Systems Development Research Articles

Automatic cybersickness detection by deep learning of augmented physiological data from off-the-shelf consumer-grade sensors

Cybersickness is still a prominent risk factor potentially affecting the usability of virtual reality applications. Automated real-time detection of cybersickness promises to support a better general understanding of the phenomena and to avoid and counteract its occurrence. It could be used to facilitate application optimization, that is, to systematically link potential causes (technical development and conceptual design decisions) to cybersickness in closed-loop user-centered development cycles. In addition, it could be used to monitor, warn, and hence safeguard users against any onset of cybersickness during a virtual reality exposure, especially in healthcare applications. This article presents a novel real-time-capable cybersickness detection method by deep learning of augmented physiological data. In contrast to related preliminary work, we are exploring a unique combination of mid-immersion ground truth elicitation, an unobtrusive wireless setup, and moderate training performance requirements. We developed a proof-of-concept prototype to compare (combinations of) convolutional neural networks, long short-term memory, and support vector machines with respect to detection performance. We demonstrate that the use of a conditional generative adversarial network-based data augmentation technique increases detection performance significantly and showcase the feasibility of real-time cybersickness detection in a genuine application example. Finally, a comprehensive performance analysis demonstrates that a four-layered bidirectional long short-term memory network with the developed data augmentation delivers superior performance (91.1% F1-score) for real-time cybersickness detection. To encourage replicability and reuse in future cybersickness studies, we released the code and the dataset as publicly available.

Flexible and reconfigurable integrated optical filter based on tunable optical coupler cascaded with coupled resonator optical waveguide

Reconfigurable optical filter can satisfy diverse filtering requirements in different application scenarios and shorten development cycle. However, it is still challenging to achieve multi-functional filtering richness with high performance. Here, based on a tunable optical coupler cascaded with a coupled resonator optical waveguide (CROW), a highly flexible and reconfigurable integrated optical filter is proposed and demonstrated on the low-loss silicon nitride platform. Both single injection and double injection configurations can be deployed to obtain rich spectral responses. For the single injection configuration, flat-top bandpass filter was experimentally achieved, whose shape factor could be as low as 1.648 and extinction ratio (ER) can be 37.5 dB with a bandwidth tuning range from 2.12 to 4.01 GHz. For the double injection configuration, Lorentz, triangular, sinusoidal, square, tangent-like, and interleaver spectral responses have been reconfigured by controlling seven phase shifters. Moreover, both single and double free spectral ranges (FSR) can be obtained for a fixed ring perimeter in the double injection configuration. The measured ER for the notch filter of Lorentz responses with double FSR is 36.8 dB. We believe that the proposed device has great potential for reconfigurable photonic filtering and microwave photonic signal processing.

Post-COVID-19 Software Development Life Cycle Method Analysis: A Literature Review

The evolution of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methods post-COVID-19 has been critical in navigating the changing landscape of software development practices. This study conducted a comprehensive literature review to explain the adaptation and innovation of SDLC methods after the pandemic. It explores the importance of SDLC in information systems development and its role in promoting transparency, quality, and risk management. Leveraging a systematic literature review methodology, this study analyzes a series of studies published from 2021 to 2024, with a focus on SDLC models commonly used post-COVID-19. Despite potential bias in the selection of literature and limitations in time coverage, this study provides valuable insights into the most widely used uses of agile and scrum methodologies in various sectors, including business, education, government, finance, health, employment, and the food industry. This study underscores the importance of understanding the post-pandemic SDLC method landscape and its implications for software development practices. These findings are important for practitioners and researchers looking to navigate the dynamic environment of software development following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trading cooperation of Vietnam with Russia under the current global turbulence

The relevance of the study is determined by the significance, as well as the potential for further development of economic relations between Russia and Vietnam in the context of the current global situation. The purpose of the study is to identify opportunities to intensify trade interaction between the two countries with the additional opportunities analysis to increase exports and imports. Statistical information on the existing trade interaction between Russia and Vietnam has been given, the potential for the tourism activities and educational services development considered. In addition, the article describes the possibilities of increasing the economic potential of the two countries in terms of infrastructure development, including opportunities for the investment joint projects development. Special attention has been paid to the logistics systems development, which can increase the trade cooperation efficiency between Russia and Vietnam, considering the new transportation corridors development within the framework of the Northern Sea Route and Russia’s participation in China’s One Belt, One Road project. The key problems slowing down the possibilities of more active interaction between the two countries have been identified, and possible ways to solve them found. The practical significance consists in the obtained results application in the field of business organization within the two economies, as well as for the analysis and better understanding of economic relations between Russia and Vietnam.

