Software Modules Research Articles

Rehab-AMD: co-design of an application for visual rehabilitation and monitoring of Age-related Macular Degeneration

BackgroundThe increasing demand for remote medical care, driven by digital healthcare advancements and the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitates effective solutions tailored to patients and healthcare practitioners. Co-design, involving collaboration between software developers, patients, and healthcare practitioners, prioritizes end-user needs. Research indicates that integrating patient perspectives enhances user experience and usability. However, its application in healthcare has been limited to small projects. This work focuses on co-designing a technological solution to enhance the monitoring and visual rehabilitation of individuals with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a condition that significantly impacts the quality of life in people over 60. Current vision rehabilitation systems lack personalization, motivation, and effective progress monitoring. Involving patients and healthcare practitioners in the design process aims to ensure the final product meets their needs.MethodsThe project employs iterative and collaborative principles, involving a vision rehabilitation expert and two AMD patients as active users in the application’s development and validation. The process begins by establishing requirements for user accounts and rehabilitation exercises. It continues with an initial approach extended through user validation. Co-design is facilitated by specific workshops marking each project iteration, totaling four workshops, along with continuous communication sessions between experts and developers to validate design decisions. Initial requirements gathering and constant feedback from end-users, the visual rehabilitator, and patients are crucial for refining the product effectively.ResultsThe workshops produced a prototype featuring a test to monitor changes and progression and 15 visual rehabilitation exercises. Numerous patient and vision rehabilitation-driven software modifications led to a final design that is responsive and adaptive to end-user needs.ConclusionsThe Rehab-AMD pilot project aims to develop a collaborative and adaptive software solution for AMD rehabilitation by actively involving stakeholders and applying iterative design principles. Co-design in the Rehab-AMD solution proves to be a methodology that identifies usability issues and needs from the initial design stages. This approach ensures that software developers create a final product that is genuinely useful and manageable for people with AMD and the targeted vision rehabilitators.

QRCODE: Massively parallelized real-time time-dependent density functional theory for periodic systems

We present a new software module, QRCODE (Quantum Research for Calculating Optically Driven Excitations), for massively parallelized real-time time-dependent density functional theory (RT-TDDFT) calculations of periodic systems in the open-source Qbox software package. Our approach utilizes a custom implementation of a fast Fourier transformation scheme that significantly reduces inter-node message passing interface (MPI) communication of the major computational kernel and shows impressive scaling up to 16,344 CPU cores. In addition to improving computational performance, QRCODE contains a suite of various time propagators for accurate RT-TDDFT calculations. As benchmark applications of QRCODE, we calculate the current density and optical absorption spectra of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and photo-driven reaction dynamics of the ozone-oxygen reaction. We also calculate the second and higher harmonic generation of monolayer and multi-layer boron nitride structures as examples of large material systems. Our optimized implementation of RT-TDDFT in QRCODE enables large-scale calculations of real-time electron dynamics of chemical and material systems with enhanced computational performance and impressive scaling across several thousand CPU cores.

A framework for virtual learning in industrial engineering education: development of a reconfigurable virtual learning factory application

Advances in digital factory technologies are offering great potential to innovate higher education, by enabling innovative learning approaches based on virtual laboratories that increase the involvement of students while delivering realistic experiences. This article introduces a framework for the development of virtual learning applications by addressing multidisciplinary requirements. The implementation of the framework can be eased by the use of the proposed virtual learning factory application (VLFA), an open-source solution that takes advantage of virtual reality to support innovative higher-education learning activities in industrial engineering. A complete design and development workflow is described, starting from the identification of the requirements, to the design of software modules and underlying technologies, up to the final implementation. The framework and the VLFA have been tested to implement a serious game related to the design and analysis of manufacturing systems, also collecting the feedback of students and teachers.

