Technological Prototypes Research Articles

Exploring the Feasibility and Acceptability of Technological Interventions to Prevent Adolescents' Exposure to Online Pornography: Qualitative Research.

Amid growing concern over children's access to online pornography, policy makers are looking toward new and emerging technological concepts for unexplored solutions including artificial intelligence and facial recognition. This study sought to explore and ideate emerging technological interventions that are feasible, acceptable, and effective in preventing and controlling the exposure of young people to online pornographic material. We conducted a series of qualitative co-design workshops with both adult (n=8; aged 32-53 years) and adolescent participants (n=4; aged 15-17 years) to ideate potential technological interventions that are feasible, acceptable, and effective at preventing and controlling the exposure of young people to online pornographic material. A story stem methodology was used to explore participants' attitudes toward two unique technological prototypes. Participants expressed a generally favorable view of the proposed technological concepts but remained unconvinced of their overall utility and effectiveness in preventing the intentional viewing of pornography by young people. Age-appropriate parent-child conversations remained participants' preferred approach to mitigating potential harms from pornographic material, with parents also expressing a desire for more educational resources to help them better navigate these discussions. User privacy and data security were a primary concern for participants, particularly surrounding the use and collection of biometric data. Internationally, policy makers are taking action to use age assurance technologies to prevent children's access to online pornography. It is important to consider the needs and opinions of parents and young people in the use and implementation of these technologies. Participants in this study were generally supportive of new and emerging technologies as useful tools in preventing the accidental exposure of young people to online pornographic material. However, participants remained less convinced of their ability to avert intentional viewing, with substantial concerns regarding technological efficacy, adaptability, and user privacy. Further, co-design and prototype refinement are needed to better understand user acceptability and comfortability of these new technological interventions, alongside additional research exploring sociocultural differences in information needs and user experiences.

Continuous-variable quantum key distribution system: Past, present, and future

Quantum key distribution provides secure keys with information-theoretic security ensured by the principle of quantum mechanics. The continuous-variable version of quantum key distribution using coherent states offers the advantages of its compatibility with telecom industry, e.g., using commercial laser and homodyne detector, is now going through a booming period. In this review article, we describe the principle of continuous-variable quantum key distribution system; focus on protocols based on coherent states, whose systems are gradually moving from proof-of-principle lab demonstrations to in-field implementations and technological prototypes. We start by reviewing the theoretical protocols and the current security status of these protocols. Then, we discuss the system structure, the key module, and the mainstream system implementations. The advanced progresses for future applications are discussed, including the digital techniques, system on chip, and point-to-multipoint system. Finally, we discuss the practical security of the system and conclude with promising perspectives in this research field.

SEARCH FOR ARTISTIC SOLUTIONS IN THE EUROPEAN RENAISSANCE ENGRAVING

The article examines the search for artistic solutions in the European engraving of the Renaissance. The technological, aesthetic and social reasons for the emergence of this new art form are considered. The difference between edge and incisal engraving techniques on wood and metal is highlighted. The main features and mannerisms of famous masters of various national schools of reproduction, creative and book engraving are described. Engraving on the territory of Europe arose at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries. It had its own technological prototypes that existed before. For xylography, these are stamps-seals and punches, for engraving - the craft of jewelers, for etching – the skill of gunsmiths. But, like a print on paper of an image cut on a special board or etched on a metal plate, it appears only in our time. This coincided with the collapse of the medieval highly synthetic type of art, the growing desire for a more visually accurate depiction of nature, interest in a scientific perspective, secular themes. Unlike painting, engraving took on the qualities of symbolism and abstraction. In addition, engraving differs from other types of fine art by a special quality – circulation. In the second half of the 15th century, books appeared with illustrations showing various tools or the structure of the Solar System, the specifics of certain plants, and city views. The circulation of the engraving contributed to the rapid and convenient distribution of the nobility. This continued until the middle of the 19th century, when photography and photomechanics appeared, which in many ways replaced engraving [4]. But until that moment, thanks to its ability to reproduce, engraving itself can be considered one of the tools for expanding knowledge. Today, in the era of digital technologies, interest in traditional engraving techniques does not disappear. Studying and rethinking the achievements of previous periods makes it possible to expand the expressive means of artistic works.