"Four New and Three High" Mathematical Modeling Course Construction

After years of inheritance, innovation and integration, the mathematical modeling curriculum has been reformed from the aspects of education concept, training goal, teaching system, teaching material system, course content, teaching method and learning mode. Teaching "four new" design is to organically integrate the ideological and political elements with professional characteristics into the course teaching, innovate the course content, teaching methods and evaluation methods, enhance the students' independent learning ability, and realize the integration of teaching and ideological and political education. The transformation of "three high" innovation resources into teaching: high-level design, high-quality requirements, high-level implementation, relying on high-level scientific research and innovation resources, timely transformation into teaching resources through classroom teaching, extracurricular science and innovation, school-enterprise exchanges and other ways, and focusing on cultivating students' practical ability and innovation ability.

Towards engineering higher quality intelligent environments: a multi case study approach

This study addresses the need to enhance the quality of Intelligent Environments, recognizing their unique characteristics and the absence of adequate guidance on quality management during development. It pursues three primary objectives: proposing a novel quality-in-use model, presenting an enhanced version of the User-Centered Intelligent Environment Development Process, and reporting on the application of these approaches through a multiple case study. To embed quality into systems, we advocate for the integration of quality characteristics from ISO/IEC 25000 standards with functional requirements. Stakeholders collaboratively define targets using measures from quality standards, and metrics enable early problem detection and resolution during development. The proposed quality-in-use model provides an insightful and objective perspective on system capabilities, guiding development and ensuring stakeholder involvement. However, challenges such as shortening development cycles for early and regular stakeholder feedback and managing an increased number of system tests were noted. Our study makes a significant contribution to the field of Intelligent Environments by providing a structured approach to embedding and managing quality throughout the development lifecycle. The multiple case study offers empirical evidence of the effectiveness of the proposed approaches, with ongoing considerations for challenges in the development process.

A systematic review of social support interventions for youth in foster care

BackgroundExperiencing foster care is associated with a range of negative outcomes in adulthood and identifying protective factors that can be leveraged by intervention efforts is crucial. Social support is one such factor that may have a positive benefit for this population. As such, this review aims to examine the breadth and quality of intervention studies which may be used to enhance social support for youth in foster care, as well as the types of support networks (e.g., family members) directly leveraged within interventions to promote social support. MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted across five databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane database, Scopus, and Web of Science). Included studies were written in English, present an original peer reviewed study on an intervention which may be used to enhance social support for youth in foster care, feature an experimental design, take place in the United States, include an examination of youth-specific social support, and include study participants school-aged and older. The quality of studies was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines. ResultsTen articles were included in the present review. The interventions discussed in the review included family finding and engagement efforts, skills training and mentoring programs, and a peer support group. Interventions varied in networks leveraged to promote social support; five involved family members and non-related adults, two used family members only, two included non-related adults only, and one involved peers. Studies also varied considerably in methodology used to assess social support. Six articles, representing four interventions, found evidence for interventions to positively impact youth social support. ConclusionsEvidence from the present review suggest that few experimental studies have been conducted on interventions to promote social support, and the included studies indicate that interventions vary considerably in program components, networks involved, and methodology used to assess social support. Though the literature is too limited to draw overarching conclusions and suggest promising models for future interventions, the findings highlight important gaps in the existing literature and provide useful guidance for future work. Future research should give careful attention to the networks utilized and methodology used to assess social support.