Math for Everybody: A Sonification Module for Computer Algebra Systems Aimed at Visually Impaired People

Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) currently lack an effective auditory representation, with most existing solutions relying on screen readers that provide limited functionality. This limitation prevents blind users from fully understanding and interpreting mathematical expressions, leading to confusion and self-doubt. This paper addresses the challenges blind individuals face when comprehending mathematical expressions within a CAS environment. We propose “Math for Everybody” (Math4e, version 1.0), a software module to reduce barriers for blind users in education. Math4e is a Sonification Module for CAS that generates a series of auditory tones, prosodic cues, and variations in audio parameters such as volume and speed. These resources are designed to eliminate ambiguity and facilitate the interpretation and understanding of mathematical expressions for blind users. To assess the effectiveness of Math4e, we conducted standardized tests employing the methodologies outlined in the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK), International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTBQ), and ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119. The evaluation encompassed two scenarios: one involving simulated blind users and another with real blind users associated with the “Asociación de Invidentes Milton Vedado” foundation in Ecuador. Through the SAM methodology and verbal surveys (given the condition of the evaluated user), results are obtained, such as 90.56% for pleasure, 90.78% for arousal, and 91.56% for dominance, which demonstrates significant acceptance of the systems by the users. The outcomes underscored the users’ commendable ability to identify mathematical expressions accurately.

Whole-genome sequencing of Salmonella phage vB_SenS_ TUMS_E15 for bio-control in the food chain

The genome analysis of bacteriophages is crucial for their successful application in clinical and biocontrol settings. In this study, we isolated a new lytic phage, vB_SenS_TUMS-E15, from hospital sewage that was effective against Salmonella enteritidis, and analyzed its genomic features. The complete genome analysis revealed that E15 had circularly permuted double-stranded DNA of 43,048 base pairs (bp), with a G+C content of 49.7%. Sixty coding sequences (CDSs) were predicted in the genome, with 44 CDSs encoding known proteins in different modules, including packaging, structure, replication, metabolism, and lysis modules. No tRNA genes were found in the genome. Eight transcriptional promoter sequences and 37 rho-independent terminators were detected in the E15 genome. Phylogenetic analysis based on whole-genome sequences suggested that phage E15 should be classified as a member of the Jersyvirus genus in the subfamily Guernseyvirinae. Furthermore, no antibiotic-resistance genes, toxins, virulence factors, or lysogen-forming genes were observed in the genome. This suggests that E15 is a lytic phage, making it a promising candidate for clinical and biocontrol purposes.

Open-source hardware and software for the measurement, characterization, reporting, and correction of geometric distortion in MRI.

Geometric distortion is a serious problem in MRI, particularly in MRI guided therapy. A lack of affordable and adaptable tools in this area limits research progress and harmonized quality assurance. To develop and test a suite of open-source hardware and software tools for the measurement, characterization, reporting, and correction of geometric distortion in MRI. An open-source python library was developed, comprising modules for parametric phantom design, data processing, spherical harmonics, distortion correction, and interactive reporting. The code was used to design and manufacture a distortion phantom consisting of 618 oil filled markers covering a sphere of radius 150mm. This phantom was imaged on a CT scanner and a novel split-bore 1.0 T MRI magnet. The CT images provide distortion-free dataset. These data were used to test all modules of the open-source software. All markers were successfully extracted from all images. The distorted MRI markers were mapped to undistorted CT data using an iterative search approach. Spherical harmonics reconstructed the fitted gradient data to 1.0±0.6% of the input data. High resolution data were reconstructed via spherical harmonics and used to generate an interactive report. Finally, distortion correction on an independent data set reduced distortion inside the DSV from 5.5±3.1 to 1.6±0.8mm. Open-source hardware and software for the measurement, characterization, reporting, and correction of geometric distortion in MRI have been developed. The utility of these tools has been demonstrated via their application on a novel 1.0 T split bore magnet.

Software Update Methodologies for Feature-Based Product Lines: A Combined Design Approach

The automotive industry is experiencing a significant shift, transitioning from traditional hardware-centric systems to more advanced software-defined architectures. This change is enabling enhanced autonomy, connectivity, safety, and improved in-vehicle experiences. Service-oriented architecture is crucial for achieving software-defined vehicles and creating new business opportunities for original equipment manufacturers. A software update approach that is rich in variability and based on a Merkle tree approach is proposed for new vehicle architecture requirements. Given the complexity of software updates in vehicles, particularly when dealing with multiple distributed electronic control units, this software-centric approach can be optimized to handle various architectures and configurations, ensuring consistency across all platforms. In this paper, our software update approach is expanded to cover the solution space of the feature-based product line engineering, and we show how to combine our approach with product line engineering in creative and unique ways to form a software-defined vehicle modular architecture. Then, we offer insights into the design of the Merkle trees utilized in our approach, emphasizing the relationship among the software modules, with a focus on their impact on software update performance. This approach streamlines the software update process and ensures that the safety as well as the security of the vehicle are continuously maintained.

Directed self-assembly software for single cell deposition.