Ten+ Years of Experience in Digitization of Cultural Heritage by Means of Industrial X-ray Computed Tomography: A Summary

Digitization of irreplaceable objects of cultural significance is gaining permanently more importance as field of research [1-5]. At places, which keep collections of historical or archaeological character, a strong desire exists to create a digital twin of at least parts of those collections. The reasons therefore are manifold. In order to produce high-quality 3D volume data representing various objects, at the Fraunhofer X-ray Development Centre (EZRT), Fürth/Germany, up to 15 different Computed Tomography (CT) systems can be used, each with specific performance characteristics. There are two aspects, which have to be considered with each measurement: first, which materials are present in the historical object? Second, which is the purpose the measurement is made for? During the last 10 years, almost 200 objects of cultural heritage were digitized at the Fraunhofer EZRT. Historical objects include art works, relics, musical instruments, technological prototypes like a Messerschmitt Me 163 jet plane, archaeological findings such as hoards, Roman weaponry, fossilized skeletons, and many more. We will present the most interesting cases among these and draw a series of conclusions regarding the handling of the valuable objects, parametrization and realization of the measurement and – last but not least – post processing and data handling.

Formative research, POL and the influence of the teacher-researcher in the production of science and technology: Integrative project cases

In a context of active and constructive teaching, the role of the teacher-researcher takes on crucial meaning, as a mediator in the formalization and promotion of research skills in university students, as demonstrated in this research project. From didactics and pedagogy, the Project Oriented Learning (AOP) strategy was used to articulate scientific theoretical knowledge with practice, which provides solutions to needs and problems of various kinds. In this sense, a compilation of integrative projects is presented as a training strategy within the framework of the training research of the Technological University of Jalisco in the periods 2020 and 2021, where the students integrated theoretical, conceptual and methodological knowledge, as well as own skills of their discipline – Maintenance Industrial area, Mechatronics Automation area and Information Technologies Multiplatform Software Development area, which help to strengthen technical, scientific, communicative, teamwork and cognitive skills, which materialized in the construction of technological prototypes and reports scientists where the processes and results achieved are made explicit as evidence of their investigative skills and, in turn, allowed a better evaluation of the academic performance of the students.

Advances in quantum cryptography

Quantum cryptography is arguably the fastest growing area in quantum information science. Novel theoretical protocols are designed on a regular basis, security proofs are constantly improving, and experiments are gradually moving from proof-of-principle lab demonstrations to in-field implementations and technological prototypes. In this paper, we provide both a general introduction and a state-of-the-art description of the recent advances in the field, both theoretical and experimental. We start by reviewing protocols of quantum key distribution based on discrete variable systems. Next we consider aspects of device independence, satellite challenges, and protocols based on continuous-variable systems. We will then discuss the ultimate limits of point-to-point private communications and how quantum repeaters and networks may overcome these restrictions. Finally, we will discuss some aspects of quantum cryptography beyond standard quantum key distribution, including quantum random number generators and quantum digital signatures.

CALICE highly granular calorimeters: imaging properties for hadronic shower analysis

The CALICE collaboration pioneered the new trend in calorimetry—highly granular devices for high energy and particle physics applications. During the last fifteen years, several highly granular electromagnetic and hadron calorimeters based on different technologies were constructed and successfully tested. The technologies comprise optical readout, signal collection with semi-conducting devices and gaseous detectors. All current CALICE prototypes address technological aspects such as embedded electronics. Dedicated tools are developed for the analysis of test beam data collected with the standalone and combined setups of both physics and technological prototypes of highly granular calorimeters. The tools are described, which help to improve the precision of hadronic shower analysis including the implementation of a calorimeter-based particle identification.

Dimensional Tolerance of Casting in the Bridgman Furnace Based on 3D Printing Techniques

In this article, the feasibility and the dimensional accuracy based on the 3D printing technology during investment casting of non-vacuum and Bridgman furnace are investigated based on the coordinate measuring machine to calculate the dimensional tolerances through a systematic approach. The research proved that both the investigated RC solutions are effective at obtaining cast technological prototypes in short times and at low cost, with dimensional tolerances that are completely consistent with metal casting processes.

Recent results of the technological prototypes of the CALICE highly granular calorimeters

The CALICE Collaboration is conducting R&D for highly granular calorimeters with an emphasis on detectors for Linear Colliders. This contribution briefly summarises recent tests of large scale technological prototypes of a silicon tungsten electromagnetic calorimeter and hadron calorimeters featuring either a gaseous medium or scintillator with a SiPM readout as active material.

Participatory Design and Technologies for Sustainable Development: an Approach from Action Research

This paper explores the relevance of the action research for design of technological solutions that lead to both systemic sustainable development and active involvement of the community. The paper shows how this idea was implemented in a project for water resource conservation with educational institutions of rural areas in Colombia. Through the use of technology, a reduction in water consumption increases in awareness about the use of this natural resource, and the active involvement of the community were sought. Additionally, social processes related to the conservation of natural resources were addressed through a socio-technical approach for analysis and design. During the application of the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), the participants and researchers created technological prototypes that allowed to: 1) give visibility to the community’s initiatives, and 2) save water in the households. This paper focuses on the importance of the design process of innovative solutions for social and environmental issues through the participative approach of action research.