A novel strong duality-based reformulation for trilevel infrastructure models in energy systems development

We explore the class of trilevel equilibrium problems with a focus on energy-environmental applications and present a novel single-level reformulation for such problems, based on strong duality. To the best of our knowledge, only one alternative single-level reformulation for trilevel problems exists. This reformulation uses a representation of the bottom-level solution set, whereas we propose a reformulation based on strong duality. Our novel reformulation is compared to this existing formulation, discussing both model sizes and computational performance. In particular, we apply this trilevel framework to a power market model, exploring the possibilities of an international policymaker in reducing emissions of the system. Using the proposed approach, we are able to obtain globally optimal solutions for a five-node case study representing the Nordic countries and assess the impact of a carbon tax on the electricity production portfolio.

Pengamatan Testing Sistem Informasi Pada Website DemoBlaze

This project aims to test a dummy e-commerce website to ensure it meets the requirements and functions properly as expected. The testing is conducted using the Python programming language with IntelliJ IDEA as the Integrated Development Environment, and utilizing a tool called Selenium to test the website with Chrome WebDriver as the connector to execute commands on the Google Chrome browser. The testing process includes simulating various user activities such as registration, login, adding items to the cart on the website, and online payment transactions. Each testing step is designed to identify and fix potential issues, ensuring that all main website functions run smoothly and meet user expectations. Furthermore, this testing aims to evaluate students' ability to write effective testing scripts. By conducting this testing, students are expected to gain valuable practical experience in software testing and enhance their understanding of the importance of testing in the software development cycle. The results of this testing are expected to enhance students' understanding of the importance of testing in the software development cycle and ensure that the e-commerce site can provide an optimal user experience. Overall, this project emphasizes the importance of comprehensive and structured testing to seek high-quality software.

Unlocking Interactive Learning: Building a Robust Quiz Portal with MERN Stack Technology"

Online learning has become increasingly popular in the digital era, necessitating innovative platforms to effectively engage students. This research outlines the development and implementation of an interactive quiz portal utilizing the MERN (MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js) stack to enhance learning outcomes. The portal features a user-friendly interface for easy navigation and access to a diverse range of quizzes on various subjects. To ensure scalability, performance, and real-time interactions, Node.js handles backend operations, React.js manages dynamic interfaces, Express.js is used for server-side development, and MongoDB stores data. The portal includes instant feedback mechanisms, gamification elements, and personalized user profiles to enhance user motivation and involvement. Furthermore, adaptive algorithms are employed to adjust quiz content based on user proficiency levels. This paper presents the design, development, and implementation of an online test platform using the MERN (MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js) stack. The portal functions as an all-inclusive platform for administering tests, assessments, and learning evaluations in an online setting. The portal provides smooth integration of frontend and backend activities, guaranteeing strong performance and user interaction, by utilizing the adaptability and scalability of the MERN stack. The portal enables quick development and deployment cycles with the help of MongoDB's document-based data storage, Express.js's effective middleware and routing, React.js's dynamic UI components, and Node.js's event-driven architecture. To improve user experience and learning results, features including interactive feedback mechanisms, real-time performance monitoring, quiz design and administration, and user authentication are easily integrated.

In vivo efficacy of phage cocktails against carbapenem resistance Acinetobacter baumannii in the rat pneumonia model.

Acinetobacter baumannii, an opportunistic pathogen, poses a significant threat in intensive care units, leading to severe nosocomial infections. The rise of multi-drug-resistant strains, particularly carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii, has created formidable challenges for effective treatment. Given the prolonged development cycle and high costs associated with antibiotics, phages have garnered clinical attention as an alternative for combating infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. However, the utilization of phage therapy encounters notable challenges, including the narrow host spectrum, where each phage targets a limited subset of bacteria, increasing the risk of phage resistance development. Additionally, uncertainties in immune system dynamics during treatment hinder tailoring symptomatic interventions based on patient-specific states. In this study, we isolated two A. baumannii phages from wastewater and conducted a comprehensive assessment of their potential applications. This evaluation included sequencing analysis, genome classification, pH and temperature stability assessments, and in vitro bacterial inhibition assays. Further investigations involved analyzing histological and cytokine alterations in rats undergoing phage cocktail treatment for pneumonia. The therapeutic efficacy of the phages was validated, and transcriptomic studies of rat lung tissue during phage treatment revealed crucial changes in the immune system. The findings from our study underscore the potential of phages for future development as a treatment strategy and offer compelling evidence regarding immune system dynamics throughout the treatment process.IMPORTANCEDue to the growing problem of multi-drug-resistant bacteria, the use of phages is being considered as an alternative to antibiotics, and the genetic safety and application stability of phages determine the potential of phage application. The absence of drug resistance genes and virulence genes in the phage genome can ensure the safety of phage application, and the fact that phage can remain active in a wide range of temperatures and pH is also necessary for application. In addition, the effect evaluation of preclinical studies is especially important for clinical application. By simulating the immune response situation during the treatment process through mammalian models, the changes in animal immunity can be observed, and the effect of phage therapy can be further evaluated. Our study provides compelling evidence that phages hold promise for further development as therapeutic agents for Acinetobacter baumannii infections.