Laser direct-write (LDW) bioprinting methods offer a diverse set of tools to design experiments, fabricate tissue constructs and to cellular microenvironments all in a CAD/CAM manner. To date, we have just scratched the surface of the system’s potential and for LDW to be utilized to its fullest, there are many distinct hardware and software components that must be integrated and communicate seamlessly. In this perspective article, we detail the development of novel graphical user interface (GUI) software to improve LDW capability and functionality. The main modules in the control software correspond to cell transfer, microbead fabrication, and micromachining. The modules make the control of each of these features, and the management of printing programs that utilize one or more features, to be facile. The software also addresses problems related to construct scale-up, print speed, experimental conditions, and management of sensor data. The control software and possibilities for integrated sensor data are presented.

Intelligent non-invasive elderly fall monitoring by designing software defined radio frequency sensing system

The global increase in life expectancy poses challenges related to the safety and well-being of the elderly population, especially in relation to falls. While falls can lead to significant cognitive impairments, timely intervention can mitigate their adverse effects. In this context, the need for non-invasive, efficient monitoring systems becomes paramount. Although wearable sensors have gained traction for monitoring health activities, they may cause discomfort during prolonged use, especially for the elderly. To address this issue, we present an intelligent, non-invasive Software-Defined Radio Frequency (SDRF) sensing system, tailored red for monitoring elderly people's falls during routine activities. Harnessing the power of deep learning and machine learning, our system processes the Wireless Channel State Information (WCSI) generated during regular and fall activities. By employing sophisticated signal processing techniques, the system captures unique patterns that distinguish falls from normal activities. In addition, we use statistical features to streamline data processing, thereby optimizing the computational efficiency of the system. Our experiments, conducted for a typical home environment while using treadmill, demonstrate the robustness of the system. The results show high classification accuracies of 92.5%, 95.1%, and 99.8% for three Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms. Notably, the SDRF-based approach offers flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability through software modifications, circumventing the need for hardware overhaul. This research attempts to bridge the gap in RF-based sensing for elderly fall monitoring, providing a solution that combines the benefits of non-invasiveness with the precision of deep learning and machine learning.

Environmental aspects of digitalization of phytosanitary examination of agricultural crops

Abstract The article provided discusses the environmental aspects of digitalizing phytosanitary examination in plant cultivation. The authors highlight the negative environmental consequences resulting from the irrational use of natural resources and the increasing impact of powerful anthropogenic factors, such as the depletion of entomofauna composition, disruption of self-regulation mechanisms, and increased mass reproduction of phytophagous insects. Digitalization based on mathematical modeling is identified as a highly effective tool for phytosanitary monitoring. It involves a software module that allows dynamic changes in the number of research objects and the input of initial data about the studied objects and their parameters. The proposed method of comprehensive assessment enables a balanced consideration of parameters and criteria, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative evaluations. It facilitates the simultaneous maximization and minimization of various parameters, contributing to the mobilization of natural biota resources and the enhancement of biological diversity in agrolandscapes while considering the complexity of relationships within these landscapes. This approach is crucial for addressing the need to balance conflicting requirements or goals in the digitalization of phytosanitary expertise in agricultural crops.

Formal analysis of an AUTOSAR-based basic software module

The widespread use of advanced driver assistance systems in modern vehicles, together with their integration with the Internet and other road nodes, has made vehicle more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. To address these risks, the automotive industry is increasingly focusing on the development of security solutions: formal methods and software verification techniques, which have been successfully applied to a number of safety-critical systems, could be a promising approach in the automotive area. In this work, we concentrate on in-vehicle communications, provided by many Electronic Control Units (ECUs) that work together thanks to serial protocols such as Controller Area Network (CAN). However, increasing connectivity exposes the internal network to a variety of cyber-risks. Our aim is to formally verify the AUTOSAR-based Basic Software module called CINNAMON, designed to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and authentication at the same time for traffic exchanged over CAN protocol. More precisely, it adds confidentiality guarantees to the Secure Onboard Communication (SecOC) module. We formally analyze CINNAMON with the verification tool Tamarin. Our analysis shows that CINNAMON could be an effective security solution, as it can ensure the desired properties, in particular, confidentiality in a send-receive scenario between two ECUs. Finally, we describe a potential application scenario.