Highly granular calorimeters: technologies and results

The CALICE collaboration is developing highly granular calorimeters for experiments at a future lepton collider primarily to establish technologies for particle flow event reconstruction. These technologies also find applications elsewhere, such as detector upgrades for the LHC. Meanwhile, the large data sets collected in an extensive series of beam tests have enabled detailed studies of the properties of hadronic showers in calorimeter systems, resulting in improved simulation models and development of sophisticated reconstruction techniques. In this proceeding, highlights are included from studies of the structure of hadronic showers and results on reconstruction techniques for imaging calorimetry. In addition, current R&D activities within CALICE are summarized, focusing on technological prototypes that address challenges from full detector system integration and production techniques amenable to mass production for electromagnetic and hadronic calorimeters based on silicon, scintillator, and gas techniques.

Development of in-house composite wire based feed stock filaments of fused deposition modelling for wear-resistant materials and structures

Abstract In the recent past many researchers have highlighted the development of in-house filament for fused deposition modelling (FDM) in order to enhance the application domain of the process. But hither to no work has been reported on the manufacturing of wear-resistant materials and structures with hybrid feed stock filament (comprising of Nylon matrix and Al2O3 powder) from process capability point of view. The Al2O3 powder as reinforcement in Nylon-6 matrix has been, e.g., used as rapid tooling in grinding applications for dentistry. The study started with establishing a melt flow index (MFI) of the polymer matrix composite (PMC) to be used as FDM filament. Further an effort has been made to establish the selected proportions of filler, matrix (Nylon-6) and extrusion load on the MFI of reinforced FDM filament as per ASTM-D1238-95 standard. The results of study suggest that FDM process with hybrid filament lies in ±4.5sigma (σ) limit as regard to wear of rapid tooling (grinding wheel selected as a case study) is concerned. This process ensures rapid production of pre-series technological prototypes and proof of concept at less production cost and time.

Prototype tests for a highly granular scintillator-based hadron calorimeter

Within the CALICE collaboration, several concepts for the hadronic calorimeter of a future linear collider detector are studied. After having demonstrated the capabilities of the measurement methods in "physics prototypes", the focus now lies on improving their implementation in"technological prototypes", that are scalable to the full linear collider detector. The Analog Hadron Calorimeter (AHCAL) concept is a sampling calorimeter of tungsten or steel absorber plates and plastic scintillator tiles read out by silicon photomultipliers as active material. In the AHCAL technological prototype, the front-end chips are integrated into the active layers of the calorimeter and are designed for minimal power consumption. The versatile electronics allows the prototype to be equipped with different types of scintillator tiles and SiPMs. The current status of the AHCAL engineering prototype is shown and recent beam test measurements as well as plans for future hadron beam tests with a larger prototype will be discussed.

Process capability analysis of three dimensional printing as cost-effective rapid casting solution for low melting alloys

The present study deals with process capability analysis of three dimensional printing (3DP) process as cost-effective rapid casting solution for low melting alloys. Starting from the identification of component/benchmark, technological prototypes of three different low melting alloys were prepared at different shell wall thickness supported by green sand. Measurements on a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) helped in calculating the dimensional tolerances of the castings produced. Some important mechanical properties were also compared to verify the suitability of the castings. The results of study suggest that 3DP process lies in ±4.5 sigma (σ) limit as regard to cost-effective rapid casting solution for low melting alloys is concerned.

Modeling of Dimensional Accuracy in Three Dimensional Printing for Light Alloy Casting

The purpose of this paper is to develop mathematical model to investigate the influence of shell casting parameters. Three input parameters such as shell wall thickness (SWT), Pouring temperature (PT) and weight density (WD) were selected to give output in the form of average outer diameter (AOD) as dimensional accuracy. After identification of component, technological prototypes were produced. In this work three dimensional printing (3DP) has been used as rapid shell casting to make shell mould by using Zcast 501 powder with different shell wall thickness for six different light alloy materials. Measurements on a coordinate-measuring machine helped in calculating the dimensional tolerances of the castings produced. For obtaining tight casting tolerances the dimensional accuracy of component is the most important element. The thickness, curing time and orientation of the shell molds, play an important role in providing a high quality of the cast part in time. The dimensional accuracy was found to be more in the case of maximum layer thickness and horizontal position of the component. The investigation has led to conclusions as the Quadratic models were developed for the response. The F - value is 23.93, which implies that the model as well as lack of fit is significant. The value of Prob > F is less then the standard value 0.05, which indicates model terms are significant. With the help of Post curing, shell Mold temperature was not found to affect the dimensional accuracy of the castings, significantly. It was observed that high pouring temperatures also produced castings with better dimensional accuracy. This study will provide main effect of the inputs on average outer diameter as dimensional accuracy in three dimensional printing of light alloys castings. Statistically in this case B, C, A2, B2, C2, AB, BC is the model terms which contributes significantly to the model developed for dimensional accuracy.