Технология сквозной разработки мобильных приложений для людей с ограниченными интеллектуальными возможностями

The features of developing mobile applications for users with intellectual disabilities are examined. A technology for developing mobile applications is proposed, utilizing a template multi-module architecture that allows for the selection of ready-made functional solutions from a module repository. A method for developing an adaptable mobile applica-tion interface is described, including the creation of screen templates with interface elements, categorizing template elements into mandatory and optional, and matching each element with sets of possible images. A web system is out-lined that supports the stages of creating and operating mobile applications with an adaptable interface. Examples of developed mobile applications demonstrate their effectiveness for users with intellectual disabilities. A method is pro-posed for adapting the mobile application interface using a configuration panel, which supports the life cycle of mobile applications for this user category. An ontology was selected as a formal model for representing knowledge, enabling the extraction of knowledge for developing mobile applications with an adaptable interface and applying it to create applications accessible to people with intellectual disabilities.

Should Monetary Policy in South Africa Lean against the Wind by Targeting the Financial Cycle?

Recently, several studies have argued about the interactions of the real economy and financial system, as well as the importance of financial cycles in business cycle fluctuations. To date, there exists near consensus among central bankers, economists, and other scholars that the financial cycle is an important source of business cycle fluctuations. This has raised the question of whether monetary policy should respond to financial instability and/or imbalances. As a result, we asked the following questions: Should monetary policy lean against the wind by targeting the aggregate financial cycle in South Africa? And what is the role of monetary policy in minimizing financial imbalances and instabilities in South Africa? The present article aims to provide answers to the above-mentioned question. Through the adoption of a multiple-equation generalized method of moments and structural vector autoregressive approaches, this article simultaneously estimates and compares both the finance-augmented and the conventional Taylor rules. It is shown that the South African Reserve Bank has considered developments in the aggregate financial cycle in setting its policy rate. Overall, there is clear evidence to conclude that the South African Reserve Bank can lean against the wind by targeting the aggregate financial cycle, but only as a genuine augmentation not as a fully flagged objective. This article adds new evidence to the South African literature on the prevailing debate of whether monetary policy should respond to developments in the financial system.

Структурные особенности коренных сосняков северной и средней тайги при пирогенных воздействиях

The study of indigenous pine forests of evolutionary formation as endangered virgin forests is the basic for fundamental research into the processes of formation of sustainable forest communities. The aim of the study presented in the article is a comparative assessment of the structures of tree fractions of phytocenoses according to the parameters of the age series of stands and the successional position, dynamic indicators of woody waste, the influence of the pyrogenic factor, and the presence of rot damage to the stands. Age structures, numerical and linear parameters of pyrogenic factors, their impact on the infestation of trees with rot, volumetric indicators of wood waste and characteristics of natural regeneration, the mass of wood xylolysis products during its decomposition by wood-destroying fungi have been studied in pine biogeocenoses with various dynamic characteristics in the taiga zone of European Russia. Pine biogeocenoses under these conditions have structures of different ages, altered by fires of different types. Using the example of an indigenous pine forest in the Pechora-Ilychskiy Nature Reserve (middle taiga), the influence of pyrogenic effects on the formation of various types of rot and damage to trunks is shown. The volumes of woody waste are distributed according to the stages of decomposition in pine forests with different structural and dynamic characteristics; pine undergrowth – according to height gradations. An example is given of calculating the mass of wood components deposited in the stands and released during the decomposition of woody waste by wood-destroying fungi for the biogeocenosis of the Pechora-Ilychskiy Nature Reserve. The majority of indigenous pine forests in the northern territories have been affected by fires of varying intensity and types, sometimes several times during a development cycle. Pyrogenic effects have a significant on changes in the age structures of pine forests, damage to their trunks, the general infestation of forest stands by wood-destroying fungi of the biotrophic complex, the volumes of woody waste, and the formation of natural regeneration structures.

