICS SUBJECTS (RESULTS AND DISCUSSION)

This article presents examples, results, and discussion of innovative methods for teaching computer graphics topics. The article examines teaching methods in the field of computer graphics and offers reflections on their innovative approaches. The article begins with the importance of virtual developments in the teaching of computer graphics subjects. Virtual technologies, such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), allow providing interactive and immersive ways to study computer graphics. Examples show results and discussions of VR in teaching for different fields. In the next part, the article reviews the available techniques of interactive teaching. For example, in interactive graphic design classes, students participate in the creation process of computer graphics programs and work with them to solve basic problems in programming and creation. This method helps you get results according to the schedule and guided counseling during the student creation process. In the next part of the article, innovative aspects of collaborative learning are presented. Examples show how to develop computer graphics projects collaboratively and ensure better learning outcomes through pooled resources. In doing so, students can use them to manage their work, enjoy it, and evaluate their work. In the last part of the article, attention is paid to the presentation of innovative methods of distance education in the field of computer graphics. Distance learning enables students to learn through video conferencing, webinars, and online platforms. This method is a modern way of learning computer graphics and allows students to learn with a constant volunteer.