Fast Space Charge Measurement of Power Module Packaging Insulation Under Square Wave Voltage Based on High Repetition Frequency Pulsed Electroacoustic Method

Fast Space Charge Measurement of Power Module Packaging Insulation Under Square Wave Voltage Based on High Repetition Frequency Pulsed Electroacoustic Method

GRAVITY for MATISSE

Context. MATISSE, the mid-infrared spectro-imaging instrument of VLTI, was designed to deliver its designed performance when paired with an external second-generation fringe tracker. Science observations started in 2019, demonstrating imaging capabilities and faint science target observations. Now, the GRAVITY fringe tracker stabilises the MATISSE fringes, which allows the use of all spectroscopic modes and improves sensitivity and data accuracy. Aims. We present how the MATISSE and GRAVITY instruments were adapted to make the GRAVITY fringe tracker work with MATISSE, under the umbrella of the aptly named GRA4MAT project, led by ESO in collaboration with the two instrument consortia. Methods. We detail the software modifications needed to implement an acquisition and observing sequence specific to GRA4MAT, including simultaneous fringe tracking and chopping and a narrow off-axis capability inspired by the Galactic Centre and exoplanet capability of GRAVITY. We explain the modified data collection and reduction processes. We show how we leveraged the recent fringe tracker upgrade to implement features specific to its use with MATISSE, for example mitigation of fringe jumps with an improved group delay control, and simultaneous fringe tracking and chopping with a new state machine. Results. We successfully demonstrate significant improvements to the MATISSE instrument. Observations can now be performed at higher spectral resolutions of up to R ~ 3300 and across the full LM bands at once. Long detector integration times, made possible with stabilised fringes, have improved the LM-band sensitivity by a factor of 10. Low flux biases in coherently reduced N-band data have been eliminated. The L-band transfer function is now higher and more stable. We finally illustrate the scientific potential of GRA4MAT with a preview of the first exoplanet observation made by MATISSE on β Pictoris b.

Development of a Software Module for Studying Historical and Cultural Heritage Objects Using Non-Invasive Research Data

This work proposes the development of a software module for studying historical and cultural heritage objects using remote and non-invasive research data. The module aims to integrate modern technologies such as image processing, data analysis, and visualization to provide access to heritage information for researchers, conservators, and the general public. Utilizing non-invasive data, such as geophysical surveys, enables the collection of information about heritage objects without causing damage. The module facilitates the analysis and visualization of this data as well as the creation of interactive object models, thereby promoting further research, preservation, and popularization of cultural heritage. The module consists of three blocks: defining areas for ground-based research using interferograms; constructing a comprehensive 3D model based on ground and underground research data; and refining the boundaries of historical-cultural heritage objects and establishing protective zones. The program is developed in the object-oriented programming language VisualBasic with additional modules. This developed module could become a significant tool for studying and preserving historical and cultural objects in the modern world.

Optimizing beyond boundaries: empowering the salp swarm algorithm for global optimization and defective software module classification

Optimizing beyond boundaries: empowering the salp swarm algorithm for global optimization and defective software module classification

Analyzing the theoretical merits of Loxi load balancer for improving the efficiency of load balancing in 5G‐edge IoT applications based on Kubernetes

AbstractLoad balancing, a critical aspect of cloud and cloud‐based applications, is a major challenge that demands our attention. Due to the increasing dynamic workloads, load balancing becomes more important in the cloud. One of the hyperscale models that stands out for its ability to efficiently balance load by scaling the demands and allocating resources is the Loxi‐Load‐Balancer (LLB). This paper explores explicitly LLB's application in the context of 5G‐Edge IoT applications based on Kubernetes. LLB's unique features, such as its open‐source nature for cloud‐native loads, its use of eBPF as the core engine to avoid adding additional software modules to configure the kernel, and its ability to change its services using the existing layers, set it apart from other load balancers. These features provide high security, observability, and networking. This paper delves into how LLB is used for load balancing in Kubernetes to increase speed and provide flexibility and customizable services. LLB automates all the internal and external administrations concerning monitoring, deployment, scaling, migration, routing, configuration, and resource allocation. This paper focused on developing an efficient resource allocation management system by load balancing using Loxi‐Load‐Balancer‐extended Berkeley Packet Filter (LLB‐eBPF). Detailed information about the LLB‐eBPF‐Kubernetes is given in this paper to help you understand the basics of LLB, eBPF, and Kubernetes.