Differential transcriptome study on the damage of testicular tissues caused by chronic infection of T. gondii in mice

BackgroundToxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite that is widely distributed in humans and warm-blooded animals. T. gondii chronic infections can cause toxoplasmic encephalopathy, adverse pregnancy, and male reproductive disorders. In male reproduction, the main function of the testis is to provide a stable place for spermatogenesis and immunological protection. The disorders affecting testis tissue encompass abnormalities in the germ cell cycle, spermatogenic retardation, or complete cessation of sperm development. However, the mechanisms of interaction between T. gondii and the reproductive system is unclear. The aims were to study the expression levels of genes related to spermatogenesis, following T. gondii infection, in mouse testicular tissue.MethodsRNA-seq sequencing was carried out on mouse testicular tissues from mice infected or uninfected with the T. gondii type II Prugniaud (PRU) strain and validated in combination with real-time quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence assays.ResultsThe results showed that there were 250 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (P < 0.05, |log2fold change| ≧ 1). Bioinformatics analysis showed that 101 DEGs were annotated to the 1696 gene ontology (GO) term. While there was a higher number of DEGs in the biological process classification as a whole, the GO enrichment revealed a significant presence of DEGs in the cellular component classification. The Arhgap18 and Syne1 genes undergo regulatory changes following T. gondii infection, and both were involved in shaping the cytoskeleton of the blood–testis barrier (BTB). The number of DEGs enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway, the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, and the JNK signaling pathway were significant. The PTGDS gene is located in the Arachidonic acid metabolism pathway, which plays an important role in the formation and maintenance of BTB in the testis. The expression of PTGDS is downregulated subsequent to T. gondii infection, potentially exerting deleterious effects on the integrity of the BTB and the spermatogenic microenvironment within the testes.ConclusionsOverall, our research provides in-depth insights into how chronic T. gondii infection might affect testicular tissue and potentially impact male fertility. These findings offer a new perspective on the impact of T. gondii infection on the male reproductive system.Graphical

JNK Signaling Positively Regulates Acute Ethanol Tolerance in C. elegans.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic neurobehavioral condition characterized by a cycle of tolerance development, increased consumption, and reinstated craving and seeking behaviors during withdrawal. Understanding the intricate mechanisms of AUD necessitates reliable animal models reflecting its key features. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), with its conserved nervous system and genetic tractability, has emerged as a valuable model organism to study AUD. Here, we employ an ethanol vapor exposure model in Caenorhabditis elegans, recapitulating AUD features while maintaining high-throughput scalability. We demonstrate that ethanol vapor exposure induces intoxication-like behaviors, acute tolerance, and ethanol preference, akin to mammalian AUD traits. Leveraging this model, we elucidate the conserved role of c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling in mediating acute ethanol tolerance. Mutants lacking JNK signaling components exhibit impaired tolerance development, highlighting JNK's positive regulation. Furthermore, we detect ethanol-induced JNK activation in C. elegans. Our findings underscore the utility of C. elegans with ethanol vapor exposure for studying AUD and offer novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying acute ethanol tolerance through JNK signaling.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING AND MEASURING THE SUPPLY OF WORKING GAS FOR LABORATORY TESTING OF THE ELECTRIC PROPULSION THRUSTERS