University partnerships for co-designing and co-producing urban sustainability

Universities are playing an increasingly central role in advancing sustainability at the local, regional and national scale through cross-sector collaborations. Accompanying the launch of Future Earth, interest is mounting in the co-design and co-production of knowledge and solutions for advancing global sustainability, particularly in urban areas. Place-based university partnerships appear as particularly significant vehicles for enacting co-design and co-production in the context of urban sustainability. However, the nature and role of these partnerships are not well understood, in part due to the absence of systematic analyses across multiple cases. To fill this gap, the objectives of this paper were to conduct a large-scale international survey focusing on university partnerships for urban sustainability in industrialised Europe, Asia and North America to (1) determine defining features such as focus areas, geographical scales, mechanisms, actors and motivations, and (2) identify commonly encountered drivers, barriers and potential impacts.Results indicate that partnerships most typically target energy, buildings, governance and social systems, unfold at local or city-scales, and involve collaborations with local or regional government. Our analysis shows that potential outcomes of university initiatives to co-design and co-produce urban sustainability are not limited to knowledge and policy. They also encompass the creation of new technological prototypes, businesses and new socio-technical systems, in addition to transformations of the built and natural environment. Findings also suggest that individual partnerships are making strong social, environmental and sustainability impacts, with less evidence of economic contributions. Strategies are required to enhance project management and ensure that projects address contrasting priorities and time horizons in academia and local government. Implications for policy include findings that targeted funding programmes can play a key role in fostering partnerships. Measures are also required to challenge academic norms and incentive structures that, in some cases, hinder university efforts to engage in place-based initiatives to co-design and co-produce urban sustainability.

Investigations for statistically controlled investment casting solution of FDM-based ABS replicas

Purpose – The purpose of the present study is to investigate statistically controlled investment casting (IC) solution of fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based ABS replicas. Design/methodology/approach – The work started with the identification of the benchmark/component. Prototypes (to be used as pattern) were built on FDM with ABS plastic material, followed by IC. The measurements on final casting prepared were made on the co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM) from which international tolerance (IT) grades were calculated to establish the dimensional accuracy of the components. Findings – This study further highlighted the cast component properties (like hardness and surface finish) for suitability of this process. Final castings produced are acceptable as per international standard organization (ISO) standard UNI EN 20286-I (1995). Originality/value – This process ensures development of statistically controlled IC solution as technological prototypes and proof of concept at less production cost and time.

ROC chips for imaging calorimetry at the International Linear Collider

Imaging calorimetry at the International Linear Collider requires highly granular and innovative detectors. Technological prototypes have been built and tested under the CALICE collaboration framework and FP6 EUDET, FP7 AIDA European programs. These prototypes are readout by multi-channel chips named SKIROC2, SPIROC2 and HARDROC2, designed by the IN2P3 OMEGA group in AMS SiGe 350 nm technology.In this presentation, the ASIC architectures and test results on testbench and at system level will be described as well as first resultsof test bench measurements performed on HARDROC3, which is the firstof the ``3rd generation'' chip to be submitted and where the 64channels are handled independently to perform zero suppress on chip.

Process capability analysis of fused deposition modelling for plastic components

Purpose – The purpose of the present study is process capability analysis of fused deposition modelling (FDM) process as rapid pattern making (RDPM) solutions for plastic components. Design/methodology/approach – Starting from the identification of component, prototypes with ABS plastic material were produced and dimensional measurements were made with coordinate measuring machine (CMM). Some important mechanical properties were also compared to verify the suitability of the components. Findings – The study highlighted the best settings of orientation, support material quantity for the selected component as a case study on FDM machine from dimensional accuracy and economic point of view as RDPM solution for plastic components. Practical implications – This process ensures rapid production of statistically controlled pre-series technological prototypes and proof of concept at less production cost and time. Final components produced are acceptable as per ISO standard UNI EN 20286-I and DIN16901. Originality/value – The results of the study suggest that FDM process lies in ±4.5 sigma (σ) limit in regard to dimensional accuracy of plastic component is concerned and may be gainfully employed as RDPM solution for bio-medical applications.

Experimental Investigations for Statistically Controlled Vacuum Moulding Solutions of Al-SiC MMC

The purpose of the present investigations is to study the effect of vacuum moulding (VM) process parameters (namely: chemical composition, component volume and vacuum pressure) for development of statistically controlled Al-SiC MMC. Starting from the identification of component/ benchmark, technological prototypes were prepared by VM process for functional validation of the parts. The study suggested the long-term performance level of the VM process after it has been brought under statistical control as casting solution for Al-SiC MMC. The provided data from the experimentation highlights the ability of the VM process to produce a product that will consistently meet the design requirements and the customer expectation.