Influence of the as quenched state and tempering temperature on the final microstructure and hardness of a high strength medium carbon steel

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of the as-quenched microstructure and tempering temperature on the final microstructure and hardness of a medium-carbon, low-alloy steel using dilatometry, Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed substantial differences in the continuous heating stage of tempering in bainitic and martensitic samples, primarily attributed to the auto-tempering process during cooling. Tempering was carried out at 550 and 620 °C, and dilatometry results, along with microstructure analysis, indicated incomplete decomposition of retained austenite (RA) at both temperatures during a 30-min hold in the bainitic sample. The results show that non-decomposed RA, following the tempering of bainite, transformed into blocky fresh martensite, while no evidence of fresh martensite was observed in the martensitic sample. A new approach using EBSD and SEM images revealed that the decomposition of M/A (martensite/austenite constituent) zones in the bainitic sample resulted in the formation of a chain of aggregated chromium carbide zones at the grain boundaries. In contrast, the martensitic zone exhibited a uniform distribution of carbides in the microstructure. The stability of the phases was examined using the TCFE10 (thermodynamics) and MOBFE5 (mobility) modules of the DICTRA Themo-Calc software. Hardness measurements on all samples indicated decreases by about 18–24 % in the martensitic sample after tempering, while the bainitic sample exhibited a 5 % increase in hardness after tempering, attributed to secondary hardening and fresh martensite formation.

Methods for Implementing Tactile Sensations in Virtual Space by Integrating Physical Objects with Their Computer Models

The paper presents original methods and approaches for integrating, from the user's point of view, three-dimensional virtual models visible to them in a virtual reality headset, and their physical prototypes. This allows for the addition of some important elements of physical reality to the virtual environment, such as tactile and muscle-motor sensations. Developed solutions are based on the use of such wireless devices as HTC Vive Trackers, which determine their position and orientation in space, and can be placed on various objects of the real world. An original approach to making a tracking system by means of two HTC Base Stations and several Vive Trackers with selecting one anchor element is proposed, as well as new methods for real-time integration of physical reality objects with their virtual models by using functional control schemes with own blocks for trackers. Based on methods and approaches proposed in this work, software modules were implemented. Approbation of these modules in the VirSim virtual environment system, which was developed in Scientific Research Institute for System Analysis of the Russian Academy of Sciences, showed that the solutions developed are adequate and effective, and can have practical application in virtual environment systems and training complexes.

Predicting the thermal decomposition temperature of energetic materials from a simple model.

The key factor in designing heat-resistant energetic materials is their thermal sensitivity. Further research and prediction of thermal sensitivity remains a great challenge for us. This study is based on first-principles calculations and establishes a theoretical model, which comprehensively considers band gap, density of states, and Young's modulus to obtain a empirical parameter Ψ. A quantitative relationship was established between the new parameter and the thermal decomposition temperature. The value of Ψ is calculated for 10 energetic materials and is found to have a strong correlation with the experimental thermal decomposition temperature. This further proves the reliability of our model. Specifically, the larger the value of Ψ, the higher the thermal decomposition temperature, and the more stable the energetic material will be. Therefore, to some extent, we can use the new parameter Ψ calculated by the model to predict thermal sensitivity. Based on first-principles, this paper used the Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP) module of Materials Studio (MS) for calculations. The Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) functionals in Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) method as well as the Grimme dispersion correction was used in this paper.

Simulation Analysis of Non-concentric Squeeze Film Damper

Squeeze film dampers are components that provide additional damping for rotating motors. In general, in order to achieve the best results of the squeeze film damper, it is necessary to appropriately increase the damping value, reduce the stiffness and set a reasonable eccentricity. In the process of designing the squeeze film damper, we can apply the rotor dynamics module of COMSOL software to model and simulate it, so as to achieve better simulation results and lay a foundation for the subsequent development and design of the product. In COMSOL software, in order to simplify the modeling of rotor components, we usually model squeeze film dampers based on the damping coefficient. The model calculates the damping coefficient for a short squeeze film damper and compares the results with the analytically calculated values. In addition, the damping coefficient depends on the position of the journal in the damper, i.e., the magnitude of the eccentricity. In this paper, by analyzing the dimensionless damping coefficient, bearing stiffness, journal displacement, and fluid load at different eccentricity, and plotting the fluid pressure distribution and the average oil film flow rate of the squeeze film damper, we can find the most suitable range of eccentricity and the damage-prone part of the damper, which can provide an important reference for the actual design of the squeeze film damper.