The object of the research is a device for measuring, controlling, and indicating the flow rate of working gas during laboratory testing of electric propulsion systems for space applications. The problem lies in the need to ensure high accuracy in controlling and measuring the flow rates of working gas for such devices. The obtained results include: analysis of existing industrial flow meters that could be used in development; proposed structural and functional diagrams of the device; experimental investigations into the accuracy of the developed device. Based on the analysis of parameters of the most common flow meters for development, the Bronkhorst F-201CV-100-AAD-22-V regulator was selected. Based on the selected regulator, a device was developed with a 32-bit ARM architecture. This architecture provides for the use of floating-point calculations, easy reprogramming of the device, and fast indication of values displayed on the indicator. The device features galvanic isolation between the control bus and the UART port of the microcontroller. The device allows for regulation, measurement, and indication of the flow rate of working gas into the anode block and hollow cathode during testing of Hall thrusters. Using the device allows for recommendations regarding the design of onboard systems for supplying working fluid to electric rocket propulsion systems. Based on the presented development and conducted research, laboratory prototypes of the devices were manufactured. The measurement error throughout the entire range of working gas flow rates does not exceed 0.7%. The overall error of the stand control and measurement system for working gas flow rates is up to 3%. The developed device provides measurement accuracy that satisfies the developers of electric propulsion systems.

Програмний дизайн розподіленої високонавантаженої системи електроенергетичної мережі на базі моделі акторів із застосуванням смарт-контрактів

In the article, the authors provide an example of a high-level design of a distributed high-load power system based on the actor model using smart contracts in the form of a cluster topology, which allows for a unified description of the power grid in the context of the Ukrainian electricity market. Based on typical node loads in the cluster system, an expres-sion is derived formalizing the relationships between cluster nodes, which can be utilized for managing individual cluster objects and the cluster as a whole.

Rise of Intelligent Machines: Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Mechanical Engineering Innovation

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into mechanical engineering has precipitated a profound transformation in the way engineers conceive, design, and execute projects. This paper explores the multifaceted impact of AI on mechanical engineering innovation, elucidating the myriad ways in which intelligent machines are revolutionizing traditional practices and catalyzing unprecedented advancements. In the realm of design, AI algorithms are revolutionizing the conceptualization and optimization processes. By leveraging machine learning and optimization techniques, engineers can explore vast design spaces with unparalleled efficiency, uncovering innovative solutions that might otherwise remain elusive. These AI-driven design tools not only expedite the development cycle but also enable the creation of products and systems with enhanced performance characteristics, such as improved energy efficiency, structural integrity, and functional versatility. Moreover, AI's influence extends beyond the design phase and permeates the entire manufacturing ecosystem. AI-driven automation is reshaping production lines, enabling agile and adaptive manufacturing processes that respond dynamically to changing demands and conditions. Through the integration of sensors, actuators, and AI-powered control systems, factories are becoming increasingly intelligent and autonomous, optimizing resource utilization, minimizing waste, and maximizing throughput.

Toward effective secure code reviews: an empirical study of security-related coding weaknesses

Identifying security issues early is encouraged to reduce the latent negative impacts on the software systems. Code review is a widely-used method that allows developers to manually inspect modified code, catching security issues during a software development cycle. However, existing code review studies often focus on known vulnerabilities, neglecting coding weaknesses, which can introduce real-world security issues that are more visible through code review. The practices of code reviews in identifying such coding weaknesses are not yet fully investigated. To better understand this, we conducted an empirical case study in two large open-source projects, OpenSSL and PHP. Based on 135,560 code review comments, we found that reviewers raised security concerns in 35 out of 40 coding weakness categories. Surprisingly, some coding weaknesses related to past vulnerabilities, such as memory errors and resource management, were discussed less often than the vulnerabilities. Developers attempted to address raised security concerns in many cases (39%-41%), but a substantial portion was merely acknowledged (30%-36%), and some went unfixed due to disagreements about solutions (18%-20%). This highlights that coding weaknesses can slip through code review even when identified. Our findings suggest that reviewers can identify various coding weaknesses leading to security issues during code reviews. However, these results also reveal shortcomings in current code review practices, indicating the need for more effective mechanisms or support for increasing awareness of security issue management in code reviews.